As The Years Fly By - 2011 Already

I'm off to work, but before I leave I want to offer my sincere thanks to everyone who took the time to stop by my BHB blog this year and to wish all of you a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.

Cheers!

And to all of my blogging buddies, I want to thank you for bringing me a wonderful year of fabulous blog posts to read.  I appreciate the time and the effort that all of you put into writing your blogs.

(we shall leave the posting about New Year's resolutions to another day)

Winter Reading

I didn't think that I would like this book but I enjoyed it.  Alexandra Lebenthal, ex-bond babe (and I don't mean the films, I mean muni bonds), socialite and New York Social Diary editor, weaves a clever story about trials and tribulations of Wall Street wives as they deal with private school admissions, cheating hedge fund husbands and the collapse of Lehman Brothers.  The tidy ending is certainly contrived but the book is worth reading for the description of the characters alone.

Next on my list of books...

What are you reading this winter?

Is It Snowing Somewhere?

Christmas week picnic in Laguna Beach.
Why wasn't I invited?

In New York Snow is For The Little People

I have to admit that it has been rather relaxing to take a couple of days off from the computer. 
It has years since I have gone that long with out an internet fix in years, and while I thought that I would end up like an addict yearning for crack, I did just fine.  I spent a lovely day with my family on Christmas Eve and then cooked a traditional Christmas meal at home on Christmas day. Boxing day was spent relaxing at home with a book or two and then yesterday it was back to the office and business as usual.

Happily, the deluge stopped, the sky cleared and the sun has once again brightened Southern California. 
And after seeing so many pretty pictures of  New York and New England blanketed in snow, I'm glad that I am not there to share in the experience.  I remember snow storms when I was growing up in Brookline Massachusetts, but I don't remember them leading to an utter breakdown in transportation systems and people being stranded at airports for days.

But that was Boston, so what's up with New York?

Send in the Plows! Outrage as Transit a Mess, NYers Still Stuck
New Yorkers are grumbling about the city's and MTA's preparedness

Two days after slamming the tri-state, millions of people affected by a post-Christmas blizzard continue to dig out from a storm that shut down area airports, crippled commuter train and subway service and stranded thousands traveling during the holiday weekend.

The sixth largest snowstorm in the history of New York City dumped two feet of snow and left many, especially those living in the outer boroughs and small suburban side streets, feeling trapped or ignored as city resources went to dig out Manhattan.

"I'm furious at Mayor Bloomberg, he's a rich man, so he doesn't care about the little people," said New Enrico's Car Service livery driver Julio Carpio, speaking in Spanish. "I have to work, why aren't people out there plowing? Why does the mayor always go on TV the night before to say, 'We're all set with a fleet of salt trucks,'? and then you never see a single truck. They always abandon Queens."

You would think that New York could handle 20 inches of snow without issues, but apparently not.  God knows that any hick town in Colorado or Idaho could handle 20 inches.

Some New Yorkers in the outer boroughs are complaining that the city took too long to plow their neighborhoods, ignoring them in favor of wealthier Manhattan areas. City officials said that some side streets might not be cleared until well into Tuesday.

State Senator Carl Kruger blasted the city's response, saying part of Mill Basin and Manhattan Beach were not plowed even once by Monday evening.
"It is unconcsconsiable," Kruger told NBC New York. "It has to be addressed. There has to be some reason given....When the Fire Department asks to declare a state of emergency and the OEM denies that request, then there is something wrong."

So the upper East Side gets plowed but the people in the boroughs have to put up with snow...


While I love to see the photos winter wonderlands from the snow covered fields in Wales to the ice laden trees in Germany, I am very happy that I live in Los Angeles and not in New York.

Rainy Days in Laguna Beach

Damn, I hate when this happens.
Photo by Jay Rubin

A Few Of My Favorite Things - Antique Victorian and Edwardian Rings

I actually went to a store last night and did some Christmas shopping.
Who said miracles don't happen.
For someone who shops primarily online, it is challenging to put up with the crowed parking lots, lines, and lack of personal space.  But, one way or another, Christmas is going to happen chez BHB.

We have been busy as Santa's elves with sorting through a new lot of vintage jewelry, many of them antiques.
Here are three of my favorites from Beladora2.com

Antique Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring

Antique Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Antique Victorian Emerald and Diamond Ring

We've had Miss de Ville working fast and furiously on these antique pieces.
It helps that she wears her Santa hat in the office.

And just because I want to share the love
Christmas puppies

In Germany, 10 out of a litter of 17 (!!) Rhodesian Ridgeback puppies.
Aren't they adorable?

How To Do High-Low Style - The Privileged Way

What we've been waiting for, the images from the Lavish Conference.
This lovely lady knows how to put it all together in the BHB high-low way
and she looks sensational.

I love the way that she can pair a very reasonably priced dress from Zappos ($138)

with some exquisite estate pearl jewelry from Beladora.com (also reasonably priced but not $138)

And I love the way that she effortly mixes classic vintage pieces with the ultra modern.

Note how the Art Deco diamond brooch in platinum, a family piece from her grandmother, was incorporated with a modern yellow gold wide cuff. 
It takes a special level of taste to be able to see the possibilities of pairing that classy diamond cuff with the ultra modern cognac and white diamond earrings by Stefan Hafner from Beladora.com.

So go to her blog now and tell her how fab she looks. 
No really, I mean it, right now!

I also just want to make an additional comment.
Her jewelry photography is practically on the professional level.
(Do you think that she would agree to an internship at Beladora?)

Rodeo Drive Christmas Week - Oh The Weather Outside Is Frightful

Photo by Christophe Choo

This is what it has looked like over the past week on Rodeo Drive.
Wet and empty.  Sales have been slow on the street at a crucial time for luxury retail.
But we had a hint of sun this morning so the deluge might finally be over.
But I'm not going to complain about the weather
especially after seeing photos taken by my friends in Europe.

Here is a snowy lane in the winter wonderland of Günne, Germany.

The only thing missing is a horse drawn sleigh.

Vintage Vogues of Christmases Past

In a time long ago, in a place far far away, fashion magazines weren't all about celebrities and the latest actress du jour.  As David posted about today, Vogue back in the day, had beautifully illustrated cover art.

Regard

How fabulous is this illustration?

I can't read the date but I'm guessing the early 1920's

And here's another cover one with the Brancusi like beauty.

1920's also I suppose.

In addition to to illustration Vintage Vogue had clever constructions

such as this cover art from 1940.

I love how the title was formed with pieces of Retro Jewelry.

And note the classic Retro ruby and diamond bracelet, it reminds me of this beautiful bracelet.

Retro Ruby and Diamond Bracelet in 18K circa 1940

Ah, crunch time is on for another few days and then the Christmas break.

I can't wait.

Also, I've been enjoying all the blogs with gorgeous Xmas decoration

Here's one that I recommend mynottinghill.

Pretty Precocious

I can only thank god that this precocious preener is not my child.



OK, I'm having issues so here't the link.
Cecila Cassini interview

Le Deluge - LA Style

After several days of non stop rain, and continued rain forcasted for the next week,
why, oh why do I not own a pair of these boots?
Maybe it is because I always thought that you needed them to muck out the stalls
or to be this woman, on her daily walks around Balmoral in her kilts.

But now that we are having le deluge of biblical proportions
I wish that I had stepped up to the Hunter boot brigade and left my Aquatalias in the closet.

Global Warming - UK Style

From The Independent
March 2000
Snowfalls are now just a thing of the past

By Charles Onians

Britain's winter ends tomorrow with further indications of a striking environmental change: snow is starting to disappear from our lives.

Britain's winter ends tomorrow with further indications of a striking environmental change: snow is starting to disappear from our lives.


Sledges, snowmen, snowballs and the excitement of waking to find that the stuff has settled outside are all a rapidly diminishing part of Britain's culture, as warmer winters - which scientists are attributing to global climate change - produce not only fewer white Christmases, but fewer white Januaries and Februaries.

"Children just aren't going to know what snow is," he said.
(note: the high quality scare quote...but what about the children!!!!)

Mr. Onians, apparently not.

From the Mail Online
Coldest December since records began as temperatures plummet to minus 10C

Temperatures are likely to drop into the minus teens in places, with towns and cities as cold as -8c (18f).

‘It’s going to stay like this throughout Christmas and New Year, but by the middle of next month things will slowly return to normal and we could perhaps see the beginning of the end.
‘Nevertheless, this December is almost certainly going to become the coldest since records began in 1910.
‘It’s already a lot colder than the previous record which was set in 1981.’
The Met Office tonight issued heavy snow warnings for northern Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and south-west England.

It's so good to know that that now the children of the UK will know what snow is.

Saturday Morning On The Interwebs

Robin Tattersall 1957

With much to do on this last Saturday before Christmas and little time to blog, so I shall point you to some posts that I enjoyed reading this week.

My Laguna Beach buddy, Admiral Cod, posted on Swiss Banker Style from the UBS dress code.
(Personally, I agree with the idea of a dress code, and think that more firms outside of the private banking realm should adopt one.)

Then we had Miss Cavendish on the Black Swan - White Swan fashion story Moncler style. Very clever.

Dash has posted photos of her magical winter wonderland with her view of  the snow from her backyard to the Pyrenees.

Tabitha was hanging out with Karl Lagerfeld and she has the photo to prove it.

An Aesthete's Lament brought us the ultimate DIY interior, a formal library made even more formal with some tasteful application of gaffer's tape.  Look at these photos, you will die.

Finally, Bluetramontana Style brought us a post on the beautiful Robin Tattersall, model, surgeon, sailor.

Robin Tattersall with Suzy Parker skating on the Place de la Concord, 1956

Vintage Value Venture - Michelle Obama Style

Michelle Obama's fashion choices have not just been erratic over the last couple of years, they've been downright inappropriate at times.
But for the White House Christmas party, she pulled it all together with aplomb!

Michelle Obama in a vintage Norman Norell cocktail dress...clasy, figure flattering, and first lady like.
(Has someone on her staff been reading BHB or Wendy B or Zuburbia or Couture Allure?)
Instead of the giant diamond earrings, I would have styled her with smaller vintage diamond earrings and a classic vintage diamond brooch as well, such as the one that I sent to Julia Roberts to wear at the White House a couple of weeks ago,
but overall, Mrs. Obama gets the BHB seal of approval for this look.

Countdown To Christmas - Estate Jewelry Gifts Under $500

Christmas is catching up with us quickly,
but there is still time to order those last minute little luxuries
from Beladora.com

 Carved Amethyst and Gold Bead Bracelet in 18K $495

Amethyst Ring in 18K $495 (19 carats!)

Diamond Ring in 18K $495

Diamond Heart Pendant in 18K $495

Tri-Color Trilogy Ring Rolling Ring in 18K $495

Tiffany "X" Ring in 18K $495

 Multi Gemstone Earrings in 18K $495

Ruby Dangle Earrings in 18K $495

Tiffany "X" Earrings in 18K and Sterling Silver $395

Dog Themed Charm Bracelet in Sterling Silver $295

 Charles Garnier Hanging Panther Earrings in 18K $495

Teardrop Dangle Earrings in 18K $395

For estate jewelry gifts under $1000 click here

How To Wear Estate Jewelry - The Corporate Christmas Party

Well, it's time for the corporate Christmas party again where dress and behavior really do matter...especially if you haven't yet learned what your year end bonus is going to be. 
Naturally, modesty and decorum are highly recommended at all corporate events,
and control when it comes to your alcohol consumption.
Also, try not to dress better than the CEO's wife or else he will think that he is paying you too much.

Last night while attending a fancy schmancy corporate shindig at the Bel Air Country Club
I curtailed my wild and wanton ways, and didn't even attempt to dazzle the old guard financial types with dancing on tables with a lampshade on my head. Especially since I was guest.
Instead I dressed up in my Christmas best.

Not the clearest of photos with my iphone but you get the idea.

My bright red silk dress was perfect with this ruby and diamond bow set.

I love this jewelry, especially the earrings.
It was beautiful and bright and yes perhaps a little girly...but the bows were just perfect for Christmas.

BTW, be sure not to miss the post today at Privilege about the Lavish Conference.
It has lots of useful information about blogging and a little sumthin sumthin from Beladora!

From Russia With Love

Last year we had Berlusconi and his bimbos, I mean his nice young lady friends
and now we've got Putin's little picture of pulchritude
Russian beauty Alina Kabayeva

In spite of posing on the cover of the latest issue of Russian Vogue,

Miss Kabayeva is more than just a pretty face

She is a former Olympic rhythmic gymnast and a MP in Putin's political party.

But, in full John Edwards style

The rumours later escalated when bloggers claimed Miss Kabayeva had subsequently given birth to Mr Putin's love child. Mr Putin has angrily claimed that there is "not one word of truth" in any of the allegations, while Miss Kabayeva's spokesperson has refused to discuss what she derided as "nonsense."

Usually I find that he-man Putin has a look on his face like the cat who ate the canary

But here he looks like a man totally besotted.
In fact he looks more genuinely in love than the Royals.

Don't you agree?

Christmases of Blogging Past

In Christmases past I have posted Christmas music videos and Beladora gift suggestions
but I've been too busy to get BHB cranked up for Christmas this year.

But busy as bees is good
or I so keep telling myself as I can't seem to find the time for blogging.
Perhaps, I should be wearing this pair of bee brooches today.

 Red Enamel Bee Pin in 18K $395

Green Enamel Bee Pin in 18K $395

I haven't even started considering Christmas gifts yet, but one of our favorite bloggers, Privilege has. Today she has shared her thoughts on gifts, extravagant and economical, at A Femme d'un Certain Age.

Capturing The Christmas Spirit

Somebody was playing reindeer games last night
and I've got the photos to prove it.

First put on the all important reindeer headband

Then, make sure that your trusty tree trimming assistant dons her reindeer headgear as well.

Then open a bottle of red wine

Put on the Christmas music

And try to trim the tree without breaking too many ornaments

Stop, analyze the tree for ornament coverage, rage at tree becuase it is a nordman and not a noble,

pose for a photo for posterity

then get back to the trimming

Et voila, Christmas has officially arrived chez BHB

Would those of you who are suffering with the snow be offended if I told you that here in LA we have clear blue skies and 80+ degree weather.  Sunbathing in a bikini on the terrace would be in order today...but sadly, not for me.  I'm still trying to catch up with errands, paperwork, housekeeping, xmas shopping, etc.

How about you, are you ready for the holidays?