Kaffee gute Nacht Makes For A Good Night
March 31, 2009
The only thing that makes this a “coffee” is the splash of coffee found somewhere within this drink- absolutely delicious by the way. Hardly coffee, though- all booze, wow and yum.
The drink is prepared table-side, and what a beautiful presentation it is. The owner created the beverage himself and presents it beautifully with care. He begins with an orange wedge to the outside of the glass, then proceeds to coat the glass in sugar. He has a flame prepared and then brushes the orange-sugar coated glass to the flame.
Next is the beverage itself- mostly whiskey, kahlua, and some sort of citrus liquor- added by spoon fulls that are lit by the flame- glowing with a flame during the entire preparation. He mixes it from glass to glass and tops it off with some cream- and a final spoon of the flame-lit liquor.
Somewhere in the mix he added some coffee- it was so beautifully orchestrated that I didn’t pay enough attention to the actual coffee. To call it Kaffee gute Nacht or “coffee good night” is quite appropriate as afterward it will be good night.
Rudi Lechner’s German restaurant was an absolute delight, and even a more welcomed surprise to have the man himself prepare for us his beverage.
Marvelous, Decadent, & A Must For Style
March 30, 2009
What makes you feel marvelous? Fashion at its highest point is when it keeps you feeling confident, strong, determined, and above all yourself at your best.
Sometimes it is a single carefully selected piece that does it all for us- no matter where we are or what we are doing, we feel at our best simply knowing we are wearing it. It carries a strength that we recognize and gather simply from feeling it on our bodies, and it is purposed just for us, alone.
Others may notice it (they most likely will, it stands out), but we don’t wear it for them.. rather, we wear it four ourselves. Appreciation from others is nice, but not necessary though it does remind us of how much we truly love our unique and special pieces.
Where you find your fashion pieces is always a story as well- a memory and an energy. It is why you love it so much, after all. It is marvelous.
I have many power pieces that I like to wear on a regular basis, wearing whichever one feels best for any specific day. Some I share, some I keep just for myself. But this is one I feel a duty to share- it’s too fabulous and there are definitely ones intended for others to find for themselves. You know when you see something and think, oooh- that is definitely for…. ! ..it might be yourself, it might be a friend; that is how I feel about LOVEMADDS collections.
Each piece has a story to tell, whether it has an actual meaning or simply looks like a dream; each piece is powerful and designed with someone in mind.
This necklace and bracelet was given to me as an *absolutely amazing* gift that just blew me away- wow. I love them so much, and the grand thing is that they all have unique factors that remind me of dear childhood memories. Most of these items are very subtle- you actually cannot even see one of the charms in any of these photos, but it is very well placed, beautiful- and meaningful to me and I know it is there. That is all that matters.
Fun part of that is when I wear my hair in a glamorous updo, only someone with a good eye will notice this hidden little charm- but they will appreciate it when they do see it (and I will love it regardless).
Everything falls into place beautifully, and I love how it moves as I walk. It has that one-of-a-kind feeling too when you pick it up or put it on, something photographs don’t capture anywhere near the reality. It is something you must experience for yourself.
Take a look at her ever growing fabulous collections and see for yourself- you will be delighted you did 
Dressed In A Silver Wonderland
March 29, 2009
It turns out sultry silver eyes was just the start- and it turned into a wonderland of silver everything. From one of my favorite comfortable and elegant dresses to classic silver accessories. Silver will forever be a favorite of mine.
Mirrors, a fine print design, and a silky feel that just flows as you walk, this dress has it all and the color and shine to bring it all together.
It has a loose fit that just gives hints of the natural figure as you walk, very subtle and very elegant. And the shine is just gorgeous, blends with the jewelry in a very lovely fashion. In fact, I wore some of my Tiffany & Co. collections to compliment this dress, as well as a fun little fashion ring for that added glamor.
Silver shoes are also a fun favorite of mine, unfortunately my silver heels experienced a rather rough fashion event in which they did not survive. Some events are just not pretty-shoe friendly. Heartbreaking, but it only means I must seek new ones.
Here’s to the love of silver styles.
Sultry Silver Smoky Eyes
March 27, 2009
After playing with brilliant bold colors (like coral and gold), I am ready for a more sultry elegant look- and for me silver is just the color. There are endless possibilities, and this morning I decided to lean on the bolder side of silver. Nothing too out there, just a subtle hint through some dramatic eyes in my makeup.
And so I played with my make up to do a classic look with a silver glow. A nice touch of eyeliner to elongate the eyes and really make them pop combined with the classic smoky eye make up- only with more of a silver presence to make the look all the more dramatic and glamorous.
My lashes are pretty long to begin with naturally, but when you add the Le 2 Mascara from Guerlain it maximizes the volume and length like nothing else (I love it).
It is more about the silver faded into the hint of dark gray that collects at the ends of the eyes- one side with a fine eyeliner and the other with the rich smoky finish.
The finished look is simple but quite bold- a little can go a long way. It doesn’t take long to do but the results last the entire day and feel flawless. This is a fun look to do and a great way to get excited about the day.
I did mine with silver and gray colors- however if you’re looking for even more, go for the gold. Use a nice bronze or gold and mix it into a darker shade of brown- definitely rich and glamorous as well. Even a dark purple could prove to be royal and luxurious.
Play around and make it your own, simple is key as a little goes a long way. Its the details that count.
Glittering In Gold With Chic Coral Nails
March 26, 2009
I love a rich coral color, especially when it dazzles with brilliant bursts of gold like this one does. It is one of those bottles that catches my eye each time I see it- I may not always wear it, but you can bet my nails stand out when I do.
And this is a perfect spring and summer shade- and just playful enough to be bold and different. It is gorgeous, and fortunately it applies exactly as the bottle appears!
Also fun, is that on a rainy dreary day like it has been here today- I can cuddle up in my fuzzy robe of the same coral shade. Very fabulous. I love when things match.
It looks especially grand holding a cocktail or paired up with a glamorous ring, the sparkle is very apparant and dances in the light.
This is a shade I will buy over and over again, much like a clasic red or simple nude. It’s too fabulous to pass up, and definitely supplies some instant cheer. This one in particular is from Milani (oh, but I do love the Target) and is called “Gold Digger.” I’ll let you decide if you like the name or not, but for me- it is all about the color.
Where Some People See A Top, I See A Dress
March 24, 2009
Someone once said to me, that where others see a cute top- I see a very cute dress. And I have found this to be very true, indeed! I love dresses, and love the challenge of making anything and everything into a dress in one form or another.
Pants have never been comfortable to me and never attracted me, they are wonderful and have their place but just have not been a match for me, personally. I feel my best in a dress or skirt- and so I go with what I love most.
When I came across this *adorable* top, at a glance I thought it was a dress. It looks and feels like a dress, with its soft layers that just flow so beautifully. But upon picking it up and trying it on- it became very apparent that this was not a dress, the tiniest bit of extra length would be required. There wasn’t anything at the shop to match it with either, but I had to have it. I loved it too much to let it go, just felt so right.
The design is elegant and feels so delicate and soft- and then it has the playful child-like attitude with the fun little patches designed with an obvious stitching pattern, love it! So unique and one-of-a-kind.
Upon returning home, I realized I did have a light blue skirt that may do the trick (be it a slightly different shade than the top, but something close enough that could possibly blend). Light blue is a color I adore wearing, and have the shoes and other accessories to mix and match with ease. All I needed for this top to turn it into a dress was an extra layer or two, and this skirt would have to be the missing piece to the puzzle.
It looks like a cup cake layered in frosting- such a lovely mix of styles and character. This is one of my favorite outfits, I *absolutely* love this style. And there are so many ways to wear it for all occasions- the accessories give it a new charm each and every time. No matter where I go, I feel fabulous in it.
I also *absolutely* love the necklace I am wearing with it too, a very special one-of-a-kind piece… but more on that later! You’ll have to wait to discover the details on that one ;D It is definitely very fabulous.
Seriously Delicious Sashimi Nomness
March 23, 2009
The other evening, my hunny and I had a sudden craving for sushi and decided to indulge- why not? I never turn down the chance, I adore sashimi and the place we love to go to also makes marvelous lychee martinis.
And whenever I go out to a restuarant, my favorite thing on the menu is what the chef selects for me. After all, the chef knows best. I love to let them have fun with a meal and create something they are especially proud of, and the experience is all the more wonderful because of it.
We like to sit at the bar instead of a table at this restaurant, that way we can interact with the chefs and watch the preparation (truly an art and delight to be a part of). I’ll usually ask what is fresh and recommended, and then let them chose and go all out with it. I am rewarded beyond my expectations each and every time- wow. (the last time I was there for a quick bite, I had the flounder sashimi which was presented in a gorgeous manner and pictured above)
I don’t even know what I am ordering half the time- since I let them decide. But I make sure to know afterwards so that I can order it again, as was with this case the other evening. The Aji sashimi (above) was presented so beautifully before us- and each bite was soooo heavenly- perfect! Subtle but lovely flavors with a great and tender texture. But it didn’t end there with the aji- the sashimi was just the beginning.
When we were done with the sashimi portion of the plate- the chef had the remaining fish head and bones fried and returned to us to eat.
I *love* the collar and cheeks of a fish, so this was a very welcoming surprise!
Needless to say, between the two of us nothing remained of this dish in the end, and it is one we are more than anxious to order again-very the “nom”.
As amazing as this was- it was not the best of the evening. The best would have to be reserved for the Live Scallop Sashimi we had immediately afterward. What a treat- I had to fight for the last bite on this one!
Sashimi (raw) on one shell, and then cooked and prepared on the other shell. The raw was definitely my favorite, as was the favorite for my hunny and the couple we became friends with next to us at the bar (they even ordered one, too!). This was incredible. I don’t think words would do it justice, but know that it was by far the favorite of the evening all around. And after having some incredible tastes beforehand, that is saying a lot.
And for dessert? A bite of uni- beautiful way to end a luxurious meal ;D
Wild Prints For Fashion Fun
March 22, 2009
I love a beautiful print- usually filled with color, bold, and fun. This skirt is something different but still quite fun and bold. Not the usual bright colors you see in a print, but the normally toned down shade of brown against the white with this wild pattern is remarkably bold and I love it.
With a print like this I want it to stand out on its own- too much of anything else, color, design or whatever have you would just get lost and compete.
One thing I would do is wear some funky or playful earrings- maybe a bangle on my wrist as well; it can handle the skirt’s design without fighting it.
This particular skirt I found at forever 21; I must say they produce some cute items from time to time (though their options are massive and overwhelming as well- at least for me).
I like this pattern and color scheme- it is something I wouldn’t mind having more of. I think brown is a nice color and I haven’t really seen it so bold as it is here. Who knew it had such a playful attitude- just needed a fun pattern to show it.
Oh, and of course the shoes… Normally I’d wear a simple shoe (black pump or even my brown ballet slipper heels pictured below). But instead I decided to wear my new Vincent Camuto shoes- these are some hot shoes. I did an entry a little while back on them, and here they are again, such beauties. Brown and white like the skirt (though shades lighter I think it still works just fine).
And here is the other shoe I would wear with this skirt (which matches in color exactly, and yet still a little playful in design). Its my BCBG ballet slipper heels- I bought them years ago but they still stay in style. One of those classic shapes and colors that will always be in. Its such a pretty shoe.
Has Glamor Gone Mad?
March 20, 2009
Because we are all a little mad…. and love to indulge in our glamorous fantasies. And designer Tom Binns supplies those fantasies with reality from his incredible couture collections. Born in Ireland, Binns completed the education necessary to acquire the skills of a proper jewelry designer and moved on to collaborate with Vivian Westwood and Malcolm MacLaren for his “punk couture” collection.
Creating designs with a “modern classic” feel, he continues to inspire glamor with a whole new twist. Classic with a modern twist is something I have always described my own style as, and seeing his designs makes me feel as though it is a part of my world. I love simplicity as it has its place, but a part of me is head over heels for excessive glamor such as these collections. From Dumont (pictured above and below), Rokoco, to Couture and more- each collection is fabulous and has its own unique character and feel to it.
Perhaps it is my fondness of Alice In Wonderland that continues to inspire me- I love charms and child-like memories represented in a rich and adult form, so when I look for charm bracelets, I want lots and lots of charms with a strong feel to each one. Colors, crystals, and clever twists of strands are things I am always looking for (which, is perhaps also why I adore LOVEMADDS so much, her designs are true and powerful, one of a kind and absolutely glamorous).
And from loaded up bracelets, I have also searched for ridiculously glamorous rings and necklaces. Needless to say, Tom Binns does not disappoint. Maybe glamor needed a little madness to inspire us all.
I know I am in love- and on the hunt! I am determined to capture these beauties for myself. They are too beautiful to be left alone.
(you know my fondness of hearts, elegance, and glamor… the “chain of events” necklace I am incredibly in love with!) To view more about Tom Binns and his incredible collections, visit his site for more.
Pour La Victoire, Seriously Haute Shoes In Noir
March 17, 2009
Alright, I have shoes on my mind and I want something with a strong bold statement. Pour La Victoire is setting just the perfect mood for me- very high heels in a clasic black color, but incredibly rich with attitude.
Brazilian made and French inspired, Pour La Victoire’s shoes are indeed very fabulous.
Above is the Paige Sandal and Tia Platform Slide, both with a gorgeous heel and filled with straps. I think I prefer the Paige for every day wear since it can be worn with most anything, but there is something so dangerous and sultry about the Tia Platform that I cannot resist. Both are killer heels to take notice of. I am adding them to my list.
Classic black heels are fabulous, but sometimes you want a little more attitude or play in structure to reinvent the timeless look- perhaps why we can never have enough black shoes… though the same applies to shoes in any color, truly!
You can find them online from endless, zappos, or your preferable place to shop for shoes- I am loving these styles very much, definitely meeting my cravings.
In fact, the Sabrina Platform below has also caught my eye- has that rock and roll glamor look and feel to it. Quite fun!
Bundled Up In A Gorgeous Fur
March 15, 2009
Ever since I was a very small child, an infant really, I can recall being held and being surrounded in fur- the feeling is what I remember most. The soft delicate fur against my skin, keeping me warm in the arms of loved ones. Two aunts in particular stand out in my mind with their incredibly gorgeous coats, and I remember it all.
I remember having my first full coat when I was about five or so, it was sized just for me and I loved it. I wore it every chance I had, even if it meant just being at the house. My mother even found a matching purse to go with it (be it a very small one, but an adorable one I still have to this day).
This particular coat I am wearing now is a vintage fox fur coat my fiance had gotten for me, knowing my love of furs. I adore it, as I am taken back to the happiness I felt as a child and feel marvelous now. A few select signature pieces are all I need, they are much more special and luxurious that way. And I still use and love the small fur accessories I had as a child.
Not many things survived the fire of my home years ago, but some of the items that were put away in storage or at family member’s house did survive- and it is those items that I cherish. Anytime I am able to replace an item lost in the fire that was once so valuable to me I am incredibly grateful.
Usually, only when I travel do I get the opportunities to wear my furs; and I do love to travel. Though lately, it has been so incredibly cold out that my coat is perfect to wear here at home. And you can be certain this is an opportunity I will not miss.
And so these passed few nights and afternoons I have been happily warm in my coat and out with friends having sushi, cocktails, and burgers. Life is truly grand, and the details make the difference.
An Elaborate Hair Style For A Gorgeous Look
March 13, 2009
The crisp wind outside and frigid temperatures are perfect for wearing a fur around my neck- and to not look like a blob between my hair and my coat, an updo works wonderfully for the trick.
It also does well to transfer from the outside look of a giant coat to the inside look where I can easily take off my fur and coat and still look fabulous.
Just the other day I went for the classic french twist- a smooth very simple and elegant updo; however this time I am feeling more adventerous and want something much more elaborate. I mentioned the puff in the last post, and it had me thinking that I wanted to do it very soon.
So I started there- separating a top section of my hair to be transformed into a sleak and elegant puff and finish what ever hairstyle I would decide to do.
Then I continued by twisting many sections of my hair and playing with various techniques until I found what I liked and secured them with pins.
The entire look only took me a few minutes at most to create, and I enjoyed this glamorous look for the rest of the day and evening. Everything is so much more fun when you are feeling your best, and for me- styling my hair in such an elegant fashion does just that.
Think about taking advantage of the cool weather and practice a beautiful updo to wear with your scarves and winter accessories. Even a hat gains more character and charm when you can get a glimpse of a fabulous updo continuing from underneathe. Have a little fun and feel fabulous as you do!
