Happy Memorial Day!

What are you planning to do today to celebrate this Memorial Day?
May it be filled with fun, friendship, and new beginnings of summer. And, most importantly, remembering and honoring those that have fallen and are currently fighting for us in our military.

Here are a few official ways to celebrate today:

• Visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.
  

• Visiting memorials.

• Flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon.
  

• Flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).
  

• Participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.
  
  

• Renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.
  

Thanks for stopping by.

xo,

Christina

• Photo credit: photobucket.
  
  
  

Karl Lagerfeld Says The Crowd At The amFAR's in France Were Better Dressed Than The Fake Fashion At The Oscars In United States

Actor Alan Cumming hosted amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS 2010 benefit gala at the Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France last night. Actresses, movie moguls, philanthropists, fashion designers, and supermodels showed up (and dressed up) for a great cause—with Carine Roitfeld, Tom Ford, Georgina Chapman, Constance Jablonksi, Peter Dundas, Karl Lagerfeld, Naomi Campbell, and Dree Hemingway (above in the short yellow Valentino Haute Couture) representing the best dressed fashion contingent.

Mary J. Blige and Patti Smith performed during the event, and the year's auction raised 7.5 million euros in three hours.

But, the comment Karl Lagerfeld made may have overshadowed the event.

Karl Lagerfeld, stated that “The fashion is fantastic tonight,. At the Oscars, it’s fake. People wear what they think they should wear. Here, people wear what they like, not because they are obliged.” I adore Karl and am from the gold old U.S.A., so I am hoping there isn't any type of backlash based on this comment.

American actress from Massachusetts, Elizabeth Banks,

in a stunning Atelier Versace gown.

British model, actress, and fashion designer Georgina Chapman in Marchesa. The pregnant fashion designer and wife of movie mogul Harvey Weinstein is due in August. If only I looked like that when I was pregnant! Sigh...

American actress Jennifer Lopez in Roberto Cavalli.

This gal just gets better with time, just like a fine wine.

Emily Blunt in Georges Chakra. Emily Blunt is a British actress best known for her roles in The Young Victoria (2009) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006). I think she nailed it in this form fitting classic red gown and matching lips.

Eugenia Niarchos and Tatiana Santo Domingo. Eugenie Niarchos has fashion iconism running in the blood. Her great-grandmother was Gloria Guiness and Daphne Guinness is her aunt. In the past year she has colaborated with friend Gaia Repossi on a collection called Czarina for the House of Repossi (the official jewelers to the late Prince Rainier).

Tatiana Santo Domingo is a social lite that was born in New York City.

Kate Beckinsale in a sculptural ice blue Armani Prive. One word... dreamy.

Kate was born in England, and has resided in London for most of her life. Her mother is Judy Loe, who has appeared in a number of British dramas and sitcoms and continues to work as an actress, predominantly in British television productions.

Naomi Cambell in L'Wren Scott with the designer. The latest news on Supermodel Naomi Campbell is that she may be called to testify as a witness in the U.N. case against Charles Taylor, the exiled former president of Liberia. FOXNews.com reported this today Prosecutors in the case filed a motion for her testimony, as they want to hear about the uncut “blood diamonds” Taylor gave her in 1997 at a dinner party at Nelson Mandela’s home. With these troubles, I will give her a free pass on this dress.

Kenneth Cole with Camilla Belle who is from Los Angeles in Gucci Premiere.

Don't they look classic and chic in black?

Mick Jagger and L'Wren Scott. L'Wren, hot Hollywood stylist and former model is known for her impeccable style. She recently launched her own eponymous line of classic, luxurious fashion essentials. Sleek, chic and predominantly black with flashes of nude or burgundy, these are pieces created to make a woman look and feel fabulous.

Diane Kruger in Chanel. "Inglorious Basterds" star Diane Kruger has a knack for stepping outside the box when it comes to fashion. I find this dress classy, feminine, unique and youthful.

Karolina Kurkova is a Czech model, best known as a former Victoria's Secret Angel, and an aspiring actress. This dress is fun, fun, fun!

She looks like a gal I want to party with.

New Jersey girl Kirsten Dunst in Chanel Haute Couture.

I am sure the detailing of this dress is beautiful in person,

I just think this dress is a bit mature for Kirsten and is ill fitting for her little figure.

What is your favorite or memorable look?

Do you think Karl Lagerfeld had a valid point?

Or, should he stick to designing and zip it?

Thanks for stopping by, dear friend!

xo,

Christina

Photo credits: Coutorture

Absolutely Ladylike~ Christian Dior Resort 2010

Well, for a moment I thought this was a Betsey Johnson number.

But, no, this is Dior my dear.

Well, this white lace dress nails the fact this certainly is the work of Dior.

Look at the roses!

The details and the bow are exquisite.


And, full of Galliano's attitude. Why, of course!



Including the subtle colored plain that is all the rage for Fall.


Ending in a dress that looks like a layered cake out of sherbet.
Simply divine.

It's time to pull out the pearls and the aquanet girls!
What do you think of this collecton?


What a perfect way to start the week.
xo,
Christina

Photo credits: All from Courtorture.

Pasadena Showcase House of Design 2010~ The Cravens Estate

I was lucky enough to attend the Pasadena Showcase House of Design yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day with my Mom. It is our yearly treat to ourselves and this year it did not disappoint. It was by far the largest home, at 50 rooms and 20,000 square feet. Unfortunately, the tour is over this weekend. But, here are a few videos to feast your eyes on and see the process of designing this magnificent historic

Cravens Estate.

Have you ever attended a design house?

If so, what is your favorite in your neck of the woods?

May your weekend be filled with love, laughter and beauty.Thanks for stopping by, dear friend.

xo,

Christina

A Mother's Love

A mother's love for her children

is unlike any other bond.

Her love never ceases, but only grows stronger with time.

Her need to protect her young from the world

changes as they grow,

but she is steadfast in her role until eternity.

A mother can process superhuman strength and courage

that she had no idea she possessed.

A mother's role is to guide, teach, love, cherish, and nurture

our little ones for the rest of their lives.

And, when the grandchildren arrive the cycle begins again

in a slightly different role.

But, we remain, watch and protect.

The job as a mother is the most important job of our lives.

We are creating our legacy through our children

and our mark will be left

for generations to come.

What lasts with me from my Mother is her courage,

strength, wisdom and grace.

She has made me the lady that I am

and I am proud to call her Mom.

May all you lovely mothers have a

Happy Mother's Day!

See the origins of Mother's Day here.

We are fixing a special brunch at our home

to celebrate our Mother's Day with my parents.

What are you up to today?

What special traits does your Mother possess?

xo,

Christina

Photo credits: Mother's Day graphic found at photobucket.

Christian at school taken by me.

Poem written by me.

Miss Manners

I was noted as having "nice manners" yesterday and the sweet sales lady asked me "Where did you get your manners?"

I almost had to chuckle and said "Why, my Mother. And, I am working on my son to do the same." (Thank you to my parents!)

I was brought up to be thankful and gracious in all the small things people do for me everyday. When you go through a day, many people actually push you along the way. I choose to thank them or at least give them a smile.

And, this comment from the sales lady got me thinking.

Is having manners so distinct from the masses that it stands out as a dying breed?

Do people not say please and thank you anymore?

It concerns me that this may be the case.

What do you think?

xo,

Christina

Photo credit: Louis Vuitton Ad

Oh Brad... Just What The Doctor Ordered

So, after having a few yummy fritos this evening after my soothing bath,
my throat decided to close up on me.
I had to call in the fire department to

bring my breathing back on track.
Well, what the doctor may have ordered

was to keep my blood pressure down,
but to my surprise "Thelma and Louise" is on.
And, dang, can Brad Pitt get my blood pressure boiling.
Oh ya..

I can't be the only one?

When you have moments

where you see how fragile life is,

I think enjoying a little eye candy

is just want the doctor ordered!
Tee hee...

xo,
Christina