New Trend in Christmas Gifting?

The economy has been a little unpredictable for the past few years, and everybody has been more budget conscious.  I have noticed a new trend in gift-giving this year... making your own gifts.  I am not talking about some cheesey, lopsided, knick-knack that only a mother could love.  I am talking about useful, thoughtful, indulgent items. 


For instance, I like to make candles, especially in the winter when I can get warm standing by the stove.  I wrap the candles up and give them away as gifts to friends at Christmas.  My Bff loves the store "Lush", and she decided to try her had at making soap this year.  A lady I work makes handmade Christmas ornaments.  


What are your thoughts?  Do you plan to make any Christmas presents this year?

Add some Sparkle this Winter

Vortex

If you are looking to add some sparkle to your layers of winter clothes, try some sparkly glass pieces.  DreamsOfGlass.com offers handmade borosilicate glass jewelry.  Borosilicate is hard glass with a higher melting point that has a three-dimensional look with multicolored tones.  The end result is brilliant and durable wearable art. 

Icicle Forest

Some of my favorite pieces include the Vortex and the Icicle Forest, and Chameleon pendants.  These pieces will defiantly add a splash of color and sparkle to drab winter outfits.  Don’t just limit yourself to necklaces, try some earrings too. 

Chameleon

The best part about this company is that it is a group of people who enjoy what they do, which is creating one-of-a-kind wearable art. 

Earrings

blown glass jewelry

My Perfect Winter Outfit

Source: Victoria's Secret Catalog

Even in sunny Florida it turns cold.  I know my northern friends may be snickering right now, but it is cold to us down here in the sunshine state!  

With that in mind, I put together a great outfit to brave this winter weather, and it will even work up north!  And if my boyfriend is reading this blog… (hint hint).

I love this sweater dress from the  Victoria’s Secret catalog.  It comes in white, black, grey, and plum, but the blue is my choice.  At 5 foot 2 (without heels), white may make me look like a little snowman, and I don't think that would be a good look for me.  Picture it with some black boots, and it is warm and cozy all day, not to mention beautiful and stylish also.

Source:  SteveMadden.com

Speaking of boots, I have never met a pair of Steve Madden’s that I didn’t like.  (Well maybe when he tried to venture into Ugg-ville, but I am the forgiving type, so I will let that go.)  As my closet will attest, Steve Madden is my go-to guy for shoes and boots, and his designs are at a price point that won’t make me cringe when I think about how much I paid.  These boots even have a name, Calgarry.   Love the high heel, platform, and the black suede. They also go over the knee, which is perfect to wear with a dress.  But a word of caution, when  wearing over-the-knee boots with pants tucked in, go with a tunic or dress, anything else may make you look like you moonlight at a job that involves a pole (if you get my drift).

Source:  Nordstrom.com

To complete this outfit, I need the perfect bag.  I have always been a fan a Kenneth Cole accessories.  Well, usually because I can find them at Marshall’s and Burlington Coat Factory for a fraction of their original price, but I digress.  I love the little hobo bag by Kenneth Cole, and it can be found at Nordstroms. And yes, it's Nordstroms, and (gulp) it is at full price.  

Merry Christmas and happy shopping everybody!  Remember, it is the season of giving, but don’t forget to reward yourself this season with a fabulous new outfit!  

To find these pieces online, here are the links:

Victoria's Secret Sweater Dress

http://www.victoriassecret.com/clothing/sweaterdresses?pageAt=2

Steve Madden Boots

http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=52051&np=596

Kennith Cole Purse

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3131355?origin=category&resultback=4163

What Does Your Zodiac Sign Say About Your Style?

You simply must pop over to Elle.com to find what you Zodiac sign has to say about your personal style.  Being a Gemini with my dual personalities, I can be expected to go from ultra conservative to va-va-voom in a drop of a hanger.  I suppose that explains a lot!   

I also loved gaining some insight into my friend's style personalities.  For instance, I can expect my Libra BFF to be "polished and well groomed" at all times.  (You know who you are!)

So I suggest that you curl up with you computer and some nice leftover pumpkin pie and see what your Astrological sign has to say about your personal style.  Just remember, not too much pumpkin pie ladies, or we will not be able to fit into these fabulous fashions.  

Follow this link:

http://www.elle.com/Fashion/Fashion-Spotlight/A-to-Zee-Sign-Language

Happy Thanksgiving!

Who is ready for the Superbowl of Shopping?   Macy, Neiman Marcus, Saks – oh my!

I don’t know about the rest of you fashionistas, but this one will be at home snoozing, dreams of after-Christmas sales dancing in my head.    I have no need to wake up at 3 in the morning and fighting the crowds to hopefully catch a deal on some gadget for somebody else.  I don’t want to deal with the masses who are yipped up on coffee while fighting their turkey hangover. 

For the past few years I have been eternally grateful that my children are past the “toy of the year” stage.  I don’t spend sleepless night worrying about the perfect gifts and the perfect Christmas.  In fact I am grateful now that I can truly enjoy the season with my family and friends without having to play Santa.  I no longer have to participate in the feeding frenzy of consumerism. 

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday!  

Why does the counter viewpoint push my apparent sketch?

Great Recipe for Thanksgiving Stuffing

Thanksgiving is the time to suspend our diets for one day and enjoy a great meal with our friends and family.  Even though this is not related to fashion, this is the best recipe for stuffing.   Consider this my Thanksgiving gift to you and enjoy!

Southern Living Stuffing Recipe
 
¼ lb Bulk pork sausage
¾ cup finely chopped onion
½ cup chopped green pepper
½ cup chopped celery (1 stalk)
½ cup margarine or butter
2 eggs
1 tsp. poultry seasoning
1/8 tsp. pepper
5 cups dry wheat bread (7 slices)
5 cups crumbled corn bread *
¾ cup toasted chopped pecans (optional)
1 to 1 ½ cups chicken broth
 
In a large skillet cook sausage till brown. Drain and reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings. Set aside.

In same skillet cook onion, green pepper and celery in hot margarine or butter till tender but not brown.


In a large bowl use a fork to beat eggs; stir in poultry seasoning and pepper. Add bread cubes and corn bread; toss till coated. Add sausage, reserved drippings, vegetables, and pecans. Add enough broth to moisten (3/4 to 1 cup), tossing to mix.

Use to stuff one 6 to 9 pound bird (I have never put it in a bird).Place any remaining stuffing in a casserole; drizzle with enough of the remaining chicken broth ½  to 1 cup to make a stuffing of desired moistness. Bake covered, in a 325 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or till hot.  Makes 10 to 12 side-dish servings. 

Irresistible Frenchman - Christian Louboutin

I am having a love affair with Christian Louboutin, the shoes not the man.  I first recognized the beauty of Christian Louboutin’s creations when I saw The Proposal with Sandra Bullock.  Who can forget  the scene where Sandra Bullock, in desperate need of a green card, gets on her knees in the middle of a busy street in New York City, and proposes to Ryan Reynolds.  During this scene we had a glimpse of the fabulous shoes Sandra was wearing, the Roloando leather by Christian Louboutin.  The rest of the movie was entertaining, but shoes left a lasting impression on me.

A pair of Christian Louboutin’s can melt credit card of even the most well-heeled fashionista.  This pair retails at Neiman Marcus for $695.  The Rolando is clearly a classic pair of shoes, and a wardrobe investment.  Christian Louboutin, a Paris native has been designing shoes since 1992.

Photo Credits:

http://famewatcher.com/christian-louboutin-mini-bout-pumps-sandra-bullocks-celebrity-shoes.html

http://www.beso.com/christian-louboutin/womens-pumps/christian-louboutin-rolando-leather/753963897/detail

Story Credits:

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod60190035&ecid=NMCINexTagFeed&003=5839325&010=X07ZW&srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=24-109969779-2

http://www.christianlouboutin.com/#/une_vie

Lending Luxury for Fashionistas on a budget

Do you need the perfect outfit for a hot date, or a girl’s night out, or a formal event, or even a job interview?  With the advent of social media such as Facebook, who can bear to be photographed in the same outfit twice?  Who can afford to purchase a drop-dead gorgeous outfit for every special occasion that comes along?  

Two inventive Tampa entrepreneurs, Sara Jon and Jennifer have got a fashionista covered.  Lending Luxury (lendingluxury.com)   is a website that was recently launched to save time and money while looking for the latest couture.

Sarah Jon and Jennifer travel to New York City to meet with the fashion designers and deliver the latest in fashion direct from the designers.  The collection currently has approximately 400 different styles, in various sizes, and they continue to add 30 to 40 dresses a week.  Not to worry, this is not for size 0’s only, a range of sizes are available, depending on the designer.  Sizing charts are provided with every dress to help determine which size to order. 

Most dresses can be rented for under $100, and labels include such fashion designers as Betsey Johnson and Nicole Miller, to name only a few.  Rental prices included in the price of rental, and the rental period is for 5 days, beginning on the day the dress is received.   

From high school dance, to high school reunion, and any other special occasion when looking fabulous is the only option, this is a great solution for any fashionista.


The pictures to the side and below are just a small sample of what is available.  For a full list of the available styles check out the website:

http://www.lendingluxury.com/

Better with Age

Wine isn’t the only thing that gets better with age. Women also get better than age. Believe it. By the time we are in our 40’s we are smarter, sassier, more financially secure, and no longer insecure. We don’t blow off our girlfriends for some cute guy, because we all know, if he is worth it, he will wait. We know which products, colors, and styles work best for us. We have finally found the perfect hairstylist who “gets” us. We are not fashion victims any more, chasing the latest trends, we make trends. We have evolved into fashion icons. Need some convincing? – Check out these photos.

Nobody can deny that Jennifer Aniston has evolved into a fashion icon. In 1990 she was just an unremarkable pretty girl.

Halle Berry proves she can still rock a pink outfit, but her fashion choices are so much more sophisticated now than in 1986.

I don’t even know, nor do I want to know, how old Michelle Pfeiffer is. She was a pretty girl in 1985, but today she is a timeless beauty.

Today she is an international beauty, but Elisabeth Hurley was just a cute girl from United Kingdom in 1991.

Before there was "Sex and the City", there was “Square Pegs”. Sara Jessica Parker has successfully evolved from high school geek in 1985 to fashion icon today.

Today she is a Desperate Housewife, but in 1990 Terry Hatcher just looked desperate.

We can forgive Nicole Kidman for marrying Tom Cruise, but that hair in 1989 is unforgiveable. She is absolutely stunning today, and an Oscar-Winning actress to boot.

I couldn’t resist adding just one man.  Brad Pitt was a cute guy 1987, but today he is a certified hottie.













Photo credits:
http://www.eatliver.com/celebrities/6.html

10 Commandments for Fashionistas

It happens to all of us… we are walking through the mall, grocery store, park, or worse yet work, and we see some sort of fashion disaster. We think to ourselves “she would be so pretty, only if…”. With that in mind, I compiled my 10 Commandments for Fashionistas.

1. Just because they make in your size, does not mean you should wear it.


2. There is a difference between tailored and tight. Recognize it.


3. Buy a full-length mirror and use it, daily.


4. Athletic shoes belong in the gym.


5. If you have not changed your hair style in the past 10 or 15 years, you hair is probably out of style.


6. If you hairstyle involves a Scrunchie, your hairstyle is probably out of style.


7. Bling shirt are out.


8. Nobody wants to see your bra straps.


9. The same goes for your thong.


10. A beautiful smile is your best accessory.

This set of rules is by fashionistas, and to be used as a guide for the fashionally-challenged to follow.  Please feel free to share, repost, or possibly post on your cubicle wall at work.  Your comments and suggestions are always welcome.  Make it a great day everybody!

My Favorites from the Chanel Fall 2010 Couture Collection

The Little Black Dress (LBD) made famous by Coco Chanel. I love the signature Chanel quilting in the material of the dress. Short sleeves showing off the arms with a plethora of bracelets.  Simple, yet elegant design.

An modern version of the classic Chanel suite.  A recurring theme in this collection is the shorter sleeves, perfect to show off a plenty of bracelets.  I especially love the rich red color.  Perfect for fall. 

This outfit incorporates a feminine twist on menswear with its fitted styling and simple lines. 

Timeless classic.  This suite reminds be of something Jacqueline Kennedy would wear.  This is the type of suite that you can wear today eventually and pass along to your grandaughter, because it will never go out of style. 

















Another timeless classic that is the signature of Chanel.  This, and all of these looks are modernized with the addition of bracelets; however, no other accessories are needed.  Chanel dressing is all about simplicity in elegance. 

Photo Credits:

Photo Credits: 
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/F2010CTR-CHANEL

Legandary Style of Coco Chanel

She started her own company in an era before women worked outside the home, much less ran a company. She created a fashion empire that is highly regarded to this day. Her name is synonymous with timeless style and sophistication.

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in Saumur, France on August 19, 1883. After her mother’s death, she and her sister were placed in an orphanage to be raised by nuns. This is where Chanel learned to sew. After she left the orphanage, she embarked on a short-lived career as a singer, before she embarked on creating her signature fashion line. Chanel once quipped that her nickname “Coco” was derived from a shortened version of “cocotte”, meaning a “kept woman”.

Chanel opened her first shop in 1910 located Paris’s Rue Cambon. She began building her empire selling hats. By the 1920’s she had was making clothes and had expanded by adding shops in Deauville and Biarritz. She also launched her signature perfume Chanel No. 5. Chanel described perfume as “the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion”. In 1925 she introduced the legendary, iconic Chanel suit which featured a collarless jacket paired with a well-fitted skirt. Chanel is credited with introducing the “Little Black Dress” (LBD), a staple in every fashionable woman’s wardrobe.

Chanel believed fashion should be simple and comfortable to wear. This is why her company continues to thrive, even after her passing in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld joined the company in 1983, as it has continued to thrive. Chanel is a privately held company, which is worth an estimated $1.5 billion today.

Below is the Chanel suite from the runway of the Fall 2010 Collection in Paris France.  It is a timeless classic. 

Chanel Suite 2010 

Sources:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/coco_chanel_2.html
http://www.biography.com/articles/Coco-Chanel-9244165?part=0
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/chanel/
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/31/Chanel.html


Photo Credits:
http://www.fashify.com/events/be-a-fashion-icon-for-halloween-using-stuff-in-your-closet/
http://www.vuesociety.com/2009/08/09/day-12-classic-chanel/

The Fashion Bibles have Spoken

As I was sitting on the beach with one of my girls, who happens to have the luxury of watching the morning news, mentioned that she saw on the Today show that actresses in their 40’s were becoming more popular as cover girls on fashion magazines. When I think of fashion magazine cover girls, I usually think of some hopelessly pretty 20 year old girl who eats less than 1000 calories in a week. So seriously? A women in her 40’s on the cover of Vogue? I knew I had to google this tidbit of good news just as soon as I got home and washed the sand and sun block off my skin.

Much to my surprise I found the article on abc.go.com. In September, Vogue will feature Halle Barry (44) on the cover, Jennifer Aniston (41) will be on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, and Julia Roberts (42) on the cover of Elle. Keep in mind, in magazine world, September is considered the biggest month of the year in terms of ad sales. I know I have more than once spent my hard-earned money on the 5-pound September issue of Vogue. Why? Because I knew it would take days to study every single ad and article to determine exactly what I should be wearing this upcoming fall.


Have these bibles of female fashion taken leave of their senses? A leap of faith? Or do they know exactly what they are doing. Laura Brown, the projects/features director at Harper’s Bazaar finds these women “cool, fashionable, interesting – they have something to say”. Lesley Jane Seymour, the editor of More magazine concurs by saying women in their 40’s have “real style, real staying power, real beauty”. Elle editor-in-chief Robbie Myers agreed when she said “we don’t look at a subject’s age when we decide to put her on the cover”. “It’s a question of a certain kind of chic.”

As you are paging through the huge September issues of the fashion bibles, keep in mind that these editors chose women in their 40’s to grace their covers because they are interesting, have real style, and possess a certain kind of chic. As we all do…

Source: Doree Shafrir, http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11367005

My Mother, My Style Icon

My mother is my style icon. She loved her shoes, her dresses, and had a standing weekly appointment at the hair salon. I love my shoes, my dresses, and my collection of salon products. One of her favorite phrases was “you have to suffer to be beautiful”. Of course, her idea of suffering is different than mine. She wrapped her hair in hair nets nightly to keep her up-do in place while she slept, while I prefer to flat iron my hair daily. She squeezed into girdles to maintain a smooth look under her clothes, while if prefer 3x weekly Pilates classes. Somehow I think my suffering is a little more extreme, risking burns to get a sleek hairstyle, and contorting my body into positions that are meant to strengthen my core.

So is being stylish a trait we learn from our mothers? Do we knowingly or unknowingly emulate our mothers? My mother’s style icon was Jacqueline Kennedy. My mother loved knit suits, pillbox hats, and never met a pump she didn’t like. Although I do love a tailored suit, being a child of the 80’s, I incorporate a little rock n’ roll influence into my personal style. But as I get older I do realize that I emulate my mother’s tailored sense of style, therefore, my mother is my style icon.