The most I know about ART is that it’s always best to begin with an empty canvas, a glass of wine and a handful of fun women.
In a perfect Art World setting
Donna Giraud
“I am a painter and I believe art should make you feel something. I believe in inspiring others by sharing secrets so we can all succeed and I believe that buying art should be a positively unforgettable experience.” – Donna
Donna Giraud is an inspiring woman. She’s also very patient as she instructed me and six other women to create an abstract work of artsomething painted on a canvas in her studio last week. It was a crash course of sorts but most of all it was FUN.
My creation
I’d like to try it again sometimeAbove painting by Lisa King
If you are truly into Style you will have at one point picked up a copy of Italian Vogue. Either in Italy or elsewhere.
Then you should know that Franca Sozzani, the Editor in Chief of Italian Vogue, has died at 66. Sadly she now joins musician George Michael, along with witty author/actor/ex-princess Carrie Fisher (what they all have in common is that they pushed the boundaries). Yves Saint Laurent said “fashion fades,style is eternal” so the heavens now are alive with some serious style spirits.
Photo of Franca: Francesco Carrozzini
Franca, an ageless 66, was born in Mantua. Her father, a classic Italian patriarch, was an industrial engineer who did not approve his daughter’s early ambitions to study physics. She studied literature and philosophy at university in Milan instead, and married soon after, although she knew, as she later admitted, that the marriage was doomed before she walked into the church. (Franca would later confess that romantic relationships were the one weak link in her formidable arsenal of triumphs.) The couple divorced three months later, and the free-spirited Franca went to India to find herself—“I thought it was time to do something good with my life.” Time spent in Swinging London further nurtured her creative spirit.
When she returned from her odyssey, she stumbled into a job at Vogue Bambini(as “assistant to the assistant to the assistant,” as she playfully remembered). By 1980, she landed the editorship of Lei, aimed at young women, with Per Lui, its male counterpart, following in 1982. She transformed both these titles into showcases for the most dynamic trends in international fashion and lifestyle image-making. When Oliviero Toscani, her key photographer, moved on from her magazines, she began nurturing a dazzling talent roster of emerging photographers including Mario Testino, Paolo Roversi, Herb Ritts, Peter Lindbergh, Bruce Weber, and Steven Meisel, all of whom were attracted by the unprecedented editorial freedom that she gave them, and her passion for photography.
“Why would anyone buy Italian Vogue?” she once queried, “They wouldn’t—only Italians read Italian.” She knew that she needed to communicate instead through powerful imagery, and by showcasing her photographers’ work in this way, she earned their unswerving loyalty and their willingness to work with her magazines’ negligible budgets. “When I sent all these photos to you, I would write on the package ‘personal,’ ” Weber wrote to her, “I now realize that I took them for you because you would be the only one who would understand.”
At the same time, Franca became an indispensable part of the Italian fashion scene, a shrewd power broker with an unequaled reach to its designers and the manufacturers and industrialists who keep the industry’s wheels turning.
In 1988, she was appointed Editor in Chief of Italian Vogue—the same month that Anna Wintour was made the Editor in Chief at American Vogue. (By 1994, she was made Editor in Chief of Italian Condé Nast, enjoying great support from an at times long-suffering Jonathan Newhouse, the chairman of Condé Nast International.) Franca immediately shook up the formulaic title with dynamic covers and content, creating a magazine that, in her words, would be “extravagant, experimental, innovative.”
Franca’s ethereal, otherworldly beauty, with her limpid blue eyes and tumble of pale blonde Pre-Raphaelite waves, belied her indomitable personality. “I listen,” she said, “but I must go my own way.”
A maverick spirit, she turned her Vogue into a magazine that not only celebrated the power of the image, but also used fashion stories as a platform to discuss broader issues, and the obsessions of the fashionable world. Franca had a passion for, and a deep knowledge of, fashion and its history, but an ability to keep an amused distance from its modern day excesses.
She was fearless in her willingness to tackle provocative and controversial social and cultural issues through the medium of fashion shoots. (“Fashion isn’t really about clothes,” she said, “it’s about life.”)
A remarkable woman whose talent was matched by her fierce loyalty and her passion for life.
franca sozzani Photo: Peter Lindbergh
Story (condensed): Hamish Bowles for Vogue Magazine
Sometimes it’s just nice to get away even if it’s somewhere familiar, like the very city you live in.So I suggested we go away somewhere exotic for Christmas. A hotel overlooking the harbour and Stanley Park in Vancouver. A place where we could be quiet but party if we wanted to, and a welcome leisurely holistay.The weather was perfect for a couple of days. We walked a lot, we lounged and we ate. The dogs loved it.And it was very relaxing.And we had a few visitors. This one we were not expecting.I hate when good things come to an end!
It’s Christmas Eve dayand today also marks the first day of Hannukah
The Festival of Lights
Not only is the holiday’s lighting of candles beautifully symbolic of so many different things, but Hanukkah also creates a wonderful spirit of unison and love that I wish we saw more of during every other day of the year.
A little bit of light pushes away a lot of darkness
Taken at dog beach
And if you don’t have an actual minora don’t worry – it’s easy to make one yourself.
For the Russian JewFor the Trekkie InspiredFor the Surfer JewJew know any winos?Hello Kitty – JapaJew
May you have a feel-good festive holiday season. Peace, Love and all that jazz.
Jia Jia was in the Vancouver Sun newspaper on Saturday, December 3rd
Love On A Leash‘s Tammy Preast and Frank Dueck held a benefit for the Dhana Metta Rescue Society where, at age 14, Sheltie Jia Jia may have been a little old to still believe in Santa Claus. MALCOLM PARRY / PNGJack’s new holiday sweater. I was in a womans clothing store looking for something for a friend and came home with this sweater for Jack instead. Go figure! It was on sale – one size fits all the label said but somehow I doubt that.
If you want to really feel-good help out a dog in need. Get a rescue! Put a sparkle in his eye.
Yves Saint Laurent (top L) Marc Jacobs (top R), Hourglass (bottom L) & Givenchy (bottom R).
Yves Saint Laurent Sparkle Clash Multi-Use Palette
Unfold the gilded cover of this book-style palette and you’ll discover that it’s a pint-sized multitasking essential. The four eye shadows, highlighter, and two lip colors (plus brush applicators) will make sure you stay glam for every holiday fete.
Givenchy Le Prisme Superstellar Intense & Radiant Eye Shadow
This simple and sophisticated trio can be used on lids, cheeks, lips, or wherever else you’d like to add a little intergalactic sparkle. You’ll especially love how Titanium, the white shade, acts as a highlighter.
If you’re obsessed with the elegant glow of Hourglass’s highlighters, you need this bronzer, blush, and strobe powder quintet. The luminous formulas will make your skin look lit from within, and the marble-inspired compact will look stunning on your Instagram feed.
Marc Jacobs Beauty Object of Desire Face and Eye Palette
A limited edition face and eye palette featuring six gorgeous eyeshadows, blush, and bronzer to create a complete looks for the Holiday season!
Shades include:
O!Mega Bronzer in Tantric
Blush in Exhibitionist (peachy rose)
Luminizer in Make a Sheen (cool gold shimmer)
Eyeshadow in Lights On (beige shimmer), Candlelight (golden shimmer), Dimmer (matte light tan), Violet Hour (matte lavender), Twilight (deep plum shimmer), In the Dark (deep brown shimmer)
Leather Case
Marc Jacobs Beauty Holiday 2016 is available now at Sephora.com for a limited time. ($69)
I think this OPI set dark nail polish with glitter topcoat is perfect for the season. And of course the packaging is elegant. They also have a mini version for a stocking stuffer. Available in Canada at London Drugs
The holiday season always gives us good excuse to wear more bling.
No festive attire is complete without a bold lip
Nothing like an on trend sparkly neckpiece to perk up your spirits and your LBD or moto jacket.
The necklace I received in my surprise Winter Box of Style is the perfect accessory to pull together a head-turning outfit. So even though we love Cartier there are other magnificent choices out there for the season. Here a model shows us how to perk up our outfits with a little bling to take us from day to night.
Opposites Attract An elegant statement necklace alongside a leather jacket makes for a stylish cool-girl result.Formal Finery Shut it down at the holiday party in an oversize tuxedo blazer, a velvet gown and the exclusive Dylanlex sparkler (The Zoe Report) Retail Value: $200Shine Surprise Layer the glistening piece under a blouse collar for unexpected sparkle.Dressed-Up Denim Transition your jean jacket to winter by layering it over cashmere.Off-Duty Cool Master weekend chic with a leather jacket, a soft white tee, boyfriend jeans and all the right accessories.Major Monochrome A crystal necklace puts a glamorous finishing touch on an all-white uniform for the office.
As told by an editor at purewow.com – an American digital media company that elevates the everyday from the everyday…. if you know what I mean.
You know when you’re in a particularly fabulous store and you just kinda moan, “Ugh, I want to live here”?
Well, the new Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion in the heart of Manhattan garners that same response. Although it’s not new. And it was actually home to a big-name financier back in the 1910s, until he sold it to the Cartier family in exchange for $100 and a double strand of 128 natural pearls (trust us, they were some good pearls). A century later the landmark still stands, and now with a major Manhattan-sized facelift. (Two and a half years, four times the size.) Here’s what made us go weak in the knees during a private tour of the place—or should we say palace?
A ROOM THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO A SCREEN QUEEN
Vacationing in the South of France is pretty dreamy. Vacationing in the South of France while your husband adorns you with custom Cartier jewels is the stuff of legends. The Elizabeth Taylor Salon in the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion is filled with gems as big as the movie star herself. And when you’re done fawning over those creations, you can turn your attention to the triptych of still photographs grabbed from a home movie, shot in August 1957 while Taylor and her husband, film producer Mike Todd, were vacationing in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France. It was there that Todd presented her with a Cartier ruby and diamond necklace—while she was in her bikini, mind you. (The photos on the wall feel like the most glamorous Instagram story, ever.)
AN IN-HOUSE PERFUMER TAKES RESIDENCE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR
A sensory experience unlike any other, the fourth floor is home to Cartier perfumer Mathilde Laurent’s 11 exclusive fragrances—each housed in a tiny red Cartier box. Simply take your pick, open the box and a video will begin to play, illustrating the scent. For what it’s worth, Number VII smells like a field of peonies.
THE OLD BALLROOM IS NOW HOME TO ALL THE DIAMONDS
All diamonds and engagement rings are located in this oval stunner named the Princess Grace Salon. And, quite honestly, the lighting might be the best in all of Manhattan.
AND, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE RING
Speaking of Princess Grace of Monaco, the original Cartier engagement ring (a flawless 10.48-carat emerald-cut jaw-dropper flanked by two baguettes) that she received from Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956 will be on exhibit from now until October 15. Sorry, no try-ons.
AND FINALLY, THE SECRET DOOR…
Last but certainly not least are all the little secrets dotting the Cartier Fifth Avenue Mansion’s six floors, such as a camouflaged door that connects this staircase to the private Jeanne Toussaint Salon, named after Cartier’s first artistic director. The mezzanine is strictly for VIPs only. Clients who are looking to commission one-of-a-kind, high-end pieces gain entry under the supervision of a Cartier employee.
On the prowlfor Cartier
Show me to the mezzanine please
But don’t forget… ENVY is one of the seven deadly sins!
With ONLY NINE MORE SLEEPS to go until Christmas if you’re not already in the spirit, then walking through the lobby of the Vancouver Sutton Place Hotel is the place to get it.
It’s the most festive looking lobby I’ve seen.
But in the true spirit of the season, they are not only striking to look at as they light up the lobby, there’s a purpose behind them. Every year many talented designers, stagers and retailers in the city come together with one goal – to create a mini wonderland using trees as their canvas.
The inspiring Christmas trees perfectly reflect their aesthetic and creativity. The uniquely adorned trees delight the community and raise funds for an amazing cause – PALS, a Vancouver-based innovative school for autistic children.
When you view the trees, you are asked to vote for your favourite tree with a donation. These valuable donations go towards PALS. One of their methods for teaching uses visual cues via iPad. The funds raised will help with purchasing and replacing iPads and iPad covers.
You must come down and see all the incredible trees in person – they are truly the best decorated trees in the city! A stroll through the lobby to view the trees and vote for your favourite one costs only $5, with all proceeds going to PALS.
Also in the lobby:
Just received my Winter Box of Style. Just in time because this curated product assortment will take me (and others who purchased it) from day to night this holiday season and well into the new year.
The full winter Box of Style on display, featuring a Soia & Kyo cable-knit hat (I chose mine in winter white out of 3 selections), exclusive Dylanlex Zoey necklace, Clinique Lip Color and Primer in Berry Pop, D.L. & Co. custom The Zoe Report Birch candle, Dagne Dover exclusive leather card case and Sunday Riley Tidal Enzyme Brightening Water Cream.
I started sharing contents/info about the Spring box set and so this season completes my final round of box sets for the whole year. Every 3 months I could not believe what was inside each of the boxes. The variety was always useful, stylish, current and thought given to the season. After all it is curated by stylist & editor-in-chief Rachel Zoe and her team.
This year, In a private bungalow at the storied Chateau Marmont, Rachel decided to host a glamorous dinner party specifically to celebrate her pride and joy of the season – the winter Box of Style.
Here are some of the highlights:
The tablescape at dinner.
Flanked by ever-fashionable friends like Jessica Alba and Nicole Richie, Rachel toasted to her latest launch—which features the exclusive, Swarovski-crystal-studded Dylanlex “Zoey” necklace that several attendees donned throughout the night—and enjoyed an evening among great company.
Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie (in middle) and Rachel Zoe (in gorgeous jumpsuit).Because it’s not a party without bubbly.Jessica Alba showing off her exclusive silver-plated Dylanlex Zoey necklace, which features gorgeous Swarovski crystals.
My personal favourites are:
The knit factor – Soia & Kyo Olivia Cable-Knit Beanie, Retail Value: $50the first winter layer – Sunday Riley Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream, Retail Value $65Clinique Berry Pop Lip Color + Primer, Retail Value: $24
Added Bonus: purse-size Viva La Juicy fragrance in this season’s assortment.
Above painting by Lisa King
So I suggested we go away somewhere exotic for Christmas. A hotel overlooking the harbour and Stanley Park in Vancouver. A place where we could be quiet but party if we wanted to, and a welcome leisurely holistay.
The weather was perfect for a couple of days. We walked a lot, we lounged and we ate. The dogs loved it.
And it was very relaxing.
And we had a few visitors. This one we were not expecting.
I hate when good things come to an end!
and today also marks the first day of Hannukah
If you want to really feel-good help out a dog in need. Get a rescue! Put a sparkle in his eye.
Every year many talented designers, stagers and retailers in the city come together with one goal – to create a mini wonderland using trees as their canvas.
You must come down and see all the incredible trees in person – they are truly the best decorated trees in the city! A stroll through the lobby to view the trees and vote for your favourite one costs only $5, with all proceeds going to 
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