Chic in NY: Roberta Freymann by Olivia Palermo

The Roberta Freymann shop in New York reminds me a little of Kathryn Ireland's showroom in Los Angeles so I thought it would be a good time to let you know about what's going at the store involving fashionista Olivia Palermo. If you've watched The City on MTV, then you know that Olivia is a big fan of jewelry, especially statement necklaces. She also shopped at Roberta Freymann for her job at Elle magazine so it comes as no surprise that she is now designing necklaces for the store. The line is called Roberta Freymann by Olivia Palermo and ranges in price from $175-$300. Also, the marketing photos were shot at Café Cluny, my favorite place for lunch in the West Village. Hop on down there after you pick up a necklace!

Habitually Chic Jewelry Designer: Elma Blint

I have a new obsession and it's Elma Blint jewelry! I had the pleasure of meeting Elma at her table at the Brooklyn Flea Market recently and found her to be delightful and her jewelry to be beyond chic and surprisingly affordable! Elma took the time to explain vermeil and why the gold on my ring (from a designer who shall remain nameless) was starting to rub off. She clearly knows her stuff and I appreciate a designer who wants to educate their customers and isn't all about just making a sale.

I love that most of her designs are available in solid gold, silver and gold vermeil options so there is something for everyone and every budget. And she can customize most of her designs as well. Want a ring without a stone? Just ask. Different colored stone? Not a problem. Longer chain? She'll switch it out. I ended up buying the 3 Ring Necklace (I need all the luck I can get!) in 18k vermeil but I may have to go back for the Hortense Ring. And maybe some bracelets...you get the idea!

Elma's jewelry is available through her website and by appointment at her boutique Baubles and Thorn in Brooklyn or at the Brooklyn Flea Market on the weekends. During the winter, the Brooklyn Flea is located in two different buildings on Front Street and Elma can be found at 81 Front Street but you might want to check the Info section on the website to make sure she's there just in case. But believe me, it's worth the subway ride to buy her fabulous jewelry and once you see it in person, you'll be obsessed too! Happy Shopping!

Valentine's Day Round-up

Valentine's Day Cake for Two. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, layered with Tahitian Vanilla Bean Bavarian Cream, Flourless Chocolate Mousse Meringue Cake, and Raspberry Chambord Caramel. Must be ordered 48 hours in advance. $28

What are the necessities for Valentine's day? Well....the list has grown over the years. But everyone has to agree that CHOCOLATE is high on the list. We are very lucky in Sacramento to have cultivated a premier chocolatier by the name of Ginger Elizabeth. She is a hugely talented young woman especially in the ways of chocolate. This Valentine's Day, Ginger Elizabeth is offering two very special treats if you live in the Sacramento area.

Handmade edible Bittersweet Chocolate Box with edible White Chocolate Rasberry Bow, filled with Chocolate Pearls and 8 Artisan Chocolates. Limited....order in advance. $50

To read more about Ginger Elizabeth and place orders for shipment online click here.

Chocolate is a must....and so is a card, don't you agree? These flocked vintage Victorian style cards from Carmel Bay Company are so pretty and romantic:

Over two dozen assorted vintage style flocked Valentines and envelopes punch out, assemble, And send to the ones you love. $4.99

Hearts for Valentine's Day? Of Course!:

African soapstone hand painted and polished to a smooth touch. The perfect gift for someone you love. Use as a paperweight or create a colorful collection. Background colors: black, red, pink, yellows etc. Small $6.75, Large $15.50. Carmel Bay Company.

Let's see......Flowers are always important, but never more so than when sending to a Valentine. Some of my favorite bouquets can be ordered from Jayson Home and Garden. I thought this Anemone bouquet was particularly wonderful, and the onyx box is a keeper!:

Fuschia Anemone's in an Onyx Box. $135. Jayson Home and Garden.

Hmmmm, what's next......JEWELRY! How could I forget. I can always count on Sundance for having jewelry I will love. Here a re a couple of rings I particularly LOVE. And that is what Valentine's Day is all about, right? LOVE:

Red Jade Ring. $48. Sundance.

Rose Petal Ring. $220. Sundance.

Well....those are the essentials. But it never hurts to show your love by showering your Valentine with gifts. I heart all of these sweet gifts:

Proust Questionnaire - Pink. $34.95. Read more about it here. Jayson Home and Garden.

Surprise Ball. $10. Unwind to discover keepsakes, fortunes, and prizes. Sea and Jae

I loved these when I was little and have only been able to find them again through Sea and Jae. Sea and Jae also have a wonderful blog all about giving gifts that are unique and creative. Check it out here.

I was recently introduced to a fabulous pillow company called Fabricadabra, and this pillow says it all:

Felted Wool Appliqued Pillow. 20"x20". $65. from Fabricadabra

The most important thing to give for Valentine's Day is, of course, LOVE. So be generous and spread it around. The world needs it right about now.

Passage to India

A Passage to India is on my list of all time favorite novels. I have always thought of India as the ultimate in exotic, romantic places. Well, it seems I am not the only one. It has become a wonderful collective consciousness frenzy:

Chhatrapat Shivaji Terminus, formerly Victoria Terminus

Elle Decor, October 2007 has featured Mumbai, India in their "elle decor goes to" section. It includes all of the must see, eat, shop, and do that Mumbai has to offer. It seems that everyone who's anyone is traveling here. It is a spectacular article. Here are a few photos to wet your appetite!

The Gateway of India

The Intercontinental Hotel rooftop

House and Garden , October 2007, has showcased Cartier's breathtaking new line of jewelry which takes it's inspiration from jewelry designed for the Princes of India. Jacqueline Karachi, head of Cartier's high end jewelry line has captured the art deco period in the new Inde Mysterieuse Collection:

This spectacular tank watch is vintage circa 1929 and has an emerald watchface. Wouldn't you just do about anything for this watch?! The carved jewels are modeled after fruits and berries and hence are known as Tutti Frutti. This style was most famously created for Daisy Fellowes.

This vintage Cartier Handbag sets off two Tutti Frutti brooches from the new collection.

Tiger ring, platinum, and gold with yellow diamonds and onyx.

Domino's October 2007 issue also has embraced India devoting their entertaining section to a party designed with table settings by Waris Ahluwalia. This India-born, NYC raised designer is behind the House of Waris jewelry collection. Waris makes an appearance in Wes Anderson's new film The Darjeeling Limited. (More on that later!) The India connections just keep getting more and more interesting!

You will have to check out Domino for the scoop on all of the lovlies like these chair back garlands. I'm loving these!

I feel like I am in India just looking at this table!

And when the meal is over, place to relax!

There has been much buzz about the upcoming new film by Wes Anderson: The Darjeeling Limited starring Andrien Brody, Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman. An adventure about three brothers who bond during a train trip across India, this film is getting alot of positive press. I'm gonna catch it for the scenery alone!

Catch more fun info about the movie on Brilliant Asylum's blog! For that matter, just catch Brilliant Asylum's blog cuz it's so very cool.

And no post about the beautiful exotic India would be complete without mention of two of my favorite blogs: An Indian Summer and Rang Decor. They are both filled with wonderful images of interiors, furniture, art, hotels, and homes of India. I feel like I am on a mini-vacation every time I visit. Here are a few images from their fantastic blogs:

from An Indian Summer

Both of these photos are from Rang Decor

Have I got you curious? Would you like to hear more? I highly recommend these novels to help take you away to India, if only in your imagination:

Happy travels!