WHIMSY

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Fashion Picks

New Year’s Eve Style

December 2009

Alright, so you have your New Year’s Eve dress, your jewelry and your shoes, but where can you stash your lipstick, cards, camera and sparkly noisemaker so they’re all easily accessible? In a cute clutch, of course!

You may have a stash of go-to clutch purses in your closet, but NYE calls for something flashier—something more daring! It’s the start of a new decade, and what better way to celebrate by looking fabulous for a great price. I’ve gathered together five cute clutches under $25 that you can snag last minute at your local shopping mall, so you can stick to your budget and still look like a million bucks!

Forever 21 is a great place to buy trendy pieces because they have amazing prices and you won’t have to worry about dishing out a couple hundred for something that will go out of style next season (and probably back in style in a year or two)! Their Stone Blossom Clutch is made of striped taffeta and faux leather, bedazzled with jewel accents. It would look great with a purple frock or a LBD, and it’s a bargain at just $19. (Photo from www.Forever21.com)

Charlotte Russe has a simpler Rhinestone Kisslock Box Clutch in plain black. This one is perfect if you’re wearing a bright colored dress or anything with a bold pattern. It’s effortlessly chic and goes with anything and everything. Keep in mind, the stuffed-full factor is high in a small clutch like this one, so be sure to cut down your essentials to the bare minimum. This one is $16.99.

I don’t normally go into Hot Topic very often because I’m out of my rebellious phase and all their Hello Kitty paraphernalia freaks me out, but they do have some seriously awesome bags and funny t-shirts! The Silver and Black Bow Clutch is adorable and at just $16.99, I wish they came in every color of the rainbow. It almost looks like a cute little gift package—very fitting for you to snag for yourself after all that holiday shopping for your family! (Photo from www.HotTopic.com)

I love love LOVE the Asymmetrical Flap Sequin Bag from The Limited. The original price on it was nearly $45, but it’s on sale for just $24.99! It has a detachable strap so you can either wear it as a shoulder bag or carry it as a clutch (I’m in huge favor of the latter) and the allover sequins are so NYE and so in right now! I’ve seen it in person, and let me tell you—it’s absolutely encrusted in sequins that shimmer black on one side and gunmetal silver on the other, so you can play with the knap to make it a combination of both colors, if you like. How cool is that?! It’s also available in gold. (Photo from www.TheLimited.com)

The Wristlet Bow Detail Café Bag from White House Black Market is probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, with its Celtic knot and tassel magnetic snap. I suggest getting it in red (the black one is also on sale) to jazz up any LBD or sparkly silver ensemble. It is rather small, but it’s totally worth downsizing because of how adorable it is, and it’s on sale right now for just $19.99! (Photo from www.WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com)

And now, you’re probably finished your last-minute NYE outfit and accessory shopping, so go out with friends, look fabulous, take pictures, make memories and have a very Happy and Stylish New Year!!!

Note: No samples were received for these reviews.

-Keri

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow night. I have the dress. I have the accessories. Now, I need some new shoes!

Like Carrie Bradshaw, I absolutely love shoes. My husband doesn’t understand the difference that a buckle, T-strap, or heel height can make and simply can’t fathom why anyone would need 7 pairs of black pumps. Sigh… men.

Even though I have lots of shoes, for this special night, I need something with a little more sizzle. Some of the sexiest, most stylish shoes I’ve found are at Frederick’s. Until this year, when I thought of Frederick’s, my mind went to lingerie only. But I have since found out (to my great happiness) that they carry a huge range of necessities – from party dresses, to accessories, to wonderful, wonderful shoes.

For New Year’s Eve, I absolutely covet the Double Wrap Sandal. One of my favorite styles, the double wrap sandal crosses at the ankle holds your foot in firmly place – a must for a night of dancing! The 4 1/2″inch enamel-plated stiletto heel is the perfect height (meaning I can still walk). And the sassy metallic silver works with almost everything in my closet.  Plus – and here’s the best part – they are on sale for only $17.99!

Or, if you’re fighting the snow, Frederick’s Pointed Toe Sequin Pump is a great option. These shimmering, sequined 4” pumps instantly jazz up a simple LBD. Available in basic black and sparkly silver, these pumps are only $34.00 and are guaranteed to become the go-to shoes for festive evenings.

A trendy option that takes the gladiator look to a whole new level is the Strappy Satin Stiletto. Sleek satin straps and a 4 1⁄2″ heel paired with a short skirt and he won’t be able to take his eyes off of your legs! On sale now for the super low price of only $19.99 (previously $39.99).

One of the best things about Fredericks, though, is the entire selection of what they call shoe solutions (I call them salvation!).  Gel Heel Guards, Cushioning Insoles, Ball of Foot Gel Cushions and Anti-Friction Blister Balm will ensure that you ring in the new year feeling fabulous in your new heels!

New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. Not just because Don and I always seem to attend a fabulous party filled with great friends and family, but because it’s the quintessential night of hope. On New Year’s Eve, I feel like anything is possible!

So, for this wonderful night, a truly spectacular outfit is an absolute necessity. I have several cocktail dresses that I absolutely LOVE (you know the kind – super slimming, completely wrinkle free, and oh-so-sexy!!). This year I am being frugal (trying to, at least), so I will probably wear one of the dresses from my closet, but a girl can always use a little new sparkle!

The three most interesting options I have found to jazz up a cocktail dress are all from ModCloth, a favorite haunt of mine. ModCloth is filled with unique clothing, vintage items, accessories and of course, lots of great jewelry!

This Champagne and Caviar necklace turns a simple, strapless dress into a showstopper! Reminiscent of the bygone elegance of Edwardian England, this choker is crafted of fine black resin beads in faceted tear drop shapes as well as tiny seed beads. An amazing bargain at only $24.99.

For an ethereal look, these Morgan le Fay earrings are sure to cast a spell on your guy! White egret-white feathers gently brush the shoulders and antiqued gold tone findings are embellished with delicate, faux gems. These enchanting earrings are only $16.99.

Perfect for a one shouldered dress, the Girl’s Best Friend Brooch makes a powerful statement! A bevy of glittering rhinestones spiral around a central pinwheel, complete with golden arms. This sparkling brooch is only $14.99.

Whatever you wear for your festivities, celebrate 2010 in style!

Favorite

Fashion Picks

New Year’s Eve Style

December 2009

If you love dressing up for special occasions, there’s no celebration quite as exciting as New Years’ Eve. The glitz, the glamour, the sequins! Mini dresses and high heels abound in every girl’s hopes of beginning a stylish new year.

Whether you have plans to enjoy a fancy dinner and champagne celebration out in the city, or spend the evening at home entertaining friends with fine wine, or even if you don’t have any plans yet, looking fresh and fantastic is always part of the equation. No matter your style and body type (and despite the fact that you may have overindulged on edible goodies a bit this Christmas), there’s a dress that will make you feel sexy and turn a few heads this NYE. And there’s still time to snag a great dress for a great price!

Thanks to the masters of sexy at Frederick’s of Hollywood, who are most well known for their edgy, feminine and naughty lingerie, there’s a wide variety of stunning and affordable clothing fit for the naughty and the nice. They have tight and flowy dresses, classic styles and sexy detailing, and they’re having a great sale right now—up to 70% OFF!!

The stretch satin dress is ultra feminine with ruching on the bust and down the front for a flattering fit. The back shows a hint of skin with a satin bow to finish the look. It comes in a few different colors, my favorite being charcoal, which just so happens to be on sale for $49.99 right now! The fabric does have a little give to it, but keep in mind this is a more body-hugging style, so pay close attention to the handy sizing chart.

For the envelope-pushing fashionista, a statement LBD is more your style. This deep V-neck dress has retro 80s-style shoulder detail, but ruching on the bust keeps it fresh. Also be conscious of the slim silhouette of this one. Keep your accessories on the demure side to balance the strong shoulders and prepare to get a lot of stares.

To accent your “top,” try a halter dress with flowy chiffon. The paneled satin bust gives structure while the open back provides instant sex appeal. The loose chiffon will soften your curves and make you look gorgeous! It comes in black or red at $69 and in hot pink or purple for just $39.99. Don’t be afraid to wear a statement accessory with this one, like some sparkly, long earrings or a chunky cuff bracelet.

I don’t care what anyone says—flappers did it right. For a surprising and trendy NYE, this ombré fringe dress starts the party and keeps it going until well past midnight. Plenty of wiggle room in the accessories department—go for long strands of pearls and rhinestones or stack tons of silver bangles up your arm. Just imagine how great you’ll look shimmying on the dance floor!

Lastly, I have to highlight the dress that I bought from Frederick’s—the goddess dress. Talk about back detailing, this dress is amazing! The deep V-neck is flattering to your bustline while the high waist is flattering to your waistline. The horizontal and vertical black bands are a surprising twist to the typical open back. The fabric is a polyester/spandex blend that’s smooth to the touch with lots of give. I plan to wear it with footless tights and high heels in a surprising color—purple!

Reminder: If you choose a style with an open or strappy back, don’t forget a coordinating versatile bra!!

Note: No samples were received for this review. Images are from www.Fredericks.com.

-Keri

I’ve been absolutely dying to go on the Sex & The City Hotspots Tour in NYC since the first time I heard about it. After sitting and thinking about how to finagle my schedule to possibly make it reality, I realized that it’s the perfect gift for any fashionable gal who loves the Fab Four. Inspired by this tour, I’ve collected a list of three “trips” to give your stylish girlfriends.

Sex & The City Hotspots Tour

I can visit the church where Samantha met “The Friar”? I can see the gallery where Charlotte worked? I can eat a cupcake at the bakery where Miranda stuffed her face with cupcakes?! Sign me up! The Sex & The City Hotspots Tour in NYC follows the footsteps of Carrie Bradshaw and her three gal pals through the streets of the Big Apple. The tour takes approximately three and a half hours, covers a handful of city districts and costs just $40. Gather your girlfriends and take a group trip together! Stilettos optional.

Fashionista Surprise Experience. 

I can’t say I’ve ever seen such a thing before—pay for a surprise experience “designed for surprisees who strut their stuff and DVR every episode of What Not To Wear”? Huh? A surprise experience?

With Surprise Industries, you can give a lucky girlfriend a gift certificate for a “Fashionista Surprise Experience” and she’ll pick a day and time to receive clues as to where her surprise will take place and what it will entail—it can be anything from a fashion photo shoot to a shopping trip with a stylist. Sounds pretty amazing, people!

Tania Luna, an “Agent of Surprise” with the company said the surprise takes place in the city of the recipient’s choice, and prices range from $50 to $250. Transportation is available at an additional cost. “We tailor-fit each surprise experience to our clients’ budget and preferences,” said Luna, “and we’ve got so many surprises up our sleeves that we can find the perfect fit for anyone.”

What a unique (and super super cool) gift idea! The greatest part is you don’t have to plan anything—Surprise Industries does all the work for you, so it’s easy, thoughtful gift-giving at its best. Anyone want to give this to me this Christmas? Anyone?

A new look.

Some women are truly picky when it comes to hairdressers. We value our hair and like it cut and styled a certain way, and once we find a hairdresser who understands that and can deliver it, we stick by them—sometimes rearranging our day-to-day lives to accommodate a hair appointment. (Believe me—I’ve seen it happen on many occasions.)

That said, this gift can either be a great idea or a disaster, depending on whether or not you do your research. Find out what your friend’s favorite salon is and book her a hair appointment. The receptionist will probably be able to tell you who her stylist normally is (they tend to keep track of that sort of info) and you can choose which services you’d like to purchase. Don’t have money for all the bells and whistles? Give her a simple trim and blow-out—every woman appreciates the way it feels walking out of a salon with healthier hair!

If you’d rather play it on the safe side, choose a local upscale salon and book her a mani/pedi!

-Keri

Keri is a 24-year-old aunt, blogger, editor,

wanna-be fashionista and marketing chick

who loves M&Ms way too much and reads

(real) books.

For the girl on the go (and what woman isn’t at this time of the year?) there’s Face in a Case from Dieci Colori! Face in a Case contains everything you need for a glowing, healthy look: shimmering mineral powders for subtle highlights on the face and décolleté, three mineral eye shadows that blend and balance each other, a large shadow eyeliner, plus a mineral blush – all in one compact, stylish case. Only $64!

I personally love mineral powders because their light reflective properties create such a flawless look. And mineral powders never look cakey, heavy or artificial. They are also so easy to apply, unlike liquid foundations or blush (don’t even get me started on liquid liner!).

Face in a Case is the brainchild of Marie Gaglioti of Dieci Cosmetics. Her 20+ years of experience as a day spa owner and makeup artist led to creation of this innovative cosmetics line. Marie was inspired by the “beauty culture” of Italy and the country’s traditional health and beauty rituals.

In addition to Face in a Case, the Dieci Colori line offers a vast array of products in wearable, hypoallergenic formulas. There is a really tremendous assortment of lipsticks and shadows, all of which have several different textures, as well as eye and lip pencils in both classic and trendy colors.

Dieci Cosmetics also has a luxurious skin care line, Dieci Skin Care, for cleansing, toning, and moisturizing and the Essence of Italy Body Care line, a unique blend of organic essential oils.

I’m off to try it now. Ciao!

What did I do before texting? A text is the easiest, most convenient form of communication ever – with the exception of mental telepathy!

The trouble is, when the temperatures dip below the freezing mark like they did this week, gloves put a real damper on using that iPhone – even to dial a number, let alone send a message! To the rescue is the year’s best idea — Etre Touchy gloves from the UK.

Now, the Brits know a thing or two about fingerless gloves (Bob Cratchit immediately comes to mind). But Etre Touchy gloves are special. Since the gloves are missing only the thumb and index fingertips you have incredible freedom to touch, tap, stroke, slide and pinch your electronic devices’ controls and still keep your hands warm. These gloves are a practical and stylish!

These high quality gloves are made in United Kingdom by a manufacturer that also produces knitted garments for Gucci and Paul Smith. Crafted of delightfully soft 100% lambs’ wool, there are four color combinations offered. My personal favorite is charcoal gray with turquoise trim, but the gloves also come is soft gray with rose trim, black with charcoal trim, and chocolate with mint stripes. And there’s an Etre Touchy glove to fit everyone! The firm now has four sizes: men’s, women’s, youth’s and children’s.

Although I’ve only just learned about these great gloves, word is spreading quickly. According to company founders, Simon and Paul, Etre gloves have been featured on everything from the BBC to CBS News, as well as hundreds of newspapers and magazines — from Macworld to MarketingWeek!

And it’s easy to order online. A pair of these gloves will only set you back £19.99 GBP (that’s about $32.31 USD or €22.54 EUR).

Hooray! No more “fat fingers!”

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? None other than SpongeBob SquarePants, the hapless yellow sponge whose hilarious antics have been entertaining Nickelodeon viewers, young and old, for 10 years!

Earlier this month, to celebrate the show’s 10^th anniversary, the Simmons Jewelry Co. and Nickelodeon/Viacom Consumer Products announced the debut of the SpongeBob Fine Jewelry Collection – fashionable dog tags, rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets  – on Zales.com and at select Zales stores nationwide.

The SpongeBob Fine Jewelry Collection is crafted from sterling silver and Swarovski™ crystals and is absolutely adorable! And, with prices ranging from only $95-$350, they’re definitely in my holiday budget!

The SpongeBob Ice Square Pendant is one of my favorite pieces in the collection. This pendant had dozens of sparkling, hand set Swarovski™ crystals which are used to recreate SpongeBob’s infectious grin. The sterling silver pendant includes a trendy 22″ sterling bead chain with a spring-ring clasp. This is one of the more expensive pieces in the collection at $350, but guaranteed to make you smile!

A slightly more refined piece is the SpongeBob Seaflower Pendant, pictured. This 18-karat yellow gold plated sterling silver seaflower silhouette necklace is an iconic element in the world of Bikini Bottom, however, it is so stylized that you could wear it to the office, tongue planted firmly in cheek! This pendant includes an 18″ sterling silver chain with a claw clasp (my personal favorite, because they are so easy to use). Only $95.

Great companions to the Seaflower Pendant are the SpongeBob Seaflower Earrings. These 18-karat yellow gold plated sterling silver seaflower silhouettes are suspended by wire backs and are just $125.

But these are only a few of the great styles by Simmons Jewelry. Check out the entire line at Zales.com.

SpongeBob Jewelry? I’m ready…I’m ready…I’m ready….

At my house, Christmas is a season filled with all sorts of wonderful holiday goodies. But those delicious homemade cookies and candies are very unkind to my waistline! Thankfully, I’ve found a zero guilt solution – whimsical treats from Herbert Hoover’s Potus 31! Crafted in exquisite detail of fine sterling silver and hand finished, these adorable pendants, bracelets, necklaces and cufflinks are sure to please everyone on your gift list.

Since I currently live outside of Philadelphia, I have the Mini Pretzel Necklace (the #1 snack food in the City of Brotherly Love!). The pretzel is $72.50, includes a delicate 18″ sterling chain, and is a surefire conversation-starter!

If you’re a Southern gal, Waffle Earrings ($95.) may be more your style. These adorable earrings come complete with ‘butter” and are a perfect complement to the Syrup Necklace.

And Potus 31’s newest creation may be the best yet. Added to the collection just this fall, the Ice Cream Sandwich in sterling silver is an ideal gift for any woman who loves ice cream (and let’s be honest, what woman doesn’t?). Only $95.

The firm will offer shipping through December 18. Visit Potus 31 to see the full line including Saltines, Oreos and much, much more.

These just might be the sweetest gifts ever!

I’ve been shopping after work this week… a lot. And my feet are killing me! That’s why I was so excited to learn about CitySlips. These are foldable ballet flats that fit right into your purse – ready whenever you need them. And not a moment too soon – I mean, who can get any serious Christmas shopping done in 4” heels?!

And since I am not about to give up my favorite heels anytime soon, CitySlips are the perfect solution. Late evening out? Look fabulous all night, but head home in your CitySlips! Shopping after work? Pull the ballet flats right out of your handbag and you’re all set. No cab? No worries!

CitySlips were developed by former NYU students Susie Levitt and Katie Shea. Living in heels in NYC isn’t for the faint of heart, so the friends put their heads together to find a solution. The ballet flats they’ve designed are a combination of a rigid flat shoe and a sock-like slipper. The leather-like material has an innovative rubber, double-soled structure — one under top of foot and another under bottom of foot, for extra cushioning, comfort, and support. And the outer soles are thin enough to allow the shoes to be folded, but durable enough for daily use.

Although I’d pay just about anything for comfortable shoes on those long days when my feet are just aching, CitySlips are incredibly affordable! A pair of ballet flats with carrying case are only $27.99 and are available in shimmery gold, neutral silver, or classic black.

So slip into a pair. You’ll be glad you did!