Shiny Object Syndrome

Dolce and Gabbana/Miles Redd

I never met a rhinestone, paillette, sequin or light catching accoutrement I didn't like.  Shiny object syndrome is defined as "the attraction to objects that exhibit a glassy, polished, gleaming or otherwise shiny appearance."  Gleaming is as gleaming does, captures my attention, excites me and casts a dramatic "glow" on everything around it!  Glitter, metals, mirror, pearls, chains, appliqués ~ nothing is off the table in fashion and home decor in this moment.

I thought this would be a fun runway to room post as there is so much eye candy everywhere you look!  Fashion's more is more aesthetic always makes my heart beat a little faster.  As the arc of a trend always shows us, more is more leads to less is more soon after.   So, while embellishments are having their moment and fashion is in full out glamour mode ~ Get your glitter on!

Balmain is doing it. ~

Dior is doing it. ~

Chanel is doing it  ~

Gucci is doing it. ~

Gucci/Marks and Travano

Saint Laurent is doing it  ~

You can do it too!

The same result can be had using any light reflecting material.  Several that I mentioned above metallic, mirror, metal, as well as foil and fabrics like lurex, brocades and panne velvet shouldn't be ruled out.  The luminosity of fabrics and materials like high gloss paint and lacquers that radiate color or shine captivate us.  Iridescence has a modernity.  Shine on you crazy diamond!  Show the world what you're all about!

Lanvin/Tom Dixon

Chanel/Floto + Warner

Tom Ford/via House Beautiful

Seta Apparel/via Luxe magazine

Balmain/Kelly Wearstler

Get your glitter on, because it won't be too long before all we clamor for simplicity and quiet elegance.



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Current Obsessions

Apparently, as my husband pointed out, I am obsessed by many things.  What can I say?  I feel passionate about so much.  I though it would be fun to let you in on all my current obsessions, as many make great holiday gifts to give or to get!

Anything Tom Ford Beauty ~ if you have not invested in this man's make up, you don't know what you're missing.  The lip sticks don't move and the nail polishes, while a little pricey, last for weeks without chipping and are healthier for your nails than gel!  Many of the fragrances are unisex and could be considered a two-fer.

Chef Stephanie Nass has created these amazing cake sheets.  I discovered her on Instagram.  Each takes a plain cake and turns it into an artful, delicious surprise; a fool proof way to elevate your little baked good.  Videos on her website explain the easy application so even a novice appears professional.

For someone who travels a lot, this is just a good investment  : )  Goyard envelopes come in three sizes.  I want the large one.  It is easy to pack, holds makeup or other essentials, then doubles as a clutch.  A perfect little muti-tasker.

I love all things truffle.  These terrific tubers make any meal more decadent.  I think this is what heaven smells like!  Since truffles are one of the most expensive foods in the world, Gift baskets with oils, salt and sauces make it a more practical way to enjoy it.

I discovered Vitajuwel water bottles and vials when I was at a spa in California.  I don't know if the different gem stones truly change the energy within the water, but I am willing to believe it does!  Each gem stone has different properties; relaxation, detoxification, aid in digestion, balance, depending on your desired effect.  They work as well in water as in wine.  This might be my new go to hostess gift.

And ANNA previously of Rablabs has created these VIDA gem stone ice cubes.  There seems to be a theme developing here.  Made for whiskey or white wine, I find these to be a unique and delightful hostess gift.  The entire product line by ANNA is wonderful.  I am a huge fan of anything agate, but these "rocks" are kind of WOW.  They are like little gifts in your freezer waiting to be put to good use.

Alessandro Michele was woken up Gucci to cult status over the past few years.  Each piece is visually stimulating with its combination of color, trim, appliqués, and embroidery featuring snakes, butterflies and flowers.  I would pull 1 piece away or add an accessory to wake up my neutral wardrobe and by neutral I mean black.

As a new coach, I would be remiss if I did not include some kind of personal growth or intention setting suggestion.  I love listening to podcasts, getting motivational messages each day and feeling as if I am really living consciously.  Hay House has brought together the best of the best in the business of inspired living.  It is time well spent, because as I am reminded, thoughts become things and there is no room for negativity.

I ask myself everyday ~ What can I do better?  How can I do better?  What do I need?  What does my business need of me?  And when I am I going to move???

1st photo:Harry Carr via Chanel

Gucci Got Me

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Gucci has not been on my radar for quite some time, but that all seemed to change with the Spring 2016 collection.  The fashion house showing during Milan Fashion Week culminated into what I thought was the most visually exciting collection in years!  The fanciful, candy colored, in some cases sparkly confections mixed with a melange of whimsical, vintage inspired pieces are making me swoon!  Everything was represented!

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In the short nine months that Alessandro Michele has helmed the house of Gucci as its creative director (he previously worked under Frida Gianini and was Gucci's accessories designer), he has transformed it into a relevant, eclectic, romantic, "gender ambiguous" flight of fancy.  In the context shown, there is a nerdy sensualism to some of these looks that are meant for men as well as women.  I am more interested in the "garden of good and evil" separates.  The delicate floral pieces, the snakes, fun appliqués, metallics, trompe-l'oeil, lace, ruffles: it's all my favorite things!  I suddenly feel pulled towards this bright, optimistic, playful world Alessandro has created.

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Gone are the days of Tom Ford with his overtly sexual looks.  Alessandro wanted to take risks, appeal to a new customer, create a new Gucci girl.  His thoughts turned to the Renaissance and the 1970's.   It's romantic and bohemian and luxe!  He referenced the brand's past, and is branding Gucci using a new vocabulary.

Alessandro is inviting the world to rethink Gucci and is asking the question, "What is contemporary
 now?"  I can't wait to see what he is going to do next!

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* photo: Jeff Yiu
   Video: Glen Luchford
   **Valerio Mezzanotti
    remaining runway photos: Yannis Valmos

Well Wheeled

De Gournay covered bike 

I am still mourning the theft of my bike, that was locked to a railing on the boardwalk at the New Jersey Shore, 4th of July weekend.  I miss riding along the coast, the wind in my frizzy hair.  So, I am biting the bullet and buying another.  I did not realize how fashionable the bicycle has become.  Designers are really jumping on the growing biking craze, and I'm never one to miss out on a good craze.


This $3,500.00 Gucci number was red hot and sold out overseas.  Specially designed for the Beijing Olympics, the Dutch styled bike was only available in China and Hong Kong, so let's keep looking.

This image doesn't even require words.  Only 50 "bicylettes" were created.  The detachable classic Chanel make up case and bag, included in the $17,000.00 price tag created a frenzy and I 'm sure they were sold out en quelques minutes.

Ahh, Hermes ~ their lacquered signature orange cruiser is less than a Birkin bag.  It seems like a bargain when you look at it like that.  For $4,000.00 you can have a little piece of The House of Hermes.

The Abici Amante Donna Bike from Fendi gives you 2 options.  For those who don't want to spend $9,000.00 for the tricked out version with the fur saddlebags and make up case, for touch ups on the go - you can settle for the $5,000.00 stripped down bike; still a beauty!

If we must get our head out of the clouds and our feet back on the ground, other good options abound.

Count on Cynthia Rowley to design a fashion forward, functional bike (she does everything else!).  The subtle floral pattern and $500.00 price tag would attract any fashionista.

Elie Tahari threw his hat into the ring and designed a bicyle also.  Named after the street his store is on in the Hampton's, the $900.00 Main St. Elite also comes in leopard.  Hmm, I do have a leopard golf bag.

I love the look of this sweet ride by Urban Outfitters.  Totally customizable and a bargain at $399.99,  this could be the one.  Now, I just need a cute basket, a bell, a new lock and a pouch.  It's all in the details!

Oh, and I can't forget the helmet.  Seriously ~ these are helmets, but the fabric is a little weighty for the summer.  I need more of a straw fedora helmet.

Yakkay

Does this airbag helmet make me look fat?

The Hovding 

Speaking of Bikes ~ Check out more fabulous designers jumping on the bike wagon during New York Fashion Week.  In what is being called Tour de Fashion, designers will trick out bikes, and they will be available for use during Fashion Week.

bike photos:Treehugger.com