Tell Your own Story of LUXURY: The Perrin Paris Bag

Here's the latest in Spring Bags that we're totally hooked on:   Its the Perrin Paris spring Bag, the antidote to the typical Birken,  so overly "copied"  we want to kill ourselves because we cant tell the real from the faux anymore.  Wait,  did we say.... they're a bit well, expected?

Not so here; the PERRIN PARIS bag collection is presented in the forms of clutches, envelopes, totes, wristlets and minis that are made of the best leather in the world.  Chanel and Hermes can't be wrong, because the House of Perrin began in 1893 and was the exclusive glove makers and tannery for these storied brands who demanded the highest quality. This latest collection of bags is the antidote to the typical luxury bag that has us yawning.

So, let's get started:  Beautiful and original frames, made of wood, some in Metal Titanium and feather light to carry.  Like a modern high tech solution, the bags have these little buttons at the top, (see top right) that open the sturdy frames and reveal soft glove leather interiors.  Not fabric, but leather that is so luxurious your iphone will never want to get out of the bag, it will just want to sit quietly in its little pocket and rest, forever.  Well, we'll have to take out our phones sometimes and if we do, we can also take a cue from Martha Stewart who influenced the MARTHA bag. This is an curvy envelope that zips up and fits into your tote like a portable desk, with all the spaces you need for your jet set gear.  Only MARTHA could have thought of this one.  We adore the chic colors like creme, taupe, grey, navy, black, white, and camel....don't think you're getting a hot pink bag here: in the PERRIN world of subtle luxury these bags are investments and not playthings. However, we will mention they make adorable wristlet bags just pefect for a quick club "hop" or a cafe tabletop. They're little "mini-me's" of the larger bags and just as beautiful to look at, only in miniature with zippers, straps and bracelets to hold them on.

Concierge style service makes this a luxury shopping experience without the super-sized prices, too. If you want to preview the collection go ahead and pre-shop at the website.  But, we recommend that you head to the shop so that you can experience these bags in person. Witty, unique and not overly "branded" these bags make the wearer, not the other way around.  So, why not be your own, original?

Lets not forget their Paris store, on the rue des champs, in our favorite neighborhood, a few moments away from the Louvre and center of Paris.

See the locations and collection details at:  www.perrinparis.com

S T Y L I S T E   P R I V E  E

'Confessions of a Bohemian Shopper"  in Paris, LA and New York

SPRING TRENDS REPORT: Accessories to Go, Please.

Our Spring report on the Accessories we saw last fall in Paris, is now arriving and the trends, are in. Bold, Stylish, Colorful and Chic.

With an emphasis on great colors, world themes, glam classics or unique materials,  accessories are all about trends. But what about your own personal expression?  STYLIST PRIVEE has found a company that has edited the top trends and presented them in a unique and accessible way. That's because the company has a nationwide corps of trained stylists, who are busy bringing the goodies right to your neighborhood. The Stella &  Dot company is a direct sales company that showcases accessories at private trunk shows.  They've also put the social media channels to work so you can share the fun with your friends and family, too.  Do you love J-Lo's diamond hoops?  Check.  Ethnically inspired bangles or the Palm Beach look of Grace Kelley? Check. Vintage Hollywood rhinestones? Check. The accessories collections are fashion savvy and reflect the smart thinking that has already made it one of America's fastest growing new companies.  The Wall Street Journal loved the business model but we just love the great stuff.  Finally, there's that great name, Stella and Dot, after the founders grandmothers, whom they honor as the great women they were.  The company is designed for just for busy women and their unique talent of creating community.  It's very 21st Century. 

Let's face it, accessories can be confusing and its hard to know where to start or what you really need to update your look each season.  No worries here, each season will be presented by someone you know and trust.  The quality, prices and return policy are truly stellar.  Let's face it, who hasn't made a few shopping bloopers late at night on a shopping channel? Also, you can host a party in your own home, invite the local stylist and get in on the fun and profits.  Our close up look at the quality and prices made us true believers.  Already featured in major television shows, In Style magazine and on the red carpet these 'out of reach' trends are now accessible for the rest of us.    


Our favorites pictured here are bold, clean, and witty. We promise there is something, for everyone, even your daughters in that in between age can get in on the fun. 

Check out the website for all the low down on this season's looks at:  (www.stelladot.com/sharihuntington) to connect with our new BFF, Shari Huntington. 


STYLIST PRIVEE:  Confessions of a Bohemian Shopper

SPRING PEEPS are in Fashion: We know Trends...

Can it be true?  Are the PEEPS in residence once again?  Then, it must be spring!

 Yes, the impossibly bright colors of PEEPS have taken the POP culture by storm with the latest contest winner's released for this season by the Washington Post.  But, no matter if you love to eat them, Tweet about them, or just plain geek them, the PEEP brings smiles and laughter to even the most serious.  Yes, even Janet Reno is on the Peeps FACEBOOK page. I mean, seriously?  Wow, do you think she really eats them?

OK, so what does this have to do with STYLE?

We admit its a stretch, but the colors, are truly mind boggling, bringing to mind the delightful fashions of the 1980s club years, in Satin, no less. Or, those  Patent leather sky high pumps by Dior or Jimmy Choo come to mind.  Love that.  Or, perhaps you're contemplating a Peeps colored pair of Topsiders or swim togs for the season or (wait for it) the candy colored IZOD t-shirt to stun your friends at the country club.  EIther way, whether you just like to eat 'em or get inspired by them, we think their job is to make us happy. We sometimes like to eat them, but, then, we pause and realize we've just eaten something REALLY blue.  But, thats OK.  

In a world filled with well serious issues, we'd just as soon have our peeps, and, eat them too.

STYLIST PRIVEE

Spring Accessories Special: Hold the Pearls, Add the Chandeliers

The transition from Winter to Spring, is always evident in the accessories we wear, and, STYLIST PRIVEE is preparing for the New Spring Season with a series on Accessories designers.

STYLIST PRIVEE PREVIEW

• Jewelry Trends for the New Season
• Handbags from Paris
• Accessories Designers from Paris
• Bringing Style to Sustainability
• The Jewelry company that's taking on Avon

PHOTOS by STYLIST PRIVEE - New York Shop Window

Essensuals London Hair Salon: Get a bit Mod for Spring

Imagine if you will, a salon that is decorated like an urban loft with retro 1960s touches of natural wood, glass and white leather with a dash of  stainless steel.  A chic mid-century modern sensibility makes the space spare yet comfortable.  When you walk in the receptionists are actually friendly, offering you a glass of lemon water or green tea while you sink into the luxurious leather banquette to await your appointment.  But, that's just the beginning.

The staff has been trained by the Toni and Guy team that started in London and is a worldwide powerhouse in hair design.  The stylists at ESSENSUALS LONDON are  led by  Jason Townsend, Salon Director.  Anival  Morales, Hair Colorist,  Kristin Kirkland and the rest of the crew are well versed in their chosen specialties making the entire experience relaxing and effortless.

The salon has been open for just under a year,  but already 'young Hollywood' is knocking on their doors.  We get it:  they're  looking for a sense of chic, top quality services and that blessed thing called "relaxation" while they are getting glam.

The haircut we received wasn't a shock when it was done.   It was a perfect re-tweak of an old cut that we had liked, once upon a time. The blow-outs are fast and efficient drawing from an array of top products that are time tested.    Our blonde highlights were hand painted and came out like butter from the very painterly technique called "Baliage" which takes a true artist to pull off.

We confess we're feeling very Red Carpet, right about now, and we know you will too.

ESSENSUALS LONDON HAIR SALON  is next to FRED SEGAL near Crescent Heights and Melrose.  www.essensualslondon.com      Ask for:   Jason,  Salon Director  

Fashion Icon and Beyond: Elizabeth Taylor

Its not everyday that one personality, one actress, seems to have broken all the rules, and gone her own way, like Elizabeth Taylor.  Her life was a reflection of an era, a century, in which women who were beautiful, wilful, talented and extraordinary, had to fight their way to freedom.  Elizabeth had many lives, many incarnations.  But, in watching her on CLEOPATRA, it was clear that this film and it two stars, were unique on the planet at that moment in time.  Her portrayal of Cleopatra was more than just a women with a plan. No one, could hold a candle to Liz. She and Burton literally, played out their relationship on the screen like two great comets, they collided in a fiery and passionate  explosion.  Elizabeth had over 65 costumes changes,
designed by our favorite film designer of that period, Irene Sharaff, who was a master at it.  For the first time, the portrayal of a strong women, a historical character was aligned with the emerging roles of women in the 1960s.  We see her as an icon in a different way from Audrey or Grace, both of whom were more delicate in their approach.  Liz was elegant, warm and had an earthy sense of humor that belied her earth shattering beauty.  When dressed in her jewels she could play the part as well as anyone and so Fashion Icon doesn't really describe how she influenced a generation of women.  In the final speech in Cleopatra,  nearing her death, tells her servants to dress her in gold, so that she can be seen from far away, by Antony, who will recognize her as she enters the kingdom of the afterlife.  Indeed, she is there, now, dressed in that extraordinary gold gown that astonished the world and keeps her in our memory, forever.

Los Angeles FASHION WEEK: Its Raining Men

The Los Angeles Fashion Week end at the Gower Studios was a wonderful mix of brands, fashion and artists from LA's urban landscape.

The men's fashion was our favorite, and, we adored the companies "Z-BRAND" and "CIVIL SOCIETY" which paraded down the runway just the type of men we adore:  stylish, masculine, utilitarian but with a dash of luxury in the fabrics and cuts.

We saw period inspired clothes that were mixed up with great shirts, t-shirts and pulls.  Also, the sheer number of pants styles was mind boggling making the "weekend guy" quite happy.  They were finished off with work boots  making them very appealing to the man who likes both style and comfort.

This "new man" for the season it effortlessly put together without much fuss and bother.  He  knows how to mix the fabrics, shapes and colors.   So,  with a few purchases, this look was easily achieved.  Clearly, the mind behind the clothes had thought of everything which was evident in the studied casualness of the outfits.

I am looking forward to more from these men's lines, which really put the sportswear vibe back into the California fashion scene which has been a bit anemic of late.  The women's lines, though entertaining to the eye,  were not that original nor surprising.


STYLIST PRIVEE  Confessions of a BOHEMIAN shopper.



CIVIL SOCIETY look below. Don't look now, but, your boyfriend just became Brad Pitt.