Secret Undiscovered

I finally know where I want to die and be buried (well, not really). But I am thinking about revamping my upcoming vacation and instead of hitting the beaches I might opt for oriental. Well not full-blown, just in Tokyo at the Armani Ginza Spa. Which encompasses entire fifth floor of the eleven-floor Goirgio Armani Tower in the world-famous Ginza District on Tokyo's premier Showa-Dori Avenue (the city's equivalent of NYC's Fifth Ave or L.A.'s Rodeo Dr.) and it offers the perfect escape for those trying to leave behind the stress of urban dwelling and success. The spa compliments itself with gold and beige interior and incorporates Zen elements to complete the visual relaxation. Upon reviewing the spa's menu, you will see numerous options involving obsidian (volcanic rock said to have regenerative properties) that has been imported from the islands of Italy and crushed into powder. If you would like to go for the full services of this uber luxurious spa try the Armani Ceremony. You start off with a cup of green tea to soothe and help you relax. After that, your feet are soaked in obsidian that is hot and liquefied all while your assigned shiatsu master and therapist pinpoint where you have the most stress and tension. Finally, you're guided to the treatment area for three hours massages, exfoliation and re hydration to release that last bit of residual tension that still might be in your body. Only issue with this is that you can't bring everyone home with you. Nor can you bring the scenery or great shopping. For those people that don't want to indulge in the full ceremony can opt just for a simple massage and maybe go to dinner on the tenth floor of the building, maybe to floors one thru four to do some ultra chic shopping. Each floor specializes in a particular department of Armani.

**Image courtesy of fashionbreaking @ blogspot

I Gotta Get Glasses!

Ok, I would ordinarily dread this but I get the chance to shop so......What's to dread? For only the second time in my life I am going to have to get glasses. I'm putting that lasik surgery off for at least 6 months. (Maybe my eyes will correct themselves!) In the mean time I'll just continue to take my supplements and wear my........it's hard to say......I'll wear my glasses. On to the shopping! (Actually, I feel so good about this so I'm gonna shop for sunglasses too!) The first selection is Armani's AX119. Their pink, chic, clean and they come in black too. Actually I had to visualize these with a transition lens. (A lens that changes with the light). They're sooo cute. They hold up pretty good. The next pair is by Miu Miu, Model 15DV. I think the tortoise shell looks pretty good. They have a bold modern look to them. This next pair is by Versace I didn't know whether to show you the purple, black or this orange. These are my "Going- out-cause-I-want-to glasses." They are sophisticated, yet modern. All of these glasses can be found at Gooptic, Glasses on the Web, and Frames Direct. I'd say this is a good start for me. I have many more frames pour through. I'm just getting started!

"We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated." Maya Angelou

Lovin Life, truthis

Notes On A Sandal

It's almost summer and I don't know about the rest of the world but I happen to have a minor (well not minor) obsession with sandals. If I weren't in cold, wet, rainy weather, I would probably wear them year round. And as powerful women, we all know that there is nothing that makes us feel better than a feminine, sexy sandal (unless you have bad feet, then I don't know what to tell you). Upon shoe shopping I found dozens of shoes that I just couldn't wait to share with you guys.

(Shoe Descriptions got from left to right)

• Stella McCartney- what more can I say, I L-O-V-E these shoes.
• Chloe's Patent Leather Sandals remind you of the mod-squad. But they are ever so cute to me. Urban and funky.
• Betsey Johnson fun, bright,playful and flirty. What can you say abut Betsey besides she's a genius. She's so much fun.
• Prada Patent Flower Sandal- This shoe has some major artistry. It reminds you of those art projects that you used to do back in elementary school. Oh and of course it brings back that famous chunk heel.
• L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani, these shoes are adorable and simple.
• Prada
  

(Shoe's ordered from right to left, counter-clockwise)

1. Christian Louboutin's Zipper sandal says FIERCE! and if you f*** with me I'll mess you up!
2. Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Sandals- It's a continuation of the Yves Saint Laurent Tribute that became so popular last year (See sexy peep-toe that women killed for). This beautiful shoe has a 4 inch platform heel and it's reminiscent of a ancient Roman Sandal. This shoe comes in two colors, blue and tan. They are available on NeimanMarcus.com
3. Stuart Weitzman's Bogus Satin Platform. These beauties come in black or pink. Think Espidrille meets your favorite Louboutins. Available at Stuart Weitzman boutiques and Weitzman.com.
4. Guiseppe Zanotti's Jeweled Fish Sandal with a heel at three inches but enough bling to blind even the sharpest of visionaries and enough luxury to make you weep for St. Tropez. This strappy number is immaculate. Perfect for office event, or of course, you cant dress them down with your fave pair of skinny jeans.
5. Emilio Pucci Satin Twist Slingback- Pucci, known for his colorful print scarves has decided to turn his scarf into a shoe. This very cute ensemble is good to go, not to mention that is could go very well with several different outfits.
6. Gucci- Patent leather sandal that comes in two colors, glossy gold or stunning black. I picked these shoes because they just "SCREAM" sexy. You can wear these with a pair of jeans or with that cute little dress you plan on wearing to dinner.

My Umbrella

It's spring in my book and on my calendar. They say, "April Shower's Bring May flowers." True. True. So in the meantime I'm gonna need something to keep those showers off my head. Burberry's "Script Umbrella "is cute and functionally sound. The construction is pretty good too. Burberry is consistent when it comes to style and functionality. Burberry is available at Saks Fifth Avenue. European-Umbrella is my top pick. Their umbrella's come from Britain, Germany and Italy. They have their own line which is truly exquisite. All of them are hand constructed, and there are handles made of Mother-of-Pearl, Malacca Cane, Congo Chestnut, Maple, Ash, Canadian Maple and even the very rare Perlbamboo Handle. Their umbrellas are a true investment pieces. They are truly exquisite works of art. Very, and I mean very well constructed and sure to stand up to many-a-storm. I didn't even think I could get excited about an umbrella until I saw these! Hand's down-European-Umbrella is the place to get an umbrella that will stand the test of time. Definitely worth mentioning, is Louis Vuitton's "Arc en Ciel Umbrella" (pictured) and is actually worth the cost. This ones available at e-luxury. There's one named "Arc-en-Ciel Croisette" viewable at the website that you should see also. The things that are interesting to note about these umbrellas is that they have a wooden mast, natural cowhide handle, and a minimum of 93% UV protection. Of course well constructed. (Can't have my fashionista's out there gettin' wet) Oh, and their really cute! Not a bad investment at all.


"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing."-- Albert Einstein

Lovin Life, truth is

Want A New Wallet?

While I was busy looking in my purse this morning I noticed that I WANT A NEW WALLET. So you guessed it, I'm goin shoppin.' I looked at the wallets from Louis Vuitton and I would have to say out of all of the wallets in that line, I like the "Eugenie' Wallet" most of all. It's got twelve credit card slots, two pocket back sacth, an exterior pocket with a zipper clousure, and a transparent pocket for my license. Went over to Prada to look and see if they had anything and wouldn't you know it they had this lovely, yet very functionable "Saffiano Metal Oro Continental Wallet." Definitely a looker. This one goes on the contender list right along with the Louis Vuitton. Coming in not too distant third for consideration is a Burberry's "Haymarket Molly" wallet it's a definite maybe. So there you have it my top three choices. I'll make a decision within a week.


“To me, every cubic inch of space is a miracle.” ---Walt Whitman

Lovin Life, truthis

Revisited: Rain, Rain, Go Away

COLOR EDITION!!!

Ok I know we all love how a nice trench coat makes us look regal and beautiful. But don't you get tired of your traditional tan & khaki colored ones. (Yea maybe its just me) Well here are some alternatives if you love to spice it up.

Custo Barcelona Trench $300 @ custobarcelona.com

Carolina Herrera Flower Trench $4290 @ Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus & Bloomingdales

Coach Trench $700 @ Coach.com

Juicy Couture Pink Trench $348 @ ShopBop.com

Muriel $260 @ RevolveClothing.com

DKNY Meets Cute As A Button?

What happens when trendy urban DKNY (produced by Donna Karan) line mixes with something that's as cute as a button? You get the collabo of DKNY and Rachel Bilson. She announced on March 13th, that she will be designing a line for DKNY. Entitled Edie Rose for DKNY Jeans (after Bilson’s grandmother and a close family friend), the capsule collection features 15 sportswear separates which include T-shirts, button-down shirts, dresses, and of course, jeans. All ranging from black-and-white palette, accentuated with some California girl yellow hues. Bilson told WWD (Women's Wear Daily) that "she contacted the folks at DKNY Jeans to ask if she could design a small line for the label." And they said, "Yes." The collection will hit stores in September.

**Image courtesy of NYLON magazine.

Scarves

Every spring, (or every Pre-Spring) I always see someone in a convertible with a scarf and sunglasses on. So in the interest of helping to keep that "Welcoming to Spring Ritual" alive and well we'll just take a look at some of these silk scarfs. Ode to Hermes--I mean, What more can you say? There is nothing I can say to you to convey the sheer artistry of these silk scarves. The company was founded by Frenchman Thierry Hermes in 1837. It specialized in saddles and leather goods during the first years. The Hermes scarf was introduced in the early 1930's. Since then the company has produced some of the most original, artistic, beautiful and luxurious scarfs ever seen. Their spring collection is one that won't disappoint. There are numerous websites that are dedicated to collecting and selling these scarfs. Go to the ORIGINAL HERMES and you will be sure to get an original product. That being said, another excellent choice is Gucci. Gucci has some time honored designs that are excellent. I'd wear a Gucci scarf and not just for the label either! Louis Vuitton has some beautiful designs too. Like the "Saint Tropez Scarf" pictured here. You can go over to Dakini for different ways to wear your silk scarf. They have a Cancer Cure Pouch section that I ask you to please check out while you're there.

"Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them."

Orison Swett Marden

Lovin Life, truthis

F*ive W's: Big Drop NYC

What: Big Drop New York City

Who: Big Drop founders (and second cousins) David Katzav and Shy Iland says their stores' name reflects it origins as a retailer of men's street and surf wear "big drop" is surfer slang for describing how waves break.

When: Founded in 1990 in the Soho district of New York.


Where: Big Drop has three locations in and around New York and launched an international store in Tel Aviv in 2006. They are working on adding another Manhattan location. And plan to add two new stores each year for the next four years across the United States, most likely locations are Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

1. Soho 174 Spring Street New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212.966.4299 Fax: 212.966.4314 Store Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm Sunday
   
2. Upper East Side 1321 Third Avenue New York, NY 10021T: 212.988.3344F: 212.861.7404 Store Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Sat 12pm-7pm Sunday
   
3. Soho 425 West Broadway New York, NY 10012 Phone: 212.226.9292 Fax: 212.226.6291 Store Hours: 11am-8pm Mon-Sat 12pm-8pm Sunday

Why Their HOT: The items that they select are cool and trendy yet unique and original. and that's why the retailer is so successful. They recently just introduced a few big names at their stores, but they are very methodical about their selections. They made a name for themselves by discovering up and coming designers in apparel and accessories. Distinguishing themselves by selecting pieces that often went under the radar and were more affordable.


How: Each season Big Drop unveils new merchandise each season and about 30 percent of that is from new designers and throughout the rest of the year they continue to introduce key items. The average retail prices for their handbags range between $250-$750. and average prices for jewelry range between $40-$240. The super-hot founders plan to keep up their expansion through their finely honed ability to spot trends before they emerge. The website shows shoppers how to they can wear different styles for different occasions. Big Drop has a blog filled with dressing tips.



**Some images are courtesy of BigDropNYC and their various collections.

Puppy Love

A Beagle? A Poodle? A Yorkshire? Perhaps a Doberman. I love each and everyone of these creatures. We are just a month away from my dog's birth. I'm busy making my home puppy proof, and studying everything I can about the breed (Doberman). And it's going to be a girl! Which got me to thinkin, hhmmm' I wouldn't put any clothes on a Doberman (okay maybe a t-shirt) but I wonder what kind of outfits I can find for little doggies. Due to the fact that it is Election season I would have to get the adorable T-Shirts from SimplyPetsOnline. Democrat and Republican t-shirts that come with matching Democrat or Republican Collars too. Juicy Couture's "Canvas Pocket Leash Set,""Scottie Dog Carrier," and their "Dog Bowl Travel Set" are too cute. Louis Vuitton has a cute little "Monogram Canvas Sac" Chein (Dog Carrier) and a "Monogram Dog Collar." They are available at e-luxury.

I'm guessing I'll go to PoshPawz for my baby. They have some really nice collars and I want one for my puppy already!

"Work at saying exactly what you mean, and learn to mean exactly what you say." --Unknown


Lovin Life, truthis