HM LIFESTYLE | Interior Designer Extraordinaire Preston Lee

What’s the point in sweating over spring cleaning, when we can just change our interiors? Or better still, get the exquisite designer Preston Lee to do it for us (after all, it gives us an excuse for more shopping!)

Texas-born Preston first gained fame after becoming a finalist in Bravo’s hot young talent competition, Top Designer. He may have bowed out of the show in third place owing to a lack of ‘wow-factor’, but that didn’t lower the public opinion of his designs, in fact, 64% of viewers felt he should have won.

Nowadays Preston is a far-cry from not having the wow-factor, with Janice Dickenson’s Modeling Agency, iCandy bar, the Green Condo Complex in Hollywood and the design of celebrity homes filling in his portfolio, it’s no wonder the interior designer is still successful years after his TV stint. When asked what drew him into interior designs, he told us it was ‘my father and my own aspiration to create things for people and their families which drastically changes their life.

Preston flourishes when it comes to creating an atmosphere of grandeur and extravagant elegance, feeling it only possible to create the most stunning room compilations by mixing only designer interior designs. His rooms are often neutral in palette, dropping in an exuberant splash of rich colour, usually in the form of a show-stopping light or an awe-inspiring chandelier. Preston is usually inspired by ‘places I travel to, styles of homes, client’s personal style and cultures around the world. A worldly designer creates something for the client that’s both unique and timeless.

He now designs for many luxurious designers including Jennifer Dyer, who helped him design the beautiful boudoir-esque interiors of her house for Top Designer, but he is currently working on two custom homes and a condo remodel in part of the new Las Vegas city centre in Mandarin Oriental.

Qualifying from the Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandising, Preston started his successful entrepreneurial career working at Kenneth Brown Design, before endeavouring to create his own design house at the age of 21. With a love for all things design, Preston Lee is the inspiration needed when transforming your pad. Though when asked for home-design tips, the only one he would divulge was to employ an interior designer, but of course, we would expect nothing less from a designer-great. -Isabella Stockwell

Copyright ©2010 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Sex & The City Inspired Cocktails | Charlotte's Summer Sangria

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

The Bra Book By Fashion Expert Jené Luciani

Jené Luciani is a top fashion journalist, editor, stylist and my go-to-fashion gal pal. I am very excited about her new book, The Bra Book which helps girls finally read, understand and discover the way to their perfect bra. It's amazing to know that over 80% of American women wear the wrong bra! You won't be a part of that statistic after reading this bra bible. Not only will you discover the right bra for you but your posture will improve along with the appearance of your figure. For more information about Jené Luciani click here to order The Bra Book click here.

Copyright ©2009 Haute Mimi International LLC. All rights reserved.

Required Reading | Freakin' Fabulous By Clinton Kelly

The entire title of this book is, Freakin' Fabulous: How to Dress, Speak, Behave, Eat, Drink, Entertain, Decorate, and Generally Be Better than Everyone Else. I think it speaks for itself. I enjoyed reading every page of this book and could not put it down. Clinton gives great pointers to freshen up you etiquette, personal style, decorating sense and so much more in a hip fun to read layout complete with chic pictures. You will away many helpful hints from this book from great recipes to proper grammar and everything in between. Get you copy here.

Florence City Guide: Shop, Play, Taste

“In Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise.” - Virgin Thomson

What to Buy:

What to Buy: Fall in love with jewelry from Pointe Vecchio, a bridge famous for it's architecture and hanging shops. There are a variety of different styles and a reasonable range of prices. Bellini is a charming jewelry shop named after my favorite cocktail (a bellini consists of Italian Prosecco wine and peach juice). Here you will find statement pieces made out of silver and gold. Dainty Florentine Fleur-do-Lis earrings are an ideal gift. A little luxury goes a long way.

Florence is the leather capital of Italy. Great deals on leather goods can be found everywhere. Walk around a couple shops and browse through prices before making a purchase.


Where to Eat: Trattoria Za Za: From Ben Affleck, beautiful models, and Italian locals, this restaurant is one of the best in Florence. If you tire of pasta, they serve up a delicious chicken and truffle sauce dish that won't leave you feeling guilty. Authentic Italian food with a warm, inviting ambiance. Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 26r tel: +39 (0) 55 215 411





Where to Play: Astor: This posh, cosmopolitan bar plays fashion show coverage on two big screens all night long. Mix and meet beautiful people from all around the world. Located right by the Duomo. Hard to miss.




What to Drink: Chianti wine is a must-have. Made in the Tuscan region, this native drink can be paired perfectly with a Florentine meal.



What to See: Michelangelo's David is an artistic marvel. The sheer size and precision of realism is absolutely astonishing. David is perfection in statue form. Sadly pictures are not allowed, but you will remember that image for the rest of your life. David is found in the Accademia Museum.




Where to Save: The Mall: Premium outlets right outside of Florence. Find La Perla lingerie, Gucci, and Fendi merchandise up to 50 percent off.

Celebrate the New Year with style: My Moët

Having the perfect champagne can make the ideal New Year's eve celebration all the more glamorous! At My Moët you can customize your own Moët & Chandon champagne with luxurious Swarovski crystals. You can choose from two different sized bottles, the charming 750 mL and the larger 1.5 L bottle. According to your taste and budget, both Imperial and Nectar Imperial champagnes are available. This is also a fantastic hostess gift, as the bottle can be saved as a token of an unforgettable evening. This daring champagne is necessary is to awaken the senses... and keep the party going. Cheers, darling!

Diptyque Feu de Bois Candle

Good Morning fashionistas, I wanted to bring you a little light on this gloomy day in New York. I'm currently burning the new scent by Diptyque, Feu de Bois (firewood). It is a gorgeous blend of wood essences and evokes feelings of comfort and luxury. Keep it in mind this season, it will definitely set the mood for your holiday party. You can purchase your Diptyque Feu de Bois candle here.

Tom Ford: Is it possible to limit seduction?

The ever fascinating Tom Ford is a man of genius. He knows how to precisely command attention. Using sex as an explosive marketing tool, Ford stirred some controversy with his Spring/Summer 2008 ad campaign. His collaboration with provocative photographer Terry Richardson resulted in various fashion-forward, decadently deviant photographs. The Tom Ford eyewear ads were banned in Italy by the Italian Advertising Institute for being "sexually implicit." Although, there's a lot of skin, the focus is still on the sleek and sharp suits. Ford is at the point of his career where he is not just selling clothing or cosmetic products; he's promoting a lifestyle. VANESSA LEE

The Haute Reading List

What we are reading now:
Simply Irresistible

Ellen T. White

On Our Reading To-Do List:

Style Rx

Bridgette Raes

Haute Workout: Belly Dance

Belly-dancing has been one of my adored hobbies since I was a little girl. Not only is it fun it'll make you feel like a total Glamazon. It teaches you how to flow as well as gives you major body-confidence. Belly-dancing is great for weight loss as well you'll be shimmying your way svelte. So try it! If you don't have belly-dance lessons in your area ( Isuppose not everyone reading this lives in NY) why not order a great instructional video it's still fantastic and you can learn at your own pace. I recommend Veena and Neena's Belly-Dance for fitness tapes. http://www.bellytwins.com/.

As far as outfitting goes you'll find great deals on online boutiques or if you are lucky to finda seamstress skilled in belly dancing costumes, you're better of going custom made. Just be careful not to get ripped off. I trust The Turkish Emporium. I hope you all try it atleast once. Have fun!

Keeping Sane during those Special Occasions

Special occasions, such as weddings, sweet sixteens, and anniversary parties can be nerve wracking. Keep your cool with these amazing tips:

-You know how much sleep your body needs, so get a good rest the night before. If you have time, get in a few hours rest right before the event. This will keep you refreshed and make your face look bright.

-Use eye makeup remover the day of the event. There's no sense in having raccoon eyes or any excess darkness dragging your look down.

-Keep makeup carefree and simple. This doesn't mean you have to be un-dramatic or look bare. Choose key elements such as a dark eye liner, fabulous creamy and thick lipstick, and a luxury mascara. You may even want to wear false lashes for extra drama, but the trick is to not have to re-apply your makeup every hour. Seek out extra long lasting cosmetics for this night.

-Wear something flattering and comfortable, without sacrificing style. If you need to have something tailored, plan ahead of time.

-Find cute but comfortable heels. I cannot stress this enough. It is bad enough you will be on your feet for hours, so why not do yourself a huge favor and wear beautiful yet sole soothing stilettos. One brand I know of that will do the job is Caparros. These are the most comfortable dressy shoes I've ever purchased. Note: Do not turn yourself into a "fashion don't" and take your shoes off during the event. This is so tacky and unattractive!

-Try your best to relax. Most guests at the event will not remember the small details you are stressing over. They will, however, remember your attitude and the time they spend with the hostess and guests of honor. Keep your cool and have fun, as best as you can.

Plan a Black Tie Event, the Right Way.

When I turned 15 years old (my quinceanera for anyone in the Latin community), I wore a formal gown for the affair, which my mother purchased for me at a Loehmann's location in Houston. The experience at that store will forever remain in my memory because the dressing room was just a wide open room, with lots of mirrors. It was a little embarrassing but exciting, especially for a young teenager.

The party was at night (which should make a guest wonder if it was formal/black tie), and sadly, I cannot remember a single person that dressed for the occasion. Maybe it was the party planner's fault (thanks mom...), or maybe the guests were just idiots. Who knows?!? I'll never do that again, and if all else fails, I'll plan the entire party myself. One can only trust oneself to get things done right. Party planners are great, but when in doubt, don't let any of your friends or family tell you what is better, or more appealing.

My 15th Birthday Party look:

The dress: Creme with beautiful beading, bugle beads, some sequins, etc. It was a long formal dress, sleeveless, and it sure was heavy! I remember not even wanting to sit down in it. I still have the dress :)

The accessories: I wore creme, semi-sheer (not opaque, but not sheer) stockings, from Victoria's Secret, and creme heels. I wanted a head to toe ethereal look, and it was not overdone. It was very elegant and feminine.

The Make Up and Hair: My hair was worn down, in long flowing, glamorous and wavy curls. I applied thick, black eye liner on my upper eye-lid, with matching black mascara, and a neutral lip. I was reminiscent of a beautiful pearl that had only recently been discovered, still glistening with moisture.

These "goddess" gowns , from thecityreview.com, remind me of my dress.

One of the first things you can do is brainstorm, on paper, your ideas, visions, colors, etc. of the way you want your dream party to be. Try to stick to a plan without changing your mind too much. This will just make things easier in the end.

Create the perfect atmosphere with soft lighting (No directly overhead lighting! It is so unflattering for everyone involved!) and fantastic music. For a sit down dinner, people are going to want to feel calm and collected, not hyper and erratic. Choose your music accordingly.

Great parties begin with expert and creative design elements, but don't worry if you are not a professional event planner. Trust your instict no matter what. You know what you want, and you can do it!

Letters to Mimi: Starving Student

Dear Mimi,
I'm a poor college student living in New York City and as of late, I've been suffering from a major fashion slump. All I've been wearing for the past two weeks have been jeans (albeit awesome jeans) and tees. I want to add a little more glamour to my daily presentation of myself but it's very hard to do so with an 8:30 class, when I have to do my makeup on the ferry! Please help. -Starving Student

Chic Students Courtesy of Sartorialist

Dear Starving Student,
For God's sake, you live in New York where there are many treasures to be found for a pretty penny. It's easy to look fabulous without breaking the bank. Here's how:

1. Designer Discount Stores: I have stepped foot in every discount stores in hopes of finding a Galliano gown and have always been disappointed (even though I know it will never happen). But the hidden treasures i finally do find are priceless! I've found Oscar De La Renta sweaters for $20.00 at Century. Stocked up on designer shoes up to 70% off at DSW from the likes of Tahari, Versace and Steve Madden Luxe. I've also purchased great leather gloves from Daffy's.


2. Vintage Shopping: Starving student, I know you personally hence you'll remember the trips we made to vintage stores in The Village together in High School. vintage stores are the perfect place to stock up on one of a kind items that no one in your Art History class will be donning. I love to buy accessories from vintage shops especially big bold sunglasses and strands of pearls because these things will never go out of style. Pair the accessories on a clean slate (White tee with Jeans; Little black dress; etc) and believe me you'll look incredible. I also love vintage shops for their extensive collection of boho boots! My favorite vintage shops are Screaming Mimi's and Resurrection.

3. High Street Low Price: I, like many adore H&M and Zara in SoHo. They take their looks right off the runway. The quality isn't so great but at these prices who cares?

Now those are some of my shopping tid bits but may I suggest you learn from the French:

• Why do you think the French look fabulous all the time? It's because they are wearing the same designer outfit everyday. The French know that if you got it, you should flaunt it. Now I'm not telling you to spend your tuition money on a Dolce & Gabbana get up here but what I a trying to tell you is, Less is More. When you have less pieces in your wardrobe but you love every single piece, you will love getting dressed in the morning. Why? Because since you love everything in your closet will have a distinct flavor and your essence. Eventually if you buy everything based on what you adore you will have a cohesive closet. So donate anything that is not representing who you are.
  
  The French know that you should never wear synthetic fabrics. Say no to polyester. If you can't afford cashmere go for merino wool.




• The Power of Black is resonant in Paris and New York. It's one of my favorite colors along with white but to be honest there is no other color that can scream sleek, luxe and sophistication more than black. I build my wardrobe on black and then just pile on the colorful and bold accessories. If you do not want to be one with the dead then build your wardrobe on a selection of colors that look great on you. Read Basics of Le Mode for more help.

Happy shopping. xoxo Mimi

Sunsilk Presents Lovebites

"Lovebites is all about Callie, a 25 year-old stylish lead who works at Elle.com and who’s smack-dab in the middle of her quarter-life crisis. You’ll get to follow her in her adventures, where she gets into trouble, bonds with her friends and even meets Fall Out Boy’s Pete Wentz."

- Ann Murray with M80

Hip Hollywood Homes

"Hollywood is diverse. It is complex. It is unpredictable. Almost every culture in the world is represented somewhere in the city. Hollywood is glamorous and ordinarinary, cutting-edge and refined."
- Courteney Cox Arquette
I couldn't agree more. Hip Hollywood Homes by Sue Hostetler trendsetter and the style editor of Aspen magazine, gives us an intimate peek inside some of Hollywood's celebrated and exotic homes. The book is definitely inspiring. This book is a feast to the eyes from beginning to end. From Jacqui Getty's fabulous dark wood custom-made closet housing her Birkin collection to Lara Shriftman's show stopping dining room complete with matte black walls and Hermes china and flatware you'll be doused in the pure decadence of the Hollywood lifestyle. Hip Hollywood Homes is a great gift as well as a perfect coffee table book! Buy it Here xx M

What a Girl Wants and Hates

Men, here is some advice to get off on the right foot with your new date, or to put that little spark back into your relationship with your favorite female.

WANTS:

• Girly things (even if they say they don't). Try to stick to her favorite color or color combination with this. Pink is very safe for girls, and even guys like pink things *wink*.

• Cute and Fun Surprises: The occasional gift or spur of the moment outing, like dinner or a party.

• Passion for either art, culture, health, fashion, family or all of the above. Show you have a true interest in one or more of these things, and you will always have something to talk about.

HATES:

• Being Ignored: Girls usually love being your main focus, in a TASTEFUL way, and even in front of your friends. Show her that she is your goddess in the flesh, and you will be repaid tenfold.

• Being told What to Do: Just agree to disagree. Never act like her father.

• Boring Minds: Don't just ask her where she wants to go. You make a decision, and reassure her everything will be great. She is likely to follow, and have a great time.

Mimi Loves...

Piper-Heidsieck Rosé Sauvage by Viktor & Rolf, $90.
http://www.piper.viktor-rolf.com/.

Creating a Gorgeous Bedroom

Photo Courtesy of The Paris Apartment

A luxurious boudoir is what every glamour girl needs. Now where do I go for glamorous home decor? Shop Wild Things, of course. This online lifestyle store is perfect for bringing a little or a lot of glitz and glam into your room without breaking the bank. An interior designer favorite, Shop Wild Things has been transforming the interiors of celebrity homes, gala events and the bedrooms of everyday divas.

Fabulous ChandelierFountain Style in Crystal $39.99

A favorite of mine from Shop Wild Things is this chandelier. I love the look of chandeliers in any room. They scream opulence. Nicole Miller (Interior Designer extraordinaire) suggests placing a chandelier in an unexpected room like your bathroom to boost it's glam factor. Another great spot to place a chandelier is right above your desk.

"Luxurious Cotton Bed Canopy" $87.99

I love waking under this lush white canopy every morning. It feels as if I'm waking up in a tropical paradise. Adding a canopy to your bed can instantly raise your bedroom's star power while making your bed a luxe haven.
Paint is also important when creating a dazzling boudoir so pick a calming hue. My favorite color for a bedroom is lilac. Calming, girly and most of chic. Wishing you all gorgeous sleep. xx M

Let's get organized

You’re a fashionista who loves to shop (a little too much) but when it comes to storage your closet isn’t exactly Wardrobe NYC. Staying organized in such a small space is difficult you say. Well here’s good news, staying organized just got easier and way more stylish!

When it comes to handbags you’re a connoisseur. You have many distinct styles from bold to lady-like. What better way to display your collection than on these fabulous handbag hangers by Sarah Shaw? (They are a celebrity favorite)
Not only will you have your handbags eye level you’ll also be able to show off your style with a selection of prints for every handbag hanger. http://www.simplysarahshaw.com/

Your shoes are your prized possessions so why not protect them with these genius clear shoe boxes? They are chic, affordable and most importantly versatile. The covers stay connected so you’ll never lose them. These boxes can also be used for other things that you’d like to store away. http://www.clear-shoe-boxes.com/
Now that you’re a domestic diva, make sure it stays that way. xx MIMI

If you can't say something nice, Say it with Ella Studio

Okay, so everyone knows that you love to go the extra mile. With everything. Your pink crocodile bag, your 3 carat diamond ring, your customized hangers...shall I keep going? So what better way to show off your personality than with fabulous stationary. I personally use Ella-Studio note cards. Not only is the quality of these cards simply luxurious darlings but this company puts a witty twist to paper. I personally love the Fuck You note cards. Their lovely appearance that is of fine stationary comes in very handy when I want to keep my prissy demeanor while getting my point across. Now think of all the people you could send the douche bag note card to and get your million dollar derriere to Ella-Studio. Ciao xx Mimi

P.S. Ella-Studio also offers a delicious array of other fabulous notecards and stationary. I love to hand one of these vintage lingere notecards to my gal-pals and they squeal in delight.