Wow.
This all started with a Rebecca Taylor purse that I saw in the WWD Accessories magazine.  It was soooooooo cute.  A mixture of leather and floral cloth, I couldn't help but fall for it right away.  And then, I saw her Spring/Summer 2010 collection.  Soooo pretty!!!
I can't help but love pretty things.. I mean, I am a libra, after all.  I also happen to be a little bit lazy- so if you show me a dress and a cute blazer, I am SOLD!  Simplicity = awesomeness.

I picked a few of my faves, and you can see the whole collection online!

      




 

        

Holy crap!

I'm on the road again, and just got off a plane.. but I HAD to post this immediately!
HOT OFF THE PRESSES:

Crystal Renn is going to be in a Victoria's Secret catalog! 

The Daily Mail online posted an article about how "shockingly thin" Alessandra Ambrosio is looking on her new Victoria's Secret shoot.
What I couldn't believe was that when I looked at the photo- she's standing next to Crystal Renn!
I know for a FACT that there were no past plans to launch any sort of "plus size" line for Victoria's Secret.  They have no interest in the market- in fact, Limited Brands used to own Lane Bryant and they sold it!  But... never say never!  They can always start small- for instance, with swimwear.  Why not offer XL to XXXL?  Or size it accordingly?

This, my friends, is an awesome example of the rise of plus models in fashion!  We aren't just going to see plus girls in the expected catalogs- but also, the unexpected!

Listen- I don't think that this means we're going to see a bunch of size 22 women prancing around the beach with Gisele- though ladies, you are gorgeous!  BUT- this does mean that the general public is recognizing that it can be more attractive to look at a size 8, 10, or 12- even a 14- instead of a 0!!!

Yipee!!

Check out this photo.  CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY AT THE DAILY MAIL!




UPDATE!

This was for a shoot for GLAMOR magazine.


YAAAWWWWWNNNNNNNN

I was much more excited about a VS shoot.

        

With all of my traveling and shopping, I have been exposed to a variety of smells.  Whether that may be the person next to me or the candle in a store- trust me, they are all equally memorable.  My search for the perfect scent is never ending- it's important that this scent carries your own vibe, and your essence.  It's extremely personal to give someone perfume, and should not be taken on lightly!
I came upon the Miller et Betraux family at this teeny little store in Bal Harbour, FL called the 4th Sense- which now operates only online.

Miller et Betraux is this amazing little store in Paris (where I will be going this summer, yay!) and they have a limited line of personal and home fragrances.  I chose... land.  It's amazing.
I think it's important to find a scent that people won't recognize commercially, but personally.  Something that will remind them of... you!
So why not start with a gorgeous, hard to find scent? 

Here's my personal bottle, looking so cute among my gorgeous things!!

Click on the photo below to check out the full website!

        

Well, now on to more serious topics like SHOES!

Wehkamp is a Dutch catalog that I worked for a long time ago.  They are from the Netherlands, and they are kind of like.. hmmm.. like SPIEGEL!  It's a catalog-only company, no stores.

Actually, it was one of my first trips to Spain for work, and I was fortunate enough to have met one of my favorite model colleagues on that trip, as we worked together!  She lives in South Africa, her name is Sylvie and she has a new blog!  Check it out:

But this entry isn't just about Sylvie- though she rocks- and it's not about that trip with Wehkamp.  It actually ended up being a complete disaster for me, as the art director decided she didn't like me and took me out of every shot!  Whoo whoo!  YES, this does happen!  I was so upset at the time, but now?  Well, I still got paid to hang in the Canary Islands for a week so life could have been worse.

And now, maybe that I'm older, and wiser, and going to be living in Holland.. well, you never know.  I could still make it to the pages of Wehkamp again!  hee heee.

Anyhow, I found a pair of shoes I liked in their catalog, so I thought I would put them in here.  I love a pair of cute shoes!  And, the catalog actually looks nice, so, as a way to say HEY WEHKAMP, I haven't forgotten you!  .. here you go:  CLick on the pic for the link.

        

I've been missing in action because I have been travling all over the place and just have not had a minute to sit down and update my blog.  Between a best friend's birthday, going from Pennsylvania, to New York City, then off to Chicago for work, home to Miami and back to Chicago again... well, life gets a little crazy.  Throw in a nice healthy stomach flu and I'm feeling a bit upside down.

One of my biggest moments of the week was a rip-down, crazy fight I had with one of my best friends about, of all things, facebook.  While I am a card carrying member of the cult of facebook, I honestly find that every time I look at it, I just get frustrated, or annoyed.  This is primarily because it's like a bulletin board for people to post things that they just can't say to each other in a normal atmosphere.  Like, for real- my best friends are not emailing each other through facebook, you know what I mean?  Pick up the G-D phone if you want to tell me something, or email me at my REAL email address. 
Facebook takes all the photos that you upload and they KEEP them.  FOREVER.  Just like everything else on the Internet.  So, as you can imagine, I have  a little fear of that which watches us. 
Does this make sense to someone that has a blog?  Do I even have the right to control my own privacy, when I have been writing about my life for nearly 4 years on the Internet? 
Well, I guess the biggest point to me would be CONTROL.  I want it.  I don't want to release photos in compromising positions- nor would I do that of anyone else.

Our friends in Rotterdam have invented a little program called SUICIDE MACHINE.  This program will eliminate you completely from your virtual world!  And Facebook is having a FIT. 


Check it out:




I don't think I'm totally ready to leave Facebook.  Sometimes, I find it entertaining.  Mostly?  It drives me crazy.  But I feel like it's a good way to stay on top of what's going on OUTSIDE of my immediate circle of friends and family, whom I actually have a relationship with- people who I talk to regularly, people who I can actually, physically, feel in my life.  There is really no worse feeling that not talking to someone for a long time, and then watching them update facebook daily.  Like, um, thanks for your time.  But, to stay in touch with people you haven't seen for years?  It can be a cute diversion.
So that is what SUICIDE MACHINE is telling you.  Get to know your REAL neighbors.  Spend time doing creative things, whether that is writing, or walking, or building, or reading. 
Or, as they say, be like a real bird and learn to fly by UN-tweeting!

        

Okay, I have a serious problem.
I totally love my iPhone, but i hate that it looks like every other iPhone!
I mean seriously- once upon a time, it was chic to have your little white macBook, or whatever.  But now?  There are only so many ways to personalize your phone without looking like you bought the cover at a kiosk in the mall!!

Enter Miniot, the Dutch design team.  (Yes, you will notice that the Dutch have a bit of a monopoly on amazing design- this is due to a fantastic support of the creative fields in Holland!!)

I just can't decide between MAPLE and OAK!

Help.

Check it out at MINIOT.



  

        

Okay, so I know I am on a Lanvin kick this week, but I just can't help it!  Everything is so pretty.  And, I AM a Libra, and damn it- we are wired for pretty things!

Anyhow, this week is super busy for me as I have three shopping days!  Yes, it's trend scout week!  This means that we are going to hit almost every damn cute store in MIami to see what we can find!  This means South Miami, Coral Gables, the Design District, and.... Bal Harbour.  Which is where I was Monday when I bought this notebook.  Yay!  See, I just don't write about the things I love... sometimes, I must possess them, as well.
I couldn't help it!  You should see the pretty packaging!

While I was at the new Lanvin store- which, by the way, is the ONLY store in the United States (and people say Miami isn't chic!), I was able to play for a while as I know both of the sales associates at the store!  This happens when you frequent stores as much as I do- trust me.. they had moved over from Marc Jacobs.

As I explored the store, I found a gorgeous DENIM dress!  I couldn't believe it.. until I saw the tag-  Lanvin ♥ Acne!

Acne is a great denim brand from Sweden- actually, I went to their fashion week party in London in summer of 2008, a rather messy affair on my end that involved white wine and a slippery pair of red mary jane stilettos... but I digress... and Lanvin has formed a collaboration with them!  As I love denim in all its shade, I think this is an excellent collaboration!  Don't freak when you see how cute everything is, okay?
Well, go ahead and freak.

Here are a few of my favorite looks... and you can also shop for the entire collection when you click on the logo below!

   

        

ooohhh...

I went to Christian Louboutin today!
And it was fun.  Though, unfortunately, I don't have the limitless Black Card to buy everything I loved... but, as I am all about enjoying the EXPERIENCE, and the VISION of fashion, rather than simple ownership.. well, it was pretty entertaining!

Just think FUN.



It's so cute we'll forget about the fact that Christian Louboutin said that Barbie's Ankles were TOO FAT!

(Actually, no, I will NEVER forget that, Mr. Louboutin, but you are short and at least Barbie can be cast in another mold... thanks for contributing to making even a freaking DOLL look fat!)

Actually, on that matter, check out the article below from the Telegraph, which tells us a little more about the Barbie story.  Poor Barbie!  Too top heavy, not enough fat... now she has CANKLES?


And yes, yes, YES- there are SO many things wrong with loving this Barbie... but can I please just have that pink sofa???

        

I love dogs.  And I adore the show "The Dog Whisperer" as it's all about awesome dogs, dogs that need to be awesome, and what Cesar does with them!
Daddy has been his loyal companion on the show, always the calm presence in the pack... and he died this weekend ...  sad.....


Here's a great pic of Cesar, Daddy, and their new pup...

In Memoriam: Daddy the Pit Bull(FULL ARTICLE)

Cesar Millan, all his family and friends, his staff and volunteers, and dog lovers all around the world today will mourn the passing of one of the most loyal, trusting, well-balanced, and influential pit bull ambassadors the world has ever known. Daddy, Cesar’s longtime friend and partner in canine rehabilitation, died peacefully surrounded by family on Friday the 19th of February. He was sixteen years old.

        

Wow, I just couldn't help but get SO excited when I saw these !!  Lanvin is one of my favorite houses... but not really for every day.  In celebration of the 120th anniversary, Lanvin has released a few collector's keepsakes... and I am in love!

First, how adorable is this notebook??  I am seriously thinking that I need to order this like, pronto!! 

Lanvin at Net-A-Porter!!

Bridal illustrated notebook

$30

Editor's notes

Lanvin's white hard-backed plain A5 notebook with bride and groom and 'Happy' illustration is the chicest way to stay organized for your big day. Keep it for yourself or give it as a fabulous gift for a stylish bride-to-be.

And now, are you ready?  Look at this music box!  The packaging.. so lovely. 

HELLO GORGEOUS!!!

The Bride and Groom Music Box

        

Well, I certainly have made no secret of the fact that I think Bansky is pretty rad.  I think his installations are awesome, and he has definitely taken London by storm with his "grafitti" art.  One of the other great things?  He keeps his identity secret.  This is nice, in a time when everyone and their mother is trying to jump on the fame game gravy train!!

So the Telegraph has a little article about a property developer who is planning on painting over a Banksy piece.  I don't think this is the interesting part of the piece.  I DO believe in property ownership, and I think that each person has the right to paint their home as they like it- or paint over what they don't like.

BUT- this developer bought the building as a PIECE OF ART!  The only reason it was for sale was because it was a Banksy piece- yet, somehow, it just ended up being a great purchase and it's going to be developed into luxury condos....

Maybe, just maybe, the developer will re-think his idea, and perhaps find a way to keep the art... and still make money?  Who knows...

Here's the property:

Businessman to paint over Banksy artwork 'because he doesn't like art'

One of Britain's biggest Banksy artworks in Liverpool is to be painted over by a property developer who admits he doesn't like modern art.

By Andrew Hough
Published: 7:30AM GMT 19 Feb 2010

The mural, a 30-foot tall painting of a rat holding a machine gun, will disappear after the businessman bought the former Liverpool pub it adorns and promised to paint over it.

The Grade 2 listed Georgian property was adorned by artwork from the Bristol-born graffiti giant Banksy, as part of Liverpool's Biennial art festival in 2004.

But after purchasing the artwork at auction on Thursday for £114,000, property developer Billy Palmer, 44, admitted he has no interest in preserving the painting, despite protests from art lovers.

"I'm not a fan of modern art, I can't say I know much about it really," he said after the auction at Liverpool's Marriott Hotel.

"All I was concerned about was getting this great building for a good price, I'm going to turn it into luxury flats.

(read the rest of the article HERE)

        

With all of the fuss about the plus modeling industry lately, I think that there is some sort of general idea that girls are just laying around the pool crunching on cheetos and drinking pina coladas, while the poor runway and straight size models have to live off of diet coke and lettuce.  Well I have certainly been known to enjoy a day poolside, with hotel snacks within my reach, I certainly focus on maintaining, as well!

The Plus modeling industry is just that: an industry.  So, you have to stay on top of your game- you need to dedicate yourself to staying a healthy size, look fit and toned, and not puffy or jaundiced or hungover or whatever.  ACTUALLY, this is probably a pretty good LIFE policy.
As plus models, we have the luxury of working out to stay fit and healthy.  Unfortunately, some of the straight size ("normal" models) girls think that they have to starve themselves. 

But you know what?  Miami is the land of the beautiful people, especiailly the beautiful bodies.  But these girls and guys are working HARD at their bodies!  When I was in some sort of tortuous abdominal class yesterday, I was right next to a totally fit, completely gorgeous woman who was plugging through that class, just as I was.  I have to say, that comforted me!  I think that's the point of group classes, though... suffering in numbers somehow doesn't seem so bad...

Plus, I like to dress up for the gym!  Yesterday, I rocked my LuLu Lemon legwarmers!

        

This morning I started the day with a nice treat- a phone call from one of my bestest besties! It's his 40th birthday coming up and we are going to head up north- YES, we are braving the cold!! .. and we are going to celebrate his birthday- AND his partner's, who is also turning 40!

SO, since it's cold, and my boys are theatrical... we have a theme!

It will be "Dr. Zhivago Chic'

I can't wait!

Thank goodness I bought that fur hooded coat last year- I think that will be perfect.  Though, I must say, I don't know if it really screams "RUSSIAN REVOLUTION" and "star-crossed lovers stuck in Siberia!!."

I think we may do a little shopping tomorrow.

And Dursun is starting to grow his moustache... actually, I think we will make as nice a pair as Omar Sharif and Julie Christie!!

Here's a tribute to Dr. Zhivago from IMDB.

And, if you haven't seen it, um... WHAT????  Jeez.  Watch the damn film. 

FOLLOW HERE TO FULL LISTING ON IMDB

  

And look how amazingly GORGEOUS Omar Sharif looks in this coat!!

        

WOW.

I've lived in a big house before.  And, I've lived in a teeny little studio apartment.  No matter what, I can take over a space in t-minus 5 seconds.  Now, I'm learning how to organize... and how to shift your space around so that you can actually LIVE where you reside.  This means that you have a use for everything in your home!
I read this article in the New York Times and I love it because Zach Motl has what the writer calls a "sailor's thriftiness."  This is entirely true, especially when you look at his space!  Check out the slide show and you can see how his small studio almost appears to be the cabin and galley of a sailboat.  EVERYTHING has its space- there is nothing without use.
If only we could all live our lives with this same principal. 
I'm trying, I swear!!

On a sidenote- omg, he has a gorgeous BATHTUB in that teeny weeny apartment!

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL SLIDESHOW



FULL ARTICLE BELOW!

A Roomy 178 Square Feet

 

        

Well, it's not like I need an excuse to visit Tomas Maier in Miami's Design District.  But when this little promo planded in my inbox today, who was I to say no?

Tomas Maier's store often has beautiful exhibits of photographers and artists who represent old glamour- so drop in and visit, for how often do you have the opportunity to actually meet some of these people?

        

As I was thinking about what interesting topic I wanted to write about today, I started moving towards the idea of shopping.  (Gasp!!).  Seriously, though.  In all of the hoopla surrounding the "plus woman" today, are we forgetting about the "petite woman?"

I mean, geez- let's not blame the women for being small.  Just as I don't want to be penalized for my height, or my curves, I don't think that it's particularly fun for a lot of women who are little!  The issue really starts with the designers.  I think that the fit sizes are antiquated and need to be changed.  At the very least, maybe they should expand the sizes BOTH WAYS!

Jezebel has a great article about the RETAILER differences, and why it's so difficult.. apparently, if you don't fit the narrow regulations, then
you're out of luck!

Plus Vs. Petite: Why Retailers Find It Hard Making Clothes To Fit Most Women

What I also find interesting is that somehow, the "Plus Woman" is supposed to shop online, while picturing herself in what the model is wearing... even though the model is a size 2!  Could this industry have any more contradictions?
Maybe Nordstrom's has found the solution?  Just combine them all?!

See below.  If you are a size 16 and you are shopping, can you relate to this woman?

        

Whoooooaaaa!

Certain friends of mine and I have a total obsession with cool, creepy movies... and this Swedish film really takes the cake!

This is the story of an alienated little boy, Oskarm who lives in a small town in Sweden.  Frequently bullied and caught between his divorced parents, he quickly falls in love with a mysterious newcomer in his apartment complex.  The intertwining lives that are affected by this new relationship quickly combust as Oskar finally gains strength and independence, with the help of one very special creature who happens to live off of blood and has super human strength.

But somehow, it's still a beautiful, sad love story.

Enjoy!  Find it on iTunes, or DVD!  Check out the trailer below...

        

oooooh!

The new Sonia Rykiel collaboration with H&M looks adorable!
Though I still am a bit put out that there is no H & M in Miami- I'm sure it has something to do with the "trading roads" that avoid Miami; i.e., the trucks don't want to come all the way south.  Therefore, I will chalk it up to good fortune, that I can buy something from H&M and have a low probability of seeing someone else in my outfit!

Meanwhile, I've chosen my two favorite pieces featured below.  It was challenging- I really love everything!  Seriously, I want to buy the whole collection and then spend the summer in Paris. The photos are from NYLON magazine!

  



NYLON Magazine's Insider has a great interview with Sonia Rykiel's daughter, designer Nathalie Rykiel. 

Click on the photo for the full article.

        

Maison Martin Margiela is an innovative label with a mystery man behind it... The designs are beautiful!!  When we went to Antwerp for my birthday, we went to an exhibition about the designer and it was so cool! 

imagine how happy I was to discover that, after a pop-up store visit during Art Basel, Maison Martin Margiela decided to STAY in MIAMI!!
Yay!

Here's a pic of the pop-up location




The Design District continues to develop, as the Margiela store joins Christian Louboutin, Marni, Tomas Maier and more....

(happy, happy!  hope it's here to stay!)

Click on the photo below and check out the Martin Margiela website- and no, it's not an error page- it's just another great design by Margiela:

        

WOW!

My friend, Sam French, is a director and freelance journalist in Kabul, Afghanistan.  He has a company, Development Pictures, and is interviewed here on the dangers associated with being a freelance journalist in a war zone.  Amazing!  Yay, Sam!  Click on the link for the full interview...