The Christmas Party

 This will be the first year that I attend a Christmas party for a company that I work for. Over the years, I have been brought to many parties as a date but never as an employee. I am very excited about it and I can't wait to see everyone outside of the office. I was told that they really let loose and have fun. I haven't decided what I am going to wear yet but it will definitely be a black dress of some sort. Holiday parties are a great opportunity to really get to know your coworkers and let your personality shine so you want to make sure that you dress and act appropriately. You don't want to be the person that got wasted and made an ass of themselves!

6 Types of Love

Eros
a passionate physical and emotional love based on aesthetic enjoyment; stereotype of romantic love

Ludus 
a love that is played as a game or sport; conquest; may have multiple partners at once

Storge
an affectionate love that slowly develops from friendship, based on similarity

Pragma 
love that is driven by the head, not the heart

Mania
obsessive love; experience great emotional highs and lows; very possessive and often jealous lovers

Agape
selfless altruistic love; spiritual;

(Source: Wikipedia, via hello-image)

I found this list on another blog and I just have to share because this time of year makes you think about the ones you love. Which types of love have you experienced in your life? I think I have been through all of them in one relationship or another, perhaps all at once! Sadly, you never really know which one you're in until it's over.... Cheers to all kinds of love and the hell that comes with them!

It's almost here...

Friday! I don't know about you but it has been a loooong week and I need some time to relax. I plan on lighting some candles and hopping into a bubble bath, complete with a big glass of vino. This time of year  raises my stress level by 100%! I suggest that everyone has a little me time this weekend. Let's hope the workday flies by tomorrow. Cheers!

Black Friday

I have never participated in the madness that is black friday and I doubt I ever will. There is nothing that I desire worth waiting in a tent for or worth braving the mall, period. Instead, I plan to be cozy all day and possibly hang out with friends later this eve. Here are a few things that I will be enjoying today instead of mob crowds.

Mulled wine in my jammies.

Savoring the leftovers until I am in a food coma.

Catching up on my favorite shows.

And making sure that my house reeks of the Holidays.

If you do make your way out please be kind, especially to the employees that had go to work at midnight so you can get a deal.

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

If you're like me, you prefer to be casual and comfortable for family time over the Holiday weekend. There is nothing worse then constantly pulling at a top or tripping in your barbie heels when you're supposed to be socializing and consuming. Here are a few ideas.

I've been a lover of prep ever since I was wearing a little plaid uniform for school. It worked then and it will work forever. A classic button up under a sweater is such a no brainer and everyone has a few. Pair it with skinnies and some loafers and you will be stylish and comfy after eating and drinking the day away.

This is another preppy look but it has a masculine touch. Blazer and sweater combo with a skirt or jeans  and riding boots is a little more dressy but still leaves you feeling loose and relaxed.

This is a great idea for a more formal affair especially if you'll be meeting up with friends afterward for drinks. I love the modest heels that give you a lift but don't have you wishing you wore flats. No matter what you need up wearing I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!


All Pics from J Crew.

Yes!!

 I have always been a fan of Kate Spade but I am even more so now because she has been making clutches from popular books.... One of which being "Great Expectations." When I first saw this I tried to rationalize spending a lot of money on a clutch but I couldn't, so I waited and hoped for a day that I would either find it on Ebay or it would go on sale. A few nights ago I went on her website and looked for my dream clutch but it was nowhere to be found. I started to panic, thinking that I missed my opportunity but I ended up searching for it on Ebay and found a woman who was selling hers. I immediately jumped at the chance and ended up buying it unused for $30 less then I would have. Thank you luck. Now, I want the wholes series...

Dress Me Up

 I used to hate wearing dresses. I'm not sure of the exact reason why but they always seemed way too girly and I guess I didn't think that I could pull them off. Over the past few years, I have done a lot of trial and error to figure out which dresses are flattering on me and I have evolved into a dress wearer. As the Holidays approach, there are more opportunities to get all dolled up. Here are a few of my fav dresses right now.

I love the color block look and this is especially perfect for winter when you don't want to freeze. By Wal G on Topshop.

I love this vintage dress and I'm not normally a vintage kind of girl. Perhaps I've been watching too much "Boardwalk Empire." Angel mustard splendid dress found on tellheryousawme.com. 

You can't go wrong with lace and this particular dress slightly reminds me of the one from "Pretty Woman" after she cleans up. From Zara.

This dress is really simple but as you can see, you can really dress it up or down. By Kate Spade.

Simply stunning and just the right amount of sexy. From Urban Outfitters. 

Truth Revealed

 I take skincare very seriously but it can be difficult trying to decide on products when there are so many to choose from. I have tried several skincare lines over the past few years but I recently tried Ole Henriksen and it has made a noticeable difference. Most of their products are all natural but I absolutely love their "Truth Revealed" series. My daily regimen is as follows:
1. Purifying Eye Makeup Remover
2. On The Go Cleanser
3. Truth Serum Collegen Booster
4. Truth Is In The Eyes
5. Truth Revealed Super Creme SPF 15
 They can get a little costly but they are only moderately expensive in the realm of skincare. These products are mainly preventative and contain high amounts of vitamin C which is vital for maintaining skins youthful glow.

Voilà

Little did I know when I woke up this morning, that I would see such a bad ass music video as Duran Duran's "Panic Girl." It has all of the elements that one could desire; beautiful supermodels, catchy tune, glamour, fashion. Check it out.

Listen Up

 Getting older gives you the opportunity to look back and if you're me, have a nice chuckle over the things you have done or didn't do. As we get older I do hope that we are getting wiser because otherwise, what is the point? Do you remember feeling invincible? I do. I used to think that I couldn't be touched, that things would somehow just magically fall into place for me because I was special... This was a hard lesson because what it really takes in this world, especially now with the economic uncertainty, is hard work. Hard work, perseverance, dedication, skill, willingness... you get the point. Not everybody gets a handout and proceed accordingly. Only one of the people in my group of friends has actually made it on their own and I mean without mommy and daddy buying them a house or paying for college or giving them startup capital or literally getting them a job. Maybe that isn't helping my point. Perhaps my point should be that you need well connected and wealthy parents. I digress. Wow, this really isn't where I was going with this post but if you are one of the lucky ones that does get a helping hand from whomever, take it and give it your all. 

 All of that aside here are a few things that I wish I would have listened to when I was younger but keep in mind that it is never too late.

1. Wear sunscreen. This is such a simple thing to do and only in the past few years have I been doing it. No one likes wrinkles and we are all searching for that fountain of youth but until it arrives use sunscreen. Take care of your skin. You'll thank yourself later.

2. Tanning is stupid. I was one of those girls that pretty much tanned every day in high school and even continued into my early twenties. Yeah. I knew it was bad for me but I didn't care because I couldn't see what it was actually doing. There are so many lotions and spray tans available that tanning isn't necessary anymore. 

3. Smoking will kill you. So here is something that I struggle with daily because I am an occasional smoker. I wish I could go back in time and tell myself that it isn't cool to smoke and that it will be the hardest thing you ever try to quit. I could punch myself for ever picking up that first cancer stick. Now they have the vapor cigarettes which are supposed to be better for you so I might try those out as a way to finally break the chain but take my advice and don't ever start. A man I work with never smoked a day in his life until he married a smoker at 28. His wife quit a few years later but he continues to smoke to this day. IDIOT! There is no excuse to start smoking that late in life. 

4. Don't waste (a lot of) money on trends. I went through my closest last week and got rid of all of the crap I haven't worn in a year and took it to goodwill. When I go shopping now, I look for the things that will never go out of style. I still like to follow trends and read about what the latest look is but when it comes to buying things, I make sure that it is something I will wear for years to come. I'm not implying that you shouldn't buy things that you love but I get very annoyed going through my clothes to find things that were not only expensive but that I wouldn't be caught in now. 

5. School is so important. I was one of those kids that hated school. I hated it so much that I would convince my mom of illnesses that I had in order to stay home. It's amazes me how I would actually be sick when I went to the doctor a few times. Consider that mind over matter. Then I went to high school and I started liking school again because of boys and parties. Trust me when I tell you that you will have plenty of opportunities to party and waste time on boys later in life but it can't be your priority while you're learning. I went to college but didn't graduate and I am regretting it so much now. Yes, I could go back but I should have finished when I was younger. 

Thanks Mom and Dad

 My parents gave me one of the greatest gifts that a person can have; manners. From the time I could speak I was taught to say "may I," "please," and "thank you" as part of everyday vocabulary.  A friend of mine told me that they could tell that I was raised "right," now I can't really say that is completely accurate but I will say that I was raised to have manners. I worked in the restaurant industry for almost a decade and it always shocked me how rude people were, not only to each other but to complete strangers. Stranger that were serving them! It seems like common knowledge that if someone does something for you, you would in return say "thank you." But this rarely the case.
 I'm sorry can be a tough one too. There is a whole lot of ego wrapped up in it but when genuine,  it can solve many things. So say it if you need to and mean it. The worst apologies are the ones you can tell are fake.
 I like to watch people interacting on dates. I try to notice if the man will open the door and pay for the bill. For anyone that is wondering, yes, a man should open the door and pay for their evening out. I understand that women want independence but some things shouldn't change. I went through a horrible feminist phase where I would insist on paying and hated the door being opened for me. (I have arms!) But that is ridiculous, I think women have let men get lazy. I'm not inferring that the man should do everything but he should do something! It's a sign of respect and it should be demanded. Make her feel special!!!
 At the end of the day it's about trying to be a good person. I know this can be very difficult at times considering we are all selfish assholes but just try baby steps.

Manners by Kate Spade. Check it out.

Great Expectations

 I read Great Expectations in eighth grade and fell in love with the book. Then I saw the movie with Gwyneth Paltrow years later and although it didn't exactly follow the book, it was tragically beautiful. I watched it whenever possible and took note of Estella's fashion. I loved the use of green throughout to symbolize jealous and infatuation. His eyes, her dress.... Although she was rotten to the core during most of the movie, her style was effortless. It was after this movie that I wanted to own a long black duster. It's too bad that she makes it look sleek and I just looked like I wanted to be in the Matrix! The scene where they kiss in the rain gets me every time.

Happy Halloween

 Halloween is the beginning of the Holiday Season. Soon we will be giving thanks, then giving gifts, then giving kisses for the new year. I used to love Halloween but the past few years I haven't gotten into it. There is a lag of time for Halloween. You love it when you're young, then love to dress up and party but after you've grown up a bit, the next time you enjoy it is when you have kids of your own. There is nothing appealing to me about dressing slutty and going out in the cold to showcase my sluttiness.
 Call me a scrooge, but I don't really look forward to this time of year except my birthday and the time is coming when I won't enjoy those anymore. Thirty is just around the corner! They say that your thirties are when you finally come into your own and enjoy being you. I hope they are right. I guess the Holidays never appealed to me because there is too much stress. I remember timelines being in place for when my sister and I had to go to each parents house. Yeah, getting two sets of gifts was good but dealing with each parents volatile emotions wasn't worth it. Now that I am married it's a battle of the same account. Having to divide time between three sets of families is worthy of making me want to spend the Holidays on a remote island. But there is always the food and booze.... You get to eat and drink yourself into a coma if you like and there is less judging if you do so. Although drinking can always add to the disfunction.
  I do enjoy the cold weather clothes, though. The cozy sweaters and furry boots make going out a little more glamorous. Not to mention the cashmere gloves and wool coats that make it complete. I suppose it's like anything else. There are pluses and minuses for everything. But for the mean time, I will be enjoying a pumpkin beer or a glass of red wine to ease the minuses. Cheers.

Wish I would have thought of this

 If you're like me, you want to look fabulous for special occasions but don't always have the jack to make that happen. Let me introduce you to Rent The Runway, a girls best friend. I found out about this site a year ago but wasn't really in need of it until I attended a wedding a few weeks ago. I wanted something beautiful and special to wear but I wasn't wanting to spend a lot to make that happen. This site lets you rent dresses and accessories from all of the top designers at a fraction of the cost. Not only that but they are super helpful with sizing and very customer oriented. I generally wouldn't plug a site but these ladies are the real deal. Your shipment arrives on time with dresses dry cleaned in garment bags with prepaid return packages. You can rent them for four or eight days and if your dresses don't fit they return your money. Consider it a win win. Check it out. www.renttherunway.com

A Few Things Every Male Should Know When Shopping

1. It's Ok To Where Color, Even Pink. I know a lot of guys who think that wearing bright anything is too metro. But the truth is, men can branch out and look amazing. I love to see a man wearing pink because it means they are confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Ok ok. So maybe this example isn't the best for your average guy but there is something so sexy about preppy+pink. My parents used to play polo so I have a soft spot for polo shirts.  If this isn't your cup of tea, any man can pull off a light pink dress shirt.

2. Don't Wear Carpenter Jeans!!!! I can't stress this enough. Unless your job requires you to have a hammer dangling from your person, don't do it! I'm not sure how these ever became popular but they don't look good on anyone.... I mean anyone. Everyone should own a few good pairs of jeans. Go try them on at a few places and see what fits well, and always go dark not light. Slim fit and straight leg always work well and not everyone can pull the skinny but don't be afraid to try something it.
This...

Not this....

3.You Can't Wear Your Chuck Taylor's With Everything! I know we live in the world of the hipster and yes, I too can like the hipster style but every man should own a nice pair of shoes. There are so many options now that don't have to feel like dress shoes. The only reason  this is making my list is because women really try to always be polished and I think that for special occasions men should want to put a little effort forth as well. Boat Shoes are a great option because they are more dressy then tennis shoes but are super comfy.

4. Every Man Should Own a Beautiful Suit. I'm sure most men own a suit but I want a man to have a really really nice suit that was tailored just for him. You don't have to go spend thousands of dollars on one. I know that JoS A. Bank has exceptional sales, like buy one get one free but don't get them tailored in store. Always ask around for a great tailor so that you know it will fit well. I think most of the stores do a rush job on them because they have so many to do. Charcoal and navy are the classics but I suggest looking around for other options. 

5. And Own A Beautiful Coat. This is something that you will wear for the rest of your life so why not save and get one that is quality. Think camel or navy or even black, although I think camel just looks distinguished on men. 

Acknowledgements:

1. Ralph Lauren

2. Express

    Lee

3. Sperry

4. Ralph Lauren

5. Ralph Lauren 

                          Ralph keeps it real. 

Love and Marriage?

Marriage has long been considered the "next step" for most relationships. Some women consider it the holy grail, while most men consider it a death sentence. I have talked to a lot of people lately that have decided that they aren't even considering it. My old boss said it best; he said that marriage is only necessary if you plan on having kids. He said that it was a contract just like any business agreement and it should be treated as such. He said to pick someone that's a good person, someone that you would want as a friend because all of the romance and lust fades away and you are left with friendship. I used to be one of those people that looked at marriage as more of a romantic venture. I thought that everything would change from that beautiful day walking down the aisle. I thought that it was an emotional, physical and spiritual adventure with someone that you adore but the truth is that life isn't always champagne and roses. I suppose I sound very cynical right now and I'm not discounting it for everyone. I just think that living in our world now leaves so many options that it can be difficult for people to stay deeply connected to one another. I now think that if you love someone, you shouldn't have to show it with paper. Even if you have children, you can always have a written agreement concerning them but marriage doesn't have to be the answer. I read an article recently that said more and more couples are considering swinging in their marriages and actually trying it out. Not that this is a new thought, but this is a prime example of people wanting options and I'm not sure that works in practice. I bet there are people out there who can rationalize these things and go on with their lives afterward but I don't think most people could get beyond something like that.

 Maybe it's all a mind set. If you get into a relationship, as two willing participants, you should be able to end it as adults, marriage or no marriage, but people can be ruled by their emotions and this isn't easy to control. I'm just posing the questions. I don't have the answers but I'm glad that people are speaking up about this. It shouldn't be taboo. 

 I would love to hear your opinion. Is marriage necessary? 

What I'm listening to right now...

Music is so important to me. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I am always seeking out the next song that speaks to me. I am a repeater. I will repeat a song a numerous amount of times until I am satisfied. Music is.... well, everything. Here's what I'm enjoying right now...

Infinite Arms by Band of Horses. Favorite track: Infinite Arms
Sigh No More by Mumford and Sons. Favorite track: The Cave
Ashes and Fire by Ryan Adams. Favorite track: Lucky Now
Duets II by Tony Bennett. Favorite track: The Girl I Love featuring Sheryl Crow

Things I am loving right now...

1. Anything Navy. Especially navy and black. It's so funny that it used to be a faux pas to wear navy and black together, or even black and brown!

2. Anything Tuxedo. Such a classic look that will never go out of style.

3. Jackie O Sunglasses. I went to a wedding back home last weekend and ended up leaving my sunglasses in my girlfriends car. It was almost serendipitous because I found these glasses right after I lost my other ones.

4. A Skirted Coat. These just look amazing on everyone and they go with everything. 

5. Anything BRIGHT Pink. Yet again, something that looks great on everyone. I love to see bright colors in the fall. There is no reason to save them for summer. 

6. Over The Knee Boots. These boots really make a statement, but you have to be careful about which statement you want to make. Everything in moderation. Wearing them with a miniskirt just looks a little cheap. I like to wear mine over jeans with a simple shirt or sweater. I read somewhere that you should create your outfit by starting with the shoes. If they are flashy or embellished then be conservative with the rest of your outfit. 

7. Red Lips. This is a must for colder days. I love the way red lips look with all of the dark fall colors, (not bright pink!) especially navy. There is something so striking about wearing only mascara and red lipstick. Since there are so many different shades, I suggest heading to Sephora to check them out. I guarantee there is one that will compliment every skin tone. 

Acknowledgments:
1. Zara
2. J Crew
3. Ray Ban
4. Topshop
5. J Crew
6. Bakers
7. About.com Sienna Miller

Pearls

What woman doesn't like pearls? I would guess not many. Pearls have been and are considered a symbol of femininity and class. I too must admit that pearls are a part of my weekly and sometimes daily routine. Whereas they used to be worn only for special occasions (dinner pearls anyone?) they have become an everyday jewelry piece. I was given my first set of pearls for my First Communion, they were tiny but I loved them nonetheless. Since then I have done my best to start collecting them and since my mom works at a jewelry store, I have quite a few strands.
 There is a tale about Cleopatra (one of my favs) and pearls. It is said that she hosted a banquet in which she told Marc Antony that they would be having the most expensive dinner in history, even though they both sat with empty plates. She supposedly possessed the two biggest pearls in the world, and wore them as earrings but took them off and crushed one that was put into her vinegar and drank. Apparently Antony was astonished and didn't follow suit.

 I have read a few versions of this story and although I'm sure none of them are correct, I still have to love it.  

Yep, I sure did.

 I have been looking for a fall purse for a while now. Considering it's October, I have been a little late in my deliberations but I finally decided that I am adult enough to purchase my first Louis Vuitton. For a few years now, I have been loyal to Coach. I have always thought that they made exquisite handbags but as soon as I started seeing them on everyone's arms, I felt it was time to switch things up. The only problem was that LV's are quite an investment. Once I knew that was what I wanted, I started seeking other avenues to not feel such a blow in my bank account. I tried Ebay and even found a few sites that turned out to be too good to be true. I was going to Chicago in a couple of weeks and there just so happened to be an LV boutique on Michigan Avenue. I told myself that I would just go look; that I wasn't going to be pressured into anything and I would only purchase something if I truly loved it. From my research online, I knew that I wanted one of the classic monograms and the "Speedy" bags looked like my style. Upon entering the store that windy afternoon, I looked around and felt a little bit out of my league. Some WASPS to my left were sipping champagne as they tried on their shoes and a man in the back, who was trying on watches, pulled out a billfold that had hundreds spilling out of it. I remained composed as I casually looked around. No one was paying any attention to me and I was on the verge of chickening out when a demure lady wearing a beautiful LV brooch stopped me and asked if I needed assistance. Shit. I knew at this point I would not be leaving without something. When I told her which bag I was looking for she gently pulled them from under the counter and we discussed which size would be suitable for me. I opted for the Speedy 25 with a strap. I felt my face flush as I handed her my credit card but I kept telling myself that this was an investment! As I walked around the rest of the day with my new luxury item perfectly wrapped up in my Louis Vuitton shopping bag, I could have sworn that people looked a me a little differently. I have now had a week to get to know my Speedy, and it was worth. But as I was walking through the airport a few days ago, I have never seen so many Louis Vuitton's in tow. Time to up the ante.