Universities report that students are opting out of the traditional semester abroad and in to fly-by European tours lasting as little as a week. So basically, they’re learning something like Roman culture by waving at the Coliseum as their group is herded to the next attraction. And their version of bonding with locals is saying, “Excuse me” as they knock …
Who’s excited for the Super Bowl? It could be a tough game with heavy snow, fierce wind, and superstars on both teams. So I’m prepping to help out my boys – the Seahawks – should Chancellor get injured;) Just kidding! If I were really standing in for our strong safety, there would be nothing safe about the game. But I …
The inspiration for the Travel Thursday motorcycle photo on my homepage was the steamy, beautiful Brigitte Bardot. I revamped her look by adding a smoky-eye flare that is so popular now. I’ve always admired a smoky, cat eye, but every time I tried it, I resembled a wild cat who had just stumbled home from a fight! So for this …
Frowning is a total romance killer. As even Annie knows, you’re never fully dressed without a smile. This tip may seem obvious. And yet so many people slap on sullen faces when walking down the street or going about their business. I think they get caught up in their own thoughts and don’t realize what messages their faces are sending. …
I was entering Nordstrom when I heard an explosion of enthusiastic screams and applause coming from a slew of eager shoppers in the shoe department. The level of excitement was similar to what I saw Zac Efron receive at his Toronto Film Festival premiere. But Zac, with his steely blue eyes, wasn’t gracing the store. The adulation was all for …
Sundance, a premiere film festival, is taking over Park City, and so are celebrities. The fun lasts through January 26th. In the meantime, this notoriously chill destination will get a glitz-surplus. With the glitterati everywhere, there’s no need to hit up Hollywood now for your star fix. Instead, you can flock to Park City…along with tens of thousands of movie …
Few things in life last, but true friendship is one of them. Regina, a close friend from our Vanderbilt days, just sent me pictures of her new baby wearing the tutu-inspired dress I gave her. Knowing this little one’s mom, I’m sure she’s in for many high adventures. Regina is creative, zany and spontaneous. I’ll never forget the first time …
This year marks a decade since the famous Italian prima ballerina, Carla Fracci, launched her beautiful fragrance dedicated to the heroine of the ballet Giselle. This scent is for strong women with a romantic side, like Carla. She was one of the most beloved Giselles of all time, partnering with the likes of Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov. She was …
Just because most of us can’t afford to pop for a mega-money celebrity gown, doesn’t mean we can’t be similarly stunning. This week, my blog has been a Golden Globe-athon. So naturally, since it’s Fashion Friday, I went to the four corners of the world for dresses like those worn on the red carpet that cost a fraction of the …
Yesterday, for Wild Card Wednesday, I featured Golden Globe hairstyles inspired by Swan Lake. So today – Travel Thursday – we’re touching down in Greece, where Tchaikovsky received the inspiration for his famous ballet from the ancient legends of swan-maidens. Santorini, the spectacular Greek island pictured, is credited with spawning another legend—Atlantis. It is the result of a volcanic eruption, …
So I get that the whole point of the Golden Globes was to honor Hollywood talent, but I’m among the many who became wrapped up in the fashions, hairstyles and makeup. The awards may have taken center stage at the ceremony, but so did the parade of elegant low buns. Presenter Margot Robbie fielded a teleprompter malfunction, but there were …
American Hustle’s Amy Adams didn’t have to hustle anyone at the Golden Globes to make everyone fall in love with her. The best-actress award-winner is full of charm, beauty and talent. After watching the ceremony, I played around and discovered the steps for recreating Amy’s alluring hairstyle. There are only four, and anyone can follow them. The first step is …
With February – the V-Season – quickly approaching, I thought you’d enjoy a brief, true, love-igniting story… One of my girlfriends is the diva of practical jokes. Mundane is not her MO, and she’ll hang in for the long haul to see a good prank through. But she never dreamt that long haul could translate into ten years—and with this …
As you know, it’s the Year of the Horse, so if your budget was blown over the holidays, you can trot out your old clothes and still be on the cutting edge of style. Seven years ago, I bought this shearling-like jacket. Last weekend, I saw something similar hot off the designer’s table. So I pulled mine out of the …
Are you travel-obsessed? I know I am! I love traveling so much that I placed a plane on my grade-school charm bracelet and, to this day, trip tickets go on my bulletin board. Starting at the age of fourteen, I spent summers – on my own – at various locations across the globe training with ballet companies. I found that …