Category Archives: Her Closet

Go Green


On the flight home from India I watched “The Joneses” a film starring Demi Moore and David Duchovny.  If you have never heard of it, do not feel badly, it did terrible in theaters.  Anyway, in the movie Demi Moore wears a hunter green silk dress, and pretty much since that time I have moved hunter green to the top of the list of colors I need to incorporate in my wardrobe.
Demi and I have similar skin and hair coloring and so this seemed like a good model that it would work.

It seems that I am  not the only one who saw “The Joneses”…

Obviously when Angelina wears anything beyond black or white that is a style victory, but I don’t love this dress or her hair.  The hair bothers me because frankly that’s what my hair looks like when I do a 15 minute blowdry and I feel like the Golden Globes deserve better than that.  Regarding the dress, I like the color and the shoulders were very on trend, but somehow, I feel like the waist cinching reads very 80’s and not 80’s inspired.
Angelina Jolie in Versace via People.com
Mila Kunis looks sweet.  I like the hair, she’s glamorous. But, I don’t loooove it.  The dress has interesting texture, and the rumor is that it was put together 4 days prior to the show – so that is impressive, as well.  It’s just not my favorite green gown of the night.
Mila Kunis in Vera Wang via Instyle.com

And this is the winner!  This is the green gown that would make me a green-eyed monster.  I think Catherine Zeta Jones looks marvelous, and glamorous and old Hollywood.  The color is so deep and made richer by the unique texture of the gown.  I like how she styled her hair and makeup and kept it simple and pretty.  Also, the more I stare at the picture it reminds me of Scarlett O’Hara in the drapes, minus the finials and fringe, of course.  I love that she wore a true movie-star gown for her husband’s return to health and the stage.  Maybe the green will signify good luck!

Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique Lhuillier via Instyle.com

The Golden Globes, a kickoff to Awards Season


This Sunday is the Golden Globes – and the first “real” award show of the season.  For me the viewing begins hours before the first award is given with the pre-show.  Nothing beats a glamorous red carpet, and because the Golden Globes are more fun* than the Academy Awards the celebrities tend to have a bit more fun.

I will definitely do a recap of the awards next week,  but in the interim I reviewed the designers Pre-Fall collections for 2011 to get a hint of what we might see on the red carpet.  Here are my picks for the actresses in the Best Actress in a Drama category, all images from Style.com.

Halle Berry in J. Mendel – this dress is easy, its graceful, and it will still highlight the best of Halle Berry – plus I think she radiates in metallic tones.

Nicole Kidman in Carolina Herrera – Nicole Kidman often goes for the lady look, and few do “lady” better than Carolina Herrera.  I really don’t expect this to be Nicole’s year so this might be too much dress for her, but otherwise I think she would look lovely in it.

Jennifer Lawrence in Naeem Khan – I had to Google Jennifer Lawrence as I have never heard of her… In any case a lot of what I saw was a bit more bohemian and very textured.  I love the color and the texture of this gown and that it is very formal, without being a ball gown a la Penelope Cruz.


Natalie Portman in Reem Acra – Natalie is a mom to be, but has never been shy about her fashion choices.   In her most recent public appearance she has been all Mary Quant, short dresses and high collars, so with that in mind I loved the detail on this collar and the ease of the dress.  I don’t know what she will wear, but I know it won’t be tulle, and hopefully not black.
Michelle Williams in Derek Lam – Michelle is a fashion darling, she always looks timeless and chic, and I love her platinum pixie haircut.  She tends to favor more vintage styles and I liked the retro vibe of this gown and the bold color. 

See you on the Red Carpet!

*They sit with friends and drink all night long…

Loving the Rockies


In any mountain town, or Disney gift shop, you’ll be likely to find barrels of “gem stones”.  My sister and I collected them, I think with the intention of using them for something really fabulous.

Now I wish I had them.  For early spring, I am really loving the look of rough cut, jagged stones on Jewelry.  
I have seen a few examples in boutiques around town, and for a celebrity comparison Cameron Diaz in 2007 really comes to mind. 

via FabSugar.com

As Ms. Diaz illustrates the bold, oversized and natural stones add a playful sensibility to even the most dramatic gown.  They have a unique and interesting sparkle that seems more unique and less fussy.  Besides, with a good tan these pieces are a stunner.  

Warm weather, where are you?

How I sparkled on New Years Eve


On New Years Eve day, at around 10 am we decided we would be having dinner at home.  At 1pm we decided that our friends who also either didn’t make or love their plans would also have dinner at our house.  At 3pm we grocery shopped.  At 8pm everyone arrived.

How did we do it?

Well the cooking and cleaning was a team effort, but the getting dressed was all me!

It was cold, but not freezing so I wanted to be comfortable without neglecting the holiday spirit and all traces of sparkle.

I paired a new cashmere crew neck sweater (Bloomingdale’s after Christmas sale) with a J. Crew sequin pencil skirt that I picked up last fall, and suede boots that have been around for a long time.  Outfit #3 is a very close approximation of what I wore.

I loved this outfit.  Seriously, I mentally gave myself style kudos all night long.  Going monochromatic was easy and it looked beyond polished.  While the gray/silver tones might not have been exact, it all worked because of the sparkle in the skirt and that natural fibers in the sweater the look felt warm and luxe.  I love the idea with playing with this look in other colors, I just tend towards gray.

Where else would I wear it: Office holiday party, luncheon – with the right crowd, dinner out, anytime you want to really shine with sophistication!

Paris in the Springtime


This Spring I want to go here:

Paris in the Springtime
Wear clothes like this, from Talbots – I kid you not!

Talbots Spring 2011
Talbots Spring 2011
And walk on cobblestones in shoes like these: 
Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Front Sandal at Piperlime

It’s going to be a fabulous 2011!

Sparkle on New Year’s Eve


Over the last few days I assembled some favorite looks for New Years Eve, and when I put them all together I realized they all had something in common, a lot of sparkle!  Now, if there is anytime that you can or should sparkle it is probably New Years Eve.

I tend to have mixed feelings about New Years Eve, there is a lot of pressure to have a great night, go to a great place and wear a great outfit.  Well, I can’t help you with your plans, there is OpenTable for that, and for the company, well you’re on your own, but at least for the outfit I can be of assistance.


Look 1: If you’re invited to a fancy party, cocktail or black tie, I am all for ditching the black dress and going with some color.  The dress is a classic fit, so in a way it pares down the boldness of the teal, and I personally love the playfulness of the clutch.

Look 2: This look says to me, “I will not the weather win!” As in, it is so cold, but it is New Years Eve and I am going out and looking good.  Party on sister.  You know my affinity for maxi skirts, and sparkle, and this look has it all.

Look 3: A year ago friends of mine hosted a part with the dress theme of “business sexual”, this outfit is that.  I love the Lolli pants from J.Crew which are just as happy swilling champagne as they would be at work in the Spring.

Look 4: Okay, I give.  This is a fantasy outfit.  However, it is attainable.  Our good friends at Rent the Runway have Herve Leger and all of your favorite out of reach brands at much more attainable rental pricing.


Wherever you go, and whoever you’re with, I hope you look and feel fabulous!

The Princess Shops Off the Rack


There is probably no more famous engaged couple than Prince William and Kate Middleton.  The soon to be marrieds will have a royal wedding on April 29, 2011.  She’s beautiful, he’s a prince it’s a perfect match… 

I am sure as there wedding date nears we’ll talk more about weddings and Cinderella, and the pomp and circumstance, but there is one thing to note about Kate, she really doesn’t seem to be a Cinderella.  Kate seems to have a really well put together, modern, sophisticated and yet approachable style.  

How approachable could the future Princess be?  Her engagement photo dress was from last season and from Reiss.  Last season… and from a store with online shopping?  That’s definitely more exciting than a “Kate and Will Forever” T-shirt.
Copyright 2010 Mario Testino / Reuters
Reiss will be re-releasing the dress that Kate wore, but in the meantime, let us see what else we like!
First, no one does coats better than the Brits.  Seriously, no one!  I love the sophistication, and the demure aesthetic of this Bally Coat.  It’s one part lady + one part sophisticated spy.
Bally Coat by Rei

This coat might be a little too Cruella DeVil for some, but I love it.  I love the fur detail, (hangs head in shame) and the slim and structured fit.  Minus the fur, it is quite similar to a coat Mark got for me at Zara last year, which is still fabulous.
Zetta Coat by Reiss
Maybe a dress for the honeymoon?  This dress is sort of the outlier from my favorites, but worth including because it is perfect for resort wear and travel, or everyday is you live in warmer climates.  It is also the Pantone color of the year, honeysuckle…  Delightful!
Aphrodite Draped Dress

Happy Shopping Kate!

Getting Ready for Christmas Morning


Christmas is probably the one day a year when company is almost always around: they are there to eat dinner on Christmas Eve, there to open presents in the morning, and hello, someone even sneaks in in the middle of the night to steal cookies.  Which means the opportunity for picture taking, and frankly looking cute, if not at least presentable always exists.

After a large meal, and any last minute gift wrapping on Christmas Eve the idea of being cute a few hours later when little kids come running to your room squealing with Christmas glee can be a bit daunting.  However, I think I have solved the problem.

We spend Christmas at my brother and sister in laws’ home, with their three kids.  So while I normally come down stairs in a cardigan and leggings, or a Juicy tracksuit (yes, it’s true, just like Gabrielle Solis [Desperate Housewives fans, anyone?]), I’d like to add some holiday spirit to my early morning attire.


Row 1:  I love this set; its playful and even a bit sexy.  This sleepwear collection might be better saved for a Christmas for deux, and happily all of these items are completely wearable and appropriate all year round.  I have loved this robe for a while, as I think it would look just as pretty on a hook as it would on.

Row 2: This set, to me, is like an idyllic Christmas morning.  The long-john inspired p.j.s, the bow detailed socks and the extra ruffly robe are all about having fun and being young, and that is totally Christmas.

Row 3: I love this set, because it feels a little bit extra special to me.  I could totally see these pieces being featured on an episode of Oprah’s favorite things (hey, O!).  The sparkle loungewear from Juicy Couture adds a little holiday shine as an alternative to sweats and a t-shirt, and the long robe is divine.

Some people say that there is nothing more luxurious than treating yourself to really nice pajamas, so maybe in all of your Christmas shopping, you pick something up for yourself too.  After all, you deserve it.

Run, Carly, Run



Almost two weeks ago I signed up for the lottery for the annual Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.  I have previously signed up for this event, and was not previously selected.  The longest race I have ever run is 3.2 miles.  I am challenging myself to run more than 3 times that long.

When I signed up the first time I, and didn’t get in, I told Mark that when I ran the ten miles I would treat myself to a pair of these…

Brian Atwood Maniac Pump

For now the goal is just to train and run the race.  I’ll worry about what my reward is when I cross the finish line.  But, in the interim between now and then I’ll keep you posted on the training, the ups and downs and what, besides shoes, is motivating me.  If you have any tips I’d love to hear from you!

Holiday Shopping Wrap Up: The Daily Batch Gift Guide


For the past few weeks I have been featuring my favorite gift selections for nearly everyone on your list.  Did I miss someone?  I am still taking requests!  Anyway, I am really proud to have found multiple options at large range of price points that I would be truly proud to give and receive. 



I hope these gifts provide you with inspiration for your own list.

Happy Shopping!