a LIFE of STYLE

SWAROVSKI & PHILIPPS USB DRIVEThe spring season has been gloomy and gray in NYC this year.   The drizzly, cool days of spring have lingered on and on.   Swarovski changed all that last week when they unveiled the biggest sparkle to hit retail in 2009.   The Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED Boutique opened at 499 Broadway in Soho, NYC with a bang and crowd that lined up down the block to get in on the bling!SWAROVSKI TINKER-BELL

When you think Swarovski, you might think figurines.   You would be right.  The company has been the master of fine crafted figurines and sculpted crystals for over 100 years.   In 1895 Daniel Swarovski revolutionized the world of cut glass with his innovation that would change his destiny.   He had created a new technique in cutting  crystal and was wise to quickly patent his invention.   From the very beginning, the company has been innovative and forward thinking as to what they can bedazzle next!  Now with the help of the 4th and 5th generation, the company is still family owned.

Every major fashion house has at one time or another worked with Swarovski to work their magic on the latest dress, bag, shoe, or of course jewelry piece.SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS BY THE MILE!WALL OF LIGHT CRYSTALS -BLUE & GREEN

The latest concept in the Swarovski retail world is CRYSTALLIZED.   The idea is to personalize your jewelry by choosing each element and build your own look.   The store is line with the WALL OF LIGHT that has thousands and thousands of choices - ranging in color and shape.   With prices starting at $4 or $5 dollars a bead - the concept appeals to a wide range of audience.   The marketing is wise for Swarovski as the appeal of crystal is staggering.   There are over 400,000 members of the Swarovski Crystal Society .

The idea of customized jewelry continues to grow.  As I mentioned in the article on Whimsy Worldwide rings - women the world over are taking more control over the design of the jewelry they choose to wear.

The opening party was packed beyond believe.   My friend and I got claustrophobic just trying to get to the bar.   There were a handful of celebs there - but honestly .. it wasn't their night.   It was all about the stars on the walls -and in the cases!SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL COLUMN OF LIGHT

The centerpiece of the store is an amazing column of light chandelier that has hundreds of thousands of crystals and is two stories tall as it lights up the staircase.   The column of light evokes a sense of glamour similar ot the 81st Academy Awards Ceremony.   DAVID ROCKWELL OSCARSYou might remember - the academy tapped design master David Rockwell to design the set.   Mr. Rockwell commissioned Swarovski to sparkle the stage and curtain with over 1 million crystals!

You can add some sparkle to just about anything you like.  I do mean anything- From a USB drive to your Wii, to your Nespresso Coffee Maker.   Oh yeah, there is the jewelry too!SWAROVSKI'D NESPRESSO

If you are in NYC this summer, hit the boutique on Broadway - just around the corner is the pop up shop for Nespresso.  I'll have more on that soon, but grab an iced coffee and all of your $2 charge will go to charity.   The concept of the pop up shop will not disappoint.   a caffeine fix rarely comes in the form of charitable donation - so take advantage of it while you can!

www.Swarovski.com

Who could have predicted the sad chain of events that unfolded this  last full week of June 2009.   The terrible cliche of celebrity deaths in three rang true - first with that of famous side kick Ed Mcmahon, dead at 86.   ED MCMAHON & JOHNNY CARSON ON THE TONIGHT SHOWThis gentle giant was as famous for his voice that a generation grew up hearing nightly say - "Heeeeeeeere's Johnny"  as he introduced Johnny Carson on the tonight show.   Later still he was the host of Star Search - another right of passage for the youth of my generation.  ED MCMAHON ON STAR SEARCH Long before contestants risked getting ripped apart by Simon Cowell on American Idol, young hopefuls would hold their breath to see if they got "One Star", "Two Stars", or wait for it ..... "Three Stars".   Maybe it was a kinder, gentler time.  

Then on Thursday the sad ,sad news.   FARRAH FAWCETT - HER SIGNATURE STYLEFarrah Fawcett lost her battle with anal cancer and died at the age of 62.   No other female entertainer had more influence over the hair and style of young women around the world.   From Jamaica to Japan Farrah seduced the world in the late 70's with her famous feathered hair and all American looks.   In just one season on the Aaron Spelling hit show "Charlie's Angels" Farrah was catapulted to fame and infamy as the bleach blond sexpot of the crime fighting female trio.   Then there was that poster!   The biggest selling pin up poster of all time.   Long before Pam Anderson made a one-piece sizzle on Baywatch - Farrah was able to defy the boundaries of two dimensional print with her natural assets that drove adolescent boys crazy - and their dads too!   Marrying Lee Majors aka "The 6 Million dollar Man" cemented her place in tabloid heaven - for this was the first of several rocky relationships.  FARRAH FAWCETT - THE INFAMOUS POSTER

Farrah's battle with cancer was able to shine a spotlight on Anal Cancer that is one of the least studied or publicized forms of the deadly disease.   The TV special "Farrah's Story" that chronicled her fight was really a love note to this Angel.   It was her personality that was always fun, light hearted, and playful that really came through and was present until the end.   The special was surrounded by controversy.   The battle being between Farrah's circle of dubious friends and loved ones and the producer of the program- who really don't deserve any more media spotlight.   What struck me the most was one line during the special.   Near the end of the two hour show, Farrah's voice over was giving some final thoughts on her fight and her hope for a cure.  After a silent pause she said - "More importantly, HOW ARE YOU?".    It was a line so ordinary, but delivered in Farrah's trademark innocent manner.  It hit me like a ton of bricks.   While some say it was done on purpose for effect - I don't believe it.   I think it was signature Farrah.   I'm mourning her loss.    She wasn't Mother Teresa - but she made me feel good any time I saw her on TV - and how many people in life can you say that about?  

Later the same day - Thursday June 25th we learned Michael Jackson went into cardiac arrest and died at just 50 years old.  Nothing I can say can begin to explain the dysfunctional abyss that was the reality of Michael Jackson's life - his unmatchable talent and the influence his ever changing and overly effected style had on millions and millions of people the world over will never be duplicated.MICHAEL JACKSON - CIRCA 2005

From his sequined glove, to thick white socks with black loafers Michael Jackson stunned the world with his fashion choices.   While most details were so over the top they looked more like parody even when worn as an honest tribute - the studded leather jackets, the side cocked hat,and the short pants.  Michael was working the shrunken suit look long before Thom Browne influenced the Menswear industry.  I wonder if  Mr. Browne was a fan on MJ growing up?  Fan or not - exposure to Michael's look was unavoidable.   Jackson changed the world of music and video with his groundbreaking performances.   There will never be excitement surrounding videos like that of Thriller or Beat It, or Bad - ever again.MICHAEL JACKSON - BADMICHAEL JACKSON PERFORMS IN SIGNATURE SHORT PANTS

What a sad week.   We lost an angel and peter pan and the man who told us weekly to "reach for the stars".  Maybe on the way into the pearly gates, Michael and Farrah had Ed to give them a proper introduction.

WHIMSY RINGS AND BEADSAfter working in the fashion industry for years, it's rare that I come across a trend that has totally escaped me.   That happened this week when I discovered WHIMSY - a jewelry collection that showcases collectible glass beads.   I had no idea there was such a collectible.   Not only are women all over the world collecting glass and enamel beads - they incorporate them into jewelry any way they can.    The folks at Whimsy have come to the rescue by offering  a great collection of rings that lets you interchange your favorite beads.  Made from reclaimed sterling silver, 14-karat gold and gemstones, the rings would be beautiful on their own - but are designed to showcase your beads.    Artist R. Craig Whitten is the man behind the collection.  Mr. Whitten has been hand crafting fine jewelry for 30 years. WHIMSY RING AD

As we are seeing more and more - people are wanting to personalize fashion and create one of a kind items.  Whimsy is a perfect way to show your style and get creative.   The collectible bead craze is also a perfect example of customers spending more time to build a collection of items they love.   These jewelry lovers are not just going to a store and putting down a credit card, but purposely taking the time to choose each piece.   This is a trend that has reached far beyond arts and craft items and with the Whimsy collection we see that the idea has reached the designer price point range.   Whimsy rings are perfect for displaying your favorite beads from Pandora, Chamilia,Zable, Halia, or Trollbeads.

I attended the Swarovski Crystallized boutique opening this past week.   The entire concept of the store is individual crystals for sale for you to create your own look.   I'll have more on that zoo of an opening later!  For a global company like Swarovski to be rolling out concept stores- it's clear they feel the customized jewelry craze is here to stay. 

I'm sure it's just a matter of time before you see Chanel or Louis Vuitton offering customized costume jewelry bracelets, rings, and necklaces!   To shop for Whimsy beads and rings today - visit  www.WhimsyWorldwide.com

CLAIBORNE BY JOHN BARTLETT**UPDATE** Respones has been HUGE. and John Bartlett is extending the Clairborne PoP Up Shop at his store until July 5th!!!!   I hear they will marking down the collection by as much as 40%.   The prices are already easy on the wallet - so GET THERE NOW!!

John Bartlett is one of a small group of American designers that have made a name for themselves while retaining their creative edge and independent spirit.  For years John has been known for pushing the envelope in Menswear.  While his runway collection might be too fashion forward for some dads out there - his collection for Claiborne is perfect for sprucing up any guys wardrobe.   Bartlett is responsible for the redesign of the  Claiborne brand.   An American classic, Claiborne by John Bartlett has so many items that your boyfriend or your dad will love.  Now you can buy classic American styles with a little John Barlett edge. 

The most exciting thing for New Yorker's is that John Bartlett has transformed his namesake boutique into a pop up shop of the Claiborne collection for father's day.

Where: John Bartlett Retail Store - 143 7th Avenue South at Charles Street.

When: Thursday June 18th - Monday June 22nd

Hours : 11am - 7pm daily   ** NOW THROUGH JULY 5TH***

Get there early before the coolest stuff is gone... and pick up something for yourself while you shop for dad!

T.E.C. APRONS IN THE RIVIERA SUNThe chicest home collection from the south of France - Travaux En Cours has arrived in NYC just in time for the summer.   Just when you needed the perfect hostess gift for that long lazy weekend you are taking at your friend's house in the Hamptons - T.E.C. to the rescue!   Travaux En Cours or T.E.C. for short has been a favorite to those in the know on the French, Italian, & Spanish Riviera for a few years but never available here in New York.    No surprise - Bergdorf Goodman -the ultimate destination for style and design - is the store debuting the collection  this week.  

The collection is known for beautifully crafted aprons & weekend accessories perfect for grilling, projects around the house, or even to just throw on when company surprises you in the kitchen.

SEASIDE CAROUSEL - ST. RAPHAEL, FRANCE

Travaux En Cours is the brainchild of two busy friends living on the French Riviera, in the seaside town oF St. Raphael.  The designers wanted functional weekend gear that didn't look so clinical or like they borrowed their husband's apron.   The result is a unisex collection that is equally popular with men and women who love to work around the house, cook, garden, you name it.  You won't see big logos splashed across the pieces - that was the first priority of T.E.C.  The ladies were tired of seeing logos everywhere - even on a Saturday morning at the market! How tacky!   The Travaux pieces are chic and understated - just what you want from weekend accessories.T.E.C. IN A RAINBOW OF COLOR

Bergdorf Goodman is housing the collection in their world renowned Decorative Home Department on the 7th floor.   Look for both the full body apron and super cool belt apron.   The short belt apron is actually worn as a fashion accessory in Japan!  Also, don't miss the wicker tote bag in fashion colors - perfect for the beach!

Travaux En Cours means "Work In Progress" and the company says that refers to whatever project you are working on - a cake, a garden, or a garage door opener!   Whatever your task, you will be fully protected in style.   Even if you never make it to the Riviera - the T.E.C. aprons and accessories will make you feel like you did.

The company has also just launched a line of super chic bags - perfect for a casual trip - across country or to the market - your choice.   Supple suede, leather, and denim make them unlike any bag you've seen lately.   I'm sure it is just a matter of time before your nearest Neiman Marcus or Saks 5th Avenue is carrying them.   You read it here first!

**There is a capsule collection of bags available at Privet House up in Warren, Connecticut.   That would sound surprising if you didn't know that design guru Richard Lambertson has this uber cool gift shop near his weekend house in Litchfield Country.

Visit the 7th Floor at BERGDORF GOODMAN - 754 5th Avenue at 57th street NY, NY.T.E.C. HAND WOVEN STRAW TOTE - $150 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

Store Hours: Monday–Friday 10–8. Saturday 10–7. Sunday 12–6

Or call the store at 212 753-7300 and ask for the Decorative Home Dept. and the T.E.C. aprons.

Privet house can be reached at (860) 868-1800.

Produced  from the finest fabrics from Italy and France, the aprons are hand finished in Portugal.  Known for the savoire faire of it's artisans, Portugal is responsible for some of the finest embroidered linens in the world.  The aprons range from $125 for the belt aprons to $165 for the classic apron shape.  They will last you a lifetime and are classic enough to never go out of style - just like your favorite fashion items!

Bonjour and Welcome - Travaux En Cours!!

Due to an overwhelming response - the date of the OVANDO DESIGN TEAM wedding seminar is being postponed.   It seem that a mid June date was just too disruptive to all things happening in the Hamptons!

GOOD NEWS - the new date is Sunday, September 13TH.

Now you can get your tan on this summer and sip a cosmo rest assured that come September you are going to learn from the pro's how to whip that wedding plan together!

to purchase tickets - click -

OVANDO WEDDING PLANNER  *enter promo code Ovando for a 10% discount.

Crisis averted - nobody wanted Bridezilla's on their hands!!!

To read the full story - click - OVANDO WEDDING SEMINAR

Looking for a great way to spend a Saturday this summer?  I have a great idea- head north to Litchfield County, Connecticut.   This leafy & Laidback part of Connecticut is home to a steady supply of antique, gift, and food shops. 

My favorite by far is Privet House.   This shop has the best collection of everything from bath and body lotions to wonderful art and photography books.   You might just find the most amazing vintage Rolex you didn't know you had to have!  Not to mention - anything that goes on a table from service to  linens to candles - Privet house has it.

Design guru Richard Lambertson is the man behind Privet House.   The co-founder of Lamberston Truex spends weekends in Litchfield County and was inspired to create Privet house.   We are SO glad he did!   Business partner Suzanne Cassano is also the owner of Vol. 1 Antiques just across the way here in the center of the small town of Warren.   Cassano's background in home furnishings adds the perfect antique yin to Lamberton's  fashion design yang.   The outcome is a magical mix of amazing finds and items you will fall in love with.   If you happen to be in the area as a houseguest - you have found the perfect destination to buy the appropriate thank-you gift to your host or hostess.  There is so much more to see and say - stay tuned for updates on Privet House.

NORMA KAMALILooking for that perfect summer swimsuit?   You are not alone.   Memorial Day came early this year and if it snuck up on you - don't worry - there is an easy way to find that perfect go-to swimsuit.   Norma Kamali has been making swimwear that could double as day-wear for decades!   Click here to see more suits! - Kamali NORMA KAMALI ONE PIECE

AIDEN SHAW The name Aiden Shaw makes millions of women around the world sigh and swoon as they think of the fictional love interest of Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex & The City.   The name Aiden Shaw also makes millions of men around the world sigh for a different reason.   You see, the Aiden Shaw that has a mythical appeal to men is not the fictional character in SATC, but the real life version.  

The real Aiden Shaw is... CLICK -AIDEN to Continue article.