Through the Looking Glass

I am recently obsessed with Downton Abbey (thanks, Mom and CJ)- and a recent episode had a great one liner from the Dowager Countess of Grantham which inspired today's post...  "Have we all stepped through the Looking Glass?" (I always loved Alice in Wonderland)  I digress.  Onto fashion.

I am noticing a great trend as all the Spring 2013 catalogs arrived...the windowpane check!  Gents have benefited more from this great pattern than us ladies, so I am happy we are sharing the wealth a bit more.  Graphic prints look to be big so stick with the classic combos of navy/white or black/white for versatility.

I'm liking this with the wide belt.  I would even swap it out for a solid color to add pizazz!

Banana Republic Graphic Pencil Skirt $89.50

 

The boys get all the fun...so classic.

Banana Republic Slim Fit Non-Iron (on sale)

I so wish I had somewhere to wear this!

JCrew sequin shift $495.00

 I am kind of liking the yellow one...

Overstock.com $40.06

God, I love Kate Spade.

Carolina Top $248.00

 So while you will still see lots of stripes and polka dots this spring, venture into fresh territory with the windowpane check.  I think you'll like what you see :)

Lucky 13

Some people fear 13.  Hotels sometimes avoid building a 13th floor because of the superstition tied to the number.  Or we dread Friday the 13th because of Freddy Krueger (am I dating myself?).  Well, not this girl, I'm a proud, card carrying lucky 13 lover.  I bet on Black 13 at roulette; I always play 13 in the lottery...all because I was born on the 13th, so perhaps the stars aligned a bit for me :)

So in this year of 2013, I'm thinking this could be a good one for me (and for you!).  And since I have been totally checked out since before the holidays, I am due a good, useful post.

13 fashion risks to take (for the ladies)

1. Wear emerald green!  (Do I need to remind you it's the Pantone Color of the Year?)
2. Pair patterns: stripes with animal print, polka dots with floral...you get the gist.  It may feel bold, but remember complementary tones help make it more cohesive.
3. Don't be afraid to wear navy blue and black together- it's very European, Downton Abbey-esque. :)
4. Invest in a new leather handbag.  Save your $40-50 you spend on 3 or 4 random bags- just bite the bullet and own a good quality, real leather bag (sorry animal rights, folks).  Black or brown- your call, but you will use it until it dies (which can be over 20 years!)  
5. For goodness sake, you can wear gold and silver together!  It looks classy and can be fun when you stack bracelets or rings.
6. When you find a pair of jeans (preferably that FIT WELL), buy two.  I know it hurts to shell out that kind of money at once, but you won't regret having a back up.  
7. Try out those gel (shellac) manicures!  Holy Moses, they last forever and my nails finally do not split.  It's worth every penny. I'm considering Sally Hansen's home kit...
8. Change your hairstyle.  I'm not suggesting radical- but maybe tweak the color, shape it up, cut side swept bangs...you'll be amazed how refreshed you feel.
9. Take care of your natural fibers.  I will spare you my sob stories of moths eating my favorite sweaters, scarves, GLOVES (ugh), so go out and buy cedar planks/balls for your closet.  Immediately.  I am a fan of this wool/cashmere spray for the in-between times!
10. January is a great time to clean out closets- I just donated 8 dresses from what I call "the wedding years" (lots of good friends who got married).  I am not wearing them, and it's taking up valuable real estate in my Boston sized closets.
11. Wear red lipstick.  I don't pretend to believe make-up is my forte, but find the shade that looks right on you, and wear it with abandon.  For this redhead, Mac's Lady Bug is a special pop of color.
12. Wear a chandelier earring during the day- it is a special way to draw attention to your face!
13. I think this is the most simple thing- but a smile increases your face value!  So smile more (and for goodness sake, use the Crest Whitestrips to aid the impact!).

Happiest of New Years to you, my friends!

Stocking Stuffer Stuff

I was remembering this weekend how much I love stocking gifts.  Maybe it's because I'm a girl and believe great things come in small packages, but there's something extra fun about opening those little treats from Santa :)  Some folks go the route of practicality...toothbrushes, socks, etc., while others use the stocking for those things you always want to buy, but never get for yourself.  Here's a few things I think are pretty fabulous...

the head massager.  I got one of these from the dollar section at Target recently and I am in love. 

Amazon.com $.80!

wouldn't you love a chance to win thousands of dollars?

for those cutting edge folks: the Pantone 2013 Color of the Year...Emerald!

Pantone Coffee Mug $25.00

The element of surprise gets me every time on these little treats!

Deluxe Gift Box Holiday Surprise Ball from Tops Malibu $18.50

Stuff away, friends- and be creative!

oui oui!

I'm always on the hunt for fun and different gifts. I don't often go the route of food items, seeing as it seems like everyone has some kind of allergy or intolerance of which to be sensitive.  BUT, when I was suggested the same item by two different people on two different days...I see that as the Universe revealing shopping wisdom to me that should not be ignored!

Willams-Sonoma makes some fantabulous looking treats, and it was the jumbo sized croissant that made its way into my online shopping cart most recently.  It is featured as one of their top 20 gifts (and then of course under the recommendation of 2 friends), so I decided to check it out.  Here's the scoop:

Skip the mini ones (so I am told)- like most things in the US (esp Texas), the bigger, the better
15 delightful croissants (shipped frozen with dry ice)
Upon receipt, remove croissants from the shipping container and place in the freezer, where they will keep for up to 3 months! Oui!
Then, when ready to eat, they will need time to rise and bake away.

So, while I have yet to taste one of these treats, I felt strongly enough to recommend them.  I have ordered and will enjoy a buttery taste-treat over Christmas (along with my fam...I'm not that much of a pig to eat 15 by myself)! 

Happy eating!

Freshly Fabulous

The time just passes so quickly at this time of year! Thanksgiving came and went like the wind (but what a delightful day), and I just spent the most fabulous week in NYC getting in the holiday spirit with my mom and sister.  Clearly I was in shopping heaven...
 

Me and Marc Jacobs...

The Marimekko store- SUCH fun

Mackenzie-Childs store left me in awe!

So while we were exploring the streets of Manhattan, my mom, sister and I discovered Joe Fresh- know it??  It's a Canadian company that landed in NY and NJ with some pretty terrific staples.  I happened upon the one on 42nd avenue (2 floors!) and scored the best puffer jacket for $30 (in store sale), adorable holiday tops for $14, and my sister found the BEST chevron gloves for $9!  It's a mix of J.Crew and Gap with a little more contemporary clean feel- and cheaper :)

People, if this store were in Boston, I'd be all over it. Here's my coat: 

You should be jealous!

I seriously would go back to NYC for SO many reasons, and Joe Fresh is definitely in my top 5!