How to Keep Warm in Your Knickers

You accessorize your going out outfits so why not accessorize your lingerie? If you're stepping it up with a new boudoir get up, you might as well hit a home run and have some fun with it. We're in the dead of Winter, okay, not really but it sure feels like it in this sub zero weather so pair your lingerie with some slouchy boots and make those stilletto heels work to accentuate your legs when you're standing there half naked! Even better, add a plush wrap-around sweater or scarf, grab your Orlando Style mag (yes I read it religiously), plop on the couch next to him and time how long it takes before he practically breaks his neck turning to drool at you while you sit there looking all cozy and inviting. It's as guaranteed as the law of gravity and you'll be glad you layered up because it's always more fun to take things off than it is to put them on. Here are some examples to get your look together...





*Sweaters and scarves courtesy of Thread


Fashionista and fellow Rollins alum Joy Buendia was the stylist for these shots and you can now find her at Lavish Boutique to help you style your boudoir wardrobe AND accesorize it with looks from Sultre Boutique. Btw Sultre is where you can find her when she's not at Lavish, the Rollins gym, or partying dt at Rok Room after hours.




But if you're looking for the ultimate confidence boost at Sultre just ask for Traci. She'll throw you in her fitting room with Vinny, her delicious bull dog, and make you the star of your own mini fashion show and feed you compliments that would make even Gary Lambert blush. A personal favorite was when she said I could bounce a quarter off my ass in a Mara Hoffman dress (pictured below and there's Tra 2nd to last on the right). Mind you, I had known her for all of 15 minutes but we quickly became bff after that kind of flattery! Don't be fooled though, if she doesn't like something on you she'll tell you and you WILL take her advice if you're smart. No one leaves Sultre looking a mess.





Also in this photo: Maggie Lee from Tatame Sake Bar at the Sex and the City party last year. Always a favorite hangout with a different DJ and crowd every night of the week. P.S. the mango sake is amazing!!!

Behind the Boutique

There are so many things that happen behind the scenes of this little boutique and I promise to share them all but I'm going to start out with the mother of all debacles and how I got half naked for Lavish.

Last year I was introduced to my marketing guru...drum roll please...Cristina Calvet-Harrold of CCH Marketing. She has done more for me than I could even begin to describe. From her no-nonsense representation to post party clean up she has been more than a consultant, she has been a friend. Amongst it all she introduced me to two of my favorite girls to collaborate with, Amy Morelli of The 2u Collection and Abby Liga of Liga Photography. The four of us sat down over a half dozen Crispy Creme donuts and came up with the brilliant idea to have an in store photo shoot to showcase the Fall, Holiday and Spring fashions. And so the adventure begins...

I began by hitting up every networking tool on the web in search of models. If I had a million dollars Giselle Bundchen's cell would have been blowing up but I needed girls who would work with my modest budget in return for exposure. Myspace was a lifesaver and there I found Raychel and Marlene, two local models who I now call friends as they are just as beautiful on the inside as they are on the outside. So I had Holiday and Spring and the only look left was Fall.

I call none other than Marjorie Robinson, my hair stylist who is so amazing with the scissors that I used to drive from Naples to WP just for an appointment with her, to style the girls' hair for the shoot. She then recommends a much needed third model and we're now in business. So it's the day of the shoot and we start with Marlene for Holiday and things are looking fantastic. She is the most glamorous woman to ever step in front of a photographer's lens I kid you not (right photo). Like a pro she poses her little heart out and 4 hours later we have more shots of her than needed to fill an entire issue of Vogue. Next is Raychel and we're still rolling. She's a complete natural and after having a child only a few months prior, her body is looking so impossibly fit that she puts my without-child body to shame (photo left). Just as we're wrapping her sessions our 3rd model arrives...baby and carriage in hand.

If you were there you would have my look of absolute panic engrained in your memory for eternity. I won't go in to too much detail but the gist is that there was no way in hell she was going to fit in any of the looks I had to shoot nor was she as youthful as expected. I'm doing my best to be nice as she had kindly volunteered her time and was as sweet as can be. A beautiful woman but she was still nursing, having given birth just months before, and her breasts were too large for the samples I had flown in from my designers is NYC and London just for the shoot. I did my best to politely explain the situation and although she was perfectly understanding and gracious for the opportunity, I was still down one model. This might not seem like a huge deal but when you're paying serious money for a super talented team of marketing specialists and photographers...it's kind of a big deal!

So there we are with the store completely rearranged with tables and merchandise scattered to a point of being an unrecognizable disaster zone, cameras ready, hair and makeup waiting and no model. What else could I have done but jump into the fitting room, strip down to my birthday suit and reappear wearing some serious Lavish lingerie. I know it's completely tacky to model for your own store but this was the last resort and as you'll see, we found a way to keep some mmystery as to who the model is. The only thing that put the cherry on top of this comical day was that I had chosen not to board the windows of the store for privacy because I wanted to create some curiosity and buzz on the street. If you've been to the store you know that the entire front is glass and my photo session was for EVERYONE's viewing pleasure. Not to mention that I have a children's store located directly across the street with a clear view of every little detail. A few mommies had to have 'the talk' a little sooner than expected I'm sure. After a dozen or so poses I caved and we put up a sheet to block the outside view. I got my taste of modeling for the day which wasn't an easy task (we almost cancelled the remainder of the shoot!) but we pulled through and some of my shots turned out to be the strongest images for everyday marketing! Here are the ones that made the final cut with some photoshop help from Abby.

Before and Afters...

My debut as an amature lingerie model was painless as you can see we left things quite anonymous but now that all the marketing campaigns have come and gone I can safely admit that yes, I got half naked for Lavish.

4 Valentine's Day Dates

Here are my top 4 picks for a Valentine's Day date and what you should wear while you're on them...

The Couple That Plays Together Stays Together:

Lets Eat! is a fun and interactive way to spend the evening. You make your own dinner together at this new WP venue. You'll learn a new recipe and flirt like you did with your highschool Home Ec partner as you chop veggies. After dinner you can walk across the street, grab a froyo at Gurtzberry and stroll the avenue after dark. A little window shopping can be fun too. Check out Park Promenade Jewelers window if you get any big and bright ideas!

http://www.letseatdinner.com/

Just because you're suzie homemaker on your date doesn't mean you have to dress the part. Go with this camisole and panty set by Pfiff Lingerie.



For New or 'Non' Couples:

Lake Eola is the perfect post dinner activity so try a new restaurant in Thornton Park and walk around the lake with some hot chocolate or espresso while you chat and cuddle up to eachother in an attempt to get to know one another a litttle better. Need a restaurant suggestion? Try Graze or 310 Lakeside and follow it up with a pre-stroll pitstop at Starbucks for your hot beverage.



If you're not officially a couple or you've just started dating you may or may not be displaying your lingerie just yet. This is the perfect option for just in-case. It gives you unreal push-up to get noticed even when you're not undressed and if you do remove some garments that night he's in for a treat that's a whole lot sweeter than the sugar in your hot chocolate.



The Big Production:

Manuels on the 28th is THE place to go to for a romantic dinner. Nothing beats a 5 star meal at the top of the Bank of America building overlooking downtown's new and improved skyline. It is absolutely gorgeous and if you can score a reservation this late in the game, request side by side seating at table for 2 facing the windows so you get the full panoramic view. Guys, this one's going to burn a crater the size of the Citrus Bowl in your wallet but the meal and ambience is well worth it the splurge!




Since this is no ordinary date you can't skimp out on your lingerie choice. This peacock set by Wendy Glez is just as sophisticated and unique as your date.





Busy Bees:

If you're always on the run and you feel like you need some down time rather than a big night out, hunker down with a candle-lit dinner at home. Follow Melixa's recipe below and pair it with a nice bottle of wine or in my case, the coldest bottle of beer you can find and make it a movie night. And n case you were wondering, yes, meal prep IS foreplay and since you're in the comfort of your own home you don't have to wait until after dinner to...





This gorgeous Wendy Glez push-up camisole and matching lace boyshort is comfy enough for movie night while maintaining serious sex appeal.






Valentine's Day Recipe:




Melixa, who most of you know from Shou'Ture, was the first person I thought of to ask for an amazing recipe. Besides from being one of my favorite people ever, I highly suggest befriending her as she is hysterical even without 4 glasses of wine Luma-style, she is seriously talented in the kitchen so enjoy!


Melixa:
You want a recipe that is simple to make, tasty, nutritious and won't make you look bloated in your sexy Lavish lingerie. Just about every man loves beef so here's an easy recipe you'll both love.

Flank Steak topped with a Blood Orange Succotash and Spring Salad*

* Flank Steak should be marinated at least 4 hours in advance
1 2 lb flank steak
1/2 c dry sherry or red wine
1/2 c soy sauce
2 tb Emeril's Creole Seasoning such as see recipe that follows
2 tb minced garlic
2 tb brown sugar
1 tb tomato paste
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Place flank steak in large, plastic resealable bag. Take the remaining ingredients and combine in a bowl or large measuring cup for easy pouring. Pour into the bag with the flank steak, seal and let marinate at least 4 hours in advance of cooking.

Remove flank steak from bag and reserve marinade. Place flank steak on a broiler pan and broil 5 minutes on each side (rare) or more depending on desired doneness. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-minutes.

Once done, remove and let stand for 5-minutes. Cut across the grain into thin diagonal slices. Once plated, pour marinade over flank steak, top with Blood Orange Succotash (see below) and a side of Spring Salad.


Emeril's Creole Seasoning (store remaining in air-tight jar in refrigerator)

2 1/2 tb paprika
2 tb salt
2 tb garlic powder
1 tb black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tb cayenne pepper
1 tb dried leaf oregano
1 tb dried thyme

Blood Orange Succotash*

*This can be prepared ahead of time without the green pepper and chilled. Then prepare pepper prior to putting in flank steak

1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/4 c finely chopped green onions
3 tsp Cilantro minced
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp fresh lime juice
2 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/3 cup uncooked yellow corn
1/2 c blood orange, chopped

Preheat broiler.
To prepare succotash, cut bell pepper in half lengthwise; discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin side up, on a foil-lined baking sheet; flatten with hand. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 10 minutes. Peel and finely chop. Combine with remaining ingredients and serve over sliced flank steak.
Serve with a Spring Salad and dressing of choice as a side.


Melixa: Okay, so just because you don't have a significant other doesn't mean you can celebrate Valentine's Day or get gifts! Lavish has plenty of gifts that you can give to a friend like amazing room diffusers, smoothing lotions and more. Plan a girl's night in and serve these tasty treats with champagne and a Sex in the City episode marathon.

Fig and Bleu Cheese (or Goat Cheese) Bruschetta

36 (1/4-inch-thick) French baguette slices
1 (3-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (2 oz.) crumbled blue cheese or crumbled goat cheese
1/2 cup fig preserves or jam
Preparation
Broil French baguette slices on a baking sheet 3 inches from heat 1 to 2 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted. Remove baking sheet, and reduce oven temperature to 350°.
Stir together cream cheese and blue cheese in a small bowl until well blended. Spread a heaping 1/2 tsp. cream cheese mixture onto each baguette slice; top each with a rounded 1/2 tsp. fig preserves.
Bake at 350° on middle rack for 8 to 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Stuffed Mushrooms
Preheat broiler
1 or 2 packages of large button mushrooms with stems, rinsed
3 or 6 links of turkey sausage sweet or spicy
1/2 or 1 white onion, chopped
1/2 or 1 cup bread crumbs
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Preparation
Heat skillet on medium heat and place turkey sausage to cook. Do not pierce sausage while cooking as it will lose flavor, use tongs to turn. Cook 8-10 minutes or until done. While sausage is cooking, separate stems from mushroom caps and place in bowl. Line mushroom caps on greased baking sheet.
Chop mushroom stems and onion and combine. Once sausages are cooked, allow to cool before chopping into small pieces. Add to mushroom stems and onion, add bread crumbs then combine. Stuff mushroom caps with mixture, top with cheese and then broil for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Grilled Chicken with Avocado and Mango Salsa
4 - 6 Chicken Breasts
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 avocado, chopped
2 mangoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup uncooked corn
1/4 c green onions, chopped
2 tsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp fresh lime juice
Preparation
Combine salt and pepper. Season chicken breasts to taste. Grill for 20 minutes or until done. In medium bowl, combine remaining ingredients adding salt and pepper to taste. Chill and serve over grilled chicken breasts with a side salad.
Pomegranate Champagne V-day cocktail
4 cups crushed ice
2 cups pomegranate juice
1/2 cup ginger ale
1/4 cup brandy
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Champagne or sparkling wine
Pomegranate seeds (optional)

Combine first 5 ingredients together. Garnish with Pomegranate seeds.

Pics of Lavish

Lingerie Gift Giving Guide

Since I opened Lavish I've met some amazing people, had some interesting experiences and learned more than I thought imaginable. It has been the most fun and rewarding experience in my life and I think it is too amusing to keep to myself. I'm not quite sure what direction this blog will take on but I'm hoping it will be just be fun to follow for random tips, WP gossip, things to do on date night, etc. Winter Park is a highly entertaining place to live and work filled with characters even the most imaginative of authors couldn't make up. I should have plenty of content to come. This is my very first post so here it goes. Hope you enjoy!

There are so many occasions that merit the gift of lingerie but of course that's coming from someone completely obsessed with the idea of a new bra and panty set for my personal collection. It's a completely appropriate subject as we just got over the holiday rush selling panty after panty to guys that walk in attempting to gauge the exact size of their sweetheart's waist by forming an open oval with their two hands. When are men going to realize that our lingerie drawers are open for size investigation 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. And if that's too complicated try looking at a tag once in a while when you take them off our bodies. We'll be far more impressed at your surprise gift when it's the right size than we are with your one-handed bra snapping skills. As we now approach Valentine's Day I'm hoping some of them have done the investigatory work.

I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's day but let's be real for a second here and admit that it's a great opportunity to get a nice dinner and extra attention out of our beaus. Also a great time to update the contents of the lingerie drawer so whether you're a guy or a girl I know I'll be seeing quite a few of you in the next week or so. Here are some tips for Lingerie:

Shopping for Her:

1. I think I already ranted enough about getting the right size BEFORE your shopping adventure so let's put this one to rest. P.S. You'll need a number AND a letter size like 32C or S/M/L

2. Look at the items she has in her drawer and try to figure out what her style is. If you get her something too far out of her comfort zone she might not wear it.

3. Don't flock to the red, pink and white items just because it's V-day and that's what the stores are featuring. Go with something you think she'll feel good in. Remember...she's not a Christmas tree so don't decorate her with theme colors just because it's a holiday. These side-tie lace panties from Wendy Glez are the perfect gift and oh so much fun to unwrap!

4. A nigthie or a sexy robe is always a safe choice and doesn't come across as too forward if your relationship is new or you're unsure of what to get her.

5. This gift is just as much for you as it is for her so pick something you'll enjoy too!

Shopping for Him:

No I don't mean man-gerie! I mean don't wait around for him to surprise you with a post-Vday Dinner outfit. Jump the gun and get something to reward him for treating you.

1. As simple as men are, there isn't any particular item, style or color that captures the attention of EVERY man. Try to find out what he likes before you go shopping.

2. Pick things you know you'll be comfortable in. A guy can always tell when you're not confident and it can take the fun out of sexy time quicker than you think.

3. In this economy, don't go with something completely impractical. If you're going to get a sexy bra and panty set with lots of lace or detail, get one with a black or nude bra base color that you can pair with your basic solid thongs so you can switch it up a little. Check out this black and nude push up bra by Elle MacPherson.

4. Don't go with a teddy or crazy thigh highs that you'll never wear again unless it's a complete fantasy of his. Most guys want you to be yourself even on special occasions.

So that's pretty much it for tips. If you're a local guy stop in on the 12th for an enticing V-Day event at Lavish. We're bringing in a bunch of different things for you to pair with your lingerie gift. Flowers for delivery, V-Day cards, Spa gift certs and NEW bath & body gift sets. It's a no brain-er for you AND you get to drink beer and eat manly man snacks. Girls, come in, make a wish list of your favorite items and send your beau in to get it for you!

If all else fails, get her a gift certificate and go with her when she goes to pick her gift out. Having a beer and your very own private fashion show in the fitting room at Lavish isn't a bad way to spend an afternoon!