new year : break some rules

With each new year that rolls around - a time comes that many people reflect, set new goals, and set out to better themselves and their lives. I love this idea. I am all for resolutions to better myself, looking inwardly and setting goals to grow, and trying new things that might add a little fun to my life.

I stumbled upon this LookBook on Shopbop.com recently - The Outlaws...and thought it was a great visual for our new year!

Break all the rules in Fashion's Most Wanted...love it!

Start off 2011 with having a little fun with your style & personal fashion - break a few of your own "rules" that you've set up for yourself over time. Break out of your box a little...

So...with all of your 2011 "to-do" lists and resolutions - add in a few to change up your style...shake up your look

a little and have fun with it!

Check out the full lookbook and style pieces here:

http://www.shopbop.com/ci/3/lb/outlaws/outlaws-01.html

Happy day before NYE everyone!

NYE in style

time is ticking...2011 is almost here, folks.

BUT before you focus on your 5 million resolutions (that I hope you stick with better than I ever do)...there is the decision on what to wear on the biggest party night of the year - NYE!

whether you are going out to a big fancy party (where you will pay WAY to much for a cover charge) or you are relaxing at a friend's house...pick out an outfit that makes you feel good - that makes you feel pretty and even boosts your ego going into the new year. I mean ... isn't that what the whole "new year, new goals" mumbo jumbo is about anyway? I say - go out on a limb and have fun doing it!  Here are some fun ideas :

show some flare...with your skirt or dress.

i love the whole drapey look...like above and below!

start 2011 ahead of the fashion curve...Spring 2011 is full of stripes, bright colors, & prints.

I also found these great snaps on Shopbop below...putting together the whole look for a reasonable price!

start off the New Year with a BANG!

Here's to a fashionable, fun (and SAFE) NYE everyone! and remember...

a little somethin' somethin'

FAB fur...

over the holiday break...i threw on my first (and actually ONLY) real mink coat. my great, great Aunt Inona used to give the best gifts and this was one of them when i was about...hmmm 10 years old.

although the fabulous fur is now a little snug and 3/4 length in the sleeves...I still think i'll add it into my current wardrobe. even in dallas (yes, crazy--but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do).

fur may sound crazy - and expensive - especially in Dallas, TX...but it always looks so glamorous. call me crazy. i'm fine with it.

merriest Christmas

wishing you all the merriest Christmas!

Here's a toast to 2011 ... go big.

winter wonderland

{w mag}

this time of year makes me really wish dallas got snow.

real snow.

{w mag}

there's just something about the holidays that makes me crave : cold weather, a mug of hot chocolate, a burning fire place and mittens (not sure i've ever really worn "mittens").

I say all of this...but in all reality - i'm a huge baby when it comes to TRUE cold weather, so maybe i'll just be honest and say "i love the IDEA of winter weather".

i also love the style of winter...the cozy sweaters, winter white, wool hats, scarves, and big coats. i will be the first to admit though - when its really cold, it's hard to muster up the desire to look cute over just being warm.

i love the above photo...this model looks amazing & she is standing in the freaking snow (in ridiculously high heels).

get inspired and still stay warm...even if you're simply ONLY wishing for a real winter wonderland.

happy happy holidays.

procrastinators : gift ideas

call it "too busy" or procrastination...either way - if you have put off gift buying until the last minute (now) like I have...you might be a little stressed or just simply out of time.

i always have great intentions of "turning over a new leaf" and actually planning out my gift buying, ideas, and the attempt of trying to get it done early (or even in phases)...none of this ever happens. so...i'm at the mall with the rest of DFW - dodging & bumping into the masses of my fellow procrastinators - and once again making the promise to myself that I will "get started early next year". (doubt it)

so, here's a toast (and hopefully a little help) to all of you sitting in my boat - small gift ideas for the last minute shopper. *please note : these may not be the BEST gift ideas, due to the fact that they are easy to pull off quickly...but most people might really like one of these presents under the tree. just keep your fingers crossed and pretend that you put plenty of time and thought into this "perfect gift" for that loved one of yours.

* Relaxation in a Box (with a bow) : give a spa gift card for a massage, facial, or mani/pedi. this is something a lot of people don't splurge on but ALWAYS enjoy. Boost the package with a few smell-good bath goodies, a face mask, & nail polish.

* liquor (yes, a bottle of liquor) : if your loved one likes to sip a toddy every now & then - this is a great gift. liquor gets expensive...buy a nice bottle and top it off with a few cocktail recipes.

* subscription : purchase their top-choice magazine for 1 year and tie a bow around a recent edition. they'll remember you year-round each time it's dropped in the mailbox.

* for the foodie : make a cute little package filled with 1-2 great cookbooks, a home-made baked good (recipe included), and a few bright colored cooking utensils.

* gift cards : i know, i know - so impersonal, right? BUT - good news is - if you give cards to fun spots that they love - then it's a guaranteed success. *tie a note to the card & say why you think they'll enjoy the "splurge" for free at this destination. (i.e. sephora)  

* comfort : anyone & everyone loves a cozy set of pj's, yoga pants, or those warm heavenly socks from Brookstone.

* a bundle of beauty : a basket full of lipglosses, eyelash curler, nail polishes, & a smell-good lotion.

* give back : if your loved one has a charity or cause that is close to their heart - make a donation in their honor.

Like I said, these may be simple and easy gift ideas - but they are sure to be enjoyed. Make sure to write a hand-written note and let each person know why you appreciate & love them this holiday season.

{this was just funny to me...so why not?}