Pink Julep

A Day of Sledging From Preda to Bergun

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

After 3 hard days of ski school, it wasn't a hard choice to take a bit of a break from the slopes (or the baby bumps I should say) and do something a little different, so my husband and I got on a train and headed to Preda, Switzerland where you can rent a sled or 'sledge' as they're called here in Europe and ride all the way down to another village called Bergun, about 4 km away.

We started at the top just near the train tracks and made our way down, through the hills, over bridges and winding around. It was great fun!

One last photo op before take-off!

The views along the route were absolutely gorgeous!

At the bottom of the path, you come into Bergun, a sleepy little village that looks as though it may have been hit hard by the economic crisis since nearly everything was shut down, but it was no less beautiful!

After the first run we stopped for some fondue! It was absolutely delicous!

We managed to get 2 runs in that day and the speed meter on the route clocked us going about 35 miles per hour on our sleds! After we finished our second run, we even got the chance to go snow tubing, which was also lots of fun! If you've never done a toboggan run, I highly recommend it!

Sledging on Muottas Muragl, St. Moritz

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:30:00 +0000

On our first full day in St. Moritz, we went sledging on Muottas Muragl, a very large mountain with a steep 4.2 km path for daredevils like us! The views from the top of the mountain were worth it alone!

The steep path is full of hairpin curves which you can see in the photo above - it's not for the faint of heart!

There's no starting off easy at Muragl - it's all pistons fired from the very beginning, so it's no surprise that most of our group (having never done this before) wiped out before the first turn, including me! But it was great fun, no matter how terrified I was!

The view of the town below was breathtaking - very easy on the eyes!

By the time we reached the end of the trail, I felt I'd finally gotten the hang of steering the sled! It was really fun! I also got a little keepsake to take with me...

This massive bruise on my calf, just behind the knee from my crazy wipeout! But what can I say, it was totally worth it! I actually enjoy sledging a lot more than skiing so far, so I hope to go on more daredevil missions, hurling down mountains on wooden death machines in the snow sometime soon!

Pink Julep Product Review: Clynol Hair Products

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Recently, I've had the pleasure of testing out some products by Clynol and I couldn't be happier! Since I moved to England in 2010, I've been using Kerastase almost exclusively, however I've had some trouble justifying all the hype, not to mention the price tage. While I found it to be good and my hair improved, I wasn't getting the results I wanted. Clynol has greatly improved the state of my hair in only a few weeks!

My hair is looking shiny and healthier than it has in years. People have been complimenting me on it lately like crazy, so needless to say, I'm very pleased with these products. Perhaps it just suits my hair texture better, but if you've never tried these products and you have hair that's damaged, dry, weathered and lifeless, they're definitely worth considering.

The Massive spray is seriously a gift for my hair! I have a lot of hair, but it's fine, so sometimes it tends to be a little limp and lifeless. Just using a little bit of this spray on the roots before styling and breathed new life into my locks! I love using it when I want a little oomph on a night out!

The shampoo is lovely and you only need to use about a pea sized amount. I can't say enough how good it smells!

Following with the repair conditioner, which has a lovely thick consistency and isn't at all greasy or heavy. I have been using these two products together most of the time, washing my hair only 2 or 3 times per week.

About once a week, I've been using the Repair Rescue therapy after shampoo & conditioner and it's worked wonders as well! To be honest, I'd use it more often, but I'm a little lazy and usually stressed for time in the mornings. Unlike some hair masks, this one doesn't leave my hair heavy, greasy or limp. I've been enjoying the benefits of silky, managable and voluminous hair for the first time in a while!

Have you ever used Clynol products? If so, I'd love to hear what you think of them!

Sils Maria: A Lovely Little Village in the Alps

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:11:00 +0000

During my holiday in Engadine we stayed in a beautifully scenic village just down the road from St. Moritz called Sils Maria. It's truly a magical place with gorgeous scenery and wonderful people! There were so many pretty things to photograph, including the above colored eggs, which seem to be sold in every grocery store in Switzerland, even when it isn't Easter!

The chocolate in Switzerland is divine... I should know, since I ate plenty!

Located in the center of Sils Maria is Grond Cafe, a lovely local spot for coffee, chocolates, lunch and confections of all sorts! The mulled wine is delicious too!

We visited Grond a few times to warm up with lattes and sweeten up with chocolates and cookies!

Outside Grond is this fabulous sculpture of a goat carved from a tree trunk! Love it!

Though Sils Maria is a bit quiet, there is an ice rink where you can take lessons from a former figure skating champion named Lilian Debecker or just rent skates. We did this, but without regular grooming of the ice and no rails to hold onto around the rink, I'm afraid we didn't skate for long...

We did take some time to watch Lilian giving a lesson though. It was fun to see the girls attempting tricks I'd only ever seen people do on television.

Sils Maria is a lovely place if you're looking for a quiet getaway! Where do you like to visit for a peaceful week away?

The Hotel Post in Sils Maria, Switzerland

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0000

On our trip to the Engadine Valley, our home away from home was this lovely place, the Hotel Post in Sils Maria, a lovely village just a few minutes down the road from St. Moritz.

Family owned and operated, the Hotel Post offers outstanding, friendly service, gorgeous rooms that are incredibly comfortable and all the amenities you need, including ski & equipment storage! We loved our time in the Post and I hope some day we'll be able to go back and stay in our same room which was so lovely, spacious and had heated floors in the massive bathroom! As far as my experience goes with European hotels, this is the best one I've ever stayed in!

Breakfast in included in your stay and though a selection of cereals, fruits, meats, cheese & breads are available, I was so lame and had this fantastic breakfast every morning: Pan au Chocolat and Croissants with Nutella, orange juice and coffee... I could really do with expanding my horizons a bit in the food department! None-the-less, the food was delicious!

Our room had stunning views and the balcony was a treat, when it wasn't too cold to stand out there!

From the front of the hotel, the view of the mountains is breathtaking!

Inside, the hotel is adorably decorated with lots of fun, wintery decorations as well as art and traditional Swiss style decor as well.

If you fancy a trip to Engadine, I can highly recommend the Hotel Post in Sils Maria! With everything you need from sauna & steam rooms to a restaurant and bar, it really is a fabulous place to stay!

White Turf Horse Race, Since 1907 - Only in St. Moritz

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 18:04:00 +0000

While I was in St. Moritz on holiday, I literally JUMPED at the chance to attend White Turf, the celebrated annual horse racing event. Since 1907, the elite of Engadine have joined tourists on a frozen lake in the middle of the valley to watch various types of horse racing events and enjoy all that goes along with such a fabulous sporting event!

Even though it was freezing cold, there were tents, bathrooms, shopping areas, heaters and plenty of mulled wine to keep us warm, happy and thoroughly entertained!

The races happen about every 1/2 hour and there are all types throughout the day...

Between races we enjoyed socializing, drinks and nibbles...

Not to mention people watching and checking out the amazing fashions!

This lady's hat was only one of the many extraordinary hats we saw at the races! Covered with feathers, her red hat took the prize as far as I'm concerned!

Occasionally throughout the day I took the opportunity to look up and enjoy the amazing views of the mountains on a beautiful, clear, sunny day!

Being from Kentucky, I think I was born a horse lover and though I've never had the chance to go to the Derby, this was probably just as good, if not better in terms of atmosphere!

My favourite were the guys who raced being pulled behind the horses on skis! They must have no fear!!!

The champagne wasn't bad either...

Another fabulous hat - this one has a tail!

Before we left, we indulged in a bit of Bratwurst for lunch - it was as you can imagine, DELICIOUS!!!

It was a fantastic day at the races and I'd love to go again sometime! Are you a horse fan or have you been to any fun horse racing events? I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Maxi Dresses & Coloured Tights

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Gap Black Maxi Dress, Missoni Scarf, Black Suede Wedge Boots & Silver Earrings

I found this fabulous black maxi dress at The Gap of all places for my trip to Switzerland and I love it! It's such a versatile piece and I'm really excited about all the different ways I can wear it! On it's own, it can be casual with a scarf or a bit dressier with some statement jewelry. Because of it's light-weight, fitted structure, I can layer it under sweaters or cardigans or waistcoats. Love this new addition to my wardrobe!

Grey H&M Tee, Uniqlo Denim Mini Skirt, Purple Tighs, Grey Gap Knee Socks and Black Suede Wedge Boots

In addition to my knee socks obsession of late, I'm also loving coloured tights and judging by what we've been seeing at Fashion Week this month, coloured tights are here to stay! I like to take it one step further and colour block with my tights, knee socks and boots!

St. Moritz: A Posh Playground on Top of the World

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Via

I was lucky enough to spend a week in St. Moritz , the home of the first ski school in Switzerland, on a skiing holiday with some friends & family recently and it was an amazing holiday destination! Having long been known as a winter wonderland playground for the rich & famous, I was not at all disappointed in the fabulosity of it all!

Via

Located in the Engadine Valley, St. Moritz itself is absolutely gorgeous and very posh, it's streets lined with fancy hotels and shops such as Jimmy Choo, Emilio Pucci and of course, Chanel. The rest of the Engadine Valley is just as lovely and more down-to-earth, with sleepy villages where St. Moritz skiiers may choose to stay for a more relaxed, Swiss holiday experience.

St. Moritz is a small little town, but 'the Valley' as it's called by seasoned travellers, is quite extensive offering many places to ski, eat, stay and play.

It's super easy to get around by train as my husband and I found when we took advantage of the opportunity to explore other parts of 'the Valley.'

In the middle of St. Moritz is Schulhausplatz, or Schoolhouse Place - a lovely square where many choose to meet up for a day of skiing, shopping or a trip to one of the many spas available in the area.

Hanselmann is a must-see in St. Moritz if you ever find yourself in the area! Famous for their chocolate and confections, many people flock to this well-known eatery for lunch or a little apres ski coffee & cake! We visited many times and I must say, the champagne truffles are AMAZING!

Though the atmosphere in Hanselmann is quite nice, it's not unusual to see holiday makers wondering in with their full ski attire...

Of course with any new sport, education is key... We decided it would be best to enroll in 3 days of instruction at the St. Moritz Ski School. It was totally worth it as I feel that some day, my husband and I might actually become decent skiiers! We had a great time at the ski school and it's definitely true what they say about ski instructors! I've never seen so many gorgeous Italian men in my life!

Stay tuned for more photos and reviews from our holiday in 'the valley.' And if you're a skiier, where do you love to ski? I think we'll be looking for more great places to visit in the years ahead!

What I've Been Wearing

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sat, 18 Feb 2012 17:13:00 +0000

Esprit Olive Dress, Gap Black Cardigan, Brora Black Cashmere Tights, Aerosoles Black Suede Wedge Boots

I haven't been doing many outfit posts recently for several reasons - 1. I've been a bit uncreative with my outfits (must step it up a notch!) and 2. I've been too lazy to snap a quick photo - but I'm back to it now and while I won't be posting every look on this blog, you can see what I'm wearing daily on WIWT.com!

Gap Ikat Chevron Tee, Antoni & Alison Vintage Cardigan, Uniqlo Denim Mini, Ribbed Black TIghts, H&M Cream Knee Socks, Gabor Brown Riding Boots

My latest obsession is knee socks! I love wearing them below or over-the-knee in different colours over tights or leggings with boots! Not only functional, these socks also provide additional warmth during the freakishly cold weather I've been enduring recently!

What accessories have you been obsessing over lately?

Who to Follow During London Fashion Week: The Best British Fashion Brands in Social Media

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:33:00 +0000

Created by Tamar.com

When my company decided to create this fabulous Fashion & Social Media infographic to celebrate Social Media Week & London Fashion Week, I just knew I'd have to share it! If you love British Fashion and sit anxiously by your smartphone awaiting every fashion Tweet & Facebook post from the catwalk, then let this be your guide for who to follow! London Fashion Week starts on Friday and I for one will be following each and every one of these brands!

Which of the brands above are your favourites?

To read more about the creation of the infographic, please visit the Tamar blog!

A Few Photos From My Travels Through Switerland

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:43:00 +0000

My husband and I have just returned from a whirlwind trip to Switzerland where we stayed in the Engadine Valley for a week, most famous for St. Moritz, one of the most glamorous ski resorts in the world.

I was excited to see that England isn't the only place excited about the upcoming Olympics - there were plenty of signs and things in the Zurich Airport!

I always try McDonald's when I visit foreign countries because it's different everywhere you go. The McDonald's in the Zurich airport even serves shrimp! (gross)

Travelling light for a ski holiday just isn't an option! I was happy that at least my carry-on luggage was chic... Longchamp is my favourite for travel and I plan on upgrading my entire luggage suite soon!

Hubby was a good sport pushing all our luggage around...

Once we left the Zurich airport, we boarded a train (and a few connecting trains) to St. Moritz. The views along the journey were breathtaking!

The trip included parts of the Rhaetian Railway, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites and the scenery was beautiful!

We had the most wonderful time and I'll be posting more about what we did, ate and saw later this week so watch this space!

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:09:00 +0000

A few lovely views to share from my holiday in St. Moritz! More updates to come from the fabulous spot where Britons created the ski holiday...

xoxo,
Pink Julep

Sundance Essentials

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 22:39:00 +0000

With my ski trip just around the corner, I'm delighted to be able to take some style inspiration from the starlets at the Sundance Film Festival. Here are a few cues I'll be taking from the most fashionable winter film event of the year!

1. Taylor Swift shows how fashionable a hat can be, while keeping your head warm at the same time. Cute hats are definitely necessary for any winter wardrobe!

2. Emma Roberts keeps her bundled up look cool with a pop of color peeping out of her warm winter essentials!

3. Elizabeth Olson peps up a chic all black winter ensemble with an amazing scarf! If you only have one coat, it's easy to rock it with several different hats and scarves!

4. Kirsten Dunst looks fabulous in fur! A bit of fur around the collar is always chic in winter and these days there are plenty of faux options if you're opposed to the real thing so there's no stopping you!

What are your winter essentials?

Doing the Tangerine Tango!

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:24:00 +0000

Orange is a huge color for 2012, ever since Pantone released the color of the year, Tangerine Tango! This trend was proven when 2 fabulous Versace orange frocks graced the runway today in the first Haute Couture show in Paris! Being a University of Miami alumn, I am of course a big fan of orange! It's so bright and festive, not to mention that there are hues for every season! Here are a few of my favorite orange things that are now available!

1. Tory Burch Saffiano Passport Holder 2. Calvin Klein Collection Dress

3. Jasper Conran Wedgwood Kilim Plate 4. Versace Spring 2012 Haute Couture Dress

5. Pantone Tangerine Tango Swatch 6. Kendra Scott Danielle Earrings in Carnelian

7. Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Ginger Fire 8. Rachael Ruddick Ostridge Wide Cuff

9. Topshop Angora Cable Snood 10. Jonathan Adler X-bench in Vice Tangerine

What orange things are you loving right now?

Absolutely Fabulous: An Amy Grimehouse Night Out in Shoreditch

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 07:30:00 +0000

A good friend invited me and another gal pal to tag along to an Amy Grimehouse AbFab party and it was one of the funnest things I've done in a long time. This is my friend Pauper Princess dressed as Titicaca and me dressed as Patsy, of course...

We met our friend, the author of Shopped and Dropped. Isn't she the perfect Eddie?

The party was done really well with buttons, posters and craft stations! We had cocktails and watched episodes of Absolutely Fabulous, chuckling the night away! Was the best girl's night out ever!!!

And then our own little Titicaca won the costume contest, so our night was complete! A bottle of Bolly to take home and some great giggles as well!

If you live in London and enjoy a bit of silliness, I recommend the Amy Grimehouse Parties! Click here for the website or here to follow on Facebook! Next up is a Fiddler on the Roof sing-a-long on February 9th!

Pink Julep Picks: What to Wear on an Alpine Ski Holiday

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 19:40:00 +0000

Source

My husband and I are going skiing later this year in Switzerland with some family & friends and I couldn't be more excited! I mean, who wouldn't love a holiday that automatically requires a new outfit? I have always wanted to go apres skiing, ahem, I mean skiing, so I'm having a blast planning my wardrobe (I mean our trip)!

Having never been on the slopes before, I needed a bit of inspiration for how to dress... I've decided there's no finer example than the Duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate Middleton. It is a well-known fact that the royals spend every Easter holiday at Kloster in Switzerland on the slopes, so she seems to be a good one to take cues from.

ON THE SLOPES...

The ski jacket is very important for warmth and function... For me, it's very important that it be cute, not too puffy and have fur around the hood! I chose the Baker Jacket Deluxe by The North Face.

While I understand that trousers should be comfortable and have plenty of movement, it's imperative that they make my bum look cute and not make me resemble Stay Puff the Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters. Hence my choice, the Go Go Pants from The North Face.

Ski boots are a tricky one... they have to actually be perfect for your feet and all that jazz. However, I found it helpful to tell the assistant right away that it was important to me that they look cute with my outfit. Surprisingly enough, he took that into consideration and repeatedly asked if his choices were cute enough. Well done! I ended up with the Head Adapt Edge 90 One boots with inserts and liners fitted to the shape of my foot at Ellis Brigham. If you are planning to invest in ski boots, I highly recommend visiting Ellis Brigham for the customization alone.

Fleeces are for warmth... and also for looking cute when you take off your jacket in the apres ski hot spots! Obviously I bought this North Face fleece because it's pink... nuff said.

Having a few fleeces can't hurt... This reversible one from Uniqlo is currently on sale and I absolutely love it! It's about as flattering as a fluffy fleece can be!

Thermal base layers are also required... At this stage, if you've never been skiing before, you're probably thinking about how insane this amount of clothing is! I know I was! When looking into thermals I decided to skip the expensive branded sports versions from the ski shops and go to my trusty Uniqlo HEATTECH tops and leggings!

What's great about these pieces is that they're not only warm, but they're cute, so you can wear them with normal clothes too!

Who knew you had to have special ski socks? Apparently they're important for keeping your feet dry. These adorable socks (which are also available for men in more manly colors) by Smartwool were recommended to us. Apparently they keep snow moisture from coming in in while pushing the sweat out. Genius!

Head gear is very important as demonstrated above by Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge. She is obviously a fan of Bolle goggles, so I tried them out as well...

Goggles are important for protecting your eyes and like boots, unfortunately you have to get the ones that fit your face appropriately, cute or not. I opted for the Bolle Nebula goggles in black.

Gloves are also important. I didn't receive any advice on ski gloves, but as I was trying them on in the shop I realized very quickly that it would be important to find a pair that I could move my fingers in so I could hold those pole thingies I'll have to use when skiing. These Barts gloves are quilted like a Chanel bag and lined in fur... ADORABLE! I got them in black!

APRES SKI...

I get the impression that off the slopes, one dresses very chic, but casual with a dash (or a lot) of glamour, but a few things are definitely necessary so here's my list, starting with boots. While Moon Boots are ever so popular in Swiss ski villages, I'm not particularly bothered by them. I think a trusty pair of Uggs Classic Shorts will do the trick!

To keep it cute, I'm going to throw my trusty Uggs Classic Cardi boots in my suitcase as well!

A waterproof bag is always good, especially if you're toting around your iPad or phone. I love my Longchamp Le Pliage shopper, which also makes a great carry-on bag for the flight!

A cashmere scarf is perfect for keeping warm in the cold!

While you'll need a beanie for the slopes and casual days around the village, a fabulous Blair Waldorf inspired topper is great to have for nights out to dinner or something equally glam!

I picked up a couple of black dresses which are always great for travelling! This maxi is from Gap and can be worn with boots if it's snowing! I love a dress like this because I can either dress it up with some statement jewelry or accessorize it with a cute scarf by Missoni to add a pop of color!

I'm as shocked as can be that I found not one, but two cute dresses at the Gap! I never buy dresses there, but this Ponte Swing Dress is so cute and it's architectural shape reminds me of a Victoria Beckham dress! I plan to wear this with patterned tights and fur trimmed heeled booties! Whether going to a restaurant, a fun club or a fancy hot spot, these dresses will totally work for apres ski!

On days that we don't ski, I think it's important to show that one has a bit of style while staying comfy and warm at the same time! I'll mostly rely on great jeans, chunky sweaters and adorable boots to pull this off, but a cute skirt can also do the trick! This skirt from Phase Eight reminds me of Missoni and is a fun choice for wandering through the Swiss Alps for a bit of hot chocolate, fondue and shopping! Love it and it's currently on sale!

Well, that's my ski holiday wear! What do you wear when you go skiing? If you have any tips for me, I'd love to hear them so please leave me a comment! xo

Pink Julep Picks: Golden Globes Red Carpet Trends You Can Wear in Real Life!

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:12:00 +0000

I just love the red carpet and one thing I love is trying to find trends and looks that I can translate into my not-so-red-carpet lifestyle. Here are a few trends from the Golden Globes red carpet that you actually can wear day-to-day with of course a little commentary from yours truly about the looks... I have to put my 2 cents in somewhere!

It's a Cinch!

Belts were all over the red carpet at the globes! Emma Stone looked lovely in her belted Lanvin goddess gown!

Kate Winslet chose a two-toned Jenny Packham dress that nipped in her waist and accentuated her feminine curves to the max! This isn't at all my favorite gown, but it looks lovely on Kate... However she played it safe and looked a little boring.

Laura Dern's sparkling green Andrew Gn belted gown is like a blast from the past - kind of like her. Glad to see them both back and well on the Hollywood scene!

Sarah Hyland uses the old contrast belt trick wearing a vintage Dolce & Gabanna frock.

You can rock the belted look yourself! Take a favorite belt and cinch the waist of a dress, ether casual or formal! It's a great way to add that extra splash of style!

Back in Black!

Who said black dresses have to be little? I personally love an all black or mostly black evening gown - it's super glamorous! Claire Danes looked sleek and chic in her black & white J. Mendel gown.

Debra Messing stole the show in Monique Lhuillier! STUNNING!

Rooney Mara is the new it girl, so it's only fitting she would prance down the red carpet in a stunning Nina Ricci gown! The dress is beautiful, but Rooney looked a bit too severe and strongly resembled Wednesday Adams with the sleek black hair and pale skin.

Zoey Deschanel was flawless in Prada!

Black never goes out of style! For extra glamour in your every day life, add a structured dress to your wardrobe that is all black or only has a pop of color. Style it by wearing dramatic accessories, fabulous heels and sexy hair!

A Mad Case of the Blues...

Blue was a trendy color on the red carpet and Bernice Bejo nailed this trend in a sapphire blue Gucci frock fit for a winner!

Sarah Michelle Gellar followed suit in a dramatic way in blue tie-dyed Monique Lhuillier! I love this gown! So fun and fabulous... She killed it!

Tilda Swinton has a cooky style - no question about it, but I think this powder blue Haider Ackerman suit gown is one of her best looks ever! It suits her style while looking red carpet ready at the same time!

Get this look by investing is a great blue piece that you can wear now and in the Spring like a great cardigan or a sheath dress in a color of blue that suits you.

It's All About the Accessories!

Some looks are saved or made by bold accessories! We all remember when Eva Mendez wore that gorgeous white gown with turquoise Van Cleef jewelry and stole the show on the red carpet. Well, Heidi Klum's Calvin Klein Collection gown is the perfect blank canvas for her fabulous turquoise jewelry! She looked fabulous!

Julianne Moore's Chanel Haute Couture gown is even better with statement earrings, don't you think?

If anything, this trend should tell you that you're going to get a lot more wear out of your Kendra Scott earrings and if you don't have a pair of flashy turquoise earrings or a statement necklace, now is a good time to start shopping! Get the look by wearing monotones or outfits made up of complimentary neutrals and accessorizing with one piece of statement jewelry like big earrings, a cocktail ring or a statement necklace. This look works really well with turquoise and a white, fuschia or black dress! Keep the style plain so you don't have too much going on at once.

Headbands!

Charlize Theron has been topping best dressed lists all over in Dior Couture, but the headband is what stole the show!

Michelle Williams topped off her trendy Jason Wu dress with a headband as well and looked like a perfect gamine!

Headbands are a dime a dozen - this trend is so easy to wear. If you want to dress up a headband for a night out, try pinning a brooch on it!

Nude Attitude

Elle Macpherson shows that wearing nude doesn't have to be boring in Zac Posen.

And Kate Beckinsale looks flawless and glam as always in a gorgeous nude Roberto Cavalli gown. Love!

Nude is tricky, but if you want to wear it, try a dress in a flattering color that isn't too short (you don't want to look naked - or do you?). Accessorizing a nude look with gold or diamonds can be very chic, but for a bolder look, choose accessories in a bold contrasting color like red, black or turquoise.

Red Alert!

Red has been a hot color for a while and it's still trending like crazy! Reese shows that glamorous red doesn't have to be too fussy in a gown by Zac Posen.

Stacy Kiebler looks very put together in red Valentino.

Not sure if red is your color, but want to wear the trend? Try red lipstick! Otherwise, take the plunge and invest in a little red dress... You'll get your money's worth!

Texture, Texture, Texture!

I love texture on a garment! It's so fabulous and can look really interesting! Feathers added interest to this already stunning Gucci Premiere gown on Evan Rachel Wood.

Jessica Alba's Gucci gown shows that texture can be really girly.

Keep it classy with lace like Jessica Biel in Elie Saab Haute Couture.

Texture can be as simple as a bit of ruching on a bright dress like Paula Patton's Monique Lhuillier frock.

Or it can add drama in all the right places! Sophia Vergara's dress has texture in all the right places so that her figure looks it's best in her Vera Wang gown. She is by far my choice for Best Dressed at the Golden Globes!

To get the look, find pieces with a bit of added flair such as rosettes, feathers or embroidery. Lace is great as well! I tend to find lots of great pieces with texture at Anthropologie. Make sure you don't wear too much embellishment on parts of your body you're concerned about. For example, if you're chesty, you might not want to wear a lot of texture on your chest... it will only make your boobs look bigger, but if you're flat chested, a few ruffles around the chest is just the ticket for an optical illusion!

Who was your pick for best dressed at the Golden Globes?

Photos Source

A Little Something for the Fellas...

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

A really great site called Tietry has been brought to my attention and it's really clever! It's basically like Netflix or Rent the Runway for men's neck ties! Featuring a wide selections of ties and brands you all love like Brooks Brother and Vineyard Vines, it offers men the opportunity to update their wardrobes regularly without breaking the bank!

If your fella likes to mix it up every now and then, introduce him to Tietry!

Pink Julep Picks: The Worst & Best Dressed at the 2012 People's Choice Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:30:00 +0000

No introduction necessary... Let's just get to it, shall we? Starting with my picks for Worst Dressed at the People's Choice Awards! It may be controversial, but I think Chloe Moretz is adorable, however this ensemble is ALL WRONG! First of all, those shoes are not working for me at all. Her hair and make-up is not cute - she looks like a tired university student and the dress... This is a really cute dress by Proenza Schouler, but it just doesn't look good on the favorite under 25 star. It looks like she's been swallowed by a green tweed monster. No go for me.

At first glance, Faith Hill looks lovely in this red silk Bill Blass frock, but when I took a closer look, all I could think is how much more I'd expect of Faith Hill. Her hair looks dirty and messy, the shoes look like they don't fit and I'm not sure this dress has enough va va voom for the red carpet. FAIL.

Jennifer Goodwin has been appearing on all kinds of best dressed lists, but I'm not buying it. I love the colour and the idea of this Roksanda Illincic dress is great, but to me she looks like 1972 Priscilla Presley and Daisy from The Great Gatsby had a baby and it wore Beyonce's shoes... When one wears a statement dress, consistency in the styling is ever so refreshing. Nice try though! I love Jennifer Goodwin and admire her for taking the chance... At least it's not boring!

Lucy Hale from Pretty Little Liars is the cutest little thing ever, but her cuteness has been completely consumed by this overpowering Cengiz Abasoglu dress. A frock like this would look amazing on a 6 foot tall model, but is swallowing Lucy whol and what's with her shoes? It looks like her feet were eaten by Lady Gaga's boots...

And here's Vanessa Hudgens in another pair of girl-eating stilts... Not a fan. And though I think she looks pretty amazing, this dress just reminds me of Morticia Adams and her hair looks awful.

But enough moaning... There were plenty of really amazing looks on the red carpet too so here are my picks for best dressed at the People's Choice Awards!

A big trend on the red carpet was the leather & lace look and Ashley Greene killed it! She looks hot, but also ladylike and sophisticated! This DKNY frock is edgy and risky, but it totally works and I love it!

Well hello there Elisha Cuthbert! Where have you been hiding? Wearing a fabulous Vawk's dress, the starlet evoked modern boho beauty mixed with old Hollywood glamour and she's never looked better!

Emma Stone never ceases to amaze me with her fabulous fashion sense and wearing a Gucci pant suit on the red carpet while risky, was completely amazing! She looks great, relaxed and glamorous! Also, notice the shoes... Faboosh!

Mad props to my fellow Kentuckian Jennifer Lawrence who killed it a bold, blue Viktor & Rolf dress. She looked perfect!

Caley Cuoco 's hair and make-up remind me a bit too much of my high school prom, but I just can't ignore her beautiful blush colored dress. So pretty!

Kristen Bell rarely disappoints me on the red carpet and she dazzled in red Valentino with gold toe pumps! Again, we're seeing leather and lace and this trend is fabulously luxe! Love it!

Lea Michelle chose a 20's inspired Marchesa dress and looked absolutely gorgeous! I love everything from the hair to the shoes.

And my pick for the best dressed is.... (drum roll please!)

MILEY CYRUS! She stole the show in her plunging gown with reflective panels and sheer insets, but the icing on top of the pretty, polished cake are the beautiful hot pink pumps she wore! Miley looked pretty, modern, sophisticated and sexy in a ladylike way. This is a total WIN!

Who was your favorite on the People's Choice Awards red carpet?

Photo Source

Around the Neighborhood - A Tour of Putney

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:37:00 +0000

Pink Julep Abroad reader M left the following comment:

Hey there! I've been reading your blog for a while now! V&A is my favorite museum in London as well! I understand you are based in Putney? We just moved here as well, looking forward to exploring the area. If you have any helpful tips and recommendations about Putney, and could do a post about it, that would be fantastic! Thanks!

Ask and you shall receive! I've been living in Putney for a year now and I have to say, it's the best neighborhood I've lived in so far! There's always something going on, there are plenty of things to do, places to hang out and restaurants to tempt your appetite! The above photo was taken from my living room window during the test ride of the Olympics bike course, which is something I'm very excited about this year! An Olympic event will pass my flat - how cool is that?

EAT...

If you find yourself hungry in Putney, there is no shortage of restaurants and though they're dotted all over the neighborhood, you need not ever leave the high street! There are the common favourites: Nando's, Wagamama, Pizza Express and the like, among fast food chains like Dominos, McDonald's and Subway. Pub grub is quite good in Putney, but my favourite restaurant in Putney is Preto Churrascaria. For those of you who aren't familiar with this style of restaurant, it's Brazilian and a really fun experience. Basically, you're given a card that is green on one side and red on the other. Green is for go and red is for stop. Waiters circulate the room with a selection of grilled meats, vegetables and garlic bread and when you're ready for another bite, you put the green side of your card facing up - when you're full or have enough, the red side goes up. It's fun and the food at Preto is AMAZING! However, I wouldn't recommend this style of eatery for vegetarians.

via

Another favorite is Il Mascalzone, a lovely Italian spot that serves amazing food at very reasonable prices and is decorated adorably! They even have a Vespa on the wall and most of the staff is Italian. I recommend the pizza or any of the pasta dishes and the garlic bread is divine!

HANG OUT...

There are loads of great pubs in Putney and I'm still finding new ones all the time! One of my favourite pubs, especially during the summer is The Jolly Gardeners on Lacy Road. The food is great, the wine list is better and the beer is cold! The Jolly as we fondly refer to it, offers loads of outdoor seating as well as a cozy interior and there are often events featuring live music! My favorite thing about The Jolly is that on Sundays for a mere couple of pounds, you can buy a kit to make your own sock monkey. Head down to The Jolly on Sunday for a few slow pints and bring home an arts-n-crafts project of your own making - fab & fun!

If you love live music, you simply must visit The Half Moon Putney, a legendary old spot that has hosted musical acts such as The Rolling Stones, The Who and U2 to name a few! Tickets are usually very reasonably priced and the drinks are fairly cheap! If you're a Twihard, check the schedule regularly as Lizzie Pattinson has been known to perform at The Half Moon and rumor has it that her brother Robert has been in the audience with K-Stew. It totally makes sense since they grew up in neighboring Barnes.

My favorite pub in Putney is The Spotted Horse on the high street. It's a fun, buzzing spot with a great crowd most of the time and the staff are lovely!

Recently redecorated, the SpoHo is now an elegant pub that is suitable for anyone!

DO...

My favorite event in Putney is the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race which happens every year in the early spring. People from far and wide flock to Putney to see the rival universities duke it out on the River Thames! Past rowers have included several Olympic medalists, Lord Snowdon and Dr. House himself, Hugh Laurie. On race day, Putney becomes a buzzing, crowded, exciting place with loads of atmosphere and the people watching is amazing!

This year the race is on April 7th at 2:15pm so don't miss it if you're in the area!

If culture is your thing, there's no shortage of it in the area! If you're a performer, enjoy volunteering or would like to try your hand at building sets or sewing costumes, then why not join the Putney Arts Theatre? If getting involved isn't your thing, but you like a bit of culture occasionally, then tickets are available for their shows, which run regularly throughout the year.

There is plenty of shopping in the area including several wonderful shops on the high street as well as The Exchange, a fabulous shopping center also located on the high street! If working out is part of your 2012 resolutions, then the Putney Leisure Centre on Upper Richmond Road is definitely worth checking out.

One last thing to look forward to is the Queen's Jubilee floatilla, which will sail through Putney this summer, so definitely don't miss that if you're an avid royalist!

If you live in London or are planning a visit, definitely put Putney on your radar! It's a lovely little area that combines the best of London life with a neighborhood feel and plenty of green spaces!

As always, if any of you have a question or a suggestion for a blog post, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me at ashley@pinkjulepabroad.com!

London Sightseeing & Museums

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0000

With my mom here in London, we've been enjoying some of the sights! She's pretty flexible in terms of what we do, so we've been taking her mostly to things we've not yet done, such as the British Museum (pictured above). The Ancient Egyptian mummies are pretty cool, but all in all, it's definitely not my cup of tea... The British Museum is perfect for those who love ancient relics and history.

We also visited Dickens House, the former home of Charles Dickens. With the holidays just passed, they had a Christmas With Dickens exhibit going and it was lovely!

The Dickens Museum is just a small place comprised of four small floors containing a few artifacts and pictures on the wall, but it's really charming and fun!

I would highly recommend the Dickens Museum to anyone who loves reading, pop culture or is already exploring the Bloomsbury area of London, famous for The Bloomsbury Group of writers.

Since we were in the area, we walked through Russell Square and had a look inside the Hotel Russell, designed by Charles Fitzroy Doll who is famous for designing the dining room on the Titanic.

My mom's only request was to see the Crown Jewels, so it was off to the Tower of London with us for the 5th time, but we had a blast! They change the exhibits a bit fairly regularly, so we always enjoy it when we go.

We also visited the Victoria & Albert Museum, which so far seems to be my favorite museum in London. I'm looking forward to when they open the fashion rooms again as I still haven't seen them yet. We enjoyed it and my favorite thing we saw were the Armadillo Shoes by Alexander McQueen. They are amazing! I'm dying to try a pair on!!! I would definitely recommend the V&A to anyone who lives in London or is visiting - it's definitely got something for everyone.

What's your favorite tourist sight in London?

Christmas Re-cap as 2012 Approaches!

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:30:00 +0000

We have had a lovely Christmas! Hubby and I celebrated alone on Christmas Day and then my mother joined us the day after. We've been having a lovely time this holiday season!

I'll be sad to take down the tree and the holiday decorations... It makes me sad every year.

I'll also be missing the foods of the season... I've really been pigging out on pie, sausage rolls and lovely breakfasts every day, not to mention the turkey & ham! YUM!!! But with a New Year will come some resolutions to be healthier and more fit of course... I've failed at this every year, but 2012 feels lucky!

We had a lovely time opening presents and I've been enjoying everything I got!

So for New Year's Eve with my mom still here, we'll probably keep it pretty low-key. I think I'll cook some dinner and we'll watch movies. If the weather is good, we might venture into Fulham to watch fireworks! What are your plans for New Year's Eve?

I wish you all a safe and Happy New Year! May 2012 be the best year yet for all of us!

A Tour of Putney Exchange Shopping Centre & My New Favorite Skincare Products

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:34:00 +0000

I have been shopping at The Exchange fairly regularly since I moved to Putney a year ago. Since we moved here, the center has gotten several new shops that have my interest so I jumped at the opportunity to take a tour of the shopping center and see what some of these shops have to offer. We started with a quick drink at Fego, a lovely cafe inside The Exchange.

We next headed over to Neuhaus, a fine chocolate shop. Unfortunately it was closed, so we didn't get to indulge in what I hear is the best hot chocolate around (I'll be trying that later!), however they did provide me with a sampler box of chocolates and I can truly say, they were divine! They lasted about 5 minutes in my flat between my husband and I... I'll definitely be going back!

After taking a tour through The Exchange, we ended at Melvita, which was my favorite part of the tour! Melvita is the #1 organic skincare range in France and I can see why!

A consultant did a facial - a sort of skin mapping procedure, checking the health and status of my skin before selecting a range of products that would be most beneficial for my skin and it's specific nuances. I have to say, the products felt and smelled lovely and my skin was glowing and radiant afterwards. I'll definitely be trying out these products in the future!

I was in need of a hand cream, so after trying this lovely option, I had to buy it! It's too good and I've been loving it all week!

I also walked away with these lovely products which I've been using and I just love them! The consultant told me that Melvita uses the two things your skin contains for health: water and oil! I love the idea of organic products and have been trying to use mostly natural things for a while.

I really enjoyed my tour of the Putney Exchange and it's definitely opened my eyes to some stores there I'd never noticed. Have any of you ever been? What did you think?

Merry Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:25:00 +0000

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! We are all set and excited to open our presents in the morning!

I am most excited to be collecting my mom from the airport on Monday morning. It will be 1 1/2 years to the day since the last time I saw her and her visit is the best Christmas present ever! I am planning to stuff her with a Christmas feast and shower her in presents before being her tour guide on a big London adventure!!!

From our house to yours, Merry Christmas! What are your plans for the holidays?

Winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Pink Julep Abroad) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 07:21:00 +0000

And the winner of the Shabby Apple necklace giveaway is....

Sarah from Flourish Design & Style!!! Sarah, I'll be in touch to get your details so we can get your necklace out to you soon!

I just want to thank everyone who entered! Don't forget, even if you didn't win, you can still save 10% when you use the code "pinkjulep10off" online at Shabby Apple!

Only 5 sleeps till Christmas!!! Who's excited? I know I am!