Christmas Idea #7 -- classic children's books

I have previously blogged about Penguin Classics cloth-covered books.  They are BEAUTIFUL and look so nice arranged on a bookshelf!  Penguin has just released classic children's books with the most delightful covers.  The artful covers will make anyone, young or old, smile.  I am seriously considering buying these books are storing them for my future grandchildren (and I am only 39!)...that is just how special I think they are.  You might also consider buying a few if you have a baby shower to attend!

The available book titles are:  Anne of Green Gables, The Secret Garden, The Adventures of Robin Hood, Huckleberry Finn & The Wind in the Willows.  $16.99 at anthropologie.com (It doesn't look like amazon.com is currently carrying these special edition books).

Lusting for this bag...

I just had to share with you a purse with which I am absolutely head-over-heels in LOVE!  It's unique, elegant, refined, chic...everything you would want in a purse.  Look at the stripes, the ruby red snakeskin and the silver chain strap!  This purse is a true stunner, made by Misela and only sold in three stores in the United States.  It is currently half-off at gilt.com (and it is still expensive, but then again, it LOOKS expensive!).   Oh, to dream!

Comfy Gap top -- too cute!

I saw this top at the Gap the other day and had to try it out.  I am a sucker for a cowl neck top!  Okay, at $24.50, this top is a STEAL!  It is comfortable, washes well, and comes in an array of colors.  If your waist is one of your thinner parts of your body, this top is for you!  It drapes beautifully.  Did I mention it is $24.50???

At Gap online, the cowl neck only comes in charcoal and oatmeal heather, but at the stores it comes in black, navy, dark green and a heather red.  This is one pleasure you don't have to feel guilty about!

Navy cords -- the new thing in pants!

Hello ladies!  Navy cords are very "en vogue" at present, and I have found a great fitting pair at a great price!  Kut from the Kloth matchstick cords in midnight fit like your favorite skinny jeans, but are a bit dressier and look beautiful with boots.  Pair them with a beautiful sweater, and you are set for work!  I like them so much, that I am going to get them in espresso and charcoal.  $59.50 at Nordstrom or nordstrom.com.

Bejeweled holiday purse

This clutch is just adorable and adds the perfect amount of sparkle to any holiday outfit!  It is classy, chic and looks expensive...a bit of sparkle done right!  It comes in red, midnight blue and black online at bananarepublic.com. for $98.  In stores, they also have a beautiful taupe color.  I think red would be an amazing compliment to your little black dress!

A perfect stocking stuffer for boys

Occasionally you stumble upon that perfect toy for a child...it's educational, creative and fun.  It happens but rarely!  I was at the Denver Art Museum this weekend, and discovered a line of toys called Piperoid paper robots.  My son is 11 and loves to build legos...well think of this toy as paper legos!  Takashi Tsunoda is the artist who created the Piperoid line and his motto is "teaching value through handcrafts".

Your kids will love building these, and displaying these mini works of art in their rooms.  They range from $12.95 - $15.95 and would be perfect in a Christmas stocking!  Available at the Denver Art Museum.

Christmas idea #6 -- the gift of glam

Well, I was perusing JCrew online and found some great things for Christmas, even if they are gifts to yourself!

The pin is adorable and glamorous, and comes in white with blue accents or a beautiful purple with black accents.  I can see this pin on a button down shirt, coat or sweater.  It really is special and is only $22.50.  The Crystal Bloom cocktail ring is a showstopper at $50.  Picture it with the perfect little black dress!  Love the subtle pop of yellow.  I'd also wear it with a black cashmere cardigan & jeans.  The Dulphine sequin v-neck sweater is only available online.  I love the gray sweater with unexpected blue sequins.  Dress it up, or dress it down at $138.

Christmas idea #5 -- the gift of Uggs!

Okay, this post is really for you to forward to your husbands and boyfriends, because I think it would make a fantastic gift for you gals (hint, hint guys...pay up!).  The Skylair Ugg boot is a terrific winter staple that is SO COMFORTABLE and so insanely cute.  The back lace-up detail and cozy "sweater topper" makes this boot unique and stylish.  It is great with jeans tucked in, and because it has a side zipper, you can tug your jeans down for that perfect streamlined look!  I am in love with these boots.  $229.95 at Nordstrom

Christmas idea #4 -- the gift of beauty

Yves St. Laurent #35 Metallic
Pink Holiday collection $30

You all probably know from past posts that I am a beauty junkie.  I just LOVE beauty products, and here are some of my favorite beauty gifts for the holidays.  Any woman would do flips over these gifts!  They are all available at Nordstrom.com.

Bobbi Brown Modern Classic Palette $75

Dior Pink Golds Minaudiere $80

Bare Escentuals Mini Brush set $25

Jo Malone Bath Oil set $85

Chanel Nail Color set $66

Christmas idea #3 -- sequins!

The upcoming holidays mean that inevitably you will be invited to holiday parties, and you don't want to be caught with nothing to wear!  This sparkly sequin tank top from JCrew is adorable, dressed up or dressed down.  I am partial to the white ash color, but all the colors are fantastic and would add the appropriate amount of festivity needed for the holidays!  Wear it with black skinny pants and a cardigan, or with a short(ish) skirt.  This top would also make a fabulous gift for your fashionista friend or family member.  $69.50

Christmas idea #2 -- tabletop delights

I like simple decor.  I usually fill my shelves with books and pictures, but sometimes there are objects that really catch my eye.  These items from cb2.com (Crate and Barrel's sister store) are no exception.

        

This is a really fun take on Russian Nesting dolls.  I love the colors and the super modern design.  Wouldn't your "design-minded" friend just love these!?!  $49.95.

The birch storage boxes are as functional as they are beautiful.  They seem to be made for storing treasures.  The zen simplicity of these boxes really speak to me.  In an office or a bedroom...they'd be perfect!  $29.95

Christmas idea #1 -- bird motifs

Hello friends!  Christmas is really just around the corner, and so now is the time I start buying Christmas gifts.  If you start now, you run less of a risk of an item selling out before you can scoop it up!  I will be doing a series of blog posts on great gift ideas.  I hope you like them as much as I do!

I am crazy about birds...bird watching and items with bird motifs alike! I found this birdie plate set at West Elm and thought it would be an amazing Christmas gift for a naturalist. The plates are simple yet elegant and would be perfect for appetizers. $29 at westelm.com

The chickadee snow globe from the Sundance store (sundancejewelry.com) just puts a smile on my face. The engraving says "Joys are our wings". How true! What a charming gift this would be. $35

Lip Balm heaven

I think I have tried every lip balm on the market!  Living in Denver can prove hard on the skin and most especially on our precious pout!  None I've tried compares even closely to Bobbi Brown's lip balm SPF 15 ($17 Nordstrom).  I have one in my purse, one in my kitchen and one in my bathroom.  It is so emollient and soothing...it just lasts and lasts.  It makes my lips look polished and natural; done up with out trying too hard.  Try this lip balm and you'll be a convert like me!  If a $17 lip balm is too hard to swallow, I'd recommend Smith's Rosebud salve as my 2nd place winner ($5.59 drugstore.com).

Flattering cargos

Okay, I have been looking for army green cargos that don't make my thighs look as wide as the Grand Canyon.  Military cargos have been all over the magazines lately, and I think they are super cute...but I wasn't sure if this trend was for me.  I have a curvy figure, and cargos seem like they work more for straight figures.  Not so with Sanctuary's "Peace" Skinny leg belted cargo pants!  The pockets are strategically placed BELOW the thigh area and look amazingly flattering on a curvy figure.  The pants are comfortable and stretchy.

I like to roll them up for a more casual look and pair them with sandals.  They look great with a basic tee shirt and fun jewelry, or with a cashmere cardigan and boots.  The best part is that these versatile cargos are on sale for $58.90 at Nordstrom.  

The truly versatile jean jacket

 

I will admit -- I am a bit of an outerwear freak. One of the "must haves" in every woman's wardrobe is that perfect jean jacket.  Jean jackets go with most everything, except, well jeans. They are essential in spring, summer and fall. I like my jean jacket to look a bit lived-in, a bit beat-up. You MUST roll up the sleeves, otherwise it can look dorky. You won't be buttoning up your jean jacket (leave it open), so do make sure it is FITTED and nipped in at the waist.  Jean jackets look amazing over summer dresses, with white jeans (you do have white jeans...right?!?), and khakis and cords.  I love the jean jackets from J Crew and Gap.  They are well constructed and inexpensive.

Be careful with the color black...an editorial!

I do love the color (or absence of color!) black. I think it is chic, dramatic and can be extremely sexy. That said, I see a lot of unfortunate black "color combinations". According to Trinny and Susannah, my two favorite fashion gurus from England, nothing can kill a color faster than black.

If you want to wear black, wear it with the following colors: white, ivory, camel, dove gray, steel gray or chocolate. Under no circumstances should you wear a black skirt or pants with a solid color on top (i.e. pastel pink, light blue), unless it is one of the colors listed above. It will just dull the heck out of any other color. Where bold colors DO work with black is in the accessories...purple shoes, or cobalt earrings, a red purse, a pink scarf, or a green stone ring...you get the picture.

Now, here is an exception. If you have a top that has multiple colors in it (and it includes the color black), go ahead and pair it with black pants or a skirt. If you have a vest that has multiple colors with black in it, feel free to wear a solid colored blouse underneath.  Otherwise, let's stick with only neutral / black pairings!  Just my opinion ladies!

Sexy, yet comfortable boot

"Lustre" boot, Nordstrom, $139.95

Hello ladies!  An ankle boot should be in every woman's closet and I am ALWAYS on the hunt for fashionable, comfortable boots.  I have found them...these are the real deal!  The Franco Sarto "Lustre" boot is so sexy (amazing back zipper detail!), but with the hidden platform inside, also very wearable.  I know they appear to have a very high heel, but trust me, the platform really makes the heel only 2.5 inches.  Pure genius!  These boots come in black and a beautiful chestnut brown.  They would be perfectly at home with boot cut or skinny ankle jeans, and just as good with your work pants.

If you buy these boots, I am betting you will get three years wear out of them.  High quality and high fashion makes the $ per wear very low indeed.

Beautiful calendar

Accordian calendar $11

Desk calendar $18

 Every fall I look forward to buying a new Snow & Graham calendar for the upcoming year.  My favorite is  the desk calendar for $18.  It comes packaged in a plastic stand... but I take each of the month cards out and tape them, one by one, to my refrigerator.  The month cards are so pretty to look at, and I always get compliments on the modern floral designs.  Snow & Graham produces many types of calendars, including an adorable accordian calendar, shown above.  By the way, these calendars make wonderful Christmas gifts!  Check out their terrific selection of calendars and stationery at www.snowandgraham.com.

Perfection in a tube

There is nothing quite like having a good hand lotion by your bedside stand!  This hand cream from L'Occitane has a heavenly smell, and with a full 20% shea butter, a wonderful feel.  I love slathering it on right before bed and waking up to soft, silky hands.  I have tried an obscene number of hand creams, and this is the one I return to time and again.  L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream comes in a mini size for $10 (just right for purses) and a huge tube for $26.  This would make a wonderful teacher gift, get-well gift, baby shower gift (you get the picture!).  Available at Sephora.

Oh so comfy and sweet...

Look at this adorable sweatshirt from Anthropologie.  It is SO comfortable...the inside is that fuzzy sweatshirt material we all love.  I adore the soft pink bow detail at the shoulder.  Such a clever and special detail!  I think this would look perfect with army green cargo pants (they are tres chic right now), or with a pair of boyfriend jeans.  I couldn't believe that at $68 I could get an extremely flattering, fashionable and comfortable sweatshirt.  Almost too good to be true!

Anthropologie finds...

Well, it certainly isn't a stretch that I found some great items at Anthropologie!  I can barely walk into this store without feeling compelled to buy something.  Today was no exception!  Here are two particularly cute finds.

The "Coin Purse Cardigan" by liaMolly is as sweet in person as it is in the picture.  I think this is a very special sweater.  It just puts a smile on my face!  Check out the adorable coin purses attached to the sweater.  Look at the unusual color combinations...the turquoise with the orange, browns and golds.  Ingenious.

The "Herringbone Sweater Jacket" is so flattering.  It would look amazing on a woman with a slimmer waist.  The scarf detailing adds visual interest up top and makes this jacket truly unique.  I love the ivory color, but it also comes in a tweedy black/gray combination.  Pair this with either trouser jeans or skinny jeans with your riding boots.

Beautiful coats at Johnston & Murphy

Today I was perusing the fall offerings, and saw a beautiful coat hanging in Johnston & Murphy.  Historically Johnston & Murphy has been quite conservative (and some may say stuffy) in its' women's fashions.  I think they are turning a corner!  I found not one, but THREE coats I adore (and a scarf to boot!).

The ombre faux-beaver coat is $268 and an absolute stunner!  This coat begs to be worn over an evening gown or cocktail dress.  It is elegant and classy, yet comfortable and effortless.  If you are in need of a dressy coat, look no further.

The ivory faux curly lamb coat is $228 and is as comfortable as a fleece.  It would be beautiful dressed up or dressed down.  It is infinitely wearable!  Its greatest asset is the slightly-larger-than-average sleeves.  A sweater would fit nicely under this coat without bunching up in the arms.  Bonus!

Warm winter coats can be so cumbersome and bulky, but I LOVE the look of this casual ivory down jacket.  It is $248 with a detachable hood.  The toggle detail at the pockets are a special touch.  I did not get to try this coat on, as it was not in the store (on in the catalog/website so far), but I will be checking back regularly!

Faux fur is HUGE for fall.  Infinity scarves are HUGE for fall.  This scarf is a faux fur neck ring...the best of both worlds!  Gorgeous color, gorgeous feel, gorgeous price ($48).  Love it, love it, love it!

Hoping and longing for...

Every fall, there are a few things for which I absolutely flip my lid.  This does not mean that I can get them, but a girl can dream!  This year, I am hoping and longing for the following:

1)  Autumn Cashmere sweater -- Oh this sweater!  I am not sure if it is the fact that it is cashmere (my favorite), the beautiful wheat color that goes with EVERYTHING, or the adorable double placket...but I am sold.  Love it!

2)  Kooba Greta convertible bag -- Kooba makes a beautiful bag, and their leather is sumptuous.  This crossbody is large enough to hold all that you need (money, cell phone, lip gloss, powder, etc) but not too large that it is cumbersome.  I have been looking for that perfect crossbody, and I think I've found it!

3)  Kooba Cinched Leather Shoulder Tote -- My love affair with bags is never ending.  I would spend all my money on purses and live in a car if it were reasonable!  This bag, in a surprisingly versatile mauve-colored snake skin, is perfection.

4)  Bobbi Brown lip gloss in Black Chocolate -- Red lips are BIG for fall.  Since I am so fair, I shy away from bold red lips...but I loved this sheer red lip gloss from Bobbi Brown.  It was punchy enough to add color to my lips, but didn't overpower my face.  Plus, I am a sucker for anything Bobbi Brown.  Her makeup is sensational!

AGLs on sale at Nordies

If you have not had the pleasure of wearing Attilio Giusti Leombruni shoes (also known as AGL) I implore you to try them on!  These flats fit like a dream.  They are truly the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn.  AGLs are hand-crafted in Italy and are exclusive to Nordstrom.  If you are looking for the perfect ballerina flat, that you can LIVE in, look no further.

Now, AGLs have a hefty price tag, but every so often you can get them ON SALE!  That time is now!  They are regularly $289, but a few styles are on sale at nordstrom.com for $198.

If you have a $400 budget for all your fall clothes and accessories, I would say it would be worth it to pay half your budget for these high quality shoes.  You will wear these over and over, making the cost per wear very low indeed.

Fall must-haves

Hello lovely ladies!  I've had many people ask me what are "The Buys" for the season.  There are so many great trends for fall, that I had a really hard time choosing!  After much thought, here is my short list.

1)  Gray jeans:  Why?  I have never thought blue jeans look good with navy, teal, turquoise and french blue tops.  I just think these colors fall flat when wore with denim.  Gray denim is the answer!  These jeans look GREAT with blue tones on top.  My new favorite!  Kut by the Kloth Diana jeans in Ominous Wash, $69 from Nordstrom.

2)  Crisp white shirt:  Tailored white shirts have always been a universal wardrobe staple but I've yet to find one that works for me.  Mission recently accomplished!  I found one at Express that I really like (and don't worry...if white isn't a great color on you, this top comes in a wide variety of colors).  It has a slight v-neck (very flattering for bustier women) and is nipped in at the waist.  It would look equally good for work or play!  Essential Stretch Military Shirt $49.90, express.com.

3)  Boots:  You just have to own a pair of calf-to-knee height riding boots.  These boots are so versatile and have never been "out" to my knowledge!  They look great with skinny jeans tucked in, with skirts and tights, or under pants.  Buy either black or brown...whichever color works best for your wardrobe.

4)  OPI Nail Polish -- Ski Teal We Drop.  I can't believe how much I like this teal nail color!  So surprising!  

My favorite fashion book

I have a host of fashion books on my bookshelves, but this is the book I turn to again and again.  It's called "Style Clinic" by Paula Reed.  The subtitle, "How to Look Fabulous All the Time, at Any Age, for for Any Occasion", really sums it up.  I am all about dressing appropriately for the occasion and she goes into this in detail.

In this book, Paula talks about wardrobe basics and classics that every girl needs.  She discusses the perfect pants, the ideal dress and skirts, and how to dress for your body type.  The pictures are fabulous and well edited.  I hope you enjoy this great book as much as I do!  This book is $19.79 at amazon.com.

Ugg Clog Bootie...a fall must have!

Ugg Lynnea Ankle Boot -- $179.95 at Nordstrom

Sale on Alexis Bittar Jewelry

I just love jewelry by Alexis Bittar.  He is a genius!  His website, www.alexisbittar.com shows all of his beautiful creations...but I am most excited about the 50% off sale they are having right now.  If you are looking for a new piece of statement jewelry to give your outfit the perfect "pop, please check out his sale page.  There are over 100 items on sale.  I am in love with these parisian bangles.  Amazing!!!

Wishing and hoping for...

I really adore Nicole Ritchie's sense of style.  She has really come into her own and her jewelry line is phenomenal.  I would wear almost all of her pieces.  I am especially liking the double starburst chain (29" long...perfect length!) and the peacock locket (37" long).  The necklaces are $88 and $120 respectively.  Her new fall pieces are set to launch in September and look equally as amazing.  You can find her jewelry at www.shopthetrendboutique.com.