E-Mail Question: About Trends

I received an e-mail the other day, asking me: What current trends are you following?

Well, to be honest I try not to follow trends (which is probably a trend, too). If you notice I don't post a lot of them on here. Even though I love fashion, I try not to listen to, too many "experts" and just buy what I like even if it's not considered what's in.

But what I'm currently into are Cocktail Rings. Lately, they have become my Latest Obsession, I just like finding different and unique rings to wear out at night. They're fun and not something you have to take so seriously. Plus, they really make your hands stand out especially if you just got a manicure.


Joy Ring $39.50 Banana Republic



Duchess Stone Cocktail Ring $65.00 J.Crew



Boysen Beaded Elastic Ring $6.80 Forever21



Bon Voyage Ring $35.00 Banana Republic

L'Aroma & Queen Bee Host a New Children's Book Reading Series Event

What: L'Aroma & Queen Bee Introduce a New Children's Book Reading Series

Bring your kids this Saturday (2/27) to our new book reading series at Upstairs @ L'Aroma in West Newton. At the book readings, we will be reading children's books from different regions of the world. Kids will enjoy samples of desserts from the featured region. This week we will be serving the famous Australian dessert Pavlova at the reading. The dessert is also featured in the book Possum Magic that will be read (see below). All books selected will include exotic animals from Australia and we hope children will enjoy the experience of learning about different cultures through the readings.


When: Saturday, Feburary 27th 3:00p.m.

To attend, please sign up for the event by replying by call 617-630-0006.

Include your name, the ages and names of children that are attending. * The book reading is free. Sign up is required as we have limited space.

Feel Free to contact us with any questions.

Where:

L'Aroma & Queen Bee
15 Spencer St
West Newton, MA 02465
Tel: 617-630-0006

Unable to attend, here are a few books your little one might be interested in:



Possum Magic
by Mem Fox

Grandma Poss uses her best bush magic to make Hush invisible. But when Hush longs to be able to see herself again, the two possums must make their way across Australia to find the magic food that will make Hush visible once more.




Edwina the Emu
by Sheena Knowles

In this sequel to the popular Edward the Emu, Edward and his mate Edwina are the proud parents of ten little emu eggs. "Don't get depressed. I'll find a job, you stay on the nest," says Edwina to her stunned mate. And so Edwina sets out to find a job in this lighthearted offering from down under.






Koala Lou
by Mem Fox

When Koala Lou’s mother becomes so busy that she forgets to tell her firstborn how much she loves her, Koala Lou enters the Bush Olympics, intending to win an event and her mother’s love all at one time.




Diary of a Wombat
by Jackie French

In his diary, a wombat describes his life of eating, sleeping, and getting to know some new human neighbors.

Exhibit: Heart and Soul: Art from Coretta Scott King Award Books

How was your Valentine's weekend? It was a nice relaxing weekend for me. I did go to see Valentine's Day. I thought it was really cute and funny. Did anyone else see it? I really liked it.

----------- S&F ---------------

Bryan Collier, 2005. Illustration from Rosa. Written by Nikki Giovanni. Published by Henry Holt and Company.

What: The Hearts and Souls of musicians and poets, great eats of Bravery and Risk, and Spiritual Uplift are some of the memorable messages portrayed in this collection of picture books.

Heart and Soul features original illustrations by artists who have won the Coretta Scott King Award or Honor Award, presented annually to recognize the contributions of African American illustrators and authors whose stories promote an understanding and appreciation of the culture of all peoples and their contributions to the American dream. The winners are selected by the Coretta Scott King Committee of the American Library Association's Ethnic Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT).


When:
November 21, 2009 – April 18, 2010
Gallery 10 and Ryan Education Center


Where:
The Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois, 60603-6404
General Information: (312) 443-3600


Price:
Free General Admission for the entire month of February
Adults: $18
Children, Students, and Seniors (65 and up): $12
Children under 14: Free
Members: Free


Hours:
Mon,Wed and Fri 10:30am – 5:00pm
Thurs 10:30am – 8:00pm (Free Admission 5:00pm – 8:00pm)
Sat – Sun 10:00am – 5:00pm

Spa Find: Two Stress Reducing Massage Treatments for the Girl on the Go

Stressed out, two affordable massage treatments from The Spa at Mohonk Mountain House (mohonk.com) will help you relax and ease the tension. The treatments are: Stress-Buster Back Therapy and Heavenly Head and Shoulders. These treatments will have you wondering how you ever felt so stressed all without blowing your budget (got to love that).

Where:
1000 Mountain Rest Road
New Paltz, NY 12561

To book spa services:
Call: 877-877-2664
E-mail: spa@mohonk.com


What: Stress-Buster Back Therapy, 25 minutes for $70.00

The service includes the blending techniques of a Swedish massage, acupressure, and stretching that will relieve the tension and ease your sore muscles. Also, included is a soothing herbal hot pack that is applied to the upper and lower back.


What: Heavenly Head and Shoulders, 25 minutes for $70.00

This treatment includes a massage for the face, head, shoulders, and neck that will soothed stressed muscles and relieves sinus congestion, TMJ (jaw) pain and headaches. You also have your choice of blended aroma-essential oils to compliment your treatment.

2 Clutter Free Tips That Work for Me

Despite almost getting stuck in the snow twice this morning I'm still in a good mood. I've been trying to keep one of my resolutions of decluttering and it feels good not to have a lot stuff taking up space. Two of the things I'm doing to try to stay organized and clutter free are:

* I've cut back on buying a lot of magazines (which tend to pile up on my table anyway). I only buy the issues I really want to read.

* I've continue to cut back on buying a lot of beauty products (a majority of them used to end up cluttering up my bathroom). I only buy the items I'm truly interested in. I don't need to try every new item that hits the shelf. It makes it so much easier to find what I'm looking for.

An unexpected little bonus, I've saved a good amount of money by doing both. I think I'll start saving the money for something fun.

How's your New Year's Resolutions going? Are you staying motivated?

Work Chic: Crinkled Belted Skirt

Tall Crinkled Belted Skirt $69.50 Banana Republic

I really love this skirt, it's casual sophistication. To wear it, think effortless French glamour, just pair it with a simple top such as a black v-neck short sleeve top (paired with a long black cardigan) or with a black fitted short or long sleeve turtleneck. Don't over do the accessories, wear with either a necklace or a bracelet with your watch. You want to let the skirt be the center piece.



Stem Organic Cotton V-Neck Tee $28.00 Nordstrom

Movie Bowl Not Super Bowl Party

Hi, I hope everyone had a great weekend.

Who watched the Superbowl? Well.........I didn't. My friends and I decided to have a Movie Bowl instead. I'm not sure who came up with the idea but we all just decided we'd would rather watch a few movies, eat good food (including lots of desserts) and have fun. So, we put the movies in four categories: Best Fashion, Inspirational, Best Vampires and Epic Sci-Fi Battles. After each set of movies, we voted and the winners got small gifts (for $10 or less) like lip gloss, hand lotions, nail polish, bracelets, etc.

Best Fashion:
Sex and the City vs Devils Wears Prada
Winner: Sex and the City

Inspirational:
The Last Holiday vs Julie & Julia
Winner: Tie

Best Vampires:
Underworld vs Twilight
Winner: Underworld

Epic Sci-Fi Battles:
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith vs Star Trek (the new one)
Winner: Almost a tie but most of the girls picked Star Trek for Chris Pine. My choice was Star Wars but oh well.

Sorry, boys we may try to watch the game with you next year, but we had so much fun, we might do it again. We'll see.

12 Yummy Valentine's Treats

Valentine's Day is the perfect opportunity to indulge in yummy rich non-calorie counting treats. Single or Coupled? Why not treat yourself.


The Berry Factory 1/2 Dozen Love Berries
$29.99 berryfactory.com


Godiva Token of Affection Gift Set
$25.00 godiva.com



Rose Petal Truffles
$36.00 Dean & DeLuca (deandeluca.com)
handmade dark chocolate truffles filled with dark chocolate rose water ganache, topped with rose petals




Godiva Pink Vanilla Buttercream Cupcakes (Limited Edition)
6 cupcakes for $28.00 godiva.com



Personalized Chocolate Heart
$22.50 Internet/catalog only Williams-Sonoma (williams-sonoma.com)



Marzipan Couples $20 Dean & DeLuca (deandeluca.com)
choose from either Pig or Panda couple




Love Bug Truffles
$25.00 Moonstruck Chocolatier (moonstruckchocolate.com)
includes six hand-dipped and hand-decorated Love Bugs: 3 Rasberry and 3 Strawberry



Godiva Chocolate Ganache Layer Cake $45.00 godiva.com




Be Mine Crispie Chocolate Tote
$16.00 Dylan's Candy Bar (dylanscandybar.com)
heart shaped chocolate biscuits (cookies) with pink icing



The Berry Factory 1 Dozen Swizzle Berries Gift Box
$37.99 berryfactory.com
includes 4 white chocolate, 4 milk chocolate and 4 dark chocolate covered berries



Moonstruck Chocolatier Wrapped Gift Collection 9-piece Chocolate Truffles
$23.00 (moonstruckchocolate.com)



XOXO Cookies
$50.00 Only at Dean & DeLuca
18 hand-cut, hand-iced sugar Xs and Os cookies

Arise Magazine Headlines Top African Designers at New York Fashion Week

New York, NY, February 3, 2010 — Leading global African-themed style and cultural magazine ARISE selected top African designers: Black Coffee, Loin Cloth and Ashes, and Deola Sagoe to showcase Fall/Winter 2010 designs during the publication’s AFRICAN COLLECTIVE PART III Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runway presentation.

On Saturday, February 13th at 8 p.m., show producer Jan Malan will transform Bryant Park’s largest venue, The Tent, into a living African landscape with elaborate staging inspired by award-winning poet Ben Okri. Models will walk through a virtual day and night on the great continent flush with excitement as South Africa gears up to host the FIFA World Cup and many states celebrate a half century of independence as well as economies poised for rapid growth.

The AFRICAN COLLECTIVE PART III, along with a series of international ARISE-branded events, will act as a unique and valuable platform for the great scope of talent ARISE Magazine documents monthly. Chairman and CEO Nduka Obaigbena of Leaders & Co., parent company to this London-based publication and Nigeria’s best-selling newspaper THISDAY, believes the event will create and promote positive images to its readership residing throughout the world and even encourage investment in African nations.

“Our tomorrow is bright,” said Obaigbena, “Showing for the third consecutive season at Bryant Park and in a larger venue is a testament to the continued success of our initiatives. I look forward to what is sure to be an amazing usage of African visual aesthetics recreated on the catwalk.”

Fresh from Berlin Fashion Week and receiving the Mercedes Benz South Africa Best Fashion Award 2009, Black Coffee designers Jacques van der Watt and Danica Lepen are new to a US audience. “It's a great experience for us and a little bit of a treat in a business that is a great deal of hard work,” said van der Watt.

Lagos-based Deola Sagoe will be returning to New York Fashion Week after a decade. “To have come this far ordains a measure of success that I could not have imagined for myself. I am thrilled and honoured to be showing in New York.”

For the first time, an emerging designer, Loin Cloth and Ashes, from Tanzania, will also be part of the collective ensuring a triumvirate of African Design is represented. “My one dream was always to show my work in Africa,” said Anisa Mpungwe. “I would have never for one minute thought that I would ever show overseas, let alone in America, I am grateful to ARISE Magazine for this incredible opportunity.”

In addition to the New York show, ARISE Magazine will present during Paris Fashion Week on March 5, 2010, and host a Fashion Rocks! event in Johannesburg on July, 9, 2010. The highly-anticipated event will feature a fashion show and simultaneous performance by an uber, American songstress.


Kirsten Steglich
Paul Wilmot Communications
(212) 206-7447 x17
ksteglich@greatpress.com

SELF Magazine with Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba, who will be in the upcoming movie Valentine's Day, is on the cover of the February issue of SELF magazine. In it she talks about what she does to de-stress (playing with her daughter, Honor), the cause she cares about (education), what she loves about Ashton Kutcher (his sense of humor) and much more.

I always liked Jessica Alba because she never seemed to be in the middle of the young Hollywood party scene and you never heard of her getting into any trouble. Plus she has great style (but never like she was trying too hard).

Christian Audigier to Unveil New Clothing Line the same guy at Project Las Vegas

Designer Christian Audigier Reinvents Basics with Simple, Fresh, Washes and Bodies

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 3 -- Designer Christian Audigier creates easy-to-wear staples with the launch of his new apparel brand, the same guy™. The contemporary line offers classic pieces ranging from solids to one-of-a-kind washes and treatments. The same guy™ will debut at Project Las Vegas, February 16-18th, and at Coterie, February 21-23rd. The flagship store at 8335 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles is slated to open February 2010.

The same guy™ reflects a minimalist design philosophy. Free of graphics and logos, the collection is inspired by the comfort and simplicity of vintage t-shirts which Audigier updates with a broad spectrum of fresh colors and new body styles. The garments are treated with a variety of unique washes offering endless style possibilities. The combination of proprietary treatments and high-quality fabrics produces an exceptional feel. The same guy™ basics includes cotton tees and knits for men and women and retails between $32 and $92.

The same guy™ is a stylistic departure from Von Dutch™ and Ed Hardy®, two brands that Audigier successfully built into global fashion powerhouses. The same guy™ comes as the next widely anticipated step for Audigier. "My new collection is like your favorite pair of jeans, you will want to live in these clothes," Christian Audigier remarked. "I created the same guy™ for men and women who want to look and feel great, especially during these challenging economic times. Our price point makes great quality and style affordable for everyone."

In addition to a rollout of 20 retail stores worldwide, the same guy™ is introducing a new retail platform with the ultimate shop-in-shop experience targeted for select, high-end retailers. The store-in-store design parallels the ambiance of the brand. The retail space is classic Americana and includes rustic elements of wood, iron and metal, with textures of suede and leather.

"This retail concept provides the ultimate shopping stage for everyone to truly experience the same guy™ lifestyle. It is industrial and comfortable, casual yet chic," Audigier explained. "We are selecting the best retail partners for our shop-in-shop, visionaries who want to give their customers a truly unique shopping experience." The same guy™ will be available at www.thesameguy.net in March 2010.

For media inquiries, or to schedule an interview with Christian Audigier at PROJECT Booth #146, February 16, 2010, please contact: Inhabit PR + The FBC Group

Inhabit PR
Twee Tran
Email: twee@inhabitpr.com


The FBC Group
Heather Carrington
Email: hcarrington@thefbcgroup.com


SOURCE Christian Audigier

Disappointed with Vanity Fair's Class of 2010

I'm very disappointed with the lack of diversity with Vanity Fair's Class of 2010. Did they have a hard time finding talented young actresses. Here are few they could of included: Freida Pinto, Jurnee Smollett, Yifei Liu, Jessica Szohr, Gabourey Sidibe, Kristin Kreuk, and Zoe Kravitz. It's sad that so many of these young actresses are often over looked because they don't fit the so-called "mainstream" view of image, beauty and accomplishments. Shame on you Vanity Fair, for a wasted opportunity.

Latest Obsession: Fitness Clothes

To keep myself motivated I like to update my workout clothes. I tend to favor bold colors for the tops with either black pants or shorts. Even if I'm just walking my dog, doing yoga or working out I feel energized and ready to workout.


Sports Bras/Tops:

aerie by American Eagle f.i.t. Padded Sports Bra $24.50 American Eagle



Contrast Racerback Bra $20.00 Gap.com



Seamless Anjali Cami $54.00 Athleta.gap.com



Chakra Tank $49.00 Athleta.gap.com



Nike 'Pro' Racerback Bra $28.00 Nordstrom


Hard Tail T-Back Halter Top $58.00 Nordstrom


Shorts/Pants:

aerie for American Eagle f.i.t. Running Shorts $24.50 American Eagle



aerie for American Eagle f.i.t. Gym Shorts $15.50 American Eagle


Hard Tail Knee Length Tights $39.00 Nordstrom




Zella 'Fashion Booty' Pants $58.00 Nordstrom