My First Costa del Mars

They were a gift from Divers Direct. I wore them everywhere. I do mean everywhere.

Beyond Polzarization

From Lion Fish hunting in the Key West Harbour to early morning runs on KCB.

They took me to historic moments on top of the water and were on my face when the fresh catch was reeled in.

Besides the ocean the eyewear worked for airboat alligator tours, and holding, in the Everglades. The designers claiming, “Whether your adventure is on the water, on the mountain, or anywhere in between, with Costa you’ll see it like you never have before.

Even alligators.

The pair I wore from 2010 – 2017 are the ISABELA. I picked black frames with raspberry trim. You can design your own. I love that they can be pushed back through the hair and don’t catch.

They definitely “served me well for many adventure-filled years.” Dillard’s has just given me a new pair. I chose the GANNETT frame. They made their debut this weekend on the Lake Erie Islands. I can’t wait to show them off.

Naveaux for Chanel

There is a familiar and ultra-glamorous face on the Coastal Ohio Trail who has entered the arena of luxury cosmetics. Her name is Leah Naveaux, a native of Huron who moved later in life to the Toledo bedroom community of Perrysburg. Her vivacious personality, talent and artistry has earned her the title of Resident Make-up Artist for Chanel.

Lipstick, Lumiere and Leah

I sat down with the polished pro to trade trade secrets about skincare, makeup, hair and the upcoming VIP Event all women should attend with their husband’s credit card, Scentsational.

The event is set for Saturday, May 4 at Dillard’s Franklin Park location in Northwest Ohio.

All the major brands in beauty will be represented. Leah and other makeup artists will be on hand to perform complete applications. This is the day and age where everyone is on camera, online all of the time. This is the perfect opportunity to learn tips from the pros and possibly walk away with some of the five-thousand dollars in raffle prizes up for taking.

Call 419-473-9600 to make an appointment with Leah or any of the other major brands owning this industry listed in the event flyer.




Go from bland to bam with this must-attend industry event.

Magnum Opus of Outerwear

First Daughter Fashion

Pictures: Steven Drescher

I own two pieces of fashion with the First Daughter’s name, Ivanka Trump, sewn on the label.

The coat I wear to workouts, running errands, walking Lake Erie’s Lab Pup and to other ultra-casual outings, isn’t durable or fashionable to withstand the public’s eye or icebox elements.

I have a fear of falling on ice, and one of bruising a butt cheek (I did this years ago and the area is still holding on to a lot of pain). Factor in a fear of looking frumpy when the Great Lakes region shows its glacial beginnings.

The bottoms buttons and I can truly sit outside with the hood up content as a bunny rabbit without any of the gelid conditions getting into my South Florida-born bones.

Confidence in the cold.

Winter Blast: Boots to Wear

shoe statement in the snow

All pics: Steven Drescher

Some cold weather dernier cri can create as much drool from the mouths of aficionados of the arctic element fashion world as an icicle dripping from their home’s rain gutter.

That would be me when I laid eyes on the Ugg Valberg Fur-Cuffed Boots in the Dillard’s showroom.

I even picked up the phone, called, The Sole Man, John Brandolino on Duval Street in Key West, and told him, “I have to have these boots. I need a favor.”

So swankey, yet designed for the snow. Two pairs of heavy wool socks fit nicely inside the design.

Here is why:

  • Rich suede uppers with a plush Toscana sheepskin cuff at top
  • Features a fixed strap with hardware at top rear
  • Partial medial side zipper for an easy on-and-off
  • Soft and breathable leather linings
  • Soft and breathable, leather-lined PORON® and foam cushioned footbed for all-day comfort
  • Durable crepe-like rubber wedge and outsole

If one is going to live near the Great Lakes, one needs great outfits to take on the outdoors. Plus, there’s the matching gear to sharpen the style of this formidable and oh-so fashionable snow shoe.

Killer Kimono

Ladies love luxury loungewear.

Silk, satin, and spandex are materials designed to relax and recharge in because of the soft composition.

I own one pair of sweatpants. The kind all blogs warn against, the frumpy, old school kind with a drawstring tie at the top and elastic bands at the ankles.

They read “Guard” down the side in white atop of old red fabric.

Though vintage fashion at this juncture, unfit for consumption.

Even though a North Coast Winter was settling in and the Dillard’s loungewear department is loaded with the brand new Ugg Robes, blankets, socks, loungewear and leggings; my soul lies somewhere and anywhere South of Palm Beach.

I went straight for the skily, smooth texture and delicious feel of spandex and choose several of the kimonos by In Bloom by Jonquil.

I wear this one all of the time and was drawn to the black and white design so sleek for time in the city.

The sophisticated layout of the pattern puts me into work mode and the breathability of the fabric is on point for those ten to thirty minutes any woman spends with her hairdryer.


Packing for Paris

Packing proper fashion for photos with the Eiffel Tour and The Louvre as the backdrop can pose a problem even for the savvy traveler. I pulled this off and as fast as one can say, “Bonjour,” I had a carry-on suitcase and duffel bag loaded with the lux essentials, the number one being — an calf length fur coat.

Here’s what I took to hit The Louvre, Eiffel Tour and a lot of dining centered around Champagne.

In my suitcase I rolled up two workout outfits, two pairs of jeans, lounge clothes, over-the-knee boots, Nikeys, socks, a skirt, panty hose, a dress shirt, a sequined dress, packable poncho and a classic L.L. Bean polo.

Here is the twenty inch TravelPro Platinum Elite from Dillard’s. Priced at over three-hundred dollars, this suitcase can go the distance. Mine is over twelve years old.

In my carry-on weekend bag I rolled up that long, thick fur coat and stuffed the mink on the bottom. Then placed all of my Estee Lauder Cosmetics and hair tools on top.

I don’t travel anywhere without Estee Lauder’s travel size super tiny 45 ML Triple Action Cleanser/Toner/Makeup Remover that sells for just ten dollars.

This carry-on Travel-Pro Smart Duffel is oh-so sleek and only about two-hundred dollars.

My iPhone 6-Plus, passport, cash, ID, credit and debit cards went in a cross-body purse.

Something similar to this Vince Camuto design now ON SALE at Dillard’s.

I can sell and ship any of these items to you if you’re planning a trip in the U.S., Florida Keys or abroad. With Everything safely secured, I didn’t have to check any of my belongings with the chance they would be lost, and I’d be lost in Paris without a wardrobe.

I was there for three days. I use the same luggage for two to three weeks trips to the Tropics. Swimwear and sun dresses roll up with ease. I swap out the fur for my beloved Cressi Pluma Pull-Foot Fins from Divers Direct.

GLAMGLOW’s Galactic Jelly a celestial cleanse with charcoal

I have a new face cleanser in my stash of beauty essentials that leaves my skin as shiny and bright as all of the stars and moons on a dark, fall northcoast night.

Hollywood, California’s GLAMGLOW GALACTIC CLEANSE. 

This hydrating jelly balm cleanser,  brought to us by Estee Lauder Cos., melts away face makeup and deeply cleanses.

The true test for me is whether or not a makeup remover cleanser works is:

“Does take off my eye lash primer and three to four coats of Estee Lauder’s Sumptuous Extreme mascara?”

This cleanser does. Rub, add water, rinse and shine like the stars above.

My other two go-to face cleansers that remove long-wearing makeup and mascara:

  1. Advanced Night Micro Cleanser Balm
  2. Perfectly Clean Triple-Action Cleanser/Toner/Makeup Remover

Click here for the pre-holiday stock-up event at my favorite luxury department store, Dillard’s, for details on how to score more when you buy.

Robe my own. But – Dillard’s did just gift me a new cozy wardrobe, including a poncho, and robe from the new Ugg loungewear collection. Plush features this month as I’m at home cozying up with @lakerrieslabpup planning — and prepping — for an unforgettable Holiday 2018. Which leads me to one last, quick point: All I want in my stocking are VIP Tickets to Kid Rock for Bash on the Bay and… the #glittermask Gravity Mud for a firmed up face via Marshmallow Leaf.

Scentsational Fall 2018 a sensational beauty event

There is glam and then there is Hollywood Glam. The theme of this year’s Dillard’s cosmetics department’s Fall 2018 Scentsational VIP event is Hollywood. The red carpet will be rolled out for makeup artists representing the top names in global beauty and over five thousand dollars of luxury skincare, makeup, fragrance and accessories will be raffled off as prizes for those who qualify.

* Each one hundred dollar purchase qualifies for one entry. In addition, that customer will be given twenty dollars in Dillard’s Beauty Rewards.

Plus, each customer who buys or reserves items anytime between now and November 17, 2018, the event date, will be given a free holiday cosmetics case filled with product.

The Estee Lauder case will contain:

? Full Size Sumptuous Extreme Mascara

? Deluxe Sample Reviltalizing Supreme Moisturizer

? Deluxe Sample Advanced Night Repair

The lips can be removed and placed strategically to another part of the case and the zipper is adorned with a lipstick and fragrance bottle. The color scheme, texture, sequins and design will carry any woman of any age over into Valentine’s Day 2019.

Only at Dillard’s Franklin Park Mall.

To see this year’s number one “Gifts of Wonder” click here. To view the Estee Lauder raffle basket and contents, including two Kate Spade gold plated champagne flutes, click here. To read the Estee Lauder #LoveBreaksAllRules campaign go here.

Gifts of Wonder Blockbuster in stores

The most talked about and sought-after beauty buy of the year is in luxury department stores. Estee Lauder’s annual Holiday Blockbuster. This year’s “Gifts of Wonder” features A ultra-stylish and festive, red makeup traincase.

The scalloped handle is set off with a commemorative, faux, gold coin tassle embossed with a carousel. Here are this year’s contents.

The warm, earthy tones feature the Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lip Glosses in Seductive Honey and Flirtatious Magenta. The lipsticks are:

? Intense Nude

? Envious

? Complex

The Eye and Cheek Palettes coordinate.

The only item given this holiday more glamourous, limited and exclusive is a trip to the Seychelles. This cosmetic wonder is just the correct carry-on for an unforgettable Holiday 2018.

Call me to order.

419-862-7143 Northcoast

305-395-8890 South Florida

BONUS: The Estee Lauder “Gifts of Wonder” can be set aside for the pre-holiday VIP Beauty Invite of the year, Scentsational, only at Dillard’s. Click here for this beauty world blog.

A preview of the Estee Lauder raffle prize:

Truly is the season to be merry and surrounded by the finest life has to offer.

The time to Get Gorgeous is now.