Thursday
Dec042008
Beatrice Amblard at Bergdorf Goodman
December 4, 2008 Béatrice Amblard (of April in Paris) just launched an exclusive collection of luxury handbags at Bergdorf Goodman. Her ten designs were a result of 25 years of experience as a leather artisan. Amblard has also worked at Hermès for fourteen years on the infamous Kelly bag.
Using centuries-old traditional methods, each one is meticulously handcrafted with the finest leathers from French tanneries (the same ones that also supply to Hermès). Aren't these simply divine?
Handbags range $5,000 to $19,000. The artisan herself will be at Bergdorf again on Dec 19 and 20th to discuss custom designs with you, so check it out!
Bergdorf Goodman
754 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
www.bergdorfgoodman.com
www.aprilinparis.us
Email me at: feteafeteswag@gmail.com, and one winner will be chosen at random. Don't forget to include your full name and mailing address. Deadline is Sunday, December 7, 11:59pm PST. U.S. residents only.
And, if your orders are over $100, you can save 15% with the discount code LETITPOP during checkout. This is valid through 12/09/08 only - so hurry!
The 
The limited edition Crystal Palette is the must have item this season. Lined with Swarovski crystals, the black lacquered compact is a double-level case that features four shimmering eye shadows on top (silver black, golden beige, silver, white) while the bottom has a neutral iridescent body powder. Use the silver black for a smoky eye - apply to the outer part of the eye and then blend outwards with either white, beige or silver on top.
The Sparkling Silver Top Coat Mascara sounds interesting. It's supposed to create light grey sparkles across your lashline. If this is not enough dazzle for you, try the Black Shimmer Puff. The luxe soft puff contains a delicate shimmering body powder that will turn you into a bejeweled belle.
For the party gals, check out the Color Design Eye Shadow Quads and the special edition Juicy Tubes (Pretty in Pink, Luminous in Lace, and Showered in Diamonds).
We're doing a giveaway of Le Vernis in Midnight Glam! Email me at: feteafeteswag@gmail.com, and one winner will be chosen at random. Don't forget to include your mailing address and full name. Deadline is Monday, December 1, 11pm PST. U.S. residents only.
(12/2 Update: The lucky winner is Lisa K. from NE! Congrats Lisa!)
Turkey and Curried Rice Casserole
* 3 tablespoons butter, divided, plus extra for the dish
* 2 medium onions, chopped
* 1/2 pound mushrooms, sliced
* 2 cups diced cooked turkey
* 1/2 cup diced cooked ham
* 1 cup crumbled leftover stuffing or toasted and seasoned bread cubes
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
* Pinch of dried thyme
* Salt
* Pepper
* 1 tablespoon curry powder
* 1 cup rice
* 2 cups hot turkey or chicken broth
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 2 to 3-quart casserole.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter and add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté over medium heat for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
3. Transfer the onions and mushrooms into the casserole and add the turkey, ham, stuffing, parsley, and thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the skillet and add the curry powder and rice, stirring. Add the broth, stir well, and pour over the ingredients in the casserole.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all of the liquid.
Credit: Beatrice Ojakangas, The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever, Chronicle Books (2008)
Marina Schiano in Evening Gown. Fall-Winter 1970. © The Estate of Jeanloup Sieff
The dazzling exhibit is quite comprehensive - be prepared to return for a second or third viewing. There are sketches, videos, accessories, and even Lesage embroidery on display. Some pieces evoked the spirit of Chanel, while others were inspired by nature and art (Mondrian, Van Gogh, Picasso, Matisse, etc.)
Cocktail Dress (tribute to Mondrian), Fall-Winter 1965. Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent. Photo: Alexandre Guirkinger
With iconic muses like Nan Kempner (SF native, naturally) and Catherine Deneuve for inspiration, Saint Laurent also had a vast interest in foreign culture. Along with inventing a female version of the tuxedo (le smoking), pea coat, pantsuit, and safari jacket, he had collections that drew heavily from the African, Chinese, Russian, and Japanese cultures.
Bridal Gown, Spring-Summer 1999. Bridal wreath, bracelet and anklet bracelet of rose and leaves by Lemarié. Train in silk gazar by Gandini. Model: Laetitia Casta. Courtesy Foundation Pierre Bergé – Yves Saint Laurent.
Aside from his sheer genius, the main thing that touched me is that Saint Laurent was such a romantic poet. He really is a true artist. His extremely sensitive soul, coupled with his lonely imagination, has resulted in one of the most inimitable, prolific, and revered careers in haute couture.
Credit: Andrew Rau; Courtesy of Foundation Pierre Bergé-Yves Saint Laurent.
Shown earlier at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the de Young will be the only U.S. show. It runs through April 5, 2009.
Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
Give it a whirl. I dare you not to shimmy and shake on the dance floor.
I like the cute "Good Time" video:
We're also giving away one of these fun fizz balls to a lucky reader! Email me at: feteafeteswag@gmail.com, and one winner will be chosen at random. Don't forget to include your mailing address and full name. Deadline is Tuesday, November 25, 11pm PST. U.S. residents only.
Check out the video demo at: 
The Healing Serum is another fab tool for over-processed hair. Packed with ylang ylang, palmarosa, vanilla, bergamot, sunflower, avocado, and olive oils, this is a powerful treatment against all sorts of damage on your poor beautiful locks.