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.
Photos: Sarah Jessica Parker: popeater.com & agirlnamedbong.blogspot.com.
If you’re looking for a cozier alternative to denim, try corduroy. I love my J Brand black skinnies, as well as the haze-colored-flared-style SJP is wearing above (in Juicy Couture, sadly no longer available). Her floppy hat is right on trend, I have a similar one by Hat Attack and I covet it’s black and grey sibling. Parker’s gorgeous leopard scarf is YSL, the look can be found more affordably by Tory Burch. Her rolled-up flares, brown ankle boots, purple suede hobo, and white-tank with black bra peaking through all give her that effortlessly chic SJP-style we’ve grown to LOVE.
My love for colo(u)red denim is no secret. I wear my crimson Rag & Bone skinnies weekly and relish in complements. They go with so many different outfits, I consider them my fashion lay-up. And while many people might look at this photo and first notice Rachel’s Burberry studded metallic leather bowling bag (sold out) – I go ga-ga over her burgundy (merlot, magenta, purple, or “wine”) colored cords. Tucked into her Zara ankle booties, Rachel’s look is perfect for fall.
For those looking to start slowly, or keep it office appropriate, stick to basic blank skinny cords – I live in my J Brands! They’re so comfortable and soft they feeling like a cotton legging. So great for travel. They are a 10 with flats, boots or heels. A great one-pair-of-pants packing option. DONE!
Newly engaged, and very pregnant, Kate Hudson has recently been promoting her new movie “Something Borrowed”, based on Emily Giffin’s best-selling book. A quick beach-read (aka “chicklit”), this is a story you can’t put down. And somehow you’ll find yourself rooting for the best-friend / fiancée stealer – Ginnifer Goodwin. That’s how well Kate plays the character of Darcy… a real b***h. But what she lacks in human kindness, Darcy makes up for with her killer wardrobe we can’t help but love. Her white suit is complemented by her Fendi raffia and suede heels (no longer available), and brown Chanel hand bag (scroll to second photo – not available online). The height of her stilettos, rolled cuffs of her pants, and waist-tie (knotted, not bowed) give this menswear-inspired look sultry-spice… for a girl we quickly learn is anything but nice.
Kate (aka Darcy)’s beach badminton style (third photo) is equally covetable to her Manhattan-garb with her crocheted tunic, modern aviators, printed silk scarf (worn as a headband) and red-hot-summer nails. Both outfits remind us to try (and mix) the neutral tones of spring-summer 2011.
I love a good lay…er. I layer everything, things you wouldn’t think of – from my rings to my scarves – Blake shows us the striking effect of a solid black pashmina over a gray plaid complement. Done!
When wearing more than one scarf, keep one a solid color (less daring dames can start with a neutral white, cream, camel, gray, or basic black – more daring diva’s might opt for one of spring 2011′s brights to really offset and pop); the second scarf should be a print or pattern of some sort. From animal patterns, tartan, polka dot, paisley, floral, checkered or even a subtle or BOLD tie-dye (hello Vanessa Hudgens…). If you prefer to start slow, go for a single two toned scarf… this is great for petite women where too much material can swallow their frames.
While dark colors and heavier prints channel fall and winter, you can lighten the look into spring with florals, pastels and softer prints. Matchy-matchy should be avoided… Mix. Mix. MIX.
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.
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…
“Life has texture – dress for it!” - Linda Fargo, Bergdorf Goodman
10 – Shimmering Short Shorts - worn with dark tights and high heels, or flat over-the-knee boots when your gams need a rest, these are a go-to that can take you from holiday days to nights. Keep your top subtle, a black or cream tank, even gray works well. Let the shimmer in the shorts be your statement, you don’t want to channel an ornament for the tree. Think shimmer-chic.
9 – Polka-dot hosiery – and because it’s the holidays, we’re giving this look some SPANX (sidebar: thank goodness for SPANX!!) Statement hosiery is an instant update – it’s the new fishnet, and taking a cue from mini SJP we can’t get enough. There’s nothing polka-dot hosiery doesn’t go with!
8 – Black Shoe Booties - the perfect shoe for skirts, dresses, trouser-pants, capris, skinny jeans, cords and more… whether worn with detailed hosiery or basic black you can’t go wrong.
7 – Cropped Tuxedo Trouser Pants - don’t feel like showing your legs? Fear not, the right pair of pants can get you through the season. Trouser pants are great with pumps and shoe-booties. This style works with embellished tops, boyfriend blazers, and anything sequin. The irony of this masculine piece with something uber-feminine on top can’t be resisted.
6 – Something Sequin – Whether you opt for an embellished top, a sequin boyfriend blazer, bag, clutch, sweater, dress, skirt, or pants – LIGHT IT UP. Just keep it to one sequin (and shining) piece per outfit, and keep everything else simple. The sequins are the statement. Let them shine.
5 – Statement clutch – the J.Crew one above is great because it has a strap, allowing your hands to be free for handshakes, food, drink, and tending to little ones. Leave your suitcase-size bags at home, at the office or in the car. Keep it simple, subtle and chic with an envelope-size clutch.
4 – Costume Jewelry – a statement necklace, bracelet, or ring – pick one, ROCK it, OWN it…
3 – Leather pants – real, faux, or wax coated – this look is hot hot HOT. It’s spot-on with a boyfriend blazer, loose tank, or even paired ironically with a casual tee Sandra-Bullock-style.
2 – Flat over the knee boots – too much holiday time in heels can reek havoc on your back, but don’t reach for ballerinas too quickly. You can still have statement-shoe-style with flats. Get your boot on, over-the-knee. So cute with tights or leggings, short shorts, a mini skirt or dress. Or even paired with a long formed-fitting tank, and oversized boyfriend blazer. Let OTK’s save you!
1 – white silk scarf – white is unexpected this time of year, but it looks sooo great! Opt for a silk pattern that’s inherently dressy like this Jimmy Choo “Stefy” Silk Scarf. It goes with EVERYTHING.
Other holidays go-tos include anything Valentino-red, a LBD, fur, and a pair of statement heels.
Just reach for any of these items, and mix & match yourself all the way through. ‘Tis the season ♥
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