Keeping Green Glam

In honor of St. Patrick's day I thought I would continue with a post celebrating the color green. Whether celebrating St. Patty's, or just wanting to add a splash of color to an ensemble, jewelry is a perfect way to brighten up your look. With springs list of neutrals, adding some delicately crafted jewels in shades of green will keep with the earthy, neutral look while adding a touch of glam to any outfit.



Jewelry designer Anna Balkan launched her line in 2006 and has already attained red carpet status. Her designs have been featured multiple times in publications including InStyle Magazine, Lucky Magazine and People.

Balkan’s jewelry is composed of the finest natural semi-precious gemstones and pearls from around the world, sterling silver, and 14kt gold fill. Her designs showcase unique color combination's and each piece makes a distinctive fashion statement. Particular attention is paid to the way the colors and textures work together and how the light plays and reflects among the stones.

I can't get enough of her unique designs that are unlike any other designs you can find in stores. Check out her website to view her newest Spring collection, purchase her designs and check out upcoming events.

Green with Envy

St. Patty's day is just around the corner, and before the festivities begin you better make sure that you have your green on. Just because it is a holiday doesn't mean that you have to be so desperate to find green that you wear something you would otherwise never leave the house in.

Avoid looking like a leprechaun this year with these chic green choices:

1. Anthropologie Dress 2. Dell Laptop 3. Tory Burch Flat 4. ASOS Blouse 5. Old Navy Ring 6. Anthropologie Cardigan 7. See by Chloe Dress 8. Twelfth Street Top 9. Etsy Earrings 10. Maggy London Dress (LOVE this one!)

You MUST Know About This!

If you are anything like me, you have an abundance of cocktail dresses hanging in the back of your closet collecting dust. You also are probably on the hunt for the perfect dress for the holidays and New Years Eve. It's not that you don't like the cocktail dresses you already own, it's that you have already worn them, maybe on multiple occasions. Unlike shoes or a sweater, cocktail dresses are one of those items that you only get a handful of uses out of.

Enter Rent the Runway. For a fraction of the price of buying a new dress, Rent the Runway allows you to rent designer dresses to wear for an event! Stocked with the season hottest designer dresses, members can rent a dress costing upwards of $500 or more for just $50-$200, depending on the dress.

You can search by categories such as: New Years Eve, Meet the Parents and Date Night. Stylists are also on call to help with sizing decisions and suggestions on how to accessorize your look.

Unlike popular bag rental site, Bag Borrow or Steal, I find Rent the Runway completely affordable, and the fashionista's answer to never repeating the same dress. They even offer an option of renting a 2nd size for FREE! This ensures that you won't end up without a dress due to fit. I have found that many of these dresses are available right now in stores, so why not go try them on for size and fit there, and then rent them online!

Rent the Runway is a fairly new site, but I am excited to see what happens next season when their current dresses are no longer seasonal. My hope is that they will be selling them for steep discounts, giving members another way to score a top designer dress for cheap!

Want to join? Follow this invitation link: http://renttherunway.com/referral/lprattes

Holiday Look Blog - Look 3

Winter Wedding - evening by thestylemaison

Items in this set:

Diane von Furstenberg Lele silk-chiffon strapless dress, $385

Grey faux fur bolero, 49 GBP

L.A.M.B. Rhett - Black, $200

Monsoon Accessorize - Bugle Bead Bow Satin Clutch, 8 GBP

Betsey Johnson Love at First Tights in Black, $30

An invitation to a winter wedding can sometimes present a tricky situation - what to wear. Often winter weddings are a slightly more upscale events, that require a cocktail dress. Although wearing black to a wedding is perfectly acceptable, many people shy away from it. The problem then arrises of what colors are appropriate to wear which won't overshadow the bride?

Winter Wedding Guidelines

1. Do not wear any shades of white or ivory to a wedding; red should be avoided as well.

2. Ideal colors to wear are rich jewel tones, which add interest, but are subdued enough to not make you the center of attention (it's not your day after all).

3. During this season of sequins, metallics embellishments a general rule should be to keep all "flare" to a minimum.

4. Tights are an important part of a winter ensemble as they promise to not only keep your legs warm, but make any dress more winter appropriate.

5. If the wedding is held in a conservative church bring a pashmina to drape over your shoulders during the service if wearing anything shoulder baring.

6. Avoid anything too tight, low cut or short.

Gift Guide - The Jet Setter

Whether your travel enthusiast friend loves a luxury vacation or is a budget traveler, the gifts below are bound to inspire another adventure. Think outside of the box with a travel magazine subscription, or a city pass full of tickets to attractions in the city nearest you. For the sensible traveler a universal adapter or digital language dictionary are top gift choices. Channel a jet setters inner fashionista with some great DVF luggage or a stylish bag for carry-on liquids.

1. iTRAVL Multilingual Communicator & Dictionary - $549

2. Neiman Marcus Luggage Tags - $18

3. Citypass - $49 $ up

4. Lapin Vilardi St. Germain Jewelry Roll - $50

5. Lewis N. Clark Universal 4-in-1 Travel Adapter - $24

6. Conde Nast Traveller Magazine Subscription - $20

7. DVF Hearts 21in Rolling Carry On - $139

8. Luxury City Guides - $9.99 each

9. Urban Aid: Arrival Survival Kit - $39

10. Pack This! Packing Checklist - $6.95

11. Kate Spade Par Avion Airline Bag - $50

Take it to another level by booking a trip on Gilt Groupe's newest travel sample sale website Jettsetter. With everything from lavish european villa's to local boutique hotels, Jetsetter is a great way to find amazing deals on hotels. Click here to sign up and book your next trip!

Gift Guide - Techies

Although this year was not a huge year in the tech world, there were some new products to hit the market, and old products to gain in popularity. Better yet, many items are cheaper this year than ever before. Below are some of the top Tech gifts for 2009.

1. Flip Ultra Video - $149

2. Kindle Wireless Reading Device - $259

3. Powermat - $99.99

4. Smartparts WiFi Digital Picture Frame - $134

5. Samsung LED HDTV - $2199.00 & up

6. Polaroid Pogo Instant Digital Camera - $199

7. Apple IPhone 3gs - $199

8. Dell Mini Netbook - $299

Gift Guide - Hostess with the Mostess

Holiday shopping is upon us, and there is nothing worse than fighting through crowds at the mall trying to get all of your holiday gift shopping done. Worse yet, trying to figure out what to buy for everyone from your kitchen loving mother-in-law to your techie brother.

My holiday gift giving guides every day this week will help you solve those tough gift dilemma's, all while allowing you to shop from the comfort of your computer. Before you order, don't forget to check out coupon code websites such as Retail Me Not to find coupons to use towards your purchase.

Todays Gift Guide - Gifts for the Hostess with the Mostess

1. Spring Mix Apron - $38

2. Dabney Lee Monogrammed Recipe Cards - $80

3. Agraria Left Bank Perfume Candle - $55

4. ZGallerie Diamond Cocktail Picks - $14.95

5. Assouline American Fashion Cookbook - $45

6. Table Topics Dinner Party Conversation - $25

7. Cheese Grater by The Sarut Group - $38

8. Wine Party Game Tasting Kit - $29

9. Pottery Barn Reindeer Dessert Plates - $78 (2 sets of 4 is a full set)

* Bold items denote what tops MY Christmas Wish List this year

Holiday Look Blog - Look 2

Give your Holiday look an edge with this glam meets rock look.

Holiday Look Blog - Look 2 by thestylemaison

Items in this set:

Free People top, $68

TopShop jacket, 125 GBP

Amazon.com skirt, $100

Sam Edelman boots, $310

Moxsie.com necklace, $88

2009 Holiday Look Blog - Look 1

Holiday season is upon us, and with that comes the many holiday parties to attend. In my opinion wearing red to a holiday party is quite like wearing black to a funeral: highly expected, and nothing special. Unlike the aforementioned funeral however, a holiday party is the perfect time to stand out and show off your style.

Thus my 2009 Holiday Look Blog - keep reading to find your favorite look for your next holiday fete.

Holiday Party Look1a by thestylemaison

Items in this set:

Rebecca Taylor dress, $295

Peeptoeshoes.com.au shoes, 249 AUD

TopShop clutch, 45 GBP

Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, $125

Fantasyjewelrybox.com earrings, $25

"Go ahead and dress the christmas tree, just don't dress LIKE the tree."

All Things Green!

With St. Patrick's Day right around the corner I have one thing on my mind - the color green! Typically when I'm trying to find something green for St. Patty's day I have such a hard time, but not this year. I found a variety of fabulous green items that range in price as well as style.

So what does this influx of green mean? It means that green isn't just for St. Patrick's day anymore. Green is definitely a hot color for spring this year, and I love the cheerful addition that it adds to an outfit.

Check out all the great options below!

1. Banana Republic Top 2. Anthropologie Belt 3. Tory Burch Sandals 4. Express Skirt and Top 5. Single Dress 6. Newport News Coat 7. Urban Outfitters Skirt 8. Tracy Reese Dress 9. Karen Kane Shirt 10. Old Navy Cardigan

So, when wearing green what can you match with it??

Green pairs really well with yellow. You can also pair green with navy, white, black or any other neutral shade.

If you are wearing a green skirt look for a shirt with a pattern in it that also pulls in some green. Look for a shirt with a larger pattern that includes white which will not overwhelm the skirt.

Wearing a green top? White shorts, pants or a skirt look FABULOUS with this! You could also pair it with jeans, or black.

When it comes to shoes I am a huge fan of a nude shoe when wearing a bright color like green. A nude pump or sandal will also help make your legs look longer and leaner!

Need a Christmas gift at 3am? No problem!

Typically around Christmas most stores have extended holiday hours. . .opening at 7am and closing at midnight. This year Macy's is taking it to a whole new level by staying open 24 hours a day, Friday, December 19 until Christmas Eve! While I'm not so keen on the idea of shopping in the wee hours of the morning, this would be a great way to avoid the holiday crowds.

Call your local Macy's to make sure that they are one of the stores participating in the 24 hour schedule before showing up at 3am ready to shop!

While you're at Macy's check out some of these great gift ideas for last minute gifts at a fabulous price!

For your Brother, Boyfriend or Husband:

Alfani Men's Coat

For your Dad:

Panasonic Noise Canceling Headphones

For your Mom:

KitchenAid Martha Stewart Collection

For your Sister/Friend:

Style and Co Ankle Boots

Holiday Cheer - Purple

Purple had definitely been THE color for the Fall/Winter 09 Season. . . and it just so happens to be on of my favorite colors! I love the richness of the color, and how it compliments almost any skin tone. I have always loved purple and silver together for the holiday season. . .so I have selected some of my favorite pieces for holiday gatherings this year.

Be bold with a purple dress, or more subtle by using purple to accessorize your outfit. When accessorizing a purple dress try to pair it with metallic silver or gold that will make the dress pop, instead of black which is too close in color. Grey is also another beautiful compliment to purple, try grey boots or a grey coat.

Clockwise from top left:
1. Banana Republic Top 2. Soia & Kyo Coat
3. Tracy Reese Dress 4. Forever 21 Clutch
5. Tadashi Dress 6. Tracy Reese Cardigan
7. Christian Louboutin Pumps 8. Catherine Malandrino Dress
9. Carolina Amato Gloves 10. Nicole Miller Dress
Center: Victoria's Secret Dress

My absolute favorite is the Victoria's Secret Sweater Dress in the center. I love the sexy draping in the back, it takes a sweater dress to a new level. I also think the purple Silk Top from Banana Republic is beautiful for an office party or holiday dinner!

The best news about purple is that it isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Shades of lavender are popping up in new lines for Spring, and Tracy Reese's new spring collection is full of splashes of purple!

Holiday Cheer - Red

Do you have a holiday work party to go to? Maybe a cocktail party, or Christmas Eve dinner?

Typically when I am looking for an outfit for an event, I know what color I want to wear, and set out to find something that works. We all know that when you are looking for something you can never find it. . .so I thought I would post some ideas of holiday attire by color! Keep checking back over the next day or two and I will post all of my favorite findings for this years holiday soiree's!

RED

As a general rule, I like to steer clear of wearing red to holiday parties. . .it's much too cliche and expected. This year is the exception to that rule. Red is my predicted "must have" color for Fall/Winter 2010. . .so in anticipation, I will be wearing it throughout this winter season.

1. Calvin Klein 2. Eliza J 3. David Meister

4. J Crew 5. Max and Cleo 6. Just Cavalli

7. Forever 21