Lifestyle: Experience ONYX

If one should be lucky to land on the beautiful east coast of Canada, be sure to check out one of my favorite restaurants, ONYX. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, ONYX was voted one of the ten best new restaurants in Canada in 2004 and is still delivering mouth watering gourmet cuisines and the best cocktails east of Montreal.

The sexy and sleek décor of this up-scale restaurant where fois gras is a staple, sets the perfect mood for any occasion. Whether looking for a place to host a soirée with friends or a romantic dinner for two, ONYX offers an extensive award-winning wine list and a menu that will not disappoint. If you find yourself undecided, I definitely recommend the Prix Fixe menu. It’s always a fun way to sample the chef’s latest creations with inspirations from around the world – paired with an appropriate, complimentary wine. If it’s your first time dining at this amazing establishment, ask for Mick Jagger’s table, where the rocker and entourage dined in 2006

If you’re looking for something more low key or simply need a break after perusing the shops on Spring Garden Road, drop in and enjoy delicious sharing platters and an afternoon cocktail in the lounge area. If food isn’t your mood, then make it a point to check out the backlit bar made of onyx; where you can sit back and relax sipping the best freshly muddled mojito ever in almost any flavor you can imagine.

www.onyxdining.com

(Photo courtesy of Millright Wood Working Inc.)

Beauty: In the Nude

Since the arrival of winter, fashionistas have been drifting into an obsession of going nude; with nail polish that is…

Fall 2010 nails were all about deep purples, rich metallic’s and smokey greys or mauves, with the option to add chic designs for added flair. Lately, neutral nude polishes have been hitting the forefront; staying in line with fall palettes, by taking on hints of grey and mauve, while adding a dash of peach to prepare for spring. These colors may be calm, but they’re anything but boring.

The charm is in their cool or warm chic versatility. Just enough to make your nails pop, exuding a quiet confidence, in a polished manner. Sure to add classic elegance to any ensemble, nudes work well with both bold or classic color palettes and are perfect for downplaying the latest sequin trend.

Choose a color that compliments the skin tone and makes you feel pretty. Steer clear from sheer and look for something heavy enough to cover the nail. My personal favorite has been JAZZ by ESSIE (available at bizrate.com). It's a creamy beige-taupe shade is especially great for those who admire excessive finger and arm candy. Its monochromatic approach to the skin, leaves nails looking sexy and sophisticated, while showcasing beautiful jewelry pieces; allowing them to be the center of attention.

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)