On one of my many surfing trips trough the internet I ran across a picture of a hotel room in Cap D’Antibes in the South of France. I used to go through Juan les Pins on the way to St. Tropez which isn’t far from Cap D’Antibes (Yes– this is a true story). I’m telling you this to not brag, just as a point of reference.

Anyhoo…I stayed in some very nice hotels. And, although I didn’t stay in this one, I felt compelled to share with you a photo of a room in Hotel Belles Rives.

I love the pattern mixing and airy feel. The nod to a very formal past and period decor with a fresh playful feel of the au currant.

It just makes me happy.

I stay in a lot of hotels now that are “spa” like with a minimalist feel. I like this too..but I fear that I’ve grown used to it as the norm. I long for my Euro days when hotel rooms like this were the norm. It’s not money, it’s taste.

Decorating a room like this would make me feel more like I was at home — just a better version.

Okay– the view of the French Riviera might cost a bit more…C’est la vie.

You, my Sweet Diva, are smart, savvy, fun & fabulous!
You have a passion for life & living it with style.
Resilient & bold, you have the courage to chase your dreams & make them reality.
You can giggle like a girl or strut like a star.
You are true to yourself and your Diva sisters!

Each evening in Rome I usually ended up on the Spanish Steps at the Piazza di Spagna. It’s a common meeting place for tourists and locals alike. I won’t make the catty observations on how you can tell the locals from the tourists, the Europeans from the Americans, etc. Let’s just say it’s a mass of humanity at around 6:30 pm.

The first impulse when seeing the steps after a long day trekking around Rome is to grab a double scoop cup of gelato and settle in for some people watching. You’ll quickly learn that there’s no eating on any public historic area in Italy. The polizia, carabinieri or just a hired guard will quickly say No! No! while waving his finger back and forth. Bummer.

I’ve learned to eat my gelato along the way to the steps and then relax and enjoy the leisurely pace of La Dolce Vita.

If you read my Legend In My Living Room post you know that after my epiphany at the Sting/Annie Lennox concert I departed for Italy. I had already picked up my now treasured Dolce & Gabbana top in Florence and I was now on my last night in Rome.

There was so much swirling in my mind about the new line I was about to launch. Being a designer I was all about the theme and presentation, but this line wasn’t about the theme of the season. This had to have a stronger message. I knew I wanted to have some sort of text that would imbue the aspirational and inspirational umbrella of vision that would be the backbone of my brand. I decided this would be in the form of a mantra. According to Wikipedia a mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that are considered capable of “creating transformation.”

Even though the packaging is what drives the La Dolce Diva line, no brand can be successful if it’s all style and no substance.

La Dolce Diva is about being a Sweet Diva. The word Diva itself implies one powerhouse of a woman that dominates those around her…it usually conjures histrionic, self-important, self-centered behavior. In the last decade or so the word Diva has been casually and generically used for just about anything from the original meaning of the word, which is the leading lady in an opera or theater, to the average woman on the street who seems a little haughty, or an endearing, self-effacing reference between a group of girlfriends.

I liked the word for lots of reasons; It was Italian, it had the power of women symbolic with it, it was an alliteration and it would be fun to put a twist on it with a reference to the Italian Sweet life — La Dolce Vita!

I wondered how to bring all aspects together that would be specific in emotion yet far-reaching and inviting. I wanted La Dolce Diva to convey the thought that we can all be Divas in our own right. Being a Sweet Diva means your Dolce (sweet) not a doormat. You still stand up for yourself while supporting and nurturing other women and girls in our society.

Most importantly I wanted to compose the mantra in Rome or at least in Italy. It was personally symbolic. Funny what feeds your soul.

As I said above, the steps are a mass of humanity in the evening and most of the day…I have caught her in her natural splendor early in the morning..but it usually looks more like the picture to the left…on a slow day.

First off,  3 DIVA DONT’S:

DON’T bring flowers. This causes stress for the hostess to search for a vase and then find a place to set them. They may not go with her decor for the party and worst of all– you have just taken her away from her guests while she fixes your flowers. You are now her unfavorite guest.

DON’T bring wine that you expect to be opened and consumed. I love getting wine for a hostess gift– but I hate it when the giver then reaches for a corkscrew to open. RUDE. You have just told the hostess you don’t care about her plans, party or selection of wine–if there is one.

DON’T make big deal about giving the gift..others may be uncomfortable if they did not bring a gift. Make sure to tell them about this blog so they won’t make the same mistake again.

Okay, now to the gifts…There are tons of specialty stores that have fabulous gifts — if you actually remember to buy them ahead of time.

The gifts on this list are ones that you can pick up on the way to the soiree at a store like Target, Trader Jo’s, Starbuck’s or a good grocery store.

Top 10 Last Minute Ideas…in no particular order.

1. Starbucks can be your hero. They have lots of gourmet goodies that are nicely packaged, taste great and there’s one on every corner.

2. Coffee: Wrap a ribbon around or tap a bow onto a gourmet pound bag of coffee from the grocery store or Starbucks, Barnie’s or wherever. For tea drinkers, a box of Tazo or some other type of nice tea, ie: not Liptons or other everyday brands. Grocery stores have started carrying a lot of specialty brands that will look festive and, well, special.

3. Gourmet food Items: Target, Trader Jo’s and grocery stores usually have a “gifty” section. You can find a small basket or gift bag and fill with tissue paper and choose 1 or a few specialty jams, chutney, nuts, honey, BBQ rub, smoked salts–whatever…something you think or know your host would like. Seem like a cop out? I have been surprised and humored when given a cute retro style bag of jerk chicken rub from a Jamaican friend. It was store bought — but I thought it was a cute idea. Note: If your Italian don’t bring a jar of store bought Ragu..not cute.

4. Bailey’s is a fun gift. There are different sized bottles and flavors. Most package or liquor stores are open late and have gift bags.

5. Wine or Micro Brew Beer are also crowd pleasers and easy to get last minute. You don’t have to break the bank..but the least I would spend it about $10.99 on a bottle of Cupcake Vineyard wine up to about $20.

6. Magazine subscriptions are not that expensive, some are only $12– like Vanity Fair. I’d pick an off-beat one like a home decor, cooking, or hobby — like Guitar Hero, that you think they would enjoy and probably not have. Roll it up with a ribbon and a bow and send in the card the next day.

7. Candle. Always a good gift. Pick a seasonal scent or even unscented. No mason jar or candles like that. Yankee Candles, etc. are perfectly fine…but buy a nice size..a votive is just cheap.

8. Treats for their Pets. Even though the pets should be put up and out of the way for the evening, I am sure your hostess would LOVE it if you remembered little Bailey or Bella with a bag of gourmet treats or a toy. Again, most grocery stores and especially Target would have a good selection.

9. Bath or Pamper Items: Try to do a little better than handing over a bottle of lotion. Is there a little bath soak kit or kitchen soap set? If you haven’t planned ahead a purchased a uniquely chic gift from the La Dolce Diva Line…you’re forgiven, but we still want you to show that you have manners… stop by a Bath and Body Works, Target, etc. and pick up a cute item–don’t fall for the schmaltzy gift-with-purchase type item. T-T-Tacky.

10. Whimsically Quirky. This is best for someone you know and see often. You can go over the top with a nice wine etc…but sometimes it’s more fun to be quirky. My sister brought over a really pretty box of  holiday tissues that looked like an ornament. Another friend brought over a box of Peppermint Jo-Jos from Trader Jo’s with bow on it. Maybe there is something you always joke with a friend about like eating icing out of a can or their secret addiction to Boston Baked Beans…

Don’t forget a tag. Your hostess will set items aside and may not have a chance or want to open the gift (if bagged or wrapped) at the time you gift her. She will want to thank you later with a phone call. Don’t expect a Thank-You card for a hostess gift– it’s just not done.

What is done is a Thank-you card from you. A nice old fashioned note in the mail..or an email if that’s all you can muster. You don’t have to say a lot..Thanks for the great time! What a wonderful way to spend an evening or the Holidays etc. Looking forward to seeing you again. Smooches.

What are some Hostess/Host gifts that you have been given or received that you loved/hated??

Robin was kind enough to pass on a pic commemorating the event!

Remember when favors used to be a pleated  cup of M&M’s mixed with peanuts?..We think this is the grown-up version!

Kudos to you Robin for treating your friends like the celebrities they are!

If you’re looking for some cute girly-gifts– check out B. Dazzled or plan an event with Robin.

I am coveting these Peep Toed Balled Flats:

As many of us rush to get ready in the morning, we usually don’t give our mascara or blush a second thought. However, makeup has been around for at least 6,000 years and has played a role in nearly every society. Check out where makeup started, and how it got to where it is today.

The following information is from The Medical Insurance Blog..who knew they could be so fun!

Via: Medical Insurance Blog

Have you noticed that this season’s must have is a flat black boot? There are all kinds. The scrunch, the equestrian, the cowboy, the military, the harness and the moto, etc.

These terms become very important when searching google for the latest boots you saw on a celebrity as I did on my current style icon, Halle Berry.

I wanted a boot that was edgy, but not like I was trying too hard; would look good with jeans, skirts, tights and leggings; comfortable enough to wear to the mall and stylish enough to wear at a trade show. Lastly, they had to be reasonably priced and something that I would consider a classic.

I already own a few pair of Frye Harness boots. They’re great but a bit too chunky. Doc Martens are way too hipster, St. Mark’s Place NYC circa 1984 for me.

I had my heart set on Fiorentini + Baker Eternity boot. 

They are just yummy looking. I’m a sucker for great leather. Alas, they are $545.00. I am sure they’d be worth it, but after studying the picture and multiple views, I decided that I need something a bit less detailed. I loved the cross of Military and Motorcycle..so I had something to start with.

After an hour or so scoping out every resource possible, I settled on the Brendal by Aldo for $130.00

Not quite the same wow factor, but it meets all of my requirements. We’ll see what I really think when they arrive this week. Stay tuned.

What item are you  in search of?

Lip Spa $16

If you’ve every muttered these words beneath a frustrated sigh during a long bout of a fruitless search for the perfect gift…then you know. You knew it already. No. It isn’t the thought that counts.

But you ignore that little voice and move onto the fourth stage of gift giving. The first; realization that you actually have to buy a gift. The second; realization that you have no clever idea of what to give the person. The third; The fruitless search.

So the fourth must be the sudden discovery of The Holy Grail of perfect gifts? Sadly, no. The fourth; picking up the nearest acceptable item within the common bounds of good taste and price point and proceeding to the register.

Just when you think the pressure is off…the fifth stage sets in.…dread. Dread of actually being there when the person opens the gift and realizes that A) You really don’t know them at all. B) You haven’t been listening to every little hint they’ve been dropping. Or C) You have no clue of what a great gift is whether you know them or not.

Hey, we’ve ALL been there. Whether it’s your best friend, your sister, office mate or random hostess giving event. Giftanxiety is one of the many things we women share and can bond over.

What are things that most people of the female persuasion like? Things that are pretty. Things that smell good. Things that are pampering. Things that they don’t need but can’t survive without. Sound familiar?

That’s where La Dolce Diva comes in. We are the DIVAS of the perfect gift for any occasion. Uniquely chic packaging, fabulous fragrances and perfectly pampering..we surely have something within your budget.

Check out our new packaging..let us know what you think!

For those of you that don’t know him, Tim Gunn appears on Project Runway as mentor to the designers and basically the glue that holds the show together. If you don’t know what Project Runway is.…well, this post will mean nothing to you.

Yes, Tim Gunn is a celebrated and loved TV personality, but to me he is so much more. As many of you know, I graduated from F.I.T. with a degree in Fashion Design. Tim Gunn was an Associate Dean and Department Chair at our rival fashion school, Parson’s.

Having lived in New York City  and worked in the fashion industry for 13 years, I can tell you that Tim Gunn represents all the best of the rag trade (garment industry); Class, sophistication, knowledge, eloquence, grace and, most importantly, he can dish the dirt without getting his hands dirty.

I wish I could tell you it was a long conversation over tea or cocktails, but, alas, I had to share his company with a few hundred others at the Georgia State University Auditorium. However, Tim is so engaging, I did feel that it was a much more personal encounter.

In fact, I was the first one to pop out of my chair to ask a question at the end of his talk. You may have seen me on CNN. Not really, but it was that monumental to me.

I asked a simple technical question about whether the designers were allowed to use slopers (a very basic pattern or template for the shape of a sleeve or pant) or if they had to rely solely on their draping skills to provide patterns. His answer was no that the designers had to rely on their draping and innate pattern-making skills to construct their garment. He then elaborated on the process.

I don’t expect you to understand the relevance of this question or the answer. What I will tell you is that right after I asked my question, the mere fact that TIM GUNN was listening to me, said it was an excellent question and addressed me directly when answering..well what can I say, it was a rush. Yes, I’m a nerd. This fact has been previously established.

Since I left New York, there are times I feel a little lost and disconnected from the heart of my passion which is design. Design in and of itself. The creative process and being around those who are in the same world who can appreciate and share the headache, heartache and reward it brings. I thoroughly wallow in the rare moments  when it all comes rushing all back. Thanks Tim.

Although Tim was there to speak about his book, Tim Gunn’s Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, we also learned he has a new book coming out this fall called Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work.

.….a thank-you note from your niece?

There’s a lot to be said for Old-Fashioned manners.

Love you, Dinky Diva!

Jessie from CakeSpy will paint custom “cuppie” art for you. You have read about CakeSpy and Jessie earlier on this blog. She is a joy to deal with. I highly recommend commissioning your own art. Check out her CakeSpy Flickr page for more examples and ideas.

I gave this to my sister, Laurie. She and her family go to a fabulous local bakery every weekend for breakfast. Mommy and Dinky Diva are the “cuppies.” Daddy and the Dinky Dude are the “bacons.”

For my sister, Christine, I wanted something to commemorate our trip to Paris with my niece– the other Dinky Diva. This is a picture of her favorite place we visited ~ Monét’s house in Giverny.

And last, but not least, one for my Mom.  About 8 years ago we went to Italy. This is us in Firenze (Florence.)

At first, you may think it’s strange to commemorate a special moment with a cupcake…but I say, what better way is there? Nothing says love like a pink cupcake!