Archive for the ‘
’ Category
We work hard and are in need of an occasional treat from time to time. The Daily Diamond is a splurge-worthy item related to fashion, beauty, lifestyle, home goods or dining out.
March 18th, 2010 by Catherine
As the weather warms up, so too does my appeal for fragrance, fragrance everywhere. I tend to keep a supply of candles on hand for burning when I’m home, switching them up depending on the season (woodsy and spicy ones for the winter, light florals for spring and summer) but always gravitate towards this one from Fresh. Its scent is such a delicate blend of florals and citrus, it makes me want to do nothing more than kick back in a hammock with a good book and some lemonade.
{Sugar Lychee Candle, Fresh, $48.00}
Tags: Fresh, Sugar Lychee Candle
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March 17th, 2010 by Catherine
This past weekend, my boyfriend and I braved the torrential rain and hurricane-force winds to apartment hunt. Our timing wasn’t the best, but we managed to successfully find a building we liked, and despite not having signed a formal lease yet, I’ve already begun mentally decorating the place. First was my new comforter. Now I’ve got my eye on this stunning side table from West Elm. The antique feel is precisely what I’m looking for in an accent piece for my imaginary living room, and while the price is a little steep, I’m willing to make the splurge on something that won’t go out of style in a heartbeat.
Now all we need to do is commit to a place so I can get decorating!

{Faceted Mirror Side Table, West Elm, $199.00}
Tags: Faceted Mirror Side Table, side table, west elm
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March 16th, 2010 by Ruth

So as many of you know, wedding-friendly accessories have been on the top of my shopping list. At this point, I’ve got the shoes, earrings, bracelet, back-seemed stockings, back-seamed thigh-highs (sexy I know), and this weekend, I scored a shawl to keep me warm. I have, however, encountered some trouble finding the perfect bag. And I just heard from a very informed birdy that Rue La La is hosting a Judith Leiber boutique! Virtual doors open this Friday, and this iconic American brand will finally be affordable! Those luscious crystals, colorful hues, clean lines and crisp edges – I’m dreaming of finally owning my first heirloom without spending anyone’s inheritance.
Not yet a Rue La La member? Join now ! And don’t forget to invite your friends to experience Rue La La – you’ll receive a $10 credit when they place their first order.
I’ll let you know how it goes! Do you have a favorite JL bag?

Tags: Judith Leiber, Ruelala
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March 15th, 2010 by Ruth
I thought it only proper to pay homage to the late Alexander McQueen and his last dance. Inspired by the art of Jean Fouquet, Sandro Boticelli, Stephan Lochner, Hans Memling, Hugo van der Goes and Hironymus Bosch, McQueen digitally translated their work onto luxurious fabrics. Painstakingly detailed and embossed with ornamentation, the 16 piece collection was shown to select attendees in a Parisian salon on March 9, 2010.



Tags: Alexander McQueen, Hans Memling, Hironymus Bosch, Hugo van der Goes, Jean Fouquet, Paris Fashion Week, Sandro Boticelli, Stephan Lochner
Posted in Chic Think, Daily Diamond | No Comments »
March 9th, 2010 by Ruth

Manolo Blahnik Faleri, Barneys.com, $825
I’ve never been one to indulge in the Manolo Blahnik craze. Perhaps it’s because I could never afford them, nor did I ever feel like I couldn’t live without a pair of his shoes. However, I’m feeling a change of heart. There is something these shoes have that makes my heart skip a beat. I’m dying to wear them with boyfriend jeans, a see through white tee, and a long casual cardigan. I can imagine the feeling I’ll get when putting these on: love, strength, power and energy. Oh beauteous shoes, you will be mine.
Tags: Barney's, Faleri, Manolo Blahnik
Posted in Chic Frills, Daily Diamond | No Comments »
March 8th, 2010 by Catherine
Confession: I’m one of those consumers who definitely judges a book by its cover. A product’s packaging has to have something worthwhile to draw me in (whether it’s fancy or simple doesn’t really matter) to learn more. But that’s usually where the allure stops. Having worked in some capacity within the beauty industry for 7 years now, I’ve become immune to the hypnotic effect so many products have, and in the process have saved myself (and my wallet) from frivolous spending.

{Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss, Hourglass, $26.00}
Such was not the case when I spied Hourglass’ new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss. The sleek, thin tube is super futuristic-looking, and the gloss shades are to die for. There are six in total, all of which promise to glide on sheer, without the goopy tack that accompany so many other formulas I’ve tried. I haven’t stopped craving the strawberry-hued Pulse, and am stopping by Sephora tonight after work! Spring has sprung on the east coast, which means it’s time for a poppy new lip color.
Am I the only one who craves a beauty overhaul when the weather gets nicer?
Tags: Hourglass, Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss
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March 7th, 2010 by Catherine

{Plissé Double Layer Silk Maxi Dress, Halston Heritage, $895.00}
I didn’t know these feelings lurked within me until I spied this dress on Net-A-Porter. Now all I want to do is go ballroom dancing and drink Sidecars. Perhaps it’s the Oscars that have sparked my craving for a night of playing ‘dress up’; maybe it’s the zesty orange hue of this dress that’s got me all excited. The reasons, however, don’t exactly matter when the price is far, far from my budget limitations. A girl can dream, though, right?
Tags: Halston, Halston Heritage, Maxi Dress, Net-A-Porter, Oscars 2010
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March 4th, 2010 by Ruth

Earlier in the week, I had the opportunity to attend an intimate demonstration of Clarins‘ new Spring 2010 Collection (spring-inspired cocktails included!) and I spent most of the night ooh-ing and ahh-ing over every single product. The latest collection includes a mix of hydrators, an everlasting foundation, exfoliators and brighteners. I’ve narrowed down my two favorites and have shared with you what I like about them after the jump! (more…)
Tags: Clarins. Gentle Beauty Soap, Delectable Self Tanning Mousse, self tanner
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March 3rd, 2010 by Catherine

Star light, star bright.
I’ve long loved the light created by star-shaped lanterns. There’s just something so magical and sweet about a candle flickering within its gothic-inspired cage. Ever since spying these options from Potterybarn, I’m on the hunt for more affordable alternatives in time for summer. It’s my dream to dine outside, under the stars, surrounded by stars.

Star struck.
{Filigree Star Pendants, Potterybarn, $79.00 – $99.00}
Tags: Filigree Star Pendants, Pottery Barn, potterybarn
Posted in Chic Shack, Daily Diamond | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2010 by Ruth
After seeing the bathroom of Flaming Lips lead singer, Wayne Coyne, on FlavorWire.com, I felt it was necessary to share with you. It’s such an incredible use of space, but certainly not everyone’s cup of tea. Fitzsimmons Architects created a Jetsons-esque room, with mirrored tile and trippy use of color, and a budget we can only imagine as sky-high.
I love the unusual elements and bold escape from the norm, but want to hear from you, too. If you had the means to do so, would you go for a bathroom like this?



Tags: Fitzsimmons Architects, Flaming Lips, FlavorWire.com, Wayne Coyne
Posted in Chic Shack, Daily Diamond | No Comments »