Inspired by the classic espresso martini, the Insomnio is an energetic mix chock-full of flavor, aroma, and stimulation. Itzel Álvarez, the resort’s Resident Cocktail Whisperer, crafted the concoction to highlight a balance of Mexican coffee beans and the Mexican spirit. It starts with a smooth, creamy, and rich taste of coffee, and finishes strong with a kick of tequila.

Tap into your inner bartender/barista, and start celebrating with the recipe below.

INSOMNIO:
100ml Tequila 7 Leguas Reposado
15ml Dubbonet
30ml Coffee Liquor
30ml Espresso
Pinch of Salt

Preparation: Add the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Fine-strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with three coffee beans.

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The Kylie x Balmain limited-edition capsule collection was inspired by Paris Fashion Week and to celebrate the partnership, the collection features products that were created exclusively for the Balmain PFW runway show.

Jenner and Olivier Rousteing, Balmain’s creative director, worked together to bring together their worlds of fashion and beauty and this is only the second time Balmain has ever collaborated with a cosmetics brand, the first time being in 2017 with L’Oréal Paris on lipsticks.

The duo worked so well together that Jenner was asked to serve as the runway show’s artistic director for makeup. While Jenner recently tweeted that she was sick and unable to attend the Balmain runway show at PFW, the five-piece Kylie x Balmain collection is available and stunning.

Kylie x Balmain Kyshadow Palette

The nine shades in the pressed powder Kyshadow palette have cheeky names like City of Love, Top Model, PFW, and Night Out. The Matte Lip Kit comes in a shade called Paris that includes a blush pink matte liquid lipstick and a chocolate nude lip liner. The High Gloss is in a shade dubbed Model Behavior that appears pearlescent pink shade. You can purchase the two lip products together in the Kylie x Balmain Lip Bundle or you can opt to purchase all three products together in the Kylie x Balmain Bundle.

The post Kylie Cosmetics Launches Collab With Balmain appeared first on DuJour.

Aside from our latest personal mantra being created, we have new music from alt-pop sibling trio Echosmith, a new banger from Diplo’s country moniker Thomas Wesley and his buds, the Jonas Brothers, and a unique collaboration from SHAED and ZAYN. ZAYN hopped on SHAED’s most recent single, “Trampoline” and the result is a sultry new version of the song. With a new bop from Noah Cyrus, it seems as though the Cyrus family name is rounding out our Sound Bite for this week.

See below for all five tracks.

1. “Trampoline” by SHAED feat. ZAYN

The trio that makes up SHAED is captivating. They’re a set of twin brothers and a badass female belting her heart out front and center. Chelsea Lee is small in stature but on the band’s latest single “Trampoline,” she proves her strength lies in her voice. Pop sensation ZAYN recently lent his vocals to the song for a new version and the duet couldn’t be more effortless. “I warm up to “Pillowtalk” all the time so singing a duet with ZAYN is extra special and surreal,” Lee says.

2. “Lonely Generation” by Echosmith

Siblings in bands seems to be a trend in this week’s Sound Bite. But Echosmith is taking “family band” to the next level. In 2018 they formed their own record label Echosmith Music LLC and their first self-released music comes is “Lonely Generation.” The trio has grown up on stage together, playing festivals like Firefly Music Festival and Lollapalooza, and headlining their own shows as well. This song feels like an ode to being young in the music industry and trying to feel less alone. There is an honesty in the lyrics but also a sadness that Echosmith doesn’t shy away from.

3. “Lonely” by Thomas Wesley feat. Jonas Brothers

Diplo’s latest musical moniker, Thomas Wesley, is a collaborative country project with past releases featuring Morgan Wallen and Cam. The newest track is “Lonely” and features none other than close pals, the Jonas Brothers. The official music video playfully showcases Diplo apologizing for live-streaming the wedding of Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner through text, flowers, and notes. The song has a country vibe with EDM elements and of course, stellar vocals courtesy of the Jonas Brothers.

4. “Hot Girl Fall” by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Jimmy Fallon

This original track aired on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this week and with both artists (Stalli & J.Fal) rocking orange velour jumpsuits, I suppose Autumn is officially here. The follow-up to Megan Thee Stallions’s song “Hot Girl Summer” is cheeky and shows off the rapper’s sense of humor but the official music video, featuring rapper Black Thought will definitely hit home for most listeners. The trio pokes fun at the season’s most typical behaviors such as wearing plaid, drinking pumpkin beer, and stocking up on school supplies.

5. “Lonely” by Noah Cyrus

With the publicity surrounding Miley Cyrus lately, I think it is easy to forget that the international superstar has a family and they are probably figuring out how to handle the emotions, stress, and attention. Noah Cyrus, the younger sister of Miley, released a poetic song that might not be a direct result of her sister’s personal life but it does feel connected in some ways. In sensitive situations, it might be easy to fall back onto unhealthy vices to self-medicate or soothe the stress, but Noah channeled her struggle into his art. “‘Lonely’ came to me during a really dark time in my life and is about self struggle and feeling out of place. But the amazing thing is that it put me on the path to getting help and I hope it does the same for my fans who need it,” the artist says.

The post Sound Bite: Thomas Wesley, Echosmith, and Noah Cyrus appeared first on DuJour.

Where to Stay:

W Panama in the heart of the business district has it all: spacious and soulfully-decorated accommodations inspired by the city’s culture, great dining and drinking, plenty of lounging opportunities (hello, 6,835 square foot rooftop pool), and much more. After checking in here, take some time to soak it all in by relaxing at the spa or the WET Deck, or by taking a nap in your cloud-like bed. It’s the little things that make traveling less stressful and thus more enjoyable, and this hotel just gets it.

W Panama

Following your R&R of choice, have a chat with the hotel’s excellent W Insider, Yamal Silcott, to solidify the details of your time in Panama City from an expert’s perspective–he’ll point you in the right direction no matter your objectives, tastes, or preferences.

Where to Eat:

First things first: the most important meal of the day. W Panama (conveniently) has one of the best breakfasts in town, so fuel up at Moro before your day of exploring. Travelers with a penchant for great local brews should pay a visit to Casa Bruja in Casco Viejo, where you’ll be “haunted by flavor,” according to Silcott. For an unforgettable evening, Silcott recommends Azahar’s striking interior, inventive cocktails, and Asian-accented fare.

Moro at W Panama

Casco Viejo is home to some of its own special dining and drinking experiences, including sipping a cup of rare Geisha coffee at Bajareque Coffee House (a local favorite) and tasting through the range of rums at local rum producer Pedro Mandinga’s cozy flagship bar, complete with salsa music on vinyl and some of the most delicious cocktails around.

La Cajita at W Panama

What to Do:

Unsurprisingly, the Panama Canal is at the top of the list here. Block off a few hours to spend at the Miraflores Visitor Center, where you can learn all about the history of the canal’s construction and watch ships pass through the locks from the terrace or observation deck (if you’re patient). For those interested in wildlife, book a boat tour of the canal through W Insider with PBA (request Jorge Florian as your guide if he’s available, though if not, you’ll be in good hands with any of the other guides on staff). If you’re lucky that day, you’ll see around three species of monkeys in the trees, who might even accept a bite of banana from the boat, depending on their mood. You can also take a cable car through the rainforest nearby if you’re looking for another beautiful outdoor experience (the view from the top also makes for a great Instagram shot). Lastly, take some time to wander the streets of Casco Viejo and see what you stumble upon outside of our drinking recommendations above–you never know what you’ll find when you have no end goal in mind, especially in a place with as much charm and possibility as this.

The post The Weekender: Panama City, Panama appeared first on DuJour.

In addition to “Sweet but Psycho,” Max has released six additional singles including “So Am I” and “Torn” that are all slated to be included on her album due out in late 2019. As a songstress, Max has a powerful vocal range and a pop-centric sound, allowing her to create seriously catchy bops.

Max earned her first MTV Video Music Award nomination this year for Best New Artist, and performed a medley of her songs “Sweet but Psycho” and “Torn” live at the red carpet pre-show. Despite being a global pop sensation and most recently supporting the Jonas Brothers on tour, the singer admits she had some nerves before the live performance. “Performing at the VMAs was definitely insane. It was live on the red carpet,” she recalls. “It was easy breezy during rehearsals and then right when I got on the carpet it hit me that I was really performing at the VMAs.”

By donning a fierce superhero outfit at the award show, Max was actually subtly hinting at her music video for “Torn,” which was released shortly after the VMAs aired. “No, I did not wake up in that outfit,” Max jokes about her bold red, black, and silver caped look. “I feel like we all can do whatever we want and that was the whole point of wearing it at the VMAs. Do whatever you want. Like, look at me. I’m wearing a superhero outfit and I don’t care. I think that is the message in general,” she adds of the song.

The music video for “Torn” was always destined to feature a strong female protagonist, as Max says she knew she wanted to portray a superhero who gets her power back from her cheating husband. Max shared her idea with the iconic music video director Joseph Kahn (Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” and Britney Spears’s “Toxic”) and the concept came alive. “He took it and made magic because he’s a magician,” Max says of Kahn with a laugh. “His mind goes a mile a minute. It’s incredible to watch him work.”

Max is a creative force, proven by her stellar visuals and confidence on stage, but what is next for the pop darling? “A lot of empowering strong anthemic anthems, for sure,” Max says of what fans can expect from her debut album. “Easy to dance to and definitely a lot of pop music.”

Max is slated to release her unnamed debut album later in 2019. Watch the official music video for “Torn” below.

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Glancing at the savory options, “Buckets & Bubbles” is the immediate standout. If you’re anything like me, you can’t resist a catchy label like that. It translates to a bucket of elevated fried chicken (yes, fried chicken can be elevated) finished in a honey glaze and a topping of pickled peppers, served over fries with roasted red pepper mayo dipping sauce on the side of Krug Grande Cuvée bubbly. Just when you think this unexpected pairing couldn’t get any better on paper, you see the presentation. The bucket itself is decorated with the cutest original illustration worthy of an Instagram post. Everything tastes as great as it looks.

“Champagne and fried chicken are a salient and delicious pairing,” explains The Modern’s Chef Abram Bissell. “But peppers bring an extra layer and energy to the chicken that helps highlight the depth and layers of Krug Grande Cuvée.”

Bissell carefully curated this special duo as part of Krug’s ongoing Single Ingredient Program. This year, the program is celebrating the pepper.

“The Modern brought Krug x Pepper to life in their own way through their delicious fried chicken. We are excited for New Yorkers and visitors to experience the concept and taste for themselves,” says Krug Brand Director Jamie Soriano.

When selecting the Krug champagne for the pairing, guests can choose by the glass, half bottle, or magnum depending on their company (and how thirsty they are). Personally, I found the half bottle to be just the right amount for two on a Thursday evening.

The post Indulge in Buckets and Bubbles at NYC’s The Modern appeared first on DuJour.

The Maison men’s leather goods collection features four new hero items in the following styles: Steamer PM, Soft Trunk, Mini Soft Trunk, and Pochette Volga. With men’s fashion evolving every single day, and Louis Vuitton being rooted in its iconic branding, Abloh was faced with a bit of a challenge when prompted to transform a collection. Abloh opted to make slight alterations to the four styles, allowing the brand’s identity to shine in a traditional spotlight and the items to stand out in the saturated world of fashion.

Mini Soft Trunk

The Steamer was originally created in 1901 and with Abloh’s clever eye, has been reintroduced as a new business bag that is both classic and stylish. My personal favorite is the Soft Trunk, a retro-looking bag that boasts a metallic finish and is made with a body-hugging supple leather.

Soft Trunk

By celebrating the evolution of contemporary masculinity, Abloh has managed to create bold styles that are in no way overpowering. All four bags will be available in the Monogram Eclipse range, an eclectic take on a neutral pattern that adds a hint of personality while remaining chic and sophisticated.

Shop Louis Vuitton’s new classics in Monogram Eclipse on September 27 on louisvuitton.com.

The post Louis Vuitton Unveils Reimagined Men’s Classics appeared first on DuJour.

It’s nearly impossible to choose where to stay between the five houses. But you actually can’t go wrong–a different experience awaits at each, tied together by common threads (think resident innkeepers, wine and cheese hour every afternoon, nightly turndown, homemade breakfast, and more). Here, we explore perhaps the most eclectic of all guest rooms: Room Eight at Rowland House.

What’s the most requested room at the Inns?

The Courtly Check room (room eight) in Rowland House is extremely popular among guests, especially those who are fans of MacKenzie-Childs, which is just up the street from the Inns of Aurora.

The Courtly Check room is particularly special as it was entirely hand-painted by local artist Kari Ganoung-Ruiz. The Inns of Aurora and MacKenzie-Childs also have a very intertwined relationship. The basement of Wallcourt Hall was the first MacKenzie-Childs studio, and when the brand filed for bankruptcy in 2008, Pleasant purchased the company and restored it to profitability. A little fun fact: Pleasant views Aurora Village as a three-legged stool, and considers Wells College, MacKenzie-Childs and Inns of Aurora equally important to the success of our little town.

The rate varies based on season and day of the week. $300 per night is the average.

What makes the property special and unique? 

Rowland House’s proximity to water’s edge on beautiful Cayuga Lake is very special. The wraparound porch with rockers and stunning views of the iconic temple and boat house with a sunset backdrop make this one of my favorite places to stay. I also lead private yoga experiences on the lawn by the lake or up on the boat house deck – a great way to move and meditate in nature. The in-house dining room is also a fantastic spot for intimate dinners prepared steps away in the gourmet kitchen by the award-winning culinary staff. The parlors are perfect for cocktail hour, featuring custom libations crafted by the team. A short walk away is the 1833 Kitchen and Bar where one can book a private “Finger Lakes Foodie” experience. The culinary team, led by Executive Chef Eric Lamphere and Dining Room Manager Erin McElhinney, will guide you through a selection of sips and bites crafted in the Finger Lakes.

Wellness, including mental, physical and spiritual wellness, is a strong focus of the Inns of Aurora. As a certified Ayurveda Health Counselor, I help guests understand how to better support their digestion (for example, eating warming foods to boost slow digestion).

In addition to our yoga, meditation and Ayurveda offerings, guests can amplify their sleep experience with our Sleep Easy Package. You’ll enjoy a weighted blanket, hand-blended, sleep-promoting tea prepared by me, along with a tea kettle, cups and honey. Sleep Easy herb infused essential oil from Banyan Botanicals and an eye mask ensure you’ll rest well. We love for our guests to come here and enjoy sleep as much as all other activities.

It’s tough to choose. My husband and I enjoy craft cocktails with fresh ingredients and special touches. We like to start a romantic night out visiting with the creative libations team at 1833 Kitchen and Bar. There is always some new simple syrup or infusion that’s been made for the season and we enjoy seeing what garnishes have been brought in from the kitchen garden. For dinner we enjoy sampling and grazing, and the menu allows for easy sharing with freshly harvested sides and accompaniments. There’s typically seasonal fish prepared in an artful way by our executive chef. We often start with an artisan cheese and charcuterie board (the meats are cured in-house and the bread prepared in-house fresh daily) and end with a handcraft dessert created by our pastry chef.

Tell us a few more fun facts about Inns of Aurora.

Four of the five inns were formerly private homes of family members of an original investor in The New York Times. Also, the hand-beaded chairs on the Rowland House mezzanine were made in South Africa and had to be paid for in silver–that was the only form of compensation the artist would accept! Lastly, Wallcourt Hall was originally a dormitory for girls attending preparatory school before becoming the first MacKenzie-Childs studio, and the Schoolhouse Activities Center was actually a schoolhouse in 1903.

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The Memories feature in Photos on iOS13 and iPadOS allows users to create curated collections of themed moments in the form of photos and videos. With the release of Maroon 5’s single “Memories,” users can now incorporate the song into their memory as the soundtrack to the visual keepsake. Frontman and co-founder of Maroon 5 Adam Levine says of their new song, “No matter what happens in the world around you, think about those people you love and share some good memories. We wrote this song to bring people together. It’s an important message for right now, and we love that we can still surprise ourselves and our fans after all these years.”

With a positive message and a captivating sound, “Memories” goes way beyond simply being the band’s new song. Throughout Maroon 5’s two decades together creating music, touring, hanging out, celebrating, and dealing with Levine’s ever-changing hair, the guys have a lot of history. They were able to reflect on those times through their partnership with Apple and share their sentiments with fans.

“In addition to the song, the band would also like to share some of our fondest memories that shaped us over the years. We urge you to do the same. Sometimes, amidst all the static, it’s a valuable exercise to peel back the layers and share our most basic memories. It’s what unites us and makes us one human race,” Levine says.

Watch Maroon 5’s “Made With Memories” video on Apple Music. 

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The Maverick Collection

Select from polycarbonate suitcases, The Everywhere Bag, The Weekender, The Backpack, and the latest offering–The Dropdown Dopp. The Dropdown Dopp includes three compartments to separate makeup products, skincare, and any other smaller items you may be traveling with. Designed with a small hook, feel free to showcase your Dropdown Dopp on a door or wall for easier access to all of your toiletries.

The Dropdown Dopp

While The Backpack is great for quick overnight trips (includes a cushioned laptop compartment, external water bottle pocket, and three main zippered compartments), The Weekender is a versatile option that can work for a weekend trip, it can serve as your carry-on bag for longer vacations, or you can even take it for an overnight trip that will include an outfit change. The Weekender featured in The Maverick Collection boasts a hidden padded sleeve for a laptop, a lined shoe compartment, two exterior pockets to hold items you’ll need readily available, and an interior zipper pocket for valuables. One of the most convenient aspects of this bag is the trolley sleeve that will secure to any larger Away suitcase so you can zip through the airport with ease.

The Weekender

Shop the entire Maverick Collection now in store or on away.com. Prices range from $75 to $345.

The post Travel With Away’s Newest Limited-Edition Collection appeared first on DuJour.

Delmonico is celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse’s sophisticated enterprise, with vaulted ceilings, a baby grand piano, and a killer whiskey selection. It’s a hit with conventioneers who return time after time for a well-prepared steak, but longtime fans know that it’s really a New Orleans–flavored restaurant masquerading as a steak house.

“Delmonico has found a balance between staying on top of trends and incorporating seasonal dishes,” Rainwater says, “while remaining true to—and offering most of—the items we have featured on the menu since we opened.”

The post Visit Sin City’s Newest Steakhouse appeared first on DuJour.

Poosh partnered with Saje Natural Wellness to create a limited-edition Positively Poosh Ultrasonic Diffuser Kit that was inspired by stone landscapes and modern architecture. The diffuser itself is chic and sculptural to keep your space stylish, but also can help boost your mood and lower stress. The diffuser releases negative ions to elevate wellbeing, revitalizes the air in your space using beneficial essential oil blends, and much more.

Poosh by Kourtney Kardashian x Saje Natural Wellness

Designed in collaboration with Poosh by Kourtney Kardashian, the design aesthetic of the diffuser is key to creating a more uplifting vibe in any space, whether it is your home office or your bedroom. By teaming up with Saje, a leader in the wellness industry, the duo were able to create an exclusive product that with little effort, can have seriously impressive results. See below for more details on the Positively Poosh Ultrasonic Diffuser Kit.

Poosh by Kourtney Kardashian x Saje Natural Wellness

Positively Poosh Ultrasonic Diffuser Kit includes limited-edition diffuser and Poosh diffuser blend (rose, lavender, grapefruit) and is available exclusively on poosh.com for $100. 

The post Poosh by Kourtney Kardashian Unveils New Collab appeared first on DuJour.

Below, Christina’s tips on how to keep your skin healthy and protected will help achieve your best results year-round.

1. Avoid Metal Sunglasses

“My favorite tip—which was a game changer for me, personally—is to wear plastic-frame and plastic-lens sunglasses instead of metal frames with glass lenses when out in the sun or on the beach. The plastic reflects much less sun and prevents you from getting too much on your nose and cheeks, which is a problem area for many people, even when they wear sunscreen.”

2. Follow the 2-hour Rule

“Many people forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming.” Reapply, reapply, reapply!

UV Protective Cream, $130, CLÉ DE PEAU, net-a-porter.com.

3. Think Outside the Box

Don’t forget to protect your lips and ears, which DeMartino says are often burned because people forget to apply sunscreen to those areas.

4. Watch What You Eat

Eating healthy helps your skin protect itself from the sun. If you notice you burn easily even while wearing SPF 30 or higher, try a healthier, more balanced diet high in vegetables, nuts, omega-3-rich fish, and fruit. Foods like wild salmon, watermelon, tomatoes, pomegranate, strawberries, and fruits high in vitamin C are a great way to help your skin function at its best.

The post How to Protect Your Skin All Year appeared first on DuJour.

SteamLine Luggage and Maisonette collaborated to launch an exclusive six-piece collection that perfectly personifies the playful spirit of adventure for the younger traveler. SteamLine Luggage has a reputation for creating chic travel pieces with a vintage aesthetic. By teaming up with premier shopping destination for baby and children’s fashion, Maisonette, a full family collection was born, including kid’s luggage.

The limited-edition series features an Adult Carry-On with Wheels, Kids Case with Wheels and Vanity Case, and all three are available in both pink and blue colorways. Each stackable style features a vegan leather body with retro-inspired trimming and chic gold hardware. With Maisonette signature Doodle Print lining the interior, there is a bright surprise waiting every time you open your luggage.

The collection ranges from $250 to $495 or $850 for the entire set. Visit maisonette.com and steamlineluggage.com for more information.

The post The Latest Travel Collab You and Your Kids Will Love appeared first on DuJour.

Moore’s purple carpet style was perfection, but her beauty look for the evening was beyond flawless. Moore’s makeup artist Jenn Streicher created a classic look by putting skincare at the forefront. “Skin is always a top priority before applying makeup. I started with microcurrent from the NuFACE FIX device. I applied the NuFACE FIX serum and used a feathering motion to smooth away any fine lines,” Streicher says of the first step to achieving Moore’s look.

Aiming for timeless, American glamour, Streicher used Cindy Crawford in the 90’s Pepsi Commercial as her main inspiration. After using the microcurrent device from NuFace Fix, Streicher applied The Route Beauty’s “The Everything Day™” moisturizer followed by “The Girlfriend™” skin-loving glow primer. The Route Beauty products are founded in the notion that skincare before any beauty routine is key. The Everything Day multi-tasking moisturizer helps refine pores, brighten skin, and protect your skin for 24 hours. The Girlfriend primer is a hybrid product that combats fine lines, calms skin, and boosts complexion.

Streicher applied Moore’s makeup after this stellar skincare routine and the result was a glowing look with timeless glamour at the 71st Emmy Awards.

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The 42-year-old star, whose most notable role to date has been playing triplet Kevin Pearson in the hit TV drama series This Is Us, was once just your average struggling actor until his talent and determination eventually catapulted him into the limelight. (It also doesn’t hurt that he is very tall, incredibly handsome, and looks like a Ken doll with his shirt off.) Back in the beginning of his career, he says, “I didn’t have bills, I didn’t have anything. I got into a truck and drove to L.A. Now, when I look back on it, I’m like, ‘How the hell does someone do that?’”

Hartley spent years climbing his way up the proverbial career ladder, landing parts in series including Smallville, Revenge, and The Young and the Restless, when one day he got a call that would change his career permanently.

“I got ahold of that script, and it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever read,” he says. “I mean, I had to do it.”

Clearly, his intuition was spot on. Now wrapping production on the show’s fourth season (it returns to NBC September 24), Hartley waxes poetic about how grateful he is to have a role in the series. The best part of being on This Is Us, among the many, he says, is by far the people.

“If you look at the opportunity the show has given me, the eyeballs on the show, the wonderful story line, the writing; I think everything about the show is great. And as lucky as I am to be a part of that, the people behind it—and I am not kidding—I’ve never quite met a group of people that are dedicated and gifted, but are genuinely wonderful, smart, caring, thoughtful, inclusive human beings, every single one of them,” he says. “If you’re not that, then you’re not going to make it in that environment on the show. Going into season four, there is this idea that we are all kind of protecting this baby, and the baby is the show.”

The hardest part about being on such a beloved series? Keeping the spoilers at bay, which the actor says is a full-time job.

“If I really shared the spoilers, everyone would be like, ‘I didn’t wanna know that!’ and then everyone would hate me,” he laughs. “They don’t really want to know! From the time we start filming in July to when it airs in September is a tough one, so I keep the scripts and circle back to make sure I know what the audience has seen last.”

When I ask him what similarities he shares with his character, Kevin, he takes a giant pause as he thinks the answer through.

“I hope people say that I am as dedicated as he tries to be, and I hope that they would say I care about my family as much as I think he cares about his family,” he says with true sincerity. “I think I am in the same ballpark, but I think Kevin is really good at taking care of other people, and I think sometimes that is the problem. I wish he would put himself in that category as well, because sometimes he forgets to take care of himself.”

As he continues to ponder, he goes on: “I hope they would say they think I am thoughtful about them, that I think about them, that I try to take care of them, that I am good at, I hope—giving good advice.”

But he notes there are also stark differences between them.

“I think he has a hard time being alone. I think his mind starts to wander, and he starts to do laps around what the actual reality is, and I think he has that sort of insecure, kind of always-trying-to-prove-himself thing hanging over his head. He’s not as comfortable being in his own skin as I am, for better or worse,” he laughs. “Plus, he’s a cheater, and I am not. I don’t know if he’s a cheater anymore, but you know how they say, ‘Once a cheater always a cheater’? I just have never been that guy, ever, so that is a big difference, and I think that says a lot about the character of someone.”

Hartley, who has been married to wife Chrishell Stause since 2017 (his first wife was his Passions costar Lindsay Korman, to whom he was married from 2004 to 2012), is clearly a relationship guy, unlike his romantically troubled character. So one has to wonder what fans who see him on the street are most likely to shout at him.

“It depends on the time of night; it depends how many cocktails this group has had,” he says with a laugh and an oversize smile. “The people are always very nice, and if you come around people who have had a few drinks, they’re going to be a little more vocal about what they’re screaming. They might scream, ‘Manny!’ They might scream, ‘Kevin!’ They might scream, ‘Justin!’ But all good stuff!”

Outside of happy hour, he says, it’s incredible to hear stories from fans about how the show has affected their lives.

“During the day, people will come up and tell me how the show has changed their relationship with their son or with their dad, or helped them come to peace with a death,” he says. “That’s the incredible thing. You work, in my case, almost two decades to get something like this, and when you do, you realize the impact it has on other people is just something I guess I didn’t think about.”

Despite the serious characters he’s played recently, expect to see him change things up in the years to come.

“I had a run as a superhero, and I am kind of dying to do that again, because that was a long time ago, and I wasn’t really a man,” he says. “I’ve had so many life experiences since then that I think I could bring a whole other level to that, and I love the idea of grounding a character that is based on a comic book or cause. The stories are incredible; the art is incredible. To be able play a quote-unquote ‘superhero’ but make it so damn relatable that people that walk among us watch it, being like, ‘I am fill-in-the-blank,’ right? That would be fun!”

That, and a good old-fashioned romantic comedy.

“Nothing wrong with a rom-com!” he says. But he circles back with more thoughts. Throughout our interview, thoughtfulness is front and center with every sentence he utters.

“Honestly, if I could just continue to just get lucky, or whatever This Is Us is for me, to continue to play these characters that are layered and wonderful—that would be the dream,” he says. “Just keep getting jobs like this. That’s the goal!”

Beyond his professional bucket list, one thing trumps everything else on the roster of what’s important to him personally: his 15-year-old daughter, Isabella, who stopped by our photo shoot to take a few snaps with Dad.

“The most important thing to me [in the world] is that I would love to see my daughter fully grown with a family, happy as hell,” he says. “Nothing else would matter.”

The post Justin Hartley is The Man of The Hour appeared first on DuJour.

Crafted with the bourbon enthusiast’s palette in mind, the Autumn in Chelsea is a spirit-forward drink. It touts a sweetly smooth taste from the Basil Hayden bourbon, which compliments the hint of spice from the Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur. Dashes of black walnut and chocolate bitters provide a rich finish, along with a chocolate truffle garnish to make your mouth extra happy. Hello sweater weather! Get to mixing and sipping with the recipe below.

AUTUMN IN CHELSEA:
1.5oz Basil Hayden
0.75oz Carpano Antica SV
0.75oz Ancho Reyes Chili Liquer
2 Dashes Black Walnut Bitters
1 Dash Chocolate Bitters

Preparation: Build in mixing glass and stir. Pour into rocks glass and garnish with 3 1-inch cubes with chocolate truffle.

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Farro was a founding member of Paramore at the ripe age of 14 alongside Hayley Williams and his brother Josh Farro. In 2010, with years of experience performing under his belt, Farro began working on a side-project, HALFNOISE. The project was initially psychedelic and adventurous, and totally separate from Paramore. “I always tried to write for Paramore when I was young and it was always a little too moody and electric,” Farro admits, adding that since writing songs for HALFNOISE, his narrative has shifted vastly. HALFNOISE evokes a sense of whimsy and self-discovery through the retro riffs and reflective lyrics in songs like “Who Could You Be” and the latest single, “Natural Disguise.”

“The main theme of HALFNOISE is to not disguise yourself. It’s like taking off that mask and finding out who you could be. It’s asking myself, who are you and really being yourself to everyone. It’s about being vulnerable,” Farro says.

Zac Farro (photo credit: AJ Gibboney)

Farro has always aimed to have HALFNOISE and Paramore exist in two totally different worlds of music, although he says that they have become slightly similar because he is leaning more towards a rock vibe in HALFNOISE than in the project’s early days. One of the very first HALFNOISE songs Farro wrote was “Scooby’s In The Back” and personally, I first heard it performed live at a Paramore concert. “It wasn’t really my choicce,” Farro says with a laugh. “Hayley [Williams] and Taylor [York] would come to a lot of HALFNOISE shows and a lot of friends would jump on stage. It started when Taylor came and jumped on stage. We didn’t have a lot of songs so we would play “Scooby,” and then leave and come back and play “Scooby” again.” Shortly after these impromptu on-stage jam sessions started, Taylor York suggested integrating HALFNOISE songs into the Paramore setlist. “I love having both; being in an independent band and having that shadow of Paramore. Most people know Paramore and it’s cool. I like that it’s kind of building from the ground up. We have actual fans now that have been there for a while then we have the Paramore fans come in.”

HALFNOISE is set to release a new studio album, Natural Disguise, on October 4 via his label Congrats Records and it will be the first album fully self-produced by Farro. “It’s been a long time. I think it’s cool that we are playing more festivals now, whereas before we just did our own shows and played the songs at Paramore shows,” Farro says of the growing fanbase for HALFNOISE. “Slowly people kind of figured out about HALFNOISE. I think its cool that it kind of took time to develop the sound.”

With a groovy sound and a funky jam-band vibe, Zac Farro wants audiences to experience the magic of his band. “I think it’s really special to have a really good live band that can jam and play, and I want people to see that.”

Watch the official video for “Natural Disguise” below and stay tuned for HALFNOISE’s next live show.

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We have a new electric bop from Mike Posner, a bubbly track from our favorite romantic singer, Lauv, and a solid rock banger from the Welsh band Stereophonics. Check out all five songs on this week’s Sound Bite below.

1. “lucy” by Soccer Mommy

Soccer Mommy (Sophie Allison) is about to embark on tour supporting both Vampire Weekend and Wilco. The singer is a force on stage, with experience opening for the likes of Kacey Musgraves and Paramore but with her latest single (and first of 2019), Allison is showcasing a different side to her musicality. “‘lucy’ is a really fun song for me because it has a dark, evil vibe. It’s a song about struggling with inner demons and your own morality, but I masked it with this scenario of being seduced by the devil,” Allison says of her new song.

2. “Slow It down” by Mike Posner

Since first exploding through our speakers with “Cooler Than Me” in 2009, Mike Posner has been evolving as an artist and a human being. Posner has currently walked over 2,000 miles along the “Walk Across America” journey. Following a rattlesnake bite, Posner commemorated his journey from Colorado to Arizona with “Slow It Down.” The inspiring song is laced with clever lyrics, all relating back to the one phrase: “life ain’t meant to be a heavy thing.”

3. “Bust This Town” by Stereophonics

Welsh rockers Stereophonics released their second single, “Bust This Town,” that will be featured on their upcoming album Kind (October 25). The song is an undeniably emotional storyline, written by Kelly Jones. Jones says of the track, “‘Bust This Town’ is a song about escapism. Two lovers or friends or whoever you want to interpret them to be, finally find the courage to leave the small town they are stuck in and head on down the road breaking all the rules along the way.”

4. “Truth Is” by Sabrina Claudio

Stunningly sensual while overtly talented, Sabrina Claudio is a masterful songwriter as well as a performer. Claudio recently announced her upcoming album Truth Is will be released on October 4, and the album’s title track is out now. Co-written with Julia Michaels, the song is passionate and heartfelt, accompanied by a self-shot lyric video.

5. “Feelings” by Lauv

Singer-songwriter Lauv croons of heartbreak and romance like a pro, while effortlessly weaving an upbeat pop vibe throughout his emotional lyrics. His newest single, “Feelings,” is the latest to be featured on his upcoming debut album, ~how i’m feeling~. With a powerful narrative and a catchy sound, we will have “Feelings” on repeat this weekend.

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Where to Stay:

The sound of slot machines ringing can be a bit jarring if you are on your way to a relaxing weekend away. Luckily, the Borgata has a little something for everyone. If playing blackjack into the wee hours of the night doesn’t sound like your speed, book a room in the Borgata’s Water Club Hotel for a true escape from the wild nightlife. The 800-room tower serves guests a more boutique approach with a calm check in and ambient lighting. You won’t find a casino within the Water Club, but just a walk down the hall brings you to the Borgata’s famed casino and nightlife.

Borgata’s Water Club Hotel

The newly constructed Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City is another great option for top notch accommodations. Enjoy the lively casino, catch a show from one of the numerous venues on property, or hit up the property’s new Rock Spa & Salon for a day of relaxation.

Borgata Outdoor Pool

Where to Eat:

Residing within the walls of the Borgata are a handful of award-winning restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs. Craving sushi? Grab a bite at Izakaya, the Borgata’s resident Japanese style eatery lead by Chef Michael Schulson. For a heartier meal, try Wolfgang Puck’s American Grill where a wood fire oven is always aflame serving up delicious dishes. A comfort food meal that will really stick to your ribs can be found at Chef Michael Symon’s Angeline Restaurant where handmade pasta and classic Italian dishes pair beautifully with the bold cocktail menu.

Angeline Restaurant

If you feel like stretching your legs a bit, enjoy the private dining room overlooking the ocean at Amada. The Spanish style tapas restaurant originally rooted in Philadelphia has recently taken up residence on Atlantic City’s boardwalk. Dock’s Oyster Bar is a classic Atlantic City eatery boasting fresh seafood and seaside dining.

What to Do:

After a night of gambling, the last thing you want to do is see another craps table. Enjoy an afternoon cocktail at one of the Borgata’s elegant pools. After your sun nap, book a treatment at the spa to streamline that relaxation. In the evening, grab tickets to a concert at the hotel’s intimate 2,500 seat venue. Artists like Miranda Lambert and Aerosmith are regulars at the Borgata Event Center. If you’re feeling a little wild after a full day of relaxing, let loose at Premier Club’s VIP lounge.

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The boutique hotel recently announced their collaboration with Hunter Boots, adding a brand new amenity available to guests of the hotel. Hunter Boots x Eastwind Closet offers guests access to a range of Hunter Boots products from backpacks to blankets. Guests are free to borrow any items from the collection during their stay. With trails and hiking opportunities sprinkled around the Eastwind Hotel, guests are encouraged to borrow the Hunter’s Original Short Boot, the Original Automatic Compact Umbrella, and the Original Lightweight Rubberized Backpack.

Visit the Eastwind Hotel & Bar and indulge in chic styles from the Hunter Boots x Eastwind Closet.

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The first question to ask yourself when choosing a treatment is: How much downtime are you willing to endure? If you’re looking to save face when it comes to choosing a treatment, opt for a lighter, less-intense procedure that gets you results, sans the time off. Many doctors are a fan of skin-brightening Clear & Brilliant treatments for that reason. “A series of the Clear & Brilliant improves fine lines and pigmentation, and patients can put their makeup on right after the procedure and go back to work,” says Dr. Anne Chapas, New York City dermatologist and medical director of Union Square Laser Dermatology, which makes the procedure a perfect (and easy) post-summer skin saver. A series of treatments are recommended four to six weeks apart, depending on your skin type (your doctor will tell you how many are right for you). Chapas also recommends the Excel V laser to tackle those pesky blood vessels that may have popped up in sweltering temperatures. “It’s my go-to laser for visible blood vessels on the face,” she says. “It’s great for those little veins around the nose.”

For those looking for a level up from the ground zero category (a.k.a. willing to experience a little redness and swelling for more aggressive results), the Vivace Fractional Micro Needle Radio Frequency treatment has a fan base of many doctors. This painless procedure (you can barely feel it if your doctor has applied numbing cream) combines microneedling with radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production for tighter, smoother skin and a refreshed appearance. It’s also customizable to suit your needs, whether they be to tighten or brighten skin, or reduce pore size. “It creates microchannels deep into the dermis layer of the skin to stimulate the natural production of collagen,” says Dr. Howard Sobel, cosmetic dermatologic surgeon and director of Sobel Skin in New York City. “It softens wrinkles and fine lines as well as tightens, creating a lifting effect, decreasing the appearance of the nasolabial fold. There is virtually no discomfort or downtime with this treatment, and the results are incredible.”

Christina DeMartino, board-certified and state-licensed physician assistant at PFRANKMD, recommends that patients select the Pigment Protocol, a procedure that combines treatments to combat sun spots and lighten melasma, which tends to worsen in the hot summer months. Bonus points for the little to no downtime associated with the treatment. “Typically, we do a series of these procedures combined with topical treatment, spaced two to four weeks apart for more dramatic results,” DeMartino says. This is especially great for those with sensitive skin and for pigment that’s resistant to traditional treatments.

Then there are those individuals who, if they go for it, want to go for it, meaning they want the most aggressive results, and downtime is worth it to them. If you don’t mind the downtime, Fraxel is the gold standard. “The Fraxel Dual 1550/1927 laser is hands-down one of the best available options for fractional resurfacing of the face, neck, chest, and hands,” Sobel says. “It’s very popular in general, but many of our patients start to request this right as the summer ends. It targets sun-damaged skin with microscopic laser columns that penetrate deep into your skin to expedite your body’s remodeling of collagen.” Sobel says that since the laser treats only a fraction of tissue at a time, “it leaves the surrounding tissue intact, which helps accelerate the healing process. It also resurfaces your skin and stimulates the growth of new, healthy skin cells.” Chapas is also a big fan. “Fraxel is a great post-summer treatment. It not only improves the appearance of the skin but also creates fresh cells that produce protective hormones, so skin is better able to resist future UV damage,” she says. “Research shows in addition to the photo-rejuvenation benefits, Fraxel may also help treat precancerous actinic keratosis.”

Regardless of which treatment you end up using, make sure you find a certified professional. “It is important these lasers be administered without a tan and by a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in laser surgery,” notes Chapas. “If these lasers are administered too aggressively or with poor technique, it can result in scarring and dyspigmentation.”

The Best Time to Start Laser Hair Removal 

Dr. Will Kirby of LaserAway shares why this treatment is most popular in the fall. Laser hair removal is safe and effective year-round. That said, the treatment works best when the skin in the treated area hasn’t been exposed to the sun,” says Dr. Will Kirby, chief medical officer of LaserAway in Los Angeles. “Tan skin requires us to treat more conservatively or reschedule an appointment entirely. When proper sun avoidance is adhered to, laser hair removal works incredibly well. As a result, the unsubstantiated myth persists that treatment works best in the fall. Any treatment is actually a partnership between a clinician and a patient, so all experts in the science and art of laser hair removal agree that it’s the patient’s skin, not the weather or calendar date, that dictates a successful outcome.”

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Perched high on top of Downtown Los Angeles, the InterContinental’s lobby sits on floor 70—the views are indeed Instagrammable and quite peacefully away from the hustle and bustle. Floor-to-ceiling windows welcome you into this expansive space, and take you all the way to your room, where again: the views are the main dish. And speaking of, one of the hotel’s onsite restaurants, Spire 73, is one of LA’s new hotspots. Guests of the hotel are guaranteed complimentary entry to the rooftop lounge, which doubles as the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, and if there is one thing you promise yourself during your stay in LA it’s this: go for a sunset cocktail at Spire 73—you (and your date) will not be disappointed.

Spire 73 at InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

“Having traveled around the world–either being a professional stuntman or hockey player, to working in hospitality for the last 20 years–I’ve learned that people crave familiarity,” Spire 73 General Manager Christopher Nelson says, “the feeling of ‘home’ no matter where they are. My goal is to create an atmosphere at Spire 73 where our guests feel an immediate sense of trust, comfort and hospitality, and know that while they are here, they’re in good hands.”

From fireplaces and throws to cozy up to, to decedent and reimagined bar food classics that rival the best anywhere on the ground has to offer, Spire 73 is a destination unto itself. If it’s your first time in LA, or your tenth, experiencing this city in this way is unbeatable.

Below, General Manager of InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown Niles Harris shares more about the property’s most requested room, and what exactly makes this location your new go-to when visiting the Hills.

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown

What’s the most requested room?

Our Club Rooms are very special. They are located on the highest guest room floors and capture the most stunning views – from the STAPLES Center to the Hollywood Hills. Spanning up to 850 square feet, the Club-level rooms feature luxury amenities including Le Labo products and a Nespresso machine. Perhaps the greatest perk is that guests staying in any of our “Suite” room categories have access to Club InterContinental located on the 70^th floor, which includes complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea as well as champagne, cocktails, crudités and canapes in the evening.

What is the rate?

Rates start at $379, but vary depending on the season.

The InterContinental DTLA

What room is your personal favorite?

The hotel’s Presidential Suite is unparalleled. The 2,500 square-foot suite features an expansive living room complete with a grand piano, office alcove, and dining area with kitchenette. The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet and marble-clad bathroom with Le Labo bath amenities, Toto toilet and a unique infinity bathtub to soak in while watching the sun set across the Hollywood hills (or while watching the bathroom mirror TV).

Any fun facts about the hotel?

InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown is the largest InterContinental in the Americas and the tallest building west of Chicago; it has forever changed the skyline of Los Angeles with its signature spire stretching to the sky. Also, La Boucherie, the hotel’s high-end steakhouse and Michelin Guide recommended restaurant, features an extensive wine list of over 1,200 labels that consists of 124 categories from around the world with an emphasis on French and California wines. Prices range up to $22,000 per bottle.

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Nightmare.

Being able to book your dental appointment online is a game changer. Beam Street is a dental office designed for the busy person who works in Manhattan and just wants to get a teeth cleaning during their lunch break. If you work in Manhattan, chances are, you don’t live in the heart of the city (hello New Jersey, Long Island, Connecticut). After a commute home from work, most people are already daydreaming about swapping work pants for sweatpants. Dr. Heather Kunen is Beam Street’s in-house Orthodontist and while her professional credentials are impressive and allow her to deliver serious results to her clients, she is a native New Yorker and understands the lack of time we have and the high standards that are typical of New Yorkers. Yes, that’s right. We want results as soon as possible and we do not want to be inconvenienced in order to achieve said results.

Dr. Heather Kunen

Beam Street allows clients to schedule a Zoom! Whitening session, Hygiene and Check-Up, or a free consultation regarding Invisalign aligners online. I went in for a whitening treatment because I like my coffee black and in large quantities. Beam Street is stylish and chic with a simple Swedish aesthetic, creating a calming environment from the moment you walk through the doors. Plus, you sign in using an iPad because it is 2019 and, let’s save a tree.

The whole treatment took about one hour. Basically the bleaching product is applied to your teeth and a very strong light is placed over your mouth for 20 minutes at a time. I was told that depending on a person’s sensitivity, the number of 20-minute sessions varies from just one session up to four or five. I reached my third 20-minute session and started feeling tingling sensations in my teeth that felt pretty uncomfortable which is when I bowed out. But, after two and a half whitening sessions, my teeth had become several shades lighter! Before you start the treatment, my dental hygienist, Nala Lajiq placed a swatch of teeth shades next to my teeth and pointed out where I landed.

Beam Street

To see the actual difference in color was pretty undeniable. The process itself was easy and quick, but you do need to know when to admit when you are starting to feel any sort of discomfort; everything can vary depending on the client.

After my whitening, my teeth were extremely sensitive. I experienced surprising pangs of sensitivity intermittently for the next 12 hours. But, I took a couple of Ibuprofen and by the next day, my teeth were still white and no longer sensitive. The only real downside was that I had to avoid drinking coffee for the next 48 hours after the whitening treatment.

So, Beam Street features an easy way to schedule appointments, quick and painless procedures, and a stylish office that is free of creepy children’s toys from the early 90s. *books next dental appointment before it’s too late.*

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A poster announcing the Sport Collection’s Spring Drive 20th and Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary model.

Grand Seiko has been a collection within the Seiko brand since 1960, but it was sold exclusively in Japan until 2010, when the watches were offered internationally. They became a hit globally, especially in America, where collectors with a discerning eye saw something special. That may be why about a year ago, the Grand Seiko collection split from the mother ship in America and is now its own Grand Seiko brand.

So just what is it about Grand Seiko that has so many watch enthusiasts clamoring for it? For one thing, the watches in the collection boast high-tech mechanical movements—including the unique Spring Drive—that offer superb precision. With prices that range from $2,200 to $60,000, there is something for everyone. Additionally, a host of other important factors come into play, running the gamut from visionary technology to clean aesthetics, along with some good old-fashioned Japanese beauty and style.

The Four Seasons Spring.

A prime example of the blending of Japanese elegance and high-tech movements is evident in the newest collection being unveiled this fall. The second U.S.-exclusive series Grand Seiko has brought forward, the Four Seasons, features watches that represent fall, winter, spring, and summer. In Japan, 24 mini-seasons are celebrated, but to gear the series toward Americans, the brand scaled it down to our four. The watches are also intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the brand’s first self-winding watch: the 62GS. The 40mm cases take their design inspiration from that 1967 watch but are updated and slimmed down.

The Four Seasons Winter.

The winter version features a dial crafted to reflect snowfall, thanks to a silver-white raised pattern. The spring model has a pale pink shimmering dial that is also textured and meant to recall the cherry blossom season. These two watches are fitted with the revolutionary Spring Drive caliber, a mechanical movement with an electronic component, making it one of the most precise automatic movements on the market. The first Spring Drive was unveiled 20 years ago, after a decade of research and development.

The summer and fall watches are powered by Grand Seiko’s mechanical Hi-Beat caliber, whose 36,000 vibrations per hour make it accurate from minus-three to plus-five seconds per day. The fall watch has a rich blue high-polished dial that denotes the fall equinox, while the summer watch’s dial is verdant green to emulate the season’s grass and foliage. Each of the Four Seasons models retails for $6,300.

Grand Seiko, a fully integrated brand that makes all of its components and watches in-house, has several different studios and workshops throughout Tokyo and the outlying regions. For instance, the Spring Drive technology watches are assembled in one studio, and the Hi-Beat calibers are made in another. Yet another workshop, the Micro Artist Studio in Shinshu, specializes in the creation of the haute horology Credor minute repeater, sonneries, and pocket watches. With the same extraordinary level of care brought to the hand assembly of all of the movements and watches, the artistic dials are carved, painted, and crafted by the finest
Japanese artisans.

This year, backing up its Heritage Collection, Grand Seiko unveiled two new pillar collections. The Elegance line features—among others—watches with hand-painted Japanese urushi lacquer dials. The urushi is created after collecting a sap from the urushi tree that can be harvested only once each year, and then thinning and curing it over the course of another year before being able to paint with it. The new Grand Seiko Sport Collection highlights the brand’s commitment to legibility, durability, and precision, with chronographs, GMT watches, and more.

“Our goal at Grand Seiko is to make fine timepieces that combine innovative modern technology with traditional Japanese craftsmanship,” says Brice Le Troadec, president of Grand Seiko Corporation of America. “We highlight this philosophy through the introduction of all Grand Seiko models and more dramatically with our masterpieces. We are seeing more appetite for luxury products here than ever before, and we are happy to cater to that demand by introducing watches that consumers will appreciate.”

The post Grand Seiko Is On the Rise This Season appeared first on DuJour.

Monáe with chef and CEO LaForce Baker (left) and artist Amanda Williams at the Belvedere Vodka event.

Monáe’s demeanor is graceful, eloquent, and genuine. As she points to her limited edition Belvedere bottle, she notes that the layers on the label’s design are representative of the layers we have as human beings. “When we pull back our layers, we get the chance to show our authentic selves,” she says. “That can be inspiring for other people to uncover more of their truth.”

Whether one sees Monáe onstage, on-screen, or in person, she exudes an intoxicating confidence that allows her to share her voice and incite change, start conversations, and inspire others to do the same. “Oh, yes, I wake up like this every morning,” she says sarcastically of her self-confidence. “It can be a daily struggle for some of us, including myself. You have to actively choose to have confidence.” Monáe admits that she is able to speak so passionately and strongly about her work because she truly believes in every project and initiative she attaches herself to. “Belvedere knew of Fem the Future, and they wanted to know how they could support it and help support women in the entertainment industry,” she says of the partnership’s inception. From her perspective as a creative icon in the music industry, Monáe says she has never seen more women championing other women: “It is a really positive thing. You have some women who are helping evil men and being coconspirators with men who are abusing their power, but there are a lot of women who are about collaboration over competition, and I’m one of them.”

Monáe at the Belvedere Vodka event.

Outside of her film production company, Wondaland Arts Society, her Fem the Future project, a new role in the second season of Homecoming on Amazon Prime Video, her partnership with Belvedere—and more—Monáe says she does have a top priority for her ideal beautiful future. “I’m evolving as an artist and as a businesswoman. I don’t know what 2020 holds, but I’m focused on meeting interesting, like-minded folks and cultivating new ideas,” she says. “And figuring out how I can get as many people to register to vote as possible.”

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For me, I vividly recall watching Gilmore Girls as a pre-teen and admiring the delicate balance that Rory Gilmore struck between being a bookworm and a sharp-tongued teenager. A few years after that, The O.C. became the cinematic soundtrack of my teens, with rebellious Marissa Cooper as the first track.

Adam Brody’s roles in each of those series—on Gilmore Girls in 2002 and 2003, and The O.C. from 2003 to 2007—have served as many people’s Rory Gilmore and Marissa Cooper. His portrayal of Seth Cohen on The O.C. captured the hearts of viewers across the globe so effortlessly that there is still a loyal fan base surrounding the sarcastic and loveable character.

Since then, Brody has expanded his repertoire beyond playing the awkwardly charming love interest. In August, he starred opposite Samara Weaving, Mark O’Brien, and Andie MacDowell in the unexpectedly hilarious thriller, Ready or Not.

“Blood works better as a surprise,” Brody says in response to my reaction to Ready or Not. “I once did a movie called Cop Out with Bruce Willis and had the joy of being in a shoot-out with him. He said to me, ‘you can never have too much dirt, blood, and sweat.’ I’ll always remember that.”

While his character in Ready or Not boasts layers of moral conflict, understated wit, and emotional torment, Brody humbly credits his performance to the sweat. “Sometimes good makeup is half the battle,” he says self-deprecatingly.

The truth is that Brody’s endearing sense of humor is self-critical but the 39-year-old actor genuinely cares about his roles and the strategy that goes into making his characters’ decisions. “I love talking about the creative process as much as doing it. I like blocking a scene as much as I do filming a scene,” Brody says. “I love to go over a scene with another actor and director and make choices as a team about what feels right in terms of moving here or there.”

So, is a behind-the-scenes gig in the future for this onscreen heartbreaker? Maybe. “I love music, I love cinematography, I love acting, and I love set design. Being able to weigh in on all the creative things that go into a story seems thrilling and I would love to do it as some point,” Brody admits. I ask what type of project he would want to work on and the answer feels like a colorful piñata bursting through the phone, serving as a testament to Brody’s creative instincts. “I would combine comedy, a little violence, tragedy, as well as larger-than-life sets. I think I’ve gotten more sophisticated with my storytelling over the years, but at heart I am still very much a little boy, and I just want to play with dinosaurs. It’s about merging those two things.”

Before Brody can create sophisticated stories starring dinosaurs, he will be featured in the upcoming FX limited series, Mrs. America, as part of an all-star cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, John Slattery, and Elizabeth Banks. “I am very excited to work with all of these incredibly talented and charismatic people,” Brody says of his upcoming cast mates.

The period drama will follow the 1970s political battle surrounding the Equal Rights Amendment, a fight that was eventually lost. “With everything in our society and the shift we are going through, nothing is more relevant right now,” Brody says of the timely subject matter. “It’s an honor to be able to take part in that conversation on such a big stage. It’s such an important conversation.”

Although some celebrities calibrate how political they appear in public, Brody had no hesitations about joining the project’s cast. “I’m not totally prepared to give a dissertation, but I will say that in terms of today’s politics, this is just disgusting and it is terrifying.”

Taking a stance and using your platform to showcase your opinion is something Brody holds close to his heart. “Everyone has to find their own balance, but if you have a microphone or a lot of Twitter followers, as far as I’m concerned now, if you’re not using that to speak for change, then I have no time for that.”

It was during these moments of our conversation that I could feel Brody becoming more passionate. At this point he offered his first and only mention of The O.C. “I understand that of the people who follow me on Twitter, half of them are O.C. fans from Brazil. But fine, you follow me, so here’s a New York Times article for you. Read it or don’t, at least you’ll scan the headline. I try to amplify some of this stuff. That’s not to say that I do remotely enough, but I am certainly concerned.”

After having no social media presence for a long time, Brody decided to create his own Twitter account in 2017 to show support for his friend Justin Kanew, who was running for Congress. Since then, Brody has actively taken to Twitter to promote his various projects as well as political opinions from different news outlets. “I try not to tweet everyday. I’ve erased so many tweets that were just pure hate–pure anger. A lot of it is retweets of people who I follow that can say it better than I can.”

From the thriller Ready or Not to his return to television with Mrs. America and a repeat appearance on Single Parents, which stars his wife, Leighton Meester, Adam Brody is proving he’s more than a teen heartthrob. And we’re listening to what he has to say.

Main image credit: Hong Jang Hyun

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Now in its third season, Netflix’s hit show 13 Reasons Why shines a spotlight on some serious issues such as mental health, bullying, sexuality, suicide, and sexual assault. Though explicit in nature, the show’s young cast has been lauded for depicting the sensitive material with a captivating candor, which has resulted in audiences becoming even more connected to this group of characters .

Timothy Granaderos plays Montgomery de la Cruz on 13 Reasons Why and since season one, Monty has been seen as a high school jock with a chip on his shoulder. A pretty polarizing character, Monty garnered a ton of hate on social media upon his introduction on the show. “Justin [Prentice] actually started the hashtag #TimIsNotMonty last season because fans do have trouble differentiating the actor from the character,” Granaderos tells me. Fellow cast member Anne Winters responded to her fans with an Instagram story clarifying she was not in fact the character she plays on the show, while the show’s newest star, Grace Saif, recently deleted her Instagram account completely. Granaderos is choosing to have a more optimistic reaction to the hate he receives on behalf of Monty. “If your character is meant to get that reaction out of fans and you don’t, did you do a good job? Reading the comments and seeing the hate, it’s just hate for the character which is kind of how it should be,” he says.

The third season of 13 Reasons Why ended with a twist that was actually a surprise to most of the show’s cast as well as audiences across the globe. “We all have our own secrets, just like in the show. Some people are very gossipy and tell their secrets but I kept all of my secrets until the very end,” Granaderos says of keeping storylines a secret on set. “For Monty’s character arc, I knew there was going to be the aspect of humanizing him and learning about his home life, but I didn’t know all the specifics. I found a lot out as the story unfolded.” SPOILER ALERT: Granaderos was so good at keeping Monty’s secrets, he says, “By the end, no one knew that I had died.”

With graphic scenes and seriously heavy material, I admitted to Granaderos that I can’t watch 13 Reasons Why before I go to bed unless I follow it up with an episode of The Office. In response, Granaderos says that in the past, the whole cast typically binges the new season but they all took their time this year. “It can really wear on you,” he says of the show. He adds that the cast has such trust in each other after working together for so many years, and enduring such emotionally draining situations. “You read certain scenes and they can seem super terrifying but you know that everyone is in it together and we all have each other’s backs.”

One message from the show that Granaderos hopes is conveyed to audiences is one that has been an underlying theme since season one. “Try to have empathy for others no matter what, because you don’t necessarily know what they’re going through. It’s easy to pass judgment onto someone based on a few actions but little do you know what’s going on in their life.” Specific to Monty’s character, Granaderos says, “Monty did terrible things. But if you dig a little deeper, you see he is a product of this toxic home life. It’s tough.”

From empathizing with Monty to surprising his fellow cast mates with Monty’s fate on the show, Granaderos has been on a wild ride over the past few months. While he has been keeping busy lately with a project that must remain a mystery for now, the real question is, will Monty make a return in the fourth season of 13 Reasons Why? “I hope so but I don’t know,” he says with a cheeky laugh. “The good thing about our show is it leaves a lot of avenues open for characters like flash backs and, who knows,” he adds, hinting that maybe we have not said our final goodbye to Monty just yet.

The post Humanizing One of The Villains From <em>13 Reasons Why</em> appeared first on DuJour.

With bold patterns, colors, and shapes exploding down the runway, Cowan needed his powerful model’s to have just as impressive manicures. Celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee created five nail designs for Cowan’s presentation using Dashing Diva.

Dashing Diva for Christian Cowan SS20

Yankee used Dashing Diva’s Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Strips which were pre-printed in five different custom prints: tie-dye, black and white checkered, and four solid colors: bright pink, light pink, black, and tan. Yankee then applied the Gloss strips to Dashing Diva’s Virtual Nails, a blank nail canvas that adds length and perfects the nail shape, and were secured with Virtual Adhesive Tabs.

Gloss Ultra Shine Gel Nail Strips are the ultra-shiny, super strong, wrinkle-free gel strips that don’t require UV dry time or soak off removal. Get salon-quality, gel shine on your time. They are chip-resistant and wear up to 14 days.

Dashing Diva for Christian Cowan SS20

Click through the gallery above for an inside look at Christian Cowan’s SS20 NYFW runway show.

The post Here’s How to Get Christian Cowan’s Patterned Nails appeared first on DuJour.

Inspired by Cooper & Thief’s wine aging process, the spirit-based cocktail influencer whipped up a delicious alternative to a summery pink or orange-hued beverage. The fruit-forward flavors of the libation pair well with the Sauvignon Blanc’s heat and notes of citrus and vanilla imparted by the wood, as well as the wine’s likeness to a fine blue agave tequila.

For your home happy hours in the weeks ahead, mix up this simple recipe below.

COOPER & THIEF WHITE WINE PALOMA: 

2 oz. Cooper & Thief Sauvignon Blanc aged in Tequila barrels
1 oz. Blanco Tequila
1 oz. Fresh Grapefruit Juice
1/2 oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1/4 oz. agave nectar
Soda Water

Preparation: In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients except for the soda water. Shake with ice to chill, and strain into a Collins Glass over ice. Top with soda water, and garnish with a slice of grapefruit and sprig of mint.

The post Drink DuJour: Cooper & Thief White Wine Paloma appeared first on DuJour.

See below for all five songs.

1. “Die For Me” by Post Malone feat. Future and Halsey

Unconventional and unapologetic. Post Malone paves his own distinct path for his music and style and so far, the Grammy Award-nominated artist is killing it. Malone’s latest album Hollywood’s Bleeding is stacked with epic features and powerful lyrics but “Die For Me” is by far our favorite. Malone tapped Halsey for one verse and the singer’s clever line, I sold 15 million copies of a break-up note, referencing her hit “Without Me,” is everything.

2. “Mother” by Charlie Puth

Celebrated singer-songwriter, Puth has focused on putting his pen to paper for artists like Katy Perry (“Small Talk”) and 5 Seconds of Summer (“Easier”) lately. With his latest single, Puth offers a hypnotic sound with cheeky lyrics. “Mother” is the second song released from Puth since his 2018 album Voicenotes.

3. “Drip” by Brooke Candy feat. Erika Jayne

“Drip” is a sexual banger that showcases Brooke Candy’s unwavering talent as well as her creative vision. Candy teamed up with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, Erika Jayne, and the duo performed the song at the VFILES fashion show during NYFW. This anthem is sure to get you in the mood for a weekend celebration.

4. “Exit Sign” by The Knocks feat. Gallant

For this glittery electro-pop track, The Knocks teamed up with R&B singer-songwriter Gallant. “Exit Sign” has a bright beat and fast tempo to keep everyone’s energy up on the dance floor. While vibrant and exciting, “Exit Sign” also offers more romantic and lusty lyrics to create a balanced track.

5. “Graveyard” by Halsey

Creative mastermind Halsey announced that her third studio album will be titled Manic and will be released January 20. The latest single off the album is “Graveyard” and in true Halsey fashion, the song did not have a typical release. “Graveyard” was tied to a livestream on YouTube of Halsey painting a self-portrait. The song features soaring vocals along with more intimate moments showcasing Halsey’s lyrics. “Graveyard” was first revealed at Rihanna’s Fenty x Savage fashion experience.

The post Sound Bite: Post Malone, Brooke Candy, and Charlie Puth appeared first on DuJour.

Naeemah LaFond, Global Artistic Director of amika, the rebellious Brooklyn-based hair brand, served as the lead stylist. LaFond drew inspiration from “a circus-meets-alien-meets-medieval vibe” and the result was unreal. Throughout the 35 runway looks, the hair styles seemed to become more and more dramatic as the SS20 show went. LaFond says she put a major emphasis on embracing texture, volume, and height for each model.

See below for the complete breakdown of amika’s hair for Christopher John Rogers.

1. Prep hair with Blockade Heat Defense Serum. Section hair into four sections: top, one on each side, and a large back section. The sections should then be styled as follows:
– Back section – crimped
– Side sections – tail comb set
– Top section – flat wrap alternating sections with the tapered 19mm barrel from The Chameleon Interchangeable Curling Kit

2. Spray Perk Up Dry Shampoo throughout the roots. Brush out the back section and then the sides—leaving some defined curl at the hairline.

3. Finger comb the top section up and away, and backcomb the roots all over and spray with Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray.

4. Pin hair cushions above the ears. In layers, pin the backcombed hair over the cushions to conceal them. The last layer should be softly pinned and sculpted up to conceal pins to look like they’re staying up on their own.

5. Finger comb the front and side sections. Pin up and back to create the triangular shape.

6. Spray the look with Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray. The front middle section should be sprayed up and back—making sure to maintain the curl pattern. Make sure that the ends are imperfect and not creating any strong lines.

The post Christopher John Rogers Made His NYFW Debut appeared first on DuJour.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Cheval is a 16-room boutique luxury hotel, with ample outdoor space (and outdoor fireplaces), a library to peruse (and do work in—beware of the candy jars), and an attached restaurant, The Pony Club. Good luck getting out of bed (seriously so comfortable), but definitely wind down the night with a s’more; there’s a s’mores butler on-site every night.

Where to Eat:

In downtown Paso Robles, you’ll find The Hatch Rotisserie and Bar, which has a low-key, industrial ambiance and amazing dishes. It’s open for dinner only, and you’ll definitely need to order the hot skillet cornbread and the bone marrow as appetizers. Trust me. You can head to Thomas Hill Organics, which is huge on flavor and on portions. If you’re trying to decide, the pork chop was the best I have ever had. Somm’s Kitchen is also a great choice, with a Chef’s Counter that lets you see the meal being prepared.

For breakfast, grab some java at Spearhead Coffee, where the cold brew is killer, then wander over to Los Robles Café for a breakfast burrito the size of your face. (Try it with Al Pastor, even though that’s not technically on the menu. They’ll do it. You’ll be happy. If you’re there for lunch, go for the Al Pastor tacos.)

Paso Robles, California (@samanthalojeal)

Keep an eye out for Michelin-starred Chef Julien Asseo’s newest venture Les Petites Canailles. The son of local winemakers Stephan and Beatrice Asseo of L’Aventure Winery, he returns to Paso Robles from being the Executive Chef at Guy Savoy in Las Vegas and will bring some amazing fine dining to the area.

The food truck, The Truck Paso, at the Hearst Ranch and Winery tasting room in San Simeon, has some fantastic dishes that make drinking wine while looking at the water all the better. Also, do not miss the restaurant at Niner Winery, which had some of the best food I’d eaten—it’s only open for lunch and brunch Thursday through Sunday, and reservations are highly, highly recommended. 

Niner Winer (@samanthajoleal)

What to Do:

Drink wine, of course. Paso Robles is home to more than 200 wineries, so you really have your choice of style, varietal, setting, and more. The feeling of Paso Robles wine country is one of community—there’s no pretentiousness here, and every winemaker will tell you where to go and what wines to try, even if its not their own.

Some of the highlights:

Booker Winery is not only one of the vanguards of the area, but the owner and winemaker Eric Jensen is truly an advocate of the area and one of the most fun characters in Paso Robles, period. Plus, the wines? They’re incredible. I write that with earnestness.

Eric Jenson

Niner Wine Estates is set at the base of Heart Hill, where, yes, the trees make out a heart. It’s certainly one of the most Instagrammable estates in Paso Robles, but it also has the wines to make you stay. Don’t miss out on the incredible restaurant (note the hours and make a reservation!). It’s also solar powered, with two electric car charging spots should you need them.

Turley Wine Cellars has some of the most historically significant vineyards in the area, dating back to the late 19^th century. They make outstanding wines, with their stronghold being Zinfadel (along with Petite Syrah). They’re open daily, and walk-ins are welcome.

Clos Solène was founded by Guillaume Fabre and named after his wife. He grew up learning the art of growing from his father at their property in the Languedoc-Roussillon, and while at university. In 2007, he began operations in Paso Robles with his wife and hasn’t looked back. Most of his wines are very much Rhone-inspired, with a heavy emphasis on Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. They have different visiting experiences available, including a VIP tour of the vineyards along with a tasting.

Turtle Rock is a small, family operated winery producing amazing wines, including an awesome, must-try Syrah. The tasting room is in Tin City (more on that below!).

Denner Vineyards not only has beautiful wines, but it has two beautiful tasting rooms with great views. Don’t miss out on their Ditch Digger blend.

Villa Creek (and MAHA Estate) is an absolute must-visit. Not only is it also a vanguard of Paso Robles (since 1996), but the wines are truly stunning. The MAHA Estate label, which is their new label starting in 2019 for their all estate wine, will be for a select number of consumers, so make sure to ask about it. Their tasting room is available to visit by appointment.

L’Aventure is another vanguard of the region. Owner and winemaker Stephan Asseo began making wines in his native France back in 1982, and made his way to Paso Robles in 1996. Their Paso Blends—including Optimus and Estate Cuvee—are where it’s at. (And by it, I mean a gorgeous blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot.) Tastings are by appointment daily.

Definitely check out Tin City, an industrial park with nestled along the historic 1,200 mile Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, with amazing wine tasting rooms, including Turtle Rock, and other must-visits, like Giornata, which is doing cool things with Italian-style wine and grapes, and Field Recordings, which has amazingly drinkable wines with awesome labels that are perfect for the ‘gram.

Booker Winery

Looking for an easy way to plan your weekend? Toast Tours operates in the region and is led by wife-husband duo Kristina and Lars, who are exceptional, fun, and easy going. Join one of their pre-planned tours for a no stress way to see and sip at local wineries, or charter your own tour.

Lastly, when in the area, you have to make your way to Hearst Castle in San Simeon, which is about 45 minutes from the heart of Paso Robles. Whether part of a Toast Tour, or on your own, the massive estate of the Hearst Family is truly awe-inspiring (and perfect for photos). Lady Gaga filmed her “GUY” video here, and it’s sprawling. End the tour with a visit to the Hearst Ranch Winery’s new tasting room, right across the way, to taste some of their amazing wines, grab food, and take in the Pacific Ocean.

Looking for a nitecap in the heart of Paso Robles? Head to the fun speakeasy 1122 for a truly well-crafted cocktail. Tell them Sam sent you. (Just kidding, nothing will happen if you do that.)

The post The Weekender: Paso Robles, California appeared first on DuJour.

Anavim drew inspiration from commercial design, showcasing powerful visuals on each and every box. From vintage magazine clippings to mass-produced products, Anavim brought a vibrant edge to his collab with Venus ET Fleur.

“I wanted the boxes to marry the fluidity of neo-expressionist paintings and the immediacy of the American pop art movement. They channel a child-like consciousness in a fun and beautiful way, with the Venus roses on top serving as the icing. They take on a sculptural element, with the round-shaped boxes, the viewer can take in the works from 360 degrees which makes them truly unique. It’s not only your visual sense that is tapped, but the works capture your sense of smell and touch which makes each piece truly immersive,” says Anavim.

Each box was hand-painted and coated with diamond dust, offering a smattering of elegance and luxury. The limited-edition series is available online for $1,495 a box at venusetfleur.com.

The post Get Venus ET Fleur’s Latest Limited-Edition Design Now appeared first on DuJour.

In late 2018, Oceania took the elegance of their fleet one step further by redesigning the Owner’s Suites aboard the Riviera and Marina exclusively in Ralph Lauren Home. Under the guidance of Trevor R. Howells Interior Design, the suites took on Lauren’s classic maritime glamour reminiscent of a 1920’s style yacht with unique accents such as a Grand Piano and floor to ceiling windows swathed in Grimaldi-weave sail fabric. “As we are always looking for ways to elevate the guest experience we took the opportunity to completely re-master these suites and provide our guests with an entirely new experience,” explains Bob Binder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Oceania Cruises.

Dominique Nicolle, General Manager of Oceania’s Riviera, takes us through what makes the newly renovated Owner’s Suites so magical.

Owner’s Suite (Photographer: Justin Kriel)

What’s the most requested room? 

Our Owner’s Suites consistently sell out on virtually every cruise. They recently underwent an amazing renovation and are now furnished exclusively with the Ralph Lauren Home Collection, making them even more in demand.

Oceania Cruises’ Riviera

What makes it so special?

Everything about the suites make them special. From the moment guests enter through the breathtaking foyer with the limestone and black cabochon inset floor and take in the dramatic sea-views from floor-to-ceiling windows they are floored. These suites also offer a variety of amenities from a personal butler to priority boarding.

Owner’s Suite (Photographer: Justin Kriel)

What is the rate? 

Room rates vary based on length of trip and destination. For a 12-day cruise through the Mediterranean cruise-only rates begin at $16,999.

What room is your personal favorite?

I would have to say the Owner’s Suite is my personal favorite. The amount of space and the beautiful design just make it an amazing experience for any sailing.

Owner’s Suite (Photographer: Justin Kriel)

Any fun facts about the hotel or rooms?

The grand piano in the suite’s foyer is self-playing, so guests can enjoy beautiful music even if they can’t play.

The post Room Request! Oceania Cruises’ <em>Riviera</em> appeared first on DuJour.

Inspired by the lilac saturated florals and blooming pink clouds of Alice + Olivia’s showcase, Gina Edwards, lead manicurist for KISS Products, created signature Pearl and Reverse French nail styles using KISS Glam Fantasy Nails and KISS Salon Acrylic French Nude Nails. She carefully handcrafted the nail embellishments using KISS Nail Art Paints in lilac and white as well as the KISS Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit. “I wanted to celebrate the fantasy feel of the collection with a fresh, whimsical take on classic nails,” Edwards explained.

Step-by-Step How to Get the Look:

Pearl Manicure:

1. Select the correct size nail of KISS Salon Acrylic French Nude in Sensibility for each finger and set aside in order.

2. Use KISS Brush On Nail Glue to paint the tip of each nail.

3. Use tweezer to affix pearls and stones from the KISS Salon Secrets Nail Art Starter Kit along the smile line to the tip.

Reverse French Manicure:

1. Select the correct size nail of KISS Glam Fantasy in Higher Love for each finger and set aside in order.

2. Use KISS Nail Art Paint to paint a half moon at the base of the nail.

3. Using the same paint, create a border along the edge of the nail.

The post Recreate Alice + Olivia’s NYFW Nails appeared first on DuJour.

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“We always have a diverse runway as far as the nationalities and bodies go, but we also have a diverse line. We cater to the girl who wants a skimpier mini dress all the way to the girl who wants a completely modest dress.” Hill is credited for booking Kendall Jenner in her first ever NYFW runway show back in 2011 and the designer says that models have changed since then. “In the past, you had to be a certain look, size, or body. Now the girls are all over the board and can be themselves. There’s a bit more variety now and it’s fun to see,” she explains. “We have one girl who is 5’5” and she said she never thought she’d be able to walk the runway. We have girls from 5’5” to 5’11” and everything in between.”

The diversity on Hill’s runway expands far beyond the models, who this season included Halima Aden, the first woman to wear a hijab in the Miss USA pageant. Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha, who has been exceptionally vocal about her struggle with body image and how she hopes designers would be more inclusive, was brought on to open and close Hill’s show. “I remember growing up and going to get a prom dress and seeing Sherri Hill designs so I’m excited to perform,” Rexha says backstage, donning a formfitting black cocktail dress.

For SS20, Hill’s collection initially boasted a range of beautiful pastel shades until singer Bebe Rexha was brought on board. “We added a few more pieces with an edgier feel [when Bebe was brought on]. We start the show with animal print, red and black, and then we go into the pastels,” Hill says.

Rexha released her latest single “Not 20 Anymore” on her 30^th birthday in August, which also coincided with her performance at Madison Square Garden while on tour with the Jonas Brothers. “I cried the whole time,” the singer playfully gushes about the evening. The song is an ode to overcoming insecurities and becoming more confident in your own skin. Rexha admits that in her twenties she went through many iterations of herself. “I loved the rock and roll style and was inspired by Debbi Harry but I also loved glamour,” she says of her personal style in her twenties. “I kind of got confused for a second and went into this sporty world but now I’m getting back to my true self which is dark colors, a little edgy, but glamorous.”

Before hitting the runway during NYFW, the 30-year-old singer shared some choice words for her 20-year-old self: “Calm the fuck down. I was always so on edge and I really wanted to make it in the music business. Now I see that a lot of things that didn’t work out led to something so much better. I wish I would have told myself to relax.”

Rexha perfectly personified edgy glamour on the runway. The singer strutted down the catwalk and belted out her hit “Meant to Be” as model Halima Aden closed the show.

The post Bebe Rexha Rocked The NYFW Catwalk appeared first on DuJour.

Founder and creative director of Deborah Lippmann, Deborah Lippmann herself, gushed backstage about Maxwell, who she’s known since his early days working as an assistant to a stylist. “I’m so excited and so proud to be a part of someone’s journey. I’ve seen him grow and seen how he’s evolved. He’s so grateful for everyone who has been there. He knows who has been there and he’s loyal,” Lippmann says of Maxwell. The nail guru adds, “He’s so genuine and he works so hard…and the clothes are to die for.”

The inspiration for the manicures was Americana grace, with a simple and clean aesthetic. “We spent an hour and ten minutes deciding on the nail and it is a sheer pink,” Lippmann says with a laugh. “It’s always surprising how much back and forth there can be with a sheer nail.” The shade chosen was Love At First Sight, a blush pink that would offer a flush and feminine look when applied with one coat.

“In the early days of Brandon, we did nails on the stairs. We wouldn’t have room so we would have manicurists up and down the stairs doing nails,” Lippmann says, reminiscing on Maxwell’s early days. There are no manicurists huddled in the stairwell backstage of the designer’s SS20 runway show.

As models Bella Hadid, Stella Maxwell, and Candice Swanepoel arrive for touch-ups, the energy turns up and it’s nearly show time. With playful dresses, sexy suits, and Maxwell’s first-ever men’s collection, the catwalk was vibrant, ending with celebratory confetti.

See below for the complete list of Deborah Lippmann products used:

Love At First Sight Gel Lab Pro Color ($20)
Gel Lab Pro Base & Top Coat ($45;set)
The Wait Is Over Quick Dry Drops ($20)
Smooth Operator ($14)
Cuticle Remover ($20)
The Cure ($24)
Rich Girl SPF 25 Hand Cream ($28)

The post Get Brandon Maxwell’s NYFW Manicures appeared first on DuJour.

What should a bride do first if she wants to get a custom gown made?

When a bride is searching for her dress, she has to know that she wants a dress that reflects her own aesthetic and spirit. She should get to know the couturier and be open to the creative experience that is about to start. The bride has to have a relationship with the designer in order to feel comfortable, and this is one of my greatest strengths: to build a relationship with the bride as I meet her, allowing me to make her dream with our conversations and my atelier. The bride should go to a couturier that will make her feel perfect on a her most special day.

What is the custom gown design process like?

The process of a custom-made dress is an experience that starts the day the bride gets in touch with me. I meet with the bride and the friends or family she chooses to bring with her in the living room of my atelier. We chat about the bride, her occupation, her likes and dislikes, her future husband, the wedding and what she is looking for in dress.

All of this gives me guidelines. I take a pencil and start sketching her perfect dress as we speak. I then show her my archive of handmade embroidery samples, fabrics and accessories that can be used in her unique creation.

How long does the process take?

It takes me seconds to project the dress, but the duration of the construction process depends on each bride and wedding. I am able to design and create a gown in as little as one month, but ideally, the process  starts at minimum 6 months before the wedding. As I mentioned before, the process becomes the most precious experience for the bride. Knowing the wedding date, we can schedule the fittings and construction of the dress accordingly.

We have to have minimum 3 fittings before handing over the dress. First creating a prototype in lining, with the perfect cut, as if it was the final dress. This first prototype is used to see how the dress is fitted over her body and to give her the physic idea of her dress (first step from the sketch to the dress). From this first fitting, I start to modify the dress over her. This is when I play with the fabric, adding or removing pieces. The fabrics I use are exclusive fabrics of highest quality. Beyond this, I create each dress with handmade embroidery (if requested) and made-to-order accessories to complement the dress.

What is important for the bride to tell the designer?

For me, the only thing needed is to meet the bride to start designing her perfect dress. I have the capability knowing what she needs just by meeting her and having a regular chat.

What are the benefits of getting a custom-made gown vs. buying a ready to wear dress?

A custom-made gown reflects the bride. My creations are timeless because they reflect the spirit of the bride and are one-of-a-kind. In fact, I create every dress with the moments after the wedding in mind, allowing for the possibility of transforming the gown for use in different ways, for different future events, if the bride desires.

The post Ask A Wedding Expert: Designing A Custom Dress appeared first on DuJour.

SKIMS uses advanced construction techniques and seamless technology to help sculpt, lift, smooth, and cinch. Using lightweight, breathable fabrics, the brand allows women to be comfortable while also achieving their #bodygoals. “I’m thrilled to see my brand SKIMS come to life! I rely on solutionwear to accentuate and enhance my body, shape, and silhouette,” Kardashian West says of her newest style venture. The social media campaign features Kardashian West herself and 25 other women, all with different body types, including Kendall Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner.

SKIMS has launched with the following categories: Seamless Sculpt, Core Control, Sheer Sculpt, Contour Bonded, Fits Everybody, and Mesh Intimates. Prices range from $18 to $98 and the entire line is available in sizes XXXS through 4X, and up to 5X in Shapewear. Shop the entire line at skims.com.

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For entertainment, check out the intimate Borgata Event Center, which seats 2,400 and features A-list entertainers. (I saw Aerosmith while visiting.) You can then head to one of their late-night spots, including Premier Nightclub, where DJs such as Diplo and Lil Jon play. During the day, lounge by the pool, or head to any of the five pools at The Water Club at Borgata — the boutique hotel housed in the larger Borgata Hotel. You can also book a spa escape at the two-level Immersion Spa.

Izakaya

But the dining (and drinking) is where the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa really shines. It features five destination restaurants — Bobby Flay Steak, Old Homestead Steak House, Wolfgang Puck American Grille, Izakaya, and Angeline by Michael Symon. There are also ten other casual dining options. (Pro tip — do not miss the cocktails at Wolfgang Puck American Grille. The Paloma really takes home the gold medal.) There’s a new lounge — Level One Cocktail Bar & Lounge — where you can get some amazingly crafted cocktails (think: smoke and other presentational delights). If you’ve got $40,000 to spend, you can also order the one and only “Bambino” cocktail, which starts with a long pour of 1940 Macallan Fine and Rare Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, and also includes a $100 check signed by the Great Bambino himself, Babe Ruth, and made out to his second wife, Claire Merritt.

Indoor Pool

After just one trip you might actually rethink casinos. I did.

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa is located at 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, New Jersey. Reservations and more can be found here.

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A healthy, balanced mix of country and classic rock, RE-DUNN features 24 hit songs that have shaped Dunn’s life and career. The first singles released are his renditions of “Amarillo By Morning” and “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress).” Leading up to the album’s launch in January 2020, he’ll drop two new songs every four weeks.

The inspiration behind the album is a story in itself. “A record executive asked me if I was interested in picking three classic rock songs to cover—songs that a Brooks & Dunn fan would listen to. I thought that sounded fun because I pop from country to classic rock in my playlist,” Dunn explains. “I grabbed three songs and called the players that I thought would meld with the music…and by the time I got to three we were moving on to five, and then it morphed into 24 songs. I lost control. The record guy just threw his hands up and left the room,” he tells me with a chuckle.

Fans will be treated to tunes from all over the musical map. “We recorded “Against the Wind” by Bob Seger, Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton—the song “How Long” by Ace. From choosing the songs to recording them, it was a completely unorthodox experience,” Dunn admits. “When you have the business monkey off your back you’re turned loose to just create and do things for the love of music. It’s a dangerous thing to be turned loose and ungoverned with.”

Nashville’s finest rockers are sprinkled throughout the album. “It surprised us when some of these guys sat down to do the guitar parts. These cats are hip,” Dunn says. “Brent Mason is probably one of the most famous country session guitar players in the world, but when he sat down to do “How Long,” he stopped the room. Everybody in the room just froze. There were moments like that throughout the entire project.”

Ronnie humbly admits that the biggest challenge was covering iconic rock songs like Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.” As he puts it, “I had to tell myself every now and then to sing it like Ronnie Dunn would sing it—don’t try to chase Tom Petty because you don’t have a chance.”

I asked what he does when he’s not recording or performing. Dunn finds time to be a dedicated photographer with an eye for western imagery. He started shooting sunsets in Santa Fe, New Mexico and went on to discover the beauty of rodeos in Miles City, Montana. What started out as a hobby quickly turned into his own photography endeavor called the Lensmen Project. He describes one of his favorite shots—a muddied female rodeo star.

“I was shooting her ride and about two minutes later I walked behind the rodeo arena,” Dunn recalls. “She was getting ready to wash the mud off her face and I said you’ve got to let me shoot your face before you do that please! She was a great sport.”

See Ronnie Dunn’s tour dates at ronniedunn.com.

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Now into its third season, the website has seen an incredibly positive effect on the lines that have participated within the initiative. Along with comprehensive mentorship within each area of business, the brands will also be supported by a visual campaign created by the company. Unlike prior years, each of the lines were scouted through social media and sustainability was an important component of the selection requirements. But, who are these designers? See below for a complete breakdown of each label.

Le 17 Septembre

Le 17 Septembre

This South Korean-based brand is helmed by self-taught designer Eunhye Shin. Le 17 Septembre started as a successful blog where Shin was able to parley the line into one of the most interesting voices within the Korean fashion scene. With every item designed and manufactured in South Korea, the pieces themselves consist of a monochromatic palette and minimalist chic silhouettes that offer a quiet contemplative cool aesthetic sure to be a welcome addition to any stylish professional wardrobe.

The Sant

The Sant

There has been a bit of a handbag renaissance happening lately, gone are the days of traditionally shaped bags better known for their function rather than aesthetic. Today’s offerings are rivaling the coolest sculptures and are as much of a statement as any piece of ready-to-wear. Enter Barcelona based handbag line, The Sant, with its quirky exaggerated shapes and modern elements the brand manages to encapsulate a fresh new style sure to have every fashion girl clamoring to be seen wearing one of its designs. Crafted in Spain by the hands of artisans with generations of acquired experience the pieces feel luxurious, well-made, and, most of all, unique.

BITE Studio

BITE Studios

Perhaps one of the hottest topics surrounding the fashion industry, sustainability is an initiative many are striving for. In the past, this charge for a better world has been predominantly championed by many smaller labels, but perhaps none so ardently as BITE studios. BITE an acronym for “By Independent Thinkers for Environmental progress) is proving to be a veteran in the world of sustainability. Founded in 2016 by a collective of creative minds based between Stockholm and London. The brand focuses on uncompromising design and impeccable fit through sustainable manufacturing, as well as all pieces being produced using only the highest quality, ethically sourced materials.

Naturae Sacra

Naturae Sacra

With a namesake, that means ”holiness of nature ” in the Latin the handbag brand, Naturae Sacra is setting itself to high standards. However, this Turkish label manages to do just that, with elegant designs and carefully crafted pieces – no two are exactly the same – their fluid shapes are an homage to nature’s uniqueness with every piece different for the person that carries them. Using fabrications of extravagant leathers and stunning resins each bag is a work of art worthy of the divinity of mother nature.

Click here for more information on the VANGUARD Collection.

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Inspired by the Tanqueray bottle, Rosenthal started researching older classic photographs where light and color were used in non-traditional ways. “I thought it would be interesting if we did something in an unconventional way and work with this editorial fashion shoot aesthetic as opposed to your typical beverage shoot,” he says. The combination of Rosenthal, The Unlikely Florist, Spencer Falls, and of course, Tanquerary, has helped make the Orange Harvest T&T our new favorite fall cocktail to look at and sip on.  “I think the end product is something I am really proud of. I think it is different than what people normally expect.”

The photographs are visually enticing just as the cocktail itself is flavorful and refreshing. See below for the complete recipe.

ORANGE HARVEST T&T:
1.25oz Tanqueray No. TEN
Tonic Water (top top)
Blood Orange Wheel

Floral Garnish:
Blood Orange
French Thyme
Orange Dahlia

Preparation: Add ice to glass with Tanqueray No. TEN. Top with tonic. Place blood orange wheel on rim of glass. Fix floral garnish to rim of glass using cocktail pick.

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Country darling Kelsea Ballerini unveiled a more vulnerable and honest side to her with her new song and music video while Wallows released their song “Trust Fall” digitally worldwide. See below for all five new songs.

1. “Ain’t Together” by King Princess

Ahead of the October 25 release of her debut album, Cheap Queen, 20-year-old King Princess has unveiled a new album track. “Ain’t Together” is saccharine and heartfelt, while incorporating clever and quick-witted lyrics that King Princess is loved for. A sad sing-along but nothing is really sad when it is delivered by King Princess. After a busy summer filled with stellar festival appearances, we are stoked for this artist’s debut album.

2. “Kill My Mind” by Louis Tomlinson

Former boy-bander, Tomlinson has taken a complete left turn away from One Direction. On “Kill My Mind,” the singer-songwriter channels his inner punk rocker and reveals a much more emo sound. Inspired by music from the 90’s, Tomlinson offers a rugged aesthetic that we really haven’t seen from him yet, and we’re here for it.

3. “Trust Fall” by Wallows

Originally available exclusively as an official Record Store Day 2019 physical 7”, this song is now available digitally worldwide. “Trust Fall” wasn’t included on the band’s debut album, Nothing Happens, because according to Wallows, “‘Trust Fall’ and ‘Just Like A Movie’ are two songs that we recorded during the sessions for Nothing Happens. When we were coming up with the track list for the album, we felt like these songs fit together in their own unique way and started to think of them as a pair that could exist on their own as singles.” Wallows will be supporting Vampire Weekend on select dates in Europe this fall.

4. “Purple Hat” by SOFI TUKKER

Always colorful and enthusiastic, Grammy Award-nominated duo SOFI TUKKER is ready to release their next EP, Dancing On The People, on September 20. “Purple Hat” is featured on the EP and offers an animalistic spirit and an unapologetic sense of joy. The song is a true party banger and who better to share that with the world than SOFI TUKKER?

5. “homecoming queen?” by Kelsea Ballerini

Grammy Award-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini boasts a glittery country aesthetic with sparkly get-ups and an effervescent composure. In her latest single, Ballerina strips everything away and reveals the most authentic version of herself. The 25-year-old proves that despite all the glitz and glam, everyone has their insecurities. The song’s official video is raw and heart-wrenching.

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Where to Stay:

Upon arrival in Barcelona, drop your bags at Hotel SOFIA Barcelona, a luxurious hotel located in the young and affluent Les Corts neighborhood. SOFIA is the ideal option for a few nights of total pampering; between the serene infinity pool and spa to the good feng shui within the rooms and suites and personalized services, a night at SOFIA will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on everything Barcelona has to offer. We recommend making your way to Plaça de la Concòrdia, a bustling square packed with patios and bars just a short walk from the hotel. Then, make your way to Finca Miralles Gate, a lesser-visited Gaudi structure that looks almost as if a dragon is emerging from the sidewalks.

Hotel SOFIA Barcelona

Where to Eat:

Barcelona doesn’t really do breakfast, so we recommend savoring SOFIA’s sprawling breakfast buffet (which includes everything from jamon iberico and manchego, to an olive bar and bottomless cava), before heading out on the town. For lunch, head to Ten’s Tapas Restaurant, a modern gastro-bar overseen by chef Jordi Cruz. Expect fresh seafood as well as various elevated takes on traditional Spanish tapas. For dinner, we recommend reserving a spot at Bar Brutal, an unpretentious natural wine bar with international flair. Although the menu changes by the day, star dishes include the likes of deconstructed lemon meringue pie and cheese boards and exceptional oysters and grilled octopus.

Ten’s Tapas Restaurant

What to Do:

While it’s easy to get lost in the streets of the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas (which we totally recommend you do), be sure to make time for at least a few hours at the Barceloneta Beach before heading to a show or guided museum visit. If you only have time to squeeze in one cultural activity, we recommend booking tickets to a flamenco show. Skip the touristy shows in Las Ramblas and head to Palau Dalmases Flamenco, the intimate show is tucked into a back plaza and feels like stepping into a medieval wine cellar,that just happens to host 30 guests for a five-person flamenco dancing show. Finally, whether you consider yourself a football fan or not, head out to the Camp Nou, the home stadium of FC Barcelona. A home game lasts about two hours but will be a truly immersive experience if you’re looking to get to the beating heart of the city.

Camp Nou

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It’s a place that’s transportive in every sense of the word with the interior and exterior surroundings shaped by decades of history and character. Everything one could hope for in a luxury Montana ranch is here–haute homestead cuisine, crackling fireplaces, endless outdoor activities for every season, and a feeling of home at every turn. Here, Martin gives us an inside look at The Ranch at Rock Creek’s most coveted accommodations.

What’s the most requested room at Ranch at Rock Creek?

This is a difficult one because there are honestly two. Our most occupied accommodation is Cattail which is a beautiful two-bedroom home, with amazing master bathrooms connected to both bedrooms featuring clawfoot tubs and ornate chandeliers. However, the most unique and often requested accommodation is Trapper Cabin. Located roughly a mile away from all other accommodations and sitting directly on the creek, it offers a secluded retreat.

Trapper Tent Cabin Porch

What makes that room type so special?

Cattail is special year round but especially in the winter season. Our guests enjoy having a drink and warming up by the fireplace after a long day spent skiing, snowmobiling, or one of our other numerous winter activities. Trapper is also available year round and for stargazers, anglers and anyone enjoying the outdoors, they have it all within feet of their front door.

What is the usual rate for that room type?

Cattail starts at $3,800 per night and Trapper Cabin starts at $2,200 per night.

What makes the property special and unique?

Although most guests are drawn to our property for the experience and activities, we often hear accolades for our culinary program. Chef Josh Drage has been here since 2009 and developed an extensive 100 bottle included wine list that compliments the seasonal cuisine we offer. As a part of a small community, we feel strongly about supporting our local purveyors and Chef Josh has developed strong relationships with our talented neighboring farmers and ranchers to offer the best meats and produce in Montana. We take pride in making the dining experience seamless for our guests so while enjoying a cocktail, wine or local beer prior to dinner, we serve hors d’oeuvres that will liven the palate for the menu that evening. Whether it is the Chef’s Tasting Menu in the dining room, Barbeque on the Buckle Barn lawn after the rodeo or the Chef’s Grill on our Flagstone patio in front of the Granite Lodge, the location and cuisine are a natural complement to each other.

The Ranch at Rock Creek

Any celebrity guests or regulars that you can share with us?

Although we take our guests’ privacy seriously, we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Grammy Award winning artist LeAnn Rimes for our Autumn Harvest weekend each October.

What’s your personal favorite dining/drinking experience on property?

My favorite dining experience is our Thursday night Chef’s Grill during the summer. The seating on the Flagstone patio offers beautiful views of The Ranch and the cuisine made fresh on our outdoor Italian Grill typically features a delicious Wagyu flank steak along with a fish, my favorite being the salmon dish flown in overnight from Seattle. However, it is also a popular meal among vegetarians due to all the salads and vegetable dishes offered. My personal favorite is the compressed watermelon and tomato salad that I have yet to see a guest not return to the grill and ask for seconds of.

Tell us a few fun facts about The Ranch at Rock Creek.

The fact that The Ranch was homesteaded in 1893 and then the current iteration as The Ranch at Rock Creek was the lifelong vision of our owner, Jim Manley, since he was eight years old. I like to think that spirit of both the original ranchers who started working the land here over a century ago and the eight-year-old who grew up watching Westerns, are both alive and well today.

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This limited-edition collection consists of six different styles including a two-in-one satchel, a belt bag, and a shopper tote. The line also sports varieties of colors and textures including black, white, mint green, and lavish, natural python skin. Each style is adorned with Bulgari’s vintage-inspired serpent head and paired with Wang’s contemporary touch to offer a modern twist to the brands time-honored legacy.

Hero Belt Bag

“To team up with a personality like Alexander Wang for such a powerful collaboration is an exciting challenge for Bulgari. Serpenti is an icon that has been and continues to be reimagined: Wang’s fresh vision has brought a new urban chic attitude to our unstoppable icon of glamour,” said Mireia Lopez Montoya, Bulgari Accessory Unit Managing Director.

Each bag has infinite styling possibilities, allowing for multiple looks for various occasions. For instance, the Hero Belt Bag is embellished with two serpent closures, detachable straps and handle, and can be worn around the waist, as a crossbody, or even over the shoulder.

Matching the fresh aesthetic of the collection, Wang has featured style icon Hailey Bieber as his muse and face of the campaign. Keep an eye on this one-of-a-kind collaboration as style mavens embark on New York Fashion Week. Until then, check out our favorite style – the light mint green flap bag, a perfect fit for any ensemble and event.

Duette Bag

Click here for updates on Bulgari’s Serpenti Collection, Through The Eyes of Alexander Wang.

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It’s interesting to speak with an actor at this stage of his career, long past the days of auditions and tedious callbacks. “I work all the time, as much as I want,” Owen tells me, when I ask if he ever feels pressure to constantly stay in the limelight and keep up with this industry known for its mosquito-like attention span. When we speak, he is three-quarters of the way through a run on the West End stage, performing eight times a week in the leading role of the Tennessee Williams play The Night of the Iguana. It’s his first time front and center on the London stage in 18 years.

Confined spaces have an inherent drama, and in this Williams play, the setting is the veranda of a battered hotel in the Gulf of Mexico in 1940. Owen and the two female leads are caught up in various stages of desperation and despair. Approaching it from a 2019, post–Me Too perspective, the plot raises a few questions. Particularly the part of Shannon—performed by Owen—who, among his checklist of failures, finds himself embroiled with a naive American girl just shy of her 17th birthday.

Clive Owen

When I ask Owen if he had any reservations about the role or the message of the play, he bats away my scrutiny with ease. “The character in the play is not holding anyone up as a role model,” he says. “No one is saying that the way Shannon behaves is something that anyone thinks is OK. The play’s not about that. It is about troubled people that are flawed and living in desperation. You’re never going in there saying that what Shannon does is to be held up as the right thing to do. That is not what the play is. Amazingly, the audiences who come, they seem to totally come on the journey with it. The beauty of Tennessee Williams’s writing is that he is writing about the gray areas.”

In a way, there are gray areas in Owen’s own career, as he has consistently resisted any pigeonholing or typecasting. He’s not simply a matinee idol, an action star, an indie darling, or a romantic lead—although he could have been any of these. Instead, his Hollywood arc is a varied one, full of complexities and enigmatic twists. “As an actor, you have to sit on what you have and your strengths,” he says. “That is the way forward. My career has been littered with very big movies, very small movies. It’s an eclectic mixture of work. And what I have learned is that the best career move is just to be good. Whether it be small or big. Find something that you feel you can be good in. It doesn’t matter if it’s not a film that is going to explode everywhere. Being good is what people react to.”

Clive Owen

Owen is good. And oh, so watchable. He can enliven even a minor role. Take his cameo in Ricky Gervais’s series Extras. Owen’s scene is him postcoital with a prostitute. But when presented with his costar, Owen takes one look at the actress and spews, “I’m not very happy with this… I wouldn’t pay for that.” And when that extra is switched out for another, he interjects, “Oh, f*** off! I’m Clive Owen. That’s mental!” It’s a sliver of a scene, but it’s pitch-perfect. It solidifies the actor’s comedic dexterity as someone who sees the lighter side of life.

There is also a singularity to Owen. His very first film was an English road movie called Vroom! back in 1988. There was only one snag to this big-break moment: Owen couldn’t drive. On the first day of shooting, the actor had to admit he didn’t even have a license. But instead of quitting, he took lessons on the side.

From globally recognized franchises to caustic indies, Owen’s résumé is packed. For every King Arthur and Bourne Identity, there is an elegant period piece, say, Gosford Park or Elizabeth: The Golden Age. He can do buoyant comedies—The Pink Panther—alongside moody features—Closer and Croupier, the noir thriller that helped make his name in America. Later this year, he will play the ruthless boss alongside Will Smith in Gemini Man, directed by Ang Lee and cowritten by Game of Thrones’s David Benioff. “The amazing thing about doing a film like Gemini Man is that Ang Lee is at the forefront of everything that is happening technically in film and is very aware of everything that is possible,” he says. “But at the same time, he is a true artist. So if you are going to do a film of this scale and on this kind of subject matter, he is the perfect person.”

On the subject of perfect candidates, back in the early 2000s, the rumor mill began to hum that Owen was on his way to being named the next James Bond. It seemed to fit: His roguish charm, his English accent, and he does look at ease in black tie. But it never came to be. It’s such a lingering notion that Owen is still asked about 007 in practically every interview he does.

Clive Owen

What I wanted to know was not so much how 20-year-old gossip continues to affect him, but, as we move into yet another era for the franchise—the hiring of sizzling screenwriter Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the possibility of a black female 007—what was his take? “I’m not following all that because the whole hype around that is always a wave of something and ‘This is the next thing. And this is the next thing.’ And then it will be what it will be. I think it’s important to keep up with the times, and that franchise has always managed to keep going through different eras, and you have to be smart to do that. I think there is an opportunity there to make some great decisions and to push it into the next stage.”

Worlds away from dry martinis and suave special agents, Owen grew up in a working-class family in Coventry, about two hours from London, as the middle child of five brothers. His father was a country and western singer who left town when Owen was just three. The two remain estranged. His mother worked as a railway ticket clerk and remarried swiftly. The arts weren’t a huge focus at home, but at school, Owen was cast as the Artful Dodger in a production of Oliver! and something clicked. His academic record was murky, and Owen spent two years on the equivalent of welfare after leaving school. But through it he found a local youth theater, applied to one—arguably the best—drama school in London, was accepted, and suddenly everything changed.

Looking back on it, Owen isn’t sure whether it was harder then or now for actors of diverse ethnicities and classes to break into the industry. “What I do know about, because I think it would have affected me, is that the process of a young kid getting into acting school now is very different.” When Owen was one of the 17 students accepted to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, alongside Ralph Fiennes, he did a three-minute Shakespeare speech, a three-minute modern piece, and that was that. “Now you have to do five recalls, you dance, you improvise, you sing, and I look back and think, Would I have got in under this sort of structure and system?” We will never know for sure, but I can’t help thinking that this is precisely the type of humility, that sense of self and searching, soulful spirit that makes Owen the quality actor he is today.

Owen is always looking outward and toward the next big thing. “There is an awful lot of stuff being made, especially with the whole explosion of TV work,” he says. “Now, whether that at some point bursts, I don’t know, but certainly at the moment it feels like it is a pretty good time to be an actor.”

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The Menhaden

This 16-room boutique hotel has a black-and-white décor theme, with a minimalistic, hip feel. Pass by coordinated bikes (available to guests) outside before entering the lobby, where modern-yet-nautical touches abound. Once you enter your room (with keys! No plastic cards here!) you’ll be struck by how much light plays off the mostly white furnishings, keeping things airy and bright. Need a snack? Each floor features a galley kitchen, with local favorites like North Fork Potato Chips, local pastries, and a Smeg fridge stocked with drinks and yogurts. It was honestly one of the highlights of my stay.

The Menhaden

Visit wineries (the North Fork has more than 50!) and beaches nearby on your own (I definitely recommend having a car as Ubers can be infrequent, though their on-site Moke car can get you mostly where you need to go and most of Greenport is certainly walkable), or set up a bespoke experience like a sailing excursion. You can grab dinner and a drink at The Merchant’s Wife, which also features a roofdeck for guests. If you see him, say hi to Yancy, the bar director there who has some serious cocktail shaking moves.

The Menhaden

The hotel is a seriously dreamy escape, should you need one. (And really, nowadays, who doesn’t?)

The Menhaden is available for bookings here.

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I fell in love at 17 with someone I was with for nearly eight years. We’d grown together, and our relationship had gone through many seasons as we went from teenagers off to college, into young adults out in the real world. During those years, I’d been touring, playing bar gigs, and working at a music venue. Personally and professionally, I felt a combination of being restless, stuck, and perhaps, out of love. During that time I was asked to perform at a fundraiser in Orlando, Florida, where I was living. When I showed up, a gracious host opened the door to welcome me. She was magnetic, kind, beautiful, cool as hell, and little did I know–the person who would wind up being my wife.

The next several months were filled with heartbreak and pain, as I left for tour, and ended a nearly decade long relationship when I got back. Feeling low and in mourning, I was also experiencing the budding of this new friendship. It grew alongside my pain, and I knew in the back of my mind it was meant to be deeper.

The girl from the fundraiser.

We started to fall in love, but some nights I would turn over and sob–flashing back to the break-up, feeling guilty for the immense pain I’d caused, and then crying for putting her through this (“Damn love, new love is supposed to be a party, sorry I know this wasn’t in the plan–I’ll cry as quiet as I can.”). It’s all an apology and thank you letter to her.

Those nights she would suggest I take time for myself to heal. She understood the pain I was in, and didn’t judge me for it, as confusing as it could have been for her, coupled with the fact that she and I were falling in love–our morning.

I would stay up late writing streams of consciousness in my iPhone notes, or journal (which is where this song stemmed from). It was my catharsis during that era…quietly processing the end of something, while desperately wanting to honor this new, big, beautiful beginning.

In April 2018, my ex was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident. Mourning took on a meaning I’d never known before. That following month, I wrote “Morning, Mourning” with two friends, after we all realized we had shared in some experience of this duality. It was only then when I’d had enough space and time to look back and articulate it in a song. Writing it began the healing process for me, and will always serve as a snap shot of that time –and the very human experience of it all–the ups and the downs, the guilt, and the forgiveness.

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The downside is that not everyone has the time to visit a trendy Cha Cha Matcha location (even though we always want to). Which is why on September 3, Cha Cha Matcha is launching ready-to-drink canned beverages that you can take on-the-go. The cans themselves are super on-brand, featuring pink, green, blue, orange, and yellow packaging, encouraging you to post a selfie of you and your canned Cha Cha Matcha drink and continue the Instagram craze.

Cha Cha Matcha’s new canned beverages will be available for $3.99 each and will come in four flavors: Activated Charcoal Matcha, Half N Half Matcha Lemonade, Matcha Green Tea, and Ginger Turmeric Matcha. All variations will be sold at the brand’s five locations across New York and Los Angeles, online, and select retailers.

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The polygraph test was conducted by Hollywood’s polygraph pro, John Grogan. Out of the 50 people involved in the seltzer showdown, only four were able to show that they honestly preferred White Claw Pure. Watch the video below for an inside look at the taste test.

Following this experience, national sports analyst Adam Schefter announced that BON & VIV has been confirmed to be the first-ever official hard seltzer sponsor of the NFL.

So, while you can drink any of the many spiked seltzer brands on the market (Truly Hard Seltzer, Crook and Marker, Nauti Seltzer Hard Seltzer) but so far, it looks like only one has been proven by a polygraph test to be preferred over the poster child for spirited seltzer, White Claw.

BON & VIV Classic has 0 grams of sugar, 90 calories, and is 4.5% ABV. It is now available nationally and sold in 12 oz. and 16 oz. cans and on draft, making it one of the first hard seltzers to be offered on tap.

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Aptly titled “HOME,” this debut to the Off-White label is broken up into three unique categories: “CERAMICS,” “BED,” and “BATH.” Abloh’s take on each grouping creates a decidedly versatile mix of goods in chic neutral palettes with just enough eccentricity and pops of color to allow the line to stand out among the masses of fashion houses taking a stab at the decor market.

Virgil Abloh’s “HOME” Collection

The largest offering within the collection, “CERAMICS,” consists of a wide selection of earthenware creations including a dining set, coffee mug, cup, pitcher, round tray, ashtray, and soap dish. Playing on Abloh’s strengths of taking the traditional and making it feel modern, the pieces offer a strong nod to classical Dutch Delft or Chinoiserie design aesthetics, paired with the brands often favored minimalist flair. Each piece features an ivory-colored base and delicate cornflower blue grass design with the line’s name underneath. For the “BED” portion of the collection, Abloh created a luxurious 100% cotton double bed set in coconut milk-white featuring the iconic arrow logo embroidered on the sheets. Also, on offer from the label, a beautiful tassel knit cashmere wool throw, in a stand out shade of poppy-red. The final installment is “BATH” and it consists of a lavish terry cloth towel set and robe with embellishments of the brand’s logo intertwined in a delicate vine motif.

The collection launches on Off-White’s website on September 1 and comes in a range of prices from $95 to $635.

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High ceilings and an expansive lobby welcome you inside this downtown behemoth of a building—its logo illuminates the DTLA skyline from afar—yet the overall vibe is friendly and down-to-earth. The lobby’s decor immediately transports you back to a time when speakeasies ruled the city and Hollywood stars were truly stars, and the lobby bar is actually a ‘place to be’ come time for happy hour. Stay for a drink (or two) before hitting the town, since the property is central enough to get you where you need to be on time (on LA-time, that is!).

And though Hotel Indigo may be central enough for you to make it to where you need to be, consider staying on the property for a morning dip in their heated pool (it’s on the fourth floor of the property and was built in its exact location to catch the perfect amount of rays for your tan). Treat yourself like Hollywood royalty and reserve a cabana, enjoy (another?) cocktail, and soak in the California sun.

Below, we speak to the staff at Hotel Indigo Downtown Los Angeles to learn more about the hotel and its most requested room.

Hotel Indigo Downtown Los Angeles

What is the most requested room?

The Executive rooms are the most requested.

What makes it so special?

Stepping into an executive-level room is like stepping back into the Golden Age of Hollywood, with high ceilings and oversized floor-to-ceiling windows that have you soaring high above downtown. The décor is inspired by Hollywood films and Broadway sets, including classic fashion illustrations, gold accents and spotlight floor lamps. Guests can don the complimentary plush robe and slippers and delight in accents of vaudeville glamour entwined with modern accessories, including a 49-inch HDTV and Tivoli Audio Bluetooth radio.

What is the rate?

Starts at $329 per night based on the season.

King Corner Studio Suite

What room is your personal favorite?

The King Corner Studio Suite. It is luxurious and lavish with a refined feel, featuring extensive natural light and spectacular city. The earth-toned palette with colorful accents, hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and bold wall treatments, this space helps guests unwind and guiltlessly take time for themselves. The sitting area is perfect for working, or catching up on the news, reading a book, or just enjoying a cup of coffee. Meanwhile, the dreamy, spa-like bathroom puts a modern spin on old school glamour with its black and white interior and Jonathan Adler bath products.

Any fun facts about the hotel or rooms?

Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown celebrates the city’s thriving creativity, urban vibe and multiculturalism. Our storytelling interior design pays homage to the early 20th century with playful nods to historic Chinatown, Hollywood’s Golden Age, the underground speakeasies of the Prohibition Era, and La Fiesta de las Flores (Downtown’s precursor to Pasadena’s now-famed Rose Parade), an event that has showcased the city as an international melting pot since 1894. Guest rooms feature cityscapes and spa-style bathrooms inspired by pre-Hollywood glamour and the jewelry of Golden Age cinema.

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Branca Bar (photo credit: Donaven Doughty, Callow Lens)

This year marked the first year ever that Fernet-Branca has brought their signature Branca Bar to the Greenwich Polo Club to serve clever complimentary mini-cocktails. The pop-up bar under the grandstand is rustic and chic, with a shaded area and television screens displaying various matches, so you never miss out on the action. With just a couple more Sundays to go, savor a Fernet-Branca Palermo at the Greenwich Polo Club soon, or, see below for the recipe to mix at home.

Branco Bar at the Greenwich Polo Club

PALERMO:
0.25 part Brancamenta
1.75 parts Bourbon
1 part Lemon juice
0.75 parts Simple Syrup

Preparation: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well chilled. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with mint.

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With a personal track (and epic 2019 Video Music Awards performance) from Miley Cyrus and a collaborative effort from Tove Lo and Jax Jones, this week’s Sound Bite is complete.

1. “Jacques” by Jax Jones and Tove Lo

Following the announcement of her upcoming album Sunshine Kitty, due on September 20 on Island Records, badass Swedish singer Tove Lo teamed up with producer Jax Jones to create an electric party song. The fast-tempo is guaranteed to get you moving and Tove Lo offers sensual vocals while maintaining a playful vibe throughout.

2. “Slide Away” by Miley Cyrus

With the announcement of Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s separation, fans have not shied away from expressing their opinions. Cyrus performed “Slide Away” at the 2019 Video Music Awards and in just a raw few minutes, Miley voiced her feelings. The break-up song is honest and reveals how Cyrus has changed since meeting Hemsworth when she was 17. Belting, ‘Move on, we’re not 17. I’m not who I used to be. You say that everything changed. You’re right, we’re grown now,’ Cyrus poured herself on that stage and into “Slide Away.”

3. “All Around The World” by Matoma feat. Bryn Christopher

Norwegian producer Matoma has delivered one final summertime bop before September comes. Featuring powerful vocals from Bryn Christopher, “All Around The World” crescendos to a serious dance floor jam. Be prepared for the beat to hit you deep when it drops.

4. “2 Million” by G Flip

This Australian singer’s debut album About Us is a textured collection of songs that reflect G Flip’s passion, talent, and range. The album tells the story of G Flip’s current relationship, fights and all. The last song on the album, “2 Million,” showcases G Flip in her most stripped down form, featuring haunting vocals and an optimistic narrative about her relationship with the girl she has gone through so much with.

5. “Midnight Hour” by Skrillex, Ty Dolla $ign, and Boyz Noize

A collaborative track, “Midnight Hour” begins with a strong R&B vibe before transitioning into an explosive beat. The song is the first official single released from Skrillex since 2017 and it is the perfect combination of sweet lyrics and strong dance-inducing beats.

Main photo credit: Video Music Awards

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The Asbury Ocean Club, which just opened its doors this summer, brought together real-estate developer iStar, and hotel innovator and operator David Bowd of the sought-after Salt Hotels. New York’s acclaimed Bonetti / Kozerski Architecture also contributed, and the project was helmed design-wise by Anda Andrei, who has lead design teams for many properties, including 11 Howard and Gramercy Park Hotel. This New Jersey property boasts direct beach access, a boutique hotel, and even residences with ocean views. The hotel portion is all located on the fourth floor, with 54 amazing rooms, all with 11-feet ceilings and incredible amenities. Staying there, you’ll feel instantly at peace—especially as you take in the views from the gigantic windows in every room. Some rooms have ocean views, while others open up unto a courtyard of greenery and sand dunes.

Asbury Ocean Club

The Drawing Room is, well, a real draw. Andrei eschewed the traditional “beach” colors in favor of greens, oranges, and rich finishes, and the space feels much more like a living room at a beach house rather than a lobby. At night, it comes alive with music (sometimes live, like in the orchestra trio I got to experience) as well as drinks.

Asbury Ocean Club

During the day, you can lounge by the pool on the lobby deck overlooking the ocean, which also features trees springing from the boards and lounge chairs aplenty. Grab a cocktail by the outside bar (there’s a bespoke gin from Asbury Park Distilling Co. and a summer shandy from Asbury Park Brewery, to begin…) or cool down with their granita, or shaved ice. Want to head to the shore? They’ve circumvented New Jersey beach laws (AKA no private areas) by giving you the next best thing — a Beach Bellperson. They’ll set up towels, chairs, and umbrellas, bring you lunch, deliver cold bottles of water…you name it. They’re here for you.

And on the Jersey Shore, is there anything more luxe than that?

Asbury Ocean Club Hotel is located at 1101 Ocean Ave., Asbury Park, NJ; 732-825-6000. You can make a reservation at here.

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Where to Stay: 

Tucked in an alleyway lined with breathtaking murals, Hotel De Looier is at the top of our list of where to stay. Located in Jordan, one of the most charming neighborhoods in Amsterdam, Hotel De Looier is the perfect bohemian chic home for your weekend in the city. Just a short walk from one of the most bustling areas, you will fall in love with all the cozy bars, clubs, and restaurants the neighborhood has to offer. While trotting through the trendy spaces, be sure to visit the Anne Frank House, only a 12-minute walk from Hotel De Looier and immerse yourself in the tales of history that Amsterdam has to offer.

Hotel De Looier

Where to Eat: 

Your weekend wouldn’t be complete without visiting the ultra modern bistro, Restaurant de Plantage. This restaurant is right next to the city zoo and offers a variety of contemporary European dishes ranging from small to large plates. The outdoor garden seating area is decorated with warm lights promising an Insta-worthy dining experience. Not feeling a full dinner? There’s a chic bar located at the front of the restaurant serving mouthwatering nibbles and fine cocktails to suppress all your cravings. Be sure to save some room for their famous cheesecake patisserie.

Restaurant de Plantage

What to Do: 

One of the most popular and largest tourist destinations, the Albert Cyup Market should be number one on your list of what to do. With over 200 boutique shopping and food vendors, this historical market is one of the most famous ones in the city. Founded in 1905 the market still holds on to its everlasting charm providing visitors with an experience they want to keep coming back to.

Albert Cyup Market (Photo courtesy of Instagram)

You can’t tour Amsterdam and not make a stop at the famously mysterious and enchanting Van Gogh Museum. Drawing millions of visitors each year, the museum boasts infinite masterpieces by Van Gogh including his most famous works, Sunflowers and The Bedroom. Among the museum’s art collection, you can also find written archives by the artist himself and other works by artists who Van Gogh strongly influenced. So grab a hot coffee, immerse yourself, and trail the walls of this one-of-a-kind museum.

Van Gogh Museum (Photo courtesy of Van Gogh Museum)

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Miraval Arizona, a wellness resort located in Tucson’s Sonoran Desert—and spoiler: scene to the annual Real Housewives of Orange County’s girl’s trip on this upcoming season—recognized that more and more of their guests weren’t just stressed out because of their lives. Beyond the ‘usual’ stressors like work, money and relationships, the very devices that their guests were using to make their lives more efficient and connected were stressing them out to new levels.

And because of that, the resort decided to ban them.

A visit to Miraval Arizona today means that besides your room and a designated courtyard, your phone is really not allowed. Sneak a picture sure—and with a backdrop like the Sonoran Desert and a resort that’s jaw-droppingly gorgeous, it’s impossible not to—but there’s no texting or calls, no checking Instagram, and definitely no checking emails. Whether you spend it poolside (with a deliciously fresh piña colada) or you spend it in the desert, walking amongst the rolling hills and open skies—your time at Miraval is purely yours, not your phone’s!

“I would put it under the general category of self awareness,” Miraval’s Wellness Counselor Anne Parker M.A., M.H.S.A. says about the experience people come to the property for. “A lot of times people feel like they’re in a rut, or a lot of times we get people who are in transition,” she says. “For some people [coming here] is just about stepping out of their lives for a few days and breathing. Let themselves pay attention to themselves, instead of just reacting to everything that’s happening around them.” This of course, she says, all happens more easily without distractions from the outside world.

In a study for the Journal of Accountancy, Craig Wigginton, a U.S. vice chairman and telecommunications sector leader with Deloitte & Touche LLP says, “the fundamental reason that we all are addicted to and use our smartphones so much is because of the value they provide in our daily lives in a way that no single device ever has come close to doing.”

Parker’s impact on people’s experience here is clear from the minute you arrive to Miraval as a guest—though programming like desert hikes, sound meditations and the renowned Life In Balance Spa at Miraval are popular activities, you can’t get far into your experience without someone mentioning having taken a class by Parker or even better, having done a one-on-one session with her. “Whether you’re in the spa or out on a mountain bike, we try to make sure that you’re fully engaged in the here and the now. One of the things that we as humans always have to deal with is that impulse to always look ahead,” Parker explains, “and usually we’re anticipating the negative. We project into the future negatively, so the power of being fully engaged in the here and now is truly powerful.”

At Miraval, Parker leads a digital detox course—a class rooted in why we’re so stressed out by or addicted to our digital devices. It’s the people who are open-minded about making their ‘digital lives’ sustainable that show up to class, Parker says. “By challenging people to leave their phones in their room [at Miraval], people get really anxious about that. And then they find out it’s actually okay—it feels good. I tell people that if you’re going to start changing habits, you have to expect some anxiety.” And if you’re rolling your eyes at that—well, Anne Parker hears you. “Sometimes people criticize the ‘mindfulness approach’ in the sense of, “well if you’re always in the present does that mean you never plan or look ahead?” she says. “And I would say absolutely not! The idea is, if you’re really in the present, and your present is planning, then you’re going to plan better! If what you think is ‘planning’ is actually anxiety or worrying, that’s useless energy.”

At Miraval, ditching your phone is merely one step in taking your life back from your digital devices, and also from the things you’ve considered to be urgent, which are consequently not urgent at all.

“We live in a world that is more globally connected than ever,” Nichole Powell, founder of Kinfield says. “And yet, we see more and more people seek connection to the immediate world around them, away from screens or cities.” Case and point: of the 2,000 U.S.-based consumers between the ages of 18 and 75 who the Journal of Accountancy surveyed, 47 percent think they use their phones too much.

Powell, whose company makes clean “great essentials for the great outdoors” like DEET-free bug spray and aloe mist, says that her own love for disconnection and the outdoors sparked the idea for her brand. And her customer—typically ambitious, professional individuals that live in cities and presumably rely (and overuse) their digital devices—will be all the better for it. “The benefits of the outdoors are for everyone, and getting out there can be one of the happiest, healthiest things you can do for yourself.”

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“As a standout New York City hotel with landmarked interiors, Lotte New York Palace serves as a living tribute to the Gilded Age,” says Rebecca Hubbard, General Manager of Lotte New York Palace. “Most recently with reopening of The Gold Room featuring original gilt ceilings from 1882 alongside modern interpretations of classic, hand-crafted cocktails and elevated, yet approachable cuisine.”

From The Gold Room to the gold treatment, checking into the Palace places you among New York royalty. We continued our conversation with Hubbard below, to dig into the latest happenings at the Palace and to learn more about the perks of booking one of the property’s distinctly themed suites.

What’s the most requested room? 

Guests are especially drawn to our specialty suites including The Jewel Suite by Martin Katz and The Champagne Suite.

Grand Lobby of Lotte New York Palace

What makes it so special?

The Towers is a hotel within a hotel which offers a separate, elevated experience at Lotte New York Palace. With 100 spacious guestrooms and 76 suites, The Towers occupies the top 14 floors of the hotel, offering our guests amazing skyline views. The private reception area is complete with dedicated multilingual Les Clefs d’Or concierge. Other amenities include Maitre d’etage service, Maybach car service and a shuttle to Broadway. Each luxurious guestroom provides an unparalleled ‘home away from home’ experience for its sophisticated clientele.

Jewel Suite Terrace at Lotte New York Palace

What is the rate?

Rates for The Towers start at $700 with suites generally ranging from $1,000 and up.

Lotte New York Palace

What room is your personal favorite?

With so many amazing suites it is hard to choose, but The Jewel Suite by Martin Katz has always been a favorite of mine as it really allows guests to experience one-of-a-kind hospitality unique from any other hotel in New York City. Created in collaboration with celebrity acclaimed jewelry designer Martin Katz, the 5,000-square-foot suite is one of the most extravagant, opulent luxury suites in Manhattan. You feel like you are stepping inside of a jewel box. Art deco-inspired elements anchor the aesthetic, reflecting the rich glamour of the early twentieth century against sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline through floor to ceiling windows.

A standout amenity for guests who book this $25,000 suite include a complimentary Martin Katz Diamond Microband Ring with their stay and a private consultation with Martin Katz or an associate – a true Only at The Palace experience.

The Gold Room at Lotte New York Palace

Any fun facts about the hotel or rooms?

The architecture of the hotel itself is an interesting story as guests are able to enjoy the history of our landmarked Villard Mansion married with a modern skyscraper. Our world-renowned courtyard, the original Madison Avenue carriage entrance of The Villard Mansion, is also a historic favorite of our guests boasting tall iron gates that surround the space. Today, The Courtyard offers a beautiful retreat in Midtown and hosts some of our most iconic events, such as The Palace Invitational where some of tennis’ biggest names participate in a spirited badminton tournament, our annual Tree Lighting event, summer cocktails and more.

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The first track off About Us, due out August 30, is “Lover” and Flipo describes it as a Shakespearean exposition that tells the listener what is going to happen on the album without giving away the ending. “It’s very grand and epic,” Flipo says of the track. On “Stupid,” the sixth song of the ten-track album, Flipo embraces her conflicted behavior during the relationship while crying out, ‘Why we always actin’ stupid? I wouldn’t wanna do this shit with anybody else.’

When Flipo’s relationship with her girlfriend ended, the two didn’t see each other for nearly a year. “She walked up to my doorstep and I didn’t even know she had been in the country,” Flipo says of her album’s muse. “As soon as we started listening to the songs I wrote about her, she knew they were all about us. That’s why the album is called About Us.”

These emotional and personal anecdotes had been written in Flipo’s bedroom and were played to her bedroom walls. It became a joint decision to release the story of the pair’s passionate relationship. “I had to ask her if she would be okay with me releasing the songs, and she could’ve easily said no because they are so private,” Flipo reveals. “But, since the day I showed her all of the songs, she has never left my side.”

So, About Us is an actual modern love story put to music and I’m not crying, you are.

Flipo started her career in her bedroom in a very DIY style, teaching herself how to record and produce her own songs. It was only fitting that Flipo help another aspiring artist out of their bedroom. “A fan was making YouTube videos on mock artwork for artists. She drew one of me, tagged me on Twitter, and I took a screenshot of it because I thought it was a sick cover.” The album cover is a black and white stencil drawing of the top of Flipo’s head with her trademark hat and glasses on. “She didn’t need to do that but she wants to make that her living. She’s hustling and I really value the hard work in that,” Flipo says of the fan. “That’s kind of what I did when I was starting out because I wanted it so bad.”

Flipo’s perseverance and dedication to her art is impressive and obviously has paid off as she’s played legendary music festivals like Lollapalooza this summer and worked with producer Ariel Rechstaid on About Us, whose credits include Haim, Vampire Weekend, and Charli XCX. But, it is her vulnerability and captivating narrative that bewitches listeners across the globe. From the pulsating sound of Flipo’s drums on “About You” to the glittery and uplifting vocals on the final track, “2 Million,” About Us offers a unapologetic look at a relationship through a powerful lens.

Listen to G Flip’s debut album About Us on August 30.

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The limited-edition Vera Bradley + Pura Vida backpack uses Vera Bradley’s bestselling Iconic Campus Backpack style while drawing inspiration from the “Pura Vida lifestyle” vibe in the colorful Citrus Hibiscus print. Ditching the traditional quilted cotton, this backpack features a cotton/linen slub yarn fabrication, allowing the backpack to feel a bit younger and more versatile.

Vera Bradley + Pura Vida Iconic Campus Backpack

“We’re excited for the opportunities to come for both Pura Vida and Vera Bradley following the acquisition, and we’re thrilled to kick off this new partnership by offering a co-branded backpack. We feel the limited-edition Iconic Campus Backpack perfectly blends our two brands and we’re confident our combined audiences will love the collaboration,” Pura Vida co-founders Griffin Thall and Paul Goodman said in a joint statement.

With a laptop compartment, trolley sleeve, and padded straps, the chic Vera Bradley + Pura Vida Iconic Campus Backpack would work as a back-to-school accessory or as a carry-on for a long weekend getaway. The Citrus Hibiscus print will carry you from summer to fall flawlessly.

Pura Vida original bracelet

The limited-edition Vera Bradley + Pura Vida Iconic Campus Backpack is now available in Vera Bradley stores, on verabradley.com and puravidabracelets.com for $115. With each purchase of a Vera Bradley + Pura Vida Iconic Campus Backpack, you will receive a complimentary Pura Vida original bracelet.

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One of the newest restaurants to open in Manhattan is L’Avenue at Saks, a luxurious Parisian dining experience within the Saks Fifth Avenue flagship. As the very first endeavor for L’Avenue and the Costes Group outside of its critically acclaimed landmark in Paris, there is a bit of pressure on this New York City restaurant. The menu was curated by Chef Didier Coly and perfected by the recently named Executive Chef, Cedric Domenech.

L’Avenue at Saks

Chef Domenech says of joining the team, “I am truly humbled and honored to be a part of the L’Avenue at Saks culinary team here in America.” He adds, “As I continue to discover new, regional ingredients and seasonality, I am excited to share my ideas for new dishes and memorable events with my counterparts abroad. Everyday, my amazing team and I work to bring a fresh and creative approach to the kitchen. From facilitating provisions with suppliers or putting the last touches on a plate before it is served to our guests, I ensure each dish is reflective of the Parisian and Asian-inspired cuisine that have become synonymous with the Paris restaurant scene.”

The culinary menu features traditional French, Asian and American cuisines, and desserts by world-renowned French pâtissier Pierre Hermé. With an exclusive cocktail menu by mixologist Nico de Soto, guests will have a complete experience at L’Avenue. Signature dishes include Avocado and Tuna Tartar, Morel Rigatoni, Tom Yam Chili Sea Bass, and Spicy Thai Beef Tenderloin.

Le Chalet at L’Avenue at Saks

L’Avenue at Saks is an oasis of beautiful Parisian design spanning across two floors, with a sophisticated French art deco-inspired dining room and an intimate cocktail lounge and outdoor terrace dubbed Le Chalet. Designed by celebrated architect Philippe Starck, the restaurant boasts chic design elements while maintaining an inviting aesthetic. With a sophisticated style, masterful cuisine, and celebrity guests such as Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Virgil Abloh, and Jason Wu, L’Avenue at Saks is a must-visit in New York City.

Visit L’Avenue at Saks Monday through Saturday from 11am until 11pm and Sunday from 11am until 10pm. 
Le Chalet and The Terrace is open Monday through Saturday from 11am until 12am and Sunday 11am until 11pm. 

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“It’s A Man’s World” showcases five incredibly inspirational women who are forging their legacies within typically male-dominated industries. As part of the campaign, Reebok will launch a collection of three cult-classics: a Club C, Workout and Freestyle Hi, plus two t-shirts. With discreet nods to the 2001 campaign, “It’s A Man’s World” embodies the power of self-expression and creativity within personal style as well as beyond. Reebok will launch five collaborative sneakers in partnership with each of the women featured in the campaign. Each sneak will personify the woman’s personality and style.

Reebok’s “It’s A Man’s World” Campaign

The five women and their sneaker collaborations with Reebok in partnership with the “It’s A Man’s World” campaign are as follows:

1. Jazerai Allen-Lord is a vibrant streetwear designer and prominent activist. Allen-Lord will drop her Allen-Lord’s Club C sneakers with Reebok on September 1. Of partnering with Reebok, Allen-Lord says, “It has to start on the inside. A brand has to make a decision like Reebok did, to say we’re going to recognize the people on the ground doing the work. We’re going to be disruptive, and we don’t care.”

Jazerai Allen-Lord’s Club C

2. Ebony Naomi Oshunrinde is a superstar record producer who has worked with some of the country’s most prominent artists (Jay-Z, Travis Scott) in music since a ripe age of 15. Oshunrinde has been breaking boundaries since her start in music, and will only continue making strides towards gender equality by teaming up with Reebok.

3. Anhia Zaira Santana has made a name for herself as a stellar visual artist and illustrator, celebrated for her live painting exhibitions and trippy interpretations of subjects in pop culture. This creative mogul’s collaboration with Reebok will most certainly be powerful.

4. Kimberly Drew is a writer, art activist, and cultural curator who created Black Contemporary Art, a successful blog that prominently features work by black artists across the globe. Drew’s Reebok Freestyle Hi sneakers will reflect the different iterations of feminist movements.

5. Sanne Poeze is the Amsterdam-based owner of sneaker blog Girl on Kicks. Poeze is a passionate graphic designer and her message through her Daytona DMX sneakers with Reebok is meant to encourage girls to feel unapologetic about being female.

The five collaborative releases will include styles such as the Club C, 90s Aztrek runner, retro Freestyle Hi, futuristic Instapump Fury, and Daytona DMX silhouettes. The “It’s A Man’s World” collection will be available at reebok.com/IAMW and select retailers worldwide on September 1. The first collaborative drop, Jazerai Allen-Lord’s Club C, will also be available September 1 exclusively at reebok.com, in an inclusive men’s and women’s size range.

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Appropriately titled the Grand Slam, the beverage is a cool crowd pleaser filled to the brim with personality—just like the teenaged tennis hopeful it is inspired by. It’s a refreshingly sweet and minty blend of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream topped off with a slice of lemon for a zing.

Not attending the US Open? Host a viewing soirée at home and play bartender using the recipe below.

Game, set, match.

Preparation: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in all ingredients. Shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

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With new music from rising songstress Beabadoobee and rockers 5 Seconds of Summer, our weekend playlist is complete. See below for our top five favorite new songs (and videos) from this week.

1. “People” by The 1975

As an unapologetic and uncensored band, The 1975 have never shied away from self-expression. On their first single off their upcoming album, Notes On A Conditional Form, frontman Matty Healy channels his provocative punk rock energy and unleashes a frenzy of attitude. While screaming “WAKE UP! WAKE UP! WAKE UP!” in the music video for “People,” Healy appears to have transformed into a merciless performer, ignited by his politically-charged words. Notes On A Conditional Form will be released February 21, 2020.

2. “Teeth” by 5 Seconds of Summer

Brimming with emotion and passion, 5 Seconds of Summer showcase their captivating talents in their latest single, “Teeth.” Lead vocalist Luke Hemmings offers honesty and power through his lyrics while Tom Morello, featured on guitar throughout the track, amplifies the rock and roll side of 5SOS. The song for “Teeth” will be featured on the soundtrack to 13 Reasons Why (Season 3).

3. “She Plays Bass” by Beabadoobee

This young songstress has a distinct voice that reminds me of Soccer Mommy, Lucy Dacus, and a glimmer of her Dirty Hit record label mate, The Japanese House. “She Plays Bass” flickers with a dreamy pop sound while maintaining Bea’s indie made-in-my-bedroom vibe. Beabadoobee will be joining Clairo on tour this fall.

4. “America (You’re Freaking Me Out)” by The Menzingers

The latest track off the band’s forthcoming album, Hello Exile (October 4), is relevant and timely given America’s current political climate, but also feels expansive and evergreen. Vocalist Greg Barnett said of the song, “As I was writing that song I realized that [America] kind of always freaked me out, especially coming-of-age during the Iraq War. I love so much about America, but I think you can’t deny that there are some people in power who are absolutely evil.”

5. “Feels Like Home” by Bea Miller and Jessie Reyez

These two badass female artists have proven themselves to be epic vocalists, powerful wordsmiths, and wild performers individually. So, put them together on a track and the result is captivating. The naturally gritty vocals from Miller are perfectly matched by the endearing quality of Reyez’s delivery, creating an intimate and vulnerable song. “Feels Like Home” reads like an ode to loving someone, no matter who they are.

Main photo credit: Jordan Curtis Hughes

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Though you can walk around the entire pueblo blanco (white village) in under 30 minutes, you will find plenty to keep you busy. ​Drive south through rolling hills of sunflowers and you’ll hit seven glittering beaches. A short drive west will lead you to the famed Jerez sherry region, where afternoons are best spent sipping the fortified wine in historic bodegas.

Vejer was under Moorish rule for over five centuries, and much of the North African influence is evident in the architecture. Wander the labyrinth of white-walled streets and pop into​ chic jewelry boutiques, Moroccan blanket peddlers or basket weavers: the prices are low, quality is high, and each piece comes with a backstory to regale your friends with upon your return. Tapas spots are plentiful here so take a seat, share a few plates and a glass of sherry, and soak in the views of the city unfolding over the hills. Below, our complete guide to a weekend in Vejer de la Frontera.

Where to Stay:

Check into the new Plaza 18, nestled in the bustling heart of the town. While the square’s concentration of tapas bars and street musicians gives it constant energy, Plaza 18 promises a more secluded stay boasting just six rooms on the property.

Plaza 18

Each room, along with the grand entranceway and common spaces, was lovingly restored with the help of award-winning designer Nicky Dobree. Built in 1896, the property was once a stately residential home and prior to that, a 13th-century Arabic home. Much of the home’s former glory is still evident, thanks to restoration efforts by Dobree and the Califa Vejer team. Admire the hotel’s soaring entryway­ where the original skylights let in huge veils of natural light over the original black-and-white tiles, and head up a swirling stone staircase to your room.

Plaza 18

Rooms are uniquely accented with curated pieces from around the world, and many, with spacious claw-foot tubs. Views from the windows or Juliet balconies overlook either the center of the city or the nearby Parque Natural las Marismas nature reserve. Mix yourself a spritz from the sitting room’s bar cart and watch the sunset over the town from one of the Califa’s terraces–on clear nights you can spot the sun kiss the Tangier coasts across the straight.

Where to Eat:

Between languid lunches, aperitivo hours and late dinners, you can easily spend your days eating. Tapas is an excellent place to start, and look no further than the local-loved Corredera 55, a charming tapas spot with panoramic views of the valley. Stop by at sunset, order a glass of Cava, and choose from a selection of locally-sourced tapas. Chef Ellie Cormie, Scottish by way of Spain with a Michelin star to her name, plays the charming hostess, flitting from table to table, welcoming guests from near and far.

Corredera 55

After an afternoon siesta, unwind on La Teteria de Califa, a rooftop tea room-meets-cocktail bar that overlooks the city. Experience the city’s Moroccan influence with Arabic pastries like baklava with honey and pistachios or date and almond cheesecake and a classic Moroccan tea. The room itself features a Beddaoui glass installation, Amazigh jewelry from the Atlas mountains, and a photo exhibit of owner James Stuart and his father’s photos of Jordan, Yemen, Syria and Morocco.

La Teteria de Califa

If you’re searching for a dinner more filling than tapas, head to El Jardin de Califa, a verdant garden restaurant that spotlights tagines, a sweet and savory Maghrebi dish slow-cooked in an earthenware pot.

El Jardin de Califa

A trip to this part of Spain isn’t complete without a tuna dinner, and El Campero in nearby Barbate is lauded as one of the best tuna temples in the world. Just off the coast is where the famed bluefin tuna are caught in the Almadraba, so expect the freshest tuna possible, often caught that morning if you visit in Spring.

What to Do:

Learn to recreate the treasured dishes of Spain at home with Annie B. The vivacious food and wine expert hosts a series of day classes, tours, and holidays, many out of her stunning home in Vejer. Visit the nearby Barbate market in the morning to scope out the fresh seafood, then spend the afternoon making Arroz con Negra or lightly fried boquerenes. Raise a glass or two of sherry to your creations over a late lunch on her rooftop.

A day at the ocean is perfect for napping off the tapas, and the area has seven beaches to choose from. Pick from more secluded beaches like Conil de la Frontera, or the more vibrant Tarifa strip, complete with ocean-side beach bars and clubs. For the athletically-inclined, Canos de Meca is one of the best spots around for surfing and bodyboarding.

A weekend getaway is not complete without a moment of pampering, so head to the Hammam. Pulling inspiration from the traditional Turkish and Arabic traditions of ritual purification, the Hammam, akin to a spa, will house both hot and warm Roman baths, a Moroccan steam room, and full massage services.

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Urbanears Plattan 2 Bluetooth in Cherry Brown

The Plattan 2 Bluetooth headphones are currently available in chic shades including Dark Grey, Black, True White, Tomato, and Indigo. On September 25, the fall collection will be available with three brand new, limited-edition colorways. The glossy Cherry Brown is an eclectic neutral that will match most ensembles, and add a little pop at the same time. Paper Beige is a super sophisticated shade that will showcase your classy side, while maintaining your cool edge. The Icon Blue is a vibrant colorway that will make a bold fashion statement and allow you to express your personal style in the brightest way.

With a minimalist design and unparalleled comfort, the Plattan 2 Bluetooth headphones should definitely already be around your neck, over your ears, or at least in your bag but, with these three new colors, we are ready to add another pair to our lineup.

Plattan 2 Bluetooth Fall Collection is available in store on September 25, 2019 for $99 each.

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The property itself is a quick train ride from Charles de Gaulle airport (about an half and a hour), and draws travelers from the city and international locales who are looking to relax in the countryside after a busy few days in Paris. While day passes for the Royal Champagne Spa are available (and are a popular option for locals), you’ll want to give yourself at least a night or two to soak up everything the property has to offer outside of the spa, including tailor-made cellar visits with the property’s sommelier and cycling tours right through the champagne vineyards to the village of Hautvillers (where you can visit Dom Pérignon’s final resting place).

Whether you’re at Royal Champagne for a day-trip or a long weekend, make sure to reserve a table at Le Bellevue, located on the hotel’s rooftop terrasse, or inside at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Royal. The resort is a food connoisseur’s dream come true, with an impressive Champagne list and innovative, farm-to-table creations from Chef Jean-Denis Rieubland such as house-made Champagne yeast pasta with molluscs, fricassee of girolles and caramelized pearl onions.

Below, Jennifer Delord, Director of Sales & Marketing at Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa, gives us exclusive insights on the most prestigious room on the property and how the hotel came to be.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

What’s the most requested room?

The Josephine Suite; she is the exalted empress of Royal Champagne.

What makes it so special?

The Josephine Suite is pure French elegance – and Champagne chic – epitomized. Panoramic views of the surrounding Marne Valley greet guests as they enter, an enchanting landscape that is best enjoyed while sipping Champagne on the suite’s private balcony. The Josephine Suite is an airy 1,184 square feet, on a grander scale than the other 46 rooms at Royal Champagne, with walls adorned with effervescent blue-and-cream-colored foliage paintings reminiscent of the winding grapes and leaves in the surrounding vineyards. The Suite includes a bedroom, a dressing room with generous dimensions and an adjacent living room for lounging around on lazy mornings. Styled with Hermès bathroom amenities, the Josephine Suite offers true comfort and indulgences.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

What is the starting rate?

From EUR 1,050 to EUR 1,780 per night (VAT included).

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Which room is your personal favorite?

The Royal Junior Suite. Located on the second floor of the hotel, this room offers open views of the surrounding valley. The room feels more immersed into the vineyards than the loftier suites; it is understated and relaxed without sacrificing any elegance. This situation on the lower levels of the hotel provides full intimacy, evoking a bubble-like feeling of comfort.

Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa

Any fun facts about the hotel or rooms?

The hotel was once a humble coaching inn on an important postal route – now, we are a grand resort of over 100,000 square feet and Champagne’s only luxury wellness destination. Napoleon is said to have stayed at the property when he was Emperor of France, so of course, we named our most exclusive suite after his regal first wife.

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It all began with Mario Buccellati, who opened the first Buccellati store in 1919 and laid the groundwork for what has evolved into a centennial filled with gold-threaded, hand-cut colored-gemstone jewels that have continued to distinguish themselves apart from the rest.

“Proud. That’s the main feeling I have,” says Maria Cristina Buccellati, third generation and the brand’s Global Communications and Marketing Director. As one of many family members to uphold key roles within the company, she explains how the family works together seamlessly, utilizing their many talents to preserve and maintain the highest standards of quality and the unmistakable Buccellati style for the last four generations. “We all have different strengths and do very different roles so it’s easy to work together. We support each other.” And when referencing the brand she says, “Everything is done as it was over 30 years ago. It’s all handmade. From the engraving and lace-work to our signature honeycomb and gemstone laying technique. When you see a Buccellati piece, you know it’s ours. We keep to our own style rather than following trends.”

As she continues to speak about the pride the family feels to reach such a pinnacle moment for the brand, it makes sense why she aligns this year with some of the other landmark moments that have occurred for them in the last century. Amazing achievements like the first store opening in the United States in 1951 (the first of two Italian brands to ever have a brick and mortar in the states), their flagship store opening in Place Vendome in 1979 and their exhibition, Buccellati: Art in Gold, Silver and Gems at the Smithsonian Museum in 2000.

The festivities kicked off earlier this year, starting with a new flagship store opening on rue Saint-Honoré in Paris. It was here during couture last month that they showcased one of the most exciting new launches of the Buccellati brand, the Buccellati diamond. This 57-facet brilliant stone was created in collaboration with the Taché family, based on an illustration from Andrea Buccellati in order to honor the anniversary. Appearing as a flower and taking over a year to come to fruition, each facet is mirrored and matches a specific ratio in order to optimize the amount of light it reflects. And while it’s currently featured in 15 pieces including the truly stunning Vega pendant earrings, the Sterlizia cuff bracelet and Aura ring, it will continue to be used in special pieces in the future. The collection will even go on tour which began in Paris and will find itself in cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, London, and New York City in October.

One of the final creations to commemorate the anniversary is the Vintage Collection. Hand-selected pieces from throughout the brand’s history are being collected from around the world to be displayed in their stores worldwide. “The vintage collection was born because everyone was asking us for vintage pieces,” says Cristina. “We’ve been restoring pieces to get them back to as close to their original state as possible, even creating new packaging dedicated to the collection. They come from all over; antique shops, old customers, auction houses. People have come in and donated pieces that even I’ve never seen before that date back to my grandfather’s work.“

The most beautiful part about this particular collection is that they will continue to grow it far into the future. While many will be kept for the brand in order to create a museum, some pieces they will resell and others will go to Sotheby’s for auction, a portion will be shared with consumers, dispersing them to their many stores around the globe. And while we’ll all get to enjoy it one way or another, whether it be simply to view, or, for a few, (and very fortunate), to own, one thing is for certain, we’ll all be able to recognize that it’s Buccellati.

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Conceived by the culinary team at La Maison Dom Pérignon and Oceania Cruises’ culinary team, this extraordinary six-course pairing menu highlights three of the 26 rare vintages of Dom Pérignon and is only available aboard Oceania’s Riviera and Marina ships or at the Moët & Chandon property. The dinner begins with a welcomed glass of Moët & Chandon, sister brand to Dom Pérignon, and a silver tray of passed hor d’oeuvres as guests are ushered to their seats for the evening. A menu detailing the pairings with tasting notes awaits each guest at their plate, giving depth to each individual course. Artfully plated dishes like Brittany Blue Lobster in Yellow Curry Broth with Coco Foam and Black Truffle Risotto with Aged Parmesan, accented with a dollop of gold leaf, come together with vintages from 2004, 2006, and 2009 to craft a one of a kind epicurean experience. White glove service streamlines the meal for an added layer of elegance.

The Chef and Head Sommelier are in attendance to guide guests through each dish and provide texture to the tasting notes. The intimacy of the venue in tandem with the open kitchen creates a looking glass into the inner workings of this spectacular meal.

The exclusive dining event is by reservation only and can be reserved for up to 24 guests.

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Where to Stay:

Napa Valley’s rolling hills are home to more than just grapes; they’re the nesting grounds for some of the most luxurious vineyard-centric hotels you can find. Whether you’re looking for a completely remote locale with barely any cell service for a true escape or you want to be front and center in one of Napa’s adorable towns, there’s an extravagant property for you.

Las Alcobas’ exterior

Las Alcobas
Las Alcobas Napa Valley made its debut less than two years ago, pegging itself as the first luxury hotel in the region since 2010. And it certainly lives up to its billing. The property’s well-appointed guest rooms are literally steps from the vineyard, with sweeping views of the hills behind. Grab a glass of wine and stroll outside to your private patio to take in the view and flip a switch to ignite the flames of your very own fire pit. Just don’t feel guilty if you can’t be bothered to leave the room—it’s bound to happen. With a day of tastings under your belt, belly up to the Atrio spa, a relaxation haven featuring Naturopathica products and a roomy coed steam room. Detox, here we come.

A Junior Suite at Las Alcobas

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection
Nestled way up in the charming region of Calistoga, the Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection (one of three Auberge properties in Napa), is the place to come if you want pure luxury plus escape. Each guest room is its own private cottage with a garden, but you’ll find it a challenge to stay indoors when you’ve got a massive pool (rumored to be the longest in Napa) just steps from you and a world-class spa to play around in all day long. The Mudslide treatment—a 60- or 90-minute service that starts with a self-application of essential oil–infused mud and finishes in a vibrating sound chair—will send you into a state of pure bliss.

The pool at the Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection

Four Seasons
There’s been quite a lot of buzz around the anticipated opening of the Four Seasons in Calistoga, and the property is finally ready to launch in late fall of this year. In addition to its wellness spa, farmhouse-style accommodations, and what we can only imagine will be delectable farm-to-table fare at the on-site restaurant, the property will also feature an exclusive vineyard and winery run by Calistoga resident and renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown.

Where to Taste:

One of the many great things about Napa is that you can bop around all day without a plan if you want to, thanks to wineries offering same-day tastings without reservations required. But if you’re looking to take your tasting experience up a notch, many of Napa’s finest wineries are offering their guests exclusive tasting experiences that are a step above the rest.

Round Pond Estate
Surrounded by the natural beauty of the vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains lies the Rutherford estate, an exquisite property that houses the tasting for Round Pond wines. You can do a bar tasting, but we recommend the Estate Tasting, an experience including three limited-production estate wines paired with an amuse-bouche arrangement hand-prepared by the property’s executive chef. The lovely second-floor tasting lounge with panoramic views is the perfect spot to take a load off as you wine and dine the afternoon away. For those who want an even more decadent experience, book the Il Pranzo, which includes a tour of the winery garden and olive grove, followed by a curated multi-course lunch on the winery terrace.

Stony Hill
Just a few miles north of St. Helena, up a winding mountain road well away from the hustle and bustle of the main drag, is the historic estate of Stony Hill Vineyard. Tastings are private here, held at the midcentury home of the founders atop Spring Mountain, giving it a very exclusive feel. Sip the brand’s handmade, small-production wines that are lean, bright, and elegant in their flavor profile.

Stony Hill’s vineyards

Where to Eat:

Thomas Keller’s legendary French Laundry is any gourmand’s first stop in Napa, but it’s far from the only spot worthy of a return trip. Give these restaurants a try, and let us know if they end up on your repeat-visit Napa roster.

Farmstead
For something a little more down home but not lacking in mouthwatering cuisine, head to Farmstead, a former nursery barn with a farmhouse vibe, cathedral ceilings, and a smoker right outside the doors. Everything—from the meat to the produce to even the wine—is sourced from the property’s ranch, farm, and vineyards. When you dine here, don’t hold back: The grass-fed cheeseburger, made with Vella cheddar and topped with a farm egg, melts in your mouth. Do yourself and your dining guests a solid and order up a side of cheddar biscuits with honey butter; they’re warm, savory, and sweet, and filled with pillowy goodness.

Farmstead’s exterior

Brix Restaurant and Gardens
Yountville’s Brix Restaurant has reopened after an expansive makeover, and it’s chicer than ever. The 16-acre culinary oasis includes indoor and outdoor dining with stunning views of the estate gardens, the Kelleher Family Vineyard, and the sprawling hills behind it. (It looks more like a storybook setting than reality.) Once you take a seat in the agricultural-chic dining room, however, don’t be surprised if you are distracted from the view, because the farm-to-table California fare is nothing short of spectacular. Don’t dare pass up the tempura green beans with spicy mustard sauce, and the same goes for any of the pizzas decked out with local ingredients from the garden and crisped to perfection in the wood-fired grill.

The bar at Brix Restaurant and Garden

Press
Like many of the top Napa restaurants, Press prides itself on its local farm-grown dishes, but the menu rock stars here are the steaks. Hand-selected, dry-aged, and roasted over an almond and cherry wood fire, they’re a beef connoisseur’s dream. Ditto for the Bacon Tasting; it’s not featured on the regular menu, but you can order it from the bar menu, and the waiter will gladly deliver it to your dining table. Slabs of curated bacon—double cut Nueske’s from Wisconsin and dry-rubbed Fatted Calf from the Golden State are two of them—will arrive hanging from something that resembles a clothesline, and the waiter will cut off pieces for all to try with his special bacon scissors.

Fireside dinner at Press

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And speaking of fit for a king, we had the honor of luxuriating in the just re-opened, totally re-imagined “Belle Etoile” penthouse suite. This sprawling, four-bedroom, obsessively appointed, massively terraced penthouse is the stuff of revolutions. Easily one of the most magnificent views of Paris imaginable (perched over the Tuileries, there isn’t a landmark you can’t see), one can imagine Pompadour herself requesting an upgrade from her namesake suite. Put it on Louis’ black card, merci.

Below, Dorchester Collection’s France Communications Director Isabelle Maurin gives us an inside look at this Parisian gem.

What is the most requested room?  

The rooms and suites of the 6th floor with views over the Tuileries Garden are the most requested rooms. They completely embody Parisian style thanks to their special decoration, and their wallpaper from De Gournay, which makes the suites feel like your own private extension of the garden.

Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite

What makes it so special and unique?  

For a distinctive standout feature, our designers teamed up with bespoke wallpaper experts De Gournay, to create artfully hand illustrated wallpaper in a sumptuous chinoiserie style. They are the only rooms that have a small balcony, which enables you to savor a glass of champagne with a view, giving you the incredible feeling that you’re looking at a picture-postcard of Paris! At any moment of the day, Paris is unveiled in a new light, and this is beautifully romantic. 

Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite Bathroom

What is the nightly rate?  

The rate starts at € 1350 per night.

What room is your personal favorite?  

My favorite is room #605, it is an Executive room with park view and a balcony, and its 42m²/452ft². It is exactly what you need for a weekend in Paris! All day long, the clear view over Paris enables you to discover an unexpected and new aspect of the city; in particular, the lighting changes on the emblematic monuments of Paris are unforgettable. The bathroom has windows overlooking the Tuileries Garden, with views of the trees, which gives you the impression of being in the countryside.

Has the hotel hosted any celebrity or notable guests? 

Over the years, Le Meurice has welcomed all kinds of notable guests, including some of the most famous from Salvador Dali to Jay-Z.

Belle Etoile Penthouse Suite Terrace

What are some interesting tidbits about the hotel that make it an iconic property?

Le Meurice is the very first Parisian hotel to be given a “palace” rating – meaning that it is rated higher than a five-star hotel, so it may be legitimately thought of as a legend. Thanks to its amazing location, which faces the Tuileries Garden, Le Meurice is at the heart of Paris and all of its historic monuments including the Louvre and Eiffel Tower.

Le Meurice’s legacy as a historic palace that blends 18th century opulence with contemporary French style, continues to present day, with the recent remodel of 29 rooms and suites. Including, most notably, the Belle Etoile Penthouse suite – The expansive private terrace offers 360° city views of Paris, overlooking the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Sacré Coeur. The suite has a sitting room, dining room, walk-in closet, a bedroom and a spacious marble bathroom. There is also a kitchen and pantry for a personal chef and if guests require additional space, the suite may be connected with additional rooms, adding up to four bedrooms. Nothing compares to the luxury of Le Meurice’s Belle Etoile Suite, unrivalled by other Paris five-star luxury hotels.

Give us one fun fact about the property.  

Over a 30-year period, artist Salvador Dali used to stay for one month per year in the suite formerly occupied by King of Spain, Alphonse the 13th. Dali was especially eccentric in his requests: after having splashed the walls of his suite with paint drops during his “explosion painting” phase, he asked to the staff to throw twenty cent coins under the wheels of his car upon his departure, so he could say he was rolling in money!

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Airing every Friday and on Dash Radio, the show features intimate and engaging conversations with artists from across the broad spectrum of music. In short, it’s a really fun listen for culture enthusiasts young and old. Past guests include Steve Aoki, Afrojack, Bryan Adams, Saweetie, Gavin Rossdale, Brody Jenner, Gene Simmons, and Randy Jackson—with many more in the works. Lipps is just getting warmed up.

Katarina Benzova

What was your inspiration for the radio show?

To be honest, I really hadn’t heard of many shows talking about an artist’s journey from beginning to present. Like, how a musician or actor went from crafting their art in their parent’s house to playing stadiums or having sold out shows. I would listen to How I Built This on NPR and thought of it as a huge inspiration so some similar aspects about people’s paths are included in my show.

How have you seen the show evolve?

I did the first two or three episodes with co-hosts and I didn’t have a lot of experience with interviewing personalities. It all changed when I had my friend and neighbor Randy Jackson on the show. Besides being such a natural, he made for a great interview and that made my interview better. At that point, the heads of Dash Radio knew there was something there. I’m connected to a ton of artists and it made sense to put it into a show and podcast format.

What direction do you see podcasts and your show going towards in the future? 

It’s a very fast growing space. I feel like when you live in Los Angeles and are constantly in your car, almost everyone listens to podcasts. I can see a platform coming out one day that’s the like Netflix model for podcasts. Right now, I’m in talks with a great celebrity to co-host a show with in addition to my original show but that’s slated for the end of the year.

Who was your most memorable guest so far?

Anthony Kiedis from the Red Hot Chili Peppers was fun and we’re friends. I respect him and his music immensely and he rarely does press. Also, I got the chance to interview David Lee Roth from Van Halen who also rarely does interviews and new generation artists like G-Eazy.

If you could interview any artist in the world (past or present) whom would you interview?

I guess I would probably have to say Robert Plant or Jimmy Page from the almighty Led Zeppelin as they are one of the greatest rock bands to ever live, if not the greatest. From a comedic stand point though, Larry David. I sometimes think some of the scenarios I’m in are very Curb Your Enthusiasm, so it would be like art imitating life.

Download the podcast here to listen.

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The investment comes with participation from Stage 1 Fund, a new consumer focused venture capital firm with heritage in providing financial solutions for investor-backed brands.

Herbivore Botanicals was founded in 2011 by Alex Kummerow and Julia Wills out of their Seattle kitchen. It’s mantra aims to provide customers with clean skincare by featuring a variety of non-toxic, therapeutic products crafted with simple-chic packaging. Our favorites include the new Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Serum, the Emerald Deep Moisture Glow Oil, and of course, the Moon Fruit Superfruit Night Treatment.

Brian Thorne, Partner of Silas, stated, “We have tremendous respect for what Alex and Julia have been able to accomplish in a relatively short period of time without the benefit of any outside invested capital to date.”

Herbivore’s line of 35 products ranges from skincare to bath and body, formulated with only the purest minerals, vitamins, and botanicals for your skin. While the brand is a huge hit on social media, it also sells through numerous retailers globally, including Nordstrom, Credo, Carbon Beauty, Follain, and Sephora, where the brand launched in 2015 and is now one of the retailer’s fastest growing skincare brands.

Jeremy Triefenbach, Partner of Stage 1 Fund, said, “We believe that the business has tremendous upside and look forward to continuing to help Alex and Julia meet the insatiable consumer demand for their products.”

Herbivore plans to use this investment to drive a powerful digital and in-store platform that increases brand awareness and expands manufacturing potentiality.

Find out more about Herbivore Botanicals, Silas Capital, and Stage 1 Fund.

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Inspired by her own life experiences, Lhuillier turned to one of her most popular evening gowns when designing the Yvette Bouq for the collection. The Yvette Bouq is rich with shades of royal purple, lavender, and deep indigo, symbolizing loyalty, luxury, and independence. The roses, matthiolas, veronicas, lisianthus, and pagodas in the arrangement provide an effortlessly chic style.

“We created my new collection to reflect the natural, sophisticated floral arrangements that I gravitate toward when celebrating all the moments that make life so meaningful. Flowers shouldn’t just be for weddings and special occasions; they should be a part of our everyday life,” expressed Monique Lhuillier.

The debut floral collection launches August 19 and is priced between $55 to $100. The six Bouqs included are called Ava, Sophia, Felicity, Stella, Yvette, and Margot.

Learn more about the Monique Lhuillier x The Bouqs Company collection here.

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Luxury perfumer diptyque partnered with The Knickerbocker Hotel to create a Paris-infused signature cocktail. The refreshing and adorably difficult to pronounce Hesperides’ Garden is in fact, a garden of delight. Inspired by the scents of diptyque’s L’Art du Soin bathroom amenity collection (guests at The Knick enjoy in their room), this cocktail oozes a bright and rejuvenating fragrance. Created with notes of orange blossom, bergamot, green mandarin zest, and a sweet honey-kissed neroli, this cocktail is an ideal welcome to New York City. Take a sip and look out over the entire world (really just Times Square, but it is pretty Instagram-worthy) at St. Cloud Rooftop. See the complete recipe below.

HESPERIDES GARDEN:
1.5 oz vodka
0.5 oz italicus bergamot liquor
0.5 oz honey
0.75 lemon juice

Preparation: Combine ingredients and mix. Add three dashes of orange blossom water. Garnish with a dehydrated lemon wheel.

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