Oh Michael, I'm All Lolita Again

I love Michael Kors and his shoes are no exception. Sophisticated, elegant, and incredibly sexy- they are a must for any one. My collection grows and yet this shoe keeps calling out above the others and making itself known.

The Lolita; true it is a classic black pump- but it is so much more. The subtle and simple details (from the ever so slightly ruffled front to the bow and ribbon in the back) make it adorable, flirty, sexy, and a Bombshell Beauty shoe.

Its very cute and perfect for the transition from summer to fall; the peek-a-boo toe is a must as is. It comes in other shades as well, and the brown is quite tempting to me. This is going to be a shoe I will need to purchase a second pair of- in the same color if not multiple pairs in both colors. No matter how many new shoes I find, I cannot keep myself from bringing this one out again and again.

I am loving this shoe- and surprisingly enough, soooo comfortable- honest! That alone is worth it, but I think its cuteness speaks loudly for it.

Yummy Yummy And On The GO

So the other day I found myself in an unfamiliar part of town at an early hour of the day with an appetite. My Fiance and I had attended a meeting in this area (about an hour or so away from our home) and decided some food was now in order.

Then we saw the Super Target and couldn't resist but make a little stop. If anything we could replenish some grocery items and make something when we returned home.

Then there was the display of freshly baked and still warm bread- yes, the fogged plastic and heavenly aroma.

There was no way I was going to last until home. The lovely thing was they had a demi version of the baguette- just the right amount for the two of us and a bit easier to handle than the full sized version.

A few slices of hard salami and gruyere cheese and it was the perfect yummy meal we were looking for. I've always loved this for breakfast, but forget about it from time to time.

When I lived in Bay Harbor Islands there was a neighborhood French Bakery that actually offered it on the menu, and I would relax at a table either alone or with a friend sipping some coffee, enjoying my meal, and watching people pass by.

Now I can do the same but on the go. I usually prefer to sit and relax but sometimes things need to be done and it can be nice to have a little bite as you walk. Kind of makes me think of Breakfast At Tiffany's, and all the more reason to enjoy it.

Syrah So In Love

SO-Normally I wait and finish my glass (or bottle as it often goes) until I begin my post, but this is simply too delightful for patience.

Brian Benson has certainly impressed me and gained a far new respect-this by far is the best Syrah I have tasted, and am anxious to retrieve more of it.

It all started with my fiance and his curiosity to woot and woot wine (of all places). Wow, am I ever pleased and delighted with this find. This particular purchase offered a vertical tasting of a 2004 and a 2005, which if you have read my 'Vintage Beautiful Vintage' entry you know it is something I look for. As much as I enjoyed the 2004- and I assure you I most certainly did, the 2005 bottle has vanished faster than any bottle in our household, and believe you me that is saying something.

It is everything I love in a wine and look for in a Syrah. When a dear friend of ours who has worked harvests from South Africa to California alerted us of the beauty of this wine we knew we were in great hands. He informed us that the Denner vineyards produced the best grapes for Syrah and Brian Benson Cellars truely cared for their wines.

He must, too, beginning at such a young age he is certainly in the right place. He began his training at his Grandfather's vineyard and later his Father's winery- he learned about the process of wine making before completing elementary school.

This is a beauty to be enjoyed by all and I encourage you to look into a bottle for yourself if not your friends as well. www.BrianBensonCellars.com will give you more about it, and at the age of 25 he is certainly making an impression in the wine industry. Have a taste and delight for yourself- I certainly am and will continue to do so.

Meow, Nails That Roar and Purr

Inspired by the Louboutin Manicure, I am not patient enough to simply wait for my nails to grow. (Nor do I wish to have acrylics at the moment).

So I decided to dabble a bit with some colors and created a design to fit my playfulness- and I am quite delighted with my results.

A clear coat to begin- a few rather large dots of a tan or copper coating, and then finished off with some well placed black dots: you have leopard print nails that roar. Kitten has been a long time nickname of mine, and so it is only appropriate to make the move.

I love it, and its really rather simple (this is my first attempt and I think it came out rather well, especially as that is my right hand pictured just above). I played around a bit with the tan and copper- I think I like the copper better as it stands out more.

The nude underneath makes it more subtle I think. Another great option would be to put a brilliant red shade as the first coat and then the spots on top of it.

A white base would be fun too- or perhaps keep the clear base and make the tan/copper spots white spots instead- for that snowy look.

Even a royal blue may be a fun base for the daring and playful, for the special occasion of course. It will look great with a cocktail, not to mention those fun cocktail rings.

I think next time I may even add a pink flirtatious flair and have pale pink spots surrounded by the little black ones.

I will have to explore the rest of the animal kingdom as well- there have been a few giraffe print shoes and handbags I have been eying and I think matching it to the nails is just the thing.

So have a little fun and expand it to your liking- or keep it simple and see the attention you receive.

Here's to pretty nails.

Louboutin Redefines Manicures For Nails

Louboutin is constantly finding new ways to be involved in my fashion world. And this time, from an unexpected source.

Miss Zoe Pocock of the exclusive Daniel Galvin Salon in London has introduced us to the Louboutin Manicure- simple, elegant, and sultry.

Pictured here from Grazia Magazine is the classic red beneath the shoe we all adore translated to the nails by being painted underneath. The top of the nails are black to match the shoe, though truly it can be done in any color to match whichever of Christian Louboutin's shoes you may be wearing. So long as the red is in place you are ready to go.

I am anxious to try it myself, just as soon as my nails grow to a decent length again. In the meantime I am feeling quite inspired to play with some colors a bit on my own.

Kir Royal, A Luxurious Delight

I love my cocktails- I really do. One that I particularly cherish is the Kir Royal.

That bubbly black currant combination always brings a smile to my face- how can you not be happy and relaxed?

There's something delightful about having a late breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday and pairing it with this beautiful drink.

I love to sit at a French Bistro and watch the world go by, nibbling on some rich appetizers and sipping my Kir Royal.

Its lovely in the evenings, too- of course. Any beverage is, but there is just something special about it in the day that I cannot help but indulge in.

Prepared quite simply and not to be fussed with:

Creme de Cassis ... and

Champagne

Garnished as you like, though little is needed for this delightful drink. Who needs an excuse to enjoy a little champagne anyway? Make your own little celebration for your pretty self.

Glamorous Gourmet Bites At Home

Devilishly delicious and oh so simple to prepare-I love to incorporate it in any of my meals. Phyllo Dough or Puff Pastry Dough ads the extra bit of glamor to any bite you may desire.

I've made it on my own many times though I must say there is nothing wrong with the store bought- its prepared and ready and simple to use, not to mention less time consuming.

It is so easy to use that shapes and designs are simple and the results are lavish-you'll look like a master of special reserved skill. Also its fun to let your creativity roam and be admired as well as enjoyed.

I adore to make my pizzas with phyllo dough- it ads that buttery crisp flakey balance to the creamy rich cheese. I tend to use goat cheese and gruyere on mine- topped with fresh tomatoes, pancetta and basil leaves. Yum.

On a day to day basis, I cannot help but prepare my favorite- a spinach pouchette. I keep it simple with spinach, gruyere, and garlic. Simple, easy, quick- and so wonderful.

The variations are endless and delicious. Experiment with the different styles, too- whether it is flat, in a triangle, rolled up, in a pouch, or in a creation of your own.

Dessert is just as easy as well-and as sweet as you care to make it

A Rose Tres Tres Belle of Pinot

Lovely, beautiful, and incredibly scrumptious. I dare you to find something as divine; this is truly a gem to be treasured and enjoyed. I adore pinot noir and my love only grows stronger here.

Don't let its adorable color frighten you- it is like no other blanc you may have had before. It has the character and taste of Pinot Noir with that Je Ne Sais Quoi that will keep you happily returning for more. Its priced at about $25 which is perfect, the most delicious pinots are usually priced above $20. Below that price point it becomes a bit of a miss for the most part in my experience, and I much prefer to enjoy my beverages.

Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc Rose is a must- MUST, must must must have. It honestly is that many musts.

Look for the wax dipped bottle or simply the pink gleaming in the light, and purchase a bottle (or two I would recommend) to share with friends and loved ones.

This is a dear treat I enjoy for myself or for friends- I love watching their reaction as they taste it for the first time. It is an instant love affair.

Beauty In The Mud

When it comes to luxury and gorgeous skin, I find when a little pampering at home is involved- it is truly never a bad thing. Borghese Fango Active Mud for Face and Body is just the thing. Now, I've been using this particular product for years and have enjoyed the many rewards. Its not just the nutrients and cleansing that I love though- its the feeling experienced from usage. What I mean is taking the time to just relax and take care of the little details and melt away any horrors or stresses of the day.

There is something magical for me when I have relaxed with the mask (if only for a few moments) and then remove it with a wet towel or sponge- Instant Reviving my skin and my mood. It is like starting over every time- that feeling of ultra clean and something of royalty. Its beautiful.

About once every two weeks for my face has become my routine, and as I said previously for many years now with much reward. My skin is healthy, radiant, and glowing. Very nice save for the mornings when I must get up and go on an unexpected dash-little to no make up looks fine. More so, I feel great and that is really what counts.

Once a month or so I like to take a leisurely bath and reward the rest of my body with a little mud mask. There's nothing like taking the time for yourself and for your skin.

The best part is your skin thanks you the rest of your week with a radiant healthy glow.

Do be warned though, a first time use can be a bit tingly as its rids of all the junk buried deep beneath. Afterwards you are great to go though and the experience can be much more enjoyed. Results are pretty instant but continued use for maintaining is recommended.

Never over do it, as with any product. Your skin needs time to create more dead cells and 'trash' for you to take away, if its done too often you may be taking more good than bad- after all you want to keep your skin in tact!

Balance is key. Drink plenty of water to rid the toxins and nourish the skin within.