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/