Martini Luxury Shopping Review

Marjie Martini Reviews the Luxury Shopping Arena

2006-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Hello Dahlings!

Welcome to my Luxury Shopping Review.

Each week I will share with tell you exactly what I think about luxury shoes, handbags and other accessories, as well as luxury real estate, cars, jewellery and other handy toys.

Watch this space - it is going to be fascinating!

Love ya!
Marjie Martini
Martinis at Midnight.com

The Man We All Love: Manolo Blahnik

2006-09-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

What would we do without his shoes? The world would never be the same!
Manny, we love ya, Dahling - Thank you for your gorgeous creations!

Manolo Blahnik was born in Santa Cruz on the Canary Islands to a Czech father and Spanish mother, who had a passion for satin, brocade fabrics, and had her shoes custom-made by the island’s best shoemaker. Manolo’s love for shoes began later, when he saw a trunk of antique shoes made of silk, brocade, and lace in Cluny museum in Paris.

Manolo Blahnik studied Renaissance history and art in the University of Geneva and the University of Paris. His fashion career began in Feathers Boutique in London, where he was a buyer of denim collections, and finally Blahnik’s portfolio of theatrical designs reached legendary photographer Sir Cecil Beaton. But it was Diane Vreeland of American Vogue who encouraged Manolo Blahnik to concentrate on shoemaking.

Fashion of 1970s, and mini-skirts in particular, called for the new kind of shoes – bolder and brighter, with extravagant details. Feet were in vogue, and Blahnik was there to embrace this new spirit. In 1973 he opened his own boutique called “Zapata”

The style of Manolo Blahnik is instantly recognizable. A lightweight and elegant outline of his stilettos does not change at the first wink of fashion; instead, his designs complement all the major fashion trends impeccably. Even with 11-inch heels, Manolo's are incredibly comfortable and lightweight, shaping the leg to the perfection. Manolo Blahnik’s philosophy of fashion is that it should be always fun, and his designs in leather, suede, velvet, silks and even fur reflect that. Over years Manolo Blahnik designed shoe collections for Yves Saint Laurent, Emmanuel Ungaro, Calvin Klein, Fiorucci, Isaac Mizrahi and Bill Blass. Like many true originators, Manolo Blahnik is a successful designer in other fields, for example, he designs furniture and accessories with the same ease as he creates his shoe masterpieces.

Blahnik's shoes are popular among celebrities and royalty. Madonna once described shoes designed by Blahnik as "better than sex" and added that, "what's more, they last longer". Blahnik, known for a wit as sharp as the heels he is famous for making, simply responded: "You have to admire her, she hides her lack of talent so well”. Even Marge Simpson wore a pair of his mules during a 1991 episode of The Simpsons. Later, manolos became even better known when Blahnik’s designs were featured in Absolutely Fabulous and Sex And The City series. In addition to that, Manolo Blahnik designs furniture.

An artisan with an impeccable eye for detail, Blahnik plays the major part in the creation of his designs, from the initial sketches to creating his own advertising campaigns, which always feature his drawings. Yet, his business is remarkably small with only one shop in London and a second boutique in New York. Manolo Blahnik holds an Award from Fashion Council of America (1988), American Leather Award (1991), Balenciaga Award (1991), and Hispanic Institute Antonio Lopez Award (1991). Named Accessory Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council in 1990 and 1999, Blahnik also has honorary doctorates from the Royal London College of Art and the Royal Society of Arts of Britain.

Shoes available from Nieman Marcus in the United States

And from Amazon.com

Maxx New York Horseshoe Grainy Extra Large Hobo

2006-09-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

Bid on this gorgeous Hobo now!This is a must-have item, Dahlings! Marjie Martini wouldn't be seen without hers!

The Maxx, New York Horseshoe Grainy Extra Large Hobo stays right on track with the current trend for the Hobo style bag. Seen on runways around the world for the past two years, the hobo is a trend with staying power, due largely to the functionality of the bag. Maxx, New York has beautifully combined size and functionality with style and fashion. The perfect size to hold all of your daily essentials, from cell phone and PDA to cosmetic case, wallet and sunglasses, this Hobo will replace your traditional tote. A flip over magnetic clasp with polished gold hardware makes sure that all of your belongings stay secure, even if you forget to close your bag properly; while the grainy leather texture and horseshoe shape will keep you on the edge of fashion.

You have GOT to get a hold of these Manny Blahnik Shoes: AIUTOK!

2006-09-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I had every shoe a Gal could ever want, Oooh-la-la! Along comes Manny Blahnik with this Divine Teaser: AIUTOK!

So, of course, I just popped into the nearest JADE BOUTIQUE and grabbed 'em! Now to find the perfect outfit to go with these babies!

Whatz that? You want the same pair? Well, alright, but don't you dare wear them to the Ritz Paris this weekend because I'll be there with friends.

Love ya!
Marjie

http://www.amazon.com/Manolo-Blahnik-Shoes-AIUTOK-Boutique/dp/B000HLY4FO/ref=pd_sbs_a_5_img/104-9274305-1904719?ie=UTF8

Manolo Blahnik Stilettos

2006-09-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Manolo Blahnik Kayapo Crepe Stilettos, 38
Dramatic black crepe strappy stiletto sandals, embroidered in muted pastels. Black crepe covered heel. Made in Italy.

These were just the sweetest stilettos I saw one day in Chicago - I just had to have them! Perfect for summer cocktails at the Kit Kat Bar and a night out on the town with the Boyz!

Comfy, as always, affordable and just so sexy!
Buy them at:Beni Boutique

Mulholland Brothers Rolling Weekender

2006-09-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

For the discerning Country Gentleman, this Leather Rolling Weekend Travel Bag is the perfect accessory for a quickie up to the lake or the beach house.

Excellent value at a reduced rate if you bid on it on Auction at LuxeLife...

This is where I buy all my gifts for my family, friends and loved ones. Smashing selection of divine accessories here!

Constructed of the finest leather, this rolling weekend bag is the Mulholland Brothers modern interpretation of a traditional rucksack. The design harkens to an era of rugged exploration, but the functionality speaks to the comforts afforded by modern innovation. The sleek upright profile holds a few days worth of essentials, secured in the bag’s generous single compartment with a drawstring and buckling leather flap. Instead of carrying the bag on your back, as the original design decreed, tough, wide-set urethane wheels for maneuverability are added, along with a retractable leather covered handle in addition to a handsome rolled leather carrying handle. For items that you need more immediate access to, a pouch with quick-release snap/buckle on the front panel has been included. At last, modern innovation meets timeless design!

Laughter - The Best Medicine!

2006-08-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Reality is a hallucination brought on by lack of alcohol."
---Unknown

"Love makes the world go round? Not at all. Whiskey makes it go round twice as fast."
---Compton Mackenzie

"I guess a drag queen's like an oil painting: You gotta stand back from it to get the full effect."
---Harvey Fierstein

"He's too nervous to kill himself. He wears his seat belt in a drive-in movie."
---Neil Simon

"You're not drunk if you can lie on the floor without holding on."
---Dean Martin

"Don't be so humble--you are not that great."
---Golda Meir

"He who laughs last probably didn't get the joke."
---Unknown

"I won't say ours was a tough school, but we had our own coroner. We used to write essays like 'What I'm Going to be If I Grow Up.'"
---Lenny Bruce

"I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours."
---Jerome K. Jerome

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Then give up. There's no use in being a damn fool about it."
---W.C. Fields

"If the English language made any sense, lackadaisical would have something to do with a shortage of flowers."
---Doug Larson

"A smart person knows all the rules so he can break them wisely."
---Lubna Azmi

"I'm strong, I'm tough, I still wear my eyeliner."
---Lisa Leslie

Sir Winston Churchill

2006-08-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

When the eagles are silent, the parrots begin to jabber.
Sir Winston Churchill
British politician (1874 - 1965)

Funny Quotes by Famous Comedians

2006-08-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

"I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I was being ridiculous - everyone hasn't met me yet."
Rodney Dangerfield.

"You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is."
Ellen DeGeneres.

"Have you ever noticed? Anybody going slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac."
George Carlin.

"I'm always amazed to hear of air crash victims so badly mutilated that they have to be identified by their dental records. What I can't understand is, if they don't know who you are, how do they know who your dentist is?"
Paul Merton.

"There is one thing I would break up over and that is if she caught me with another woman. I wouldn't stand for that."
Steve Martin.

"I used to sell furniture for a living. The trouble was, it was my own."
Les Dawson.

"The Stones, I love the Stones. I watch them whenever I can. Fred, Barney..."
Steven Wright (...more Steven Wright Quotes).

"First you forget names, then you forget faces. Next you forget to pull your zipper up and finally, you forget to pull it down."
George Burns.

"The pen is mightier than the sword, and considerably easier to write with."
Marty Feldman.

"We had gay burglars the other night. They broke in and rearranged the furniture."
Robin Williams.

Quotes by Famous Funny Women

2006-01-22T11:21:00.000-08:00

If men can run the world, why can't they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?"
Linda Ellerbee

"In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man; if you want anything done, ask a woman."
Margaret Thatcher

"Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then."
Katharine Hepburn

"When women are depressed they either eat or go shopping. Men invade another country."
Elaine Boosler

"I never married because there was no need. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon and a cat that comes home late at night."
Marie Corelli

"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch."
Gilda Radner

"Any girl can be glamorous. All you have to do is stand still and look stupid."
Hedy Lamarr

"Behind every successful man is a surprised woman."
Marion Pearson

"I am a marvelous housekeeper. Every time I leave a man I keep his house."
Zsa Zsa Gabor