Dream Destinations

Over the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to travel to some fabulous destinations - destinations I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl. Now it's your turn to do a little dreaming . . . and hopefully some planning too.

The latest book release from LIFE comes in the form of a stunning, oversized hardcover book - Dream Destinations: 100 of the World’s Best Vacations. I dare you not to dream. I dare you not to fall in love with these exotic locations, iconic landmarks and little-known gems. There are over 100 alluring photos complemented with evocative text of the culture, history, cuisine, accommodations, lifestyle and lore of each storied locale.

Dream Destinations is available at www.life.com/dreams and wherever books are sold for $29.95. Your coffee table has never looked so good.

I'm still here

I promise I'm still alive. I have been traveling non-stop for the past few weeks. I'll be back up with fabulous items for the summer next week.

For Mom: Spa Day

Cards, flowers and gift certificates. There is nothing wrong with getting these for Mom - in fact, I think Mom will appreciate just about anything from you. But, if you're going to go the gift certificate route, do something special that your Mom wouldn't splurge for herself. My favorite is a Spa Day. Any woman would love a facial, massage, scrub, wax, mani, pedi . . .

Use SpaFinder.com to read reviews of local spas in your Mom's area as well as buy a gift certificate. And maybe even you could buy one for yourself.

For Mom: Oval Stoneware Basket

Mother's Day is on Sunday, so this week is all about Mom. I always love giving my mom something for the kitchen. She will always use it, and there are so many great products out there that she would never buy herself. I love this Oval Stoneware Basket from Williams-Sonoma. It is a beautiful alternative to an old basket. Plus, you can place the basket directly into the oven to keep the bread warm.

Available in turquoise, kiwi, pink, cherry red, porcelain blue and white for $49 at Williams-Sonoma.com.

Nambé Planar Bud Vase

Spring flowers are blooming, and I think a lovely vase would be a great gift to welcome spring - or a wonderful Mother's Day gift. I love this Planar Bud Vase design by Karim Rashid from Nambé . The full-lead crystal vase has a fanning effect at the opening allowing your arrangement to fall softly along the sides of the crystal. Making any bouquet even more beautiful.

Nambé makes museum-quality art a part of daily life, combining fine materials with hand craftsmanship and design from the world’s most esteemed designers. Check out their Web site - everything is gorgeous.

The Planar Bud Vase is $80.

Tom Ford Sunglasses

I'm kind of obsessed with these Tom Ford Sunglasses. Everywhere I look I see them.

This is the Whitney model, available here for $360.

Reisenthel Bags

I know I have written about a lot of solutions to the paper vs. plastic debate, but I just discovered Reisenthel and have to share. Plus it's Earth Day!

This Reisenthel Mini Shopper is super small and light. Just pop it in your purse (you won’t even notice it’s there) and then it can quickly unfold into a convenient carry-all when you need it. Folded the shopper is 5 ½” by 2 ½” by 2 ½” and the open to 25” by 15 ¾” by ½”.


All Reisenthel bags have a unique design and range from shopping bags to foldable trolleys, bottle-holders and totes.




Reisenthel also has great storage bins, trash cans, laundry bags, magazine storage and more.

Check them out at Reisenthel.com.

Happy Earth Day! And I also think this is a great Mother's day gift - a gift for mom that also helps Mother Earth. :)

Oscar de la Renta

I have always loved Oscar de la Renta dresses and dreamed of one day wearing one. I saw this Oscar de la Renta Taffeta embroidered dress and fell in love. Then I noticed it in the window at Bergdorf – and I new I had a problem. It costs $5,990! One day, one day.

Until then I’ll enjoy this dress from a distance. I love the intricate floral embroidery, the bright blue and white, the drop waist, flounced skirt and scoop neck. A luxurious, elegant summer outfit.

Fiesta Bowls

Fiesta Dinnerware is the most collected china in the United States, known for its design and colors. I love these Fiesta Baking Bowls - three large nested bowls ranging in size from 6 ½ to 2 ½ quarts. They are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. They are the perfect size for a salad, treats and snacks. They just introduced a new anniversary color – Marigold – celebrating their 75th anniversary, available only for a limited run of 75 weeks. In addition to Marigold, the bowls are also available in the seven of Fiesta’s standard contemporary colors, including: Scarlet, Cobalt, Tangerine, Sunflower, Peacock, Shamrock, White and Evergreen.

I can’t wait to use these for brunch on my roof as the weather turns nice!

The Fiesta 3-piece Baking Bowl Set is currently on sale at Macy’s for $124.99.

Wednesday Giveaway!
One lucky reader will win the Fiesta Baking Bowl Set in Scarlet, compliments of Fiesta! To enter email thelustlist@gmail.com, with “Fiesta” in the subject line, by April 29 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly selected.

Gap Design Editions

Gap Design Editions hits stores and online today! 3.1 Phillip Lim, Band of Outsiders, Michael Bastian, and Threeasfour all recreated the classic white button-down ($78-$88), and Philip Crangi whipped up black and white resin cuffs ($45).

This is my favorite - the Bell-sleeve shirt by Phillip Lim.


Shop now at Gap.com.

Kate Spade Katherine Button Hat

I love summer hats. I probably have four in my closet. I basically only wear them at the beach (which is only about two weeks a year), but for some reason they are just so fun to buy – so I do! I’ve found my Summer ’08 hat – the Kate Spade Katherine Button Hat. The extra wide brim, the cute buttons, the bright yellow . . . oh I must have it. $115 isn’t that bad, right!?!

Buy yours at KateSpade.com.

Franco Sarto "Comedy" Espadrille

The weather isn't quite sure if it wants us to put away our sweaters and pull out our sundresses, but I am getting excited. I love these espadrilles. It's such a fun summer shoe. These are by Franco Sarto, the "Comedy" with a satin top, leather lining, rubber sole and a 2/75" braided jute-covered wedge heel.

You can buy them in black, brown, blue or red for $79 at Bloomingdales.

Whim by Cynthia Rowley

According to WWD, Cynthia Rowley will be back (she once had a collection with Target called Swell) to Target for a new limited edition brand called Whim by Cynthia Rowley. It's not part of the Go International collection, instead it will focus on novelty items such as outdoor games and inflatable pools. The collection is expected to hit Target stores at the end of April. I can't wait to see the fun items. I'll post a few once they hit stores.

Pottery Barn Bedding

I have been searching for new bedding, and I might, maybe, may have made a decision. I love this Songbird Quilt from Pottery Barn.

Marigold is shown, but it’s also available in Porcelain Blue and Green.

no!no! YES!

I haven’t shaved my legs since January. Happy April Fool’s, but I assure you this is no joke :) I have not turned into a hairy monster. I have not just “given up.” I discovered the no!no!


Developed by Radiancy, the portable and slim device (a little thicker, but think Ipod look and size) gives you professional hair removal results at home. The no!no! uses Thermicon™ technology - a gentle wave of heat that painlessly destroys hair without pain or irritation leaving you with silky smooth skin. It’s a whole new concept in hair removal.

The no!no! receives my personal stamp of approval. It’s great. Seriously, I haven’t had to shave my legs since January – and I’m ready for spring! Does it get any better than that! It’s easy to use, and my hair growth has reduced significantly. It takes time, but it’s completely painless.

It’s available in three colors (bright pink, bright blue, and black) for $250 at Sephora.

L'Occitane

I love the smell of lavender. It is so calming and relaxing. Which is why this Lavender Scented Sachet is perfect for your drawers, cupboards and closets. You'll be able to smell the beautiful lavender every time you open the door - and not the musty or whatever else stinky smell is in there!

$8 from L'Occitane.com

Nikki Butler Necklace

I love this Nikki Butler Blue Quartz Pendant Necklace. It will look great with my spring clothes - which I'm dying to take out of my closet. It's feminine and fresh. The clear blue quartz pendant hangs from the center of a knotted chocolate silk cord strung with pink quartz and khaki glass beads. The pendant hangs about 1" from the center of the 17" in total length.

Available on Twistonline.com for $66.00.

Piperlime Handbags

Piperlime.com, the site owned by Gap Inc, just launched handbags. Clutches, wristlets, shoulder bags, satchels, totes, hobos, wallets . . . oh my! And shipping and returns (the biggest pain of online shopping!) are FREE!

Junior Drake

I love to accessorize. You can make an outfit just by adding a great bag or jewelry. I just discovered a great stylish and contemporary handbag company - Junior Drake. Their bags caught my eye, and they definitely need to be on your radar.

Owner, Dennis Brown, built a scrap metal business in LA and about five years ago decided to venture into a new area. I’d say from scrap metal to handbags is quite the new venture! And you can tell his background by the detailed hardware on the bag. The brand is named after his mother, whose stage name was Junior Drake.

You can check out their Spring/Summer line at JuniorDrake.com, and there is a store locator online too.

I love the Jacquelyn Bag. It’s made of soft Italian leather and the braiding is a beautiful accent – and comfortable too. It’s a medium sized tote (15”W x 12”H x 5”D) features braided double straps, a removable shoulder strap, exterior pockets and silver hardware. The bag retails for $460.

The Jacquelyn is available in snow at Shop.com or check JuniorDrake.com for retail locations.

Wednesday Giveaway!
One lucky reader will win the Junior Drake Jacquelyn Bag in Cappuccino, compliments of Junior Drake! To enter email thelustlist@gmail.com, with “Junior Drake” in the subject line, by March 25 at 11:59 p.m. EST. One winner will be randomly selected.

BCBG Dress

I want this BCBG Cotton Poplin Dress! It's a great classic shirt dress, with cuffed elbow sleeves, cummerbund wrap and full skirt. Great for the office, brunch or dinner. And navy is always perfect for the spring.

$220.00 at bcbg.com.

To a Fierce Future

Congrats Christian Siriano!

A Spring Raincoat

Happy March! I feel like I can smell spring in the air - April showers bring May flowers, right? Oh wait, it's only March. Well even if I am a little premature, I'm ready for spring. And this adorable yellow jacket is perfect. The perfect twist on a traditional raincoat.

ELLE short parka in Lemon Curry, $50; Kohls.com

Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk at Target

Target is partnering with Milla Jovovich and Carmen Hawk to create the next limited-edition collection for GO International. Arriving just in time for spring, Jovovich-Hawk's exclusive collection for Target launches at Target.com/go and at most Target stores nationwide beginning March 2, 2008.

Fabulous! In case I didn't love Target enough already.

Organic Cotton Tote Bag

I love this brand new organic cotton tote bag from Rock Scissor Paper. It's 18" x 15" with 24" shoulder straps - the most important thing in my book. The perfect size for groceries, the gym, work, the park . . . anywhere.

Get your for $30 here.

Kiehl's Lip Balm

I'm addicted to chapstick. I use it all the time. And this lip balm with a hint of color from Kiehl is one step better. 30G (a golden berry color) and 58B (a black raspberry hue) add a hint of natural-looking tint, plus SPF 15 sunscreen, in this must-have relief your dull, chapped lips.

$9.50 at Kiehl.com.

the youth, the whole youth, and nothing but the youth

February 1st Bliss introduced an age-fighting skincare line – The Youth As We Know It. The bestselling The Youth As We Know It Moisture Cream – just ask anyone at Sephora what they think about it and you’ll hear rave reviews – is now joined with a concentrate, cleanser, eye cream and toner. With 10 essential anti-aging elements these products will improve your tone, firmness and overall “healthy” look of your skin.

After using the line for a few weeks I’ve seen visible improvement, and I’m hooked. My face feels hydrated all day – which for my dry skin and this dry weather is a miracle in and of itself – rejuvenated and glowing.

The complete collection is $282 – and beauty is worth it. The whole line is fabulous, but if you can’t splurge on everything, start by incorporating a few pieces into your beauty routine. My must have pieces are the cleanser ($30), moisture cream ($79) and eye cream ($75). (The concentrate and toner retail for $70 and $28 respectively.)

The line is available at retailers such as Sephora, Macy’s and of course Bliss. Try them out for yourself at Bliss.com.

Wednesday Giveaway!
To help you create a glowing completion, not one, not two, but THREE readers have a chance to win. Compliments of Bliss, one lucky reader will receive the complete The Youth As We Know It Collection, and two lucky readers will receive The Youth As We Know It Moisture Cream! To enter email thelustlist@gmail.com, with “Bliss” in the subject line, by March 5 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Three lucky winners will be randomly selected.

Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist

Lavender and Marshmallows? What, you'd never suggest that pair? Well, you should. Jurlique Lavender Hydrating Mist tones, hydrates, soothes and replenishes your skin. Perfect for this dry weather.

$31.00 at Barneys.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!! Enjoy the day with your friends, family and loved ones. And allow yourself to indulge in some great chocolate today!

Yves Saint Laurent Biarritz Sandle

I’m wishing it was warm enough to wear these, but that’s not stopping me from wanting them – right now! These Yves Saint Laurent Biarritz Heart Thongs are perfect for Valentines. The gold leather strap, whimsical heart and pink sole are just perfect for the spring.

$195 available at Saks.

Delia*s Spring Top

I’m so ready for spring. On one hand I can’t believe that it’s already February 11th – timing is just flying by this year! But I also am sick and tired of the cold weather. It’s 18 degrees – feels like 2 degrees! – right now. Unacceptable.

But this adorable Kyra Top, available in magenta or natural, from Delia*s is brightening my day. Adorable and feminine. And only $32.50.

Buy one at Delias.com.

Stackable Gold Vermeil Rings

Another fabulous jewelry find - I'm keeping with the Vday theme this week! Designer Marcia Moran created a set of seven 14K gold vermeil stacking rings.
Some include cubic zirconium. It's also available in silver, if you prefer. I love them. Wear one, a few or all seven.

Available at Wink.com for $84.

I Heart Infinite Heart by Fortunoff

Happy February! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start dropping hints.


Like hints about how much I heart the Infinite Heart Collection at Fortunoff. Designed by supermodel Petra Nemcova the Infinite Heart Jewelry Collection incorporates sterling silver and 14 karat yellow and white gold.

My favorite features the gold interlocking heart pendant in 14 karat yellow gold on a red silk cord. Stunning.

Ten percent of the net proceeds from each piece will benefit the Happy Hearts Fund founded by Petra in 2005. The Happy Hearts Fund provides aid to children in need who have suffered loss or hardship as a result of natural, economic or health related disasters.

Check out the complete Infinite Heart Collection and buy yours (even if your hints don’t work treat yourself!) at Fortunoff.com.

Vera Bradley

Twenty-five years ago a friendship and a simple idea became Vera Bradley. A Southern lady's staple, Sorority girls favorite and now known across the country these cotton quilted handbags, travel items, accessories are fabulous. More recently they’ve branched out to fine tableware, rugs, linens, luggage, stationery and eyewear too.


My favorite is the classic large duffel. You can pick from one of their many great fabrics – my favorite is Cambridge. The duffel is perfect for trips. It’s the perfect size – I can keep putting more and more items in it.

$80 for the Large Duffel.


In honor of their 25th Anniversary there are two sparkling limited edition items - a kisslock purse and a petite purse. I love them. Sparkly beads, silver closure with bright fuchsia satin lining. Beautiful. A great evening bag.

$150 for The Kisslock Purse and $60 for the Petite Purse.

Check out the rest of the Vera Bradley items, purchase online and find a local store at VeraBradley.com.

The Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer

Unlike most New Yorkers, I actually love to cook. Which usually mean lots of leftovers. The Reynolds Handi-Vac Vacuum Sealer has changed my leftovers – and my freezer. No more freezer burn. Things are as fresh when I reheat them as they were when I made them.

The Vacuum Freezer Bags have an air valve that removes the air and forms a tight seal around the food. It’s as easy as pressing the vacuum sealer on the air valve, hit the “on” button and waiting about 6 to 13 seconds. This isn’t one of those expensive countertop units – it’s easy, user friendly and fabulous.

Get yours at your local grocery store for $9.99.

Beating the Bulge with Hip-T

What? Your New Year’s Resolution to eat nothing but celery and watercress hasn’t produced quite the immediate results you had hoped for? I suppose that consolation pint (of Ben & Jerry’s) hasn’t helped matters either. But now, there’s a solution that will help you trim down instantly (no negative side effects involved). Ditch tank tops that can bunch and scrunch in very unflattering ways in favor of hip-T.

Hip-t is the practical-yet-feminine alternative to your underlying needs. This little piece sits comfortably on your hip – and stays there, no riding up, down or sideways, for that matter – providing all the coverage you need, even with a delicate lace hem for an oh-so-pretty finish to any outfit. Wear it under sweaters, tees or anything your little heart desires . . .it comes your basic black, brown, grey and white as well as some colors and a few options with lace. Forget having to layer your t-shirts. You can slim down your wardrobe without limiting your options. The only thing you won’t lose? The embarrassment of bearing your less-than-perfect (at present, it isn’t even February yet!) midsection. And we all know, no one wants to see that.

Available at www.myhip-t.com for $19.95.

The New "It" Polish - Chanel Blue Satin

Last year it was the Chanel Black Satin, this year Blue Satin. Don't be scared by the "blue." It really is fantastic. It goes on so dark it almost looks black, yet still shines with a navy sparkle. Long-lasting, chip-resistant, protective color and shine, all in a $19 bottle. It's selling out everywhere.

Now I just need to make time for that manicure that is way overdue.

Making Lunch a Little Easier - Fit & Fresh

One of my New Year's Resolutions is to make my lunch more often - do you know how much money you can save just by making your lunch at least one day a week!?! This is one of the best products to help you. Fit & Fresh makes great products that make it easier for your to prepare, organize and transport your food. Everything comes with removable ice packs to keep your food fresh and cool. It's a wonderful idea and works even better.

Bring a salad has never been easier with the Salad Shaker. It has separate compartments for the salad and dressing with utensils and an ice pack.

$9.99, available at retailers like Bed, Bath & Beyond and at Fit-Fresh.com.

Happy 2008

Happy 2008! I'm back, and we're excited to continue to help you discover the best products out there this year. We can't thank you enough for coming to The Lust List and telling all of your friends about us too! Send us any suggestions you have to make the site better - we're here to serve you! Thanks, and we're looking forward to a wonderful year with you.