Haute Stuff! Stephanie Johnson Travel Bags

My good friend Patti Davis turned me onto Stephanie Johnson’s travel bags and accessories… it’s a West Coast celebrity obsession kind of thing. But the girls are also rocking them in the NYC. And now, it’s girls like me in the ATL who’ll work the bags and accessories into our HAUTE TRAVELS world!

Johnson’s collection of travel accessories range from makeup bags, totes and jewelry pouches ideal for brushes, lip gloss, compacts, hair accessories and your gems. She’s thought of everything in her collections that resonate with your resident Travelistas who want to stay organized on-the-go and fashionable at the same time.
I found the collections interesting because of the way Johnson plays on travel as a lifestyle. The collections are named after some of the hottest destinations in the world, like Vegas, Shanghai, Madrid and my fave Monte Carlo!

There’s something for everybody’s taste and alter ego… just think when I’m feeling jet-set and thinking about the South of France, I’ll pull out my complimentary Monte Carlo Susan Jewelry Roll case and pair it with my Gidget Compact Brush Case that fits into my carryon or city tote. The sparkling gold accents add a bit of excitement to my day and keep me on point. Some compartments even pop out allowing you to carry on its own or in a smaller handbag. It’s SO HAUTE!

To learn more visit http://www.stephaniejohnson.com/

Don’t you love a great travel bag and accessories?

Haute Jewelry Designer John Wind Inspired by Fashion and Travel

Passion for Jewelry Designer and Founder of Maximal Art John Wind is like the melody to a perfect love song. His handmade pieces are a unique mix of vintage and modern, but yet there’s something endearing about them that tells a story of a period reflecting “soul, personality and narrative.” Acquiring his jewelry is like uncovering a past relationship that one never knew existed. “I like that fact that you’re adopting an instant ancestor,” says Wind.

It appears his artwork was more organic than planned but never-the-less, it became an obsession. “I won a scholarship to the Slade School of Art in London. It was in the early 80’s and I got swept up in the club world. It was all about fashion, to the point of costume, (think Culture Club and The Thompson Twins), and making crazy flea-market jewelry assemblages to wear was just part of the deal,” explains Wind.

But it wasn’t until he met another jewelry designer, Andrew Logan, in London that his foray into jewelry making was born. “Logan really inspired me with giant brooches made of broken mirror bits and brooches set into some kind of putty,” says Wind. “As an art student, I really thought of my brooches as little sculptures.”

Over the years, the line has evolved to include a variety of accessories. “Brooches have given way to earrings, then necklaces, bracelets and charms,” he adds. But just where does he get his inspiration? “We listen to our customers and stay aware of fashion trends.”

Wind’s relationship with his jewelry is personal, protective, but profound. However, the woman who wears his art is described as independent and fun. “She likes to accessorize, loves vintage jewelry but is still a modern woman.”

Just when you thought that you knew what inspired Wind, he offers another twist. “Travel has everything to do with my creative expression. I am so inspired by the “Grand Tours” of the past, where gentlemen brought home souvenirs from Ancient Rome or Egypt. My designs are almost an homage to or souvenir of a place. My all-time favorites are London, Paris and Palm Beach,” exclaims Wind.

Fans of the line can expect more charms and silver-toned collections that will surely turn up in the private boudoir of the girl with a style that’s all her own.

The Maximal Art collection can be found in more than 1,000 stores worldwide. To learn more visit http://maximalart.com/index.shtml

Don't you love it when jewelry speaks to you?

Disclaimer: I received two necklaces as samples from John Wind's Maximal Art Collection.

Passion is HAUTE!

I absolutely love photography; it means “writing with light.” This photo captures the essence of who I am… I love it! It’s always interesting to me to learn a little about what a photographer sees when he or she captures your image. In this photo, I was completely natural, no makeup, sweating in the Curacao heat, all flaws exposed and my hair was a mess. But somehow my photographer captured something more. He saw something different as reflected in this shot. He said the light was hitting me well and became inspired by the idea of capturing his vision. Nothing here was rehearsed it was spur of the moment which generally reveals those raw moments that are haute. In my opinion, it’s the way that you capture life. There’s nothing more intoxicating.

What do you think about this shot by my celebrity photographer?

Fashion Designer Mychael Knight's Haute New Dress!

Atlanta-based Fashion Designer Mychael Knight debuts Two², his haute new signature dress that can be worn four ways! I love designers who think about the everyday woman and her needs. After all, we can’t work an avant-garde look every day.

The former Bravo TV Project Runway standout and finalist from season three has always had a knack for understanding his clients’ needs. But this year, he decided to stitch something new. Knight wanted to experiment a little more. He admits that he needed a little “couture” cleansing allowing him to start fresh by stepping away from the Project Runway image with a blank slate.

“For four years, I’ve been thinking about a cool duality that’s chic and sophisticated,” explains Knight. So he designed a dress that allows for multiple fashion options. It’s Knight’s mark on the fashion world just like the wrap dress for Designer Diane von Furstenberg.

The Two² dress takes you from day to night… even to the pool. It comes in three color options, black/white, black/nude, black/red in sizes small to extra large in an easy jersey, lycra fabric. “There’s nothing more inspiring than designing around shapes and curves”, adds Knight. “I want women to be able to live in my clothes.”

Think about this… you’re a jet-setter; you arrive in Miami wearing the black and white dress. You dash off to lunch in your little white dress with the zipper in the back. Afterwards, it’s time for a little poolside relaxation, so you turn the dress to the front and unzip it with your swimsuit underneath. It’s now your cover-up. When it’s time to paint the town… switch it to basic black, change the neckline, flip it so now the zipper is in the back and add your bling! “I like to design for women who like to live life because they have their own vibe and movement.”

I predict fashionistas will quickly grab Knight’s new “It” dress because it’s travel-ready… one dress, four options for 24-hour HAUTEness!

Two² can be purchased online at www.mychaelknight.com for just $79.99!

Do you like dual function clothes?

Mocha Moon Introduces Haute Travel Bags!

A haute travel tote and makeup case by Mocha Moon makes travel easier. The croc embossed mocha colored Lori tote and Perez organizer with removable pouches is lightweight and holds all of your beauty essentials. It’s a chic alternative to the boring plastic sandwich bags that most people use to carry their makeup. Creator Lori Louis designed the functional travel bags to meet the needs of today’s travelista! “Our goal is to help you feel organized and empowered.”

I love the rich mocha color set that I won at a drawing on Sunday! And I can’t wait to put the bag to my travel test when I head back to Mexico for a yoga retreat at Ceibe del Mar in November. The bags also come in other colors so you can purchase one for all of your travel seasons!

To learn more about Mocha Moon visit http://www.mochamoon.com/

What do you think about Mocha Moon?

What’s HAUTE in my Travel Bag?

Going on a long road trip or just bouncing around town? Don’t forget to stay hydrated with a bottle of HINT water. The all natural, unsweetened essence water is perfect in helping you beat the heat. I recently checked into the Hyatt Regency in Louisville, Kentucky with a bottle of Hint water in my bag. Just a sip and you’ll stay hydrated without all the calories that come from sugar! I love the flavors… watermelon is my new fave!

To learn more visit www.drinkhint.com or join them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drinkhint

Jet setting around the world can cause you to neglect your workout routine. But now you can take your daily workout on the road to get your haute body tight! I recently received a set of 3 DVD’s dubbed the Montenegro Method to help me stay physically active while on the go. All you need is 21 minutes to workout without leaving your hotel room for the gym so no equipment is needed. And the diet guide book with over 60 meal options is small enough to fit into your purse. So watch what you eat to stay fit!

To learn more visit http://www.montenegromethod.com/page/about-marta.aspx

What's in your travel bag that helps you stay fit and refreshed?

5th Street Cafe is HAUTE!

The haute new 5th Street Café opens in Atlanta’s chic Midtown. Traditional black and white French bistro décor with flashes of color, elegant crocodile, patent leather booths adorned with claw feet and new patio wows patrons who may shout ooOOh la la!

A.D. Allushi and Chef Ian Winslade, co-owners of ADI Restaurant Concepts, partnered with Atlanta Hawk Zaza Pachulia in converting ENO by Zaza into the European contemporary 5th Street Café. The group recently launched Buckhead Bottle Bar, located in the heart of Buckhead

For the menu, expect favorite bistro and café fare, such as a charcuterie plate of meats and cheeses, frisee salad with bacon, shallot vinaigrette and soft poached egg, potato gnocchi, basil butter and spring vegetables. The former wine shop and tasting room has been remodeled into a patisserie with fresh breads and pastries.

5th Street Café is a great spot to meet friends for a memorable evening out… I totally enjoyed girlfriend hour with my friend and fellow blogger Monique Steadman Eddleton. We had a blast! So Chic, so Haute!

To learn more visit www.fifthstreetcafe.com

Will you check out 5th Street Cafe?