Ripped OFF!!!

I am in shock! I just read my favorite blog called The Lingerie Post, which keeps the lingerie fashionistas up to date with the latest designers and trends in the biz, and to my surprise I found that Agent Provocateur has ripped off my idea of hosting lingerie parties at their boutiques! That's a pretty big claim as Agent is ususally the leader in lingerie trends especially to stars like Carmen Electra, Cristina Aguillera and more, but this is something they have just launched and since I've been doing this for the past year and a half I am completely excited that I am obviously on the right track with my ideas. So much so, that I have one-upped them big time.

Even before I closed the doors to Lavish I had added some extra elements to the Lingerie Parties. For those of you not familiar to the concept, you can host a lingerie party at the boutique for your best girlfriends. We provide the bubbly and treats and you get amazing discounts depending on how much your friends spend. It's the perfect pre-bachelorette party where the bride can choose her honeymoon lingerie and the guests can purchase it for her instead of getting gag gifts that will be thrown away within days. It's fun and a great way to start out a girl's night. We even had the option of inviting a spa to come and do mani's and pedi's for the girls during the party for additional cost. We send out formal invitations to your guests (shown right) and all you have to do is show up. It was great! But now that Lavish is closed, we've been hosting these parties at Vitality Wellness Day Spa (shown left)! So girls get pampered to the extreme while shopping from gorgeous lingerie and super discounted prices. It's the ultimate girl's night. Check out their website for a little tour of the spa under the "photos" option. It's a beautiful, minimalistic, relaxing atmosphere perfect for indulgence and girly fun. Don't worry, there won't be a Cindy Lauper "Girls Just Wanna Have Fub" dance party when you walk in, I promise.

Check out the last party we had at Lavish. My friend and designer Amy Morelli hosted a bridal shower for her bff Robin complete with tea and tarts from Infusion Tea and we had Vitality Wellness Day Spa come do mani/pedis for the girl. It was a great day and Robin got tons of goodies to wear on her honeymoon like a cami/boyshort set, nigthies, a plush bath wrap and more!

To Book a Lingerie Party for your girlfriends or a bride-to-be Email Me and you'll get a $50 gift card to spend at the party for being the hostess with the mostest ;)

To Check out Robin's amazing English Garden wedding pics and more wedding ideas go to:
Amy's blog

Here are just a few...

New Arrivals from Julianne!!!

Julianne, a London based designer, has the most elegant and sophisticated sleepwear I have come across. Luscious silk and intricate lace is definitely a signature of this designer and with regal color schemes every season she has captured the attention of the industry. Check out her amazing new collection.

Lucie Babydoll $120

Aimee Chemise in Golden $150

Luisa Chemise $95

Aimee Slip in Creme $

Click on the images to PURCHASE. You will directed to an email. Simply include the name of the item and your contact info and we'll call you to set up delivery and payment options.

Work It Sister...15 Minutes to Get You in Shape for Swimsuits

Spring has crept upon us and it's almost beach time...or pool time for us here in WP. I only realized this because I got a heads up from one of my desingers that my swimwear lines were getting ready to ship. That's how fast this year has gone by already!



Getting in shape is something we always want to do but it's the first thing we put off on our list of priorities. When it's been a long day at work the last thing you want to do is put on those running shoes and bolt out the front door again. So here is a workout routine from Joy that will get you closer to Marisa Miller shape. And if you don't know this Victoria Secret model you should look her up and use it as fuel for your vigorous workout sessions. Pure motivation I promise.

I've been working out at the Rollins Gym trying to get into shape while avoid the little boys that think I'm a student, I know I'm not a student anymore but we can all dream can't we. But anyways the Rollins gym is where you can find Joy Buendia and have her train you...for a very reasonable rate too. Joy and Erin Hechler are fitness gurus who have started Ouvert Fitness (Joing their group on Facebook!) so between yoga and body conditioning you'll be set and here's just a taste from Joy...

Got 15 minutes?

Equipment needed: foam roll, medicine ball, hand weights, stability ball.
Where it can be performed: at home, in the park, at the gym.
To keep the exercise session short, begin with foam rolling potentially tight areas such as the calves, IT band and lats. The foam rolling warm-up should last no more than five minutes.
Directly after foam rolling, perform a circuit of exercises working the major muscle groups. Be sure to move quickly form one exercise to another, keeping the heart rate elevated and thus, burning more calories.
1. Begin resistance training with a squat to overhead press being sure to keep the abdominals drawn-in when moving the arms overhead. You can use a moderate weight medicine ball or moderate resistance hand weights to perform the exercise. This exercise works the calves, glutes, inner and outer thigh, abs, back, and shoulders.
2. Move from the overhead squat exercise to a Feet-on-Ball Push-up with Abdominal Roll-up. Place the feet comfortably on the ball, perform a slow push-up making sure that the abdominals are drawn-in tight and the head and neck are in line with the rest of the spine. After the push-up is completed, slowly bring the knees up toward the chest, emphasizing the abdominals. Hold the contraction for two seconds and then slowly extend the legs back to the starting position. This exercise works the abs, glutes, chest, and shoulders.
3. Next, perform a Ball Dumbbell Row. Place your feet against a stable object and place your hips and abdominals on top of a stability ball. With hand weights, simply perform a stability ball dumbbell row by bringing your elbows up against gravity and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your abs and glutes tight! This exercise works the core, glutes, and major back muscles.
4. The last exercise in the succession is a Walking Lunge with Medicine Ball Rotation. Be sure to keep your feet straight, abdominals drawn-in and shoulder blades down and back. While performing a walking lunge, rotate the medicine ball over the leg in front at the bottom of the lunge position, working slowly to get the best contractions out of the abs and obliques. This exercise works the entire lower body, abdominals, obliques, shoulders, and back muscles.
Sets: 2-5
Repetitions: 10-12
Perform 10-12 repetitions of each exercise, remembering to move quickly from one exercise to another. Perform the circuit of exercises two to three times based on time. Depending on ability level, average exercisers can perform 3 sets of this circuit routine within 10 minutes. If it falls within the time allotment, you may perform more than three sets, however do not go above five sets of the routine.

A Modern Day Marie Antoinette

I have lived in Winter Park for almost 3 years now, not including my Rolly Colly days of course, and I just read my second article about Jacqueline Seigel, the extravagant wife of time share millionaire Steven Seigel. Playground Magazine has featured her on the cover of their latest issue with an entire expose within. The well written article boasts some quotes that are sure to put disdain on any realist's face and raise eyebrows of anyone who has a grasp on the concept of moderation. For those of you who don't know this woman who Playground appoints "Queen of Versailles" ,completely aloof to the severity of the world's financial crisis, she is indeed a modern day Marie Antoinette.

Although I can't recall which publication had featured the first article I read, I clearly recall that it's the same old song and dance about this queen's exorbitant lifestyle. Instead of being photographed on a thrown surrounded by her eight children as seen in Playground, her portrait was taken in her closet surrounded by a sea of her material objects of affection. It's all about what she has and how she lives and sadly there is very few reference to what the public probably wonders the most...what else does this woman do with her time? With each of her 8 children cared for by his/her own nanny this woman must have time for some volunteer work or charity fundraising right? Isn't that what most wives in her circle do? With countless jobs lost and our nation suffering greatly, readers don't want to be reminded of what they can't have. They need an example, hope amidst the chaos and it would certainly boost morale to hear about how privileged families are contributing to the greater good of their local community where it is needed the most. I would personally take on the task of liquidating Jacqueline's purse and shoe collection on Ebay and distribute it amongst several charities I know to be in need of funds!

In this controversial article Jacqueline describes how her family has adjusted to our plummeting economy. As someone who was raised with some similarities to this family's practices I can't quite call the kettle black but come on, we all have to swallow that big pill labelled "Reality" at some point. Sure it doesn't go down easy but such is life! Isn't this woman embarrassed to openly admit that in an effort to teach her children about the devastating economic state of our nation she has encouraged them do household chores in an effort to "cut back". Honestly, remove silver spoon, and insert foot but only after you've dropped your 8 children off at Habitat for Humanity or Easter Seal's Camp Challenge for some good old fashioned community service. Maybe your 8 kids can finish the construction that's been on hold on your 90,000 square foot palace, that's 16 hands and a lot of free labor! And might I add, if I had known her and the Mr. were such a powerhouse baby factory I would have made more of an effort to bait her into my store!

It's not like me to judge anyone but Ms. Antoinette has made herself quite the easy target. I hope that some news flash will prove me wrong because I love more than anything to see the good in people. But seriously, if anyone wants to defend the way in which she has portrayed herself be my guest.

It's All Gone!!!

As of yesterday I turned in the keys to the old Lavish space. With a few of my belonging falling casualty to "tenant abandonment" procedure in "Danville", the space is empty and ready for it's next habitant. A little bitter sweet but I couldn't be more excited about working from home until I get the website up and running! After slaving away and moving almost everything out by myself since Friday, yes I'm stronger than I look, I woke up at 9am this morning, showered, got some coffee at Bikes,Beans and Bordeaux (a really cute coffee shop and cafe on Corrine just doors down from the old Courtney K. Couture boutique, now Boutique Sweet) and started the unravelling process. Who knew that you could be on hold for an hour and 25 minutes just to have your WP utilities diconnected!!! But It's been a relaxing and beautiful day in my office so far with the windows open, my Malie Kauai Coconut Vanilla Candle burning and my dogs happier than ever to have me around. Zippety Do Da!

A lot of great things have come from having a store front in Winter Park. I loved meeting all the Winter Park merchants and getting to work with so many of them. You must know who my favs are by now from the SHAMELESS plugs I drop in my posts and facebook. PS. rsvp YES to yet another crazy party at Gary Lambert's on April 19th. Men dancing on tables, martini's that will give you the next day gitters and a guest list that includes nothing but WP's who's who.

Having the most interesting of customers and making friends with most is one of the greatest of rewards though. There have been very few incidents that have left a bad taste in my mouth but in the words of Willow Shambeck, who owned the beloved Shou'Ture on Park Ave, "We've had a million amazing experiences in comparison to the 4 or 5 shitty ones" and nothing could be more true!

As for the site, I am working really hard to make it something different from any other major lingerie site on the web. I don't want to lose sight of my local community or the boutique feel that was so charming about Lavish. I have some great ideas that need to be worked out but I think it's going to be insane. Working with some local businesses to offer a really unique aspect to the lingerie site you can view their businesses online. Boutique 33 , Vitality Wellness Spa, Let's Eat! , Sultre Boutique, Playground Magazine, Liga Photography MAY be just a few so keep checking back and I'll keep you in the loop!

Now back to work for me and getting excited for cocktail hour with the girls tonight at Abby's office courtyard off New York Ave. Check back for pics to see who came out! xoxo

Lavish Boutique Has Moved Out!

We're moving exclusively online! Although I'm really excited about this change I am of course sad to leave the space. It was a great place to spend 99% of my time and I adore the location. Hannible Square really is the most charming shopping niche in Winter Park.

It came as quite the shock to move out so quickly so I hope no one is offended that I didn't give warning but situations arise and you sometimes just have to get things done. My amazing boyfriend and friends Laura and Peter came to my rescue and helped me pack everything up and load it into my our cars. Seriously, it is the best thing in the world when your friends and loved ones come to help you with comforting smiles on their faces without you even having to ask.

I LOVE winter park, I mean seriously I get hives when I leave the 32789, so you'll see me around supporting our local businesses, charities and their events. I'm still going to promote Fashion Funds the Cure so their bedazzled tees are still available with a donation of 35$ to The Pediatric Cancer Foundation. Just email LavishBoutique@Gmail.com and I'll personally deliver your tee to you! Another event I'm working on is Earth Day Bithday for Gary Lambert Aveda Salon. As you know Gary is my love muffin/potty mouth Lambert and one of the most charitable and selfless Winter Park business owners ever so help me support his event email me if you want an invite and details.

I'm ecstatic about going online because I'll get to do more of my favorite aspects of retail...MARKETING AND FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY! I'll still keep in close with all my beloved customers who have been amazing with their support and love of sexy bras and panties so not to worry! I'll post all the pics of what I still have in inventory and if you can't live without something, contact me and I'll deliver your purchase to you or better yet host a lingerie party at your house or other venue and get the insane discount from what your girlfriends purchase. I'll be working on developing the site for the next few months and keeping you posted with the new site address, updates and sneek peeks on this blog so stay tuned!

Does Sex Sell in Winter Park???

So I own and run a lingerie shop. People think that's a little risque to begin with, not something I enjoy owning up to when introducing myself to anyone over the age 50 but it is what it is. Everyone who is anyone in Winter Park remembers the finale of my runway show at Park Avenue Fashion Week and if they have glued their jaws back on to their faces they will tell you that it was a little much. Let's clear the air and state that it was not my intention for any of the girls walk onto the runway in a thong but when you're backstage and clothes, makeup, shoes, clipboards and headsets are flying everywhere matrix-style then you'll understand how such a thing can be overlooked. So for old Winter Park I am the outcast red-headed step child but for everyone else it was pure entertainment and I still see those people at the store on a weekly basis so I guess it's true...a little controversy never hurt anyone. There are worse things than seeing a model's butt cheeks and for 200$ a ticket, they got more than a show!

That being said, I have to uphold the reputation and keep the controversy flowing like an ice cold beer on tap and here's my pitch. I came across a line called Jimmy Jane. It's a culmination of anything and everything you can use on date night. From aphrodisiac candles that melt into massage oil to gold plated toys this line is incredible (minus the toys because that would never fly at the store or in my own boudoir for that matter but to each her own!). My personal favorite is the Coriander and Saffron aphrodisiac candle. It comes in a sleek white ceramic cube with a convenient spout. Meshes with anyone's boudoir decor and smells INTOXICATING. Coming in close second is their Spin the Bottle game. It's an actual bottle complete with messages inside that give you and your playmate ideas for sexy time. It's like reliving your middle school basement dance party days except not so G rated. You can choose from PG-13 to X rated versions. Haven't tried it but even if I did, I think everyone would agree that it would be way too much info.

So let me know what you think about making this brand a Lavish staple. Too much for Winter Park? I'm voting yes but I want it at Lavish anyways!

Email your vote or comments to:

lavishboutique@gmail.com

Check out the Jimmy Jane display at Fred Siegel in L.A...

Here are the toys if anyone wants to place a hush-hush, wink-wink special order...