So Cincinnista’s, to continue my writing about Fall Fashion, you don’t want to miss the Co-Op on Camargo’s 4th Annual Fashion Show next Wednesday, September 12 for 6-9pm at Unwind Wine Bar in Hyde Park. I myself had the honor of modeling one year in this event, which takes place on the picturesque outdoor patio of one of my favorite wine bars in Cincinnati. All types of fashionable clothing, accessories and jewelry will be on sale and at great prices. In addition, you can enjoy complimentary wine and snacks with your friends while the models strut their stuff! See you there!
In front of the late Rodrique’s Art Gallery in New Orleans. His paintings start at about 100K. Man, I sure didn’t make that kind of money as an artist….and he painted dogs! Say La Vie!
Ok, so I know it’s been way too long since my last post, but this Cincinnista has been grappling with the big 5-0, swamped with work, and just frankly a bit distracted. I know a lot of friends that have struggled with this big birthday for obvious reasons, but my first and foremost issue was that my father died suddenly from a heart attack in his 50’s, hence my paranoia started months ago. Like why can’t that happen to me, right?
However, the reality is that unlike my father, my blood pressure is great, my cholesterol is good and frankly I’m tired of worrying about it. While I’m working harder than ever to keep the pounds off, and yes, I’ll confess I use botox and other tools of the trade to look good (no plastic surgery though to fend off the post baby flab…yes, they were worth it:), but I think I naturally look and feel pretty damn good. Now, please note that, this is is in no way narcissistic. I guess I’m just basing this upon comments I’ve received from others and my highly complimentary husband. (Yes, he’s 53 and tells me not to complain!) The best was last week while walking in to a bar I got carded by a bouncer and I said “really?!” He replied “I’ll bet I can beat you,” took one look at my idea and said “Ok, you win!”. Too funny.
Now, don’t think I have the stamina of a 30 year old, which sometimes I feel like I’m supposed to have being a busy mom of two, running a growing business, active in the community and socially, and trying to spend quality time with my wonderful hubby. But despite being 50, I still love to drink wine, have fun, wear hip clothes and annoy my kids with my “embarrassing” sarcastic humor. However, the drinking wine part might need to slow down because I sure can’t do it like I used to, as proven on my recent trip to New Orleans. I mean, how does one drink all day and night? Probably best I don’t find out….after all I am 50, right?! The one thing that isn’t changing, however, is the name of this blog. It will remain “Over 40 and Fabulous.” After all, this hip 50 year old can still teach a few things to my youngster friends, right? Cheers and enjoy the wisdom!
Lunch on the big day at Trio’s. And no, I didn’t eat this whole desert by myself!Post lunch crew at the bar…shocking!The party continues the following weekend in New Orleans with just me and Tom. In the hotel bar watching the Derby!Yummy brunch The French Quarter. Love the atmosphere and food!Gourmet oysters….Tom’s favorite food.:)Finally, the vintage shops on Royal Street the best I’ve ever seen!
Once again Cincinnista’s, this past weekend’s Junior League Fashion Show was a sellout and huge success. Next year I will write BEFORE the show to give a heads up but I’m a bit behind schedule.:) Hosted again at the downtown Cincinnati Club, the event started with a lovely luncheon, followed by cocktails, a raffle and auction, shopping from top boutiques in Cincinnati, and finishing up with the Fashion Show in the historic ballroom. Emcee’d by WLWT morning Anchor, Megan Mitchell, the show showcased not only women’s apparel, but men’s and children’s as well. Participants included fahion’s from Sloan in OTR, The Pink Box, Alligator Purse, Trevor Furbay, Monkee’s in Madeira and Castle House, just to name a few. Here’s a sneak peak of what went on!
Who says there’s an age requirement on models?!The lovely ladies of Sloan!Myself with Co-Op on Camargo owner, Rachel Hamilton. Great stuff!Enjoying a cocktail with mu hubby.Always fun to hang with a good friend!Lots of ladies…and men!A brief address before the show by President Vicki Marsala Cologne.
So this Cincinnista is finally back after a fabulous 1st Anniversary trip with my husband, Tom. As Tom’s never actually been to wine country, I thought it was the perfect place for us that he’d appreciate.
Everything from the hotel to the food to the topography, and of course the wine was perfect. A referral from a friend, we stayed in Sonoma at the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa, a place of beauty yet with tons of history and character. Despite, the long flight to San Francisco, we were ready for two days of wineries in both Sonoma then Napa. We selected only those wineries with good reputations and of course hired a driver! It’s hard to say which was our favorite, but we did love the energy at Wellington, the amazing cabernet at Etude and the incredible view at Stag’s Leap. Not to mention, everyone working at the wineries was incredible nice and passionate about their jobs. We also lunched at the famous Auberge du Soleil hotel.
After the wine tours, it was time to change gears. Tom went golfing at the scenic Sonoma Country Club while I spent and afternoon at the Fairmont’s amazing spa. The service was impeccable and the interior beautiful. (and we all know how much I care about that!:) After my services, I sipped sparking wine by the private outdoor pool basking in relaxation.
Finally on our last day, we hung at the lovely pool for a bit then ventured in to the actual town of Sonoma for dinner. We stopped at an authentic Mexican Restaurant for a yummy, hand made margarita, then off to the Girl and the Fig for an amazing main course.
Overall, it was hard to leave and I can’t wait to go back. Thank goodness this Cincinnista stocked up on some good wine that we are still drinking! Cheers!
Downtown Sonoma. Tons of character. Notice Tom on his phone…I thought this was vacation?On our way to downtown Sonoma in front of our hotel.The “quiet” pool outside the spa.I couldn’t help but photograph this water sculpture inside the spa.At Stag’s Leap Winery in Napa. A breathtaking view not to mention amazing wine.The view from the Auberge Du Soleil restaurant. Fabuous.Lunch and wine tasting at the famous Auberge du Soleil.Waiting for our driver outside the hotel.An front view of our hotel, the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa.A view of the enchanted grounds from our hotel room.Tom getting to know wine. Not easy for a beer drinker!
Ok fellow Cincinnista’s, a bit of a break from fashion talk. Many of you know I moved my design firm, Amy Youngblood Interiors, to Main Street in OTR last October. What you may not know is all of the great existing and new spots to visit on Main Street.
First of all, Amy Youngblood Interior’s home office is a beautifully transformed space, with tons of hip character, and yes furnishings and artwork to sell! Check out our front corner window if you are in doubt. We also have great restaurants and bars such as Liberty’s Bar and Bottle (one block south of Liberty), Goodfella’s Pizza and soon to come Buzzed Bull Creamery. Yes, Buzzed Bull Creamery will be Cincinnati’s first ice cream store with adult style ice cream. Get the picture?
In addition to food and drink, two great art galleries are a stone’s throw away from AYI. The Brush Factory, a niche furniture and accessory store just opened across the street from us in December as well. In to special events? The Woodward Theatre is an beautifully restored venue to varies fundraisers and parties.
Besides these spaces, there are countless buildings currently being renovated for up and coming businesses. While Main street is not yet as developed as Vine, I love being off the path of complete weekend chaos…not that we won’t be there soon! Not to mention, our proximity to new hot bars and restaurants off of Main is excellent. So, come and visit Main Street and see why we love it!
Cincinnati Art Underground is consistently bringing in top artist and hosting art talks and opening parties.Good love the friendly bartenders at Liberty’s!Our favorite watering hole at AYI! Liberty’s Bar and Bottle.Can’t wait for them to open! Fun for kids AND adults!Check out this amazing mid-century console with twig style lamp in the window at Amy Youngblood Interiors. For sale!We get more compliments on the funky egg chair. Come buy it!Love the Woodward Theatre.
While this Cincinnista doesn’t talk much interior design on this blog, when it comes to the holiday decorating your home correctly is important. ‘Tis the season!
Amy Youngblood Interiors graciously appeared on the Channel 19 Fox Morning Show last week to discuss tips and trends in holiday decorating. In case you missed it, here is the scoop!
Embrace a color scheme. Red and green? White and gold? Blue and silver? Pick a palette and stick with it to create a unfied look. Accent with a pop of red if need be.
Wrap gifts early and get them under the tree….even if they are empty boxes! A decorated tree with a variety of fun wrapping paper adds to the already festive scene.
Make the holiday table a special one. For your big holiday dinner, besides a great centerpiece, add decorative items such as round metallic balls or holday glitter. Layer different patterned tablecloths for a more customized look. Another tip: for buffet style dining, secretly elevate areas of the table for serving and display with paint cans!
Engage your senses with light and the scent of fun candles…..always adds to the ambiance of the room.
Accent items in your home that are unique and special. Fill a decorative bowl with metallic balls or add festive bows and garland to a stylish pair of sconces.
Modernize your decorations. I’m not saying throw our Grandma’s Christmas village set, but like everyday decor in our lives, the trend is towards more clean-lined modern pieces.
Bring in the Great Outdoors! Now this decoration can last not only through the holidays but throughout the entire season. Fill a glass or metallic vase with corkscrew willow branches of something similar to give interest and height to your table.
Finally, “Less is More.” While we want to be festive, we highly recommend decorating with class. Lighting up your home like a Christmas tree is overkill, not to mention dangerous!
Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Add a festive bow and fun branches to an already cool sconce.Myself and designer Chelsea Moeller on set. Table finished!Working away to set up the “demo” table. The clock is running!Loved talking to Fox anchor Kara Sewell. She is so professional and a class act!
Trying my best to showcase this amazing dress by Bling!Jill Haney actively describing our outfits and the fall trends.Loving this clutch by Black and Brindle.
I can’t believe it’s been over a week since the big night September 1st, but the Get Fab for Fall was not just fun, it’s was successful! The weather was prime and the turnout heavy. hosted at one of my favorite wine bars, Unwind in Hyde Park, the staff welcomed us on to their beautiful patio for the Co-Op, Black and Brindle and Erin Wachs Jewelry to display their beautiful products. In addition, Kenzie’s Closet was on hand to accept clothing donations. Such a worthwhile cause!
To backtrack, this Cincinnista, had the honor of modeling some of these beautiful wares. My evening started out Blown salon in Kenwood for both a complimentary make-up and hair styling. The salon is beautiful (yes…I am a picky interior designer, too!) and the ladies that work there are as talented as they are nice. Once done there I trotted back to Hyde Park to a packed patio of fellow Cincinnista’s ready to get their Fall Style on! After busy shopping and complimentary wine, the fashion show began with 6 of us ladies strutting our stuff down the hip outdoor runway! (Kind of kidding here). I of course ended up buying at least two of the items I wore during the show…great stuff!
Hard to look good net to the age less Gina Elliott!Unwind was the perfect venue for the show as always for a lovely glass of wine.With one of my fellow Cincinnista’s and good friend Amy Barkett.The ladies from Channel 9 are as nice as they are beautiful!Blown in Kenwood did an amazing job on my hair and make-up. I can’t wait to go again before my next big event!Beautiful ladies!Erin Wachs Jewelry has both creative an classy pieces from anything from your ears to your neck. Check them out at Erin’s beautiful boutique in Mariemont!Me and the lovely ladies behind the show!Beautiful, creative pieces from Erin Wachs Jewelry.The lithe, sexy model Gina Elliott!
I look forward to this becoming an annual event and for a good cause! Check out my photos from the night and Cheers!
Yes, the temps are high again, but at least the kids are finally back in school! Phew! Regardless, it is still time for fall fashion. Sooooo, please join me at the The Get Fab for FALL Fashion Show next Thursday, September 1st, from 6-9 at Unwind in Hyde Park. Sponsored by The Co-Op on Camargo, Erin Wachs Jewelry and BLOWN Studio, the fashion show will highlight what’s in from these top Cincinnati Boutiques. Beautiful apparel, shoes, accessories and jewelry will be for sale, and with a donation to Kenzie’s Closet, you will receive 20% off your purchase! This Cincinnista has the honor of modeling in the show as well, so if you want to witness my rusty catwalk skills, the more the merrier! And for those of you unfamiliar with Unwind, the upscale wine bar boasts a hip atmosphere with great wine and lite bites. See you there!
