Xtravagans: 2009

Xtravagans Holiday Gift Guide

It is better to give than to receive apart from advice

–

Mark Twain

One of my favorite things is to give gifts to my friends and family. I love to collect things, all year round, and if I bump into that special present, for that special person, I take the chance and get it. I believe gifts should be bought when you have the change, because they rarely are available when you want them to be.

This will be the last editorial of the year, since I will be taking a small break for the holidays, hopefully I will be back in January to continue with fresh ideas and share more fashion advise on anything and everything and making Xtravagans your fashion & lifestyle referral for any occasion or event.

Wishing you a happy holiday, and may all your wishes come true, and many more!

Here are some holiday’s presents I found and I hope they give you ideas on what to get if you haven’t done it.

For him

Missoni toweling bathrobe, Panasonic ultra thin shaver, Neiman iPod case, YSL grey polo top, Thomas Lyte backgammon set, Lanvin cufflinks

For Kids

Morgan Cycle Retro bling scooter, Ralph Lauren two-piece set, Gayle Warwick eliza cotton pajamas, Mogo charmband, Swankie blankie Camo pillow and sleeping bag, Juicy couture dress-up ballerina kit

For her

Lanvin rose brooch, Ines & Marechal fox vest with satin lining, YSL lovely lip color palette, Bex Rox gold plated onyx ring, YSL tote with zipper detailing, Erdem silk print scarf

Holiday Travel & Fashion

If you are still undecided and don’t have plans for this holiday, I would like to give you 3 options where to go for either 3 days, or 10 days.

According to my sources & research I will give you options on where to stay in these places and also some fashion suggestions on what to wear.

Antigua: Antigua is becoming more and more the “elite” place to be, since not many people know about it, and because its beaches are more untouched than in other Caribbean islands.
Hotel accommodations:
www.bluewaters.net, www.galleybayresort.com, www.hermitagebay.com
Missoni has come up with Missoni mare, a more affordable line for swimwear, and honestly so chic and glamorous, pair it with earrings from Sazingg. The new Tory Burch shoes, are just the perfect tone to go with anything and everything, it just reminds us there is a sun even if we don’t go to Antigua…

Berlin: Berlin has become a place of reference for the modern arts, and business world. Another good thing is that you can stay at a 4 star hotel with reasonable prices.
Hotel accommodation:

www.schlosshotelberlin.com/, www.louisas-place.net, sofitel-berlin-gendarmenmarkt
Imagine new years day with this Karen Millen tuxedo dress, you can do as the photo and wear opaque tights for a more strong look, pair it with this luminous earrings to light up your face, Brian Atwood platform shoes , and DVF soft leather clutch bag.

Verbier, Switzerland: “Verbier has become the serious skier’s resort of choice for laid-back glamour and good time” according to Harper’s Bazaar.
Hotel Accomodation:

www.thelodge.com, www.ckverbier.com, www.bestchaletintheworld.com

For a chic and comfortable look, I recommend this Adidas by Stella McCartney ski pant, Moncler soft and light jacket that is just great because it keeps you warm but it also accentuates your waist. Dior boots, perfect for the after ski appero, rabbit earmuffs, and Marni sunglasses.

Have a fabulous and safe trip!

Party-Season picks

Usually during the holidays there are so many year-end office parties, Christmas parties that you need to have a new wardrobe just for them…But for Christmas day and New Years day the feeling is always very different because you want to look your best, and in my case I like to wear something new to welcome the New Year.

What I like about some of these suggestions for the holiday season is that almost each piece stand on their own, and we can mix and match to achieve the ultimate party season.

To start, this Torn sequin jacket can be worn with leather pants, leather leggings, or high waist black pants, or on top of a black dress or even the Fendi jumpsuit. The see by Chloe dress I would wear it either as a dress or as a long shirt, pairing it with very black hosiery to make contrast, or with leggings; accessories here should be discrete. This Camilla and Marc dress it is so divine and sweet, and if you are petite this look can go great with you; wear it with long gold earrings, also a bold necklace could look very well here.

Rachel Gilbert characterizes herself for always embellishing the asymmetric dresses in such a way, that they all look very special and original; Accessorize with small earrings, and wear a big cuff on the bare shoulder side. This AKA mini skirt, sure it is not for everyone but it can be worn over leggings, hosiery, or event straight pants, and match it with a very simple top. On the other hand this silver bustier it is very versatile, it can be worn with black, white, gold and with a skirt, or pants. The silver backless dress, which I’m constantly a fan, is a standalone piece that can be better appreciate it with nude hosiery, and small earrings.

One way to wear the rose blouse from Valentino is a more classic approach, if you pair it with black pants or skirt, red belt or red shoes, red lipstick, and very small accessories. This sequin T-shirt look, may feel very informal, but I suggest you wear it belted, or loose with very high heels, big necklace and big earrings or just wear it as a shirt with pants, and put a tuxedo jacket on top, for a more classic look. This chic simple nude cashmere dress is perfect on its own; I would wear it with silver accessories, like a diamond necklace or something similar, diamond earrings, and silver shoes. This white tuxedo jacket is perfect to match it with a gold dress underneath, or an ensemble of white pants, and gold top.

For this holiday-season pick I wanted to give you 4 different hairstyle options that I believe can work very well with any of these looks.

Have a great party season!

Holiday decorations

Christmas holiday decoration is one of my favorite things to do. Since I was very small we have always made this holiday a very special celebration, with many family cooking traditions, decorating the Christmas tree, the stairway, and making sure that all the areas in the house had a Christmas symbol, flower, angel, arrangement, etc.

I have never been too much of fan of the red and green decorations, but I do appreciate a good combination. Right now I have most of my house with “red details” that for my white house it sure feels I’m in the holiday spirit. When it comes to table settings, flowers, napkin holders, plates, glasses, coasters I enjoy using silver and gold, and an occasional red to brighten my tables.

On the picture above, I went more for the white Christmas look, making it look very elegant and simple at the same time. One of the things I enjoy the most is the smell of pine trees, and how beautiful the combination of green, white and silver can make a house feel very much in the holiday spirit.

The good thing about Christmas decoration is that there is no right or wrong decoration; it all depends on what you like, what you have already stored, and what makes your family feel in the holiday spirit.

Have a lovely weekend.

The timeless one shoulder dress

One of my favorite all time looks has always been one shoulder dresses or shirts. What I love the most is that they are timeless looks, and you can wear them all year round.

In this case, to wear a one shoulder dress is so easy, it is one of the looks that can go well to almost every body shape and of course personal style.

I believe the one shoulder portrays the ultimate “woman look” but at the same time if you don’t want to achieve that you can always cover your shoulder with a power jacket, or a jean jacket to make it more informal.

I have always loved the element of surprise when I dress, so if I’m planning to wear a one shoulder dress or shirt I cover it with a nice jacket and once I want to make an entrance or create that wow effect I take the jacket off.

To accessorize a one shoulder dress is not as easy, but in the end it all depend on what you prefer and how you feel the most comfortable. I prefer bold and big jewellery, either as a necklace or in earrings.

If the dress has ruffles like the Azzaro, or it has too much print like Michael Kors, Emilio Pucci, DKNY or the material is in velvet like this Oscar de la Renta dress then I suggest the impressive earrings. If the dress is in block colours like the Alexander Wang, Fendi, Lela Rose, RM, Missoni, Michael Kors, Donna Karan and Alexis Mabille then I suggest you acessorise from the neck down with either strings of necklaces, chokers necklaces, and cuffs. If the dress allows it try to waist it with a think belt.

Know, first who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly. -

Epictetus

Xtravagans favorite sale items

I don't tend to do Sale editions, but in the spirit of Black Friday and also that in Europe it is also a big sale week, I wanted to give you Xtravagans favorite sale items with a twist.

I have always loved a good accessory on sale, but when it comes to cloths it is a complete different story....One thing is to like something, but then you have to find out if they still carry your size...and long lines and big crowds, just by thinking of it make me tired....Thank god there is internet!

On the images above, each item speaks on its own, but the best way to buy is to know if it fits in your closet and goes perfectly with what you already have.

For this fall season and still the much cold weather we have to endure, I thought that this cute quilted cape could go well with different black looks. YSL belt can definitely go with anything, but I guess I would suggest it with a nice shift dress to make the look more modern, or on top of a cardigan, or take the Ralph Lauren wrap sweater and see if by taking away the belt the YSL looks better... this are just ideas

If you have the body to wear this beautiful Escada pants I would suggest going simple on the top, an option is to pair it with this great Donna Karan bodysuit , which by now we know they are back, sterling cuff, add some booties (not on sale). Another option if you plan to be in a warm weather for this holiday, this sleeveless Catherina Malandrino shirt can also go very well with this pant.

For the evening or anywhere you wish to make an entrance with a very simple and chic look, this Halston jumpsuit will definitely make that wow effect. Accessories for this particular look should be bold and exaggerated or simple for example look for two matching cuffs (not on sale) or no accessories in the arms but instead go for good earrings (not on sale) and one big ring (not on sale).

Other items

Dolce & Gabbana short black trench coat, John Isaac crocodile strap butterfly watch

Have a great weekend!

For further consultation please write to blog@xtravagans.com

Thanksgiving deco ideas

For this edition I wanted to give you different ideas on how to decorate your thanksgiving table this coming Thursday

One of my favourite things when decorating is to always incorporate nature like, flowers and plants.

For your thanksgiving theme decoration, autumn colours are very popular when decorating the house, think of brick, orange, maple, greens, and browns.

In this case, thanksgiving is much known for its fruits and vegetables as decoration, so I found these great pumpkins, artichokes and watermelons as examples for decorating your house in a very simple and chic way, and if you are up for the challenge do it yourself... otherwise go to your local florist, and tell them what you want.

While doing my research I came across with this table setting with old and new family pictures, as a centrepiece theme, making the table feel warm and reminding the family members from where they come from...

Another great idea is to write some thoughts or small thank you notes on some old looking paper and place them around the glasses or on top of napkins as part of the decor.

Remember that if you are going to put flowers as centrepiece not to make the arrangements too high, and block anyone’s view.

If you happen to have American friends that have invited you to their Thanksgiving dinner, or you live in the USA, I wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

The best of Cruise Collection

Europeans call it Cruise collection, the Americas call it Resort Collection but in the end it is the same. For those of you that do not know the Cruise collection is created for people that travel in December/January to places like Palm Beach, Aspen, Caribbean to name a few. Most designers feel inspired by the warm weather and Cruise locations, and others focus more on the Ski resorts.

What is great about Cruise is that it feels like a breath of fresh air in the middle of the cold season, where bright colours and prints bring sunshine into your life and makes your wardrobe more fun.

So if you are planning to travel to any of these places or somewhere similar, here are some of my favourite pieces.

From left to right from top to bottom: Diane von Furstenberg josun green ruffles miranda dress, Temperley London assymetric turquoise knitted cotton-blend studded dress, Tuleh Moroccan-Print Tunic, Michael Kors Gathered Top & Stretch Jeans, Miu Miu off-white crepe dress with navy trim, Piazza Sempione Stretch Blouse & Gathered Skirt, Oscar de la Renta Embroidered Blouse & Draped Rose Skirt, Roberto Cavalli Eyelet Blouse & Striped Long Skirt,

Jimmy Choo limited edition multicolored print tote, Christian Louboutin ulona 140 platform sandals, Loeffler Randall carlie multi-strap leather sandals, Prada saffiano lux shoulder bag, Gucci platform sandals, Dolce & Gabbana leopard print bag.

Special survey: would you rather receive Xtravagans twice a week, weekly, please reply ONCE or TWICE. please send your answer to: blog@xtravagans.com

Have a great weekend!

Gold Rush

I believe that by now you all know that I love anything that shines, glitz or has some sort of light. Well the same goes with gold, because I can wear it with anything and everything, and this season Gold is a big influence not only for accessories but also for the cloths.

It is incredible that when gold is one of the colours of the season it always comes like a Gold Rush, exaggerated, and big.

There is no golden rule for gold...Gold can be worn in many different ways, but first you need to determine which shade of gold goes best with your complexion and which reflects best you personal style. Once you have that figured out, then we move on, on how to wear it.

My suggestion on how to wear gold is to wear it as long as it makes you look beautiful. This season big necklaces in gold are very popular and can be worn over a black dress, so that the necklace “pop’s out” more. We find gold jackets in sequin that already create a statement on their own, so I would suggest wearing it with a base colour underneath, like beige, black, grey or brown. Gold dresses should be worn on their own, so try to be as discreet as you can with the accessories. Wear gold cuffs and rings to give a touch of light into your cloths, that way you continue to be fashionable but still remain classic. For a more relax look but keeping it “gold” wear a nice pair of jeans with gold shoes and gold handbag.

Here are just some of my favourite gold pieces for this season.

items from left to right from top to bottom: Herve Leger sequin bandage dress, Oscar de la Renta jewelled sash belt, Derek Lam gold panne velvet asymmetric drape skirt, Nancy Gonzalez gold box clutch, Willow black and gold sequin-sprayed silk jacket, Jimmy Choo flynn mirrored leather sandals, Oscar de la Renta metallic jacquard dress, Sazingg gold ring, 3.1 Phillip Lim oversized T-shirt dress with sequin details , Karry 'O indian cuff.

For further information and consultations please write to blog@xtravagans.com

Men's fall - Special Edition

Yes ladies today is all about the men! Think of you brother, father, boyfriend, husband, or friend for this special edition. For men this fall the biggest trend are velvet, military look, 3 piece suits, 1950’s, vests, monochrome greys, blacks, blues, and greens.

If your male partner/friend/brother is very classic, then I suggest you encourage them to update their closet with all black and all grey looks.

If the men are more fashion forward then I suggest slimmer looks like the 1950’s look, 3 piece suits, military jackets, and velvet.

Of course I love when men in their classic look match browns and blues, blues and greens, or greys and blues.

When it comes to accessories this season we find plenty of monochrome ties which can be paired with a dark suit to achieve a more dramatic look. Of course printed ties are also “in” but their design will not be as big as the ones we find for spring and summer, so store those for the moment.

Here are just some of my favourite fall pieces, to guide that special “someone”.

Items from left to right from top to bottom: D&G ribbed henley sweater, Balenciaga asymmetric wool coat , Brunello Cucinelli quilted vest & flannel wool pants, Surface to Air - velvet blazer with silk lapels , Burberry crinkled check scarf , Burberry single breasted wool coat with velvet collar , Prada black loafer shoes, Breguet cufflinks, Ermenegildo Zegna lattice-print silk tie, Paul Smith 1950's chevron stripe cardigan ACNE black wash jeans, Hackett varsity tartan shirt, Stefano Ricci silver satin tie

Leggings & Tights

Leggings and tights are this season biggest items to have. Personally I have never been much of a “tights” person but I must say that I do appreciate a nice pair as long as they embellish my legs or create a “look” that I want to have.

Leggings on the other hand, are so comfortable! I love that comfy feeling on my legs and how my legs feel so free. I know is weird to hear all this, but if I don’t say it, who will right?

What I recommend for leggings is that if the leggings are very “busy” meaning with a lot of print, try to pair it with a solid top, or a chunky sweater. If the leggings are more evening wear, then don’t forget your very high heels or booties to achieve contrast and a more edgy look. The same suggestion goes for tights.

Here some of the leggings and tights I would definitely get for this season, and make a statement when I wear them. from left to right: David Lerner lace-side leggings, Kova & T cropped black wet-look leggings, Velvet paillette covered leggings, Julien Macdonald encrusted black stretch-jersey skinny pants, La Rok sequin leggings, Diane von Furstenberg grey leopard print leggings, Jean Paul Gaultier velvet striped leggings, Jonathan Aston metallic polka dot tights

Travelling in Style

When we travel we need to have everything prepared for that special trip, even if it is for business purposes.

When I know I'm travelling, which is very often I must admit, I tend to lay my cloth on my bed and then I mix and match what to take. I try to decide, depending on the season and my "colour mood" if my base colour will be black or brown, and then go from there and make sure all the cloths go with anything and everything in that suitcase.

Once I have that decided I then bring out my prints, my “fashionable” items that are “in” right now, and always keeping in mind what are the colours of the season and what colours go great with me.

Once I have my suitcase all planned, I decide what chic and comfortable cloths I will be wearing for the plane. Not many of you know this, but I usually travel with my dog everywhere I go, so with that in mind I have to dress casual and light... I try to be very practical with things; because I know I will have to carry everything...you know the dog, my handbag, my carry on, etc...

Here are just a few examples on what to wear when you travel, always keeping in mind, comfort and personal style.

From left to right items black, brown, and black & grey ensembles-