Archive for April, 2010
You are currently browsing the Life.Love.Couture. blog archives for April, 2010.
You are currently browsing the Life.Love.Couture. blog archives for April, 2010.
Molly Sims has come a long way since her days as host of MTV’s House of Style…the model turned actress now adds jewelry designer to her list of talents and we have to say, we’re definitely in to it after catching a glimpse of her first collection. A nod to the retro glamour of style icons like Audrey Hepburn, Brigitte Bardot and Jackie Kennedy, the pieces add that pop that you need from your accessories while remaining understated and elegant. Today marked the launch of Molly’s e-commerce website where you can not only find the gorgeous baubles, priced amazingly at $75-$250, but you can check out the new designer’s tricks of the trade too on her blog, The Weekly M & Em – www.graycebymollysims.com
Xx MAK
Those of you who know me personally know my obsession with the Gramercy Park Hotel, I would pretty much give up everything I have just to be able to live in one room of the GPH, it is just that fabulous. The mix of whimsical colored velvets and rich, baroque chandeliers meeting grandiose art and antique furniture, all told seamlessly through the eyes of a glam bohemian…it is pure fantasy, like living inside the mad hatter’s tea party…and it is due to the genius of artist Julian Schnabel. Recently we discovered Schnabel’s latest project, the acquisition and renovation of what is now known as Palazzo Chupi, an incredibly ornate pink palace right here in Manhattan. Although it’s carved column lined arches and embellished decor make it seem as though this spectacular building sits somewhere on the coast of Italy, it’s five floors, complete with indoor pool, lie right in the heart of the West Village. Albeit a bit over the top, Schnabel’s re-decorated 20th century factory building proves to be just another reason why we simply want to live in Julian’s world. Keep the inspiration coming.
Xx MAK
It’s definitely apparent that this Spring’s hottest shoe is the platform wedge – and that said, the bigger the better…coming in all shapes and sizes these sandals are flying off shelves as fast as they’re hitting them. Yet with all of the options out there right now, we definitely think the season’s sexiest, and the style you have to grab asap, is the sculptural wedge created from a combination of mixed medias: always sure to include just the right amount of cork of course. Due to the intricate designs that allow these shoes to intertwine different favorites like rope, leather and even chain, the popular mixed media wedges create an illusion that slim the foot, flatter the leg and definitely make your whole look a little more sultry. But it’s that bit of cork that allows you to easily take the shoe from day to dinner – adds an easy neutral to match any color combination and quite simple becomes the perfect go to accessory. Check out some of L.L.C.’s top picks from splurge to steal and everything in between:
1) Miu Miu Cork & Leather Wedge Sandals – $650
2) Donna Karan Cork & Suede Wedges – $695
3) Donald J Pliner Sindya Wedge – $235
4) Diba Breslin Reptile Platform Wedge Sandal – $39.95
5) Steve Madden Gloryia Wedge – $99.95
6) Bebe Lauren Lace Up Wedge – $149
Xx MAK
We’ve been in to coral and bright blush tones for a little while now, especially paired with our current favorite neutral, pretty much every shade of tan, yet recently we’ve been noticing that the fun spring color is not only popping up all over clothing racks but in all kinds of jewels too! We definitely recommend picking up one of the many pieces that mixes the fab color with our other go-to: yellow gold…together, the duo is unstoppable. Not to mention the Gold & Coral combo looks good with pretty much every palette – grey, check – black, check – white, check – tan, double check – spring florals…need we even say it. Take a peek at some of L.L.C.’s top picks:
1 ) Kara by Kara Ross Stingray 5 Hexagon Earrings – $205
2 ) Conscious Jewelry Coral Points Necklace – $546
3 ) Lanvin Chandelier Earrings – $890
4 ) Siman Tu Pink Coral Beaded Hoops – $240
5 ) Douglas Hannant Expressly by Sequin Coral Stone Earrings – $325
7 ) Kara by Kara Ross Coral Gemstone Ring – $150
8 ) Alexis Bittar Coral Montauk Ring – $295
Xx ASK
Jessica Simpson graces the cover of Marie Claire this month and while there’s no questions that it’s definitely a beauty, you may notice it looks a little different than usual…the multi-talented star is completely au natural – we’re talking no makeup, no airbrushing and absolutely NO re-touching! It takes much more than a confident woman to volunteer that version of herself to newsstands and households across the country and we are more than impressed. Thanks Jessica for being bold enough to make such a strong a statement and remind our society that we’re beautiful the way we are. You’re stunning inside & out…keep the inspiration coming.
Xx ASK
Our favorite part of the changing of seasons is choosing a new signature nail color…yet this Spring with the fantastic new collection from Essie, it is literally impossible to pick just one. The gorgeous array of soft, pastel colors brings us right back to our days of playing with Barbie in floral babydoll dresses and lavender patent maryjanes…a good time, indeed. Lilacism is definitely the favorite, with just the right grey undertones it is feminine and flirty yet neutral enough to look great with all of the bright colors we plan on wearing in the upcoming months (a reason we’ve often gone with white in the past warm weather seasons). And to top off Essie’s perfectly polished palette, no pun intended, we’ve found that they are the one brand that doesn’t seem to chip off almost immediately. We are definitely loving Essie right now and are super excited to rock their entire ART of SPRING collection this season!
“When I go to the fashion shows, I don’t just see clothes, I see artistic expression and color,” says Essie Weingarten, founder and president of Essie Cosmetics, Ltd. “Art and fashion go hand in hand, and this season’s collections reminded me of the pop art fashion explosion. My spring color collection is a reflection of that movement.”
Now that is definitely a nail polish brand that belongs on our fingertips.
Top Row from Left: Neo Whimsical, Mint Candy Apple (from Resort Collection but we couldn’t resist) and Tart Deco
Bottom Row from Left: Van D’go, Pop Art Pink and Lilacism
Xx MAK