• What a Girl Wants

    OK boys.

    It’s time to snap out of that beer-and-chips induced Superbowl fog and back into reality.

    That’s right. Valentine’s Day is Sunday.  Am I sensing a little panic?  Maybe a cold sweat?

    But don’t worry – I’m here to help.  And I’ll let you in on a little secret.  We’re not looking for

    diamonds or a trip to Bora Bora.  What we want from you is a little effort and a bit of insight

    into what's important to us.  It shows you care.  It shows you listen.  So follow the guidelines

    below and show the girl you love that, yes, YOU ARE THE MAN!

     

     

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    FLOWERS

    Receiving flowers from a man is one of life’s simple pleasures.  Alas, all flowers are not the

    same.  You may think a dozen red roses from the local grocery store is a nice gift.  But you

    might as well pick up a MacDonald’s Big Mac and wrap it with a red bow.  Cheap and easy

    is not the way to say “Je t’aime”.  Think unique, glamorous, one-of-a-kind … like your beloved.

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    Ultraviolet

    Lush arrangements that are colorful and dramatic.

     

     

    yellow-orchid-centerpiece-volanni-dc

    Volanni

    Michael Lanni’s creations are unique, architectural and exotic.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Saipua

    I’ve mentioned before how much I love Saipua’s flowers.  But they only deliver in

    New York.  So if you’re lucky enough to live in Manhattan or Brooklyn, it’s time

    to drop some not-so-subtle hints to your man about these incredible blooms.

     

     

     

     

    JEWELRY

    Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but these days I find many women are less concerned

    with jewelry houses and labels and more interested in unique, statement-making pieces. 

     

     

    vivre jewelry

     

    Vivre

    This catalog is my go-to source for everything chic and dramatic, especially jewelry.  Fabulous!

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    Bobbie Medlin

    Bobbie is local, but her pieces have global sophistication. 

    Her one-of-a-kind necklaces are for the the chic, risk-taking woman.

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    Robin Katz

    For the woman who loves vintage.  This jeweler’s inventory always blows my mind.

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    SWEETS

    Not all girls love chocolate, but those who do are typically fanatics.  If so, a Whitman’s

    sampler isn’t going to cut it.  Washington has some fabulous chocolate shops with staff

    who are knowledgeable and eager to help you select that perfect Valentine’s Day treat.

     

     

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    Locolat

    This Belgian café has a delicious menu, wine and beer, outdoor seating and delightful service.

    And then there’s the chocolate.  Owner and chef Niel Piferoen creates his specialty  

    pastries, truffles, etc. on site.  A true gem for the beau who aims to impress.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Artisan Confections

    Virginia native Jason Andelman creates hip, modern confections.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    DINNER

    For me the key to a romantic dinner is an intimate space, a unique menu, stellar

    service and a dimly lit, sultry atmosphere,  Ask for a booth with some privacy,

    but avoid no-man’s land in the back; you want to enjoy the buzz of the restaurant.

     

     

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    Bourbon Steak at The Four Seasons

    Elegant interior, elegant cuisine, elegant service.

     

     

     

     

     

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    Cashion's

    Sophisticated dining in a laid-back environment.

     

     

     

     

     

    Darlington House

    Fashionable and romantic – imagine Jimmy Choo as a restaurateur.

     

     

     

    THE WRITTEN WORD

    And don’t forget to tell your girl just how much you love her with a handwritten note!

     

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    This exquisite Valentine is a Delphine Studio design available through Etsy.

     

     

     

     

  • Bigger is Better

    At least when it comes to jewelry … and a few other things  ; )

     

     

    LV cuffs 2 

    Louis Vuitton cuffs stacked for impact.

     

     

     

    David webb

    Christmas list?

    David Webb lion & ram bracelet and vintage gold, black enamel & rock crystal ring.

     

    David webb ring

     
     
     
     
     
     
    Armani prive 

    Armani Prive chandelier earrings for the girl with sturdy earlobes.

     

     

    Necklace portrait FINAL 

    This necklace is heavy, but worth the weight.

     
     
     
     
    My ring 
     
    I discovered this ring in Paris 10 years ago.  My favorite find of all time.
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Eva mendes 
     
     

    The best red carpet moment of 2009.

    Eva Mendes, white dress, vintage Van Cleef & Arpels turquoise necklace.

     

       

    Just because bigger can be done, doesn’t mean it always should be.

    The good and the bad of big below.

     

     

    FOOTWEAR

     

    Devil wears prada 

    Chanel thigh-high boots

    Red patent ???

    Red boots 
     

      
      

    LIPS

    Scarlett 

    Scarlett Johansson

     Amanda Lepore

    Amanda

     

     

    FOYER

    Sledmere

    Sledmere House in East Yorkshire

     

    Celebrity residence

    (Can you guess who?)

     

    Cage

     

     

     

    HAIR

     

    Brigitte 

     

    Brigitte Bardot

     

    Phil Spector – 'nuff said!

     

    Spector
     

     

    NEXT WEEK

    A Luxe & Lucid feature on Bobbie Medlin, owner of the eponymous shop in Georgetown —

    a woman who rocks "big" like no one else.