Latest collection from Pearls specialist Mikimoto launches next month

The new Mikimoto Milano Collection by Giovanna Broggian is designed and produced in Italy using Mikimoto South Sea Cultured Pearls. The exclusive Milano Collection flawlessly combines Italian design with the classic Mikimoto Pearls. Unique arrangements and the patented setting mechanism allow the Pearls to be the focal point of every Milano design. Mikimoto introduces two new styles to the Milano Collection: Sakura and Water Lily. Sakura is a delicate collection that uses cherry blossoms as the lead motif. Rose and white gold cradles large White or Black South Sea Cultured Pearls, Mother of Pearl and pure diamonds in floral compositions as well as bouquets on chain necklaces, earrings and rings. Water Lily exhibits the flower in a combination of gold and diamonds, forming fleshy petals in a distinctive goblet shape that accommodates luminous Pearls. The new range will be available from the Bond Street store and selected stockists from August.

The Top of The Rocky Mountains

These are photos on Trail Ridge Road in the Rocky Mountain National Park taken with my iPhone.  Enjoy!

Aow, wouldn't it be loverly?

Hello everyone! I just had to turn your attention to this Forever 21 tee. What is marvelous about Forever 21 is their totally affordable prices. This racer-back is absolutely splendid and costs less than 15 dollars. When San Diego isn't so sunny (which it has unfortunately been off and on cloudy), slip on this tee and dream of overseas Italy.

Day dreaming and cloud watching,
Bridgétt
TREND Staff Writer

Westfield London welcomes new brands

Westfield London has announced new openings for Summer 2010, from new luxury brands through to more retailers making their UK debut with Westfield, as well as new dining concepts. Recent openings at Westfield include have included TONI&GUY, heritage polo lifestyle brand Polistas, Dior Homme, champagne bar Searcy’s Champagne, Jamie’s Italian restaurant, and Lebanese restaurant Mandaloun. DKNY is set to launch its first ever standalone menswear store this Autumn at Westfield London, housing collections from both DKNY and pure DKNY menswear. New to the UK, lifestyle brand Gilly Hicks, specialising in women's underwear, was created from American company Abercrombie & Fitch and is scheduled to open this Autumn. On 14 August, Miss Sixty will open its first denim boutique. The new store will solely focus on denim; with its own denim bar offering customers an array of fits and washes. Specialist denim advisers will be on hand to give customers advice on the best fits to suit them, a bespoke denim tailoring service will also be on offer. Leading outdoor German brand, Jack Wolfskin, is scheduled to open on 12 August, Jack Wolfskin at Westfield will be its first London store. Womenswear fashion brand, Whistles, will soon be opening its doors in The Village and a new flagship gym, Gymbox will be opening on the second level in The Village. Finally, scheduled to open later this Summer Isola Bella Café will be Westfield London’s first all kosher food offering.

Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award 2011 Announcement

Vauxhall Fashion Scout, London’s largest showcase of innovative fashion designers, has announced Eudon Choi as the Merit Award Winner for Spring/Summer 2011. The widely acclaimed Merit Award is chosen by a panel of industry experts and gives the winner a fully sponsored catwalk show and exhibition space at Vauxhall Fashion Scout during London and Paris Fashion Weeks. Eudon first hit the headlines last season at Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s group show, Ones To Watch. Dover Street Market snapped up his graduate MA collection, and he now counts Lusia Via Roma Italy, Harvey Nichols Hong Kong, Harvey Nichols Dubai, Debut New York and Young British Designers as key stockists. Eudon Choi previously worked as senior designer at Twenty8Twelve before launching his own label in 2009. His win follows in the footsteps of past Merit Award winners Hermione de Paula, William Tempest and David Koma; who is now the proud recipient of this year’s New Gen catwalk show award. The winner of the highly coveted, three-season Merit Award is given the opportunity to showcase their collection at a high profile fully sponsored show during London Fashion Week. The award also offers the winner access to a specialised mentoring programme throughout the year to help them grow and develop a successful, sustainable business.

LAND OF THE LOVING

This abstract painting was done in acrylic on 24 x 30 inches stretched canvas. Sold at PRISARTS STORE.

Retro Swimsuit Challenge

The very talented Lisa Bebi has come up with another great art challenge. For the latest challenge Lisa posted the following on her Facebook page:

"my new challenge will be retro bathing/swimming/water sports beauties."

My answer to the challenge is the mixed media piece pictured above. With a combination of vintage image & paper, decorative paper, Caran d'Ache water-soluble crayon and fluid chalk ink, I give you, 'By the Beautiful Sea.'

© Nancy Lefko