Experience: Fall Enrichment Forum with Designer Trina Turk

Today I had the opportunity to attend an exclusive Trina Turk Trunk Show at Duke Mansion. The trunk show was the start of a long, fashionable day for Ms. Turk who is in town for the Fall EnrichMINT Forum: A Passion For Fashion event hosted by The Auxiliary of the Mint Museum. The trunk show is a sneak peak at what you can expect during the forum, which includes a fashion show and live auction. Tickets are still available and can be found here.

The trunk show included an appearance by Trina Turk herself (see her in my last picture she shines in her pink blazer) as well as beautiful items from her women, men and residential lines. Here are a few items from the trunk show that would make great gifts:



Throw pillows are the perfect way to brighten your home and screams housewarming gift



Pair these eye catching ice buckets with a cocktail book for any hostess with the mostess gift

Bold and bright jewelry would be a great addition to anyone's jewelry box



And of course, clothes for any fashionista including swimsuits, menswear and of course women's apparel



Gift Tip #103: A Belle in Brooklyn

It's been awhile since my last page turner so I had to share this book by entitled A Belle in Brooklyn by Demetria Lucas, The Go-To Girl for Advice on Living Your Best Single Life. Lucas, a former Essence magazine relationships editor, blogger and now author shares her experiences in the dating world in a fun and inspiring way. The chapter titles (i.e.The Atlanta Fiasco, Henny.Mixed., Growing Pains: I Got Issues) draw you in and you begin to think of your own love/lust experiences. Not to mention that at some point while reading, you start to think of Demetria as your homegirl--honestly, her writing style makes you feel like you are sitting on the edge of her bed as she shares with you her tales of her "exciting life".While reading the book, there were moments where my jaw literally dropped, where I laughed out loud and clutched my heart with slight concern. To me, that's a good read!

This book would be a great gift for a bosom buddy, any single lady who wants a quick read and the ultimate book lover (maybe the next book club read?). Also, A Belle in Brooklyn just came out in paperback, pick one up just in time for beach reading.

source: abelleinbrooklyn.com

HoneeBee Gifts Guest Post: Charlotte Mom Favorites

I had the pleasure of writing a guest post for Charlotte Mom Favorites where I shared my top 5 picks on gifts, specifically books for the new Mom. I tried to pick fun, informative books that any Mommy-to-be (MTB) could appreciate. My book picks ranged from the original crowd pleaser (What to Expect When You're Expecting) to the unique (Fortune-Telling Book for Moms-to-Be). Please click here to see the entire post.

Gift Tip #93: Influence

This is an oldie but goodie! Influence is a great coffee table book for any fashionista. The book is filled with photos and conversations with designers and other notables that have influenced famous twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Some of the interviewees from the book include Diane Von Furstenburg, Christian Louboutin and Lauren Hutton.The twins even write an essay for each other.

Gift Tip #88: Shakespeare's Love Sonnets

This book, illustrated by Caitlin Keegan contains 29 sonnets all pertaining to love. Whether it ended well or with sadness, Shakespeare had a way with words and telling a love story. On some level, many giftees will be able to relate to the sonnets featured in the beautiful book. This gift would be best for a Shakespeare fan, lover of love and/or books, in general. An extra treat is that Keegan's illustrations appear throughout the book so someone interested in such details (an artform in itself, if you ask me)  would also be interested in this simply classic gift.
source: chroniclebooks.com

Gift Tip #83: Decoded

A few years ago there were rumors of Jay-Z doing a book...an autobiography and I thought that would be too good to be true. I heard nothing more for some time and was disappointed...now let's fast forward to the end of last year. What?! A book by Jay-Z? I had been "burned" before so I did not want to get too excited but this time it was true! Jay-Z's book dropped in October 2010, not an autobiography but if possible--even better. Why? Because he was breaking down the lyrics in some of his top charting (and fan favorite) hits. To make things even better, he shares personal moments like meeting Bono for the first time, his relationship with Memphis Bleek (who simply but is his homeboy and fellow rapper) and his one on one meeting with President Barack Obama. The book includes photos of NYC, the rapper's influences and more.

You would think this would be a book only for Jay-Z fans but I beg to differ. It is more philosophical that some Psych 101 classes and I think that's why it caught the eye of Oprah and many others--it was one of the Top 5 on the New York Best Sellers list! This would be a great gift for any book lover, hip hop aficionado or anyone who wants insight into Jay's world/mind. HOVA! HOVA!

Gift Tip #60: The ELLEments of Personal Style

The ELLEments of Personal Style was created by ELLE Magazine editors Joe Zee and Maggie Bullock an showcases 25 modern fashion icons on how to dress, shop and live. This is the perfect gift for the aspiring fashion designer/stylist or friend who simply eats, breathes and lives fashion.

What I like about this book is that it does not only feature the expected fashion icons like Fergie and Milla Jovovich but also those ladies that are not in the industry but still has a love for fashion such as Katherine Pope, TV Producer who has been in charge of television hits like 30 Rock and Heroes. I also like that the book does a snapshot of each person featured sharing their background, fashion sense and style inspirations. There are quotes, photos and my absolute fave item: an inspiration board that highlights the individuals favorite shops, obsessions, who their style icon is and why, as well as a style study that includes photos of each icon at various events.

This is one book any fashionista should have on her shelf so if you have a gal pal of best boy that loves fashion this is the gift for them.

Store Closing/Sale Alert: Joseph Beth Booksellers

I urge you to run (not walk) to Joseph-Beth Booksellers this weekend. All books are 30% off and all other items (they also carry calendars, Christmas decorations, wrapping paper, stationary) are 40% off. An insider said that all the books would be gone by Monday- so go this weekend! Find a Joseph-Beth store near you by clicking here.

There's one connected to SouthPark Mall. Here's the address: 4345 Barclay Downs Drive Charlotte, NC 28209.

source: josephbeth.com

Gift Insight

From Mario Buatta....

Go the extra mile
A picture frame can be a beautiful gift as long as you put a photograph inside it. I prefer the photo to be something humorous, an inside joke. The same is true of books. Unless you write something meaningful on the inside flap, the recipient could have easily brought it himself. Monogramming and engraving are also great ways to give things like robes, towels, jewelry, and frames a more personal quality.

source: Allure Magazine, zazzle.com

Gift Tip #30: Occasions by Kate Spade

This cute, little red book helps you to celebrate life's celebrations, while giving tips on planning, prepping and being the hostess with the mostess at your next soiree. One of the best things about this book is that it is so-detailed. There are sections on decorating the room, having a well stocked bar to dressing the part. The book also shares lighting, linens and music tips. And, just in case you are an attendee, there is a "good guest" section too. Oh, and there are plenty Kate Spade-esque pictures that are bold and quirky, very consistent with her brand.

Gift Tip #27: The Art of the Compliment

Maybe I picked up this book for the wrong reason... when I cracked open the book in the store the first page I fell upon was an excerpt of a love letter from Dwight Eisenhower to Mamie Eisenhower and I was like "Wow, he LOVES this woman". Being the hopeless romantic I am, I made an impulse purchase.

Since then I have browsed through the book and have decided it makes a good gift for anyone who wants to make people feel like they are on Cloud 9, the unique book lover or those who need a nudge with kindness... it really does go a long way!

Some things that you can look for in the book:

-a brief history of compliments

-occasions when you really should try to make a compliment

-potentially awkward situations to defuse with a compliment

One key point made in the book is that you should mean every compliment you say. I think that is the most important point you should remember. Please don't fake a compliment...isn't that just a lie? Also, you never know what people are going through. A compliment could really make their day.

Remember the Eisenhower love letter that made purchase the book? Here's a bit of it...

On the day you open this letter you'll be 46. I'd like to be there to help you celebrate, and to kiss you 46 times (multiplied by any number you care to pick)...In any event I will be with you in thought, and entirely aside from the usual congratulations and felicitations I will be thinking with the deepest gratitude of the many happy hours and years you've given me...

I've never wanted any other wife-you're mine, and for that reason I've been luckier than any other man.

SWOON....

PS: The reason he was not there to celebrate with Mamie is because he was at war!

Gift Tip #46: The Ellement of Personal Style

The ELLEmets of Personal Style book highlights 25 modern fashion icons on how they dress, shop, and live. It was created by two ELLE magazine editors and is put together well. The icons that are featured run from the typical actress/model types but also includes those in the art world, the design world and even a TV producer. I appreciate that ELLE looks beyond the natural scope of who is seen as a fashionista...I know that I have friends that are true fashionistas but their runway is a city street, not a Marc Jacobs fashion show.

Not only does the book have great style shots of the icons but also includes a brief style story, background on their work/careers and of course their style inspirations. Some icons share their fave places to shop, style quotes and what they would wear, if they could only wear one thing.

This is a great book for the fashionista at heart, stylist or anyone with a curiosity towards fashion and celebs.



photo credit: amazon.com

Save the date: Second Annual Library Book Sale

Mark your calendar for the Second Annual Library Book Sale at the Mint Museum Library in Charlotte, NC. Hundreds of beautiful art books will be available at nominal prices in the Ivey Forum on Saturday, may 16th from 12-5pm.

Books are duplicates of those already in the library's collections or items given specifically to the library for the sale. All the sale proceeds will go towards the conservation of the libary's special collections.

This is a great option for a gift for art lovers...it could also be a nice coffee table book. Plus, you are helping out a good cause.

PS: If you are a member of the Mint Museum you get to check out the books first...so get there at 12noon and you can shop with other members until 1pm. After 1pm, it is open to the public. Also, be sure to bring cash or checks....no credit cards accepted.

Happy Shopping!

For more information call: 704-337-2000

source: News of the Mint Museum newsletter