It’s that time of year… here’s my GIFT GUIDE for all the amazing women in your life. Give well!
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ~Pierre Corneille, Le Menteur
< $25 – Glamour Travel Bags – need a Secret Santa Gift or stocking stuffer? These colourful totes are great for travel – keeping your lingerie, laundry and shoes organized.
< $50 -GAP Sequin Tote – you can never have too many totes. This sequin bag in polyester is great for gym clothes, a laptop, and other essentials.
< $75 – Iomoi monogrammed canvas makeup bag – nothing adds a personal touch to a gift like someone’s initials! And if you’re tight on time or want a little less bank, Iomoi’s noncustom large and small zigzag canvas totes serve a multitude of purposes.
< $100 -TOMS Beaumont Skull Slip-On – in red or navy – These limited holiday edition TOMS are too good to pass up. And with every purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
< $150 – Jo Malone’s perfume – Jo Malone has a fragrance for everyone. Favoring citrus scents, grapefruit is my go-to. The collection (including candles and body lotion) make great hostess gifts.
PINK is everywhere this month. With proceeds from so many PINK products going towards Breast Cancer Awareness, it’s a great excuse to treat yourself, or buy some gifts (the holidays will be here before we know it!). And for those who are over showing their pink, many products are offered in white, black, patterned-neutral and more subtle but still supportive hues. So THINK PINK.
Fall has always been my favorite fashion season. And now that I’m back living on the East Coast, I’m excited to reunite with the seasons (OK, maybe not winter…). After two-plus-years in LA, I’ve quickly become fair-weathered and I’m cold whenever I’m not in direct sunlight and extreme heat. There will be many scarves, hats, and jackets in my future. Let the layering begin as we fall into fall.
10 – a weekend getaway vest - I’m on the hunt for the perfect black vest (ideally hooded, and maybe leather). Until I find it, I’m coveting this shiny patent-esque crimson style by J.CREW. Great over black, white, or gray. Works well to-and-from the gym; brunch; in the city or country.
9 – black waxed skinny jeans – I don’t hide my love for black skinnis, I own many pairs. Two of which are wax coated (J Brand) – the perfection way to achieve the style of black leather pants without the discomfort, or price! They wear well with flats during the day, and dress up perfectly at night with heels. Just throw on a simple top, sweater, blazer or blouse and you’re instantly chic.
8 – mesh top – I bought this Theory silver mesh sweater in LA and I constantly get complements. Depending on your height (I have a long torso) – it may be cropped – like it is on me… I wear two Theory white cotton tanks layered underneath (I wear two because I hate seeing the button from your jeans through the cotton – the added thickness also provides flattering snugging benefits). I love it against my crimson Rag & Bones. Bright denim is still big this fall, but you can also opt for black or darker hues like J Brand’s cherry skinny cords. Smaller holes work well too.
7 – suede wedge boots / booties - fashion meets function with a wedge heel. Petite women can get the extra height they covet, without the back and foot pain. And the rest of us can enjoy some subtle lift with an all-day-heel. I love myself some black, brown, and grey suede boots and booties.
6 – polka dot - anything! Polka dot is to fall 2011, what stripes were to spring and summer. The same could be said for stars… but I prefer a more classic print. So mix some dots into your tops, scarves, skirts, hosiery, and more. Big or small circles are everywhere. Smaller is typically more flattering, just be careful the print is clear and you aren’t channeling the chicken pox.
5 – bright outerwear - Just add water. Seriously, it’s that easy! With a bright coat, you’ve got instant color-blocking – and instant chic. Guaranteed to brighten up even the dreariest of fall / winter days… The gold metal hardware and double breasted style can’t get any better. I love “Heather Camel”, “Heather Majestic Purple”, and “Vibrant Flame” all equally. J’adore.
4 – chunky knits – Looking out the window is enough to make me cold these days. I crave all-things warm and cozy – aka, chunky knits! The chunkier, the better. Stella McCartney can do no wrong in my opinion, and while her pieces are clearly an $investment$, I can picture this scarf and I being very happy together for eternity. Or at least until spring.
3 – tweed and tartan – textures are big this season. Think tweed, tartan, hounds-tooth, pine-stripe – very British – very prep-school. The looser oversized boyfriend fits of recent years are gone, and we’re back to fitted shrunken blazers and coats (because a waist is a terrible thing to waste). Classic blackwatch (green and navy plaid) is a safe bet. The more daring may try technicolor or mustard (because I’ve never met a condiment I didn’t like).
2 – dark cords – skinny or wide-leg - the ’70s drives the wide-legged pants we’re seeing everywhere. The great news is you can dress for your body type. Skinnies, and wide-legged pants are in – pick your pleasure! Just remember, all pants are more flattering when worn with heels.
1 –bright statement pumps - a shocking suede pump lights up your outfit (and hopefully your life). Kelly Ripa shows us how to wear blue suede shoes with all-black. You can also color block your way into an opposing hued pant, top, coat, dress, skirt… most successful blocks involve two or three (MAX) colors. As the temperature drops; select darker, richer, and jewel-tones colors.
SJP and Kate are nautical visions of summer in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen’s ribbed sailor dress. Sarah Jessica wore the navy style in Hollywood, accented with a red croc clutch and hot-red bowed peep toes. Kate wore the classic white version with black heels in Prince Edward Island… her new husband playfully thanked P.E.I for naming the island after him. Awe… And speaking of the Prince. What’s not to love about Kate in a white Sarah Burton dress? Memories…
This gorgeous dress isn’t available, but you can still skirt your sweater this month and into the fall in beige, navy, off-white, or black. Thicker knits flatter… And as always, SPANX are your friends.
10 – Ella Moss Kaleidoscope Top: the subtle black lace up the sides of this basic charcoal sweatshirt make it anything but basic… 10! Wear it with leggings or skinny jeans. Nothing but net.
8 -Ella Moss Windsor Cashmere Tunic: I love a good tunic, and cashmere is ALWAYS in season. This black and charcoal staple will keep you warm on cooler days and spring-summer nights.
7 – Ella Moss Khloe Stripe Cardi:This is an every day basic you’ll likely live in (I know I’d like to). The pattern updates your errand-gym-all-encompassing-life uniform, matching everything.
6 – Ella Moss – Black Infinity Legging:Snugging (thick flattering fabric) leggings are a must-have for every woman’s closet. These crops are perfect for working out… before, during and after. Or for days when you really meant to… Not to mention a long plane right (tuck them into over-the-knee high boots or even UGGs). I’m not afraid to admit to living in cropped leggings whenever I’m not in my black skinny jeans. So great for spring and summer!
5 – Ella Moss Mélange Pullover:I’m all about cropped sweaters right now. I have two from Topshop that I can’t get enough complements on. We’re to dress our bodies in thirds; a cropped sweaters stops after your top third flattering many figures. It lengthens petites, emphasizes height, minimizes a long torso. Keep a long fitted top (preferably a basic hued tank) underneath and try it with leggings or skinnies. This styles inherently loose, allow everything else to be fitted.
4 – Ella Moss Caycee Short:The short of spring-summer 2011 are precisely this relaxed yet SHORT style! Worn with flats, heels, or flips – they’re an instant update.
3 – Ella Moss ‘Greenwich’ Sweater:Again I love a cropped sweater. Is there anything more classic than light-wash denim, a white cotton tank, and heather gray sweater? I love this combo. Love. It.
“When it’s three o’clock in New York, it’s still 1938 in London.” – Bette Midler
It’s Fashion Week Eve for the city that never sleeps… and whether you’ll be visiting the retail capital of North America, attending any shows, or just living vicariously through the media’s coverage – I’m dedicating this week’s must-haves to what every traveling lady needs in her life.
10 – an on trend blazer to throw over skinny jeans, a skirt or dress – I love ELIZABETH and JAMES Preppy Blazer in Black/Ivory. I can’t get enough of stripes lately, and it’s a great update on a black boyfriend blazer that can take you from day to night (over skinnies, trousers, a dress, skirt…). The pattern mixes prints for you instantly, whatever you pair it with. And the black piping is so regal!
9 – a bag big enough to go from day to night, without sacrificing style - Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel’s is my go-to bag right now, I get at least one complement on it a week. Big enough to fit your wallet, PDA, keys, makeup, water bottle, camera – yet small enough that it’s not a suitcase.
8 – the perfect polish - Chanel had me at hello… their nail polish hues can do no wrong in my eyes (she says as her collection grows monthly). Three of their most popular of-the-moment shades: Particulière, Paradoxal and Black Satin now come in a tri-pack. Pick one and rock it all week long.
7 – a statement watch, to get you to the church (show) on time… whether it’s gold, silver, rose, mixed metal, translucent, ceramic, plastic, rubber, tortoise – a big men’s size watch on a woman’s wrist is practical and just plain hot. So you can keep your iPhone and BBs off when it’s showtime.
6 – chic travel garment bag - LeSportSac’s bags travels so well, I love their weekenders as carry-ons (small to large) and checked (extra large) bags. My latest purchase is their patent garment bag, it has a strap so it can fly solo as carry-on or checked – yet it’s small enough to also fit in a suitcase.
“They say life’s what happens when you’re busy making other plans. But sometimes in New York, life is what happens when you’re waiting for a table.”
- Carrie Bradshaw, ‘Sex and The City’
5 – back to basics – go for a white blouse, add ruffles or a classic tie to your silks shirt – tuck it into a high-waisted skirt (I’ll be wearing #1 tucked into an Alice + Olivia white blouse that’s not online yet to their February 14th show at the Park Plaza), skinny or trouser pants and glam it up.
4 – Tory Burch patent Eddie black ballerina – the perfect plane shoe! And yes, that’s “plane” not “plain”. There’s nothing plain about a shimmering black flat that takes you through the terminals of JFK, LaGuardia or Newark before changing into winter-faring boots. Fashion meets function.
3 – the perfect coat, that actually keeps you warm - if you haven’t been following the weather in NYC this year, it’s been one storm after another (along with Chicago, Toronto, and even Dallas!)… the East Coast has been getting a lot of snow and/or cold fronts. So while I’m all for trying to get away with my fall and spring coats in East Coast winter months when you’re going for a certain look, 2011 is a year for WARM LAYERS. I’ll be wearing my Mackage – AKA warmest coat ever.
2 – KILLER heels – helloooo Prada, nice to see you again. The perfect balance between first-date heels (3 inches +), and second chances (everything else)- I lived in Prada heels for three years in my previous corporate gig (suited up everyday) and they are as comfortable as they are sexy. 10!!
1 – one gorgeous detail / INDULGENCE - for me this year it’s Alice + Olivia’s leather tulip skirt in tan. And yes, it’s just as DIVINE in person as you can imagine. I tried it on at their Robertson boutique and knew it had to be mine within seconds (OK, when I saw it on the mannequin in the window just a few days before I knew…). The leather is soft and luscious, and there’s a gold zipper up the back that adds the perfect finishing touch. I will have, and wear, this FOREVER. Thank you!!
“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.”
10 – a hot red nail - I’m not one who dresses for the holidays. Christmas sweaters aren’t my thing… but this time of year I do love a shocking red nail when others are rocking winter darks. Chanel’s new LE VERNIS “Dragon” 475 is perfection. Not too blue, not too orange – it’s all you need for a romantic red. Try it, and let your fingers do the talking… and walking.
9 – hanky panky bralettes - I live and die by Hanky Panky. From their thongs (see #5), and camis (#6 in my LiveLoveShop LA must-haves), to their bandeaus that are not to be missed. I need padding, so I wear mine over my Victoria Secret Very Sexy Push-Up bras, but they also work solo. They’re great for a low neck-line, a see-through top, or when you just want to add a touch of lace. I suggest starting with basic black, white, or cream and work up to adding brights and patterns.
7 – red or pink cashmere travel set - I travel a lot, and I don’t leave home without a cashmere blanket (that can double as a scarf). It makes those red-eyes a little less brutal… so keeping the romance alive, instead of gray or taupe, try hot pink or red to brighten your spirits for landing.
6 – blushing blouse - a soft pink top is sexy. It’s subtle, soft and sultry… Pair a silk blush blouse with dark (or white) skinny jeans, tucked into a skirt, or belted over leggings and you are DATE READY.
5 – hanky panky thongs - Marily Monrow once said “I don’t know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot.” This is how I feel about the inventor of hanky panky. I live in their low rise thongs, aside from the Victoria Secret Cotton Lingerie Thongs I work out in, they’re ALL I wear. There are so many colors and styles, everyday is a new thrill for you and yours… the lace fits like second skin, showing no lines – and if you can believe it they’re one size fits all! They also make a higher “original rise”, plus size, and for girls coveting full coverage there are countless options.
4 – a silk bathrobe - I believe pajamas should be comfortable. Whether you go for silk, skimpy or full on sweats, you can sex them up with your robe. To the knee or below are the sexiest, leaving more to the imagination and actually providing some warmth when you put it on… or take it off!
3 – a lace cami - worn on it’s own after hours, or high pro under a top or blazer; add some lace to your silk cami. This one detail gives the right amount of va-va-va-vooom while keeping it classy.
2 – a lavender scarf - I love purple, it was my favorite color as a kid. And lavender is my new gray. I can’t get enough… Adam Glass (Oprah’s Style guru) picked Fluxus’s Nomad Scarf as one of his must-haves for 2011 and I’m totally on board. It doubles as a blanket, and has enough material to be worn in many ways. My favorite hue is “captive” but charcoal and black are great go-tos.
1 – hot kicks - Valentine’s Day candy hits shelves right after Halloween, chocolate is everywhere! Get ready to walk off those extra calories in romantic-STYLE with New Balance’s new WT101. I loooove pink again black, gray and brown. These runners are a 10. Nothing but net. Let’s kick it.
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep
because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
looking for gear where fashion meets function for adventurous 2011 travels? The North Face is it!!
I lived in The North Face gear all over Antarctica – if you haven’t checked out the line lately, it’s time to RECONSIDER The North Face for stylish and practical outdoor-wear. Nordstrom maintains a great collection, as does their company website (they had me at: “never stop exploring“…).
From their ‘Denali’ Thermal Beanie in aztec blue and white (so soft and cozy), to the black down quilted ‘Women’s Aconcaugua jacket‘ that I lived in, I was SET. I also stayed warmed in a white women’s TKA 100 Masonic fleece hoodie and a baby blue ‘Osito’ Fleece Jacket (I bought mine two years ago, the color’s no longer available but I love the new ones). Most notable was my black trapper hat (also purchased two years ago for a trip to Mount Everest Base Camp) – ready for minus 40, it never got colder than 10 Fahrenheit (-12 Celsius)…. summer lovin’ on the white continent. What we lacked in cold weather by Canadian standards, we made up for with massive waves, squalls, avalanches, icebergs, glaciers, mountains, wildlife – and just INCREDIBLE landscape.
Other cameo appearances were made by my classic tall Black UGGS (there’s nothing like putting on sheepskin boots after a morning or afternoon excursion in a kayaking dry-suit and Wellies). I was thankful to have them. They mixed perfectly into the rotation with my Sperry-J.Crew high-tops (thanks Jenna)…and my grayBurberry-licious scarf that was never far from my neck for long. A definite $$$lux item for such extreme travel, but I’ve had it for so long I wouldn’t have been heartbroken if it’d become an Arctic-casualty. Last but not least, was my pink stainless steel traveler mug – essentially glued to my hand full of hot water and/or tea it garnered a complement from an Aerolineas Argentinas flight attendant and many comments amongst my fellow passengers (OGGI corporation, it’s no longer available – here’s a close sibling, sans the Scotty dog).
Wherever your 2011 adventures take you – I wish you breathtaking memories to last a lifetime.
“life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the number of moments that take our breath away.”
I’ll admit to having two Burberry scarves – the signature gray and pink print. A close friend picked me up the gray one in Bermuda (thanks JS!), and I bought the pink at a Premium Outlet in Vegas (outlets are the best for basic–timeless pieces like this). Classic style aside, there’s something so comforting about the brands cashmere against your skin. Trust me, this is a great gift.
Other successful Burberry outlet purchases of mine have been the signature ear muffs (so cute over a tweed newsboy or bucket hat), and the reversible bucket rain hat (black on one side, signature print on the other). As much as anyone can walk into a department store or boutique and buy Burberry items full price, my advice is to buy your coveted items during a “Friends & Family” promo, or if you ever venture to Premium Outlets in any major US city. My favorites are in Southern California, Wrentham (Boston), Woodbury Common (New Jersey), and Northern California (Napa!!). A scarf secret is to consider buying a kids cashmere style (retailing for $100 or less), compared to the men’s and women’s styles (~ $300). Of course the kids size smaller than the adults, but it can be worn looped once around the neck (offering less bulk).
When it comes to the print known around the world, think outside of that brown embossed box.
PS – those check rain boots are next on my list! So cute for kids too…
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