Uni & Sake Heaven
May 4, 2009
We are having a lovely day in Sarasota before heading back home tomorrow afternoon- and when in Sarasota, one of our favorite treats is Saijo restaurant in the Lakewood ranch area. If you find yourself nearby one day, you absolutely must indulge in this fabulous place- everything from the food to the people who run this fine establishment are absolutely marvelous!
So each time we are here we like to try something different, whether it be something that catches our eye on the menu or simply by recommendation from the owners. This time it was the menu. Now, I *love* uni, sea urchin makes for a perfect “dessert” after a lovely Japanese meal. It is so lovely, the texture just melts in your mouth and is a distinguished taste. I’ve always thought of uni like the (warm & fresh) fois gras taste of the sea.
But we saw uni offered within a shot of sake. Hmm, this sounds yummy!
Without any hesitation we ordered and anxiously awaited the arrival. We weren’t sure what to expect- would the sake overpower the uni, would it be harsh or would it be smooth? We would soon find out (and find a new delightful treat)!
Presentation is clean, simple, and lovely- and for us does not last too long. We admire it quickly and indulge in our shot-
wow, lovely!
The sake is cool and very refreshing after our meal. It is very smooth with just the slightest sweet finish, and as the sake’s presence vanishes off the tongue the uni’s delicate flavor becomes more pronounced. The balance and play of tastes on the tongue is magnificent and what you would look for.
Just wanted to share this quick and beautiful little gem with you before I return home with new and fabulous posts. I have some very exciting ones coming up, including revealing my 1920′s vintage wedding dress find and some new chic and luxurious styles. Speak with you soon, loves!
Feminine Soft Curls and A Big Red Bow
April 21, 2009
So I woke up this morning feeling especially girlie and feminine, it is such a beautiful day outside perhaps it is the sunshine coming in that is inspiring me. Looking into my closet I knew exactly what I wanted to wear- a white frilly dress, and my hair in soft curls with a bright red ribbon.
I have my curls very subtle, I like them that way with this type of look. They become more noticeable in the wind or when I walk- and I like that. With my dress being very simple and white, I wanted to add a bold color into the mix and thought the red ribbon was just the thing, and still keeps true to the girlie theme I am playing with here.
I also added a little bit of a puff to the pony tail portion of this look, I rarely wear my hair half up and half down, but when I do I like the subtle puff since otherwise it can feel to flat on top. I find it keeps a beautiful balance as it transitions into the curls or waves below.
And the dress- I love a simple yet frilly dress. Love it. If it makes me want to twirl when I am wearing it then I instantly want it. It’s the child in me, and I like to keep it happy (only child, naturally).
I found this dress some time ago I believe at forever twenty one, I haven’t worn it yet this year so I am delighted to be playing in it now.
Oh, did I mention it has the most adorable pockets on the sides? What makes me love this dress in particular is that the uneven hem is longer on the sides rather than the front and back. It is just slightly different and makes it all the more unique and wonderful.
It also has a very vintage look and feel about it, as if it once belonged to an old doll or was hand made from mom.
Even the pockets are larger than normal, giving that feeling of being a child and wanting to fill them with candy! This is certainly a fun one.
A Chic And Coral Hidden Treasure
April 19, 2009
Hidden treasure never looked so fabulous- and for something as common as this, I love when a designer has fun and adds a bit of luxury into the most simple items we use. Suddenly getting ready in the morning has a much more glamorous feel, and I know I am excited to be using these lovelies.
And possibly the best part, beyond their gorgeous appearance and feel, is the price and location of these gems… Target! They are only 19.99, and are a limited edition so be sure to pick them up while you can. This is an incredible deal for brushes of any kind, let alone fabulously designed ones such as these. It is definitely a steal I had to act quickly on myself, and wanted you to be aware of them as well.
The collection comes from Sonia Kashuk and is called the “hidden treasure” limited edition brush set, the name is perfect. It includes six beautiful brushes and a travel case to match. All the brushes are very soft against the face and very nice, especially for the price. Love it!
Playing with my make up in the morning has a whole new look and feel; fabulous brushes? Can’t go wrong there, a beautiful and stylish move from Sonia Kashuk for Target.
Don’t You Just Love It When This Happens?
April 16, 2009
Some days I chose my shoes before I decide on an outfit, and revolve the clothes to my shoes… this is one of those days. But I decided to keep the outfit simple, and make it about the accessories- and wouldn’t you know, I find a gorgeous Ferragamo bracelet I haven’t worn in ages that exactly matches my shoes?
Love it.
My fiance had given me this bracelet some time ago as a gift, though we discovered very quickly that wearing it was more than a style statement, it was also a weapon. Those corners seemed to always be casually hitting him while I was none the wiser. So now I only wear it occasionally, and with caution!
But I never thought to match them with my Vince Camuto heels. It was a delight to discover their beautiful matching styles. I love it when that happens, don’t you?
I kept the outfit simple- some beige/khaki shorts and a loose black top; very casual chic for an afternoon of running around (but still looking and feeling fabulous). Neutral shades are beautiful, and can especially be dressed up with accessories that match!
Floral Prints: Attack From Spring Part II
April 14, 2009
When I was shopping at forever twenty one last week and found the incredibly bright and bold spring floral dress- it wasn’t the only one I found. I couldn’t decide which one I liked better, so I do what I always do in these situations, I bought both!
I do this often with shoes, too- especially when I find a style I *love* and feels perfect on, I’ll get all the colors available in my liking. When you love something, you have got to go for it, right?
So back to the dress, this one though very floral and colorful indeed, is much softer with a more gentle feminine feel. The splashes of purple on white are beautiful, and inspired me to even paint my nails purple to match (and wear my lavender heels, such a gentle and beautiful color).
The little rosettes at the neckline are adorable and the perfect dainty touch for the dress. It is a straight and flowy drop from there, and the print does everything else.
Simple, chic, and perfect for spring. I am loving these frilly feminine prints.
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.
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!
The Ever So Lovely French Twist
March 9, 2009
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
March 7, 2009
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.
