A Rocking Head Scarf from Versace for H&M.
I know everyone’s crushing on the Versace for H&M clothing line that was launched in New York last week, but it was the humble hanky headscarf, looking chic in black leather that caught my eye as it paraded down the runway. The handkerchief headscarf emerged as a key accessory for spring 2011 and looks to continue into next year.
The Queen carrying a Fulton Birdcage Umbrella
Rain’s coming. Need a new umbrella? Consider Fulton’s clear-domed Birdcage umbrella ($35), used by Queen Elizabeth on royal visits during bad weather so that the public can see her clearly. It’s wide enough to accommodate her fancy hats, completely covering her head down to the shoulders. There’s even a mini Birdcage style ($15) for young royals and puddle-jumping kids everywhere.
Fulton (www.fultonumbrellas.com) is the official umbrella brand of the British Royal Family. The company’s see-through Birdcage model became a trademark for the Queen Mother, and subsequently Queen Elizabeth. When William and Kate visit Canada this June, royal watchers will have the perfect accessory, come rain or shine.
Start thinking of your umbrella as a fashion accessory, the way you would your shoes, purse or jewellry. Collaborating with U.K. designers Lulu Guinness, Morris & Co, Ella Doran and Cath Kidson, Fulton is bringing a high-fashion element to their Spring 2011 collection.
White Diamonds Media Launch Sept 11, 1991
I met Elizabeth Taylor on Wednesday, September 11, 1991. Elizabeth Arden Inc, the manufacturer and distributor of her fragrances then and now, flew Canadian media to New York City to attend a press conference at The Plaza Hotel introducing White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor. She was to make a rare personal appearance. I’d met many famous fashion personalities in my career but nothing to compare with her stature as a ‘legendary movie star’.
Revlon recently hosted a Moon Manicure – Dab & Gab nail event to preview their Spring 2011 nail collection and demonstrate some of the trendy new looks in nail art–like stripes, the moon manicure, and the updated French manicure. Nail artisans at Tips Nail Bar – 844a Danforth Avenue, turned out precision perfect designs, all painted by hand, no stencils whatsoever.
Wild Blueberry Cup
Got the winter blues? Start incorporating wild blueberries into your daily diet. Referred to as a “happy food” because of their low glycemic index, wild blueberries help maintain mood, energy and concentration throughout the day. Wild Blueberries are said to have more antioxidant capacity than a serving of cranberries, strawberries, plums, raspberries and even cultivated blueberries.
Available frozen year round, wild blueberries retain their nutritional value longer than fresh because they are harvested at the height of ripeness and nutritive value. They can remain frozen for over two years without losing their flavor or nutritional value. Plus they are thoroughly washed which adds to their convenience.
Pfizer's Smidge 'App'
At this time of the year, with sub degree temperatures, hibernation and the overall blahs, everyone could use a smidge™ of inspiration to stay on track with their diet, exercise and health goals. Many of my own resolutions for a new healthy year have already fizzled.
Meet smidge™ Pfizer’s free ‘app’ and health motivator. The program cheers you through small, sustainable steps toward a healthier lifestyle. As you build momentum over a 21-day period, smidge™ shows you how to do just a little bit more by choosing across six activities that include: Be Positive, Eat More Fruits and Veggies, Train Your Brain, Take the Stairs, Deep Breathing and Drink More Water.
There’s a new cookie in town and her name is madeleine. All year I’ve been besotted by these soft, scrumptious little shell shaped cookies you have with tea or coffee. The great French author Marcel Proust put madeleines on the map in his novel Rememberance of Things Past. Unfortunately he did not leave a recipe, and a great one is hard to find. Here’s the best recipe I’ve found for this ‘magical’ pastry, courtesy of Sarah Bell, pastry chef and co-owner of the recently expanded Bobbette and Belle (bobbetteandbelle.com)
