Diary of a Labellover By A. Fashionista

Heating up the Boudoir

I recently became acquainted with Jimmy Jane candles in my quest to make my bedroom a spot for relaxation and seduction.  Anyone that knows me, understands that I am not a big candle fan because the scent tends to be overpowering.  However,  on a recent trip to the Pleasure Chest I was introduced to the Jimmy Jane brand - designing upscale intimate products.  Their candles are not your ordinary candle because the oil can be used for the purpose of massage.  

What I love about Jimmy Jane is how subtle and fresh their scents are.  My personal favorite is fig.  The candle is packaged complete with a massage brush and a book of matches so you can take it with you anywhere! I recently purchased their silk bondage set as well and I can't tell you how impressed I was by the quality and softness.  

Jimmy Jane is high end erotica for the individual that wants to indulge, taunt, seduce and romance their partner. 

 

photo courtesy of Jimmy Jane's website

The Hip Hostess Tugs at a Man's Apron Strings

Move over June Cleaver, there is a new hostess in your 'hood and she is too hip and fashionable to be square.  By chance, @thehiphostess started following me the other day on twitter, and although her updates are protected (not sure why) I was intrigued.  Clicking thru to her site, saavily named thehiphostess, I was amazed at how fashionable her designs were.  After all, we are talking about aprons. 

Guys - in case you haven't noticed, throwing dinner parties has become the "in" thing.  Why not make the woman in your life a "hip hostess" by purchasing one of these gorgeous aprons? The detailing is incredible, right down to the scalloped lace edging. I don't have to tell you that looking fabulous and protecting that chic Alessandro Dell'Acqua dress from getting dirty is top priority in your hot hostess's mind.  Why not give her the opportunity to remain cool under pressure as you cook and organize an amazing evening soiree for your mutual friends?

The aprons they make come in two styles:  demi and sheath.  Just like with lingerie and a demi-cup bra, it only covers half, so chances are only skirts or pants will be saved from any kitchen catastrophes.  This mother and daughter design duo have carried their artful and sophisticated design through to the packaging.  The polka dot gift wrap saves you time and scores you extra points for thoughtfulness.

Their recently launched blog, aptly named, "the hip hostess dish", is sure to bring lots of useful, modern and savvy tips for entertaining and cooking.  Looking forward! It's been awhile since I've thrown a dinner party...

Family Style Cooking

What would a hip hostess be without her mini sous chefs to help her in the kitchen?  Never fear, with a line of sheath aprons for your mini culinary master, you are sure to delight the both your child and guests alike. 

photo credit: The Apron Queen via Flickr "Teen time cooking with carnation milk" circa `1959

Part III: A. Fashionista's Crib Notes on Social Etiquette

Now that I have covered the physical - grooming and fashion, it's time to discuss refinement of persona.  Whether you are at a social function, at a business meeting or on a date, Esquire's The Big Black Book has broken it down quite nicely , while I have also included a few of my own.

Gawk-Unnoticed - You are at a social function filled with beautiful women.  How do you admire the view without getting caught?  V. strategically, of course.  The bright men of Esquire suggest positioning yourself between your ogling object and something that is politically correct to look at.  Their one tip, make the gawking a solo mission.  The group thing will only make it obvious what is really going on. 

Life of the Party - How to be the host with the most:  Master the basics from history's top party hosts: Caligula "Have a good mix of men and women",  John Belushi aka Bluto "Be the life of the party", and you can be sure that your guests will be at ease...Tip #2 - Esquire also suggest to keep the cocktails flowing.  Som wonderfully refreshing suggestions are the old fashioned Tom Collins, tropical Southside, or go classic with a crisp, refreshing beer or chilled Beaujolais.

Hospitality rules - Never forget the #1 rule when invited for a dinner party or weekend away - don't show up empty handed.  While it is not necessary to buy something lavish, a small, thoughtful gift will not go unnoticed.  Perfumed soaps for the bathroom, a nice bottle of olive oil,  maybe even a wine and cheese basket.  If you know the host well, always try and tailor the gfit t their taste.  If not, a nice bo of truffles or some fresh flowers is always a thoughtful sentiment.

Steering your way through a formal dinner - Remember BMW:  Bread.  Meal. Water.  Many people often get confused as to which  bread and water glass is their's.  Remembering "BMW" is a simple way to keep you cool under the pressures of a formal dinner or night out with your girlfriend's family.   You definitely wouldn't want to be caught drinking out of your future father-in-law's water glass by mistake!

Ordering for your date -  I have blogged about this before in my "Haute Dating Tips for Guys" and I stand by this 100%.  Women like men who take control and listen.  This could be because I am used to dating guys who are older than me but I think guys in their 20-30s could learn a few things about the art of dating and chivalry.  When you take a woman out to dinner ask her what she wants to eat and then when the waitress comes over to take the order, be sure to order for the both of you.  I'm telling you, your date will be impressed and grateful.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on where I finish out The Black Book crib notes with random helpful hints to help men get through everyday life...

The Art of the Weeked Getaway

*Haute Advertorial*

One of the most popular seasons to take a vacation from a busy work routine is during the long winter months that bring about unbearably chilly weather. Now that the warm weather is approaching, the need for taking a break every now and then is still present which is why a surprise weekend getaway is the perfect solution for breaking up a mundane work routine. While you may be used to wearing business suits and toting briefcases, this is one vacation where you’ll actually be able to relax and get your mind off of the daily grind.

 

Planning a romantic getaway for you and your partner requires simple planning. Unless you’re prepared to take a few days off from work, a weekend getaway can happen just miles from your house in a country-style B&B or in an entertaining hotel located in the heart of the city. Take advantage of the benefits your area offers that you may not have experienced before. Sign up for a local wine expo that is featuring the best in spring and summer wines or indulge in a couples spa resort that will rejuvenate the two of you when you return home. Perhaps you’ve fallen into a rut in your suburban or rural town and would like to find more action by booking a suite in a hotel or casino. Now is the opportunity to think outside the box and enjoy a new activity with the one you love.

Once your accommodations and travel arrangements have been made, dedicate minimal time to packing by sticking to the basics. Bringing a combination of comfortable clothing that is easy to travel with and a few dressier options will provide you with a great selection of clothes and accessories to choose from for a number of different activities. A great way to top off the surprise of this weekend getaway is by adding a personal touch to the resort you’re planning to stay at. Research a few romantic options that your accommodations can provide such as adorning the room with a spring bouquet of flowers or greeting your special someone with a chilled bottle of champagne and chocolate strawberries upon your arrival. As a bonus, find a moment when your partner is preoccupied with something else and place a wrapped gift on the bed. A special piece of handmade jewelry that you know your partner will enjoy will be perfect.

Please Her with Plaza Too

   

Guys, in case you haven't noticed Valentine's day is officially less than a month away. Luckily, A.Fashionista is here with the ultimate gifting choice that will be sure to please the little lady in your life.   While traditional gifts are perfect fine - flowers, La Perla lingerie and jewelery, why not think inside the shoebox?

Plaza Too is a family owned shoe store with both brick and mortar (NY, CT) and cyber-space locations. The store's family roots date all the way to 1933 when the Mendes brother's grandfather opened a children's shoe store, Plaza Bootery.  Fifty five years later, Plaza Too, for women, was born.  The site has a great user interface, with a bright, clean and sophisicated design.  The icing on the cake?  A  designer list  DIE for that won't put you in the poorhouse..including:   Pedro Garcia, Giuseppe Zanotti, Stuart Weitzman, Paul Smith, Sigerson Morrison & Tashkent by Cheyenne.  I could wax lyrical all day but I think you get the point.

Why  gfit shoes than something more traditional?  First, a woman's shoe size NEVER changes.  Secondly, shoes are also sexy without having to try too hard. They are versatile - allowing  a woman to be any character she chooses to be:

 - stilettos - sexy temptress
 -high heeled loafers/pumps - board room babe
 -Flats - weekend warrior
 -Kitten Heels - BBQ/Pool side vixen

Check out Plaza Too today.  Valentine's Day is coming soon!

A.Fashionista's Holiday Haute List

With only 4 days to go until Christmas I thought I would dedicate my holiday gift guide to all of those last  minute shoppers (as I am one of them!).   According to all the websites, you have exactly 1 Cyber-shopping day left, so I have decided to cut through all the clutter and bring you my Haute list.  Enjoy!

For the Jet-setter in you life:

Flight001 is the only site you need for travel related items.  They have everything for busy traveler from chic and fun passport holders to a  modern weekend SpacePak, perfect for that weekend getaway, no matter how far you are going. For the techies, they even carry the Solio Hybrid charger, so if you are looking for something environmentally-friendly, this charger obtains power both electrically and through solar energy to charge almost any handled electronic product from anipod to a Blackberry, to your digital camera. The best part is Flight001 understands the needs of last minute shoppers, so the deadline for 2-day shipping is 12.22 by Noon.  Of course, if you live in Chicago, LA, NY or San Fran, check out one of their brick and mortar locations. 

For that difficult person to shop for who has EVERYTHING:

Uncommongoods will ease your racking brain.  I just ordered a set of beach-themed toilet handles for my mom since she told me that she is redoing the family beach house bathrooms.  If you have to buy a gift for someone who likes to entertain, the Sake set is a beautiful meld of ancient design with a touch of modernism.  For the oenophile in you life, a sleek wine cooler is essential for any table.    The best part about UncommonGoods?  Order by 5pm on 12.22 and only pay $2.00 EXTRA for expedited shipping by Christmas.

Yes! There is still time to shop for the fashion forward:

It's not too late to go made-to-measure! Proper Cloth a men's made to measure shirt site, now offer gift certificates.  With a great selection of Italian fabrics to choose from, all manufactured in the US, you can guarantee that the man in your life will be the best dressed!

If you are looking for that quintessential culinary gift for the top chef in your life?  Amazon.com has the best options for last minute shopping since their shipping rates are the most reasonable.  My father LOVES to cook so I bought him an ALL CLAD Ltd non stick 11" grille pan since my parents eat nothing but fish and vegetables every night.

I think everyone know someone trying to live the green lifestyle.  Why not help them out by giving them a gift certificate to ecoist? This company has fabulously fashionable green items from bags, to jewelry to home goods - so there is plenty to choose from.  Napkin rings, placemats, award-winning, handbags, all made from recycled materials.  This company's been doing it since 2001, before it was trendy. Need I say more?

Of course we can't forget the baller in your life, that guy who lives by the phrase " go big or go home".  Do you know someone who thinks he is James Bond? The Ironkey Military Strength Flash drive is the perfect gift. This password-protected flash self destructs after 10 failed attempts to access the data.  For the space challenged, these dart coat hooks are a cool option that are a sure conversation starter!  The VholdR Wearable Camcorder is the perfect choice for the extreme athlete who wants to record himself in action.

Do you have a luxist in your life?  Looking to splurge this holiday season? It's ok to admit it.   There are some people still buying luxury goods or else these companies would be going out of business.   For that special lady, you can't go wrong with La Perla. I am huge fan and have a decent collection. Beautiful lingerie truly makes a woman feel sexier and has added benefits for the man in her life as well!  A Chateau Wine Fridge is the perfect alternative to a wine cellar for anyone that loves wine but may spatially-challenged.

Hopefully I have offered a few solid and fashionable last minute ideas to help you survive the 2008 holiday season.  Remember, though as much time as we spend shopping, the holidays really are not about materials things but about family and the people in your life that are most important to you.  Always treasure those memories.

  

 

finally a reason to shop at the Gap

If you hated the French before you now have a reason to love them.   The ultra hip, concept store, Colette, has partnered with none other than the Gap.  C'est vrai.  The all-American, khaki and t-shirt manufacturer has commissioned a special installation to run for one month adjacent to their concept store in the heart of midtown Manhattan at 54th and 5th Avenue.

For those of you not familiar with the brand, Colette is the  fashionable French citizen's "go to"  for the latest in must have lifestyle items. Fusing culture and fashion all under one roof.  Whether it is the every day necessities you are looking for to get you through the day: beauty products, music and magazines or the latest from the runway, Colette has it all within their walls.   

So what can we expect do see from this new partnership?

• Reinvention of Repetto shoes and the Alexis Mabille bow bag, designed utilizing Gap's classic heather grey Henley jersey.

• Trenchcoat pained by the artist Andre

• Limited edition t-shirts by both Parisian and NYC artists

• And of course all things distinctly Colette, that you can't buy in America

Yes, I have never been excited about the Gap until now.  All of the celebrity endorsements in the world couldn't get me to go into their store, even when they had the Audrey Hepburn campaign for the slim black pant.  However, now they have finally  gotten it right and found the perfect cultural marriage - the equivalent to their own iconic brand status, in that of an iconic  French brand that has the refinement, culture and chic factor that make this partnership unique and buzz worthy.

The store is opening today and is only here for ONE month so check it out while you can.  I am definitely going to check it out after I'm through covering the shows...

save the earth and 70% on eco-couture accessories

My favorite sustainable site on the internet superhighway, ecoist, is celebrating the end of of summer by having a HUGE sale. And to top it off, as a special summer treat, Diary readers get an additional 15% off their purchase by typing in code BYEBYESUN during checkout.  Their bags and home decor accessories are so addictive, that free shipping* eligibility is highly likely!

 Since 2004, Yair and Jonathan Marcoschamer, the company founders, have been working with earth-friendly, blue chip companies to obtain their sustainable materials.  Through their extensive network of talented artists and designers, they are able to take these seemingly ordinary products such as gum and power bar wrappers,  movie billboards, soda bottle labels and pull tabs and turn them into something nothing short of extraordinary!  The mosaic-pattern of their handbags has become an Ecoist signature design and the products are waterproof and extremely well made.

I could wax lyrical about this company all day. I'm not quite sure what I like best - their chic handbags, (I personally love the Jute "eyes" and the Portfolio bags) or the recycled billboard laptop bags which do an amazing job at protecting my laptop and look SO cool.   Did I mention they have a funky jewelry line? made from recycled glass and vinyl records?   Their home decor line makes the perfect house warming gift. Never mind the fact that they plant a tree for every bag sold... Yes, Ecoist makes the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.

Most importantly, here is a company who is doing more than just slapping on a "100% sustainable" sticker on their products.  They are an actionable, talented group of people with a passion for the environment.  So whether you are die-hard greenie or just an into eco-chic design, support Ecoist because of their innovation and passion.

*free shipping on order over $100 or more. Continental US only.

revolutionizing the gentleman

Recently, in my search for the ever-elusive stylish cufflink, I came across a company that is literally revolutionizing the the design of this classic piece of gentleman arm candy.  ARMREVOLUTION is a movement built around reinventing this one simple accessory that can allow a man to show his true personality.  

Of course, after looking at their patent-pending designs, I was left with only two words to describe them  "arm candy".  Made from the smoothest Japanese stainless steel, they come with their own ultra-suede lined traveling box. No, these are nothing like average Thomas Pink cufflinks.   There is nothing else like them. This collection is some seriously innovative bling. Wearing cufflinks from their Perpetual series is making a statement to the world that you have arrived as a gentleman.   Truly an aspirational purchase that reminded me of when I bought my Chanel tweed jacket -  a classic piece that separates you from the pack.  I promise, wearing these babies your Alpha will be revealed,  showing your edge and your desire for the finer things in life.  And as woman, there is nothing sexier than a man who has personal style and strong sense of self.

This movement is kinetic. Once you purchase this arm candy, register your 'links. It is then you will be part of an elite group, with access to events and special features fit for the gentleman's lifestyle.

Support the revolution.

 

The suit can make the man the 2nd time around

Tucked away on a leafy, neighborhood street of Manhattan's Upper East Side is one of fashion's best kept secret. Gentleman's Resale has the most upscale men's designers from Hermes, John Varvatos, Hugo Boss, Hickey Freeman and Ermenegildo Zegna.  Whether you are looking for a suit or just to revitalize your wardrobe with accessories, everything here is in retail-ready condition but priced resale.  Presentation is everything and the store is impeccably neat with the highest end products showcased behind streakless glass-cases. 

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable so when I ventured in recently to make a purchase for my father's birthday, they were helpful in my purchase decision because my father is rather conservative where as my tastes are more fashion forward.  In the end, I walked out with a smile and a beautiful blue and yellow Hermes tie that cost me $50. What is even better is that the women's resale shop is located right next door so while the guy is shopping, his significant other can be shopping for herself.

I haven't step foot in a retail store in years. Designer resale offers the same designers found on Madison Avenue for more than off of the original retail price.  In today's economy, it makes much more sense to buy the suit on consignment for $350 and pay an extra $100 for the tailoring then it does to spend $1,000 on brand new suit. There is a certain stigma on designer resale shops that somehow the merchandise is "used".  In reality, a reputable shop would never take an item from a consignor that was damaged or dirty. In fact, many of the items you find in these stores are in brand new or "like new" condition and are often a reflection of the previous owners meticulous manner.  

If you are geographically challenged, there are online shops like christabellescloset that have men's clothes. Of course, there is always the option of Yelping the term "consignment shop" so you can find what is local to your area.