October 31, 2013, 6:00 am
Fashion is having a Carrie Bradshaw moment, with tulle skirts taking center stage! I don't know if it is the 4-year-old prima ballerina in me, or the deliriously tired skewed style judgement, but either way, I'm kind of loving it.
Chiara of The Blonde Salad spun it out in a black tulle maxi skirt (similar here) and casual white tank to create a dramatic fashio statement. As the weather gets cooler combine a tutu-esque inspired skirt with a sweater and or fitted jacket to make it wearable.
Personally, I would style a tulle tutu skirt with tougher items (such as a biker jacket) to create an intriguing juxtaposition of sweet and saucy. Another great look would be to pair a tutu inspired skirt with pointed pumps and a cable knit sweater.
Shop Tulle Skirts:
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November 4, 2013, 6:00 am
This weekend I unpacked the last remaining fall clothing I had hidden away, which to my delight included my favorite hand warmers - fingerless leather gloves. Why fingerless, you may ask? For texting of course! I absolutely love my knit fingerless gloves, but for driving to work, the leather provides the grip I need along with a dose of biker babe edge.
Taylor Tomasi Hill showed off her style icon status in opera length metallic fingerless gloves, but I suggest breaking into the trend with a basic black pair. If you feel daring, try something with studs à la Karl Lagerfeld or make a bold statement with bright red pair. Just remember, no motorcycle is required when rocking this accessory trend - go ahead and pair your moto gloves with more feminine looks to achieve instant fashion street cred.
SHOP FINGERLESS LEATHER GLOVES
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November 6, 2013, 6:00 am
Mara Hoffman's debut bridal collection is a boho bride's dream com true. I think every woman with the slightest touch of bohemian beach goddess in her swooned when she heard the free spirited swimwear and ready-to-wear designer was releasing a wedding collection. Being that I'm still on the hunt for my "perfect" dress, I've contemplated ordering one of these ethereal dresses more than once this past week.
View the entire Death Valley set lookbook here.
Hoffman's bridalwear collection includes five bridal ensembles, a veil and two sexy white bathing suits (the bikini is begging to go with me to my Mexico destination wedding). All feature her signature exquisite detailing - embroidery, beading, lattice work - and are priced so both Loubie wearing and barefoot brides can enjoy.
Embroidered Gown $1,000/ Beaded Sheath Dress $1,000/ Lattice Gown $1,666/ Bridal Bustier $300 & Skirt $700 (also love this gownof hers for a unique bride)
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November 7, 2013, 12:20 pm
Is it time for holiday gift guides already?! Well, I heard Christmas music playing in an elevator last weekend, so I guess it is! This year I'm starting off with gifts for exorcise lovers. Whether she's a yogi or a runner, there is something for every fitness fanatic on your list.
1. Karma legwarmers, $28: Flashdance flashback! Karma's legwarmers will make everyone in her barre burn class green with envy.
2. Fitbit Zip, $60: Ignorance is not bliss when it comes to losing weight. Fitbit helps track steps, distance and calories wireless lyto make shaping up easier!
3. Agent iPod Nano Armband, $15: Help her hold tech securely when working out, with this graphic black & white armband. Pair it with an iPod Nano to give her an even big smile when unwrapping.
4. Sweaty Bands Headband, $15: There is nothing like a cute headband to look put together while you sweat! This glitter head wrap is only $15 and makes a great stocking stuffer
5. Yogoco Yoga Mat bag, $89: Even zen masters want a little fun sometimes! Yogoco mat bags are eco friendly and have compartments for everything she may need on her way to practice her sun salutations.
6. Nike training sneaker, $67: Bold and bright, Nike's cross training shoe is both lightweight and supportive.
7. Gaiam balance ball chair, $80: Help her get her core strength in gear while sitting at her desk with a sleek looking balance ball chair.
8. Swell Water bottle, $35: Plastic water bottles are soooo passe. Swell makes toxin-free, stainless steal, insulating water bottles in a variety of colors. Great gifts for eco friendly gym goer's on your list.
9. Zella moto jacket, $108: Zella makes go-to workout clothing for the fit fashionista. I tried their laminated moto jacket on over this hooded shirt and they are both now on my personal wish list!
10. Flight 001 Clean Gym Gear Bag, $30: For the workout maven who goes to the gym before work, these cute bags will help her separate her clean and sweaty clothes for easy storage. Would be a great addition to give with a gym outfit.
11. TruEnergy Earbuds, starting at $19.95: Last but not least, TruEnergy headphones are designed specifically for active women. They come with 3 different earbud sizes, sharing features and a microphone and are the best headphones I've found when it comes to staying in place while jogging!
All of my past gift guides including stocking stuffers for her and tech gifts for men can be found here.
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November 12, 2013, 6:00 am
Fall is in the air, which means there is no better time to bust out your best plaid. I've written about why plaid shirts are a wardrobe staple and you've see how I stylemy favorite plaid blouse, now it's time to take a look at ladies who play with plaid patterns in eye-catching ways.
Tied around the waist in an ode to grunge or perfectly preppy in the form of a blazer or scarf, plaid is on the prowl. This fall I'm especially loving mixed plaids, which create uniquely harmonious pattern on pattern looks.
PLAID OUTFIT IDEAS:
SHOP PLAID:
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November 13, 2013, 6:00 am
Harrods is an international shopping destination for luxury lovers, so when thinking about what I'm going to be putting on my Christmas list, Harrods.com was the perfect site to search. Handbags, beauty and shoes; these are the luxury items on my wish list as well as many other women around the globe.
Stella McCartney: Faux Leather Triple Handle Bag, Python Crossbody Bag, Stella McCartney Crystal Fold Over Bag
First up on my wish list is a statement handbag. Every time I go to New York for work I see at least one fashion editor carrying a Stella McCartney handbag. They can be dressed up or down and the signature chain detailing infuses a bit of rock and roll attitude to the designer bags.
Tom Ford is a name synonymous with sophistication and elegance. Richly pigmented colors and quality ingredients make Tom Ford Beauty buys perfect little luxuries for holiday gifts for her. Tom Ford fragrances smell divine, particularly when layered. Last year I received the intoxicatingly spicy Santal Blush and I'm up for adding to my collection;)
Last but not least on my wish list are a completely frivolous pair of designer shoes (my weak point). From tasseled booties to delicate lace loafers to metallic accented pumps, I want them all!! Although I may not have many occasions to wear any of these, that's what makes them fun to ask for!
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November 15, 2013, 11:18 am
Before we get into my gift guide for fitness gifts for men, let me make a disclaimer; I may not be a personal trainer, but I am a damn good shopper! When giving gifts I do my research, so for this guide I logged some serious time on Men's Health, Esquire and Men's Fitness trying to find the best workout gear to give a guy that's in shape or that wants to be.
1. Asics Gel-Noosa Tri 8,$129.99: Sporty Spice has nothing on the guy running down the street in these Asics! Moisture wicking, lightweight and supportive the Gel-Noosa's are perfect fits for the training triathlete.
2. J Lab Go2 Bluetooth Headphones,$49.99: He will love the technology and functionality behind these blootooth headphones. Wire free and sweat proof, you can shuffle your music or take calls using this unbeatable set of headphones. Heck, I want a pair myself!
3. Dr. Cool & Dr. Hot Bags, $16: A great stocking stuffer to ease aches in a man that goes hard in and out of the gym. And the quirky IV shapes are sure to bring a smile to his aches;)
4. Digital Cordless Jump Rope, $18.25: Combine 2 things men love, working out and technology with this digital jump rope. It not only tracks jumps but calories burned - just think twice about getting this for him if he has downstairs neighbors;)
5. The North Face Pullover, $80: Lightweight, sweat wicking and weather shielding, this pullover is great for working out or walking to the gym in not so pleasant weather. The North Face is a go to for performance wear for both men and women.
7. Nike FuelBand SE, $149: Get him geared up with one of the newest workout gadgets on the market, the Nike FuelBand SE Fitness Tracker. I don't know what this doesn't do...It tracks sleep, steps, calories, workouts and automatically syncs with iPhones.
8. Jerky of the Month Club, $74.85 for 3 months: If he's gone Paleo, a Jerky of the Month membership is the perfect gift - Christmas morning every month when he gets home to a package of healthy treats at his door!
9. Bowflex Adjustable Dumbells, $349: Meatheads rejoice! Bowflex adjustable weights (5 to 52.5 pounds) give guys the ability to pump iron in the comfort of their own home.
10. SmartWool PHD Running Socks, $15.97: Socks can be a determining factor in the comfort of your workout. These ultra light and padded socks come in a number of colors and are perfect for runs or hikes.
11. L.L, Bean Snowshoe Package, $199: Perfect for the outdoor lover, L.L. Bean's snowshoe package has everything he needs to get moving in freezing temperatures!
Additional gift guides including tech gifts for men and hostess gifts for her can be found here.
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November 18, 2013, 6:00 am
Nautical inspired fashions are often reserved for sailing through the spring and summer months, but I'm really loving the chic warmth that winter outfits with traditional nautical flair bring. When creating a nautical style in cold weather think cozy cable knit sweaters, military coats, stripes, and shades of red, navy and cream.
Follow the lead of the fashion players above to get the winter nautical look down to a tee. Olivia Palermo created a sophisticated nautical look with cream wide leg pants and a cable-knit sweater. Dark denim trousers and a pea coat make for a less formal yet still chic way to translate the trend. For a casual weekend look try mixing in a pair of cargo or leather pants. Fashion Editor Joanna Hillman knows that a red coat is a sure fire way to catch eyes while keeping warm.
SHOP WINTER NAUTICAL:
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November 19, 2013, 6:00 am
Skater girls rejoice, when it comes to "sport" shoes, slip on sneakers are the new wedge high tops. Although $650 may be too steep for my budget, it's hard to deny the fabulousness that is Givenchy's lace skate sneaker. The sporty silhouette mixed with feminine lace in black and white make them wearable and eye-catching. Think about how perfect they would be with some leather skinnies (*drooling..). Although I wouldn't want to risk it in the rain in these Givenchy slip-ons there are a number of other options from gold Tory Burch sneakers to classic under $50 Vans.
SHOP SLIP ON SNEAKERS:
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November 21, 2013, 2:24 pm
I've always been a big fan of both giving and receiving coffee table books as gifts. They make a great piece of eye candy for guests and are things people often don't buy for themselves. Last year I created a gift guide of coffee table books for fashion lovers (find it here), but this year I've broadened my horizons. Whether you are shopping for your party loving brother, label lover boss or your favorite hipster, there is a coffee table book for everyone on your list.
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November 25, 2013, 10:13 am
Happy Monday! And since it's a short work week, a happy Monday it is:) Over the weekend Blaine and I finally took our engagement photos. I wish I had some sneak peak photos but should be able to post all of them in a few weeks.
For our first look I wore a black leather corset dress, which I am completely obsessed with. It is a bit edgy and rock'n'roll, while still having a romantic feel. I plan to wear it on New Year's Eve but need a coat to complete my look, which is where BB Dakota's Cruz Coat comes in. The faux fur detachable shrug adds serious glamour to what could be basic black- and for work you can just take it off for a sophisticated, sleek lined look. For $150 the Cruz Coat is just what I need to complete my winter wardrobe! :)
BB DAKOTA Cruz Coat $150*
*SALE ALERT: Get the Cruz Coat and more for a break! November 26 to December 2, Shopbop and its menswear counterpart East Dane are offering a sale: A $250 purchase will get you 15 percent off, a $500 buy will save you 20 percent, and $1,000, you'll get 25 percent off.
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November 26, 2013, 7:48 am
Who doesn't love fall season beauty? The cooler weather gives an excuse to go more dramatic with makeup (without sweating it off) and dramatic beauty looks balance heavy clothing. My favorite fall/winter beauty trend, which revives itself year after year, is deep, dark, oxblood nails. This fall from runways to subways, deep vampy red nail polish can be seen on women of all ages and styles.
There is something very mysterious and sexy about a woman wearing a deep shade of nail polish - it screams "I'm in charge." But, if vampy nails are a bit too much for you, consider one of this year's favorite nail art trends: a neutral manicure with dark red tips or a half moon manicure. Oxblood nail polish comes in a variety of shades to compliment all skin tones, including deep brown red, purple under hued reds, and black red with a hint of shimmer. The hardest part about achieving an oxblood manicure, may just be picking your favorite color;)
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November 29, 2013, 11:03 am
Happy belated Thanksgiving! And now that the gorging is over, here comes the real fun, Black Friday and Cyber Monday SALES!!! There are six days less of holiday shopping time than usual so it's time to get going. The best way to maximize your time is to shop online, so get to clicking! Below are some of my favorite Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales for gifts for others and myself;) WEST ELM:Through December 1st save up to 25% on everything at West Elm! Get gifts for him such as moscow mule mugs and gifts for coworkers such as terrariums. It's also the perfect time to indulge in the big ticket items you've been eyeing for your own place (in my case the rug I've wanting forever).
SHOPBOP: What fashion fiend can deny the allure of a Shopbop sale?! Through December 2nd spend $250+ & Save 15%, spend $500+ & Save 20%, spend $1000+ & Save 25% with the code BIGEVENT13 at checkout. This partnered with new amazing markdowns make it the perfect time to stock up on things you've been eyeing for weeks such as that Pashli satchel or Rag & Bone Booties.
BURKE DECOR: Shop gifts galore with Burke Decor's Black Friday weekend savings! $15 off orders of $50+ with code 15PLEASE, $35 off orders over $100 with code 35PLEASE, $75 off orders over $200 with code 75PLEASE, $200 off orders over$525 with code 200PLEASE and $600 off orders over $1500 with code 600PLEASE
TORY BURCH: Now through 12.2.13
buy more, save more at Tory Burch! Spend $300 get 20% off, $500 get 25% off and spend $750 and get 30% off! Perfect time to buy gifts for moms such as the classic
handbag or
riding boots she's been wanting (and a little Tory in your own closet never hurts either..).
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December 4, 2013, 6:00 am
Last holiday season I posted on sequin jackets (which I still love), but this season I decided to embrace my inner party girl and homage to sequin pants! I know what you are thinking... but rest assured you don't have to be an Olsen twin or a fashion model to rock the look. As the Gypsy Sisters say, "Bling Bling Baby." White sequins are a refreshing change from expected metallics. A lose fit pant keeps the look sophisticated.
Channel your inner rockstar by day with sequin leggings, trainers and a statement tee.Go for the gold! Pair gold sequin pants with winter white, basic black, or a pop of color - for holiday parties you can't go wrong when sticking to this timeless metallic!
Taylor Tomassi Hill made her sequin print pants day to night appropriate with a solid top and killer shoes. You may want to add a moto jacket to beat the chill, just an idea;)
When wearing blinged out leggings try classic black pumps to elongate legs
Sequin track pants worn with a chunky sweater make a perfect winter combo.
More is more when you are an Olsen twin. Fur and sequins... bring it!
Sequins become daytime appropriate when paired with business worthy extras.
So, tell me I'm not alone in craving a show stopping pair of stunna pants? Well you're welcome because I've done a bit of online browsing to find the bests sequin trousers and leggings out this season, have at it;)
Slouchy Sequin Pants
Skinny Sequined Pants
Paige sequin front pants, Wildfox Skinny Sequin Pants (also in blue), BCBG Sequin Pants, French Connection Sequin Leggings, Lovers Friends sequin trousers (also in black here)*Images via Harper's Bazaar, Pinterest, Stockholm Streetstyle, And So We Ramble, Style.com
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December 9, 2013, 5:30 am
From your selfie obsessed sister to your silly office mate, a tech gadget or accessory makes a great gift for everyone on your list. Check out these fun tech gifts under $50 and f you have a bit more to spend, check out my cool tech gifts for guys and tech gifts for her.
2. Q iPhone Card Wallet $40 - The perfect item to help minimize things to carry and keep track of. I'm getting one for my guy and one for myself!
3. The Sharper Image Remote Key Finder $10 - A perfect stocking stuffer for the absent minded professor in your life, a remote key finder will make getting out the door infinitely easier;)
4. Gobba Goods the Selfie $20 - Know someone that never met a bad selfie (at least in their mind)? This iPhone remote is sure to be one of their favorite gifts of the holiday.
5. Portolono Tech Gloves $38 - Cozy cashmere blend gloves with tech-friendly finger tips are must haves for cold weather! These come in 9 rich colors. For men, check out these.
7. Jonathan Adler iPhone charger $28 - Never run out of batteries with a colorful backup iPhone charger. This has saved my battery life over and over again!
8. Dancing Robot Portable Speaker $40 - Get your groove on with a dancing portable speaker. A great gift for jokesters or those that log hours at their desks.
9. Jot Flip Stylus & Pen $35 - Have someone in your life that complains about typing on an iPhone? This stylus is the answer - and it has a pen as well for convenience.
10. Karma DIY Reddit Interface $30 - This DIY controller makes surfing Reddit like a video game - its a must buy for those like my fiance that are proud Reddit geeks:)
12. Hand Candy Samba Headphones $44 - Help her look fashionable and tech savvy with lightweight earbuds (with built-in microphone) that have a necklace like cord.
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December 10, 2013, 6:00 am
To say it has been cold in the SF Bay Area recently is an understatement...it is freaking frigid (especially for So Cal natives like myself)! During the brief weekend rain I discovered my umbrella has gone missing, which was a perfect excuse to stay inside and shop online for a new one. And what better to pair with a fashionable umbrella than a fun pair of rain boots! I'm sure any of the fab and functional umbrella and rain boot pairings below will help keep away the rainy day blues. Now the hard part - to pick a favorite!
Shop More Umbrella & Rain Boot Pairings:
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December 12, 2013, 8:35 am
Have you seen the Sea Resort 2014 collection yet? Be careful because it may tempt you to get out your credit cards. The New York based contemporary brand known for sporty separates has brought a collection filled with pieces equally fit for battling big city sidewalks as they are walking down a beach in Mexico.
Speaking of walking down a beach in Mexico, I wish I would have snagged their new baja inspired hoodie and matching shorts before I left for my trip to Puerto Vallarta this morning. Not to rub it in, but I'm off to soak in some sun and do some wedding planning:). I will however be investing in one of their eyelit dresses for our pre-wedding festivities this spring.
The Sea Resort 2014 collection is available here, here and here.
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December 19, 2013, 5:30 am
Last Thursday Blaine and I departed for Puerto Vallarta, where we met my mom for a long weekend of wedding planning! I couldn't dream of a better Christmas present then taking a vacation with the two people I love most in this world.
When we arrived at the Casa Magna Marriott we were lucky enough to discover there was a baby turtle release that evening. It was a completely magical experience, if you ever have the chance to do something of the sort, take it!
We spent Friday with our wedding planners from The Dazzling Details, who were beyond amazing. After spending time with them we are all even more confident in their ability to execute an affair to remember (for a little wedding eye candy, check out their Facebook). We toured several different private villas and came to a unanimous decision on where our wedding will be held this spring! We also had a tasting with our wedding caterers at Plush Catering & Events, and I have to say, our guests are in for a delicious meal:)
Saturday was a meeting with the events coordinator at Casa Magna to plan our welcome dinner and a hair and makeup trial (although I haven't decided on wedding hair yet... suggestions?). We also ate at some great restaurants in Puerto Vallarta and logged some quality pool time. The only thing we didn't do was take enough pictures!
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| My beautiful mom scouting a potential wedding venue |
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| Scouting a private villa for our wedding |
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| Rough afternoon at the pool |
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| Blaine and I |
Now that our vacation is complete, we are in the final 5 months of our wedding countdown and it feels completely surreal (and overwhelming). But what else can I say... Viva la Mexico!!
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December 23, 2013, 6:00 am
Tis the season for excess, and what more excessive than an over the top, colored fur (or faux fur) coat! I'm slightly obsessed with this multi color fur paired over an unexpected floral dress. If a patchwork fur coat is a bit too bohemian rhapsody for you, check out this Phillip Lim fur handbag for a subtler take on the colored fur trend.
From navy stripes to emerald knee length coats, the more statement making the (faux) fur, the better this season. I mean ladies, it only takes one statement coat to turn you into an instant street style star...(or PETA target)...wear at your own risk;).
Shop colored fur coats:
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December 24, 2013, 10:15 am
The Christmas holiday is here again! I'm spending the week in San Diego with my fiance, mom and grandmother. This year with all the wedding planning we haven't done as much holiday celebrating (or shopping) as usual, but none the less, it is still my favorite time of the year.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays!
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