"Ladies and Gentelmen! The evening is over. We hope you all enjoyed yourselves and we'll see you all again in 1974. Good evening!"

Today was a LOOONG day. Is April ever going to end? As I watch the sunset over Catalina, I decided to switch up the Blog today from merchandise, to remembering that words and photos are just as priceless as Harry Winston diamonds, Marc Jacob originals, vintage Louis Vuitton steerage trunks or my dream '53 Porsche Speedster, well maybe not the Speedster, but definitely a Cayman.

Then I stumbled upon The Morrison Hotel. How did I ever not know about these Galleries?! New York ~ Los Angeles ~ La Jolla


Tangerine by Led Zeppelin

"Measuring a summer's day
I only finds it slips away to grey
The hours they bring me pain.

Tangerine Tangerine
Living reflection from a dream;
I was her love she was my queen
And now a thousand years between.

Thinking how it used to be
Does she still remember times like these?
To think of us again?
And I do."

The summer can't come soon enough.



We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. Our gifts are chosen to create BUZZ.

The Perfect Swag
info@perfectswag.com
949.335.5741

Six Pictures All in a Row of a Marigold

I love the brand Michele.

Watches, handbags, sunglasses - you name it. And that is why I cannot decide which I think is the coolest for Mother's Day approaching quicker than the speed of light.

Maybe it's also, the fact that I have Churchill Downs on my mind for next Saturday and everything is big, beautiful, feminine and southern. So for this special write up, I am choosing the Michele "trifecta", in honor of both Mother's Day, as well as another honored tradition, The Kentucky Derby.

Inspired in the 1950's, these oversized frames feature the signature MW logo on each temple and are available in several chic colors. Featured in Tortoise, Onyx or La Dolce Swag's favorite, Scarlet.

Modern and distinctive, with a feel of the 1950's Hollywood Glam, the Coral collection features a stainless steel bezel with enamel inlay. Forty-three brilliant diamonds surround the mother-of-pearl dial. This style features a matching patent leather strap for added flair. Also just as beautiful in black onyx and white pearl.

While I was unable to decide on which handbag to introduce, I struggled for a moment because even though I am in love with the "Raleigh Clutch" in Mocha, every women these days needs a great tote. So I'm happy to present The Newport Drawstring Leather Tote in White. The refined, modern styling of the Newport Drawstring Tote is accented by the use of elegant Italian leathers in rich colors. A drawstring closure and signature Michele logo add to the timeless glamour of this piece of art.



I can promise I already have my eye on a few more pieces I cannot wait to squeal about, but they will be making their appearance within the next few weeks.

Peace, love, laughter - and remember to buy Mommy that amazing gift, she deserves it!


We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose this merchandise to create BUZZ.

LaDolceSwag
info@ladolceswag.com
Twitter: LaDolceSwag

The Tide Is High...

There is no rhyme or reason how I come up with titles. In this case I've been listening once again to my Blondie "Parallel Lines" album loving the song "Dreaming," but it's just not appropriate for these products. I still wanted tip my Holly Golightly oversized hat with an homage to Debbie Harry, so there's the blah, blah, blah in a nutshell!

Now LaDolceSwag's Eco pick.

"The Laundress"...sounds kind of royal like, "The Countess," but much more 2K9

We've fallen in love with the Eco-chic Shopper filled with The Laundress Delicate Wash 16 oz., Wool & Cashmere Shampoo 16 oz., Fabric Fresh Classic 8 oz., Classic Dryer Sheets, Stain Solution 16 oz. and our Signature Detergent 32 oz. It makes the perfect gift combined with Ellen Sandbeck's "Organic Housekeeping" book!

The two together is the perfect way to introduce the Eco-style nontoxic lifestyle in to your home.

We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. We chose this merchandise to create BUZZ.

LaDolceSwag
info@ladolceswag.com
Twitter: LaDolceSwag

What I Am

Have patience on my soul. I know it's Earth Day and I am 2 days behind schedule, so we are going to have a trifecta to celebrate Earth Day 2009 and get back on the Eco-Friendly Train...choo choo! I can't help it, but I stereotype Earth Day with music some might call "crunchy" or "granola" or "hippy" so besides the obvious, which will be quoted later, I went with Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program:


A memo went around sometime last Labor Day that I was left off from, and it must have been titled:"Pour the vino, hop in the sack and give birth to a baby Summer 2009!!!" As baby fever is hitting me in every direction, I am still thankful that the memo went to my SPAM box, and instead of a "Whoopsie" or "Surprise." While I am thrilled for all my besties, I will happily take on the roll of being once again: The Bestest Aunt in the World! I just hope my own Coco Darlin' realizes I am that wonderful.

So to stay with our organic theme, we've found a great Newborn Eco-friendly Gift Set with the Book Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living. What a perfect gift to give to parents who are concerned with the environment and wish to raise a healthy and happy organic family and home. This sweet unisex Newborn Set is made to order, and includes a onesie, receiving blanket, organizer, baby snuggle toy, changing mat, bib and small sample of non-toxic - baby friendly laundry soap.


We know what's HOT, We ignore what's NOT, We know what's IT and we made THE LIST. Our gifts are chosen to create BUZZ.

The Perfect Swag
info@perfectswag.com
949.335.5741

Green is the New Black

For the next week, La Dolce Swag in honor of April 22nd's Earth Day, has decided to focus it's merchandise on products, designers and projects that have made concerted efforts to "Go Green."

We are spotlighting eco-friendly textiles & materials, artisans who take pride in making one of a kind hand-made pieces from recycled goods, and calling attention to the beauty of organic merchandise, and the companies as a whole, who promote the importance of reducing your carbon footprint.

Whenever we have the opportunity, La Dolce Swag partners with our favorite online retailer, The Perfect Swag (www.theperfectswag.com) who is known for setting the bar with trend forecasting and their close knit relationship with designers, stylists and publicists.

For our "Green is the New Black" week, The Perfect Swag applauds creating educational programs in schools to introduce a "Green Generation" to children, prides itself on tidbits for those of us mature adults not yet fully committed to living the Green Generation, however interested in giving it a start that one day it will be 2nd nature.

For more information on Eco-Friendly and Organic Gifts contact The Perfect Swag at 949.335.5741

Cin Cin! Cheers! Banzai! Na zdorov'ya! Jumbo!

Set of Six (6) Fine spirits and cordials showcased in a vessel that aesthetically complements and enhances each of them. Each lead-crystal glasses is deeply etched with a clean-lined, eye-pleasing design, and substantial weight offers the ideal hand-feel.

Crafted by Venetian glass company, Salviati, which was founded in 1859 and continues to produce coveted crystal ware. * set of six * includes an assortment of designs. Each in this set of six lead-crystal glasses is deeply etched with a clean-lined, eye-pleasing design, and substantial weight offers the ideal hand-feel.

Ideal gift for any occasion, these Venezia 1959 shot glasses are not only available in translucent, but also in negro assorted styles of: Assorted styles: Bassorilivi, Graffiati, Twigs.

Travel Treats from Jo Malone

There are some things in life that you just don’t feel your best after, and one is a long flight.  Regardless, what seat, class, neighboring passenger or onboard movie, there is something about the sigh of relief that can be heard aboard a landed plane taxiing to the gate.

Introducing Jo Malone’s In-Flight Travel Case.  Each product is a special gift to make your flight more comfortable.  Choose from a black or cream case, which includes: Ginseng Day Moisturising Cream 7ml; Green Tea & Honey Eye Cream 3ml; Protein Skin Serum 5ml; Rosemary & Lavender Skin Tonic 30ml; Avocado Cleansing Milk 30ml; Vitamin E Gel 3ml; Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Lotion 30ml; Grapefruit Cologne 9ml.

While it may not be your most romantic travel companion, the Jo Malone In-Flight Travel Case instantly creates the fragrant comfort of home which is a dream in itself.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: While supplies last, if you purchase $150.00 worth of Jo Malone merchandise from Neiman Marcus, you will receive this SuperFantabulous gift set.  You won't want to miss these treats, Arrives in a signature shopping bag:   

Set includes:
• Grapefruit Cologne, 0.3 ounces
• Nectarine Blossom & Honey Shower Gel, 0.5 ounces
• Lime Basil & Mandarin Body Creme, 0.5 ounces
• Vitamin E Hand Treatment, 0.17 ounces

Whoa Whoa Whoa She's a Lady!!

There is something about Tory Burch that equals: PURE JOY.

Be careful, only because she just hit our SWAGdar doesn't mean she's a novice or LaDolceSwag & The Perfect Swag haven't been die hard fans since 2004! Ms. Burch worked for the best, and learned from the best, from the likes of Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Vera Wang she studied not only trends, but honed in on the power of public relations and later formed "TRB - by Tory Burch."

I find no harm in saying Tory Burch is a curious paradox, rather I say it as an enormous compliment. My best explanation: Three's Company meet Lipstick Jungle. She has taken the what she has learned from studying the classics and boldy added her own whimsical spin whether it be with color, signature "TT" ornament, or medium. Tory Burch is not a fad, she is not a trend, she is a true American Fashion classic designer and will sooner or later be considered a classic compared to the likes of Lilly Pulitzer. 

I'm tickled Pink with this combo!  It just wants me to enjoy my day!  One thing is for sure...whether it be Palm Beach or Palm Springs...you will be able to spot me out of a crowd when I sport this fun canvas tote and to die for hot pink Barbie flats strutting my stuff! 

What can I say? You either love me, or want to be me!

Me and My BFF, Marc...that's Mr. Jacobs to You!

LaDolceSwag HEARTS Marc Jacobs!!!



Not only is Marc Jacobs an internationally acclaimed designer, he is one of LDS's favorite top three (3) designers in The LaDolceSwag Library.

In his Signature Waterford Collection, Marc Jacobs has shared his style and vision to create an exclusive line of crystal pieces crafted in the most opulent materials.

The "Peter" Bowl holds special significance for the renowned designer, having named the each piece of his exquisite collection after his closest friends. This Raspberry crystal bowl is 10" in diameter, and in my mind...we're renaming it The "Coco" Bowl.

"Best for Curling up in Bed (or Crib) at the End of Day" - Real Simple

It's been three (3) years since I have been pregnant, and not only do I still listen to these collection of classics daily, but they make the most amazing Baby Shower gift for, get this: The Daddy's!

And the winner is: The Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Renditions Collections.
The Rockabye Baby series takes classic songs from more than 20 artists, including Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Nirvana, and Coldplay, and turns them into lullabies. The series could have been a case of “nifty idea, poor execution,” but the AC/DC disc shows its strengths. Stripped of all lyrics, the gentle arrangements turn kid-inappropriate songs, such as “You Shook Me All Night Long,” into palatable naptime music.

There is no way I could choose a favorite. I love the Nine Inch Nails disc, however there is something about The Rolling Stones version of "Ruby Tuesday" or The Led Zeppelin disc that ends my day on a perfect note... no pun intended!

Besides the ones I am about to list that are available, rumor has it that we can be looking forward to: The White Stripes, Kanye West, Prince, David Bowie and Kiss in the near future.

Until then, we'll have to settle for these amazing choices whose series is award winning and transforms timeless rock songs in to beautiful instrumental lullabies. Guitars & drums are traded for glockenspiels, bells and mellotron. Forget Spinal Tap crank these babies up to "2". Cozy up in a chair, with some hot coco and have your time machine bring you back to Lollapolooza 1992 for some Cherub Rock the next generation can enjoy!

Here's a Toast to Uncle Sam..."To another 365 days!"

Perrier-Jouet Champagne produces approximately 3,000,000 bottles annually, and this March Perrier-Jouet uncorked the oldest vintage champagne in the world!

Perrier-Jouet invited 12 of the world's leading wine experts to a historic tasting of 20 vintages from its collection. The wines had been stored in the house's Epernay-based wine library. Among the 20 legendary vintages was the renowned Perrier-Jouet 1825, the oldest vintage champagne in existence.

For those of us not invited to this once in a lifetime event, we can pour the Cristal down the drain because the world's most expensive champagne is now available as of March 20th, 2009, a limited-edition Perrier-Jouet that retails for $6,485.00.

Cheers!

I'd ask my friends to come and see Coco's garden with me...

With Mommy's Day right around the corner, what better way to celebrate the love of grandmothers, mommies, daughters, and even granddaughters then to create beautiful keepsake bracelets especially designed, for your family?

LaDolceSwag has partnered with an artisan so famous, we're sure if you snooped around - you'd figure it out, however she is true to her craft and created especially for us: Coco's Garden. Each unique bead is hand-crafted, using centuries-old process called lampworking. Lampworking is glassworking using a torch to melt and shape colorful rods of glass. The molten glass is then wound around a steel rod, forming a basic bead which is then embellished and decorated using varieties of techniques and materials, making each bracelet one-of-a-kind. You can either choose to have every bracelet completely different or have all the pieces match in tones, hues and textures. You are the dreamer of this dream - you can even choose your own adventure and personalize each piece to what you think the recipient might like.

Choosing colors and beads are just such a blast and make gift giving so special.

The earliest glass beads were reserved exclusively for royalty, and in medieval Europe, the techniques for working with glass were closely guarded within families. Although the art form has been practiced since ancient Egyptian times it flowered in Murano, Italy in the 1300s, and spread from there to the rest of the world.

In addition to bracelets, Coco's Garden has a selection of hand-made glass pieces such as "Courtney" pens, "Franny" wine toppers, "LaDolceSwag" jewelry and "The Perfect Swag" spreaders. Dial up The Perfect Swag at 949.335.5741 for more details!

Counting Sheep: One...Two...ZZZZ's

You are probably nothing like us, but with Uncle Sam breathing down our neck for Wednesday, sleep is the last thing on our list. Then we found Molton Brown USA: Sleep Therapy Aroma Room Rocks.

Unique. Open this potent box of tricks to invite sleep into the bedroom. Natural ‘rocks’ of acacia tree sap are drenched in our night time room fragrance of cedrus and lavender oils, ready to slowly diffuse into the air and create a relaxing ambiance.

Cedrus tree oil from the Atlas Mountains, sweet Florida orange oil and Bulgarian lavender oil help to promote relaxation and encourage sleep.

Complete with an oil replenisher.

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION: BARBIE Limited Edition

"Having dressed through the decades as a fashion model, best friend and bride, Barbie is now an object of pop art" ~ The New York Times


BARBIE - in the series of THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION.
Assembled using the traditional anglaise technique and color-tipped by hand on art-quality paper, each page of this limited edition series bears the unique imprint of the artisan. The Assouline Ultimate Collection heralds a return to luxury, care, and mystique of a fine, hand-bound book.

Barbie Limited Edition
by Yona Zeldis McDonough

Big-eyed, blonde, and beautiful, Barbie took over the world in 1959 with little more than a white-and-black striped bathing suit and a pair of high heels. Today, Mattel sells three Barbies a second, and children in more than one hundred and fifty countries know her name.

Now, on her fiftieth anniversary as cultural icon, Assouline presents the ultimate collector’s volume on the world’s most popular doll. Encapsulating her history, chronicling her fashion, and imagining her life as a woman of mystery, glamour, and fun, Barbie presents this totemic figure as never seen before—in vivid dioramas of Barbie at work and play and in portraits of vintage dolls and accessories. Size 14 x 17” / 35.5 x 43.3 cm – 128 pages – 69 illustrations – cloth over board with linen presentation box

A muse for children and adults, designers and artists, writers and cultural critics, Barbie remains a powerfully evocative and enigmatic reflection of our dreams, our hopes, and ourselves.

Authors Bio:
Yona Zeldis McDonough is the editor of The Barbie Chronicles. Her essays, articles and fiction have appeared in numerous national and literary publications.

"Beauty is an attitude. There's no secret." - Estee Lauder

Originally created by Aerin Lauder for herself and her closest friends, this lush floral fragrance has captured two magnificent white flowers perfectly in a luxurious bouquet right in time for spring.

This Parfum Spray is considered the Jewel of the collection and is the purest expression of the Estee Lauder experience. Adding simple luxury to the bottle, the cap is embedded with natural semi-precious gems such as aventurine, yellow and green jade, citrine, lemone and mustard stones. The shapes of the stones are different making each bottle unique.

Classic or Mexican Train You Decide

During a recent conversation, a few balked, “Who cares about dominoes?” Obviously these are the same few who get excited ordering Cosmopolitans when out with the girls.

LaDolceSwag loves dominoes, Hermes loves dominoes, and celebs love dominoes – that’s who cares! For those Cosmo drinkers, just a little F.Y.I., dominos happen to be one of Hollywood’s favorite chic pastimes. After learning a lesson or two from Selma Hayek & Penelope Cruz, Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher have introduced the classic game to their friends and the trend has exploded to bring back popular game night!

Not only are the likes of Hollywood Royalty hosting regular dominoes parties, but designers and corporations such as Stella McCartney, Bally’s and Vanity Fair Magazine have hosted the annual event, Hollywood Domino Tournament, to raise money for The Art of Elysium.

With this mini wooden domino game set and leather case from Hermes, could dominoes possibly reign as the new poker?

Did I Tell You How Devinely & Utterly Happy I am?

Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!

~ Ms. Holly Golightly

Just when I think I feel a mean case of "the reds" coming on, I find the gem of all gems.  One of my favorite designers, Bill Ambreg of the U.K., has partnered with Penguin Classics to produce six of his favorite modern classics with a twist.  Bill has taken each of the novels enduring cosmopolitan styles and bound them in the softest rich brown calves leather.  The leather was specially worked so that the more each book is handled, the better protected and more beautiful it becomes.  These are must haves for curling up with your favorite throw-blanket on those lazy days.  Especially on those rainy days in the Hamptons.

Mr. Amberg has also included the following in his series of luxury leather classics:

• The Picture of Dorian Gray - Oscar Wilde
• A Room with a View - E. M. Forester
• The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler
• Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh

Strike a Pose

Celebrate spring with brightly colored leather picture frames to remember your treasured photographs.

Whether it be smooth leather, or dyed textured croc or ostrich mediums, fun hues are great to add to your own collection so you can remember your favorite "Girls Night Out," your best-friends baby/bridal shower or just have on hand for that perfect hostess gift!

Vineyard Vines Custom Totes, Ties and Sashes - Oh My!

Ageless & timeless, Vineyard Vines(r) direct from Martha's Vineyard, known for their iconic pink whale logo, will customize whimsical ties, scarves, sashes, and totes for your next event or promotion. After consulting with their creative Custom Department, in 2 - 3 weeks the Vineyard Vine Crew will provide you with a variety of designs to choose from. 

Once you have chose your colors Vineyard Vines will produce samples for your approval. Upon approval, your order will ship within 4 - 6 weeks. 

Vineyard Vines also can customize other merchandise such as sport shirts, vests, formal wear and belts (call for details).

How Have I Lived Without This Gadget for So Long?

Introducing: The Mobile Power Pack by TUMI

"How have I lived without this for so long?" I find myself repeating this mantra months after each new electronic trinket is released, and this time (as always) I mean it. While we were meeting a client up in Beverly Hills last week my phone died and since I did not drive, my car charger was left back in Orange County. Without hesitation, my girlfriend whipped out this handy-dandy device with an assortment of "tips" to fit all sorts of cell phones, cameras, iPods and mobile earpieces. Within moments my cell-phone had a full charge!

TUMI has outdone itself! This gadget plugs into a wall socket to get its initial charge, then travels with you and has enough power to recharge your phone 5 times. Works with phones, MP3 players, PDAs and most electronic devices. Available in Crimson & Gun Metal.