Lifestyle: Im-PRESS-ive

Located in the heart of downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia, is one of the city’s finest restaurants: The Press Gang Restaurant and Oyster Bar. Set inside one of the oldest historic stone structures in the city, dating all the way back to 1759,  makes the atmosphere as authentic and amazing as the food - a treat for all your senses! The extensive menu offers a fine array of superb seafood, meat, game and poultry, ensuring there is a dish to satisfy every palate. 


If not in the mood for food, simply stroll in on a Friday or Saturday evening to enjoy a seat at the bar and indulge in an exquisite cocktail, while listening to the live entertainment on the piano. Like every delicious dish – I promise you will taste the love that is poured into perfecting the drink of your choice. While the wine and scotch connoisseurs’ may enjoy a glass of fine wine from the extensive wine list or one of 70 single malt scotches. 

Always making it a point to dine here when visiting the city, I was shocked when some locals had not been acquainted with the establishment, so I felt it necessary to spread the word. Truly like an upscale New York restaurant located right in the heart of the Maritimes - you will surely be imPRESSed. 

 IMAGE COURTESY OF: WWW.THEPRESSGANG.NET

                                                                                          

Fashion: Signed, Sealed & Delivered….

Been on clutch control? Looking for the perfect evening bag to carry all the bare necessities for a night out on the town? No worries, the envelope clutch is on the job, offering fashionistas an edgy, yet sophisticated option for day or night. They are sleek, chic and seriously versatile. Dressed up or down, it will look equally on trend with jeans or a maxi-dress. The perfect bag to grab n’ go for any occasion.

(Antoinette Lee, Love Letter Envelope Pouch, $85.00)

(Fena, Smitten Triumphant, $256.00)

(Fena, Caramel Triumphant, $210.00)

(Leoluca, The Winter, $229.00)

AVAILABLE AT WWW.HANDBAGO.COM

Fashion & Beauty: Pretty as a Peacock

Designer's flocked to rich jewel tones for their fall '11 collections. Models were seen strutting their stuff on the runways, wearing peacock inspired blues and greens, thus setting a hot colour trend for fall/winter fashion and make-up direction.

These gorgeously full bodied, invigorating shades can add the right amount of "wow" to a wardrobe. Simply incorporating a splash of a new hue with classic neutral pieces can instantly refresh and revive tried and true staple. Look for luxurious fabrics in emerald greens and electric shades of blue to really nail this trend. Think silks, mohair, cashmere, wools and crepes to make a powerfully elegant statement.

An accent like an oversized scarf in one of these radiant shades will be sure to brighten you up as the days get shorter (and colder!). However, the bold fashion forward girls may want to be more daring, opting to colour block with the two hot hues. While the more classic fashionista should look for the perfect topper in one of these opulent colours to proudly parade the chilly streets in style.

Another easy and budget friendly way to dabble in this trend is to let the eyes steal the show, opting for a blue or green shadow: pretty! Shop for Peacock inspired colour palettes at M.A.C. Cosmetics (fall 2011 colour palette as seen above) and be sure to peruse some images of designer takes on the trend below. Xo

Sportmax

Douglas Hannant

Zac Posen

Balmain

Gareth Pugh

Giles

Dolce & Gabbana

Emilio Pucci

Louis Vuitton

Arkis

(Runway shots complimentary of WWW.STYLE.COM)

Fashion: Timeless Luxury

This Autumn, I'm falling in love with Versace's Precious Eon Watch Collection. The iconic Collection’s distinctive element is its outer rotating ring, which can easily transform a look from day to night with the simple flip of the bezel. Each model features 118 full pavé white diamonds on the dial and 40 white diamonds on the case - topped off with 40 precious stones on the outer ring (Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires - oh my!). The perfect timepiece for the women who craves luxury. Xo

(Price range $5,500 – $6,000)

Lifestyle: A Secret too Fabulous to Keep...

La Esquina Brasserie & Tequila bar is a restored diner turned taqueria. Although a popular spot for Mexican take-out, the lunch counter is mostly a front for one of New York City’s ultra cool dining destinations, which is located below street level.

I recommend calling well in advance and making reservations for a table downstairs. When you arrive, locate a non-descript door marked “Employees only.” It will be hard to miss, as there will be two big bouncers manning it soprano style. If your name checks out on their list, they’ll send you down the stairs where you will then be greeted by the host staff, where once again you will verify your reservation. Once you’re in, they’ll guide you through a hectic kitchen, into an enchanting vampire-esque dungeon garlanded with iron gates and dripping candelabras; blasting with cool music and trendy vibes.

The crowd is a mix of fashionista and hipster types dressed to kill. Who knows? You may even run into an A-list celeb. The underground restaurant that thrives on exclusivity and secrecy has attracted the likes of Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, John Mayer, Jennifer Aniston, and is said to be one of Beyonce’s favorite spots to dine. For first timers, enjoying an authentically styled taco is an absolute must. If you have a phobia of dark basements, the dim, mysterious ambiance may be too gothic for your appetite, but at least have a cocktail - it's definitely worth the experience.

La Esquina Brasserie & Tequila Bar is located at 106 Kenmare St. Reservations, which can be made at (646) 613-7100, are recommended.

Fashion: Sheer Bliss

(J. Mendel)

Translucent garments made another strong appearance on the spring runways for 2011, ensuring sheer madness for spring, summer and many months to follow...

In the past, sheer fabrics were gathered, blown, pleated and draped, directing fashionistas to wear pieces like a lady, which seldom reveal nothing but pure femininity.

(Giambattista Valli)

This year designers pushed the boundaries, revamping and tweaking the trend, appeasing everyone from the 'bad girl wannabes' to the 'ladies that lunch.' Regardless of whichever category one may fit, it's ultra important to exercise good judgment, because the sheer truth is that there is a fine line between classy and trashy.

(Akris)


For the office - it's best to keep a conservative approach to this trend. Opt for a blouse that offers a sheer overlay or sheer sleeves. Another option is to layer a sheer blouse over a camisole and or under a blazer, vest or jumper. For the laid back ladies, there is always the hippie chic approach....(see example below).

(Dolce & Gabbanna)

Finding the perfect balance of sugar and spice is essential with this trend. If that poses a problem, remember: it’s always best to play it safe. In other words; don't take fashion tips from Lady Gaga.

(All images compliments of www.style.com)

Fashion: Let There Be White....

The color of purity, cleanliness and innocence is making a powerful presence this year. Head-to-toe white ensembles cascaded the spring ’11 runways, and even trickled into the fall '11 collections, giving the minimalistic approach to fashion, a fresh and modern twist.

An oh-so-easy style adjustment, this trend is simple to part-take in, by switching basic black pieces for equally flattering white versions. For example, swap that favorite LBD for an equally sexy white number and be sure to pick up some other wardrobe staples like a pair of white denims or a structured white suit.

The monochromatic head-to-toe color will elongate the figure, but, keep in mind that it’s still important to stick to silhouettes that also flatter one’s particular body shape and of course equally important to choose pieces that will correspond with personal style. The key is to keep things crisp and airy, while having fun mixing and matching different fabrics and textures.

See below for an array of runway inspiration.


Donna Karan



Peter Pilotto



Narciso Rodriguez



Brioni



Viktor & Rolf



Tory Burch



Dries Van Noten



Dolce & Gabbana



Anna Sui



Bottega Veneta



Celine

(All photos courtesy of www.style.com)