Lusting after....J Crew shoes.

I don't know what they've been putting in their coffee over at J.Crew these days, but they need to keep it up! I just got the fall catalogue and man oh man are there ever so many LUST worthy items. I could on and on for days about their cardigans alone! And their tissue tees! I live in those. But right now, its their shoes that have me drooling. Most are out of my current budget, but a girl can dream, right?

Girandole studded heel ballet flat, $178

Langford platform high heel oxfords, $275

Sequin bow ballet flats, $188

Tilly satin two tone platform heels, $325

Check out more at J.Crew

Allons-y...the Netherlands

The Dutch have given the world some pretty great stuff over the years. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and Mondrian in the art world. Wooden clogs, gouda cheese, Delftware and tulip mania. One of my favorite Dutch contributions to the world is their architecture. I'm not just referring to their windmills and their boxy little farmhouses nestled into the rolling countryside, or the narrow three and four story merchant homes sandwiched side-by-side on the canals of Amsterdam. I'm talking about the innovative and sometimes futuristic designs that have come out of the Netherlands since the end of WW2. Much of the world is familiar with the works of Rem Koolhaus, who has had a prolific architecture career. Among other things, he designed the Seattle Public Library and it's one of my favorite buildings. Here are a few very cool, very clever Dutch picks, all located within the Netherlands and I'm thinking a trip is in order!

The Selexyz Bookstore

Maastricht

From the outside, this former Dominican church is rather austere and somber, but pass through the double wooden doors and you enter what the UK's Guardian newspaper called "the most beautiful bookshop of all time". I don't disagree.

The Selexyz has all the fittings and trappings of any other bookshop including a cafe and sitting are tucked into what was once the home of the main altar. You can sip cappuccinos while flipping through the latest magazines or simply wander around taking in the murals and stained glass windows as you look for the latest literary works. I'm in!!

Aluminium Bos

Houten

Near Utrect, on the edge of a man-made lake, sits the Aluminium Centre. (Yes I realize that is the British spelling, but if you were to Google "aluminum center" you will not find this building. Believe me, I tried it.) This unassuming aluminum box partially extends out over the lake, perched atop rods also made of aluminum. The metal posts, called the Aluminium Forest, mimic the surrounding Birch forests and also double as drainage pipes and service conduits. Very clever.

By far, the coolest feature and the one that won me over, can only be seen at night. When the sun goes down, the building is turned into a dazzling display. Fitted to the center are several outdoor lamps called Exterior 200s and Exterior 600s. These "intelligent luminaires" create an ever changing, light show of endless colors and hues. The glow reflecting off the shiny metal and the still lake waters is lovely.

Urban Cactus

Rotterdam

An oasis in the heart of a bustling commercial center is what the Urban Cactus is meant to be. This 19-story residential building on Rotterdam's harbor was conceived by UCX Architects. Each of the levels is "rotated" to allow the most possible natural light to enter each unit. The floor plan also allows for huge outdoor terraces where residents can have private gardens and green spaces. Although very cool and somewhat retro looking, I can't actually find evidence that this has been built, nor can I find the firm's website. The image I have is an artists rendering. It's a shame too, because I would seriously consider a place like this for myself! Maybe one day it will come to fruition, but it's a great example of Dutch creativity nonetheless.

For more info check out the following:

Merkx+Girod Architects

World Architecture News

Design Scene

Abbink de Haas

Burberry Beauty

Last night, my good friend Panda and I had the opportunity to attend the Burberry Beauty Launch Party at the Westfield SF Nordstrom. Burberrry has created a 96-piece line of eye shadows, lip colors, foundations and powders in a range of gorgeous, classic colors. Nordstrom is the lucky retailer carrying the line in the US and the lovely Christopher Bailey, chief creative director of the brand, has taking time out of his busy schedule to attend some of the kick-off events.

I first heard about the event a few weeks ago when I was browsing the MAC counter. I noticed that where their counter had been was now a construction zone.

"What's happened to your counter?" I asked one of the MAC girls.
"We're getting a Burberry Beauty counter, she told me. "The brand is launching its beauty line here in the US and they're only opening like 5 counters nationwide AND only at Nordstrom."
"Wow, that's cool" I reply.
"Actually, there's going to an event in a few weeks to kick off the brand. I can sign you up for a consultation if you'd like. Oh and Christopher Bailey will be there."

STOP! THE Christopher Bailey? The creative genius behind the line?! Sign me up! The makeup artists can do whatever they want to my face, I get to be in the same room as Christopher Bailey!

And so, I signed myself and Panda up.

The make-up event was pretty standard as far as events go. Loads of make-up artists, loads of women getting a fresh new face. The cosmetics were lovely, the powders and shadows pressed with the Burberry plaid pattern, the lip glosses super creamy and lush. The packaging was just as pretty. The boxes the color of their iconic trench with metallic silver writing and all the cosmetic packaging printed in plaid.

After our make-overs, Panda and I were whisked upstairs to the VIP lounge. This I was not expecting! Black clad waiters circulating with trays of bubbly champagne and tangy Pimm's (my fave!!) and little nibbles. SF society dames rubbing elbows with everyday folks. And there was Christopher Bailey, looking fab in a slightly rumpled black suit, pale blue shirt and shiny black leather shoes. It took Panda and I pushing a few people out of the way but we did get to meet him and when we did he was the nicest man! He shook our hands and seemed genuinely grateful that we had come and were enjoying ourselves, so humble that we were so excited to meet him, a veritable rock star in our industry. He was even more than happy to pose for a photo.

After that Miss P and I sat a chatted, sipping our bevies and nibbling on some salted caramel chocolates a waiter had brought our way. After a few minutes a woman came around and asked if we wanted a free gift, handing us each an enormous and heavy Burberry bag. Curiosity got the better of us and we opened up one of the gifts then and there, but I'll let you scroll through the photos below to see just what our gift was. Let me tell you: it is AWESOME.

All in all, the night was fantastic. The event was tons of fun and very chic. Christopher Bailey is an absolutely lovely, charming man. I'm so glad I stopped by the MAC counter when I did, otherwise I would have completely missed the event!

You can check out the full line of Burberry Beauty cosmetics at www.burberry.com or at Nordstrom's beauty website www.nordstrom.com