Scenes From LV: The Art of Relaxation

I wanted to do a post that would explore the lighter side of things since I feel like I have been weighed down with work lately. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that vacations are much needed cures for stress. This past weekend I practiced the art of relaxation by taking an all girls trip to Vegas. Living so close to Las Vegas makes it an easy getaway at the last minute. Here are a few of the random and relaxing views we enjoyed from the sizzling strip. We stayed at New York New York and it was wonderful! I didnt even mind the 110+ degree heat. More pictures to come in additional posts.


From bottom to top:

Always wanted to have a margarita in Margaritville. I had a 95 calorie concoction called 'Woman to Blame'

NYNY at night.

Confections at Aria.

Champagne cocktails at my favorite champagne bar, Laguna, in the Palazzo.

The Strip.

NYNY tower.

Encore Beach Club.

Wastin' away again at Margaritaville.

A Godfather themed slot machine. I have a slight obsession with this movie.

View of the Bellagio water show from the Sugar Factory Brasserie.

Chateau Night & Day Club, Paris.

Dueling Piano Bar at the Bar at Times Square, NYNY.

Rose outside of Crystals City Center

Sonny Corleone, my favorite.

NYNY pool.

Relax and Enjoy!

A Spoonful of Glamour

Nothing provides a pick me up quite like jewelry gazing. I have been slaving away on Jewelry Affaire, which will come out Oct 1. One of the people I'm most excited to feature is Sue Chesley (http://www.susanchesley.typepad.com). She makes gorgeous bracelets out of rhinestones and beads and silverware remnants. Here's a piece she kindly made for me that literally makes me want to whistle as I work : )

Big news: Jewelry Affaire will be going quarterly, so if you make jewelry, please please start sending in bunches of baubles as we will now have to fill two more issues. And I thought I was busy before! This does mean more gorgeous eye candy for everyone and more opportunities to be published, so please check out our submission guidelines, or email me at blivesay@stampington.com.

Happy Jewelry making!

Wonderful World of Wedges

I love fall fashions. What I really love about the upcoming fall trends is that there are some shoes coming out that will make you fall in love with great heights. Being short means you can wear wedges and heels, the higher the better, and this fall these beauties have stolen my heart.

From Bottom to Top:

Cat Wedges from Charlotte Olympia. I love how different these are! And being a cat person, I find these all the more adorable.

T-Strap Leopard from Fendi.

Red and black Finned Wedges from Alexander McQueen. I love finned wedges - they are so unexpected! The black ones have the gorgeous tie at the top too, which I adore!

Python wedges from Jimmy Choo.

These jewel toned wedges from Charlotte Olympia are my absolute favorite though! I must see if I can find these at some point.

What fall trends are you most looking forward to embracing/owning?

*All images from Bergdorf Goodman.

All Crossroads Lead to Chanel

I am lucky to live so close to the amazing Crossroads Trading (http://crossroadstrading.com/) Newport Beach. This store is great for editing your closet down and scoring cash or fab finds in return. I've had really good luck here lately (thank you, shopping gods!). But a few weeks ago I scored the deal of all deals at Crossroads: a Chanel ballgown skirt for $95!!!!!!!!!!!! It has pockets, gorgeous pleated flares, mini rhinestone double C's, and is silk perfection. It even came with the velvet hanger (that had double C's!). I am so in love! The cashier asked me where I would wear it to. The thing is, although I dont have a locale in mind for it just yet, I love buying pieces and saving them for just the right occasion. Kind of like a clothing savings account. I envision this skirt with a crisp white button blouse with a collar, or like the picture above from Gucci featuring a yellow one shoulder top.

I never thought I would be into loafers, but these Chanel beauties were only $32 and I love wearing them already! They are great professional shoes for the office. When the weather cools they will look great with jeans & sweaters, blazers & a white dress. I'm definitely proud of these purchases. I also got a great Juicy herringbone blazer and a Chloe blouse. But right now, I am in a Chanel state of mind.

The inspirational illustration above is from http://emmakisstina.blogspot.com. You have to check out her blog!

If you're in the mood for really good shopping and/or are looking to do some seasonal cleaning, check out Crossroads - you never know what you may find.

Brownie Points

I got a major dose of cheer yesterday when Rita (www.mammabellarte.blogspot.com) and Christie (www.chateaudefleurs.blogspot.com) came to visit. Their blogs have more pictures of us, but I thought I would share this wonderful and edible gift given to me by Rita.

Rita had a dream a few months back that she gave me a jar of brownies. I told her afterward that brownies are my all time favorite dessert. So of course yesterday she brought me the perfect gift: a jar full of my favorite indulgences. She tied some vintage trimmings to the lid and typed out my name on a tag. it was the perfect pick me up for an absolutely hectic week.

You can check out Rita's work in the current Somerset Home (http://www.stampington.com/somersethome/) and Romantic Homes magazine. Thank you Rita and Christie for stopping by and making my day that much sweeter : )

Alexandra Grecco

This shop was suggested to me on Etsy. I have to say, I really love it. In these California summers where it's nearly 100 degrees it's so hard to think of fall clothes right now, like the rest of the fashion world. But these pieces sure put me in the mood. Her pictures really sell these pieces. I love the cutout heart top. Can't wait for the cooler days and crisp air. Visit www.etsy.com/shop/alexandragrecco to see more.

Outside the Box

I'm so very lucky to have taken a class with Terri Brush (http://www.terribrushdesigns.com). She's the person who taught me to solder. I'm even more fortunate to be working with her on the next Jewelry Affaire. You will be able to see some great new pieces from her come October 1 in the magazine. What truly is a testament to Terri is her students. It seems like everyone she teaches develops a love affair with jewelry making. In the upcoming issue a few of Terri's students will have their work featured as well.

I was so tickled to receive this necklace from Terri. It has my favorite elements: ribbon, words, soldering, bling, and slight wire wrapping. And did you see the box?!?! This is maybe the best box I have ever seen! I have never liked a box so much! Stamping and jewelry elements appear on the outside, along with my name. I just love the color scheme and the creativity. Thank you Terri, for thinking and creating outside of the box : )

You can make something equally gorgeous too. Terri can show you how. Visit her website or blog, http://terribrushdesigns.blogspot.com/ and sign up for a class. There might even be a magazine mention in your future.