D~LuxeList

Opening Ceremony Trench Coat

You'd think that after years of living in NYC and San Francisco I'd have at least one trench coat. Despite the fact I've now been living in sunny SoCal for nearly three years (a climate that does not require such an item nearly as often as my prior residences) I still consider the trench coat a wardrobe essential and someday hope to find the perfect one to add to my closet. Maybe it's the looming calendar change that has me thinking of rainy days (April showers). This Opening Ceremony design is a top contender. The lightweight Cupra silk fabrication is practical for the LA climate. More importantly, I love the flared skirt and the ultra-light color. Plus, an Opening Ceremony design will no doubt become an instant classic. Buy it at LaGarconne.com

One King's Lane | Dwell Studio | Serena & Lily

  

I've sung the praises of Dwell Studio and Serena & Lily before. Today, these stylish home decor brands have special treats for design-savvy adults. File this under affordable luxe because for 72-hours you can score some amazing deals on their beautiful bedding, linens and other home decor items at OneKingsLane.com The just-launched, invitation-only, private, online sale site offers up to 70% off retail prices. Use the referral email d_luxelist@me.com to sign up for the free membership. All sales start at 8am PST on the posted date for each sale.

Jo Malone Lotus Blossom & Water Lily Shower Gel

One of two new additions to Jo Malone's fabulous Kohdo Wood collection, the Lotus Blossom & Water Lily shower gel is an amazing everyday indulgence. If only there were scratch and sniff capabilities via the Web. Finding words to describe this luxurious blend is not an easy task. Top notes include Aquatic Nuances, Grapfruit, Bergamot and Mandarin. Middles notes of Sacred Lotus Blossom, Freesia, Honeysuckle, Water Lily and Jasmine are punctuated by base notes of Temple Incense, Amber, Sandalwood, Musk, Aloeswood and Guaiac Wood. Together they are perfection. Buy it online right now at JoMalone.com. Available May 2009 at Jo Malone boutiques, Bergdorf Goodman, select Neiman Marcus and Saks stores nationwide, and exclusively at Holt Renfrew in Canada. 

Blabla Kids Spring 09 Tees and Toys

If you've been following the Baby Luxe category, you are well aware of my obsession with Blabla. This infatuation commenced when my son was in utero. I'm very pleased to report that my now 9-month-old son loves them just as much (if not more) now that the mini dolls have become his loveys of choice and sleep objects. We've been rotating between Mozart the monkey and Charles the Lion, but now we're thrilled to add two new characters to the mix: Bandit the raccoon and McNuttie the Squirrel. He loves them all equally because they are soft, cuddly, chewable and just the right size for snuggling at sleepytime. Mama loves them because they are also washable! We are also big fans of the super-soft, comfy (and adorable) tees. My guy is sporting the Guitar Monty and Hug Schoolbook styles from the new spring collection. If you have little tikes of your own and you're not familiar with this brand, you are missing out. And next time you get a baby shower invite or baby announcement, put Blabla at the top of your shopping list. I guarantee the recipients will be thrilled and thankful.

Shu Uemura White Recovery EX+

White Recovery EX+ Spot Brightener by Shu Uemura is my new secret weapon in the battle against dark circles under the eyes. The portable pen applicator brush offers instant brightening thanks to a combo of whitening skincare technology and optical brightening effects. Use it under or over makeup, anywhere on the face.

Here are the deets: Micro-Pearls and Diakalyte provide the optical effects; HEPES and Lipo HA gently exfoliate melanin-contained skin cells to help reduce visible spots; Prune extract helps to inhibit melanin transfer; Sakura Leaf Extract improves skin texture and inhibits the activity of tyrosinase (an enzyme that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine by oxidation—think of it like the darkening of a sliced potato exposed to air). Now that you that you've had your science lesson for the day, and you have my expert approval, I'm sure you are ready to give it a shot. Buy it online now at ShuUemura-USA.com Available at Shu Uemura boutiques and counters nationwide in July 2009.

Derek Lam Romina Bag

Mama wants a brand new bag. I know, it's an addiction. I have never been in denial. I love handbags and no matter how many I have in my closet, they all get equal love and attention. Right now I'm lusting over this stylish satchel by Derek Lam. Grey is a fantastic alternative to classic black. And don't you just love tassel drawstring and chainlink strap? It's a beauty. Buy the Derek Lam Romina Bag at ShopBop.com

Maj T-Shirts

Native-Californian designer Julie Jun is one of my latest fashion finds. I discovered her laid-back luxe tees while researching a recent story for California Apparel News. Once I slipped the super-soft, lightweight V-Neck tee over my head, I did not want to take it off. Then I slipped on the crew neck, pocket tee and I fell in love all over again. I've worn them both at least once a week since I got them. I simply don't want to take them off. Here's what Julie has to say about her fabulous tees:    

D~ What makes your basic tees so fantastic?
JJ~ "We strive to have the most ideal fit for that particular style and to use the most soft and highest quality in fabrication."  

D~ What inspired the color palette for the summer collection of basic tees?
JJ~ "Always thinking basic and need for that particular season, we were inspired by masculine colors with a feminine touch and adding Sunny Lime for those who like to experiment."

D~ Do you have a personal fave?
JJ~ "My personal favorite from the basic collection for summer is the v-neck a-line swing tee with silk seam pockets This tee is fitted on top and loose on the bottom, making it very easy and comfortable, but also fashionable at the same time. My favorite color for this style is Wild Chime. This color is so versatile, the more you wear it, the more you’ll love it. You can layer or put it together with almost any color."

D~ What do you wear with it?
JJ~ "This tee is very versatile and can be worn with lots of things, but I think it's adorable with some cropped, slim-fitting jeans."

Coming soon to Anthropolgie.com

Lissoos Baby T-Shirt Collection

I'm always looking for baby clothes that are stylish and cute, but not too cutesy. When your kids look back at photos, do you want them to say, "what was I wearing?" or "wow, cool shirt!"... the choice is yours, shoppers. My latest find, Lissoos tees, markets their collection to parents looking for designs that suit them and their kids. Designer Philippa says it best: "I wanted to make a line of tees that adults would love to wear. No cute stuff, just cool designs!" My son is stocked up for summer with Lissoos. Some of my personal faves are the Drummer Wanted, Angels 24HR Diner, and Green in the New Black styles. Shop online at Babesta.com and visit Lissoos.com for more info.