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Fashion and Beauty

Traveling Fashionably Is Just My Style

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

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I Love to travel and I love to travel in style.  I also want to be comfortable.  Before I go away,  I think of where I am going, what our travel schedule is and what the style is. Meaning are we on a chic trip to Venice, a sporty adventurous getaway in Costa Rica or perhaps a trip up to preppy Saratoga Springs .  On our trip to Bermuda in June I planned a very different wardrobe than I did on our vacation last week to Vermont, Massachusetts and Saratoga/Lake George NY . ( skirt Lilly Pulitzer, Pink Clutch Louis Vuitton, top Lacoste, shoes Jack Rogers)

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I always lay out my clothes, planning the entire outfit for each day. If I’m spending a day at an amusement park with my children, I plan to wear very comfortable shoes and something cute and fun.  I plan a few evening and dinner outfits, my casual rainy day attire, cocktail outfits, and perfect sun dresses for lunch and frozen drinks under the great awning at The Gideon Putnam resort in Saratoga Springs. ( shoes, Missoni,  Clutch Kate Spade, yellow dress Mellisa Odabash,  Red strapless dress, The Limited, Blue Dress J Crew, White Shorts and Navy Cardigan, straw bag,  J Crew , Large Carry-on Louis Vuitton) And I always bring great accessories, lots of fun costume jewelry is a must.

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Who is your ‘Muse’?  Do you have someone you identify your style with, or perhaps someone who has a style you love.  I love Elle Macpherson, she is classic, sexy, chic and preppy all wrapped up into one stylish woman.

Be prepared and  ’The World Can Be Your Playground’  For more of our travel and fashion tips visit our ‘Ask Bunny Forum’

***My son Sam filmed the video you see and hear in the sidebar.  He is an incredibly talented 16 year old with a great passion for photography.  We shot the video in Saratoga Springs and it is a great little travel video with some fun ‘vanishing- Bewitch-like tricks’,  I hope you have a chance to watch it. You can also see his photographs from our recent vacation here. They are stunning. Come back and visit for more travel posts.

Magdalena Gets Down to Business, Chapter 5

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Magdalena Gets down to business Chapter 5

Holiday 08

Read chapter 1-4 here

Magdalena’s family was busy preparing for their move to Kirabati.  They would travel back and forth to New Jersey to take turns caring for their pets and business, along with the help of their groundskeepers and staff they felt confident it would all work out. Once things were up and running her parents would return to NJ and she and her 2 oldest brothers would go back and forth to over see things. Her mother was busy putting together design plans for the hotel and all the dinner parties and special events they would be hosting once they arrived in the South Pacific.  She was shipping hundreds of dishes, fabrics and accessories that would help make a smooth transition. Magdalena watched her mother and was amazed by her energy level and complete joy that her work gave her.  She was more radiant than ever, of course her fancy Beverly Hills dermatologist and intense workouts didn’t hurt.  But her glow came from within it was obvious how much she loves life, Magdalena loved this about her mother.  She and her brothers were always encouraged to go after their dreams.   They were a family combined of artists and businessmen and businesswomen.  Now it was Magdalena’s turn to shine, she was showing her father that she was a force in real estate, and she was the driving force behind this entire project.

Their driver was picking them up and taking them to a business meeting in Manhattan.  They were meeting a few new prospective investors, lawyers and silent partners at the restaurant upstairs at MOMA. Her mother loves it there and always insists their meetings be in creative environments, at least when they are arranged by her family.  As busy as Magdalena was preparing for this meeting she couldn’t get Christopher off her mind. She hadn’t seen Christopher since her father’s party at La Grenouille a month ago.  His girlfriend Harper returned back home to London, she was rather distant towards Magdalena before she left.  Magdalena suspected she was aware of her interest in Christopher.  Today would be the first day they would see each other in a month as he was joining them at the meeting in the city.  The sexual tension and energy between them was undeniable, she knew Christopher felt it too.  Although she reviewed her business plans until 2 am she had another agenda, making him want her.  She knew what to do, impress everyone in the room with her business plan, this would impress him. She dotted her I’s and crossed her T’s. She would dazzle every man in that room with her looks and her brains.  She would make Christopher drool.  She knew what he needed and she had everything to offer him. She also needed to be very careful around her parents,  her father remained oblivious to her obsession with Christopher and if he knew he would freak!  His 20 something daughter and his 50 something best friend just wasn’t something he could or would handle.

She finished putting on or should we say pulling on her fitted black wool Michael Kors pencil skirt and slipping into her black Louboutin classic leather sky high pumps.  Next she pulled her hair up into a sleek chignon and dabbed on some of her Guerlain Cherry Blossom perfume.  She checked herself out in the gold gilded French antique mirror she purchased at the Marche aux Puces in Paris a few years ago.  She decided to unbutton one more button on her fitted white blouse, gave one more quick turn in front of the mirror, added a bit more stilla lipstick and headed down to the car.  As much as she and her father wanted to talk business her mother wanted to talk menu and decor ideas for the groundbreaking.  They rolled their eyes and told her it was months away and first they needed to firm up all their investors. Christopher was looking for a 50% ROI, return on investment, her father’s approach was more conservative and he anticipated a 10% return on investment.  They had major infrastructure and environmental issues to deal with, her brother Ted and their environmental lawyers would handle that end.  Her two older brothers were in Central America and planned to be on a conference call during their meeting, her baby brother Oliver was still in school.  He was planning to go into international banking and Law when he graduates. He told his parents at a very young age that he wanted to work on Front Street in Hamilton Bermuda, he was on his way to making that dream come true.

When they arrived at MOMA  Magdalena searched the room until her eyes met Christopher’s.  She smiled coyly in his direction, now wasn’t the time for her to flirt she had serious business to deal with today, hundreds of millions of dollars were on the line. Plus the art of the deal was a powerful aphrodisiac one that both she and Christopher thrived on.  She would deal with him later.  As the investors started to arrive at the meeting she noticed her mother shaking the hand of an older very handsome gentleman in his 60’s. He must be Mr. Sultan she thought,  a man she invited to be in on the deal, as long as he was investing big Saudia Arabian money that is.  Why is her mother ghostly white and what the heck is her father looking at.  Just then someone called out his name to come be seated , Prince Sultan, Oh Dear God , Magdalena somehow just invited her mothers ex lover, prince Sultan to be part of this deal.  The Prince and her mother spent time together years ago in Paris when her mom was studying there, before she met her father.  It was quite a love affair, one that still bothers her father to this day. Magdalena had no idea who he was when her lawyers had found some more investors for her to pursue.  The name just didn’t sound familiar to her at the time, her mother had mentioned that he was in real estate and had a lot of companies in the city but that was years ago and she hadn’t given it another thought. Magdalena had a devilish little twinkle in her otherwise innocent big doe eyes.  As she looked from one person to the other, taking it all in she began to grin.  Her father better not mess up this deal and what is up with her mother?  Is she actually twirling her hair around her finger and giggling at the Prince’s lame jokes like a silly school girl?  Her mother and Prince Sultan recognized each other knew in seconds, even after 26 years of being apart from one another. This is gonna be one hell of a meeting Magdalena thought with a wicked little smile on her pretty face. to be continued…..

Get Magdalena and her mother’s look here

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Get Magdalena’s Look

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Pumps, Louboutin, purple dress Missoni, multi knit dress, Missoni, bag, Fendi, little black dress, Ann Taylor

Add a little sweater for the office, take it off for cocktails.  Magdalena loves wearing the LBD for both work and drinks apres business when she is only thinking about her love Christopher.  She skips the espadrilles and wears high pumps with both of the Missoni dresses.

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Gorgeous black platform pumps, Ann Taylor, Sexy chic leopard fitted dress, Ann Taylor, Preppy wrap blouse with just the right amount of sex appeal and perfect for Indian Summer days at the office, Ann Taylor, Olive green leather pumps, JCrew, Chic handbag, Kate Spade, Wrap dress, Ann Taylor, Fitted pencil skirt, Ann Taylor.  Guerlain and cosmetics Bergdorf Goodman

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Now after that very stressful business meeting Magdalena is heading out on the town with Christopher and her family and here is what they are drinking tonight….( iPad app ‘cocktails is a great source for cocktail recipes)

martini

Chapter 6 is coming soon so be sure to stop by and visit and see what this young lady and her family are up to next….

Looking Fabulous in Italy with Elle as our Muse

Friday, May 1st, 2009

On my “Ask Michele” forum on my website I was just asked a great question about travelling to Italy and what to wear. As you scroll down and see the pictures you will be able to read the question and my answer. I love Italy and I also like to look great and stylish when I travel. Elle always looks amazing and I adore her flawless international style.
J Crew has great inexpensive accessories
I love this lilac cashmere cardigan, I’m going to get one and wear it over a dress during the evening this summer on vacation
so adorable
this is definately a “Bunny” dress, love it!!
chic and fun
always effortlessly chic and stylish
Wow
check out the great flats
perfect
love this picture
I’m a mom of three boys and I still love to wear white, I just throw it in the wash or send it to the cleaners, comfortable and fresh looking
another fantastic look

looking elegant – being comfortable in Italy
Frog Hol Today at 7:12

Hi Michele, I’ll be traveling back to Italy in September and would like to dress a little differently this time. Italian women are so elegant! What types of clothing basics would you recommend for traveling in rural areas as well as to the cities of Florence and Rome. On my past few trips I’ve worn flat, extremely comfortable sandals by Simple, but feel they are a bit unsofisticated, although I do need something that I can walk in, especially on the cobblestone streets and marble floors. Clothing-wise I’m not sure about. I’ve consulted with Simplement Chic for colors and clothing so have a good idea about styles that work best for me. What do you think about jeans for daytime? I know they are popular in Europe, but probably with a heel or boot. I look forward to hearing from you.
Frog Hol
Guest

My Answer:
dressing for Italy,looking sylish and being comfortable
theparishouse Today at 9:39

Hi Frog Hol,

As a designer I always want to look good and as a world traveller I always want to look nice when I travel and represent our Country in a positive way. However, I must always be comfortable, especially as I typically travel with my three children.

Italy is so magnificient and the women are incredibly stylish and beautiful so I can certainly understand that you want to look great! One of the first people (muse) that comes to my mind when I think of a modern day stylish world travellers is Elle MacPherson. She often wears jeans that always look chic and she pairs them with ballet flats. I love ballet flats and think they would be so adorable and comfortable in Italy, especiallly when walking on cobblestone and marble streets. Check out Chanel, Lanvin, and Tory Burch for some great ideas in these shoe styles and then shop for less expensive versions of them. Pair your nice jeans with these flats, a J Crew cashmere sweater, a little cardigan over it and some great costume jewelry for a chic and comfortable daytime look. I also like J Crew for fun jewelry, especially their bracelets.

I always like to tie a scarf to my satchel style handbag, I find it very stylish. I would bring some cute skirts that would look great with espadrilles, and I think in September it will still be warm enough for them. That will dress up the outfit even more and you can still walk on cobblestone streets. Bring layers, add color to make you look pretty and happy!! One thing I am completely opposed to is long nails, I find them to be tacky, distracting and very passe. I keep my nails short and polished in a light shade that shows chips much less than red color. I absolutely love Yves Saint Laurent nail polish “Pens”. They dry in seconds and last and you can easily touch up your nails when you are away.

I think the days may still be warm, so think layers. I always lay my outfits out before they go in my suitcase. I make sure I have the correct shoes, accessories, etc. I would also recommend that you bring some high heels for evening and a black dress with a colorful cardigan sweater and some great fun jewerly would look perfect. I’m certain you will look so fabulous that you will outshine the gorgeous art and archictecture that surrounds you in Italy.
xxoo
Michele aka Bunny

BTW, I loved this question so much that you have inspired my blog for today…check it out at [url=http://www.theparishouse.blogspot.com]www.theparishouse.blogspot.com[/url] I am going to work on it and add some pics for you to enjoy!!

The Paris House Loves Fashion

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Fashion, Beauty, Fitness & Wellness
Chic is where you find it!- Bonnie Cashin
“I love fashion, I love everything about it” When I get up in the morning I can decide “who” I want to be that day: cute, high fashion Parisian woman, grungy, chic, English gardener in my wellies. It always changes and always depends on my mood.
You don’t need to change your style on a daily basis to look great, I just like to create something 24 hours a day. You do however need to find clothes and a style that flatter your figure and work with your lifestyle. If this is not something you are comfortable with then it would be a wise investment to hire a personal stylist to help you sort through your closet and weed out what doesn’t work and shop for some basic staples that will work for years to come (I could recommend a good image consultant). Cut out pictures that you like from various fashion magazines. If you are over forty, try More Magazine they have beautiful clothes that are stylish and yet appropriate, although I am a true believer that if it looks good and you are in great shape wear whatever you want for as long as you can. I’d rather see a 50 year old hot woman in a bikini than a 25 year old that has no business wearing one.
Ladies, the times They Are A Changing!! So take a little time to put on some mascara, a little lipstick a cute pair of shoes. I wear dresses a lot, for me it is much easier, with three kids, I don’t always have a lot of time to think about what I am wearing. A dress is one thing, it is that easy!! Tory Burch is a great designer that creates beautiful sporty casual dresses. It doesn’t get much easier than pulling one item of clothing over your head and looking great!! There are days I only have time for lipstick and no other makeup. Lipstick, a dress, a cute pair of shoes/boots, an all over beautifully scented body lotion and a pretty haircut or an adorable ponytail and you are good to go and more beautiful than ever!! Combine this routine with a little exercise and there will be no stopping you!!!
I also love fitness! Everything I do, really starts with exercise. In order for me to be healthy, happy, care for my three sons, be a wife, creative person and all the other endless things I have to do in the course of the day, sometimes not stopping for 20 hours straight!! I need my hour of excersise every morning and when I take this time, often the only time I have for myself, I feel like I can rule the world. It doesn’t mean I don’t get sick every now and then, but I can honestly say I rarely ever get tired. I know this is from a lifetime of fitness and good nutrition. If fitness and healthy living is not a part of your life, then please, I urge you to see your doctor and find a fitness plan best suited for you. I promise you it will change your life. This isn’t about being the next swimsuit cover model, ( but who knows, maybe you will be) it is about living the one life we have the best we can. There are no guarantees in life, but you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take care of yourself. Being fit is the most powerful thing you can do for yourself!!
We have added a “Wellness” section to our fashion, beauty and fitness page. To us Wellness is living beautifully starting on the inside first. Each month we will add special little quotes and sayings that inspire us, helpful healthy tips and anything we feel will help us all achieve “Wellness” in our lives.
Today treat everyone you come in contact with … with kindness
I was recently watching a movie when one of the actors said
Today treat everyone you come in contact with, no matter who they are, if you love them or hate them, like they will be dead by midnight, and treat them with kindnessTry and do that for an entire day and then try it for two days, who knows it just might be contagious and before you know it only kind things will come from your mouth. I’m going to give it try!!!
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