Archive for December, 2009

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My Favorite Things in 2009

December 27, 2009

Julie Andrews sang about “raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens” as some of her favorite things; I must admit that my faves are a little less esoteric and a little more materialistic than Ms. Andrews’, but here are the top 10 things I fell in love with this year – please don’t hold it against me!

  1. My Kindle; I love to read and carrying my library with me wherever I go is an absolute treat.
  2. The heart-stopping sparkling diamond jewelry at Kwiat.
  3. Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico – hands down, one of the most wonderful resort experiences I’ve ever had and the folks at Travel&Leisure agree too!
  4. My YSL Gold Tribute Shoes; they’re killer but they make my legs look great.
  5. Frozen yogurt with lychees and almonds at Pinkberry.
  6. Cashmere leggings from Kier+J – they’re oh so warm and definitely downtown hipster chic.
  7. Falafel sandwiches from Maoz Vegetarian - good quality and great prices.
  8. Marie Jasmin’s SWEAT Cardio Sculpt classes at Equinox are fabulous; she’s a wonderful trainer and whipped my butt into shape this year.
  9. I’ve been dreaming about owning one of Kristen Farrell’s Mystical Talon pendants, they’re absolutely to die for!
  10. I fell in love with Mara Hoffman’s beautifully patterned clothes, bathing suits and beach coverups.

I’d love to hear what some of your favorite things are  … LMK.

Happy New Year!!!!

[images clockwise from Kwiat, YSL, Kristen Farrell, Maoz Vegetarian, Mara Hoffman, Pinkberry, Rosewood Mayakoba, Amazon and Equinox]

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Gift Wrapping – Make It Pretty

December 20, 2009

Although the economy is reportedly re-bounding, many of us are still conserving cash this holiday season which means that there may not be as many gifts under the Christmas tree on Friday.  Just because it may take less time and effort to undress the tree, doesn’t mean that the gifts underneath it shouldn’t be stylishly wrapped – make the presentation worthy of the present!  Think of it this way, creative gift wrap is an opportunity to express both yourself and how much the recipient means to you.

  • Go Green – Use all of your paper leftover from past years; to unify the presents use the same color bows and ribbons on each gift.  Or, gather those Whole Foods bags you’ve stashed away or the newspapers that have piled up.
  • Color Coordinate – If starting from scratch, buy a few rolls of a patterned paper along with a solid color that coordinates with the pattern.  Find bows and ribbon in a contrasting color.
  • Layer  Coordinating Papers – Mix and match patterns, colors, and textures. When wrapping your gift, begin with one pattern, then run a band of complementary paper around the center. Finish with a velvet ribbon for added texture.
  • Go Graphic – Don’t limit yourself to using papers with holiday motifs and colors.  Try mixing in nontraditional graphic designs that you can use year around.

If you’re looking for interesting, unique and beautiful gift wrapping paper, check out a few of these sites:  Cavallini & Co., Kate’s Paperie, and Pikku Wares.

A beautifully wrapped present heightens fun and anticipation!

Happy Holidays!!!

[image from Country Living]

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Buckle Up!

December 16, 2009

shou_pic

While visions of sugar plums are dancing in the heads of others, I’m craving another one of Ann Lansing’s belts, the buckle and strap combo are so retro – you know you had a belt from Pappagallo – but Annie’s creativity gives them  just the right amount of edge!  I’m hoping Santa leaves me a new one for Christmas.  To insure Santa leaves one of Annie’s belts under the tree for you, pick up one for yourself at Ann Lansing’s holiday trunk show this Saturday if you’re in New York.

WHERE: The Lancome Boutique, 201 Columbus Avenue (@69th Street), 212.362.4858

WHEN: This Saturday, December 19th, 4-8pm

WHY: Her belts are unique, fun to wear and 10% of each belt purchase will benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering.  Plus, if you buy a belt and then want to buy some makeup, you’ll get 10% off of all Lancome purchases.  Oh, and there will be free goodies, champagne and hors d’oeurves.  Sounds like a great way to kick-off the holidays!

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[images from Ann Lansing Design]

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Fur!!!! Glorious Fur!!!!!

December 13, 2009

J Mendel fur

I’m obsessed with fur.  Plain and simple.  Have been since I was a little girl growing up in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  I remember going to Dittrich Furs with my mom as she amassed a nice little collection of furs – there was the silver 3/4-length mink wrap coat with the notched lapels (I loved the coat, she had a great pair of silvery-grey high-heeled boots she wore with it – Mom, where is that coat?!?!?!); the racoon jacket that she’d wear during the week when she drove my dad’s Corvette and look oh so chic; and then the beaver full length coat for those really really cold Michigan winters. I think her love of fur was a direct result of my grandmother’s love affair with fur – it runs in the family (my Aunt Kay had a fur fetish too, I was lucky enough to inherit all of her furs when she moved to Florida).

My mother initiated me into all things fur when I was 20.  I was home from college for Thanksgiving; we were at Dittrich’s picking up her furs.  There was a great full-length opposum coat on sale. Perfect for a young lady my mom said.  So, it became mine.  I loved that coat.  I’ve now passed my first real fur on to one of my young friends, she’s been initiated into the way of all things fur.  It was the least I could do.

Now, let’s be clear – I love all kinds of fur – faux, vintage, new – I don’t discriminate.  Yes,  I’m aware of the ethical issues and I’ve worked those out for myself.  If you have issues with fur, you do and you’re not alone.  I’m not writing this posting to convince anyone to drink my particular brand of koolaid on this point. However, I am writing it because wearing fur, faux or real, is a luxurious experience.  This season the retail industry has done a bang-up job of providing those who don’t believe in fur, along with those whose bank accounts may not ready for fur, with a plethora of fabulous options.  The folks at TopShop get STYLEpoints  for having the most penny-saving stylish faux furs out there this season – Kate Moss has designed her butt off. H&M, Tory Burch, and Rebecca Taylor are on the bandwagon too.

So, if you’re on the fence – try a faux fur.  If you’ve been hankerin’ after a real fur but weren’t sure of the direction to head in – go for it!  Any questions about what to buy, where and how?  Shoot me an email.

Be FURablous this Winter!

[image from Style.com]

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Stylish Stocking Stuffer

December 8, 2009

The Little Purple Book of STYLE makes a great stocking stuffer, Hanukkah present, Secret Santa gift or gift topper.  Give your friends and family the gift of STYLE this holiday season!  Order by December 18th to insure delivery by December 24th. Place your order here.

“I graduated from Harvard last year and found The Little Purple Book of STYLE extremely valuable in my transition from college to the world of investment banking. The Little Purple Book of STYLE is a fantastic quick primer on dressing in today’s workplace for young professionals.”  - Alexis Cepeda Maule

“I graduated from law school more than 10 years ago, but have struggled with feeling professional and stylish in the workplace.  Kalyn’s Little Purple Book of STYLE helped me to bridge the gap.  I wish I’d had it 10 years ago when I started practicing.”  - Jennifer Turner

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