How much do I love Burberry trench coats this season? The ruching makes the trench new again and packs a punch. This one in suede is the gold standard.
There are tons of trench coat options though, at various price points. An alternative is a shorter length version. Wear them in the rain, … or not.
I’m happily in the midst of planning an intimate fundraiser for a new theatre company in my home. There is something about spring that is invigorating, and makes me want to entertain, alot. Call me crazy. 25 people, tray passed hors d’oeuvres including; deviled quail eggs with creme fraiche and caviar, endive with grapefruit,lobster, and chive, wild mushroom risotto balls, followed by a trio of pistachio, chocolate and lemon macaroons, all served with my signature veuve-clicquot champagne rose. I’ll also have bowls of salted marcona almonds tossed with lavendar sugar. mmm. It is good to have a rounded assortment of hors d’oeuvres to include a variety of seafood, meat, poultry, vegetarian or vegetables, cheese and fruit plus desert.
The flowers will be tall branches of white cherry blossoms, and small bouquets of white tulips. I prefer one type of flower per vase, simple and clean. The key to keeping your costs down and quality up is to take advantage of flowers and food in season. Fresh is best.
Do as much ahead as possible, both in terms of having your house perfectly clean, laundering linens, arranging the flowers, preparing the trays and prepping anything on the menu ahead as well. The candles will be lit when quests arrive, and I’ll have a talented musician friend playing the piano, something upbeat and happy like the season. The actors will perform a brief interlude from their new production so the guests leave with a taste of their talent, and a motivation to attend the new production. I always like to leave guests with a take-away, something unique and memorable. I might even hand them a little gift as they leave as a token for the evening. Not sure what that is yet, but it will either be something spring in feeling or in the genre of the performance and upcoming production.
I’ll also have my dress picked out and ready go. Thinking something with a little color, spring like but simple. There is a new floral print sheath I am thinking I need….to go with the red strappy very high Ralph Lauren sandals I bought and have never worn. This way I won’t be wasting the shoes, right?
So admittedly, it is fun to create a memorable occasion, to wear something special, and to give your guests the best time possible. The party doesn’t have to be fussy and over-the-top though. You should put an effort into it, your own individual stamp, make sure everything is going to be ready ahead of time. The more you entertain, the more effortless it becomes. Now relax and enjoy the party!
Like almost everyone on the planet, I always look forward to watching the Oscars. By now we’ve all seen the media coverage with the best and worst dressed lists. I would like to weigh in. Many of the more flamboyant gowns have been slammed. I must say, not everything that is a standout on the runways of Paris and Milan translate to the red carpet on a 5’5″ real (albeit gorgeous) actress. Take, for example, the Givenchy Haute Couture gown on Zoe Saldana.
The red carpet is where risks should be taken. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Those didn’t, but I disagree with most comments I’ve heard about many of the more statement gowns, such as Vera Farmiga’s.
The ability to pull off a voluminous gown is difficult, at best, and she managed it elegantly.
What bothered me were some of the beauty details of some of the styling. Miley Cyrus, besides the tacky tan lines, needs to be encouraged to stand up straight. Her posture distracted me from the beautiful gown she wore.
I, for one, loved the Chanel gown on SJP. The too tan tan and the hair that needed to be lacquered down for a smooth finish were details that shouldn’t have been overlooked. But all in all, it was such a brave choice even for SJP.
So here’s to the glamour girls of Hollywood and their confident choices, gracious strides and elegant poses.
Love this updated classic this season. The easiest way to spruce up patent leather is to rub a little vaseline on them. The shine returns and the scuff marks disappear. Do be careful wearing patent leather shoes though, as they can catch on each other and cause you to trip!
1. Practice, practice, practice. Stand up straight, shoulders back, chin up, arms slightly bent, and move your hips, not your shoulders. You want a normal stride, somewhere comfortable between baby steps and giant steps. Watch yourself in the mirror as you walk, and make corrections accordingly.
2. Break in your shoes so they are comfortable. Wear them for short intervals around the house, gradually increasing the duration.
3. Practice walking in the dress, too. If it has a train, you need to practice on stairs, turning, not having it stepped on, and dancing in it, too, if applicable. One tip is to have an “eye” sewn into the back seam and a hook at the tip of the fishtail. Then you can put the hook in the eye when you are ready to dance and voila!
4. A little attitude goes a long way. The goal is to be confident with the way you look and walk, so you can shine through.