Most of the time the labourous workweek seems everlasting and the supposedly fun and relaxing weekend fleeting. Three nights and two days isn't always sufficient to accomplish everything that needs to get done and still have ample time to both have fun and relax. I'm not even going to attempt it this weekend. Starting tonight, and all the way through until I have to get up Monday morning, I'm going to forgo chores, to do lists, appointments and dates. This weekend is all about relaxing.
If I had my way, I'd be packing up and preparing to head off to passport-required destinations to luxuriate in my holiday time off with Luxe City Guides as my insider tour guide. Pro-shopping in London and Paris, epicurian feasts in Milan, art and culture in Rome. After all the hard work—shopping and traveling burns lots of calories—I'd end my expedition on a warm private island with head to toe spa treatments. A perfectly happy holiday in my book.
The last couple of weeks have been a little exhuasting—for a very good reason—but tiring none the less. When I sat down and closed my eyes to relax this image popped into my head. I captured this amazing shot of a Hauhine sunset (I also visited the islands of Moorea & Bora Bora) during a trip to Tahiti. I can already feel the warm sun working its magic.
American Fashion Cookbook: 100 Designers' Best Recipes
While reading....
Marc Jacobs is manning the DJ booth as Diddy mixes Ciroc cocktails and Karl (Lagerfeld) greets the guests. Naomi, Heidi and others strut around in Herrera and Armani Couture while balancing sumptuous hors d'oeuvres. A fashionable feast commences when John Varvatos serves his Colaloo Soup. Derek Lam follows with his Yellowtail Crudo and before we can argue that our frocks have been stretched far enough, Mark Ecko melts our reserve--and peeks our interest--with his "Adults Only" Chocolate Chip Cookies.
...At least that's what went on in my head while reading the Council of Fashion Designers of America's American Fashion Cookbook, published by Assouline and with a forward by Martha Stewart, a big treat that shares more than 100 recipes and original illustrations from fashion's designers. "...here are all the recipes a stylish soul needs...from the flirtatiousness of Strawberry Shortcake to the minimalism of Chocolate Ganache to the zip of Andalusian Gazpacho..."
Who says you can't wear your frock and eat food to? No need to ponder. Designers dish--on fashionable food--in American Fashion Cookbook.
Fashion's Night Out kicks off today--you know, the effort by Vogue, the CFDA and NYC & Company to refashion the economy with a splurge in shopping, (hey, whatever works)--and the exclusive FNO tee is on sale at Bebe for those who can't jetset to NYC to take part in the fête of fashion. In addition to the sales, Thakoon, Jason Wu (above) and other designers have created their own FNO tees for sale.
With so many retailers participating and offering freebies, discounted products and services, food etc., deciding exactly what to spend where can get overwhelming. Thoughtfully NY Magazine's theCut has put together A Frugal Guide to Fashion's Night Out. Also for up-to-the-minute info on what's on sale where follow the FNO community on twitter.
Ciel - Spal at SLS Beverly Hills
465 South La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles
Spa Reservactions | 310.246.5560
Admit it— in addition to your ceaseless workdays, the champagne-flowing fêtes, Blackberry abuse and your Louboutin addiction have you on the verge of Twittering SOS for imperative total body rehab. Luckily for us Angelenos (and you on-a-whim jet-setters), the Philippe Stark designed Ciel - Spa at SLS Beverly Hills Hotel is here to answer our bodies’ every call – and then some.
Transcending traditional spa boundaries this 5,000-square-foot facility is a friendly meeting place, a lounge (serving Ciel-exclusive fare by renowned chef José Andrés), and exclusive private club. Set in a celestial dreamscape with walls of billowing translucent curtains Ciel – Spa at SLS beckons to be the one-stop spa for your rest and relaxation needs. Myriad services, from manis & pedis to facials and full body massages and beyond, promise total pampering in luxuriously appointed environments. Book the ‘Beautiful Body’, this treatment utilizes the firming green Moor Mud to firm and tighten the body; and for the face, the ‘Spun Glass Facial’ erases fine lines and wrinkles with the use of Freeze 24/7-what is considered by many a brilliant Botox alternative-plus, you get a pocket-sized Freeze 24/7 to go.
Kanye West for Louis Vuitton monochromatic shoe with quilted back
I'm not a sneaker wearer so I almost never pay attention to them but these little beauties have my heart. I know, they're very simple-- but oh so chic. I'll be one of the first in line at the Beverly Hills LV outpost come June to snatch these up, no, not for me to wear - they're men's only, but it's only a five shoe collection which we know will blow out of the stores in days, so I'll consider it a collector's item. [TM]
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A celebration isn’t a celebration without the perfect champagne. That’s why Moët & Chandon is letting you have champagne, your way. MyMoët, previously only available to A-list celebrities and VIPs, is granting you exclusive access to their signature champagne couture to create your custom bottle using CRYSTALLIZED Swarovski elements. Decide between the 750mL or 1.5L bottle, Impérial or Nector Impérial quality, and silver or gold Swarovski elements to create your personal message. Cheers!
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Question: Which legendary designer posed nude to promote his perfume? Was it (a) Tom Ford (b) Valentino (c) Calvin Klein (d) Yves Saint Laurent? Questions like these make up a new trivia-style board game called Fashion Rules by Margaret Maldonado (available at RonRobinson). Questions fall into multiple categories, including Glam (beauty, hair, makeup), Divas (celebs), In Print (fashion magazines) and Stylemakers (designers, stylists, famed fashion houses). If you know your fashion 411 you advance around the board collecting accessories (board pieces) to drop in your shopping bag. Collect the most accessories and you’re on your way down the catwalk, the new Boardwalk. The 2 ½ hour game is perfect for a girl’s night in. So which legendary designer posed nude to promote his perfume? Yves Saint Laurent in 1971!
But if pushing faux accessories around a board isn't your style try the Fashion Game Book by 
