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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What are you doing tomorrow night?

If you have nothing on the agenda, why not attend Project Ethos, a traveling fete that blends music, art and fashion design? May 20, Vitamin Water and Axis/Radius are throwing the Scottsdale leg of this Project Runway-style fashion face-off event series.

Talented local designers were each given a Vitamin Water Zero and $200 to create a garment inspired by the delicious, juicy flavor assigned to them. During the event, the garments designed will be showcased live on stage, and the Axis/Radius audience will then have the opportunity to text votes for their favorite ensemble of the evening. The winning designer will then get to choose one of three prizes valued at $3,000 to jump-start their line.

Designers include:

• MongKieru Tran, MongQThaitran
• Tiffe Fermaint, Tiffe Fermaint
• Jennyvi Dizon, Jennivi Dizon Couture
• Shantidas Contu-Owens, Shantidas
• Rebecca Turley, Nostalgic Boutique

Partiers can also expect an art gallery showcasing designs by other local artists, a live performance at 10 p.m. and delicious cocktails, of course. Tickets for Project Ethos are $10 for GA or $30 for VIP. For more info, visit projectethos.com.

This event is stop four in a nine-city tour. Other stops include Vegas, NYC, Miami, Chicago, San Diego and LA.

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Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Apparently the end of the world has been pushed up from December 2012 to this Saturday. Yikes.

Haven’t heard about it?  Here, let me Google that for you.

This Sunday.

If you happen to believe in that sort of thing, you’re probably not reading this blog right now. You may be stockpiling bottled water, protein bars, heavy blankets and Bactine in your fallout shelter, or on a plane to tell that special someone you do, in fact, love them. That’s cool.

But if you do happen to casually be surfing the Web in search of apocalyptic advice, you’ve come to the right place. I happen to be a worrier of epic proportions with epic shopping suggestions. I’ve already played out the different scenarios, and have attire picks for optimal survival odds.

Should the world end in fire, Arizonans will have the upper-hand, as we already deal with fiery-hot conditions on a daily basis.

I can barely recognize these without the reflection of explosions in them.

Some Michael Kors aviators are timelessly disaster-chic, and remind me of every Independence Day-style movie I’ve ever seen. If these are good enough for Will Smith, they’re good enough for me.

Perfect for sunning or running from catastrophe.

An Agent Provocateur swimsuit like this Lyssandra Underwire Plunged Swimsuit fits the bill in a Halle Berry, 007 sort of way. Strap a knife to your hip and emerge from a body of water in slo-mo for the full effect.

Should the world end in ice, we may be a little off our game.

Not too bulky, but still warm enough for a nuclear winter.

First things first, we’ll need nice warm coats. This Burberry Brit Quilted Motorcycle Jacket will be great for layering over cardigans and bulletproof vests.

Protects your ears from the cold and the sound of bombs detonating.

Also on my list- head warming gear like these Karl Donoghue Rabbit Earmuffs. Ordinarily, I’d be completely against fur. But in times of superhuman, bitter cold, it may actually be the difference between human life and death. Plus, there won’t even be a fur industry to perpetuate after the apocalypse and these are already dead.

Also great for running from aliens.

Either way, there’s going to be sludge or ashes to wade through. Jimmy Choo’s Biker Wellingtons fit the bill, and look 2012-chic to me. Bonus, the soles are made in a way that doesn’t slip on debris.

*Note: I didn’t bother including prices on any of these items, for obvious reasons.

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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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This little beauty, the Kate Spade Bicycle by Adeline Adleine, looks more my speed. The limited edition designer bike is $1,100, and  comes in the brand’s signature kelly green shade! She has cutesy features like a hidden chain (so you can wear a skirt!), matching leather Scout bag for your handlebars, a rear bag holder (and purse with clips to keep it on tight) and the prettiest leather seat I’ve ever seen.

I doubt I’d keep up with the road bikes, but who would want to if they could opt for a cruiser like this?

There’s only one bike per store- get it while it’s hot!

Last night I had the best appetizer experience ever at True Food Kitchen, I just had to share.

The restaurant has a crudité on their appetizer menu that instantly became my #1 TFK menu item. The locally-grown veggies are super fresh and differ depending on what’s fresh and available. This time around we had fresh cherry tomatoes, broccolini, orange, yellow and purple carrots, radishes, asparagus and zucchini. Boring sounding, but so fantastic. They are served with a cool tzatziki sauce and a tangy black olive dip- if I had this in my fridge at all times, I’d never touch another marshmallow peep.

With a glass of Prosecco, this made my night

Another cool discovery- Royal Coffee at the Biltmore, which is a recent expansion from the Royal at the Market and a welcome addition since the Coffee Plantation and Borders coffee shops are now kaput. Royal is housed in the first floor space of the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa. As a matter of fact, you enter the shop through the red door, itself.

Aside from the positively impressive 60′s chic decor, the coffee and food is absolutely delicious and the owner super-sweet. The method for making drip coffee is cool- she uses clear tea cup holders and coffee filters to create the perfect cup. You have to see it to understand it.

I wonder if they do home décor?

Speaking of cups, how insane are the Alessi dishes your drink arrives in?

The scone plates are little crescents!

My favorite part of all is that they serve almond milk, for those of us who prefer our lattes without a side of cow hormones or genetically-modified soy hormones. On second thought, I’m willing to wager their other milks are organic, too. That said, almond milk makes me happy!

Adorable, in a cup.

What did you do this weekend?

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