Blown Away
We’d been together for almost four years. (Isn’t it amazing how quickly four years can pass?) In the beginning, things were good. It was fresh. It was exciting. There was a long time when I was truly happy, and I knew other people were actually jealous of what we had. As I write this, I can honestly say that I never saw myself with someone else. I was sure that if one of us were to eventually leave this relationship, it certainly would not be me.
It’s not like I didn’t ask for what I wanted. I even brought pictures, but nothing helped. Looking back, I guess all the signs were there. There was the weeknight I waited almost 20 minutes, without so much as an apology or a glass of wine. The background music gradually changed from contemporary pop to acid house, for no apparent reason. Prices increased, without explanation. Then we hit bottom (sometimes it takes actually hitting bottom): I left with orange highlights. Orange. Highlights. I even went back (even after orange highlights). I thought I could salvage things, but less than a month later, I was walking around Washington, DC with mini bangs and fluffy sides. It was over. I knew it was time to find a new hair stylist. I just didn’t know how.
Last weekend, (after spending an hour trying to make my bangs grow longer and un-fluffing my sides), I decided to take a stroll around my adopted hometown: Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. In the back of my mind, I knew I was “out there” –in the fray– looking—in “hair flux.” I walked down King Street to get my usual: a Starbucks Venti Sugar Free Cinnamon Dolce Soy Latte (which I highly recommend if you haven’t tried it, because it is really fabulous). I was walking home, minding my own business, sipping my latte, and there it was: a board advertising Blown Salon. It looked fun and interesting. Could there really be someone there who was right for me? It took me three days to work up the courage to call. I told my story to the young woman on the phone (she was clearly moved) and she suggested that I see Dominique. I’d already browsed the early reviews on yelp.com, and I had a feeling that Dominique might be for me.
I’ve never written about a salon before, but I can honestly say that Blown Salon really inspired me. They made me feel at home. They listened to me. They liked my red lipstick.
Tonight, I feel redeemed. My bangs look good. My sides are not fluffy. I’ve snapped 20 pictures of my new hair and sent them to friends and family, all of whom were impressed with the results. I will be back, Blown Salon (and, dare I say, I feel really confident about our future)!
(Interested in the fabulous that is Blown Salon? Check them out at www.blownsalon.com!)
Diane Von Furstenberg welcomes Fall!
Talk about gorgeous! The Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF) Fall ad campaign video premiered on www.DVF.com this week, and it is amazing!
For the first time, the fashion label, lead by Diane Von Furstenberg and Creative Director Yvan, used state-of-the-art RED camera technology (most recognizably utilized in movies such as The Amazing SpiderMan, The Hobbit, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Avatar 2). In fact, images for the print campaign are pulled directly from the video.
DVF travelled to China to collaborate with conceptual artist Zhang Huan’s studio in Shangai for the backdrop of the fall campaign, which was directed by Tatiana von Furstenberg, shot by Brian Rigney Hubbard, and featured model Tayane Leao. The campaign is characterized by “sophistication in industrial surroundings” with modern colors — pacific blues, pomegranate reds and celadon greens — juxtaposed with raw, organic gray materials like concrete, stone, and brick.
Check out the amazing DVF Fall video at: http://www.youtube.com/user/insidedvf?feature=mhee. I also recommend “liking” the DVF Facebook page, available at http://www.facebook.com/#!/dvf.
Welcome Fall (and your fabulous fashion)! You were missed!
30 Days of Lists
Have you registered to participate in 30 Days of Lists? The first list prompt will be given on September 1st!
What? You haven’t heard of 30 Days of Lists? Really? Oh darling, you are missing out!! Here’s the deal:
Each day (starting September 1st) a new list prompt is given. For example, you list your favorite things, or favorite seasons (the prompts are far more interesting, these are just examples)! Make your list, then take a photo of your list and upload it on Flickr (if you wish) to share with the 30 Days of Lists community! There’s an adorable forum where members chat about the lists and other interesting things. All I could think when participating in this project in the past was, “Wow-I wish I could somehow recapture this cool community of list-makers!” Now I can! It is so fun and interesting to see how others interpret the list prompts, how creative people can be with the look of their lists, and just what a cool group of people seem to flock to this undertaking.
Even more details are available at http://30daysoflists.com/ Among the most exciting features? The sponsors include yours truly! That’s right, www.HollyGofabulously.com is a very proud sponsor of 30 Days of Lists! I hope you’ll join me–it is truly fabulous!
What I’m Loving Right Now
We’ve been having 100 degree + days (and 90 degree nights!) here in the DC metro area, and I have to admit that it’s been miserable! Thank goodness, I’ve found some great new products recently to brighten my days! If you are also sweating it out right now (and, by the weather map, odds are you are), I suggest you try these great finds!
Caress Fine Fragrance Elixers Body Wash
I was fortunate enough to receive a bottle of this fantastic body wash to try, and I absolutely loved it! I must admit that, as a longtime devotee of all the finer body products, I wasn’t terribly optimistic that I would enjoy Caress. I tried the Sheer Twilight fragrance and highly recommend it. The fragrance actually reminded me of a much lighter version of Tom Ford’s Black Orchid! It lathers wonderfully and worked as both bubble bath and body wash. While this is a “musky” fragrance (black orchid and juniper oil), it does not have a heavy lingering smell that will compete with your chosen body cream or cologne. I am sure that this fragrance will be even more enjoyable in the Fall/Winter weather (when I normally prefer heavier scents). Pick this one up at the drug store, ladies–you’ll be glad you did!
Chanel Style Yeux Waterproof – Gris
In some sick way, I regret the day I decided to try this eyeliner, because now I simply cannot live without it. At $29.00 each, this is a great way to spend all that money you saved with the Caress body wash! Bottom line: Is it worth it? Absolutely, and then some! The “ebene” color is a lovely waterproof black that glides on smoothly and stays on all day. The DC humidity and long days at work hardly challenge this stuff. I wear it every day. I love it. What was life like before Chanel eyeliner? I hardly remember. It’s just that good! Find it online at chanel.com, here.
PureDKNY
A self-described “soft floral scent,” this really is one of the loveliest and cleanest scents I’ve found. It features a drop of vanilla in water as its signature. This fragrance also contains lotus flower and Bulgarian rose, with jasmine, freesia, and lush orchid. It finishes with warm amber and creamy sandalwood. The only downside of a fragrance this light is staying power. I keep a small bottle at the office for an “afternoon pick-me-up” scent experience!
Reflections on a Week in Boston
Harvard Yard
“If thou fill thy brain with Boston and New York, with fashion and covetousness, and wilt stimulate thy jaded senses with wine and French coffee, thou shalt find no radiance of wisdom in the lonely waste of the pinewoods.”
–Ralph Waldo Emerson
In 1989, I almost went to college in Boston. In 1998, I almost went to law school in Boston. My favorite, super cool professor in law school was from Boston. I like lobster and Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and “Good Will Hunting”. What can I say? Boston is a town of “almosts” and “maybes” for me; a place that I never lived, but always liked.
During my week in Boston, I was able to take advantage of what (in my geeky little world, at least) was a true “chance of a lifetime”: The opportunity to have a glass of wine at the Harvard Faculty Club. I’ve had better wine, but I was already drunk on the very smell of Harvard. It smelled of old leather and books and hunter green (if hunter green had a smell). It was equestrian and elegant and proud. I felt comfortable and welcome there, and was happy, for once, to have invested so much time and money in my education. I vowed right then and there to start devoting more time to those things that make me feel truly inspired. What inspires you?
Ready for the Harvard Club!
At the Harvard Club with Canadian Astronaut Dr. Robert Thirsk
At the Harvard Club with Author and Harvard Professor Robert Kaplan
Shopping on Newbury Street in Boston
A fabulous sunny day for shopping in Boston!
Five Fabulous Looks from St. John!
Ease into Spring looking simply elegant with the St. John “Midnight” Blazer. Here are some easy, chic, and unexpected ways to wear this fabulous jacket:
For more information on St. John’s stylish and versatile pieces, including where to buy, see http://www.sjk.com/en-us/shoponline.
David Yurman Supports Women in the World 2011
It’s no secret: I adore David Yurman jewelry! I love how David Yurman designs are bold, yet not over-done. Given my love for these designs, I jumped on board immediately when given the opportunity to share David Yurman’s involvement in Women in the World 2011!
As a sponsor of the 2011 Women in the World Summit, David Yurman is holding an online charity auction, the winner of which will choose a Women in the World charity that will receive all the funds raised during the auction. Not only is the winning bidder supporting a cause she believes in, but this person is also bidding on something one-of-a-kind: The winning bidder and two guests will be treated to an Upper East Side French lunch, and then visit the David Yurman Townhouse on Madison Avenue for an intimate presentation of jewels from David Yurman’s Limited Edition and Couture collections! In addition, the winner bidder will receive a limited edition David Yurman Infinity gold and diamond necklace, customized to celebrate Women in the World 2011. This exceptional limited edition piece will be one that only this person and her two friends will own, reminding them of the unity and bond shared as women and a priceless treasure to always remember the day and of the winning bidder’s generous contribution.
Feeling generous (and lucky)? To participate in the online auction, go to www.charitybuzz.com/davidyurman. Good luck!
Vote for Alexandria!
When I first moved to Alexandria, Virginia from the New York City metro area, the big advertising campaign for the city was: Alexandria: the Fun Side of the Potomac. Every day I rode the metro to work in Washington, D.C. As the train crossed the Potomac River and headed towards the District, I would always think to myself, “Now leaving the fun side!”
I’ve loved Alexandria since the moment I found it. I met my husband here, and when we were able to buy a condo in Old Town Alexandria, it was the culmination of a dream for me. Given my love of this city, I was quick to vote Alexandria the “Fan Favorite” of the twelve destinations named by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 2011 Distinctive Destinations contest.
Entering is easy! Go to http://VisitAlexandriaVA.com/ and click the “Vote Today” button to cast your vote. Vote every day until March 15!
Food of Love
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon, or not at all.” –Harriet Van Horne
There was a time when I rarely, if ever, cooked–just as there was a time when I was alone, rather than happily in love, as I am today. All things change with time, and I, too, have changed in many ways since getting married nearly two years ago. One thing I have discovered is the “food of love” connection–actually wanting to cook for my adorable husband! While I freely admit that Steve is a better cook than me, he is always more than appreciative of my efforts. Perhaps the most favored meal I’ve made is Mom’s Lasagna! I’m still amazed that, even though the ingredients are the same, Mom’s version always tastes better– but I guess that is why she’s Mom! Enjoy and buon appetito!
Mom’s Fabulous Lasagna
Ingredients:
1 – 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
1/2 lb. sausage (Bob Evans or similar brand)
1 package sliced pepperoni (I used mini turkey pepperoni)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
3 jars Paul Newman Marinara sauce (with apologies to my New York Italian friends, who shudder at the thought of ” freakin’ jarred sauce”!)
2 lbs mozzarella cheese (Mom recommends the pre-shredded packaged cheese)
1 large container whole milk Ricotta cheese
1 lb lasagna noodles (I make a low-carb mini-version for me with no lasagna noodles)
9 x 13 inch pan
Directions:
Brown the ground beef and sausage in olive oil in a deep pan. Add onions and cook until onions are translucent. Drain any excess fat. Add 2 jars of Marina sauce and cook on simmer for about one hour.
Boil lasagna noodles using the al dente directions. Drain and separate noodles on wax paper. Pour enough sauce to cover the bottom of the baking dish. Start layering noodles length-wise: 3 strips of lasagna noodles will fit in each layer. Layer the noodles, then sauce, then mozzarella cheese, then ricotta cheese. Add some fresh-ground black pepper to each layer, and occasionally add pepperoni to the layers. If more heat is desired, add ground red pepper flakes, as well. Keep making the layers until the lasagna is as high as you want (usually about 3 layers, sometimes 4). Top the lasagna with cheese, and sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top. Cover gently with foil.
Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 – 45 minutes. Let sit for 15 minutes before cutting.
My Bergdorf Goodman’s Fashion Week Contest Entry!
This is my entry in Bergdorf Goodman’s “Dress Linda Fargo for Fashion Week” contest on Polyvore!
Dress Linda Fargo by hollydenslow featuring donna karan dresses
