This one is on my must go list. To read NY Times correspondent Gardiner Harris words, Reggie’s Camel Camp is one of few places to “recall the era of the maharajahs and their spirited bond with the British”. He tells tales of Reggie Singh, Camel Camp Osian’s proprietor, passing around free bottles of champagne at his decadent little hideaway nestled in the Indian dunes.

Located in Jodhpur, India, on one side of the dunes lie Osian temples and the other, mystic views of the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. This is truly a castle in the sand as it sports a pool, luxuriously fitted tents and even a camel racetrack. Talk about an oasis. As Reggie himself is the grandson of the Maharajah Ratan Singh of Jodhpur, he goes out of his way to make his guests feel like royalty. Explore the desert sands, local tribes and villages on camelback by day, sip champagne and smoke cigars in the Safari Bar with Reggie by night. Fit for James Bond, a visit from a swanky British spy and his glamorous gal wouldn’t be out of place in Reggie’s domain. I’m so there- in my mind anyway.

Being that this year’s tax day was not a pretty one, I’ll be packing my imaginary bag full of these goodies. So the Leica’s a bit out of my reach right about now but that crossbody bag is $49. Hmmm.

1. Vintage copy of A Passage to India. Ok so this is like $11,000 or something but it looks cool and this is my couch trip and I can fake buy if I want to.
2. Josie Maran’s SPF 40 Moisturizer- fantastic- my everyday moisturizer with great SPF protection and NO stinky smell, love this stuff.
3. Dolce Vita’s Bagley Gladiator Flat
4. Joie Julietta silk pants- a splurge but this is all pretend anyway so whatevs.
5. Anthropolgie’s Slubby Lace Up Dolman tee.
6. Block Shop’s Arrows Coral scarf.
7. Joy Gryson Crossbody Bag. Because it’s $49 and something here has got to be sensible.  Plus, this would look pretty good amongst the dunes, don’t you think?
8. Leica point and shoot.

So maybe I’m not actually jetting off to Jodhpur (not yet anyway) but I can certainly Couch Sip and dream of a night in Reggie’s Safari Bar. I’m thinking that this Champagne Cocktail recipe from Jerry Thomas’ 1862 The Bartender’s Guide: How To Mix Drinks or The Bon Vivant’s Companion is a perfect fit for this old world haunt.

First of all, I need to own this book. I can’t very well claim to be a member of the Bon Vivant club without owning the Bon Vivant’s Guide. How many times can I say Bon Vivant? Bon Vivant Bon Vivant Bon Vivant. Try it, it’s tough- much easier to type. But I digress, you can pick up a reprint via Amazon here, it’s chock full of old school 19th century fancy cocktail recipes.

This one is super simple.

You need:
Champagne
Chilled Champagne Flute
1 Sugar Cube
Small Bowl
3 Dashes of Angostura Bitters
Lemon Twist

How You Make It:
1. Soak the sugar cube in a bowl full of the bitters.
2. Pour champagne into chilled flute.
3. Drop the sugar cube in.
4. Garnish with the lemon twist.

Voilà- How easy is that! I think Reggie would approve, maybe one day I’ll find out. In the meantime, from my couch to yours- Cin Cin!

{Images: Camel Rider: Naina Redhu, Reggie’s Camel Camp: camelcamposian.com, Polaroid Sunset Shot: Bruce Miller, Champage Cocktail: Lucas Allen}

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Dear Spring, Are you really here? Please say yes. We are gearing up for our very first egg hunt with an outing to a local farm on Sunday. I can’t wait to see the bebes with the little spring farm animals. Should be a fun weekend and the forecast here calls for blue skies- we’ll see how it shakes out as Punxsutawney Phil was clearly trying to pull a fast one on us.

A Few Fun Easterly Things

-Thomson’s seersucker pin striped blazer with matching shorts at Pink Olive.
-Dad’s skinny minty tie, an Etsy find.
-My Peacekeeper’s “Paint Me Content” natural lipstick- this is the most flattering color for fair to medium skin-toned women. I pretty much wear this everyday. I originally found it at ABC Home and they have since sold out, available at the company’s website.
-Felt Easter baskets found at Whole Foods.
-Gigi’s ballet flats- another Etsy find.
-My go-to yucky stuff-free Tarte foundation with SPF 15 for the hopefully sunny weekend- love this stuff.
-Gigi’s Tulip Clips- aren’t these adorable- and spring appropriate. Hello Shisho.
-My Colorcycle Tote from Anthropologie. I love this thing. I throw diapers, wipes, pacis and my laptop in, and I’m good to go.
-My Punchy Pink Chewbeads for the teething bebes.
-Portrait of a spring lamb by Sharon Montrose at The Animal Print Shop- amazingly cute baby animal portraits- so adorable for a nursery.

What I’m Cooking for Easter Dinner: 

Yields: 2 servings

How You Make It:

Seared Sea Scallops
1. Over medium heat, add a small pat of Irish butter to the pan.
2. Add scallops (6-8 for 2 people), season with salt and pepper and quickly sear on both sides until browned, about 2 minutes tops.
3. Take off the heat and allow scallops to cook off heat for 5 minutes. They will cook through.
4. Add pan back to medium heat and throw in a splash of white wine with the juice of a lemon. Allow to come to a boil, take off the heat and drizzle over scallops.

Salted Arugula Salad
1. Throw a large handful of washed and dryed arugula into a mixing bowl.
2. Salt the leaves with a few pinches of sea salt and work through.
*The key to your salted salad- add the salt before the olive oil so that it will stick to the leaves. This little tip courtesy of famed Italian cookbook author, Marcella Hazan.
3. Add in a handful of pine nuts, sliced avocado and a few fresh mozzarella balls.
4. Season with fresh black pepper.
5. Squeeze the juice of a small lemon over the greens.
6. Drizzle olive oil to taste over the salad and toss.

Voila- a super easy and tasty meal.

If I’m super ambitious, I’ll make this for dessert, a Cornmeal-Almond Cake with Mascarpone and Strawberries- kind of perfect for Easter. Not exactly great for the calorie counting that I’ve been trying to do, but hey- it’s a holiday!

What I’m Sipping with Easter Dinner: 

Kermit Lynch’s 2009 Clos Ste. Magdeleine Cassis Blanc
Mostly Marsanne, this white tastes of the sea air as it is made literally on the coast of Southern France in Cassis- a perfect pairing with seafood. I visited the winery last summer, talk about La Belle Vie- Wowzers. This place is the stuff of dreams churning out the nectar of the Gods.

Cin Cin and Happy Easter! How will you celebrate this weekend?

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A few things I’d like to pack in my bag for an Austin getaway:

1. Cobra Rock South Highland Boots

2. Free People Peacemaker Dress

3. Lulu Frost Nomad Necklace

4. D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass Cologne

5. Warby Parky Edgeworth English Oak  Shades

6. An Oversized Leather Clutch

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There were lots of purty dresses on the red carpet Sunday night but I quite liked all of the metal that was happening. Jennifer Lawrence swapped her Dior couture for a metallic Calvin Klein number and the rest of the ladies above donned their metal for the awards. I absolutely loved the bold lines of Naomi Watts’ Armani Privé gown- so strong and modern. Wearing this gown must have made Ms. Watts feel like a total badass- a feeling you’d like to be armed with with a billion viewers staring on. Stacy Keibler looked like a statue herself with a nod to old Hollywood in Naeem Khan. She sported the statue look last year too but with in gold with Veronica Lake hair. Clearly it’s a good look for her. And let’s face it, it’s hard to look anything but fantastic next to George. Halle stunned in gorgeous Versace, again such an amazing cut- love the strong shoulder and low neckline. And the First Lady went with Naeem Khan as well. He had a good night.

We’re sure to see lots of knockoffs sooner than later but in the meantime, here are a few fun and very affordable metals for the masses.

1                 2                  3                   4                   5                   6                   7                   8

{Image Credits: Huffington Post, Getty Images}

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Ahh January. As we head into February and burrow in for the chill of winter, I am loving the neutral palette with a hint of sparkle and a waft of chimney smoke (in a pre-packaged candle- if only I had my own chimney).

Cocktailian Eric Alperin’s Southside Royale is a refreshing champagne cocktail that’s just the ticket for the winter doldrums. If you have read this blog, you know I am always in the mood for anything bubbly and especially in January. Gin, simple syrup, a splash of fresh lime juice, champagne and a sprig of mint make this cocktail a zippy delight.

I just picked up some of these pehr tea towels for a recent dinner party. I love the print and the neutral palette- good with any season and every table.

How much do you love this print? It’s all I can do not to buy it. Budgeting is a… well, you know. Thomas Hammer M10 print at One Kings Lane through Friday.

I recently re-zhuzhed my makeup and added this Naked Basics shadow palette. Love it.

I pretty much wear these everyday. They are pretty with an edge, I feel kind of tough wearing them- which I love- and they go with everything. Loren Hope Isis studs.

“Bent-backed tulips, smoldering chimney smoke, dried vines and brick walls”- with a description like that, I had to buy this. In the high priced world of luxury candles, this one’s a steal at $14.95. I am a fan. Tatine’s Tisane candles come in a few different scents and the thick votive is reusable. And they burn clean- a must now that I’ve got these littles crawling around. I found them at my favorite shop here in Alexandria, Red Barn Mercantile. I can’t walk in there without buying something. I love to support local business, what can I say.

Always a fan of Heather Moore’s textile designs at skinnylaminx, I love her Mini laMinx line as well. The Orla dress pays homage to Orla Kiely’s lovely stem pattern. Not that your Mini can wear this now but spring is not far off… I hope.

And lastly, how much do you love this room! It’s the perfect spot for a private dinner party. A group of us are throwing my friend Katy, of Katystyle, her baby shower here in this lovely room at ISA in Brooklyn, scouted by my stylist pal Erin. Very much looking forward to it- it will be dreamy and candlelight for her chic shower.

How does January inspire you? What are you eating, drinking, wearing? What are some of your favorite things during these wintery days?

{Image Credit: Southside Royale photo by Dave Lauridsen}

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My friend Teri posted this photo of the rosé aisle at her local wine shop in St. Barts. She and her hubby spend 4 months a year in paradise, lucky girl. On this bitter cold and snow-covered January morning, I’m taking a lovely little couch trip to this magical place where there lives an overabundance of rosé and a seemingly endless amount of joie de vivre. Nothing cheers up the winter blues like a splash of the pretty pink juice and visions of white sand, stylish people and a clear blue sky and sea. A girl can dream.

My pretend suitcase contains: (well- all except for the Tempier rosé, which I will later imbibe on my couch while visions of seashells dance in my head).

1. Kevyn’s Aucoin’s Forever Matte Lipstick- this stuff is brilliant, I love the bold and vibrant matte finish. 2. I’d pack Hemingway’s Islands in the Stream both because I’ve never read this posthumously printed novel set in the Caribbean and  because I love the title. Who doesn’t love Dolly and Kenny’s version, especially on a good karaoke night. 3. This little Tibi jacquard dress is a splurge but this is a couch trip so whatevs. 4. Movie star worthy Elizabeth and James shades. 5. It’s a good thing this is a couch trip because my post-bebes body is not ready for a bikini. But if it were, it’s got to be: pink fringe- because it’s St. Barts, not Vero Beach. Calypso St. Barth.  6. Kate Spade’s Harrison Street passport case- it’s just so snazzy. 7. Calypso’s chiffon tie bracelet. 8. The Bardot sandal by Rebecca Minkoff.  9. J.Crew’s Farmer’s Market Tote- affordable and classically cute. 10. Oh just the best damn rosé I have ever had. In my top 10 wines. Not cheap for a rosé but unbelievably complex with chocolate, spices and red fruit, a real beaut. Domaine Tempier Bandol rosé. 11. An ombre scarf that goes with everything. A little pricey but I’m quite sure I’ll wear this everyday on this pretend getaway, not to mention all spring and summer long. 12. Don’t you love this cover art redesign! Dr. No is Caribbean appropriate seeing that much of the action takes place in Jamaica. I loved Casino Royale and look forward to reading this one, everyone could use a dose of vintage Bond in their life- especially on pretend vacation. 13. La Sardinia Lomography camera- just because it’s pretty and old school. I used to carry around my Holga, but I like this one better. Bon Voyage!

{Image Credit: Miles and Aisles of Rosé photo by Teresa Reyes}

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Michel Chapoutier and Anne-Sophie Pic’s Saint-Peray.
This is an awesome crisp, chalky white for under $20. My tasting notes below, a go-to for me- any night of the week.

Nudo Olive Oil
We adopted an olive tree from a grove and Abruzzo a couple of years ago through Nudo and received these beautiful little tins of olive oil throughout the year. A great idea and a delicious olive oil to boot. I really wanted to go visit our little tree- maybe next time.

My Dutch Bike imports bikes from the Dutch company, Workcycles. These babies are beautiful and the real deal. A bit pricey at around $1900, hey- a girl can dream…

Butter’s Royal Navy is a rich and beautiful navy, I just love a navy nail. Butter is always formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free.

Ok, so they are a bit hipster-ish, but I have to admit- I love these Warby Parkers. I just got mine and really dig them. These are the Zaggs in Tennessee Whiskey.

I am seriously jonesing over these Cobra Rock South Highland boots. Handmade in Marfa, TX. by the coolest couple, Logan Caldbeck and Colt Miller. Even their names are cool.

Jeff Koons designed the ’10 Chateau Mouton-Rothschild label. The most expensive artist on the planet is fitting for this Bordeaux 1st growth.

I’m not a big tat girl, but this is really pretty kickass. Matthew Kaner, beverage director at Bar Covell in LA, sports a northern Rhone-shaped bottle on his arm. Specifically, a Thierry Allemand “Reynard” Cornas Syrah-shaped bottle. Here is a great post on Whitney Adams’ blog, Brunellos Have More Fun, for more info on Matt and his tat.

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I know it’s pretty last minute, but here are a few fun ideas to throw in those stockings:

Tom Dixon Candles- expensive but oh so pretty!

D.S.& Durga Brooklyn-based scents- Cowboy Grass (my favorite) – a beautiful blend of American sagebrush, white thyme and prairie switchgrass. Irresistible.

AFAR- simply the greatest travel mag out there. A subscription is that gift that keeps on giving.

A colorpop locket for pics of your love or your minis from Anthropologie. You can pick your chain separately.

Butter Yummy Mummy nail paint- no icky toxins, beautiful colors, this one is a particularly flattering neutral.

Une Bobine iphone tripod- great for recipe reading while cooking.

Crosley Songbird Radio- I love the orange, they come in a few other great colors too.  Just cute.

Jayson Home Farmer’s Market Baskets made of glossy bone china. Cuteness in the kitchen.

A mini 1/2 bottle of delicious Gruet rose sparkling wine. Who wouldn’t want to pop this open Christmas morning!

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Back in the day, I was a showgirl in Sin City (the top-wearing kind) and I returned there for a couple of days last weekend.  I was both inspired and a little miffed by the changes since the late 90s, but some things never change.
Here are my picks for a razzle dazzle Vegas weekend.

1. The Bellagio- most of the rooms here have been recently renovated and have a great modern feel. Swanky, Classy (dare I use the word- not sure it belongs anywhere, especially Vegas), and centrally located, the Bellagio is always a great place to stay. Dale Chihuly’s 2,000 hand-blown blossoms still shine over the lobby. Other great lodging options are the Cosmopolitan, next door and the Golden Nugget downtown where you get more bang for your buck- although taxis to the central Strip will cost you.

2. A great tip from our blackjack dealer- when ordering your complimentary cocktail while playing at the tables, be sure to specify a top shelf liquor. Hey, it’s the one time the house actually pays and it only costs you a tip to your cocktail waitress. Grey Goose vodka tonic, please.

3. Cirque Schmirque- if you want to catch an old school Vegas review, head over to the Planet Hollywood hotel to see Vegas the Show. My pal, Tiger Martina is the talented choreographer. They’ve got showgirls and Sammy Davis- seriously, what more could you want.

4. Love this cute little cutout sheath from Club Monaco- would look great at the craps table.

5. Loving this glittery number from Club Monaco as well- shines next to the slots.

6. We had a great meal at the Vegas outpost of LA’s Comme Ca at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. Great wine list with a bargain basement section where you can find fantastic bottles for a deal. The beet salad with whipped feta, sunflower seeds and arugula is a must. The view  makes you feel like you’re in Tokyo- the Strip’s bright lights sparkle outside its windows.

7. Big fan of all of Kevyn Aucoin’s matte lipsticks- especially the Forever shade. I wear this one for day and night.

8. Scoot down to the Chandelier Bar after dinner at Comme Ca and if you’re lucky, the Jennifer Keith Quintet will be jivin’ up the joint. This is one of the best swing bands I’ve seen and I lived in LA during the overblown Swingers era. Great people watching to boot as Vegas’ Swing-hards hold court in the bar’s booths. Dressed to their hipcat nines with some talented moves to boot, it’s a pretty fun scene.

9. Get outta dodge for a few hours and head up to the Valley of Fire State Park. This Land That Time Forgot-like landscape is album cover worthy. After you soak in its beauty, turn your excursion into a photo shoot. It doesn’t really matter what you look like, with this radical backdrop, you’ll look like a badass in every shot.

10. The Peppermill Fireside Lounge is one of my favorite spots in Sin City. While I’m not a fan of its most recent update with its flat screen tvs, it still maintains its 70s charm. Sit around a fire pit and sip a giant exotic cocktail.

11. Do yourself a favor a B.Y.O.B. when it comes to champagne. Vegas will take you for all you’ve got in more ways than one and to get a decent glass of bubbly will really set you back. Bring a luxe grower’s champagne like this Vilmart Grand Cellier 1er Cru Brut NV and feel like a King even if you do lose your butt at the roulette wheel.

12. Get your Showgirl on with these Gasoline Glitter Flame heels from Topshop.

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Katy Robbins, one of my dearest friends, has obliged to be Volatizing the Esters’ personal stylist, giving us her educated and fashion forward picks each season. Katy and I met in acting class in LA. We were scene partners and I must say, we did some of our best work together but alas, she was destined to be a stylist. She styled me for my 1st Broadway opening night for The Boy from Oz in vintage Ungaro- apropos for a musical about Peter Allen largely set in the 70s-the girl knows her stuff. That’s what friends are for.

Hailing from Nashville where she is considered Country Music Royalty (her father is Kent Robbins, who wrote a myriad of hits for the likes of The Judds and Trisha Yearwood), Katy splits her time between NY and Nashville. The go-to girl for celebrities from coast to coast, Katy’s styling roster includes Hollywood heavies Tina Fey, Scarlett Johanssen, Laura Linney and Jimmy Fallon, and rock and country stars Debbie Harry, Brad Paisley and Miranda Lambert, to name a few. I should know. Between shows in my former life, I used to assist Katy on set- we had a blast. The silly string shoot with Mr. Fallon was a personal favorite. She has worked with some of the world’s most elite photographers including Arthur Elgort, Andrew Eccles and Nigel Parry (not the Nigel from ANTP, the really famous one).

Yeah she loves clothes, but more importantly, Katy is all about fit and personal style. She learned the importance of both on her first gig, interning for Patricia Field on Sex and the City. “I refuse to put anyone in something that looks bad on their body, no matter how fabulous it is. What I do is about people and making my clients look and feel their best.” Her looks are tried and true as she has seen them in the flesh, on her clients and knows they stand up to the try-on test. I can’t wait to showcase Katy’s looks throughout the year. Her fall looks include some high end pieces that she promises are worth the splurge.

one. Helmut Lang Plum Leather Leggings
two. NARS Blush in Orgasm
three. Sparkly DVF Sweater
four. Sonya Renee Pyrite Earrings
five. See by Chloe Fold Over Suede Boot
six. Topshop Little Plum Dress
seven. NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Club Mix
eight. Vince Vintage Leather Scuba Jacket
nine. Stuart Weitzman Saucy Pump

Piece by Piece-Katy Robbins

Plum is my favorite color for fall.  It’s been my favorite since last fall, but this year there are a lot more plum options out there.  Finally, everyone’s catching on.

one. For the best of the best leather leggings, it’s Helmut Lang – and they’re plum!
two. Okay – so I’m late to the game on this one.  It’s a long time cult favorite and really that perfect flush of cheek color.
three. This sparkly Diane von Furstenberg sweater is perfect with the best of the best Helmut Lang plum leather leggings
four. My favorite earrings – so versatile. Pyrite – fool’s gold is definitely not for fools.
five. Best boots of the season – the 3 inch heel is a great height – and they look amazing.  Not your basic black boot.  They make every outfit more interesting.
six. Instead of an LBD for Fall, it’s an LPD – Little Plum Dress by Topshop
seven. A lip pencil, lipstick and gloss combo. “Club Mix” goes very well with, you guessed it, plum!
eight. This is the best leather jacket I’ve seen in the last few years – yes I’ve been searching for the perfect leather jacket for that long.
nine. The Stuart Weitzman “Saucy” pump – as close to comfy as you can get in an almost 5 inch heel.  The bordeaux color works beautifully with my fave plum pieces. Also great in black.

Full disclosure: Domaine du Grapillon d’Or is a wine I used to sell when I worked for a small French importer.  I loved it so much that I stocked up my own tiny makeshift cellar (basically a box that doubles as a side table) with the 2005 vintage- a stellar year across the board and heaven in the Rhone Valley.  The 2010 is showing beautifully.

I love this wine because I think it has a distinct femininity.  It is a pretty wine- unusual for a Gigondas.  Its earthy and masculine notes of smoky plum, dark fruit, black licorice and black pepper are offset by a subtle floral hint of rose and its smooth, velvety texture.  The winemaker Celine, is afterall a woman- probably why the wine shows so gracefully.  This Southern Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre is organic to boot and perfect with fall dishes including your thanksgiving bird. A well-crafted Gigondas is always a great alternative to its pricier neighbor, Chateauneuf du Pape.

A pretty plum wine for these pretty plum looks.

Domaine du Grapillon d’Or 2010, $23.99

{ Photo of Katy Robbins by Amy Dickerson }

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