Black and White

I have to admit, I have become a little obsessed with redecorating using only black and white.  

I was first inspired by this color scheme when I was window shopping in Paris.  (Of course who wouldn't be inspired window-shopping in Paris)

And then I saw the same black and white color scheme used in Los Angeles. 

Since then, I have been window-shopping on the internet for inspiration on how to put together the perfect black and white room.

I want a mix of "Old Hollywood" with Victorian touches.

Like this chandelier...

...paired with this sofa, 

and maybe a nice chair

and footstool to complete the room.

Decisions, decisions.  I think it is may be time to redecorate.

Is it safe to tan?

Being a Florida girl and a sun lover, I love to soak up as much sun as I can whenever I can.  But if you have been following my posts lately you will also notice that I have been very interested in keeping my skin young and healthy.  For any of you who is concerned about not only the youthful appearance, but the health of your skin, please read my article:


http://www.examiner.com/article/how-tan-is-too-tan


I sincerely hope you will find this information helpful, and it helps you to make the right decision about preserving the health and beauty of your skin.  

J'aime Lancome

On March 8, I posted about a must-try product - Genifique.  After 2 months of using this product, I am in love with it.  In fact not only me, but my friends who I recommended the product to, are also in love with it.  


Last week I was visiting the Dillards during my lunch break and stumbled upon a sign that read "Gift of Paris".  How could I resist!  




I purchased lip stick and eye shadow and received good-sized samples of Visionnaire (advanced skin corrector), Bright Expert (dark spot corrector and radiance activator), Renergie (eye lift creme), lipstick, blush, and eyeliner.  


So far I love all of these products.  The eyeshadow is glittery, not frosty.  I chose a coral lip shade which is bright, but not sticky.  After only a few day, my skin looks wonderful.


I love these products, and want to pass along to my friends.  I am not getting paid for this endorsement, but if you are listening Lacome - I will be happy to accept payment!  

Timeless

There are some women whose beauty transcends and inspires through the generations, their beauty is timeless.  

Marilyn Monroe

Marilyn Monroe defined sexy yet classy.  

Vivian Leigh

Vivian Leigh will always be known to me as Scarlet O'Hara, strong, beautiful, and a southern belle to the end.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly, the beautiful American actress who married a mysterious Prince from Monaco.  Classy and sophisticated.  

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor and her amazing eyes is certainly one of the most beautiful women ever.

A must-try product

I ran across a coupon for a free 7-day sample of Lacome's new skincare product Genifique. Since I am not one to pass up a good free-be, I figured "what the heck".  I printed out my coupon and made my way the nearest Lacome counter.   
I am on day 2 of using this product. Oh la la, my skin is tres bien!  
I am not getting a royalty for this post, although I wouldn't mind one, just sharing some good information with my friends and followers.  




Here is the link:

http://www.lancome-usa.com/

Orange for Summertime

If you are looking for the latest trend in color - put some orange in your life!

It is so refreshing to see such bold use of color especially when fashion advise is often black is the new black, and black is slimming, and black is basic, yadee, yadee, yada. 

Orange is the color of summer.

Follow this link to read my article on Examiner.com to see the latest from the runway.

http://www.examiner.com/style-in-tampa-bay/orange-for-the-sunshine-state

Singing with the angels

She was beautiful, talented, and taken from us way too soon.  


We grew up listening to her crystal clear voice that could hit any note on the musical scale. Her voice was amazing and her talent inspired a generation.  It would seem that she had it all.  


We may never know or understand the personal demons she faced.


Rest in peace, Whitney Houston.  May you be singing with the angels in heaven.  

Saturday

Having fun with  polyvore.com, I created a relaxed, casual outfit.  

Saturday by jacquelynzalar featuring a blue topaz cocktail ring

Mango slimming dress
£40 - mango.com

Carvela brown boots
£99 - johnlewis.com

Body bag
£7 - peacocks.co.uk

ABS by Allen Schwartz gold tone jewelry
$150 - bloomingdales.com

Blue topaz cocktail ring
$179 - intermixonline.com

Jules Smith fringe earrings
£85 - flannelsfashion.com

Overwhelmed by the Christmas Spirit of Giving

It seems like all too often the true spirit of Christmas gets lost in all the commercialism.  I set out on a quest to find the spirit of giving.  

I found two groups of individuals in my local community of Tampa Bay who embody the spirit of giving, the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital and the Rough Riders.  

If you need a dose of the real meaning of Christmas, and yes I said Christmas, please follow these two links to the articles I wrote for Examiner.com.  I promise, the spirit of giving will amaze you, where you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah  Winter Solstice, or any other holiday.

http://www.examiner.com/charity-in-tampa-bay/the-spirit-of-giving-displayed-at-st-joseph-s-hospital

http://www.examiner.com/charity-in-tampa-bay/spreading-joy-one-teddy-bear-at-a-time

The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly of Emmys Fashion

I have been neglecting this blog for a little while, but as I was perusing the fashion websites to see who wore whom for the Emmys, I found a dress that compelled me to write.  This is the dress that I call "The Ugly".  

But first, let's start with "The Good"

If I had actually watched the show, I could say Sophia Vergara stole the show in her crepe coral custom Vera Wang creation.   She may not have taken home a statue, but she is the fashion winner of the night!

Coral is a flattering color, especially for those of us who can use a little color to liven up our skin tones.  

Sophia is a women that allows us to breathe a collective sigh of relief.  She proves that curves are sexy, and here to stay.  We can all enjoy half-a-cookie to celebrate!

 


While we are on the topic of women with curves, another spokeswomen for glamorous and not undernourished is Kate Winslet looking glamorous in an Elie Saab gown.  



















Some other looks that fall into the category of "The Good" and are worth mentioning (from left to right) include:  (Left)   I have never heard of Nena Dobrev, but I love the Donna Karen mermaid cut gown.  (Middle)  Evan Rachel Wood may not as curvy as Sophia and Kate, but so glad to see you had a meal this week, and the Elie Saab gown is stunning.  (Right)  Katie Holmes looks good for a brainwashed manikin in a royal blue Calvin Klein gown. 

Now onto "The Bad".

Heidi Klume, famous international model, star of Project Runway, fashion icon.  Really?  Where to start... 

That tired out shade of pink/lavender does not flatter.  If you are 5 minutes over 35, forget about this color.  

Heidi Klume is known for regaining her knock-out figure soon after the birth of her children.  This cut does nothing to prove that.  Instead of elongating her torso, it shortens it.  

And what is going on with the skirt.  Coral is in style, not coral reefs attached to your dress. 

Some other "Bad" dresses include:

This look is not funny.  Amy Poehler in a Peter Som gown is a perfect example of why spanx are worth their weight in gold, even at the price of gold these days.  

 

I am not sure if I should call this a failed attempt at a goth look, or somebody sadly not dressing their age.  Either way, Gwyneth Paltrow in a  Pucci Crop top and skirt that is not certainly not her finest fashion hour. 

 

And now for "The Ugly"

Justin Timberlake brought sexy back, and now Lena Headey is bringing Amish back.  The only thing missing from this outfit is the bonnett.  Did she arrive in a horse drawn buggy?

Lena Headey may star in the Terminator, The Sarah Connor Chronicles,  but this dress should be terminated. 

Source: 

Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Pictures 2011 - Best Dressed at Emmy Awards - Marie Claire