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.
Right about the time everyone starts wearing something, is when I stop loving it. So while I’m still a big supporter of an oversized men’s-style watch on a women’s wrist – I’m branching out from the popular Michael Kors go-tos (I’m down to three after selling my fourth on eBay). For the most bang for your buck, I suggest a staple silver, yellow or rose gold – and right now I’m several from Nixon’s women’s (and men’s) collection(s). The Crystal Bezel increases your statement, as does a touch of blue marble. I love all-white (available in ceramic for the big spenders; shockingly still less than CHANEL), and white and silver. All-black is stunningly chic (also available in ceramic; and by CHANEL with or without diamonds). Opposites attract with yellow gold and gun-metal. Rose gold and acetate also make a great pair. A statement watch is the first step to a perfect outfit everyday.
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.
summer isn’t over… squeeze in all you can! I’m coveting this watch, bag and shoes to fall into fall.
Make a statement with a bold navy face and soft rose gold bezel and strap with Michael by Michael Kors “Bel Air” wristwatch. Even the name sounds regal. Clare Vivier’s “SeeVivier La Tropézienne” tote is the perfect casual yet chic bag to tote all weekend long, in the city or at the cottage. Big enough to fit your essentials, but small enough to keep it from turning into a suitcase… And lastly, J.Crew’s MacAlister wedge booties are a current take on desert boots that offer your legs (and derrière) a flattering lift. Fashion meets function when paired with white skinny jeans, short-shorts (a wedge heel doesn’t look trashy with a short hem-line like other high heels can – the daring can rock cut-off denim Daisy Dukes!), linen pants, a sundress, or skirt. Add a silk blouse (neutral of summer 2011 bright), and you’re set!
What do men need? Clothes. Stylish clothes. Few of them like to buy them for themselves, so occasions warranting gifts (like Father’s Day) are the perfect opportunity to lend a loving hand. My suggestions for Dad this year start with the lightweight shirt above, and continue with…
The iPad needs no introduction. Oprah’s favorite thing EVER, she’s rumored to have cried when Apple agree to include it in her December 2010 giveaway show (jealous?). Not lucky enough to be in that audience, I’m waiting for my engraved iPad 2.0 in the mail… Not a patient person by nature, after hitting a few local Apple stores I quickly learned that the 4-5 week wait (now 2-3) quoted at apple.com is better than lining up at the crack of dawn. Which brings me to operation-stylish-case.
For now I’ve ordered Apple’s Black Leather “Smart Cover”. It has a magnetic connection that puts your device to sleep when you close it, and does double duty as a keyboard stand (great for travel). I’ll start with this case while I decide between my top 6-favorite above. Thankfully the first iPad edition’s dimensions and 2.0′s (Height: 9.50 inches – 241.2 mm – and Width: 7.31 inches – 185.7 mm) are close enough that you can choose from the same cases. Ooh la LOOOVE!
Whether you don something safe (a tuke, black fedora, even a baseball cap as I’ve been known to wear on long flights) or avant-garde like these gals, hats off to you for trying and wearing it well!
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.”
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I spent last week in one of my favorite cities, the retail capital of the world: New York City. Anyone who’s ever been to New York will agree that the city offers an energy, personality and life that’s unparalleled… anywhere. Even in the cold of early January (temperatures hovered between 5-25 degrees Fahrenheit, the city’s longest cold front since 1977) New Yorkers were out until the early hours of the morning. The city really never sleeps. And with so much to do, neither do it’s visitors.
“It’s 24/7 here. It’s nonstop. The whole buzz of the city turns me on.”
- ‘Gossip Girl’’s Ed Westwick – aka Chuck Bass
The photo above was taken at Rockefeller Square, a hot-spot for tourists and anyone looking for one of the city’s J.Crew stores (N.B. my shopping bag) – shocking since I’m really private about my love towards my favorite retailer that started in the city with it’s 1989 South Street Seaport store.
Cold temperatures can be fun and creative to dress for; layering different pieces together, mixing prints and fabrics, the options are limitless. Case in point: to keep my ears warm I rotated between my Burberry signature plaid earmuffs, and my Michael Kors brown faux fox fur (exact style no longer available) worn alone as photographed or on top of my m0851 tweed newsboy hat. Above I’m wearing a Theory checkered scarf that’s so big it can double as a blanket on long flights, a m0851 wool coat, J.Crew riding boots, and black J Brand skinnies. I often layer my checkered scarf over my Michael Kors “shokpink” neck warmer, or another solid scarf. So the next time you step out into the East Coast cold, think of fashion meeting function and try some earmuffs on for size.
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