Coquette

Go Behind the Scenes with Luxury Brands: Goyard & Louis Vuitton

(Photos: Lea Suzuki, The Chronicle)

French luxury brands Goyard and Louis Vuitton and known for their history of craftsmanship and their recognizable canvas patterns. I love getting a peek inside the studios of these two brands where you can see artisans working with their hands to create art.

Goyard

The SF Gate recently covered Goyard's painting workshop located in San Francisco in it's article Goyard Monograms - ABCs of Luxury. It's only one of three around the world where artists carefully paint and embellish bags with monograms, stripes, flowers, or custom designs.

A custom cable car design on luggage.

Louis Vuitton

(Photo: Marie Hennechart, The New York Times)

This week, Louis Vuitton opens up their exclusive doors to their atelier in Asnières, France (a suburb of Paris). The New York Times has official coverage of A Rare Look Inside the Atelier of Louis Vuitton. The article includes a plethora of photos that show the process of creating Louis Vuitton bags and luggages. Drool worthy!

(Photo: Purseblog)

Back in the U.S., Purseblog also has a preview inside the new Atelier at Louis Vuitton Soho in NY. Take a look!

American Craft: The Craft of Design

American Craft magazine has a special digital bonus issue out now. The Craft of Design goes behind the scenes with 25 artists and craftspeople and showcases what they create. You won't want to miss Wendy Stevens metal purses and Jennifer Merchant's layered acrylic jewelry.

Download the interactive app from iTunes or browse the issue online.

Finny Stools by Scott McGlasson

Lost & Found Mug Set by Andrew Gilliatt

Diorshow Mascara

I love mascara but I sometimes feel I shouldn't be spending so much for mascara. I had been using some drug store brands to no satisfaction and decided I definitely needed to splurge and get myself another tube of Diorshow Mascara ($25 at Nordstrom). I had received one last winter from a friend and loved the way it makes my lashes fuller without over clumping. A 2012 Nordstrom Beauty Award nominee, the XXL brush literally plumps up your lashes. Trust me, your eye makeup will look all the better and it's so worth the $25. I also love wearing it with no eye makeup (and bronzer on the cheeks) for a fresh summery natural look.

Pick up your Diorshow Mascara at Nordstrom and get free shipping (and free returns).

DIY Half Moon Nails from the Book Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole + Giveaway

Today I am so excited to have a project excerpt from the new book from Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole (published by Chronicle Books). This small format book features 25 gorgeous and creative DIY nail designs. Each project comes with step by step photos so you can make your own nails fancy!

Giveaway
One lucky Coquette reader will win a copy of Nails, Nails, Nails!. To enter, please leave a comment to this post telling me why you want this book. Please note that you must be a resident of the US or Canada. The giveaway will end on Friday, June 14, 2013 at 5pm PST. Good luck!

This giveaway is now closed. The winner will be announced soon. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Half Moon Nails

from Nails, Nails, Nails! by Madeline Poole

This is a girly yet grown-up look, featuring painted crescents and retro color contrast. Color-coordinate your outfit for two-toned fun.

Get the full DIY for the Half Moon Nails after the jump!

Boots No7 Men - Hair & Skin Care for Men Now in the U.S.

Boots No7 Men has now launched in the U.S. at Walgreens. The new men's line from the famous UK apothecary has a total of 6 products ranging from hair care to skin care for the man in your life.

Here are a list of the products:

• Energising Face Wash ($7.99)
• Energising Face Scrub ($8.99)
• Energising Hair & Body Wash ($7.99)
• Rapid Revival Eye Roll-on ($16.99)
• Protect & Perfect Intense Serum ($24.99)
• Protect & Perfect Intense Moisturizer with SPF ($22.99)

Shop Boots No7 Men at Walgreens

Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day is just around the corner on Sunday, June 16th.. Here are some quick gift ideas for dad that he'll love to have!

1. ClarinsMen Smooth Shave ($18 at Clarins) and ClarinsMen After Shave Soother ($25 at Clarins)

2. "I <3 Dad" Photo Mug (35% until June 5th on Shutterfly, reg price $13.09-$16.99)

3. Azarro CHROME Summer Edition Eau de Toilette ($68 at Macy's)

4. Zepp GolfSense Sensor for iPhone/iPad + Android ($129.95 at Apple Store) or iGrill Grilling/Cooking Thermometer ($79.95 at Apple Store)

5. Coach boxed cut-to-size reversible belt ($158 at Coach)

6. Converse - Chuck Taylor All Star Core Ox (Black) - Footwear ($50 at Zappos)

7. Monogrammed BBQ Tools Set ($115 at Williams-Sonoma)

8. Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses ($155 at Bloomingdales)

Note: Products #1 & #3 were provided for review.

Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Beauty Event

Refresh your skin care and beauty favorites now with Neiman Marcus' Camp Gorgeous beauty event happening now online and in store. From now until June 9th, spend just $85 and get this pretty striped beach tote along with beauty samples.

Enjoy your choice of striped beach bag (beige, pink, or blue) with the following samples:

• Acqua di Parma Acqua Nobile Iris Eau de Toilette, 1.2 ml/0.04 fl oz
• Bliss That's Incredi-'peel'! Spa-Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pads, 1 use
• Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, 1.5 ml/0.05 fl oz
• Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator, 1.5 ml/0.05 fl oz
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate, 7.5 ml/0.25 fl oz
• Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 Oil-Free, 3.5 ml/0.12 fl oz
• Yves Saint Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Baby Doll, 2.0 ml/0.06 fl oz

Bag dimensions: 13 1/2"H x 19 1/2"W x 6"D.

Here are some beauty favs you can stock up on:

YSL Limited Edition Rose Baby Doll Nail Polish ($25)

Dior Beauty Summer Look 2013 Paradise Addict ($31)

Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Tube Tint ($19)

Trish McEvoy Eye Essentials Sexy, Dark ($68)

Nars Limited Edition Cheek/Eye Palette in Happening ($65)

Clarins Vital Light Skin Solutions Age-Defying ($86)

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom & Honey 1.0 oz ($60)

Prada Candy Eau de Parfum 1.7 oz ($82)

Banana Republic Milly Collection

Banana Republic's new Milly Collection is the perfect antidote to kicking off summer. This limited edition collection features Milly's fun and colorful prints. Pictured above: Olivia Palmero sports the Banana Republic Milly Collection Elephant Print Short ($55) while Zoe Saldana looks elegant in the Banana Republic Milly Collection Striped Fit And Flare Dress ($140).

Here are more of my favorites from the Banana Republic Milly Collection:

Pleated Patio Dress ($165)

Printed Halter Top ($79.50)

Medallion Print Roll Sleeve Top($89.50)

Feathers Short ($55)

Medallion Scarf ($69.50)

Enamel Lock Bangle ($39.50, more colors)