By Countess LuAnn de Lesseps
Live glamorously like the Real Housewives of New York City with my tips, tricks, and product picks.
Fashion
My favorite: A great pair of straight leg jeans.
Buy Robin’s Jean Marilyn Black Popline, $169.99, amazon.com
My new must-have: Biker jacket meets blazer. Wear with a striking scarf.
Buy Mackage Double Zip Leather Coat, $695, at bloomingdales.com
My tips: Always overdress rather than underdress—put effort into how you look and be original. Buy classics, then work in a few trendy pieces each season to keep your look fresh. I like to change things up with striking accessories such as statement necklaces or belts with interesting buckles.
Beauty
My favorite product: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50—just a few drops balances skin and reduces pores.
Buy Biologique Recherche Lotion P50, $58, at paullabrecque.com
My new must-have: Soleil Tan de Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder, to keep that sun-kissed look into fall.
Buy Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder, $50, at macys.com
My skin-mask recipe:
1 tablespoon Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant
1 teaspoon Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
Leave on for 10–15 minutes. Use 3 times per week and voilà, vibrant skin.
Buy Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant, $58, at paullabrecque.com
My tips: I like a natural look that highlights a woman’s best features in a subtle and glamorous way. Pay attention to eyebrows and use a professional to shape them. Honor the natural shape of your brows and never have them plucked or waxed too thin.
Health & Fitness
My favorite fitness regimen: I love to practice Pilates to strengthen my body and clear my head of distractions. It keeps you limber, which is essential to staying young. When I practice regularly, I am restored to centeredness and wellbeing.
My new fitness regimen: Exergaming! Wii Fit is so much fun, and it’s something I can do with my teenagers.
My tips: By getting enough rest (at least 8 hours a night); eating healthy meals that include fruits, vegetables, and lean meats; and exercising daily, you can bring balance back to your life. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Epicurean
My favorite restaurant: Chez Josephine on 42nd Street, where you step back into 1930s Paris. The fun host is Jean-Claude Baker, son of the legendary entertainer Josephine Baker, and
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the entire restaurant is a tribute to her. Great food and a truly romantic atmosphere with live music.
My new discovery: La Bonne Soupe on West 55th Street in NYC, where I had the Soupe Paysanne a l’Orge with mushrooms, barley, and lamb. Fabulous on a cool fall day.
My tips: Dining out is a time to relax for me. Avoid putting your phone on the table—leave it on vibrate and keep it out of sight. Unless it’s your children, let whoever is calling leave a message.
Travel
My favorite destinations: My favorite weekend getaway is the Hamptons. When I vacation, I love to go to the south of France and stay at the Byblos in St. Tropez. There is a great outdoor market in St. Tropez, where I love to shop.
My new vacation spot: I just got back from my first trip to San Francisco, and I loved everything about the city. The food was incredible, especially at the Slanted Door, the people were friendly, and I adored the Hotel Monaco, a boutique hotel that was very charming. I love shopping at Macy’s when I’m there. My favorite carry-on item is a good book.
My tips: When you’re going away for the weekend, your travel outfit should consist of the bulkiest items that would take up space in your weekend bag. Wear your blazer and boots rather than packing them.
Living
My favorite home decor: My favorite accessories are an eclectic mix of items I’ve collected through my world travels. My furniture is primarily contemporary.
My favorite hostess gifts: A good bottle of wine. I’ve also given scented candles, gourmet treats, and kitchen gadgets. I’ve given copies of my book Class with the Countess as well.
My new gift: My latest fave gift is sending an orchid. It is an elegant way to say thank you.
Tip: Hostess gifts should require no refrigeration or work on the hostess’s part. Follow the advice of one of our favorite Real Housewives, and remember: “Money Can’t Buy You Class.”
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My husband turned on that show, laughing that women can be so awful. I had to watch sometimes and I must say after too many episodes, the countess is the best one, and the blond in brooklyn. This was a nice article and I agree with some of her suggestions (pilates, love it, wine and candles for gifts, always), so she is just a regular gal.
Thanks,
Lisa of
http://www.pippihepburn.com
I am glad the Countess LuAnn de Lesseps had a great time in San Francisco. I hope she comes back. I think she should check out the Carmel and Monterey area in California also. Now that I think about it she should check out the Sonoma and Napa Valley area also.