As an amature ballet dancer who studied multiple times a week, I am moved by those dedicated and talented enough to make a career out of a physical sport. The Olympics have always captivated my attention with part fantasy, and part prestigious achievement. Now with my chosen career path in fashion, I am quite elated with this month’s cover story in US Vogue featuring St. Louis, Mossouri’s own Super Model Karlie Kloss with team members from our American Olympians. Go team USA!

I have decided to start to include recipes for those like me who are gastronomically challenged, and still wish for a little flavor in life. Here is something that I occasionally indulge in….

Kate Bosworth wearing Prada at the 2012 Met Gala “Impossible Conversations” Muiccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli.

Gift giving from everlasting, to sentiment, here is to that special woman in our lives! On this celebration of Mothers, indulge her a little in the sentiment of appreciation….

I enjoy the ability to completely absorb a movie on my own terms (i.e. my bed). Inspired by the movie that I waited to own to see, a usual habit of mine, I pulled together a few looks inspired by the retro style that’s taking fashion by storm combined with the delightfully sunny color that is popping up everywhere.

I have yet to come across a makeup bag by a cosmetic company, for better lack of words, that fit’s my fancy. They are either too dull, obviously inexpensively made, or not functional enough for good organization combined with aesthetics. But yesterday when I came across this fantastic, chic, and beautiful ‘portfolio’, I knew that I hit the jack-pot….

I do not know what it is that causes my hairdryer to die every March, but as faithfully as spring follows winter, my hair temporarily reverts to its state of ‘naturally frizzy’ condition til the problem is resolved….

One of my favorite and whimsically talented artist, fashion blogger, and illustrationist Garance Doré has added videography to her list of creative talents. I couldn’t help but share these fantastic, and delightfully refreshing “insider’s” look at Paris Fashion Week called “Pardon My French” from none other than the Frenchwoman herself. I am sure that you will enjoy these clips as much as I did.

Alexis C.

A natural beauty of alarmingly handsome looks, Charlotte Casiraghi exudes the very nature of a seasoned equestrian show jumper displaying more than grace and decorum. With her charmingly aura, it is no wonder that Frida Giannini has championed her as the equestrian sports ambassador for Gucci. Gianni, a rider herself, has been exclusively designing Casiraghi’s riding gear for the past couple of years. And as revealed on March 6, 2012, the princess has become the face for the new Gucci campaign called “Forever Now”.

With all of rage for fur hitting the runways and streets, it seems that with a little imagination it’s possible to follow a trend and manage to maintain ones ethics. Just look at Stella McCartney and her patented leather just for her shoes!! Style savvy and no one would know that they are faux~real. The 2012~13 fashion weeks streets were brimming with ‘fur’ and ‘furry’. Anyway you do it, this is one trend that actually has the wearers comfort in mind, warm=chic!!

What does Banana Republic do to boost sales? They take one of the top male models in the world (David Gandy), put him in a ‘limited edition’ line dedicated to a hit television show, coincidentally depicting a style scoring big on the runways since Marc Jacobs ‘Louis Vuitton’ rendition of the sixties, and watch the revenue increase. Brilliant marketing technique, and homage to the ‘super models’.

Befittingly, CHANEL just introduced the “Priémiere Flying Toubillion”, presented at the International Watch Fair in Basel March 8th 2012. Happy Twenty Fifth Anniversary of Chanels Priémiere Watch collection, and Hello Spring.

Every so often the fate of two objects come together as one.

As it is Paris Fashion Week, what better time to celebrate an iconic parisienne house such as Dior’s own ‘joaillerie’ designer Victoire de Castellane. Last night at the Salomon de Rosthschild, with a lavish ball, the French celebrated the infamously unique jewelry designer’s new book titled none other than, ‘Dior Joiallierie’ by Rizoli….

With the anticipated arrival of spring on the horizon, are you ready for moments to bring out your natural sparkle. Do you wish to add instant illumination to your skin. The impending arrival of spring calls for a lighter, brighter make-up kit. Pump up shine this season with an injection of natural glow, and let your beauty come from within. Successful on the catwalks, pastel can make a great impression when worn with real bliss. Read more for a full ‘pastel’ makeover sure to give you the ‘Pastel Manic’ look that is sweeping the pages of fashion.

~Alexis C.

It is that day that comes around only once every four years. A day that carries a solution to a scientific equation, folklore traditions, and those lucky enough to be born this day, the ever elusive fountain of youth. From whichever point of view that today holds for you, I wish you the happiest of them all. Leap into this year with enthusiasm, and I am sure that you will not be disappointed.

Alexis C.

Anxious to receive Vogue March 2012 issue, I had no idea that this rare song bird would in one night collect as many Grammy’s as Whitney Houston acquired in her entire career. Did Vogue have a heads up when choosing of Adele for their power issue coinciding in the same month as the Grammy Award Ceremony. Whatever the knowings of that night’s turn of events, we all acknowledge Adele as a powerful artist, who from a broken heart and failed relationship, super charged a fabulous career….

Laudreé, just the name brings delightful images of confectionery concoctions fit for a queen. And what better way to celebrate the 150 year anniversary of this glorious house of pastry masterpieces fit for a princess of any era than Laudreé’s collaboration with designers for limited editions boxes starting March 1, 2012 that are just as magnificent pieces of art as are the macaroons that they hold. Though the outspoken supporter of socialistic reform, Louis-Ernest Ladurée founded the pastry shop in 1862, It wasn’t until 1930 when his grandson Pierre Desfontaines, had the original idea of the double-decker, sticking two macaroon shells together with a creamy ganache as filling. And the rest is history in the art of chic confectionery delights.

The premiere box is designed and illustrated with Japanese, but Paris based designer Tsumori Chisato’s poetic, and readily whimsical hand. A treasure in itself after the macaroons have disappeared. Taking inspiration from cherry blossom season, the macaroons are pink and filled with a light cherry ganache. For those stateside, visit the new Laudreé tea salon on Manhattan’s Upper East Side.

Bon anniversaire, Ladurée!
Alexis C.

Love has been compared to a garden of flowers, a river, a flame, illness and war; it is a language spoken by everyone the world-over, though it is not spoken often enough, and when it is words hardly seem adequate. It is given and received most effectively without cost or trade, and a holiday has been established in the honor of love, giving an annual excuse for recognition of affection. Sometimes love is serious, sometimes silly; other times love is sad or jealous, even angry. There has been something said about every face of love. No matter how painful it can be when it goes wrong, love is the most desired commodity in society today, which is why there is so much said about the subject.

“All you need is love.” – The Beatles

I am one of those people who would rather spend her energies on having great skin than acquiring any other fashion accessory. Skin is a mirror of who you are. As it is, I tend to be one who’s skin can crumble under stress. So to take precautions I stay away from dietary foods that will aggravate an unpleasant situation, instead focusing on hydration both inside and out.

never despise meager beginings. if you don’t ever start something, then you can never finish. although 2011 has dished it’s share of hurdles, this ship has begun to sail. i am not one to believe that all things have a purpose, but rather all things are a result of a motion set into action. throughout this last year, i have had multiple inspirations, and my pen has had a difficult time keeping up. just last week an epiphany occurred causing all of the ideas to come together as one. 2012 is going to be an unbelievable year with a fierce passion for turning every corner.

Happy New Year!
Alexis C.

how do I like to enjoy my mornings. with moments of pleasure, and a perfect cup. I am one of those people who think everything tastes better on beautiful dishes, so when it came time to find the perfect cups to compliment our photo spreads for the Tien Limited project, “In The Sack”, I was pleased and thrilled to come across these delicious handmade pieces of heaven from Artazza. Anxious to open my new found treasures, the cups in the array of gorgeous colors, were even more delightful to the touch than I had imagined. “these cups are for the serious coffee lover that combine functional design, handcrafted quality, and a certain fun factor” says the company. The cappucinno cups hold five ounces of your liquid gold, are heavily glazed, and come in a choice of eight brilliant colors. Each cup is rimmed in platinum and signed by the artist. They are lead and cadium free, dishwasher safe, and not suitable for a microwave. Quality handcrafted in Switzerland, you can order your favorite cup by clicking on the image to the right of my blog, “My Perfect Cup”, to be lead directly to Artazza. see what creative fun you can come up with on your table, or “In The Sack”, and enjoy the sneak peek at the fun with stylist Adrian Perry, designer Alexis Cristianne, and fotographer Andrea Dodd Hartwig, are having “In The Sack” with our pretty little cups.

…stay tuned, there is more to come.
Alexis C.

“There is safety for a ship in a harbor, but a ship was meant to sail”~ “fearless” by Arianna Huffington. A quote ‘fearlessly’ text to me by a friend that has stuck with me over the last few weeks. We are all ships in life’s ocean. In order to go somewhere in life one must actually have a mental picture, vision if you will, to set their sails and chart a course. To see a vision, even if a far off in the distance while doing more than just wishing and hoping, will be that which aligns your destination drawing you to the end in sight.

Wanting isn’t good enough, you must move every action fearlessly into that direction. Otherwise the demise of the destination will be going in circles, not going anywhere at all while hoping that the tide will wash you onto a shore. It is said that without a vision the people will perish. I wholeheartedly believe this to be completely true. When without vision, hopelessness will be the waves that swallow you whole as you sit in the middle of your ocean waiting for a direction, or safely harboring life’s storms in the prolonged protection of passive aggressiveness. Neither of these options are what we ships are built for. Hoist anchor, make provisions, and fearlessly set sail on the voyage of your life. Live with no regrets, and I assure you…there is an end in sight.

Alexis C.

if all the world’s a stage, then what part in it do you play. lead role, supporting actor, stagehand, designer, model, playwright, or director. This question raises a few points….

While finding myself utterly and unbashedly in this twenties and jazz mood for the past few weeks, I have contemplated many of thoughts. Understanding that jazz is all about mood, interpretation and improvision, the one factual need that has most prevailed me is the simple pleasure of a friend. Especially while enjoyed over a soothing liquid drink….One of life’s little bonuses. While listening to the infamous Ms. Baker, and enjoying my own blend of Mirage Fréres tea, thoughts, and the stirrings of the both, my mood was being haunted by the Sept. 2007 issue of American Vogue, (many thanks to Grace Coddinton, Pat McGrath, John Galliano, and Steven Miesel), and I realized just how much we need someone to share our joys and heartaches, burdens from our own chest, feed each others inspiring ideas, and just the plain and simple fact of knowing that there is someone there for you. While recently going though a difficult time, a friend of mine (coincidently whom I met at a coffee shop) shared in such a need, at just the right moment, via a text. How grateful I was that this friend had the boldness to send to me this message at the end of a long day without any idea of what I was going through. something that meant more to me than she might ever know. And just like the indulgence of a box of Swiss chocolates after an emotional trauma, my next objective was to curl into bed with my warm comforting tea, and to really ponder what this message from my friend could mean for me.

I have come to the conclusion that being ruled by the moon, you will always dwell among the stars, feel the rolls of the tide like a fallowing ship among the sea, and be an evanescent creature of the night no matter your personality type. Though a thoroughly fulfilled morning person, the pull of the moon causes my mind not to find nocturnal solace in the unconscious toiling and boundless limits of subconscious creativity.

As a lifelong, self developed artist, I believe that I was creating the designs for the occasions in my life in utero. Having the knack for creating whatever my eye saw, I filled my days, thoughts, and free time with actions of every aspect of art that I could singularly get my hands on. Being inspired by everything, this passion has been the driving force to my daily life. As I make this journey, and getting there was half the battle, my life’s preparation couldn’t be more complete. I have jotted down my thoughts and inspirations along the way to give you a first hand glimpse of what it takes to follow your dream, and the auditions for a reality show. Take a peek into my thoughts as I open my journal to this chapter in my life.

The ardent power of passion is described as an over powering feeling with deep desire, drive, and conviction. When your passion is this intense, one does whatever necessary to be a part of it’s world. With every turn of the page, brush of my pen, and stitch in the fabric, the art of fashion has breathed it’s life into my soul. Through years of countless correspondents of passionate letters hidden as glossies, I’ve had one of those lifelong love affairs with fashion that began as inseparable childhood sweethearts. When I write about my lover, every detail of this passionate affair is uncovered with affection. My pen choreographs the imagination with words, transporting my reader with the captivating allure of this romantic liaison…..

With summer now officially upon us, we are most likely in a state of being more body conscious. If you…or I, haven’t yet made the efforts to get “bikini ready”, there still is a few months of nice weather ahead of us, perfect for outdoor activities to get us in shape for looking hot in our fall/winter jeans…right?

My guilty conscience was somewhat eased after reading the Vogue june 2011 article called “High and Mighty” pp.190, by Plum Skyes, and her atttempts to get her post pardum legs in shape. If you are the busy body type like me who finds the time to do everything else but work out, then you will enjoy this light~hearted read.

Most of the year my own personal workout regime comes in the form of high heeled shoes that I feel most comfortable wearing. Not sure if 1. I have shortened my achilles tendon from the years of ballet, 2. it is my own subconscious effort to exercise…or 3. possible attempts of penitence. Whatever the reason, I do enjoy wearing these wonderfully contrived fashion accessories, of which I can do almost any activity….a whole other story….

If this little green apple beauty isn’t the concoction of a brilliant mastermind, reminiscent of luring Snow White’s almost fatal demise, then I can definitely say that it is mine. Being a great appreciator of the artist who truly understand the meaning of the word luxe, I am smitten with the designs that come from this once failing house that under the care of Thomas Maier has more than exceeded the definition of the word thrive. With his ingenuous use of design in clean, uncomplicated, sophisticated and modern renditions; this designer paves his own path.

The navel is one of those interesting and sexy parts of a persons body. Even the word navel stirs a sense of sexual emotion. It is home to the past lifeline of intro uterine life support, the belly button. A body part most intriguing. Individual. And completely sensually appealing. I have been lucky enough to have three of them. Well I don’t think luck had anything to do with it really. As I am writing this article I am recovering from a failed first attempt at the making of a “navel” button after going through a hernia and abdominal muscle wall repair with a complex closure. At least that’s what was written in my chart. “A complex closure”~ meaning, a removal of the damage to my once beautiful abdomen caused by a full term pregnancy with seven pound twins. I will never forget the warning that my obstetrician gave to me upon finding out of my multiple pregnancy “Alexis, there is a special place in heaven for the mothers of twins”. Little did I know, what I now understand, what she meant.

This season’s statement is all about being bright and bold. Making it a perfect excuse to be creative and try one of those colors that have had your name on it. Inspired to prompt my makeup and photo stylist Adrian Josephine to create something fun and bold for our last shoot, the outcome was more than spot on perfect.

After pursuing her wonderfully abundant collection of goods, she settled on a teal green that she had been saving for just the right application. I cannot say that I could have been more happier.

Having green eyes, this color just makes them pop.

After years of struggling with the right application of eye makeup technique for my eye shape and color, I happen to one day come across “The New Beauty Secrets” by Laura Mercier and have since been thrilled with my newly applied results. I recommend this book to everyone.

Here are some suggestions for color this spring. Go ahead be bold! It is what the fashion world is prompting, rather pushing us forward into.

“People’s excesses are put up with more easily on the Riviera in the summer, and everything that happens seems to have something artistic about it”. Those few privileged of men to live in this region of the world where the sun shines and the lingering of time stands still, are very much spoiled. For the rest of us who wish to have a transformed outlook of a new destination, taking a peek into the wanderlust atmosphere that Karl Lagerfeld has created for his CHANEL Cruise Collection 2011/12 satisfies the crave for the excess with atmospheric yacht living.

The famed and historic Hotel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, which first opened their doors in 1870, and was known for having some quirky requirements that were finally abolished in 2006 was the quintessential location for creating scene. What better way to showcase a cruise collection than at the atmosphere of one of the top ten hotel destinations.

The gorgeously clad guest list was just as chic as the runway models, filling the entire French Riveria atmosphere with the elegant brand’s trademark of comfortable vivé la élan. Worthy of living the Yacht life that Lagerfeld wished to create.

I have never come across an add with Anna Mouglalis that I was not taken with. Representative of compellingly appropriate, phenomenal beauty in a perfect Chanel muse, Moulgalis reaches outside of the confines of print and screen emboding the spirit of Chanel with such precision while leaving the viewer entranced. Alluring and sophisticated, she stirs the emotions charging us to be that woman in the adds, a Chanel woman. Dignified and full of graceful elegance with a sense of reserve. Provoking a presence while being comfortable in her own sensuality. Something that a younger woman cannot posses. Besides the short film The Tale Of The Fairy by Karl Lagerfeld, I recommend getting a hold of the movie Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky played particularly well by this stunning actress to see her talents at large.

“Who are you” Kristen McMenmany asks Vivian, an adrogynynous fairy who offers to “change it all” in the short featured film The Tale of the Fairy by Karl Lagerfeld presented at the Cruise Collection 2011/12. Continuing in the prescient set mood, and pondering my own brand’s vision, the idea of a fairy offering instantaneously desired changes is an enchanting idea indeed. Ms. Chanel will always be a forerunner in the artistic concept of lifestyle brands, and momentary escapes into her surreal world where the glorious collision of idealistic enigmatic femininity and sheer will are tailored together prove that the irrepressible spirit of Chanel lives on.

Not sure if it is due in part to my new location in the world where it rains more than not, I have found myself in a continual mood to drench everything in a golden hue. Stumbling upon the Coco Mademoiselle film with Kiera Knightley, had more than my interior decorating skills itching for a change. With the very essence of ingredients, this perfume permeating with tones of mandarin, orange, jasmine, morning rose, and vanilla to name a few, could add another level to a golden moment.

Being provoked by the ghost of Madamoiselle Chanel, I find her hauntings around almost every turn of the fashion world. Drawn to her many accomplishments, realizing that though never completely successful in love being in somewhat of a continual morning, one could say her true undying devotion and passion was to her art…the glorious world/lifestyle of CHANEL. The legendary Gabrielle Coco Chanel, a woman who so revolutionized fashion, broke barriers, and set standards, overcoming odds; transformed the world of fashion for decades to come. With undying devotion to quality, passion, and trends within a devoted whole; she will always be an idolized immortal legend. Hail the Queen.

Alexis C.