Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Haute New Fashion Café at Zurich Airport

The Zurich Airport has a newly opened Fashion Café Bar that’s so “En Vogue!” Fashionistas traveling globally can enjoy coffee and snacks while flying through Switzerland. “Trendy, classic and sexy are just a few words that describe this haute spot located in the center of the airport’s shopping zone. The stylish new concept is a hit with visitors who are bored with the same old thing after all style is so important even down to the food that we eat. You simply must stop in to sample the canapé for an around the clock treat and first class service. You can also start your jet-setting day with homemade cream cheese and petit sandwiches or a blue berry muffin along with specialty coffees offering a robust blend right before takeoff!

What do you think of the Fashion Café?

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Become a HAUTE Travels Girl and Meet Good Black MEN!

Think about vacationing on some exotic beach and Mr. Wonderful walks into your life. It can happen because it’s happen to me while traveling to some of the world’s haute spots. I hear women say all the time that they can’t find a good black man. Well, that’s a myth. Ironically, as much as I’m out and about in the city, I rarely meet men that capture my attention. But once I grab my passport, toss my carryon over my shoulder and head to some place far away from home—something happens.

Being a single girl in the city has its pros and cons… you’re on 24/7. No matter where you go it’s like being on display… think hair, nails, and wardrobe. Now, living in Atlanta has an entirely different spin… everybody needs a publicist, makeup artist and stylist! No, you don’t have to be a celebrity here to have a glam squad; you just have to think that you’re someone famous. But what really gets my girls from Chicago and New York laughing is the fact that these southern beauties announce members of their beauty team in public. In other parts of the world, that’s always kept a secret!
 
So once I land in some sizzling haute spot with my sun-kissed skin, refreshing personality and smile, “something happens.” I shed the glam side and keep it natural. As a result, black men notice me; they approach me, talk to me and want to get to know a little more about the American girl that’s sitting poolside with an air of confidence and a little bit of mystery to go along with her tropical drink. Sure, they notice my other assets after all a Haute Travels girl has learned to embrace her curves… I’m lovin them! And we all know that no matter where you meet black men, they love the versatility and uniqueness of our ample thighs, round bottoms and full lips, especially the bottom lip. I hear when you poke it out; it’s a sign of confidence. But you didn’t hear that from me.


When you follow your passion—the universe lines up in complete agreement and you open your heart and mind to something new  allowing amazing things and people to come into your life. I can tell you from personal experience that this can happen. Remember the law of attraction? You get back what you put out… it’s never been more true.

By now you’re wondering what are my secrets… it’s simple. I just focus on being authentic, pleasant and drama-free. I‘m not looking for anything or anyone, I’m just living my passion and truth. I’ve come to learn that men like women who are independent, but who allow them to do the chasing. They like happy, active women because that’s attractive to them.

You should also have a set of standards that smart, mature women live by. Don’t compromise integrity because men will test you just to see if you’re “that girl.” Focus on being the best person that you can be whether single or not and love and friendship will find you no matter where you are in the world.

Have you met someone special while traveling?

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Dreamgirls is HAUTE!

The hit musical Dreamgirls comes alive on stage at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre. The story line is much the same as we’ve seen on Broadway and the big screen so no surprises there, but the talent in this young cast is amazing. Former American Idol finalist Syesha Mercado, plays “Deena Jones” and delivers a good performance, but it’s the unforgettable Moya Angela who plays “Effie White” that brings the crowd to its feet when she sings “that” song made famous by Jennifer Holiday and helped deliver an Academy Award to Jennifer Hudson for her performance in the movie Dreamgirls!

The story begins at the famed Apollo Theatre in New York City in the 1960's when the girls leave their hometown of Chicago for the “concrete jungle” where their big dreams inspire them to take a risk! But their luck was just beginning when they meet the self-serving, underhanded and wicked “Curtis Taylor” played by Chaz Lamar Shepherd who takes them from an unknown group to Jimmy Early backup singers before letting them shine on their own to become international superstars. “All you have to do is dream” as the title song suggests offers the audience an amazing odyssey inspired by music and travel throughout the musical taking these Midwest girls to Paris and beyond.

As with any girl group, there was a little fighting going on amidst the gorgeous gowns, wigs, love affairs and egos. But by the end of the story, the girls make their way around the world only to return home to find that life isn’t always about fame and fortune but how you treat people along the way. Each of the girls start a journey of self-discovery and begin “Changing” from girls who just wanted to sing to powerful women taking control of their lives... becoming better than they were, while staring in the second act of life. In the end, the power of friendship leads them back to what really matters… as they say “there’s no place like home” and the love of true friends to help you get there.

I love the Dreamgirls story and found this musical to be both entertaining and surprisingly funny. Actors Chestor Gregory (James “Thunder” Early) and Adrienne Warren (Lorrell Robinson) also gave the crowd something to clap about with memorable lines and soul-stirring performances. This is definitely one to check out before its limited engagement in the ATL is over. The show runs through October 17th, 2010 in Atlanta but may come to a town near you as part of a national tour so check your local listings.

A line from one of my favorite songs from Dreamgirls
“Every man has his own special dream and that dream is just about to come true… life’s not as bad as it may seem if you open your eyes to what’s in front of you. All you got to do is DREAM!”

What do you dream about?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Pampered in Paris is HAUTE!

Beauty rituals to the French are like yoga classes to American girls. Recently, I was sent a cute little book, Pampered in Paris, A Guide to The Best Spas, Salons and Beauty Boutiques in Paris by Kim Levesque from The Little Bookroom. As I thumb through this little pocket guide, the beauty of Paris comes alive with each stunning photo. When I came upon page 128, a smile crossed my face because I remember my afternoon of spa rituals at Spa Cinq Mondes housed in the posh square de L’Opera-Louis-Jouvet in the 9th arr. My day began with a beautiful Japanese bath in a wooden tub with rose petals dropped at my feet followed by a French facial.

If you’re thinking about getting pampered in Paris pick up this little book for the best of the best. It profiles fifty of the most exquisite spas and salons in the City of Light. Levesque also offers her tips on the best treatments along with a glossary of useful terms. You’ll also learn what to expect when visiting these French glam spots. Just think nail salons are all over the U.S. but in Paris, good luck finding one. The French girls know that you must make appointments because walk-ins, well that’s so American. Madam understands being “lathered and creamed, exfoliated and scrubbed to an inch of her life” is what life is all about in France.

“Pampered in Paris: A Guide to the Best Spas, Salons and Beauty Books” (The Little Bookroom, New York; available for $16.95 at littlebookroom.com)

Are you ready to be pampered in Paris?

Friday, October 8, 2010

Haute Stuff! The Friendship Stone

There are people who enter your life that you may never have seen coming. But yet, there’s something special about them and you realize in an instant that your life will never be the same because your paths crossed.

Nothing in life is certain… therefore, I believe in nurturing relationships that matter to me. So when I came across the friendship stone, I was intrigued. It’s a gift that, like the bond of friendship, is never-ending. Each stone is unique, the perfect gift of gratitude and appreciation.
 
The stone allows you to connect by giving it to a special friend… connecting the power of two. Perhaps, it’s the gesture of giving this one-of-a-kind gem to someone else that makes it so powerful.

The journey of the Friendship Stone starts when one of the rocks begins an unexpected odyssey of friendship and giving. The stone is intended to spread goodwill and the power of positive thinking. Just the simple act of friendship has the power to touch many lives.

I was given two stones as a gift and I’ll pass one of them onto a friend who inspires me to dream bigger. I hope that when my friend looks at that stone it will provide a level of comfort that would come from me if only I were there… offering a friendship promise that makes one’s heart smile.

A Note About Giving Back: 10% of the sales from the Friendship Stone go back to the villages in South Africa where the stones are sourced to help the people improve their lives.

To learn more about The Friendship Stone visit http://www.thefriendshipstone.com/

Do you have a keepsake that makes your heart smile?

Smartwater Unveils HAUTE New Bottle

Smartwater unveils their haute new glass bottle to the ATL. I was invited to their Atlanta launch party last month… it was simply chic—rooftop setting at Ventanas with a skyline view of our HAUTE southern city.

Hot Atlantans from fashion designers, magazine publishers to Haute Travels girls were on hand to celebrate Smartwater’s glass bottle debut. The new bottle is so chic and smart; it really does take premium water to another level. However, I couldn’t help but wonder in addition to Jennifer Aniston as a spokesmodel, why not add a HAUTE African American or that sexy British guy to the list? Just think somebody tall, dark and handsome with global appeal... who asks, "Do you believe in love at first sip?"

During the event, guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & a special performance by Alpha Rev… along with a little cotton candy. But one of the event highlights, a painter who created a beautiful image of the new glass bottle—So HAUTE!

The zero-calorie, vapor-distilled water is packed with electrolytes and offers a crisp taste. Smartwater reportedly is the all-time favorite among Americans when it comes to premium bottled water in this country.

What do you think of Smartwater’s new glass bottle?

"Masterchef " Finalist Tracy Nailor's Haute Dishes

You may know Tracy Nailor as a finalist from Fox TV’s “Masterchef” with Gordon Ramsay. Nailor, a Pediatrician and Atlanta resident is not only a great cook, but she’s so much fun! Last night, my good friend Monique and I were invited by the Concentrics Restaurants group to dinner at the posh, Midtown haute spot Room at Twelve for a sample of Nailor’s creative dishes. We started off with crab cakes before moving onto the smothered chicken over rice. You can say it’s home-style comfort food that makes you want hug your plate.

During dinner, Nailor gave a cooking demo on how to make her Caramelized Banana Napoleon. It was pretty tasty, particularly if you like a modern twist on banana pudding. She’s full of terrific recipes that make you remember your southern roots... so when Monique and I show up for Thanksgiving dinner, she shouldn’t be surprised! You can find Nailor’s recipes and others in the Masterchef Season 1 cookbook!

What’s your favorite comfort food dish?

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Sugarcoat Nails it with HAUTE Escape to Fiji Pedicure

My nails were in need of a mini vacation so I headed over to Sugarcoat in Buckhead. Upon check-in, I parked my toes at a pedicure station and my nail tech Rhonda started the boarding call for my escape to Fiji pedicure! My travel weary feet soaked in a soothing coconut foot bath, while she began to shape and file my nails. An intoxicating foot massage followed along with warm stones placed between my toes. Soon my perfectly pampered toes were glowing with a haute pink nail color by OPI.

This beauty bar is a cute HAUTE spot for a girlfriend meetup or an hour of sweet relief.

To learn more visit http://www.sugarcoatbeauty.com/

What makes a great nail bar?

Haute Stuff! Stephanie Johnson Travel Bags

My good friend Patti Davis turned me onto Stephanie Johnson’s travel bags and accessories… it’s a West Coast celebrity obsession kind of thing. But the girls are also rocking them in the NYC. And now, it’s girls like me in the ATL who’ll work the bags and accessories into our HAUTE TRAVELS world!

Johnson’s collection of travel accessories range from makeup bags, totes and jewelry pouches ideal for brushes, lip gloss, compacts, hair accessories and your gems. She’s thought of everything in her collections that resonate with your resident Travelistas who want to stay organized on-the-go and fashionable at the same time.
I found the collections interesting because of the way Johnson plays on travel as a lifestyle. The collections are named after some of the hottest destinations in the world, like Vegas, Shanghai, Madrid and my fave Monte Carlo!

There’s something for everybody’s taste and alter ego… just think when I’m feeling jet-set and thinking about the South of France, I’ll pull out my complimentary Monte Carlo Susan Jewelry Roll case and pair it with my Gidget Compact Brush Case that fits into my carryon or city tote. The sparkling gold accents add a bit of excitement to my day and keep me on point. Some compartments even pop out allowing you to carry on its own or in a smaller handbag. It’s SO HAUTE!

To learn more visit http://www.stephaniejohnson.com/

Don’t you love a great travel bag and accessories?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Haute Jewelry Designer John Wind Inspired by Fashion and Travel

Passion for Jewelry Designer and Founder of Maximal Art John Wind is like the melody to a perfect love song. His handmade pieces are a unique mix of vintage and modern, but yet there’s something endearing about them that tells a story of a period reflecting “soul, personality and narrative.” Acquiring his jewelry is like uncovering a past relationship that one never knew existed. “I like that fact that you’re adopting an instant ancestor,” says Wind.

It appears his artwork was more organic than planned but never-the-less, it became an obsession. “I won a scholarship to the Slade School of Art in London. It was in the early 80’s and I got swept up in the club world. It was all about fashion, to the point of costume, (think Culture Club and The Thompson Twins), and making crazy flea-market jewelry assemblages to wear was just part of the deal,” explains Wind.

But it wasn’t until he met another jewelry designer, Andrew Logan, in London that his foray into jewelry making was born. “Logan really inspired me with giant brooches made of broken mirror bits and brooches set into some kind of putty,” says Wind. “As an art student, I really thought of my brooches as little sculptures.”

Over the years, the line has evolved to include a variety of accessories. “Brooches have given way to earrings, then necklaces, bracelets and charms,” he adds. But just where does he get his inspiration? “We listen to our customers and stay aware of fashion trends.”

Wind’s relationship with his jewelry is personal, protective, but profound. However, the woman who wears his art is described as independent and fun. “She likes to accessorize, loves vintage jewelry but is still a modern woman.”

Just when you thought that you knew what inspired Wind, he offers another twist. “Travel has everything to do with my creative expression. I am so inspired by the “Grand Tours” of the past, where gentlemen brought home souvenirs from Ancient Rome or Egypt. My designs are almost an homage to or souvenir of a place. My all-time favorites are London, Paris and Palm Beach,” exclaims Wind.

Fans of the line can expect more charms and silver-toned collections that will surely turn up in the private boudoir of the girl with a style that’s all her own.

The Maximal Art collection can be found in more than 1,000 stores worldwide. To learn more visit http://maximalart.com/index.shtml

Don't you love it when jewelry speaks to you?

Disclaimer: I received two necklaces as samples from John Wind's Maximal Art Collection.
 
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