Fashion: Razzle Dazzle 'Em

Sequins have made a dazzlingly sophisticated comeback. The pieces we are seeing are much more chic and versatile then in the past; thus allowing the conventional woman to incorporate some sparkle into her everyday life.

People generally equate the shimmering sequins with red carpet or holiday attire – but a little goes a long way. This time around we have the option to dress our sequins up or down. Of course there will always be the glitzy party dress that is just for the party, but we’re also seeing sequin tanks, t-shirts, and skirts being integrated into daytime ensembles. That is the charm of this new and improved gem of a trend.

The key is to pick one sequined piece at a time, letting it be the focal point of the ensemble, by keeping everything else simple. One sequined piece can add immense vivacity to a winter wardrobe not to mention a little glamour to everyday life. For some brilliant inspiration, check out the celebrity looks below.

(Sequined crepe dress By K Karl Lagerfeld, $440 at: www.net-a-porter.com)

Lifestyle: In like a Lion

(Photo courtesy of the restaurant.)

Manhattan has a roaring new hotspot. John DeLucie has taken time off as Chef at one of my favorite New York restaurants, Waverly Inn, to open his own rendition of a famous 1960’s restaurant: Lion.

The place where Bette Midler and Barbara Streisand launched their singing careers, was revived last spring, in the exact same Greenwich Village townhouse. Once again the venue has become a favorite amongst celebrities; yet, this time around, regular Joe’s are also welcome to part-take in a delectable dining experience, as celebrities are said to be kept hidden upstairs in the “secret library.” (A dining room on the balcony in which you may catch a glimpse of people coming or going from the general dining area.)

The menu is less intimidating than other upper-scale restaurants in its class, offering mostly American comfort dishes, with a delightfully, tasteful twist. For an additional $100 per person, you can shave white truffles on anything you desire – taking your yummy $25 pasta to a delicious, yet pricey, $125 to-die-for dish.

Whatever you decide on, just be sure to save room for some cheesecake in a jar and do compliment it with a glass of Noble Semillon Viu Manent Chile, 2008, dessert wine - absolutely scrumptious!

Beauty: Mauve Over Black....

Shades of Mauve, Gold, Gray and Navy are stealing the show this fall when it comes to nailing polish trends.

I'm currently obsessed with a shade by ESSIE called Merino Cool(as shown in photo). It works with virtually everything in my closet and makes me feel pretty and polished for any occasion.

If you can't decide on just one color - try two! Do a navy nail with gold or silver mod design. An inverted french tip-where the tip is at base of nail is tres trendy! Enjoy - Xo

Fashion: Fur-ociously Fabulous

It’s clearly getting colder and the only thing exciting me about this sudden change in temperature is: it’s time to bring out the furs!

On a runway high for the last few years, fur is hitting the streets in a fierce way this fall/winter season and the good news is it isn’t just for the uptown girl. Use your imagination and fur can work anyway on anyone. It can look cool or Glam; dress it up or dress it down; wear it out for a walk or for a jaunt on the town. The possibilities are endless....


(Halston Heritage faux goat fur vest available in an a variety of colors at: www.singer22.com)

Shop the Look: Hitchcock Heroine

Sophisticated and pretty with a touch of sass is the perfect way to describe the mood of one of the hautest trends fashion experts are referring to as, Hitchcock Heroine. To achieve this look, one must embrace the 40’s simplicity and modishness; opt for slim cut suits and well tailored dresses. A nipped waist is essential, so don't hesitate to cinch that dress with a skinny belt. Handbags are structured and luxe while shoes are lady like, yet sexy. Leather driver gloves are a chic fall must-have and jewelery should exude a simple, ladylike, elegance. As for outerwear, hunt for the perfect statement swing coat or cape. Keep in mind, there is no need to wear these all at once. Make it your own, by picking and choosing pieces that capture your personal modern interpretation of the trend. Need inspiration? Channel Grace Kelly: the epitome of polished and elegant; a true Hitchcock Heroine.

(This Oscar de la Renta cocktail dress is perfect Hitchcock attire for a dressy event or party and is available at www.saks.com)


(These Aldo Balschner satin shoes compliment the mood and fabric of the dress perfectly - they are available for approximately $70.00)


(This Stephen Webster Mother of Pearl and clear Quartz, Sterling ring is just enough bling to accent this uptown girl ensemble - approximately $335.00 at www.saks.com)



(A silver clutch like this classic and chic YSL version adds just enough pop to this steamlined silhouette and neutral palette - also available in gold at www.saks.com)

(This Tahari Sheath is the perfect go-to dress - a classic wool and Jersey blend in one of fall's hautest colors, camel - this dress will last for seasons - approximately $368.00 at Robert Simmonds in Fredericton, New Brunswick or online at www.saks.com)

(The Leopard print on these classic Jimmy Choo stilettos add just the right amount of sass to this chic, yet, conservative ensemble - available at www.saks.com)

(The Hitchcock woman wouldn't be complete with out a structured handbag like this Valentino patent style available at www.saks.com for $1895.00)


(Today's Hitchcock Heroine would store her chunky watch and wear something a little more feminine and modern like the one above by Philip Stein- $440.00, available at www.saks.com)


(To complete the look - these 18k Gold Tiffany & Co earrings give a nod to both the past and present day Hitchcock Femme, accenting the look fabulously - available at www.tiffany.com)


(When stepping outside, take direction from this gorgeous Cashmere AKRIS swing style coat above - available at www.saks.com)


(Last but not least, driver gloves like the ones above, are very on trend with or without your jacket - so be sure to include a pair on the fall shopping list - available at www.victoriasecret.com)

Lifestyle: The Cove Resort

Atop and two of the stunning Paradise Island, Bahamas, sits a stylishly dynamic 22-story luxury hotel: The Cove. Inspired by Vegas Hipsters and located in the exciting world of Atlantis, this "resort with-in a resort" offers the best of both worlds: tranquility and a vibrant social scene. With no shortages of indulgent experiences, including gourmet cuisines, high-end shopping, an amazing water park and a world-class casino, it's no wonder that guests have been known to rub elbows with celebrities such as, Julia Roberts, Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Carrie Underwood.

Rooms present ocean views of breathtaking pink and white sand beaches against crystal clear turquoise waters. Guests of The Cove resort also receive total access to the exclusive Cain at The Cove; an adults-only pool area where the vibe is trendy and the energy is high. Guests can feel free to try their luck at any 5 gaming tables surrounding chic infinity pools; indulge in a massage while chillin' in their lounger or soak up the sun on a day bed sipping fancy cocktails with friends - all while the DJ mixes the coolest beats.

Only in Nassau for the day via cruise or renting a condo with friends? Then be sure to purchase a day pass to Cain at The Cove – it will give you a little taste of the resort and trust me – it’s totally worth it!
(The Cain at Cove, Atlantis, Bahamas)

Spotted: Untamed Fashionista's

For decades fashionista’s have been tastefully incorporating animal prints into their wardrobes (key word being – tastefully). This season designers, such as Diane Von Furstenberg, Michael Kors and Lanvin went wild for Leopard prints; since then these sexy spots have been making a fierce comeback. Whether worn as an accent or statement piece, adding just a spot of leopard will undoubtedly add personality to an otherwise basic ensemble. Pair this print with excessive bronze and gold jewelry to channel some frisky 70’s Glamour (think heaps of bangles, oversized earrings and one big statement ring) and be sure to perrrrr-fect the look with a sexy pair of vintage inspired shades – meow.

(Burberry animal print fur trench coat available at: www.burberry.com)