After last year I thought I was "done" with Tory Burch. Seems this shoe is going to be the product that drags me back (willingly, I might add) to her gilded storefront doors. Wow! Does anyone else hear those angels singing?

Check out the new Isabella Oliver 365 Collection for 2010. I love how they describe the looks:

Our Spring 2010 Isabella Oliver 365 Collection is here. This season, choose from ultra-wearable basics, nautical classic silhouettes, candy brights, and lightly tailored separates. Whether you are dressing for coffee with friends, the school run, work, or evening events, simply throw on our pieces for looks that will always work. Whatever your day holds, our multifunctional must-haves offer style confidence when you need it most.

That pretty much sums up what I love about the brand. Amidst the rest of my wardrobe, my IO pieces are just so wearable and versatile. As a lover of classic looks, I'm never disappointed by how timeless the pieces are without ever seeming dated. The new season looks sensational!!!

Last night we watched (well... re-watched) Spanglish. I'm not sure why, but I love that movie. While Adam Sandler is surprisingly good, think the star of the movie is the beautiful California weather, scenic beauty and that fabulous easy-breezy west coast lifestyle. And I realized it's been a while since I flew out to the edge of the continent and looked out over the edge of the world. It's time, baby! It's time!  So this morning, with my steaming hot mug of Starbucks Via in hand I began my search. A quick hop here landed me here...and before you knew it I was at Santa Monica's Huntley Hotel. My, my my! If memory serves I've actually blogged about this before. What does that tell you? It tells me I'm due for a long weekend on the Santa Monica shoreline to take in the view firsthand. If these seductive images aren't enough to lure you to the boutique hotel, you may need a swift reboot. I kept feeling a certain fabulous familiarity to the look. Sure enough, they are the work of Thomas Schoos - one of my all-time favorite designers. He has a very easy way of creating relationships between indoor and outdoor spaces - ideal for inhaling the fresh seascape and beauty that is the Pacific coastline. If you're not familiar with his work, Schoos is a lover of nature. I originally fell for his outdoor living spaces designed for many a Hollywood celeb. That's the beauty of the climate in southern Cali: there's no need to distinguish between indoor and outdoor spaces. I'm SUCH a fan of that lifestyle! *swoon*Here's a photo of the master of nature-embracing design, as well as a peek into one of his exotic gardens. Aren't those paneled wooded doors fantastic?! I can't wait to have a home that allows me to finally incorporate similar ones into the design. They are so fabulous. And look at those bulldogs! So cute.

But wait... back to the hotel. We've been plotting out or spring trip. As much as I adore the idea of Hawai'i, I have to admit I'm a bigger fan of the short flights out west. The Huntley is calling my name and would allow me to see the work of Schoos up close. I've been a fan for many, many years, so it would be a fantastic place to immerse myself in his work. 
The only question is... will I ever want to leave?

Molly Simms. Designer Showcase. New York Fashion Week. Former Project Runway Contestants. Do I have your attention yet? I thought so. Here's the inside scoop:

The Gen Art New Garde showcase happening next month hosted by Molly Sims. Designer duo WesFeld (two former Project Runway contestants) have won a prime spot to showcase their collection at the show as a part of New York Fashion Week.

When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00PM
Where: Drive In Studios · 443 West 18th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues) · NY 10011
What: The New Garde show will feature four emerging designers, who represent the best in rising fashion talent, in a dynamic non-traditional fashion presentation, featuring live model installations

WesFeld's winning designs are whimsical and romantic creations inspired by elements of water and nature (see attached photo.) We’d love to invite you to join in the unveiling of their entire collection at the New Garde show. The show typically attracts over a 1,000 attendees and past designers include Project Runway winner Jeffrey Sebelia, Geren Ford, Society for Rational Dress, FORM and Kit Pistol. Celebrities and other press will be in attendance.

 Need more details? Find them on facebook. Ciao!

A few nights ago I discovered my favorite barista had returned to my nearby Starbucks. He possesses the quintessential espresso-serving personality: smooth, easy going, warm with a hint of earthy goodness. I'd been missing him for the better part of a year. While we chatted it up I discovered he'd relocated to Vancouver and was only back in town for a short while. From there we sprang into a long discussion on his fabulous his new city. Vancouver! If ever I was going to move north, this British Columbian gem would surely be the reason. It is unlike any other place I've visited. Somehow, this city with towering buildings and a gleaming city skyline offers the ideal blend of city living and abundant nature. Their impossibly chic downtown is walkable, their connection to nature will astound you and their culturally diverse population greets you with open arms. You'd be hard pressed to have a bad time in this world-class Canadian wonderland. When we visited a few years ago, we were blown away by the top quality restaurants, the bustling art galleries, lively waterfront districts and beautiful architecture. And then... we discovered it: Stanley Park. If you could combine rugged wildness of the Pacific  Northwest with Central Park's manicured spaces, add in a dash of European flair and a heavy serving of "are we still on the same planet?" beauty, you'd still be unable to sum up the wonder of the area. It is shockingly beautiful.Whether you enjoy hiking kayaking, biking, rock climbing or simply sunning yourself on the sand, Stanley Park is the cure for what ails you.

With the Olympics starting up shortly, I realize the entire world is about to descend upon this marvelous part of the world. It makes me want to pop up for a quick trip before it becomes too popular. While it's doubtful we can make in there in the next few weeks I'm dreaming of the places Id' stay if we could. Top of my list is the cosmopolitan Loden Vancouver. Billed as one of the best hotels in Vancouver BC, The Loden is a masterpiece on the city's waterfront. Just look at those photos! It doesn't get more sexy than that.

If you're looking for places to stay during the winter games, poke around HelloBC.com for things to do while you're there. I promise you'll consider relocating or at least buying an apartment in one of the many high rises that dot the downtown landscape. It's a spectacular city.

And as for my barista? He's headed back soon to enjoy the fresh sushi and vibrant lifestyle of his new home. Rather than be sad when he returns I'll look at the bright side: now I know a local who can show me around the next time I visit!

{Editor's note: I'm THRILLED to announce that I found this hotel the via Kiwi Collection site. Kiwi focuses exclusively on the world's best boutique and luxury hotels. I wish to thank them for being the premier 2010 Venti Cup sponsor. Stay tuned for more exciting destinations!}

  This little duo makes me feel like spring is upon us. Now all I need is a pretty white dress and I'm set! Prada... I LOVE YOU.

Occasionally I need something new to drool over. When I've tired of Prada bags and Tiffany diamonds, I like to pop over to Houzz for my interior design fix. Sometimes it's a kitchen that sends me into a spin, other times it's a sun-filled living room peppered with plush white seating.

Although the name may lead you to think it's a new division of Snoop Dogg's global enterprise (welcome to the Hizzle!), Houzz actually has a uniquely homegrown (and decidedly un-Snoop Dogg) feel to it. You can create your own lookbook, rifle through the collections others have made, tag images and any number of now standard social media options. I like it.I like it a lot. And it seems to be building a pretty good following.

What I like best about it is that I seem to be looking at images of real homes of real individuals. The photos won't be seen in this month's MetHome, but the space itself might well be worthy of a seven page spread. And for those of you inclined to share your own photos, you'll appreciate that the upladed photos are protected from easy download and theft. It's a nice system for encouraging design professionals to share thier creations in an interactive format.

Me? I'm drooling considerably over several of the shots from Elizabeth Dinkel Design. Have a looksie yourself and see what'sin the hizzle for you.

Astonishingly, tomorrow is the first day of February. This means that spring and those famed April showers are not far behind. While the rank and file will be schlepping around town with the standard black umbrella, you can guarantee you'll stand out with one of these Jordi Labanda designed beauties. With such a cheery shelter from the rain, you're likely to forget all about that bad hair day you're having. Bring on the rain, baby!

Get more Jordi here.

Ladies... HauteLook is partnering with William Rast (that would be the now famous denim brand brought to you by Justin Timberlake and Trace Ayala) to sell ticket packages to the William Rast FW10 Fashion Show and (holla!) after party. That's right... you - in your hot new sexy denim rubbing elbows with the other beautiful people. Who knows...maybe JT himself will be there. :)

When: Wednesday, February 17.
How do you get there: Packages will be available as part of the William Rast sale events on HauteLook beginning on Monday, February 1 at 11:00 a.m. EST/8:00 a.m. PST.
Small print: Each package will be available for $1,500 on HauteLook only – these packages are not available anywhere else. HauteLook is also giving away two ticket packages via Facebook starting today. Entries will be accepted through Wednesday, February 3 at 8:00 a.m. PST.

Visit facebook for more information, or go to hautelook on Monday to shop the most popular styles of William Rast’s denim and apparel. And remember... friends don't let friends pay retail! :)

And here it is... the big iPhone I've been waiting for someone (Steve) to invent. I can't wait to see the cases that come out from third party manufacturers to protect this beauty. I'll agree with the majority on twitter, that the iPad name is... less than elegant. But the device itself is pure magic. Will have to decide if I do this or the iMac. At these prices, this looks like a great device, but no replacement for a laptop. Maybe I need both... and a tote to carry them both. :)

Hello, lovely.

 Ooooh goody! Neiman's is having a sale on mirrored furniture. Armed with my trusty bottle of Windex and lint-free paper towels I race headlong into the sale...

That settles it. It's my very first must have shoe of the season. I. Love. This. Shoe. Imagine this with short shorts, an embellished tee, a lightweight cardigan (unbuttoned) and a fabulous handbag. In case your imagination isn't up and running yet (I've already had two ugs of coffee, thankyouverymuch), I've crafted a fun little sample outfit to tickle your fancy. Dee-li-cious!

In a previous life, it was live.com. Today - accompanied by memorable and annoying commercials - it goes by the name bing.com.  I'll let their ad campaign tell you what bing does. For the purposes of this post, all I care about is the imagery they provide me every day. Photography of this amazing planet and all that we can do, see, experience and pursue serve to inspire us and wake us from our zombie walk of life.

If you've ever found yourself too busy to dream, too busy to plan your next adventure, too mired in your day job to chase your dreams - you need to visit bing.com and browse their home page images. See that walled city in the bottom image? It's Dubrovnik and it's one of the prettiest places I've ever seen. Why do those walls exist? They built them to protect themselves from the Venetians many years ago. Otherwise known as the Pearl of the Adriatic, the Croatian city of Dubrovnik is a sight to behold. Turquoise waters for as far as the ye can see. And those wall as that once served as a protective barrier now offer expansive views of the dramatic coastline for as far as the eyes can see. We had the privilege of spending a sunny day in this lovely town. In addition to being awed by the scenery, I enjoyed a spectacular lunch on a rooftop patio surrounded by bright fuchsia bougainvillea. The day is a thing of the past, but memories like this are so fresh in my mind that I can almost still recall the taste of that fresh fish and the strong local coffee.

Let me ask you... are you getting out of your comfort zone these days? Do you have a trip planned? Maybe three? Do you have any audacious and life changing plans for yourself.... or are you just drifting along with the current. If you find yourself privately identifying with the latter, it's time to wake up and make something of yourself. No one is going to plan out an amazing life for you. It's your responsibility grab life by the horns and ride it with all your might. Now get going... you've got an adventure to begin. 

{All images via bing.com}

 
Certain images require no accompanying text at all. In this case, I think I may need to wipe the drool from my mouth as I gawk over these beautiful scenes. Can you imagine living in a home containing these rooms? Wow! Rather than drone on, I'll leave the majesty of these interiors to mad talented interior designer Tom Stringer to explain.

It might be time for me to dust off my copy of the now infamous plaid covered book. After much experimentation with fashion, I must admit that much of my fashion soul is covered in pure cashmere argyle. I love the stripes, the cardigans, the fresh looks, the clean lines, the pink, the lemon yellow.... *sigh* There's just something so blindly optimistic and joyful about the preppy look. It conjures up images of country clubs, chivalry and tortoise shell reading glasses resting atop a first edition copy of Faulkner (which isn't to say I'm a country club girl or possess any first editions, LOL!). In many ways I think the modern preppy influences are sort of a fantasy way of dressing. It's an homage to Jackie O. An ode to happy days and cheery outlooks. And I have to admit - I'm a huge fan. And really, no one dishes up modern preppy like Milly. The Milly girl is more platform Louboutin than boat shoe. She's also more inclined to wear a skirt than a chino. (Love!). So imagine my delight when Saks sent me a little note letting me know that the new Milly collection was up for my inspection.
For those of you who need a little nudge to tap into your inner prepster, I've served up a video cocktail for your inspiration. Cheers!

Believe it or not, this is Ann Taylor. Hello lovely! It looks like it would match the J. Crew Supernova bracelet perfectly. I hope they release it in a shade other than "peach nectar" though... this is too flesh colored for my taste... but I LOVE the bling!

While those in the industry may be bashing this ad, I think it's a breath of fresh air. True, it may only appeal to fashionistas like myself... but I'm going to guess we are the ones steering our significant others to book the hotel stay in the first place. Still not sure what you're looking at? It's an ad for the Mandarin Oriental composed solely of outfits and their respective accessories on a simple black background. If you're a planner like me, you've no doubt sketched out (or at least written out) your outfits for the week (including those "just in case I bump into Madonna and get invited to join her at a party" threads). This idea is bone simple, but both inspires me to pack prettier things and makes me want to plan a trip (to a Mandarin location) for an excuse to wear them. If that's not a successful ad, I'm not sure what is. Kudos to LONDON advertising for the crisp design!

The obsession began many many moons ago (if you'll pardon the pun). What obsession? Glute training. Butt workouts. Booty fitness - call it what you may. In a three ring binder filled with clear page sleeves I still have a copy of an article from Muscle & Fitness from years ago on how to build bowling ball glutes. Why, you might ask? To me the seat - a toned seat - is the hallmark of fitness. In my experience, if you can tone the tush, your legs will have to be chiseled in the process, your abs will be sculpted and your arms will likely be super defined. Essentially, to actually firm, tone and shape the derriere, you'll need to use the rest of your body to get there. The end result: awesomeness.

For years I did countless lunges, endless Spinning classes and seemingly every booty firming exercise I could find. Like I said, it's a lifelong obsession showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Last year I purchased my first pair of FitFlops. They are amazing. They look like simple flip flops but engage the booty with every step. I wear them every time I take a walk outdoors, weather permitting, and have noticed great results. It's a shame I can't wear them inside on the treadmill on rainy days... but face plants on the gym equipment is frowned upon at Lifetime Fitness. ;)

This year I'm kicking it up a notch. I've just ordered Leandro Carvalho's Brazil Butt Lift. Will it deliver me a backside as nice as Victoria's Secret supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio? It just might. Not sure if you should order it or not? Take the pencil test and see. If you still aren't motivated, watch the video above. :)