Roberta Chiarella Jewelry SALE

  Over the past couple of years, I have been stocking up on Roberta Chiarella's fun and affordable jewelry. Thousands of celebs have worn her designs and they can be seen on television shows galore, even Oprah has written about Roberta in her O magazine. Roberta Chiarella features many different styles of jewelry from boho chic to celebrity inspired jewels like the emeralds Angelina Jolie wore to the 2009 Oscars. My favorite purchase is the Chickie Girl earring, I wear these all the time and always get compliments.

Chickie Girl Earring

 The best thing about Roberta are her amazing sales. This week she is featuring a Buy One Get One Free sale, as well as a Buy Two Get Two Free!!! Enjoy!

Hair And Now

 As soon as I saw the pictures of Mila Kunis on the upcoming issue of Nylon magazine it inspired me to call my hair colorist immediately. How amazing is her hair?!? I can't wait to see Black Swan with Mila, Natalie Portman and the return of Winona Ryder! Just a guess, but from the looks of the trailer it seems like a oscar nomination or two or more could be coming the casts way!

In My Closet

  When I find a blouse that I truly love sometimes I buy it in every color I can find it in. I recently found a top that I have purchased time and time again so I can hoard them away in case the company stops making them! I know that's a little nuts but what I wouldn't do for a great blouse! This little gem I am referring to is Nation Ltd's Oregon tee. If you have never heard of Nation Ltd then you are in luck my friend. Nation Ltd makes the softest most comfortable tees I have ever found or worn in such great styles. I first got word of this brand a few years ago when style icon Nicole Richie was strutting her stuff all over LA in their designs.
The Oregon tee has been a go to item in my closet over the last few weeks and I really thought I should share it with you. I hope you adore this little 3/4 sleeve v-neck tee as much as I do! It is currently on sale at Piperlime.com. Check it out here:
http://piperlime.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=4016&vid=1&pid=812230&scid=812230002

It's In The Bag!

 People always ask me for makeup tips and what my favorite products are, so I thought I would do a post about a product that has been in my makeup bag for 15 years. Cover Girl eyeshadow in the color Champagne is one of my favorite eye shadows of all time. It wasn't until the other day when I was applying my makeup that I realized how long I had been using it. I use this shadow as a highlighter, as a base, and as a pop of color in the corner of the eye near the tear duct that makes you look more awake. This color will flatter all skin tones and is incredibly affordable. I love the consistency of this powder shadow and I hope you will too! It will be in my makeup bag for many years to come! This can be purchased in my Amazon.com store for under $5.00 in the cosmetic section or at any local drugstore.

Happy Thanksgiving!

  May the beauty and blessings of Thanksgiving bring warmth and peace to your home this season.

Henri Bendel Jewelry

Ippolita Hoop

Henri Bendel Hoop

For the last several years I have practically been drooling over Ippolita Jewelry. Every fashion magazine I read always has a beautiful full page ad for Ippolita with bracelets and earrings in the most gorgeous colors. I would love a piece or two or more of Ippolita but I just can't justify paying a grand for a bracelet! I would rather have a great pair of shoes or a fantastic handbag! Spending money on fashion jewelry has always been a foreign concept to me. Diamonds, yes, but for a few bracelets no way! A few days ago while shopping Henri Bendels site I was ecstatic to find an Ippolita look alike at a price I can agree with! These modern yet classic pieces are exquisite and it's not all Henri Bendel has to offer! HB offers some fantastic jewelry and other goodies on their website so check it out. I guess you know what will be showing up on my doorstep next week! www.henribendel.com

Ippolita Bracelets

Henri Bendel Bracelets

How Will Kate Middleton Influence Fashion?

 We all know what Princess Diana did for fashion and just how much she influenced the multi billion dollar industry. So the question remains, how will Kate Middleton fill Diana's glamorous shoes? Kate has already spun the fashion world on it's axis when she showed up to her engagement press conference wearing Issa's silk jersey dress in a blue hue that matched her ring (formerly Diana's engagement ring as well) to perfection. Sources say that the dress which was available on British e-tailer matchesfashion.com sold out in minutes. The fashion obsessed didn't take long to point out that Kate had in fact been spotted wearing the brand several times before.

Kate Middleton Wearing Issa

  Guess she's relying on the old, if ain't broke motto. Matches Fashion currently has the dress in a wine colored version still available on their site. See it below.

  Due to public demand Kate's sapphire and diamond engagement ring has had jewelry designers feverishly making replicas. So is this start of a trend maker ? My guess is yes! I can't wait to see more Kate! If you want to dress like Kate check out www.matchesfashion.com

Personalize Your E-mail & More

I have always thought that customized stationary is undeniably chic. Every time I receive a note or letter on  custom letterhead I know that person has good taste! So I was completely entertained by something I stumbled upon lately. A company called imoi is setting the trend in personalized on line communications. Like email, iomoi online social stationery is convenient and timely. Unlike email, iomoi social stationery allows authors to align the design of their messages with their personal sense of style. Messages are composed using the iomoi website and received by any email program. In crafting their letters, iomoi subscribers choose from a selection of chic designs which are updated throughout the season. Messages can be even set in one of a selection of handwriting typefaces, making for a more intimate communication. One of the creators Irene Chen use to work for Donna Karan so you know this stationary has style! Next time you e-mail someone to invite them to a dinner party or other event check out iomoi!
 I am also currently lusting over iomoi's customizable acrylic trays. They are so amazing! You can customize them by choosing the pattern or design on the bottom of the tray as well as the color and they can be monogrammed. I have a spot in my home just waiting for this tray! Check them out at www.iomoi.com

Under The Big Top?

Alice + Olivia

DVF

MYNE

 We have all heard from countless magazines and any fashion guru that can get you to listen, that stripes rarely look good on anyone. Depending on your body shape, often the stripes can end up uneven or stretched across certain parts on your chest. However, there is always that glimmer of hope in any fashion guru's voice, "you just have to find the right stripe for you." Well, I must admit I found a few nautical striped blouses last season that were amazing and looked great on. The nautical stripe was such a huge trend this year that it seemed everywhere you went someone was wearing it. This season that look has been reinvented and I must admit I am not sure if I am a fan or not. This year's stripe is a sometimes asymmetrical, thick bold graphic stripe in black and white that seems to scream, look at me - look at me!!
I have seen this look chic when styled the right way, but occasionally I just think it looks like if the circus married a jailbird and they had a child this would be the outcome. Now the designers who are showing this look are some of my favorites like Diane Von Furstenburg and Alice + Olivia who in my book can rarely do anything wrong. I guess I will do what any good fashion guru would tell me to do and have a glimmer of hope that I might stop questioning this or change my mind after I try it on for myself!

Trend Report: Resort 2011 Python

YSL Python Tribute

Celine

Diane Von Furstenburg

 Luxury designers have started rolling out their resort collections at stores like Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus within the last month. Leopard has been a huge trend this fall and it looks like python accessories will give it a run for it's money in the spring. I have seen this look in shoes, bags and jewelry.
 One of my absolute favorite shoes of all time is the Yves St Laurent Tribute sandal. The Tribute has been seen on almost every celebrity foot in Hollywood. Like a breath of fresh air the iconic tribute sandal is now done in a super sexy python in a color they are calling Safari. These beauties are retailing for $1395. If that's breaking the bank then Colin Stuart at Victoria's Secret has got you covered! The Colin Stuart Twist T-Strap Sandal is available in python for $75. I am also seeing python on bags from designers like Diane Von Furstenburg and Celine. It looks like this is one trend we will be seeing a lot of for spring!

It's All About Alexa

 Today Seattle was graced with the first snow of the season. There's something about watching those little fluffy flakes fall that make me want to curl up with a blanket by the fire. So that's just what I did. I settled on the appropriately themed chick flick The Holiday to set the mood. It was during the film which is set part of the time in LA and part in Surrey England that I began to think about Alexa again. You see she has been on my mind for quite some time. Alexa is also from England. Somerset England in fact and if I am lucky she might just show up under the tree for Christmas this year. Who is Alexa? Allow me to fill you in. Created by the well known luxury retailer Mulberry, this handbag made from soft buffalo leather was created and named for Bristish style icon Alexa Chung. Alexa is the chicest messenger bag around! It can be carried over the shoulder, across the body or can be carried in the crook of the arm. This bag can be dressed up or dressed down as MTV's The City's Olivia Palermo shows us below.

It's been seen on the arm of Leighton Meester from Gossip Girl, Katie Holmes and of course Alexa Chung. It comes in a variety of colors from my favorite the Oak to Plum and Grape. It is offered in two sizes, the original and the over sized. The original is offered at $1,150 and can be found here http://www.mulberry.com/#/storefront/c5581/4299/category/ or here http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/94465.  If the Alexa isn't in your price bracket this year then you are in luck. Mulberry has teamed with Target to do a less expensive version of some of their most popular bags. Prices range from $15 to $40.

Become Your Own Jewelry Designer

Sometimes I think there's nothing better than just throwing on a cozy black sweater and a great pair of earrings. For me, a black sweater or blouse can become a blank canvas for showcasing some of your most beautiful jewelry. Kendra Scott is an amazing jewelery designer who has just what you need to adorne yourself this holiday season. Kendra's jewelry has been worn by hundreds of celebrities and has graced the covers of countless magazines and television shows. Not only is she an amazingly creative designer but now you can be too. Kendra's site is now offering a genius tool called Color Bar where you can design your own pair of earrings in the color combo of your choice. Some of my favorites are the Gwen and the Danielle pictured above. Kendra is currently offering a $20 off coupon when you sign up for her e-mail. Happy Shopping!!
www.kendrascott.com

Move over Dior There's a New Loreal In Town

DiorShow is an iconic mascara from a brand so fabulous (Dior) it was originally used backstage at fashion shows before it was an industry product. I discovered this little gem a few years back. The first time I ever wore it out in public the waitress at the restaurant I was having dinner at asked me how I got my eyelashes so thick and long. I was hooked! I knew it was without a doubt the best mascara I had ever found. The only downside to this product is it's price. DiorShow is sold for $24.00 a tube. Steep! But Alas, I have found it's cheaper drug store cousin who I might argue could be better than Miss Show herself. L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara has made it's way into my makeup drawer and my heart. I have found that neither of these products are clumpy and have little to no fall out during the day. They are both easily removed with facial cleanser and in my opinion, the L'Oreal version has a much better color payoff. It really is Carbon Black. I tend to like this better as it makes your real lashes look dark, thick and lush like a pair of falsies! If black mascara is too much for you L'Oreal also sells this in a toned down black brown version as well. Miss Voluminous is sold at drugstores nationwide for around $5.00 or click on my Amazon.com store to purchase your own tube.

A New Spin On Hostess Gifts

 With the holidays rapidly approaching I am beginning to think about the gifts my loved ones will receive this year. Not only do I have many friends and family to buy for but also the hostesses of the many holiday parties my husband and I will attend. Now, I could bring the traditional wine or chocolate.......... but this year I am going to give something that gives back. Glassybaby is a Seattle based company started by a husband and wife team that does just that. Glassybaby was created in 2006 when designer Lee Rhodes was diagnosed with cancer. Lee gifted her husband with a certificate for glass blowing lessons during this critical time. When he came home from that first class with a glass votive candle holder Glassybaby was born. To honor those who have walked down her same path, Lee established Glassybaby Goodwill. Every year, Glassybaby goodwill designates a select group of colors to benefit local and national organizations contributing to cancer patient care and cancer research.

You can read the heartwarming story and purchase them here: http://www.glassybaby.com/default.aspx Glassybaby now has a new creation called Drinkers. Drinkers are crafted into the beautiful shape of a wine glass without the stem. They come in some delightful colors and are my new favorite way to drink and serve wine. Cheers to giving good gift and giving back!