CANDY COLORED GEMS FROM MICHAEL DAWKINS

OVANDO'S "EL CORAZON" -$175.00Valentine's day is almost here, and I have a few suggestions that will be sure to have your sweetheart smiling from ear to ear.   There are three classics that are a sure fire hit - flowers, candy, & Jewelry - of course.  

New York based jewelry designer Michael Dawkins has just unveiled several new styles in his very successful "Fabienne" collection.   The collection of earrings, bracelets, & necklaces  are all set in sterling silver, featuring semiprecious stones.   Each is a perfect Valentine's day gift.   DESIGNER -MICHAEL DAWKINS  Candy colored gems  like Amethyst , Pink Pearls, Citrine and Blue Topaz are irresistible.  The earrings add movement and sparkle - but yet they don't overshadow or steal the show.   Just the perfect touch of glamour for that ear to ear grin I was talking about!    For the wrist, there are numerous bracelets that vary in weight and detail.   FABIENNE OPEN LINK BLUE TOPAZ -$595.00Michael's signature "Granulation" is found on most of the pieces.  That is how the designer describes the countless little beads of Sterling Silver that are applied by hand.   For over 20 years Michael Dawkins has been flattering women with his designs, inspired by forms found in nature.  His personal appearances at Neiman Marcus and Saks 5th Avenue stores throughout the country have built Michael a loyal following.   FABIENNE TWISTED LINK PEARL & CITRINE - $675.00

Sandra De Ovando was born and raised in FLORAL DESIGNER - SANDRE DE OVANDOMexico City, studied in Paris, and chose New York City as the place to open her eponymous studio of floral design.   With a unique look to almost every aspect of her approach,  Ovando's work feels cerebral, eclectic and powerful.  Ovando was also the first shop that was experimenting with succulent plants for years now, long before most other designers even carried them.   There is a darkness that is alluring and captivating, sexy and sensual - in everything she creates.    The cool factor here is off the chart.   OVANDO'S "ROMANTIC VALENTINE" - $150.00Any man or woman in your life would love something from Ovando.

French born Chocolate maker - Jacques Torres French born Jacques Torres has certainly found his home in NYC. CHOCOLATIER - JACQUES TORRES  Mr. Torres aka "Mr. Chocolate" has a skill for thinking of inventive chocolate creations.   Jacques is probably most famous for his incredible truffles.  His combinations will have you savoring your choices as you fill up a box of these heavenly little chocolates.   Also, not to be missed are the deadly dark chocolate covered espresso beans!  Torres has added some deliciously naughty gift ideas for the chocolate lover in your life.   "Spank Me" paddles made of chocolate and a "Chocolate Champagne Kissing Game"  are just the perfect way to end an evening that started with flowers and gems!

One word of wisdom for all the Romeos out there.   Don't make Valentine's day the time to buy your sweetheart lingerie. CHOCOLATE "SPANK ME" PADDLES  If that is your thing, do that throughout the year.  CHOCOLATE CHAMPAGNE "KISSING GAME" After all, isn't that more for you, than her anyway?  

Happy Valentine's Day...  click on the above sites to shop for your love NOW!

*Jason Jobson is a representative of Michael Dawkins.

DIPTYQUE LIGHTS A BOUGIE ON BLEECKER STREET

French candle company Diptyque is responsible for the scented sensation that has swept through the fashion and design world.   For years the fashion flock made a pilgrimage to the Blvd Saint Germain boutique in Paris to buy the luxe candles that couldn't be found on this side of the Atlantic.   Well  times have changed.  For the past five years you have been able to find these slow burners with the heady scent at high end gift and department stores - but not in a namesake boutique.   Well this holiday - that is changing as well.   Diptyque has unveiled the temporary "pop-up" store at 377 Bleecker street in NY's West Village.

To help recreate the subtle yet powerful image on the company - Diptyque turned to the perfect interior designer to portray just that .  Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is a master of turning white, clean spaces into  sensual, powerful rooms - while maintaining a sense of purity.   His firm- BNO design has a strong following from celebs like rocker Lenny Kravitz to writer  Laura Esquivel.   Major projects with The Morgans Hotel Group of their Mondrian Hotels in Scottsdale , Los Angeles, and soon Soho are  prestigious achievements to say the least.

There is perfect symmetry between BNO Design and Diptyque. Benjamin has a unique talent to bring an emotional response from a seemingly simple setting - much the way Diptyque candles can deliver such a strong olfactory response from their understated packaging.  

The store also features  lighting fixtures from ABYU Lighting.  They are the destination for couture fixtures  with an edge!

Benjamin's book - Emotional Rooms is a great gift for anyone with an interest in interior design.  Click here to find it on amazon - Emotional Rooms.

The Diptyque store is a must do on your holiday shopping list.  The temporary store is open through January 15th.   We hear rumors that the permanent version won't be far behind.  We hope this is true!

You can spend the entire afternoon on Bleecker Street.  After your candle shopping, stop by one of the several Marc Jacobs stores as he always has some inexpensive and super stylish gift ideas.   If you are going to any holiday parties - Ovando at 337 Bleecker is the perfect spot to pick up a unique flower arrangement or succulent for your host or hostess.   By now - you will be starving.. so stop by Miracle Grill at 415 Bleecker.   They are famous for their catfish tacos - but also have the best burger in NYC! 

Shop, Eat, & be Merry!!!   Happy Holidays!!

OVANDO at the W

OVANDO BLOOMS FOR THE HOLIDAY-W HOTEL

The most unique florist in NYC is Sandra de Ovando.  Her West Village shop has garnered attention from classic Fashion Houses like Hermes to trendy Hotels like the Gansevoort.   Just in time for holiday shopping, W- The Court Hotel has opened an Annex for the floral designer through January 10th.   Now you don't even have to head downtown to see her creations.. but you should.. because her shop on Bleecker street has the hauntingly fabulous feel of the laboratory of a mad scientist obsessed with orchids and succulents.  This is the best place to find a floral gift for the man in your life.   Ovando, originally from Mexico City - studied in Paris and there is an underlying masculinity in her work.   The result is hypnotic and sensual and I guarantee any recipient of one of her creations that have a huge range in price from $35.00 to the hundreds - will be most appreciative!  You can also purchase from the website.

Ovando -the W Court -130 East 39th St. (at Lex.)- (212) 924-7848

Ovando - 337 Bleecker St., NY, NY 10014 . T 212-924-7848