Haute Bag Lady Bag of The Week: Dooney & Bourke Florentine

Dooney & Bourke is trying very hard to woo me back into a bag affair with them and the Florentine satchel may be just the bag to tempt me...

Satchels are my favorite style of bag and this is by far one of the best that I have seen in a while. The vachetta leather and rich natural color look amazing in the pictures. I love that the bag has very few details. There is no logo plastered all over the bag, nothing dangling, no excessive buckles, zippers, and other useless elements that I have seen in bags recently. This is just a fabulous leather bag in a great neutral color that can work with a variety of looks.

The Florentine costs $358 which is a great investment because Dooney & Bourke bags last for many years.

I just may break down and make this my spring/summer bag. What do my bag ladies think of this week's Haute Bag?

 

pictures courtesy of Nordstrom

Style 101: Every Trend Is Not Meant For Everyone

Turbans were a pretty hot accessory in 2010 and earlier this year. If celebrity stylist, June Ambrose has her way, the turban reign will continue and become a staple accessory.

I will not be joining the turban revolution. I tried on a turban during one of my shopping trips last fall. Instead of looking chic and fabulous, I looked old. Going to play bingo at church old. Not cute. I couldn't snatch that turban off my head fast enough and I looked around to make sure no one witnessed my style failure.

Every trend is not meant for everyone. The sooner people understand what trends work for them and what trends work against them, a lot more personal style development can begin. Creating your signature style is the best thing you can do for yourself. Your personal style is your brand.  From the pictures we see of June Ambrose we know that her signature style is comprised of turbans, Status Sunglasses by Grey Ant, and her signature red lipstick, MAC Ruby Woo.

It takes a lot of confidence to walk out your door wearing gigantic sunglasses, sporting a bulbous wrap on your head, and bright red lips. You have to own it and be committed to the look. In addition to feeling secure, be prepared for the looks you are sure to get. If you decide to try June's trademark look, you better be able to sell it like Naomi Campbell on the catwalk. Head held high, strut down the street like theme music is playing with each step you take. Nothing less will be accepted. If you cannot picture yourself in the above scenario, please do not rush out and buy a bunch of turbans. They will collect dust and you will have wasted your money.

Miss Ambrose launched her turban line last month and in the May issue of Ebony magazine, she offers her turban styling tips. I think June wears her turbans well most of the time. There have been times where her turbans were so over the top and huge that I thought she took an extra large bath towel and fashioned it into something so odd that it was just the right mix of gaudy and stylish. There is an art to creating that mix and few people have mastered it. Do not try this at home kids...

Do you have the confidence to embrace bold trends like June Ambrose and make them a part of your signature style? What are some of your signature style must haves? Leave your answers in the comments section!

{{SIDE BAR}} Chrisette Michele hired June Ambrose as her stylist for her latest music release. I thought the purpose of hiring a stylist was to help develop your style not to look like the stylist's clone. Have the celebrity styling jobs stalled for Miss Ambrose and that's what prompted her turban store?


If you want your very own June Ambrose turban, click here


Marc Jacobs Bang



Above: The tame Bang ad



Above: Full frontal Bang! Whoa!!



A bottle of Bang

 Hello Marc Jacobs! The MJ newest fragrance for men, Bang features the designer naked. It's very in your face and does get your attention. I haven't smelled Bang yet but it does have a nice blend of: three peppercorns, primal masculine woods, benzoin resin, vetiver, white moss, and patchouli.

Would you buy Bang for your husband or boyfriend? What do you think of the ad?

Get Organized: e.l.f. Studio Large Brush Holder

My makeup brushes are housed in two large coffee mugs on my mini vanity. The coffee cups have served me well but I need something different. Something like e.l.f.'s large brush holder. I really need (want) this.

Both the top of my mini vanity and dresser are a mess. Time to get organized and find a place for everything.

How do you store your makeup brushes?

For more information:

e.l.f.

Stonewater Cove – A Hidden Gem in the Midwest

When you think about planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon, I bet the last place you think of is anywhere in the Midwest. Well take a look at these fabulous photos of Stonewater Cove Resort and Club located in Shell Knob, Missouri and start planning your trip.

Stonewater Cove is also a perfect destination for the family or a weekend with the girls or guys. There's a spa for pampering and adventure activities like fishing, mountain biking and zip lining.

 


Click here to read the official press release

The Stylish Life Loves Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie

Hello Lovely Ones! I hope everyone had a great weekend.

I have been thinking about fragrances a lot lately. Some people have signature scents and wear the same scent every single day, year after year. I can’t commit to a signature fragrance. There are so many amazing scents out there and I like a variety of blends. Sometimes I like a crisp, clean scent, other times I gravitate towards florals, musks, or tropical and fruity perfumes. My scent preferences are all over the place.

I rarely wear the same fragrance more than two to three days in a row. The top of my dresser is completely covered with perfume bottles and their accompanying lotion or body cream so that I can layer my scent.

                   

Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie has been one fragrance in heavy rotation since I purchased it earlier this year. I tried a little sample of the Shea Souffle on the back of my hand and while I was trying on shoes I kept smelling the amazingly warm scent of Almond Cookie. I was hooked. I went back to the Carol’s Daughter section within Macy’s and purchased the spray and souffle. When I purchased the set the weather was still cold and I thought Almond Cookie was more suitable for chilly temperatures. To my delight I have found that it is a great year round scent. The scent is warm and inviting but not at all heavy. There is an air of sensuality to Almond Cookie and nothing about it says a fresh baked batch of cookies. This is a scent that will surely get a guy’s attention ;)

The notes in Almond Cookie are almond, marzipan, sandalwood and vanilla. The perfume is heavily concentrated and will last all day and well into the night. The matching shea souffle is lightweight and very moisturizing that leaves your skin soft with a lovely sheen. If you’re in the market for a new scent for the fall, check out Almond Cookie.

For more information: Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie collection

Haute Bag Lady Bag of the Week {Longchamp Le Pliage Eiffel Tower Duffle}

The newest addition to my bag family is the much coveted, hard to find, possibly sold out Longchamp Le Pliage Eiffel Tower Duffel. This is a very chic carry on bag and I adore the tilted Eiffel Tower print. I thought this bag was completely sold out until fellow Chicago blogger, Nikia, featured it in a blog post. Luckily the bag was still on their site and in my haute little hands within a week. Yay me!

Longchamp Le Pliage bags are high on my list of bag love because they are as durable as they are classy. The fact that they fold up so neatly is a nice plus as well. I have two mini Le Pliage totes in gray and new navy. I plan to use my Eiffel Tower tote for a few upcoming weekend trips. I tend to over pack even when I go to my mom’s for an overnight visit so my goal is learning to pack better. I want to be a savvy and chic traveler. Here’s hoping. I know I’ll definitely be traveling in style carrying my Longchamp!





As always for more information: http://www.longchamp.com/

Spa Chakra and I {Spa La-La}

     

Last Sunday I was treated to a 90 minute deep tissue massage at Spa Chakra. I will admit that I have never had a massage, in a spa setting that is (*Giggles* Oh behave!). The thought of a stranger touching me just wasn’t that appealing no matter how relaxed I would feel afterwards. This is a new year and I promised to take better care of myself. I tend to be tightly wound, always balancing a million things, and stressed out more than I should so I knew I was long overdue for a massage.

Upon entering Spa Chakra I was amazed at the serene atmosphere. I was promptly greeted and offered a seat and brought a glass of water. I sat down in the plush black chair and forced myself to take it all in. The apprehension I felt began to melt away. The young lady behind the desk asked me a series of questions to make sure my massage would meet my needs. She wanted to know if I wanted to feel relaxed or invigorated and she allowed me to pick out a special fragrance that would be added to the massage oils. I think I chose mandarin.

My masseuse, Cordelia, came out a few minutes later to show me to my room and we passed through the Guerlain (swoon) Beauty Bar. I wanted to stop and play but I dutifully followed along. All treatments at Spa Chakra begin with a relaxing foot soak.

The foot soak

 

After my foot soak, I returned to my room to get ready for my spa service. The room was so peaceful that I wanted to bottle the vibe and carry it home. Cordelia was so sweet. I told her my hesitation about having a massage and she put my mind at ease. She had a very gentle spirit and I felt comfortable talking with her. Ninety minutes later and I was a massage believer! Why had I waited so long to have a massage again???? Can I book another one now???? Cordelia worked out all my kinks and told me that she recommends I continue getting massages and really learn to unwind. That was the most relaxed I had felt in a very long time. I will definitely be back! As a person who has a hard time relaxing, I truly enjoyed myself  and realize I sometimes take myself way too seriously. This was a wakeup call that I really need to let my hair down a lot more and stop stressing things I have no control over. Yes. I got all that from a 90 minute massage. Ha!

The Guerlain Beauty Bar:
 
 

I was invited to experiment with all the makeup but I was so mellowed out that I just really wanted to go home and relax. You better believe that next time, I'll be all over the beauty bar.

Spa Chakra is located within the Palmer House Hilton. For more information click here.







The Stylish Life Disclosure: This was a complimentary spa service. I was not paid for a favorable review of Spa Chakra. This is an accurate and honest review of my spa experience.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2010 Ad Campaign

Check out Louis Vuitton’s Fall 2010 ad. The dresses and styling are 1950s inspired looks. Check out the retro vanities. Of course, I want ALL the bags *mad scientist like laughter*

{Louis Vuitton}

Models: Kristy Turlington, Natalia Vodianova, and Karen Elson
Makeup: Pat McGrath

 
I especially like the ladylike elements – full skirts, cinched waists, demure hair styles, and the gloves. We really need to start a ladylike fashion movement.

 
 

MaxMara Fall/Winter 2010 Ads

Now that the August magazines are hitting the news stands and appearing in our mailboxes, we are reminded that fall is just around the corner. The new ad campaigns will be featured in the August and September issues.

This week I will post my favorite brands and their Fall/Winter 2010 ads.

{MaxMara}

Model: Freja Beha Erichsen
Photographer: Mario Sorrenti



I love that MaxMara is using black and white photos. There’s a whole 'I'm cooler than you' feel to these images and Freja’s aloof expression fits right in with the the sophistication of each piece. The 2009 ads used a color palette of camel, black, and dark brown, shot against a plush red couch. This year the company went for a more sleek look. I like.

The big bags, the coats, and the dress are all chanting my name. I despise cold weather but these classic pieces are giving me tons of inspiration for the change of season.







 
Pictures courtesy of http://www.fashion-spreads.com/