When In Rome ...

Tucked away only a few steps from the
beautiful Piazza Navona is this promised
land of pasta, an Epicurean's Mecca,
where local and visiting noodle
aficionados flock to. Come here to stock
up on de luxe Italian oils and one-of-
kind artisan noodle creations. It goes
without saying that these artistic pasta
designs are handmade and oils sourced
from independent boutique producers.
 
Buon Appetito!

Pastateca
Via della Vite 44/45
00187 Roma

Doll Up For The Weekend!

This family-owned studio is dedicated to providing women beauty-enhancing cosmetics, individual service and a "try before you buy" philosophy. The long-established Merle Norman line offers plenty of tried-and-true products, addressing the full spectrum of skin care and color needs for all women.

*Photo: Merle Norman
*Established in Los Angeles, Since 1931

Higher Than The Empire State

"I like to create a very complicated shoe that looks very simple."

"It took me fifteen years to really understand shoemaking, and I'm still learning." 

"Before me, there was no toe cleavage at all."

Manolo Blahnik

As seen at Harrods, London. We love them!

Walk 'em with Grace!

"I would hate for someone to look at my shoes and say 'Oh my God, that looks so comfortable!'..." Christian Louboutin

C'est la vie!

Life is a rollercoaster. With all its ups & downs, unpredictable turns, stunning adventures, and amazing scenarios, we don't have a choice but accept it as it evolves ahead of us. Celebrate your life, seize the moment! At the end of the day you'll be proud you lived this suspension-packed one-man-show to the fullest. Happy Thursday!

A Lemony Temptation

Campania, in the south of Italy, is where this refreshingly tingling, and to the core citrusy concoction's traditional recipe has its origin. Customarily, it is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons. The yellow and wrinkled skin is the essential ingredient of its lucky production -- ad water, spoons of sugar and some alcohol. In Bella Italia, it is consumed before or after meals, as aperitif or digestive drink.

Here an impression from a cordial joint in Rome.

We love this lemony temptation! Cheers!

Kate's Fancy Robes

Attention Glamazons!

May I introduce you to one of Kate Middleton's favorite fashion designers? Jenny Packham, a British dressmaker, known primarily for her bridal gowns and ready-to-wear collections has been inspired by the Duchess of Cambridge for quite some time. Her lovely designs are all over the yellow press ever since Catherine became a devoted client. These are two sparkling -- and on sale! -- examples as seen at Harrods, London.

Let's glam things up -- today and everyday!

Timeless Trenchcoats

A playful, upbeat sexiness is alive in Burberry's S/S collection 2013, where almost every look seductively bubbles over with color. A prodigious use of satin and cotton sateen awakes each and every one piece vividly to life.The designer's cape-and-corset exploration brings the silhouette the closest it has ever been to the body.

On other times, Christopher Bailey injects opulent volume into the satiny coats and jackets -- blowing them up at the shoulders, before bringing the fullness tightly together with a belt at waist-height. The standouts of almost every Burberry show are the trademark trench coats. It’s quite impressing how much Bailey has been able to utilize this timeless it-piece season after season as a vehicle for his fashionable and artistic visions.

We love Burberry Prorsum!

 

A British Ceremony

Today ... chink tea mugs like the Brits at 5 o'clock! After all it's their beloved brew, which is being drunk daily, often many cups a day. Whether it's Darjeeling, Ceylon, Assam, or Darjeeling Orange Pekoe -- it's the island's much-guzzled hot concoction, grown and imported mostly from India. For the perfect British tea ceremony experience sweeten it up with cream topped scones, strawberry jam and add some sugar and milk into your black tea.

Happy Friday ya all!

Dreamy Designer Togs

Scavenge it-pieces and of-the-moment accessories at London's most notorious fashionista's Mecca. We love to scour about this can't-miss fashion-fanatic terrain!

Karl's Beautiful Thoughts

The Beautiful World of King Karl ...

Fall in Love with Carolina

 Angelenos have a passion for designer brands--and they choose them all carefully. There is always a suitable name for every occasion. Melrose Place is luxury's address, affording exclusive collections of splendid names and regular celebrity drop-ins. Famous creators like Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs and Marni are fashionable neighbors here. Of course it is not the only label-driven strip in L.A., but it's the coziest away from the hustle and bustle of Rodeo Drive, Robertson Boulevard and the Sunset Strip.

   

8441 Melrose Pl, West Hollywood, CA 90069

A Goddess' Retreat

The goddess is alive in every L.A. woman (and man). As the sun rises over L.A. on a Thursday morning, the beginning of the weekend has arrived and that means it's time to party. Sophisticated ladies find luxurious clothes and posh accessories with elaborate designs at Max Azria. Sumptuous outfits, like fluffy dresses, fancy jackets and glamorous evening gowns make the ultimate L.A. party queen ready for some Saturday night fever on the Sunset Strip.

  8026 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 

Be Eye-Catching!

In L.A., it's crucial to be eye-catching--hip youngsters attract attention with fashionable pieces from Fred Segal. The store caters to the beautiful crowd and of-the-minute fashion mavens and celebs who like to pop in to check out the latest trends, gather stylish pieces and discover exciting labels. Fred Segal's fashion represents the essence of L.A.'s club and bar scene, from downtown's Standard Hotel Bar to Santa Monica's Penthouse at the Huntley ... places where it's all about seeing and being seen.

8100 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046  

L.A.'s Catwalk

Go vintage and get ahold of intricately embellished pieces and other assorted styles at Catwalk. The tiny yet impressively designer-savvy boutique caters to celebrities, their shoppers, magazine style editors and insiders alike. Among other labels, the place is stocked with Gucci, Chanel, Courreges, Pucci, YSL, Hermes and Pierre Cardin. 

459 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

It's a Man's World

Be creative and make your own rules. Fashionable dudes lucky enough to live in L.A. have access to the one-of-a-kind boite Paul Smith. At this Melrose store, guys can find quirky basics and eccentric accessories to give their look a unique touch. Pin-up cuff links, rare polka dot socks along with fashionably tailored suits and collared shirts. Throughout the city, men are daring enough to try things, mix styles and enjoy admiring themselves in the mirror.

 

8221 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 

A Los Angeles State of Mind

There is always space left in a wardrobe for another essential piece--as long as it's special enough. This philosophy permeates the hipster vintage store Wasteland. Fashionistas and scenesters adore this place as it sells affordable and one-of-a-kind designer pieces, while being laidback and glam at the same time. Hey, if it's good enough for Angelina Jolie (she famously got her $26 black dress here for the premiere of "A Mighty Heart"), then it's certainly good enough for all the little people.

  

7428 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

New Year's Thought

Failure is the only opportunity to begin again and learn from mistakes. Don't dwell on things for too long! Start the new year like this Lord: Get back on your Thoroughbred!
Be fantabulous!

New Energy

If the January gloom has its grasp on you, think of a concoction that will lift your spirits. The Italians do it with a teensy-weensy sip of java. Go for it and stay easy-breezy during your day. Cheers!

Devour Chanel!

Our New Year's Resolution is deliciously fashionable!

The New Year's Thoughs

The color green is the color of balance and growth, inspiring hope and a generosity of spirit not available from other colors. Let's start the new year with esperance and a positive mindset. A classy widget -- like this green tassle, seen at the Victoria & Albert Museum London -- shall inspire you.

Come down!

After the festive season allow your lovely feet a break from Jimmies, Manolos & Louboutins and switch into these comfy flats.We love these slippers!

Embrace 2013!

Wishing everybody a fancifully fashionable new year!