Category: Beauty + Style

Tuesday Tip No. 7: Decorating with Vintage Hats

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I have always been a hat loving gal. My first (and only) trip to Paris was when I was 21 years old. I treated myself to a beautifully constructed straw hat that I still wear whenever the opportunity strikes, which is very rare in California.  It was a wonderful souvenir from the City of Lights. But one of my craziest hats is a large-brimmed hat adorned with oversized black feathers all around. It was custom made by Ruth Garland-Dewson, a well-known milliner formerly in San Francisco (often referred to as the milliner to the stars) for a formal Christmas Party Mr. B and I attended many years ago. Unfortunately, Ruth passed away several years ago and her small shop on Fillmore Street has since closed but her legend lives on!

I adore hats but given that I live in Southern California I don’t have the need to wear one often since the dress code here seems to get more casual by the minute. But you don’t necessarily have to be a hat wearing person to appreciate their construction, style and design. In fact, this picture from Victoria Magazine shows us that a hat collection can be a funky, whimsical decorative element when put on display in mass. In such a large grouping they become artwork for your walls.tuesday tip no 7 via Reviving Charm

“Luxurious, flirty and at times a bit sexy.  We’re out to prove a great hat can change your day.”  – Plaza Suite Hats
tuesday tip no 7 hats via Reviving Charm

Wearing a hat versus not wearing a hat is the difference between looking adequate and looking your best.  –Martha Sliter

Wellness Wednesday: An Easy Way to Create a Spa Day at Home

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One of my favorite indulgences is spending time at the spa. Even when I am on vacation I try to book at least a few hours at the spa for a massage. I once booked a lengthy stay at the Four Seasons in Scottsdale with the goal of doing nothing other than lounging by the pool and frequenting the spa. That was one of my favorite vacations and I often think about doing it again. I shared a bit about that trip in a previous post about outdoor shower design. But trying to get away, even for a few hours, can be demanding on schedules. So what’s a girl (or guy) to do? Leave it to Reviving Charm to figure it out for you….I’ve got your back! Keep reading…

relax spa day Reviving Charm Spa Mistcreate a spa day at home Reviving CharmI took full advantage of the spa facilities, including the eucalyptus steam room, on previous trips to Estancia Hotel in La Jolla and most recently to Bacara Resort and Spa near Santa Barbara. Both hotel spa shops offer a product called ShowerSpa Mist. I’ll be honest, I had been tempted to purchase it on numerous occasions but was a tad reluctant. After all, how can a single take-home product compare to the expensive steam shower systems installed at resort spas? Well, after my most recent trip to Bacara I took a leap a faith and made my purchase with the intent of trying to recreate the spa experience at home. What did I learn? After using the product for almost 3 months, I learned that it’s super easy to recreate a spa-like environment that isn’t complicated, involves little to no time, and requires only one product. I also learned that I regret not buying it years ago after first learning about it.
european spa source spa mist via reviving charm 3What exactly is ShowerSpa Mist and how do you use it? Each bottle contains pure essential oil. You simply spray it onto your shower walls and let the steam do all the work. You have complete control over how much or how little scent you want depending on the number of sprays you use. I like a strong scent so I will pump 5-10 sprays onto my shower. It automatically transforms my shower into an aromatherapy experience, helps clear my sinuses, and creates a relaxing environment which is also good for the soul. ShowerSpa Mist comes in three scents: Eucalyptus, Lavender & Eucalyptus, and Lemongrass & Eucalyptus. I’ve used all three and enjoy each of them differently depending on the experience I’m trying to achieve. I prefer to use Lemongrass & Eucalyptus (my favorite) in the morning to help energize me, the Lavender & Eucalyptus is the mildest of all three and is good in the evening before bed, and the pure Eucalyptus (my second favorite) is good anytime.

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I hope this post doesn’t sound sales pitchy. This is not a sponsored post and is just a product I enjoy and want to share with you. It isn’t entirely the same experience as the professional spas, but that’s something you shouldn’t expect anyway. It does, however, elevate an ordinary shower into something that is as close as you can get to recreating that experience. My showers have been transformed and now I never shower without it. If you want to try ShowerSpa Mist for yourself or give it as a gift, you can buy it at many high-end spas or get it directly from the manufacturer, European Spa Source. Happy Spa-ing….

UNVEILING OF THE OSCAR DE LA RENTA POSTAGE STAMPS

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Snail mail just got a bit more elegant thank’s to the new Forever postage stamps unveiled by the Unites States Postal Service at a “First Day of Issue” ceremony a couple of days ago at New York’s Grand Central Terminal. The new stamps commemorate legendary fashion designer Oscar De La Renta who passed away in 2014. It was most appropriate to schedule the unveiling during New York’s Fashion Week.

“Our family and our company are profoundly honored that the U.S. Postal Service has chosen to memorialize Oscar de la Renta’s life and work with this series of beautiful stamps,” said Alex Bolen, CEO of Oscar de la Renta. “Oscar was proud to be an American and this would have made him tremendously happy. To commemorate his personal version of the ‘American Dream’ with these stamps is a great honor for which we thank the U.S. Postal Service.”

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Shown below from left to right: The event was attended by Oscar de la Renta CEO Alexander Bolen, Michael Bloomberg, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour, Hillary Clinton, U.S. Postal Service Vice President Janice Walker and journalist Anderson Cooper.
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The inspiration for the stamps was taken from some of Oscar’s most famous dresses, including these below. The fuchsia silk faille dress and with metallic embroidery is from Fall 2013. The emerald green taffeta and black Battenberg lace gown is from Spring 2012. I was fortunate to see many of his gowns at an exhibit last year in San Francisco. I talked about it in this post. oscar-de-la-renta-stamp-inspiration-for-stamps

The stamp collection features a total of 11 stamps that include a portrait of the designer along with 10 Oscar de la Renta dress and gown details. Exquisite, aren’t they?

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oscar-de-la-renta-stamps-via-reviving-charm-3If you prefer envelopes, USPS offers these envelopes with a digitally printed stamp and postmark sold in a set of 11. oscar-de-la-renta-stamp-envelopes

As far as I am concerned, handwritten letters and notes will never go out of fashion (pun intended). And with the stormy weather here today in Southern California, I think this just might be a great day to stay indoors and write some letters.

line-art-original-1I just placed my order for the new stamps and you can order your own through USPS. For a limited time, you can also get free stamps with any purchase of $250 or more at Oscar De La Renta. Use promo code: STAMP

Images via USPS, Oscar De La Renta, NBC News, Vogue, American Philatelic Society, McClatchyDC