Monday, November 30, 2009

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.



TEchie gift guide

3. Powermat - $99.99
5. Samsung LED HDTV - $2199.00 & up

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

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

Gift Guide - Hostess

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

Monday, November 23, 2009

Holiday Look Blog - Look 2

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

Thursday, November 19, 2009

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.


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

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

DIY - Embellished Tights




As if money has not been tight enough, the Holidays make money even tighter! So I am bringing you this post, strait from style website Refinery29. Erica Domesek, author of DIY blog P.S. - I Made This, posted a special edition of her blog just for Refinery29.

I haven't tried this out just yet, but hope to find some time over the Holidays to test this one out!


It sure ain't easy keeping tabs on our ever-expanding list of swoony must-have jewels, accessories, and clothes—especially for fall!—which is why we're prone to indulging in some DIY to get the look we're craving for less. But for Erica Domesek, a New York City-based lifestyle, design, and style expert, DIY-ing has become an obsession manifested in her crafty chic blogP.S.—I Made This. Driven by the mantra "I see it, I like it, I make it," Erica has garnered plenty of followers, including Vogue Nippon andGQ. And her latest challenge? To grant our wish and re-create a few of our favorite new accessories…yep, three ways to take a bit of craftiness and channel it into full-blown fall '09 fashion!


Materials Needed: 1. A pair of tights 2. Sequins 3. Fabric glue 4. Needle and thread



How to: 1. Place a piece of cardboard (some tights come with it) inside each leg. The cardboard will prevent both sides from sticking together, and will also stretch fabric to work on. 2. Use a super duper strong fabric glue to smother small areas on tights. 3. Cluster sequins on top of glue and spread all over the surface of the tights. Feel free to layer on top of one another for a more three dimensional effect. If you have any sequins or broken mirrored jewelry lying around, use them. Traditional sequins aren't the only option for tights—get creative! 4. Once dry, reinforce sequin clusters with a needle and thread. Use similarly colored thread to blend in with tights and sequins. Sequins and fabric glue available at M&J Trimming.

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Tantalizing Trend #9: Embellished Tights

Tights get a makeover this season with embellishments, making them the focal point of any outfit. Keep those gorgeous gams warm by donning tights in a variety of hues, fabrics and patterns.

When it comes to color, some of the most drool-worthy hues are shades of gray, purple and hunter green. Gray offers up a unique alternative to boring black tights; if daring to sport a bolder color, keep the rest of the ensemble more neutral.

Fabric is all about knit leg wear, which is sure to keep those legs toasty on a cold day. This casual fabric is the perfect tool to dress down more formal attire. Take a preppy approach with a pencil skirt, silk blouse and cardigan for work.

Lace, dot and diamond shapes are the patterns of choice for stockings. From subtle to bold, patterns add another twist to sensible tights. Adding a patterned tight is a favorite way to jazz up a solid dress or skirt.



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Row 3: Hue, TopShop, Hue

Let's Talk Brands

Wolford, my hosiery of choice (dreams), is best known for their seductive spin on hosiery. Unfortunately, at upwards of $50+ for one pair, these aren't necessarily in everyones budget.

Looking to get the most for your money? Hue leg wear is affordable, durable, and comes in a wide variety of choices. From $10 to $25 a pair, it is easy to stock up on all the top trends. (insider tip: TJ Maxx and Marshall's almost always carry these for half the price!)

If it's slimming you need, body shaper favorite Spanx has a whole line of trendy tights to choose from. They also have a cheaper line at Target, Assets, which work just as well as Spanx to suck you in and shape your rear.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Best Beauty Buy


Not typically one to splurge on expensive cosmetics, I am usually an advocate of drugstore buys. However, I couldn't pass up a post about Bobbi Brown's new holiday collection Chrome palette.

Utilizing a cool palette, Brown has created a collection that gives off a chic, downtown vibe. Icy, shimmering eyes and lips create a contemporary take on special occasion beauty. The palette boasts 10 eye shadows, and 4 lip shades that are available in stores now. At the price of $75, I consider this palette a steal considering the array of shadows and lip color included.


Friday, October 30, 2009

Tantalizing Trend #8: Jumpsuits

A rather controversial trend - the jumpsuit is one of those items that you either love, or hate. It is also a look that is extremely difficult to pull off, however, when worn correctly can exude a feeling of chicness. Sister to the jumpsuit is the romper, a short version of a jumpsuit. The romper can still be worn well into fall with long sleeve versions, or by donning a pair of tights.

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With this trend, there is a fine line between the best-dressed and worst-dressed list. Follow these simple rules to insure your spot on the best-dressed side.

Rule 1: Choose a loose fit, there is nothing worse then a tight jumpsuit creating the dreaded camel-toe effect.

Rule 2: It's all about the fabric. Now is not the time to skimp in the fabric department. Select a jumpsuit made of flowing silk, or a heavier cotton. Steer clear of anything with spandex in it or the look will go from chic to cheap.

Rule 3: Wide or strait leg is the way to go. There are VERY few people who can pull of a jumpsuit with a skinny leg. Keeping the leg line streamline with a wide leg will make you look long and lean.

Rule 4: Consider a belt. Help break up the solidness of a jumpsuit, and define your waist by adding a belt. Whether thick or thin, the belt should accent the outfit, and not be the focus.

Rule 5: Choose the color or pattern wisely. The safest way to go is by selecting a dark color such as black, navy or brown. Bolder colors and prints can look nice as a romper, however they are too much on a jumpsuit.

Rule 6: Two-tone. To soften the look of a jumpsuit or romper, consider one that mixes two different fabrics or colors. This gives the appeal of separates, while still being one piece.

Rule 7: Simple accessories. The jumpsuit is a focal point enough, without adding crazy accessories to the mix. Stick with a simple clutch, long earrings, and a nice metallic heel to finish the look.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

LIFE AFTER UGGS

Equally as comfortable, and definitely more chic, the riding boot offers the perfect alternative to the very passe UGG snow boot. Although I do still see a lost soul, or two, running about town in a beloved pair of UGG boots, the general opinion is that UGG's are over...like 2 years ago over.

So it is time to invest in a new kind of comfortable, go anywhere boot. The casual structure and detailing on a riding boot makes it the perfect candidate to replace the UGG. They can be worn with just about anything, from jeans to leggings, and even a dress with tights. Better yet, there are a wide variety of styles, colors and heel heights available to match your taste.

This post was inspired originally by a friend who came to me with a unique problem, she has been searching for a pair of riding boots, but due to a slight vertical challenge, can't seem to find a pair that are short enough to allow her legs to bend. At 5'9" myself, it had never occurred to me that this could, in fact, be a common problem. Therefore, just for those of you who are on the shorter side, rows 3 & 4 below feature boots with a shorter shaft length (under 14 inches). Keep this in mind when shopping for other boots as well: avoid over the knee boots as they will make you look even shorter. Opt instead for ankle and mid-calf boots.

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Now that I have provided you with a vast array of UGG alternatives, please repeat the below Oath:

I vow to never, ever, to where UGG boots with a dress, or skirt, no matter how comfortable they may be. I vow the only wear my UGG's in the comfort of my own home, wearing them in public only for the following acceptable reason: taking out the dog or trash, a midnight trip to the grocery store for ice cream or a trip to the doctor's office after having come down with H1N1.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Tantalizing Trend #7: Ruffles

Making their debut as a trend in Fall 2008, ruffles have made their way to one of the top trends for Fall 2009. From subtle, to bold and everything in between, this girlie adornment can add instant appeal to an otherwise blase garment. Contrarily, you may also end up looking like an 80's wedding cake topper if you don't exercise restraint.

This season expect to see ruffles adorn everything from dresses, to bags, and even boots. Maintain a chic and sophisticated ensemble by mixing ruffles with tailored, edgier pieces. Experiment by mixing leather with frilly ruffles for a fashion forward take an this romantic trend.

ruffles

Monday, October 19, 2009

Update Your Wardrobe

Fave bloggers Katherine Power and Hillary Kerr of Who What Wear posted an inspiring video blog Monday regarding what key pieces will help update a current wardrobe for this season. Bloomingdales sponsored the video, which showcased a fabulous leopard coat by Aqua, and knee high boots.

Using Katherine and Hillary's suggestions, I thought I would add a few more items to the list. An earlier blog of mine details all of the top trends for fall, but it is not always reasonable to stock your wardrobe with ALL of the trends of the season. There are a few fool proof items that you can buy each Fall which will help bring your current wardrobe up to speed.

A New Coat

coats

Invest each season in a new coat that can be worn for a multitude of occasions. The above options are all unique choices that incorporate a trend of the season. Option 1 is a classic shape with a ruffle collar that adds interest. Option 2 is a more daring choice, which incorporates the fur trend of the season. Option 3 is a bold color that is sure to turn heads.


A Pair of Fall Footwear

boots

As mentioned in a previous post, boots are THE footwear of choice this fall. Pick your favorite style and make them your main investment for the season. Choose a pair that stands out in some way, be it detailing, shape, color or fabrics. Make your boots the focal point of your outfit.

A New Pair of Pants

pants

Victoria's Secret * Banana Republic * Bop

Each season pant trends change - maybe it is the fit (hello skinny jeans!), or maybe it is the fabric. Any of the above pants incorporates a key trend of the season. Topping my list is a pair of perfectly fitted leather pants. If leather isn't for you, try uber-luxurious fabric - velvet. Another favorite pant for fall is the harem pant - although don't expect to see me sporting them around town.

A New Bag

bags


An easy update, a new bag can add a little flare to your wardrobe. This season make it speak with a sequin bag, which is a great way to incorporate the sequin trend into your existing wardrobe.