Monthly Archives: December 2011

Weekend Wardrobe: Tacky Holiday Party

Posted on December 9, 2011 | 1 comment

The “Tacky Holiday Party” is a vestige of my college years.  The first one was with a few friends, in a very small dorm room with what I am sure at the time was very exciting libations, and copy paper snowflakes.  Seven years later, the location and drinks have changed, the few friends have brought new friends, and the original snowflakes remain.  The other constant is the dress code: joyous.

Over the years friends have come in childhood P.J.’s complete with feet, the most sparkly of sweaters, snowman printed ties, oversized santa hats, and dresses direct from your favorite 1990’s formal.

The rule is simple: embrace the holiday season in all of it’s over-the-top, gaudy, sparkle and shine.

Weekend Wear: Tacky Holiday Party

Shop: Mistletoe, Drink, Gloss, Dress, Belt, Earring, Nails, Clutch, Boots

Is this look completely over the top?  Yes, just as much as reindeer, a jolly fat man squeezing down your chimney, and Mariah’s version of “All I want for Christmas” — but then, again, that’s what makes it so much fun!

Do you have any fun or funny holiday traditions?

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Home, Holidays

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Art for Home

Posted on December 8, 2011 | 1 comment

In all of my gift guide hunting I have stumbled across some really terrific things that would make a great gift for yourself.   They are gifts for the home that are as admirable for their form as they are for their function.

First up, my most favorite Internet find in some time…  When I discovered this I was so excited that I have shown it to just about anyone who will give me two minutes of their time.  Is it kind of crazy expensive?  Yes.

Is it beyond cool?  Double Yes.

This ceramic megaphone, made in Italy, is the old school speaker for your iPhone.  Drop the i-phone in the “mouth piece” and sound comes booming out in a mega way.

en & is: Megaphone

The design is sleek and cool, it’s reminiscent of the chicest Shofar you never did see.  I love the idea that this would be resting incognito on a mantle or shelf and all of a sudden become the life of the party.

Check out the video.

Megaphone from RACOON_STUDIO on Vimeo.

What do you think?  Do you want to dance all night with this?

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Posted in Decor, gifts, Her Home

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Holiday Party: Cookie Edition, Inspiration

Posted on December 7, 2011 | Leave a comment

I have actually never been to a cookie party, the making or swapping kind.  But, I do love the idea of it all.  There is something so nice and leisurely about meeting up with a best group of girlfriends, or Real Housewives cast mates (random parties seem to be their specialty these days), to bake, frost and eat as a way of celebrating the season.

Shop: Apron, Mixer, Bowls, Peppermint Cookies, Milk Bar, Baking Pans, Meringue, Santa Brownies, Rainbow Cookies

If you were planning a Cookie Party the basic items you’ll need for hosting are canisters of flours, sugars, and of course decorating items (sprinkles, sugars, candies), baking trays and measuring cups.

If you want to go all out and be extra holiday fancy, consider adding specialty molds, baking tins and cookie wrappers to make gifts with.

If you want to go the Real Housewives route, skip the champagne and offer your guests hot cocoa at the door.  Welcome them to the kitchen with personalized aprons, and then sit around and watch your personal chef make cookies and engage in some good old fashion gossip.

‘Tis the season, after all…

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Posted in entertaining, Her Home, Her Weddings + Events, Holidays

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2011 Gift Guide: Under $25

Posted on December 6, 2011 | Leave a comment

When you’re planning your gift giving this season, there are no little people, but there might be a need for little gifts.  Small tidings of joy that share your sentiment without breaking the bank.  These gifts are great for stocking stuffers, colleagues, friends, cousins’ cousins, and people who make the rest of your year easier…  They are also all under $25.

2011: Gifts Under $25

Shop: Bar Set, Knife and Scissors, Lip Scrub, OPI set, Card Holder, Cap, Candy, Phone Case, Frames, Spice Jars

There are gifts here that are great for guys, great for gals, great for foodies, great for funnies.  It is hard to go wrong when giving a gift that you’re thoughtful about!

It’s so great to give a gift that pampers like a new or favorite lip color, nail polish, or very luxe beauty cream.  Everyone loves a gift that feeds a passion, like cooking, entertaining, a sport, or a new career.  And of course, no one turns down a gift that feeds the soul and the stomach – homemade foodie gifts are lovely, and the Peppermint Bark (at World Market for a steal!) cannot be beat.

What is your favorite stocking stuffer?  Tell me in the comments!

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Posted in Decor, gifts, Her Home, Holidays

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2011 Gift Guide: Her Edition

Posted on December 5, 2011 | Leave a comment

To be totally honest, this “her” edition, is really “my” edition, and if we’re really putting all of our cards on the table, this whole blog is everything I love, want, and adore.  But, I am hopeful that somewhere along the way my favorites might inspire your favorites, too.

Now, to be clear, I don’t “need” anything.  But, everything on this list of “wants” are classic, timeless, and all fairly special.

For this edition of the gift guide I went a little more luxe.  I think the women in our lives are always being thoughtful and taking care, these little (and big) treats are a very, very nice way to treat her at this gift giving season.

2011: Her Gifts

Shop: Sweater, Robe, Espadrille, Perfume, Wallet, Pump, Love, Peonies, Prana, Macarons, Virgin America

So, some of these items are all about sparkle: a sequin sweater, a token of love for a little finger.

Some are meant for starting the year off on the right foot: a sky high espadrille (*serious swoon for this Florida girl!), a sophisticated pump for evening.

Some are meant to spoil: a lovely new fragrance and silky new robe for luxuriating about.

Some are meant to satiate: a favorite candy, cookie or treat (*Bouchon’s macarons are second to none).

Some are meant store-all: a chic new wallet, an equally chic yoga mat.

Some are meant to create starry eyes and memories: a mystery flight somewhere fabulous, or monthly delivery of flowers, love notes, dinners out, days off.

What is your favorite gift to give the girl in your life, or maybe gift to yourself?  Tell me in the comments!

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Posted in Decor, gifts, Her Closet, Her Home, Holidays

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2011 Gift Guide: His Edition

Posted on December 2, 2011 | Leave a comment

Listen, I know, sometimes it can be nearly impossible to shop for guys.  I get it.  They don’t make wish lists, or drop hints, and generally if they want something they get it.  Oh man, men!

So my rule for shopping for Mark, the man in my life, is to just have fun with it.  I listen carefully to the things he mentions, the articles/songs/books he gets excited about, and otherwise I am left with my own creativity.

For this “his edition” of the gift guide I was extra playful, a little old school and hopefully a lot of fun.

2011: Gifts for Him

Shop: Beer, Soda, RC Helicopter, Pac-Man, Coffee, Batman, Tie, Parking Ticket, Shirt, Breaking Bad, Atlas

When I found a lot of these gifts it was with Mark in mind.  What I really like about them is that they straddle the gap between grown up and kid – and if there is ever a time to act or feel like a kid, it is definitely at the holidays.

A lot of these gifts are food/drink related – and I think that’s great for a guy – they’re consumable and don’t require much thought.  Check out microbreweries, coffee roasters, beef jerky makers, etc, for cool monthly or weekly gifts.  I also really loved the old school favorites from yesteryear that are now updated like the modern movie posters, RC racers, and Pac-Man.  If your guy needs some grown up gear nothing beats a perfect fitting shirt, crisp tie, timely reading, and a kitschy tray to catch all.

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

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Posted in Decor, gifts, Her Home, Holidays

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