Fabulous Finds: Master of None

Are you watching Master of None? Co-created, written, produced and starring the one and only Aziz Ansari, it's the latest buzzed about original programming from Netflix. Kyle and I started watching it over the weekend and finished the series in a few days. We loved much about the show and the purposeful integration of a multi-ethnic cast, but I wouldn't agree with the New York Times review calling the series, "The year's best comedy." 

Don't get me wrong. The show is funny and, at times, poignant, but it didn't hold our attention and make us binge watch like House of Cards or seasons one and two of Orange is the New Black. Although, I think we can all agree that Aziz's parents need their own show. Or, at the very least, their own YouTube channel. They were, easily, the breakout stars of this series. Every Millennial can relate to Dev (Aziz Ansari) when he tells his dad, "I'm not your personal computer guy!" Ding, ding! 

{Source}

Watch Master of None and tell me what me you think! 

Fabulous Find: Tabletop S'mores at Kayak's

Last Friday, my boss and co-worker took me out for a very belated birthday lunch at Kayak's.* I was last there in 2011 and I forgot just how much I enjoy the food, the imported free-trade coffee, and of course, the tabletop s’mores.

A haven for Washington University students, Kayak’s has the feel of a Canadian ski lodge with rough timber walls, snow skis mounted on the ceiling, and colorful Tibetan prayer flags hanging in the air. The rustic atmosphere is perfect for studying, relaxing, or reading the RFT by the fire. Enjoy a carefully crafted cup of coffee? Kayak’s, a member of the Kaldi’s family of coffee shops since 2010, is committed to providing its patrons with the highest quality certified organic, certified kosher, and certified free trade coffees and teas. The food at Kayak’s is equally delish: I love that their sandwiches are named after ski towns such as Breckenridge, Jackson Hole, and Telluride. My favorite? The Aspen.

Jeremy gets his kicks at Kayak's.

But we came here to talk about their tabletop s’mores, didn’t we divas? Forget sitting outside in the cold around a campfire, Kayak’s provides the flame and all the fixin’s. If you’re in St. Louis and hunkering down for winter (hello unexpected snowfall), Kayak’s tabletop s’mores are the perfect winter treat.

Tabletop s'mores for two.
{2011}

Want to get your kicks with Kaldi’s Coffee? Follow them on twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

*It turns out, I really do celebrate my birthday all month long!

Fabulous Find: The AMC Fork & Screen Theatre

A night out at the movies ain’t what it used to be, divas. Forget about sticky floors, crying babies, and rude attendants. AMC Theatres has created a whole new movie-going experience. Reclining seats, cocktails, and cheery employees await you at your local AMC Fork & Screen Theatre.

A night at the movies - Fork & Screen style.

To celebrate my birthday, Laura, Sylvia, and I headed to the AMC West Olive 16 to view the Academy Award nominated Les Misérables. One of only ten Fork & Screen theatres in the country, we ordered dinner and drinks all from the comfort of our reclining seats. Need a bag of popcorn? How about some Milk Duds for the movie? A cosmopolitan to get you through “Castle on A Cloud”? No waiting in line and missing a pivotal scene, your friendly seat attendant will pop over to the concession stand for you.

Laura needs cocktail to get her through "Castle on A Cloud."

The menu selections were surprisingly delicious.

In an age where customer service seems to have gone the way of the newsreel, the AMC Fork & Screen Theatre proves that you can have your meal inside an upscale movie theatre and eat it too.

In the St. Louis area? Follow the AMC West Olive 16 on Facebook.

Fabulous Find: The Flying Saucer Starbucks

The famous flying saucer-shaped building on Grand Avenue, not far from the campus of SLU, was destined for demolition when Del Taco vacated the premises in 2011. But saving the building was paramount to St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and other preservationists who petitioned to have the building, which was built in 1965 and an example of Mid-Century style architecture, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   

Saving the day, and the unique building, was an unlikely hero - Starbucks. Recently named one of the "Ten Remarkable Preservation Wins of 2012" by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the global coffee giant stepped in and created a space that is comfortable, metropolitan, and uniquely St. Louis. Miss your Tex-Mex fix? Chipotle is rumored to move into the other side of "The Saucer" in the summer of 2013.   

Fabulous Find: Here is St. Louis by Anastasis Films

I found this video by Anastasis Films on the Explore St. Louis facebook page. With the catchy little soundtrack and images of the people, businesses, and attractions that make St. Louis splendid, they captured the heart and soul of this great city. I'm especially partial to the scenes from my neighborhood, Soulard, including Soulard Farmers Market and Bogarts Smokehouse. 

On this rainy Wednesday (if you're in St. Louis), sit back, relax and enjoy Here is St. Louis.

Fabulous Find: Iris Apfel

On my flight to Vegas last month, I picked up the July issue of Delta Sky Magazine and read an article about a stylish gal about Manhattan. She’s a fixture on the New York fashion scene, she has her own line of accessories on the Home Shopping Network, and she’s a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Human Ecology, Textiles and Apparel Division. Think this is a young professional climbing the corporate ladder? Think again, divas. Iris Apfel (neé Barrel) is a 90 year old fashion icon known for her big, bold, chunky jewelry and those signature owl glasses.

“I’m a geriatric starlet, my dear, don’t you know.”

Born in Queens, Astoria on August 29, 1921, she studied art history at New York University (art history lovers unite!) and held down several jobs throughout the 1940’s until opening Old World Weavers, a high-end textile company, with her husband Carl. A fixture on 5^th Avenue long before the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art organized an exhibit of her personal clothing and jewelry collection, Iris became recognizable after appearing in a 2008 Coach advertising campaign. This year she’ll help break another age barrier when she appears in the MAC Cosmetics “Celebrate Aging” campaign where she collaborated on a makeup collection for all ages.

Iris Apfel for MAC

She’s unique, confident, and not afraid to speak her mind (who would be at 90?) as illustrated when she told The Telegraph, “Most of the young people today look dreadful. And celebrities look even worse.” Agreed, Iris, agreed.

For decades she was an educated and successful businesswoman in her own right and now she’s being recognized for her standout style. Now, that’s the kind of diva I want to be.

{Images courtesy of Google}

Fabulous Find: Kate Middleton Replica Engagement Ring

With this summer’s spectacular Diamond Jubilee, the upcoming summer Olympic Games, increased exposure of the “new generation of Royals” (Wills, Kate, and Harry for the non-anglophiles among us), and a daily bump watch, it seems that people just can’t get enough of our friends across the pond. To that I say, “Brilliant!”

A ring fit for a Queen - or someone who'd like to be one.

Since announcing her engagement to her longtime beau Prince William (now the Duke of Cambridge) in 2010, the Duchess of Cambridge has accepted her role as a member of the world’s most famous royal family with ease, elegance, and a touch of class. Women the world over have copied her workout regime, clothes, and those famous nude shoes. But, what has women (and possibly a few men) blue with envy? That stunning sapphire and diamond wedding ring, of course.

First worn by the late Princess Diana, the twelve carat Ceylon sapphire is surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds and set in eighteen-carat white gold. Valued at $300,000, it's a ring fit for a future Queen!

I bet Duchess Catherine does't have to work this hard.

But, if you’re a Commoner like the rest of us and can’t spend a few grand right now, Target (or Targé for the retail elite) has a replica on sale for $17.99. Or, if you have a few Quid to spare, head to QVC.com for their $44.96 Diamonique ring.

While I wish I would have married the heir (ahem), there’s always the spare. Call me, Harry!

Fabulous Find: Suri's Burn Book

Every once in a while, you come upon a website that restores your faith in the internet. For me, dear readers, this website is the sarcastic and dry-humored Suri's Burn Book. Penned in the voice of one of the most spoiled kids in Hollywood*, Suri’s Burn Book “burns” all the other little tykes in LA and New York and, on occasion, her Scientology loving ‘rents, TomKat.

Violet Affleck? With her lemonade stands and ponytails, she is too “normal.” The Jolie-Pitt kids? Crazy town. Harper Beckham? Such a baby. But Suri holds her most pointed critiques for the little gal that stole her thunder and her BFF Oprah Winfrey: Blue Ivy Carter. With a birth announcement in a six page spread in People Magazine and a rap song written in her honor by her dad, Jay-Z, Blue has yet to be seen in public and little Suri is afraid she’s stealing some of her limelight. Girl, please.

Suri’s Burn Book is the brainchild of Allie Hagan, a 25-year-old employee of a Washington DC consulting firm. Can’t get enough of Suri’s celebrity commentary? Follow her on twitter and look for her book, Suri’s Burn Book: Well-Dressed Commentary from Hollywood’s Little Sweetheart released in the fall. 

A book published in the voice of Suri Cruise? Wonder what Shiloh thinks about that!

*Come on, you know it’s true. What other six year old wears faux mink coats and high heels…at the same time?!

Fabulous Find: The Kidnapped Chicagoan

Have you seen the 33 year-old male pictured below? His name is Scott, he’s from Chicago and his interests include beer (presumably Goose Island), deep-dish pizza (presumably Gino's East), and of course “Da Bears.” Scott was last seen riding the 'L' and is feared kidnapped.

Or so Explore St. Louis wants you to think.

This unconventional marketing campaign, known as “The Kidnapped Chicagoan”, was first launched in 2010 to attract Chicagoans in their 20's and 30's to visit their southern neighbor, St. Louis. The team at the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC) and Hoffman/Lewis, the ad agency behind the campaign, knew that luring this hard to please demographic would require an innovative approach. If they couldn’t draw Chicagoans here by enticing them to visit the Arch, City Museum, and Busch Stadium, then they’d just have to “kidnap” one. 

Never fear though, while in captivity, the CVC allowed the “Kidnapped Chicagoan” to tweet, post photos on Instagram, and even upload videos to YouTube. Re-launched earlier this year with an interactive website, the Kidnapped Chicagoan even had time to “pin” his favorite St. Louis sites on his Pinterest boards (favorites include The Donut Drive-In and Rooster). The native Chicagoan and die hard Cubs fan even took in a Cards game!

Using social media apps like twitter and Pinterest and a guerilla marketing campaign that included blanketing the Chicago L trains with faux "Missing Persons" posters, the Kidnapped Chicagoan garnered a lot of attention, created buzz, and introduced St. Louis as more then just the home of Budweiser.  

To keep track of the Kidnapped Chicagoan, follow his tweets and pins, view his videos, and visit is website.   

{Photos courtesy of the KidnappedChicagoan}

Fabulous Find: [RE]FRESH - A Fashion Coalition

A few Friday’s ago, fellow fashionista Sylvia and I attended the Fontbonne University (FBU) “ReNew, ReCycle, ReUse [RE]FRESH…ingly Affordable” Fashion Show at [RE]FRESH - A Fashion Coalition in Brentwood. Just like the catwalks of Paris and Milan, this fashion show had all of the glitz and glamour of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: The lights were bright, the music was loud, and the models strutted their stuff on the runway. But unlike the catwalks of Fashion Week, this fashion show served a dual purpose: To serve as the senior showcase for the FBU Fashion Merchandising program and to bring awareness to [RE]FRESH and the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition (FACC).

For St. Louisans unfamiliar with [RE]FRESH, its purpose is to “provide new, repurposed and affordable clothing to teens and twenties, community service opportunities, and support for the FACC programs. The FACC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency that strives to create permanency in foster children’s lives by recruiting and retaining foster and adoptive families.” 

Sylvia, a FACC Junior Board member, and I at the [RE]FRESH Fashion Show

With the former director of [RE]FRESH, Jennifer Frey

In support of this unique boutique, the community donated everything from the wrap desk to the mannequins and volunteers donate their time to assist customers, style the store, and organize donated clothing. In addition to providing a trendy and inviting atmosphere for shoppers, the FACC volunteers also provide children and families with workshops, support groups, and life skills training.

A place where I can give back while shopping for affordable fashions? Now that's something I can buy into!

[RE]FRESH is open to the public during the weekends and all proceeds go to the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. Follow them on Facebook, twitter, and Pinterest.   

Fabulous Find: The World's Largest Rocking Chair

It’s no secret that I love classy establishments. If you’ve been reading this blog for any amount of time, you know I prefer places like Cielo at the Four Seasons and cute little cars like the Gucci Fiat. But even I, self-proclaimed CityDiva, can appreciate the simpler things in life.

In 2010, my mom, sister, and I headed west for a weekend in Branson. Making our way along historic Route 66 (now known as Interstate 44 in Missouri), I managed to spot a small, hand-written sign along the side of the road advertising the “World’s Largest Rocking Chair.” Loving all things quirky and “World’s Largest anything” we were soon pulling off I-44 and onto the winding side road of Highway ZZ in rural, central Missouri.

Formally known as the “Route 66 Rocker” and standing 42’1” tall and 20’3” wide, it was designated the Largest Rocking Chair by the Guinness World Records in 1998. Guests who travel off the beaten path to see the infamous rocker should also visit the Fanning 66 Outpost General Store. Home to an archery range, traditional Ozark souvenirs, and a Taxidermy Studio (when in Missourah…), you’ll have a one of-a-kind Ozark experience.

Whether you're taking a drive across the country or a native Missourian planning a summer stay-cation, plan a trip to Cuba, Missouri and the World's Largest Rocking Chair for a rockin' good time.

Fabulous Finds: The NY&Co. "City Diva" Tee

A few weeks ago, I sauntered into my local NY&Co. store looking for work shirts and slacks. I was browsing the petite section (short gals unite!) when something from across the store caught my eye. Something that glittered. Something that sparkled. Something that said “City Diva” in bold silver lettering. I made a mad dash across the store and reached an entire section made just for me! Ok, maybe it wasn’t made just for me, but when a clothing collection is called “City Diva”, one begins to wonder. With just one XS Glitter Diva Logo Tee remaining (it was fate, I tell you), I plucked it right up. The tee is slimming, comfortable, and the perfect fit for any Diva. 

Fabulous Finds: The Fiat 500 by Gucci

It’s no secret that my 2003 Ford Focus is on the last of its figurative little legs. 133,000 miles and counting, a crack in the wind shield, chipped paint, and a recent minor accident have all done their damage to my wee vehicle. Like many frustrated car owners before me, I've toyed with the idea of buying a new car. Perhaps one with automatic windows and locks! Heated seats! A quiet engine! Oh my!

But, when my friend Peter emailed me photos of the Fiat 500 by Gucci, I was immediately in amore.

Making its debut during New York's 2011 Fashion Week, this stylish little car is perfect for any diva with its trademark green and red Gucci accent stripes and two-tone leather interior. And girlfriends, this car comes with matching accessories!

As of tomorrow, I’ll be leaving on a jet plane for a business trip at this fabulous Orlando resort. Hope this post finds your week speeding by! 

Fabulous Finds: The January Issue of St. Louis Magazine

I very rarely buy magazines. They clutter my nightstand, I feel guilty if I don’t recycle and they’re usually already behind on the latest gossip by the time they reach the newsstands. But when I saw the January issue of St. Louis Magazine, I knew I had to buy it. I love reading biographies and learning about where a person is from, the experiences that shaped them and the people and places that formed them into the person they are today. Isn't it interesting to find out that someone famous is from your hometown? That they bucked convention, perhaps, and left small town life for the big city?

This month’s issue of St. Louis Magazine is dedicated to “My Hometown”; celebrities who at one time called St. Louis home and their memories of growing up here. And in true St. Louis style, the infamous question “Where did you go to high school?” is answered.

Many people know that John Goodman is a proud St. Louisan and co-owner of O'Leary's Restaurant in Sunset Hills. Cornell Haynes Jr. put St. Louis on the map (and on the Billboard Top 200 chart) with his album “Country Grammar”, though his fans know him simply as ‘Nelly’.  Twitter and Square founder, Jack Dorsey and Bravo host Andy Cohen both regularly come back home to visit and usually tweet their whereabouts while in town.

But, did you know that Jon Hamm (swoon!) of Mad Men fame graduated from and later taught at the John Burroughs School?** Did you know that Miles Davis, the man behind the legendary jazz album Kind of Blue grew up just across the river from downtown St. Louis in East St. Louis, Illinois? And you might find it interesting that Yogi Berra grew up on “The Hill” across the street from his boyhood friend Joe Garagiola.  

My hometown of Granite City, Illinois (shout out to Granite City High School!) was, at one time, home to Pulitzer prize winning author Robert Olen Butler and former NFL linebacker and current outside linebackers coach for the Green Bay Packers, Kevin Green.

**Fun Fact: While teaching at John Burroughs, one of Jon Hamm's theater students was Ellie Kemper, famous for her current role as secretary Erin Hannon in The Office.

Fabulous Finds: Birchbox

A few months ago, Holly at Nothing But Bonfires blogged about a beauty delivery company called Birchbox. I like to think that I stay up on the latest trends by buying my clothes at Marshall’s and reading the “I Really Love My...” section on people.com, but somehow Birchbox escaped my radar. Not any longer, girlfriends! If you’ve never heard of Birchbox, it’s a company founded by two Harvard grads who decided to put sample sizes of their favorite perfumes, lipsticks and other beauty goodies into a gift box and ship these treats to your home. 

In a nutshell, here’s what I love about Birchbox:

1. Priced at only $10/month, it’s easy on the budget and you can cancel at any time.
2. Shipping is free!
3. You can sample products and brands that you may not necessarily buy because they are out of your price range or you’re not sure if you’ll be satisfied with the end result. I’ve been wearing the same brand and color of lipstick for years simply because I hate the thought of my money going to waste.
4. In addition to all of your samples, you’ll receive a little card that explains the products inside of your box and the full-size price.

I’ve been receiving Birchbox since November and my favorite samples so far have been:

Guerlain Shalimar Parfum

J.R. Watkins foot repair salve

Zoya nail polish in Megan

Jouer lip gloss in Birchbox Pink
{photo credit}

If you don’t think Birchbox is your style, I’d suggest these little beauty boxes for wedding parties, party favors, stocking stuffers or birthday gifts. And for the men in your life, have no fear, Birchbox Man is here! Friend them on Facebook, follow them on twitter or read their blog for the latest in beauty tips and trends. 


Have you tried Birchbox or do you have fashion trends that you follow?