Thursday, May 31, 2012

Into The Wild

African tribal inspired prints had a strong presence on the 2012 runways, especially with designers like Burberry Prorsum, Micheal Kors and Donna Karan. These eclectic patterns can be intimidating at first but if embraced and mixed the right way, your wardrobe will have a fabulous new touch to it. 

-- If you don't want to jump head first into this trend, start off with something simple like an accessory. A great pair of shoes, jewelry or a clutch will add just enough tribal to make a statement.

-- If you want something a little more, go for a full print dress or a great jacket like the Giambattista Valli one below. The embellishments may seem over-the-top, but it's great to make an accessory-like impact.

-- Jewelry may seem like the easiest way to add a touch of tribal to your outfit. Choose a statement necklace with a tribal edge to it for a classic outfit. Throw your hair back in a bun and tribal inspired earrings instantly look chic. Another look is to layer tribal inspired rings onto one hand. Avoid too many chunky, large rings though as it can start to look messy and overwhelming.

1. Jimmy Choo Cailin Patwork Clutch 2. House of Lavande Brown Collar Necklace

3. Giambattista Valli Embellished Jacket 4. Proenza Schouler Tiki Clutch Stingray

5. House of Lavande Black Cuff Bracelet 6. Burberry London Tribal Sandal 

7. Giambattista Valli Leopard Dress 8. Proenza Schouler Macrame Wedge Sandals


Runway Photos: from Elle.com



Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Iconic Woman of Style: Twiggy




Twiggy, born Leslie Hornby is considered to be one of the world's first international supermodels. She defines the playful, mod style of the 1960's, with her short hair, thin figure and iconic eyelashes. In the 1970's she embarked on a new career path, and became an award winning actress and singer. Today she is still on the forefront of the fashion and entertainment world, with her clothing line Twiggy London, and her latest album Romatically Yours. Twiggy is a true icon that is still inspiring us today.



Graphic designs and menswear inspired accessories such as ties and hats pair perfectly with a classic mini. Add in a pair loafers or boots to complete your look.

Twiggy's 1960's makeup look can be achieved easily. Dust on a light foundation, pink cheeks, and sheer eyeshadow. Add bold liner, and of course extra thick lashes and you are set with a classic 60's look.

Bright colors and geometric shapes of vintage mod jewelry are the perfect addition to stand out from the crowd and create a classic look that will be all your own. Be adventurous while mixing colors and patters for a classic look with a mordern twist. 
Shop the House of Lavande Vintage for these fun Mod inspired looks







Photos Courtesy of Listal 



Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Jetsetter Destination: Barcelona


Barcelona, known for its classic Gaudi architecture, summer sangria and tapas, is one of the top destinations for people from all over the world. Especially popular in the summer, it can also be equally as popular in the winter due to its location in the south of Spain. We've put together a guide of classic things to see, chic restaurants and bars, luxurious places to stay and what to do in this history filled Catalonian city. 
La Rambla
One of the most famous boulevards in the world, La Rambla is worth a stroll down. A gateway to rural Catalonia, the mile-long road bustles with tourists, artists, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians. Vibrant flower stalls, the superb La Boqueria market, and cafés line the street.

Get a Close up of Guadi's Work
In Barcelona, you can gaze in wonder at Gaudí's fairytale architecture. The Sagrada Familia is breathtaking and grotesque by turns. At first glance, it seems as though some has dripped sand over a Gothic cathedral but a closer look reveals that it creates a stone tapestry of Christ's life. Take the lift to the top for a breathtaking view. 

Park Güell is a magical place that emulates an English garden city. After seeing the gatehouses, based on designs for the opera Hansel and Gretel, you can walk up a splendid staircase, past a mosaic lizard to what once was a marketplace. Outside, climb to the heights of the park to gaze down at the magnificent panorama view of Barcelona. 

Plaza del Rei
This wholly preserved medieval courtyard of the Palau Reial (Royal Palace) is where Ferdinand and Isabella are supposed to have received Columbus on his return from the New World.

Parc del a Ciutadella
After the War of the Spanish Succession ended in 1714, a large fort was constructed on this site to keep the city in line. The fortress was demolished in 1869 and redesigned as a park containing a zoo, a boating lake, gardens and a large fountain worked on by the young Gaudí.

Barceloneta Beach
The most famous beach in Barcelona, known for it's summer time fun. With a bundle of beach side cafes and tapas restaurants, you can lounge on a beach chair with sangria, tapas and friends.

Explore Your Inner Artist
In Barcelona, a walk in the park is not just a relaxing experience for the locals but an artistic journey as well. Stroll through the leafy gardens of the Teatre Grec and then head to the Fundacio Joan Miro, one of the greatest museums in the world. It is home to a collectin of over 225 paintings, 150 sculptures and pieces by the the Spanish surrealist artist, along with his contemporaries. Wander over to the Jardins Laribal, designed by the French landscape artist Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier.

Become Picasso for the Day
Picasso remembered Barcelona as beautiful and bright, a city where he spent his early years. Follow in the footsteps of him by visiting the landmarks that shaped his youth. Stroll along the Calle Reina Christina and then cross over to 3 Carrer de la Merce to see where his family lived, though the original building was later destroyed. For an artistic break, stop by the Els Quatre Gats, a cafe frequented by Catalonia's fin-de-siecle avant-garde. Then head to the Museu Picasso, a gallery that records Picasso's formative years.


Plaça de la Rosa del Vents, 1 · Barcelona 08039
Pasatge de Sant Antoni Abad, 10, Barcelona 08015
La Rambla, 105 Barcelona 08002
La Rambla, 109, Barcelona 08002
C/Aribau 54, Barcelona
Via Laietana, 30, Barcelona 08003

A great hidden little Pinxtos bar, these tapas are served on fresh bread with tookpicks. Save your toothpicks until the end of your meal and the server will add them up for your total. Enjoy a glass of Sangria while you sit outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations are recommended for those who want to sit at an actual table.
c/ Argenteria, 62 _ 08003 Barcelona

This unique seafood restaurant is situated in the heart of the Eixample district. When you walk through the door you are greeted with the fish counter where you choose your own fresh fish or seafood. Let the chefs behind the counter know how you want it to be prepared and cooked and they then take it to the open kitchen. Sit back, relax and wait for your food. The decor and atmosphere are exquisite. It is an experience that is a must in Barcelona.
Two locations: MariscCo. Corsega c/ Corsega 272 and MariscCo. Placa Reial Pl. Reial 8

Xurreria, the Catalan spelling of Churreria, and La Granja go hand in hand. The churro and "milk" bar are located just a few doors down from each other. It is tradition to buy your churros dripping in chocolate served in a paper bag and walk to La Granja and get yourself a hot chocolate or a different milk drink.
Carrer de Cartagena, 314 08025




Photos: One, Two, Three, Four

Monday, May 28, 2012

Summertime Skincare

It's officially Summer, and one of the most important things to remember during these warm days is protecting your skin from the sun. Even a few minutes with out sun protection can cause major damage to the sensitive skin on your face. We've put together a quick guide of some great products that suit every skin type, so no more excuses!


1. Melissa Odabash Biege Jemima Hat: A wide brim sun hat is a must have item for chic sun protection.

2. Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment: A smooth lip treatment with SPF 36 to keep lips smooth and protected from the sun.

3. Aveeno Ulta-Calming Daily Moisturizer: A great daily moisturizer that works double time with calming agents that reduce redness and inflammation , while protecting with SPF 30.

4. Clarins Spray Solaire: A lightweight spray that won't stain clothing and goes on weightless and smooth.

5. La Rouche-Posay Mineral Tinted Sunscreen: Add a light healthy glow while protecting your skin with a purely mineral based SPF

6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer: An easy addition to your makeup routine to smooth out skin tone  while adding a bit of sun coverage with SPF 20

7. Kiehl's UV Protect for Kid's:  Formulated for the delicate skin of a child, this is is a great option for children as well as adults with sensitive skin.

8. Prevage Triple Defense Shield:  Help correct existing lines, and sun damage while protecting against new exposure. Even reapply throughout the day without disturbing your makeup.

9. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist: Containing the very important helioplex ingredient, this a great option for the more active days. Just spray and go.

10. La Prairie Advanced Marine Biology Day Cream: A highly concentrated cream that offers both UVA and UVB protection with SPF 20 while improving the skin's firmness and and elasticity. 


Board of the Week: Home Decor

This week's details: Pinterest is a great place to gather your favorite photos for just about anything. We've really grown to love all the home decor ideas that we have found on Pinterest so we decided that this week's theme should be: Favorite Home Decor Ideas.

Your inspiration photos can be of anything from full room photos to little details in a room. Or any photo that you love that has to do with Home Decor! 

When you find that special photo(s) you want to add to our Board of the Week, 
email your images to: brittany@houseoflavande.com. 
Please make sure to include your name and the source of the photo. We won't be able to pin your photo unless you include an image source, so please be sure to include that info. You have until Friday morning to send us your photos.

We've added some photographs to help inspire your inner interior designer:





Photos: One, Two, Three, Four


Friday, May 25, 2012

Pinterest Board of the Week: Patriotic Flair


With Memorial Day approaching this weekend, we decided to do our Board of the Week on Patriotic Flair. We were sent so many amazing photos of different kinds of American pride and had a fabulous time looking through all of them. We've been putting them up on our Pinterest board this morning so be sure to check it out and to see if your photo made the cut!

We'll announce next week's theme on Monday so make sure to check back!

Here are just a few of the photos we received:





Thursday, May 24, 2012

Jewelry Tend: All American Girl

Shop this look: Ciner white enamel necklace $498, 1950's Schreiner earrings $348, 1980's Christian Lacroix anchor earrings $548, 1950's French red necklace $2,498, 1970's blue enamel bracelet $698, Gold button earrings $368, Ciner diamante and gold bracelet $598, Ciner multi stone bangle $1,498

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Love Your Skin

Skincare is an essential part of beauty and should be apart of every woman's daily regime. With so many options out there it's hard to choose what is best for your skin. We've put together some of our favorite skin care products and the little secrets on the best ways to use them. 
1. Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream: The best for dry, chapped skin as well as burns, cuts and scrapes. Put on before bed and let it work it's magic overnight! Comes in fragrance and fragrance-free.


2. Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy Lip Treatment: An anti-aging lip treatment proven to repair, nourish, plump, and smooth wrinkles around the lip area. After all, you have to treat your lips the same way you treat your eyes! 


3. Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic: This heavenly floral-scented, non-drying toner refreshes, soothers and brightens your skin. Alcohol-free, it adds a fine layer of moisture so it's great to spritz on at any time of the day, especially if you are traveling! 


4. Josie Maran Argan Oil: A lightweight oil that can be used as a daily moisturizer or treatment for skin, hair and nails. If you use argan oil for your hair, use the excess on your hands to moisturize your skin or put a small amount on your face before you start your makeup.


5. Chantecaille Nano Gold Energizing Cream: A powerful healing cream, it consistently replenishes skin's energy using nanotechnology to safely deliver the power of pure gold. 


6. Chanel Ultra Correction and Firming Night Cream: Great to put on your face before bed, this moisturizer goes beyond surface action and offers a firming approach based on a natural lifting effect at 
the heart of the skin.


7. Creme de la Mer The Eye Balm Intense: The appearance of puffiness, irritation and other signs of fatigue begin to fade as the eye area is renewed, creating a look of life and youthfulness. Use with the   
sterling silver applicator day and night to achieve the best results.





Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent has been an iconic fashion house since 1962. Known for elegance, innovation and flair, the French label has always been at the forefront of fashion design. We have chosen some of our favorite items from the Yves Saint Laurent brand to showcase for you, including some YSL jewelry we have here at House of Lavande. 


Get the YSL Look:
Cuff: House of Lavande
Earrings: House of Lavande
Bag: Large Cabas Chyc East/West Printed Haircalf Handbag
Pants: Printed Silk-Habotai Palazzo Pants
Sunglasses: Oval Oversized Sunglasses
Lipstick: Rouge Pur Couture in Rose Fusain
Nail Lacquer: La Laque Couture Nail Polish Collection
Shoes: Tribute Suede and Metallic Sandals


Monday, May 21, 2012

Palm Beaches Restaurant Week


Beginning June 3rd  and running through the 9th some of the top restaurants in Palm Beach county will be participating in the first ever Palm Beaches Restaurant Week! Each restaurant will offer prix-Fixe menus for lunch ($20.12) and for dinner ($30.12) that will offer guests the chance to experience the total dining experience of each restaurant. This is a fabulous opportunity to find a new favorite restaurant, dish or local hot spot, or simply revisit those you already know and love. Don't forget that taxes and gratuity are not included, and reservations are strongly suggested. Happy dining and discovering!

Participating Restaurants:
North:
Jupiter Island Grill
Season's 52
Sushi Jo

Central:
Leila
The Omphoy
PB Catch
Pistache
DeVine Bistro
Howley's
Southshores
Ta-boo
Temple Orange at Ritz-Carlton

South:
Cafe Loredana
Philippe Chow
Season's 52
SoLita Italian Restaurant and the Parlor Lounge


Board of the Week: Patriotic Flair

This week's details:

Whether you've got plans for a beach bash or a barbecue in the park, Memorial Day weekend is approaching quickly. So what better way to celebrate then with a Patriotic Flair themed Board of the Week.

Your inspiration photos can be of anything patriotic from style, home decor, food or any photo you love!

When you find that special photo(s) you want to add to our Board of the Week, 
email your images to: brittany@houseoflavande.com
Please make sure to include your name and the source of the photo. We won't be able to pin your photo unless you include an image source, so please be sure to include that info.

You have until Friday morning to send us your photos.
Check back in with us on Friday afternoon on Pinterest to see if you're pin made the cut! 


We've added some photographs to help inspire your patriotic flair! 





Image Sources: 1, 2, 3

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Jewelry Trend: Sea Worthy

Shop this look: 1980's double  strand pearl bracelet $848, Miriam Haskell turquoise and pearl multi strand necklace $848, YSL seashell earrings $498, Unsigned Charm Necklace $398, Miriam Haskell coral bead earrings $698, Trifari pearl ring $448, Celluloid bangles $448ea.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Iconic Women Of Style: Brigitte Bardot


Who: Brigitte Bardot,  French model, actress, singer and animal rights activist.

Brigitte began her career in 1952, starring in over 16 movies and taking Europe and the United States by storm. Her effortless and relaxed style of the 1960's has set the standard for sexy feminine looks that are still inspiring us today. Making the bikini popular, vacationing in the South of France, and the Bardot neckline are just a few of the things we can thank Brigitte for. 

HOL Insider Style Tips: 
Achieving the Bardot style is simple, and a perfect look for summer!

Add a large straw hat, black framed shades and a scarf to any summer ensemble to instantly add a touch of glam to your look.

Ballet flats, cropped skinny jeans and polka dots are also all perfect go- to pieces for an effortless 60's style.

Beach wavy hair, thick black liner and a neutral lip add the perfect amount of drama for day or night.

Adding a simple accessory or stacked bakelite bangles will instantly pull your look together and add that perfect 1960's touch.




Shop the House of Lavande jewelry looks, here.



Brigitte photos courtesy of listal 

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Floral Motives


Thank the April showers, because May is seriously bringing some flowers this year to the fashion world. This trend has continued to grow after the spring runways showed a variety of floral motifs from massive flower crowns at Alexis Mabille to floral printed frocks at Valentino and Elie Saab.

Go for a bold all-over floral look with printed pants or a dress. If you don't want to jump right into the trend, start off easy with floral earrings or a printed clutch. If you're brave enough, make an outfit pop with a floral blazer over another, contrasting, floral-printed dress or top.

We've chosen some of the prettiest blooms of the season for you to step up your wardrobe with.



Shop this look:
Dress: ASOS Shoes: Oscar de la Renta Floral Print Fabric Pump Pants: Cafe Capri in Fresco Floral Sateen Lipstick: Paul & Joe Cat Collection Earrings: House of Lavande Floral Earrings 


Friday, May 11, 2012

Board of the Week: Jetsetter Destinations




After this week's Board of the Week, we've all added a couple more destinations to our bucket list! We received photos of so many places from all around the world and had a fabulous time looking through all of them. We've been putting them up on our Pinterest board this morning so be sure to check it out.

Don't forget, we'll announce next week's Board of the Week theme on Monday! And it's sure to be a good one!

Here are just a handful of the photos that were sent in:

Bellagio and the Lake of Como. Lombardia, Italia - Sent in by Pam R.

Budapest, Hungary - Sent in by Julie K.


 Venice Canals - Sent in by Jessica A.

Carpet of Flowers, Brussels - Sent in by Debbie M.