Celebrating Princess Diana in Atlanta

The much anticipated exhibit… Diana: A Celebration comes to Atlanta bringing both beauty and elegance. I had the pleasure of attending a private showing last week with local media. I found it to be extremely personal and very inspiring. The exhibit highlights the life and humanitarian work of one of the most remarkable women in history. It features some of her personal possessions including family heirlooms, in nine galleries, offering visitors a glimpse into the life of the woman who captured the world’s attention for her compassion and sense of duty.

The exhibit features more than 150 objects including her famous wedding dress with the memorable 25-foot train, diamond tiara, formal gowns and family jewels estimated to be worth millions. Perhaps one of the most personal items on display is a little prayer book given to Princess Diana from Mother Theresa. As I browsed the galleries, other items catching my attention were her vintage Louis Vuitton luggage collection and passport. I was also touched by little things like her pink ballet slippers from childhood and tuck box from 1969 with her name engraved on it. I was also surprised to learn that some items on display, like the diamond jewels, belong to her family (The Spencer Family) and not Britain’s royals. It appears that Diana came from a family with authentic “blue blood.” In fact, her family tree may be more impressive than her former husband’s, Charles, Prince of Whales.

 You’ll also find the sheet music to “Candle in the Wind,” signed by Sir Elton John, extremely touching along with hundreds of condolence books signed by admirers all over the world following her sudden death, in a car crash, in Paris, August 1997. As you exit the last gallery there is a lovely photo of Princess Diana taken by legendary fashion photographer Mario Testino. The photo really captures the beauty of Diana—the “people’s princess.”

If you have the opportunity to come to Atlanta… you must see Diana: A Celebration. The award-winning, critically-acclaimed exhibit runs through June 13 at the Atlanta Civic Center afterwards the items will be returned to the Althrop Estate, the 500-year-old ancestral home of the Spencer family in England. It is also the place where Princess Diana is buried.

Little-Know Fact About Princess Diana’s Family: The Spencers were at Althorp before Columbus landed in the Americas.

Are you planning to see the exhibit?








Photo Courtesy: Mario Testino

Mémoire Liquide Reserve Edition Books®

Bespoke Perfumery presents its first ready-to-wear fragrance collection for the girl who dreams of a scented library. Sisters and beauty pioneers Robin Coe-Hutshing and Jennifer Coe-Bakewell have created a scent library by launching five unique Mémoire Liquide Reserve Edition Books. Each Mémoire Liquide Reserve fragrance is housed within the pages of a unique keepsake box disguised as a book. Each tells the story of a sweet memory preserved forever… like dew soaked flowers at dawn, a vacation on an idyllic tropical beach, warm sunshine on a summer day and a gentle wafting ceremonial incense in Japan. The sisters were inspired by combining the nature of scent and memory and the powers of the connection. This collection “embodies the story and inspiration that’s gone into Mémoire Liquide Reserve Edition Books® for years to come.”
Fragrances have the power to evoke a memory or thought from the heart for me so the sisters are right on with this one. I found the Armour Liquide selection engaging with notes of Madagascar Vanilla and Tonka Bean with Incense. This selection plays to romantic love that soothes the soul and makes you indeed pause to catch your breath.
Mémoire Liquide Reserve Edition Books® retails for $95 at Studio BeautyMix at Fred Segal, Studio BeautyMix at Korres in New York and Bloomingdales stores.

Disclaimer: This was a complimentary sample sent to me for review.

Haute Travels Tests Kelly Van Gogh’s WonderLust Illuminating Tunic

Renowned hair colorist Kelly Van Gogh, known for her sophisticated hair color techniques generating a cult following of celebrity and VIP clients, creates WonderLust. It’s an Illuminating hair tonic that’s also a mult-tasking product. Key ingredients include caviar proteins, amino acids and strengthening keratins—working together to lower pH levels, correct porosity, condition and strengthen the hair. After washing my hair I applied the tunic to help add shine and protect my hair from the heat of styling tools. I love the way the product smells with notes of Jasmine and rose. This product can also be used as a detangler on wet hair. I love the tiny Mica shine particles floating in the bottle… adding instant sparkle to my dry hair reflecting light perfectly. There’s something about sparkling hair with body that makes me smile. I also like that you can use WonderLust with products that you already have at home. Plus, it appears to be one that can work on a variety of hair types which makes it haute! This is one for my travel bag.

Wonderlust is available at Space NK starting February 2010 for $30.

Watch Kelly Apply WonderLust to Her Hair
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=100629972

Are you thinking about trying WonderLust?

Haute Look From Oscar Blandi

Celebrity stylist Oscar Blandi brought glam to “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara’s look at the Golden Globes Sunday night. Vergara wore a strapless Carolina Herrera gown in blue with a dash of red. Blandi created her Greek goddess hairstyle with natural waves parting the hair in two sections.

Here’s how Blandi created the look:
He primed wet Vergara’s hair with Oscar Blandi Volumizing Spray then blow-dried it and pined pieces around the crown of her head and the nape of her neck. Designed to target the root area as well as the entire style, this spray adds lift, fullness, and bounce. Blandi applied his volumizing spray before blow-drying and curling  Vergara’s hair. He used a medium barrel curling iron to create soft waves and finished the look with Oscar Blandi Lacca Hairspray.

Will you try this hairstyle with Blandi's products?

Stila Embraces Empowerment and Technology In Beauty Kit

I’m always on the hunt for something new and exciting to add to my travel bag. So when I heard about the Stila Makeup Player, my interest was piqued. It’s a 3-in-1 train case, vanity and media player docking station! The kit comes in a chic patent leather case designed to allow consumers to store Stila products and learn how to the use them by watching FREE makeup lessons downloaded from stilabeautytube.com, iTunes or YouTube. Just download the lessons into your iPhone, iPod or digital device and you can view the lessons on the go!  “I designed and created Beauty 4.0 to celebrate the inner beauty of women. Knowledge is power and beauty 4.0 will teach you how to enhance your appearance,” says Lynn Tilton, CEO, Patriarch Partners, Stila Owner.

In this introductory kit… you’ll get all the products that you need for a variety of looks. The case comes with a one-step makeup foundation that’s a primer, concealer and powder all in one pump-like can. It combines the products along with pigment mineral powder, but the color choices are limited. A trio of eye shadows (rose, gold and bronze) for the base, crease and liner along with a #7 brush are also part of the kit. But one of my faves, the lip glaze in a click pen in grapefruit. It reminds me of the YSL Touché Éclat highlighter pen. You’ll also get a convertible color compact in rose adding color to your cheeks and lips. I really like all in one products because it cuts out spending money on every item… and it saves space in your makeup bag.
Once you’re all made up… you can turn up the music since the case doubles as a portable media player with speakers in the front and groove to your favorite songs like Ledisi’s In The Morning! The Stila Makeup Player is $69.90, but comes stocked with more than $100 in products. Now that’s a tune that I can sing to. The Stila Makeup Player makes my Haute List for 2010!

 Enjoy 20% off your next purchase on stilacosmetics.com. Just enter code BEAUTY40 at checkout for one time use on new purchases!

What do you think about the Stila Makeup Player?

Disclaimer: This was a complimentary sample sent to me for review.

Four Things You Can Do To Help Haiti

Thousands of people are suffering in Haiti following Tuesday’s deadly 7.0 earthquake about 10 miles west of the capital, Port-au-Prince. President Barack Obama says his team is monitoring the situation closely and stands ready to help the people of Haiti, but there is still more that needs to be done as recovery and clean up efforts get underway.

Here are Four things that you can do to HELP HAITI NOW for as little as $1:

1. Join singer Wyclef Jean in his efforts to raise funds on behalf of Haitian Quake Victims

“Please text ‘Yele’ to 501501 to donate $5 to YELE HAITI,” Jean wrote on his twitter page in the hours following the quake. “Your money will help with relief efforts. They need our help… please help if you can.”

Donations go to the Yéle Haiti Foundation, an organization established by Jean using music, sports, and the media to bring awareness to projects making a difference in education, health, environment and community development in Jean’s native Haiti.

2. Hosea Feed the Hungry (HFTH), the Southeast’s largest food bank serving families and individuals in the Atlanta-area, has mobilized to support relief efforts following Tuesday’s earthquake in Haiti. HFTH has partnered with Savannah-based Christian Revival Center that hosts monthly mission trips to Haiti. The two organizations are asking the Atlanta community to provide critically-needed supplies. A truck will deliver the items to Savannah for immediate distribution to the people of Haiti.
Items needed include:
• Water and non-perishable food items
• Men’s, women’s and children’s shoes of all sizes
• Blankets
• Vitamins – adult, children, prenatal
• Adult & children’s pain relievers
• Disinfecting wipes, antibiotic creams and ointments (e.g. Neosporin and triple ointment
• Financial contributions, which can be easily made at hoseafeedthehungry.com

3. Text "HAITI" to "90999" to donate $10 to the Red Cross or Take your donations to Lowe’s Stores
Lowe's Companies Inc. announced Wednesday; the company will donate $1 million to support the American Red Cross International Response Fund, helping victims of countless crises around the world, including the recent earthquake in Haiti. Further, all 1,700 Lowe’s stores will serve as donation centers for the American Red Cross.

Donations to the American Red Cross may also be made online at www.redcross.org, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767

4. Join Former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush... together they are making a difference in Haiti. "At the request of President Obama, we are partnering to help the Haitian people reclaim their country and rebuild their lives."
Click here to learn more http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/

Will You Help HAITI?

A Taste of Honey at The Spa Four Seasons Atlanta

If you’re seeking a little sweet relief from the hustle and grind of your daily life it could be time for a visit to the spa. I made a beeline to the Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel in Midtown Atlanta for a little shameless pampering. I was invited in to sample the new Honey Delight Body Treatment. Once inside, this urban sanctuary, life is good. My taste of honey began as soon as I entered my treatment room and the therapist began applying a mixture of honey, oatmeal and shea butter to my dehydrated skin. A gentle exfoliation removing dull, dry, dead skin was not only relaxing, but soothing.
The honey is harvested from the hotel’s very own apiary… and the oatmeal is locally sourced. After a quick shower… that I was forced to take because my skin felt so soft with the honey and shea butter lathered all over it, it was time for a rejuvenating honey body lotion massage. The lotion was a mixture of honey and Jasmine leaving my skin silky smooth.
Once the 50 minute treatment was over, I spent time in the relaxation room sipping a perfect blend of peach blossom tea, sweetened with a honey comb! I was also given another sweet treat… honey caramel wrapped in gold paper, both prepared in the hotel’s kitchen using the honey from the Chef Robert Gerstenecker’s private stock.

The Honey Delight treatment is available from now until February 1, 2010 at the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. Prices run $140.00 for 50 minutes and $165.00 for 80 minutes.

HAUTE Honey tips:
Honey is truly one of nature’s most gentle and effective beauty treatments. Some “buzz-worthy” benefits include:

• Being rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, which nourish and replenish the skin

• Containing powerful antioxidants that help reverse ageing

• Binding moisture to the skin to enhance hydration, smoothing dry and rough skin, plumping wrinkles and leaving skin soft and supple

• Helping to disinfect and speed the healing process of any scrapes, cuts or burns

Will you try the Spa at the Four Season's Atlanta for sweet relief?

Escape the Winter Blues to Beautiful Cabo

Time to escape the winter blues… and while you’re at it—bury your blackberry, PDA, or Smart phone. Guests arriving at the Marquis Los Cabos Resort are invited to leave behind their electronic device with a symbolic “Blackberry Burial Ceremony.” The simulated burial also includes a 10-minute hand massage to help those weary fingers from too much texting and dialing also known as the “blackberry ache.” And while you’re at it, a cool drink and refreshing towel will help you forget all about your troubles from 2009.

This beautiful 237 all-suite ocean-front luxury hotel and resort, located on the southernmost tip of the Baja California peninsula, where the Sea of Cortex meets the Pacific Ocean, offers stunning mountain views with the ocean at your casita door. It really is an escape to your own little sanctuary equipped with a private pool facing the beach. This exotic retreat also features a 15,000 square foot holistic spa with a fitness center and an exclusive gourmet restaurant where the food is absolutely amazing.

But my favorite touch is the infinity pool because the water on this side of the ocean is too aggressive to swim. However,  a fruity drink and ocean view makes up for it. You can also participate in the resort’s “Astronomy Nights” series, introducing guests to the planets, stars and constellations guided by a local expert with fancy telescopes. You’ll love the crackling fire with specialty cocktails right there on the beach.

When you’re headed to Cabo be sure to check out the Marquis Los Cabos… it’s a wonderful property with exceptional customer service that’s just minutes away from Old World San Jose Del Cabo and party happy Cabo San Lucas. I love it! Marquis Los Cabos is a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World and the only member of Leading Spas of the World in Los Cabos. www.marquisloscabos.com

Will you check into the Marquis Los Cabo?

Beauty on the Go is Haute!

One of my new favorite glow and go travel finds is the Colorescience Travel Puff. The beauty of this little puff—the pigment is inside. That’s right no more packing your bulky compact in those hard to reach places. This little item can fit into your coat or travel tote pocket for easy access when you need a quick touch up! It offers amazing coverage and protects from the sun for about 10 applications. It also comes in four colors… my pick, a taste of honey for darker olive complexions. The powder is also water-resistant. Plus, it’s infused with more than enough mineral powder for long-lasting wear. All that you have to do is gently pat the puff against your face to release the powder, blend for coverage and return to its pouch. The coverage is sheer but you can apply the pigment heavier if you desire. Once the powder is all gone… the puff can be cleaned and used again for other makeup applications. Colorescience has done it again… this is haute!
http://www.colorescience.com/1280x1024/flash/index.html

Yves Saint Laurent has solved my beauty travel problem when it comes to locating my lip gloss in a pinch with the lips luggage tag. Air travel can dehydrate the skin and leave my lips in need of gloss. But now all that I have to do is reach for my travel tote’s handles and violà my lip gloss is attached! The limited-edition collector make up palette is inspired by the luggage tag of YSL handbags. It contains two products for the lips, a lipstick and lip gloss. The palette also contains an applicator tucked inside a gold compact with engraved cover. $75

What's in your travel bag?

David Yurman's New Fragrance is Haute!

The David Yurman classic luxuries fragrance collection is one of my new indulgences. After a quick trip to Neiman Marcus, I decided to try the new fragrance, created by my fave jewelry designer. The collection features Eau de Parfum in a citrine-colored, faceted bottle with the iconic DY cable design band topped off with a brilliant cut black stone. Also included in my personal selection, the sensuous body cream in a beautiful square cut jar sealed with a faceted gold top also with a cable band. Just one application envelops my skin in a creamy, silky veil of richness.

The luxurious fragrance consists of mandarin, fresh green petals, cassis, peony, water lily, natural rose otto, patchouli, exotic woods and soft musk notes. But, it’s the woody-musk scent that stands out with my body chemistry along with vague hints of floral notes. Some call it “An elegant fusion of brilliance and depth, the fragrance intertwines exotic woods and patchouli with the fluidity of rose and water lily.” I love the body cream because the fragrance lingers ever so softly without being intrusive and “never losing its sensual aroma.”

My little luxuries came with an elegant black leather keep-sake box with the David Yurman logo embossed on the top.

Have you tried the new David Yurman fragrance?

Lifestyle Expert Eddie Ross Comes to Atlanta

New Year celebrations continue with lifestyle guru Eddie Ross. The Martha Stewart Living staffer and Top Design contestant brings his eye popping interior design makeover tips to Atlanta. Ross will host an Atlanta Tea and Framing Party complete with a giveaway, at 2PM Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Larson-Juhl's Norcross office.

Ross has left no stone unturned and dreamed up a spread to die for with an array of fancy tea sandwiches, gourmet teas, chilled Sauvignon Blanc and tasty mini desserts. No doubt the table setting will be a scene stealer… after all it’s an Eddie Ross party! The event, sponsored by Larson-Juhl, is FREE for bloggers and $10 for non-bloggers.

Click here to learn more http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2010/01/atlanta-framing-party-giveaway.html

Will you be there?