“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” and here’s what we were talking about on WIT & Whimsy at this time one year ago!

We profiled the one & only Marc Jacobs

Diamonds and rubbies & pearls oh my! David Yurman love

All time favorite snack!

Some wisdom on choosing vino

Keeping holiday food indulgences in moderation

Refreshing your beauty routines for the New Year

,Ah, my very first post! And just in time for the Holiday shopping season. I think my list of favorites might be longer than Santa’s naughty list but I will try to give you an edited version. So here’s my list – what I want, what I’m giving, and what I think everyone should own.

Clockwise from top left: (1) I love, love these leather bound Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s. Each volume is bound in genuine morocco leather, smythe-sewn, and printed on acid-free paper with gilt edges. I love the color options- perfect for either a traditional or modern home.  Even Better? You can personalize your dictionary with gold embossing on one or two lines. jennibick.com (2) These reissued classics are a pretty addition to any library or bookshelf. No detail was spared. Each book features vintage foil patterns stamped on linen cases, colored endpapers and ribbon markers. These high school requirements – Great Expectations, Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, and 5 others – are only $20 each and are available at penguin.com. (3) Another classic: Emily Post’s Etiquette. Everyone should own a copy of this instruction manual for life. This updated edition contains sensible rules for today’s modern social butterfly. $39.99, Amazon.com (4) Photographs from one of my favorite blogs (of the same name). The perfect coffee table book for real people slash fasionistas. Photographs by Scott Schuman of people on the street who look great from around the world. $25, Amazon.com

At the tippy top of my list? The Shoe of the Month Club from J. Crew. So obsessed. A new pair of gorgeous J. Crew shoes each month, delivered to your doorstep. How lovely? $1800 to join the club, so that’s $150 a pair – not too bad when you break it down over the life of the investment. $1800, Jcrew.com.

I’m loving this relaxed and casual jersey blazer by Cartonnier. This jacket easily dresses up or down any outfit just perfectly. I love the contrast of the cut and material. This has quickly become a stable in my own wardrobe. $88, Anthropologie

The Little Black Dress – with a twist. This Marc by Marc Jacobs dress is a simple and elegant take on today’ one-shoulder trend. I love the pleating, the crossover tulip skirt, and the asymmetrical hem. Gorgeous! $328, Saks.com.

(1) I received a Helen Ficalora charm necklace for my college graduation and it still remains one of my favorite gifts. I receive more complements on this necklace than anything else I own! Truly a must have! I love the alphabet charms, worn alone or layered on. Additionally, there are charms that benefit numerous charities. helenficalora.com. (2) Last, but not least, as a (new) New Orleanian, it should be obvious that this David Yurman Fleur de Lis charm bracelet made my list. Sales from the charm will benefit the Drew Brees Dream Foundation, which is committed to helping rebuild New Orleans. $380, Aucoin Hart Jewelers.

… and those were a few of my favorite things. Happy Holidays! xo

]]> http://haleyshoemaker.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/you-are-here/ Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:59:12 +0000 haleyshoemaker http://haleyshoemaker.wordpress.com/2009/12/05/you-are-here/

Whatever can we say? Fashion hearts DC! Fiveiconic designers headed to the District in two weeks time. First up: Christian Louboutin. The well-heeled were pumped to meet iconic French shoe designer, when he visited Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria. The ladies begged him to mark up the red-soles of their stems—with his autograph, natch. The store’s famous chocolate chip cookies made the line well-worth the wait. DC fashionistas also flocked to the Swiss Ambassador Urs Ziswiler’s residence to preview Isabel Toledo’s spring 2010 collection. The designer was honored for her artful use of Swiss lace, which has garnered attention around the world. “She is now the ambassador of Swiss lace!” her husband Ruben chimed. Guests headed to Nordstrom the next day for another meet and greet, and to log their orders.  Jason Wu, another favorite of the First Lady, stopped off in the District to show off his latest creations to the style set at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Beats by Basement Jaxx and MidnightJuggernauts rounded out the playlist, picked by the designer, for the evening. Buffy Cafritz and Eve Grimaldi eyed the nipped-waist sheaths while they nibbled bites from Ridgewells and sipped champagne garnished with blackberries. The same evening, over at Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, jewelry fanatics were sipping faux Kir Royals and Citrus Sparklers ,while draping themselves in David Yurman jewels. The designer was on hand to recommend cable bracelets and couture collection baubles to the rock lovers. Occasions Caterers nourished the crowd with wonton squares with tuna tartar and eggplant involtini while they browsed. Also on the list at Tysons Galleria was British rock star/jewelry designer Stephen Webster, who brought his edgy, unconventional trinkets to Saks Fifth Avenue for a swank cocktail party with live music, motorcycles and plush, purple carpet. Ridgewells kept guests nibbling on Manchego cheese and piquillo pepper wraps as the local band The Reason played Amy Winehouse-ish tunes.Webster’s colossal crab ring—bedecked with a huge neon-hued opal—was the showstopper amidst a sea of aquatic-themed pieces. –Haley Shoemaker, Hays Sibley and Leila Rafei

arlenis is represented by marilyn model management.
she appears in the FW09 campaign for jeweler, david yurman, as seen.
anna jagodzinzksa & amber valleta also appear for this same season.
it’s dope to see a woman of color in a major campaign.
photographic credit to peter lindbergh.

imagesource | tfs

By Leslie Hoffman

The WHIRL December issue is on newsstands now, and we are so excited about this artistic addition to our WHIRL covers! 

Dawn Tomczak is our annual holiday cover girl, and this is her eighth cover with us. Each year, we try to create a cover with her that captures the current feel and mood of society. In 2007, it was all sparkles, and in 2008, it was homey and cozy, with peace signs and puppy dogs.

We got to work with amazing people who helped us to pull off our creative vision. Christine Tumpson, our editor in chief, wanted to “cover Dawn with graffiti.” So first, we had to find an artist who could help us with the graffiti-like style that we craved, and my friend, artist and DJ Edgar Um Bucholtz, put me in touch with artist and graphic designer Shane Pilster, who was amazing to work with. For the over-the-top hair, we knew that the people to contact were the creative team at Philip Pelusi: Nicolette Blahusch did Dawn’s glowy, ethereal makeup, and Lisa Krszal created the over-the-top hair for us, incorporating unique hair pieces from Pelusi’s own collection, some of which date back to the 1960s! Louis Anthony Jewelers’s amazing brother and sister team Amie Guarino Yadouga and Lou Guarino III, brought great urban and edgy gems from Stephen Webster, David Yurman, and John Hardy. Footloose provided the sparkling silver Stuart Weitzman shoes on our cover, and some beautiful Charles David slingbacks for some of the other shots. A last-minute touch? We decided we needed glowing paper stars. After a few phone calls, we realized that Andy Schick from ADS Lighting was our guy, and he delivered these gorgeous lanterns to us. It all came together. 

 Click here to read more about the behind-the-scenes!

I had a lovely few days visiting my parents and I can actually say I’m already looking forward to going home again in just a few weeks! While I was in Memphis, I got a chance to try a couple of newish restaurants opened by family friends that were quite delish! I could pretty much eat the cheddar grits fries at South of Beale every day, and the chocolate cheesecake at Mosa was sinfully wonderful (and a welcome surprise at an Asian fusion restaurant)!

So now that Thanksgiving is over, I’ve perused just about every magazine gift guide, and I’ve officially begun my holiday shopping… it’s time for the most relevant gift guide – the Wonderfelle Gift Guide (that is, the gift guide to buying presents for me)! My parents still ask what my Christmas list is every year… and since this blog is essentially a giant wishlist in itself, I figured I’d try to narrow it down for Santa, so here it goes…

Dear Santa,

Let me start by saying, this year I’ll be leaving you a whole chocolate cheesecake and a bottle of Dom – hopefully this makes you more amenable to my following requests! I’ve been a good girl this year – I got my first apartment all on my own, passed 2 important levels of securities examinations at work, was a fabulous maid of honor at your eldest daughter’s wedding, started a blog loved by nurses around the world, and even taught Mrs. Claus the wonders of facebook and text messages.

The following is a list of things (in order of greatest desire) that I would love to find wrapped under the tree (I’ll even wrap them myself if that’s helpful )

David Yurman Waverly Diamond Cuff Watch

As Santa might know, I don’t wear a watch. I generally don’t like the way they look on my small wrists and I tend to like a particularly feminine style (in other words, I don’t like watches that look like traditional watches), but of all of the options I have seen, this is the perfect watch for me! It’s an adjustable sterling silver bracelet with diamond accents and a mother of pearl dial – if I were to get just one thing this year, I this would be it.

Louis Vuitton Palermo GM

Santa may not understand the female need to have another bag, but this is an investment piece that I will have and use forever. Why this bag? Described as having “soft pleats. Feminine styling. Large practical space. Ideal for modern women,” it’s the perfect size and style for everyday use. It’s a classic luxury item and if it should find its way under the tree, I promise to treat it well!

DSLR Camera

My (decent) camera was stolen a few years ago in Uruguay and at the time I replaced it with a not-so-decent (read: practically plastic) camera that is generally underwhelming. This Gizmodo article discusses 4 DSLR cameras for every budget and while I would be happy with any of them, I think Santa may be more knowledgeable about what is the best option. I’d like to incorporate more original photos in this blog and this would really help…

Keurig Special Edition B60 Gourmet Single Serve Coffee Maker

Like you Santa, I need a cup of coffee to get me going in the morning. The thing is, it’s not worth making a pot of coffee every morning when I only want one cup – not to mention its a pain to clean. This single serve coffee maker is perfect (my boss has one in his office) – you pour in the water, put a pod in and coffee is served in less than 60 seconds. Maybe I don’t need a new coffee maker, but it’s certainly cheaper than stopping at starbucks on my way to work every week!

Pinwheel Ring

The holidays are the perfect time to debut a sparkly cocktail ring and I think the price on this beauty is more than worth it. It’s even small enough that it could fit in my stocking… just a suggestion!

Thanks Santa! (Feel free to contact me to discuss sizes or other ideas)

What’s on your wish list this year?

Corinna on stage at Celebrity Dance Challenge

After months of preparation, the Celebrity Dance Challenge finally took place last night with amazing success.
Sub-titled “Dancing For Self-Esteem” the event benefitted the Eating Disorder Information Network, or EDIN.

My dance partner, Clifton Pierce, and I performed to the song “Freakum Dress” by Beyonce.

These amazing photos are courtesy of my friend, Scott Reeves.

You can also check out video of the performance.

Truly a night I will NEVER forget.

My sincere thanks to EDIN for including me in their good work.

And a huge round of applause to my Glam Squad!

Vanessa Vinci for the dress, Daniel Jones for the hair, Leslie Hines from Authentic Beauty, and Marian Goldberg from David Yurman for the BLING!

Es un accesorio para todos, a cualquier edad. Un reloj puede agregar un tono de elegancia a tu atuendo. Siempre esta “IN” en cualquier temporada. Si no tienes uno, deberías considerar comprar uno, no sólo porque son un gran accesorio, sino también porque son una gran inversión. No importe el precio del reloj, asta el mas barato puede darte el tono elegante necesario!
Aquí están algunas opciones

Watches

An accessory for every one at any age. A watch can add an elegance tone to your outfit. A “most” for every season. If you don’t have one, you should consider getting one, not only because they are a great accessory but also because they are a great investment. Even a less expensive one can give you the right classy tone!

Here are a few options

Silver

GOLD

Strap

On Tuesday October 27th, 2009, The Optical at Primary Eyecare and Fink’s Jewelers partnered to host an exclusive David Yurman Preview Event at Fink’s in the Barracks Road Shopping Center. The Fall 2009 David Yurman eyewear and jewelry collections were previewed for all the attendees. The event was a lot of fun for all involved and Primary Eyecare was so thankful to the great staff of Fink’s, who allowed us to set-up display cases of David Yurman Eyewear in their beautiful store. Below are some images of our frames displayed in cases.

Two lucky attendees’ names were drawn for our magnificent door prizes. One attendee won a David Yurman necklace with rose quartz accents and another won a free pair of David Yurman sunglasses!

Look out in the spring for more events of these type as The Optical at Primary Eyecare debuts the Spring 2010 collections of some of our most famous designer lines of eyewear!

For more information on the David Yurman eyewear collection, visit AwesomeEyeglasses.com or our Hollymead Town Center location.

To shop Fink’s Jeweler’s David Yurman jewelry, visit Finks.com or their Barracks Road Shopping Center location.

Michelle Obama looks stunning as woman of the year on the cover of Glamour. She is the quintessential first lady in red- and is me or does she resemble an elegant Minnie Mouse? With the holidays around the corner a jewel toned red is a must. Shop this look below. I love this elegant dress by Nina Riccio.

Pair with David Yurman Black Onyx Petite Albion Earrings

I love these elegant black Bow Satin d’Orsay by Christian Louboutin.

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Happy Holiday Shopping!

Creazioni di David Yurman

Molto bella la collezione di gioielli da uomo che disegna David Yurman. Ogni pezzo, che sia collana, bracciale o anello, è massiccio ma mantiene un gusto chic. I materiali impiegati sono oro, argento, pelle, pietre dure, brillanti.

Forse per il fatto che sono gioielli elaborati, realizzati con combinazioni particolari (il pendente-amuleto a forma di scarabeo è in giada nera, per fare un esempio) il prezzo è decisamente elevato.

Creazioni di David Yurman

Creazioni di David Yurman

Creazioni di David Yurman

trying not to online shop at work because that’s unprofessional.  and i’m wearing my most professionalist dress today so i’m trying to keep in character.  but i caved.  could be the fact that i have 4 packets of mini m&m’s coursing through my bloodstream and the sugar rush knocked my mouse into the jewelry jungle that is saks.com.  and then, because we were out of milk and i didn’t have my instant breakfast this morning, i couldn’t focus so i clicked on david yurman jewelry.  it was fate really.  because this stunner knocked me out of my sugar-induced, lactose-free downward spiral:

isn't she perty?

omg.  must have.  imagine the way it would sparkle on my freshly-minted, jade by chanel little fingers.  imagine the skulls i could crush with it (that’s the dexter talking).  imagine the places she could go and the adventures we could have.  and for under 1/10 the dollar-drainage of an hermes birkin bag she sounds like a downright deal.

must save.  no more dinners out on the town.  no more casually cruising jcrew.  no more time-wasting trips to target.  and forget the halloween decorations i wanted to buy.  no more electricity, no more water, no more dry-cleaning.  love makes you do crazy things after all…

Last year the (VERY) unexpected happened… I won a $3,000 gift card for Neiman Marcus after entering to win on Vogue.com. Needless to say I was thrilled. It came at an especially great time: I was just about to quit my full-time job to go to grad. school full-time and thought all shopping would be placed on hold while I got my degree. It was definitely a God-sent. (I saw it as a gift from Him through Vogue )

I was able to buy several really nice gifts: David Yurman rings for my mom and sister; Salvatore Ferragamo wallet for my dad; Burberry watch for my fiancé… It was Christmas in August! Of the purchases I made for myself, the David Yurman 5mm Cable Classic Bracelet is definitely one of my faves! (I got the pearl one.) It’s elegant but simple, timeless and goes with just about anything!

Now I’m not good with numbers, but I don’t think the odds are in favor of me winning another gift card anytime soon–which means I won’t be buying any more wrist candy anytime soon. (Though I truly love and definitely appreciate high fashion, I’m a budget shopper!)BUT if I could…(fit it in my budget) I’d get ‘em in every color! Priced at $395, they’re definitely a worth-while jewelry investment.

Exact Items
H&M Top: $49.95
Forever 21 pants : $22.80
David Yurman Bracelets: $2,175.00
David Yurman Ring: $475.00
Frye Chunky Heels: $238
Pearl Earrings: Vintage
Goyard Bag: $2,750

Similar Items
BCB Generation Print Top : $68.00
Cravanzana Bag : $45.00
Deena & Ozzy Oxford Wedge : $58.00
Isharya Ring : $115.00

]]> http://netvietnam.org/2009/09/22/anna-jagodzinska-g%e1%bb%a3i-c%e1%ba%a3m-ca-tinh-trong-qu%e1%ba%a3ng-cao-david-yurman/ Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:50:39 +0000 Hải Sư http://netvietnam.org/2009/09/22/anna-jagodzinska-g%e1%bb%a3i-c%e1%ba%a3m-ca-tinh-trong-qu%e1%ba%a3ng-cao-david-yurman/ http://luxurylab.org/2009/09/17/luxurylab-daily-digest-15/ Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:51:01 +0000 Lauren Proctor http://luxurylab.org/2009/09/17/luxurylab-daily-digest-15/

David Yurman Joins the iPhone App Crowd (Luxist)
A David Yurman personal shopper comes to the iPhone with promotional videos, product features and more.

Survey: Wealthy Give Luxury Industry an ‘F’ (National Jeweler Network)
Discounting Lowers Luxury Perception, Expenditures For Some

Mercedes and BMW Hit Hardest by Slump (Business Week)
Germany’s premier automakers have been hurt more than rivals by declining sales of luxury vehicles and a shift to smaller cars.

The A-Word: Fashion Embraces Accessibility (Wall Street Journal)
Richard Chai didn’t show his namesake clothing line during New York’s Fashion Week. Instead, the designer used his coveted runway slot to introduce a new, less-expensive line called Love.

I would love to be an iPhone app developer that is well connected to the luxury world. I would have clients waiting in line to get their own iPhone app making it possible for trendy mobile phone goers to check out watches and jewelry on the go. (Luxist)

Mimi_Style Wants YOU...to answer this questionnaire!

Hello, precious HighEnders! You know I love nothing more than stealing “fill in the blank” questionnaires from mags and answering them moiself. Tres Narcissus Well, here we go again.

*Questions courtesy of Aug2009 Glamour Magazine*

Every woman should own…WOW jewelry- any and everything that provides a POP! Huge cocktail rings, statement earrings, the biggest bangles. Dainty is dull!

I’d feel naked without…a mani/pedi- spa, home, whatever. Gotsta have the nails done!

Mixing gold/silver…only David Yurman! Haha-totally kidding (kinda) Love the mix!

My good luck charms are…Sweet Sixteen Sapphire ring and bangin’ hair

There’s no such thing as…jewelry that is too big (ok, maybe C.Brown’s gaudyawful “Ooops” chain) or chic tennis shoes. Life’s too short for overly casual.

Coolest accessories statement you can make is…anything personalized- monogrammed, id; or hand-me-down from mom, grandma, sister, brother, father…well I think you get the point. Nothing’s cooler than jewelry with a story.

All right, hauties- I mean it this time! Answer this yourself. It’s a quickie (tee-hee) and I wanna know all about your accessories well-being. Till next time, lovers!

I would love to be an iPhone app developer that is well connected to the luxury world. I would have clients waiting in line to get their own iPhone app making it possible for trendy mobile phone goers to check out watches and jewelry on the go. It is really effective actually. (Luxist)