Mud and Clay Masks

 

The more I travel the more fascinated I become with different cultures. Yet I learn that beauty does continue to standout. The kind of beauty that can and always transcend in attracting all walks of life.  An open clean space. Great soap from France.   Charming Studio in Montmarte to rent .

2014 New KeyAesthetics Edition

Enjoy a fresh read for the bright new 2014 year.  Classic trends and European flare.  Plus the hottest new hue for the year. See it all now here.

We’ve had so much inspiration last year that we are just bursting at the seams to tell you all about our 2014 inspirations.  I cannot wait to share it all. Meanwhile, keep yourself glued to this station.

I have been off coffee now for one month and when travelling through Europe I thought I was going to break my streak but I did not. I have been enjoying good teas and adding milk to the cup where applicable.  A good find here and here.  Everywhere we walked we drooled over these vests and this one too.

This dress compliments our Jan/Feb 2014 cover well. Dont you think?

Calming Stores

Six Stores that Calm Me!

In Order of Preference:

1. Anthropologie (Greenwich, CT location).  In each store I feel as if I am transported to a European locale.  The eclectic finds within the store just energize me and make me feel so happy with life’s little surroundings. 2. Starbucks(r)Wine Bar (Seattle, WA).  The perfect pairing and the location on Olive Street even has a balcony. It was a very charming experience to be there.  Group with friends or alone a glass of wine at an already comfortable Starbucks local can just make you sooooo happy. 3. Henri Bendel (5th Avenue, NYC) What is it about Henri Bendel? It is the classic whimsical charm of atmosphere that hits you as soon as you see its doubled doors.  The familiarity of the Brown and White stripes, yes! The winding stair cases and intimate nooks with windows looking over 5th Avenue, double yes! I have a lot of great memories there, from Tea time on the balcony to just taking my time taking in the scene each step at a time from the lush stairs leading up to every floor.  Only at Bendel is where you are introduced to the most new up in coming designers and makeup Artists. Its where I met and fell in love with Laura Mercier and her line. Ah! Bendel;  4. Portobello Road Market (Notting Hill, UK, London) There is soooo much I can say about Portobello Road markets, but you have to be there to believe it.  Some of my greatest finds were bought there. Simply put it is the perfect Saturday or Sunday morning stroll and if its cold enough you should sip the mulled wine.  Another one of those great UK shopping experiences for those who truly love the trade and antiques; and 5. Montmarte (Paris, France) For me its the combination of the Artist’s and outdoor Creperie’s.  The market is good, but its everything combined not to mention that you are in PARIS! Here is a beautiful painting by Kamil Kubik of the very locale ( I am secret fan of his Art).    6. J. Crew (Greenwich, CT locale). Its the Greenwich locale that is truly my favorite and it is there where I’ve spent “close to the public” or private member shopping events (Greenwich always does things in such style).  The townhouse style shopping is reminiscent of NYC but with the upper suburban feel as you look at the window down at Greenwich Avenue. Ah Greenwich Avenue, one day I need to write a separate entry on my childhood to now adulthood walking those streets – shopping, eating and sipping my beverage of choice. Of course now its a Starbucks(r) in my adult hands.

I am compiling my top list of Calming Locales (stay tuned for that report).