SIMPLY SPLENDID

Spring break is here and right around the corner is Summer. When it comes time to packing, it seems like we all overpack to say the least. Splendid Clothing is so light-weight and most of all it's easy to wear and effortless. When you're touring around you want to feel cool, comfortable and still look...splendid.

Splendid pieces mix and match and take up little room in your luggage. Add a little feminine elegance with this jersey long skirt, and this drapey tank. It's flattering for all body types. Looks great at night with a cute wedge or a sandal. Here I wore my Hèrmes Sandals / Hèrmes Canvas Tote / Hèrmes Scarf/ J.CREW Hat /  Drapey Tank

Stay cool and comfortable stylish and happy.  

Splendid allow you to move freely and the softness of their cotton is my absolute favorite.

 How about a boyfriend trouser. You can even roll up the pant legs if you wear with your flats, and you have the option to leave long for your heels at night. I used my Hèrmes scarf for my belt. I have this white shirt in black too.  

Pull on pant with elastic back. A slim tailored trouser fit with a laid-back feel.

I like to pull a little of my scarf out in the back for a little flair. 

Rolled cuffs with button and side detail.

I always have a scarf with me, you know when your in a hot city, and you can walk inside a restaurant or museum and your Blasted with air condition! I can wrap a scarf around my neck and instantly warm my entire body.

Accessories always tie in your wardrobe..For a last minute touch wrap it around your purse and off you go!  Sunglasses / EQUIPMENT

This is one of my new favorite pieces; Long sleeveless turtleneck dress. This will take you from day to night. Sam Edelman Sandals

Sam Edelman has a new selection of colors for sandals this summer. Spice up your look with a Twilly for your wrist instead of jewelry.

A bright pop of color with a black dress is all you need.

Can never go wrong with a black T. Pair with your skirts, pants and shorts / Necklace / Recreo . Cross over skirt

Splendid Sandals / Hèrmes Twilly

Here is my traveling best friend. Splendid black athletic woven pant / Black T. then I throw on my long sleeve black Splendid Top. This also looks great with wedges.

After discovering these travel bags a few years go, my packing has become organized and decluttered. Flight 101 is located here in Los Angeles on 3rd. Street / check their website for other locations. They have everything you need to turn you into a professional traveler. No need to stuff your luggage, you'll actually end up with space...someone gets a little nervous when the travel bags appear.

Spacepak bags are double sided with a convenient handle on top for easy access. Most of the time we don't wear everything we bring, it's nice to have options but It's always great to lighten your load. FYI I don't leave home without my silk pillowcase. You won't wake up with those creases on your face anymore, and that's a good thing. 

Choose a bright color so you don't leave it behind in your hotel room.

Choose a bright color so you don't leave it behind in your hotel room.

Now your luggage is light-weight, and filled with great options and most of all you have room to shop for pretty new pieces.

Hats off to Splendid. Thanks for making summer travel so easy-breezy. 

                      “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” 
― Anita Desai

GRATUS- DAY TO NIGHT

Gratus: n {fr. Latin for grateful}  Well... I'm grateful I found this flirty top at Gratus; located in the heart of Beverly Hills.  Gratus is a charming boutique filled with gorgeous goodies. I wore this Leur Logette Petit  top to lunch, then rolled it right into dinner. If you're in Beverly Hills be sure to take a minute to stop by and check out Gratus.  427 North Canon Drive Suite 209.

AG Jeans / Superga Sneakers / Hermès Kelly Bag / Italian Independant Sunglasses / Hermès Silver Bracelet

If you Live in Los Angeles it's a good idea to make peace with the traffic. My Fiat brings me such joy when I'm zipping around the city. I can flip a U'e into a parking space! Now that's exciting....it's the little things.  Top back, wind in my hair, sun shining bright.  F.I.A.T.                    "F.ix I.t A.gain T.ony"  

Wearing black always makes me think of those beautiful stylish women in New York and Paris...They're always so  chic dans tout noir.

Superga Sneakers / Hérmes Kelly Bag / Italian Independent Sunglasses/ 

Off to dinner, and wearing my Leur Logette Petit top. I added these Helmut Lang Leather pants - VBH clutch bag -  vintage YSL Earrings - Gianvito Rossi Heels

Adding a little sparkle with your accessories adds a little pop to your all black wardrobe.

Take a moment and be GRATUS {grateful} today.

These. Gianvito Rossi Heels are super sexy and I must say...comfortable.

VBF Clutch / YSL Vintage Clip on Earrings.

        Enjoy your life...right here and right now. Make your moments count, feel pretty inside and out, because you are!

“A strong woman understands that the gifts such as logic, decisiveness, and strength are just as feminine as intuition and emotional connection. She values and uses all of her gifts.”                                                                                                                                              Nancy Rathburn

JO MALONE THE HERB GARDEN

Recently Ihad the pleasure of spending the afternoon at Neiman Marcus for the release of Jo Malone's new fragrance line; The Herb Garden. London is of course known for their breath-taking gardens, and why not treat yourself to a fragrance that can instantly transport you to Queen Mary's Garden in Regent's Park.  Start your day off with one of your favorite perfumes that bring you joy and beautiful memories.

Nasturtium & Clover spoke to me the most - Nasturtium - The name nasturtium flower comes from the Latin word for "nose" and "twisted" because their smell makes the nose wrinkle. Clover - According to Irish folklore, the leaves of a four-leaf clover stand for faith, hope, love and luck. That all sounded quiet lovely to me...

Wild Strawberry & Parsley / Lavender & Coriander / Carrot Blossom & Fennel / Sorrel & Lemon Thyme /  Surround yourself in flowers, fruit, spices, sweet, twigs, and the smell of the earth. Collection of five kitchen garden colognes with an unexpectedly intriguing twist.

Jo Malone's packaging is just as special as the fragrances. Before you even lift the lid, it's an experience. I remember when my husband returned from London, and he brought me my first bottle of Jo Malone perfume; Orange Blossom... the velvety cream bag, the decorative box. the black, grosgrain ribbon...it's hard to let the box go, so I came up with a reason to keep it.

The Orange Blossom Body Lotion / Nasturtium Perfume / Tuberose Angelica Cologne / For you purse -a small leather pouch with  two scents, opulent Peony & Blush Suede and playful Nectarine Blossom & Honey  

 Clementine flower sparkles over a heart of orange blossom and water lily, with warm undertones of orris and balsamic vetiver and enriched with coconut oil. I spray the Orange Blossom Cologne over the body lotion, so light and summery.

Tuberose Angelica / The queen of white florals. Sensual, with the green spiciness of angelica.  Modern rose smell...earthy and seductive. 

Right away the tinted green bottles have a very calming feeling. Each bottle has a print of the herb on the back. 

Lilly walks me through all of the notes in the Herb Garden Collection. We shared our fragrance stories, and a few dreams along the way. 80 year old model Gitte Lee is the face for The Herb Garden Collection. 

The Herb Garden Limited Edition Box : The Herb Garden Colognes are found in a special limited edition box. Inspired by the classic craft of flower pressing, the box is wrapped in a sleeve decorated with pressed herbs. Sorrel, lemon thyme, clover, parsley, lavender and coriander, each one picked straight from the garden. 

Ideal small leather pouch for when you're on the go, or traveling. Includes two scents, opulent Peony & Blush Suede and playful Nectarine Blossom & Honey (layered over the Orange Blossom Body Lotion) delightful...

You also receive a; Plant Your Seed Ball. Each one has a mix of wildflower, herb and vegetable seeds: geranium, aster, cornflower, coriander, flat-leaf parsley, lavender, thyme, rocket, carrot & nigella. In about 4 to 6 weeks I will see my seedlings begin to sprout. 

Thank you Lily, Bryan and Lusi... Your passion and enthusiasm were contagious. It was a wonderful afternoon getting lost in The Herb Garden. 

Jo Malone - One of the many magical displays for Jo Malone boutiques in London.

Jo Malone is a lifestyle, it's romantic, passionate and it tells a story. Fragrances can bring you back instantly to a time in your life, it can create a moment, and enhance your mood. I can still remember my first Jo Malone fragrance my husband gave me. Orange Blossom...and it's why I continue to buy it over and over again...memories. Here I am with my purchase of Orange Blossom at Jo Malone Boutique in London on Sloane Street. I'd love to know if  you have a favorite Jo Malone perfume or body lotion.. share with me a memory you have from one of your favorite fragrances.

     Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers.                                                                                                                         Christian Dior

Jo Malone, born Joanne Lesley Malone was born in November 1963 and grew up in a council house in Bexleyheath, Kent. She had severe dyslexia and left school realizing the education system was never really for her. At 13 years old she cared for her mother who had suffered a stroke, and In her early twenties, Malone followed in her mother's footsteps and worked as a florist by day and gave facials at night.
 Unable to afford a business space, she worked out of her apartment. As her business grew, she wanted to give back a token of appreciation to her clients who had helped her along the way.  Jo began mixing batches of bath oil in the kitchen on her stove. Her first was a nutmeg and ginger concoction, and her clients loved it. Then a customer bought 100 bottles to put by each place setting at a party. Shortly after eighty-six people came back for more. As the business grew, Malone's husband had quit his job as a surveyor to help bottle and sell her products, and in 1983, the Jo Malone fortune began in her kitchen.
In 1999, she ended up selling the brand to Estée Lauder for undisclosed millions. FYI; Estée Lauder ’s kitchen was the beginning of her fortune too.  Jo stayed on as a creative director and had a son. In 2003, Malone was diagnosed with breast cancer. She left the company soon after, she had one round of chemotherapy which didn’t work - and then another, and thankfully now is healthy and feeling grateful.
In 2013, She opened the doors of her new collection; Jo Loves.
Of course, her new packaging is beautiful…pristine white paper wrapped with a ruby red bow. Once again the passionate Jo Malone Brand will live on and on, in our hearts and our noses. 
Maybe the education system wasn’t for her, but the magical gardens of London had a different plan for Jo Malone.