PHILIP STEIN'S MAGIC WAND

WINE WAND WITH CASEJust when I thought I was too old for magic - I found this.   Harry Potter has nothing on Philip Stein who has just released the Wine Wand.    What sounds too good to be true is actually the perfect accessory for any wine aficionado - or someone looking to have the latest "it" tool for the home.   

Philip Stein is known for their use of "Natural Frequency Technology".   While I can't explain what that is or how it works - millions of people swear by Philip Stein watches and feel better wearing them!

The Wine Wand is a brilliant idea.   Somehow the masterminds at Philip Stein realized the use of these crystals and their Natural Frequency Technology could breathe life into wine and aerate a glass in 2 to 3 minutes instead of hours.  As any fan of red wine knows - waiting for a corked bottle to properly breathe can be an exercise in patience or perfect time management.   With the Wine Wand you don't need either one.    After a long day at the office the last thing you want to do is wait for wine to breathe.   The trouble is that the process of aeration does dramatically change the taste of wine - which is alive and organic.   As the wine breathes, layers emerge - flavors deepen - and wonderful subtleties are revealed.  BOTTLE WAND

I received the Wine Wand just as I was headed upstate for a long holiday weekend at a friends house.   It was Easter weekend and religious or not I knew I was in-store for plenty of chocolate (see previous post on Jacques Torres)  and wine - which pretty much screams "perfect weekend" to any Christian or Jewish friend I know!

On Easter Sunday I was invited to the home of William and Wayne in Sharon, Connecticut.   Business and life partners, they are the duo behind the wildly successful home furnishing stores William-Wayne & Company.   With two locations in New York - they have you covered uptown and downtown.   Of course they also do a major portion of the business on-line and over the phone that services clients all over.   The two are masters at re-inventing classic ideas from the past with a modern twist that can make even the most formal item - casually elegant.   They are also hosts with the most and the house was full of friends and laughter!

Needless to say - I was a favored guest once I waved my magic wand at the party.   The wand delivers and so will Philip Stein if you order from the website.   Finished like a fine accessory with it's embossed snake skin holder - you can even choose your favorite color.   In the pouch - the Wine Wand looks like your favorite Mont Blanc pen on steroids!! 

I guarantee if you bring one of these wands as a gift for your weekend host - you will be invited back.  If you opt for the jumbo bottle size - you just might be invited to move in!  While the wands cost a bit more than flowers ($325 for the Travel Wand -$525 for the Bottle Wand) - this does last forever - and is state of the art technology.   How many gifts can you say that about?

The Wine Wand is available at Philip Stein.com or at Neiman Marcus and Saks 5 Ave. locations around the country.    Cheers!

MADONNA RIDES AGAIN!

MADOONA AS LOLA MONTEZ BY STEVEN KLEIN Word is that Madonna will appear in another round of ads for Louis Vuitton.   This on the hoof of news that Madonna was thrown from a horse for a second time.... click Saddle for more..

VALENTINO - RUNWAY TO THE BIG SCREEN

VALENTINO GARAVANIThe name Valentino means luxury.   It means glamour, sophistication, and style.   Now, thanks to film director Matt Tyrnauer the name is also  one of the most endearing documentaries of the year - Valentino- The Last Emperor.   While watching a self indulgent fashion designer might not sound like everyone's cup of tea - the magic of the film is to see the dynamic between these two men ......  read more and see a preview- click -Valentino

MICHELLE OBAMA - MODERN FASHION ICON

MICHELLE OBAMA WITH FRENCH FIRST LADY - CARLA BRUNIAs the Obama's returned from their first European trip as President and First Lady one thing is certain- Michelle Obama proved her ability to charm a nation is not limited to the United States.  

As effortless as Barack Obama made the stressful, and at times tense G20 summit look - Michelle was just as composed as she put country after country under her spell.   There is an authenticity to the Obama's that is obvious in ever gesture they make and every sentence they speak.    Michelle has excited the fashion world as the latest fashion icon.  While it may be early to make these proclamations - it does come with the territory.  Every First Lady is at the same time held in high esteem and criticized for any fashion faux pas - real or imagined.

What is so exciting about Mrs. Obama is she has a modern approach to fashion.   Mrs. Obama has brought attention to wonderful brands that show women can attend the most formal affair - even if your budget doesn't permit French Couture or strictly designer price points.   No-one has looked better - embracing color, style, and above all fashion.  Not a fashion victim mind you - just a women who wears fashion that flatters and who will also take risks - not always doing what is expected.

Designers are taking note.   Azzedine Alaia is said to be thrilled with how Obama looked in a black dress of his design she wore in Baden-Baden.    Rosella Jardini - Creative Director of Moschino is also on Obama's style bandwagon.   As is Brunello Cucinelli the Italian designer of his namesake collection and of Gunex Pants - which Obama wore during the trip as well.   Needless to say Mickey Drexler of J.Crew is a happy camper - the company could not have wished for a better endorsement - especially one on the global stage!  Jason Wu also received more press than he could have ever hoped for when Obama wore his designs in January.

Not so thrilled with Michelle Obama is Oscar de La Renta.   Oscar thinks Mrs. Obama should stick to more traditional designers (likely his own) when she is attending official engagements.    What can you say?   Oscar is from another era - and Laura Bush - Michelle Obama is NOT.