What Makes French Perfume Timeless? The Mystique of Chanel, Paris

A fragrant walk through history

Paris, France is still considered the perfume capitol of the world and with good reason. Just think back to Empress Josephine's splashing the boudoir walls of Versailles with heady perfumes which can still be noted to this day! I have a precious little perfume bottle which belonged to my grandmother. The fragrance is still there, even though the bottle is empty. Yet is is just as I remember it as a child. 

Paris Fashion Week - Christian Dior Autumn Winter 2015 - 2016 Collection with Interview

Title: Christian Dior - Womenswear Show Autumn/Winter 2015/16 in Paris with interview 

Description: An urban, animal and irresistible wardrobe designed by Raf Simons for Christian Dior.An animal woman on the Christian Dior catwalk set up right in the heart of the square courtyard of the Louvre. Raf Simons reinterprets with modernity the animal and camouflage prints for the short dresses without sleeves with mock turtlenecks. 

The allure is dynamic and emphasised even more by the black models with coloured linings. The masculine-feminine spirit is found through the turned up calf-length tailored trousers in tweed. The coloured fur gives a primitive and wild air to this Amazonian. The little fringed skirts with cut-outs are worn with men’s shirts without collars. And the perforated leather outfits for a knitwear effect have a real modernity. 

To note: the paperclip earrings and the patent, heeled thigh high boots completing this urban and irresistible wardrobe! 

Interview: Raf Simons: It’s almost animal print, almost the most cliché print in fashion, in women’s fashion especially I think, so therefore for me I think it was important that if I took it as an inspiration that it wouldn’t look like how we know it, and I kind of liked to almost abstract them to make them sometimes quite present, and sometimes almost not present, so they will become a new kind of symbol or a new kind of camouflage.

Stella Tennant: I really like the purity, the simplicity of what he does because there’s a kind of depth in the way that he uses with the materials, that I think is very interesting and original. Music from the show.

I'm looking forward to seeing designs from The House of Dior at the Cannes Fashion Festival in May as well! Details are HERE.
Video c/o Rightster.

Walks, Carriage Rides and Bus Tours - Fun Ways to See New York City

Taking a Carriage Ride through Central Park

New York, NY I always consider New York MY town as I have a lot of family living there and out on Long Island.  Spring is coming and you may want to make plans for springtime in New York. The best way to see and learn about New York City is to walk. The city is laid out on a grid and some of the numbered streets and avenues will change into names once you get into a certain neighborhood. An example is 8th Avenue turning into Central Park West once you get past Columbus Circle at 59th. It may seem like a different street due to the different name changes but it is in fact a continuous stretch of roadway. Eight Avenue starts in the West Village at Abingdon Square and goes all the way up to 155th street where it ends while merging with the Harlem River Drive. So in theory you could see much of the city by walking the length of 8th avenue!

Some of the sights along a 5th Avenue walk.

Walking Tours
My brother lived and worked in NYC and so would show me around to all the best shopping spots along 5th Avenue. One place I like to visit is Trump Tower. It is open to the public, has a Starbucks upstairs and a large open air atrium with tables and chairs where you can stop for lunch. Use a Google Street map and take someone with you for the day. I also like the views from Park Avenue which is a good route if you need to get uptown. There is a lot to explore in this section of Midtown up to Central Park South.

Pink Marble floors and walls of Trump Tower at 725 5th Avenue

Guided Foodie Themed Walking Tours - Sugartooth
Another way to see the city is via a guided walking "foodie" tour through various trendy neighborhoods in NYC. Sugartooth Tours offers a Cupcake Crawl and other such walking excursions that allow you to literally taste the city while absorbing local history. 

Co-Owner of Sugartooth Tours and musical theatre member, Allyson Tolbert.

I took a tour of Hell's Kitchen which included stops at Schmackary's between 47th and 9th Avenues, Poseidon Greek Bakery at 629, 9th Avenue, Little Pie Company at 424 East 43rd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues and Kee's Chocolates located at 315 West 39th Street.

Sugartooth Tours hits up some of the trendiest "sweet spots" in NYC.

Sugartooth Tours meet in NYC and the walks are about 1 1/2 hours long. Tour size limit is about 16 sight-seers as many of the shops are small. What's so amazing it you get to taste the best of the best or what each establishment is better known for. Schmackary's is known for their Maple Bacon Cookies with a Shot of Milk. Poseidon Greek Bakery has honey drenched Baklava to die for. The Little Pie Company makes a crazy good Sour Cream and Walnut Apple Pie and Kee's Chocolates is known for her adventurous chocolate truffles. Most of the stores on the tour offer mail order service and ship their delights across the country. More tours and booking information are included at SugartoothTours.com

Kee's Earl Grey Chocolate Truffle

Carriage Rides
Once you are that far uptown, you can take a walk through Central Park or a horse drawn carriage ride. Ride fees were about $50 for 1/2 hour. You'll need cash as the carriage drivers do not take credit cards or checks. 

Our horse drawn carriage ride ended with feeding Phineas a carrot!

We took the 30 minute tour though Central Park with Phineas as our carriage horse. These horses are very well taken care of with many of them coming from the Pennsylvania Dutch where they have done farm work as well as pulled carriages.

Iconic building views from the carriage ride through Central Park

Our carriage ride through Central Park went past the Zoo and Carousel with water fountains along the way that Phineas would walk over to take a drink whenever he pleased!

Another view from the carriage ride through Central Park

Definitely plan to take one of these romantic carriage rides through Central Park this spring before Mayor de Blasio puts the kibosh on them. 

The RIDE NYC - Party Bus Tours
Another fun way to see NYC is to take a bus tour. Some are double deckers and are great for when the weather is warm and sunny. I would recommend taking an enclosed bus with large windows like The RIDE. It has windows from the floor to over the roof so you really get a full view of the street scenes and buildings. The high tech light show and D.J. music are all part of the "Party Ride" as they picked us up from Lincoln Center Plaza at New York Fashion Week for a ride to the VIP Cocktail party at Tender Lounge. Crazy fun!  Check out the tours, dates and fees at The RIDE NYC Bus Tours

Entertainment on The RIDE: CNN's Katlean and designer Anthony Ryan Auld of Project Runway

NY Fashion Week editors, bloggers and journalists on The RIDE Bus.

Special Thanks to The RIDE for providing transportation to and from the shows for New York Fashion Week 2015.

Hair Salon Products for Pro Results at Home

You only need a few products to achieve soft shiny hair at home.

As the cooler, dryer air of fall into winter advances, we may find ourselves in an uphill battle to keep our locks healthy and shiny. One of the problems is caused by dryer air generated by indoor heating appliances. This included fireplaces which are oh so charming to sit by and roast chestnuts over. Your hair is also being baked!

So this is my short list of salon products I'm using right now that I've picked up during an appointment as recommended by some of NY's top hair stylists. Here we go:

Curlisto Haircare Collection
Developed by Christo of Christo Fifth Avenue in NYC, the man himself gave me the three smaller samples after my appointment a few weeks ago when his salon did my hair,nails and makeup for the ITNY's 2014 Benefit Gala
The Wall Street Journal and Women's Wear Daily have dubbed Christo "The King of Curls" as this celebrity stylist began his career at the tender age of 12 in his family's salon on the Greek Isle of Cyprus. His approach to curly hair is revolutionary, focusing first on nourishing it with ingredients that specifically address its unique challenges.

The Botanical Shampoo was lovely but what really got my attention was his Botanical Rinse. It really detangles and softens your hair like nothing I've ever used. So much so that I purchased a full sized bottle as seen here at my last visit to Christo's salon. 

The Deep Therapy Masque is also very good and reminds me of my favorite Mer-rouge Deep Conditioning Mask by Molton Brown - London. The Curlisto line is designed for curly hair but does not discriminate against straight. It is simply amazing and available online at Curlisto.com

Styling Helps

Nexxus Humectress Luxe Ultimate Moisture Leave In Spray is my favorite go-to after shampoo conditioner. My other is It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Plus Keratin which is great if you are going to flat iron or curl your hair as it is also protects against heat.

Bumble and bumble's Bb Tonic Lotion is great for bringing out the luster of darker hair shades as it contains Tea Tree, Nettle and Rosemary essential oils which are also good for your scalp's health. It's a rich mix of vitamins and herbs...so perfect for blow drying. I was turned on to this product by Commisso and Company of Port Washington, LI. 

Pro Tip: Just keep in mind that with these leave in products, a little goes are really long way. Most of us use far too much product which can weigh the hair down.

Natural Oils, Shine Boosters

dp HUE do Professional Oil Therapy
This product is an elegant blend of Argan oil, liquid shea butter with vitamins A & E. This is made for hair that is particularly dry or stressed. I like how it absorbs quickly and offers a rich shine. It also helps to speed drying time. It does contain Dimethecone as the second ingredient which is the only "con" I can cite however a little is all you need and the results are very impressive. Smells SO good too. Made in the UK. Visit dphue.com online.

CapriClear 100% Coconut Oil Spray
This is a very versatile coconut oil spray which unlike regular coconut butter, stays liquid even in cooler temperatures. Fractionated means this is coconut oil in its purest form without scent, color or preservatives. A little disappointing in the fragrance department because I really like the smell of coconut oil. All the same nothing beats this after a bath or shower as a super moisturizing and 100% natural spray. Made in the USA. Visit them online at capriclear.com

Pro Tip: To avoid weighing hair down with too much oil product, add less than a dime sized amount or half spritz to a boar bristle hair brush. You can even get them in 3 inch rounds for blow outs. The natural bristles are soft and evenly distribute the oil throughout your hair leaving it very soft and shiny. Natural boar hair is also more gentle on damp hair.

Picking up some more Curlisto Products! Christo of Christo 5th Ave.

My hair and makeup by Ray - Top Designer, c/o Christo Fifth Avenue
Pyrite Bracelets by Jaimie Nicole

Curls and Glamour at Christo Fifth Avenue

Christo's 5th Ave, loft is THE place for gorgeous curls and Red Carpet makeup artistry.

Midtown: Located at 35 West 45th Street between 5th and 6th, Christo Fifth Avenue is hailed as the "Curl Whisperer" among celebrity A-listers. Why? Well one reason is their philosophy of working with and even more celebrating naturally curly hair while turning it into something quite stunning.

We were invited to attend the Ice Theatre of New York's 30th Anniversary Benefit Gala and made an appointment at Christo Fifth Avenue. We were personally greeted by the most gracious host, Irina, who catered to us during the day and served wine in the afternoon. Likewise Yashira ordered lunch for us and made sure we had plenty of ice water.

Christo 5th Avenue

The whole atmosphere is more like visiting a very comfortable but posh artist's loft. Open, spacious yet intimate at the same time. Beautiful natural lighting from the huge 45th street windows and ambient lighting complimented with multiple chandeliers and warm hardwood floors throughout the space.

Owner and Designer, Christo

In 2002, Christo opened this 5th Avenue studio to cater to his A-List and Royalty clientele. However, everyone here is treated like a celebrity. Christo believes that hair is the #1 Fashion accessory in your wardrobe.  He practices the art of PsychoHair-Therapy and educates others on the care and styling of curly hair which often needs special treatment. In response to that, Christo has his own line of specially formulated treatments and styling products under the label, Curlisto. Each system comes in a set specific for your hair type and styling preferences. See them online at Curlisto.com  

Christo Fifth Avenue offers makeup, hair and nail styling

Gina's makeup by Kelly-Senior Designer (L) & hair by Rosaura Miranda (R) 

Gina has long wavy hair and has only had a Keratin Treatment over the summer. Her stylist, took time to make some helpful recommendations on her specific hair texture needs while choosing a style she could replicate at home.

Nails by Silvia Pineiro - Esthetician - Nail Technician

As for me, I had Ray - Top Designer and Aveda Institute graduate, do both my hair and makeup for the evening Gala. I wanted lift and body so Ray set my hair on large rollers while I had my nails done by Silvia Pineiro. Silvia's manicure included a heavenly hand massage and exfoliation treatment.

Her station has a little quiet place to relax and put your feet up. Silvia did a very fresh looking French Manicure which made my nails look very elegant and polished.

Christo 5th Avenue Nail Technician-Esthetician Silvia Pineiro

I was surprised that Ray was accomplished in both hair and makeup but I also noticed other Christo designers namely Kelly sporting the same dual skills. This makes these stylists highly desirable for runway shows, movie sets and red carpet events as they are able to pinch hit from one discipline to another.

Ray did my makeup before styling my hair and used both Mac and Makeup Forever palettes. He also added some false eyelashes and lots of drama for the eyes. However how he did my brows was a pure revelation. Beautifully sculpted to frame my face. Lastly he styled my hair using a 3 inch iron and a touch of light hair spray to give it extra lift. The finished look was simply fabulous!

Hair and makeup artistry by Ray - Top Designer

So the experience was everything we would have expected from a top level 5th Avenue salon...and more. Highly accomplished professionals who have a passion for their art. Give them a call for an appointment at (212)997-8800.

Now, for the evening event. Here we are on the red carpet at the Ice Theatre of New York's Benefit Gala & Cocktail Party:

(L-R) Gina Miczak, Sarah Hughes, Dr.Tenley Albright, Dr. Marie J Miczak

Dr. M and Ice Show Star, Richard "Mr. Debonair" Dwyer

Jewelry c/o Kathy Hershelow - Sublime Beauty
Dr. M's dress by Nora Gardner, NYC
Salon services c/o Christo Fifth Avenue

Travel Smarts: Chilly Jilly Wrap & Lounge Pants

In the limo to NYC: Chilly Jilly Wrappers make my stay feel more like home!

Summer is here! This means more trips to events, a weekend get-away, a cruise or a trip abroad. Where ever I go, I bring my Chilly Jilly Wrapper Blanket in a Bag and Lounge Pants. Why? Well for one thing, they are very easy to pack in my 24 hr bag because each piece comes in its own matching silky duffel.

Made in the USA Chilly Jilly Wrapper Blankets come in brown as shown here, black and slate. It measures: 37″x 60″ with its own Bag: 5 1/2″ X 9″. Stretchy and soft with a scalloped edge, they are perfect for the car, plane or train without taking up too much space in your bag. Once you arrive at your destination, throw it over yourself at the hotel if the air conditioning is a little high. Later toss it over your shoulders as a chic evening wrap for dinner. Wraps like these were very important in Elizabethan times as cultured society women always covered their arms. This still holds true today. When I was invited to meet HRH's Prince Alexander II and his wife HRH Princess Katherine in NYC a few weeks ago, I wore such a shawl to cover my arms as part of court etiquette. See the full article with photos HERE.

HRH Crown Princess Katherine and I in NYC

So wraps or shawls can fill an important roll in helping to keep you comfortable while traveling and also once you arrive at your destination. Chilly Jilly just made this easier by allowing you to stow one away in your purse!

If you are heading for the mountains or the shore, keep in mind the temperatures there can be much cooler than what your encounter inland. When we stayed at Crystal Springs Resort in northern NJ, there was a cool breeze coming across our patio from the Cascades. I brought my Chilly Jilly Wrapper Blanket and Lounge Pants along as each is brushed on both side thus so soft and silky. The Lounge Pants are very stylish and can be used: in the bedroom, at the pool, in the spa, entertaining guests, etc. They really look great and have a flattering wide waistband. I pair them with my Luxe Me Now Bronze Lurex Slippers and I'm in my home comfort zone.

Now I'm unpacked!

So no matter if your are staying at The Peninsula on 5th Avenue or at a mountain retreat, Chilly Jilly has got you covered! Want to see more? visit ChillyJilly.com online for their full selection.

Chilly Jilly Lounge Pants also come in a Silky Bag

Wrapper and Lounge Pants c/o Chilly Jilly

In Royal Fashion-Roksanda Ilincic & Vogue Italy's Rushka Bergman Do NYC Benefit Show

Vogue Fashion Editor Rushka Bergman and Designer Roksanda Ilincic team up for Serbian Flood Victims.

NYC, NY A wonderful charity dinner and fashion show was held on June 5th at the Liederkranz Foundation on 5th Ave. to help victims of the recent flooding in Serbia. The Lifeline New York Organization, whose Patron is HRH Crown Princess Katherine, hosted this event which included a press conference with both Her Royal Highness and HRH Crown Prince Alexander II.

Both HRH's gave insightful press conferences at the event.

Meeting the Press
We had a chance to interview the royal couple and see the whole community come together to lend their talents in support of HRH's charities which has a special affinity for Serbia's children. In fact HRH Princess Katherine created 7 charities in 10 days to answer the needs of her people in the areas of parental care, children with diabilities and improving the quality of healthcare. This charity dinner and fashion show raised nearly $40K which will help bring relief to citizens caught in, "Some of the worst flooding in over 100 years" according to Prince Alexander.

Worst flooding in over 100 years has hit Serbia, Bosnia and Croatia.

  
Charity Dinner & Music
After the press conference we retired for elegant dining and classical music performed by Soloist Jadranka Jovanovic who sang delightful arias from Bizet's Carmen. One the most active Serbian classical musicians, Professor Nikola Rackov accompanying her on grand piano.
We also saw a brief film showing the hardest hit of the Serbian flood zones. It was heart breaking yet encouraging to know that so many people want to help and are stepping forward. 

Fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic (standing) HRH Prince Alexander and Vogue Editor, Rushka Bergman at dinner.

The Fashion Show included lovely pieces from designer Roksanda Ilincic, a Serbian native who lent her support and incredible artistry to this charity event. Born in Belgrade, Roksanda earned an art degree in her country and then moved to London where she graduated from Central Saint Martins where she specialized in designing women's clothing. Also involved in putting together this show was contributing fashion editor for Vogue Italia and Italian L'Uomo Vogue, Rushka Bergman. Bergman has styled a profusion of people,(Micheal Jackson, Madonna, Jay-Z, Beyonce, etc.) while designing creative magazine covers and editorial features.

Here are some of the "runway" highlights from Roksanda's collection.

 

The Show's Finale!

Roksanda's collection focuses on a concept of femininity and beauty as well as attention to detail. The entire show offered bright, bold colorways with interesting geometry and design. It was a joy to see so many artists participating in this worthwhile event to assist flood victims of Serbia. If you would like to help or send a donation, please visit LifelineNY.org online for details.

L-R Yours Truly, Roksanda Ilincic and HRH Princess Katherine

My LBD dress, the Alyssa by fashion designer Nora Gardner, NYC.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Sea Stars by Diana Kauffman Jewelry Designs - Club Monaco

Beautiful statement pieces by Diana Kauffman Jewelry Designs

Mother's Day should remind you that beach season is just around the corner. This year, why not treat Mom (or yourself) to beautiful handcrafted jewelry that can be worn with a beach caftan or your favorite bikini?

Sea Star Earrings 2 with beautiful antique copper French Hooks

These earrings are gorgeous and perfect for a trip to the spa or a tropical resort. Handmade in the USA, these beautiful statement pieces are a gracious compliment to: sun dresses, beach wear, resort fashions, vacation honeymoons.

Sea Star Earrings 2
Strands of genuine leather in turquoise shades wave with artisan-made ceramic beads dangle from antique copper ear wires. See them online at DianaKauffmanDesigns.com

Sea Star Signature Necklace

This necklace compliments the Sea Star Earrings so beautifully, you'll look like that Saint Tropez model wearing them together! I really like the organic look of the necklace which showcases little sea treasures of a copper starfish and silver scallop shell. Absolutely stunning on tanned skin.

Sea Star Signature Necklace
Handmade Greek ceramic beads anchor this necklace made from SilverSilk; a non-tarnish, permanently enameled gunmetal wire knitted around a hematite bead chain. Embellished with copper starfish and silver clamshell.  Approx. length: 32”

Club Monaco Quartz Necklace
Another of my beachy favorites is the long green quartz necklace from Club Monaco, 5th Ave. My brother and I were shopping and we saw this piece and went "Wow". I've come to find out that such
quartz necklaces were worn as a sign of power and prestige in the British Isles centuries ago.

Club Monaco 5th Avenue Sea Foam Green Quartz Necklace

French Cloisonne Glass Perfume Holder
This is another of my favorite jewelry pieces for the shore. Inside the little winged creature is a large glass vial for your favorite perfume or fragrance oil. I prefer to use an anointing oil inside as it is thicker than perfume and less likely to spill out. There is a metal rod applicator inside the top and the necklace is silver.

French Cloisonne glass perfume holder