Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Big Night In

2009 is officially on its way out, make way for 2010! After a long hard year I really want to party but I'm kind of feeling the stay at home vibe. By no means does this mean I don't want to dress up for New Year's Eve. You can be fabulous and comfortable. Believe me, a few friends, drinks and a karaoke machine (I know, I'm a complete weirdo) make a wild night in. I'm looking forward to a great night and I won't have to stand in line or circle around for a parking spot.



I love the ease and comfort of a jumpsuit or maxi dress for a great night in. One stop shopping: just put on a go! These versatile outfits can be dressed up with jewelry and heels or dressed down with a fancy thong flat.






























Monday, December 28, 2009

Holiday Stooper

Hey Gals, I am basically in a post holiday coma. I'm trying to store all of my energy to rev up for the new year. Any suggestions on how to shake off that I really over-shopped, attended one two many family gatherings and had way to much chocolate (contrary to my previous beliefs, there is a such thing as too much chocolate) feeling? I think I'll try one day of doing absolutely nothing (heaven), a hot bath and maybe a very luxurious movie. By luxurious movie I mean checking out the new Gold Class Cinemas (a handful of theaters are scattered across the country). It's like the first class flight of movie theaters: huge comfortable seats, a waiter, great full course meal choices, and a first class $20 ticket price (very cool though). We'll see I'm checking out Avatar tonight.
Photo courtesy of Flickr by JeffGoop

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm having a great time with family and friends today hope you're doing the same. But, I'll be back in the saddle on Monday (consider yourselves warned).







...And yes, this old Christmas party picture is all I could conjure up.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

I'm officially stressed out. With all the holiday prepping I'm running out of time and energy. I can really use a massage. Oh wait, I don't have time for that. However, there's always time for a laugh.

Here's a great video I found of women making complete fools of themselves (I love YouTube). The takeaway?...always invest in good underwear.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Last Minute Gifts: Good and Cheap

If you're still Holiday shopping, it's getting down to the wire. I love to find a gift that's easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Here are some great options all under $25. Brilliant!





Books are always a great go to gift for the person who has everything. This one's cute. The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's Most Elegant Woman, $19.95.












I have already have a pajama fetish but I'm almost as obsessed with knee socks and cool slippers. These remind me of Uggs (I actually don't wear Uggs on the street but love the style of a boot with thermals or sleep shorts at home). I think these make a nice gift. Nordstrom "Shaggy" Slipper Boot $24.



















Perfect for Foodies. I just had these waffles at a Brunch on Saturday (to die for)! Pair the mix up with a colorful mixing bowl or cute dish towel and you have instant great gift. William-Sonoma Golden malted Pancake and Waffle Mix $10







Friday, December 18, 2009

More Holiday Cheer

Once again it's Friday and as usual it's time to celebrate the start of the weekend. Friday always puts me in a good mood and since it's the holiday season I want to share the cheer. Now, a word of warning: if you're not finished with all your holiday shopping beware of the word SALE. Take precautions for safe, successful holiday shopping (that means good, comfortable shoes and a tightly secured wig) because it's a jungle out there.


I'm probably going to hell for this, but let this be a lesson to everyone on holiday shopping...Black Friday is a competitive sport-SHOP ONLINE!


And for the brave ones out there...There is a huge sale event in Los Angeles this weekend starting today. It's called The Warehouse Sale and the sale might be coming to a city near you (check out the info here).

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Cool Winter Coats

Judging by the $169 gas bill I just received, it's cold. You might have your winter/holiday wardrobe ready to hit the street, but if you plan on spending anytime outside what people see the majority of the time is your coat. You potentially have to spend months being seen in the same thing over and over again-choose wisely. Decisions, decisions...why does life have to be so hard? Let me see if I can help...





This coat is all you need for a Rock & Roll Winter. Wool coat + leather sleeves = an extra cool coat. Honestly, you could roll with this in L.A. but may not want to rock it colder climates like Chicago (not sure how leather sleeves will fair in below zero temps).
Charlotte Ronson Trench Coat w/ Leather Sleeves $945







This time basic Black is military inspired with clean modern lines. I love the high neckline on this coat and because of it I'd probably skip the scarf. I also love the price and because of that I can skip the ulcer. Calvin Klein Multi Tier Walking Coat $178.











Make a statement with a bold color or pattern. Perfect for the woman who wants to stand out and be a beacon of light in a sea of Grey and Black.





Get noticed in colors like Red, Plum (or anything in the deep Purple family) or a rich Blue. And there's that high collar again. George Simonton Convertible Stand Collar Jacket $139.










I'm completely mad for plaid. It always gives me such a vintage feel. The dramatic collar on this coat is just fab.
Latte by Coffee Shop Plaid Asymmetrical Coat $268.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Holiday Hot

I know it may be cliche' to be draped in red from head to toe just because it's the holidays, but it's such a beautiful and vibrant color I'm not even going to try to resist. I completely understand not wanting to be yet another girl at the party wearing a red dress. So, can we at least compromise and stay festive through red accessories?


Bring any basic outfit up a couple of notches by adding these glam shoes.
Betsey Johnson "Law" Pump $149.95















I really like this fancy little number (I know, I might be obsessed with all things sequins). Offset the femininity and dressiness of this purse with a more masculine outfit like a tuxedo styled pantsuit.
MAXX NEW YORK Reversed Sequin Round Bag With Chain Strap $58.90








The ultimate holiday accessory: the red lip. Try a universally flattering shade like M.A.C.'s Viva Glam (shown) or Russian Red lipstick.











Friday, December 11, 2009

The Spirit of Christmas

Happy Friday! Although cold, gloomy and raining (at least it is where I am), the weekend is here (not complaining though-I'll take 'em how ever I can get them). We've got two weeks until Christmas and it's time to get on the grind with all the holiday preparation (unless unlike me you're one of those people who are fabulously organized and have just about everything completed-showoffs). At the risk of sounding corny, I really need holiday music to get me in the spirit. So these are some of my go-tos when I need a little motivation. Like to hear 'em? Here they go...

One of my all time-favorites for Christmas cheer.



Looks like Chris Brown can put a hurtin' on a Christmas song too. However, my favorite is still the original version of This Christmas by Donny Hathaway.



Wow, I can't believe I found this one...I swear my Dad plays this every year.

Monday, December 7, 2009

KISS: Keep it Simple Stupid

Okay, I officially have a love affair with designer Alexander Wang. With the exception of Fall 2009's biker short debacle (see what I really think about biker shorts here), I love just about everything Alexander Wang. I really appreciate the simple concepts he uses and then adds a little twist: so simple, so modern, so sexy and so expensive. Now I just need another job to actually pay for some of this stuff. Well, it is the holidays so I'm not above taking donations.










A sexy off the shoulder button up is even more dramatic from behind. Love, love, love!







How unexpectedly sexy is this? A simple tank dress that emphasizes the shoulders and back. Wear as-is or add leggings or opaque tights. The T by Alexander Wang line offers sexy basics like tanks, t-shirts, and dresses. T by Alexander Wang Stretch Tank Dress $88




















Dear Santa, I've been a really (okay, fairly) good girl, please send me this...
Alexander Wang One Shoulder Dress $795


















P.S. Other designers I love who keep it simple: Helmut Lang, Calvin Klein.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Viva Las Vegas: CityCenter is Here!

Long gone are the days when Las Vegas is only synonymous with gambling, fabulous cheap buffets, and Elvis (well there will always be gambling and Elvis, cheap anything in Vegas-not so much). Now, Las Vegas is hotter (and more expensive) than ever. Not only does Las Vegas boast some the hottest hotels, restaurants and nightlife, it's becoming my favorite destination for some damn good shopping. Eat your heart out New York! To add more fuel to the fire, opening this month for your shopping, eating and hotel lodging enjoyment is the $8.5 billion dollar project, CityCenter (check out the cool interactive website here). CityCenter includes a half million (yes million) square feet of shopping collectively called Crystals (opened Dec.3) that includes Tom Ford, Carolina Hererra, and Roberto Cavalli (all upscale shopper's or window shopper's dream) to name a few. Photo above left: courtesy of Vdara.com



rendering of Crystals courtesy of crystalscitycenter.com


Expect to be accommodated in style at one of the five new property's: Vdara (opened Dec. 1), Mandarin Oriental (opening today), Aria Resort & Casino (opening Jan. 16) and Veer Towers (for purchase only, opening mid January) and Harmon Hotel (opening late 2010). Time to get your travel plans ready. I'm both excited and little annoyed that I just left Las Vegas the day before the openings. Oh well, looks like another road trip is on the horizon.


Oh, and I told you Elvis isn't going anywhere...

Cirque Du Soleil is unveiling their tribute to Elvis at the Aria Hotel and Casino. Wouldn't it be great if Cirque did a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson?
Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Tis' The Season To Travel...

With the holidays amongst us it's inevitable that some of us will have to travel . So don't leave home without these super cute (and practical) accessories.



Just about every time I go on a trip I return with more stuff than I left with (you know a girl loves to shop). This leather tote rolls up for safe travel in your suitcase then rolls out and serves as an all purpose tote and carry on.





Personalize your luggage for 11 bucks! It's not really as personal as monogramming, but these leather luggage tags are bright and will make your luggage a little more noticeable.






Don't leave home without your very own pillow and blanket for travel. Because these particular blankets and pillows feel sooo good and using the ones on the airplane is sooo pro-Swine Flu. Practical as they are, these do come in a variety of cute colors. Nap Travel U Pillow $25 and Nap Travel Blanket $25.