Stylehive Blog

Dine Like A Celebrity At The Peninsula Beverly Hills Restaurant!

modernluxury@stylehive.com (Modern Luxury ) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 08:23:40 PST

Feel like having a light bite by the rooftop pool? Go for it. An afternoon of high tea in a luxurious hotel living room? But of course. Or how about celeb-spotting in a fine-dining restaurant? Just have a seat. It seems there were very few indulgences The Peninsula didn't think to include when customizing the dining experience at its Beverly Hills hotel. And as if choosing your preferred atmosphere, be it the Belvedere's elegant dining room or a sweet seat alfresco, weren't enough, you also get a menu that promises fresh, seasonal ingredients. So no matter which seat you select, you're bound to have a first-class dining experience.

Video Style Steal: Carrie Underwood's Boots Walk All Over This "Cowboy Casanova"

xgalexy@stylehive.com (Alex Gambardella) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:25:40 PST

Carrie Underwood has come a long way since her "small-town girl with the big voice" image on American Idol. Lucky for that image of hers, she's ditched the demure deer-in-headlights look and swapped it for an assertive attitude to match her sultry voice. I guess a load of confidence is easy to come by when you have a series of hit singles and Chace Crawford as your former arm-candy! Speaking of exes, in her latest video for "Cowboy Casanova," Carrie hits the saloon looking retro-fabulous to warn girls about a bad boy's particularly womanizing ways... and shows him a thing or two! Don't forget -- Halloween is officially in the dust, so don't go full-on saloon girl when you try this look. Instead, stick to inspired pieces like a bustier dress, cute leather booties, and feather accents that only hint at Carrie's costume-y video. Watch the video, and then check out the slideshow to see how you can go western without looking like you stepped out of a time machine.

Live In Green Luxury In Chicago's Emerald Condos

modernluxury@stylehive.com (Modern Luxury ) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:19:40 PST

It IS easy being green! At least at Emerald it is. These twin towers of eco-friendly condos on the east edge of Chicago'ss hot, hot, hot West Loop neighborhood offer a calm, relaxing retreat in the middle of the urban jungle. Decorated in a variety of natural greens and recycled materials, the lobby (with 2-story glass atrium), bar/lounge and boardroom are conscious common areas just steps from Restaurant Row, Greektown, The Loop and the financial district. Each unit has a private balcony -- many with picturesque skyline views -- as another way to bring nature inside. And with an appropriate address on Green Street, Emerald lives up to its gem status in luxury environmentally responsible living.

Video Style Steal: Alicia Keys Is Sad But Sultry In "Doesn't Mean Anything"

xgalexy@stylehive.com (Alex Gambardella) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 02:22:40 PDT

Alicia Keys has quite a lot of success under her belt for a woman at 28 (but then again, what else would you expect from a girl who was accepted into Columbia when she was 16?), with her shelf full of Grammy awards and four chart-topping studio albums. Aside from her musical growth (and ascending movie career), we've also seen quite a progression in her hairdo -- from neat braids to unruly curls and now sleek and straight in her latest video, "Doesn't Mean Anything." But her hair isn't the only thing that's polished and chic. In a sparkly tunic, Alicia is classy as usual, and while she may be mournful and lonely in the video, I know I'd be much more cheerful if I had a hot pair of stiletto boots like hers! Check the slideshow to see some Alicia-inspired looks from her latest hit vid.

Furnish Your Home With One-Of-A-Kind Designs From Baker Furniture

modernluxury@stylehive.com (Modern Luxury ) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:25:40 PDT

"Enchanting," "exclusive" and "one-of-a-kind" are words that describe legendary design icon Tony Duquette, his lavish LA estate "Dawnridge," and Baker Furniture's luxury line by Hutton Wilkinson. Join Wilkinson, (who worked with Duquette for 30 years as an apprentice, assistant and then business partner) as he gives us a glimpse inside a magical home where inspiration and beauty reside. "The Select Works of Tony Duquette" line features recreations of his furniture, lighting and accessories and is available at Baker Furniture locations worldwide. Wilkinson also creates bold, colorful jewelry pieces that follow the Duquette design aesthetic-- and as he says, "If it's not fabulous, it's meaningless."

Video Style Steal: Black Eyed Peas Take Fashionistas To Another World In "Meet Me Halfway"

xgalexy@stylehive.com (Alex Gambardella) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:17:40 PDT

The recent Black Eyed Peas singles are overplayed enough for you to notice that their latest album is much more "futuristic"-inspired than their past party anthem compilations. And if you're just about fed up with hearing the repetitive beats of "I Gotta Feeling" and the laser gun sound effects of "Boom Boom Pow," you might be relieved that the third single, "Meet Me Halfway," is considerably easier on the eardrums. But don't worry -- just because the relatively low-key tune isn't exactly a club banger doesn't mean it lacks room for drama. The video features the four members isolated in separate parts of the solar system, each looking for a way to reunite. For example, Fergie seems to be stranded in a long-lost dimension that resembles the set for "A Midsummer Night's Dream," decked out in a shimmery fairy princess gown. While the video wardrobe is pretty fantastical, you can still take a cue from their futuristic concepts to form your own modern explorer and fairy-inspired ensembles, thanks to the funky stylings of Fergie and Will.I.Am. Watch the video to get some intergalactic insight, then check the slideshow for some wearable wardrobe pieces!

Be In The Lap Of Luxury And Relaxation At The Peninsula Beverly Hills Spa

modernluxury@stylehive.com (Modern Luxury ) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:19:40 PDT

You have a craving for the ultimate in luxury and pampering. Your best bet? Head to a place where the celebrities call home; the Peninsula Beverly Hills Spa, occupying space on the rooftop garden of their super-posh hotel. Yes, they have massages, wraps and other treatments with impeccable service, but for a real dose of the finer things in life, try their exclusive Shiffa Precious Gemstone therapy treatments. They are done using organic gem oils that contain rubies, emeralds and diamonds. The rich gem-saturated oils draw on their luxurious healing powers for inner serenity. Now that's a splurge that meets star standards.

Video Style Steal: Jordin Sparks' "S.O.S." Is No Fashion Emergency!

xgalexy@stylehive.com (Alex Gambardella) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 10:35:40 PDT

One thing that always seems to instill a little hope within me is seeing American Idol alumni actually making something of their temporary fame. It makes me think, "wow, maybe reality TV really does serve a purpose!" And what's not to like about a down-to-earth gal from Arizona with a powerhouse voice making awesome music and managing to stay classy while doing it ('cause apparently that's rare)? Jordin Sparks may only be 19, but she's already making waves with her second studio album "Battlefield" and even has a few pre-AI modeling credits under her belt. But just because the girl has gospel roots and is most known for ballads like "Tattoo" and "No Air" with Chris Brown, it doesn't mean she can't go out and have a little fun. In her latest video, "S.O.S. (Let The Music Play)," Jordin shows off her sexy side... and exposes a backstabbing boyfriend while she's at it! I recommend leaving the chain acrylic nails out of your outfit (how the heck does she text with those things on?), but you can look dance floor-ready with a shimmering sequin dress and embellished black heels like Jordin's. Click "See Video" to watch the club-banger single come to life, then take a look at the slideshow to see some wearable counterparts for your own video-inspired wardrobe! Photo Credit: MTV.com

Katy Perry Interviews Karl Lagerfeld At Paris Fashion Week

lisannebee@stylehive.com (Lisanne Silverman) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:22:40 PDT

Quirky songstress Katy Perry chats with Karl Lagerfeld after his show at Paris Fashion Week in an exclusive interview for Elle.com. It's certainly a rare chance to peek into the personality of one of the world's most esteemed designers. Is he intimidating? Yes, but there is a certain warmth about his demeanor, even as he corrects Katy when she expresses her adoration for the fabric, not metal embellishment on a particular dress. The two discuss music and fashion, and we learn fun facts like what he listened to as he got dressed this morning and what song he feels describes himself best (by none other than Lily Allen, of course). His response to the requisite "if you could trade places with any designer" question is a careful mix of smug satisfaction and pure respect. Oh, and he makes jokes too! Click here to see the interview for yourself.

Live In The Urban Chic Brixton Group CA 23, Chicago!

modernluxury@stylehive.com (Modern Luxury ) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:19:40 PDT

CA 23, the newest condo development from The Brixton Group, has luxe living written all over it. Located in Chicago's ever-trendy West Loop, the new building will have 48 units (two-, three- and four-bedroom) with up to 18-foot ceilings, high-end finishes, stainless-steel Fisher appliances and 1,900- to 4,000-square-foot floor plans. Modern architecture influences the design of the common areas and gives "urban chic" a whole new definition. And each unit has its own private elevator entrance... what could be more luxurious than that?