Go Red for Women!

Collection Amelie 

Tomorrow is 

National Wear Red Day ...

will you be a lady in red tomorrow?

I love this cause Go Red for Women 

for the fight against women's heart disease.

I've been racking my brain

what I can wear tomorrow to show my support.

Then, it dawned on me...

I have a "tres chic" accessory set 

that I picked up in Paris in 2003,

my Lancel Amelie purse and scarf set.  

Lancel
127 Avenue Des Champs-Elysees 
Paris

I fell in love with the Amelie Paris map print collection in a French magazine

one night at our hotel in Rue Cler.

The next morning,

I asked the nice desk clerk where I could find the collection.

So that morning,
before leaving Paris,
 we made a mad dash to the Champs Elysees

and the Lancel boutique.

At the  Lancel boutique

I couldn't speak French and the Lancel sales clerk didn't speak English.

Somehow we managed and I came home with the

limited-edition Amelie handbag and scarf...
and we made it to the airport on time!

I think tomorrow is a perfect day

to bring them out of my closet.

Red is Lancel's trademark color, afterall!

(The photo of the Lancel boutique on the Champs Elysees
is a recent photograph from our May 2011 trip...
I just love the Brigitte Bardot billboard.)

Only at Macy's

 Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse

I love designer collaborations with main street department stores. 

I think designer extraordinaire Karl Lagerfeld's

collaboration with Macy's is probably the best one yet!

Karl Lagerfeld is one of the world's greatest fashion legends. 

Today, he is probably best known as

Chief Designer at the house of Chanel
but he wears many hats!

 A Little Black Dress

If you've ever wanted to own a little black dress by Chanel...

here's your chance.  While this is not a Chanel dress,

I just can't help but see Coco's influence in this design by Karl. 

This chic black dress is available in-store and online in the

Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse collection at Macy's. 

It's a limited edition collection.

I saw Karl's collection at my local Macy's a few days ago

and the racks still have good stock. 

Surprisingly, I don't think many fashionistas know about this collection yet. 

While the dress looks nice on the rack,

it's gorgeous on a beautiful model...

 What Would Coco Think?

Ooh,la,la...

I can't help but wonder...

what would Coco think?

(Model photograph from Macy's)

Happy May Day!

It's May Day!

Look what's growing in my garden....

Liberty of London Flowers!

 My Fabric Flower Garden

I've been a bit crafty lately making fabric flower pins.  I upcycled one of my Liberty of London for Target scarves into flower pins to wear with my Liberty of London scarf to England in a few weeks.   I can't wait to wear them to tea or to a garden party!

There is inspiration and tutorials all over the Internet to get you inspired to make your own fabric flowers. 

I like to make mine with a brooch back that has a pin and an alligator clip

so I can wear them in my hair or on a pretty cardigan. 

Hand-made Liberty of London

Fabric Flower Pin

Enjoy May Day...

and don't forget to wear a flower in your hair!

Tea Cup Bangles

 Tea Cup Bangle

What will you be wearing to your next tea party?

How about a Tea Cup Bangle?

China Cabinet Bracelets

Leave it to Anthropolgie to discover this clever tea cup idea! 

I was in the city yesterday for afternoon tea at my favorite San Francisco tea room Crown & Crumpet.  After tea my friends and I headed over to Union Square for some holiday shopping. 

I always love "popping" in Athropologie stores.  They are always filled with fabulous inspiration.  I was excited to see their China Cabinet Bracelets in person since they had caught my eye online. 

I love this clever tea cup design but after trying one on, I passed on purchasing it.  The bangle seemed a bit heavy to wear.  I think I would also be afraid of chipping it, too.  Hmmm...it could be cute just to wear to special tea parties though.

If you want a Tea Cup Bangle...you better hurry down to your nearest Anthro store because they are already sold out online.

I'll probably regret that I didn't buy one!

Mulberry for Target!

 Had to Have It!

I adore British High Street fashion! 

I just found out a few days ago that there is another British fashion invasion at Target.  This time it's Mulberry! 

I am normally "in the know" and one of the first shoppers to hit Target when a British Design collaboration launches at Target.  Somehow the Mulberry brand snuck by me. 

Luckily I saw a Mulberry for Target handbag in a magazine the other night and hit my local Target the very next day.

 Nearly Sold Out!

I was so disappointed when I arrived at Target just a few days after the official Mulberry launch only to find the shelves just about empty. 

Being the determined shopper that I am...I hit a few more Target stores.  My mission... to snag a Mulberry Pink Leopard Bag.

Mine, Mine, Mine!

Mission accomplished!  Luckily for me...
I finally found the bag I wanted after visiting four Target stores.

For those in the know...leopard is the "hot" print this fashion season.  I normally don't go for pink but I just know this bag will be a real head-turner! 

A real High Street Mulberry bag like their Bayswater model  (made in leather) would sell for around $1,200.00  to $2,600.00 depending on the print.   Knowing this, I am now a fan of pink leopard and love my High Street knock off bag for Target! 

 So if you want to be carrying some British Mulberry style this fashion season,

I suggest running not walking to your nearest Target store. 

You just might get lucky, too!

We have a winner!

Drum Roll Please...

Liberty of London Reusable Bag

Only two dedicated readers entered a comment for my contest give-away of a Liberty of London Reusable Bag. I have decided to reward both readers and give them each a Liberty of London Reusable Bag.

Here's what the winners had to say about the bag:

Annemieke: I didn't realize Target still had Liberty of London. Being the new Cali girl that I am I am always looking for new reusable bags for my shopping.

Ruth: How pretty! If anyone could find such a lovely reusable shopping bag, it would be you!

Congratulations ladies and thank you for being a faithful readers of my blog! Your bag is on the way!

Liberty Flower Power

Liberty for Target Print Scarf

Did you know...they're going, going, gone now? Yes, the Liberty of London limited edition scarves have sold out online in both the USA and the UK. And this week, the remaining Liberty scarves and accessories went on clearance in the stores.

Since I am a Liberty fan I have been watching the stock at all my local Targets since Liberty hit their shelves in mid March. In my opinion, the Target Liberty frenzy got off to a rather slow start. It seems that only true-blue Liberty fans rushed out to grab some of Liberty's flower power at Target during those first few weeks.

Liberty's on Clearance Now

Initially, I was pretty excited to grab some Liberty "flower power" style at Target prices. I stocked up on some pretty fab stuff. Then rather quickly my Liberty "buzz" wore off. I loved the designs of all the Liberty for Target range but just wasn't jazzed about the quality of the goods.

So...I opted to keep several scarves, a Poppy tote bag and a mod dress (ooh, can't wait to wear it to tea in London!) from the Liberty for Target range. Now I have Liberty style and it didn't break the bank!

Liberty Flower Power
Now that the Target campaign is winding down, Liberty of London is launching a Flower Power campaign in London with a season of floral fun! Liberty is celebrating London's Carnaby Street's

50th Anniversary with a special range of products and events around the store...all with fab 1960's style!

Poppy & Daisy Liberty Scarf

So check out this pretty floral scarf available in the new Liberty Flower Power range. The scarf above by Prova for Liberty only has a price tag of $310 UK pounds. Yep, you red that right! Suddenly my Target Liberty scarf at $14.99 doesn't' look so bad! Perhaps I should run back out to Target and grab a few more!

Get the London Look!

Twiggy London

I've always loved the "London Look"!

It was 1966 when Twiggy first burst on to the fashion scene. She's back again! This time she's making a splash with her Twiggy London exclusive fashion line for HSN.

By far my favorite item in her fashion line up is her Patent Union Tote. It features a Union Jack flag in snake-embossed striping. The Union Tote comes in five fabulous colors and even includes a cute little cosmetics bag, too.

Now which color to choose....the classice Navy/Red or the mod Hot Pink/Orange one?

First Dibs on Liberty of London for Target!

My Favorite Liberty of London Finds!
I feel pretty lucky that I've had "first dibs" on some of Target's new Liberty of London range. I went back out to more Target stores today to see what I could find.

Judging by how quickly the Liberty merchandise is flying off the shelves...it seems that Americans have "a thing" for Liberty's hip 1960's floral patterns used in this Target collaboration. Even the Target Liberty of London Pop-Up Store in New York City closed a day early because all the merchandise sold-out!

I did have a chance to see a quite few products out in the stores today. Sadly the displays do not do the Liberty name justice. Oh well, maybe things will get spiffed up before the official launch tomorrow.

So Here's a Look at More Liberty of London!

Liberty of London Wellies

Love these! Check out these adorable wellies (rain boots).
They are available in children and adult sizes at $24.99.

Liberty for Men
There's even Liberty for the "Prints Charming" in your life!

Liberty Home Decor

You can even decorate your home with Liberty prints!

Liberty Flip Flops

How cute are these flip flops?

Liberty of London Sundresses

On the racks today in stores I saw Liberty sundresses, bikinis, one piece bathing suits, nighties, bras and panties, too.

Liberty of London Stationery

I was pleased today that I found Liberty stationery

for sweet little notes to my faraway friends!

Liberty of London

For the Office
There are lots of fun stationery and home storage items, too. Perfect to keep you organized in Liberty style!

I'm anxious to head out again tomorrow with fingers crossed that the Liberty launch will officially be in the stores with all the merchandise.

See you in the aisles!

Liberty for Target Sneak Peak!

Liberty of London for Target

The Liberty of London for Target launch is just 48 hours away. I was tipped off by my friend Jodi in Seattle (who loves everything British like me) that Liberty of London products are already "popping up" in Target Stores. Brilliant!

So...guess where I went today? Yep, Target. I actually drove to three Target stores today. Two out of the three stores did have a trinkling of Liberty of London products out.

Here's your sneak peak:

Liberty Print Hats & Wallets

Liberty China

Liberty Garden Ware

I loved the styling of all the Liberty of London products. Sadly, I knew the quality would not be of the same standard as the Liberty store in London. None the less, at Target prices it is fun to grab some Liberty style.

I went home to today with an armful of adorable Liberty print scarves and a book bag to use for my knitting. What Liberty products will be going home with you?

Liberty of London is coming Stateside!

Classic Liberty of London Scarf

I love shopping at London's Regent Street landmark department store, Liberty of London! Turns out now I don't have to "hop" on a plane to get my "fix" for Liberty prints! Liberty for Target is arriving Stateside next week!

Yep, you read that right! There will be another British invasion at Target on Sunday, March 14, 2010. This time Target has partnered with Britain's beloved Liberty of London. Since 1875 Liberty of London has been synonymous with British style and fabulous fabric prints.

Liberty Sixty Teapot
$12.99 at Target

Liberty for Target's smashing collection will feature exclusive spring prints in clothing, home ware, accessories, picnic ware and garden equipment. Of course, it won't be the same high street quality as the products on Regent Street but who really cares at Target prices!

Oh, be sure to check out the fab floral Liberty of London Ladies Cruiser . Buy it and you can pedal around town showing your love for Liberty's fab floral prints!

Liberty for Target

Have you seen the adorable Liberty for Target commercial? It will surely get you in the mood for spring!

I'm planning to be the first customer in the door at my Target to get first "dibs" on some lovely Liberty items. After all, I was the first customer in my Target for the Anya Hindmarch British invasion. Sadly though not ,too, many Americans knew about Britain's Anya Hindmarch handbags. I wonder if there will be more excitement for Britain's Liberty brand?

I'd love to know...will you be dashing off to Target for Liberty of London?

The Perfect Paris Tote!

Ooh, la, la!

Longchamp's Le Pilage

Tour Eiffel Bag

Isn't this the perfect bag for a trip to Paris?

Longchamp is one of my favorite French luxury brands. I discovered Longchamp years ago while shopping in Paris. Many Parisian women can be spotted shopping around the city with a Longchamp Le Pilage tote bag in hand.

The Le Pilage bag is a nylon bag with leather accents. It comes in array of colors to suit your fancy. It is also collapsible making it a perfect bag for travel so you can bring home all those Paris souvenirs!

If you're jetting off to Paris soon, you can pick up your very own Tour Eiffel Bag at Nordstrom.

Oui or Non?

Oui or Non

Just had to share this latest fashion find with you!

Aren't these adorable charm earrings perfect for a fickle Francophile? The earrings are by, one of my favorite US jewelry designers, Liz Palacios from San Francisco, CA.

Wouldn't they just be perfect for wearing in Paris?!

Day Dreaming of Paris!

Day Dreaming of Paris!

Wondering where I've been? I have been day dreaming about Paris and busy on my other blog The Flitter Knitter.

I hope to be blogging here again soon!

Felix Rey for Target

Felix Rey for Target

Are you heading to the beach this summer? Or perhaps a more exotic tropical destination is in your plans? Will either way, you just may "have to have" this designer-chic beach bag!

Felix Rey is a fab designer duo that has an exclusive limited-edition hand bag run for Target later this month. Normally their luxury handbags are sold in exclusive stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks and Blommingdales.

Target's motto is "Design for All". What a clever idea Target has come up with partnering with high style designers and making fashion affordable for everyone.

My friend Jodi in Seattle recently told me that we are no longer called Fashionista's but Reccessionista's. (She loves handbags, too!) These Target Designer bags are perfect for us Reccessionista's who still want style but don't want to break the bank. The Coral Beach Bag in the photo is a steal at only $34.99!

The Felix Rey for Target collection will be in Target stores nationwide from March 29th thru June 6th.

Will you be dashing off to get one?

"We'll Always Have Paris" Bracelets!

We'll always have Paris!

I love Paris and I love fashion jewelry! So you know I am in love with these adorable Paris phrase bracelets!

The bracelets are part of the Nantucket Bangles collection by designer Jessica Cushman. They are crafted in hand poured resin and then hand inked and hand finished. Many are limited-edition designs. They come in lots of clever and catchy phrases. I'm sure you'll find one that you will like, too!

Designer Jessica Cushman

Jessica Cushman is the innovative designer behind these bracelets. They are crafted to resemble ivory scrimshaw. Naturally there are a lot of impostor companies in the market place knocking them off now. Some even accused The House of Chanel of being a copycat. Chanel brought out CoCo Chanel phrase bracelets in their 2007 Runway Collection.

Jesscia comes from a talented and crafty family. Her mother is needlework queen Erica Wilson and her father is modern furniture designer Vladimir Kagen. Her mother taught her how to do needlework and knit. Her father taught her the craft of scrimshaw. What a talented family!

For more information, have a look at her website JessciaCushman.com

Which bracelet do you want?

Christmas Tree Traditions!

Our Little Spode Christmas Tree

Did you know that decorating and "lighting" up a Christmas tree is an old German tradition?

German Christmas traditions became popular in England during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). Queen Victoria was almost entirely German descent and was raised with German Christmas traditions. It is her husband though, Prince Albert who is credited with popularizing decorating Christmas trees in England, a tradition he brought from his native German homeland.

In my family growing up, it was always a big outing going to the Christmas tree lot to pick out our tree. Our trees varied through the years but our decorations never did. My Mom saved every ornament my sister and I ever made. Our Christmas trees were always decorated with home-made ornaments, family vintage ornaments, garland and candy canes.

I love Christmas ornaments. I started collecting them way back in high school. I have many different types from country to tea-theme Victorian ones. I used to love decorating different theme trees with them. It's hard to confess but this year the ornaments are still in boxes and I put up a pre-decorated Spode Tree from FTD.

Pre-decorated trees do seem a bit commercial, I know. I really do feel like I am cheating especially since I am a designer putting up a pre-decorated tree. It does however bring convenience and a spirit of Christmas to our little home for my husband and me.

Anthropologie's Christmas Tree

So if you are looking for a designer-inspired creative Christmas tree don't come looking at our house this year. Maybe next year?

For a real head stopper tree though, check out Anthropolgie's idea of a Christmas tree. At least, there are some designers out there still getting creative!

Anthopologie

Miss Dior Cherie

Take me to Paris!

Ooh, la, la..this ad makes me want to go to Paris!

Yesterday while at the hair salon I spotted this adorable ad for Miss Dior Cherie in Vogue magazine. Any view of Paris... always catches my eye!

The ad's rooftop view is similar to the view my husband and I once shared on at the rooftop cafe at the Parisian department store La Samaritaine. We had our very first Croque-Monsieurs enjoying this same spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower. Sadly this landmark department store and restaurant have been closed for years now for security reasons.

So Chic! So French!

Then last night I saw the Miss Dior Cherie television commercial. It is so French and adorable. The beautiful young woman is seen prancing around Paris to a catchie French tune Moi je joue sung by Brigitte Bardot. The commercial makes me want to go to Paris even more!

The ad campaign is clever, cute and catchie. No wonder. It is directed by Sofia Coppola!

As for Miss Dior Cherie, it is a new perfume by Dior. If you ask me, I think this darling new ad campaign is going to sell a lot more than just perfume. It is probably going to sell a few airline tickets to Paris, too!

Miss Dior Cherie

Available at Nordstrom, Macy's and Sephora.

Louis Vuitton Window Shopping

Louis Vuitton

Westfield Galleria at Roseville

The French call it "faire du leche vitrines". We Americans call it window-shopping.

Today I spent the afternoon window-shopping at the new 400,000 square foot ($260 million) expansion at the Galleria mall.

LV window display

I naturally headed over first to the world's most famous French label boutique, Louis Vuitton. The new LV boutique at the Galleria is 4, 000 square feet and is fully stocked. There are plenty of handbags for all the "good-girls" on Santa's list!

Tivoli PM Handbag

This is my new favorite LV handbag!

(I snuck this photo to give to Santa!)

Louis Vuitton

I even window shopped inside the new LV boutique today. I had to wait in a short line to be let in. The door man only allows so many shoppers in at one time. There were also about three guards within the store, too.

Lisa a very nice LV sales associate waited on me today. I have always wanted a real LV handbag but have waned since there are so many young girls carrying knock offs these days. The funny thing is whenever I am in Paris, I actually see more ladies carrying Burberry handbags than Louis Vuitton's!

The handbag I liked best today was the Tivoli PM bag. It is a classic brown LV monogram bag with a bit of a modern edge to it. I asked Lisa if it was made in France. I was stunned when she said "No. It is made here in the USA". Wow... that really surprised me. I did some research tonight and oui, there is a LV production facility in San Dimas (Los Angeles County), CA.
I am sure the LV US production team are all expertly trained in the LV French way. I just happen to like my French handbags to be made in France. (You may call this French snobbery if you like!) I bet if I were to buy the Tivoli PM bag in Paris it would come from a French factory then. Hmm...more to ponder. Well, I have plenty of time to figure out this handbag dilemma. I am saving up birthday money and brownie-points to get a French handbag for my big 50th birthday. It is just over a year away and my fingers are crossed that I will get to shop for the handbag in Paris!

For now I am happy just window-shopping!

Next time you are at the Galleria...have fun window shopping at Louis Vuitton!

Louis Vuitton

Galleria at Roseville

Upper level # 1150