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Archive for the ‘Daily Musings’ Category

Book Clutches To Behold…

In Daily Musings on October 10, 2012 at 10:29 am

Do you want everyone to know you’re an elegant book-worm? If you’re like me, you always have a book in your bag {though some prefer Kindles or Nooks, I still prefer paper}; well you can with these beautiful quirky reinterpretations of hardcover literary classics; recreated as book clutches by Parisian designer, Olympia Le-Tan.  Chanel and Kate Spade also have their own versions {I love the Chanel one above}.  For those of us who’ve been around a while, we know this trend is not new.

I remember the Vogue magazine clutches of the 80’s, glossy elongated envelopes created with classic Vogue covers.  I wish I had one now! These unique treasures have lately been seen on the red carpet of various events.  The clutches are retailing between $1120 – $1420. What I do love about the Olympia Le-Tan clutches is that they are lined in beautiful Liberty of London fabric.

It appears the  Olympia Le-Tan clutches, which appeared around 2009 are becoming collectors items, because the more popular titles have become hard to come by, and of course are selling on eBay at ridiculous prices.  If you are DIY inclined (the route I would go!), here is a link by Scibbit which shows you step by step how to create your own book clutch for a fraction of the price. click hereand here’s another tutorial from the Huffington Post; creating a clutch from an actual book. click here

To view the lovely Olympia Le-Tan collection click here

{From The Archives} I’m Going Naked 2…

In Daily Musings, New Loves! on October 9, 2012 at 7:53 am

This is an article I posted back in February 2012 {now slightly revised}; I decided to repost, because I thought these colours would be gorgeous for autumn, and also, at the time of writing, my blog was only a month old 🙂

No I’m not going that naked!! But Naked 2 by Urban Decay. It’s one of the best and hottest eyeshadow palettes… EVER!  This has been the most anticipated sequel to the original Naked Palette, the stores could barely keep it on the shelves, when the original came out, and can you believe there was a waitlist for this one!

With the Naked palettes you can literally create hundreds of beautiful eyeshadow combinations, you can mix them, use each on its own, do whatever your creative heart desires.  Well I’ve finally got mine and I’m very happy. If you’re anything like me, treating yourself is always a happy occasion, worthy of a celebration.

If you’re looking for a Naked Palette tutorial for a smokey eye click here

The original Naked consisted of 12 neutral shades which included colours to create the smokey eye look.  The new palette consists of 12 Taupes and what they are calling “Greige” neutrals. I also love the names of the colours, Booty Call, Tease, Suspect, you get the drift.  Urban Decay has done it again!  Beautiful colours and  beautiful packaging; this set would also make a chic holiday gift.  $50.00 at Urban Decay, Sephora {click links to shop}, and other stores. Go get yours!!

The original Naked Palette

Have An Amazing Monday…

In Daily Musings on October 8, 2012 at 9:21 am

Happy Monday Dahhlings!  Here we are at the start of a new week; another chance to accomplish something extraordinary!  I hope you had a wonderful weekend; It got a little chilly yesterday, but that’s autumn for you. What’s on your to do list this week?

Remember to always do what Marilyn’s asking…  She’s right!

Have yourselves a Fabulous, Inspiring and Beautiful week.

P.S. As I was about to post “Have An Amazing Monday“, I found this beautiful quote posted on my Facebook timeline, and had to include it.

Love ~ Light ~ Passion

I’m Back!!!! Rocking Studded Chucks!!!

In Daily Musings, New Loves! on October 6, 2012 at 6:09 pm

Well After my mini hiatus, due to illness, I’m back! Look out for new posts, new outlook, new attitude.  These studded Chucks should let you know exactly how I’m feeling…  FULL OF LIFE, FIERCE AND READY TO BLOG ON 🙂 These chucks have a true rock chick vibe and I’m loving them!!

How would I style?  I’d wear a vintage men’s sweatshirt, DIY of course,with the neck cut at a slant, so its off the shoulder, some really skinny jeans or leggings, or, since we’re having a little Indian summer; instead of the jeans I’d pair with my short cargo shorts and my Longchamp bag in Bilberry thrown in for good measure; of course we can’t forget the Baroque Pradas!

Available at Free People Click here Also available at What Goes Around Comes Around click here.  And for those of you so inclined, there are many tutorials available online, to show you how to stud the pair you already own.

It’s good to be back!

Smooches Dahhlings!!!

Dior Couture with Patrick Demarchelier…

In Daily Musings, New Loves! on October 3, 2012 at 10:02 am

Though this book was released back in November 2011 {and I still haven’t purchased my own copy!}, it truly is one of the most gorgeous coffee table books around.  With absolutely stunning images, taken in equally glamorous locations, by renowned fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier; he and the house of Dior have come together to chronicle some of the most beautiful and incredible haute couture.

The book takes us through a gorgeous pictorial voyage, through the history of the house of Dior.  Beginning with Christian Dior, Yves Saint Lauren, Marc Bohan and ending with John Galliano.  I had the chance to browse through this book  earlier this year, and it truly is a stunning piece of art, worthy of any well-dressed coffee table.

This book will definitely go on my 2012 holiday wish list!

Available at Amazon ~ $72.45 ~ Click here

Betsy Johnson’s Zig Zag Heels…

In Daily Musings, New Loves! on October 1, 2012 at 2:30 pm

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So much has happened since my last post a week ago! Fall arrived, new contract keeping me busy, attended a very elegant fashion affair; and now I’m nursing a horrible head cold. So here’s a quick post for you, until I’m feeling better.

I found these colourful Missoni inspired shoes by Betsy Johnson and thought they were worth posting. Click here to purchase

I’d wear these beauties with a black menswear inspired pants suit accessorized with a rose gold clutch in order for the shoe to make it’s own “quiet” statement.

See you soon Dahhlings!

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Enter Mr. Reggie Wells…

In Daily Musings on September 24, 2012 at 8:11 am

While getting my bi-weekly haircut on Saturday, which at this point was actually at 3 weeks (busy, busy), who should walk into the salon, but Emmy award-winning make-up artist, Mr. Reggie Wells himself! Who is Reggie Wells? some of you may ask; Mr. Wells was Oprah Winfrey’s makeup artist for 20 plus years!

He was an absolute darling and a pleasure to talk to and was so down to earth with no airs and graces.  Reggie had us all rolling with laughter within 15 minutes of his arrival.  Reggie has worked with all the major stars including: Chaka Khan, Diahann Carroll, Oprah Winfrey, Iman, Whitney Houston, and more.  Unfortunately I was unable to take a pic with him, though he was willing; but I was smack in the middle of my haircut and colour and he had to leave.  So here is my photo of Mr. Reggie Wells and Mr. Duvall who is the owner of the salon.

Can you believe Mr Duvall is 82 years young!! He is one of the sharpest business men I know, with amazing stories of Washington, DC in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.  To read more about Reggie’s time with Oprah click here.

Mr. Wells is also the International Creative Director of Australia’s beauty brand Hissyfit.  Hissyfit is the brainchild of Australia’s Olympic gold medalist Louise Dobson and former magazine editor Sue Smethurst.  To see more on Hissy Fit click on the link.

Wishing you an amazing and productive week.  Smooches!

What A Week!!

In Daily Musings on September 21, 2012 at 10:23 pm

Click on image to see the full beauty of this room!

Wow!!! What a week! This was the longest and shortest week ever! Have you ever had one of those?

I’ve got so much going on; new contract; trying to start and finish up the Maylana’s Closet winter accessory line; coordinate with my sister who is in the middle of creating her own knitwear line, while helping me prepare for the big fashion event I wrote about on Monday click here.  Are there enough hours in the day… Help!!

The above photo is where I’d love to be right about now!

Before I slept for a week, I’d take a long soak in this gorgeous specimen of a tub…

Then top my night off with a cocktail called Dark & StormyClick here for recipe

Wishing you a Fabulous, Amazing and Chic filled weekend!

J. Crew And Jayne’s Ballet…

In Daily Musings, New Loves! on September 18, 2012 at 7:41 pm

I’m in love with these ballet flats from J. Crew.  With it’s very lady like, yet edgy, gold chain T-strap. it’s the ideal dainty running around shoe, when heels just won’t do, but you still want to look chic.  Also available in black ~ $198 at J. Crew.

I had to post this shot of Linda Rodin from the J. Crew 2012 fall campaign, who is still fierce at 63 years old!  ~ Stylist turned beauty guru, still modeling, running a successful skin care line for mature women, among other things.  I love this quote from her “You can’t chase youth. You’ll just look older with a face lift.” How true!

This is going to be an extremely busy week, so my posts might be sparse; but I’ll try to send out a few short posts to keep you smiling.  Look out for some great images from New York Fashion week, courtesy of my friends over at Medina=Citi {yes the equal sign is deliberate}.

Do wonderful things with the rest of the week!

A Stylish Invitation…

In Daily Musings on September 17, 2012 at 6:50 am

For those of you who have been following me, the event of the season is finally here!  I wrote a post back in May, titled “A Gentleman of Style“, which featured style consultant extraordinaire, James Williams II, who is the President & CEO of Washington, DC’s premier style consulting firm, A Stylish Way of Life.

Mr. Williams is holding his 2nd annual style event, which will feature bespoke tailors, custom shoemakers, jewelry and accessory designers and vendors for both men and women.

At the event, Mr. Williams will be on hand to offer free image and wardrobe consultations.  This elegant style affair, will be held on Friday, September 28, from 5:00 p.m. ~ 10:00 p.m., at the infamous City Club, located at 555 13th Street, NW, Columbia Square, Washington, DC 20004.  DC Fashion bloggers, here is a very chic event, you should not miss.

Mr. James A. Williams II

If you are interested in attending this stylish event, please RSVP to www.jwilliams@aswol.com by Thursday, September 20.  This would also be a great opportunity for me to meet some of my fellow DC bloggers; so, if you plan to attend, once you have sent in your RSVP, please contact me at www.lana@maylana.com.

I’ll see you there!