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In the Spotlight: Daisy Helps Jessica Be Fancy

PetSugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:00:52 PDT

Is it just me or is Daisy looking better than ever these days?! Looks like the maltipoo got a trim to share the spotlight at Jessica Simpson's perfume launch in Dallas over the weekend – after all the fragrance is called "Fancy" so could she bring along a pup with a sloppy cut? I think not.I know North would remain atop that table for about one second . . . followed by breaking glass and his dive into the audience for kisses. See what Daisy did while Jess was signing autographs when you

Fragrance Review: Jessica Simpson Fancy

BellaSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 08:00:10 PDT

From country singer to pop star to hair extension creator, this multi-talented lady has done it all. Her latest venture takes her into the fragrance world. When I first heard of the aromas featured in Jessica Simpson's perfume, Fancy ($49-$59), I suddenly had the urge to make a sundae. Apricot, pear, toasted almonds, caramel? Yep, my teeth started aching just thinking about it.

The name of the perfume didn't raise my hopes; when something's described as "fancy," that usually means it's just the opposite. But upon experiencing my first whiff of the scent, I was pleasantly surprised. The aroma isn't as sticky-sweet as I envisioned - it's more sophisticated than the overly literal smells of Jess's earlier Dessert line. I loved Fancy's lightness of apricot and pear notes; and the vanilla helped to add a subtle balance to the blend. It's warm and inviting, and considering how men seem to go bananas for vanilla, it's a good first-date fragrance.

Although I'm impressed by the thought behind the blend, the floral notes - which include jasmine and gardenia - are just a little too, well, fancy for me. I like a hint of dirtiness in my fragrance, but if you love sweet, warm blends, Jessica's perfume is worth a sniff. Even though it's too vanilla for me (take that either way you like) it's pleasant and long-lasting, and it's bound to be a guilty pleasure of anyone who's normally opposed to the idea of celebrity fragrance in general.

Fancy Geek Jewelry Hits The Chic Spot

GeekSugar — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 07:00:19 PDT

Some tech-inspired jewelry can be, well, geeky and unattractive. Such is not the case with the Fancy line, created by designer Sally Brock, who has been designing jewelry since she was 13. The line, which is available online and at her Seattle, Washington studio, is made up of an impressive selection of handmade rings, earrings, bracelets and gifts with a distinctive geek flair. I adore the Measuring Tape Ring, $65, and the Double Bikini Ring, $200, which looks like a Hazmat symbol or propeller. Also, the Binary wedding Bands encrusted with gems offer a fun and colorful kick to the normally anesthetic-looking binary bands.

Source: 2Modern

Your Fancy Coffee Deserves a Fancy Milk and Sugar Set

YumSugar — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 03:29:21 PST

Since so many of you enjoy your coffee with cream and sugar, I thought I'd share this cute set with you. I'm a sucker for great design and clever innovation and Tonfisk's Newton Milk and Sugar Set definitely captures both. The sugar bowl acts as a lid for the milk and has a slick mechanism that will keep it still while you pour the milk.

Unfortunately, like most really great designs, this set doesn't come cheap. You can get it plain for $62 or with a gold interior for $125.

How to Throw a Midnight in Paris-Themed Oscar Party

Shannon Vestal — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:00:26 PST

If you're planning on throwing an Oscar viewing party for Hollywood's big night on Feb. 26, then I suggest that you go big this year and give your event a theme. Take a cue from the nominees and let best picture nominee Midnight in Paris give you inspiration. It has plenty of elements that translate into an opulent party: Paris, the 1920s, and many of its own scenes of revelry. Here's how to use the Woody Allen film as your party muse, and don't forget to fill out a ballot with your Oscar picks for a chance to win an iPad.

How to decorate: Scatter vintage books by the authors featured in the film, like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and T.S. Eliot, and decorate with mini French flags and twinkle lights. Stand a cardboard cutout of the Eiffel Tower near the entrance of the party.
How to dress: The dress code can be either 1920s French (think flapper and drop-waist dresses), or you can just wear your regular clothes like Owen Wilson's character Gil, but you have to continually act surprised and impressed by your surroundings.
What to serve: A rainbow of French macarons, a cheese plate, baguettes, and fancy crepes. Serve champagne in '20s-style glasses like the ones used in the film (though these are disposable).

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Classics

8 Valentine's Day Date Night Dresses For Moms-to-Be

LilSugar — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:24:09 PST

Whether it's dinner and a movie or pizza and DVR, a Valentine's Day date night - pregnant or not - is the perfect time to get dressed up and bring a bit of romance back to your relationship. We've rounded up 10 flattering styles for you to buy before Feb. 14 - and trust us, if you weren't planning a date night before, these gorgeous looks will have you reconsidering that fancy reservation.

The Vampire Diaries "Dangerous Liaisons": The Good, The Bad, and The Bloody

Shannon Vestal — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 07:52:08 PST

The original vampire family hosts a ball on this week's episode of The Vampire Diaries, and the whole town puts on their finest formal wear for the event of the supernatural season. Elena has two dates to the event, but it's her date to meet the original witch that gives us insight into what's in store for Klaus and his siblings.

Speaking of Klaus, we get some developments between him and Caroline that are sweet and promising (even if she's a bit cautious to date him because of his cruelty in the past and general bloodlust). There's also a hot hookup that I didn't see coming, so there's lots to talk about this week. To get to the good, the bad, and the bloody, just keep reading.

Link Time: Put Marshmallows in Your Tea

Camilla Salem — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:19:24 PST

Marshmallows in tea? Sounds strangely amazing -Oh Joy
Are you allergic to any of these foods? - The Daily Meal
Ground meat shouldn't stay in your fridge for very long - Food Republic
Arugula: ways to eat up this spicy green - Vegetarian Times
Get fancy with your Valentine's Day cake decorating - Real Simple
Let your sign dictate what restaurant you go to - HuffPost Food
Pink and red bubbly is totally appropriate for this month - Saveur
A $10,000 Pizza Hut proposal -Eater

10 Online Boutiques You Should Know About - and Shop

Marisa Tom — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:15:45 PST

The World Wide Web can be a daunting place and with so much clicking at our fingertips, it's easy to overlook some pretty amazing e-finds. After a bit of cyber roaming and unearthing a whole lot of covet-worthy designer lineups, we've got 10 ultracool online boutiques you may not know about and most definitely should be shopping at already. From a one-of-a-kind curation site and a chic jewelry resource, to a superluxe London-based shopping destination and a Japanese designer-filled mecca, there's an online outlet for every kind of trend and fashion fancy. Click through to see our latest online boutique obsessions - and if you have an under-the-radar favorite to share, leave a comment below!

What Is Twig Tea, Anyway?

Camilla Salem — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:45:16 PST

Alicia Silverstone claims that twig tea, also called kukicha, cures just about everything. And we've been noticing it appearing in more and more stores (we also saw it a few times at the Fancy Food Show). But what's the deal with all of the hype?

Twig tea is essentially a Japanese blend of the tough stems, stalks, and twigs from the Camellia sinensis plant. These bits usually get discarded, but when they're saved, toasted, and steeped in water, kukicha is formed. The flavor is nutty and slightly creamy, and since most of the caffeine is stored in the leaves of the plant, you won't get the same buzz from a cup of this stuff as you would a cup of green or black tea, so this is a great option for anyone trying to eliminate caffeine from his or her life. Its alkalizing properties and low caffeine level also make it a beverage of choice for the macrobiotic diet.

Kukicha tastes deliciously rich and toasted, which is the perfect way to start your day (in fact, there is a quality about it that reminds me of a good cup of coffee). Steep your twig tea in freshly boiled water for four to five minutes. Have you ever tried it?