REVEALING THE VEIL

For centuries, the veil has been a symbol of honoring a subject or space. Veils signify a religious belief or connote a declaration of happily-ever-after. Growing up, I was exposed to veils by my great Italian aunts, who would cover themselves with dark, delicate lace when someone passed on. In today’s ever-changing world of fashion, we see the veil on the runway and on the streets of high-style. Would you veil yourself off the matrimonial aisle?

Image Credits: 1. Bhldn 2. Ann Demeulemeester 3. Life 4. Unknown

Pin Up

The faux bob has been on the scene for a bit now, but I hadn’t tried the look until I was in the Caribbean. No rhyme or reason except to tame my naturally thick, long hair amidst humidity and beachy-ness. The pin up is stellar. I rocked it during the day on a boat ride around the Virgin Islands and during an evening under the stars with wine and sushi. Ready for summer or winter, you can spring ahead or fall back knowing your hair is at the height of chicness.

Give it a try like this:

1. Blow dry using a round brush. Once hair is dry, begin sectioning to create curls with a 1 1/2 inch curling iron. Or, if your hair is like mine (and you have the time), let a natural wave set in by letting hair air-dry. Pop a dollop of your favorite serum through hair to separate the curls.

2. Take your time. Create waves or curls working from back to front.

3. Tie a hair elastic at the end of your hair (long ponytail style). Roll this loose pony under the nape of your neck to create an even bob.

4. Let unfettered pieces fall to the sides of your face.  Go ahead and pin in the bob with bobby pins – use as many as you need and be sure the pin color closely matches your hair color.

5. Hairspray lightly if needed.

JBDers…let me know if you try this at home and become of fan of the faux bob, too!

 

Image Credits: 1 & 2: Harper’s Bazaar Australia 3: Rodarte 

All Comes From Love

The past five days had me nestled within the San Juan Mountains to celebrate my best friend as she married her best friend. There are a myriad of photos to be shared with you, however the thing on my mind and in my heart today is the gift she gave all of her bridesmaids: a bracelet from Herşey aşktan. The label name actually means “everything from love” in Turkish. I spied the shop last year in Istanbul, while visiting the bride-to-be, but never went inside. Little did I know she had already discovered the jewelry designer and decided to gift her closest girlfriends with the unique bracelet.  The logo is a calligraphic writing which uses a mirroring technique with love inscribed. The meaning of the logo translates as “all comes from love.”

Image Credits: Herşey aşktan

In Season

Recently, I curated the IN SEASON section of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel’s New York fan mail.  The request came as a pleasant surprise and a fun honor after learning last season’s letter was curated by Simon Doonan. Without further ado, I share with you three superb selections!

This season go on a tropical travel fantasy while draped in Chris Benz’s Resort 2013 collection. My favorite is his classic floral Marilyn Shirtdress. Mid-century archive prints dance merrily amongst color blocked separates, all ideal for an impromptu sunny getaway. Shirtdress, Chris Benz.

Nothing says summer like a pop of pink! Think of a Bermuda breeze as you gloss your nails with Essie’s Cascade Cool. I can’t get enough of this color.

The best way to bring summer break home is to indulge in hammock décor. Your sunshine-sense will be piqued whether you lounge inside or bask in the sway of this cotton wonder-piece. Hammock, NOVICA.

Florence + the Midsummer Machine

One of my favorite things about traveling is the opportunity to indulge in international magazines. On my last jaunt across the country, I scooped up the UK version of Harper’s Bazaar. Florence Welch of Florence + The Machine is perfect parts lyricism and Shakespearean magic on the July 2012 cover. A midsummer’s night dream dances off the pages and straight into the hearts of one’s own mother nature. Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius take note: Florence is amidst the enchanted woods, and if we are lucky, she isn’t leaving any time soon.

 

Image Credits: Camilla Akrans for Harper’s Bazaar UK