I have been so fortunate that I’ve traveled to so many countries and tried so many restaurants around the world! I am often asked where to go, but I try to never to give recommendations for “my favorite this” or “favorite that”. There are so many phenomenal ones, how could there be one favorite?
Ok, I’m going out on the limb and I’m going to give you my “favorite restaurant”- It was referred to me by one of my oldest and best friends Richard Holbrook, famous Product Designer and Mexico-Connoisseur.
So, looking for a little sun and fine-food, it was off to Cabo San Lucas!
The last time I was in Cabo, I was 20 camping on the beach and the place has changed. Unfortunately, I can’t say for the better. And unless you stay at a 5-star resort like “Las Palmillas”, it looks like another Spring-break hell-hole by the beach.
But hidden away up a little dirt road, 100 yards from the water is “Edith’s”, my favorite restaurant for fine-Mexican food and ambiance.
Forget what you know about Mexican food like Taco Bell, this is sophisticated fine dining. The guests all look like they walked off a yacht or the polo grounds or something. The appetizers are mouth-watering (don’t miss the tortilla soup), and the flame-grilled lobster and filet mignon is out of this world.
So, if you are ever in Cabo, or if I have convinced you enough here, go get your plane tickets.
Article from The Professional Vegan: Posted on Feb 17, 2009
…Craig Taylor's Dance 'Til Dawn Shirt (pictured right): great floral, but not overly-feminine print. I especially like the shade of dark blue as background. I would wear this with a lighter colored suit, possibly a taupe, in the summer. Made from cotton. Originally $215, on sale for $140, the shirt will be $84.
Craig Taylor's Through The Grapevine Shirt (pictured left): I'm loving the sale on Craig Taylor shirts. Again, like the floral print made less-overtly-feminine by the large black and white pattern. I would wear this with a tuxedo-esque black pant suit and the bootie-pumps that are pervasive this (and most likely next) winter season. Made from cotton. Originally $215, on sale for $140, the shirt will be $84…
http://professionalvegan.blogspot.com/2009/02/designer-vegan-sale-neiman-marcus.html
Article from Fashion Sensei: Posted on October 17, 2008
Craig Taylor Pulp Fiction Twist Shirt
The white shirt is the most versatile and timeless staple in any woman’s closet. In today’s Fashion Lesson, we will discuss what to look for in this perennial classic and how to get the most for your money.
Are you one of those people who go into a store, try on a shirt, then another, then still another, until you finally find the right fit, not really knowing why a particular shirt looks good?
Wouldn’t it be great to know what to look for on that next shopping trip?
I’ll let you in on a few secret tips that Fashion Sensei clients already know.
When looking for a new shirt, think of the three F’s.
- Fit
- Fabric
- Finish
The first of my top three tips centers on fit. To get started, there are a few definitions that we should know when searching for the most flattering garment off the rack.
Collar- The area of fabric that folds over and comes to a point on each end. The points may come in a wide range of styles including a sharp long point, button down and rounded. The area between the points, is referred to the spread.
Fashion Tips: Some people feel that the wider the spread, the wider you face may look. I think that these effects can be quite subtle, so check them out for yourself the next time you are trying on a shirt to see if it makes a noticeable difference.
When looking at the points of a collar, think of them as arrows–long points that are vertical, will draw the eye down. A varsity collar or a collar that points outward, may help to broaden shoulders. Rounded tips may aid in softening a woman with sharp features.
It sometimes goes without saying, but the higher the collar, the more coverage it provides. If you have a long neck, a tall collar may put your neck in better proportion. Tall collars can also hide the sins of aging, such as a wrinkly neck.
Yoke- One of the most important components of a shirt, the yoke is the area between the shoulders that connects the other panels of the shirt together including the arms.
Placket- The area of the shirt where the garment will be buttoned. You may find hidden placket shirts where an extra piece of fabric covers the buttons.
Darts- A method in sewing to taper a garment to your body shape. When shopping, this may be called “fitted” or “tailored”.
Fabric- Many of the shirts that you buy off the rack are made from cotton broadcloth or cotton poplin which tends not to wrinkle as easily.
When handling the garment, you will notice the weave density, weight and texture of the fabric. Generally, a bargain shirt from a discount store will be lighter weight, have a bit looser weave and the texture or feel of the fabric may not be as soft. This has a lot to do with the quality of cotton used and the length of the cotton fibers. Longer fibers create better shirts, but cost more money.
See through shirts are not always the hallmark of a poor quality garment. Some designers will create a thin fabric for their shirts in the summer season or for layering purposes.
There are also a wide variety of blended fabrics to choose from. Some incorporate polyester to reduce wrinkling or add a wrinkle resistant finish to the fabric. Others, add spandex for added comfort and movement of the garment.
Finish- When examining the final product, be sure to notice the overall construction and finishing touches.
Ask yourself some of the following questions:
- How is each section sewn? Are the stitches wide or loose? If so, this shirt will not endure as many washings as its better constructed sister with tighter stitches.
- Are there loose threads? This could be a possible sign of poor craftsmenship.
- Do pieces pucker? Each panel of the garment should lay flat. If it puckers on the hanger, it will pucker on you.
- Is the hem even?
- Are the buttons secure?
- Are the points on the collar even?
Finally, here are a few suggestions in different price ranges to consider the next time you are out shopping.
http://fashionsensei.wordpress.com/2008/10/17/fashion-lesson-25-the-white-shirt/
For years, it has been a little pleasure of mine to reserve a Mercedes “Smart” car when in my “second-home” of Como. (Here’s a picture of mine outside the Cruise Hotel during my recent stay.)
It’s a tiny thing, almost like two seats with a little plastic or something around them. *Note- there are two versions of Smart car- the “fortwo” and the “forfour”. The “forfour” is larger, and in my opinion misses the point. So don’t get that one.
Try to get the fortwo Cabrio- the soft roof retracts, so it’s the perfect little vehicle for cruising around the lake on balmy summer evenings... One thing though- it’s so tiny you can’t have much luggage with you. There’s only enough room to squoosh in a couple of carry-ons behind the seats. It’s so little that if parking is hard to find, you can park nose-in, perpendicular to the other cars...
Well, as you may have noticed, the Smart car has finally arrived for sale in the States, and although it has been modified a little, it looks pretty much the same as its European predecessors.
If you want to know more, check out the website: www.smartusa.com
Article from FabSugar: Posted on August 1, 2008
We all get outfit block every once and a while, losing the inspiration for what to wear. That's when a good, foolproof classic outfit (or two!) comes in really handy. It's your fallback that you can always depend on to make you look Fab in a bind.
I asked you to show me what your foolproof outfit looks like and started you off with this Louis Vuitton Mahina XXL Bag ($3,750) because it's timelessly chic. Be sure to check out all the foolproof outfit Fab Finds.
Let's see what you all came up with!
Oh! Now, you can build outfits by creating a list of clothing items. We have everything you need to build outfits with, and you can use your Fab Find bookmarks, too. This is an even better way to put together an entire outfit when you are completing your Fab Finding missions.
Look #1, created by emalove, is so versatile — it could easily be worn to a party, running errands, or to work, and you'd look Fab at all three!
Look #2, created by maria212134, is one to wear for years to come: the Craig Taylor button-down shirt, Gucci loafers, and Burberry trench will never go out of style.
Look #3, created by leeluvfashion, is simply chic. It's a more contemporary option that pushes the envelope a bit, but is still very sophisticated.
http://www.fabsugar.com/Fab-Finding-Follow-Up-Foolproof-Everyday-Outfit-930182
Whenever I travel to Lake Como, it is not only a treat for the eyes, but also for the taste buds. Each time I ask for restaurant recommendations, I am instantly referred to the same one- the stunning Il Gatto Nero (The Black Cat).
I had heard it was the favorite of the who’s who from Clooney to Damon and Douglas, so during my last trip we got in the car and headed up the hill above Lake Como. It may be a good idea to have a designated driver, it’s one of those steep, serpentine mountain roads without guardrails and 100 foot drops!
Leaving the lights of Como below, you pull up to the restaurant. It’s a charming little villa which seems to be holding onto the edge of the cliff for dear life. There’s nowhere to pull over on the one-lane road, so the hostess comes out and tells you to follow her car further up the hill to park.
Once in the restaurant, you fall immediately in love with this romantic, cozy spot. The living room has a stunning view, perched high above the beautiful lake.
The dining rooms, upstairs or down are just as wonderful. The lighting is warm, the décor is charming and eclectic, and the food is excellent. Never refuse an espresso and a biscotti from the family-style jar at the end.
On our way out, there was an older gentleman watching soccer on TV. It’s Heinz the owner and he decorated the place himself. You can tell he is comfortable and happy to be in his little slice of heaven.
Il Gatto Nero
Via Monte Santo 69
Rovenna (CO)
39-031-512-042
Whenever I arrive into Como, it’s my habit to take the breathtaking drive 10 minutes up the west shore of the lake to Harry’s Bar in Cernobbio (just beyond the fountain). I think of it as the meeting spot for the chic-and-discreet of the area, and I’d hate to miss out on a little people watching! Everyone here seems to be best friends with the maitre d’; they know this is the best way to ensure a table up front…
Cernobbio is home to the magnificent old-world resort “Villa D’Este”, and it seems like it’s one of the last spots left on Earth where celebrities and royalty can go un-harassed as they mingle with locals. Could it be because the locals are celebrities and royalty too?
This is the ultimate spot to grab a glass of prosecco as the sun is setting on the lake. Oh yes. After Yul and I snapped these pictures, we ran into our loud and hilarious friend Paolo having dinner with his stunning wife Monica and his equally-funny friend Simon from Australia. Oh well, so much for discreet!
Harry's Bar
Piazza Risorgimento, 1
Cernobbio
Tel: +031.3347057
Well, I just returned from another inspiring fabric-design trip to Lake Como! The weather was particularly beautiful this September, and there were people out and about everywhere.
There is so much beauty that surrounds you in this part of Italy- but, I have to admit- the food is definitely a big part of my inspiration! Over the next week, I am going to take the opportunity to tell you about a few of my favorite Como restaurants…
If the weather is nice, one of my favorites for lunch is the “Funicolare”. I’m not a huge fan of pizza unless it tastes like theirs- super-thin crust, baked in a wood-fire oven, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil- Wow! It’s right by the lake and it’s a great spot to watch the old mahogany water-taxis come in. I hope to see you there!
Funicolare Ristorante & Pizzeria
Via Lungo Lario Trieste, 62
Como
Tel: +031.303470
Alright, I’d like to brag a little about our fabrics!
Almost all of them come from this beautiful place- Lake Como in northern Italy. Como has been home to many of Europe’s top celebrities and royalty and it is a magnificent and special place. For me, it is the land that time forgot, with a charm and elegance that is pretty much lost these days.
The world’s most beautiful silk fabrics and scarves are from Como and for the last ten years I have been coming here to develop our new designs. I start off each season in print archives where I look through thousands of original designs. Many of these are “retired” prints from the world’s greatest: Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Gucci, Chanel and Chloe to name a few. With the creator’s permission, I resurrect these prints – many of them from the 60’s – and after some modifications they get a new lease on life
Our exclusive stripes and textured solids are designed the same way- I look through books and books of vintage swatches and then recolor them to the season’s palette. All of our designs are then executed on the finest cottons and silks – but more about fabric construction in an upcoming entry.
I’ll be in Como again this month and will be sure to give a restaurant recommendation or two then!
Article from Journal Sentinel: Posted on Oct 13, 2007.
Sure, rich colors are in this season, but a white blouse is still a must-have that can be jazzed up a variety of ways.
A white blouse is far from the most attractive option on this season's clothing racks, which are also teeming with rich hues such as purple, red, gray and blue.
White's paper-like simplicity seems stark compared with the deep, complex colors suggested for fall. Its crisp character too squeaky-clean, its strait-laced appeal is too risk averse, conjuring images of boys and girls in school uniforms.
But fashionistas, take note: Do not shun the white blouse.
Praised for its classic nature, it continues to turn up as a must-have item for anyone's closet.
During an appearance on "Oprah," Vera Wang, the high-end designer behind Kohl's recently debuted Simply Vera line, listed a white blouse as an essential clothing piece. Two white blouses made the cut in the Gap's "Classics
Redefined" line, a collection of 12 essential separates for all wardrobes. Greatestlook.com, a fashion and beauty advice site, calls the white blouse "the greatest basic you can think of."
So, then, how do you marry this staple to current trends? Folks from some local boutiques created some looks that add pizzazz to the pallid piece.
Ruched blouse by Craig Taylor,$145; charcoal gray pencil skirtby Gunex, $285; and oval linkbelt by Suzi R. Oher, $190, allfrom Molloy's. Photo - Kevin Eisenhut
HOW TO WEAR A WHITE BLOUSE
- With a menswear-inspired city suit. "It's a professional look that's cosmopolitan," said Heidi Calaway, owner of Vieux et Nouveau, 1688 N. Franklin Place. "It fits into the workplace without being dull and conservative."
The trick: Add fall's trendiest accessories, such as a plaid fedora and boldly colored, briefcase-shaped bag. "Don't just grab any old briefcase that people have seen a million times," Calaway said. "Go for something unexpected." - Belted withwide-leg jeans. "The look is crisp, clean and flattering," said Andrea Kengis, manager of Next Door boutique in Brookfield's Harvard Square, 18000 W. Blue Mound Road. "Put a big necklace with it, and you're ready to go out."
The trick: Choose a blouse that's a tunic. "It's longer, and it's multifunctional," Kengis said. "It's not a normal white blouse." Other options to consider with a long white blouse: leave it open, similar to a jacket, and layer it over a T-shirt for a casual look. Wear a camisole under it and leave a couple of buttons open at the top for a sexy look. - With a gray pencil skirt and a narrow link belt. "This look can go for daytime or to the office, but change your earrings and you can go out after," said Cindy H. Molloy, owner of Molloy's boutique, 333 W. Brown Deer Road. "Wear it with a classic pump or a more dramatic shoe."
The trick: Choose a blouse that is fitted or tailored to the waist, so the accent of the belt has more punch. - Layered under a knit vest with a long, textured A-line skirt and boots. "The two textures work well together but still give a very clean look," said Pam Flasch, owner of Miss Groove boutique, 1225 E. Brady St.
The trick: Go with a blouse that's completely non-traditional with subtle adornments - something collarless, frilly, textured and flowing. - Leave it alone. "A white blouse on its own suggests understated elegance," said Fran Hill, owner of a boutique of the same name at 2615 N. Downer Ave. "It takes a confident woman to wear a white blouse with style."
The trick: Pair it with basic black pants and let your accessories - handbag, shoes, earrings and so on - do all the work. "That's where you add power to the look," Hill said.
http://www.jsonline.com/features/fashion/29316499.html
