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!

Foamy & Creamy Tastes of Belgium

Although my favorite beers are dark beers (especially the black ones like Kostritzer), occasionally I will want something on the lighter side that is only slightly crisp, but still rich with texture and flavor. When I first tasted the St. Sebastiaan Dark I was in love- the bottle is so charming and the taste did not disappoint. It was rich and reminded me of gingerbread (which I love) and is one I will definitely be having again.

I noticed St. Sebastiaan also offered a Grand Cru in a similar ceramic bottle; naturally I chose to indulge. I was very curious to see what else they could provide as the dark bottle was so wonderful.

Wow, what a creamy and foamy head on a slightly pale pour. I could bathe in those bubbles, I love how rich they look.  And it is indeed very creamy in texture – not like anything I’ve really had before, and as unexpected as it was it made for a lovely drink. Perfect for that in-between mood when dark and heavy isn’t what you are craving but light is just too light. And the bottle it comes in is an absolute delight.

I’d recommend both for a lovely tasting, beginning with the grand cru and following with the dark for the full experience to see what you like best, if not both. I like to keep different tastes, styles, and textures in mind for the different moods of an evening or occasion, and both of these make for a yummy treat.

I ♥ You, Tiffany’s

I adore hearts and Tiffany & Co. greatly as many close to me know or may have noticed. Something so charming, darling, and simple that radiates elegance and beauty every time it appears- when I wear them I feel incredibly pretty and fabulous.

My collection of accessories from Tiffany’s has grown greatly; yet some of my first pieces I find I hardly ever wear anymore. Not because I don’t like them, but because they are so special I’ve kept them away in a pretty little box. With moving and traveling I’ve wanted to keep it lovely condition.

My collection of jewelry containing hearts (some incredibly subtle, but I know they are there) has also been a growing one- ever since I was a young child. Hearts and fabulous jewelry has always been of great importance to me- I absolutely adore them both.

So it is only natural that this Tiffany & Co. set is so perfect to me. Even more so when you consider who I received them from- my fiance in our very early days (I knew he was a keeper). I still cherish them every time I wear them, only now I reserve them for more unique once in a while occasions. I have been very fortunate to recieve many wonderful Christmas and Birthday presents of Tiffany & Co. pieces from my hunny over the years, and so there is always much to play with. But I’ll never forget the first, the set that started it all and of course, with hearts.

The Ever So Lovely French Twist

A classic is a classic- and something I love to indulge in every now and then. When it starts to get cool outside and your outfit becomes hidden inside your coat; suddenly it is all about the hair and make-up to change the look and give it a lovely oomph.

I love this coat- it has a lovely style and it keeps me very warm. But it also becomes the only thing you see, swallowing any outfit I am wearing beneath whole. If I wear my hair down with this coat, it can look as though it is one giant piece which can be a bit overwhelming sometimes.

So I like to wear my hair up and keep my make up simple with one or two items that stand out. Balance is key.

I kept to a classic french twist and finished it with a smooth look on top (in the past I’ve added a bit of a puff or even some curls- plenty of possibilities, but this one is a classic).

It breaks up the bulk from the coat and gives a softer silhouette. And because it is such a classic I could not help but go for another classic- the oh so lovely red lipstick. They look so lovely together, and with the eyes kept simple save for a touch of eyeliner and mascara, it becomes a nice and beautiful balance.

And you know, even without the red lips- the french twist still makes for an elegant and natural look. A perfect way to move from a daytime look into an evening one

A Line Above The Lash

A little can go a long way, and sometimes I like to let my lashes speak for themselves. Long lashes look beautiful on their own and make an otherwise clean natural look really pop.

But then sometimes I want an extra little flair to keep the look playful and interesting.

Eyeliner comes first to mind- there are so many possibilities that come with it, colors included. Since I am going for a natural clean look I chose to use black eyeliner and use it very sparingly.

To keep it natural I don’t even want to line the entire eye- the look is bold and fun but not minimal enough for what I am looking for. So I play around with the end and add just a simple extension from my natural line, filling it in until it returns meeting the rest of my eye, leaving two thirds of the top line of my eye lashes completely untouched.

Very simple, very delicate and the look is beautiful. I love it.

I keep everything else simple to complete the look as well- only a slight brush of bronze on my cheeks, revealing only a hint of color, and some light pink gloss for a little shine.

I think there is something elegant about keeping it simple from time to time, letting features speak for themselves.

And this tiny little line does just the trick- beautiful, simple, and elegant.

Another Reason To Love Armani In 09

Sophisticated, sultry, and elegant- Armani’s name carries a certain grace I have always adored. And no matter the design, the fabric is always heavenly against the skin and fitted wonderfully.

I am always anxious to see the new designs, and leading London’s personal stylist, Gabrielle Teare, never disappoints to keep me informed on the latest. I am delighted to have these images from her as well.

Now, normally I am not a particular fan of women’s business coats or jackets. Something about them can be so ill-fitted and unflattering to a women’s body. They generally strike me as rigid and uncomfortable. But this jacket with its one well placed button and sharp low drop neckline intrigues me and even has me wanting one for myself.

I love how it hugs the figure while still being just lose enough with a flow in movement. It is all about the lines, and when you pair up a matching hat, handbag, and gloves the look is simply heavenly!

Personally, I would wear the jacket with a well formed pencil skirt- I think it would flow so nicely and keep to the feminine form. But the colors here are fabulous.

Who doesn’t love an outfit that just melts with sparkles? Again, Armani has me rethinking looks I normally wouldn’t care for myself. Those who know me know that I am always in a dress in heels- quite seriously always. But, this look seems like fabulous fun. It works, and works well. The hint of nude kept elegant and the insanely detailed and gorgeous collar that melts into the ensemble quite literaly is stunning. The lines and flow of movement is beautiful. Definitely would make for a grand cocktail party, gloves included naturally.

So, wow- two looks with generally a masculine feel still keeps its femininity. I love that. It is playfully modern with a bit of that old glamour feel at the same time. I am inspired and definitely have some ideas running through my mind.

Winter Ale Love, Christmas With St. Berardus

Maybe it’s the cool weather outside that has me thinking of Christmas all over again, but I had a lovely evening with St. Berardus the other night.

And I always do, but this was my first taste of the Christmas Ale. I purchased the bottle over the holiday season and never got around to opening it. Most Belgian ales do well to age like wine, so part of me thought to keep it for later on in the year. Well, with these cool temperatures outside I felt inspired to give it a go.

Delighted I did, too! Just look at this pour… I love the little bits of texture found in this bottle- so yummy and a special treat.

Isn’t it beautiful? Oh, I love it!

So dreamy, and the taste is wonderful- very much like Christmas. The blend of spices are rich and cozy, you could even see a few specs in the foam once it poured. The label makes me smile every time, too. It is marvelous.

St. Bernardus makes fabulous ales, and I am enjoying this special treat. When Christmas comes again, you know what will be on my list.