Casa Genotta - the name itself conjures scenes of romance and style.  And the house in no way disappoints. Located off the coast of Georgia on beautiful Sea Island, the house was built by renowned architect Francis Abreu in 1931 for Eugene O'Neill and his wife Carlotta Monterey O'Neill.  Casa Genotta was imagined as their weekend retreat.  Carlotta wanted the home to evoke a Spanish hacienda, and be the place of peace and contemplation where her husband could write.  And for five years, that is exactly what happened.  But Eugene O'Neill never felt the climate suited him, and he and Carlotta relocated to northern California.

The current owners consider themselves to be stewards of the O'Neill house; and accordingly, they have lovingly restored and redecorated the historic casa.

The living room is a masterpiece of relaxed glamour.  Of course, the architectural details are commanding: high ceiling, intricately stenciled beams, wide plank wood flooring, brick and tile Spanish style fireplace, and the fabulous series of French doors leading to the garden.

The interior designer said that she endeavored "not to over decorate."  That everything put into the rooms was designed to withstand "life at the beach."  Life at a very glamorous beach, I'd say.

Interior Design: Linda Lindsey, St. Simons
Photo: Tom Ackerman

        

There may be some people reading this who are too young to know who Nedenia Marjorie Hutton, aka Dina Merrill, is.  Understandable, as my own knowledge of her as an actress is a bit sparse.  Yes, she was easily one of the classiest, most gorgeous women to ever grace a Broadway stage or Hollywood set.  But when I think of Dina Merrill, I remember the many talk shows I saw her on, where she was always beautifully dressed and coiffed, wearing fabulous jewelry, and talking about a project near and dear to her heart.   And today, in many circles, she's best known for those projects - her philanthropic work.

Some would say that Dina Merrill couldn't be anything but classy, sophisticated and elegant, considering her background.  Born to Edward Francis Hutton (yes, E.F.) and Marjorie Merriweather Post (known everywhere as the Post cereals heiress) Dina was the epitome of the glamorous New York society girl.

But after one year at George Washington University, she left college and went off to study acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  After a number of years on Broadway, she made a name for herself in Hollywood, debuting in Desk Set, with Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. 

But for all of her privilege, beauty and glamorous style, Ms. Merrill has always been an active philanthropist.  When one of her children was diagnosed with diabetes, she became one of the founders of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.  She is also a director of Project Orbis, a flying eye hospital which teaches advanced eye care and surgical techniques all over the world.  Ms. Merrill has worked tirelessly for underprivileged, particularly at the New York City Mission Society.  Furthermore, she is on the boards of several performing arts organizations.

But even beyond the philanthropy, the one thing that most impresses me about Ms. Merrill is her fearlessness in standing up for what she believes in.  A liberal Republican (yeah, I remember when there were LOTS of them) she's been a long-time lobbyist for women's health issues and is vice-chair of the Republican Pro-Choice Coalition. 

Many years ago it was said that the three most important things any woman could have were: beauty - brains - and breeding.  Hm...  could have been describing Dina Merrill.  She's definitely a triple threat; and that's why she's my choice for this Tuesday's "They Get It."

                     

In Vegas w/ Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Milton Berle, Dean Martin,1979             
With Diane Von Furstenburg 2007

(Photo: George Rose/Getty Images)
(Photo: 2007 WireImage.com)

        

It's a This Makes Me Crazy! Monday - and I have zip, nada, absolutely nothing...

Oh sure, there are always the usual suspects: inappropriate dress for the venue, inappropriate dress for your age, tawdry attire (oh I do love it when Michael Kors smacks the Project Runway contestants for vulgarity - or as Nina Garcia so aptly puts it, "I wonder about your taste level.")

But this morning, I just can't work up the dander.  I opened my back door and was hit - hit by clear blue skies, a beautiful sun, just a bit of coolness in the air -  the faintest hint of the coming autumn.  It's simply too wonderful to get worked up about anything!

If you're on a roll about "whatever" this morning, feel free to let me know about it.  I'm happy to give you a place to gripe - I might even join in.  If I can manage to work up any outrage, that is.

(Photo from Photographic Picture Blog)

        

It's another Free For All Friday - yahoo!  Now, you know I'm totally hooked on the USA show, Burn Notice.  Well, here we go again.

Last night I'm stretched out on the sofa in my  sun room, completely enjoying the slick, uber-coolness of it all, when suddenly I hear an announcement.  What?  Did I hear that correctly?  Oh yes, the voice said, you too can have all the styles worn by Michael, Fiona and Sam on Burn Notice!

You gotta love it!  See Fiona's sexy top in one episode, and dream about it for yourself?  No problem - just find it on the show's website, click, and buy for yourself - easy as pie!

It's American marketing at its best.  After all, here we have a television show that is loved by critics - "just freaking cool" - and enjoys an enthusiastic group of viewers.  And deservedly so: the show is smart, funny and sexy - overtly (and covertly too) which is of course, the whole point.  So why not jump all over it and market all you can? 

You can't sell Michael's cool, or Fiona's sexiness or Sam's charm.  So sell their look.  OOPS!  What did I say?  I misspoke.  Of course what they're selling is Michael's cool, Fiona's sexiness and Sam's charm!  That's Marketing 101: you sell the sizzle not the steak.

So next time you see a guy walking down the street with gold-rimmed aviators, shirt's top buttons casually left  undone, slick gray suit,  God bless him - he bought the dream!  Now, if I can only figure out how to get some of my products on Fiona!

            

        

Colors can be tricky - so much so that some just throw up their hands in exasperation and go with basic off-white walls throughout the home.  But we have a book that is guaranteed to inspire you to ditch those boring walls, and give you confidence in choosing colors for your rooms.

It is Farrow & Ball: The Art of Color, by Brian Coleman and Edward Addeo.  If the name Farrow & Ball doesn't ring a bell, this company has become the "go to" paint source for designers around the world.  Based in Dorset, England, Farrow & Ball is known for its unique wallpapers, the richness and depth of its paint colors, the broad range of high quality finishes, and high prices (a gallon of water-based eggshell goes for $88.)   Farrow & Ball paint sits at the top of the luxury paint market.

But despite the gasp-inducing prices of the paint, this book is filled with gorgeous photographs that lead you on a tour - through cottages, castles and lofts.  It is loaded with design ideas, and filled with the "how to's" of picking finishes and colors to create stylish rooms - and to create the "much talked about flow," for your entire house.

For this Thursday's Style Source Fave - we heartily recommend this book.

        

It's Wednesday, and our thoughts turn to the home.  The serene aura of this bedroom in East Hampton is what initially caught our attention.  Dominated by off-white walls, seafoam colored textiles and iron accents, the room exudes peace and comfort - exactly the qualities you want in a bedroom.

A cathedral ceiling gives the room an airiness, and the addition of the fabulous clerestory windows above the bed is absolutely brilliant.  They let the sun in - and the moon for that matter - but still give the occupants ultimate privacy.

The designer, Larry Laslo, said in describing his work, "Ultimately, I strive for simplicity, balance and harmony."   We'd say he achieved it - in spades.



Interior Design by Larry Laslo
 larrylaslodesigns.com
Iron bed by Ralph Lauren
Chandelier by Dennis & Leen
Bed Linens by Ann Gish

Photo by John Hall

Do you LOVE your bedroom?  Or love a friend's?   Send us the photo, and let us know why you love it - what appeals to you - and we'll feature it in our "Wednesday - Home Decor Thoughts."

Remember: it doesn't need to be an ultra expensive, professionally "done" room.  We'd love to see bedrooms that you've decorated yourself, to suit you - your taste - your sensibilities - your needs. 

        

Once again for our  Tuesday "They Get It" segment - we've chosen a gentleman as our pick for beautifully attired - yes, 007 himself, Daniel Craig.

Whether he's clean shaven, or sporting a bit of scruff, his clothes are impeccable.  Rich fabrics, perfectly tailored,  classics designs but always with a modern update.

   

(Photos from WireImage.com  Han Myung-Gu, Jeff Vespa)

        

Do you ever walk into your closet overflowing with clothes, look around and say, "I have NOTHING to wear."  I'm just guessing here, but I imagine everybody says that at one time or another.

Sometimes, there are good reasons.  You just lost a lot of weight, and you haven't been shopping for new clothes yet.  Or you've put on just enough extra pounds, that those clothes that used to fit perfectly really are a bit too snug; and you need new togs.

But usually the reason is closer to purely haphazard "I just want something new and different" kind of shopping that occasionally takes over even the most pragmatic among us.  And then results in "why the &*#@ did I ever buy this?" 

But hand in hand with what I'll dub "mindless shopping" is the quantity vs. quality mindset.  Now I know my readers have exquisite taste, and you would never dream of buying a bunch of cheap stuff, just to be "buying."  But that's not the case for many people.  Far too many are caught up in the "more is better" mindset.  Look at the popularity of some chain restaurants that are into HUGE portions but questionable quality.

And look at the popularity of Stacy and Clinton on "What Not To Wear."  When they're throwing out the entire contents of someone's closet, it's not just because the hapless woman doesn't know how to dress herself in the most becoming style.  It's often because it's a closet filled with cheap, poorly made  garbage, that she never should have even considered in the first place.

I grew up with a mom that taught me from a wee age that it's ALL about quality.  Her saying when I was young - " If you have $100 you don't buy ten things for $10, you buy one beautiful well-made piece."  It's the way the French fill their closets.  It's a well known fact that French women have far less clothes than their American counterparts.  But they're the ones who are always held up as the models of style - the chicest of the chic.  Why?  Yes, they do seem to have a "gene" for knowing how to put an ensemble together; but beyond that, they buy the finest they can afford.  And if they can't afford it at the time, they wait, save up, and then purchase.  But it's all about quality.

Many years ago, right after I graduated from college and I was in my first job, I found the most exquisite Calvin Klein suit on sale for 50% off it's original price.  Now it was still expensive to me - in fact, it was FAR too expensive for me.  But it was made of the most gorgeous lightweight Italian wool, and the jacket fit like it was bespoke.  I truly fell in love with it - and decided to charge it on my one and only credit card (not something I would normally advise anyone to do) and take it home right then - lest someone else snap it up.

Why am I telling you about an expensive suit I bought almost thirty years ago?  I still have it.   I still wear it.  And I still love it.  And it still looks like a million bucks!

Granted, it was a lucky purchase.  The style at the time didn't have the massive shoulder pads that came later in the decade, and would have dated it to the point of being unwearable.  The skirt went through many iterations: long to short, to shorter - to - I finally gave it way.  But the jacket: so classic, so beautifully cut and tailored, that it holds up today.  And because I've never worn it on a consistent basis - maybe only a few times a season -  I've never tired of it.

Yes, it truly is all about quality. 

        

It's here - 08/08/08!  And tonight as we kick back to watch the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympmic Games, we think a celebratory libation is in order.

Join us in a cocktail - The Chinese Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 tsp.      Triple Sec
1 1/2 oz. dark rum
1 tsp.     Maraschino Liquor
1 dash    bitters
1 tbsp.   Grenadine

Directions:
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker half-filled with ice cubes.  Shake well, strain into a cocktail glass, and serve.   Raise a glass to the athletes and enjoy!

Traditional Chinese dress - modeled outside the Summer Palace in Beijing.



(Cocktail recipe from drinkswap.com)

        

With the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games taking place tomorrow night, we've definitely got China on the brain.  So for today's "Style Source" we're highlighting a fantastic online resource (no, it's not Bella Figura USA, but we wish we had some of these things!)  The site is TROCADERO Antiques Mall.

At the Trocadero site, they have a listing of Chinese Antiques, Porcelains, Snuff Bottles and other Objet d'Art, from well known dealers around the country.

The pieces are definitely not inexpensive, but they are gorgeous.  Anyone wanting to start, or add to, a collection, will love this website.

Just a taste of what they have to offer: we love Chinese snuff bottles - the one pictured is 19C, Ivory ($2500)







But don't let that price discourage you, there are also a number of bottles listed it the $200 - $300 range.






And if you're thinking, "hm, I really like the look of that, but I don't want to spend even $200,"  no worries.  Check out the Asian Art Mall.  They have replicas of the antiques, and some new designs.  There are several different types of snuff bottles; but the one that we actually love the most is called inside painted.  These bottles are made of glass, and have pictures, and sometimes calligraphy, painted on the inside surface of the glass.  We found some lovely inside painted bottles on their website at sale prices of around $70.

        

We saw this "room" and cried.  We are loathe to admit it, but we felt nothing but envy - pure, green-eyed monster type envy.  We want this space - we covet this space.  Yes, we are aware that "coveting" is one of the 7 Deadly Sins but we don't care, because we would kill (well, almost) for this space.

See for yourself.

My, oh my...  the comfy chairs: arranged for socializing - the fireplace: to ward off the chill when the temperature drops - the gauzy draperies: for ambience and privacy - and the lighting: "the better to see you with my dear."

Besides the leafy plant gracing the cocktail table, we see the perfect spot for our handcrafted Turkish candle holders.  Oh yes, they would be perfection!

Ah, envy is a terrible thing!

Interior Design: Alfred Brito, Brito Interiors
Miami, Florida

        

Time for a gentleman in our Tuesday "They Get It" post.  And regarding our choice this week, I know some will say, "oh please, he's a designer - way too easy" - but not all designers would make our (admittedly subjective) cut.

Today we choose the beautifully dressed, beautifully groomed, and always perfectly turned out, Tom Ford.

Mr. Ford was born in Austin, Texas in 1962, but spent most of his younger years in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His mother (God bless her)  taught him that being "badly dressed was disrespectful of others."   (Thank you Mrs. Ford - that's already become a recurring theme in our posts.)   And according to the stories, his mom bought him his first pair of Gucci loafers at the age of twelve.

Tom started his design career working in American fashion; but that didn't last for long.  In an interview with the New York Times, he commented, "If I was ever going to become a good designer, I had to leave America. My own culture was inhibiting me. Too much style in America is tacky. It's looked down upon to be too stylish. Europeans, however, appreciate style."

When he was hired to work for Gucci, it was a faltering luxury goods company.  In fact, Dawn Mello, the company's creative director at that time said, "no one would dream of wearing Gucci."   But Ms. Mello hired Ford—then a near unknown—as the brand's chief women's ready-to-wear designer in 1990.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

Mr. Ford is credited for bringing Gucci back from the dead - and injecting sexiness and style back into the brand.

That being said, here are Tom's rules for style, as told in an interview to Esquire magazine:

1) Be confident.
2) Button your jacket. It takes 20 pounds off your silhouette.
3) Never button more than one button on a jacket.
4) Know yourself and know what you like. That'll be your signature.
5) Americans have grown too accustomed to being comfortable. I find a different kind of comfort when I know I look  good.
6) You can't wear trendy clothes forever. Everyone has to grow up sometime.
7)  That being said, Mick Jagger can wear pretty much anything he wants. It's all about your personality.

We especially like number 5 - get over the "I want to be comfortable," and number 6.  Number 7 is just flat-out hilarious - and perfect!

We think Tom Ford is the embodiment of well-dressed sexiness and style.  Decide for yourself:

       

        

Another Monday - another "This Makes Me Crazy!"  I have to admit, I really love these Monday posts - it is so much fun to rant!  And today we have a topic that makes a lot of people want to rant - cosmetic surgery.

Now, let me say upfront - I am NOT against cosmetic surgery.  There are obviously times when it is a true necessity.  But beyond that, I have no problem whatsoever with ladies (or gentlemen) getting a little nip and tuck if they think they need it.  What you want to do as a responsible adult is your business; and if having something done is going to make you feel better, hooray for you. 

But today, I'm not talking about the "responsible adults."  No, I'm talking about young women (sorry to be sexist here but I haven't read about this problem with young men,) who at a very young age are altering their faces and bodies, in an attempt to achieve some "ideal."

Now some procedures are pretty obvious, and in those cases are meant to be so.  But there are a number of other "alterations" taking place that are a lot more subtle, including cheekbone implants, chin implants, eye reshaping, and the list goes on.  It's one thing to do this as an adult woman who is old enough to have some life experience and has given some serious thought as to why she wants to change something about her appearance.  But  a girl in her late teens or early twenties?  This is absolutely nuts.

When I was living in the "great state of Texas" going to school,  I learned that there is a contingent of the population there that is all about "being blond."  What does this have to do with cosmetic surgery?  Stick with me for a minute here.

Sally, one of my college roomies (and a Texas native) had beautiful warm, brown hair.  Not nearly as dark as a brunette, but definitely not a blond.  When we were together in NYC about a year ago, I was teasing her about the fact that she's now blonder than I am.  And she then told me an interesting story.

When she was in her twenties, after college and before she was married, the mother of one of her friends kept telling her that she "needed to go blond - that she was never going to find a husband without blond hair - that blond hair would make her stand out - and that blond hair was just SO much more attractive." 

Well, Sally has always been very smart - and very comfortable in her own skin.  And her response to this obnoxious woman was, "oh really?  So I marry this hypothetical guy, and what's going to happen the first time he sees my roots?  The jig will be up - that I'm not a natural blond.  I want the guy to know what he's getting from the beginning.  I don't have blond hair, I have brown hair.  I don't believe in false advertising."

Well, she was just talking about hair color - yes, a minor factor as hair can be changed in practically the blink of an eye.  After all, everyone knows that Marilyn Monroe didn't begin life as a platinum blond.  But Sally's point gets to an issue that's not being discussed: yes, everyone agrees that anyone who's very young and is getting a lot of work done has emotional/psychological issues that need to be addressed and resolved.  But what about the fact that surgical alterations result in a lie?

Do you think there are ethical considerations here?  As in, "oh by the way honey, if we get married and have kids, the kids won't look like me - because I don't look like me!"  Yikes, talk about a sticky situation!

What you think about this?  Do you think it's a problem - or do you think it's "much ado about nothing?"

        

"Elegance is not the perogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future."  (Coco Chanel)

I've always liked the word dame.  If you look it up in Webster's, it gives this definition: "a title once given to a woman in authority, a title of a woman equivalent to a knight."  Well, Coco Chanel was one tough dame.  As the old saying goes, she didn't suffer fools.  And her vision of stylish, elegant streamlined designs revolutionized fashion during the 1910s.  No more were women relegated to the uncomfortable, stiff apparel worn at the end of the 19th century.  In 1923, she told Harpers Bazaar that "simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance."

And along with her iconic designs, Chanel created her persona as a woman of the 20th century, embodying independence, success, personality, style and confidence.   Because of her relentless pursuit of what she considered the ideal in women's fashion, she is the only designer that was included in Time's 100 Most Influential People of the 20th century.

I was delighted and intrigued when I heard  Shirley Maclaine talking about the upcoming movie (September 13) on the Lifetime channel where she would be playing Chanel.

What a good fit - as Ms. Maclaine is another woman who (as her old buddy Frank sang) "does it her way."  When asked about any similarities between herself and Coco Chanel, Ms. Maclaine replied, “Well, I think we’re both colorful. I think we’re both rude. I think we’re both spontaneous. We both can’t hold what we feel to be the honest opinion in."

The spirit of Coco Chanel also captured Ms. Maclaine's imagination in a practical way.  She was so inspired by Chanel, that she has created a brand new jewelry line, Chakra Sky Jewelry, which combines her love for gems and spiritual matters.

Dames - it's a good thing!

        

Our "Style Source" for today is in a different mode: as the style we're talking about is "greening your home."   This is a very hot topic, as everyone's interested in doing their part to reduce their carbon footprint and protect the environment.

We became aware of this book through the architect Sarah Susanka, author of "The Not So Big House."  Ms. Susanka's definitely been the thought leader in the movement for "build better, not bigger,"  and her approach to residential design has sparked a fascinating debate. 

So we're always interested in who she's listening to - who she's reading - and who she's recommending.  So with thanks to Sarah, we're going to recommend, "Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bring Your Home into Harmony with Nature" by Carol Venolia and Kelly Lerner.

The book is all about how to give your home a resource-conserving, community- building, eco-friendly remodel.  And it teaches the basics of making your home more energy efficient.

Ms. Venolia is an award winning architect and author.  Ms. Lerner is also an architect and an innovator in the fields of sustainable development, straw-bale construction, and earthen plasters.

To check the book out:  "Natural Remodeling"

        

OK, we're doing a little word play with Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love.  But check out this dining room - it BEGS for lingering around the table.

Not only does it have the comfortable seating paramount for great discussions, the entire area is designed to lead your gaze toward the view.  And what a view!

This lovely room is located in Longboat Key, and sports the Gulf of Mexico as its backdrop.  And the room's decor blends with and accentuates that dreamy view, with natural materials: bird's eye maple chairs and an ash-wood table.

This is a room for wonderful food and stimulating conversation.  And as the sun goes down - utter rapture over the beauty of nature, the beauty of life.



Interior Design: Anne Folsom Smith Interior Design, Sarasota

Photo: Gene Pollux, Sarasota, FL

        

This one is easy, too easy actually.  But we would be remiss (not to mention just plain nuts) if we didn't include the late, beautiful Grace Kelly in our list of style icons. 

Beautiful doesn't even begin to describe Her Serene Highness The Princess of Monaco.  So many other adjectives demand to be used: sophisticated, regal, elegant, stylish - yes, always stylish.  Whether in a casual skirt and sweater, or a haute couture gown, Grace Kelly personified good taste and style.

The photos say it all.

                 

                       

She embodied the glamour and elegance of her time - and well beyond.  The perfect make-up, the perfect hair, the perfect ensemble.  Granted, perfection is work.  OK, who are we fooling?  It is darn near impossible.  OK - so there's no such thing as perfection. 

But Grace made it appear so; and she made it appear effortless.  We are all the better for it.

        

That's right - Sloth - one of the Seven Deadly Sins.  "But what can you possibly mean?" you say.

Well, I'll tell you.  Webster's gives the following definition for sloth - aversion to exertion or work: laziness.

LAZINESS!  And I'm talking about laziness when it comes to appearance - when it comes to attire.  Over the last couple of decades, something very disturbing (at least to me) has happened in this country.  Slowly but surely, COMFORT has become king.  No longer is it paramount (or at least considered good form) to be "well turned out."  No, it's all about, "I want to be comfortable."

Well I say "to heck with comfort."  I'm tired of seeing people dressed like bums in public places.  It's fine to dress however you want when you're in the privacy of your own home and garden; but please spare the rest of us the sight of your baggy sweatpants, dirty jeans, stupid tee shirts, skanky cut-offs - well, you get the picture.

And before you get all high and mighty on me (it's a free country and all that nonsense) I'm NOT the only one who feels this way.

The Pulitzer prize winning fashion writer from the Washington Post, Robin Givhan, had a fantastic piece in yesterday's Sunday paper: "A Rough Reality Beneath a Slick Surface."  Now Ms. Givhan was writing about the AMC series "Mad Men."   And while she was writing about the ugly realities of the time: sexism, anti-Semitism, racism; she also wrote of the show's homage to early '60s style.  And she added that renowned designer Michael Kors loves it so much (and so delights in the style) that he hosted an advance screening for the Season 2 debut.

But these particular words of Ms. Givhan's struck me: "... everyone looks spectacular.  Those glossy good looks gin up nostalgia for a period when even the average person was a thousand times as glamorous as his or her counterpart today."

Let me repeat that: "the average person was a thousand times as glamorous as his or her counterpart today."

What a shameful, and honest, statement.  Whatever happened to pride in one's appearance?  No doubt some people feel like they're not being treated as well as they should be.  I say, "look in the mirror."  And don't tell me that's "superficial."  There's a saying that's been around forever, because it's true: You only get one chance to make a good first impression."

Read the entire Washington Post article here.

Do you feel the same way?  Or do you feel like it's a relief not to have to conform to strict codes of style and appearance?  I'd love to hear your thoughts.

        

Definitely a style icon - no quibbling from anyone about this gentleman.  Handsome, without preening.  Sophisticated, without a hint of arrogance.  Debonair, without any seeming effort. 

Our pick for a favorite style icon: Mr. Cary Grant.


Oh, how he would have done our Natural Horn Cuff Links proud!

        

I can't ever remember so much talk about fashion and style during a presidential campaign.  Of course, in the day of Mrs. Kennedy there was endless fascination with her and her style.  But most of my knowledge of that comes from what I've read, since I was a bit too young at the time to really be aware. 

But now we have Michelle Obama - and she is the first candidate's wife, in ages, to really capture attention when it comes to style.

And for good reason: besides a beautiful face, she's model-tall, and has a terrific figure with the best arms and shoulders I've seen.  And she seems to wear her clothes effortlessly - there's no appearance of "stylists thought this ensemble out down to the gnat's ass because this constituency will like it and these people won't be offended and start criticizing, and  blah, blah, blah."

No, she wears clothes beautifully, and I look at her and think, "you should have one, no both, of our Circle Wraps in your wardrobe!"  She's perfect, because while the wraps are very versatile and functional, they are also "high style" and dramatic.  They're best worn by the woman who has stature, has presence, and is very confident in her own style. 

Yeah, the wraps would be perfect for Michelle.  Take the wool felt wrap  - and picture her:




In this photo the wrap is flipped the "long way."  But by rotating the fabric and slipping back on, you get the hip-length wrap with the graceful upper fold about the same length as the lower.  In fact, you can even pull the top fold over the head - instant protection from a sudden rain.


Oh, and how about the soft wool jersey wrap?  That one is even more versatile.



On the left the jersey Circle wrap is shown flipped short - beautiful on petite and tall woman.  The center shows the wrap flipped long - and on the right  the wrap's top folds are pulled up on the shoulders, showing off gorgeous arms and a sexy back.  (The jersey wrap is constructed so that if desired, it can be worn in the halter style - with the back exposed.)

Oh yes,  I can definitely see Michelle with her gorgeous arms wearing the jersey wrap pulled up high on her shoulders!  A stunning wrap - for a stunning woman.