The Haute Report

Escada Dress for Success

2015-10-11T16:23:00.001-04:00

Dress for Success, Donate to Update...

A few days ago, I attended Dress for Success, donate-to-update with Escada at Neiman Marcus, Houston Galleria.

Now, I'm always down to donate a few items in my closet with no questions asked. So, I was full of excitement with my pieces in tow as I entered the store, up the escalator and straight to the Escada shop.

Although I had no Escada garments of my own, it still felt great to donate the few items I did have over to Dress for Success.

Unfortunately, you won't see my pieces in this post. LOL!

But you'll see plenty of fabulous Escada pieces that were from old to new, archives, to their current season Fall/Winter 2015 collection.

Shall we begin?

(Not all items shown are Escada but that just lets you know how far their pieces can go).

Let's not sleep on the mannequins!

The remix of old and new were all haute, no matter what season it's from!

I mean, we're talking Escada, here - timeless!

Wool - tweed pleated skirt/dress, paired with a cardigan, suede boots and the right statement piece can go a long way in this shop...

One of my favorites from the night!

Who am I kidding? They were all favorites. LOL!

A classic look for the Ladies!

The trousers, cardigan, and hat ~ EVERYTHING!!!

Another mixed look to DIE FOR!

Okay, you got me, I love everything blue but that doesn't mean that this isn't screaming pure

HAUTE-NESS!!!

The design, embroidery, IMPECCABLE!

Ready to mix and mingle with any pieces that you may already possess in your wardrobes...

Call it a poncho, cape or whatever you like but you can't go this season without wearing one!

The wool blanket cape is definitely a winner in itself.

Whether you rock it with denim, tweed, suede pants, wool, skirts, or whatever the occasion, you'll be on chic street for sure!

I'm going to apologize for not giving you more on the velvet turtle neck that the model is adorned in.

It was truly one of those "is that velvet?!" moments. Well, yes it is...

Another old meets new.

Not shown very closely here, however, the top was pure perfection!

Cut and woven from a different cloth.

The cellophane & wool crochet tank that's a mere piece of art!

This ensemble is just too adorable with Escada's signature white crisp blouse with their darling crystal cuffs. An over pinning jacquard tank, giving us a knock-out look!

And let's not overlook the classic tweed skirt with lace, either...

For the love of a wool wrap coat with viscose trim and a houndstooth design!

Some on of you ladies may enjoy it as a shoppers coat but we'll just call it

Escada's hautest pants right now ~ Tixana.

The skinny trousers, charming for any shape or size that can hold all of our glamorous shapes to pure perfection!

Love it all!!!!

Suede leggings, anyone???

Don't worry, I did not drop any champagne on my future pants. *wink*wink

A little scoop of this season's collaboration with Nymphenburg, bringing art and fashion together in the most classical rare form.

To shop Escada is to Dress for Success on another level!

Donate-to-Update was indeed a success!!!

To shop Escada:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/Escada/Designers/cat19420747_cat000730/c.cat?navAction=index

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Around the way Denim…

2015-09-30T13:34:00.001-04:00

Happy Wednesday Hautees!

Finally, on the blog!

My favorite around the way denim…

Outfit Details: Denim & Shoes ~ Zara; Top ~ Heiress Boutique; Bag ~ RF Lifestyles Boutique; Hair ~ Just chill'n

Hate it or Love it…

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbkuestyle

Casuals'n Things…

2015-09-22T15:38:00.001-04:00

Happy Days Hautees!

There's something about a cuffed jean that I'm in love with. I pretty mch cuff all my jeans whether they're skinny, straight-leg, boyfriend cut, or whatever… CUFFED!

I think it adds a classical edge to your look, especially when rocking flat shoes.

I prefer a wide cuff with my boyfriend jeans and a small thin cuff with my skinny jeans but it all depends on the shoe in most cases.

I'm chilling in my blue flat shoes, boyfriend denims, tank and what has to be the cutest~ugliest faux fur bag that I could find.

As if i needed an extra pair of eyes HA!

I see you!

It's the simple things in life, like blue flat shoes on chill days…

What's your favorite chill day look?

Outfit Details: Tank ~ TJMaxx; Denim ~ Levi's; Flats ~ Kenneth Cole; Bag ~ TopShop

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

NYFW Flava

2015-09-17T17:02:00.005-04:00

Happy Thursday Hautees!

New York Fashion Week has come to an end today.

While I watched majority of the shows online (newyorkfashionweeklive.com), there are certain people that I look forward to seeing other than the models rocking some of the hautest designs down the runway. However, it's not really the runway that anticipate...

Street Style Stars and Celebrities!

This year, my eyes were on these ladies who beat to their own drums when it comes to style!

I stalked their Instagram pages all week between shows, LOL!

And trust me when I say, I was anxiously waiting to see each and every last post of theirs…

Vashtie ~

Definitely one of my favorite New York style girls. Everything about her screams Tomboy Glitch when it comes to her own personal style!

Kyrzayda ~

The ultimate Chic Street. Her Instagram page is always full of chic styles in every which way. So you know her NYFW ensembles were HAUTE! HAUTE! HAUTE!

Erykah Badu ~

The Goddess! Eclectic, raw & uncut. You can't even explain it! But what's to explain?

It's Erykah Badu!

Ciara aka CiCi ~

Never cease to amaze me! Whether she's adorned in Couture or rugged jeans and a tank, the singer keeps it sizzling haute at all given times!

Solange ~

We're talking the unapologetic sister of Queen Bey. However, she's definitely not living in the shadows of her sister! In my opinion, she gives style a whole new meaning her way! Need I say more? I'm absolutely obsessed with this beauty more than folks who are obsessed with her sister. Yes, I couldn't just choose one picture. It's freaking Solange!

My absolute favorites of NYFW attendees….

Who were yours????

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Can You Denim?

2015-09-11T11:49:00.001-04:00

Happy Days Hautees!

High-waisted denim pants, my kind of style. The detailing of the buttons aligning the pockets, reminds me of the 60's (although I wasn't around back then. LOL!) It's a style that repeats itself in fashion, over and over again.

I mean, who doesn't love it?

Denim on denim never gets old!

I love how we can play around with style.

A casual look with endless possibilities.

Straight - leg, wide - leg, skinny - leg, and even boot - cut, if you would.

It's all the same…

I'm obsessed with the structure of these pants. The high-waist. The wide legs. The drawstring in the back. The front buttons. Everything I need for an old school 60's touch.

Okay, so I didn't show my shoes. However, I usually wear wedges or any sort of platform shoes to give me the height for my pants to flow right. I'm a short person (short person complex kicks in), so anything to make me look taller is more than ideal.

Especially, when I'm wearing wide-leg pants.

And lets face it, no one wants their pants dragging on the ground, right?

To complete the look, roll up them sleeves, tie a front knot in your shirt.

Take an old style and it make it yours!

Outfit Details: High-waisted Pants ~ Pavement (Thrift Shop); Denim Top ~ Express; Bag ~ TopShop

Can You Denim?

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Denim x Fedora Days

2015-09-08T07:32:00.001-04:00

Happy Days Hautees!

Bust out your blue suede shoes, your denim jeans and a fedora to bring it all together for a chic street style…

Mustard tank and a leopard bag, just adds more flavor for a chill day of shopping.

So, snap some photos in the mall parking garage. HA!

Cuff denim can be a perfect match for booties (depending on your style)….

With the Fall season just two weeks ahead, most of us can't wait to rock our hats, oversized sweaters, coats and our love for boots. But for now, we can still mix/match our Fall favorites with our Summer get up. However, I'm sure we'll mix/match all Seasons throughout the year when the weather permits or when it doesnt…

Outfit Details: Denim ~ Levi's; Tank ~ Zara; Booties ~ Marc Fisher; Fedora ~ ALDO; Crossbody Bag ~ Michael Kors

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanbluestyle or @goldanblue

Nike Cortez Fever

2015-09-04T05:34:00.003-04:00

Back to my Nike Cortez Fever…

Cruising through Sneaker News website for my clients who are sneaker heads and from time to time, shopping for myself.

However, I'm back in love with sneakers.

Nike Cortez that is…

Photo snagged from Sneaker News site. Nike lab Cortez Textile.

Adidas are my usual go to and I've always been faithful to the brand but every blue moon I venture off to other classics.

Thanks to Sneaker News, the classical Nike's are on my must-have hit list.

Just like an old school, classic, hot-rod.

The nylon running shoe with the long Nike swoop use to be one of Hip-hops favorite in the 90's.

Now, they're back!

But, for some, they never left. I currently have two pairs that I purchased a fews years ago.

The black/white and blue/white which I like to call my trophy shoes being that I only pull them out twice a year. And, they're the only pair of Nike's that I own. Needless to say, I'm looking to add more to my trophy collection.

So, how about those blue on blue or the olive on olive?

Yes! Yes! And, YES!

The red/white polka dots are ugly and different. But that's just how we like it. It stands out and will turn heads whether people like them or not, they'll definitely look.

If they could only bring back the original red/white ones. I know quite a few sneaker heads who would love to get their hands on them no matter the cost (without eBay).

Photo snagged from Sneaker News

'72 Cortez the icon!

It's an old school and a newcomer…

Photo snagged from Sneaker News

My ultimate, must-have Cortez is dipped in bronze! How bout that?! I can't wait for these to hit U.S. stock. Believe it or not I'm patiently waiting. And, I have no patience, go figure…

Slated to hit a German retailer Sept. 20th but unfortunately no dates for the U.S.

We'll just have to keep our eyes open for these baby's on Sneaker News with an update…

For more details visit:

sneakernews.com

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Faux Leggings x Muscle Tee

2015-09-02T22:10:00.001-04:00

Happy Days Hautees!

Summer is almost gone and it's already begun to cool off a little in Houston. My favorite season is approaching, fast. And, we're still on the faux leather kick this upcoming Fall.

So, I thought it was only right to pull out my faux leather leggings for a day of personal shopping.

Plum, gray and nude with big hoop earrings and a fro…

Keeping it streetstyle…

Outfit Details: Muscle Tee ~ Thrifted; Faux Leggings ~ H&M; Sandals ~ White House Black Market…

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

DIY Shorts x Kimono

2015-08-29T15:23:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday Hautees!

DIY projects can be the cutest outfits you create. I've had these pants for at least several years and wanted something new from them. So, snip, snip.

The best part about these shorts, they were cut up a year ago and time has only made them better. Continous washes gave them the exact style I was looking for. Funny thing is, they're now on the trend. HA!

I love when something old becomes new.

Last year's Kimono - paired with my shorts and nude cowboy boots from the past, was my look of the day.

Outfit Details: Kimono ~ DuO Houston; Tank ~ Target; Shorts ~ Abercrombie & Fitch (DIY); Cowboy Boots ~ Coconuts; Hair ~ Truly You Curls

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

The Pleated Skirt

2015-08-28T11:45:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday Hautees!

Ann Taylor has to be one of my BFF's when it comes to skirts.

I'm so in love with the style of a pleated skirt. Especially, the ones with pockets.

It's sophisticated, chic and everything haute!

Of course, there's always a twist to my style of dressing.

A crisp white button up with my gladiator sandals, spiced things up exactly how I like it. For the office, I would normally throw on a pair of pointy heels or a strapless sandal. However, this wasn't a day in the office so I went with a streetstyle look with my pleated skirt.

*wink* wink*

Outfit Details: Skirt ~ Ann Taylor; Top ~ Target; Sandals ~ Bodega Sole Lounge; Hair ~ Twist-out (Truly You Curls)…

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Joggers x Heels

2015-08-27T03:39:00.001-04:00

Happy Thursday Hautees!

Nothing is more comfortable than a chic pair of joggers.

Loving the simplicity.

Throwing on a pair of heels.

No need for an iron.

Forget the polished look.

Taking a sporty vibe and twisting it into my own tomboy glitch.

Comfort and cozy, stylish and chic.

Joggers x heels, for a lazy day, anytime of the year.

Or in my case, when I just want to chill.

Outfit Details: Joggers ~ BCBG; Jacket ~ Adidas (Right?! As you can see. *smirk*) Heels ~ Also shoes; Accessories ~ Gold hoops and cuff; Hair ~ Wild as ever…

Hate it or Love!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

The Red Hat

2015-08-26T03:44:00.001-04:00

Happy Wednesday Hautees!!!

There was this old red hat that I found tucked away in my closet, hidden beneath other big brim hats that I somehow have forgotten about. Whether a lazy hair day, my wooly twist or just in the mood, I grabbed my hat and hit the door.

The thick wool-like floppy was right on time for one of my favorite seasons. I've waited far too long for Fall to come back to me where I can adorn myself in warmer clothing.

Missing oversized sweaters, hats and jackets.

But you know, sometimes, a simple hat can turn your everyday rags into a chic ensemble. Making it a statement piece with just a plane white tee and denim... *wink* wink*

A big floppy hat is almost equivalent to wearing sunglasses. (IMO)…

You want to remain haute but you really don't care for anyone to see your face… HA!

And, let's not forget those old wide-leg jeans.

If you can wear them, rock'em!

Bringing back that old 60's style ~ Wide-Legs with a Floppy Hat.

Loving how my old rags are now on the trend...

(Truth be told, I would still love them trending or not. Oh, the joys of recycling clothing!)

Outfit Details: Denim ~ True Religion; Top & Bag ~ Zara; Wedges ~ Sam Edleman; Hat ~ Thrifted; Wooden Bangles ~ Remix Fashion

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Culottes & Blues

2015-08-25T08:30:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday Hautees!

Culottes is the name of the game…

The trend that has everyone talking and flocking to stores to pick up this years hautest pants. Burning up magazine pages and a must-have for all streetstyle stars. Last Spring, they were in full effect and yet to today, shows no sign of leaving our wardrobe. Whether you choose the shorts and/or pants, the silhouette they provide are to die for!

I'm in love with the wide cuts.

The loose fit.

How they flow when you walk.

How the thicker material adds a more polished look to the chic shape.

The endless shoe possibilities!

Ankle boots, loafers, flats or heels.

A great shoe shine is a blue shoe shine!

Rocking blue and white stripes with these fabulous blush pants!

Outfit Details: Everything Zara!

(I know, no mix match but hey…)

Loving the cozy, chic, comfy Culottes!

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Denim x Denim

2015-08-24T09:19:00.001-04:00

Happy Casual Monday Hautees!!!

Pulling denim rags from my archives are the best.

Funny how some things never leave your wardrobe.

I love this old Guess jacket that I bought from Sam's Club about 10 years ago.

Yes, that's right, I purchased it from Sam's Club. HA!

The years that have gone by only made this jacket more desirable in my eclectic wardrobe.

Faded jeggings from the past remain a favorite on chill days when I'm out and about.

Pairing the old with the new.

Like, who would have ever thought Birkenstocks could make a come back? Although, fashion only repeats itself time after time. I'm wearing imitation stocks but it really doesn't matter the brand.

It's all about the style!

Denim x Denim, my way!

Outfit Details: Denim Jeggings ~ Kenneth Cole; Denim Jacket ~ Guess; Tank ~ BCBG; Sandals ~ UnionBay; Bag ~ Theory

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Blue x White x Blue

2015-08-23T10:57:00.001-04:00

I absolutely love a good shirtdress that I can wear in any style that I please.

Short shorts aren't always favorable for my style of dress.

Wearing a shirtdress or kimonos or anything that covers my little junk in the back is usually my style of short shorts.

Blue x White x Blue everything!

Especially with my Nike Cortez that I like to call my Trophy shoes *wink* wink*

Outfit Details: Shirtdress ~ RFLifestyles Boutique; Bodysuit ~ American Apparel; Denim Shorts ~ Levi's; Sneakers ~ Cortez Nike

Hate it or Like it!

#TheHauteReport

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Dashiki x Gladiators

2015-08-15T11:57:00.001-04:00

The print.

The pockets

The material.

The gladiator sandals.

The wooden bangles that I picked up.

The ensemble that turned heads!

Recently, I visited the cutest little Reggae Boutique not too far from where I live and immediately fell in love with the Dashiki's in store. The color combos were amazing!

Not only were the Dashikis on point but they also had a second shop about two doors down that catered to shoes, bags, accessories and all the fine fixings for a cultural ensemble…

Talk about paradise?!

I couldn't help myself! I love, love, love this Dashiki! And, the gladiator sandals?! Yes! They couldn't have been more perfect! I've been having my eye on African print skirts and dresses lately. But to come across a Dashiki that gives me everything I want and like - was almost too good to be true. I know, I know, I could have found these garments online. However, when I make a purchase, I like to receive my items right at that moment. HA!

Outfit Details: Dashiki & Gladiator sandals ~ Bodega Sole Lounge; Hair ~ Afro

Dashiki x Gladitors

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

Check us out on social media

@goldanblue or @goldenbluestyle

Basic Cottons

2015-08-11T08:55:00.001-04:00

Basic cottons tend to be my favorite on extremely hot days. It seems as if I gravitate more towards the thinner material to stay cool. Loose fitting tank with a form fitting skirt and long sleeve tunic to wrap around the waist being that the skirt is a little more sheer than I prefer due to its thin material.

On the casual side of things, leopard print slip-ons rather than a sandal. Although, I started off with some cute little flat sandals but that's only because I just had my toes painted. Once they were dry, I was back in my sneakers. HA!

Accessories were kept to a bare minimum, hoop earrings and a gold cuff as I like to keep things simple with my casual plain jane basics. I'm really not one to over accessorize in any of my ensembles, just one statement piece will suffice for my everyday style.

Outfit Details: Tank ~ Forever21; Skirt ~ RF Lifestyles (local boutique); Tunic ~ Zara; Slip-on Sneakers ~ Joie Kidmore; Hair ~ AfroLife

Basic Cottons

Hate or Love it…

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Social Media:

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Truly You Curls Tees

2015-08-10T13:32:00.001-04:00

Happy Casual Monday!!!

Over the weekend, it was all about the hair with Truly You Curls! And, of course, we added a little bit of style… HA!

Rocking our Truly You Curls Tees with denim. We're always looking for ways to spice up our logo Tees. It just so happens that my favorite cobalt blue blazer made the perfect match. But who cares about matching nowadays?

With so much blue going on, why not add some yellow pumps?

It's fun. Chic. Haute.

And a match made for blue!

HA! First time for everything! The owner of Truly You Curls hopped in to have some photog fun with us while we were out on business in Dallas this past weekend.

Look at the hair!!!

A true conversation piece as always when rocking Truly You Curls!

Goldan's Outfit Details: Blazer ~ My Nonno/Doku Fashion Boutique; Tee ~ Truly You Curls ~ Denim ~ Levi's (80's stonewash); Pumps ~ Zara; Hair ~ Twist-out For

Style of Truly You Curls…

Hate it or Love it!

#TheHauteReport

Interview with Roja Dove

2015-08-08T11:52:00.001-04:00

We're going to meet the world's most respected perfumer, Roja Dove.

Roja will take us on a journey through his expertise and love for fragrances. How it all started and where we are today with his luxurious parfums.

His talent is indeed like no other.

"Roja's unbridled enthusiasm came to the notice of the Guerlain family, the living link to perfumery's Golden Age. Working with Guerlain for 20 years, Roja was the first ever non-family member in history to become Global Ambassador to the company. Consolidating his passion, knowledge and talent, Roja developed a method for understanding fragrance that changed the whole industry. This sealed Roja's destiny. Roja set up his own company to enable him to follow his heart, redefining and restoring luxury and creativity in the world of perfumery".

Parfums that have captivated the world as an experience, an attitude, a lifestyle!

Before we begin our interview, there's always a little small chat that takes place. We chuckled for a moment as we spoke about the friendliness, here in Houston. How mostly everyone is pretty nice and smiles at you, when saying "hello". And for a Northern California girl, that's very welcoming, as Californians can be a little a rude at times. I know, I know, please don't jump me over that. LOL!

Moving along… Quickly!

Before anyone gets the chance to think about what I just said…

GB: Lets talk about the actual collection. You have a beautiful, beautiful collection. I love it! I had the luxury of smelling some of the fragrances and was taken away. Your newer fragrances that you just launched, the "Tutti Frutti" collection - AMAZING!!!

RD: Tutti Frutti Aouds. Thank you.

GB: Yes! I love them! I read that your love for fragrances/scents came from the nightly kiss you use to get from your mother and its just taken off ever since then.

RD: Ah, the Tutti Frutti Aouds. When I trained, no one smelled "Oud". We were told, that's the US and Middle East, now lets move on. Because no one in the West took Oud parfums. I personally think that when Dubai started, Dubai is the modern equivalent of New York. If you think back to 1920's when New York started to blossom, people from around the world, all over the world, looked at it

as the new land of opportunity. People came from everywhere to New York. And I think that in a funny way, Dubai is a little bit like that. Think about an American, short to saying, no one thought to go to the Middle East for a holiday, far too hot, nothing to do or see. It was all desert. Since Dubai has grown up, lots of people travel there, as their first time destination to go to the Middle East.

And, when we go to the middle east, we suddenly smell all these very exotic smells, which we don't know from back home. Whether that's America or Britain where I come from, these very old materials, Oud's, to us, smelled new. And so, I was unusually working on a project in the Middle East for one of the big families there. I went out there for 3 years, two weeks every month for 3 years. I think, I'm most likely the only western perfumer who has actually spent 3 years working in the Middle East, where I learned about Oud. So, we launched my first scent, "Aoud". The reason I write it with an "A" is in the Middle East, they don't pronounce it as "Oud", they say, "Aoud". Which explains the "A". I launched my Aoud and we launched my brand in Harrods and said to them, "how much do we make?" And I've always made parfums for people, in which I still do, so I never had a commercial problem. And I said, "how many do we make?" They said, "make this number, so last for 4-6 months." It sold out in 10 days.

GB: WOW!

RD: In ten days we had the most successful launch in Harrods history. The Aoud's become this huge phenomenon around the world. Then I launched, Amber Aoud. Which is very

interesting whether it's in America or whether it's in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, or in London. The Amber Aoud is the #1 selling parfum.

So, I'm very known for Ouds. But I'm also known for, well, I don't know what I'm known for, but if I'm known for something, I hope I'm known for that I've always banged my own drum beat. I make things up that I love. I'm a creative human being. That's all I know how to do. Make parfums. I just thought, well, all around the world none of us want to be like our parents. Every generation, you know we might love and respect our parents but we don't want to be like them, and certainly don't want to smell like them. Right? (Chuckles)…

With the Ouds, in some parts of the world, Oud is considered very traditional. I wanted to see, could I make an Oud, which is really original, a totally new way of working Oud.

If you've ever been to the Middle East, it's the most historical place. Whenever they meet, they always meet for the same thing. You meet for tea and they'll give you cakes. Every where are sweet things. Sweet, sweet, sweet! I had this idea, what about taking these warm woody notes, the "Ouds" and putting them with something very gourmand. All around the world, in every culture, the gourmand materials are just as important. So, I thought, okay well, let's make/arrange "Tutti Frutti". The inspiration, really for the collection, the name, came from a very famous piece of jewelry made by Cartier. They made a bracelet "Tutti Frutti". I thought, it's fun! It was very unusual because jewelry was just a diamond ring other than something that was fun with color.

When I look at a lot of my clients around

the world, you might have a client who loves the idea of say, owning a Hermes but they wouldn't want to walk around with a Birkin bag. Maybe, the Birkin bags their mum or it even might be, if they did buy by one, it would be in a Birkin Pink Crocodile but the chances are, a younger woman may not want that at all. What she'll buy is one of their cuffs in a fabulous color because it's younger. They love the idea of the brand but they don't want the bag. That was the idea. I came with this thought, lets do them and lets make them really look like something you eat, tutti frutti colors and fun names. I always have this line, "please don't take me seriously, because I don't". A lot of people when they sit with me, suddenly all are like awe "what am I wearing? What does he think about how I smell?" That's not how I am as a human being. I came with the idea, Candy Aoud, Frutti Aoud, Sweetie Aoud. And it seems people tend to love them.

Then you have, another side of what I do, as you said, this love affair I have with parfum, started as a little boy. I don't know how old I was, maybe six or seven, and one night, my mother came to give me a kiss goodnight. She was wearing a gold long cocktail dress, the landing light was on her, so she had this light shining on her from the back, her dress was like metallic. Imagine light on something metal, it was like she had a parhelion around her. So as a little boy, where do you see that? You see it in a book. It's the image of a fairy or an angel. My mum, you know, come in from school, made a meal or whatever it is my mum did and suddenly she was wearing this fabulous, glamorous outfit. It was as if something magical happened. I remember her bending down to give me this kiss goodnight and it was the first time that I remembered smelling, being aware of my mothers parfum and also the smell of her face balm. My mum use to wear very little makeup. She'd wear a little bit of face balm and lipstick. My mother died in 2009 and I had in my mind for a long time, I wanted to make something in memory of her. But that's such a personal thing, you know, no one else in the world is interested in my relationship with my mother and it could sound a bit odd, the idea of a scent, based on someone else's mother. This idea was so strong in my mind and Dominic, my business partner, went on and on about it, turned around and said to me, "you just need to do it. For yourself. You need to do it". My mothers birthday would have been the 6th of Jan, so I decided to make six bottles and we launched those six bottles on the 6th of January and sold them in my perfurmerie in Harrods and we sold them all in the 1st day.

We actually sold eight on the first day. The next day we set up eight. There were two of the ones we sold too many of and six new ones and we sold all this in the same day. By the end of the month, with no advertising, no marketing, by the end of January, it was the biggest selling parfum I had in the world. I suddenly understood, that everyone, it's a universal story, we all remember somebody that gave us a kiss. Whether it's our lover, our mother, aunty, whoever, our closest friends, there can be a kiss that someone can give you that stays with you. The most gently of all human gestures can in a funny way be the most powerful. It seems that's the story almost everyone relates to. I just mention it because there are lots of different things that inspires me to make parfum. It can be something very personal like that.

Many of my parfums come with a violet cap. Violet is my favorite color. Any of my parfums that comes with a violet cap, means that parfum, is a part of my story.

GB: Oh, interesting! I like that, love it! And the ingredients that are used, you use such a unique mixture of ingredients it's just fascinating. When you actually smell the scent it appears there's different levels. Like there's a top scent, there's a middle scent, and then there's something once you get to the base of it.

RD: My pafums, whether you smell something very at what seems on first glance, very simple and fresh like say the bergamot, ordinarily, when you actually smell them on your skin, just on your oil point even seems very fresh. You discover its very multi fascinate, multi layered. But, yes, I make scents that have lots of complexity about them. Because I think people are complex. I think what's interesting is there's always something there to intrigue you, you never quite get to know the parfums, you think you know it, then you suddenly smell something you didn't know. That's just like knowing people, you know, sometimes even ourselves. You think you know yourself, you've lived with yourself all your life and suddenly you do something and you hear yourself say, "god I would never have guessed I did that". So, we even surprise ourselves. (Chuckles). For me, parfum is something that shouldn't be one dimensional. It's something that should carry on intriguing us.

GB: The packaging, I love the bottles they're just as beautiful as the scent itself, so it blends perfectly together.

RD: Thank you. They're based on my diamond ring. The cap is based on this ring (he shows me this amazing diamond he's wearing. Well, he really didn't have to show me as I already seen it a mile away. LOL!)

I've always had a huge, well I wear too much jewelry, I'm sure I do. I love jewelry. I've always loved jewelry. This diamond ring was the inspiration for the cap. One day, Dominic came into my office and I was sitting in the corner doing something, and I didn't even hear him but he said to one of my business colleagues, "what's he doing?" And Peter turned around and said, "oh' leave him, he's happy, he's at his happiest." I was sitting there and I had these crystals that I was sticking on the cap with glue to see what shape I wanted the cap to be. And I came up with that.

We had this idea, that if a woman took that from her bag, out of her purse, the minute you see the cap it's like a Christian Louboutin red sole. If you know what it is, therefore, you know exactly what it is. Most people looking at it would have no idea. So, the cap's interesting. We wanted this. It's nice that you commented on it because we wanted you to notice them. I also think the cap, the whole thing of undoing a bottle should feel a little bit exciting. It's like the thing of, you don't get parfum straight till you get the whole thing of just taken that lid off. And then the parfum presents itself. Like the inside of the box, if you look at the scent of my luxe, we're putting pure silk inside of the boxes. Real silk crepe de chine.

Why? When I was young, the very first luxury thing I ever bought myself, about 18 or 19, I went into a shop in Cambridge and saw this shirt, it was beautiful and I said to the woman, "ooh!" and she said, "it's silk crepe de chine". I said, "oh! fabulous, I'll have it" I didn't know what crepe de chine was, I never heard of it. I just knew it sounded lovely. I remember this shirt which I adorned, the very first time I put that shirt on, I felt like I was surrounding myself in luxury. And so, the reason we use silk in the boxes, I hope its a bit of a promise of the parfum itself is going to give this lovely luxurious effect…

I must confess, I felt luxurious just sitting with Roja and listening to his story.

He was fun, energetic, full of life and it clearly shows in his work of art.

The Tutti Frutti Aouds are to die for!!!

You wouldn't expect anything less from the world's most innovative perfumer, would you?

Next time you're looking for a fragrance that sets you a part from the rest, don't cheat yourself, treat yourself with a Roja Dove experience…

#TuttiFruttiAouds

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/search.jsp?N=0&Ntt=roja+dove&_requestid=47384

HA! And that's a wrap!

#TheHauteReport

WHBM Drape Pants…

2015-07-27T15:19:00.001-04:00

White House Black Market

Drape Green Pants

Loving a good pair of pants that hang off the hip a little!

Drape, slouchy or any style or cut that doesn't fit too tight but are just right.

Plus, I knew I would be brunch'n and eating all day (LOL!) so I needed something comfy and chic for the day.

White House Black Market had the cutest drape pants on sale last week that I couldn't resist.

Looking for something other than the usual, the cropped asparagus Green was all that I needed.

The perfect fit for any day of the week with endless style possibilities.

For a more casually chic look, a tank and my shade of nudes with a leopard crossbody.

The polyester and spandex material wasn't too hot and dressy enough for the office, if need be. Besides, I always like to call White House Black Market, "goodies for the professional woman". HA! *wink*wink*

Outfit Details: Tank ~ H&M; Drape Pants ~ White House Black Market, Pumps ~ Jessica Simpson; Cross-body Bag ~ Michael Kors; Hair ~ Afro Life…

Hate it or Love it!

The drapes were everything and my kind of hype!

#TheHauteReport

Casual Mondays…

Social Media:

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Fringe Benefits

2015-07-23T07:22:00.001-04:00

Boots with extreme Fringe Benefits!

Excuse me while I upstage this mannequin…

(Yes, I cut her out of my picture. HA!)

Indulging on a fringe binge!

Just how I like it…

Nevermind the bag, it's all about the boots!!!

The moment I walked into RF Lifestyles Boutique and saw these Camel Fringe Boots, I was lusting over them, instantly!

Please tell me you have a size 8? The store owner replied, "Yes, I do. They just came in today." I immediately responded with, "put'em in the bag!"… LOL!

I mean, what's to think about?…

The owner talked me into trying them on, so I began to prance around the store for pieces that would not add too much or take away from these baby's.

Next thing you know, I couldn't or should I say, I wouldn't take them off!

Perfect with everything I put my little hands on. They were also a match made in Paradise with my outfit of the day!

Too hot for Summer? Maybe, but not really.

However, they'll take you into any Season that you like.

A girl can never go wrong with anything Fringe these days! *wink* wink*

Did I walk out the store with them on my feet?

YUP!!!

Outfit Details: Dress ~ DUO (Houston); Fringe Boots ~ Qupid Shoes @RF Lifestyles Boutique; Fringe Bag ~ BCBG; Hair ~ Afro…

#TheHauteReport

#TBT to last last week…

Social Media:

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Cropped Chinos & Loafers

2015-07-22T19:38:00.000-04:00

Summer Workflow Edition…

Business Casual, anyone???

White cotton Blazer, vibrant Orange Cropped Chinos, Picture Me Rollin' graphic muscle tee (gray) and Saddal Tan Alexa Penny Loafers.

Bringing color into the office! HA!

Taking a risk outside of the usual business attire, you know, that ole blue, black, brown and gray. *wink* wink*

A graphic tee may not always fit the bill, depending on your office dress code. But if you can get away with it, go for it!

My manager would have not approved if he saw the writings on my shirt. For him, he would have imagined that I was looking for work elsewhere. LOL! Deuces…

No accessories needed. However, if you must, a simple bracelet would suffice to complete the look…

Outfit Details: Blazer ~ New York & Company; Graphic Tee ~ Forever21; Cropped Chinos ~ Banana Republic; Alexa Loafers ~ Cole Haan; Hair ~ Twist-out…

Cuff the sleeves, roll them up and/or push them up a little further and out the door!

Hope you had a Happy Humpday Hautees!!!

Muah!

Love it or Hate it!

#TheHauteReport

Social Media:

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Yellow Vibes & Denim

2015-07-18T11:29:00.003-04:00

Yellow, Denim and Coral Blues…

Yesterday, was a great day to wear all your trendy, Summer colors.

Yellow vibes has been huge the last couple of Seasons and we're still in love with it!

Wearing a chic sheer maxi yellow tank with side splits.

A trend from last Summer that still looks good with any style you choose.

Mix and match is the name of the game!

Coral pumps added, that I scored from Shop RFLifestyles (local Boutique) which turned out to be perfect for a Chic Street style…

And, for the love of all shades blue! Sky blue, mini croc effect bag to go with the Houston blue skies. *wink*wink*

Wearing all your favorite colors at once, brings life to any style that you love!

Outfit Details: Top ~ Shop RFLifestyles Boutique; Denim ~ Zara; Pumps ~ Liliana (Shop RFLifestyles Boutique); Bag ~ TopShop; Hair ~ Afro Life…

Have fun! Be courageous with your personality through style!

Hate it or Love it!

Happy Saturday Hautees!!!

#TheHauteReport

Social Media:

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle

Yellow & White Days...

2015-06-28T14:40:00.000-04:00

Yellow & White Days

Light colors and Summer heat.

There's something about Yellow that makes me smile.... I'm not sure about wearing yellow from head-to-toe, definitely not canary yellow, unless you're looking to channel Big Bird (LOL!) but mixing one of your favorite yellow pieces with other soft colors is a match made in fashion...

On a casual note, I love pairing a tunic with a cool pair of skinny jeans and sandals. Effortless, chic and haute!

And yes, the "PEACE" necklace I've been wearing for a week now, represents current events. The world needs "PEACE" so I decided to represent that in my everyday ensembles with a smile... *wink*wink*

Outfit Details: Pants ~ SOLD; Top ~ Zara; Sandals ~ Sheikh; Bag ~ TopShop; Accessories ~ Vintage/Thrift

#TheHauteReport

Hate it or Love it?

Wide Leg Denims...

2015-06-25T18:42:00.000-04:00

Wide - legs are back!

Or, maybe they never went anywhere.

Any who, this is how I rock the old school "wide-legs".

Pointy-toe Pumps go hand in hand with any wide-leg pants, as well as wedges.

The height brings out the desired silhouette that we typically look for when wearing such a style.

I like to keep things casually eclectic chic

(if that even makes sense. But, in my case, we'll say it does)

Mix/match until I can't mix and match anymore.

Outfit Details: Wide-leg denim ~ 7 for All Mankind; White Top ~ Target; Jacket ~ Democracy; Pumps ~ BCBG; Bag ~ TopShop;

Accessories ~ Vintage/Thrift; Hair ~ Wild Fro

Wide-leg denim on a Casually Chic vibe

You can hate it or love it...

I love it!

PEACE!!!

#TheHauteReport

Social Media:

@goldanblue or @goldanbluestyle