Ahhh, cashmere. If heaven were a fabric, cashmere would be it. We tested it out, and we love it!

Kelly Van Hallen’s collection of cashmere travel blankets is perfect for luxury on the go, especially now during vacay season. It’s great for that trip to a SoCal beach or perhaps up in the cool Colorado. Its packaging is small enough to be stuffed in your cute oversized tote!

Last year, Van Hallen launched her sinfully soft blankets with chic travelers in mind. Her collection features a variety of throws cut 4 feet by six feet, accompanied by a plush carrying case, perfect for any travel bag.

Look out for her website, www.kellyvanhalen.com, for other luxurious goodies, like accessories and loungewear for adults and children.

Get your own from www.fredsegalcouture.com!

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1. Perfect Summertime Jewelry

Money is always a great way to go because the graduate can decide what to spend it or they have the option to save it. However, a check is less personal so here are some ideas if you want to get a gift instead of giving cash. Each of these options is something that the graduate will need in times to come!

Big Ticket Items (Price is no object)

• Vacation or travel tour
• Car
• Money
• Laptop computer
• Cell phone complete with a paid plan
• Furniture – Great gift for the college graduate who is moving out of mom and dad’s house.
• Small refrigerator – A very useful gift for the teen who will be living in a dorm room at college.

Mid-Priced Items (Priced $51 – $250)

• Briefcase
• Clothing gift card
• Watch
• Microwave
• Set of luggage
• A package from a resume writing service – Excellent gift for the teen who will be looking for a job or a college graduate.
• Camera
• Television
• DVD player
• IPod
• Recorder and cassettes for lectures
• Bookshelf
• Pure gold or silver coin with graduate year on it
• Stereo
• Tool box with basic tools
• Engraved jewelry
• Personalized graduation item
• Money tree
• Money clip or even make it an engraved money clip complete with money
• Wallet with some money

Economical Gifts (Priced under $50)

• Book about future field of study or career
• Devotional
• Self-help Book
• Inspirational book
• Photo album filled with memories
• Address book filled with friend’s addresses and phone numbers
• Fill a laundry basket with laundry soap, fabric softener or dryer sheets, roll of quarters and directions on how to separate your laundry – Perfect gift for the teen who is moving out or going to college.
• A piece of luggage
• Resume writing books
• Set of sheets
• Picture frames with pictures of high school years
• Organizer or planner
• Desk accessories
• Umbrella
• Iron
• Coffee maker
• Hot pot

Some Great Books to Give A College Graduate:

1.    The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference by Malcolm Gladwell

2.    The Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell

3.    When Reality Hits: What Employers Want Recent College Graduates to Know by Nancy Barry

4.    What They Don’t Teach You In College: A Graduates Guide To Life After College by James M. Kramon

5.    The Last Lecture By Randy Pausch

6.    The Turbulent Twenties Survival Guide: Figuring Out Who You Are, What You Want, & Where You’re Going After College by Marcos Salazar

7.    Oh The Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss

For College Students Off To Conquer the World at a New Job and for New College Students Needing to Carry All of those Heavy Books, a Briefcase is Perfect!

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Brother Ignacio and Maggio Cipriani of the esteemed Cipriani family have just opened their doors to the latest edition of estate, right in the heart of Los Angeles. From restaurants to residencies, the Ciprani family name is renowned for upscale properties across the world in places including Hong Kong and London.

Inside, the rooms and suites feature rich hardwood floors, accompanied by burgundy and grey color palettes, disrupted with striking white accents. The walls are perfectly adorned with vintage photography in black and white with popular icons and moments in history as the subject. Bathrooms of teak and marble add another cherry atop the lavishness of the Mr. C sundae. Each room would not be complete without a private balcony and spectacular view of the city itself, which is a sight to see day or night.

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A gal sometimes always needs exotic earrings to accompany a simple bikini or sundress. Soffe shorts and an old T-shirt may be comfortable, but why dress down when you can look smokin’ at the pool or happy hour? We have found the perfect summertime jewelry source.

Don’t these look like they were discovered on your island vacation in a hidden, underground city?

Seattle-based Maria Carter is known for her one-of-a-kind, handmade jewelry, which she sells on Etsy here: Maria’s Designs Handmade Jewelry. Her designs are inspired by the ornamentation, motifs and striking color combinations of ancient cultures. We think it is just perfect to pair with a kaftan and jeweled flats or a pair of glamorous sunglasses and a lightweight little dress in summer.

This jewelry is of high enough quality that you could even wear it beyond just the casual afternoon. I have a necklace of Maria’s that I wear constantly- even to black-tie affairs. As a matter of fact, I wore it to my friend’s wedding at the Montelucia Resort with my long dress and got crazy compliments.

Each delicately-designed piece is made using 14K and 22K gold vermil, fine and sterling silvers and high-quality gemstones.

Are you in love? You’re in luck! Use the offer code MARIADESIGNSAZ for 20% off your order through the end of June.

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Who is your favorite?

Who doesn’t love a little bombshell as inspiration?

If there’s one figure in history whose boudoir I’d most like to pore over, it would be the iconic beauty Marilyn Monroe. My current obsession is the newly-released book MM-Personal, From the Private Archive of Marilyn Monroe ($35), an account of her most private posessions, from Joe Dimaggio-penned loveletters to artifacts, artwork and jewels. Author Mark Anderson reveals items once thought to be lost, shedding light on shades and nuances of America’s blonde beauty that have been hidden away for decades.

What would you imagine Marilyn stocked in her boudoir? Here are my current favorite beauty playthings, all inspired by a modern-day Marilyn. All are tried-and-true Claire Flair-approved.

Essie Fiji ($7) is a perfectly chalky, opaque pink, which leaves your hands and arms looking supertan. The second you paint it on, a sun-drenched Malibu Barbie fever comes over you. There’s something so summery and retro about it.

Obviously, there’s nothing more bombshell than a swooping cat-eye fringed with smoldering lashes. Lorac Front of the Line Pro ($22) is my go-to liner- it’s like a Sharpie, and doesn’t sit on top of your skin the way others do. Though I love how easy it is to use and how pitch-black the liner is, my favorite feature is its longevity. The liner itself lasts forever on your eyes, and the tube (with everyday use) lasts me a good six months.

The most paradoxical scent I’ve ever smelled, Frederic Malle’s Lipstick Rose ($210) is superficial and indifferent, while containing real substance- a juxtaposition that reminds me of Old Hollywood celebs. The moment you spray you’re overwhelmed by a powdery blast, followed by beautiful rose and violet notes and a genius hint of waxy lipstick. Images of a vanity mirror come to mind. The funniest part, I believe, is a sort of void the scent leaves- almost like it’s an emptiness meant to be filled with your own charisma. My new fave! <3

Who doesn’t love fake lashes? Shu Uemura Diamante Lashes ($30) take the most glamorous tool in your makeup bag up a notch, with some black Swarovski crystals.

Robert Jones Powder Puffs ($2.75) are fun to look at. Not sure how useful they are.

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Though it was a bummer I couldn’t see them, my mom and dad surprised me with some glorious b-day prezzies. Among them were…

Lanvin? Malandrino?  DVF? None of the above.

This Asymmeticral Pleated Dress is perfect for cocktails (when paired with platforms and a clutch) or for work (when paired with wedges and a cardigan). You may be surprised where it’s from!

This blue isn’t a neutral, but it feels like one.

The Elevenses Late Seating Blazer from Anthropologie is so perfect for spring and summer. It’s a loose-ish fit, unlined linen and a super pretty, cotton candy blue. It has gentle ruching inside the 3/4 sleeves and is perfect for summery businessey affairs. Love!

Summery as can be.

A Printed Boy Tee with ice cream-colored stripes matches the blazer and is reminiscent of a Martha Stewart photo spread or two I can remember. Sweet!

Monster Claire flares.

My mom also knows I exclusively wear pants that are too long, and that I enjoy super huge 70′s flares. I don’t know what came over me, but one day I decided the more tattered the bottom of my jeans are, the happier I am. My affection for trashed-chic clothing is probably the only thing about me that isn’t completely uptight. Rich & Skinny Sugar Hi-Rise in Tahiti are a high-waisted version of my signature bells, which I LOVE, because you can tuck just about any top into them and cover with a belt for a cinched waist. BONUS: They’re so comf.

Low-fat, believe it or not.

In addition to a few other goodies sent my way, my parents included this book: Skinny Dips. I have been obsessed with dips lately, which apparently runs in the family. There’s a family legend that one time five people joined my Grammy for a dinner party and for some reason she had an appetizer spread of seven homemade dips. This book is salsas, crudites, cheese dips, meat dips, and basically every other kind of dip you can imagine, all super low-cal, with nutrition facts listed. I’m excited to try the above dip, which is a low-fat spinach and parmesan dip.

Like some sort of divine miracle, I found these at Last Chance this weekend in perfect condition when I was spending a little birthday cash.

A Last Chance dream come true.

Behold, a pair of $595 Miu Miu patent leather rose pink pumps! These are currently full price on Net-a-Porter. I was rootin’ around trying to find something to accompany my new, frilly black dress for my birthday dinner when I found these. In my size. I’ve been drooling over them for months! It was one of those moments where you have to stop yourself from screaming. Snatched right up for more than 80% off. LC may be gross, I did see shoes with a Band-Aid on them there once, but the digging is SO worthwhile.

Finally, my boyfriend indulged my obsessive perfume fixation with a bottle from perfume God Frederic Malle. Beware that when you sniff these, you may not be satisfied with Sephora-grade scents ever again. I sound like a snob, but I’m just warning you. I’ve now had three readers tell me they smelled Carnal Flower because I suggested it and two of them have purchased. Careful.

My name is Claire, and I’m an alco-Malle-ic.

Good ol’ Teej picked Portrait of a Lady, a rosey, sandalwoody, patchouli-filled, musky scent. It is clean and modern, while remaining super complex and dark, which I love.

Thanks for the fab b-day giftees, Mom, Dad and Teej!

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See what I mean?

Well, when I was in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, I popped into my favorite makeup store of all time: Blue Mercury. Trust me, if you ever have cash to blow, just step inside for five secs. They have the most adorable soaps and lotions, oils, hair products, high-end cosmetics and spa products you’ve ever seen. It’s where I discovered my love for Sara Happ lip products, Kiehl’s Argan Oil and now, what I suspect is the Kardashian secret weapon.

I was aimlessly wandering, then the nicest two sales associates ever showed whipped out…

Starlet in a tube.

Secret Weapon: Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Illuminator, which mimics what the Kardashian’s makeup artists use for that elusive, luminescent quality. I have pretty medium skin, but the sales associate used the lightest shade, Natural Radiance. I liked that it was lighter than my skin, because it shows up really well against my bronzer.

Secret Application: My new makeup friend took a tiny pearl-sized glob on her hand, then gently pressed it into my skin, over my finished makeup. She applied it in a W shape, down from the temples, across the apples of your cheeks and a touch on the bridge of your nose. I even felt her push it in on top of my concealer around my eyes and a little on my forehead.

The Outcome: A dewy, glowy look that isn’t glittery or gross. It stays put, doesn’t get all over your phone and sunglasses, and doesn’t cause breakouts.

Enjoy. Just don’t make a sex tape.

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Which one are you most jealous of?

I has another visit to my fave new hair place this weekend- Drybar! I want to just try every single style. If you haven’t gone yet, try it out with this special deal from AFM: 50% off at Drybar! It’s good for first-time Drybar clients on Sunday through Thursday when you also order a floater. And trust me, you want a floater. This time I got a Southern Comfort/Mai Tai for big, messy hair. Next time I think I’ll try a Straight-Up in hopes of looking like the lovely 1960′s British models you see above.

I do have a few hair tricks of my own up my sleeve for days I can’t make it to Scottsdale Quarter. Keep in mind that I am not a licensed stylist. I just read a lot of mags and spend a lot of time messing with my hair.

Hair today, better hair tomorrow.

Hair Tip #1: Straight Hair Curls Much Better

My hair stylist Ray from Montelucia’s Joya Spa taught me this valuable trick: when you know you’ll be curling your hair with an iron, don’t dry it a round brush. It may feel weird, but tip your head upside down to get the volume and resist the urge to round brush it. Then, when you curl your locks with the iron afterward they’ll stay put for much longer, even without hairspray. Apparently when you round brush it you’re messing with your hair’s texture, which keeps it from holding curls.

Seriously the best book ever.

Always curl your hair towards the back, to keep it fresh and easy-looking. Curl it forward and you could end up in volume two of my favorite book- Bad Hair.

A Scunci can’t do this.

Hair Tip #2: Bungee Cords Make Stylish Ponytails

Ever notice how ponytails look way better when you’re holding them up with one hand than they do when you actually have your hair in a holder? It’s because you have to wind an elastic around it over and over, crushing whatever lift you might have given it with mousse or backcombing or what-have-you. No wonder it gets crushed and flattened and you look like you’re leaving the gym.

These may look simple, but they work wonders.

Bungee hair ties are awesome, because they keep your hair in the same position your hand does. Simply hold it like you want it, hook one end into your hair and wrap around til tight. Then simply hook the other end onto the first end. These also eliminate that it’s-too-loose-to-stay-in-but-too-tight-to-go-around-again thing.

Makes your hair spiderweb-chic.

Hair Tip #3: Teasing Brush

If you’re like me and your hair just won’t. be. big. enough., invest in a teasing comb or brush, like this Paul Mitchell variety. It works much better than your Mason Pearson or round brush. Beehive, here you comb (typo intended).

Everything you need for a fabulous ‘do-it-yourself.

Hair Tip #4: Updo Kit

This isn’t a tip as much as it is a total product obsession. This little RSession Pin-Up Girl Updo kit includes everything you need to create a huge bun (including a foam bun insert), pony or twist, including clips, hair ties, hair bungees, a teasing comb, headbands and all sorts of other goodies. Try, and let us know what you think!

Hair Tip #5: L’Oreal Elnett Hairspray

This beautiful can of perfect, perfect hair nectar was not available in the US for a long time, but made it’s appearance last year. It’s a fave of industry professionals and apparently they went through DOZENS of cans of it on the set of Nine. Everyone did look fab in that movie. I have and love it for flexible hold.

Oh, and speaking of George Michael…

I will do anything for the chance to bring up George Michael

Claire Tip: If you know me, you know I <3 <3 <3 George Michael. I even made my boyfriend sit through a concert of his in Madison Square Garden once. I think I still owe him for those three grueling hours.

Georgie just released a special gift for the Royal Wedding- a free single for download! The song is a sleepy cover of Stevie Wonder’s You and I- perfect for stressful work days or romantic dates. All he asks is that you make a charitable contribution to the Prince William and Miss Kate Middleton Charitable Gift Fund, if you can.

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Hello ol’ chaps! Who’s excited for the royal wedding? I’ll be honest, I wasn’t excited until I saw that my favorite designer in the world, Jonathan Adler, designed this fabulous commemorative plate for the occasion, to be auctioned off for a British homelessness charity. Sometimes things that feel too far away don’t interest me unless there’s something shiny in front of my face. Like when I wasn’t going on a Miami Spring Break trip until all my girlfriends came home with tons of “pool jewelry”. I wanted to wear jewelry by the pool, and booked my trip. Shallow.

Similarly, I wasn’t super interested in these people or their wedding, because it was months and months away and I thought William could do better. That was until I was invited to a fab party that day (two, actually!) and started fixating on what a Royal Wedding watching party might entail. Teacups. Biscuits. Lace gloves. Hats. YES.

So I got all materialistic and went hunting for my favorite Royal Wedding tchochkes. I hope you enjoy, because I really, really do.

First and foremost: Live out your delusions of grandeur with this Princess Ring for only £49.95 plus shipping. This is just one pathetic step below all those Heart of the Ocean replicas the masses bought after Titanic.

For the men in the room, pick up super-useful hand-screened “Throne-Up” vomit bags by artist Lydia Leith. Only £3 each.

You may not have a personal couturier like Kate Middleton will, but you can certainly play dress-up with these Royal Paper Dolls. Each doll comes with seven outfits. It’s certainly less expensive than couture at only $9.99 for the set.

Jonathan Adler’s needlepoint British Flag Coaster Set is fun for “thumbing your nose at tradition” at teatime or cocktail time. Each coaster is velvet-backed. $48 for four.

You may have no ties to Great Britain, but wave this Royal Couple Flag like you mean it and nobody will ever know. Flags are £14.99 to £29.99, based on size.

This Aynsley Engagement Tankard is a great deal at only £61.50 including shipping. Why drink out of a normal cup when you can sip tea out of this royal vessel?

God, what I wouldn’t give for a set of these Royal Wedding Nail Decals. Unfortunately they’re only available at Westminster souvenir shops. Anybody overseas who might want to send me a set?

For Condoms of Distinction, be sure to visit Crownjewelscondoms.com. Their slogan is “Lie back and think of England.” Gross. A package includes a “timeless souvenir heirloom collector’s box”, three individually-wrapped condoms and a collectable portrait of the royal couple as they might appear on their wedding day. I don’t even want to know.

Have some RoyalTea with the whole Royal Family! Put the whole family in the tub (a teacup) for a soothing cup of Classic tea.  $13.95 for five. But where’s Kate?

Woof. Your pup deserves a royal pillow, don’t you think? Jonathan Adler’s $245 British Flag Dog Bed is a way to take him from pauper to prince for William and Kate’s big day.

The Franklin Mint has released 5,000 Kate Middleton Royal Engagement and Royal Wedding dolls, for only $195 each or $490 for both. Better not take those out of their boxes.

A Royal Worcester Royal Wedding Lion Head Vase is just the epitome of regal flower-holding. The official name of the item actually has Royal in it two times. No word on whether that’s real gold, but for £400 plus £392 for shipping, I hope it is.

If you’re going for practical, check out this Prince William and Kate Middleton Commemorative Fridge by G.D.H.A. (the UK’s G.E. distributor). Price TBD, but apparently these are “a popular choice”. Really?

For those of us who are just plain bitter, this It Should Have Been Me Plate is well worth the £12.

Cheerio!

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Louis Vuitton sure brings the whimsy.

I am loving the preppy and retro options out there- now when you can make your escape a full-on fantasy by pretending you’re in a 1960′s foreign film. Here are my picks:

This is probably better for lazing than swimming.

Miu Miu has an adorable pastel swimsuit or two for your weekend bag. The blush-colored Halterneck Swimsuit ($215) is retro and fun. Top with your cat-eye shades and you have the Barbie thing down.

For those of us who avoided the Easter candy.

Miu Miu’s Frilled Triangle Bikini ($245) is another playful option which shows a little more skin- are you ready for a little beach blanket bingo?

Mix, match and buy one of each.

Diane Von Furstenberg has recently released her Diane Vintage Collection, which pairs prints from her archives with clean, modern lines to create pretty and preppy garments. The pieces are cool because they can go easily with solids in your suitcase, but are also perfect for those of us who like to experiment with mixing and matching prints- each print works with the next. Her new line offers dresses, shorts, tops, outerwear, bikinis and accessories like travel wallets, phone cases, laptop protectors, passport covers, totes, luggage tags and travel sets.

The only time to wear shorts this short is on vacation.

J.Crew’s Pointelle Short ($128) is supershort and a frisky orange color, which (surprisingly!) goes with nearly any neutral and many colors in your suitcase. White, nude, brown, navy and gray all look great with orange, and even prints like gingham. Steer clear of black to avoid looking like a jack-o-lantern. We love these with a crisp white button-down and flats.

You should probably own this dress, vacation or not.

A beautiful frock to wear with your espadrille wedges and a floppy hat, J.Crew’s Cecilia Dress ($158) is a perfect tea-length and the fabric is adorned with tiny Swiss dots. Gentle pleats and a matching sash are romantic and appropriate.

<3 <3 <3

Last but not least, a gal needs one fancy dress in her garment bag for that last night on vacation when you throw caution to the wind and book rezzies at the fanciest restaurant in town. Anthropologie’s Blurred Hydrangea Dress ($398) by Anna Sui fits the bill.

Another view.

Now all I need is a place to wear all this stuff. I hope you are reading this, TJ.

Bon Voyage!

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