Archive for March, 2010

She’s Got Legs

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

I’m a pantyhose kind of girl. No, not the kind you get at the drugstore – and never in a hue like “suntan” —but rather Wolford, Spanx and Missoni. So imagine my glee when I happened upon these Tattoo Stockings on Etsy.com.

Peacock Tattoo Tights

The designer, Gabby, lives in Tel Aviv, where she applies her stunningly sexy designs to Italian tights. thigh-highs and trouser socks.

Daydream Tattoo Thigh Highs

The peacock feather tattoo stockings are at once delicate and daring. Gabby calls the “follow me” pair Twitter Stalkings. And I love the look of the grey, flora tattoo tights peeking out from under an edgy black boot. Stockings sell for about $23, thigh-highs are $18 and knee high socks are $13.

Follow Me Tattoo Tights

And now I have a new dilemma, what kind of shoes does one pair with insanely gorgeous leg candy?

Posted in Glamour Puss Style | 8 Comments »

Vacation Glamour

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

My husband and I both run our own businesses, so finding time to get away is challenging because, not only do we have the many demands of entrepreneurship, but we love to work!

But, with my 8 year old son soon to be on Spring Break, we both agreed that we could afford to take some time off and enjoy a long weekend.  And so, I started looking for a fabulous weekend escape in Chicago… yes, a staycation, although I despise calling it that.

Chicago is filled with fabulous hotels, and when you’re only taking a two day break, why not make it of 5 star caliber?

The Trump Hotel is phenomenal (full disclosure: they’re a PC client). Breathtaking views of the city, stunning service, luxe accommodations and a spa to die for. In fact, you can read the Trump review here.

At Trump, Luxury Goes Big

Peninsula has been a favorite of my husband and me ever since the first time we were able  to afford an overnight stay. The service is just magnificent and when we travel with our boys, they offer amenities for the kids that really make an impact—cookies and milk, a cuddly bear upon arrival and even a tray of movie treats (think popcorn, gummy bears, etc.). My 8 year old is always eagerly awaiting his “VIP” treatment when we check-in at the Peninsula.

Lofty Views -- and service -- at The Pen

Peninsula Spa by ESPA (another PC client) is one of the city’s best and the Friday night chocolate buffet is decadent; thankfully the health club at The Pen is equally impressive.

The fairly new Elysian Hotel on East Walton Street is breathtaking. Rooms are generous, truly living up to the Elysian’s mantra of offering rooms that are more akin to modern residences.  The shopping off Walton Street is some of the best in the city. The last time I stayed at The Elysian I got an amazing rate on the room since I was speaking at a spa convention at the hotel, but I dropped considerably more money down the street at the Tory Burch boutique. And this is another Chicago hotel with a spa that is among the best.

The lobby at The Elysian

Then there’s the James Hotel‘s “luxury liberated” approach. While affordable guest rooms do abound at The James, the high life is found in the 1400 sq. foot penthouse replete with two bedrooms, formal living and dining room, oversized bathroom with his and her sink areas, soaking tub and separate rain shower. I was quoted a rate of $2,500 per night including a personal chauffeur, personal training service, mini-spa services, custom in room dining and a personal concierge.  While that’s a bit out of my budget, I love the concept. After all, shouldn’t luxury be all inclusive?

Luxury Liberated at The James Hotel

And while my search for the ideal “staycation” is taking up more time than I’d anticipated, I’m enjoying the thrill of the hunt. Because when you only have two days to get away, the place you hang your hat for those two days has got to be killer.

What’s the most luxurious “staycation” destination in your city?

Posted in Glamorous Travel | 4 Comments »

Pinch Me

Wednesday, March 17th, 2010

My son headed off to school in a green Notre Dame tee today. My nanny showed up wearing lucky clover earrings (and looking adorable, as only my Mary Poppins-esque nanny could.)  But I have a friend low on kitsch and high on style who’s helping  me display my spirit for all things St. Patrick’s Day. Stella McCartney, that is.

Stella McCartney Clutch from Net-a-Porter.com

I la-la-love this ombré clutch in shades of green so rich, some may think I’m the one who made off with the pot o’ gold.  But trust me on this ladies, wearing one emerald hued item — and only one — is the way to show you’re not “green” when it comes to looking great.

Posted in Everyday Glamour | 2 Comments »

Haute Hippie

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

I’d be hard pressed to define my style in a few adjectives and, even if I could, those words would undoubtedly be at odds with each other. Perhaps my look is edgy classic or rocker glam? (When I decorated my home a few years back, I fit into a nice little niche called “transitional,” that’s traditional and contemporary.)

But thankfully, I won’t have to spend hours trying to define my look, since my recent discovery is a clothing line that completely gets my eclectic yet elegant fashion sense—Haute Hippie.

Here are some of my favorites from their Spring 2010 collection (available at retailers such as Neiman Marcus).

What’s your style… in three words or less?

Weekend wear

The flower gets me every time, thanks to Carrie.

Date night dazzler

Casual and comfy yet still smokin' hot

Posted in Glamour Puss Style | 9 Comments »

A No Judgement Zone

Wednesday, March 3rd, 2010

I don’t like to judge other women. I’ve been on the other side of that and, no matter how confident you are, it’s no fun.

As a child, I always loved to dress up. I swear there’s sparkle running through my veins. And other girls occasionally poked fun — they were just jealous, right? I dealt with the naysayers by befriending the other girly girls in my ‘hood.  By the time High School rolled around, many of the tomboys had started to see things my way… it was all good.

When I was 23 I had surgery on my breasts—augmentation and mastopexy to be technical. The surgery corrected a “birth defect” I’d been plagued with since puberty; one of my breasts never grew and the other one was missing a muscle. So while I relished finally being able to remove the shoulder pads I’d been stuffing in my bra for years and being able to wear a bathing suit for the first time since I turned 13, I found myself being judged once more. Apparently my thin frame and large breasts were a dead giveaway that I was less than au naturel. And other women occasionally poked fun — they were just jealous, right?

I had my first son at 27 and I refused to wear “Mom” jeans or carry diaper bags with cartoon characters. I walked with my son from our downtown Chicago condo to Grant Park every day… in 4 inch heels. Becoming a mom is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, doing it with style was the only way I could. Occasionally, I found myself being judged by other Moms — they were just jealous, right? Not to worry, eventually, those Moms wanted to know where I got my shoes or which salon I trusted my color to so they started to see things my way… it was all good.

Truth is, sometimes I fall into the judgment trap myself. Maybe I think Heidi Montag went a bit too far, or that Britney Spears should put her child in a car seat and Pamela Anderson’s breasts are just ridiculous. But maybe I’m just jealous, right?

After all, if you have the confidence to do what makes you feel good and look good, critics be damned, that’s a trait worth envying.

So the next time I see you at a party, a networking event or on the mean city streets, instead of whispering to one of my girlfriends about how gorgeous your boots are, how unfairly long your legs are or how much I love your lashes, don’t be surprised if I walk right up and tell you just how jealous I am. Because in my opinion, you look fabulous.

Posted in Power of Pretty | 9 Comments »