NORDSTROM -  Shop the Fall Clearance Sale for Men, Women & Kids through November 13

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Jodi Arnold's Fall Collection for The Limited Goes On-Sale


Good news if you're starting to look around for Holiday party wear.  The amazing Jodi Arnold Fall collection has just been reduced by 30%.  I reviewed the collection when it launched on August 8th, and it's divine.  The inspriration for the pieces was 1920s glamour and Jodi's trademark embellishments combine well with the period feel.  My top picks for the sale, at the Cabaret Tunic and the Embellished Jacket.  You can't go wrong with these pieces.  They can take you from the office, to after office going out.  And check the reader reviews.  They are rated 5 stars!  That's good enough for me.


The  breathtaking boyfriend jacket has "studded" details around the collar that you will fall in love with. Remember to check The Limited Facebook group for coupons to use to bring those prices down below further.

For more Jodi Arnold news, check out her new website design featuring her online magazine "Shared Discovery." Shared Discovery is a daily source of Joid's perspective on art, music, books, and other culturally relevant topics.  The magazine is a way of engaging customers in the movement of ideas, and an ongoing narrative of the hidden cultural gems that motivate the designer and spark the creativity behind her designs.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Special Event: Oct 7th Michelle of Beverly Hills Beauty Event to Benefit Breast Cancer





Please join Elisa Hallerman and Michelle O’Neill for an afternoon to support BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

Thursday October 7th
12-4pm
417 N. Canon Dr,
Beverly Hills, Ca.
90210

A few hours of beauty!
Hair blowouts and style, masseuse, make up, manicures, waxing….and more…
Cocktails and food will be served.
Come and go and bring your friends!!!

A percentage of the proceeds will go to THINK PINK ROCKS….

Think Pink Rocks is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise awareness about early detection of and genetic testing for breast cancer and to provide funding for screening, treatment and research.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Givenchy and ELLE unite to launch Givenchy's Play fragrance Oct. 2 at South Coast Plaza

Invitation, Givenchy & Elle

Givenchy and ELLE will “celebrate the latest Givenchy fragrance, Play” at Macy’s South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, 2 October from 12 noon to 6 pm. The event includes drinks and sweets and renowned DJ SynCity. Local graffiti artist, Mrs. Five will be on hand to customize bottles of Play purchased at the event. The event is free and open to the public, simply RSVP to justplay@hfmus.com.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Erin Fetherston is Juicy Couture's New Guest Designer

Whimsical designer Erin Fetherston made a special appearance in the Los Angeles area today at Neiman- Marcus, Topanga,  to show off her new Holiday Collection for Juicy Couture.  Some of you may remember the super-talented Erin's Holiday Collection for Target a few years ago.   It was truly adorable.  I'm still wearing her 1920's inspired winter white Target coat with the amazing shawl collar and covered buttons.

Pictured: Erin Fetherston's Black Velvet Holiday Party Dress for Juicy Couture.

Now Juicy Couture, owned by Liz Clairborne, has hired Erin to elevate their holiday clothing. One thing is for sure, Erin's 11 piece collection for Juicy won't feature any velour pants with the words "Juicy" of the back side.  Thank god for small favors.  Instead you'll find holiday bling and cheer in the form of jewelry, silky blouses and velvet dresses.  The collection will range in price from $216 to $688.  This explains why the line will be sold at high-end department stores like Neiman-Marcus.  If you want a special holiday dress, and budget is not an obstacle, look for Erin's Juicy collection at Neiman's and Bloomingdales. For lower-priced Erin Fetherston, check out her Edition collection for QVC.  Some of the pieces are on clearance, and they are really well priced.  The Edition line  for QVC features her trademark touches, like the built-in necklace, embellishments and ruffles.   I'm glad to see several different price and style options available for buying Erin Fetherston clothing off the rack.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Los Angeles: Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama Thursday 9/16




HAUTE FASHION, HOTTER MUSIC, HOTTEST CELEBRITIES
Buy Your Tickets to Macy's Passport Presents Glamorama
 Proceeds to Benefit Project Angel Food


Thursday, September 16 at the Orpheum Theatre, Downtown LA
starring Eric Hutchinson & Macy Gray
This spectacular evening of fashion, fantasy, music and magic will be held at the Orpheum Theatre in downdown L.A. to benefit Project Angel Food and APLA, featuring designers Marc by Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier, Just Cavalli, Material Girl, Felina, 2(x)ist and more. 

Tickets Are Still Available (especially for the $75 level). Get Yours Online HERE

Sneak Peak: Milly's Spring 2011 Sketches and Inspiration


Have you heard of the design house Milly? Milly is sold at fine department stores like Bloomingdale's. The label  is the adorable feminine brainchild of designer Michelle Smith. The super stylish Michelle worked at Paris fashion houses Hermès and Dior.  I've long been a fan of Milly.  Check out Milly designer Michelle Smith’s sketch and inspiration quote above along with a swatch of a featured print in the spring 2011 collection, which will debut on the runway on Wednesday, September 15 at The Stage at Lincoln Center.  Michelle says she is inspired by the fashion eccentric Peggy Guggenheim.  Peggy G was an heiress and the ultimate art lover, collecting  fine art and offering patronage to some great artists. Amy Madigan  played the part of  Peggy in the movie Pollock (2000),  based on the life of  artist Jackson Pollock.

Below is a swatch from the collection, showing a poppy print. Love it!

Pictured: A swatch from one of Milly's prints for her Spring 2011 collection.

Friday, September 10, 2010

New York Fashion Week: Designer Carolina Herrera Receives 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' Title

 Pictured: A gown from Carolina Herrera's Fall 2010 collection with Vogue's Anna Wintour looking on at New York Fashion Week. (photo: M. Hall)

In February I attended Carolina Herrera's Fall 2010 runway show at New York Fashion Week  It was one of the most spectacular runway shows I have witnessed.  The production was flawless and the designs were perfection.  This a  designer who personifies good taste, sophisticated design and elegance.  No surprise that she outfitted Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for 12 years.  She will be honored next week with the distinguished title of "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designer for this season's spring/summer 2011 collection debuting on Monday, September 13th at 10:00 am at Lincoln Center, the new home of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The "Mercedes-Benz Presents" program recognizes designers that demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design for the past seven years.  "I am very proud to be chosen as the 'Mercedes-Benz Presents' designer," said Herrera.  "To be recognized in such an important year in Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week history, is, without question, a wonderful honor."

Carolina Herrera has designed for many celebrities and high profile clients including Renee Zellweger, Amy Adams, Michelle Pfeiffer, Emily Blunt, Oprah Winfrey, and Camilla Belle.  She joins a prestigious list of past "Mercedes-Benz Presents" designers including Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Narciso Rodriguez, and CHADO Ralph Rucci.
 
"Carolina Herrera's understated grace, precision design and attention to detail uphold the Mercedes-Benz commitment to quality," said Lisa Holladay, Manager of Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  "She is a symbol of great success within the fashion industry and especially in New York City and choosing her as this season's Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer represents the strength of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the event's bright future at Lincoln Center."

Born in Venezuela, Carolina Herrera began her Fashion career in New York in 1980, and will be celebrating 30 years of her eponymous collection in 2011. Recognized throughout the industry for her impeccable style and elegant, feminine, sophisticated designs Carolina Herrera has been awarded by the Council of Fashion Designers of America two distinct honors "Womenswear Designer of the Year" in 2004 and in 2008 the "Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award."  Carolina Herrera oversees a design house which encompasses her signature fashion collection and bridal collections, her lifestyle collection CH Carolina Herrera, and ten successful fragrances.   I can't wait to see her Spring 2011 show this Monday!

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

The Fashion's Night Out Tote Launches



You waited, you hoped and you prayed, but now it's official, there is a Fashion's Night Out Tote to go with the Tee shirt.   The souvenir machine is in high gear now. Brahmin, the luxury New England handbag company,  created this  limited-edition tote exclusively for the event on September 10, 2010.  The good news is the bag is good looking and a  portion of the sale proceeds will go to  benefit the NYC AIDS Fund.

The limited edition Brahmin FNO tote will be sold for $45 at Brahmin retail locations, online at Brahmin.com, and at participating FNO retailers including Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, BergdorfGoodman.com, Bloomingdales, Bloomingdales.com, Lord & Taylor, Macy's, NiemanMarcus.com, Nordstrom, and Saks 5th Avenue beginning on August 30 until supplies last. Five dollars from the sale of each bag will be donated to the NYC AIDS Fund.   What do you think readers? Is $45.00 a fair price for the tote?

Friday, September 3, 2010

Taste of Beverly Hills: An Amazing Upscale Food Fest



Tonight I had the privilege of attending the opening of the Taste of Beverly Hills, presented by Food & Wine Magazine. This four day food festival kicked off with a star studded evening, some great music and even great people watching.  Since it's Beverly Hills, the people watching is pretty amazing with lots of designer clothing, Chanel handbags, Louis Vuitton and all manner of luxury cars from Bentley's to Rolls-Royces rolling into Beverly Hilton for this celebration of Epicurean delights.  But the real star of the night was, as it should be, the food and wine.  The event is held outdoors under the stars above the old Robinson-May department store parking lot across from the Beverly Hilton. The festival consists of individual booths with some of Los Angeles, and event the world's best restaurant's serving unlimited "tastes' of their best dishes.  I think even the judges from Top Chef would be in awe of the offerings.   I wondered around quite happily for several hours tasting different delights without even noticing the presence of the Kardashians or some of the other celebrities present.  Even the great musical performance by Grammy nominee, Natasha Bedingfield couldn't distract the crowd because everyone was focused on the delicious bites and wonderful wines.

The price to attend the festival is about $150.00 per ticket. But you can find discount codes on the event's Twitter feeds and Facebook Group to help defray the cost.  The best deal is the" 2 for 1" deals that you can find via the Twitter contests (follow @TasteofBH) and the Facebook group.  The" 2 for 1" deal brings you average ticket price down to about $75.00 which is a great bargain on the unlimited food and delicious wine offered.  This is what I used to purchase a ticket for myself and a friend. The codes work!

I only tried one thing that I really couldn't stomach and that was the foie grae on a crispy wafer.  It was way too salty. Avoid that dish.  Following are the dishes and wines that I recommend you try.

Pictured: Chicken Meatballs in Chantrelle Mushroom Cream Sauce from La Bottega Beverly Hills.  (photo: M. Hall)

Food
  • 9021PHO   This reasonably priced Vietnamese restaurant is serving up Pho Bo spicy noodle soup with beef and their delicious spring rolls.  I had no idea that there was such great Vietnamese in Beverly Hills.  On their menu in the restaurant everything is under $20.00.
  • Cabbage Patch--I have never heard of Cabbage Patch but I was intrigued by the choice of serving a Turkey meatball with Slaw.  The Slaw is rather exotic with cilantro, peanuts and honey mustard dressing, but it is a winner, even along side the Italian flavored meatball.
  • Coupa Café--  This restaurant serves Venezuelan cuisine.  For the Taste of Beverly Hills they are serving  a trio of different appetizers including a spicy empanada. The trio is absolutely delicious.Be sure to try it!
  • Crustacean-- This celebrity haunt is serving their special Garlic Noodles. They are delicious as always, although maybe just a tad dryer than they are in the restaurant where they are served with some sauce on the side. 
  • Darioush-- This restaurant is only serving one dish, but it's an exquisite, and unusual Aubergine with Tomato Puree.  This is a must try.  Many diners thought it was a fig, but it was clearly listed on the menu as a Aubergine (Eggplant.)
  • Taste of Persia by Farhang Foundation-- This may be the most entertaining exhibit at the festival. Beyond delicious bits of Iranian cuisine like lamb on pita with cucumber yogurt dip there are exhibits of music, cookbooks, and dancers in beautiful costumes. 
  • Greenleaf Gourmet-- This Century City restaurant is serving up a delicious and very fresh green salad with pears, dried fruit and Gorgonzola cheese.  It's a great salad and warning, you will want seconds.
  • Il Cielo-- You must try this unusual taste sensation of rolled Pappardelle pasta drizzled with Truffle sauce.   To die for.   A must try...you will want at least two. Il Cielo is probably the most romantic restaurant in Beverly Hills, and it is a bit pricey.  So it's wonderful to be able to nimble from their menu without paying major bucks. 
  • Il Pastaio-- This great Italian is serving Rollini di Melanzane. These are delicious Eggplant Rolls Filled with Goat Cheese with Fresh Tomato sauce. Yum!
  • La Bottega-- This family owned Italian is serving three different kinds of meatballs and they are all absolutely delicious.  Owners and brothers,  Mario and Salvatore Marino were working their booth and personally serving Chicken meatballs in Chanterelle Mushroom cream sauce, Veal meatballs in a cream sauce and traditional Beef meatballs in Marina (red sauce.)  If you go to the Taste of Beverly Hills, be sure to try these.  On Monday nights the restaurant offers specials on their meatballs with prices under $10.00.  That is a pricing feat for Beverly Hills.  And  the food is really, really good. 
  • Lawry’s - Lawry's on La Cienga is an LA institution serving fresh carved Roast Beef.  At the Taste  of Beverly Hills, Lawry's is serving their speciality carved  Roast Beef on a bun, served with  fresh creamed corn.  The serving is just as good as what they offer in the restaurant.
  • Luxe-- This restaurant offered tastes of delicious Ceviche and a special Trout Pate.  Be sure to try both.  I've never stopped into the Luxe Hotel for lunch or dinner, but now I realize that I have been missing out.  I will have to stop in.  This is the restaurant within the hotel on Rodeo, and the food is really good!
  • The Grill on the Alley-- The Grill was serving a show stopper dish of slow-cooked short ribs with mashed potatoes. The meat was slow cooked and fell off the bone.  So, so good.
  • The Peninsula Beverly Hills, the hotel restaurant is serving a delicious trio of Salmon Blinis, Sashimi Tuna and a chilled soup.
Pictured: The Trout Pate from the Luxe Hotel.  It's really amazing. (photo: M. Hall)

Wine and Beverages:
Layer Cake-- Try their incredible Shiraz which retails for a mere $14.99 (US).  The winery's motto is one I love, "Luxury Everyone Can Afford." Layer Cake Shiraz shows you that a wine can be inexpensive and robust. Their Primitivo is also a winner.
Frank Family Wine-- Zinfandel blended with Cabernet Franc. It is so rich and flavorful. A must try.
Rosenthal Chardonnay, the Malibu Estate.  A nice, light chard perfect to start a night of tasting with.
American Tea Room--Try the unique hot Coco tea.  It's not as sweet as hot chocolate, but it's a nice ending to the evening of delicious wines.


 Pictured: The taste is luxurious but the price is not, Layer Cake wine. (photo: M. Hall)

Bottom line, if you are looking for some terrific food and wine over this Labor Day weekend, then do get a ticket to Taste of Beverly Hills. Just use a discount code from one of their social media communities to get the best price.  Over the next few days the Taste of Beverly Hills will offer  BBQ tastings, Brunch Tastings,on-site cooking and  cocktail "mixology".  Tastings are "unlimited" so go hungry.  You will want to keep tasting long after your stomach is full.  It's just that good.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Chanel Boutique Events for Fashion's Night Out

Pictured: The Chanel Boutique on Robertson in Los Angeles (photo: M. Hall)

One of my favorites, Chanel, is gearing up for Fashion's Night Out with events in their boutiques. As a Chanel lover, I wanted to let you know all about it.  Maybe I can stop in an get a new lipstick? :)
Here's the schedule.


Call your nearest boutique to schedule a personal appointment.
Discover the universe of CHANEL Fashion at chanel.com