KL's Luxe List

The first of a series featuring Deux Luxe worthy selections for the distinct and discerning. - KL

1. Chanel Les Vernis Nail Colour In Golden Sand: Limited Edition - $23
This metallic shade from the current Cote D'Azure collection is perfect for any summer ensemble, day or night

http://www.chanel.com/

Chanel, Palm Beach - 301 Worth Ave – 561-655-1550

Chanel Palm Beach Gardens - 3101 Pga Blvd - 561-622-2055

2. Kanye West collaborates with Louis Vuitton (on a new men's sneaker)
“Its overwhelming. I feel like I’m inside of a dream. Even with all the music awards that I’ve won, to be able to do something so official with the number one fashion house in the world you know, no Grammy can buy you that.” – Kanye West

Rollin out with a 3-style sneaker, executed in suede, calfskin or a patchwork of leathers

Available at Louis Vuitton stores in June 2009

photo courtesy of Louis Vuitton

http://www.louisvuitton.com/
Louis Vuitton Palm Beach - 150 Worth Ave - 561-659-1626
Louis Vuitton Palm Beach Gardens - 3101 Pga Blvd - 561-627-2298

3. French Pear Martini - Pistache, West Palm Beach
This “au courant” cocktail is light and refreshing, by far the aperitif of the moment.

Recipe courtesy of Pistache, West Palm Beach
101 N Clematis St # 100 - 561- 833-5090 - http://www.pistachewbp.com/

French Pear Martini
- St. Germain
- Simple Syrup
- Grey Goose Pear Vodka
- Champagne
- Topped off with a sweet sugar rim

4. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala 2009 - The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion
Honorary chair: Marc Jacobs, Co-Chairs: Kate Moss, Justin Timberlake, Anna Wintour

Vogue, May 2009

The hottest ticket in the NYC - we at the DL hear that MJ will dress Ms. KM in his namesake collection - while current campaign model, Ms. M, will don LV.

MET Costume Institute Gala - May 4, 2009
The exhibition runs May 6 - August 9, 2009

5. Jonathan Adler Reynolds Table Lamp - $495
Plywood, stacked and carved to the finest degree – as Mr. Adler would say… low-tech luxury.

http://www.jonathanadler.com/
Jonathan Adler – Miami -
1024 Lincoln Road Mall - 305.534.5600

6. Henri Bendel Luxe Signature Candle in Black Fig - $30
The perfect scent for a night in – exotica meets the tropics.

http://www.henribendel.com/

Henri Bendel Boca Raton - 6000 Glades Rd - 561-393-6408

7. Tiffany & Co. – Tiffany Keys
The key to my heart – these “key” locks of love are sure to please any lady in waiting. My personal fav is the Quatrefoil key pendant with round brilliant diamonds in 18k gold.

http://www.tiffany.com/
Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach - 259 Worth Ave – 561-659-6090
Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach Gardens - 3101 Pga Blvd # Q211 – 561-622-253

8. Tom Ford Private Blend Colognes - $180
I must admit, it was one of my closest guy friends who turned me onto these unisex couture colognes. Amber Absolute has become my new fragrance of choice and I can’t wait to go back for more. If not, I can always borrow his!

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/
Neiman Marcus Palm Beach - 151 Worth Ave – 561- 805-6150

9. Publix Reusable Recycled Bags – 99 cents
Big bang for your buck - these ultra, durable, earth friendly bags aren’t just for weekly jaunts to the grocery, these perfect environmentally conscious sacks are also great for toting all accouterments to the beach and poolside.

Publix West Palm Beach - 375 S Rosemary Ave - (561) 651-7787
Publix Palm Beach - 265 Sunset Ave – 561-832-1978

10. City Docks – Downtown, West Palm Beach, FL
Being a resident of Downtown West Palm, I’m all about the new Waterfront Project, and right now it’s all about the “downtown docks.” Perfect for an early morning sunrise, afternoon stroll or evening gathering, these floating docks are sure to make you re-realize why you live in South Florida.

Open Book Test

The school of a stylish life begins with doing your homework! Hot on my list and soon to be piled high on my coffee table are the following tomes de' resistance! - BH

(Top: Gypset Style by Julia Chaplin, Assouline)

Orlando Diaz-Azcuy,Rizzoli, May 5, 2009

Villa, Saladino - Frances Lincoln

In the Spirit of Miami Beach, David Leddick - Assouline

American Fashion Accessories, Assouline

Attention deux luxe darlings....there may be a pop quiz on Orlando Diaz-what's his name, too! Happy reading!

Muse In You

We at The Deux Luxe were elated with joy when we learned about the upcoming event Spring Sights & Sips - what more could a cultured city girl ask for? The Young Friends of the Norton Museum of Art has put together this artfully minded soirée that is sure to appease anyone looking for a bit of weekend enlightenment and savoir-faire. You and your Jimmy’s will hop aboard a trolley and travel to Gallery Biba, Holden Luntz Gallery, Gavlak Gallery and Present Global Art Gallery. The festivity concludes at the Norton Museum of Art with cocktails and lite bites to celebrate the dedication of a new Taryn Simon photograph, purchased by the Young Friends for the Norton’s Photography Collection. With all this fabulous art, maybe it will inspire the inner muse in you. - KL

Who: Young Friends of the Norton Museum of Art
What: Cocktail Party
Where: Start and end at The Norton Museum of Art - 1451 S Olive Ave - West Palm Beach
When: Saturday, April 25, 2009, 4:00pm - 8:30pm
Tickets are $50.00 each and can be purchased online at www.norton.org/youngfriends or over the phone at 561-832-5196 (x-1115)

Out With The Old – In With The New

Re • ju • ve • nate - To restore to a former state; make fresh or new again

Season is finally starting to slow, or wait, is it?? Whether your schedule is still at rapid pace or you're already packing your Tory Burch tunic, Louboutin wedges and Balenciaga shades, rejuvenating is always a good thing. Here are a few tricks that help keep me going. - KL

Eau Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach
The dream of all spas… I just can’t seem to get enough of this new divine oasis. What I love most is the Pause, Play and Perfect philosophy which sets the tone for this perfect retreat to rejuvenate. Treatments are preformed in stylish, modern baroque designed rooms, where you can select a day-glow lighting color of choice (think hot pink, bright blue…) and choose between playlists (created by favorite local mix master Jean Marc) depending on your mood. The experience doesn’t end there – check out the Scrub and Polish Bar to custom create your own exfoliating couture concoction (try lavender, eucalyptus, spicy ginger...) and head over to the Bath Lounge for a true soaking experience. Spend the rest of the day lingering in the Self-Centered Garden, I highly recommend the swings! Add a glass of champagne and mini chocolate cupcakes (yes, this spa serves chocolate) and you truly have the perfect retreat to rejuvenate.

Eau Spa - The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach

100 South Ocean Blvd, Manalapan - 561-540-4960
www.eauspa.com

For an everyday spa-like experience, try these new skincare products:

Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream
I’ve been a fan of this Greek all natural line for years, and am now loving the latest from the new organic skincare offerings. - $34

Sephora – www.sephora.com
Sephora CityPlace – 550 S Rosemary Ave - 561-651-7633
Sephora Palm Beach Gardens - 3101 Pga Blvd # 229 – 561-622-1057

Kiehls Limited Edition Superbly Restorative Argan Body Lotion

Love that this ultra luxe lotion was created in collaboration with Parsons the New School for Design, and 100% of proceeds up to $100,000 will support waterkeeper alliance. - $55

www.kiehls.com
Neiman Marcus Palm Beach – 151 Worth Ave - 561-805-6150

Crème De La Mer – The Body Refiner
Indulge yourself with this latest from the “Queen B” of skincare lines, La Mer’s new precious exfoliating treatment, infused with 1.75 carats of pure diamond powder. - $110

www.cremedelamer.com

Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Beach Gardens – 3109 PGA Blvd - 561-694-9009

Gentle (re)Cycle

The buzz around town is that women are shopping their closets, cleaning them out and making room for more! What's a sassy lass to do with so much extra Pucci, Gucci and Prada, oh my?! Sell it of course! How incredibly chic to purge the Poiret and make a few doll hairs in the process. That's what some savvy, fashionable ladies who have some gently worn vintage and designer frocks are doing! This private, one day only shopping extravaganza will force you to abandon your ebay for the day and just Buy It Now! -BH

Who: Dina Capehart

What: Private, one day sale

Where: Casa Capehart - 339 Potter Road, West Palm Beach

When: Thursday, April 23, 2009 12 noon - 6pm

Contact: Dina Capehart 585-9890, dinacapehart@comcast.net and Maureen O'Sullivan, 833-9730, morepb@aol.com

Method To My Madness!

We've all heard of this sprite of a woman named Tracy Anderson and her so-called "method". She's famous for creating Gwyneth's bum and dreamy lean legs (at age 34 with 2 kids under her belt), and boasts Madonna as being the hardest working woman she's ever trained. Her celebrity clientele is growing and so is her popularity (once you're on Oprah, you've arrived)! She proclaims after 8 years of research as well as extensive training in dance, she's found the key to trimming bods and transforming our genetic destiny (does that mean I can turn this hourglass fig into a sinewy ballerina with bulk-free thighs?). After psyching myself out that I can be dedicated to another promising workout dvd - my last being Cindy Crawford's Shape Your Body video (this was 1992 after all), I impulsively took a trip to Amazon.com and purchased the closest thing I can get to a Hollywood silhouette - The Tracy Anderson Method Cardio DVD. Since the focus of the workout is cardio through dance, how difficult can that be, right? I confidently began the dvd with some optimistic beliefs that a)I am a decent dancer, b)I bet this is a rip off and I won't sweat, c) bring it on, Tracy! I was wrong about everything except C! Tracy presents eight separate dance combinations with full instructions done slowly then repeats the dance from behind so you can follow her, and finally performs the dances to tempo. I barely learned the first two dances, and stopped after my dog got in the way and I was tripping over my coffee table. I showed off for my husband that I had stamina but collapsed the minute he left the room. Finally, once all of the dances are learned, you perform a total of 45 minutes of each high-energy choreographed routine consisting of ballet, boxing, jazz, jumping jacks, kick-ball-change-fancy footwork all to the speed of dance club music. No relaxing Seal music like Miss Crawford included in her back-breaking video! Tracy is tireless and incredibly light on her feet. She dances across your screen back and forth like the momentum of a great tennis match. Her leaps and kicks look effortless while mine are still awkward and incorrect. Her transitions between movements are fluid and seamless while I am losing fluids, panting like I took a spin class! But...I am still confident and determined to perfect the routines and glide across my living room like a lean Peter Pan! I intend to complete all eight dances with the same perfection, verve and enthusiasm as the master herself! After the cool down session, I listen to a testimonial by Gwyneth Paltrow and Tracy's closing words soon follow. I learned that I have to get the mat exercise dvd in addition to cardio for optimum results - and performing the moves 6 times a week until you die will give you an A-list physique. I am kidding, but I did buy into the "method" and hype after all. -BH

J’Adore DV

Video,

She was well known for her Vogue office red lacquer walls and faux leopard-skin carpet, legendary catch phrases like “Pink is the navy of India”, and spending a pretty penny on lavish and exotic fashion shoot productions… she is, the one and only, Diana Vreeland. This late fashion icon’s explosive creative couture sense was the inspiration behind A Taste For The Exotic, the fashion story appearing in the May issue of Palm Beach Illustrated. Vibrant prints, flowing dresses, major jewels and accessories, styled á la DV, capture the eclectic Northern Africa trend that has emerged as one of the strongest looks happening in fashion today. Paired with a spice palette for the eyes and cheek, and hair woven with gold ribbon, helps complete the look and transports any fashionista to the shores of North Africa. To achieve this look for everyday, pick one bold print either in a clean and simple shift or a flowing silhouette, and pair it with one piece of high impact statement jewelry, either in gold or encrusted jewels. Pick up a copy of the May issue of Palm Beach Illustrated to see the complete story. – KL

Here are some of my inspirations and behind the scene pictures from the photo shoot:

A Taste For The Exotic - Palm Beach Illustrated May 2009
Photography by Robert Adamo - www.palmbeachillustrated.com

Green Goddess

Photo taken at the Mondrian Hotel, Miami Beach, FL

A Green Goddess respects the Earth and lives a good, clean life! She drinks champagne from the sustainably farmed grapes of the Gods and choses it's stemware to drink from wisely! She only likes to use recycled glassware that's incredibly chic such as the thrift shop finds that have been sandblasted by Michelle Ivankovic for design-forward Umbra. A Green Goddess is inspired by natural fibers and textures and stays grounded by accessorzing her wardrobe with grass earrings. A kelly queen also keeps her thumbs green by growing basil in a bag! And when she's not growing-she's giving bagged herb gardens as gifts! This stylish, eco-conscious design "leed-er" is staying in LEED certified hotels such as the Ambrose Hotel in Santa Monica, CA. A Green Goddess is always trying to reduce her carbon footprint...one red-soled Louboutin step at a time!-BH

POP Earth, $49.99, pommery.com

Umbra-Frosine stemware by Michelle Ivankovic, umbra.com

Grass Earrings, $128, anthropolgie.com

Garden In a Bag: Basil, $9, branchhome.com

The Ambrose Hotel- Santa Monica, CA ambrosehotel.com

Down with VOC?

Volatile Organic Compounds (the off-gassing, paint fumes emitted into the air) isn't a term that just rolls off our tongues but it is one abbreviation that we have been reading about frequently in terms of "green" interior and exterior paints. Specific chemicals in paint - VOCs, may contain neurotoxins that have negative effects on the ozone as well as potential long and short term effects on our health. Since the federal government hasn't established a set of standards for indoor air quality, independent groups such as GreenSeal.org have a list of certified paints that meet low or no VOC standards. Whether you're remodeling an entire home or just a bathroom, do your part this Earth Day, and consider a paint from the following: Benjamin Moore's Aura Collection, Farrow & Ball's "Estate Eggshell" series, or Freshaire Choice from Home Depot. -BH

Regal Paints (Benjamin Moore)

1200 S. Dixie Hwy

West Palm Beach, FL 33401

561.659.5599

Farrow & Ball

3508 S. Dixie Hwy

West Palm Beach, FL 33405

561.833.4955

We Heart Ken

Ken Paves with The Deux Luxe and Friends

He’s Jessica Simpson’s best friend, he’s Eva Longoria Parker's best friend, and now he’s our best new friend… We Heart Ken. That’s, as in celebrity hairstylist to the stars, Ken Paves – new to the scene at Eleven Spa in Delray Beach. The Deux Luxe recently caught up with this hair master at the exciting launch for the Ken Paves Salon at Eleven.

DL: What are some of the top hair trends for the spring/summer season that every fashionista should know about?
KP: Go for a very fresh and modern, effortless look. Try bangs and more layers than usual for a glamorous yet "undone" modern shag.
The key to this look is to keep it simple and natural. After cutting the bangs and layers use my Ken Paves Healthy Hair Volumizing Spray ($24) on her wet hair and finger dried and styled. It will fall right into place!
If you don’t have bangs (and don’t want to cut them) but still want to get this look, you can easily fake them with a pair of clip-in bangs! Try my hairdo Clip-In Fringe!
Glamorous yet effortless waves - When creating waves you can work with your fingers and brush – I use my fingers when I want a more tousled look – usually when I’m working with their natural texture. But, I also like to use a Mason Pearson brush to give the waves volume. You can use a curling iron and then pin them into pin curls to allow waves to set.
And remember, everyone can look glamorous – glamour is about not being afraid to embrace your feminine grace, from the ‘ Old Hollywood’ names to Jennifer Lopez! It becomes your style by wearing it with confidence!

DL: You travel often, where are your favorite places to visit and why, and what can’t you leave home without?
KP: Now having spent some time in the Delray area I can honestly say this is my new favorite place to visit. And of course, at the end of a great day at the beach or a long weekend at events, I love to unwind at the Ken Paves salon at Eleven.
I cannot leave home without a great pair of sunglasses.

DL: Us Florida girls have to deal with heat and humidity throughout the summer, any special tricks you recommend to help keep our locks healthy and under control?
KP: I always recommend my girls to wash their hair at night, and then style it in the morning - this way your hair will be smoother and you can better control the amount of product you’ll need and where you’ll need to control a little more – without over doing it.

DL: Celebrity following, product line, salons... What’s next?
KP: Hair styling tools!

Eleven Spa Delray
1440 N. Federal Hwy
Delray Beach, FL 33483
561-278-1100
www.elevenspadelray.com

Stack ‘Em Up

I was super excited to see that bangles and bracelets are making a huge comeback this season but in an up-to-date and fresh new way. This spring it’s all about adding and mixing; sizes, types, colors, materials… you name it, pile ‘em on. These statement making baubles were first showcased on the spring runways of Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton, and have since been seen in major fashion editorials nationwide. This is one trend you’ll definitely be seeing me sport around town. So think tribal, think jewels, think big, think small… think outside the box. Whether you’ve got vintage, fine, costume, contemporary or under the $10 set, stack away. - KL

Louis Vuitton S/S 2009 Collection

Louis Vuitton S/S 2009 Collection

Marc Jacobs S/S 2009 Collection

Vogue - Boy Meets Girl - March 2009

Not in Webster's Dictionary

Words haven't been invented to describe the reaction when seeing the fine threads at the new - yet temporary Webster located at 919 Collins Ave in Miami. This high end, ready-to-wear luxury label clotheshorse's dream-come-true store is sparse and minimal. But it's temporary! (The permanent location is slated to open in a few weeks on the 12th block in the old appropriately fitted Webster Hotel). The gorgeous clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories are on display to touch (always wondered about that YSL cage boot's structure), provoke (those new torn and bleached Balmain jeans are so daring, but could I pull it off?), and get misty eyed over (that black ribbon belt encrusted with crystal brooches would be the answer to my fashion prayers). The fun doesn't stop here, kids. The men's store just next door, and also temporary, boasts an equivalent couture experience! I particularly fell in love with a Trussardi camouflage cotton parka as well their leather totes and overnight bags. While my brief excursion rendered me speechless with nothing more than a few lustful sounds, embellished gushes, and a few flicks of tiny drops off of a dreamy eye - I realized that the only words in this Webster's dictionary are Chloe, Balenciaga, Balmain, Miu Miu, Lanvin, et cetera upon heavenly et cetera! However, the four letter expletives that will be cursed upon seeing the Amex bill after a day at The Webster...well, that's only temporary, too! Here are a few musings currently at the store: -BH

(Top: YSL cage boot, Middle: Balmain jeans S/09, Bottom: Balmain Crystal and studded heel)

The Webster Temporary

919 Collins Ave

Miami Beach, FL

(305) 674-7899

Coming Up Roses

This spring we are noticing pretty petals popping up all over. Faded florals are making a major statement throughout the spring collections with Roberto Cavalli leading the way. Gucci’s latest perfume, Flora by Gucci, is inspired by the fashion house’s iconic flora pattern, originally designed in 1966 and rediscovered by current Creative Director Frida Giannini. With the recent Rizzoli release, Marie-Antoinette and the Lost Garden at Versailles, we get an alluring glimpse into the exquisite French queen’s most personal and private outdoor spaces. And we can’t leave out HBO’s highly anticipated remake of Grey Gardens, a behind the scenes spectacle of the eccentric lives of "Big Eddie" and "Little Edie" Bouvier Beale (relatives of Jackie O), starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore. So whether you visit your local florist for fresh blooms or pick-up one of the latest floral finds, just don’t forget to stop and smell the roses. - KL

Roberto Cavalli S/S 2009 Collection - www.robertocavalli.com

Flora By Gucci - www.gucci.com
Gucci Palm Beach - 256 Worth Avenue - 561-655-6955
Gucci Palm Beach Gardens - 3101 PGA Blvd - 561-694-1463

Marie-Antoinette And The Last Garden At Versailles - www.rizzoli.com

Grey Gardens - HBO - Airing April 18 - 8pm