Author Archives: Carly

Resort 2011: Meet Me in Miami

Posted on December 13, 2011 | 1 comment

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!

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Inspiration, Shopping, travel

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Kitsch in the Kitchen

Posted on December 12, 2011 | 1 comment

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.

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Posted in Her Home, Her Kitchen

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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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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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2011 Gift Guide: Kids Edition

Posted on November 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

The people that are most excited about holiday presents are obviously the kids.  If you have ever spent a Christmas morning with someone who is looking for the tag marked with their name and a “love, Santa” then you already know this.

I know a lot of pretty cool kids, but our niece and nephews were definitely the inspiration for today’s gift guide.  On the cool-meter they are a 10, and they know it.  They have been working on their wish lists for a little while now, and it is so interesting to see what they ask for and admire; generally it is a mix of clothes, toys and things don’t actually exist.

Shop: Gummy Bears, Finger Paints, Tee, Spin Art, Yumbrella, Baking Set, Bike, Army Men, Chewbaca, Tights

For this inspiration board I thought of some of the things our niece and nephews really like – bikes, Star Wars, baking, crafts and went old school.  Some of these toys were my favorite as a kid, especially the spin art and the baking set.  Other items just made me laugh and smile – how funny is the Chewbaca hat and how fun is the color it yourself “Yumbrella”?

What I liked most of all about these gifts is that they require lots of creativity and imagination and very few batteries – they are already much better than I am at video games!

What is your favorite gift to give to kids – or maybe your favorite gift you received as a kid?  Tell me in the comments!

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Posted in Family, gifts, Her Home, Holidays

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Faux Real Evening Accessories: Looks for Less

Posted on November 29, 2011 | 2 comments

Usually when a mega-star wears a very specific item it is done – never to be reworn again, not by her or by any other stars.  But, that was not the case with a very special, very stunning Gucci dress.

First, it went down the runway in February.

Gucci Fall 2011

Then it was worn by Jennifer Lopez in March.

Jennifer Lopez 2011 Met Gala

Then in September by Karlie Kloss on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Australia.

Karlie Kloss in Harper's Bazaar

Then Drew Barrymore wore it in the Neiman Marcus Fall ad campaign.

Drew Barrymore for Neiman Marcus

And then most recently Aymeline Valade wore it on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar Spain.

Aymeline Valade for Harper's Bazaar

When I first saw the dress on La Lopez I la loved it.  I loved the drama of it, the playfulness of the floral shawl, the va va voom of the color.  I, of course, did not like the Gucci-ness of the price.  If you, like me, are feeling la love, why not try a very clever knock off on for size.

The “save” option is from Kate Spade’s sample sale – ends on Tuesday!  The Carnation Garden Scarf is full of volume with bright satin blooms and grosgrain ribbon.  This is a carnation that even Charlotte York McDougal Goldenblatt couldn’t frown on.

Kate Spade Scarf

In the “splurge” category is the plush little number from American favorite, Brooks Brothers.  The Fox Collar Scarf in pink has a sweeping satin ribbon and adds a real touch of glamour.

Brooks Brother's Scarf

In the “savings account” category we have the Leather Clematis Neckpiece from Natalie Brown.  This “scarf” is more art installation than warm and cozy, but isn’t that what fashion aspires to be, anyway?

Natalie Brown Scarf

Would you wrap yourself up in bright blooms this season?  And is it something you would be willing to splurge on?

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Posted in Her Closet, Shopping

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