My list of things I'm grateful for is enormous. I really could not be too much happier these days. So when I see something pretty, happy and fun like this font composed entirely of gorgeous shoes... it deserves to be shown. I do hope you'll enjoy!
November 28, 2008
November 25, 2008
My Venti Cup Runneth Over...
I've been scoring ridiculous deals left and right. Seriously. So... if you have any interest (and happen to wear my size) I may have a proposition for you. Rather than sell to strangers on eBay (who might not appreciate the true fabulousness of these acquisitions) , I'd like to offer interested parties (yes you, uber chic Venti readers!) some of the ridiculous loot I've obtained in the past few days.
First up: These BCBG Catilda Platform Booties in Black Patent (swoon!) in 6.5 (and possibly also in size 7).
Next: I also have a Nanette Lepore black satin top in size 2, some DVF goodies (like the dress below), also in size 2.I might even have a pair of 7 for all mankind "A" pocket petite New York Dark wash jeans in size 25 to discuss. Seriously, my venti cup runneth over.
This Nanette Lepore Evocative Silk Top
This Vince Ombre Shirred Shift Dress... & the DVF Judy Top Below....
If you have any interest at all, please email me for details & pricing. These are just too insanely chic to let go to a stranger or send back to the racks. I feel I've "rescued" them and want them to go to good homes. :)
November 24, 2008
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Zodiac Room
This weekend I attended a baby shower of a very good friend. It was an intimate affair at the Zodiac Room at Neiman Marcus. I've been in this store countless times. But never, and I do mean never, have I seen such things on sale. Normally, the "sale" items are reserved for tables (in the case of handbags) or racks pulled to the side to distinguish them from the full priced merchandise.
Well... not this time. I let out an audible gasp when I saw a sale sign on the wall in the Gucci handbag section. Seriously. An audible gasp. Granted, it wasn't as though Louis Vuitton was on sale (they never, ever, ever discount their merchandise). But still, these were current season handbags on sale.
(Having said that... have you seen how hideous this season's Gucci bags are? Maybe they saw the light...)
So what am I doing today? You guessed it. Driving myself back to Saks & Neimans to have a closer look. Actually, my plan is just to spend the time at Saks. Their sales are better and so is the merchandise. I'll be sure to fill you in on what I buy, what I let stay at the store, and more importantly, what you need to go look at yourself.
And you, dear shoppers? Do yourself a favor and pay attention to those "sale" emails and signs you're seeing. Luxury is on sale, baby. And it's on sale now. Think of it as your patriotic duty to shop. You are truly helping the economy. Don't let these retailers down this season.
Note... if you've heard about their world famous chocolate chip cookies, here is the Neiman Marcus recipe.
November 21, 2008
Le Baiser
Nothing says Paris quite like this iconic photo by Robert Doisneau. Le Baiser de l’Hotel de Ville, Paris, 1950 iis as relevant and romantic today as it was in 1950.
I hope you're enjoyed the week in Paris. Let this photo send you off on your weekend focused on the ones you love. Sip some coffee, kiss someone you love and look at your life with fresh eyes.
Enjoy the weekend, everyone! XOXO!
November 20, 2008
A la mode
I could not resist posting a few more of these "moments" James Bort has captured on film. Do be sure to visit his site. It's well worth it!
Une femme Parisienne
So while I'd love to tell you that I'm above doing the touristy Avenue des Champs- Élysées stroll, I'm not. In fact, I'd be remiss if I went to Paris and didn't indulge in the Chanels and Vuittons of the city. But as you all know, the best way to take in a destination is to absorb its culture. Its people.
On every trip we've taken, I've taken an embarrassing number of photos of the local women passing on the street. As discreetly as possible, I capture them "in their native habitat"...if you will (yes, we've laughingly dubbed this my "stalker series"). It's one of the many reasons I love to explore new places. It's the orange tights that I'd never wear... the bag so large I could stuff a nightstand inside...the ponytail that doesn't even seem groomed, but looks so effortlessly chic on this mysterious woman walking down the sidewalk.
Travel has the power to transform you if you allowit do so. Do you know that feeling you get on the third day of a week long trip? The feeling that anything is possible? The realization that you've been majoring in minor things back home... and that things will be different when you return. Life will be different. I love that feeling. A good journey is life's way of pushing the "reboot" button on your mind. It gives you perspective.
And it may be that seeing a sharply (or even oddly) dressed woman in a faraway city inspired you to be the best you possible. The most dynamic you.
It might be the click of a heel on cobblestones, or the recognition that those trivial concerns you've busied yourself with at home aren't worth revisiting when you return. That this moment, this very moment on a trip is a turning point for you.
That moment is the very reason I'm willing to pay for a great vacation. Because from that point on in the trip,I'm designing my "new life" my "best life"... I'm filling my journal with things to do, things to change, things to feel and things to be. It is when I've done my best "life mapping" and my very best personal assessments. It is when I realize that whatever I am today may be great, but what "can be" is unstoppable.
Some might snicker that the sight of a Louis Vuitton bag could bring about such an awakening of the soul, but that's okay. I know that when I return home from my vacation I have a new life waiting for me. Because a "new me" has emerged along the way.
That's what a great trip does for me. I can only hope that it does as much for you.
*** Note: every one of these lovely images came from James Bort's flickr photstream. They were all 'captured' on the streets of Paris. I encourage you to see more of his work there and on his site jamesbort.com ***
November 19, 2008
That certain je ne sais quoi, no?
Almost off topic... if this doesn't scream French Fabulousness, then nothing does. Seriously. And, you have the opportunity to receive $100 off this (or another) bespoke Lia Lintern coat from the designer. Get the deets on Trust Your Style.
Channeling Our Inner Molly Simms...
We realize by now, that if we're going to channel our inner Molly Simms and have a loft (or a suburban home) anywhere near as chic as hers, we've got to head to the flea markets. And so today, off we go in search of things so large they'll need to be shipped home ahead of us.
Interestingly, I wouldn't rummage through the racks of TJ Maxx looking for an overlooked Rebecca Taylor silk top. But I'd be game to search for chandeliers at a Paris flea market. what about you? Are you game? I think you are. Let's go...
Let's look in this lovely little Parisienne shop to see if we find anything...
This first item I may have to fight someone for... I can't imagine it sitting for very long without being snapped up. I imagine it would look incredible refinished and mixed along with more modern furnishings.
Who says you can't find a matched set at a Paris flea market? Imagine reupholstering these with a sleek modern fabric. I'm seeing a David Hicks moment here.
We'll need something to put our Picasso in, after all...
And now, the pièce de résistance...the lighting. We may be here a while looking for a diamond in the rough....
And as we head back to our hotel, we pass the sweetest little scene in a Repetto store window...which we take a sign. We won't be framing a Picasso after all. Degas. Definitely Degas.
{All of these images, with the exception of the ivy covered building, came from the Flickrstream of the lovely and talented Such Pretty Things. Please see her blog and her lovely collection of photos...}
November 18, 2008
La Ville-Lumiere
You may frolic all day, but no trip to Paris is complete without taking in la Tour d'Eiffel after dark. Venture to the top and gaze out over the city, answering for yourself why they call it the city of Lights. Afterwards, take in the night scene along the Champs-Élysée (making sure you pay homage to the mothership at 101, Avenue des Champs Elysées...).
Before you retire for the evening, bask in the glow of the moment as you stroll alongside the Seine. For now, bonne nuit!
{All photos courtesy of Schumata's photostream... be sure to take a better look at the entire set!}
Leading you to Victory...
This is hard for me to admit, but this next sight on our continuing virtual vacation in Paris brings me to tears. Literally. I can't explain this, but somewhere in my soul I have a deep, passionate response to this sculpture. I've always loved it. The very sight of it moves me. And really, isn't that what all great art should do for you? Move you. Yes. It should.
So in keeping with that theme... I'm going to slowly 'move you' through the Louvre as we approach the incomparable WInged Victory of Samothrace. Believed to have been created between believed to date to between 220 and 190 BC, this is - in my opinion - the Louvre's greatest possession.
Hang on... let me catch my breath....
Carved by an unknown sculptor, this is hands down my absolute favorite piece of art in all the world. Mr. Venti already knows to bring a book and his iPhone on any trips to the Louvre, as I'm likely to spend an inordinate amount of time admiring the work of the unknown artists who toiled away so tirelessly to create such an iconic piece of Hellenistic history. She is everything I long for in art...inspiring, mysterious, larger than life, unrivaled and untouchable. She is not simply an ancient artifact to me... she signiffies power, forward movement and the relentless pursuit of of our goals. It is one of the remarklable characteristics of art from the Hellenistic era... it seems to capture a moment frozen in time. It. Is. Amazing.
I hope you enjoy her as much as I do... see you all tomorrow or possibly tonight as we continue our journey! And don't worry, when we get to Rome I will introduce you to my second favorite sculpture as well as the painter that I am still inspired by today.
{Note... I'm sorely lacking when it comes to attributing photos to sources. One might say it is my Achilles Heel. However, in the spirit of WInged Victory's history, the photos above are all the craftsmanship of "unknown artists" (hee hee) who were kind enough to post their work on Flickr or Wikipedia for our enjoyment. My use of credits may be lacking, but my appreciation of their tireless work is not.}
November 17, 2008
Un Petit Café
No week in Paris is complete without catching the sunrise while sipping the perfect espresso. This morning I'm taking you on a virtual morning tour of this beloved French city.
When we travel, we like to wake up every morning and go for a brisk walk. It gives you the lay of the land, allows you to run into the locals and generally gives you a better sense of a place - versus heading to the hotel gym. At the end of our walk, we read the morning paper as we linger at the most intriguing café we pass. Sometimes we determine we've found "our cafe" and are loyal to them for the entire trip. I can tell you right now, that Café de Flore, at 172 boulevard St-Germain would have been such a spot.
Other times it seems more fun to discover a new and différent cafe every single morning. So today, let's see how many adorable cafés we can spy.
And while the sight of the ashtray is something I'll never enjoy, it certainly signifies the European experience. This photo reminded me of so many of our "quick sip" moments where we rushed to head off to our next adventure.
And if you've never heard of Angelina, you are in for a treat. Pâtissier, chocolatier... maker of all things decadent and rich. I myself am not a sweets person, but I've never traveled with anyone who could resist the siren call of a true pâtissier such as this. So as I enjoy my un petit café, Mr. Venti will enjoy some decadent treat discovered behind the glass.
Have a lovely morning, everyone! Catch you again tomorrow for more on our continuing journey through the City of Lights...
November 16, 2008
Come Away With Me...
I'm not likely to be on a Virgin Atlantic flight anytime this season, but that won't stop me from taking mental vacations anytime I can. Yesterday I caught an episode of First Class All The Way on Bravo that had me plotting my next trip. First up? Paris.
These images are courtesy of the CUTEST little blog I've seen in a bit, Paris Atelier. Prepare to be wowed when you visit!
I'm so inspired by the idea of a mental vacation, that I've decided that every week I'll transport you to a new location. This week, we'll stay in lovely Paris. Spending all week there reveling in the delights we find.
Have a lovely weekend, and stop back later in the week to see what I turn up in the City of Lights. And next week? We'll just see where my globe lands us ;)
Nimli, That's Who...
What's better than knowing that products are eco-friendly, stylish and sustainable? ooh! I know! Knowing that you might just win some of those goodies in a giveaway. Yes, that's definitely a bonus.
Here's how Nimli describes themselves...
Nimli is one of the most environmentally mindful retailers due to our practice and policy that requires all designers to ship their products directly to our customers. This results in placing a much lower carbon footprint by eliminating the unnecessary step of shipping items to a warehouse for future re-shipment. Further advancing this model and striving to become completely carbon neutral, Nimli purchases Green Tags to offset the carbon released from shipping, energy consumption and other business activities.
The giveaway is going on now and continues through November 21st with over 20 designers participating. So let me see... we're doing good for the designers, the environment, ourselves, the economy ... and still remaining chic? That's my kind of opportunity. Now get going and start exploring!
November 14, 2008
Vivienne Gets You One Step Closer to that Chanel...
Okay, first... I'm not a fan of the term recessionista. Clever? yes. Inspiring? No. But any fashionable femme worth her Jimmy Choos knows that if you can save a little change on one item, you're that much closer to your next black quilted caviar Chanel 2.55.
So let's dish about the big event Saturday morning at one of my favorite VIP sale sites, Ideeli. Saturday's sale is all about iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. She's edgy, a completely controversial, and always a step ahead of the trends. Actually, some say Vivienne IS the trendsetter. And I'm inclined to believe them.
Starting at 11:00 AM this you'll have access to a few select pieces of her jewelry up to 60% off. So whether you call yourself a recessionista, a fashionista, or just plain fabulous you know a great buy when you see one.
Here's a bit more on Vivienne:
A designer who once called her London boutique Sex and named her perfume Boudoir is clearly a woman who likes to provoke. In the 1970's, British designer Vivienne Westwood began creating her unmistakably outrageous line of avant garde clothing.
Though she started out at the height of the punk movement, even teaming up with Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McClaren on designs, Westwood's fashion sense quickly moved beyond safety pins and ripped t-shirts. In addition to her strict attention to tailoring and technique, her main influence has always been proper, Victorian fashions. Think feminine garments like corsets and bustles as well as whimsical accessories. Fashion forward ladies can't get enough of her unique pieces. It's no surprise that Women's Wear Daily has called her one of the six best designers in the world and in 2004, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London featured a retrospective of her work. Not bad for the first lady of punk.
Now, get your (jawdropping platform) shopping shoes on and head on over to Ideeli immediately. And remember... with all the money you save you'll be one step closer that Chanel. ;)
November 13, 2008
Luxury at its Finest
I cannot tell you how excited I am about this... eLuxury is now offering a program where you can earn money for future purchases. The kickback starts at 10% and goes up to 15%. Seriously, people. It's time to shop. Get the deets at eLuxury.
Why do I love eLuxury? Sure you can buy the brands elsewhere, but you pay no sales tax via eLuxury (so long as you do not live in California) and you have 60 days to return or exchange full price merchandise. AND (the best part) if you use AllureRewards.com you'll get an additional 4% back.
So if my math is good, and I like to think that it is...you'll get 10-15% from eLuxury for your next purchase, plus the 7% or so you're saving on sales tax, plus the 4% kickback from Allure Rewards. They are almost paying you to be fabulous.
Yes, life is good. Life is so, so good. Shop happy.
November 10, 2008
November 07, 2008
24 Hour Party People
So yes, I've been spending a lot of time at cocktail parties. Daily, actually. At least, that's the best way I can think to describe my Twitter experience. Imagine a 24-hour cocktail party online, where you can jump in or out at any time... partake in as many conversations as you like (or as few as you wish), meet new people, make new friends, and generally keep your pulse on the finger of the societal vibe. Yes, Twitter has become my new found addiction.
Who's there? Let me introduce you to a few of my fellow soiree attendees...there's Anna of ShoeSmitten, one of my absolute favorites, Brett, author of a brand new, must not be missed interior design blog Design Babylon, Grechen (who has personally saved me hundreds of dollars over the past few years) of Grechen's Closet, Carlene the newlywed who authors of the most amazing wedding & style blogs I've read: It's Heavenly, Valentina of Lady Ventino, Rick of Wall Glamour (and whom I owe a dedicated post about his impeccable wall decal designs) among countless others.
Let's just say the fun never stops since attendees join in from all over the world. And while you may be tempted to leave your Louboutins at home, I don't recommend it. The crowd I roll with online still knows how to turn it out for a good party. Come join us, we'd love to see you there.
November 03, 2008
Saks Appeal
Stop whatever you are doing, and get thee to the Saks sale happening now. Just trust me on this one. Here are a few of my top picks...
The Nanette Lepore Stuck on You jacket above. Bracelet sleeves, button detail. Ridiculous bargain right now. Below... Citizens of Humanity Dita in Paris Wash (perfection)... although I may have nabbed the last pair. Bookmark it, and go back occasionally. These were 30% off. Fantastic.
And finally... there are no mistakes with Black Halo. You simply must obtain a dress made by this company by the end of the year if you haven't already. (Although... Herve Leger is probably even more important than classic Black Halo in terms of current "hotness"... but Black Halo is far more attainable in terms of pricing... you decide. Just get yourself a gorgeous dress.)
So please... go save yourself some $$$. Stimulate the economy (and your wardrobe). Have a fabulous day, everyone! On a related note, if anyone would like to save 30% on their first order at Revolve Clothing, please let me know. I've got an invite to send you!)
Life is too short to think small. So live large. Live with style. Live with adventure. Live venti. Written by Franki Durbin, the blog discusses style, design, modern culture and travel.
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