Happy Memorial Day

In Honor of Our Soldiers, Past and Present.

Women Safety Tip: Avoid Having These Pictures Taken

It's a shame that this safety tip has to go out every summer. But as the weather really warms up, women are subjected to some creepy guys (and also some creepy women) who decide to use their cell phones for more than they're meant for.

Safety Tip: Be aware of guys trying to take pictures under your skirts and dresses. Watch out for guys who might be standing close by with a cell phone. It might not be the case for most guys just trust your gut reaction to someone standing close while your wearing your dress or skirt.

No one should have the right to violate your personal space. You should be able to wear whatever you want without someone trying to do something really creepy. So just be aware.

Accessories Pick: Summer Earring Set

Summer Earring Set $$24.90 Alloy.com

These earrings are so cute. Just right for your summer fashions whether you're wearing a white flowy top with denim short or a strapless coral summer dress, one of these will go perfectly. Included in the set are: Island inspired drop earrings, Gold double hoop and India inspired turquoise drop earrings.

What I also love is the fact that you get three pairs of super cute earrings for a great price (leaving you extra money to use for that fun summer weekend trip).

Summer Reading: The Odyssey

The Odyssey by Homer, it's not a exactly the typical summer read but it is definitely a good read. The daunting trials that Odysseus has to contend with in this timeless story, will have you feeling as though you've stepped right into a summer block buster. Maybe you read this for school or have never read it, the early part of summer is the perfect time to dive into this. This book might be difficult or a hard to get into for those who are not use to reading these types of books but it's truly worth giving it a try.

About The Odyssey:

Long before The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Harry Potter, the ancient Greek poet Homer established the standard for tales of epic quests and heroic journeys with The Odyssey. Crowded with characters, both human and non-human, and bursting with action, The Odyssey details the adventures of Odysseus, king of Ithaca and hero of the Trojan War, as he struggles to return to his home and his waiting, ever-faithful wife, Penelope.

Along the way he encounters the seductive Circe, who changes men into swine; the gorgeous water-nymph, Calypso, who keeps him a “prisoner of love” for seven years; the terrible, one-eyed, man-eating giant Cyclops; and a host of other ogres, wizards, sirens, and gods. But when he finally reaches Ithaca after ten years of travel, his trials have only begun. There he must battle the scheming noblemen who, thinking him dead, have demanded that Penelope choose one of them to be her new husband—and Ithaca’s new king.

Often called the “second work of Western literature” (The Iliad, also by Homer, being the first), The Odyssey is not only a rousing adventure drama, but also a profound meditation on courage, loyalty, family, fate, and undying love. More than three thousand years old, it was the first story to delineate carefully and exhaustively a single character arc — a narrative structure that serves as the foundation and heart of the modern novel. Robert Squillace’s revision of George Herbert Palmer’s classic prose translation captures the drama and vitality of adventure, while remaining true to the original Homeric language.

What's the Problem with Barbie Now?

Commentry by Style and Focus PR

Doesn't it seem like people wake up finding something to complain about. What's the big deal about this Barbie doll? She's part of the Barbie Basics collection which celebrates the Little Black Dress and these dolls are endorsed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Out of all the things these desperate housewives could really find to complain about they decide to focus on Barbie. They think her v-neck dress is too revealing. I find nothing controversial about this doll, in fact I have this doll as well as a couple of other dolls from the Barbie Basics collection in my home office. I think they are unique, stylish and show off the timeless LBD. These stunning dolls are sold as collectors dolls and are just merely showcasing legendary fashion.

If they don't think this doll is right for their little girl then don't purchase it. It's just that simple. These are probably the same women who had a problem with the also collectors Barbie DC Comics Black Canary and Supergirl dolls. They complained and called Black Canary the S&M Barbie when in fact, she's a superhero not a dominatrix. They complained that Supergirl's uniform was too revealing. I'm surprised they didn't say anything about Wonder Woman or Batgirl. Seriously, you just can't please anyone.

Handbag Pick: Cork Clutch

I just love this little metallic cork clutch. It's so perfect for summer, either day or night. I can see pairing this with cute tops and jeans for lunch with the girls or a strapless dress for a date.

Cork Roll Clutch $59.50 Banana Republic

COSMO's Fun & Cheap Summer Date Ideas

Don't let a lack of money stop you from having a fun date this summer. Cosmopolitan has some fun and affordable date ideas to help you out. Here are a couple of Cosmo's fun date ideas and for more date ideas pick up the June issue:


*Find The Next Zach Galifianakis

Pick a Thursday night to see cheap stand-up comedy. Clubs boost the number of shows in summer, and midweek tickets almost always cost less than those for Fridays and Saturdays. It's more fun if you sit within heckling distance of the stage, so go early.


Style & Focus Quick Tip:

Not really into comedy clubs, watch or rent a few of your favorite most funniest movies or TV shows. You can enjoy a full night of your favorites and not have to sit through a round of a not so funny comedian. Just don't forget the popcorn and other snacks.


*Escape For Ice Cream

Both working 9 to 5 all summer? Sneak in a middle-of-the-day date by meeting up for an ice cream stand, and head to the nearest green space to sit back, relax, and make out while they melt all over the place. Score more minutes together by getting a local ice cream truck to cruise past your building. Go to allscream.com to find and contact a truck in your area.


Style and Focus Quick Tip:

Can't make time to meet or the ice cream truck not in your area, stop by the store and get ice cream, cones and toppings and take an ice cream break after work. Enjoy it even more by sitting outside and enjoying the rest of the day.

Serena & Lily Introduces Custom Upholstery Fabrics & Furnishings for the Home

SAUSALITO, Calif., May 18 -- Serena & Lily, the upscale linens and homewares company, is pleased to announce their latest collection for the home: a range of new signature upholstery fabrics and custom upholstered furnishings. The vast array of furniture pieces such as headboards, chairs, ottomans and benches can be paired with gorgeous fabrics, allowing customers to create a look that's all their own. The entire custom line is currently available for creation and purchase at www.serenaandlily.com.

Serena & Lily has partnered with Lee Industries on this furniture introduction. Lee was chosen based on their 40 year heritage in manufacturing top-quality furniture with a long-standing focus on using sustainable, earth-friendly manufacturing processes.

THE UPHOLSTERY: Serena & Lily introduces over 20 different fabric options in 3 grades that can be used with the new furniture pieces to add a traditional or modern flair to any room. All fabrics are also sold by the yard for $40-$60/yd and available to sample as a 4 x 4" swatch.

• Diamond Collection: A take on the traditional trellis pattern, the slight irregularity of the diamond brings a more organic quality and look, much like a block print. Available in the following six color schemes: Leaf, Bark, Black, Bone, Bisque & Fog.

• Jaipur Collection: Similar to the graphic nature of iconic Indian florals, the Jaipur fabric collection's repeating pattern is soft and appealing. Available in the following four color schemes: Coral, Bone, Bark and Celery.

• Spade Collection: A more ethnic fabric collection takes the inspiration from traditional Italian tile patterns with Mongolian design elements. Available in four color schemes: Fog, Clover, Navy and Maize.

• Gardenia Collection: Organic, graphic and crisp, this collection offers a modern floral theme. Available in four color schemes: Black, Navy, Blush and Bisque.

• New Solids: To round-out the range of signature prints and complement existing bedding collections, Serena & Lily also offers six new luxurious linen fabrics in a range of solid colors: Seaglass, Mist, Flint, Sand, Oat and Wheat.


THE FURNITURE: Serena & Lily presents 12 new furniture silhouettes crafted with sustainable materials and processes by Lee Industries using the new signature fabrics. Each piece offers hardware details such as turned-wood legs, metal casters or nailhead trim that can be tailored to the customer's preference. With simple point-and-click ease, customers can see any fabric on any piece of furniture using the online design tool at http://serenaandlily.com/custom-upholstery.

CHAIRS AND OTTOMANS:

• Amagansett Chair: Clean lines with a relaxed feel make this chair ideal for a summer cottage or a city loft. The long, straight skirt is left unwelted while cushions are wrapped in down blend for extra softness.

• Avignon Chair: The French deco-slipper chair is perfect for a vanity or small writing table. Given its petite size, these chairs would be lovely in the sitting area of any living room or master bedroom.

• Belgian Club Chair: With a European style and neat nailhead trim this piece is truly a classic. Crafted with a solid wood frame and eco-friendly materials and processes. The solid wood legs are offered in Natural, Dark Walnut or White to coordinate with the chosen upholstery fabric.

• Piccadilly Chair: With traditional button tufting this piece has a timeless appeal. The front turned-wood legs are on rolling casters and crafted with a solid wood frame and eco-friendly materials.

• Lucille Ottoman: The generous scale makes this tufted item a natural centerpiece. The ottoman features turned wood legs and displays just the right height for a one of a kind coffee table.

• Parker X-Bench: These simple stools add the finishing touch to any setting. Perfect in pairs opposite the couch or as a seat for a vanity or desk.


HEADBOARDS AND BEDS:

• Fillmore Headboard & Bed: This classic style has an elegant simplicity that works in every space, in every fabric. Available with or without nailhead trim and in sizes Twin-Cal King.

• Pondicherry Headboard & Bed: The impressive height and gorgeous curves of the Pondicherry make it a dramatic statement piece. Crafted with a solid wood frame and sustainable materials, this is the tallest bed frame Serena & Lily has to offer. Available with or without nailhead trim and in sizes Twin-Cal King.

• St. Germain Headboard & Bed: Classic club styling gives this traditional piece European flair. Its gently sloped silhouette makes it suitable with a wide range of decor. Available in sizes Full-Cal King.


* For pricing please visit www.serenaandlily.com


About Serena & Lily:

Lily Kanter met Serena Dugan in October of 2003 and the idea to form a new company blossomed within an hour of knowing each other. Serena & Lily officially launched in mid-2004 with baby and children's bedding and decor and quickly became a favorite of A-list celebrity moms such as Jennifer Garner, Jessica Alba, Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts. The pair also authored a book on interior design titled Nursery Style (Chronicle Books, $19.95). Then in August 2009, Serena & Lily introduced bedding and decor for all rooms in the home, including the master bedroom.

Serena & Lily is under-girded by a strong social mission. In January 2010, Serena & Lily introduced World Repair Kit (Chronicle Books, $24.95). This kit is the ultimate guide to getting kids inspired to make a difference in the world. It's packed with quick facts and hands on activities that empower families to work together and get things done. Published by Chronicle Books, 100% of net proceeds benefit the Serena & Lily Foundation, which funds youth initiatives around the world.

To buy product online or find one of the 700 Serena & Lily retailers in the U.S. and Canada, please visit: www.serenaandlily.com. To follow Serena & Lily on Twitter and Facebook, please click on www.twitter.com/serenaandlily and www.facebook.com/SerenaandLily. And to learn more about co-founders Serena & Lily, please click on the following link to watch their story: http://www.serenaandlily.com/Inspiration/Inspiration-Behind-The-Scenes

Style and Focus News Bites

** Style and Focus PR would like to send out late condolences to the families of: Lena Horne, Dixie Carter, John Forsythe, and Lynn Redgrave.

** Congratulations to CW actors Jensen Ackles and Danneel Harris on recently getting married. The couple wed in Dallas over the weekend. (People magazine).

** After 'Iron Man,' Marvel hopes its other characters are as successful. The comic book publisher is hoping that Tony Stark and his red and gold super suit — once unknown outside comic book circles — show how second-tier superheroes can become billion-dollar franchises. The big question surrounding Marvel since the acquisition has been how much value its library brings to mainstream audiences that have never heard of Namor the Sub-Mariner, Dr. Strange or Ant-Man.

Before the release of the first "Iron Man" in 2008, few people outside those who frequent comic book stores had heard of billionaire Tony Stark and his red and gold super suit. Now he has generated more than $1 billion in worldwide box office and is Marvel's bestselling consumer products property, exceeding even Spider-Man.

Now Disney is hoping that Iron Man provides Marvel a model for turning subprime superheroes from its 5,000-plus character library into investment-grade franchises.

Now that Iron Man is a bestselling brand with worldwide appeal, Philips said, Marvel intends to keep him that way with new waves of products that will continue to be released until "Iron Man 3" hits theaters. (LA Times)

Lack of posts due to Rain

Sorry about the lack of posts last week. The heavy rain knocked out my internet access and was finally repaired.

Event: Attend a Private Screening of Sex and the City 2 in Sydney, Australia

Live in Sydney, Australia, here is a lovely offer from the luxury Observatory Hotel:

What:

A Private Screening of Sex and the City 2 on June 2nd. Be one of the first in Sydney to see Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda on Opening Night. You will be joined by the fabulous team from the Day Spa of The Observatory Hotel.

How:

By purchasing a $95 gift voucher before June 1st, you will receive a double pass to the private screening which also includes French Duval-Leroy Champagne.

To contact the Day Spa more information:

Phone: 02 8248 5250
E-mail: dayspahlc@observatoryhotel.com.au


(click picture for a better view)

Last-Minute Mother's Day Gift Suggestions

You knew Mother's Day was coming but somehow you ended up waiting until the last minute to get mom a gift. To give you some ideas, I've provided a few suggestions to help you celebrate:

-- If your mom is the Sporty type: buy her a couple of tickets to her favorite baseball team. Let her know you will take her out for a pre or post game meal to go along with the gift.

-- If your mom loves Flowers: instead of buying mom the traditional roses (unless they're her favorite), opt for different blooms such as Lilac, Sweet Pea, Lilies, Tulips or Orchids. If your the DIY type you can make your own flower arrangements and give it to your mom in a beautiful vase.

-- Mom keeps eyeing your new Coffee Maker: buy her one. Make it special by including her favorite coffee and also a new coffee mug.

-- For a mom who loves a bit of Culture: surprise her with brunch and a day at the museum or you can buy her tickets to an upcoming play she's excited to see.

-- For a mom who really enjoys Relaxing: A book or DVD she's interested in, lounge or sleepwear, a scented candle and a box a dark chocolate.

-- For the Sentimental Type: give her a digital picture frame with uploaded pictures of you (and of your siblings, if you have any) or a traditional framed photo of the two of you. Maybe include a bouquet of flowers with a future invite for lunch or dinner.

-- Mom who's into Fashion: buy her something really chic (that's in your budget) like an amazing bag or really great top. You could also plan a shopping day with mom complete with lunch or dinner.

-- For the mom who Doesn't want you to buy them any gifts: invite her over for a home cooked meal and also give her a bouquet of flowers and a nice bottle of wine.

-- For the mom who loves to Garden: buy her a new garden tool set, gloves, a kneeling cushion (in a bright color) and a beautiful potted plant.


I hope these suggestions work. Got a last-minute gift idea to share? Leave me a comment or an e-mail at styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com

Cinco de Mayo Margarita Recipes

Enjoy Cinco de Mayo with the classic Margarita or if you're looking for something a little more chilled after a busy day of work try the frozen Margarita. The DIY type of girl here are two amazing and easy recipes from Cocktail Times (cocktailtimes.com).

Margarita

Ingredients:

- 2 oz silver tequila
- juice of half lime
- 1 oz orange curacao (or Cointreau)
Garnish: lime wedge
Rim: salt

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour into a margarita glass rimmed with salt and garnish with lime wedge.


Frozen Margarita

Ingredients:

- 2 oz tequila (silver)
- juice of one lime
- 1 oz orange curacao or triple sec
- 1 cup ice cubes
- salt (optional)
Garnish: lime wedge

Direction:

1. Rub the rim of a margarita glass and dip it into salt.
2. Mix tequila, lime juice, triple sec and ice in a blender.
3. Pour into a glass and garnish with a lime wedge.


Drink Responsibly and Don't Drink and Drive!!!

Latest Obsession: Spaghetti Strap Dresses

There's just something about the classic Spaghetti Strap Dress. It's understated yet sexy and it shows off your shoulders (which is great after all the hard work I put in exercising).

To me it's like the perfect summer dress. You can wear it casual and loose for the weekends, fitted for an evening date, or polished with a cardigan or jacket for work.



Country Flirt Dress $13.99 Forever21



T by Alexander Wang Tank Dress $92.00 Blue & Cream (blueandcream.com)



Fronds Print Woven Dress $22.90 Forever21



Ralph Lauren Cotton Tiered Ruffle Dress $98.00 rugby.com



Cross-Front Knit Dress $19.50 Old Navy



Crochet Strap Dress by Vintage Havana $54.00 National Jean Company (nationaljeancompany.com)



Babydoll Dress $26.00 Charlotte Russe



Garden Spaghetti Strap Dress $22.80 Forever21



Free People Tiered Jeweled dress $118.00 Shopbop.com



Ruffled Spaghetti Strap Dress $32.00 Charlotte Russe



McGinn Floral Print Dress $195.00 Nordstrom



ECI Scarf Print Charmeuse Babydoll Dress $98.00 Nordstrom

Nesting: Liberty of London Picture Frame

A recent Spring cleaning stint had me looking to update a few things like old picture frames. I have been searching for a pretty black and white picture frame and found this Liberty of London frame ($9.99) at Target. I love how it's pretty without being overly cutesy. I bought a couple to place on my bookshelf.