NYE in a Blue Stretch Velvet Mini Dress: To Do, or Not to Do?

Since spying it in the window at American Apparel, I had planned on making this little stretch velvet number my New Year's Eve dress. However, a few minor flaws are giving me pause:

1) It's unbearably hot. I was burning up just trying it on in the dressing room. This does not bode well for dancing.

2) The neckline is very wide, which makes it slip off the shoulders every now and then. Again, not good for dancing.

3) There is just too much fabric under the arms, which irks me so.

Why, after reciting this list of faults, do I still want to wear it for NYE? Well, because what is more awesome than royal blue velvet bodycon?

Stretch Velvet Double U-Neck Long Sleeve Mini Dress, $42. If it looks familiar, it's because I posted it in black back in November. I've since fallen in love with the royal blue (shown), though it's only available in store. It also comes in teal, red, and black, which are all available online.

Photo: www.americanapparel.net

New Year's Accessories Guide: Vintage Baubles, Patent Pumps, and Electric Eyeliner

Holiday collections always seem to include loads of spangly dresses, with the assumption that your aim is to shine like a disco ball on New Year's Eve. Too often, it's too much. There are certainly ways to be a firecracker without succumbing to head-to-toe sequins. The strategic addition of a light-catching accessory (and a glowing glass of bubbly) should provide all the sparkle you need.

In with the old: megawatt vintage baubles can make a simple dress sizzle. Vintage 1940's Rhinestone Necklace, $120.

Mussed party hair is a must, but pair with a pretty headband or clip for just the right amount of polish. Pluma Harper Feather Clip, $45.

If you can splurge, this Unearthen large gold watch is rather unique and might help you make good on your New Year's resolution to be on time. $550.

Welcome the New Year with shiny patent leather. Loeffler Randall Lisel Pump, $270 (was $450).

Light up those peepers with a metallic eyeliner. This one seems to work beautifully with most eye colors.  Nars glitter eye pencil in Le Sept, $24.

Photos:
1) www.shop.oldhollywoodmoxie.com
2) www.plumashop.com
3) www.seeunearthen.com
4) www.shopzoeonline.com
5) www.narscosmetics.com

Fantasy Friday: Taking a Gander at Golden Goose

In which we shop with imaginary money and indulge our fanciest fancies.

This week's Fantasy Friday post is arriving (fashionably) late, owing to the holiday.

I've been coveting Golden Goose's Charlye boots for two winters in a row now, and was hoping I'd someday get over them, but alas, they've still got a hold on me. Handcrafted in Italy, with a perfectly worn in, lightly distressed look and burnished metal buckle detail, they're absolute perfection. Though I've searched far and wide for something comparable in my price range, nothing seems to satisfy me. One of these days, I'm just going to have to pony up for them. 2009 tax return, perhaps?

Golden Goose Charlye Boot, $1164 @ La Garconne.

Leather detail

 

Photo credit: www.lagarconne.com

After Christmas Sale Roundup

I'm spent, in every sense of the word, but if you've got any energy left post-holiday and are looking to score a bargain buy, here's what I've got so far.

via Flickr

Bird - save on Acne, Alexander Wang, Rachel Comey, Tsumori Chisato and more for both guys and girls. Sale picks post to follow.

Saks Fifth Avenue - for today only, get up to 70% off on designer labels. If everyone remembers last year's spoils, this one is must.

Tobi - 30-80% off select merchandise for guys and girls

Rebecca Minkoff - bags on sale now though 12/29. The popular Nikki bag is available in a variety of colors for almost 50% off.


BCBG - take an additional 30% off sale markdowns during the New Year Sale


Brooklyn Industries - up to 70% off

Couture Candy - 20% off new and sale merchandise with code SHOP20

Revolve - 30 - 80% off select merchandise


Crate & Barrel - save up to 50% during the Year End Sale

CB2 - up to 50% off

Bliss -stock up on products during their blowout sale, on now through 1/5. Bonus: 20% off StriVectin products when you enter code STRIV20 at checkout.

Photos from an Imaginary Christmas

Hope everyone had a lovely holiday with loved ones. Though mine was Christmas-free (tear), I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing in the company of my parents, brothers, cousins, and an adorable nephew. Nestled in the snow-covered suburbs of DC, thoughts far removed from my day-to-day, I slipped into warm, fuzzy reverie, reflecting on the scene before me. The fireplace roared as laughter rang, comfort food and sweets were devoured, current affairs discussed, movies watched, and baking plans outlined for the remainder of our vacances. Despite the fact that my family doesn't celebrate Christmas, we love that the holiday gives us an excuse to get together like this. The sentiment can't really be articulated, but I've come across some photos that do a great job of capturing what it feels like.

Elements of an imaginary Christmas:

Over at A Field Journal, the amazingly talented Livy constructed a Christmas village inspired by vintage glitter houses, and the results are just breathtaking. Go on and head over for the full story, more pictures, as well as instructions for making your own.
The cutest little church

A lovely pink forest

A wreath made from a bottle brush

A shot of the village

Danielle Thompson's candy-colored stockinged fireplace scene, via Design*Sponge.

This fun yarn ball wreath from Pickles, via Black*Eiffel.

The perfect tree, via Design*Sponge:

And ornaments I might have decorated it with, from Curious Girl via Apartment Therapy LA:

Happy Holidays!

Plans to make my way back to San Francisco for the holidays fell through, so I'm now DC-bound. Before I brace myself to enter the bowels of hell that is Penn Station on Christmas Eve, I wanted to send out some holiday love to SF. Until we meet again . . .

Followers of my old blog will be familiar with this, but here it is again -- a video of my all-time favorite SF song, "San Franciscan Nights" by Eric Burdon and the Animals:

Bonus: Undiscovered Land has a time machine that takes us back to late 1950's SF.

And for the rest of you, I leave you with my holiday e-card, which I scanned from the a 1970 issue of French Vogue ( I forget which -- I'm assuming December?). It perfectly captures my vision of what  Christmas Eve should look like, if I happened to be a French Mrs. Claus.

Have a great holiday weekend!

Xo,
M

Note-orious: Vibrant Journals for 2010

Despite having an iPhone that allows me to jot down to-do's, look up directions, and record voice memos, I still am and will forever be a notebook person. I always have one within arm's reach. There is one that has taken up permanent residence on my bed (because I only ever remember the things I was supposed to do until after I've climbed in), and various others lay scattered about on my bedside table, tucked into a handbag or desk drawer, and lets not forget the pile of journals (recordings kept since the age of ten) hiding under the bed. I'm a scrawler, a jotter, and everywhere-note-putter.

The contents of these notebooks are far too inane and/or embarrassing to discuss in detail, but a synopsis might include grocery lists, travel itineraries, art history notes, business ideas that never came to fruition, long-winded adolescent polemics against strict parenting, and a hand drawn diagram from that year when, knowing absolutely nothing about college basketball, I decided for some unfathomable reason to make my own NCAA bracket.  It used to be that an old spiral bound school notebook would suffice for these sundry needs, but as I grew older, its large size proved to be a hindrance for an on-the-go lifestyle, and my developing tastes demanded a prettier solution.

Tired of the ubiquitous Moleskine and unable to find the Mackinaw Autumn Field Notes collection online, I turned to the internet in search of other notebooks. Some contenders:

These Postal Co. notebooks are so cute and portable. $12 for the smaller guy and $18 for the large @ auto. Also available in blue and yellow.

Doane Paper's pocket-sized Utility Notebooks feature both grids and lines. These colors are part of their traffic light series $9.50 each.

For a splurge, these colorful, leather bound Smythson books are great. With fun titles stamped in fancy silver lettering, they'd make a chic addition to any desktop or bedside table. From top to bottom: Notes, Yummy Mummy, Me Me Me, and Blah Blah Blah. $67 each.

 

 

Photo credit:
1) www.thisisauto.com
2) www.doanepaper.bigcartel.com
3-6) www.smythson.com

Charmed, I'm Sure: SoC for Steven Alan Picks

I've been covetously eyeing the Secrets of Charm for Steven Alan fall collection, willing myself with all my might to stay away, but it's just impossible. It's full of easy pieces that require little more than black tights to instantly style oneself into a chic young thing. My favorites:

I've been looking for a creme silk tank to tuck into pencil skirts for ages, but none felt quite right until  I found the Sylvie top, $120. So lovely with long necklaces. Also available in red.

I love the shape of the Lydia Skirt. I think the secret to the fab fit is in the pleating. Shown here in Multi Shells, $180. Perfect with a fitted, fine gauge black turtleneck.

Detail

I can't decide if I like this print better in the Juliet Dress (top), or the Lila Dress (bottom). $280 and $250, respectively.

Photos: www.stevenalan.com

More Downloadable DIY: Mad About MCM

Curbly's Make It! Mid-Century Modern makes the perfect inexpensive, last minute gift for an MCM aficionado who's down to get crafty. The downloadable manual is chock full of DIY projects to bring the aesthetic to life with design details. It contains twelve projects, including a Calderiffic Mobile, George Nelson Glowing Globe Lamp, Eames Coat Rack, and Mondrian pillows --  plenty to keep a crafter busy in the new year.

The $9.99 download can be delivered electronically to the recipient, but if you have time, I suggest printing out the pages yourself and binding them in a book or sleeve. Some highlights:

Girard-Inspired Ottoman

George Nelson Atomic Ball Clock

Eames-broidered Cocktail Napkins

Cover

Photo credit: www.curbly.com

Beauty Without Pain

Few things are more terrifying than entering a Sephora or walking through the cosmetics floor of a department store in full holiday mode. There is a very real danger that it will swallow you whole and you might never make it out alive (well, most likely you will emerge an hour later, caked in product and reeking of perfume). Overwhelmed by the dizzying array of products and choking on the fumes created by a thousand girls spraying a thousand different fragrances in unison, the thought of having to carry out your mission makes you want to bolt for the doors, shrieking in terror. Daunted but not deterred, you quickly scan the pathway to your intended target, and make a run for it as if you're in an obstacle course (no, video game!), dodging the frighteningly eager, commission-hungry salespersons and the eau de parfum they wave about to distract you. You somehow manage to shake off the upsell and decline those sneaky add-ons, emerging triumphantly with your preferred brand of moisturizer . . . only to discover you've forgotten to pick up a lip gloss.  Damn. Before you reenter that dangerous den of maquillage and go cross-eyed from trying to choose from among the endless color options, consider a few surefure hits you can order from the comfort of your living room or office cube, far from the madding, holiday crowds. Here are a few magic wands any girl would want to have in her bag of tricks:

Bobbi Brown Extreme Partying Mascara. Newly released and already wildly popular, the densely packed brush delivers a dramatic, falsh lash effect. $22 @ Saks Fifth Avenue.

The girls over at The Cut are raving about the new Nars Easy Lover gloss, a universally flattering pink from the Spring 2010 collection. Though it looks bright pink in the tube, the effect varies from subtle to sultry, depending on how many layers you apply. It's not due out until January 15th, but you can opt to have Sephora notify you when it becomes available. Here's how it shows up on different skin tones:

I got to sample Australian Scent's Gloss Pot this weekend at their booth at the Brooklyn Flea's Winter Pop-Up Flea. It's a non-sticky, nourishing organic lip balm with an amazing, yummy taste and just a hint of rosy color. $16.

I've turned more people on to this champagne gold shadow than I can count. It looks amazing on all of skin tones, from the fairest to the deepest of complexions. It's also buttery smooth to the touch and supremely blendable. Since I can rarely be bothered with eyeshadow and am extremely picky when it comes to shades, I really appreciate that one quick sweep is all I need to light up the eye area. It's one of the only eyeshadows I own and the one I reach for most often.   My friend Hillary actually invented it and it's now sold as part of The Balm. Mischievous Marissa Eyeshadow, $16 @ Sephora.com

Photo credit:
1) www.saks.com
2) www.nymag.com
3) www.australianscents.com
4) www.makeup.com

Stocking Stuffers for Her: Lovely Neutrals

Neutrals can often be overlooked during the tinsel-strewn, color-saturated holiday season. As much as I love vibrant, celebratory hues for their ability to liven up an otherwise dull and dreary winter, there's also something really alluring about about soft beige woolens, textured grey knits, and creamy cottons at this time of year. While you should certainly pile on the exuberant brights, try throwing in a nice neutral here and there to break up the Technicolor Christmas vibe. The following would make luxe, sophisticated stocking stuffers for the lady in your life.

A chunky scarf to nuzzle up to. Calypso Olsen Collar Scarf, $190.

Stella McCartney's Day-of-the-Week undies feature delicate floral embroidery and come packaged in a miniature set of drawers. 7 Day Knicker Set, $195. Also available in a weekend version, $90.

Sadly, the beautiful grey Indian Aster necklace from Spool No. 72 is out of stock, but the cream is still available. $38.

An adorable beech wood incense burner. Smokehouse, $36 @ Gretel Home. Only three left in stock!

Photo credit:
1) www.calypso-celle.com

2) www.cocodemerusa.com
3, 4) www.spoolno72.com
5) www.gretelhome.com

Gift Wrapping Made Simple: Eat Drink Chic's DIY Designs

I think I love wrapping presents almost as much as I love giving them. Whether it's creating my own gift tags or crafting an impromptu motif out of supplies found around the apartment or office, I always prefer challenging myself to come up with a creative presentation rather than going the pre-made gift wrap route. However, I'm totally open to borrowing the adorable DIY stylings of Eat Drink Chic's Amy Moss. You can download the adorable designs and get instructions for these and other projects from her website.

Mail stripes tags

Jumbo deer tags

Bags

Photo credit: www.eatdrinkchic.com

My Own Additions to Racked's NYC Shopping Guide

Those of you planning a visit to NYC now have a new and wonderful resource to consult for your shopping needs. Consumer bible Racked recently released a list of 38 Essential New York Shopping Experiences. While the list is chock full of great shops that span several price ranges, they definitely missed a few of my absolute favorites, so I suggest you tack these on to your list. One of the things all of my faves have in common is that there's no hard sell. You can shop at your leisure, but if you require assistance, service is friendly and attentive. Unfortunately, only a few of them have e-commerce so you really should try to stop by the next time you're in town.

CLOTHING
I was actually a tad relieved that they skipped Ludivine, my favorite shop in the city, so that I may keep its treasures to myself.  I will share it with you, dear readers, as long as you promise to fill me in on which goodies you bought. Golden Goose boots, Sissi leather jackets, Vanessa Bruno dresses, and beautiful jewelry await you inside this sublime West Village spot.
172 West 4th Street, between Cornelia and Jones
Mon. - Sat. 11AM - 7:30PM
Sun. 12PM - 6PM

Photo via Refinery29

I love the stuff at TG-170, which boasts a swoonworthy roster of labels, but their price points are just a tad out of reach. It's a great place to hit after I've saved up a bit.
170 Ludlow Street, between Houston and Stanton
12 PM - 8PM daily

If you happen to be in Carroll Gardens, Dear Fieldbinder has great stuff and is, for the most part, quite affordable.
198 Smith Street near Baltic St.
Mon. - Sat. 11:30 AM - 7:30PM
Sun. 12PM - 6PM

SHOES
DUMBO's Zoë is one my favorite spots for shoes. Not only does their buyer know exactly what I want, but she knows what I'll want next season, before I even know I want it. Though it's quite expensive, it's worth saving up for a killer pair of heels once in a while. People seem to like the clothing here, too (they cater to both men and women), but I never make it past the shoe section.
68 Washington Street near Front Street, Brooklyn

Mon. 11AM - 7PM
Tues. - Sat. 11 AM - 8PM
Sun. 11AM - 6PM

I tend to steer clear of Meatpacking, but I could drool over the shoe section at Jeffrey all day long. If you go, ask for Michelle -- she's amazing and will sit with you patiently even as you try and retry several pairs of shoes a hundred times. Get on her mailing list and she'll give you a heads up on new shipments and sales so you can get first dibs.
449 West 14th St., between 9th and 10th Ave.
Mon. - Weds., Fri. 10AM - 8PM
Thurs. 10AM - 9PM
Sat. 10AM - 7PM
Sun. 12:30PM - 6PM

ACCESSORIES
Sucre is such a great place to pick up vintage eyewear and unique, statement jewelry.
357 Bleecker Street, between 10th Street and Charles Street
Mon. - Weds. 11AM - 7PM
Thurs. - Sat. 11AM - 8PM

Fri. 12PM - 7PM

LINGERIE
And as I've gushed before, Journelle is a must for lovely lingerie.
3 East 17th Street near 5th Avenue

Mon. - Fri. 11AM - 8PM
Sat. 11AM - 7PM
Sun. 12PM - 7PM

MENSWEAR
In terms of menswear, I haven't really had any consistent favorites, as they all tend to be hit or miss, depending on the seasons. I'd start with Save, A.P.C., and BBlessing.

Save Khaki (also sometimes known as just Save) has the softest shirts tees I've ever felt. Note that there is no sign on the door. There are three locations, of which the LES store (Broome St.) has the biggest inventory.
327 Lafayette Street, between Bleecker and Houston 

254 Broome Street, between Ludlow and Orchard

112 Greenwich Street, between 12th Street and Jane

Mon. - Sat. 11AM - 7PM
Sun. 12PM - 6PM

The Racked list mentions the A.P.C. Surplus store, but the regular shop in Soho is also great.
A.P.C. has great basics that are modern and stylish without being slavishly trendy or ridiculous.
131 Mercer St. near Spring

Surplus Store - 33/35 Grand Street, Brooklyn

BBlessing
181 Orchard St. between Houston and Stanton.

The newly opened in ID in Williamsburg also looks promising.
232 Bedford @ N. 4th, Brooklyn

Kitchen Obsession: Morris Kitchen Ginger Syrup

Bf gifted me with a bottle of Morris Kitchen Ginger Syrup as one of my holiday presents, and I am now a complete and total junkie. Though it has many uses, he first had me try it as a homemade ginger ale by mixing it with a glass of seltzer.  I really don't like the taste of ginger in foods, so it was with a bit of trepidation that I took my first sip, hoping I wouldn't betray myself with a wince -- he was so adorably excited about it and I didn't want to disappoint. 

As it turned out, I had nothing to worry about, because it was one of the most refreshing beverages I'd ever tasted in my life. It imparted a cool, clean aftertaste and provided an instant perking up, which I sorely needed. I was exhausted after spending a cold, sleepless night sans heat in the apartment, and after just a few sips of the stuff I suddenly felt awake, alert, and ready for the evening's festivities. I drank it as a tea the next day by mixing it with hot water, and I swear it cleared up my sinuses. I've since been referring to it as "magic syrup" and consider adding to it to just about everything I consume in liquid form. The only thing keeping me from trying is the thought of it running out. When I gushed about it to my grandmother, she asked me to bring it back to DC with me so that she might try it and I actually hesitated. You know something's got you hopelessly hooked when you won't even share it with your sweet old gran.

The potion is made and sold by Brooklyn-based siblings Tyler and Kari Morris, who also happen to be friends of a friend (thanks, Colleen!), and was so popular at the Greenpoint food market that it completely sold out in just a few hours. It's currently sold only through Marlow and Daughters in Williamsburg for $10 a bottle.

A visit to the Morris Kitchen website reveals the syrup's many culinary uses, with recipes for mouth-watering dishes that sound tantalizing even to the ginger-averse: lemon ginger baked chicken, tamari ginger glazed salmon, gingered pear crisp, and ginger shortbread cookies. Kari also mentions that they're working on a boiled apple cider syrup, which, I'm convinced, I will hoard even more selfishly.

I'm a sucker for great packaging, and theirs is lovely.

Photo: www.morriskitchennyc.com

Sunday Linkage: Francoise Fest, Cedric Bihr's Wintry Wonders, and Macaron Mania

In which we take a break from shopping to gaze at pretty pictures and read about things that caught my fancy this week.

My dad was a huge Francoise Hardy fan so I grew up listening to her records long before I came to know her as a fashion icon. She was one of my first girl crushes, and when I saw that 1945 posted a video of her singing Devi Ritornare, it got me hankering for more (and those trademark bangs). Here's a mini Francoise fest for you:

This one was my favorite as a kid:

 

 

I just discovered Cédric Bihr's lovely winterscapes through {this is glamorous}. Though they're of cold and desolate scenes, there's an element of fantasy to them.

 

 

 

While we're sticking to the French, I may as well parlay it into yet another opportunity to talk macarons. Face it -- they're the new cupcakes. I can't really participate in the heated Ladurée vs. Pierre Hermé debate (there's even a Facebook page devoted to the macaron war), being that I've only tried the former, but I hope to make it back to Paree sometime soon so that I may judge for myself.

It's no wonder Sofia Coppola used Ladurée for Marie Antoinette. In case it's not fancy enough for you, however, you could always go for the special edition gold leaf Marni collab.

via Flickr

 via Flickr

Pretty, pretty boxes.

via Flickr

Please start a stateside delivery service. NYC needs you. I'm still heartbroken after plans to open a shop inside the Plaza Hotel never materialized.

via Flickr