Notebook February 2014

                        Sharper Image

What better way to capture the romance of Valentine’s Day than with CND’s Perfect Thorn nail? The technique for this twist on the little black nail combines the sexy, dark side of this seductive season with a classic day look, starting with a tailored talon lavished in two coats of CND Shellac in Dark Dahlia and finishing with a thin layer of Shellac Top Coat. The thorn shape is created with a Formation Nail Tip in Shellac Wildfire, which can be worn over the deep-colored Shellac when the mood demands. cnd.com —K.D.

Through the Lens

Fashion photographer Johnny Moncada unveiled an important piece of fashion history when he opened a trunk he left sealed for 40 years:thousands of his unpublished negatives. Through the forgotten photographs in Veruschka: From Vera to Veruschka (Rizzoli), Moncada provides anintimate look at iconic model Veruschka, the face of 1960s glamour. The book, available next month, captures the German-born model—named Veravon Lehndorff but known professionally as Veruschka—in both staged and candid shots in Rome. —C.R

                                A Royal Affiar

The award-winning exhibition Diana, A Celebration, which chronicles the extraordinary life of the late Diana, Princess of Wales, is on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center February 14 through August 17. As one of the most iconic women of her time, Diana’s life and humanitarian work are highlighted in nine galleries containing 150 objects including family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings, rare home movies and photos. The collection also features Diana’s magnificent royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses. Touring the world since 2003, this will be the final exhibit before the items are returned to her sons in England. cincymuseum.org L.B.

                                 Romance Language

Boasting a thick leather cover embossed with an antique woodlike texture and a tiny red heart, the Nice Journal by Moxie and Oliver is the ideal place to jot down a note or scribble an inspirational message. The handmade book features a snap closure and a blank filler insert, which is easily removable so you can use a book of your own, or can be refilled when you run out of space. moxieandoliver
.com
—K.H.

                         Fire and Ice

Find a bit of warmth this winter with Voluspa’s Clove Pomander Corta Maison candle, a classic scent that’s making a return afteralmost 10 years and joins the new vintage silver-inspired Vermeil collection. The coconut-based wax candle is encased in a stunning red speckled glass jar, and the tantalizing combination of pear, nutmeg and bergamot is sure to please the senses. voluspa.com —C.R.

                         Money Bag

With experience hand-beading couture pieces for Alexander McQueen and Emanuel Ungaro, style guru Deepa Gurnani, along with her husband, jewelry designer Jay Lakhani, created a posh namesake accessories line that exudes decadence with modern flair and glamour. Chic pieces include ornate hair accessories and beaded clutches, such as this blush-colored sparkler seen here—the perfect accessory for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. deepagurnani.com —J.T.