Art Appreciation: Vincent Van Gogh

Vincent Van Gogh has always been one of my favorite artists. His use of vivid colors consistently grabs my attention. It's hard to believe that by the time of his death he had only sold one painting. Here are a few of my favorite pieces.

Not Your Average Luggage: Lexus LFA Luggage by Tumi

Instead of choosing our favorite handbag for the day--this week we decided to choose luggage. The luxury car makers have done it again--this time designing luggage for the exotic supercar. Lexus and the luxury luggage company Tumi have partnered together to make sure that you travel in style. This set of hard-shell suitcases is made of aluminum and carbon fiber. Each has a specific purpose, and carries the Vehicle Identification Number from the car its made to accompany for that added bit of exclusivity.

A Good Summer Read

Summer is almost over but you still have time to get some reading in. Here are a couple of good books for you to curl up with. Enjoy!

Thursday's Wine: 2001 Marchesi di Barolo Riserva

It's always nice to purchase a nice Barolo. Keep in mind that a good Barolo is best when aged.

On the palate this particular wine is rich, with clean cherry fruit that gains direction from spicy berry fruit acidity, and is supported by smooth tannins that do display a slight peppery burr, and flow into a fairly long clean berry fruit finish with some leathery overtones. Pairs well with roasted pheasant, quail, goose and truffles.

Price: $108.00

Lemonade Iced Tea Sorbet

INGREDIENTS

2 cups boiling water

4 regular-sized English Breakfast tea bags

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)

1 cup ice water

Mint sprigs (optional)

PREPARATION

1. Combine 2 cups boiling water and tea bags in a large bowl; steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags. Add sugar to tea mixture, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cool completely. Stir in juice and 1 cup ice water; chill 1 hour.

2. Pour tea mixture into the freezer can of an ice-cream freezer; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Spoon sorbet into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze 1 hour or until firm. Garnish with mint sprigs, if desired.

{Courtesy of Cooking Light}

Whte House Black Market Introduces Bridal Line

White House Black Market has recently entered the wedding market with a small bridal line. The collection will be the centerpiece of a new service-oriented initiative of affordable couture: Wedding Specialists in four select boutiques (New York, Los Angeles, Houston and Chicago) available to assist in all aspects of dressing a wedding with the chicest in-season White House Black Market silhouettes, accessories and gifts.

Monday's Handbag: Louis Vuitton Python Artsy

Available in both gris and noir, the Artsy is a double threat because of its classic hobo shape and design which is why it's todays favorite handbag!

Price: $8,550.00

{Courtesy of Purse Blog}

A Montecito Wedding

Cocktails, drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed during the cocktail hour in celebration, as a spanish guitar duo played. From cocktails, guests made there way down a candlight and floral path to the reception which was dripping with beautiful things…..handmade trees, chandelliers, vintage mirrors, crystal curtains, couches and chairs and mirrored coffee tables and more! As guests took their seats, servers poured wine and took orders for entree selections followed by a delicious 3 course meal, wedding cake and an abundant dessert bar. All the while, a hip DJ played on his turntables. The evening was filled with food, family, beautiful decor and a very happy couple!

Wedding Planner – Alexandra Kolendrianos / Photographer – Megan Sorel Photography / Catering – Duo Catering & Events / Cake – Christine Dahl / Lighting – Images By Lighting / Chandeliers – Rrivre Works / Rentals – Classic Party Rentals / Linens – Classic Party Rentals / Flowers/Fabric/Furniture – Hearts Bloom / Bride’s Dress – Kenneth Pool / Favors – Jessica Foster Confections / Hair & Makeup – The Studio Agency / Venue – Private Estate / Videography – Happy Day Video / All printed pieces (menu/table numbers/escort cards) – Lazaro Design

{Courtesy of Style Me Pretty}

Eat Pray Love

The beloved memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert--Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia has now been made into a movie starring Julia Roberts. The film also stars Javier Bardem, James Franco and Billy Crudup. So far the reviews have been mixed but you be the judge. We loved it!

Canopy Inspiration

Here's a good number of different styles of canopy beds to accommodate both modernists and traditionalists.

Pineapple Agua Fresca Party Punch

INGREDIENTS

4 cups diced ripe pineapple

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup light rum

1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice

6 cups water

1/4 cup cilantro leaves, for garnish

 

 

DIRECTIONS

 

In a blender, combine half the pineapple, sugar, rum and lime juice and puree until smooth. Transfer to a 3 quart pitcher and add the water. Repeat with the remaining pineapple, remaining sugar, rum and lime juice and stir well to combine, making sure that the sugar is completely dissolved. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Serve in tall glasses filled with ice and garnished with cilantro leaves.

 

{Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse-Food Network}

Relax and Enjoy!

Sit back, relax and enjoy the weekend!

Vera Wang Inspired Dessert Tablescape

 Thinking of having a wedding dessert bar or buffet at your wedding reception?

The Wedding Chateau created this display--inspired by the Vera Wang Spring 2010 collection.

Gorgeous!

Inspired by her Hamptons lifestyle, former supermodel Christie Brinkley recently debuted her jewelry line with QVC. The Christie Brinkley Jewelry Collection is done in sterling silver and includes bracelets, cocktail rings and dangle earrings with quartz, sapphires, topaz, agate and other gemstones.

Christian Louboutin & Lesage Shoes

How about these Marie Antoinette-inspired shoes? Christian Louboutin partnered with Lesage to design these beautiful pieces of art. Price: $6,295.00

Monday's Handbag: Chanel Coco Cocoon

Chanel Coco Cocoon is set to debut in October of this year. The line brings a fun twist to Chanel handbags as the bags are reversible. Stay tuned....

Here's a closer look...

Thursday's Wine: Cono Sur Ocio Pinot Noir 2007

 

Ocio is from the oldest Pinot Noir vineyards in Chile.  Beautiful and concentrated ruby red color of high intensity. Complex and delicate black fruit and white flower aromas, together with violet notes, combine harmonically with sweet spices and chocolate. In mouth it shows intense sweet fruit, elegance, rich texture and concentrated flavors. This wine is a perfect companion for red meats, poultry, duck and mature cheeses. It’s an excellent option to serve next to Easter Island tuna fish, or different kinds of rice, such as risottos or sushi.

Note:  At Cono Sur, winemakers use geese, sheep, insects and plants to control pests, diseases and weeds.

{Courtesy of Publix Grape Magazine and Cork's Out}

Chelsea Clinton Ties the Knot!

The former first daughter and only child of political power couple, ex-President Bill Clinton and secretary of state Hillary Clinton married her longtime boyfriend, Marc Mezvinsky, on Saturday evening (July 31).

The wedding took place at New York village of Rhinebeck. Chelsea wore a strapless white gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt with platinum-colored beading at the waist and a long white veil designed by Vera Wang.

Chelsea Clinton, 30, and Mezvinsky, 32, have known each other since they were teenagers. He is an investment banker, whose parents Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky and Edward Mezvinsky were once Democratic U.S. House of Representatives members.

{Photos courtesy of Genvieve de Manio Photography}

{Additional information provided by The Associated Press)

Monday's Handbag: Chanel Classic Flap

For those of you that have traditional and classic taste, the Chanel Classic Flap or Chanel Reissue 2.55 Flap Bag bag will never go out of style.

Prices start around $2000.00