Saks Holiday Gift Guide-

We all try to do our best to plan holiday shopping way in advance but extra assistance is always appreciated. Luckily, there’s Saks Fifth Avenue's Holiday Gift Guide!

With a list that includes 100 exclusive designer gifts, there’s something for everyone. We can’t get enough of those Alexander Wang leg warmers or ANY of the Marc Jacobs bags! There’s so many delicious fashion treats, why not indulge in a little something for yourself, after all, tis the season-

~Alexander Wang for Saks~

Shop Saks Fifth Avenue's Holiday Gift Guide now-

Fashion Alert: Rachel Pally

Rachel Pally is a certified “jersey” girl, but we can forgive her since the debut of her ‘Wear Anywhere’ Dress. This dress comes in a signature plum jersey fabric exclusively for Target, so you know it’s a hot bargain! It features a neck tie that can be worn 5 different ways including halter, strapless, knotted, or even as a high-waisted skirt. Now that’s wearable value!

 

 Dress available at Target

Pink Elephants on Parade

Ingredients:

    * 1 part white cranberry juice

    * 1 part berry vodka

    * 1/2 part raspberry liqueur (Chambord)

    * 1/2 part Limoncello

Mix all ingredients in a shaker full of ice. Shake well and pour into chilled martini glasses.

Don’t own a shaker? Pick up the Accoutrements Pink Elephant Cocktail Shaker from Amazon.com and get your party started!

The Best Spiked Eggnog

    * 4 parts eggnog (we like Hood Lite)

    * 1 part spiced rum (we like Captain Morgan’s)

Mix eggnog and rum in a glass, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg.

For those extra cold days, heat the eggnog before adding the rum-

Not that’s a holiday spirit!

Fashionable Reading, Blow by Blow

The loss of fashion legend Alexander McQueen was an enormous tragedy, but one of the biggest tragedies of his life was the suicide of his muse Isabella Blow in 2007. Now her biography, Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion by Lauren Goldstein Crowe gives a look back on her life, her passion, and the spark she created that made her a fashion icon.

 

For those who don’t know, Isabella was the key muse for milliner Philip Treacy and designer Alexander McQueen. Great minds could not help but be attracted to her electricity and verve and she prompted them to create their best work. She was eager to wear shocking things long before Lady Gaga, and maintained a wicked sense of humor right up until her passing.

Valentino says of the book, “To tell the story—the times, the impact, the inspiration, the misery, the dreams, the fantasy, the allure of Isabella—you would think you’d need 100 writers; but Lauren Goldstein Crowe has been able to tell us all this in one very good book.”

Isabella Blow: A Life in Fashion is available at Amazon.com

Va-Va-Vinyl

Who doesn’t love a little nod to the past? Vintage posters in our kitchens, vintage dresses in our closets but nothing can take you back quite like a little bit of vinyl. That’s right, vinyl records. The needle drops and sound crackles out of your speakers and it just takes you away. Now I wasn’t from the time when vinyl was king but it doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy a little throwback now and then. When I left home, I took my dad’s collection of original records and his stereo. Now, nothing can get me to groove like Tower of Power or dance like Michael Jackson. Yes, the original Thriller album was part of his collection!

What’s even better is that so many places still sell old records, and for amazing prices too! Goodwill is always the best place to find some forgotten treasures but you can also check out places like Gimme Gimme Records in New York City or Repo Records in Philadelphia. Stores like Best Buy actually sell new record players but you can find some great pieces up on Ebay too.

Throw a record on while you’re cooking dinner or dance off some stress before crashing in front of the TV. Maybe your man will even dance it out with you! No matter what sound is flowing, that vintage vibe will get you every time!

HOT APPLE RUM CIDER

2 qts. unsweetened apple cider

2 tbsp. lemon juice

1 tbsp. caramel

2 sticks cinnamon

1 1/2 tsp. whole cloves

1 1/4 c. dark rum or brandy

Combine ingredients in a large saucepan; cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated, stirring frequently. Reduce heat; simmer 15 minutes. Remove and discard cinnamon sticks and cloves, using a slotted spoon. Stir in rum. Cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated (do not boil). Pour into mugs.

 

Top with whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon, nutmeg or drizzle with caramel.

*Don’t forget the cider doughnuts*

A-Muse-ing Collection

What will I be doing over the holiday breaks? Well I plan to be glued to the screen watching one of my favorite style icons in 7, yes 7, of her amazing movies, of course! If you don’t own it by now, you need to put the Audrey Hepburn Couture Muse Collection on the top of your wish list. 

The Audrey Hepburn Couture Muse Collection- Available at Amazon.com

 Titles included in this limited edition gift set are:

    * Breakfast at Tiffany’s

    * Sabrina

    * War and Peace

    * Roman Holiday

    * Paris When it Sizzles

    * My Fair Lady

    * Funny Face 

This incredible DVD compilation not only houses her most beloved films in a unique collector’s package but for the fashionista in you, comes with 10 designer cards highlighting some of the greatest fashion moments in her career. It is simply a must have!

Protein Packs a Punch

Surely you remember my October article about my new obsession- Boxing!  But what’s the best way to enhance any workout and get you over the plateau? Protein my friends, protein!

Now if you’re like most women, you’re thinking ‘yeah okay if I want to be the size of a moose I’ll drink that stuff’ but not true! Protein is a great way to revitalize your muscles after a tough workout and we all know that if you increase the muscle, you decrease the fat.

Try these 2 easy recipes:

·      Summer is Sweet Shake: Blend vanilla flavored whey protein powder (found at your area GNC). with ice, skim milk, and a little Hershey’s Syrup Lite and you have a calorie conscious chocolate milkshake! 

·      Baby It’s Cold (Running) Outside: Skip the ice and blend vanilla whey protein with apple juice. Don’t even bother making it unless you are going to top it off with some cinnamon-

Mmmmmmmm- protein perfection!

Cheers!

 

Gaga for Gaga!

So recently I was a bad blogger and went on a mini hiatus. I’d like to think I have a good excuse though in that I was using any spare moment of my time to create something FAB!

 

My Gagavision kicked in and led me to create this spunky blazer and broken glass glasses for Gagaween, yes, this year the term ‘Halloween’ was replaced with ‘Gagaween’ and I’m slightly obsessed!

That’s not all though, the obsession spread to my friend Stacy who wanted to get her Gaga on as well. For her I created similar classes, a caplet, and Gaga’s infamous kinky crown from the “Bad Romance” video. We topped it off with blond wigs and our dueling Gaga outfits were homemade Gagaween perfection!

~We let our mermaid friend, Andi, from Tights and Bites in on the festivities too~

 

Rock the Vote, No, Rock the Boat

I was a late bloomer when it came to educating myself about politics and the political process. I used to just get so frustrated with politicians that I abstained from taking any interest in them. In recent years however, I have developed my own sense of political affiliation and I know what platform and agendas I believe in. With today being mid-term elections, I am not out to sway you any which way, I am merely a cautionary voice saying "Think before you vote!" Well maybe I'm shouting a little but it's because I am so passionate about it!

If there is one thing I can say, with the utmost conviction, it's that voting is absolutely nothing to be taken lightly. I have made choices not to vote for certain titles in the past. Yes that's right, in certain arenas I have not voted. It's not because I don't think voting is important, actually it's exactly the opposite. To me, voting is so important, that it is critical to know EXACTLY what and who it is you are voting for. You are choosing someone to represent you and your community. What kind of person am I to choose someone on my, and your, behalf that I don't know enough about and give him a job representing us?!
When I have abstained from voting for positions in the past, it is mainly when I don't agree with both candidates, or it has been because I personally don't know enough about a candidates stance on the issues to make a decision I can live with and that I would want you to live with too.

Personally I have never been one to "vote across party lines"  and I think most people find they don't fit into just one political party. That being said, I also don't believe in voting for "the lesser of 2 evils". This is a notion I have heard many times and that, to me, is not America. I think that because so many veterans have fought to protect our way of life, we can honor them by not allowing ourselves to compromise. We deserve people who will represent us with dignity and represent us and our communities best interests ALWAYS and we should NEVER settle for less. So no matter what you do today, who you vote for, or who you don't vote for, rock the boat a little America!

Flair for Hair

As usual I am excited to share what a fantastic experience I recently had. The story requires a little background though so let's start at the beginning. When I was working in Milford, CT some lovely women came in and gave the employees some goody bags and coupons in honor of the grand opening of their new salon, Salon Space. We got to talking and I'm pretty sure I started to glow as owner Kate Young shared with me the vision for her (pardon the pun) space. Kate explained how they wanted to take urban city flair and bring it to Connecticut and of course, I could relate! After all, how many places do you know that merge hair salon and photo studio? 

My first session for cut and color was incredible, and I basically feel great to leave things in Kate's hands every time I walk through the doors. After my first session with her, we shot my biography picture for De Melis Atelier. She even did my makeup!

~Bio Pic~

Since then Kate has allowed me to style photoshoots with Salon Space when they highlight the hair trends of the season, and Kate has worked with De Melis Atelier on several collection photoshoots. They also use their studio for head shots, prom pictures, and anything you can imagine. 

~Krissy working her magic on Megan~

~Model Megan Sheppard for De Melis Atelier Spring 2010~

~Model Stephanie in De Melis Atelier for Salon Space~

I have been a client of hers ever since we met and I have had the pleasure of watching the salon blossom into a style force to be reckoned with. They even recently launched the Minardi product line! Kate keeps up on the latest hair cutting and coloring trends and techniques and is just magic with those scissors and foil. She isn't the only one though; Krissy, Anya, Delany, EVERYONE is an expert at their craft! 

Just look what Kate did for me this last time around-

~Anxiously awaiting my makeover~

~VOILA~

I have made many referrals to them and now I have to make a big public one!

For those who live close but still a little too far, Salon Space will make arrangements to pick you up at the New Haven Train Station if you are coming in from NYC or the surrounding area. All you have to do is call!

Fem, Fab, Fun

Connecticut's favorite ladies night out returns with the one year anniversary of VAz! 

VAz began last year when Vanessa Jennings and Alana La Fleur decided to organize an evening to bring together some of the areas best businesses and Connecticut's savviest ladies. 

VAz has since developed into a fantastic evening for women. It started with VAz: Feminine, Fabulous, Fun and developed into VAz: Glamour, VAz: Home, VAz: For the Little Ladies, etc. It has even included celebrity appearances from the likes of Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of New York and super celebrity stylist Johnny Lavoy.

~The Fabulous Founders~

~Johnny Lavoy working his magic at a demonstration~

I've had the pleasure of showing several De Melis Atelier collections with VAz over the past year. One thing I never knew though was how much VAz has given back. Each event has been partnered with organizations such as United Way, Food Share, etc. That's not all though, VAz  continues it's giving by partnering with the Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Because of this, Lord & Taylor generously donated bras for business to decorate which will be displayed throughout the venue. Not only did I decorate one for De Melis Atelier, but also was honored when asked to decorate the bra to represent VAz. 

~Julia Sloan, owner of Brazen Betties with me at VAz Feb, Fab, Fun 2009~

So what are you doing this Thursday, October 7th at 5PM? The Hartford Society Room and an evening of Feminine, Fabulous, Fun sounds pretty good to me. Click here for your tickets  and when you're at the show, be sure to look for the De Melis and VAz bras!

A Fall a-Fair

The leaves are changing, a breeze is blowing through the windows and finally, all the air conditioners have been turned off once and for all. (At least until next Summer) Fall has arrived and I could not be more excited! I used to be a Spring gal myself but I realized all of the joys of the Fall now and it has quickly taken over as my favorite season because really, every New Englander has a glorified view of this time of the year. 

 

~Wide open spaces~

Although the mercury has been bouncing around for the last few weeks, the one event that kicks off my Fall every year is the Durham Fair! When I was a kid, I remember doing EVERYTHING! I would wander around the fair grounds for 3 days and knew the layout like the back of my hand.

~Photo by Liepa Gust~

~Photo by Liepa Gust~

~Photo by Liepa Gust~

As I grew up and went to college, the fair become the reunion ground because almost all of our friends would come home for that weekend. It was the best chance to see the most people and catch up. The fair also became something that I enjoyed sharing with new friends. Since college and moving away from home, I have friends from all over the country who now live in New York with me. The concrete jungle has a myriad of things to offer, but Central Park is no comparison to the open spaces of rural living. Every year I make it my mission to coax friends home with me for the fair. (Usually telling them about all of the food is all the convincing that is necessary)

~Photo by Meghan Hawes~

~Photo by Meghan Hawes~

This year was no different and 2 of my New York friends were able to share the start of Fall with me the only way I know how- by eating our weight in fair food! Although the fair was the main event of our weekend we also were able to enjoy some of my other favorite Connecticut spots when we grabbed lunch at Lyman Orchards and took it to Gouveia Vineyards. Lyman's is a family owned business that features Pick-Your-Own seasonal produce, the Apple Barrel country shop, as well as several golf courses and a banquet facility. The also boast "Connecticut's Best" apple pies and cider that will blow your mind. Gouveia Vineyards is a fantastic place that allows you to bring all of your own food and purchase their wines or other beverages on site. The landscape is just amazing! To me this is the only way to enjoy Fall in old New England and I am all too happy to share it.

~Photo by Liepa Gust~

~View from the Vineyard~

Outfit Challenge #6

Before Fall officially started, I grabbed at one last chance chance to wear my coral linen skirt. I bought the skirt a while back and can honestly say I've had a hard time wearing it since. 

What I like about it is the color and the bamboo belt which add a little flair. Also it has this cute pin-tuck detail on the front. When I bought it, I worked in Essex, Connecticut and thought it would be perfect work attire. 

The issue I have is that now it is a little big because I recently lost weight. Also, the fact that it's linen makes it difficult to want to wear all of the time. I love natural fabrics as much as the next but the simple fact is, the wrinkle like CRAZY! 

I paired the skirt with my lace cami and gold flats and wore it out to lunch in Connecticut. The simple fact is, I was not entirely comfortable while wearing the skirt. The belt didn't make up for the extra room in the waist and when I walked, the skirt started to twist. In addition there was the wrinkling from sitting down and I just didn't feel like a super fashionista while wearing it. Time for this garment to go. Maybe it can make some else happy!

There's about to be a what?! Girl Fight!

My latest funky hobby happened almost by accident. I moved to New York in January and wanted to get a gym membership because I don’t have much discipline when it comes to fitness and working out on my own. I wasn’t completely familiar with my Ridgewood neighborhood, other than the route I took to and from work in which I passed by this sign every day.

I’m pretty easy going but I was a bit intimidated by this place until I finally got up the nerve to walk in. My fears were immediately put to rest when I met Eliza at the desk. Thank goodness there’s woman here was my thought. Eliza told me that several women belong to the gym but that it is an intense workout and I should think about what I really wanted to do and if boxing would be the thing for me. She explained the packages they offer and the way the training is set up and I was able to purchase gloves, wraps and a jump rope.

As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I have both seen and felt the results. I started as a timid and unaware girl and now I found myself wrapping up and punching bags and even sparring with the coach.

I’ve become so inspired, my crazy butt is actually considering training for a fight, but I’m still debating. Until then I’m content to know that the best parts about boxing at my gym are…

• I’ve made great friends at the gym. Everyone is so respectful and willing to teach and help each other out and everyone watches out for you.
• I’m actually having fun, even when I’m not.
• I’ve lost a pant size and seriously toned up, what could really be better than those results?!
• I can do push ups, and not the girl kind although I started with those.
• The trainers constantly evolve the workouts for you so you constantly work muscles in a new way and don’t get bored (it’s like having a personal trainer)
• This gym is no frills; it’s not about impressing anyone, it’s just about working hard!

The moral of the story is, if you’ve been thinking of trying something new, you can’t know the outcome until you take the first step. For me, just walking through the door took a little nerve but I can’t imagine my life without boxing right now. What do you want to try?

Great Gifts!

So for the last 2 years of my life, it’s been wedding season! I’ve hit that age where many of my dearest friends are taking the walk down the aisle. I have been fortunate to get to study wedding variations and etiquette before it is in fact my turn to take that trip. Because of it, I have officially turned into the lame girl with a bridal file both in my cabinet and on my computer. I’ve made notes about dress styles, centerpieces, even china patterns. I know, ridiculous right?! At least I’m doing it at age 25 rather than when I was 12!

The most interesting thing that I have noticed is the practice of the bridal party gift. In many cases, it’s been something to wear on the wedding day such as a tie, for the gentlemen, or jewelry for the ladies.

Now I wouldn’t say that I would wear all of the bridesmaid dresses again, however I have noticed my jewelry box filling up with some really fantastic pieces that I felt I had to share.

~My friend Tori gave us a fresh water pearl set~

~Erin matched the hue of the pearls to our chocolate dresses. What is this face I am making?!~

~Deanna gave us a very versatile and beautiful Swarovski crystal bracelet. Again with a weird face!~

~Last weekend my cousin Kelly got married and gave us beautiful purple lacquer necklaces~

My reason for sharing this is that brides go through so much to plan their day and it really is an honor to be included in those plans. Each wedding is different and while you might not wear the dress again, jewelry is very adaptable and stays in vogue. So for all of you blushing brides out there who are getting ready for your big day, don’t forget about those gals helping you get there and pick them up something nice!

**As a side not about bridesmaid gowns: Consider this- Dying a dress or taking up the hem on a gown is an easy, cost effective way to revamp a dress and turn it into something you’ll wear again and again. If you’re not interested in keeping it, pay it forward by selling it at a consignment shop or making a tax-deductible donation to Good Will. Some boutiques even have dress swaps or specific dress donation sites for girls who need help getting prom dresses. Giving is always in style**

So Much Blog Lovin'

My good friend Andi recently moved to NYC, which has given us plenty of opportunity to enjoy fashionable endeavors together. Since I’ve just gotten into blogging, she was kind enough to make me her “+1” for a bloggers dinner at Hecho en Dumbo in lower Manhattan.

Andi had a couple of the girls and myself over her place for sangrias and snacks in her courtyard before we met the rest of the group.

Then it was off to the restaurant where we met with the gang for introductions and some serious food-age! Later we paroozed the Lower East and West sides with our fashionable crew while we shared business cards, fashion finds, and blog lovin’.

~Our philosophy: Black is always in~

~the shoe shot~

~bloggers unite!~

Check out my gals from Tights and Bites, SpicyCandy, and Paperplanes and Mary Janes

FNO + Rachel Zoe

Finally all of my little dreams came true! Fashion’s Night Out in all of its glory came rolling through town on Friday September 10^th! For those of you who don’t know, allow me to explain. Last year, Vogue and editrix, Anna Wintour, decided to stage an evening of glamour in the name of a good cause. Through their vast network of industry connections, Fashions Night Out was born. The idea is that proceeds from FNO merch are donated to Fashion Fights Aids in addition to creating a fantastic atmosphere for people to come out and shop; in turn boosting the troubled economy. Each shop can choose to participate and carry the FNO product and keep their doors open late. 

For many boutiques, it’s a chance for some serious business mixed with serious pleasure. Designers have been using the event to make appearances and increase traffic as well as having DJ’s and hors d’oeuvres to get you in their doors and keep you scoping their latest collections.

My fave fashionista Andi and I traipsed through SoHo taking in the fashionable extravaganza. Mui Mui and Michael Kors didn’t disappoint and Y-3’s funky urban chic was something to behold; our favorites being the colorful characters dancing in the window.

~Before they broke into a dance~

It wasn’t until we hit Kirna Zabete Boutique that we had our first celeb encounter with none other than Jason Wu. He’s the designer who skyrocketed to fame after making Michelle Obama’s inaugural gown. He’s adorable and so much smaller than I would have imagined. When the crowd developed around him quickly after we snapped this pic, he began to look terrified.

Kirna Zabete would have been an obscure place to me if it hadn’t been for Rachel Zoe and her Guide to NY Fashion Week. Rachel Zoe is a top celebrity stylist and the obvious star of the Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo. Not only did she suggest shopping at Kirna Zabete, she also wrote in one of her style reports that she would make an appearance at the Piperlime pop-up store on Mercer Street. After some savvy work with the line outside, Andi and I had our triumphant fashion victory when we got in to see her and check out her style picks for Fall.

~The crowd outside Piperlime~

~Rachel Zoe~

Afterwards we met up with friends and scoped out Bloomingdales, spotted the Marc Jacobs Treat Truck, discovered All Saints, and even heard the screams from across the street at Sephora caused by Gwen Stefani. As for Andi and I, we noticed during the evening that we were actually looking like the Bobbsy twins in our grey tops and leather jackets. Either way, it was a night to remember!

~Twins~