I have so much blogging and business to catch up with after a week away from the internet and the office.
Hopefully I will get back to reading the bazillion or so blogs that I follow in the next day or two.
In the meantime I leave you this video from Vanity Fair with portrait, interior and fashion photographer Todd Selby who shoots creative people in their natural habitats. The video focuses on his collaboration with Louis Vuitton but check out his website The Selby if, like me, you love interior design and are just a t'wee bit voyeuristic.
Yes, I admit it, I love to see how the creative hipsters from London to Los Angeles, from Milan to Mexico, live.
Have I ever mentioned to you that I love Cabo San Lucas?
With only a short 2 hour flight from noisy, cold and traffic bound Los Angeles you arrive in a quiet, warm and calm paradise at the tip of Baja California where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.
It's magical, it really is.
I have vacationed along the Cabo Corridor several times before but this was the first time that I stayed at the magnificent Palmilla, part of the outstanding One and Only group of resorts where attention to detail, customer service and quality of experience reign.
The resort is situated on the edge of the Punta Palmilla on the coast where each room has a blue water view.
The overall design I would describe as Hacienda 'lite' with classic Mexican style elements such as dark wood furniture against white walls and Mexican tile and stone work. My room was a spacious 2nd floor suite with high ceilings, a step down sitting room and large terrace.
The grounds are lush with tropical landscaping, green lawns and palm trees are everywhere.
Except for the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks the resort has an overall sense of quietness. The staff is dressed in muted off white Mexican style outfits that evoke more of a spa-like ambiance than that of a busy international hotel.
The Palmilla welcomes families yet the resort doesn't feel overrun by unruly kids. By providing both a family pool and an adult pool you can choose your level of ambient activity.
But wherever you decide to place yourself, the pool, the beach, the spa, the gym, the restaurant, the library, your room, you will be amazed by the service of the staff. For example, whenever you sit by the pool or under a palapa on the beach, you will be brought an ice bucket with bottles of water. Sitting by the pool you will be offered homemade fruit popsicles and frozen yogurt. Your room will be restocked everyday with water bottles, fresh fruit, snacks...and a special tequila. You will be offered water, lemonade, coffee in the library. Your treadmill in the gym will be equipped with a fresh towel and water. There is wireless service throughout, and even the palapas have electrical outlets so that you can plug in your laptop...if you are insane enough to take your computer to the beach.
Did I mention that a butler that comes with your room. I had the fabulous Isaac Armentilla who was there to take care of whatever I needed. I offered to take him home with me but he preferred to stay at the Palmilla...who wouldn't.
The service just goes on and on and on.
The food...well it is everything that you would expect. Not that I would go all the way to Mexico to go to Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Market restaurant or Larbi Dahrouch's Mexican-Medeterranean restaurant, Agua, or to have incredible sashimi and ceviche at Nobuo Iwaseya's sushi bar, Suviche, but it is nice to have that choice of cuisine. My Mexico style is more margaritas and guacamole while looking at the view from the outdoor Aqua bar.
For me the decision to go to the Palmilla rather than to any of the other spa/resorts along the Cabo Corridor was the fact that it had a swimmable beach. So instead of lounging around the pretty pool, I was more than happy to stay on the beach and swim in the warm clean water of the Sea of Cortez.
While I enjoyed my vacation in Aix-en-Provence last summer because I spent time with friends who are dear to me, I have to admit that the One and Only Palmilla resort was so much better than the Aquabella hotel/spa in Aix and surprisingly priced about the same or even less. Not only was it off season in Cabo when rates are down there was a terrific 4 nights for the price of 3 package which you would never find in France.
I totally recommend the Palmilla and would happily stay there again...anytime.
And if I ever find myself on the other side of the world I will try the One and Only resorts in Dubai and the Maldives.
As I get ready to fly off to this place for a few days
I feel blessed to be able to take a break from the decline of western civilization
a culture that brings us
the Jersey Shore
and
the People of Walmart (warning...these photos are not for the timid)
I will be taking my laptop with me so that I can hopefully catch up on my email...how does it get away from me in a few short months...and my reading.
A silly glass bead necklace by Adesso from Revolve Clothing as an alternative to a classic pearl strand.
The price on this art project necklace you ask
$632
Is that not insane?
The intrinsic value of this nonsense necklace is maybe, and I'm being generous with my maybe,
about $30
Who would buy this...no really I want to know, who?
It pisses me off that women are constantly being encouraged to spend money on utterly ridiculous, trendy and overpriced jewelry, shoes, bags, clothes, etc.
The classic, timeless Grace Kelly look in pearls is actually on trend
And how do I know this you wonder
I know this because fashion editors and stylists are requesting this type of thing for the fashion shoots. In fact this very necklace was requested for the Steven Meisel - Christy Turlington photo shoot for Italian Vogue. It was also requested for a cover shoot by Vanity Fair.
And...it just went out yesterday to a hot star for a red carpet appearance. She may wear it or one of the other pearl necklaces that we loaned. We shall see.
So to anyone who is considering buying the glass bead necklace for $632
can I suggest a fashion intervention by your friends and family
Because friends don't let friends waste money on fashion jewelry.
Lots of stuff to do this week because next week I'm off to this place
where I plan to do some of this
and some of this
and spend some downtime away from the computer...although I'm taking my laptop of course.
But even away from the keyboard I will be reevaluating business, blogging and all things Beladora, like adding new features, redecorating the site, and starting a corporate blog like the competition, who shall not be named.
I will also be considering a road trip to New York and maybe one to London/Paris sometime in the Fall. (And jesus Jill, if you'd ever invite me to El Paso, I'd plan a trip there too)
Books to read on the beach are on my mind too, but it is too late for me to order from Amazon, biographies from Antonia Fraiser (thank you tabitha) and novels from Anthony Powell (thank you LBT). I shall be reduced to finding an actual bookstore or worse, buying cheesy paperbacks at the airport.
This is what happens when I wait until the last minute...
Contrary to the Machiavellian cliche, nice people are more likely to rise to power. Then something strange happens: Authority atrophies the very talents that got them there.
When CEO Mark Hurd resigned from Hewlett-Packard last week in light of ethics violations, many people expressed surprise. Mr. Hurd, after all, was known as an unusually effective and straight-laced executive.
But the public shouldn't have been so shocked. From prostitution scandals to corruption allegations to the steady drumbeat of charges against corporate executives and world-class athletes, it seems that the headlines are filled with the latest misstep of someone in a position of power. This isn't just anecdotal: Surveys of organizations find that the vast majority of rude and inappropriate behaviors, such as the shouting of profanities, come from the offices of those with the most authority.
Psychologists refer to this as the paradox of power. The very traits that helped leaders accumulate control in the first place all but disappear once they rise to power. Instead of being polite, honest and outgoing, they become impulsive, reckless and rude.
So contrary to Machiavelli's advice to "The Prince" being feared over being loved doesn't lead one to a place of power. Power is rewarded on likable people who are diplomatic and successful in forging social relations or networks.
Sounds great doesn't it?
Yet,
Now for the bad news, which concerns what happens when all those nice guys actually get in power. While a little compassion might help us climb the social ladder, once we're at the top we end up morphing into a very different kind of beast.
"It's an incredibly consistent effect," Mr. Keltner says. "When you give people power, they basically start acting like fools. They flirt inappropriately, tease in a hostile fashion, and become totally impulsive." Mr. Keltner compares the feeling of power to brain damage, noting that people with lots of authority tend to behave like neurological patients with a damaged orbito-frontal lobe, a brain area that's crucial for empathy and decision-making. Even the most virtuous people can be undone by the corner office.
Now, as to why this happens you need to read the entire article because it is too much too long for me to quote here.
Besides, don't we already know power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
And for some reason all of this reminds me of a favorite song from my days as a young matron.
Watch to the end
and I just can't wait until the tax cuts get rescinded so that more of our tax dollars can go to China, the world's 2nd largest economy.
I just received the new designer collection catalog from Nordstrom and I wanted to ask when did reliable, affordable and yes, slightly boring Nordstrom turn into Bergdorf Goodman?
I thought that Nordstorm was where you went to shop for Tahari and Calvin Klein not Proenza Schouler and Balmain.
Well anyhoo the new designer catalog is out there and I don't mean in terms of design.
Take this Chanel coat, for example
Tweed coat with faux-fur trim, acrylic/cotton $8,555
OK, so add sales tax and you are north of $9,000 for a faux-fur coat
and let's not forget the matching bag
Faux-fur clutch with tweed detail, wool/acrylic/calfskin $2,795
Once again, add sales tax and this faux-fur clutch is north of $3,000
Who would pay these prices...no really I want to know....who?
My world is all about intrinsic value not ephemeral fashion meaning I break things down into the cost of the materials, how much did it cost to manufacture, etc.
and let's just say that I don't see $9,000 worth of intrinsic value in this coat.
Do you?
Was yesterday the best day ever....the sun came out and I think that the summer finally started
I went down to Laguna Beach to spend the day with the family and
at my mother's house I saw the finally saw the print issue of ELLE magazine
the one with the Julia Roberts photos
and then surprise of all surprises
There was a fashion spread with Kim Kardashian (OMG!!!) and Justin Bieber ( double OMG!!!!!)
and Kim was frolicking in the water in Jean Mahie jewelry from you know where
here's the video from ELLE.com
Isn't Kim pretty...she has some serious assets.
OK...full disclosure here...I basically have no idea who Justin Bieber is
but I know that he is very high up on constellation the celebrity hierarchy
so I am pleased.
And today, it is 6:40 am and the sun is out this morning for the first time in months.
Like a virgin?
I think not
But Madonna does look rocking good on her 52nd birthday.
Just more proof that 50 is the new 30
(God... if only I could schedule in that 7 hours a day of exercise like Madonna...)
OK, I admit that I just wasn't all that interested in the Lady Gaga cover story but the photography by Nick Knight was stunning
and every other article in the September issue was stellar.
If you aren't a subscriber, go out and buy the magazine today. No really, it has everything you want in summer magazine reading
from a profile of the exquisite Jacqueline de Ribes, the last queen of Paris
Here's a photo of Countess de Ribes looking a-ma-zing
to a story on the messy family fight over the estate of socialite/designer/playboy/licensor extraordinaire, Oleg Cassini, who bagged all the babes from Gene Tierney to Grace Kelly to Anita Ekberg
yet kept his 30 year marriage to Marianne Nestor a secret.
Here's Oleg with his "Top Girl" first wife, Gene Tierney.
to an article on sleazy Kenneth Starr and how he bilked his society and entertainment clients out of millions. How did this man ever get his hands on Bunny Mellon's money? I just love this quote "When your business manager marries a stripper" says one ruefull client, "that's a tell." Ya think?
Here's a photo of the fraudulent financial advisor and his fourth wife, stripper Diane Passage.
There's lots of other great stuff too including the the international best dressed list which I previously posted about, the preppy handbook rebooted, and Fall Fashion must haves with suggestions from fashion bloggers including The Trad. (Admittedly I'm a little confused on why they didn't contact me for my opinion on jewelry trends...maybe next year. Sam, you know how to reach me)
Even the ads are awesome with fabulous Fall clothes.
Seriously, where else would you find movies projected poolside where you can relax in a chaise lounge and sip mai tais from Trader Vics.
Dive-In Movies
Tue & Thu through Sep 2, 8:15 - The Beverly Hilton, 9876 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills Dive into family classics and romantic comedies projected on a 60 foot diagonal backdrop all the while lounging in barefoot elegance. Admission is free and seating is on a first come, first serve basis. . So, choose a chaise lounge before the sun sets in the west and after the reel rolls, simply go with the flow, while cabana servers cater to movie concession cravings which are available for purchase.
and if movies and mai tais aren't for you
maybe this is your cup of tea
Afternoon tea on the terrace of Greystone Sat, Aug 14, 4 pm - Historic Greystone Estate, 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills Enjoy delicious assorted teas, tea sandwiches, petit desserts and more while viewing the Los Angeles basin from the Mansion's Terrace. Each Tea includes musical entertainment and the rare opportunity to tour the Mansion's first floor. Ticket Information: BH Residents: $40 / Non-Residents: $50
Admittedly, you will not find me at any outdoor event because the weather is too damn cold! Weekend Forecast for Beverly Hills Area
~ Friday - Partly Cloudy - 77°/60° ~ Saturday - AM Clouds/PM Sun - 77°/62° ~ Sunday - Partly Cloudy - 80°/64° ~ Monday - AM Clouds/PM Sun - 81°/65° ~ Tuesday - AM Clouds/PM Sun - 80°/65°
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