Beyonce... 'Four-druple threat'

Beyonce Knowles a.k.a.  Mrs. ("he used to beat the block, now he be's the block") Carter is more than a singer, dancer, actor... she is an innovator and style icon.  At the very least she is a 'Four-druple threat' in my eyes.  More than anything, she remains humble, down to earth and 'country' in the most positive way.  Always appearing totally unaffected by her accomplishments.  I find that unbelievably endearing, as many in similar positions are less than humble.

I am most admirable of the positive image she presents to youth (mainly young girls), showing their dreams will be accomplished by hard work, to remain dedicated, study and 'put int he work'.  

On her new CD titled 'FOUR" - “The fans have named the album 4. And four is my favorite number. It’s an important number in my life: the date of my birthday, my mom’s birthday, my husband’s birthday, the day I got married. Barack Obama is the 44th president, and I performed ‘At Last’ by Etta James at his inauguration.”

Images W Magazine July 2011

Going back to Cali, Cali, Cali... Wine Country St.Helena

St. Helena, CA Exceptional 20 acre Vineyard Estate property located in highly coveted St. Helena. State-of-the-art main house, guest house, & pool house featuring floor to ceiling windows capturing breathtaking views the surround. An in-ground pool, award-winning Cabernet vineyard, olive grove and rose garden are included in the offering. 

Ginger Martin

Soethby's International Real Esate 

(415) 516-3939

(707) 935-2262

www.sothebyshomes.com/Sonoma-Real-Estate/sales/0243023#

Wine Country Brokerage

25 East Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
Tel: (707) 935-2288 

 

All images courtesy Sotheby's International

Dylan Laurens' wedding dress reveal by Vogue Magazine

"Who can make the sunrise? The candy girl can cause she mixes it with love to make the world taste good!"

Okay, that was my Sammy Davis Jr. 'Candy Man' remix, as applied to Ms. Dylan Lauren, owner of Dylans' Candy Shoppe in New York.

She recently wed at her family palatial estate in Bedford New York amid 273 acres of landscaping heaven.  The residence was built in 1929, and is loaded with 19th century paintings, furniture and houses Mr. Laurens' trophy car collection - that is the one's he wants to drive are brought to the home.

Vogue August issue shared this image first. Of course Mr. Lauren designed and must have long countless nights sleep obsessing about the details of the dress.  Proof positive it pays to have an expert on the matter, lend their guidance.  Hence, none other than Ms. Vera Wang (former Ralph Lauren womens' designer), lent her hand and advise for its construction.  Goes to a previous post point of mine, that RL is such a wonderful company former employees remain valued.

The wonderful handmaidens surely are beading and stitching Lauren Bush's wedding dress, that Mr. Lauren is also designing for her wedding to son David.  I'm still caught on the Lauren Lauren, L square, L Deuce or LL Cool L.  Whatever will they call her?

One thing for sure... that's another dress I cannot wait to see!

Photo of Dylan, courtesy Vogue Magazine and Sebastian Kim

Estate images by Durston Saylor

Interview with Hautezone's Interior Designer Joy Moyler

Hello Friends, people are always asking me just how I started in interior design.  So one evening I sat down to talk a bit about it.  
I thought I would share this video with you, capturing some of my musings, inspirations and bits about some of the firms I have been blessed to work with at the start of my career....

Untitled from Joy Moyler on Vimeo.

Let me know what you think!

Jennifer Lopez - Back on the block

Okay by now, most of us had heard about or seen the awful news reel announcing the end of Jennifer Lopez' and Marc Anthony's marriage.   I found it to be a tremendous shock.  Who could forget their performance together at the American Idol finale mere months ago.  It was on FIRE!  Whether things abruptly fell apart after that performance or they hail at being supreme entertainers beyond the stage- we shall never know.  It isn't even my business to be talking about it I know.  Just wondering is all.  Speculating actually, as many of us 'Monday Morning Quarterbacks' are doing today.  Personally, I am fond of both of them and am still looking forward to their concerts together.  Fingers crossed!

Fumbling through magazines this morning, my fingers suddenly opened  upon the January/February 2011 issue of Veranda Magazine.  Michelle Workman was the interior designer.  I love the tone, light and overall look of the residence.  There's a sensuous white lacquered piano, velvet sheens, shimmering silvers, crystal chandeliers and a  gentle balanced quality which can only become more beautiful as the sun sets.  It doesn't look very childproof or masculine but I'm guessing the sound system in incredible.

  

Images courtesy of Veranda Magazine.  Video, YouTube, Top image of Jennifer Lopez by JustJared, Bottom image BeyondBeautiful.com

Vogue.com - Wedding Guide 2011

Wow! I have been to my fill of weddings this year since the beginning of Spring, and they are knocking my summer blend socks off - BIGTIME!  You ladies really are doing it up!  Kate Middleton who?

I don't know if everyone has a little Preston Bailey and Mindy Weiss in their hip pockets or what?  Perhaps it's the resources shared on television shows like - 'Platinum Weddings' and David Tutera's 'My Fair Wedding', both incredible presentations depicting just how to make your dreamscape fantasies come to life.

Perhaps it's the other best keep secret is Vogue.com Wedding Guide 2011!  You can read more of their recommendations here... I grabbed just a parcel of it to whet your appetite.  Get a big plate, you're going to get very hungry for more!

Need I really say whose shoes these are???? I didn't think so!

Stationary by Paperless Post

All images via Vogue.com

The many looks of Vogues Hamish Bowles

Man about town, Vogue Magazine's European Editor at Large since 1995 - Hamish Bowles.

At Vogue since 1992, where he began his long standing relationship at the helm as Style Editor.  In April 2001, he was appointed Creative Consultant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, in New York.

Mr. Bowles, has appeared in film as well, on both Gossip Girl and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.

Not to be overlooked is his exquisite collection of haute couture, I would love to rummage through.  Mr. Bowles, may I please visit your collection?  Generously, several pieces have been lent to Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.