12.11.2012
Holiday Gift Guide: what I’m getting mom


Canvas Pop: The hardest part about this is deciding WHICH photo to choose.  This site takes your Instagram pics and turns them into a gorgeous canvas, perfect for anyone, really…

Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Hillier: I got my mom the brown version of this bag for her birthday a few years ago and she became obsessed.  I love the maroon (e.g. super trendy oxblood) for an update on the bag…and I’m sure she still won’t let my sister borrow it.

LATHER Survive & Thrive Holiday Survival Kit: As you know, LATHER makes some pretty amazing products, so clearly, I wasn’t surprised when they came out with the perfect anti-stress kit just in time for the most stressful time of the year.  And who gets more stressed out than mom?  Muscle pain relievers, Clear Head Balancing Balm (which I adore), an aromatherapy calendar and some calming facial mist…LOVE.

12.19.2011
Holiday Gift Guide: What the Bloggers Wanted…at 22

Here’s the deal.  My blogger girls are some of the trendiest, most IT girls you will ever meet so naturally, I needed to know what they’ve been lusting after for the last several years.  Here’s a rundown on what they wish they could’ve purchased for themselves at 22, even if that was a decade ago for some of us.

Andrea Lavinthal – UsMagazine.com: D.L. & Company Delft Skull Plates

While technically I could’ve afforded the $185 set of four plates, I had no real use for them because when I was 22 entertaining meant uncorking a $9 bottle of Pinot Grigio (wait, I actually still do that) and putting out a bag of Tostitos. Now, that I’m an official grown-up (I have the paperwork to prove it) I like to serve my guests snacks and whatnot on real dishes and these are the perfect mix of badass and fancy-pants.

Rachel Adler -StyleCaster.com: Olympus E-P3

Now that I’m a “grown up” (ugh) I would splurge on a fancy camera like the Olympus E-P3. I borrowed one last fashion week and it was a life saver — super lightweight and the photos I took made me look like a professional photographer — any camera that can do that is worth a purchase!

Anne Fritz – TheJetSetGirls.com: nude Jimmy Choo Platform Pumps

Of course, there are so many things I want to give myself that I STILL can’t afford—a Chanel J12 watch, a car…But one “present” I did buy for myself this fall was a pair of nude Jimmy Choo platform pumps. I wanted them forever (at least three years). When I finally did get them, I had two Saks gift cards from various events and one that I had cashed in my Amex points for. I ended up getting them for like $250. And, now that I have them, they’re everything I dreamed of. They really do go with everything and I feel super sexy in them. If only I could walk five blocks in them, they would be perfect!

Amber Katz – BeautyBloggingJunkie.com: Four Seasons Bed

The thing I can buy myself now that I couldn’t buy when I was 22 is a FOUR SEASONS BED. YES. I’m going there.

When I moved to NYC in June of 2002 (happy 10th anniversary to me, almost), I inherited my brother’s old apartment (he was moving back to Philly and I kind of… evicted him). I also inherited his bed he’d had for a year. It’s a meh full size bed, perfectly fine except for the fact that he and his ex-fiance lived together, which weirded me out from both a Feng Shui and a–just ew– standpoint. I’m convinced my romantical chi has been fakakta since sleeping on a mattress tainted by a failed relationship and I was also in the market for a new bed but I had to wait until things like barely making rent weren’t an obstacle. And as you can see, that took about ten years.

So a couple weeks ago, I ordered the bed of my dreams–I figure, it’s an investment, but I’ll get 10 good years of amazing sleep on it. It’s coming within another two weeks and I seriously cannot wait. I slept on a Four Seasons mattress on a recent trip to Morocco and was sold.

Jeannine Morris – BeautySweetSpot.com: Chiristian Louboutin heels

When I was 22 and had my first job at Cosmopolitan all I wanted were a pair of red soles.  I remember splurging on a pair of Marc by Marc Jacobs black patent leather and velvet peep toes that I adored (and still have), but all I wanted were Louboutins.  Now, I own two pairs of the coveted red soles and allow myself to buy them once in a while.  They’re a nice treat!


Dina Fierro – Eye4Style.com: Philip Lim 3.1 fur iPad case

Say what you will about fur, but I love animals every which were possible – as pets, meals and yes, even accessories. Tops on my holiday wishlist this season is Philip Lim 3.1’s deliciously decadent dyed fur iPad case – truth be told, I can think of no nobler end for a bunny.

Kristen Turner – GlitterNGlue.com: Brian Atwood Fringe Suede Lace-Up Booties

I was 22 in 2004…during the height of hurricane Beyonce.  She just started her solo career and she was EVERYWHERE! I was obsessed with the Manolo Blahnik lace up boots that she was wearing in the Bonnie and Clyde video with Jay Z. Don’s ask why, but I was obsessed. I wanted a pair so bad. I even bought myself a knock off pair, but it just wasn’t the same. I guess the only way you can really get away with wearing those shoes is if they’re Manolo’s. Knock off just won’t do! I forget the exact cost, but they were Manolo$ so I’m sue they cost a pretty penny. Whatever the exact amount it was more than I had as a Loyola University New Orleans junior.

Now I could splurge and buy myself a pair… but I wouldn’t! Let’s be honest what was hot in 04 prob won’t make the cut in 2011. Today I’d love to gift myself a pair of Brian Atwood Fringe Suede Lace-Up Booties.

Aly Walansky – MyGloss.com: Hair Extensions

What I want for myself more than anything is hair extensions! I may be as unable to afford them as a decade ago, but then I didn’t know how much hotter I’d be with them – and what a worthwhile reason for debt they truly are.

Annie Tomlin – BellaSugar.com: Travel

Now and always, the thing I want most is time to travel. Visiting new places makes me think of the world differently, and when I was 22, I was too concerned with squirreling away money into savings. I still save a good chunk of each paycheck, but now a portion goes into a travel fund. I’d love to see Thailand, Montana, or Patagonia soon.

Kaitlyn Dreyling – BeautyBlitz.com: Miu Miu Glitter and Calf Hair pumps

These Miu Miu heels are the perfect blend of two things I really love – shoes and sparkle! My favorite way to indulge myself is with a luxe pair of shoes, and I love that this pair has a sparkly take on a classic design. While they make a stellar party pump, I would pair them with an everyday look, too. I can definitely see myself getting plenty of wear out of these!





 

12.07.2011
Holiday Gift Guide: The Quirky BFF

Truth be told, I guess I AM the quirky BFF cause I adore everything in this post and want it for myself.

Juicy Couture TXT Me Leather Gloves, $98 – How could I just be hearing of these?  If I still lived in a place where it dropped below 50 degrees, I’d be sooooo into these.  If you’re on the right coast, you need these. NOW.

Gaga’s Workshop Barney’s New York Chocolate Cupcake Pops, $20 – Besides the fact that I adore Lady Gaga (and Barney’s, at that!), these cake pops are everything.  AND, as a bonus, 25% of the proceeds from all sales at Gaga’s Workshop go to Lady Gaga’s new Born This Way Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship and career development.

LUSH The Jilted Elf Jelly, $11 – Inspired by fig, honey and vodka cocktails, the Jilted Elf is pretty much my definition of amazing.

West Elm Chalkboard Scented Candle Pot, $25 – First, I love candles.  And second, I love that you can write, chalk board-style, on this particular version.  Personalize the candle for your BFF with a funny moment or inspiring quote.

11.29.2011
Holiday Gift Guide: The Perfect Hostess Gifts

Holiday parties can always bring a lot of pressure…what to wear, what to eat (or not eat) and what to bring as a sentimental thank you to the host of the evening.  Guys, I’ve been to a LOT of parties, and these three options are absolutely the BEST gifts any hostess could receive.

Vosges Dark Chocoate Truffle Collection : I discovered Vosges chocolate while working at a PR agency in NYC that always gifted editors with the special amazingness that IS their chocolate.  I adore this gift set because, let’s face it, 9 pieces is just the right amount.  It won’t make you gain 5lbs. but it’s still enough to curb your craving.  Plus, all of their chocolates are exotic and not your basic milk variety.

LATHER 12 Soaps-a-Sudsing: Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with 12 different (amazing) soap fragrances.  Like I’ve said before, I’m not a huge fan of bar soap but these are one of the few exceptions to my rule.  I’m loving the versatility and especially into the “wild mint” soap.

Diptyque Boxed Set of Mini Candles: I bought this mini set for myself back in New York (pre-recession) when I decided that I basically needed to love Diptyque candles.  Truth be told, I was right…and this mini collection is the absolute perfect way to introduce a newbie to the line since these are pretty much the best scents, according to me anyway.  It may appear pricey but these candles LAST, people.  Totally worth it.