Christopher Kane Floral Jacket,, Prism Tortoiseshell Glasses, Chan Luu Silver and Leather Wrap Bracelet, Meadham Kirchhoff Louise Marabou Feather, Emilio Pucci shoes, Paradise Lost t-shirt, lela rose skirt

How do you wear florals in a modern way? Mix and match a floral jacket with a gorgeous metallic skirt. Style the look for a casual event with a funky t-shirt and flats. How do you plan to wear florals this spring?

I am so inspired by the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2012 ad campaign and collection! I’m certainly loving all of the beautiful pastels this spring and what better way to present this aesthetic than in a lovely candy and sweet shop! As Louis Vuitton’s Artistic Director Marc Jacobs said, “The spirit of our Spring/Summer 2012 collection is reflected beautifully in this new ad campaign. All the tone and texture of the collection — the lightness, the prettiness, the broderie anglaise, the millefeuille layers of organza — are recreated in these wonderful images by Steven Meisel. It is all very soft and very sweet, yet at the same time very bold and very graphic.” I absolutely love this video and it certainly puts me in the spirit of spring! Isn’t the music fantastic as well?

I’ve pulled some of my favorite pastel pieces from the Motilo website:

SHOP “PASTEL WHIMSY” here on Motilo.

Shop “Modern Marie” on Motilo here.

From top left: Victoria by Victoria Beckham Tiered Crepe Dress, Hermes Scarf, Norma Kamali ruffle bikini, Roger Vivier Colorblock flats, Oscar de la Renta beaded tassel clip earrings, Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton SC Bag

Happy weekend everyone! Today, I thought I’d share a few of the things on my wish/dream list at the moment.  I absolutely love the Victoria by Victoria Beckham line and especially the dress above.  It has such a classic shape and would be a perfect piece to transition from day to night with some fun accessories.  Pair it with a crisp jacket for the office (and the fantastic pastel Hermès scarf above for daytime) and simply add these gorgeous cobalt blue earrings from Oscar de la Renta for your evening cocktail party! I love the ruffled bikini from Norma Kamali - I think it’s definitely on my must-have list! And, how GREAT are the colorblock flats from Roger Vivier?  I’m in love.  They are so much fun and I adore every color!

And, of course, last but not least – on my dream bag list is still the “SC” bag from Sofia Coppola for Louis Vuitton.  I’ve been eying this bag for quite some time and it was recently featured in the March 2012 issue of Vanity Fair. It’s shown here in a gorgeous cobalt calf leather.  It’s such a classic shape and it’s certainly one that would stay in my wardrobe forever.  A forever bag and scarf + super bright and flirty flats?  What’s more Nonsense & Sensibility than that!  Happy Friday!

Susan Foster and Tamsin Lonsdale

I love keeping up with the chic events and soirees from The Supper Club. Currently, the stylish group offers membership to chapters in LA, London, and New York.  I am certainly keeping my fingers crossed for a Dallas chapter! The Supper Club Founder, Tamsin Lonsdale and Susan Foster recently hosted a romantic soiree at Susan’s recently expanded Brentwood fine jewelry store on behalf of Valentine’s Day for The Supper Club LA.  Guests including Adam DeVillo, Jonas Bell Pasht, Matthew Grant, Evan Hainey, Bird York, Elizabeth Chait, Tatiana Kelly, Tava Smiley, Theresa Ava Alexandria, Tayfun King, and Nicole A. Watson, enjoyed an intimate and glamorous evening of exquisite cuisine, desserts, cocktails, music, fine jewelry, and equally elegant company.  Upon arriving at Susan’s jewelry store, guests sipped fresh peach bellinis.  They enjoyed a dinner prepared by a private chef and her team which included: Fingerling Potato with Creme Fraiche and Caviar, Asparagus Custard with Fried Parmesan, Beet Reduction, Morel Mushroom and Fennel Pollen and Hanger Steak with Baby Potatoes, and Demi Glace.  The cocktails of the evening were: Get Lucky, Haven’t We Met Before, and Strawberry Crush – all made with the smooth Prairie Organic Vodka.

Susan Foster Jewelry Store
11695 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood, Ca 90049

Tamsin Lonsdale, Tava Smiley, and Susan Foster

And, as for dessert?  Along with a savory sweetened mint tea, guests enjoyed their choice of coconut macaroons, mini olive oil cakes, passion fruit mousse lemon meringue tartlettes, and rainbow macaroons.  With excellent food paired with divine company and cocktails (in the ambiance of Susan’s magnificent store), it was certainly an evening to remember.  A celebrity haven, the decor of Susan Foster’s boutique is a mix of mid-century modern and refined luxury.  Her twelve-year old namesake jewelry line has been showcased at global retailers like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harrods – so having the opportunity to peruse the collection throughout the evening was certainly a treat for guests. It was an absolutely delightful evening to celebrate the holiday of all that’s pink and red and equally sweet!

Photography Credit: Erik Nelder Photography

For more information on Susan Foster, LA please visit the website and/or contact: Susan/Allison direct for more info at info@susanfosterla.com

For more information on The Supper Club please visit the website and/or email: Carla Bate at carla@thesupperclubinc.com

Front Doors to the Hardison home

I had the pleasure of attending the most adorable party this past Saturday to celebrate the engagement of my good friend, Holly Hardison and Ben Price!  Just day’s before Valentine’s Day, it was of course a pink and red themed fete filled with close friends and family. Even Holly’s darling terrier, Crosby, was running around in a black silk bow tie throughout the evening.  Guests were greeted by striking arrangements of H & B flowers on the front doors and a jazz pianist playing in the formal living room.  The evening was romantic and simply lovely. Caterers served fresh sliders right off a grill in the dining room, chicken kabobs, frites, sauteed vegetables, and more.  My personal favorite?  The cupcakes and coffee bar!   The cocktail party even hosted its own signature drinks including: the XOXO and the Heart Throb. I hope you enjoy these snapshots as much as I have – the perfect Valentine’s Day inspiration!

Congratulations to Holly & Ben for such a beautiful evening celebrating two wonderful people!

Holly Hardison & Ben Price (and Crosby!)

The backyard tent!

cocktail menu

Paige Hardison, Drew Harding, and Jillian Sarles

cupcakes!

floral arrangement – pink tulips & red roses

* event production: In Any Event – Dallas, TX

It’s been a pleasure to contribute to Amy Ephron‘s informative One For the Table website. My most recent post was on La Duni restaurants in Dallas. They are absolutely the perfect spot for a romantic Valentine’s Day – even if it’s just for dessert!  And, of course, their coffee menu is beyond!  I thought I’d share some of the photographs I snapped at the NorthPark location before submitting the article.  Read my La Duni post on OneFortheTable here. And, for those of you who live far far away from Dallas, please put this on your “must visit” list when you make a trip here!

I’m assuming I can’t be the only fashion loving femme that is currently experiencing a love affair with Edie Parker.  There is something so retro-glam about these gorgeous accessories and they certainly are unlike anything else on shelves.  They offer a striking vintage appeal, but in a modern and fresh way.  Launched in 2010, Edie Parker is a collection of acrylic clutches and handbags. These handbags and clutches are inspired by the original handbags favored by showgirls and socialites during the 1950s and 1960s. And, like their mid-century predecessors, each bag is meticulously handcrafted in the USA- definitely an investment piece.  The founder and designer of Edie Parker is Brett Heyman. Before launching Edie Parker, Brett served as the director of Public Relations for Gucci until 2010 and has also held roles at Elle Magazine, Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana.

So, how did Edie Parker come to be? From Brett’s love of mid-century style!  The company designer and founder was enraptured by the original acrylic creations’ slim silhouettes, bold orientation, and bright color palettes.  She began collecting vintage purses and accessories that inspired her and researched the forgotten companies and designers along with their original makers and fabrication techniques.  As their popularity increased and Brett could no longer find the clutches she’d searched for and coveted at the vintage and second-hand shops, she decided it was time to remake them.  Edie Parker is a lost art that’s been rediscovered and made uniquely wearable.

Visit their website here and shop the luxe Edie Parker collection on Barneys.com

Five and Ten – Dallas, TX:  It was wonderful to learn of the new Five and Ten concept store that just opened in Highland Park Village. Five and Ten is a new concept store from the exquisite Forty Five Ten in Dallas.  The store offers clothing and accessories for both men and women as well as a selection of items for the home (including John Derian pieces) and unique gifts including stationary, books, apothecary, pet-related products (like Mungo & Maud), and children’s items.  The store is inspired by the history of variety stores from the early 1900s known as “five and dimes” which had a rich history at Highland Park Village.

Customers will also be able to order bicycles from the Italian label Abici and music from local DJ extraordinaire, Lucy Wrubel. For women, Five and Ten will carry: J Brand (RTW collection), The Row, Boy by Band of Outsiders, Kenzo, and shoe collections from Costume National, Lanvin, and MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela.  Barton Perreira sunglasses will be exclusive to Five and Ten.  For men, selections will include the recent relaunch of Michael Bastian, Marc Jacobs’ menswear, Band of Outsiders, the first full collection from swimwear brand Orlebar Brown, and shoes from Common Project and Lanvin.  Storeowner and founder Brian Bolke says, “We have been working on this concept for years.  When this location became available, we jumped on it.  This ‘corner store’ is truly the heart of Highland Park Village.  I love the idea of a place to visit often – and for everything.  It is small and intimate, but the sense of discovery will be there.”

The new store is located at 60 Highland Park Village in Dallas, and will be open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.   The store’s phone number is 214.252.0510.   For more information, please visit www.shopfiveandten.com.

It was a pleasure to attend the spring 2012 beauty preview at Neiman Marcus last week.  I loved hearing about the new trends for spring from industry experts representing lines including: Laura Mercier, Tom Ford, Chanel, Natura Bissé, Jo Malone, Trish McEvoy, Kate Somerville, La Mer, and Cle de Peau.  And, the previous week, I had the opportunity to preview the new collection from Estée Lauder as well!  This spring, we are seeing lots of bold lips pared with a soft eye palette. I absolutely love all of the bold lip colors!  The corals and hot pink hues are sure to brighten any attire.  Yes, it’s true, your lips very well may be your best accessory this season.

Laura Mercier: The new collection from Laura Mercier is: “Lingerie.”  It’s inspired by Victorian Europe lingerie collections and fabrics.  It’s natural, works with all skin types, and is a new interpretation of the time period – you can even match your lips to your nails.  The new spring palette is absolutely beautiful. I love the cheek colors and the lip glosses- corals, peaches, and tangerine!

Neiman Marcus Beauty Event Gift Bag

Jo Malone: Jo Malone has a trio of new fragrances available this season- inspired by an English garden!  Choose from Peony & Moss, White Lilac & Rhubarb, and Iris & Lady Moore.  Jo Malone also recommends pairing these new fragrances with a few of her existing ones to create your own signature scent. My favorite was White Lilac & Rhubarb – it’s a seductive floral that also smells great layered with Pomegranate Noir (one of my favorites)!

Tom Ford: New from Tom Ford, is the new Lavender Palm private blend fragrance.  It’s a sophisticated scent that is earthy and sweet at the same time.  It’s an absolutely perfect scent for spring.  I also can’t wait to try some of brighter lip colors for spring including tangerine and magenta!

Chanel: Some of my new favorites from Chanel, include the new Jersey perfume and an all new collection of makeup brushes.  The new brushes are laser cut, which supposedly offers better precision for application.  I haven’t had the pleasure of trying them yet, but they are certainly sleek and chic when it comes to design.  The new Jersey fragrance is the “scent of freedom” based on the history of Chanel.  Chanel introduced jersey into the wardrobe of females- freeing them from the corset.

Kate Somerville: A standout item from Kate Somerville is certainly the self-tanning facial towelette.  I had been using her self-tanning towelettes for the body on my face before and so I was so glad to learn she had introduced a line specifically for the face.  They are portable and is a small, round, little mit that makes application easy.

Natura Bissé: From Natura Bissé, I can’t get over how much I love the new NB Ceutical Tolerance Enzyme Peel.  I’ve already tried this product and it’s seriously amazing!  It acts as an exfoliant for delicate skin and just after one use – my skin was absolutely glowing! It renews the skin and creates luminosity without causing inflammation and redness.

Cle de Peau: Beyond the delicious cookies, I was so impressed with the new Cle de Peau Beaute Luminizing Face Enhancer.  Not only was the gorgeous packaging was commissioned by jewelry designer, Shaun Leane, this gorgeous facial powder uses innovative light-directing technology to brighten and highlight your complexion.  It’s offered in pastel and gold palettes and is inspired by the pearlescent beauty of the conch shell.  After just one dust, my skin sparkled in the most understated and elegant way.  I absolutely must-have the gold powder for spring and summer!

Trish McEvoy: Trish has a gorgeous new purple bowed planner that’s perfect for spring.  I love the portability of this bag. It’s perfect for traveling and it truly is a one stop kit- certain to keep you in-tune with the most stylish colors for spring!

Estée Lauder: I love the Teal Topaz nail polish and the Pure Color lip glosses are the perfect way to bring a pop of color to your beauty regimen this spring. They look great alone or layered over lipstick. I am currently loving the shades: Electric Ginger and Brazen Berry.

Well, I hope you enjoyed a sneak peek of the lovely new collections.  You must go try some of the new colors on your own and don’t miss the Neiman Marcus Beauty Event! Shop cosmetics on NeimanMarcus.com.  The Beauty Event is February 23-March 4th.  Beauty VIP is Saturday, February 25th at Neiman Marcus NorthPark with masterclasses throughout the day (starting at 10:30am-4:30pm). 

*receive one of the beauty bags featured above with a purchase of $100 or more

Yes, it reminds me of the Céline luggage tote (the price thankfully does not), but how gorgeous is this bag? I love the color “blue sea” and it really is the perfect size! I can’t wait to carry around J.Crew’s new Tillary Tote all spring! The Tillary is flying off the shelves and it’s already backordered until May on the website! Be sure to order yours a.s.a.p. if you are interested. Isn’t it lovely?