Holiday Gift Guide 2010: For the Trendsetter

Everyone knows a trendsetter. She is the girl in the group that isn't just following the trends, but starting them. She always knows whats hot about 2 - 5 months before you decide you need it too. She loves labels, but she appreciates a good up-and-coming designer as well.

So what do you buy the girl that seemingly has everything? It can be a toughy! Our best advice is to go with a recognizable brand name and choose something from that collection thats slightly less expected and of course, in line with the trends of the season. When in doubt ask yourself, does it come in a shade thats hot for the season (like army green or camel) or does it come in a material thats right now (like animal print, fur or lace)?

Luxe

Michele Watches Tahitian Jelly Bean Chronographic Watch Olive & Green/ $345 at Saks

We love Michele Watches and so do most trendsetters we know! Must have of the season is their new "Jelly Bean" Chronograph Watches. They come in all sorts of bright colors but we think the trendsettter would appreciate our pick in military green, a must-have color for Fall/Winter.

A little Less

Michael Michael Kors Pyramid Stud Rabbit Fur Earmuffs/ $48 at Bloomingdales

Fur is one of the hottest looks this season and we just love Michael Kors's blingy twist on the classic furry earmuff. The studs give these earmuffs an edgy yet feminine look that your trendsetter will be sure to adore!

Weekend Bling - 10/9 - 10/10

My new favorite watch from Michael Michael Kors is the perfect addition to Fall's camel look and a classy edition for your "weekend wardrobe."

On a gorgeous Fall weekend such as this one, The Michael Michael Kors Square Watch in "Luggage" make a pretty edition to a preppy Fall look. We can just picture it with some denim skinny jeans, lace up camel boots and a fitted flannel shirt or your favorite cashmere sweater. Its a classy, updated take on the leather watch trend thats so hot right now and definitely on the top of my wish list.

Michael Michael Kors Square Leather Watch in Luggage is $160 and available at MichaelKors.com.

Fall Trend Report 2010: So Lacey

Our Fall Trend Report continues with a look thats a little racy.... lace! Lace has definitely made a comeback this fall but don't think delicate and soft, think edgy and sexy! Lace is best served up this year in the form of a dress or a skirt. We are just loving this gorgeous dress from Plastic Island - not overally "sexy" but just the right amount of a sass; a great girls night look!

If the rocker girl was so last Fall then this fall is all about the "motorcycle chick" with a twist! Dress the look down with a wedge boot, some funky statement jewelry like a large silver cocktail ring or long necklace and add a pop of color somewhere (in this case with a hot pink cross body bag!!)

So Lacey Breakdown:

• Ben Amun Black Tassel Necklace, Max and Chloe for $445
• Swarovski "Fizz" Amethyst Ring, Swarovski for $270
• Plastic Islance Kiki Lace Dress, ShopBop for $124
• Rebecca Minkoff 3 Zip Rocker Bag in Fuschi, Rebecca Minkoff for $195
• Michael Michael Kors Bassey Convertible Bootie, Bloomingdales for $225

How I Wore It Weekend - My New Fav. Fall Look!

This weekend I attended a work dinner with some of my favorite beauty bloggers in honor of New York Fashion Week. I decided to debut two of my favorite pick-ups for Fall, a camel colored chiffon and velvet dress from H&M and my new Nine West lace up shoe-booties.

I accessorized the look with my burgundy Marc Jacobs Stam bag (balancing the mix of high/low), my gold Michael Kors watch, primary colored Swarovski crystal indian inspired bangles and a long gold lariat style necklace. The end result? 70s inspired with a mix of boho chic!

Some detailed shots below:

It must be said that my Nine West Booties were so comfortable and I got millions of compliments on them. A definite recommended must-have for the season!

Full Breakdown:

• H&M Chiffon Dress, $39.50
• Nine West Booties, $139 purchased at ShoeWoo
• Marc Jacobs Stam Bag, (got at a sample sale but regular $1200)
• Swarovski Bangles, $29.50 at a Gilt Groupe Sale
• Michael Kors Gold Watch, $250

Don't Forget - Fashion's Night Out!

Hey Lovely readers! For those of you in NYC just a reminder to not forget about Fashion's Night Out tonight, September 10! Brought to you by CFDA and Vogue, treat yourselves and celebrate fashion at nearly every NYC store! Indulge in free goodies, celebrity appearances, discounts and more at all of your favorite stores which are open super late for this awesome event!

So many of our favorites our participating from J. Crew to Banana, Tory Burch to Michael Kors and even Bloomingdales among many, many more. For the full schedule make sure to check out the website for the event.

Offical web page: www.fashionsnightout.com

Personally, I think I am headed to Equinox on 63 and Lex to pick up a pair of snakeskin flats from Yosi Samra at 20% off and then Banana Republic to check out the new Chan Luu jewelry collaboration!

The Yosi Flats I plan on making mine at FNO!

Happy Shopping!

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 - Friday, July 2

We love a good juxtaposition and today's Daily Bling, Banana Republic's Sadie Bracelet is just that. Equal parts classic and glamorous, we think this bracelet in itself is a total representation of today's American woman. She is sensible, classic, and stronger than ever before but has an affinity for all the "good things" in life- fun, fabulousness and fashion! And that make's a perfect Independence Day Weekend piece to feature as our Daily Bling if you ask us!

We love something else about it too - it's pricetag. It's a little luxury you surely could afford at only $19.50 and certainly will put a smile on your face. Pair it with white jeans, navy blue silk top, and Michael Kors Wedges for the weekend and embrace your inner American girl-next door!

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

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