Oh, man. With all due respect to Crash, Reese Witherspoon and, um, Three 6 Mafia — Brokeback Mountain, Felicity Huffman and Dolly Parton were robbed. Oh, Oscar, I wish I knew how to quit you.
Also overlooked — by critics and the Academy alike — was Memoirs of a Geisha. While visually stunning in its cinematic narrative, Geisha may have made the critics happier if the screenplay had been bookended by (warning: spoilers — you may highlight the following white text if you’ve already seen the movie) scenes of New York City as the novel had been. I believe this would have made the story more cohesive and satisfying — especially to those who hadn’t read the book. But heck, what do I know.
The movie may not have inspired critics, but it did inspire Geisha fashion, renewed popularity of the Maiko Barbie Doll, and — from Fresh, makers of my new favorite scent — the "Memoirs of a Geisha" beauty collection. 
Posted March 6, 2006 by Mariva in arts, beauty, books, fashion, gifts, movies, music
Whoo-hoo! Macy’s is having a big fat Presidents’ Day Sale on apparel, jewelry and shoes for him, her and kids — but today is the last day. Also, this is the last week of the annual Home Sale on bed & bath, dining, housewares, luggage and rugs. 
Posted February 20, 2006 by Mariva in bath & spa, decor, entertaining, fashion, home, jewelry, kitchen
I walked into Pure Beauty to pick up the perfect Smoothies hair clips, which had always been in stock. But I noticed this time that the selection was very low, and I asked the sales clerk what gave. She informed me that Pure Beauty’s current CEO has decided to give the store — and the business model — a makeover. "It’ll be less of a beauty supply shop and more of a beauty boutique," she said. Huh?
Then she showed me photos. Oh. I guess Pure Beauty is aiming to become the Williams-Sonoma of beauty and personal care products.
Fine, but where am I going to get my hair clips?
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Posted January 27, 2006 by Mariva in beauty, business, fashion, news
I love Macy*s. So chic, yet affordable. Get your sweetie a nice gift for Valentine’s Day — or better yet, get something for yourself! Jewelry, lingerie, fragrance, gourmet gifts, ties and cufflinks, electronics — it’s all here. Plus, you can find a nice selection of pretties for under $25. 
Posted January 26, 2006 by Mariva in edibles, fashion, gifts, holidays, jewelry
What to wear to a New Year’s Eve party:
Posted December 30, 2005 by Mariva in entertaining, fashion, holidays, home, social
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What a great gift idea: with a PajamaGram (your choice of pajamas, robe or slippers), your recipient gets a free:
- keepsake organza hatbox
- lavender sachet
- "Do Not Disturb" sign
- personalized gift card
- decorative shipping box
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Also available are bath & body spa supplies, candles, gourmet treats and relaxation accessories for creating the perfect retreat-at-home experience. (Maybe I’ll send one of these gifts to myself!)
Posted December 14, 2005 by Mariva in bath & spa, beauty, edibles, fashion, gifts, holidays, home
Dior Addict Plastic Gloss and Dior Addict Ultra Gloss are the most beautiful tubes of lip gloss I’ve ever seen. Plastic Gloss comes in several luscious shades. I would choose Edgy Rosewood for day and Electrifying Red for night.
The Ultra Gloss seems even more decadent for lip gloss: the various shades appear translucent, iridescent or metallic. My favorite: A Delight of Apricot, shown here.
Dior Addict Plastic Gloss and Ultra Gloss are available from Amazon.com as well.
Posted December 12, 2005 by Mariva in beauty, fashion
It’s a goofy name, but Hippy Chix Shop offers a collection of eye-catching, unique, almost too-beautiful-to-wear tops and tunics. My favorites include Vanilla Sugar “Autumn Song”, Gypsy Daisy “Parisian”, Gypsy Daisy “Boheme II” and Vive “Plaisir des Fleurs”. Hippy Chix also carries a nice selection of pajamas — including the always popular Nick & Nora — as well as fashion accessories and gifts.
Posted December 6, 2005 by Mariva in decor, fashion, gifts
