“It” Bags Meet Personalization

A trend has hit the high-end designer community – personalization of luxury handbags. Some of the most iconic luxe brands have added to the air of exclusivity by offering personalization services; allowing customers to have a one-of-kind handbags, replete with their own initials.

The Edie Parker Bespoke clutch has become the red carpet season “it” clutch. Designed by Brett Heyman, the most fashionable Dolls can select from the line’s vintage-inspired acrylic clutches and make it their own by adding the personalization of their choice (up to 7 letters). Use the design widget to style your dream clutch.

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Dani Stahl of Nylon Magazine carrying the Flavia Clutch

Personalized monogramming dates back to an era of luxury rail travel when initials, family crests or colors distinguished pieces of luggage. It was the foundation of Louis Vuitton’s business in the 19th century and largely catered to upper-class society.

Louis Vuitton’s personalization service Mon Monogram customizes select pieces from the Monogram Canvas Collection. SLGs, the Speedy, Neverfull, Keepall and Rolling Luggage – are available for personalization. LV lovers have a choice of up to three letters and vertical or diagonal stripes in 17 different colors. Handbags take up to eight weeks to customize.

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Katie Holmes opting for the LV Neverfull Mon Monogram

Goyard also offers hand-painted personalization services. All monograms are designed with exclusive paints made with strictly natural pigments. Up to four initials can be added to your Goyard, with over 17 color combinations from which to choose, as well as a wide selection of strips. Bags take anywhere from two to eight weeks to complete. Prices vary depending on your design selection. To help you with your selection, the personalization widget allows you to design you bag and check out the look before making the purchase.

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Celebrity Chef Giada De Laurentiis carry the Goyard St. Louis Tote

Lately I have been swooning over the Fendi made-to-order Selleria Intrecciato Handbag. According to Fendi, at the end of the ’40s, the Intrecciato was born out of Adele Fendi’s desire to make bags soft and versatile. The technique, borrowed from the fur world, consists of thin strips of leather woven together and stitched entirely by hand. Peep the ultimate fashionista, SJP, in the city with her personalized Fendi.

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Also, be sure take a look at Bottega Veneta Initials, Longchamp Le Pliage Personalized and the Anya Hindmarsh Bespoke Collection. All of these fab bags can be customized from the brand websites, allowing you to shop and design at your leisure.

Until then, keep sharing the pretty,

the-letter-l.

TPD

Images: The BlogPinterest, Purseblog, Bloomberg.com

Feeling Gray!

Hey Dolls! No, I’m not feeling down. It was simply too easy to title this post “50 Shades of Gray.” Any who, when the seasons change, my fall-back color (no pun intended) is black, with the ever-present perfect shade of Chanel Red Lipstick. I rock black with red lips straight through to Spring. But a funny thing happened this year when I began paying attention to  my cool weather wardrobe. My black is being overtaken by gray – gray pants, gray turtlenecks, gray jackets, gray, you name it. I even find myself attracted to gray on the racks in the boutiques and stores I shop. And, although I have been a creature of habit, I welcome the change to gray.

So what’s new in gray? Here are my fav’s in gray for the season.

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You have to love this shade, described as an “opaque cement.” Not to mention that the packaging is to die for! (And yep, they call it “nailed” lacquer!)

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Smoke is the newest edition to the Shade + Light Eye Contour Quad Collection. Touted as “color contouring,” these cool matte grays, coupled with a touch of deep taupe, are perfect for a crisp fall evening.  

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I know, I know! I am taking you out of your comfort zone with this uber-edgy look. But, I promise, it is so chic against the matte eye look above from the Kat Von D Smoke Quad. I purchased, wore it, and have yet to be kicked out of our home by my Mr.

Feeling unsure about all of this darkness? My gift to you – a makeup tutorial by my favorite YouTube beauty blogger, The Fancy Face. No one does it better than Miss Tina. Peep her tutorial below to get the deets on how to rock this look. And be sure to subscribe to  her YouTube Channel! You’ll love her!

Now, what to wear? My go-to staple for the colder weather, a cashmere turtleneck. I am loving this simple deep gray t-neck. Pair it with casual leggings, skinny jeans, or leather leggings with a haute stiletto.

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You cannot go wrong with this outerwear number from J. Crew. Truly a show-stopper, the pièce de résistance with any casual outfit!

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Why not give both of these pieces a little pizzaz with beaded tassel earrings. Also from J. Crew, these beauties are so pretty in “misty fog,” dangling for a sparkly rhinestone!

Finally, we know a Doll can’t go far without a mean shoe, or in this case, boot game. Check out these charcoal thigh highs from Stuart Weitzman. These numbers illicit a full-on swoon!

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You see why my mood is gray?! Won’t you join me!

Until then,

TPD

Straight Shade.

Hey Dolls! Memorial Day is upon us and with it the beginning of summer. The list of must-haves for the season is endless, but at the top of mine is the perfect sunglasses. What defines perfect? Style and substance. They must look fabulous – for me, the bigger, the better. But equally as important – that they must keep those pesky UV-rays at bay. Yep, vanity be thy name.

My choice? Chanel Signature Oversized Square frames in homage to one Mrs.Kennedy-Onassis.

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But for my Dolls, I want to share my other faves for the season. I’m giving you a little of everything from a Classic Rayban Aviator, a trendy take on the Wayfarer in tortoise, to an avante-garde shield frame from Chanel. Whatever your taste, peep the haute-ness below!

The Celine Marta.

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Prada Oversized Glam.

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The Classis Rayban Aviator.

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Dior Lady Lady 1.

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And for you more daring Dolls …

The Chanel Butterfly Acetate Frames Embellished with Pearls.

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Have a fun-filled holiday!

Until Then | Keep Sharing the Pretty,

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … Style My Bar Cart!

Hey Dolls! | Yep, it’s been a minute. No excuses  – sometimes life gets in the way. But, I’m back with a Champagne Sunday twist. I’ve been noticing a trend that not only do I want to reproduce in my home, but I want to share with you – the styled bar cart! I’ve been seeing them everywhere, with suggestions on what constitutes a fully stocked bar cart. And not any old piece of furniture, on which you decide to sit your cocktails and glasses; but swanky showpieces that compliment your home decor.

Whether your taste is vintage inspired, or modern and glam. Whether you’re a French 75 kinda Doll, or a most modern mixologist maven, serve your cocktails on a bar cart with guaranteed high-proof panache! Peep the pics for some bar cart inspiration.

The Holloway Bar Cart

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Source | Society Social

Simple Bar Cart.

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Source | Best Friends For Frosting

The Triple Trolley Bar Cart.

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Source | Chinoiserie Chic

Minimalist Turquoise Bar Cart.

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Source | Style Me Pretty

Wicker Outdoor Bar Cart.

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Source | Neiman Marcus

But, your bar cart is not complete until it’s perfectly stocked. Here are some bar cart essentials to have on hand when planning  your next soiree, compliments of The Matchbook.

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Until Then, Cheers!

Keep Sharing the Pretty! | The Pretty Domestic

The Must-Haves: Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer

must-have \ˈməst-ˌhav\n

1. an essential possession: the Mischo Beauty “Brave is Beautiful Collection” is the must-have fall nail lacquer

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2. essential: a must-have luxe nail lacquer

Hi Dolls! You know I love beauty products and when I find a good one, I’m loyal. If you recall, last November I introduced you to Mischo Beauty, a luxe nail lacquer, after attending the DC launch of the line – Pretty New ~ Mischo Beauty Luxury Nail Lacquer. The inaugural line, Fashion Week, was so fab with colors aptly named The Tents, Front Row, Invite Only, and #NYFW that I wanted to check back in almost a year later to see what’s new in nails.

Fashion WeekI reached out to beauty brainchild, Kitiya Mischo King, who graciously agreed to give us a peek into what going on with Mischo Beauty and fall nail trends. Peep the deets below.

mbPD. Last time we saw you was in November at the Washington, DC launch of Mischo Beauty. Tell us what’s been going on with your line since then?

K. We’ve been working tirelessly to grow the brand!  We are now available at The Emerald Door (www.emeralddoorsalon.com) in Silver Spring, MD – which is our first retail account.  We’ve also launched two new collections – “The Icons Collection” for Spring 2014 and “The Brave is Beautiful Collection” for Fall 2014.

PD. If I recall, Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer is “5 Free.” Remind us what that means and why it’s important?

K. The term “5 FREE” means that the nail lacquer formulation does not contain the following toxins: formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene or camphor.  These toxins can cause some ugly side effects such as nausea, light-headedness, headaches, and more. They’ve even been linked to cancer and birth defects.

PD. Let’s get to what’s important. What’s on trend for nails this fall? Colors, shapes, lengths? Is the long pointy nail still in?

K. Our favorite trends for Fall 2014 include winter pastels, tonol dressing (from head to toe), metallics and knits in every variation (dresses, jumpsuits, jackets, pants, etc) and the new Fall 2014 collection pairs well with them all! As far as nail shape and length are concerned – yes, we’re definitely still seeing the “stiletto” nail!

PD. What about a couple of tips for maintaining healthy nails.

K. Our absolute favorite tip is the fact that a healthy body results in healthy nails!  It’s important to make sure you’re exercising, maintaining a balanced diet full of green vegetables, drinking a minimum of 8 glasses of water daily, taking a multivitamin and getting adequate sleep!

PD. I know that all of the Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer colors are your babies. But do you have a favorite? What are you featuring in your line for the fall?

K. Honestly, I love them all!  The Fall 2014 “The Brave is Beautiful Collection” includes four new, daring, 5-free shades which are a tribute to the bold choices of women who curate fabulous lives in the face of challenge.  Determination never looked so good.

PD. Will you be expanding Mischo Beauty to other beauty products in the future?

K. Yes! We are working on launching a full collection of color cosmetics to be released in the very near future.  Please stay tuned!

Thanks Kitiya! We sure will! We look forward to chatting with you again soon!Brave is Beautiful

 

L to R: FAIT ACCOMPLI (NUDE): Boss babes never sleep since luxury does not come cheap. #youdidTHAT; CATWALK (CONCRETE GRAY): Calm, cool and fearless. Life is your runway. The world steps aside for a woman who knows her mission; RUN THE WORLD (BLACKEST BLACK): You never tire of the beautiful life and you are not afraid to grab it by the horns. Shape shifting and magic are your specialties; and PHENOMENON (METALLIC RED BLACK): Your favorite position? CEO. Naturally, the world hangs on your every extraordinary move.

About Kitiya.

Until Then,

L.

The Pretty Domestic