Gotta Tip 4 U!

Now I'm the first one to scrutinize these different products that are sold on TV or through a website. I mean I felt that most of those TV products were junk anyway. But when I ran across a way to wash your clothes without landry soap I was like, YEAH RIGHT!!! So I went ahead and ordered them thinking I'll just get my money back after the 90 days. I'll be ***@@@!!!, they really work. So you can see for yourself at http://mypowerfulmanets.com I just thought I'd pass the tip along!

"Infinite riches are all around you if you will open your mental eyes and behold the treasure house of infinity within you. There is a gold mine within you from which you can extract everything you need to live life gloriously, joyously, and abundantly."---Joseph Murphy

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Mobile Ads Will Be Worth $12 Billion By 2011

Ok, here we go. I mentioned this in an earlier post. Now just wait, our cell phones and PDA's will be crammed with advertising, (Just what we need!) I know, I know I want it both ways, I want the ability to purchase using my PDA but I do not necessarily want to be bothered with advertisements! What's a girl to do?

The worldwide mobile advertising market will be worth more than $12 billion by 2011, Gartner forecasts, but cautions that carriers must be careful if they want to get a piece of the pie, especially since well-established players such as Nokia, Google, Yahoo, MySpace and Microsoft ) are all pursuing the mobile revenue opportunity as well. King-Yew Foong, a Gartner research director, said operators should take advantage of their position, and use SMS and MMS, email, mobile search, location-based services to deliver targeted advertising messages, while at the same time regulating spam and a user’s privacy. The report also found that they have to convince advertisers and marketers of how they are different from the internet search giants such as Google, Yahoo and Microsoft, and other traditional advertising mediums, such as newspapers and TV. The report concludes that right now, carriers are not credible players, but they can successfully leverage their relationships with customers, knowledge of local markets, extensive customer databases, network control and multiple channel access.

Thankyou Tricia Duryee for this story

"There are one hundred and ninety nine ways to get beat, but only one way to win; get there first."---William Shoemaker

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Miguel Ases

It's rare that I find jewelry that I am crazy about. Miguel Ases (no teasing about the name!) really caught my attention with some of his pieces. His painstaking attention to detail and his superb craftsmanship is bound to keep him busy for years to come.







Their are other pieces on the site that are just as intricate as these are. I don't know what goes on inside his head but I hope it continues! Check him out at his ws, this link, Miguel Ases.

"The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. What you'll discover there will be wonderful. What you'll discover is yourself."---Alan Alda

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Farewell To The Olympics

David Beckham kicking the soccer ball into the crowd

London Mayor, Boris Johnson receives Flag From Jacques Rogge

Girls Performing And Cyclist

Acrobats Perform On Memory Tower

The games really worth watching, gone once again. Let's hope the world learned something.

"A competitive world offers two possibilities. You can loose. Or, if you want to win, you can change."---Unknown

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Uggs

I remember when I wouldn't get dressed without considering my Uggs. They still have some pretty neat styles and new twists on old styles too. Not only are they still comfortable but if you are concerned about aesthetics the Uggs company has got that covered too.

Upside

Sandra

Suburb Crochet

Uggs, still going strong! And this all leads me to consider that maybe what's old is perpetually being made new in the world of fashion! Duhhh!

"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work."---Aristotle


Lovin Life, Truth Is

Japanese Fashion in New York Fashion Week

New York Japan Fashion Week’s Spring 2009 season of collections commences on Sept. 1, but for those who are unable to make the journey to Tokyo, Japan Fashion Week (JFW) organized a showcase of some of Japan’s most promising emerging designers—Ato, Mikio Sakabe, Somarta, Ylang-Ylang, G.V.G.V., Mercibeaucoup and Ne-Net—at the newly opened Japanese-owned boutique Aloha Rag on Tuesday, Aug. 19 in New York.

The designs on view offered a distinct sampling of the range of styles that will be present at Japan Fashion Week. From the humor and whimsy of Ne-Net (a printed sweatshirt dress had a hood that resembled bunny ears) to the bold, almost cartoonish work of Mercibeaucoup, to the couture finishing of Somarta modern elegance of Ato, JFW hoped that with the impressive selection they would bolster the visibility of Japanese fashion design in the U.S., and perhaps encourage more foreign press and buyers to travel to Tokyo for the collections in the future. Last season, JFW reported a 25% increase in the number of foreign media in attendance.

Another case in point of the increased awareness of emerging Japanese talent: Alongside the JFW mannequins and models at Aloha Rag, the store’s own rack of pieces by Ylang-Ylang were on sale, an indication of the increasing availability of some of these Japanese designers stateside.

Thankyou to Renata Espinosa for this story

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."---Mahatma Gandhi

Lovin Life, Truth Is

LeBron James Hosts Ralph Lauren's Fashion Week Party

LeBron James sported Ralph Lauren duds to the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, and now the NBA star is confirming his committment to the brand. James and Ralph Lauren will host an evening of cocktails and shopping to support the LeBron James Family Foundation on Wednesday, September 10 to coincide with New York's Fashion Week.

James' foundation aims to empower children to be physically fit, academically focused and environmentally aware, while also striving to help single parent families succeed. Gift cards in denominations of $500 or $1,000 will be available to support the cause. That's the power of the pony!

From Fashion Week Daily

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."---Winston Churchill

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Avant Garde Fashion For Sale, Really Retro

After the international fashion week dust settles, those craving a taste of iconography needn't look any further than Christie's. On October 30, the auction house will host a retrospective auction of iconoclastic design. Resurrection: Avant-Garde Fashion, an extensive collection of 20th century fashion previously held in private hands, will be sold in London at the South Kensington saleroom. The auction includes items from designers from the 1960s to the 1990s who challenged cherished norms with new materials and innovative ways of cutting fabric. Pieces by Pierre Cardin, Paco Rabanne, André Courrèges, Rudi Gernreich, Ossie Clark, Vivienne Westwood, Norma Kamali, Azzedine Alaia, Gianni Versace and Issey Miyake will all go on the block.

Whether it's the pop art influence or the revival of architectural couture, the collection offers over 250 pieces of apparel, accessories and jewels. Estimates range from £500 to £10,000. Key items include Rabanne's aluminum riveted plate dress, Cardin's space age bubble cape and a rare gold leather evening dress from Versace. Expect a bidding war.

Highlights include:

• A full-length Chanel coat, featured in the Chanel campaign in 2000 (estimate: £350-£450)

• A group of long-sleeved silk Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen blouses worn in a show and featured on a Telegraph Magazine cover (estimate: £400-£600)

• Two Chanel suede and tweed bags which were gifts from Karl Lagerfeld (estimate: £450-£750)

• A Marni Multi-colour wool dress (estimate: £150-250)

• A Ralph Lauren gold and black jewelled jacket (estimate: £300-500)

• A blue wool dress by Roland Mouret. This was Erin’s own “Galaxy” dress; the It dress of 2005 (estimate: £200-400)

• A red jersey sleeveless dress by Diane von Furstenburg (estimate: £200-400)

• A white fur bolero jacket by Matthew Williamson (estimate: £200-400)

• A Mulberry “Roxanne” large red tote bag (estimate: £300-500)

• A large Louis Vuitton hold-all (estimate: £300-500)

• A dramatic printed chiffon gown by John Galliano (estimate: £400-600)

• A chocolate leather jacket by Celine (estimate: £300-500)

You don't have to be present to bid. What a great opportunity provided you can stand the bidding wars. The catalog for the sale will be available 3 weeks prior to October 30th and you can order it online right now at Christie's.

"Thank you Nola Weinstein and "Michelle" for contributing to this story"

"Art is a fruit that grows in a man, like a plant , or a child in it's mother's womb."---Frank Auerbach

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Back To Business

For Lexie and myself, it definitely has been an eventful week. We apologize for not posting but life just happened! We're back now and we definitely have a plan for the next time life just wants to get in the way! Now let's get back to what were getting better at everyday. Fashion, and all the stuff that goes along with it.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear."---Mark Twain

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Patiently A-Waiting: Gossip Girl

Well it's Friday and after a long stylish day, I have no other choice but to indulge in the confection that is Gossip Girl. I;ve even developed a sophisticated countdown clock until the season 2 premiere. {It is 17 days, 5 hours, 47 minutes and 51 seconds until Monday, September 1, 2008 at 8:00:00 PM to be precise} And don't look at the screen that way, come September 1st at 8pm everyone in the age range of 10-50+ will sit anxiously in front of the television and discuss how viciously cruel, fun and delectable Serena and Blair's antics are. Well since I know that when it comes to GG, everyone has a sweet tooth, enjoy this little bit of candy.

Dark Fluorescent Jewels

Costume Jewelry. Statement Pieces. No matter what you call it, you will see it everywhere this fall. And this bracelet happens to be one of my fave picks for my fall wardrobe. But this isnt your normal statement piece that goes the way of leotards in the 80's. This Swarovski crystal and Rhodium cuff by Tom Binns is a piece that can be used for multiple season to come. Its destined not to fall inbetween the cracks of your drawers only for you to find it 15 years later upon moving to a new home. The cuff is from Binns new collection entitled Dumont Noir Florescent.

A Look @ Edie Rose

**Image courtesy of Edie Rose for DKNY

I made a promise to all of my readers in March that when Rachel Bilson's line for DKNY dropped I would definitely show you the details. Bilson stayed true to her SoCal roots and definitely incorporated glimpses of beautiful California sunshine in the small collection. While the website for Edie Rose is up and running it will not be available in stores until mid-September. The website features a contest where you can be flown out to LA to meet Bilson as welll as keep up with her launch events for the line. In additon that, you get the additional joy of learning what type of things inspire Bilson {speaking of that, Bilson and I both ♥ Cookies n Cream ice cream}. While things with the celebrity lines are 50/50 lately {half trash and half over prices... My fave, overpriced trash} Bilson's very affordable line is the perfect medium. You get exactly what you pay for.

**Images couresty of DKNY Jeans & Edie Rose

THE OLYMPICS, 8.8.08, IT'S FINALLY HERE!

Scenes from the Opening Ceremonies

The Painting Scroll

Moveable Type Printing

Confucius's 3000 Disciple

Artists Perform for The Opening of The 2008 Olympics

Sailing Boats

The "Birds Nest" The Stadium, An Art Performance

And so, we let the games begin. The Olympics, the international stage where the world is represented. Much more than a global sports competition for medals, I feel it is the one time during which we can come together as one in respecting our shared humanity, our shared respect for our respective history, and our shared respect for planet earth. While some of us will be watching the medal count, some of us will be watching the bigger picture as well....How many souls will truly be as one? The Olympics---A DREAM WORTH HAVING.

For a tv listing go to: http://www.nbcolympics.com/tv_and_online_listings/index.html

"Dreams come true. Without that possibility, nature would not incite us have them."---John Updike


Lovin Life, Truth Is

Louis Vuitton Wins Record Fake Goods Payout (Canada)

Next stop US.
Louis Vuitton Malletier has been awarded more than CAD1m (US$0.94m) in damages and costs after rogue traders in British Columbia sold fake copies of its accessories.
The luxury goods company, part of the LVMH empire, had sought to set a precedent in bringing the case against 46353 BC Ltd, which traded under a number of retail names including Wynnie Lee Fashion, Wynnie Lee, Francisca Hung-Yee Ngan, Lisa Le Dung Tran, 560148 BC and Jacqueline Lee, all based in Richmond, British Columbia.
Sitting in the Supreme Court of British Columbia, Justice Mary Ellen Boyd said the defendants had acted "wilfully and knowingly" in selling fake copies of Louis Vuitton scarves, handbags, purses, wallets and belts.
Awarding a record amount of C$20,000 per violation, Justice Boyd said the retailers had continued to sell the fake goods over a six-year period, ignoring a series of court orders, Federal Court judgments and cease and desist notices.
They had sought to avoid detection by hiding the items in drawers in the shops and refusing to offer receipts for goods, the court heard.
Louis Vuitton Malletier had originally brought the action after seizing hundreds of fake items from a Wynnie Lee store in 2004.
"We are extremely pleased by this precedent-setting victory in our global fight against counterfeiting, particularly in Canada where the legal framework for the enforcement of Intellectual Property rights is not as strong as in other countries," said Nathalie Moulle-Berteaux, intellectual property director of Louis Vuitton.
Louis Vuitton also pointed to an earlier case brought against Lin Pi-Chu Yang in British Columbia last November, which led to a payout of over C$260,000.
"Through these decisions, the judges have sent a strong message to counterfeiters that their illegal activities will not be tolerated by the Canadian courts," said Moulle-Berteaux.

Thankyou Mary Dan from Just Style for the story.


"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing."---Abraham Lincoln

Lovin Life, Truth Is

On The Campaign Trail: K by Lagerfeld

**Image courtesy of K by Karl Lagerfeld

So it's been a while since I have done a "Campaign Trail" post. So for my triumphant return I present to you an image from the K by Karl Lagerfeld ad campaign for Fall/Winter 08/09. The images were taken by the Karl himself, who released a book of photography earlier this year in May. This campaign features models Jeisa Chiminazzo and Brad Kroenig both of whom Lagerfeld has used for his previous campaigns. I hope you all enjoy.

***LANCEL***

There is simply no explanation, no description, no words, for the absolute artistry I'm about to bring you. I'll have to admit that I'd only heard of them once back in 2004 before this blog was even born. I even venture to say it was one of those conversations that was you really don't take seriously. Now that I'm writing this blog I take everything seriously because you never know where you next big lead is going to come from. LANCEL, please don't forget someone told you about them only to be reminded of them later on like I did! I know, I know, I just did handbags yesterday! Believe me when I tell you, you'll be glad I did LANCEL today. (Just so you know, when you get to the website click on The Maison Lancel, then click Lancel Vintage)

Vintage 1930---Clutch Bag in Brown Crocodile with Calman's head and feet added. Interior taupe with a zipped pocket, vanity mirror and a purse. Special Order

Vintage 1937 Black and Blue Leather Surrealist Umbrella Bag with a Faux Ivory Ball Handle. Middnight Blue moire interior with a small pocket. Reeditioned in 1996.

Vintage 1930 Evening Clutch Bag with Flap and Inside Compartment in Black Elephant Skin and smooth leather. White metal logo clasp. Black Lambskin interior.

Vintage 1890, Minaudierie in Morrocco leather with a "Bookbinding" tooled finish on one side. Green woven Satin Interior. Contains a purse, vanity mirror, and a powder-puff sleeve. Purse in a "cordoue leather" style, lined with morrocco leathered and green woven satin.

Now that's a WOW! I'd pay for these bags with out any reservations! Besides their Vintage Collection of Bags their line for this year is outstanding too. Check it out! Sales on the Internet as well as stores in Chicago, Detroit, New York and Washington , DC.

"We need men who can dream of things that never were."---John F. Kennedy

Lovin Life, Truth Is

America's Lingerie Spectacular

Few trade shows can boast a lingerie runway show as part of their program of events - except, of course, Lingerie Americas, the semi-annual gathering of the intimate apparel industry in the U.S. In some respects, for those in attendance Lingerie Americas’ Monday, Aug. 4, show in New York arguably eclipsed the popular televised Victoria’s Secret Angels show - maybe not in terms of star wattage (no Heidi Klums or Gisele Bundchens here), but it hit the mark as a creatively produced Folies Bergere-like spectacle inspired by the art of cinema, which featured professional dancers and a huge breadth of international lingerie brands all bathed in golden light and reflected in the Art Deco mirrored columns of Cipriani’s 23rd Street. The two-part show, which featured nearly 100 looks from more than 40 brands from their Spring/Summer 2009 collections, opened with a choreographed dance number with dancers outfitted like the stars of “A Chorus Line” in black bodysuits, bowler hats and bow ties, followed by a runway presentation with models wearing French brands such as Aubade, Princess Tam Tam, Simone Perele, Gerbe and Huit commenced, showing the latest and greatest underpinnings find their way to the boudoir. A second dance number introduced the next section of the show, a collection of American and international brands including Badgley Mischka, Jessica Simpson Intimates, Nautica, Allure Inside Out, Blus and Feraud. The three-day Lingerie Americas event concludes today, Tuesday, Aug. 5, after showcasing about 200 intimate apparel and swimwear brands and included the launch of the Playboy White Label, set to hit stores next February in time for Valentine’s Day, as well as first-time exhibitor Jessica Simpson Intimates.


Thankyou Renata Espinosa for the story and FWD for the photographs.

"What are the three words guaranteed to humiliate men everywhere? HOLD MY PURSE!"

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Sean John Appoints Dawn Robertson As President

Sportswear brand Sean John has named former Gap, Inc. executive Dawn Robertson as its new president, effective immediately.
In this role, Robertson will work directly with Sean "Diddy" Combs, the musician who is founder and chief executive officer of Sean John.
Robertson most recently served as president of Old Navy for a two-year spell. Prior to that she was managing director of Australian department store chain Myer.
Before Myer, Robertson served as president and chief merchandising officer of Federated Direct, a division of Federated Department Stores overseeing the online and catalogue businesses for Macy's and Bloomingdale's.
Sean "Diddy" Combs said: "We are very excited to have Dawn join the Sean John team on the eve of our 10 year anniversary. As the new president, she will help continue the dynamic growth and expansion of our brand. Her experience in fashion retail is a great asset to the Sean John brand."
Dawn Robertson said: "This is a great opportunity and exciting challenge. Sean's marketing genius combined with his design inspiration creates enormous value in the Sean John brand. Our plan is to build this brand into an international powerhouse."

"Vision is not enough, it must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs."---Vaclav Havel

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Treesje & Jennifer Alfano

I was going to start off nice and slow. You know take my time and shop just a little bit...But...well I kept seeing bags that were not only simply beautiful, but bags that were practical and well made. Treesje & Jennifer Alfano round out this week's splurge. I hope you enjoy it, I sure did!

Treejse/ Harlow, Harlow Collection

Treesje/Divino, Divino Collection

Jennifer Alfano/ "Gramercy Hobo Bag"

Jennifer Alfano/ "Get Away"

Actually there are many more bags at their respective sites. Just a smorgasbord of style and luxury. Check them out when you get a chance.

"Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius."---Fulton J. Sheen

Lovin Life, Truth Is

Just Wanted To Share This.....

I just had to share this: (Click on the link below)

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/chris_abani_muses_on_humanity.html

One of my absolute favorite things to do on the web is get comfortable and listen to TED. TED is an invitation-only event where the world's leading thinkers and doers gather to find inspiration. It's a talk that Chris Abani gave about HUMANITY on TED. Chris Abani tells stories of people: People standing up to soldiers. People being compassionate. People being human and reclaiming their humanity. It's "ubuntu," he says: the only way for me to be human is for you to reflect my humanity back at me.

"You can steele your heart against any kind of trouble any kind of horror but the simplest act of kindness from a total stranger will unstitch you."---Mrs. Daphne Abani

Lovin Life, Truth Is

In Case You Missed It...

Madame Carla Bruni-Sarkozy sat down with and up close and candid interview with Barbara Walters that aired on Friday August 1st. Not everyone was able to or wanted to skip that date and catch the interview. For those of you that have been hiding under a rock, Carla Bruni recently married France's President Sarkozy after three months of a whirlwind romance. Then if that weren't enough, she took The Queen and London by storm when she sat in with the royals decked out in one of the most fabulous Prada-designed wardrobe's I've seen in the 21st century. Bruni who makes no qualms about her past {which includes the likes of Mick Jagger} mentions that "it was love at first sight" when she met Nicolas Sarkozy. You can view the full interview and watch video clips here.