All Wrapped Up

This weekend, I finished up my Christmas shopping. I had a long list this year: my family, of course, my friends, and then the wonderful people who helped me get to the place I am today (which would be: employed). At first, I was a little lost. What should the price point be? Are there any things I shouldn't give?

I'm not a very good gift-giver, but I have one rule when I'm searching for the perfect present: it has to be something that the person will love but wouldn't normally buy him- or herself. Things like Lollia bubble bath, which is beauty-editor approved (not by me, but a seasoned beauty director)(I promise), is just extravagant enough without being excessive. C. Wonder (created by Tory Burch's ex-husband and co-founder of her eponymous clothing line) also has a fantastic selection of affordable yet adorable trinkets. I love these bright enamel boxes and pretty glass plates.

What are your go-to gifts?


[photo cred here and there]

The Fine Print

Do you have time to read the paper in the morning? I subscribe to NYTimes.com, but it's not until the evening that I have a spare moment to pore over the articles. Therefore, I'm oh-so-pleased to see this Little Printer. Created by BERG, it allows you to curate content from sources such as The Guardian and Twitter to create your own miniature, receipt-sized newspaper. Plus, when it's not in use, it doubles as a tiny, quirky tsotchke. But my favorite part, as someone who works for a magazine and majored in English Literature, is the paper component. I see screens so often that sometimes, my dreams appear in a computer monitor in my head. I'm so pleased to see paper that I can fold, scribble on, and tuck in my purse at the forefront of this concept.

My ideal pint-size paper would most likely consist of a game of Sudoku, a photo of my friends or family from one of my Facebook albums, and a headline each from the business, fashion, and health sections.

What would your personalized newspaper include? Wouldn't this make a fantastic stocking stuffer?


[photo cred to Fast Company]

'Tis the Season

Unforeseen perks about living in New York City during the holidays: passing by Christmas tree stands, which virtually appeared overnight. There seems to be one every two or so blocks, and when I walk by, I'm smacked in the face with the warm, refreshing scent of fir trees. I'm that girl who stops and buries her face in the lush needles. Are you surprised? Not at all? Is that a compliment? No? Plus, at night, there are strands of bobbing lights criss-crossed over them. It's like a Christmas fairy just decided to do something about the smell of trash sitting on First Avenue.

When my family opted to buy an enormous (and fake) 12-foot tree, I insisted on getting my own real miniature tree. I just love the fragrance: inviting, a little sharp, and cozy. I get that needles make a mess and dry trees make for an unpleasant fire hazard, but I think that that's worth it. (Although I'd probably take a different stance if I, say, accidentally burned down my building). (Knock on wood). (Pun unintended but so awesome that I'm going to allow it). Real or faux, which do you prefer?


[photo cred here]

Say Yes...

...yes to the pursuit of happiness.

Yes to macaroni salad and potato salad and egg salad.

Yes to kitten heels...

...and white lace.

Yes to the glow of city lights in the evening.

Yes to Chanel's own catgirl (I love you, Carine).
Yes to frolicking at the beach.

Yes to a long and lovely holiday weekend!

[photo cred here]

Say Yes...

...yes to quiet mornings.

Yes to a cheerful Easter brunch with my little sister and close friends.

Yes to my older brother, who sent me a present so I'd stop sulking about not being home for Easter...

...and to the present in question, Beauty and the Beast.
Yes to savory tomato and pesto crostata.
Yes to the kind barista who gave me a free cup of green tea...
...when I needed it the most.

Have a lovely Easter weekend!

[photo cred to here]

A Little Romance

Instead of going on the offensive and launching a staunch anti-love crusade, I'm going to have a very romantic day with myself. I've stocked up on macaroons (lavender, strawberry, and chocolate!), just received the March issue of Real Simple in the mail, and rediscovered this sweet little Pixar short. Maybe I'll paint my nails a punchy red and call my grandma. See, Valentine's Day can actually be the perfect excuse to wake up late, eat dessert, and wear a pretty dress to class!

Do you have any special plans for Valentine's Day?


[photo cred, clockwise from top left, to 1, 2, 3, and 4]

A New Year

High hopes for 2011 (clockwise):

Adventures.

Stop fighting my wavy hair.

Hello, sequins.

Notice the pretty little things.

This is going to end on a super-mushy note, in which I thank you all for so kindly taking me in as one of your own. My mom, who, though I love her immensely, has no computer proficiency whatsoever, asked me what a blog is — what is the point, and why does it not qualify as a magazine or something of the sort? The only answer I could come up with is the same reason that I love blogging: for me, it's an assortment of the prettiest and littlest things in the world, which have all come together to slap me in the face, gently, with a solid dose of sheer delight. Thank you for your support, your sweet comments, and for sharing everything lovely along the way.

And now, champagne!

New Year's Chic

I'm a cat, and Alice & Olivia is just dangling a goldfish in front of my face with their nightlife-themed lookbook. Isn't this the perfect inspiration for fresh New Year's Eve ensembles? I'm a sucker for the black and white palette with the only occasional glimpses of gold and silver — the simple shades keep voluminous ruffles, gleaming sequins, and soft velvet from looking too gaudy or ostentatious. The vibe isn't in-your-face so much as it is "Oh, is it 2011 already? Perfect, hand me another glass of Prosecco so I can toast a year of looking fantastic."

Because you know 2011 will be the year of looking, feeling, and being fantastic.

Love Potion No. 9

Last week, I waltzed into my room and found this Love Potion No. 9 sweater on my bed. I must have missed the memo that Love Potion No. 9 is actually not only a famous movie, but a famous song as well. Even my grandmother knew it. I, on other hands, saw the Chanel No. 5 bottle (made of SEQUINS) and knew that Love Potion No. 9 would be my drink of choice forever and ever and ever. I might wear this for New Year's eve, dressing it up a bit more with a black chiffon miniskirt and my white and silver Lanvin flats.

In other news, I got the Kate Spade Book of the Month clutch for Christmas! The cover of the Great Expectations version is black and grey with hints of neon pink, meaning it will go perfectly with just about everything in my wardrobe. I also received J Brand waxed venom skinny jeans — this wouldn't be that exciting except for the wax treatment, which gives the jeans a sheen that resembles leather. I'm the antithesis of a badass, so these make my dream of leather pants attainable but not completely frightening. Or maybe I'll use the leather look of the jeans as my excuse for getting in a little more trouble in the new year... I'll go to bed later than eleven and refuse to take my daily multivitamin, really living it up.

P.S. My boyfriend had me convinced that he'd bought me a pair of pajama jeans for Christmas. I was trying to figure out how to mask my look of disdain last night when he pulled a little Tiffany blue box out of his pocket — no feigned joy there. He gave me a beautiful pair of sterling silver earrings; I have incredibly simple taste in jewelry, and these were perfect. He's a keeper, no?

A Christmas Weekend

Merry Christmas weekend, everyone! The next few days, I'm polishing up a guest blog post (my first ever — so excited!) and cooking manicotti and stuffed ricotta shells for fifteen members of my extended Italian family. Naturally, nothing is wrapped and I've been subsisting on my mother's oatmeal raisin cookies. It could be worse... I could have hidden presents so well that I can't find them and accidentally finished off all of my mom's carefully-decorated Christmas cookies. Both of which may have happened in the past. 

Here's to a joyful and lovely Christmas!

[photo cred to Loving Life, Style Me Pretty, A Whole Lotta Love, and IMDB]

Holiday Chic

The Bryant Park Corp kindly, and very generously, invited me to attend a holiday soirée earlier this week at the Empire State Building's new Empire Lounge. When I first received the email, I blushed for ten minutes. Even though I wasn't able to make it due to the terrifyingly overpriced entity that is MetroNorth, I did find the time to hunt down the perfect dresses for the occasion. 

This Anna Sui dress, on the left, is wrought with sequins and tulle and somehow, remains elegant and sophisticated. I saw it and immediately wanted to take it out for a steak dinner and drinks, maybe a movie. Unfortunately, the love of my life is not only light years out of my price range, but sold out. Bad for me, but very good for my wallet. Plus, the fact that I couldn't have it even if I did have the money helps the loss to sting a little bit less.

The French Connection frock, on the right, would be a happy replacement, particularly for my budget. It sparkles. It offers a lusciously draped hemline that would be perfect for twirling and a feminine neckline with tasteful embellishment. The only thing that kills me are the thin straps — something more substantial would add a solid dose of sophistication. I would've fixed that by pairing it with a shrunken, grey-sequined jacket that I just bought, as well as simple grey suede heels.

As I imagine this ensemble and subsequently begin to kick myself, please remind me to never pass up a holiday party at the Empire State Building. Tell me to buck up, down two shots of espresso, and stop worrying about going by myself and being awkward and drinking free Ketel cocktails in the corner all night. Because when I think about it, that's really not a bad scenario in which to find myself. 

Grey & Red

I've completely fallen for the rich and elegant color palette of Madewell's holiday collection. I'm already a sucker for anything even closely related to grey, but combine it with blood red and I'll be head over heels. You could paint a rock with silver and red stripes, give it a French name, and I'll be sure to adore it for the rest of time. Muted neutrals, such as nude and chocolate brown, heighten the class factor and add a much-needed dose of subtlety while still allowing the Christmas vibe to shine through. I love how the pop of red, even when playing just a small cameo, elevates a look to something festive and special.

Now that finals are finally, finally over, I spent my weekend sharing secrets over tea in the basement of 30 Rockefeller and reading delightfully enormous issues of fashion magazines until all hours of the night. I kept telling myself that after I finished my work, I'd finally meet up with old friends over coffee and Baileys, but really, I keep curling up in bed with December's issue of InStyle. How was your weekend?

Dear December

Once upon a time, the brilliant photographer Ditte Isager climbed a few mountains in Utah and captured these breathtaking shots for Banana Republic's holiday campaign. At around the same time, I was walloped in my head by the realization that turquoise looks as gorgeous as ever when paired with touches of red, pink, and silver. I've always thought of turquoise as an extremely fussy shade of blue-green that only looks best with neutrals, such as white and silver. Even gold can get a bit kitschy. Yet with a ribbon of rose, turquoise becomes completely transformed, almost elegant. I adore this color palette — it completely exemplifies just how simple it is to change something with a few creative and inspired touches.

Soap & Paper

I wandered into Soap & Paper Factory's stall at the Grand Central Christmas Market on a whim. I swear I didn't mean to stumble into the money pit of all things beautiful and fragrant, but then again, I have such a penchant for all things beautiful and fragrant that this was bound to happen eventually. I'm not sure which snagged my attention, the pretty packaging or the wafting scents. Then I spotted drawer liners, and the gift radar in my head whirred a bit before screaming "MOTHER. MOTHER. MOTHER." My mom has a thing for anything luxurious and typically useless, and what do drawer liners do? They sit in a drawer, look good, and smell like flowers. I wish I could find something like that in a job description.

I bought her a pack of drawer liners in the green tea scent, and it smells so good that I almost want to keep it for myself. But I can't — right? On the bright side, I can "hide" it in my drawer until Christmas so that my mother won't find it and my sports bras will become tea-scented sports bras. And everyone knows that tea-scented sports bras are way better than unscented ones. If you have someone on your list who doesn't treat themselves to the lovely, however frivolous, things in life, these drawer liners are the perfect gift.

Holiday Fever

 

Now, after a long, relaxing Thanksgiving weekend filled with late night drinks with old friends and dainty cheese flights of Taleggio, Gouda, and English Cheddar, I can unabashedly blast my Christmas music — my favorites are Bing Crosby and The Carpenters. My house is decked out in gold and white, with ribbon and lights wrapped around the banister and a glittery, snow-covered Christmas village in the living room. This editorial from J. Crew, though, inspires me to incorporate other hues, perhaps silver and the softest rose. I love that they used Confetti System to decorate; what could be more festive and appropriate for the holidays than bright, whimsical tassels?

Do You Rue?

 Because I truly do! The Holiday Nov/Dec 2010 issue of Rue magazine is now available, and I can't get enough of the gift guides and the gorgeous editorials. These shots are my personal favorites. A few feathers, a little bit of lace, and a gutsy shot of cobalt make for what is — in my opinion — the perfect New Year's Eve ensemble. I feel like glittery sequins or beads always come to mind first where New Year's fashion is concerned, but feathers? Genius! Plus, I love the extra touches: blood-red nails, a sparkly cuff, strappy sandals, that incredible view. Do you have any plans for New Year's Eve yet? I feel like I'm going to dream big, but actually find myself with some close friends, sipping Baileys and coffee at a bar on the Hudson River and counting down...

[Photo cred to Erin Hiemstra for Rue No.2 via Coco+Kelley]

Toasty Tunics

I never know what to wear for Thanksgiving — jeans just don't seem dressy enough and are far too restrictive, while a silk dress will inevitably be crumpled when I curl up on the floor to nap in between the turkey course and dessert. Plus, heels are superfluous because they'll be kicked off at the door, relatives having ruled in favor of the spanking clean hardwood floors. These tunic dresses by Toast, then, must have been designed for this exact occasion. There's no need to unbutton your pants if you're not wearing any, and the addition of cozy leggings and thick, patterned slipper-socks make this a complete and perfectly appropriate outfit. The best part? Wearing something as deliciously soft as this renders the blanket for the post-turkey nap unnecessary. Because you're wearing one.

Confections

It's just as though Kate Spade knows how to design happiness: a dash of confetti, a sprinkle of gold. I don't even need a thermos, but do I care? It's almost as though the other pieces would be so incredibly lonely without it that it would be a true travesty to not get every single one of them. If I wasn't twenty-one and expected to have an smashingly inebriated New Year's Eve, I would throw a classy party and serve mini quiches and sip hot toddies all night — using this set, of course. Instead, I'm probably going to drink beer and wonder about whether or not I'm going to find a job come June, because that is what college seniors do. On the bright side, though, Kate Spade gives me a world of glitter to look forward to.