17 blocks from barneys

Today on Refinery 29, a little pearl was dropped, this book being that pearl. A guide to beauty by the one who knows best, Princess Luciana Pignatelli. Born in 1935 in Italy, she scurried to Rome at 18 for her first nip of many tucks: a nose job. She earned the title of “princess” by marrying an obscure Italian prince (a marriage later annulled) and picked up “Avedon” to replace it by wedding Richard’s cousin, Burt.

Apparently trolling ebay might procure this 1971 tome. Just keep in mind that I told you about it, so you have to give it to me. Finder’s keepers and all that.

Here are a couple precious highlights:

The Homosexual Facial
“The rage a few years ago with the chic Paris homosexuals is this: Take the white of one egg, a teaspoon of the best olive oil, beat, and apply for 20 minutes. Remove with hot face towel, lace trim optional.”

Carbs and booze…because what else is there?
“Surely, a woman’s warmth and charm depend on at least a minimum of self-indulgence. Drink that wine, eat that pasta!”

Whatever you say, Luciana!!

Isaac Mizrahi addresses EXACTLY what I’m going through right now…finding a personal style. I even researched possible icons to worship, Jane Birkin being one. I’m not very hippie, though. Sigh. I guess I’ll keep looking.

Watch his web-i-sode here.

If you are a morning person, and sadly I’m not, then tune into The Today Show this Friday, July 11th and catch a glimpse of me! I’ll be modeling an “airplane chic” look, something I haven’t been able to figure out on my own yet, for InStyle Magazine.

I don’t know the exact time yet, but will post when I do!

(If you’re wondering where your premiere issue of 17BFB is, rest assured it’s coming. A minor printing glitch caused a set back, but “The Gladiator” will soon hit the mailbags!)

UPDATE: Click here to see the video. I look like I have no idea what’s going on, which happens to be a pretty accurate portrayal.

Dear Family, Friends and Fellow Fashionistas,

After a long and painful hiatus, I’m pleased to announce that 17 Blocks from Barneys is back and better than ever! In thanks for your loyalty to the blog and to fashion, I’m thrilled to announce that the very first volume of the re-launched 17BFB, “The Gladiator,” is ready!

‘Wow,’ you’re probably saying to yourself, ‘this is amazing!’ That’s right. We’re doing things a little differently. From now on, 17BFB is stepping out of cyberspace and into your, hopefully perfectly accessorized, little paws. We’ll still call the Internet ‘home’ with judgements, tips and various rantings on fashion, but with the genius that pours into 17BFB, we couldn’t bear to let such pearls of wisdom drift off into the unknown circuitry.

Every month, a new issue of 17BFB will be released to the US Post Office and, with any luck, delivered to your door. So, click on that delightful little link to your left that says “Contact Us” and send us your address! Soon you’ll be the proud recipient of one of the best mini-magazines that no one knows about!

Thanks for your patience and for reading!

kk