Add a touch of Parisian charm to
your holiday season

Dominique Bistro

 

Step inside the quaint and cozy space that is Dominique Bistro
and you may feel as though you have been transported to Paris. The head chef,
Dominick Pepe, for whom the restaurant is named, attracts locals and
out-of-towners alike to his charming West Village restaurant serving authentic,
traditional, French fare.

Crème brulee

Babeth’s Feast

 

Babeth’s Feast has
an extensive selection of “ frozen to fabulous” hors d’oeuvres, side dishes,
main courses, desserts and cocktails. Their food is sure to impress your guests
and allow you to leave the kitchen and enjoy the fun. More good news: their
prices are reasonable.

Oatmeal
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

The post Eat, Drink & Be Merry appeared first on lookonline.

Catching up with Danish tennis star and Godiva global ambassador, Caroline Wozniacki

Last week, Caroline Wozniacki, currently ranked number five among the world’s women’s singles players in tennis, was in New York City prior to the U.S. Open to meet with the press to discuss her role as Godiva Chocolatier’s global ambassador. Wozniacki spoke with reporters at the Godiva boutique in the MetLife building about her love of the brand’s Soft Serve and signature Belgian chocolate.

Godiva is paying tribute to Wozniacki’s role at the U.S. Open by creating a “tennis-themed” chocolate, appropriately named the “Caroline.” The tennis racquet shaped, limited edition piece is made of Belgian chocolate wrapped around a strawberry filling. The “Caroline” will only be available to shoppers in select New York City Godiva boutiques as a complementary sweet treat when they purchase any Soft Serve from August 31, 2015 through September 13, 2015.

Caroline playing in her Adidas by Stella McCartney outfit

Wozniacki is known for being fit and fashionable both on and off the court (her Adidas by Stella McCartney tennis outfits garner a lot of attention). As a world-class athlete, Caroline may not fit your idea of a stereotypical chocolate fan. She explains how she balances this sweet indulgence as well as other aspects of her busy life with her hectic pro tournament schedule…

You are frequently in the news for non-tennis related events like the Godiva partnership or your participation in the New York City Marathon. Is it hard to find time for all of your interests given the demands of your sport?

I think, first of all I am a tennis player and I always know that’s my priority. I want to be the best player that I can be, and then I try to fit all the other things around that. I always make it work so that I can do my training and everything and then do all the things on the side which I love and it’s my passion. I always think it’s important to keep it fun and to keep it interesting because going to and from the tennis courts all the time would also be hard mentally to do that for years and years.

So it helps you to handle the pressure when you have variety?

Yes, this way it keeps it fun, it keeps me doing different things; it keeps everything light.

How many marathons did you run in the past year? 

I only did one proper marathon, but I do a lot of running and I do a lot of long runs just to keep fit and all that. I am probably going to do another competitive marathon in a few years but I am going to wait for a little bit. One was good for me for now. It was an amazing experience and an amazing accomplishment. Once I crossed the finish line it was amazing; I felt so good.

Even for an athlete at your level?

Exactly, it was totally different and a huge challenge.

Let’s talk about your involvement with Godiva. It might come as a surprise to some people that someone who has to watch her diet loves chocolate and you have also said that you love to bake.

Well it’s amazing, you know I have had a sweet tooth for so long and when I started playing tennis my dad would put up targets on court and when I hit them he would buy me ice cream. So since I was a little girl that has always been an incentive for me. I think as an athlete that we have to eat healthy and make sure that we do the right things for our body, but at the same time you know we burn so many calories every day and we need the sugar sometimes. For me to have some chocolates at night, it’s perfect. It’s a good way to recover as well and it ‘s good for your mental state as well. So, for me to work with Godiva is wonderful.

Do you indulge every day?

(Laughs) almost, yes, I do. I mean I have chocolates at home and I’ll have a chocolate truffle here, one there, I mean it’s just a part of who I am. My friends laugh at me and they say, “you’re supposed to be an athlete”, but you know what? It’s good for me, it’s good for my mental state of mind and it tastes so good. It’s all about balance in life.

Turning to tennis, you and Serena Williams are reportedly very good friends. How do you prepare yourself mentally to face someone as an opponent that you have a close relationship with off the court?

I think that once you are prepared for a match you are so focused and just in your own world, you just do your own thing. You’re out there to do a job, you’re out there to win and that’s all that matters. Once we are off the court and you can kind of just enjoy your time, it’s completely different and you can just hang out and do normal stuff; go for dinners, I mean everyone has to eat, right? It’s all about again the balance between being one hundred percent focused on the court and being able to relax and enjoy your time off the court.

Do you socialize with other tennis players when you are in a tournament?

I do, I mean we’re all friendly with each other, but most of the time when you’re in a big tournament, you go about your own things, you do your own stuff and try to prepare as best you can. Because everyone has different schedules, some people play at night, some people play in the morning, some people don’t play the same day as you so everyone is on their own routine or schedule.

Do you have a preference between the night matches and the day matches?

I love the night matches here at the Open. Arthur Ashe at seven o’clock is like, the best.

In addition to tennis and running what other sports do you enjoy?

I ‘m just a big sports fan in general. I ‘m a sporty person so I love to play different kinds of sports as well and I think for me it’s interesting to see how other athletes work and how they play and how their mental focus is and, you know, it’s so different from sport to sport and I find that very fascinating. I think it’s fun and it’s fun to see the crowd, as well, they are totally different in basketball than they are in tennis and they’re totally different in American football than they are in golf and it’s just fun to see that transition.

Since you travel all the time on the tennis circuit you must have some tips that you’ve learned to make traveling easier. Can you share any of your travel secrets?

I used to bring 10 pairs of jeans, well now I am exaggerating, five pairs of jeans in different colors and different tops and hot and cold — at the end of the day, you figure out that when you go somewhere for two weeks, what do you really need? You need a dark pair of jeans and a light pair of jeans and with that you can pair anything; maybe a skirt as well, and you can just mix it up. It’s all about trying to keep the same colors and then you can pair different things and make different outfits out of it and that way you don’t over pack. I think that’s one of the best tips I can give.

You’re known for your fashionable outfits on the court. How much time do you spend focusing on what you are going to wear in a tournament?

Adidas by Stella McCartney US Open Series Kit for Caroline Wozniacki

I know what I am going to wear already awhile in advance. I know that for this tournament I’m going to wear this, for this tournament I’m going to wear that, so for me, it’s pretty simple. I know okay, for this week, these are the outfits I’m going to wear and it’s all set.

A few more things you may not know about Caroline Wozniacki:

She roots for Liverpool in Soccer.

If she could play any past tennis champion, it would be Steffi Graf.

Her favorite types of chocolate are milk chocolate, white chocolate with caramel and dark chocolate with strawberry ganache.

– Rhonda Erb
For more Better Bets visit: http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/

The post “Sweet Caroline” appeared first on lookonline.

On July 14th, designer Malan Breton presented the Malan Breton Homme men’s collection during New York Fashion Week: Men’s. The evening  also featured two screenings of Breton’s award winning documentary film, A Journey to Taiwan. When the film debuted on the opening day of the New York City International Film Festival in the spring, it received rave reviews and went on to win the award for Best Short Documentary Film.

A film still from A Journey to Taiwan

A Journey to Taiwan chronicles Breton’s most recent trip back to his homeland of Taiwan, exploring the ways in which he draws upon his connection to his native country for inspiration for his designs, with a particular focus on his Spring/Summer 2015 collection, which shared the same name as the film. Collaborating on this film was both a labor of love and a uniquely challenging experience for Breton and his longtime publicist, Bonnie Bien, who served as Director and producer respectively…

A film still for A Journey to Taiwan

Malan has often spoken about his passion and reverence for his homeland of Taiwan. Since you are not primarily filmmakers by trade, did you have any apprehension about attempting to successfully convey that passion on film in a documentary?

Bonnie Bien: This is such a great question. I was a film major, and I attended Hunter college film school, the words just popped out of my mouth to do a film. I guess somewhere deep inside me I wanted to use some of the skills that I developed in college. It was a whole lot more than I bargained for. In some ways it was unchartered territory and in others not. As a PR and fashion show producer I hire video, so it did not seem completely foreign. That being said, there were many things as a producer that needed to be worked out. I can only say it has wet my appetite to make another documentary. Finding the right editor was challenging. When I was in film school my favorite filmmaker was Bernardo Bertolucci and I remembered him saying that Vittoro Storaro, his editor was of primary importance to his films. So I was mindful of this as soon as we wrapped.

Malan Breton: As an artist we all have apprehensions towards most new ventures but with this project I sincerely felt no apprehension at all, I grew up in the theatre, as a dancer and performer, I wanted to portray and honest, and direct story of what it is that has inspired my entire life. To share with the world what was most beautiful to me, and what would give them an understanding of the people, and places that inspired my fashion.

Did it feel at all like you were venturing into unknown, and potentially treacherous territory?

B.B. – No, not at all. Taiwan is such a warm country and the people are extremely nice and it is such an easy place to visit.

M.B.– I think every new venture you take on is slightly treacherous, but I had directed, and choreographed in the theatre, and have directed many of my fashion shows that have included live elements, like one season we recreated an American in Paris theme with a 65 piece live orchestra, dancers from NYC ballet, and the collection was all created in the three standard colours of technicolour. I look at fashion as theatre, and always want people to walk away with more than the clomp clomp of a standard fashion show. With that in mind it was not treacherous at all.

What were the greatest challenges that you faced, either as a producer (Bonnie) or as the director and star (Malan) in the making of the film?

B.B.- The greatest challenges were when we were filming on location, because we had little time at each place. Another challenge was getting the film finished in time for the New York City International Film Festival. Our return from Taiwan was on March 8th and our festival premiere was on April 30th.

M.B.– The Greatest challenge one faces as a director of a project about oneself, is allowing themselves to be most vulnerable. Allowing the story to not be all that sparkles. I went back to my training at Juilliard and Circle in the Square for this one always remembering one line that affected me deeply, the concept of being private in public.

How did it feel to have A Journey to Taiwan so warmly embraced at its premiere, leading to it ultimately winning the Best Short Documentary Film award at the New York City International Film Festival?

B.B.– it was truly a dream come true and an amazing surreal feeling.

M.B.- This was a huge honour, I think when the film was announced as winner I did not quite believe it. Many a tear was shed.

You mention the timeliness of the film, with its release coinciding with the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s China: Through the Looking Glass exhibit and the fact that it was filmed at the same time as Martin Scorsese’s new film, Silence. Can you offer any insight as to why you think there is currently so much interest in Chinese culture and lifestyle right now?

B.B.- As with everything timing is everything. Asian Culture is coming into its own now because it’s their time. Also it was only 16 hours from New York City to Taiwan on China Airlines. The rich landscapes, and majestic art, and artifacts have always been an inspiration to fashions designers. This truly exemplified in the China Through the Looking Glass exhibit. I know that Martin Scorsese was advised by Ang Lee to shoot in Taiwan because it is easy to shoot there, and the country is so cooperative.

M.B.– The interest in Asian culture, seems to be an interest in tradition, an interest in a culture that has inspired so many things through the centuries, architecture, food, fashion, even the tea we drink around the world. I feel also that people are seeking to find a place of peace inside themselves in the times we live. I think they are turning to the teachings of the old to find peace, and perhaps to grow their minds.

– Rhonda Erb

For more Better Bets visit: http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/

The post Malan Breton’s Journey to Taiwan appeared first on lookonline.

I’ve been busy working on my “The New Best Dressed List” (which will be out next month). I would be the first to admit that the notion of ‘Best Dressed’ is highly personal and it’s all so subjective (especially nowadays when there are almost no rules). That being said, I am always struck by the powerful presence that defines or defined certain past ‘best dressed’ icons, all of whom I paid homage to on my first list  (Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, CZ Guest, Audrey Hepburn, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Jacqueline de Ribes, Slim Keith, Grace Kelly) and it never ceases to amaze me the way in which they completely stand the test of time.

Diana Vreeland wearing her signature ivory tooth necklace and matching cuffs

Then, of course, there’s Diana Vreeland (maybe she’s on my mind as of late because of the upcoming Costume Institute exhibition). While she was known for her over the top personality and pronouncements, she was simplified and utterly modern in that she basically stuck to a ‘uniform’ (albeit one that was luxuriously fabricated, perfectly cut, and proportioned), and she always accessorized with a few dramatic signature pieces: her Verdura cuffs, and her beloved Kenneth J. Lane ivory tusk pendants. In fact, Diana Vreeland and KJL were good buddies, and she was famous for wearing his horn necklaces with almost everything, (year round and for both day and evening). She sometimes wore two or three together (didn’t she famously say: “Too much is never enough”?)

Vintage Kenneth J Lane faux ivory tusk claw charm necklace

In any case, I have long been obsessed with these iconic necklaces (they do look great with everything), and while they are indeed timeless, they have that boho vibe and immediately ‘say’ 70’s. And because both are having such a fashion moment as of late, they could not be more ‘of the moment’ and ‘happening’. If you’re looking for the real deal, you’re in luck because Kenneth J. Lane ivory tusk necklaces are always available, it seems. There are several vintage versions on www.ebay.com and on etsy.com (priced at $70), which is where I also found a rare charm necklace composed of a faux ivory and red coral tusk, claw, jade arm hands, gold coins and glass beads ($229.99). A well priced non-vintage KJL ivory tusk necklace which was recently available at Neiman Marcus has unsurprisingly sold out.

Stephanie Lake Double Tooth necklace

Among the most noteworthy non KJL offerings: a wonderfully unique, one of a kind piece in antique gold capped ivory, and vintage resin ivory, made by Stephanie Lake (stephanielakedesigns.com), $1125. And while you’re at it, please check out her other amazing pieces which are not for the faint of heart (‘Think’ Iris Apfel)! But perhaps my favorite is the eye catching version by Dsquared2 (www.dsquared2.com), which was used to accessorize many of the pieces on their 70’s inspired resort 2015 runway. Made in Italy, it combines a brass link necklace with a resin tooth pendant measuring a hefty 6 inches long ($615). And perhaps you want to channel Diana Vreeland, and wear dramatic cuffs as well? Check out their brass and resin Armlet, $915. FYI, the good news is that the website is currently offering a 20% discount!

The whole “truth” certainly seemed to have come out during the course of Diane Sawyer’s gripping and extraordinary sit down interview with Bruce Jenner that aired on ABC last night. It was in fact, the only two hour interview the news icon had ever conducted and I must say, it’s hard to imagine anyone else pulling this off.

Bruce Jenner

“I am a woman for all intents and purposes”, and “my brain is more female than male”, said the sports legend, who confirmed that he will be transitioning into a woman (he did not want to reveal his new name at this point). “I am me, I am a person. I am not stuck in anyone’s body. This is who I am.” He displayed a self-deprecating and humorous side, and while he appeared a bit nervous at the beginning, he seemed truly relieved and at peace with his choice to come out in such a public way, after keeping a secret and living a lie up until this point. He was so conflicted, he admitted to having considered taking his own life at one point but decided he couldn’t go through with it (“I have to know how my story ends” he said).

During the course of the interview, which effectively made use of footage of the 1976 Olympics (during which time he was hailed as “The world’s greatest athlete”), Jenner admitted to cross dressing from a very early age (periodically raiding his mothers’ and sisters’ closets). He didn’t know why he was compelled to do so, except that it made him “feel good”.  He also said he was sexually attracted only to women  and considered himself to be heterosexual. “Sexuality is who turns you on but gender identity is who you identify with inside”, he observed. At one point, he took Diane into a room where closets were filled with dresses, and he pulled out a little black number which he said he would wear when they went out to a planned dinner. He joked, “at least you won’t be the tallest woman in the room”.

Married three times with six biological children and four stepchildren, love and devotion to family was a huge theme during the entire interview. A ‘star’ on the reality show, “Keeping up with the Kardashians”, along with his other family members, he found it rather ironic that he was, in fact, “the real story all along”. He told Diane that he and Kris would still be married if she had been “okay with this”. Interviews with his older sister and 87 year old mother, were especially touching and at the end, his mother said, I didn’t think I could be more proud of you standing on the podium at Montreal, but I’m learning I can be.”

Diane ended by asking Bruce (who will continue his transition in the near future) if this interview could be considered a “goodbye to Bruce”. He answered, “It’s not a goodbye to me but to people’s perceptions of me. This is who I’ve always been.”

– Marilyn Kirschner

Better Bets:  Mother’s Day Books for the Fashionable Woman

Horst: Photographer Of Style

This book is the companion volume to a 2014 exhibit of the famed fashion photographer’s work at the Victoria and Albert museum (V&A). The German born Horst worked primarily in 1930’s Paris for Vogue, then in New York, for Vogue and other Condé Nast publications.

Horst’s style was created in part by his training with other Condé Nast photographers and by publisher Condé Montrose Nast’s insistence on the use of oversized 10 x 8 inch black and white photographic plates.  This meant that Horst photographed his subjects, including many of the leading names in fashion and the movies, exclusively in the studio, with carefully crafted lighting that produced dramatic shadows.

As World War II approached, Horst departed for New York, where his work would evolve, influenced by Bauhaus and modernism, but always in his own unique style, including stunning color photography using Kodachrome.  The book draws on the V&A’s extensive collection of Horst’s work, as well as other important pieces, and includes a variety of interesting essays on the iconic photographer.

Text by Philippe Garner, Claire Wilcox and Robin Muir; Edited by Susanna Brown; Foreword by Anna Wintour

Published by Skira Rizzoli
Hardcover
336 pages

Available at: http://www.rizzoliusa.com $75.00

“A Healthy You” – by Carol Alt with Jocelyn Steiber

Super Model, Carol Alt continues her advocacy of raw food in her new lifestyle book, “A Healthy You” co-written with Jocelyn Steiber.  Alt, who hosts the A Healthy You health and wellness show on the Fox network, shares her personal raw food living philosophy, interspersed with essays by doctors and others who share her point of view.

Starting with nutrition and the argument for a raw diet, Alt also covers fitness, skin care and beauty, and how to age gracefully.  The book is very personal, as Alt shares her journey from a model who avoided food to a practitioner of what she views as the optimum healthy lifestyle, including alternative health practices, such as coffee enemas for detoxing.

The book includes a plethora of raw food recipes and personal tips, such as avoiding chewing gum because it stimulates digestive enzymes, staying away from non-refrigerated oils, maintaining a slightly alkaline pH, and fitting in squats during conference calls.  To be sure, the lifestyle described can take quite a bit of effort, as Alt tells us that she brings her own salad dressing to restaurants, and a platter of raw cheese and crackers (yes, these are also raw) to parties, but, according to Alt, the payoff is well worth it.

Foreword by David Perlmutter, MD
Published by Dey Street Books
Hardcover
288 Pages
On Sale 5/12/2015: harpercollins.com $25.99

– Rhonda Erb
For more Better Bets visit: http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/

The post “The Tooth, the Whole Tooth & Nothing But the Tooth” appeared first on lookonline.

(This just in. Rumors are flying that New York fashion week combined shows next season will be held at the 34 Street Post Office. Again, just rumors and unconfirmed.)

Gigi Hadid Anna Sui Fall/Winter 2015 Collection Photos: Style.com & Getty

Anna Sui never fails to deliver an unlikely amalgam of inspirations, some of them more successful than others.  Her Spring/Summer 2015, as you may remember was the Cosmic Rockstar which I reviewed and felt was too literal in its ’70s reverence. Fall/Winter 2015 which was shown yesterday at the tents in Lincoln Center features what I’ve dubbed the Sexy Viking and was quintessential Anna at her best. While also embracing ’60s and ’70s retro and boho chic as Sui is known for, it seemed a far worthier collection and made me really happy as NYFW draws to a close. I absolutely loved its folkloric and tribal beauty, particularly the outerwear and vests in fur and faux fur.

Gigi Hadid walking in Jeremy Scott show earlier in the day

Gigi Hadid, one of the new crop of celeb-spawn models (her parents are Palestinian real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and former Dutch model Yolanda Foster who is now married to David Foster and a regular on “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”) opened the show in a print dress and a Nutmeg color block Mongolian lamb vest which set the tone. The folkloric hit parade was strong with dizzying arrays of Sui’s favored colors of blues, greens, purples, nutmeg, black and ivory with silver sequin detail to finish the show. Accessories were a perfect complement and included long chunky beaded necklaces from Erickson Beamon and some of the best furry boots ever, in a collaboration with Technica Moon Boot. It wouldn’t be so bad to be a nomad if you were shod this warmly and fashionably! Sui even went so far as to feature a few Viking hats and some strange tribal dotted face markings on others of her models of international ethnicity that appeared in the shape of a V on a few foreheads.

Avocado color block Mongolian Lamb Coat, Jacquard dress

Of the 50 looks my favorite would have to be the aforementioned outerwear including various curly lamb coats done in color blocked hues of teal blues and green, all of the patchwork vests and coats, some in mink and some in faux fur and the ivory kid & curly lamb coat. I really appreciate a fall/winter collection that features some great cold weather selections because let’s face it, that’s what people see you in the most and we all need great options in coats otherwise the winter will feel like it’s dragging on forever…kind of like the way it is right about now. LOL

Speaking of Ms. Hadid, as I waited in the press line for the next show following Anna Sui, I noticed a cameraman looking at his photos from the Anna Sui show.  He had some spectacular shots of Hadid, magazine cover ready with no retouching (although I confess I had forgotten my glasses but that’s how they appeared from a distance). He showed one shot to a compatriot female photographer who said “She’s pretty.” “No, she’s GORGEOUS.” he retorted. I wonder what he would have thought had he seen her earlier in the day when she walked in the Jeremy Scott show like a Harajuku girl. Apparently, it drew a smirk from Kanye so I assume we will not be seeing Kim walking around in fuchsia eyeshadow with a two tone wig anytime soon.

– Laurel Marcus

Better Bets

Fashion 2.0
When the words fashion and technology are mentioned in the same breath, many people think of wearables, but the marriage of fashion and technology encompasses more than smart watches and fitness wristbands, as was in evidence at New York Fashion Week.

Epson Digital Couture

Digital couture designers

At Industria Superstudios on February 10th, Epson showcased the work of 11 emerging designers whose fashionable looks were created using new digital fabric printing and pattern making technology from Epson’s SureColor F-Series printers.  The designers featured at Epson’s Digital Couture Project included Pilar Briceño of Columbia, Dual of Costa Rica, Ay Not Dead of Argentina, Moah Saldaña of Peru, Marco Antonio Farías of Chile, Ma. Elisa Guillén of Ecuador, Pineda Covalin of Mexico, ESOSA of the US East Coast, Mariana Morrell of Brazil, Leonor Silva of the Caribbean (Venezuela/Miami) and Maggie Barry of California.

Digital couture gown

The participating designers in the event are early adopters of Epson’s digital sublimation printing techniques.  Their SureColorF-Series printers provide an affordable means for each of the designers to explore their unique styles, producing their original designs in a more efficient, cost effective manner, while still achieving the highest quality. The resulting dye sublimation prints have rich vivid colors with intense blacks and smooth gradations onto fabric.

For more information on Epson SureColor F-Series Printers go to: www.proimaging.epson.com

FashionXtech

Katlean DeMonchy with Anthony Ryan Auld

On February 12th, members of the fashion press boarded New York Fashion Week’s first ever Mobile Lounge bus for an informative ride through New York City. The FashionXtech Lounge experience was produced by Nextpert Katlean DeMonchy, who provided riders with “ an interactive adventure” giving digital presentations of some of the hottest products in the fashion/ tech market, using the plasma screens on board The Ride, the luxury Manhattan tour bus.

Brother 2015 Dream Machine

Brother, the exclusive sewing and embroidery licensee of Project Runway, was the presenting sponsor for the event. DeMonchy introduced participants to the Brother 2015 Dream Machine, which has a 10 inch HD LCD screen and a built in design center and features an “Innov-Eye” that can scan what you are trying to sew and show you how to sew or embroider it on the screen. Other companies whose fashionable products were showcased at the event included OKU, Phorus, myCharge. Narrative Clip, Velodyne and LG.

At the end of the day, guests on board the FashionXtech Lounge were taken to the Tender Lounge for a closing party with VIP guest Anthony Ryan Auld, the winner of Project Runway All Stars II and Dean Shulman, Senior Vice President of Brother.

– Rhonda Erb
For more Better Bets visit: http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/

The post New York Fashion Cool-Aid™: Gigi Hadid at Anna Sui appeared first on lookonline.

Available at: http://www.hsn.com $29.95

Cake Boss Ghost Cakelette Pan

Available at: http://www.kohls.com $19.99

Lands’ End Glow-in-the-dark Embroidered Halloween Tote

You can fill this 100% cotton tote with lots of trick or treat candy and it will last year after year, thanks to the reinforced bottom and handle. The glow-in-the-dark embroidery adds to the spooky fun and it can be personalized as well.
Available at: http://www.landsend.com $25.00

Halloween Color Changing Witch Lantern

Welcome trick or treaters with this metal lantern that features wrought iron cut out details. The color changing LED lights create an inviting glow.


Available at: http://www.hsn.com $12.95

L’eggs Sheer Energy Sheer Tights

Sheer tights from L’eggs can put the perfect finishing touch on your costume without breaking the bank. Try black sheers with a tiered, fringed dress, a classy headband and a feather boa for a fun 20’s flapper look.


Available at: CVS, Target, Walgreens nationwide. MSRP: $5.99

For more Better Bets visit http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/ 

The post Silvestri Sweets Fall Caramel Apples appeared first on lookonline.

Dooney &
Bourke Pansy Leisure Tote:

This roomy carry all is a breath of spring in a coated
cotton fabric that is covered with brightly colored flowers. Inside there are
pockets to hold your wallet, cell phone and other essentials. The zip closure
bag is available in three floral prints.

Available at:
http://www.dooney.com/
$198.00

Click for more “Spring Fling” Selections

The post Better Bets: “Spring Fling” appeared first on lookonline.

This is the place to go for beauty and fashion news, tips and tricks, courtesy of the French beauty brand, Clarins. The name of the blog was inspired by Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, the “ Instant Radiance Booster” that wakes up tired skin (it is also a great base for foundation). Check out their Bellevision posts to find out how actresses Julie Bowen and Julia Louis-Dreyfus got their Emmy winning looks wearing Clarins cosmetics. http://beautyflashblog.com/

Go to more Better Bets for Fall

The post Clarins Beauty Flash Blog: appeared first on lookonline.

With the opening ceremonies of the 30th Olympiad only days away, the world’s attention is focused on the British capital.  Here is just a sampling of what London has to offer beyond the games.

The Wolseley

Located in what was once The Wolseley Car Company showroom, then a Barclays bank, the Wolseley is now the home of an elegant restaurant where the food, service and decor are all first rate. Come for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a traditional British afternoon tea, complete with an assortment of finger sandwiches, fruit scones and pastries, all made in house. The crowd is predictably stylish and well suited for people/celeb watching.

The Wolseley, 160 Piccadilly, London
http://www.thewolseley.com/

Rainbow Park

Polish sculptor, Adam Kalinowski designed this multicolored sand installation, as part of the “Festival of the World” celebration at London’s Southbank Centre, Europe’s largest center for the arts, located on the South Bank of the River Thames. Visitors walk and play among the hand crafted wooden sculptures in the park, mixing the sand to create new colors. The festival runs until September 9, 2012, celebrating the power of art to transform lives. It includes the work of 4,000 artists, writers and performers from 200 countries.

Watch Video

John Lewis, Oxford Street

Occupying one full block in the busy Oxford Street shopping district, the flagship location of the British department store chain is a favorite of Londoners. The store dates back to 1864 and is a shopper’s paradise, filled with everything from womenswear to food to electronics and much, much more. There is even a shop for official Olympic merchandise. The Oxford Street store is located just a short walk from the Oxford Circus tube station.

John Lewis, 300 Oxford St., London
http://www.johnlewis.com/Shops/DSShop.aspx?Id=23

The Cow Pub and Restaurant

“Eat Heartily & Give The House A Good Name” is the slogan of this traditional, British gastropub that has a more “intimate” dining room upstairs. The Notting Hill establishment is owned by Terence Conran’s son, Tom, and you can expect to find it crowded with locals who come for the delicious seafood, and, of course, the Guinness.

The Cow Pub and Restaurant, 89 Westbourne Park Rd., London
http://www.thecowlondon.co.uk/

Cowshed Bath & Shower Gels

These “quintessentially British” beauty products are 100% natural and contain no petrochemicals, parabens, sulphates or artificial colors or fragrances. The gels are infused with essential plant oils and the variety of scents allows you to tailor your cleansing routine to suit your mood. They have clever, names like Grumpy Cow, Knackered Cow, Lazy Cow or the limited edition, British Cow, celebrating the brand’s fourteen-year history.

http://www.cowshedonline.com/

Past Better Bets Column:  Sun & Fun

The post London Calling appeared first on lookonline.

You will be showing lots of skin this summer so regular shaving is a must. This five blade razor has Olay moisture bars infused with Petrolatum and Glycerin, for smooth, glowing skin. The pivoting head hugs your curves and there is no need for separate shaving cream, so traveling is a breeze.

Available at: Food, drug, convenience, and mass merchandise stores nationwide: prices vary.

Click for more Better Bets “Sun & Fun” finds.

The post Gillette Venus & Olay Razor appeared first on lookonline.