Red Carpet Diamonds

Certificate of Authenticity

Name: Online marketplace Mercantile.

Launch Date: February 2012.

Owners: Callie Jenschke and Nicki Clendening, who co-founded NYC interior design firm Scout three years ago.

Contents: Twenty-five pieces of one-of-a-kind furniture, antiques, and artwork culled from the duo’s dedicated global flea market shopping. They hone in on eclectic items with world-roved wear and tear (or those that look “loved,” in their words). See: a decorative African headdress crafted from colorful feathers (pictured); an antique geometric-patterned Turkish rug; an elephant-legged carved rosewood side table from India.

Expiration: When one of the items sells, the girls replace it immediately with another treasure.

Notarized Signature: Signed, sealed, delivered.

Available online at scoutdesignsmercantile.bigcartel.com, $300-$5,000 (prices vary based on selection).

Photo: Courtesy of Mercantile

“A bottle of Boone’s Farm followed by a Zima flavored with Skittles.” — Us, 1997

“Single-malt Scotch, please.” — Us, 2012

Responsible for this personal growth: Ricky Crawford, a former Glenlivet brand ambassador who throws the funniest and most informative single-malt Scotch tastings this side of Glasgow.

In today’s video, he gives us a miniature lesson on how to order — and actually enjoy — a glass of the good Scottish spirit. Do as he says and you’ll be surprised how many heads turn at the bar.

Crawford’s as charming as he is Scottish. (Yes, the man wears a kilt.) And now you can book his services for all your soirees (birthdays, bachelorette parties, etc.).

Just don’t take any cheap shots.

To book Crawford for a tasting, go to rickyshopscotch.com.

You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy these messages in bottles. Carlos Huber’s fragrance blends based on bygone eras yield unisex scents that stand the test of time. Let us translate.

Then: In the 1400s Aztec warriors dedicated wreaths of white flowers to altars, hoping to please vengeful gods.
Now: Encircle yourself with Flor y Canto’s Mexican tuberose, magnolia, plumeria, and marigold for your own Saturday night rituals.

Then: Louis XIV first glimpsed his peace-keeping bride, Infanta Maria Teresa, atop a wooden pavilion on a dewy, floral-scented morning in 1660.
Now: Fleur de Louis’s marriage of white cedar wood, jasmine, orange blossom, and Florentine orris perfectly suits dinner reservations (French-Spanish fare or otherwise).

Then: In 1695 the sisters of Mexico City’s Royal Convent of Jesus Maria concocted new flavor combos (courtesy of cocoa and chiles) that put the nunnery on the map.
Now: Pack girls’ night full of sugar and spice with Anima Dulcis’s cocoa absolute, Mexican vanilla, cinnamon, and chile infusion.

Then: Russia, circa 1837, saw many a duel; leather-boot-clad gentlemen headed into the woods to square off at dawn’s first light.
Now: The aroma of Aleksandr’s neroli, violet, fir balsam, and Russian leather comes to life during a peaceful hike or picnic in the great outdoors.

Both factual and fragrant.

Available at The Webster Miami, 1220 Collins Avenue (305-673-5548 or thewebstermiami.com), $165-$175. For more information, go to arquiste.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Arquiste

When it comes to cracking codes, you’re right up there with Morse, Bond, and Einstein.

But it doesn’t take a genius to decipher simply stunning jewelry.

Case in point: Kathleen Whitaker’s understated Dot and Dash earrings collection.

A fan of freestyle mixing and matching, the ceramist/bonnet maker/jewelry designer casts fourteen-karat gold posts and sells them individually. (Two of our favorite West Coast boutiques, Mohawk General Store and Totokaelo, snapped up the line within months of spotting Whitaker at L.A.’s Echo Park Craft Fair.)

Sequin-style studs, staple bars, and multipost rods (think knuckle-duster rings for your ears) add up to sets that say “Indeed, I am a badass,” without shouting it from the rooftops.

And that we read loud and clear.

Available online at generalstore.com, gravelandgold.com, or totokaelo.com, $35-$230. For more information, go to khwjewelry.com.

Photo: Serena Mitnik-Miller / Courtesy of General Store

Unleash the beast.

CARRY
Anicase
What: The cheery, colorful 3-D iPhone cases ($20 each; get 15 percent off with code dailycandy15) are modeled after furry friends (pandas, tigers, leopards, owls) in danger of becoming extinct.
Why: It’s a call to action you’ll want to take — 10 percent of net profits is donated to protecting endangered species.
Where: Online at anicase.com.

FOLLOW
DailyCandy on Pinterest
What: Our just-launched pin boards cover everything from food and fashion to weddings and kids’ parties (beautifully, of course).
Why: Recipes, the latest street style, decorating ideas, and more.
Where: Online at pinterest.com/dailycandy.

ORDER
Good & Lovely
What: A personalized, thoughtful monthly subscription service ($14 and up) delivers the necessary supplies for when your inconsiderate, irritating cousin Flo comes to town.
Why: Cramp-relief heat packs, bath salts, chocolates, and Moroccan Mud Spa Bar samples.
Where: Online at goodandlovely.com.

BUY
Craft & Culture
What: Seattle-based shop showcasing a revolving cast of emerging artists with a sleek, postgrunge look that might make you break out your Nevermind CD.
Why: Elizabeth Patterson’s golden Arkansas quartz necklace ($120), Meghann Sommer’s Letaiyo necklace ($95) with recycled silver fox fur, and much more.
Where: Online at craftandculture.com.

SEND
Besotted Brand
What: Tristan B. recently launched a bespoke custom-design studio, full of clean-lined stamps, envelopes, labels, tags, and waxed linen twine bound in mini hatboxes.
Why: Say hi with the DIY stationery kit ($25), complete with “hello” calligraphy stamp and Euro-style true kraft envelopes.
Where: Online at shop.besottedbrand.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Anicase

Picture this.

SEE
Art Wynwood
What: The five-day international fair debuts with contemporary and modern art from more than 50 galleries.
Why: Paintings, photography, sculpture, video, and urban street art — including the “Flying Murals of Wynwood” — from 500 artists spanning thirteen countries.
When: VIP preview, Thurs., 6-10 p.m.; general admission, Fri.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Mon., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: The Art Miami Pavilion, 3101 NE 1st Ave. (520-529-1108). Tickets ($15-$30) at the door.

FOLLOW
DailyCandy on Pinterest
What: Our just-launched pin boards cover everything from food and fashion to weddings and kids’ parties (beautifully, of course).
Why: Delicious recipes, the latest street style, decorating ideas, and more.
When: You need a little inspiration.
Where: Online at pinterest.com/dailycandy.

SWEAT
Flow Your Heart Out
What: Yogini Sharon Aluma leads an Organic Vinyasa Yoga class to a kickin’ playlist for the H2-Om series.
Why: Get your groove on in downward dog; then steam, soak, and relax in the spa’s Turkish bath afterward.
When: Fri., 8 p.m.
Where: The Standard, 40 Island Ave., Miami Beach (305-704-3945). Tickets ($30) at the door.

GROOM
Brilliance New York Celebrates Love Month
What: Peruse the new makeup store’s collections and score a free makeup application and hairdo for a good cause.
Why: A portion of proceeds benefits Florida Heart Research Institute.
When: Thurs., 7-9 p.m.
Where: 631 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach (786-276-6389).

SAVOR
Pops-Ups Eating House and The Broken Shaker
What: For a limited time, Eating House takes over the Cafe Ponce space, while The Broken Shaker takes up a six-month residency at Indian Creek Hotel.
Why: Graffiti, old-school DJ tunes, and a nightly rotating dinner menu at EH; old-fashioneds, mint juleps, and The Blossom (rum and coffee) from TBS.
When: Eating House, Tues.- Sun., 7 p.m.-1 a.m.; The Broken Shaker, Mon.-Fri., 6 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat., 2 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: Eating House, 804 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables (305-448-6524); The Broken Shaker at Indian Creek Hotel, 2727 Indian Creek Dr., Miami Beach (786-325-8974).

MINGLE
Miami Science Museum’s Big Bang
What: The museum’s official after-party experiments with sounds by DJ Mark Leventhal and Soul Survivors and a full open bar from Bacardi.
Why: Science nerds know how to party.
When: Sat., 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Where: JW Marriott Marquis Miami, 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way (305-421-8777). Tickets ($100) online at miamisci.org.

SOAR
Kite Day
What: Dragons, diamonds, and other string spectacles fill the Bal Harbour sky.
Why: Prizes for highest flying, most unusual, and best homemade kites.
When: Sun., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Haulover Park, 10800 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour (305-893-0906). Admission is free.

Photo: Courtesy of Art Wynwood 

We’d be lying if we said unlimited coconut water and granola bars weren’t huge incentives for going backstage during New York Fashion Week.

But it’s also pretty freaking cool to be surrounded by beauty’s greatest talents as they do their thing.

In today’s videos, we venture into the chaos and ask the experts to give us the inside track on the looks at some of our favorite shows. We get a floral nail-art tutorial at Rachel Antonoff (above) and explanations/inspirations for the asymmetrical chignons at Suno, avant-garde braids at Creatures of the Wind, and loose ponytails at Tracy Reese. 

As always, some are more wearable than others.

But at least they won’t take up any room in your purse.

Want to keep watching? Check out our backstage beauty videos for the spring/summer 2012 shows at Timo Weiland, Erin Fetherston, and Rebecca Minkoff. And by all means, read up on current Fashion Week shows on our Tumblr.

If you can whip up a covetable do using butterfly clips, matted braids, and glitter, then you must be a miracle worker. Or you’re Kérastase stylist Odile Gilbert, who did exactly that at Creatures of the Wind last Thursday. In this video, Gilbert (the master behind the hair for Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette) explains her look.

Want more? Check out our backstage videos at Rachel Antonoff, Tracy Reese, and Suno.

We love seeing ponytails on the catwalk (it gives our go-to look sartorial credibility). In this case, Tresemmé stylist Jeanie Syfu kicks the simple style up a few notches by leaving front sections out and pinning them over the rubber band. Watch this video to learn how she does it. 

Want more? Check out our backstage videos at Rachel Antonoff, Suno, and Creatures of the Wind. 

You know when you pull your hair back to wash your face and somehow it looks so good you wish you were going out? Okay, so maybe that’s happened only once. But it’s the same accidental elegance Kérastase’s Odile Gilbert channeled for Suno last Friday night. In this video, she discusses the hairstyle and her inspiration.

Want to keep watching? Check out our backstage videos at Rachel Antonoff, Tracy Reese, and Creatures of the Wind.

Code Name: Ivana Cover Up.

Mission: Seize new makeup line Motives for La La.

Background Check: Cosmetics masterminds La La Anthony and Loren Ridinger have invented a secret, mineral-based formula for glowing skin. The line’s perfectly shaded foundation, coupled with affordable pricing, could reach world domination in the right hands.

Directive: Procure the line’s five dual foundations, six blush hues, twelve glosses, and seven lipstick colors, as well as mascaras, eyeliners, and shadows.

Instructions: Camouflage eyes with Entourage’s shimmering olive and Paparazzi’s pinkish gold. Then swipe lips with plum-colored Flirt for a hydrating shine before ensuring translucent coverage with lightweight Vanity blush.

Extreme caution: Though formulated for women of color, Motives for La La flatters all shades (making it an ideal disguise for double agents).

Commit these facts to memory before products disappear.

Available online at motivescosmetics.marketamerica.com, $14-$40.

Photo: Courtesy of Motives for La La

Dear Cupid,

My only complaint about my beau is that he hogs the grub when we go splitsville. How can I make sure I get my fair share of mac ’n’ cheese?

Yours,
Starving in SF

’Sup Starving,

The answer is simple: Become a heartbreaker with Heart Parts eating utensils.

The florescent, palm-size tools are meant to be cracked in half, then used to stab, scoop, or even cut your nosh of choice. Product designer Fatima Fazal created them to bring the love back to sharing a meal.

Heart Parts come in boxes of ten, so they’re great for parties. Because they’re dishwasher safe, made with 66 percent less plastic than similar wares, and are completely biodegradable, you can enjoy your supper without guilt.

Even if you’re fed up with him, at least you’ll be properly fed.

Xo,
The Guy with the Arrow

Available online at iheart-this.com, $10.

Photo: Courtesy of Heart Parts

 

V-Day isn’t just for lovers.

EAT
Cakeslider Creations
What: Redefined push-up pops ($22 for a basket of four) layered with cake and frosting. Treat yourself to inspired flavors (French toast, latte, Double Fudge Diamond) that arrive in festive packaging and allow you to (finally) eat cake hands free.
Why: They’re utterly moist. Yeah, we said it.
Where: Online at cakeslidercreations.com.

WEAR
Milly for Sperry
What: All aboard. The NY-based designer brings her colorful, playful prints to the famous Top-Sider brand ($90-$225).
Why: Vibrant patent leather yellow flats or navy wedges, as well as rose-print, laceless canvas sneakers.
Where: Online at sperrytopsider.com.

COLLECT
The Good Machinery Animal Figurines
What: We’re wild about the collectibles ($59-$69) painted by an Italian artist. Gift them to others or stash them in nooks and crannies for a splash of color.
Why: A howling silver wolf, hippo with fuchsia polka dots, and lion in magenta and gold are just part of the herd.
Where: Online at etsy.com.

SUPPORT
Spanx Lace Bra-llelujah
What: The best boulder holder ($68) in the world just got sexy. It smooths your back and lifts the ladies the same as before, but now with lace cups (in nude or black).
Why: The bra may have had a little work done; you’ll just look like you did.
Where: Online at spanx.com.

SWEAT
Electric Yoga Sportswear
What: French-born tanks, stretch pants, and zip-ups ($24-$198) from Bisou Bisou designer-turned-master yogi Michele Bohbot.
Why: Neon colors activate specified chakras. Light-as-air bubble coats pack down into mini carrying cases and use your own body heat to keep you toasty.
Where: Online at electric-yoga.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Cakeslider Creations