Category Archives: Holidays

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?

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!

Weekend Wardrobe: Tacky Holiday Party


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?

Holiday Party: Cookie Edition, Inspiration


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…

2011 Gift Guide: Under $25


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!

2011 Gift Guide: Her Edition


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!

2011 Gift Guide: His Edition


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!