While the political rivals had a field day this week with Ann Romney’s nearly $1,000 blouse, it appears Ann Romney is not the only presidential candidate’s wife with expensive taste. Despite her penchant for more affordable clothing, First Lady Michelle Obama has quite a pricey wardrobe  herself.

Ann Romney with presidential candidate husband Mitt Romney

From Balenciaga and Helmut Lang to Michael Kors and Marchesa, the first lady has been known to wear some big name, and expensive designer fashions. Last week alone, Mrs. Obama was  scene in two different L’Wren Scott cardigans, with price tags between $2,000 and $3,000.

Last Thursday, Mrs. Obama wore the designer’s peach embroidered cardigan to a  White House event, Take Your Child To Work Day. The very next day she wore similar piece, this one white with red to greet troops at Fort Stewart, in Georgia, with the president.

It should be noted, however, that Mrs. Obama is also well-known for boosting sales at the more affordable J. Crew and has been seen shopping at the discount store Target.

ThePalatium Product Line

The founders of Palatium say their new bath line is fit for royalty. And we do suspect that these elegantly fragrant oils and replenishing foams for bath might indeed be the perfect gift for those interested in making Mom feel like an empress for a day. After all, the name does derive from the Palatine Hill—the seat of many famous and infamous ruling women.

Palatium aims to recapture certain luxury aspects of the ancient Romans and Etruscans, for whom bathing was paramount. And what mother does not agree that this should be a part of her own regular ritual? Olive oil played a key role in Roman bathing. So it is no surprise that this line is made with a high-grade organic choice from Tuscany, which region is renowned for the quality of the olive oil it produces. The quality of this particular ingredient in the line can be felt to the touch with long-lasting results for the skin post-bath.

The high-grade oil enhances the quality of the scents in the mixture beautifully. Palatium’s three inaugural fragrances are inspired by scents native to the Mediterranean and Classical Italy. They were carefully crafted by master New York-based artisanal perfumer Rayda Vega, and include:

Arancia Dolce—Inspired by the sweet citrus of the orange groves lining seaside retreats from Cinque Terre to Amalfi. Top Note: Effervescent orange, grapefruit and lime zest. Mid Note: Lily of the valley, jasmine and orange blossom. Bottom Note: Cedarwood and gentle musk. 

Fico Speziato—Based on the scent of fresh fig balanced by gentle spices from Jerusalem and Alexandria along the Eastern edges of the Mediterranean. Top Note: Fresh dew drops of rain and green notes from orange flower leaves. Mid Note: Magnolia, rose petals and jasmine. Bottom Note: Exotic woods and musk. 

Mare Myrteus—Blends the elemental zest of a refreshing trade wind with spirited notes of Tyrrhenian myrtle berries. Top Note: Refreshing bergamot, sparkling lemon and cool, ocean air breezes. Mid Note: Floral jasmine and muguet blended with tangy ginger. Bottom Note: Blonde woods, amber and musk. 

Palatium bath oil also includes other nourishing oils—such as organic soybean, jojoba and primrose—along with soothing vitamin E and organic green and white tea extracts. The replenishing foam was designed with a healthful combination of ingredients such as aloe vera, vitamin C ester and flower extracts like soothing chamomile.

Palatium offers the gift of a luxurious experience for any mom who wishes to be treated to a royal experience. And through May 13, 2012, we are offering BeyondBeautyBasics readers a special discount of 40% off at www.thepalatium.com with the code “MDAYBBB,” courtesy of the brand. Enjoy!
 

Fashion designers looking to showcase their 2013 collection should do so before June 1, 2012 to be part of the high-fashion and artistic energy.  Tampa Bay Fashion Week epitomizes the fashion scene inFlorida’s Bay Area with an annual event that celebratesTampaBay’s unique style. This event brings talented fashion and accessories designers to The Bay Area to showcase their work for local, regional and national retail buyers, boutique owners and consumers.

Mix, mingle and make industry connections with fashion designers, boutique owners, store managers, models, stylists, hair & make-up artists, talent/modeling agents, fashion media and bloggers, photographers, fashion show producers and more!

Request your application online now by visiting FashionWeekTampaBay.com and clicking on the Designer tab.

News that Marc Jacobs had his first meeting with make-up giant Sephora to create his debut make-up line has the internet buzzing! This seems to be the direction for the revered designer who has already dabbled in 10 different colorful perfumes including Daisy, Lola, and his forthcoming scent Dot set for a Summer launch.

“Anything to me that is part of the joy, the ritual, of getting dressed — things that women enjoy like bags, shoes, fragrance, clothes, makeup — that’s what fashion’s about for me,” said Jacobs, during an exclusive interview for his newest scent, Dot, which will be launched by Coty Prestige in July. “I love the opportunity, wherever there is one, to adorn, to decorate, to scent, to dress. That’s what fashion’s all about. It’s not necessary, it’s something you want — it’s a fancy and a whim.”

You may recall when another famous designer, Tom Ford first dabbled into make-up and the collection as grown to be a favorite among young fashionistas.

Marc Jacobs collaborating with Sephora