Wynn Las Vegas, Faraone Mennella XV, and Louis Vuitton

My sister and I recently visited the beautiful Wynn Hotel in fabulous Las Vegas (http://wynnlasvegas.com/). Although we have been there many times, this stay was particularly important. On June 3rd, Italian designers Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio celebrated the 15th Anniversary of their jewelry house, Faraone Mennella  (http://faraonemennella.com/).  

The Guys.  Roberto e Amedeo.

To commemorate this tremendous achievement, the gracious ladies Elaine Wynn and Pamela Fiori of Town & Country Magazine hosted a glamorous party in the Wynn Villas.  As happens, the The Couture Show jewelry event took place that weekend and featured Faraone Mennella along with many of the most respected houses including Faberge, Bvlgari, and Sevan Biacaci, to name a few! (http://www.thecoutureshow.com/)  This was definitely the weekend to be in Las Vegas.  Anybody who is anybody in the jewelry business was there, from designers, to bloggers, to customers.  Invited by Amedeo and Roberto, we surely could not miss.



Sizzling under the Las Vegas sun, we arrived at the Wynn Tower Suites.  It was only 112 degrees outside...no big deal.  Finally reaching sanctuary after the long drive, we entered into the gorgeous mosaic tile atrium. Ah the Wynn.  There is no better place.  The check-in desk even provided lovely moistened lemon-scented towels and ice water to cool tired travelers.  This is how lady lawyers like to be treated.  Our Tower Suite had stunning views of the Wynn Golf Course and famous pools. Not only that, we had two full sized bathrooms! It was perfect! An amazing experience.

Tower Suite guests are welcomed in to a private atrium entrance.  A true oasis.

After getting the suite organized, we sought out to explore all that the Wynn/Encore had to offer.  Since we are not big on gambling, that pretty much meant shopping.  The Wynn is a shopper's dream hotel.  Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, McQueen, Dior....need I say more? We had great experiences at Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.  The sales associates at all locations were completely friendly and helpful.  I especially want to compliment Christian at Hermes.  You are a treasure!

My sister ended up with a new Louis Vuitton Totally in Damier Ebene MM.  She had her heart set on a LV anyway, so it TOTALLY made sense to make the splurge....Vegas Baby! Thank you to the LV WYNN boutique for your excellent service and guidance!

Perfect bag for carrying office essentials!

 After shopping, we eventually had to get something to eat.  I stopped into The Cave, a chic little wine bar and bistro at the Wynn.  There were several vendors from the Couture show getting a late night snack and it was so interesting to chat with them about their jewels while I waited at the bar.  I was happy to see a gluten-free menu and enjoyed some delicious Kobe sliders and creamy beet salad to take back to the room.  Very impressed by that restaurant!

The Faraone Mennella party started at 10 pm.  On our way to Villa 312, we were fortunate to share the elevator with HSN CEO Mindy Grossman. Long-time admirers of HSN and Ms. Grossman, this was very serendipitous.  Mindy broke the ice by complimenting my Amedeo NYC cameo earrings, which were purchased on her shopping network! Of course she recognized them.  The captivating CEO was decked in couture Faraone Mennella Sleeping Beauty turquoise and diamond necklace and earrings.  The perfect pick for the Carpi in Vegas theme!

Sarah, Rachel, Amedeo, and Mindy

Lavishly decorated with Faraone Mennella's most stunning jewelry creations, the Villa sparkled like the stars under the Capri sky.  Everywhere you looked, beautiful gold and gemstone masterpieces adorned the stylish scene.  Best of all, we were warmly greeted by Amedeo and Roberto.  It was so exciting to see them! And yes my HSN ladies, these guys are just as adorable in person as they are on TV.  Amedeo even had a fun life-sized selfie machine for the party! If you follow his Instagram, you know how much he likes selfies :) Roberto and Amedeo insisted we try it out. So there we were, champagne in hand, taking selfies with the guys.  It was a great touch to the evening and definitely entertaining.

Professor Monkeydeo Pendant in Silver, Rodium, and Gemstones.  

Wearing Herve Leger in Pink with RFM by Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo NYC.

Sarah, Mindy, Amedeo, and Rachel

Amongst the attendants was the iconic Iris Apfel.  The lovely fashion maven arrived looking marvelous as always in her fringed leather jacket, signature glasses, and bright accessories. My sister Rachel happened to be wearing a Rara Avis bag designed by Iris for HSN.  When Iris saw it she enthusiastically claimed, "That's my bag, that's my bag!" It was too cute.  She really loved seeing her designs worn out and about.  She is such an incredible lady and one of Faraone Mennella's greatest fans.

Mindy Grossman, Irish Apfel, Chic Lady, and Ms. Elaine Wynn

The fabulous evening concluded by viewing a mesmerizing video collage of Faraone Mennella's first 15 years.

The next day we returned to the Villa to chat with the guys and to check out even more of their glorious jewelry.  During our conversations, I loved how Roberto and Amedeo loyally defended Luciano Pavarotti as the world's greatest tenor.  From nice Italian boys, I would expect nothing less.
For your listening pleasure: Volare

Rachel and Amedeo engaged in serious lawyerly discussions talk while I went window shopping and played Barbie with Roberto.  Their elegant sales assistant Leandro guided me in my pursuit of purchasing a take home souvenir.  Baubles, Bangles, and Beads, Oh My! Everything from Faraone Mennella is so stylish, so sexy, and so cool.  I wish I could buy it all! I was lucky enough to try on several pieces from the couture collection, including an incredibly gorgeous strand of Natural Tahitian Multi-Colored Pearls which featured an enormous Green Beryl at the closure. With amazing luster and hues that could never be replicated, this is a true one of a kind strand.  The matching earrings were also quite stunning! The jewelry really did take my breath away.

Pictured wearing the Tahitian Pearls with designer Roberto Faraone Mennella

Green Beryl Earrings to match your eyes!

Roberto making sure that everything is just right.

Stunning Jewelry!

Not satisfied with that, Roberto had me try on another tremendous piece, a 87.78 ct. Australian Black Opal, 17ct. green diamond, and 16ct. white diamond necklace. Well, this was definitely the Cinderella moment of my trip. It is the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen and the most memorable piece from the entire Couture Show.  How much? Price upon request.

Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu!

Chic Lawyers. Rachel's ensemble is LOGO by Lori Goldstein

I was really drawn to Amedeo's cameo jewelry as well on that sunny Las Vegas moring. A wide array of fantastical creatures were on display. The whimsical Monkeydeo, Serpents, Elafanti and more. As difficult as it was to make a selection from all the tempting pieces, I chose an 'A' for Amedeo initial cameo ring in sterling silver and grey diamonds and an edgy dragon pendant. They just looked great in the mirror and I am such a fan of Amedeo that I am willing to wear his initial all over town. :)

Thanks Amedeo and Roberto for such a great invitation and congratulations on 15 years of hard earned success! Also, a special thanks to Gabriella Migliore and Titina Serpico, RFMAS most beautiful assistants! xo Ladies! Ciao!

Luxury Italian Style for the Office and the Black Tie Gala

As you can see, Roberto and Amedeo are not only talented, but handsome.
Both studied the law...so, wow.

When you need to accessorize your business suit or evening gown, to whom can a lady lawyer turn?

Turn to AMEDEO SCOGNAMIGLIO and ROBERTO FARAONE MENNELLA, the award winning designers behind FARAONE MENNELLA by R.F.M.A.S.

These guys understand modern sophistication, timeless elegance, and Italian flare.

Countless celebrities, dignitaries, and members of royal families have adorned themselves with their fabulous jewelry pieces.

As such, there is nothing more fitting for the lady lawyer, whether in the court room or in her social life.  Look amazing, feminine, and powerful with Faraone Mennella by R.F.M.A.S.

Their couture designs are sold in Faraone Mennella boutiques located in London, Porto Cervo, Capri, and New York City, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale's locations.

Famous "Bikini Line" bracelet in 18k 

18k Italian Gold Necklace = Winning

Check the glamorous website for additional information:
Faraone Mennella Website

Amedeo Scognamiglio hails from the SCOGNAMIGLIO Cameo-carving family! He takes cameos into the hip, hot, and rock-and-roll fashion.  Stand out from your peers with Cameos from AMEDEO NYC

AMEDEO NYC

So Cute!! Add whimsy and sophistication to your business suit!

Regina Ring! Be the queen of the courtroom

See no Evil 

 The handsome duo also design jewelry lines at more affordable prices for HSN.

The look and quality is astounding.  Get the look for less!

AMEDEO NYC for HSN



Pics of Amedeo NYC:

Amedeo NYC cherub ring with Vicky Tiel blue wrap dress

Amedeo NYC cameo jewelry with Hot in Hollywood blouse

Amedeo NYC Jewelry with Hot in Hollywood blouse

Amedeo NYC "Hear no Evil, See no Evil, Speak no Evil" ring and Kardashian Kollection blouse

Amedeo NYC jewelry, Isabel Marant pour H&M sweatshirt, and Adrienne Landau faux-fur hat

Regal looks from Amedeo NYC

Elegant occasions call for statement rings!! Faberge shot glass, Amedeo NYC ring, and Martha Stewart Peppermint Bark

Watch AMEDEO NYC video!!


ROBERTO FARAONE MENNELLA for HSN

Roberto Faraone Mennella for HSN pour the black tie gala

CAMEO RING BY AMEDEO NYC

I even performed in a country music competition wearing Amedo NYC for HSN.  Watch video
below!
Singing with AMEDEO NYC Cameos

“Ten years crafting beautiful jewelery, meeting the chic-est women in the world makes life the sweeter and longer”

Amedeo Scognamiglio

The Wrap Dress. A Fashion Essential.

     The Wrap Dress.  We all know that we are supposed to love them.  They are advertised as being classic and timeless; sophisticated yet alarmingly attractive.  Perfect for any occasion.  Easily transitioned from office to evening cocktails.  What is your experience with the wrap dress?  I remember when I first tried one on in high school.  It seemed cumbersome to me and not particularly flattering.  For one thing, it did not have enough coverage on top.  If you have a bust, most wrap dresses have a plunging neckline...and the neckline tends to "unwrap"!  Next...walking down the hill from the classrooms to gym class...the wind would blow through the canyon, and my dress would blow open with it!  Giving all the freshman boys a peep show was not exactly the desired effect.  The wrap dress was supposed to transform me into an elegant, "grown-up" woman.  It should not have contributed to my already substantial awkwardness! Forget the wrap dress! I swore them off for the rest of my life.  To me, they equaled impossible to wear, dorky, and last but not least, not sexy. 

The history of the wrap dress is shrouded in mystery and controversy.  According to the elder members of my family, the wrap dress has been around since the 1930s as an around-the-house cover-up made out of muslin.  I found a very fashionable looking wrap dress from the 1930s:

     

Clare McCardell is the earliest known designer of a "wrap dress" that I could find.  In 1946, she created what became known as the "popover" dress.  Millions were sold of this cute cap-sleeved wrap pictured below: 

     According to Vicky Tiel, french couture designer and business partner of the late Elizabeth Taylor, she and Mia Fonssagrives designed a wrap dress in the 1960s which was popularized long before the infamous DVF wrap dress.  Vicky Tiel's Website In 1968, Vicky and Mia created a printed jersey wrap dress in 1968 for Joan Arkin, a U.S. dress license.   Again in 1968, Via and Mia's wrap dress was featured in Redbook Magazine.  Then again, the wrap dress was created by the duo for the movie Candy (1969).  Vicky Tiel wrap dresses are now sold on HSN.  HSN backs Vicky...so it seems very legitimate that Vicky created the version of the "wrap dress" that was has been popularized since the 1970s.  Vicky Tiel on HSN

The Vicky Tiel Wrap Dress

Vicky Tiel and Mia Fonssagrives in 1960s


I confess.  In my opinion, there is no wrap dress that can come close to Vicky Tiel's.  It redeemed the wrap dress!  I purchased one on HSN.com and never looked back.  Her dress does everything the wrap dress should.  It is elegant and slimming.  The dress gives you the perfect hour glass figure...even if you do not have it.  Furthermore, it does not fly open in the wind and is never "vulgar" in the neck line.  That is not to say it isn't hot.  Every time I wear it, the men definitely notice.  The girls love it too! They ask me where I got the amazing dress...
Conclusion:  If you are looking for a wrap dress, buy Vicky Tiel's.  It is not only beautiful, but professional  and comfortable.  Do not hesitate to wear it to the office.

My Vicky Tiel Wrap Dresses!