Showing posts with label United Kingdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United Kingdom. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Lalage Beaumont Is An Impressive Brand


Although I don't own Hermès, Chanel, or Dior handbags or apparel, I often come into contact with them by living in Manhattan. I see the bags and clothes on the streets, and I touch and examine the items in the stores. Pursuing is fun! If I were to spend the princely sum I'd be most tempted by a black medium Lady Dior bag with black or gold hardware, and I lean towards Dior's clothing style. I suppose as much as I love playing with couture merchandise, I don't value it enough to buy it. The markup is tremendous and I'm a value shopper.

Unlike its inspiration, the Hermès' Kelly, this bag comes with a crossover strap.

If you don't wish to withdraw multiple Alexander Hamiltons for certain designer labels, yet admire fine textiles and top craftsmanship, there are many comparable brands to consider for less. Lalage Beaumont, a UK fashion and accessory studio, launched in 2004, is one of them. The quality and style of the brand are impeccable. The vibe is "classical elegance" combined with modern sophistication, and there is great attention paid to details.

Before striking out under her own name, Lalage, the company's founder and namesake, designed for famous English fashion houses in the 1980s and 1990s. Today her boutiques and stockists are located in the fashion centers of London and cities around the globe. Collections include business suits, evening wear, and special event attire, as well as, measure to wear tailoring. 

Lalage's pieces are expensive though not outlandish. They are timeless and made with top-notch fabrics, skill, and experience to last a lifetime. The retailer believes in sustainability and offers full-service repairs on handbags and clothing over the lifetime of its wear. You'll have your Lalage forever!

The brand is refined luxury at its best without the flashy logos or hype, contrived exclusivity, or inflated profit margins. Savvy Shoppers never support merchants who mistreat their customers!
In short, Lalage is a quality brand! But ... if you don't require this price point of luxury, I recommend being super selective. Plus, there is nothing wrong with mixing high-end pieces like a tailored blazer, trousers, or coat with lower-end pieces, i.e., everything else! 

Hermès, Chanel, and Dior who? Nowadays we have plenty of choices. Nobody has to go broke to dress well!


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Friday, May 5, 2023

Kentucky Oats Lily Cocktail

Photo: Distillerytrail.com

Tomorrow is a big day around the world for television celebrations with family and friends to watch King Charles III's Coronation starting at 5 am in the USA followed by The Kentucky Derby in the evening at 6:30 pm -- both eastern standard time. Depending on where you are on the globe, you'll be getting up very early or staying up very late to watch one or the other.
 
We average Janes and Joes aren't going to get a front-row seat to attend either event, but will have more fun, as well as, the best views at home parties in our very own living rooms. I don't know about you, but miraculously my invitations to both events got lost in the mail!🤥 

At the Kentucky Derby many people want to try the traditional Derby drink, a mint julep, but often discover they don't like the taste of bourbon, its main ingredient. If you are one of them, here's another traditional and refreshing Derby drink you'll see people sipping at Churchill Downs between the races. It's a festive and suitable drink to serve at either a Derby or Coronation party. BTW: The Kentucky Derby will be race #12 - the last race of the day.
 
Let's discuss the origin of the cocktail. The Kentucky Oats is America's "premier and most lucrative" race for 3-year-old female horses i.e., fillies which runs yearly one day before the Derby. The winner is awarded $1.2 million dollars and a garland of lilies. At Churchill Downs in the winner's circle, you might hear the phrase, "lilies for fillies," and now you know how the drink got its name. Below is the recipe:

Kentucky Oats Lily Cocktail

Ingredients:

Photo: Caitlin Bensel/Southern Living
Per serving --
3 ounces (1/3 cup) cranberry juice 
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) lime juice (some people use sour mix)
1/5 ounce (1 1/4 teaspoon) Triple Sec 
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) FINLANDIA vodka
Crushed ice
Optional: fresh smashed berries for garnish

If making a pitcher full add: 3 parts cranberry juice; 1 part lime juice or sour mix; 1/4 part Triple Sec; 1 part FINLANDIA vodka, and crushed ice

Directions:

Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker or pitcher, shake or stir, and pour into a tall glass over crushed ice. Add a few smashed berries if you wish.

Enjoy tomorrow's celebrations, my lovlies!👑🌹🥳🎉


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