Category: All

  • ENHANCE YOUR VOCABULARY

    ENHANCE YOUR VOCABULARY

    To be truly fabulous… you must constantly expand your mind… Intelligence is a critical component to becoming a remarkable woman.  On that note, here are a few words that should be in your personal repertoire {add them to some of the words that should already be in your dictionary… which you can review here}.

    soi·rée /swäˈrā/ (noun): an evening party or gathering, typically in a private house, for conversation or music.
    In a Sentence: I just purchased the most incredible cocktail dress… I plan to wear it to Julie’s soirée this weekend.
    In Your Life: When you think of a soirée, imagine an invitation-only event that is intimate {in the sense that it is typically held at an individual’s home}.  It is a perfect excuse to throw on a chic Jackie-O style slim cut boatneck dress {in black satin or perhaps a bolder choice… like leopard print} and some of your glitziest vintage baubels.  Live music can be a lovely component of a beautifully hosted soiree {like a violonist, harpist, or jazz trio}, though it is not necessary {however, amplified music of some sort should be present}.  Additionally, this is an ideal environment in which to drink champagne or a martini {both delicious and a classy social accessory}.  If you can’t find a sufficient soirée to attend, I suggest you throw your own.  There is nothing more socially appealing than an adept hostess.

    el·e·gant /eligənt/ (adjective): pleasingly graceful and stylish in appearance or manner.
    In a Sentence: When she entered the room, well-dressed and self-assured, there was no denying that she was a beautifully elegant woman.
    In Your Life: Elegance is not something that can be learned, it is a way of living.  The way you speak, dress, behave… the interests that you pursue… the way that you move and the way that you treat others… all of these things are components of what it means to embody elegance.  Think of the way that you behave as an external manifestation of who you are, and who you strive to be, internally.  If your manner is not one that is “pleasingly graceful,” you may want to rethink your behavior.  Being thought of as elegant is something that must be earned and it is certainly a worthwhile pursuit.

    so·phis·ti·cate /səˈfistəˌkāt/ (noun): a person with much worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture
    In a Sentence: The sophisticate worked her way around the art gallery with ease, expertly recognizing the fine nuances within the pieces on display.
    In Your Life: The accomplishment of becoming a woman with “much worldly experience and knowledge of fashion and culture” is a sign that you have lived your life in a full and varied manner.  A well-dressed and well-read woman is a lethal combination.  Knowledge of the arts, music, history, society, and culture make you far more than just a stunning fashionista… it makes you an interesting person… one who is likely a thrilling conversationalist, a dynamic friend, a captivating date, and a sure inclusion on every exclusionary guest list in town.

    lit·e·ra·ti /litəˈrätē/ (noun plural): well-educated people who are interested in literature
    In a Sentence:  The Shakespeare convention was filled with a myriad of surprisingly attractive literati; had she known that there would be so many potential suitors present, she might have worn a more figure-conscious blouse.
    In Your Life: Members of the literati are individuals that you should seek to befriend… and you should also seek to become one {if you are not already a part of the literati at this moment}.  However, avoid associating with any individual who is a part of this group that demonstrates any signs of snobbery or is pompous in nature {well-educated individuals can sometimes fall prone to the unattractive behavior of thinking themselves as more significant than others}.  If you find yourself associated with the gracious and grounded literati that exist, you should count yourself lucky.  Literature and education are beautifully powerful tools that expand your view of the world and your ability to successfully communicate some otherwise difficult thoughts in a succinct and eloquent manner.  There are few things more impressive than a woman who turns heads and turns pages.

  • LUST LIST – AUGUST

    LUST LIST – AUGUST

    I. love. August. Something about the last days of summer and the sudden twinge of fall teasingly playing with the evening air puts me in a whimsical and dreamy (dare I say… romantic?) mood.  It’s the perfect time to layer fluttery summer influenced dresses in muted colors with thin knit sweaters…  and wide leg pants in light colors look ethereal when paired with gauzy tops and accessories with personality.  Grab a structured quilted bag in a plum hue, swipe on a pinkish coral lipstick, and lace up your ankle boots… August is waiting for you.


    1. Marni Textured Cardigan $760
    2. Fendi Ribbon Strap Drape Front Dress $2,480
    3. Grand Enter-ance Ring $12
    4. Early Reservations Dress $68
    5. Miu Miu Leather Peep Toe Ankle Boot $795
    6. Chloé Wide Leg Trouser $675
    7. The Row Stoker Jacket $1,890
    8. Fresh Chive Top $43
    9. Old and New Pocket Watch Necklace $28
    10. Armani Beauty Rouge d’Armani Lipstick – Plum 606 $30
    11. Marc Jacobs Quilted Sullivan Shoulder Bag $1,195
    12. In the Heirloom Dress $48

  • FABULOUS EVENT – A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY SOIREE

    FABULOUS EVENT – A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY SOIREE

    People that you love… and {if you’re really lucky} that love you… make everything worthwhile.  I have a tendency to get caught up in all of the beautifully busy moments of life {as I’m sure you do, as well} and, in turn, my birthday came and went without all of the pomp and circumstance to which the people around me have become accustomed {I am known to have a great affinity for throwing a party for any reason at all}.  Don’t get me wrong, my actual birthday was fabulous… it was just a bit understated in comparison to my natural proclivities {I couldn’t find the time… or justify taking the time… to do something to celebrate my own birthday… there were too many other things to be done!}.  Those closest to me {most notably my sister [you can read a “love letter” I wrote to her here] and closest friends} noticed this and, two days after my actual birthday, totally knocked my little socks off with a party at Blush {read about this hotspot here and here} that was full of all of the things I L.O.V.E. {leopard print, cotton candy, martinis, hot pink…}… and, most importantly, it was filled with the people I love.

  • MUST HAVES – 10 NECESSARY SPLURGES

    MUST HAVES – 10 NECESSARY SPLURGES

    1. The Feminine Power Suit – every woman should work what she’s got… especially at work.
    Holmes & Yang Suit Jacket $2,995 & Suit Pant $995
    2. The Perfect Pencil Skirt – work your curves, but don’t offend your elders.
    Boudicca Lace Pencil Skirt $2,115
    3. The Lingerie That Makes You Feel Like a Goddess – even if only you know it’s there…
    Kiki de Montparnasse Le Fleur Demi Bra $235 & Amour Le Reve Short $165
    4. The Little Black Dress – such a necessity and anything but boring {I have at least 50 different LBDs… start your collection… or add to it… with something like this}
    Narciso Rodriguez Cut Out Back Dress $1,495
    5. The Statement Bag – something large {you have to be able to fit everything that makes you fabulous} and luxurious.
    Marc Jacobs Lacqured Quilting Fifth Avenue Tote $1,350
    6. The Piece of Jewelry That You Bought for Yourself – mine is 3 carats of aquamarine surrounded by champagne diamonds… what will yours be?
    Federica Rettore Antique Cut Citrine Ring $9,100
    7. The Wild Heels That Take You From Day to Night – leopard + louboutin = fashion “yes” every time
    Christian Louboutin Bianca $995
    8. The Red Lipstick That Brings Out Your Hollywood Starlet – appropriate for any occasion… bring a little drama to your day.
    Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Red Muse $32
    9. The Stunner Shades – no one will know if you’re famous or just tired.
    Dior ‘Havane’ Metal Aviator Sunglasses $395
    10. The Surprising Black Stilettos – make sure they look you up and down.
    Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Pump $1,095

  • LOOK OF THE WEEK – CASUAL SOPHISTICATE

    LOOK OF THE WEEK – CASUAL SOPHISTICATE

    Some days {let’s face it… most days} require me to find a way to fit lots of business and lots of fun into the all-to0-short time span of 24 hours… Likely because I find the business that I am in to be insanely fun {and fabulous}, I tolerate {and even look forward to} my crazy schedule.  I’ve learned that a 3pm meeting can quickly creep into my 8pm dinner-and-drinks-with-the girls time slot… so I need to dress in a way that seamlessly transitions from professional to personal.  Enter: the casual sophisticate.  With a simple color scheme {think neutrals like black, white, tan, cream, and grey} and a few feminine statement accessories {spikes, bows, studs, and there is never anything wrong with a pop of pink here and there}, you can be taken just seriously enough for work and still turn heads at happy hour.

    1. Givenchy Leather Tee $895
    2. Lanvin Capelet Top $2,680
    3. Lanvin Sequin Fringe Shirt $1395
    4. Gator Stretch Ring $45
    5. Love Charm Toggle Bracelet $125
    6. Cow Rose Mismatch Earrings $45
    7. Paige Premium Denim Belle Cut Out Skinny Jeans $199
    8. Robert Rodriguez Cigarette Pants $242
    9. Robert Rodriguez Cigarette Pants in Coal $242
    10. Burberry Wedge Heel Bootie $895
    11. Alexander McQueen Laser Cut Bootie $1,725
    12. Tory Burch ‘Lawson’ Bootie $425

  • FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – SHINE

    FABULOUS SANTA BARBARA SPOT – SHINE


    After hearing that a bonafide blow dry bar {no cuts. no color. just blow outs.} had opened up in Montecito on Coast Village Road, I knew that I had to check it out.  Little did I know that I would be {pun intended} blown away by the whole experience.  The Coast Village Road location is exclusive enough to give this blow dry bar the necessary caché… but Shine goes above and beyond what is expected and envelopes its clients in the Shine Experience {Shine calls it “affordable indulgence”}.  A long white mirrored center bar runs down the meridian of the salon.  The chic {and yet simultaneously cozy and comfortable} decor is stunning.  I was swept up in a flurry of champagne, cupcakes, and a scalp massage.  After a thorough shampoo and conditioning treatment, my hair was swept here and there with great precision.  Before I knew it, I emerged with cascading curls and hair that smelled soooooo good {and was softest that it has been in years}.  Book your appointment today… or just walk-in {hey, it’s Santa Barbara… and Shine recognizes the flexible schedules of most Santa Barbarians}.  At only $35 for a blow dry {yes… pick your jaw up off the floor… the whole experience is only $35} you can’t afford to miss this “affordable indulgence.” Check it out at www.shineblowdrybar.com.

    Decor & Dessert: each client is offered something to drink {coffee, water, champagne, a mimosa…} and an adorable gourmet {to-die-for} miniature cupcake upon arrival.  There are 3 wash stations and 8 blow dry stations available.  The decor is clean and classic with a sprinkling of shabby chic elements and a bit of European charm incorporated, as well.  The orchids and ornate mirrors captivated my eyes, while the cupcakes and bubbly had the full attention of my palette.  My initial impression of Shine could not have been more positive.


    The Shine Experience: I have always had a love/hate relationship with blow outs… mostly because that while having someone wash your hair and massage your scalp feels incredible, it can be hard to focus on that lovely sensation if the washing station at which you are sitting is uncomfortable and if the basin causes your neck to strain.  I was pleasantly surprised to lower my head into an ergonomically designed basin with more than enough neck support {I was so comfortable I almost drifted into a mid-afternoon cat nap}.  The shampoo and conditioning treatments smelled incredible and left my hair soft and shiny without weighing it down.  My stylist asked me questions about what kind of style I was going for and {totally uncharacteristic of me… I guess I was feeling daring} I left it up to her.  She made the perfect choice and I left with bouncy {and shiny!} loose spirals.


    Overall: I recommend the Shine Experience without hesitation.  I left feeling like I had hair that was straight out of a hair commercial {which is a bit of a miracle as I have become known for my messy, bedhead style locks}.  With appointments and walk-ins accepted, there is no excuse for you {and your potentially fabulous head of hair} to not waltz into Shine’s doors today.