• 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.

     

     

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    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. 

     

     

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    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.

     

     

     

     

  • Sign Language

    I’m a January baby and a proud Capricorn.

    I can’t say that I’m an astrology advocate, but I do get a kick out of reading my horoscope this

    time of year.  Besides the fact that I often find my cosmic description to be dead-on accurate,

    I love the idea of my life and character being written in the stars.  A very anti-Capricorn concept

    to say the least which is why this is a once a year indulgence.  Luxe & Lucid is a platform for

    celebrating what makes us unique as individuals – whatever the context.  Sign me up!

     

     

     

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    Famous Capricorns … I’m in pretty good company.

     

     

     

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    This pair of ram’s head bookends from Sjae Alexandre is so good-looking, it almost makes me want to be an Aries.

     

     

     

     

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    A candle from Soular Therapy’s Astrological Aromatherapy collection.

    Cancer’s keynotes are Jasmine and White Rose.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Pisces -Boxed in the Zodiac pattern by Wedgwood China

     

    Astrology has even inspired a company as traditional as Wedgwood to produce a zodiac collection.

    All 12 signs including Pisces shown here are available through replacements.com.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Russian Vogue’s take on Aries, Capricorn and Gemini respectively.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Silver Zodiac Cufflinks by artist Michele Delville.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    flessas design zodiac mirror

     

     

    A mid-century mirrored zodiac clock from Flessas Design in New York.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    And a large-scale wall sculpture also from Sjae Alexandre in Los Angeles.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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     Asha by ADM’s gold and mother of pearl Sagittarius ring.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Kris Kristofferson would probably cringe knowing I've included him in a blog about horoscopes.    

    How could I resist when he has an album titled Jesus was a Capricorn?   Mr. Kristofferson is one of

    my heroes.  And it's a short list.  He is a true renaissance man with, in my opinion, the coolest resumé

    of the 20th century: Rhodes Scholar, Oxford graduate, helicopter pilot, Nashville legend, movie star. 

    If you don't know anything about this über-brilliant and eternally cool Everyman, it's time to find out.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    A feature on Capricorn from the blog Love Smacked & Starstruck.  So accurate it’s scary!

    Check out what’s in store for your sign in the months to come.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Happy birthday to all my fellow January babes! 

     

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    Tricia xo