February 2013

style setter

Flower Power: Floral Prints Are In Full Bloom This Spring

February 28, 2013

Each Spring we see floral prints sprouting up in designers sketches, but this season’s prints seem a bit brighter and bolder than in past years. I absolutely love the floral trend for 2013, and with perennial-inspired prints popping up in every style imaginable you can be certain to see plenty of petal pushers rockin’ fab florals throughout the season. From handbags to heels to skirts and shirts, botanical styles are in full bloom this season.

The key to looking fab in floral is to simplify the look. If your top is floral then opt for a solid bottom and vice versa. Try to keep the blooms to one piece and stay away from mixing and matching; after all you don’t want to blend in with Grandmas sofa, right?! Here’s agarden variety of styles that will add the perfect amount of botanical BAM to your wardrobe this season.

STYLE TIP:
Go big or go home! Not only does a big floral print make a statement but it just looks fabulous! Also try mixing bold florals with solids or stripes. This will help break up the botanicals and still give you enough bloom without looking like you just stepped out of a greenhouse.

For those who are not quite ready to make a full leap into the look, floral accent pieces like neckwear, belts, and arm candy will keep your style on trend with just a touch of perennial pizzazz.

This stunning Floral Print Blazer ($29.80 Forever 21) causes instant #FashionAddiction!

Malibu here I come! This versatile Malibu Blazer ($198.00 Lilly Pulitzer) is made for FUN!

Semi-sheer with studded shoulders and a self-tie hem, this Floral Print Shirt ($19.80 Forever 21) is a definite must have for the season!

This Soprano Sleeveless Floral-Print Peplum Top (Sale $32.99 Macy’s) has sheer shoulders and a peplum waist that compliments in all the right places.

Gorgeous!!! This high-low Floral Print Pleated Skirt ($19.80 Forever 21) features accordion pleats and comes complete with envious onlookers.

Take note because this Floral Print Pencil Skirt ($13.80 Forever 21) is head of the class!

Who says you can’t have it all? This beautiful Julianna Dress ($188.00 Lilly Pulitzer) combines both stripes and a fab floral print in a dress that’s designed to turn heads.

I #LoveThis Kay Unger Floral Silk Dress ($273.00 Macy’s)! From the gathered cuff to the pleated collar, this beauty looks absolutely stunning!

A faded floral-print puts these Celebrity Pink Skinny Leg Jeans ($34.50 Macy’s) on any fashionistas’ most-wanted list!

Flaunt your florals in this haute pair of Floral-Print Skinny Jeans (Sale $29.99 Macy’s)!

Not quite a ‘floral’ print, but this colorful Mercade Platform Sandal ($129.00 Nine West) is so versatile it can still play in the garden.

There’s no doubt that this ‘Neodans’ Pump by Guess ($98.95 Nordstrom) would jazz up any look.

So, now that it’s almost Springtime, don’t be a wallflower… Drop by Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza to find these and many more of the hautest in floral fashion to freshen up your wardrobe this season!

happenings

Lunch at Lilly: A one-day shopping celebration

February 26, 2013

Mark your calendars for March 2, 2013 as Lilly-lovers from all over the country will converge at Lilly Pulitzer stores for their annual *Lunch at Lilly shopping celebration. This one-day shopping soiree is the perfect jump start to the Spring season, and with only a few short weeks until Spring who better to usher it in than Lilly Pulitzer.

I absolutely love me some Lilly P, and as your Simon Style Setter I will be in the house (err mall) at the Lilly Pulitzer store inside Phipps Plaza on Saturday, March 2^nd from 2pm – 4pm to capture all of the fun on social media. So come out and join me for some “Tweet-Chic” and “InstaGlam” fun at Lilly Pulitzer!

This is an event you DO NOT want to miss! There will be refreshments on hand to quench your shopping thirst while you check out Lilly’s new Spring collection and score exclusive limited edition gifts with your purchase. Get an exclusive sneak peek at these fab gifts HERE. Also, enter to win several fabulous prizes like lunch at the Lilly Pulitzer Pink Palace Headquarters in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. AND, if that isn’t enough to get your lilies in a bunch, you can enter for a chance to win a three night trip for two all-inclusive stay at Round Hill Hotels & Villas in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Talk about a fab “getaway giveaway”!!! (Try saying that fast) 😉

And I know just the perfect place to shop for something chic to wear on your getaway.

This fabulous lace short-sleeve, two-toned Barbara Dress by Lilly Pulitzer ($378.00) would look amazing against the Jamaican sky. With a gold metallic sheen and contrasting crisp white lace petals, you’ll be the envy of all onlookers both here and abroad.

So, the question is… What are YOUR plans for the weekend? Well, you already know where I’ll be… at Lilly P of course!

Hey, if you’re in the Atlanta area this weekend, stop by the Lilly Pulitzer store inside Phipps Plaza and let’s have a little shopping fun!

Phipps Plaza is located at 3500 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

I hope to see you there!!!!

*Check your local Lilly Pulitzer store for event details.

happenings

The winner is served as Atlanta’s best eats showcase at Atlanta Chef’s Expo

February 25, 2013

If you were anywhere near downtown Atlanta this past weekend, you may have sensed the alluring aroma of fabulous food as the Atlanta Chef’s Expo kicked off its annual culinary showcase. Held at the Georgia World Conference Center and sponsored by Infiniti, this SOLD OUT eats extravaganza featured Atlanta’s top chefs and eateries who put their “best food forward” while competing to impress both guests and judges for a chance to walk away with top honors and the crown as the city’s best. This fabulous food-lovers affair featured live cooking demos, menu tastings, custom cocktails, live entertainment, gifts & giveaways, and a smorgasbord of yummy eats unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

Throughout the event chefs served-up specialty sips and dishes at various stations such as “Restaurant Row” for local Atlanta restaurants, “Catering Alley” for independent caterers, “The Sugar Shack” for pastry chefs and bakeries, and “The Chef’s Table” for private or independent chefs. There was also a “Gluten Free/Vegan Zone” with delicious bites for those with strict tastes.

Featured guests included cocktail designer Kit Lewis, Chef Scott Serpas of Serpas True Food, and Chef Joe Arvin of CBS Big Brother Season 14 while proceeds from the event benefited the Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Greater Atlanta.

I had such a wonderful time and the food was absolutely amazing! Hey, if you follow me on social media you may have noticed my passion for pictures. So with that in mind, here are a few highlights from this amazing event in an InstaGlam inspired photo collage. Enjoy!

So, who would walk away with the top honors? Well regardless of who won, I’m sure that the judges had a tasty time crowning Atlanta’s top eats. This was an absolutely amazing experience for anyone who loves great food. Thanks to Enchanted Events and The Reynolds Group for the invite! My calendar is marked and I can’t wait for 2014! Congrats to all of this year’s winners!

Best Restaurant: Thrive and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails
Best Caterer: Melia Hotel
Best in the “Sugar Shack”: Honeysuckle Gelato
Best Gluten Free/Vegan Zone: Pure Knead Bakery
Fan Favorite: Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café

Did you attend this event? What were some of your favorite dishes?

style muse

Fashion Fix Monday Mix Up

February 25, 2013

Hi Divas,

I’m so excited to share my Fashion Fix Monday Mix Up! YAY!!! I plan to showcase an outfit that I rocked for an event or just from a divalicious weekend out and about town. 😀

arts & entertainment

Beyonce Get’s Animated for Pepsi

February 25, 2013

Hello Divas and Dons

I’m in ahhh with Beyonce’s new Pepsi ad. I love the vibrant colors and not to mention the hot pink lips!! YESSS!! This was way to cute to share!!

glam on

Live Colorfully

February 22, 2013

Hi Divas.

I’m so excited for the new Live Colorfully perfume launch on April 1st by Kate Spade. I love perfume and Kate Spade had a fab soriee toasting to their new perfume launch in NYC. These pictures are too cute and I wanted to share!!!

glam on

The Wonderful Women of Bras

February 21, 2013

WARNING: The following contains an unnecessary amount of references to womens breasts. You know, the twins. Or, the chi-chis. Or my favorite, Thelma and Louise. You’ve been warned…

Once upon a time there was a diva named Nikka Shae. She lived a fabulous life filled with fun and fashion (of course), but, this diva was still unhappy. With all of the glamorosity in Nikka’s life she was missing the one most important thing that every diva should have… a bra that fits. After all, fashion is not as fun if the “biscuits” don’t fit in the oven. And, finding a bra that not only fits BUT looks cute is like spotting the mythical unicorn; you wanna tell everyone about it but you’re afraid that no one is gonna believe you. So, Nikka Shae and (for the sake of this story) her “tatas” set out on a quest to find the perfect fitting bra. Off they went, down the yellow brick road, searching far and wide, but she wasn’t having any luck. She visited shopping malls and department stores only to find that her choices were limited to what they had in stock. So she tried purchasing a bra online but just couldn’t seem to figure out how to get the correct measurements. So what was a girl (and her “girls”) to do? Nikka was surely giving up hope that she would ever find the perfect bra, when suddenly she spots an enchanted boutique that was beaming like “headlights” over “the hills,” in a magical land called Kennesaw Georgia. Could this be the place that Nikka has been searching for all along? Would Nikka find that magical fit that she had only dreamt about?

Well lovelies, we are definitely not in Kansas anymore and this isn’t a dream. It’s a place. A fabulous place were “boobies” are happy and free (well, figuratively speaking that is). A wonderful place where bras and bustiers and corsets and camisoles all la-la and frolic in lingerie land. At last ladies, there really is an undergarment utopia and our diva, Nikka Shae, (and her “tatas”) had finally found the perfect fit, ♫somewhere, over the bra strap♫ at a fabulous boutique called LiviRae Lingerie. But, this is no ordinary boutique. LiviRae Lingerie is more than a place to pick up a few girly goodies for “special” occasions. You see, LiviRae carries a smorgasbord of sexy sleepwear, intimate apparel, fabulous jewelry & accessories, and most of all they specialize in custom fitted bras. That’s right! No more shopping experiences that leave you “sagging” with frustration. And most importantly no more wearing bras that simply don’t fit. LiviRae’s owners and bra-nistas Cynthia Richards and Molly Hopkins, are on a mission to get women into the right size bras…one cup at a time. This dynamic duo has inspired and empowered women everywhere to look and feel sexy no matter their size.

“No bust too big or small! They fit them all!”

LiviRae Lingerie specializes in a wide range of custom bra proficiencies, such as: Bra Fitting, Plus Size Bras, Custom Lingerie, Corsets, Bustiers, Plus Size Lingerie, Strapless Bras, Sports Bras, Augmentation Bras, Mastectomy Bras, Swimsuits, Bridal Lingerie, and much more.

So if your “cups” runneth over, you should stop monkeying around and follow the yellow brick road to LiviRae Lingerie and let the Double Divas share their gift of lift to help you find the perfect bra! You can bet that “they’ll fit you, my pretty, and your “tatas” too!”

LiviRae Lingerie is located at 440 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, Suite #31 in Kennesaw, GA.

Be sure to catch Molly and Cynthia on their hit TV show Double Divas which airs Tuesdays at 10pm EST on Lifetime network.

Check out a few pics from the Double Divas launch party at Twin Peaks in Buckhead.

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style setter

Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month & Gordon Parks

February 19, 2013

It was standing room only as Macy’s at Lenox Square held court to honor the life and influence of one of America’s pioneers in film and photography, Gordon Parks.

As part of Macy’s celebration of Black History Month this amazing event featured an “In Conversation with Discussion” symposium, an in-store display of Gordon Parks’ works, as well as several inspired events surrounding the 100^th anniversary of this American icon. Best remembered for his photographic essays for Life magazine and as the director of the 1971 film, Shaft, Gordon Parks’ life, his contributions to the arts, as well as his impact on the American consciousness during the segregation era were the topics of discussion during this stellar affair.

The event was facilitated by Tracye Hutchins of Better Mornings Atlanta, and featured a panelist discussion with actor, writer, director, and author, Eriq La Salle, and Arnika Dawkins of Arnika Dawkins Gallery in Atlanta. The esteemed panelists offered insight into the brilliance of Gordon Parks and how his journey from very humbled and extraordinary beginnings culminated into a life that would become one of the most revered in American history. The panel discussion was very spirited as the audience gained a wealth of knowledge on Gordon Parks’ life and career accomplishments such as becoming the first African American to write, direct, and score a Hollywood film (Shaft). Eriq La Salle touched on Gordon Park’s influence on film and the future of African American cinema while also sharing with the audience the challenges that he’s faced throughout his career and also how the current culture within Hollywood has affected our generation.

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Eriq during the book signing event following the discussion where he signed a copy of his new novel Laws of Depravity. You may recall Eriq’s memorable role as Darryl alongside Eddie Murphy in the smash hit comedy Coming to America, or my favorite as Dr. Peter Benton on the critically acclaimed series ER. A renaissance man in his own right, Eriq is now adding author to his already stellar resume of accomplishments that include actor, writer, producer, and director. I must say that it was definitely an honor to meet Eriq and I look forward to reading Laws of Depravity. Judging by the cover alone, it looks to be a thrilling read! Be sure to grab a copy of Eriq’s new novel Laws of Depravity today!

Last but certainly not least, as part of the events 70’s Soul Jam experience, guests “boogied on down” to music from the movie Shaft, while Macy’s featured live models on display in styles inspired by the era. I absolutely loved the 70’s vibe and the clothes were amazing! Some of the designers featured were Rachel Roy, Calvin Klein, Bar III, INC, Impulse, and BCBG just to name a few. Check out some of the haute styles that were on display.

Throughout the month of February, Macy’s, The Gordon Parks Foundation and The American Black Film Festival will honor Gordon Parks by hosting events such as this at Macy’s stores across the country. Also, several of Gordon Parks’ most beloved works will be on display through March 29^th, 2013 at the Arnika Dawkins Gallery located at 4600 Cascade Rd SW in Atlanta. I strongly encourage everyone to go and check out this amazing exhibition.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere provided me with compensation for this post about Macy’s Celebration of Gordon Parks. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my own.

covets

Dita Von Teese Perfume: The scent of vintage glamour

February 13, 2013

Imagine…

It’s the 1930’s. You enter a smokey dimly-lit lounge as the rhythmic pitter patter of rain serenades the night behind you. Every eye is immediately at your beckoning call as you walk in step to the saxophonists’ melody as if in a sultry choreographed dance. Your alluring confidence takes you deeper into the room as wandering eyes vie for a closer look. Wearing a teasingly sexy number that effortlessly hugs your curvaceous silhouette, onlookers swoon at your graceful elegance and seductive mystery as they whisper in wonderment, “Who is that woman?” But this is not the 1930’s, nor is it a scene from a Jean Harlow or Greta Garbo flick. You have just peeked into the seductive aura of an alluring NEW fragrance, Dita Von Teese.

The creation of world renowned Burlesque star and fashion icon Dita Von Teese, and aptly named after the seductress, DVT is a timeless fragrance that captures the true essence of a woman and delivers it with class and elegance.

From the moment I got a sniff of this perfume I was immediately thrust into Hollywood’s Golden Age with dreams of becoming a glamorous starlet. A dazzling tribute to a bygone era of oomph and pizzazz, DVT exudes of vintage flair yet still manages to connect with modern appeal.

The sensual silhouette of the flacon embodies sheer elegance while the pleated black bottle, and its adorning red pearl and silk cord tassel glam it up as if getting ready for cocktail hour. The atomizer ball also adds a regal touch that makes this beauty effortlessly stand out among any boudoir scent.

“A scent needs to reflect all the different facets of my personality. It had to be elegant, glamorous, sophisticated, sexy, dark, and mysterious.” – Dita Von Teese

Well, it’s no mystery that Dita Von Teese delivers. And at a price that’s very reasonable ($30-$75) compared to other scents of its stature, this beauty is destined to become a permanent addition to any perfumista’s coveted collection.

Dita Von Teese is available exclusively to the U.S. at Fred Segal in Santa Monica, CA and online at www.RonRobinson.com.

style setter

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Guys

February 12, 2013

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a “chocolate meets flowers” occasion for couples, but this year you want to treat the man in your life with something a bit more special than the typical go-to gifts. The fact that men tend to get a lot more use from their gifts is a great place to start when searching for the perfect gift for your guy. So what do you get that will be unforgettable and that he will cherish well beyond Feb 14th?

Here are a few V-Day gift ideas that are sure to impress your beau and let him know that he’s truly the apple of your eye.

Make it personal!

Leave a lasting impression and give him something that says you put a lot of thought into making it truly special for him. Monogrammed and engraved gifts are always a plus and create a lasting and cherished memory. Include his name, initials or special message signifying how important he is to you and to give it that extra special touch. Shops like Brookstone in Lenox Square carry an assortment of man-worthy gifts that can be personalized just for him.

This Personalized Royce Leather Flask ($55) made of fine leather and personalize with his initials lets him carry his spirits in style.

A must for the ardent wine connoisseur, this Personalized Royce Leather Double Wine Presentation Case ($131) regally transports two bottles of his favorite vintage in well-padded splendor.

This Personalized Leather Prima Executive Money Clip by Tony Perotti ($38) can easily hold several of HIS credit cards as well as YOUR “hey honey” money. (smile)

He can carry his favorite cigars on the go and in style with this Personalized Royce Leather Double Cigar Case ($70).

If you really want to make a lasting impression, try engraving or monogramming something that he already cherishes. The Monogram Shop located in Lenox Square can personalize any item and make it extra special.

Clean up his act!

For the gentleman who likes to look sharp, give him a gift that will add a bit more swag to his already dapper duds like a pair of cuff links or a stylish bracelet. And if you really want to sharpen up his style, The Art of Shaving at Lenox Square carries a host of shaving and skin care essentials that will have him looking like a million bucks!

The 4 Elements of The Perfect Shave Kits ($60-$160) feature high quality products, handcrafted accessories and expert shaving techniques to provide optimal shaving results.

This Skin Care Kit ($75) has all of the essentials to give your man a flawless finish.

Thinking of YOU (and him too)!

If you want to skip all the formalities and get right down to the fun give him the gift of YOU! Nothing shows him that he is loved more than seeing you in something seductive. Located in Lenox Square, Victoria’s Secret has you covered (sort of) with a host of Valentine’s Day delights that will have him begging for an encore. After all, sexy lingerie IS the gift that gives back. (wink)

This Lace Merrywidow ($78-$88) is made to seduce with ultra-glamorous lace trim, a sheer body, and a curve-accentuating waistline that will no doubt send your Valentine’s into overtime!

Glam garters and a feminine silhouette make this sexy and flirty Lace Garter Slip ($88) the perfect pick.

Stop by the shops at Lenox Square for Valentine’s gifts for your suave sweetheart. He will definitely thank you later!

Lenox Square is located at 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326

Older Posts

Flower Power: Floral Prints Are In Full Bloom This Spring

Lunch at Lilly: A one-day shopping celebration

The winner is served as Atlanta’s best eats showcase at Atlanta Chef’s Expo

Fashion Fix Monday Mix Up

Beyonce Get’s Animated for Pepsi

Live Colorfully

The Wonderful Women of Bras

Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month & Gordon Parks

Dita Von Teese Perfume: The scent of vintage glamour

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas For Guys

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