Fashionable Father's Day: Robert Verdi's Picks for Dad

We all love hearing about the new and stylish discoveries of our favorite lifestyle guru and celebrity stylist, Robert Verdi. At a recent tweet-up, Robert gave his picks for fabulous Father's Day gifts. Not sure what to get dear old Dad? Read along for some really great picks:

For Inspired Dads (idealistic, engaging), he suggests John Bartlett's Tiny Tim T-Shirt. The fantastic tee is supersoft and features a silhouette of the designer's own beloved rescue dog with three legs of the same name. The shelter named him that because they found him on Christmas Eve. All together now: "Awwww!" The shirt comes in multiple hues and is not only cool but comfortable.

Modern Dads will appreciate iconic potter/interior design guru Jonathan Adler's new Pop Candles. The smells are derived from favorite organic smells like Tomato, Grapefruit and Watercress (and they smell DIVINE!) Best of all, when the candle is finished, the container can be used as a highball drinking glass. Get the Tomato candle, it really does smell like a tomato vine and is positively delicious to burn.

Classic Dads will appreciate Kenneth Cole Vintage Black, which has been described as "zesty lime and grapefruit combined with classic lavender and woods = a combination that is cool and vintage with a modern flair." It has a very power-suit-by-day/black-tie-by-night kind of scent that is just beyond.

Dads on the Go will appreciate the Vaseline MEN line of products, like their Cooling Hydration Body Lotion which will instantly cool his skin on contact (perfect for a shower after the gym or a hot day in the sun) and absorbs within 15 seconds. The entire line absorbs quickly, is non-greasy and a great way to care for his face and body. Check out the line at your local drugstore or superstore.

Professional Dads always appreciate a little time away from work and the family to unwind without anything fussy. If you're in NYC (or you're planning a trip here), send him to John Allen's, a men's grooming studio that offers skin, hair and nail care in an environment that is completely guy-friendly. The hardwood and leather environment offers quick and easy services, amazing products from John's own personal line, a billiard room and a full bar. The Full Service Experience takes just 15 minutes for shampoo, condition, haircut, manicure, shoeshine, and beverage! Yes, that's what Willis was talkin' 'bout.

Jet-Setting Dads will appreciate the luxurious Coach Transatlantic Travel Kit, a gorgeous dop kit made of premium, glove-tanned leather and of a generous size to hold all his toiletries. It's a way to keep him well-groomed in style.

Savvy Dads that appreciate sharply-pressed suits will appreciate a Rowenta First Class Travel Iron. He can keep it at his desk and steam his suit before a big meeting (or a tuxedo before a night on the envelope circuit.) It's compact, light, heats up quickly and won't spit water, all of which make it a perfect winner.

Stylish Dads will appreciate a pair of the brand-new BOSS Men's Modern Aviator sunglasses.  This stylish US-exclusive collection just hit stores this month and are not only very flattering to a multitude of face shapes, but they're prescription ready! Love it when a plan comes together!

Ladies go crazy for a sharp-dressed man, so make sure the Dapper Dad remains happy with a great suit at the right price. Classic JOE Joseph Abboud Suit Separates from JC Penney are a sleek suit with an American cut that will make him look and feel like a million bucks for the extremely affordable price of just $179.99. Yes, people, it's beyond great.

Fathers that are Young-At-Heart (and a little bit rock n' roll) will appreciate uber-cool Jan Leslie cufflinks. Artful, inspired and extremely well-made, they'll add just the right touch of style to your man's inner rock star aspirations.

Tasteful Dads appreciate high quality accessories, like this Cole Haan Seton Tuxedo Wallet in rich black calfskin leather. Four pockets and a currency sleeve will keep all of his essentials organized in a luxurious, slim design.

Sleek Dads appreciate quality design, so an architectural luxury like a Skagen Denmark men’s watch should be right up his alley. The signature slim mesh band whispers taste and the high-quality materials will ensure he'll have it for years. Oh, and the price point won't kill your wallet, either.

If you've got a Do-It-Yourself kind of Dad like mine, then the Stoner Solutions Invisible Glass Ultimate Glass Cleaning Kit is perfect. This all-in-one kit contains revolutionary products to clean the windows in Dad's car with minimal effort and dries quickly with a streak-free shine. It cuts through PERMANENT MARKER, people. I'll be shipping this one home.

Got a dad who fancies himself a bit of a gourmand? Well, then, brunch is now served with a jar of McClure’s Spicy Pickle Brine Bloody Mary Mixer.  Now, let's be clear here: it's not for wussies. This spicy mixture packs a kick of spice and brine from the McClure’s great grandmother Lala’s original pickle recipe. Just add his favorite vodka or gin and some garnish (pickes, olives, more horseradish for the daring) and serve it up. I've been told you can also cool a mean spicy shrimp and rice with it. Yum.

Handy Dads will appreciate the original Leatherman Skeletool (and actually, get one of these for yourself, ladies.) This all-in-one tool weighs in at a mere five ounces and contains all the tools he'll need to fix pretty much anything: a stainless-steel combo blade, pliers, bit driver, removable pocket clip, and a carabiner/bottle
opener. It's the MacGyver of pocket tools.

Lastly, Cool Dads aren't afraid to shave their heads and let their craniums become their crowning glory. Make it easy for him to groom his dome with the Headblade tool and accompanying products. He can just slip his finger through the ring and tighten that sexy bald look in a snap. Gotta love it!

Really, it doesn't matter what kind of Dad you have, just make sure to celebrate the fathers in your life this Sunday. Hope these product suggestions from Robert gave you some great ideas!

Fashion Must-Do: Announcing the Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet Road Tour!

It goes without saying that I adore clothing label Alice + Olivia. Anyone who has a chance to experience the fun, frivolity and chicness of this label cannot argue that it embodies the spirit of its designer, the effervescent Stacey Bendet. Which is why I'm excited to tell you about the fact that YOU will get a chance to meet Stacey and the group because they're coming somewhere near (or directly toward) YOUR TOWN!

Stacey and her team are hopping into a 1970’s vintage Airstream motor home armed with a+o stylists and the hottest looks for Summer and Fall.The trunk show/make America beautiful effort comes complete with a team of photographers, stylists, DJs, and a+o friends who are going from town to town for makeovers, styling sessions, impromptu photo shoots, and local model searches. The team includes a+o in-house stylist Cleo, a documentary-style photographer named Diggy (who studied with Mary Ellen Mark and Annie Leibovitz), and downtown NYC improv actress Mollie.

While they're hopping from town to town visiting their favorite boutiques, they'll be stopping in small towns and participating in community projects at every stop. As in, extremely fabulous things like rebuilding the wardrobe of a Nashville girl who lost her belongings in the flood, making a high student’s prom dreams come true, giving a new mom a makeover, outfitting a bride for her upcoming honeymoon, and dressing a teen for her first date! Like I said, FUN!

Want to get in on the fun? Here you go!

ALICE + OLIVIA 2010 SUMMER TOUR DATES


Nashville, TN: Tuesday June 15 – Wednesday June 16th
Trunk show / Makeover Project / Event with The Cotton Mill - June 15                               
Vintage tour & Photo shoot – June 16

Orange Beach, AL: Thursday June 17th
Trunk show at Lucca / Makeover Project / Block Party at The Wharf to benefit Share the Beach


Miami, FL: June 18 - 19th
Trunk show with Scarlett to benefit Kristi House / Makeover project - June 18th
Trunk show at Ida & Harry and Fashion show event at LIV, Fontainebleau Hotel – June 19th

Nashville, TN: Monday June 21st- Tuesday June 22
Nashville Rising Concert – June 22nd

Atlanta, GA: Wednesday June 23rd
Styling Event & Trunk show with Neiman Marcus


Savannah, GA: Thursday June 24th
Trunk show with Bleu Belle / Makeover Project


Wilmington, NC: Friday June 25th
Trunk show / Fashion show with Monkees / Makeover Project

Charleston, SC: Saturday, June 26th – Sunday June 27th
Event with Caviar & Bananas to benefit Feed The Need


TBD, SC: Monday June 28th
Pop-up Shop and Photo shoot

Raleigh, SC: Tuesday June 29th - Wednesday June 30th
Trunk show / Event with Gena Chandler to Benefit National Students of AMF - June 29

Virginia Beach, VA: Thursday July 1st
Trunk show with Frances Kahn

Washington DC: Friday July 2nd                                                                                    
Saks Trunk show / Makeover Project

Atlantic City, NJ: Saturday July 3rd – Sunday July 4th          
 Pop-up shop on the Boardwalk, DJ Party

The Hamptons, NY: Saturday July 10th- Sunday July 11th                 
Pop-up Shop, Location TBD

Montauk, NY: Saturday July 17th
End of Tour Event at the Surf Lodge

*Please note dates are subject to change and additional dates and surprise stops will be announced

So, go check out the fun and get pampered and pretty much perfect with the Alice + Olivia team! All my Southern girls should get in on this immediately, and for those of you who are in the NY area, I'll hopefully see you at the July 17th event in Montauk!

Obsession of the Day: Ranjana Khan Crystal and Silk Flower Bib Necklace

Anyone that knows me is aware of my love for the 80's nighttime soap opera, Dynasty. And by love, I mean nothing short of obsession: I have seen every episode at least three times, I can recite lines, I bought a piece of the Nolan Miller wardrobe at auction, and I own any season available on DVD. The drama, big jewelry, giant hair, diamonds, lame, and the fact that Linda Evans' shoulder pads kept growing to what seemed like NFL regulation size kept me coming back for more every week.

My love for the now-defunct television show has influenced my love of jewelry my entire adult life: I like my jewelry to exude opulence, with gems that send light dancing around the room. Hence, my obsession with every single item of jewelry that has been created by the uber-talented Ranjana Khan. Wife of my beloved Naeem Khan (red carpet darling, designing guru extraordinare, the man who brought down the house at A/W '10 Fashion Week,) this designing dynamo creates statement-making jewelry that is meant to be SEEN, people. This confection of crystal and silk can add instant glamour to a basic t-shirt and jeans for girls night out or will turn your Little Black Dress into a showstopping look. Weddings, holiday parties, backyard barbecues- it wouldn't matter where you wore it, it would broadcast that everyone should bring their A-game that night because, well, you've obviously brought yours.

Ranjana Khan jewelry is for power girls, ladies who love to be seen. Like me. Now, run over there and fetch me another martini, darling. I've got some Dynasty to watch.

Ranjana Khan Crystal and Silk Flower Bib Necklace ( $1,100) - available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Obsession of the Day: Foot Petals Triple Threat Pack

Let's face it: whenever a woman says a high heel is "super comfortable," she's kind of stretching the truth most of the time. I mean, the higher the heel, the more relative comfort gets in regards to, say, walking on broken glass. The shoe she's wearing all day is "super comfortable" compared to the pair of shoes that caused her to soak her feet in Epsom salts for two hours last Sunday morning while she begged for mercy from the footwear gods. We love killer heels but sometimes the torture we put our feet through is a pain worse than death.

Enter my new favorite Hollywood stylist secret obsession: the Foot Petals Triple Threat Pack. This package of adhesive cushions can be added to any fabulous pair of shoes or boots to keep shoe wounds to a minimum. The pack includes three of the brand's well-known products: Tip Toes (to protect the sensitive ball of your foot), Killer Kushionz (comfortable shoe sole inserts) and Heavenly Heelz (to absorb the shock at the heel area.) Any combination of these three items can reduce the threat of crying at the end of the night.

Got a fabulous evening planned or an event (wedding, anyone?) where you'll be standing in high heels for an extended time? I just saved your lives. You're welcome, America.

Foot Petals Triple Threat Pack ($24.95), available via Bare Necessities

Fashion Whimsy: Dive Into the Little Mermaid-Inspired Disney Couture Collection

I've had a bit of an obsession with Disney Couture for some time now. I don't know why but there's something kind of special and enchanting about adult-sized charms and jewelry based on one's childhood movie favorites. Disney fans and jewelry lovers alike must get in on the fabulous new collection. Just in time for summer, it's inspired by an all-time favorite: The Little Mermaid.

This new offering from Disney Couture offers a clever new take on ‘Under the Sea’ imagery, including treasure chests, shark jaws, coral, harpoons, sandcastles, and shells. Green fish scales, mother of pearl, gold - it's a treasure even Captain Hook would love (even though he's not part of THIS film.)

Characters from the film are represented in the whimsical collection, like Flounder and Ariel necklace and bracelet charms and a fantastic crystal-embellished tentacle ring pays homage to ultimate bad girl Ursula the Sea Witch. It's truly a great collection and a beautiful way to make a style statement this summer.

Made from genuine freshwater pearl, enamel, crystals, mother of pearl, gold plating and glass, the pieces range in price from $34-$160 and can be found in fine retailers everywhere and online starting mid-June (as in next week for those of us who like to plan our shopping expeditions.)

I might snag a few pieces for my wardrobe this summer (I love the braided cord charm bracelets). Maybe it's time to make a few Little Mermaid-inspired pieces part of your world.

Resort Report: Erin Fetherston Makes Magic With Her 2010 Collection

Fashion designer Erin Fetherston is previewing her Resort collection this week and we've got some of the photos!

Full of fabulous separates and dresses, the designer said, "For resort, I was inspired by the French film, L'Amant.  I wanted to capture an effortless, chic sensibility in an offering with lots of mix and matchability."

I'd say the designer nailed it, especially since this is also her first foray into the world of denim. Check it out for yourself.

With the designer now doing double-duty as Guest Designer and Creative Consultant for Juicy Couture as well as designing her own quirky cool designs, it looks like the dynamo has hit her stride. Looking forward to seeing what else she comes up with.

Put A Ring On It: Introducing the Tiffany and Co. iPhone Application

This afternoon, I had a chance to zip to Tiffany and Co., where in the previous Chairman's office (the view! the furniture! the vases!), I was shown the legendary company's brand new gem: the Tiffany and Co. iPhone Application, launching this coming Monday.

Want to know what it does? First of all, you can figure out the appropriate ring size for your engagement and/or wedding ring. Oh yes. Pay attention, ladies and gentlemen: place any ring over the sizing circle on the appropriate screen, then select sizes along the right-side navigation scroll until you see the right size circle pop into the center of your ring. It beats the heck out of stealing a ring to have it sized, right? You can do it right there in the house while she's in the shower!

You can also design your own ring (ladies' rings only for now). Choose from different cuts, metals and settings, pair them with different wedding bands, and then feel free to publish your choice to Facebook or Twitter. I mean, what drops a hint better than a big splash of social media? Pretty sure they'll get the picture.

The other thing that's fabulous is that once you have the right ring in the right size, you can make an appointment with a Tiffany and Co. advisor right there from the application. It's one-stop shopping at it's best, people.

So, for those of you who are thinking about rings, getting ready to buy a ring, or you want to make a suggestion to someone that it's time to put a ring on it, head to the iTunes App Store on Monday, June 14th and go straight for the Lifestyle section. Jewelry shopping from your phone? Yep, there's an app for that.

Obsessions of the Day: My List of Birthday Favorites

Every day, I send you these lovely daily obsessions of little things that make my heart go pitter-patter. In honor of my birthday today, I thought I would give you a list of obsessions that would make my heart skip a beat. Here are my new obsessions in no particular order but with equal admiration:

The beauty floor at Bergdorf Goodman - This is one of the most beautiful things you will ever see, beauty addicts. It's sincerely one of the best curated collections of cosmetics, skincare and fragrance you will ever come across in an environment that is elegant and easy to navigate. When in NYC, it's a landmark experience that you will never forget. It's one of my favorite places in the entire city.

Fenton/Fallon For J. Crew - Every single item of jewelry in this collection is sheer perfection. This is a great way to pick up jewelry designer Dana Lorenz' pieces at a fraction of what her original pieces cost. I need everything single thing that she does and this diffusion line is no exception. This fringe cuff bracelet is $115. Buy it and wear it with everything.

Hanes Men's Undershirts - I adore T by Alexander Wang but not everyone can drop that kind of coin on a T-shirt on a regular basis. These soft, durable and sexy tees are a staple in my wardrobe and I purchase packs of them at a time in the tank and tee versions. I take them home with boxes of dye and change the colors, cut the necks, resew the sleeves, add chains and ribbons. Most of the tees I own I've made myself.

Levi's Denim - If you look in my closet, you will see a vast array of jeans, but you'll see quite a number of Levi's denim jeans in varying silhouettes and washes. I discovered 501's in high school and I've been a fan ever since. They always make me look my best and I'm a huge, unwaivering fan. I just wore my beloved pair of Levi's Demi Curve Skinnies in Nickel Grey ($59.50) last night.

Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet - If you read this site, you know that I'm completely obsessed with her fabulous party-worthy clothes. My goal at some point is to purchase at least one piece a month, like her "Jasmine" Bustier Dress ($495).

ADAM Ostrich Feather Skirt ($595) - This came blowing down the runway on the model and it took my breath away. Where oh where has this skirt been my entire life? Silken easy V-neck tee, a glittering arm full of bangles and some dangerously strappy shoes will complete a look that says EVERY DAY is my birthday.

Brian Atwood Shoes - All of us pledge our allegiance to a shoe designer at some point in our lives. Although I do adore my Diors, I have a particular passion for all things Brian Atwood, like these stunning "Loca" Studded Pumps ($800) that you can see in all their glory in the Sex and the City sequel out now (toward the end in Abu Dhabi when Carrie shows a little leg.)

Rick Owens - I bow to the high priest of goth tailoring and there isn't a fashion lover worth her salt that doesn't covet one of his mind-blowing leather jackets. Most women purchase a major designer bag to designate that they've made it. My money will be spent on a Rick Owens Organza-Trim Biker Jacket ($2,010.)

My Amazon Wish List - Most of us update them about once a month. I update mine about once every other day and it's filled with a fashion library I would kill for, movies I adore and other objects I desire, like this fabulous Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) ($499.)

These are just a few on the top of many, many designers that have inspired me. I adore fashion, I love style and I am a sincere disciple of beauty. May this list inspire your own fashion fantasies and may all of you get everything you desire for your birthdays and every day.