17 Dec 2013, 3:40pm
Colorado Fashion & Style Shopping Skiing & Snowboarding Telluride:
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The Look on the Slopes: Early Ski Season 2013-2014

Me Posing at Telluride Ski Resort

Me Posing at Telluride Ski Resort

Life has been getting pretty colorful around here at the Telluride Ski Resort lately. Most of the mountain is open and we’ve had many classic Colorado bluebird days. The holiday visitors have yet to arrive, however, I’ve been seeing oodles of punches of color throughout our sparsely populated slopes. I’ve been so busy with wrapping things up at my desk and ski school training, that it wasn’t until last weekend that I spent some quality time perusing this year’s fashions at Bootdoctors, one of my favorite outdoor gear and clothing retailers in T-ride. This time, I wanted to chat with the girls in the shop—Sooz and Pam—and get the lowdown on this year’s look on the mountain. And, of course, how could I resist trying on a number of outfits and even modeling my favorite one here for you?

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5 Jun 2012, 3:02pm
Art & Culture Fashion & Style Shopping Travel:
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Imperial Shopping to China

The Bund, Shanghai’s Colonial Waterfront

I just learned from my friends at Imperial Tours that they have put together a special Holiday Shopping Tour to China to take place November 10th-18th. This exclusive travel company, renowned for their expertise in China, will be conducting a small group tour (8-16 people) to Beijing and Shanghai that features some of the most exciting and selective shopping haunts of this exotic land. While there will be some fantastic sightseeing during this 8-night/9-day tour, the highlight will be on finding the best treasures in China such as antiques, couture, jade, pearls, cashmere, ceramics, embroidery as well as personal, home and table accessories galore.  Markets, exclusive boutiques and private studios of local designers will be visited during this unique tour.

Travelers may want to go early or stay later if they have an interest in buying traditional and/or contemporary art since Imperial Tours enjoys special entrées within the art market including access to private collections, experts and artists.

It sounds like now is the time to do such a trip to China. You can find lots of cutting-edge designers that are redefining style along with many traditional goods —all at still reasonable prices—within this burgeoning super power. I visited China nearly two decades ago and returned with a Marco Polo-sized cache of goods that I still cherish amidst my French-inspired decor. more »

8 May 2012, 5:57pm
Art & Culture Colorado Denver Fashion & Style Podcasts Travel:
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Denver Art Museum Salutes Yves Saint Laurent and More

One of Many Engaging Displays at the YSL Show in Denver

“Rien n’est plus beau qu’un corps nu.

Le plus beau vêtement qui puisse habiller une femme ce sont les bras de l’homme qu’elle aime.

Mais pour celles qui n’ont pas eu la chance de trouver ce bonheur je suis là.”

—Yves Saint Laurent

I’d loosely translate the above as follows:

Nothing is more beautiful than a naked body.

The most beautiful clothing that can dress a woman are the arms of the man she loves.

But for those who don’t have the fortune to find this happiness, I am there.

One of Many YSL Ball Gowns on View at the Denver Art Museum

Wow! That’s how I feel about the above and that was my reaction after visiting Yves Saint Laurent:  The Retrospective at the Denver Art Museum (DAM) recently. Wow, wow, wow. What a gorgeous show. Men, please keep reading and listen to the below podcast. Even those of you that might not have an interest in fashion will surely be dazzled by this extraordinary exhibition.Yves Saint Laurent, one of the most legendary fashion designers, opened his first couture house in Paris in the early 1960s at a time when the world would experience great change, especially for women.

From a historical perspective, the YSL retrospective is fascinating. It’s a dynamic show that examines the many external events that influenced this man’s forty years of creativity through a variety of media including photography and videos.

But let’s get back to the women. This man loved women. So much so, in fact, that he primarily worked on live models so that he could take in their gestures, their movements, their élégance. “He really had a goal of making women feel loved and empowered from what they were wearing,” says Tara Moberly, from the press department of the DAM, in our below interview. Indeed and this show-stopping exhibition offers a stunning look at Yves Saint Laurent’s work throughout his illustrious career. From the wall of colors that showcase the couturier’s vast collection of swatches to the black on black display of his famous tuxedos to the grand finale of ball gowns, this exhibition provides a feast for the eyes at every turn.

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Valentine’s Shopping Recommendations

Telluride Truffle’s Velvet Heart

Austrian Gem Heart and Chain from Alpen Schatz

Now that the Super Bowl is behind us, it’s time to focus on love. Yes, that’s right I’m talking about Valentine’s Day and you still have time to order a special something online for your sweetie, your mom or dad, your daughter who’s away at school, your mother-in-law or that dear friend you want to remember. There’s no need to fuss, just go ahead and let my handpicked selection of purveyors send the package off for you.

Telluride Truffle has earned my affection with their medium velvet heart filled with incredibly beautiful and delicious hand painted, glossy chocolates. Ruth’s Toffee, another local favorite, continues to rate as my all-time favorite for toffee. Type in promo code Bonjour in the coupon box for Telluride Truffle and mention Bonjour Colorado to Ruth to receive a 10% discount on online orders.

Looking to really make a statement? Select an Austrian Gemstone Heart from Alpen Schatz, a European-styled boutique and online shopping emporium based in Telluride. Colorado. These precious gem hearts come in three different sizes in a variety of stones including rose quartz, crushed crystal, onyx, turquoise and more. Handcrafted by a master jeweler in Salzburg, Austria, these heirloom-quality treasures surely show your love for this Valentine’s and forever. If you’re working off of a smaller budget, consider Alpen Schatz’s Italian silk scarves and  alpine scarf ornaments, also offered in a variety of colors and styles. Type in Bonjour upon check out to receive a 10% discount on online orders.

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More Online Shopping Recommendations

Beautiful and Edible Treats for the Doggies

The heck with ordering from Amazon or Lands’ End, why not be more original and shop from a quaint online boutique? I’m thrilled to see that mom-and-pop Internet businesses continue to open daily, so let’s patronize them as much as possible. These little shops and shopping offers—whether online or on your street corner—make up the soul of America.

For pampered pups, order some freshly-baked dog treats from My Dog’s Bakery, a business recently located to Ridgway, Colorado. I can’t say they’re delicious, however, they are yummy-looking and surely lovingly made.

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My Best Online Shopping Recommendations

Singing, Dancing Marmot Skier from Alpen Schatz

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Drooling Over Pastry Paris

“Pastry Paris: In Paris, Everything Looks Like Dessert”

“The fine arts are five in number, namely:  painting, sculpture, poetry, music, and architecture, the principal branch of the latter being pastry.”

                                                                                                  —Antonin Carême (1783-1833)

The above quote surely served as inspiration for Susan Hochbaum in the creation of her darling book, “Pastry Paris:  In Paris, Everything Looks Like Dessert” (The Little Bookroom). A luscious treat, enticing enough to devour in one sitting, “Pastry Paris” takes my vote for the best gift-y book of the season. Lovers of Paris, pastry, history and beauty will savor it like a best-loved dessert.

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10 Dec 2011, 7:59pm
Colorado Denver Fashion & Style Hotels & Lodging Restaurants Shopping The Rockies:
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Cherry Creek: One of America’s Top Spots for Chic Shopping, Lodging and Dining

City Sidewalks, Busy Sidewalks, Dressed in Holiday Style. It’s Christmastime in the Mile-High City.

Where are you shopping this weekend? With only two weeks left until Christmas, I’d say there’s a good chance you might find yourself in a store. Many Americans will be hitting the mall, a dreaded chore for some unless you’re lucky enough to experience the Cherry Creek Shopping Center in Denver, one of the world’s premier showcases for quality goods from sunglasses to kitchen accessories to classic and up-to-the-minute fashions. Think Tysons Corner and Bal Harbour Shops—if you’ve been to either of these renowned shopping areas you have a good idea of what to expect at the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. From Burberry to Juicy Couture to Montblanc to Keihl’s and many more, the finest American and European brands reign here in great force. Macy’s, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus anchor this alluring complex where even during this busy retail season, shopping is a delight. You’ll also find an Apple store among the mall’s 160 retailers, reason alone to hit this celebrated shopping place in Denver. Their jewel-like Ice Palace where Santa Claus holds court distinguishes itself by having a Santa that signs to deaf and hearing impaired children. Indeed, this is not your ordinary mall.

I suggest you plan to spend at least a couple of days in this most gentrified part of Denver. You’ll also want to take in Cherry Creek North, a lively shopping district next to the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, comprised of over three hundred upscale boutiques, galleries, restaurants, salons and spas within a sixteen-block area. I love the leisurely feel of this area where you can shop at big and small emporiums such as Crate and Barrel, Eileen Fischer, Loro Piana, Lands’ End and many more. Why, there’s even an Hermès.

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