welcome back [+ cathy waterman extra long pearls]

Daahlings,
It's great to be back!!
"From where??" you ask. Well, from the absurd desperation of "Black Friday" extended to "Cyber Monday"—seriously??!!—which descends upon us all; yes myself included. So exactly how much shopping did you manage??

For a month prior, I'd psyched myself into believing that I really wanted to experience this great American phenomenon of queuing outside a dept. store (in my case, it was going to be Bestbuy)—in the biting cold, mind you—so I could make some great buys. (Does my subtle sarcasm come across??) I did really want the Sony Bravia XBR; and my little brother had tons of requests from PSPs to Nintendos and things. So you see, while I wasn't really in the spirit for clothes etc., I still wanted be a part of it all. But, of course my enthusiasm flew right out the window when it came time. I just remained indoors.
Faltering: I guess I'd just hoped that if I could psych myself up, I'd make it, perhaps.
In reality, this is the age of the internet: some clever folks—I can't remember who at the moment—posted huge store lists and accompanying sale items. None of my items made the Bestbuy list. Anyway, can you seriously see me groveling for space on a queue??

And so for the most part, sitting on my couch, I shopped for jewelry (for my mother, mostly). I've had this itch for a rope of pearls for forever and I found one on my one of my most precious webbies: Cathy Waterman Extra-Long Pearl Strand Necklace - 91 inches of glamourous pearls. It just so happens to be the priciest one on the website!! I have a knack for these things you know. And when Ms. Waterman decides to water down its price and move the decimal point two places to the left, I'll gladly have it. The sadness is that no other strand has come close to matching that faux-ending clasp of pearl encased in gold and diamond vine!! Precious! precious! vine!! So gorg!!

Cupcake kisses.

"to yourself be true, honey" - Andre J

A simple rearrangement of words from a familiar expression, this saying resonates with me.
I observed him in all his remarkable glory and energy when I attended the panel "Breaking into Fashion" at Runway, NY, a few weeks ago.

In early March, NYMAG lookbook featured an interview piece on him. Today, the NYTIMES has finally caught up with an aptly titled article, "A Cover Girl Who's Simply Himself" heralding an essence of the currently most-talked-about model in fashion circuits!!


Hope you've had a lovely holiday and you donated to CARE.:)




With élan and frosted sugar kisses.

[inspiration: "Baby, It's cold outside"] sandra backlund knits

I just want a huge cup of cocoa and a huge pullover that I can stretch across my knees as I sit in an easy lotus on my couch, writing up a business plan.

Certainly nothing like these alluringly sophisticated knits by Sandra Backlund. Good thing her work speaks for itself because I'm utterly overwhelmed trying to express how captivating these pieces are!! That, and the fact I've so much to do today, I couldn't do as good a job as I would like describing them. And even if I did have the time, I'd still be awed. Lest you think, she works only with yarn; please see her website for her unique materials. (I do hate the "hairy" pieces, I must say!!)

My fave pieces from her previous seasons:

I first saw her knits during the LV Fall 2007 show (pics below), where she collaborated with love-or-hate-him-but-you-must-love-his-blue-hair Marc Jacobs to show a number of pieces. Of course, I couldn't remember her name to save my life and I kept googling 'Backland.' So sad!!


Happy Thanksgiving!!
And as we celebrate, we should remember the less fortunate amongst us. During this season of giving thanks, businesswoman, philanthropist and CARE Ambassador Sheila C. Johnson has pledged to double your gift to CARE.







A luxurious, lingering embrace; and kisses.

every title i've come up with is much too unbecoming

I have dedicated myself―for ten whole minutes―to painfully late (on my part) correspondence. I quickly realized the utmost futility of my (albeit) good intentions, and opted instead for some online window-shopping. Needless to say, I came across what―in well-mannered speak―may be described as an intriguing photo, to say the least.
Seriously, my disturbingly active imagination ran with it!! And I haven't been able to stop myself since.
I know what you're thinking, "Where's your (or my) therapist??"

Now re this pic, my imagination is frightfully disturbing!! I'm not certain if the model is doing a good job of selling the belt she's supposedly modeling. She certainly does draw in the on-looker; making you want to a glimpse at what must be so fixating.

Oh, it is a rather lovely belt, don't you think?? It may very well be all in the belt: a pretty belt with extraordinary powers. Perhaps, it should be credited for making one see oneself in a whole new light.




Air kisses (because my brain is still swarming with dirty thoughts and now I can't help feeling like a perv)

P.S. I haven't been to Yuta Powell's yet. Sunday was spent in a self-indulgent lethargy.

a treasure: Yuta Powell

I'll have you know that I rarely care what the WSJ has to say. The not-so-mighty dollar is taking a huge tumble, so grab your Burberry coat and we'll fly to Paris. Actually, I meant "my" Burberry coat; and by "grab" I meant "buy me one."
Yes.
Thanks!!
Or, if you'd prefer—I think I would too—this Leonara Coat by Aquascutum (pictured):
which, really is just g.r.a.n.d!!
1st stop:
Blvd Sebastopol in search of the Hidden Kitchen, to haggle our way into 7-course meal.


Okay, enough of my delusions, we can just sit on my couch and order some thai. And the woman on the other end can pretend she doesn't know I'm getting the same pineapple fried rice (extra spicy) I always get; or my card number for that matter, like the back of her hand.
Wait, can that really happen??!!
Yikes!!
Yes, I still want either coat!!
Thank you lots :)





Now, back to the WSJ. I came across the most uplifting article yesterday evening.

*Play Clip*

Ignore my blatant name-dropping: *wince* I'm really more comfortable with indistinct, but, certainly not unremarkable, well-made clothing and accessories, esp those I can afford. Nevertheless, like every fashion-lover, I adore luxurious pieces and will go with the classics almost always; although, perhaps never how the designer might have intended. Haha!! Of course, there are tons of people out there just like me (or so I like to think.) Never mind that I'm finding a advocate in Yuta Powell—a woman almost thrice my age perhaps; I'm very much an it-gyrl or in-the-know young woman. (Again, so I like to think.) The thing is, I'm wont to eschew 'logo-fied' *arghhh* or popularly heralded pieces, so-called "it-"items. I mean why would anyone want to be a walking billboard or have an "it-bag" just like a million other women?? I fall in love with pieces (esp. clothing) many times for the simple fact that I can envision—usually, immediately I notice it—how exactly I might wear it, and my tailor—love him—will alter it to suit me. I'm going to try to make an appt. with Yuka Powell on Sunday. I won't be buying her thousand-dollar items. Hahaha. LOL!! But perhaps, I can get to talk with her.





Secret Kisses.

kiss me keisha. perhaps, i should say forest?? oh now, i'm confused.

Yesterday, Keisha Whitaker, wife of Forest Whitaker (also known as my ideal man: I mean isn't he just so reserved?? Debonair really!!) along with acclaimed celebrity makeup artist AJ Crimson launched a line of lippies called Kissable Couture, in West Hollywood. (The line debuted in New York last week.) The charming collection is appropriately named the "First Kiss Collection." Each lip stain is said to provide the "ultimate high gloss factor that is stand-alone satisfying." The romantic and subtly sexy philosophy behind the collection, "a sexy sheen" that provides "an endearing feeling of everlasting love" was enough to make me purchase two tubes on the website's e-store: Dylan/Pink Perfection and Forest/Crimson Tide. That, and the fact that I just love Keisha (like I know her, huh??!!) Her knack for effortless chic—which, of course is my panache, if I do say so myself—and poised reserve like her hubby is just so charming!!

Intriguingly, the First Kiss Collection is just that: a collection celebrating a woman's first kiss. Each of the seven colors in the collection is named after a man (one named for Keisha's hubby, Forest.) And each one, of course, has a unique personality. Thrilling!! What's more, the pigments look so rich and luxurious, they seem almost good enough to eat, really. If that doesn't make you want to buy one tube, the warm feeling you get from listening to Dinah Washington's "what a difference a day makes" on the website will certainly do the trick. Like I said I'll be trying out two new colors soon!! I'll let you know what I think.




Sending you beautiful kisses.
Perhaps I'll be your first kiss of the day. *wink*

can i hav' a cavalli?? (italian accent)

I luurve Cavalli: this'll give you an idea of how intense it could get.

But, I really can't wait in lines. I've tried to for a few fashion events; but, I'm certainly so over it!! Well, except it were a Chanel Sample Sale. But, then again, that's a formidable covert operation; an endeavor akin to the search for Big Foot or the skinny bearded head honcho of Al-Qaeda!!

And so, what I'm trying to say is I didn't even bother to include the launch of Roberto Cavalli's line at H&M today on my radar. I mean I expected nothing less than fashion fracas at H&M stores, esp. in NY. The FWD has an aptly titled "catfights and Cavalli" post ('cat'fights = his signature leopard prints, get it??) Ms. Claire at the fashionbomb did get a good close-up of the rockstar designer himself, and now I'm so jealous!!

I do have conflicts with the concept of "lower-priced" "designer" pieces for the masses; I guess it's the more viable financial drive overtaking the love of creativity and specialty in the fashion industry. (I just feel you should do the best you can at all times *eyes closed* without really thinking price; uncharacteristic naiveté, I know.) Of course, this is not to say that I won't buy the pieces if I love 'em!! I luurve cheap stuff too!! If only, we could all decide to make stingray and cashmere cheap!!
Pic: Roberto Cavalli Resort 2008


Indulgent Kisses!!!!

Sales!! Sales!!

I love sales!!
It's smart shopping especially when you do consider just how much stuff one (ahem!!) buys.
Just in case you don't get the emails flooding your inbox, it's the fall sale at two of our fave dept stores!!
And appropriately for beauty:


Grosses bises!!

kissing up: (a gyrl's unintended enamour of the rose bar, gramercy park hotel)

I just know how to pick 'em!!
Mid last year, I discovered Ian Schrager's love affair with the Gramercy Park, and the GPH's become one of my fave stops in the city. Natch, I had no idea the esteemed hotelier (and management) was in a bid to enter that echelon of luxury hotels, in other words "adopt" luxury hotel prices (he succeeded this past August??)!! Madness!! [I still adore the place, so please feel free to start a fund that supports my continued stay there as often as I'd like. *muah*] But, this is slightly besides the point.

At this same time, the new Rose Bar (in the hotel) was hardly on the scene; Bungalow 8 et al supposedly¹ hosting the hottest soirees in the city then. But of course, now, the Rose Bar is all the rage!! In my case, my love for the saloon stems not just from a deep appreciation of Schrager's design of the space; it's akin to a selfish intimacy that comes from finding a space I loved before it shot up as the it-spot!! I simply stumbled upon it, unbeknownst to the frenzy that was threatening to erupt; and now, I just want it for myself, on occasion. You'd have to be extremely lucky—and by that I mean ephemeral, or more to the point (and sorry to dash your hopes) possess powers to turn yourself invisible—to get past Damion Luayie if you are not on his list!! Please take a look at that methodically classified excel sheet in his hand. Umm... yeah... And, here my entreaty (kissing up) begins (also having invoked the patron saint of supplication...)

Dear Damion,
To state the obvious, you must be the most devastatingly handsome specie of masculinity I've laid eyes on recently (this part's all true!! Okay, mostly true. You're "one of the most"... but, at the moment, you're all the matters!!) Not to mention, most gorg doorman in all of history!! I completely admire your meticulous approach to doing your job (I mean that excel sheet is telling!!); but, wouldn't you consider giving the little people consent to mingle in your well-guarded establishment?? I'm appealing to your gracious heart, the softness I see in your eyes. And might I add, that suit—bespoke, I'm sure—is simply smart!! (No lie, here either.) Go ahead and make it easy on us, will you sweets?? And you know, if you let me in, I'd always come chat with you for the two seconds you'd be taking a break; just so you're not lonely. *puppy eyes*
Love from your friend,
Me.

Customarily, if you do book a room at the hotel, you and a guest are welcome to the bar. But, what happens if you have two, or ten guests?? See how that could easily be a problem?? And of course, case in point, while I made the grand attempt to be sweet and attend some halloween thing somewhere I don't remember, I left the GPH and guess where the party of the evening was?? Yes, that's right, at the Rose Bar. Not that I would've gotten in, but you know...



Big kisses (Damion) on the lips, if you'd like. *wink*

Footnotes:
1. I know nothing of these so-called hottest parties, so I can't be more accurate. Now if I and two friends were invited, I would be better able to confirm.... Hahahaha

my fave queen does sequins!!

Seriously, I should be clobbered for this glaring omission, but, that's not going to happen. *huge grin* I'm not completely certain how I neglected to include these sequined beauties by Alexander McQueen in my previous post, but here they are!!


Let's make an entrance, shall we?!!

I'd already pictured the top pair of shoes previously. This past weekend, I stopped by the McQueen store in NY and asked about them. Naturally, the salesperson, an annoying, ersatz queen, attempted to give me some attitude!! I chuck it up to the fact that he's jealous he'll never be able to wear the beauties in his life time; not even if he adorned drag and partied at Studio 54!! There's a waiting list and they're not even available in store. So I called the store in London... Haha!!! I'm beyond help!! I'll probably not get them, but never say never. I'm thinking about reworking the exchange rate to my benefit—skip the ever-falling dollar and parlay some naira into pounds or euros!! Ahh... the things I come up with. And isn't the pump to die for?? I even find myself going back on my notion that I could never do a sequined purse.

Perhaps, in a former lifetime, I was Hindu and reincarnated as a magpie. How else can I explain my attraction to ridiculously shiny objects??!!


Glamourous kisses.