Monthly Archives: December 2011

Weekend Wardrobe: New Year’s Eve


New Year’s Eve, for all of it’s pomp and circumstance, high expectation and higher disappointments is another (in a long line) of fabulous excuses to wear sequins and sparkle with the best of them.

The rule for New Year’s Eve and Day is simple: go out and come with the same level of fabulousness.  Sparkle and shine, and dance the night away and then dance in your dreams and wake up in something light and lovely.

Weekend Wear: New Year's Eve

Shop: Poster, Dress, Pump, Clutch, Nightie, Mask

Why not start the year off a dash of panache, some style from silk and sequins?  Even with a hangover it will have you feeling lovely.

P.S. It’s a long weekend you can always transition to sweat pants later…

What are you wearing to countdown to 2012?

365 Days in 2011


Please watch, then we’ll discuss.

The other day I saw this video, a time lapsed complete day in California.  At first, while I watched it, I chuckled to myself at the fast motion, and the funny resemblance to the claymation videos of my elementary school days.

And then, it dawned on me…  This very quick and busy day in California is just one of someone’s 365 days.  A year seems to go by very quickly, and even faster as we get older, and our time feels more precious.

I know I haven’t used all of my 365 days in 2011 to their fullest, but luckily, I get to start anew at the stroke of midnight with a kiss from my love and look forward to 366 chances to do better.

Yes, it’s a LEAP Year!  What are you most looking forward to in 2012?

The Last Party of the Year!


It has been a few days since my last post, and I am happy to report that the gift wrapping hand cramps, eggnog hangover, and sugar high have worn away.

Now, it is time to get down to business, there is one party left this year – and I conferred with some ladies who know best to get their tips for ending the holiday and party season with style (and ease!).

Sean “Diddy” Combs, Pharrell Williams, Oprah Winfrey via Awesome People Hanging Out Together

From Dana, of The Art of Accessories, on Looking Your Holiday Best:  I am mildly beauty obsessed. Okay I’m obsessed. I own tons of eye shadows, mascaras, blushes – if it’s beauty related I’ve got it. My biggest beauty obsession, the perfect lip and for the holidays I think there is nothing better than a gorgeous red lip. I should also preface this by saying whenever I think of a red lip, I think of this 1950’s Vogue cover. The lip and the cat eye are gorgeous and a go to of mine.

Vogue Cover, via Pinterest

I think that nothing takes your outfit up a notch than an bold rep hue and it can definitely dress up even a white tee and jeans. Seriously.

I love a red lip so much I even highlighted different red lips for your skin tone in my HolidayGuide this year. My all time favorite high low for red lips are:

High: MACCosmeticsRubyWoo, it’s a super matte rich true red that has been universally flattering on everyone I put it on. And when you swipe this shade of red on your lips it transforms you into a new woman. {Here’s a previous post I did about how it woo’d me}

Low: NYXCosmeticsMatteLipstickinPerfectRed. It’s not as drying as a lot of matte lipsticks are and has a creamier texture. It has awesome lasting power and it’s only $6 – you can’t beat it.

From Morgan Greenhouse, CEO of verdeHOUSE, on planning creatively: When planning your holiday party, think about fun ways to split costs. For an office holiday party, why not have a joint party with another business in your building or industry partner? Ask to share space, split catering costs and combine staff. Who knows…you might even meet someone new under the mistletoe!

verdeHOUSE party at City Center DC

Also considering using that vacant floor in your office building or vacant retail shell on the street. Make it very industrial chic this year! Using a vacant office floor or retail space is often much more economic and certainly much more novel.

From Meredith Fineman, of TheFFJD.com, on bringing someone new to the Holidays: Talk with your significant other if this is their first time meeting the parents. Make sure he or she is debriefed on crazy Aunt Mabel, but also be confident that every family has their own special blend of kook. Also bring booze.

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Rashida Jones and Kelly Ripa via Awesome People Hanging Out

 

How do you survive the holidays?  What is your favorite advice to give?

Fashionable Holiday Cards


This year we will be sending out some cheer-ful cards to toast the New Year.  Yes, I am very punny on Tuesdays…

Great cards can be found in stores, can be crafted, personalized, or designed like Vogue had some of our favorite designers do.

Imagine getting these from Mr. Postman!

Love, Rodarte

Love, Marchesa

Love, Manolo Blahnik

Love, Dolce & Gabbana

I designed our cards and rather liked them, but wouldn’t mind some fashionable greetings from these friends.

Will you be sending out your own Warmest Wishes and Seasons Greetings through the mail?

Santa’s Coming to Town


I learned the truth about our Coca-Cola drinking, night flying, chimney squeezing bringer of gifts and joy when I was five or six years old from my mom’s friend while waiting in the customer service department of a Macy’s.

We had latkes and dreidles and eight nights of presents so we never missed Santa.  He did visit some of my friends and that was very exciting to see how “good or bad” they really were.

Now, as an aunt it is really exciting to wait for Santa with my niece and nephews. We put out cookies, which eventually someone had to go eat bits from.  We do lists.  We track his whereabouts courtesy of NORAD.  We enjoy that extra little bit of magic that comes with Santa.

This year, I want to add some Google to out Christmas experience.  Try this direct call from Santa it will delight even the biggest Grinch.

Try it!  I promise it will delight you, and everyone on your list!

2011 Gift Guide: Edible Edition


This year, I really want to make some of my gifts, and since I was never one for shop class our friends and family can expect gifts made from chocolate and flours, not wood and glue.

I know, of course, that during the holiday season you’re able to find a variety of goods and gummies, but nothing says love, and hopefully “yum”, like something handmade and homemade.

Make: Spice Cookies, Pistachio Trees, Spiced Nuts, Savory Cookies, Caramel Sauce, Ginger Sesame Brittle, Meringues, Almond Bark, Gummy Drops

These edible gifts are my inspiration as I head into the kitchen.  There are a variety of flavors, textures and treats.  I love the idea of surprising bites, and taking classic and traditional treats and adding some sophisticated flavors to them.

What is your favorite edible gift to give?  Tell me in the comments!

Resort 2011: Meet Me in the Mediterranean


Where have we been so far, Miami and the Mountains? How about a trip over the ocean to the idyllic Mediterranean!

The Mediterranean is surrounded by the sea, and your packing list should be inspired by it. If you’re oohing and ahhing over the idea of ouzo, this is the packing list for you.

Meet Me in the Mediterranean

Shop: Tunic, Dress, Hat, Shades, Bikini, Pants, Espadrille, Sandals

If you’re heading to the Mediterranean, prepare to be washed in blues, be kissed by the sun, find sand between your toes, and floating through your vacation in lighter than air fabrics.

Happy Packing!

Resort 2011: Meet Me in the Mountains


Is Miami not your speed, that’s okay, the “bienvenidoes a Miami” isn’t.  I’ll tell Will Smith.  Perhaps you’re more of a swoosh, swoosh than splish, splash kind of a gal.  If you’re ready for the mountain, and the apres ski, this is your packing list.

Meet Me in the Mountains

Shop: Coat, Vest, Sweater, Pants, Gloves, Hand Warmers, Goggles, Gloss, Boots, Cap

If you’re going to the mountains (lucky you!), there are a few things to keep in mind: Keep it neutral for easy interchangeable packing, keep it plush for warmth, keep it luxe for life.

Happy Packing!

Resort 2011: Meet Me in Miami


It is resort season!  With the holidays here and the vacation days fully accrued it is time to travel.  I have made up a list of some desirable winter locations, and done the packing for you (in all price points!).  If you’ll just let me know my room number and where I can get my tickets, we’re all set.

This mini-fashion season, also called cruise, is often bright, full of patterns and looks like the most sophisticated and fabulous clothing you’d ever pack for vacation – this is not your shorts and t-shirt trip…

First up, Meet Me in Miami!  What says escape from it all, and party like it’s 2012, like Miami in the winter?  And what is more fun, and colorful, than this packing primer?

Meet Me in Miami

Shop: Cover Up, Bikini, Dress, Shades, Pump, Wedge, Gloss, Shorts, Sparkle

If you’re going to Miami there are a few things to keep in mind: The jewelry and lips, equally shiny, the shorts and swimsuits, equally tiny.  The heels reach a new height, the colors are all shades of bright.

Happy Packing!

Kitsch in the Kitchen


Does everyone have a thing they get a little crazy about buying for their home?  My mom’s thing for a while was sheets, she loves to get new sheet sets; my grandma’s thing is definitely towels, same story.

I never thought I would have that same housewares need but while walking through Sur La Table recently I did find myself hankering for some kitchen organization.  And not just any kind, the kind that would give my kitchen some kitsch: some clever design, some bright colors, some “ooh” and “ahh” to go with the “yum”.

And that is how I came to find Joseph Joseph, a kitchen design company owned by two brothers out of England.

These are some of my favorites:

Joseph Joseph: Index Plus Chopping Board System (Amazon.com)

If you keep a Kosher home, which I don’t, but if you do, this is genius!  These cutting boards and their coordinating knives are labeled, much like an RSVP card: Chicken, Beef, Fish, Vegetable.

Joseph Joseph Preparation Bowl Set (Bloomingdales.com)

I have featured this set of bright nesting bowls before, but they are worth repeating.  If you’re always juggling bowls, this could solve that problem.

Joseph Joseph Carousel Utensil Set (Amazon.com)

The piece de resistance!  In a tower formation this carousel (of progress) keeps all of the necessary tools in a slim upright formation, that is easy to spin and find the needed tool.

Also amazing is that all of the utensils on the carousel, as well as the ones in this baking set are “elevated” so that the sauces, frostings, ick and eew don’t transfer from pot to utensil to counter top.  Genius!

Joseph Joseph Baking Set (Macys.com)

These fun little counter-top finds are available seemingly everywhere; take some time to shop around and find the best price.  But, feel sure that these tools will delight the home cook, baker, and home design lover.