On The 11th &10th Day Of Christmas…..

I’m thinking warm and cozy for the 11th and 10th day of Christmas…….. These past 2 days have been extra chilly for us southern Californians. Dragging out all my cozy gloves and scarves to keep toasty warm, has reminded me they make the perfect holiday gifts no matter where you live – almost everyone visits some where chilly during winter!!

These gloves and scarves – for him and her – are all priced with savings in mind. They range from $40 to $80 and everyone I know would be ecstatic to open them come Christmas morning!!

Clockwise from top left: Portolano Women’s Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves $49.99 www.overstock.com, Men’s Lambskin Leather Gloves $55.95 on sale for $38.95 www.leatherglovesonline.com, Michael Kors Wool Scarf $80.00 www.norsdtroms.com, Michael Michael Kors Pocket Scarf $75.00 on sale for $56.25 www.nordstrom.com.

Flower Power – Springs New Print Trend

Flower power is back! This season there is a growing passion for all things floral (prints). There was a time when the trend  conjured up images of Laura Ashley prints and little-girl smock dresses. But this season’s crop of floral prints embodies a freshness and modern sophistication.

You can wear them head to toe — the  pajama look is a great way to sport this — or give your jeans and tee a splash of color with floral printed accessories. Whether in cool pleasing pastels or vibrant spirited hue, florals are packing a punch. To get your bouquet started I’ve curated my picks of the best of the trend.

Clockwise from top left: Tucker Printed Silk Crepe de Chine Dress $370.00 www.netaporter.com, Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral-Print Silk Jacket $395.00 www.nordstroms.com, Qupid Ceduce Wedge Sandal $34.94 www.dsw.com, Paige Floral Skinny Jeans $198.00 www.nordstroms.com, Warehouse Flower & Bird Print Dress $80.57 www.asos.com, Dsquared2 Flower Print top $155.00 www.yoox.com.

Things I’m Coveting This Week

If I could have everything I wanted this week, these 6 things would be front and center in my Q of coveted things. I’m lovin the sunny yellow Helmet Lang draped jersy dress, this runway style embodies the label’s signature balance of soft draping and urban edge – keep the look balanced with chunky sandals and a hard-hitting bag. J Brand jeans has just launched their brand new ready-to-wear collection and it is fabulous – my fav is the relaxed-fit, long sleeved mink leather blazer.

Not everything we covet has to be expensive, case in point, Gap’s grey textured knit boatneck sweater (totally reasonable at $59.00) which also rocks an off the shoulder look. Diptyque candles are some of the best on the market and now in this mouth-blown claret colored glass, they are some of the most beautiful too (approximate burning time 90 hours).

Have something fantastic you’re coveting this week? Share the wealth!!

Clockwise from top left: Helmet Lang Asymmetric Draped Jersey Dress $380.00 www.netaporter.com, Textured Knit Boatneck Sweater $54.95 www.gap.com, Cutler and Cross $425 Sun Glasses www.cutlerandcross.com, Lennox Blazer J Brand $1095.00 www.jbrand.com, Diptyque  Tuberrose Scented Candle $90.00 www.nordstrom.com, Alyssa Norton Silver and Silk Bracelet $565.00 www.barneys.com.

Trend Report – Leather

Chic and stylish, leather is showing up everywhere and no longer just in the accessories department. Seen in almost all designers Fall/Winter 2011 collections, it also made a strong showing in Spring/Summer 2012.

Leather is trending strong and not just in jackets. The trend has branched out and you can find amazing pieces in shirts, shorts, tops and dresses, all in a variety of price points. With the plethora of styles showing up -  metallics, laser-cuts, colors, and trimmings – there’s a leather investment piece out there for everyone. No longer relegated  to some punkster’s wardrobe, now ultra feminine and glamorous, everyone can get in on the leather craze.

Clockwise from top left: Hinge Ruffled leather Bomber Jacket $298.00 www.nordstroms.com,  Liena Leather Skinny Pant $270.00 www.us.allsaints.com, Theyskens Theory Leather Seamed Dress $995.00 www.barneys.com, 3.1 Leather & Silk-Armure Top  $725.00 www.netaporter.com, Leather Jacket $249.00 www.zara.com,Leather Midi Skirt by Unique $400.00 www.topshop.com.

Get The Look For Less – Candice Swanepoel Outside Dior

We recently received a request from a reader to highlight this photo of Candice Swanepoel outside of the Christian Dior Fall 2011 runway show for a Look For Less post. We are just as excited as you, our readers, to discover how to get our hands on these coveted styles at affordable prices. We absolutely love your comments and recommendations and encourage them often. Ask and you shall receive!

Candice Swanepoel definitely knows how to work a provocative ensemble, all the while looking chic and sophisticated at the same time. As a supermodel and face of Victoria’s Secret it should really come as no surprise that her beautiful undergarment-a black crocheted black bra, topped with sheer webbing up the decolletage would be a head-turner.

On par with one of Fall 2011′s most luxurious trends, Candice carries a lush fur coat, the perfect piece to wrap up her entire look. While commiserating with other superstars at the Fall 2011 Christian Dior runway show, we are almost certain Candice was the focus of the event.

We’ve curated a selection to get Candice’s Fall chic look for less:

Clockwise from top left:   Vince Camuto Faux Fur Vest $175.00 on sale for $86.90www.nordstroms, Ponte Shrunken Blazer $80.00 www.topshop.com,Robert Rodriguez Sheer Mesh Top $ 265.00 on sale for $92.70 www.outnet.com, Etienne Aigner Venice Flap Satchel $103.99 www.ebags.com, KiKi de Montparnasse lw Soleill Black Lace Crochet Bra Top $190.00 www.shopbop.com,  Four Seasons Pleated Skirt $38.99 www.shopruche.com,

Trend Report – Parkas

With mercury starting to inch its way down and people remembering the brutal cold front that haunted us last winter, we’re excited that designers got practical this fall/winter. Parkas were paraded down the runway that were not only wearable but super-luxe statement pieces. Luxe enough to wear with this season’s evening dress code.

Joseph Altuzarro topped off many of his ensembles with utilitarian style outerwear, mainly the parka. His combo of an ultra sleek white-as-snow parka topping off a crystal beaded evening dress looked as natural as if she were wearing a fur, only chicer. When asked about the change of direction his fall/winter collection took, he replied,  “I wanted something longer and looser, something sensual and feminine, but utilitarian at the same time”. The pictures that inspired him: old photos of Kate Moss wearing parkas over her evening dresses, in the days when her accessory of choice was Johnny Depp.

Many others tapped into the overcoat theme with Alexander Wang, Barbara Boi and Mulberry all garnishing off a good portion of their exits with outerwear, again the coat of choice was the parka. When Emma Hill, creative director of Mulberry, described their customer she was quoted saying, “She’s got a dilapidated, stately home. She’s got her long party dress on and she throws on a duffel coat.” And who could forget Thankoon’s red and royal blue check Masai number? Perfect for the girl who doesn’t waver from attention.

Who new practicality could be so chic! This is one trend we wouldn’t mind having a bit of longevity!!

Clockwise from top left: Elizabeth & James Faux Fur Parka $1050 www.cusp.com, Steve Madden Faux Fur Parka www.nordstroms.com, Free People Sweater Lined Parka $248.00 www.nordstroms.com, Dark Khaki Long Waxed Parka $196.00 www.topshop.com, ASOS Oversize Hood Tencel Parka $122.22 www.asos.com, Burberry Metallic Finish Parka $795.00 www.burberry.com

Get The Look For Less – Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, an English model and actress, best known for her work for Victoria’s Secret and her role as Carly Spencer in the 2011 film Transformers: Dark of the Moon. The latter is quite appropiate, one look at her transforms any man into a blubbering, gushing fool. Growing up in Devon, she was bullied and teased at school for having a double-barrelled name, small breasts, and for her full lips (now one of her most famous assets). The model, who just turned 24, is sure to be at the begining of a long, lucrative career in front of the camera.

Caught leaving Heathrow airport she rocks leather pants, a Burberry Prorsum fur sweater jacket – she has long been a model for the designer and often wears their coats -  tan suede ankle boots and a Valentino handbag. We love her choice of neutral colors – the combo of black, tan and beige is ultra chic – which softens her rock ‘n roll ensemble, and the cable knit in her sweater that lends a classic air to her look.

To rock Rosie’s look check out our picks to get her look for less!

Clockwise from top left: Trouve Faux Leather Legging $38.00 www.nordstrom.com, Voras Sweater $128.00 www.athleta.gap.com, Steve Madden Pembrook Bootie www.stevemadden.com, Mossimo Black Shoulder Bag $28.99 www.target.com, Honey Faux Fur Tuck Stole $40.00 www.topshop.com.

Fall Millinery Stateside

When one  thinks of millinery, the infamous Phillip Tracey and his muse, the late Isabella Blow, comes to mind. The Irish milliner studied journalism at the national College of Art and Design in Dublin. The journalism didn’t stick but the design did. Tracey went on to design hats for Alexander McQueen’s white Haute Couture collection at Givenchy in Paris and for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, and has won British Accessory Designer of the Year at the British Fashion Awards five times throughout the 1990′s.

He was awarded an honorary OBE for services to the British fashion industry by Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall at a ceremony in Clarence House on 19 November 2007 and designed 36 of the hats worn at the recent nuptials of  Prince William and Kate Middleton. Since the Duke and Duchesses’ wedding, Britain’s love of hats has come state side. Marc Jacobs own Fall/Winter 2011 collection was presented with many of the models wearing his take on the pill-box hat and for Louis Vuitton he featured models wearing a take on the conductor’s hat.

These hats may be for the die hards only but with hats being a huge trend for fall, we have curated a much more wearable collection for the more faint at heart.

Clockwise from top left: Eugenia Kim Kurt Suede fedora $310.00 www.netaporter.com, Cream Faux Sheepskin Trapper Hat $50.00 www.topshop.com, Deena & Ozzy Classic Felt Panama Hat $34.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com, Collection XIIX Twill Newsboy Cap $38.00 www.nordstroms.com.

Designer Pre Fall You Can Buy & Wear Now

If you’re anything like us, you can’t believe we are approaching the middle of August. Where did the summer go? Before we know it we will be with friends and family at a Labor Day BBQ delighting in the weather and burgers and franks, pondering how summer could be over.

That aside, we are ones to bask in the moment, problem is, when shopping these days the stores are rolling out the fall merchandise, and it’s nearly impossible to wear now. How do we get our quick fix?

We have put together a selection of pre-fall goodies that you can wear now and come this fall. The Jenni Kayne – one of our new favorite designers, who is infamous for her super short skirts – wide leg trouser paired with a cream silk blouse or a wife beater and vest is ideal to wear now. Like wise for Dsquared2′s sergeant shorts and tropical print top which can be worn with tights and cardigan when the cooler days roll around. We would be happy to sport any of these dresses now or for fall.

Who says a women can’t have it all?

Clockwide from top left: Diane Von Furstenberg Cyrano Silk jersey Dress DVF $345.00 www.neimanmarcus.com, Jenni Kayne Wide Leg Trouser $350.00 www.shopbop.com, BCBG Max Azaria Janis Print Dress $178.00 www.nordstrom.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Sleeveless Cowl neck Dress $675.00 www.shopbop.com, Dsquared2 Thank U Top $$395.00 & Sergeant Shorts $490.00 www.shopbop.com, Diane Von Furstenberg Squaretan Short-Sleeve Shift Dress $375.00 www.neimanmarcus.com,

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By Kristin

Speaking of shoes, I couldn’t resist letting you in on the latest addition to my closet. I have been obsessed with sandals this summer and was on the look out for a cheap thrill that wouldn’t break my budget, but was still fabulous, when I spotted these puppies at Elyse Walker in Pacific Palisades.

At $60.00 they fit all criteria and I flipped over the Rose Gold color. The classic thong style will still be in fashion long after I have worn them out.

At this price they won’t be around for long, so what are you waiting for, hurry out to get your pair.

Happy Shopping!!

Sam Eldeman Gigi Rose Gold Thong Sandal available at Elyse Walker 15306 Antioch Street, Pacific Palisades, Ca 90272 310 230 8882, Nordstroms 1-888-282-6060 and polyvore.com