Friday, December 31, 2010

Does the Grinch Loathe New Years Too?

New Years is not an actual holiday, not by a long shot. I generally despise this non-holiday and try to boycott when I can. No, its not the lack of man friend to smooch at midnight that has me all bitter. It doesn't help matters when I kiss my own hand at the stroke of midnight, but its not the root of my problem. What I really loathe is the expectation for something awesome to happen. An amazing party to be the most fun, worth all the money, worthy of a great outfit, equaling a steamy makeout session, and celebrate all night. When the majority or none of the above actually happen, the let down is physical and hurts for days. I generally refuse to waste my time, but this year when my seemingly awesome and low key plans fell through, I was suckered into purchasing an expensive ticket and coordinating an outfit. I am keeping expectations low, and thankful I am close enough to walk home if need be. Not to bring everyone down, I'm sure you will all have a lovely night. You just now know exactly where I stand on this night for future reference. Happy New Year!

My verbal outburst is similar to Harry....before he met Sally.

Just like in Someone Like You, this could have been my night.
I feel your pain Ashley Judd  

Hope everyone is bedecked in bling like Smith and Samantha tonight.
Enjoy your night and be safe!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

White Christmas in Cabo

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from the white sands of Cabo San Lucas!!! I will not be able to write anything until after the New Year, sorry to leave all you faithful readers hanging but a girl´s just got to get her tan on.

Feliz Navidad and to all a good night.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Inspiration Board: Holiday Party Outfit

I was recently perusing the BCBG website and saw an outfit featuring a lacy top with black slim pants. Seemed simple enough, but I immediately fell in love with this idea for holiday party dressing. I have decided I'd like to rebel this winter and banish my tights for a more comfortable look. No more cold wind cutting underneath my dress or constant sucking in to be sure my dress lays flat. I love the idea of a fancy top with simple black pants at a Christmas party, unexpected like a women wearing a tuxedo to the black tie affair. I have a gold top with a large collar that often seems too garish to wear for just another night out. I was drawn to the flash but rarely pull the trigger when dressing. Happy to say this image has convinced me the top can shine like a true star come Thursday night for my holiday fiesta.  Add some giant stud earrings and a cuff, or a huge statement necklace, and all eyes will definitely be on you. Enjoy that fifth glass of champagne in comfort AND style, my friends.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Last Minute Gifts

I tend to wait until the last minute for everything and have to remind myself day after day to do something, like get a dress hemmed or go grocery shopping, until I have one day its too late and I have to basically go naked or starve to death.  But when it comes to gifts, I am the WORST.  I never know what to get someone, and put it off because I always pick something I want rather than thinking about what the recipient likes (usually my sister bears the brunt of this problem).  But I think I have done it this year, I found things I totally dig and honestly believe others would want them, not just me.  As we round the corner to the last few days before Christmas, I'm sure more than a few of you haven't bought gifts for co-workers, siblings, parents, etc. Below are a few great and affordable gifts that are easy to buy in person, since shipping is tough now that you waited so late (I feel your pain....). Just burn rubber in your car or sprint to the subway to pick up these great gifts. Also, if you are Jewish like me and never got anyone anything for Hanukkah (it happens, we have no designated foliage to leave presents under), these are a good "after-thought" gift for someone.
Container Store Gold or Silver ipod dock - $19.99
Perfect to use on the desk at work, in your bedroom, or when traveling 
iTunes gift card
Get it at the Apple store (obvi) or local drugstores and Walmart for $15, $25, $50, $100 Guaranteed anyone you gift this with will use it, even my 63 year old dad has an ipod
Scarf from Zara, $39.99
They make a bunch of great scarves with different textures for a low price, girls can always wear another scarf
Fujifilm Instax 210 Instant Color Camera from Wal-Mart, Target, or
Best Buy, $79
Fantastic gift, fun to use and unexpected!

Lulu Frost for J.Crew modern deco crystal shield earringsMartha bracelet
J. Crew jewelry
Every girl loves all that J. Crew has to offer, and both sparkly items pictured are just $95


And lastly, if you're willing to forget the stores and just want overnight shipping...
Pantone® Mugs in 28 colors, $14.99 each
Mugs from original Pantone colors are pretty coveted, I have heard multiple friends comment on them. I love the idea of sending someone a pretty set of 4 or 6

Brand Obsession: Hunter Dixon

My love for Hunter Dixon started back in 2007, when girls from my first PR job pranced around the office in gorgeous dresses with bold ruffle shoulders.  I was new to the fashion PR world and craved to look just as fabulous as my fancy coworkers. I was then in a stage of my life where Forever 21 ruled my closet and the Nanette Lepore dress worn on my first day of the job was borrowed from my sister (my style was ready to blossom, I just didn't have the funds or the know how to help it flourish). I thought Hunter Dixon was incredible and right up my alley - structured dresses, fitted jackets, and silky tops in bright colors and patterns. It was all so fabulous and the style of the brand reminds me of my now fashion hero, Olivia "Perfection" Palermo.  Its over three years later, and I'm still just as in love with the brand. Unfortunately I never got to own one of the prized dresses they made back in the day, but I'm happy to report I own a few other pieces that have plenty of rotation in my closet.

I recently got the Hazel top ($285) in hot pink and my co-workers raved that the color "made their day" (I never lie about fashion, I received three comments of that nature). I also broke down and bought the gorgeous but more expensive Peppy coat, available in Saks stores but not online ($605). It was a splurge for sure that tested my shopping addiction but I am obsessed with the furry, cozy collar and the flutter of the bottom half. But I have AMAZING NEWS - right now enter code HDPROMO25 and you'll get 25% off and free shipping! Happy holidays, my lovely readers.



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Zanessa No More

Why is everyone so shocked that Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens split? Yes they were together for a while, but it was the equivalent of a high school romance, which are NEVER meant to last. What is so shocking is not that they broke up, but that it took Zac this long to drop the dead weight. His star has continued to rise, while Vanessa and her mediocre voice have made movies like BandSlam, Beastly, and Sucker Punch. She should seriously reconsider her career path and look into nursing school or something. Look, I'm sure she's a nice girl and all, but to be a real star in Hollywood you have to actually do something worth while, not ride on the coattails of your steamy, successful boyfriend on all the red carpets. I'll be happy when she starts fading into oblivion and I no longer am punished with her annoying babyface in all my Zac Efron paparazzi shots. Zac is just a good jewish boy at heart and all he needs is the right jewish girl to boss him around and have a freshly baked noodle kugel ready when he gets home from filming....call me.

ZAC & VANESSA photo | Vanessa Hudgens, Zac Efron
*image from People.com

Snuggly Booties

I have been incorporating heels more to my work wardrobe, but not stilettos. More like the black boots from Forever 21 I mentioned here which I've already worn with countless fall outfits. I'm a fan of the sturdy heel or wedge for day to feel more professional since my 5'2" stature doesn't exactly scream "Woman in Charge." Since I sit at my desk in front of a computer for the majority of the day, pain from 12 hours of wear isn't really an issue. As the first snow of New York falls tonight, it is now officially too cold to venture out of the house without boots, so I found some adorable cozy booties that keep an outfit cute even with bulky layers.

 
Matt Berenson "Rogue," $133.20 on sale


BCBGeneration "Melo," $74.48 on sale

310x420
Matt Bernson "Bomber" Wedge Bootie, $220 but currently Tobi has a coupon for 30% off
Enter shop30 at checkout to make them $154!

Deena and Ozzy Lace Up Wedge Boot, $78
I love the idea of this bootie worn with heather grey socks scrunched down
over tights or with black knee high socks

Monday, December 6, 2010

Model Stalker: Jacquelyn Jablonski

Currently, I'm in a phase of curiousity about the "It" American models right now. They seem to be rare but have gained more momentum in the last couple of years leading the pack. Since I don't follow politics much, my patriotism come from when I support the American models. Before you rip into me about this, just remember - a key word in the title of this blog is frivolous. Haters to the left.

I have been reading all about the buzz on Jacquelyn for the past year, and even saw her walk in the Jason Wu show back in September. So imagine my delight when I was watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, the mecca for major models of the moment, and Jacquelyn hits the runway alongside my other fav model Lily Aldridge. I knew she modeled in the VS catalog and was happy to see her represent among the big names at the show. 


2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Jason Wu Spring 2011

Tommy Hilfiger Fall 2010 ad campaign

J.Crew Fall 2010 Catalog

Cover Up To Hang Out

I saw this picture of Dakota Fanning a couple of months ago as she was leaving the airport, and I can't help thinking how chic she looks in that poncho sweater. Yes I know it's a shapeless shift, but it looks amazingly cozy. I understand we should always aim to dress in a way that's flattering to our bodies and not hide behind fabric, but sometimes a girl gets an unfortunate "food baby" and a curve hugging top is not our friend. In the winter when everyone is layering against the cold, I say feel free to hide behind a cute cape/poncho sweater and go to town on a yummy meal. Follow Dakota's lead and show off your legs in skinny jeans (I suggest adding knee high boots for a more everyday look), or you could do dark flare jeans to balance out the top (the flare style tends to make any backside look bangin') and wear with heels. Below, I have picked a few versions for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Personally, I own a heather grey cape jacket from Susana Monaco that I break out with a black tutleneck and jeans and it never fails, people always tell me its a great look.

DAKOTA'S PONCHO photo | Dakota Fanning

Image 1 of ASOS Military Knitted Cape
ASOS, Military Knit Cape $62.06

Gap, Knit Poncho $79.50

black
Nanette Lepore, "Get a Clue" Cape $199 on sale

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Macy's Friends and Family Discount

I love when a store opens up an employee discount (or slightly less than usual) for the masses. This week its Macy's turn, offering 25% off from December 1st - 6th, INCLUDING SALE ITEMS. Enter MACYSFF for the discount and free shipping. So get out there and support JSimps and Michael Kors - help fill their pockets with your cash. A few of my favorite finds below:

BCBG Leather and Knit dress, on sale for $179.99

I long to own the $575 Brian Atwood Maniac pump that all the celebrities wear, however this is a fantastic imitation and I'm in love. It's most likely the closest I'll ever come to owning the Maniac, but I'm ok with second place. Also comes in black leather or black patent.


RACHEL Rachel Roy Chubby Vest, on sale for $89.99


Michael Kors Watches in Brown Tortoise, $180, and Oversize Rose Gold, $250
I get at least a compliment a day on my similar MK tortoise watch, I highly recommend picking this one up. While the last thing I need is another watch, I'm in love with the look of the rose gold version, which is oh so very trendy at the moment.

Also, my fave MK coat is still on sale and now with 25% off, you'd be a FOOL not to get such a warm, cozy coat.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Brownie Pudding

As it gets closer to Christmas, holiday parties will soon pile up. I remember this time last year when I had needed an item to bring to my office party. During my brief stint in "funemployment," I watched a lot of Food Network and was particularly struck by an episode of Barefoot Contessa. It was when Ina makes brownie pudding for her husband on their anniversary and let me tell you, it looked so incredibly extravagant and delectable I could have licked the screen. My mouth still waters thinking about it. And so I'd like to share the recipe with you, lovely followers (all 18 of you). This will for sure be a hit served up with some vanilla bean ice cream. Its a little more complicated to make, having to beat the mix and bake surrounded by water so it won't cook through, but definitely worth it in the end, TRUST me.



Ingredients: 
1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for buttering the dish
4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup good cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Seeds scraped from 1 vanilla bean
1 tablespoon framboise liqueur, optional
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly butter a 2-quart (9 by 12 by 2-inch) oval baking dish. Melt the 1/2 pound of butter and set aside to cool.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed for 5 to 10 minutes, until very thick and light yellow. Meanwhile, sift the cocoa powder and flour together and set aside.
  3. When the egg and sugar mixture is ready, reduce the speed to low and add the vanilla seeds, framboise, if using, and the cocoa powder and flour mixture. Mix only until combined. With mixer still on low, slowly pour in the cooled butter and mix again just until combined.
  4. Pour the brownie mixture into the prepared dish and place it in a larger baking pan. Add enough of the hottest tap water to the pan to come halfway up the side of the dish and bake for exactly 1 hour. A cake tester inserted 2 inches from the side will come out 3/4 clean. The center will appear very under-baked; this dessert is between a brownie and a pudding.
  5. Allow to cool and serve with vanilla ice cream.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Indian Summer

I saw this sweater by Left on Houston in Lucky magazine a few months back and put it on my fall wishlist. A few (ok, a lot) of miscellaneous purchases later and I had to shelf the dream of owning it. I am still thinking about the great navajo print and graphic black/white which keeps the sweater jacket interesting. I would wear this with grey jeans and my hot pink Giuseppe Zanoti python flats, or black skinny pants or leggings with my red Miu Miu mary jane pumps, or even with my Zara leopard flats and a big sparkly necklace - I always prefer to go bold with accessories.

The jacket went on sale at Saks.com down to $118, and just a tip - if you sign up for the saks.com newsletter, you'll get an email for 10% off a purchase.  *You could do what I did and create an email account just for junkmail from online shopping. That way you'll still receive coupons but they won't clog up your actual email or tempt you if you aren't looking for another reason to shop.



Funny enough, as I went to find other favorite items for a new post, I realized two of the items I have been continually lusting after are also from tribal influences:

Resin Lariat Super Skinny Jeans

Resin Denim makes the Lariat Super Skinny Jean with this cool, faint aztec print. Patterns don't work on a thick thigh like mine, but I am digging the effect on these jeans. I wish I controlled more than a few of my friends' wardrobes and wallets, I'd force these jeans on them in a heartbeat. $154

House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Wrap Ring

Lately, I have really been into the rings from House of Harlow 1960 but honestly the entire line is cool (and affordable). I love the Tribal Wrap Ring in the gold and am mesmorized by the look of the huge ring on a finger. $65

Bendel Girl

Ever since my Aunt Joanie first walked me through the aisles of Henri Bendel's as a young shopaholic, I have never forgotten the excitement of seeing the brown and white Bendel stripes. My sister and I took a Black Friday stroll through the new and improved (now accessories only) store and I quickly realized it housed all the things you don't need and never really knew you wanted until you see it. There were so many cute little items everywhere I turned, it was tough to keep a tight grip on my wallet. Now that the store has e-commerce available (www.henribendel.com), its the perfect place to buy gifts for friends or stocking stuffers.

Henri Bendel by Imposter Earmuffs gallery 0

Adorable and incredibly soft earmuffs, my favorite winter accessory, $68
(I refuse to ridge my freshly straightened hair with a winter hat)
Centennial Stripe Jewelry Roll gallery 0
Centennial Stripe Jewelry Roll gallery 0
Jewelry bag for travel, something you never think about until your
necklaces are tangled or an earring is bent, $55

Bendel Bow Small Puppy Bowl gallery 0

I don't even own a pet, and this little bowl had me melting, $30

Bendel Loves New York Silk Scarf gallery 0

Who would want to fold this scarf?
I keep picturing it framed on my wall as a work of art, $58

Thursday, November 18, 2010

There She Is, Grab Her!!!

Just wanted to share this funny photo....look at the difference in faces. Jennifer Love Hewitt on the left looking ecstatic to have snagged a photo with an A Lister, and Rachel Zoe on the right looking mortified but trying to hide it while stuck in a photo with a D Lister.

Also, for discussion - How the hell is RZ's body able to sustain a pregnancy? I was sure they'd hire a surrogate to "preserve the pretty."

                                        *image from USMagazine.com

Copy Cat

I despise everything about Jenny Humprey, the character as well as the girl who simply portrays her on TV.  BUT Eric Daman, the stylist from Gossip Girl, definitely knows his shiz. My girl Aubree and I agreed that the one good thing about her which ALMOST detracted from those God Awful extensions was this really fun sweater from Alice + Olivia. $365 from Net-a-Porter, currently sold out on ShopBop. 

Alice + Olivia 

Monday, November 15, 2010

Desperate (to be a) Housewife

Thank you Morgan for alerting me to some pressing celebrity news, my gurl JSimps got engaged over the weekend. I want to be happy for her, surely I do, but not so sure I approve. I'm feeling like this is too good to be true for poor emotionally needy Jess. I don't trust Eric - the ink isn't even dry on his divorce papers and he's already purchased a ticket on the gravy train, he knew a ring would lock her and her Macy's money down. He went to an ivy league school to play football, then played third string quarter back for a few teams, and his latest title boasts "Jessica Simpson's boyfriend with no job in sight"...clearly ambition is not his forte. And by the looks of that ring, he figured he didn't need to try too hard. A ruby on a gold band, really? He didn't even spring for classic diamond and platinum, sure sign that he didn't have much to go on with the money left from his divorce and saw giant dollar signs on Jessica's chest for his future.

I hope she's not jumping in with blind rage at the annoucement of Nick and Vanessa's engagement, those two crazy kids are solid and will definitely work out in the long run. For Jessica and lazy (but hot) Eric, the future remains to be seen. I give it less than a year before they either call off the engagement or jump into marriage and the subsequent divorce. I have even higher hopes for Lamar and Khloe lasting longer, and that ain't saying much.


*image from PopSugar.com

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Brrrrr







Winter coats - we all need them. But who wants to be boring in black or built like the Michelin man (unable to put your hands at your side)? Not. I. So I have picked my favorite coats to snuggle up.

I love love love me a faux fur chubby.  Sometimes a cropped fur jacket can channel more Jenny from the Block and less every day wear, but I think this one from Juicy is adorable.  It looks super warm and perfect for nights out or a day full of errands. 

For the puffer, I say the MICHAEL Michael Kors jacket (that everyone and their neighbor has) is the best buy. There is a reason its so popular, it is warm and actually fairly slimming. I have the above version from Bluefly, but you can also get a similar one from Macy's for $120, act now!!

For color, I threw in the purple Tulle jacket. Two years ago I bought an emerald green wool Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket and I have yet to regret the high price tag. I get a MILLION compliments on my chic coat, and it doesn't matter that it won't go with all colors, the coat makes (and covers) the outfit no matter what. You don't have to be boring in black.

The Mara Hoffman coat I die for and wish I could make an addtion to my closet, but alas, I have no need for it this time around. Maybe next winter. Just had to put it up for all the bloggersphere to collectively swoon at its coziness.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Website I Love

I was lucky enough to meet Hanneli Mustaparta during Fashion Week when I was a minion stuck at the door for check-in. She is a stunning former model who takes street style photos of high fashion names, my favorite. Hanneli was so sweet and I couldn't help but admit my love for her blog. Normally I would try not to geek out so hard to someone I recognize, but she was so gracious and happy to learn I was a follower. All the pictures are of herself and friends in expensive designer or cheap vintage threads.

Hanneli has been everywhere lately, she was all over the Fashion Week scene and showing up in Vogue. Doesn't hurt that she's gorgeous and impossibly thin, but what a wonderful life she has, simply from a blog about pictures of interesting fashionistas.

Sigh, I have high hopes for this blog.

8363-2-hanneli-mustaparta-768x521

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Inspiration Board: Hilary Duff

I mentioned in an earlier post that I am trying to incorporate more scarves into my wardrobe. I look at pictures of my girl HDuff and she has the right idea. Scarves have become her signature look - she throws on the accessory and voila, girl's got an outfit. She's all about the big accessories to slim down the body and I like her thought process: big earrings, big glasses, big scarf, big purse deflect from anything busting out on that hourglass figure.

You could go with the a skinny scarf, the traditional long scarf wrapped around, the oversize square scarf or an infinity loop (the latter two are new favorites of mine). Trust, this is so easy to pull off and seem stylish. I wore a red square scarf tied around my neck with a long black GAP tank, Uniqlo black boyfriend blazer, dark J Brand Lovestory flare jeans and black booties and was told multiple times how cute I looked. And it was so PLAIN, the scarf is just what pulled it all together. So go forth, my children, and invest in a scarf from H&M or Urban Outfitters and you too can be as stylin' as me and HDuff.