August on the Riviera

CHIC & SIMPLE LUNCH ON THE FRENCH RIVIERA PH: JASON JOBSONHere at aLIFEofSTYLE we have decamped to the South of France for an extended Summer Holiday.    We'll be back after Labor day with a satchel full of stories inspired by the Cote d'Azur!    Enjoy your last moments of Summer 2011 and we will see you soon!

FRENCH WINE IN YOUR FACE - CAUDALIE

Ladies and Gentlemen.  Ever had the urge to throw a glass of wine in someone's face?  I'm thinking that you ladies might have had the urge about a certain "gentlemen" at one time or another.   Well it turns out you might be doing the jerk a favor rather than hurting their ego.   Scientific research now tells us that the polyphenols in grape seeds are the strongest sponge for absorbing free radicals - which has anti-aging effects.   Maybe that's why social cads always have a glow on their face - all the wine facials.. although I think that glow is from something all together different and usually comes an hour after the wine hits their face!  ..but I digress.  

Caudalie is a French brand of skin care that is harnessing the power of grape seeds and has patented skin care technology never seen before in topical products sold over the counter.  The first three products made their debut in 1995 - so this is pretty recent technology.

This is my first find on my South of France Holiday for 2009!  A few days ago on a friends boat - someone pulled out Caudalie sunscreen and passed it around.  The Mediterranean sun in August is a scorcher! Everyone knew it except for me - the only American afloat.   The creams are nourishing to the skin the moment you apply them.   A full range of products from refreshing grape seed water to skin care is available on the website.   www.Caudalie.com

HOLDING MY CAUDALIE IN A RIVIERA GARDENMost exciting is the opening of a Caudalie spa in the U.S. in the famed Plaza Hotel.    The spa is one of only 4 in the world to feature the exclusive Caudalie treatments.  As I've written before - The Plaza Hotel is now a great resource for a treasure trove of designer products from Krigler fragrance to MCM handbags and now a Caudalie Spa Treatment.

Cheers to the Grape Seed and Bon Soiree!

Reporting from the Saint Raphael, France August 15th, 2009

FRENCH RIVIERA STYLE AT BERGDORF

T.E.C. APRONS IN THE RIVIERA SUNThe chicest home collection from the south of France - Travaux En Cours has arrived in NYC just in time for the summer.   Just when you needed the perfect hostess gift for that long lazy weekend you are taking at your friend's house in the Hamptons - T.E.C. to the rescue!   Travaux En Cours or T.E.C. for short has been a favorite to those in the know on the French, Italian, & Spanish Riviera for a few years but never available here in New York.    No surprise - Bergdorf Goodman -the ultimate destination for style and design - is the store debuting the collection  this week.  

The collection is known for beautifully crafted aprons & weekend accessories perfect for grilling, projects around the house, or even to just throw on when company surprises you in the kitchen.

SEASIDE CAROUSEL - ST. RAPHAEL, FRANCE

 Travaux En Cours is the brainchild of two busy friends living on the French Riviera, in the seaside town oF St. Raphael.  The designers wanted functional weekend gear that didn't look so clinical or like they borrowed their husband's apron.   The result is a unisex collection that is equally popular with men and women who love to work around the house, cook, garden, you name it.  You won't see big logos splashed across the pieces - that was the first priority of T.E.C.  The ladies were tired of seeing logos everywhere - even on a Saturday morning at the market! How tacky!   The Travaux pieces are chic and understated - just what you want from weekend accessories.T.E.C. IN A RAINBOW OF COLOR

Bergdorf Goodman is housing the collection in their world renowned Decorative Home Department on the 7th floor.   Look for both the full body apron and super cool belt apron.   The short belt apron is actually worn as a fashion accessory in Japan!  Also, don't miss the wicker tote bag in fashion colors - perfect for the beach!

Travaux En Cours means "Work In Progress" and the company says that refers to whatever project you are working on - a cake, a garden, or a garage door opener!   Whatever your task, you will be fully protected in style.   Even if you never make it to the Riviera - the T.E.C. aprons and accessories will make you feel like you did.

The company has also just launched a line of super chic bags - perfect for a casual trip - across country or to the market - your choice.   Supple suede, leather, and denim make them unlike any bag you've seen lately.   I'm sure it is just a matter of time before your nearest Neiman Marcus or Saks 5th Avenue is carrying them.   You read it here first!

**There is a capsule collection of bags available at Privet House up in Warren, Connecticut.   That would sound surprising if you didn't know that design guru Richard Lambertson has this uber cool gift shop near his weekend house in Litchfield Country.

Visit the 7th Floor at BERGDORF GOODMAN - 754 5th Avenue at 57th street NY, NY.T.E.C. HAND WOVEN STRAW TOTE - $150 AT BERGDORF GOODMAN

Store Hours: Monday–Friday 10–8. Saturday 10–7. Sunday 12–6

Or call the store at 212 753-7300 and ask for the Decorative Home Dept. and the T.E.C. aprons.

Privet house can be reached at (860) 868-1800.

Produced  from the finest fabrics from Italy and France, the aprons are hand finished in Portugal.  Known for the savoire faire of it's artisans, Portugal is responsible for some of the finest embroidered linens in the world.  The aprons range from $125 for the belt aprons to $165 for the classic apron shape.  They will last you a lifetime and are classic enough to never go out of style - just like your favorite fashion items!

Bonjour and Welcome - Travaux En Cours!!