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An Obvious Distinction

Monthly Archives: February 2011

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Life Imitates Art

February 28, 2011 12:19 pm / Leave a Comment /

Monet, Cézanne, Kandinsky are just some of the important painters that have used watercolors in some of their greatest works.   Life now imitates art as watercolor inspired prints in clothing and accessories become a must for the Spring and Summer season.

Here are some of my recent water colored inspired faves:

Watercolor Envy

 

1) Banana Republic silk watercolored dress with drawstring waist.  Perfect for any spring afternoon.  Currently on sale!  

2) American Apparel multi watercolor tights.  These are a major statement piece with an 80′s vibe, so don’t overdue it with the rest of the outfit to avoid looking costumey.

3) JCrew ruffle bandeau top and bikini bottoms.  A delicate, sophisticated look for poolside lounging.

4) Watercolor Clutch at Etsy.  This linen/cotton floral printed clutch by Taiwanese designer, Chang-Hsin Wang, is the perfect watercolor accessory for a day or night out on the town.  Based out of New Zealand, Wang’s clutch and more of her pieces can be found under her profile WalkingWardrobe.

5) Louisa Settee at Anthropologie.  Let your home be your own personal gallery with this traditional French settee upholstered in a beautiful water colored inspired pattern of linen and cotton.

6) Tibi Viola Silk Chiffon Maxi Dress.  You should never outshine a bride at her wedding, but this dress may make that pretty difficult.  In a beautiful blush tone with the perfect amount of dramatic watercolor detailing at the bottom, this is a perfect dress for any springtime wedding or evening event.  *Currently 65% off at TheOutnet.com.

7) Blumarine Watercolor Print Dress.  This dress will turn heads both for it’s bold watercolor print and body hugging shape.  Wear with cute flats for a fun, fresh springtime day look or with platform heels for a va-va-va voom evening look.  It’s sure to impress.

So go ahead and become a walking work of art with these or any other watercolor inspired pieces!

Posted in: Fashion, Home / Tagged: , , , , , , , , , ,

My Date with the Makeup Counter

February 24, 2011 11:27 am / 5 Comments /

I have freckles on my face.  Not Danny Bonaduce type freckles but enough that they are a characteristic of my face.   At 12 years old they were cute but as I grew up those same cute freckles started accumulating and would get darker when exposed to the sun.  A few have clustered together to form bigger spots–a clear sign of sun damage.  Over time, those freckles have leased my face out to acne scars and age spots.  I do my best to cover them up with foundation, concealer and powder but that’s only a temporary fix.  I desperately want to find a treatment that will minimize the appearance of these brown spots and give me youthful looking, even-toned skin.  When I recently saw an ad for Clinique’s Even Better Dark Spot Corrector, I was highly intrigued.

I’ll be honest–this tv ad  had me at hello.  I’m usually not easily influenced by commercials or print ads, but this one was (pardon the pun) spot on.  It tapped into everything I desire for my skin. 

So is this truth in advertising, or is my longing to obtain flawless looking skin making me gullible? Have I gone weak?

On a recent trip to Macy’s Herald Square I decided to walk over to the Clinique counter and Read more →

Posted in: Beauty / Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Bungee Jumping

February 23, 2011 12:07 pm / 6 Comments /

I’m sitting on the most amazing chair.  Perfect height. Perfect size. Perfect comfort.  I’ve been looking for an office chair to put in the office ‘corner’ of our small NYC apartment.  My apartment is at capacity with furniture right now, so I needed something that would  support my constantly achy back, not take up too much room, go with the flow/decor of the room, and not cost me a fortune.  This is no easy feat.  This past weekend the hubster and I were running household errands and came across the Euro Style Bungee Chair at The Container Store.  I wasn’t really envisioning buying a “roped” chair and would have probably walked right past it, but I believe this chair was secretly calling to me.

Euro Style Bungee Chair at The Container Store

 

From the moment I sat in it I felt instant relief on my back.  It felt like I was sitting properly and getting maximum support for my lower back.  I quickly called to my husband Read more →

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Coffee Break

February 22, 2011 9:48 am / Leave a Comment /

Nothing wakes me up like a good cup of coffee.  I know that sentiment is shared by many.  Although I love coffee, I usually limit myself to only one cup a day.  Considering my family is from Colombia, this shows a lot of restraint on my part–I mean our coffee is pretty darn stellar.  Here is the most adorable set of espresso cups that one of my Aunt’s brought me from Colombia a few years back.  The cups feature the works of one of Colombia’s most famous modern artists-Fernando Botero.  Botero is referred by many as “the fat people” painter, and his work is exhibited around the world.  She purchased these at “The Museo de Antioquia”located in Medellin, Colombia, Botero’s birthplace. 

Colombian Espresso Cups

 

It’s pretty hard to resist a good ‘ol cup of Joe in one of these charming cups.  Another way I get my caffeine fix throughout the day is with the delicious chocolated covered coffee beans featured here in the red tin.  This particular brand is by Cafe Oma and the bitterness of the bean combined with the sweetness of the chocolate makes for a great pick-me-up throughout the day.

Posted in: Art/Media, Food/Gifts, Home / Tagged: , , , , ,

The Crème de la Crèmes

February 18, 2011 5:59 pm / 1 Comment /

We’ve had beautiful spring like weather here in NYC the last couple of days and I’m hoping that it continues!  Every winter the cold winds, indoor heating, and hot showers strip my body of the moisture it so crucially needs and before I know it Spring/Summer fashions get into full swing and I’m left wondering how I’m going to get my skin dress and shorts ready.   This year, I decided to make an effort to keep my body moisturized.  I’m usually pretty lazy when it comes to a strict body lotion regime, but as I approach the big 3-0 this year, I realize that if I don’t start taking better  care of my skin now, I won’t age as gracefully as I hope to.  So I want to share the 3 body lotions that have really helped me be more body skincare conscious this winter season.  I slathered on a  whole bunch of brands over the course of the winter but kept coming back to these 3:

My Creme de la Cremes

 

1)VZ SkinTherapy lotion (Hypoallergenic):  This lotion is probably my favorite of the bunch.  It has a medium thickness but is non-greasy and just traps tons of moisture into my skin, especially my legs (which can often get reptilian like in the winter).  It has no fragrance but smells super clean–kind of like a brand new car.  Sadly, VZ Products are not available here in the U.S.  This lotion was brought to me from Argentina, where this company originates.  I sooooo hope they come to the US because their products are amazing and their mission and look would be warmly welcomed here.   I’m dying to try more  (especially their gardenia and lemongrass lotions).

 2) Kiehl’s Creme de Corps: Okay, now I know I’m not bringing anything new to the table here–this lotion has received rave reviews and has been featured in countless write ups.  I’m basically here to tell you that it is just as amazing as everyone says.  It’s thick, rich, and has no scent–you instantly feel like it’s doing the trick.  Although the bottle says it’s non-greasy, I do detect more grease than the VZ lotion, but it’s nothing that will make you feel like you need to wipe anything off.  I don’t necessarily think greasy is a bad thing either.  This lotion is GREAT and I promise you won’t be disappointed

3)Bliss Body Butter (Blood Orange + White Pepper):  If I could add this lotion to a Carr’s cracker and gobble it up–I would.  The citrus scent  is absolutely divine.  Citrus always wakes me up and makes me feel invigorating and this lotion is definitely a happy mood enhancer.  It has a light consistency and is non-greasy.  It also contains coconut oil which helps soften the skin. I would highly recommend this one, especially on hot summer days when you want to have an amazing scent without having to spritz on perfume.

Posted in: Beauty, Uncategorized / Tagged: , , , , , ,

The Cocktail Pant

February 17, 2011 1:24 pm / Leave a Comment /

After slowly weaning myself off the Cucumber Martini obsession I was having last week, it seems only natural to talk about the other cocktail obession I’ve recently discovered–The Cocktail Pant. As Fashion Week finishes up here in New York, and the editors and buyers decide what will be ‘Hot’ for Fall 2011, I can only hope that the Cocktail Pant takes center stage both in stores and in editorials. Now I must admit, I’m not a huge follower of all the shows–I leave that to the aforementioned experts, but I know what I like and I know what I want and if I had a limitless budget, I would buy everything from Michael Kors Fall 2011 line. For me, the Cocktail Pant was the highlight at Kor’s show, and proved that this fall a woman will be able to look extremely elegant, sophisticated and luxurious without having to wear a dress. Elegance and practicality as Michale Kors does best.  Here are some of my faves:

Photos via Style.com

 

Don’t get me wrong, his dresses were out of this world fantastic too, but I love that he presented the pant as evening wear, with just the slightest details and embellishments to really make it stand out.  I can already see confident, strong actresses a la Cate Blanchett, Angelina Jolie, and Sandra Bullock wearing these pants to various events this season.  Bravo Mr. Kors–an exceptional job!  For those of you looking to read more about this true American Designer, check out a really great piece that New York Magazine ran last year.  It will make you love him even more. xLL

Posted in: Fashion, Uncategorized / Tagged: , , , , ,

Cucumber Martini

February 16, 2011 11:23 am / 2 Comments /

I must apologize to my liver for the amount of martini’s I shared with it last week.  When I come across a cocktail that I really, REALLY, enjoy I like to try and make it on my own to save a few bucks.  With the hefty $13+ pricetags that often come with fancy schmancy cocktails, becoming your own personal mixologist can do wonders for your bank account.  I recently had the most amazing Cucumber martini at Flute Bar & Lounge here in NYC.  Flute is an intimate cocktail lounge focusing on Champagne and sparkling wines.  However, they have a full cocktail bar for anyone that isn’t in the mood for bubbly.  I highly recommend this place.  It’s a PERFECT date spot, and I had the pleasure of going with my darling husband. They have two NYC locations: one in Midtown and the other in Gramercy.   I had a hankering for a crisp cucumber martini and the bartender did a fabulous job of making one for me.  He asked me if I wanted it with a mango puree (a variation of a similar speciality drink they had on the menu) and I thought why not?  The result:  AMAZING.

So now I had a new cucumber martini (w/mango puree) obsession and I decided to give it a hand at home.  I must admit I did a pretty good job.  Below is the recipe with some pics.  The orangey color is from the mango puree.  For a pure cucumber taste, you can omit the mango, but that extra natural fruity sweetness really helps enhance the flavors.  Enjoy! And remember, please drink responsibly.

Posted in: Cocktails / Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Dinnerware Detailing

February 8, 2011 2:24 pm / Leave a Comment /

Who said lace is only for lingerie and bridal gowns? Check out this amazing black lace patterned dinner plate from Wonki ware, a South African pottery company.  Their lace collection comes in various colors but I think you get the most impact from this black version.

Lace Dinner plate by Wonki Ware

 

I saw this one at The Conran Shop at ABC Home here in NYC and was instantly attracted to its authentic look.  Lace and lace patterns made a comeback in early 2010 in both fashion and home decorating, but this is the first time I have seen it in dinnerware.  Very cool.

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Modern and Edgy Tabletop Decor–Chilewich

February 7, 2011 5:58 pm / Leave a Comment /

Hi Everyone.  Sorry it’s been ages since my last post but the winter doldrums sunk in and I’ve been in major hibernation mode.  What better way to get out of hibernation mode than with an injection of design inspiration.  This weekend I came across some amazing modern tabletop decor by Chilewich that will raise any rooms “cool” factor.  Chilewich is a company specializing in luxe vinyl textiles.  Now, I know the word luxe is not usually something you would correlate with vinyl, but Chilewich’s use of texture, colors, and shapes–not to mention their craftsmanship, gives their products an absolutely luxurious feel.  Here are 3 different placemat pieces that are sure to make any table pop!

Chilewich Placemats

 

The one at the top is from their Faux Bois collection–Faux Bois translates to Fake Wood and Chilewich provides placemats and coasters in this simulated wood pattern.  Your sure to have your guests fooled at first sight!  The Faux Bois is available in Birch, Driftwood, and Walnut.  How cool is that?

The bottom two are from the mini basketweave collection (L) and the Croc collection (R).  All of these can be purchased in various colors.  Simply divine!

Although I fell in love with everything that Chilewich carries, what really put me over the top was their SPUN collection, specifically this table runner in this amazing green color.

Summer Inspiration from their SPUN collection

With the look of grass, this table runner is IDEAL for any spring/summer garden party.  Whether it’s a bridal or baby shower, a garden themed party, or simply a summer luncheon with your friends, this runner atop any indoor or outdoor table will give you instant high end sophistication.  Seeing this runner gave me an instant boost of energy (don’t you love it when things inspire).  I was so ODed on inspiration with these products that it’s only just to give Chilewich the Lady Lattimer OD (Obvious Distinction) Award.

If these tabletop products don’t excite you enough, Chilewich has taken this amazing application of vinyl and applied it to a range of other products: utility mats, cosmetic bags, woven floor mats, shades, pet mats, and iphone cases–yes, even iphone cases.  Chilewich should be checked out by any design enthusiast, professional or not.  It will give any event or room a modern, edgy, minimalist, professional feel.  Your decorating imagination can run wild with any of their products.  I’d love to see any pics of your designscapes featuring these amazing products so please send them through if your already a Chilewich fan or if your on your way to  becoming one!

Chilewich–www.chilewich.com.  I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

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