Holiday Gift Guide 2010: For the Hipster

Oh the Hipster dude! The "trend" of the now - the hipster is our current alternative. He loves music and fashion and can be a little bit of a tough one to shop for because he has such a specific style he goes after. So what do you get him? Don't try too hard to find the next "coolest" thing. Just pick up something that looks like him, that you know he'd wear and love.

Luxe

Selima Optique for J. Crew Rivington Sunglasses in Tortoise / $325 at J. Crew.com

He'll put the hip in hipster with these aviator inspired frames designed especially by luxury eyewear company, Selima Optique. They'll compliment his flannel shirts and military coat looks all winter long and look hot with his v-neck tee and board shorts at the beach this summer!

A little Less

Marc By Marc Jacobs Mr. Marc Head Phones/ $68 at Bloomingdales

The Hipster guy will love these headphones from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Just as functional as they are fashionable, he"ll rock out in them on his train ride home to Brooklyn every day!

Comfy, Cozy Winter Wear

Something about the cold weather and holiday season upon us makes me crave the following: Starbucks peppermint mochas, baking cookies, online shopping and of course wearing comfy, cozy sweats! The holiday season is definitely a time to hang in with the family, decorate the house and watch holiday specials on tv! Just because you are staying in doesn't mean you shouldn't look cute doing it, though! This year our favorite "mall stores" like The Gap, J. Crew, Victoria's Secret and the LOFT have cute "stay in" looks that would even do well out of the house!

Our Comfy, Cozy Look Breakdown (Clockwise):

• J. Crew Metallic Jersey Stitch Hat, $32
• Victoria Secret PINK NFL Collection New York Giants Bling Boyfriend Sweats, $59.50
• Gap Floral Applique Slippers in Lipstick Red, $29.50
• J. Crew Women's Sherpa Hoodie in Heather Grey, $55

Daily Bling - Tuesday, November 9

S0 I must be in a gold cuff mood this week but it must be said: this cuff is fab.u.lous! LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Where is it from, you ask? J. Crew! I mean, its no secret I love me some J. Crew jewels but I was oh so, surprised when I saw this true art deco inspired cuff while website window shopping last night. The emerald detailing is divine (as is the juxtaposition of the gemstones). It's definitely a special piece; fit for Holiday parties and winter weddings.

The Emerald Crystal Cuff is $98 and a J.Crew.com must have of the season!

Daily Bling - Monday, September 27

I'm not 100% sure if I'm a fan of HBO's new highly-anticipated prohibition era drama, Boardwalk Empire, but one thing is for certain... I am totally inspired by the 1920s glamour and style! On last night's episode, one of the main characters, a young gangster-in-training named Jimmy, bought the "women" in his life some gorg. jewels and it got me thinking about the gorgeous accessories of this era.

Since I am particularly jazzed about this "burlesque" look, what I predict will be a huge trend(and a flapper a definite halloween favorite this year), today's daily bling is actually blings... my favorite jewelry inspired by the glamour and art deco feel of the roaring 1920s.

Breakdown:

Top: Gaze into the Future Necklace, $17 Modcloth

Bottom Left: Spikey Snowflake Ring, $98 J. Crew

Bottom Right: Crystal Boxes Bracelet, $75 J. Crew

Bottom Center: Rhinestone & Emerald Lariat Necklace, $28 Urban Outfitters

Fall Trends 2010: In The Military

I'm not sure if I'm happy or sad to say this, but it's inevitable. Fall is right around the corner! Every Monday for the rest of August and early September I'll be starting a new series on the blog called "Fall Trends Report 2010." Regardless of not wanting to give up the beach or the pool, I am pretty excited for some Fall fashion.

One of my favorite trends of the season is the military look. Combat boots (heeled or flat) and camo are both making comebacks the season. How do you soften the look so its not too hard or edgy? With feminine materials like silk and soft cotton and pretty gemstone jewelry.

In the Military Breakdown:

• Madewell Sandwashed Silk Tank in Grey/ $68
• Michael Michael Kors Charlton Cross Body Bag in Black/ $128
• J. Crew Femme Camo Delancy Skinny Pant (one of my newly acquired fav. pieces of the season)/ $79.50
• J. Crew Fenton/Fallon Jaws Necklace/ $135
• Steve Madden Commbat Boots/ $99.50

Daily Bling - Monday, July 19

We are starting our week on an extra BRIGHT note with this fun, neon necklace from one of our favorite, yet often forgetten, retail destinations - Madewell. Madewell, if you didn't know, is owned by J. Crew and is sort of totted as its cooler, slightly trender, slightly more hipster little sister. We love Madewell's vintage yet modern sensibility and always love their jewelry selection because its unique, and unlike it's big sis, you probably won't find yourself coming and going in it.

We love a good neon and this desert sun necklace has just the right hint of that. We love the juxtapostion of the heavy metal chain, rhinestone chain and "acid green" beading - its hip and makes just the perfect amount of "statement" on a simple all black look.

The Desert Sun Necklace comes in a few other fun neon color combos and is $55 at Madewell.

How I Wore It Weekend

This weekend I had a lovely family dinner to attend at the yummy and gorgeous Prime Restaurant on Long Island in honor of my uncle's 60th bday. What did I decide to wear?

• White Ruched Sleeve H&M Tee Shirt
• Ann Taylor Loft Grey Embellished Cardigan
• Aqua Silver & Lucite Statement Necklace
• J. Crew Poplin Wednesday Skirt
• Silver and Lucite Nine West Open Toe Pumps (3 seasons old and in again!)
• Marc Jacobs Classic Blake Leather Bag in Natural (not shown in this pic)

I'm pictured here with my chic cousin Lauren who is wearing the gorg. Free People Lace Layered Skirt. How cute is she?

How I Wore It Weekend

Happy Mother's Day All! Today I spent the day on Long Island with my mom, grandma, aunt and cousin (and the men too) to celebrate the day! It was unusually chilly in NYC and quite a shock since its been about 80 degrees lately. Decided to play it casual cool in one of our fav. cardis - a navy striped nautical piece by Yacht Club we got at Intermix almost 4 years ago! I paired it with some of my J. Crew favs, new Yosi Samra flats and out gold Coach cross-body bag.

Look from Head to Toe:

• Nautical Striped Cardigan, Yacht Club at Intermix
• J. Crew Navy Beaded Tank (tucked in)
• J. Crew Gold and Crystal Chain Necklace
• J. Crew Matchstick Destroyed Denim Skinny Jeans
• Michael Kors Gold Watch and Gold Stud Earrings (hard to see in this pic!)
• Coach Bag
• Yosi Samra Gold Flats

How did you spend your mother's day?

Last Minute Mother's Day Gift Guide

If you are anything like us and you save all your errands for the weekends you may (or may have not) picked up a gift for mom. I always think jewelry makes a great gift, its personal and its something that no one needs but always wants. And isn't that what gift giving is all about anyway? Whenever I get a piece a jewelry and then wear it I think of who got it for me, for what reason and when. It's just got that sentimental value.

With Mother's Day around the corner we thought we'd make today's daily bling a very special selection of our favorite picks for whatever kind of mom you are shopping for!


The Hippie Mom

Help your zen-like mom embrace her innie hippie wild child with these tassled earrings from Anthropologie. Anthropologie Alluvial Fan Hoops are at Anthropologie.com for $108.


The Classic Mom

What's more classic and timeless than pearls? We love J. Crew's multi-strand pearl bracelet from their fine jewelry collection and just know whether preppy or not you mom will be glad you splurged! J. Crew Triple Strand Pearl Bracelet is available at J.Crew.com for $150.


The Trendy Mom

Treat your hip mommy to a trend of the season - lucite - in a bright color that screams young and fun like this Alexis Bittar Gold Studded Hinge Cuff for $185 at AlexisBittar.com.


The "Doggy" Mom

If you have a doggy like me, you know that you are a mommy too! Get your favorite furry friend mom one of these adorable paw charms from Helen Ficalora (one of our fav. jewelry charm designers.) Price differs upon metal but the silver version (which we have and love) is $40 and available at Bloomingdales.

What I Wore Weekends

It's been a busy weekend but I think its safe to say wedding season has begun! We have two (count it), two bridal showers this weekend - one on Long Island and on in NYC.

I dont usually like to do posts featuring moi, but my weekend escapades inspired me to start a new series on the blog called "What I Wore Weekends" where I break down my fav. looks from my weekend, how I wore them, accessorized them and where I went with them.

Its a challenge to have two bridal showers in a row, as I had to plan two cute (similar) looks to wear back to back. My challenges? Unusually warm weather in the New York area and skin thats peeling like woah after my sunburn from St. Lucia. I solved both by wearing cap sleeve sundresses and purchasing an Ann Taylor cardigan with elbow length sleeves (although it was too hot to wear today!)

Shower 1 was a beautiful Long Island shower at an adorable eatery out east. The shower was for a very good friend of mine from high school and I wanted to look put together yet still casual and country-ish. I opted for a Marc by Marc Jacobs cotton sundress in liliac from last season and accessorized it with the thin cardigan from Ann Taylor with crystal buttons, long layers of pearls and silver chains and blush colored ribbons, my bone "bow" sling back nude pumps and blush Marc Jacobs bag. I dont have a great picture yet but here is a snippet of the look below. I'm calling this look "vintage chic."

I'm on the right in both pics with my friend from HS, Lindsey...

For bridal shower #2, my college friend, Lindsay's, at the swanky Gramercy Park Hotel in NYC I opted for a bolder, more dressed up look. I paired my silk chiffon tiered Ombre Madison Marcus dress I got at Intermix two years ago and am still L-O-V-I-N-G with black CL pumps, my black Chanel quilted bag, and layers of gold and crystal J. Crew long necklaces and Michael Kors gold watch. I'm calling this one "city sophisticate."

On the Left in the first image and center in the second with friends Molly and Amber

All in all, I think both looks were appropriate and fun and very me! And now off to the bachelorette parties!

Best Accessorized: By the Sea

The striped tee. It's an essential for your summer wardrobe as dubbed by all the major fashion mags and we have to agree! We always love the nautical look of the navy and white stripe tee, its a classic preppy must-have for anyone summering by the shore or in the city. Understated yet fashionable, relaxed yet put together, it's simply a great look.

One of our fav. striped tees of the season is this Saint James Meridien II tee. The classic brand has teamed up with J. Crew to sell some of their best pieces on J. Crew's websites/catalog and in select stores. We think its the perfect striped tee to wear with a variety of looks for the warmer months and below we breakdown four different ways to wear it no matter where you are headed!

Look 1: Blue and Gold

Pair your navy stripes with chic boyfriend cuffed blue jean shorts and accents of gold for a beachside brunch with your girls or popping around town on the weekends.

• Rachel Leigh Millie Bib Necklace/ $198 at Shopbop.com
• Michael Kors Medina Aviator Sunglasses/ $85 at MichaelKors.com
• Michael Michael Kors Palm Beach Sandal/ $95 at Zappos.com
• Gap Distressed Boyfriend Shorts/ $35 at Gap.com
• Carlos Falchi Metallic Microfiber Tote in Gold/$220 at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Look 2: Studs & Stripes

Give your nautical look a dressed up vibe making it suitable for the city. We like jazzing up the striped shirt with gray boyfriend blazer, white cuffed jeans and studded accessories.

• Rachel Leigh Pyramid Earrings/ $66 at ShopBop.com
• Kenneth Cole New York Boyfriend Blazer/ $99 at Nordstrom.com
• Rebecca Minkoff Stud Rocker Clutch/ $295 at Bloomingdales.com
• Joe's Jeans The Best Friend/ $163 at Joe's Jeans
• Giusseppe Zanotti White Studded Sandals/ $835 at Farfetch.com

Look #3: POPS of Color

Who says you can't mix and match? Look utterly chic in a mix of patterns, prints and primary colors for a weekend at your preppy Hamptons getaway.

• Kate Spade Into the Wild Small Karen Bag/ $265 at Zappos.com
• J. Crew Poplin Wednesday Skirt in Burnt Orange/ $69 at Jcrew.com
• J. Crew Layered Link Necklace/ $85 at J. Crew.com
• Sam Edelman Clive Flat/ $124 at LorisShoes.com

Look 4: Sail Time

Get ready to set sail! Wear your striped tee as a bathing suit cover-up. A chic white fedora and Tory Burch's signature flip flops give the look a finishing touch.

• Victoria's Secret Crystal and Coral Bikini Set (Featuring Swarovski Crystallized Crystals)/$199 at VictoriasSecret.com
• Shopbop Eugenia Kim Max Knot Fedora/ $235 at Shopbop.com
• Tory Burch Wedge Flip Flops/ $55 at ToryBurch.com

The Daily Bling - Thursday, April 1

Hey Fashionable Readers! Sorry for the delayed post today, I am home sick and have been feeling pretty lousy since last night so it's talking all my energy to write this post. I knew what I wanted to write about but somehow to get my thoughts on paper (or computer screen - thats sort of an old term isn't it?) is taking some effort. For this reason I will keep the post short and sweet, really sweet.

Fenton/Fallon by NYC jewelry designer Dana Lorenz has created an exclusive line for J. Crew this year and it sure is lovely! Fenton/Fallon brings their signature downtown edge to J. Crew's preppy yet pretty line of antique inspired jewels - a match made in daily bling heaven! The most impressive piece in the bunch is most definitely the Carrington Crystal Bow Necklace, featured above. Everything about it screams our style! We love the juxtaposition of the ever so fem oversized Swarovski crystals and satin bow detailing on the edgy mixed metal chains. It's uptown girl meets downtown girl in the ultimate statement necklace. That's all were going to say on this one because frankly this piece speaks for itself!

The necklace is available on J.Crew Online and is $295.

Fashionably Yours,

H

The Daily Bling - Thursday, March 4th

Today's Daily Bling is a get-it-while-its-hot kinda item! J. Crew announced yesterday that they added some more items to their final sale and they have a great selection in jewelry!! We have always admired the Bijoux Pear Bracelet and its now available for $30 from its original $68 price point - more than 50% OFF! We love it for its rose gold detailing and light violet crystals - so feminine and fun! There are a lot of beautiful and recent collection pieces on sale including the lovely Dogwood Flower Necklace we featured in our "Spring Neutrals" post!

On a side note, I know I have maybe been abusing my love for J. Crew's jewelry on this blog (and in the daily bling as of late) so I promise this will be my last J. Crew Daily Bling for at least a week (which is gonna be hard)! I just couldnt resist sharing the final sale news with you.

Check out the sale here: J. Crew Final Sale. Happy Shopping and let us know which J. Crew final sale item you pick up in the comments!

Fashionably Yours,

H

Military Time: The Utilitarian Trend for Your Wrist

A lot of designers are showing a version of the utilitarian or military trend for spring. We are seeing the look in oversized anoraks and military jackets, cargo pants and boots. One of our favorite ways to incorporate this utility look into your wardrobe for spring is with a menswear watch in heavy duty materials such as rubber and stainless steel. We breakdown our two favorite utility watches below.

Our first choice is the original utility watch - The Timex Military Watch. J. Crew gives this watch a makeover this year, with a plethora of nylon watch bands to mix and match with in every color of the rainbow - yellow, blue, cream, neon orange and our pick - "moss" which is an army green. J. Crew describes it as a mix of modern and traditional. Its style was taken from the 1940s and features a strategically distressed face with modern hardware and a red dial. The nylon strap and oversized face def. makes this watch masculine, but we love how J. Crew is pairing it with pencil skirts and embellished tee-shirts in their catalog and online. The watch with black strap is $150 and the additional strap is an extra $20 and you can only get it at J. Crew

Our second pick is the Michael Kors Rubber Watch in Green, and although it still screams menswear, its less literal military and more fashionable. We love the oversized style of all the Michael Kors watches, and this one is no different. Rubber, especially in green, is so unexpected in an MK watch and gives his classic style an update you'll just be dying to get your hands on. We think this one is equal parts tough and chic and would complement a cute safari dress or jeans, a tee and a military jacket. Water resistant, the watch is also truly practical utilitarian. You can find it for $195 at ShopBop.

Fashionably Yours,

H

Daily Bling - Sunday, February 28th

I recently finished the first season of Mad Men. I know I am SOOO behind, I know I am like SOOOO late to the obsession, however, it doesn't make me less of a fan now does it? I've become completely enamored with the put-together early 60s style of the women on the show from Betty Draper to Joan to even Rachel Menkin. Part of me wishes women still wore those full skirts and matched their lipstick to their nail polish and had a hat for every dress.

Even though we are living in a Mad-Men-less world that doesn't mean you can't take fashionable cues from the show and incorporate them into your own wardrobe. CAUTION: Do not go to crazy here, or you will look like its Halloween. A great way to incorporate the "Jackie O" style into your look is with today's daily bling. The J. Crew Pearl Jewel Box Earrings (doesn't the name even just scream Mad Men?) are vintage in feel and style and will add a sophistacted touch to any look. The dark gold, oversized pearl and crystal details make these a true "vintage store find" only you don't have to rummage the racks or through your grandmother's closet because they are available at Jcrew.com. Pair them with one of J.Crew's cashmere sweaters and their skinny leg "Minnie Pant" and be your very own Betty Draper.

Fashionably Yours,
H

Spring Neutrals Decoded

We have been hearing a lot about the neutral, monochromatic trend for Spring. We are seeing the high-end and affordable stores showing a lot of blushes, khakis, lights grays and metallics layered together. As we divert from our basic winter black I thought I'd help decode how to wear these monochromatic looks without looking too matchy-matchy or too clashy-clashy. When done right, you will be looking nifty in neutral for Spring!

Look 1: Golds and Khakis

The key to complementing a simple khaki shift is with touches of white and gold. We've brought this simple Ann Taylor loft dress to life with gold embellishments and a feminine necklace that makes this outfit the perfect updated work look.

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes: Miu Miu

Necklace: J. Crew

Bracelets: Kendra Scott

Bag: J. Crew

Look 2: Greys and Silvers

Grey is still an it color for Spring but instead of your winter charcoals it’s a lighter, airy version of itself. White contrasts beautifully against this light grey shade and silver gives the look a punch. Love this for birthday lunch with a group of girlfriends or at a more casual, creative work environment.

Blazer and Tee Shirt: BopBasics, ShopBop.com

Pants: Tibi

Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Bag: Botkier

Shoes: Rachel Rachel Roy

Look 3: Blush and Nude

Blush is my absolute favorite color for Spring. It’s a cooler version of pink, feminine yet not girly, this dusty shade looks relaxed and pretty. I love the idea of matching this silk blush top with casual denim shorts and scarf and dressing it up with a pair of sexy pumps and small clutch to take the look into evening.

Top: J. Crew

Shorts: J. Crew

Scarf: J. Crew

Earrings (remember these?): J. Crew

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Marc Jacobs

Fashionably Yours,

H

The Daily Bling - Friday, February 19th

Today's daily bling is brought to you by one of my favorite retailers, J. Crew. I have had a serious love affair with J. Crew for some time, back to the days of roll neck sweaters and ill-fitting khakis. In the past two - three seasons however, J. Crew hasn't been only one of my loves, but really more like an absolute must-have, go-too, essential main-stay in my wardrobe. One of the reasons for this is because of the ABSOLUTELY bea.u.ti.ful jewelry collection they have put out. Affordable yet fashionable, I am constantly wearing and getting compliments on my J. Crew jewelry.

The reason I love the Cabochon Chandelier Earrings is for their feminine vintage appeal with an ultra modern twist. The earrings come in crystal and metallic blush and I am DEF. partial to the metallic blush version (featured above). I have been starting the arduous yet super fun process of building my spring wardrobe and a palette of blushes, pinks, khakis and greys are rounding out all my picks. These earrings would look great with a slicked back bun, long cardigan and tulle skirt in shades of blush or with loose curls, an anorak and skinny leg khakis. (all from J. Crew of course)

The Cabochon Chandelier Earrings retails for $68 and are available on www.jcrew.com

Fashionable Yours,

H