Shower the Bride with Special Gifts.

Wedding season is not over yet. Between planning my own big day and the two weddings that we are looking forward to attending in October, I have weddings on the brain!

I know I am not the only person inundated with bridal showers right now, so here are some fresh and adorable gift ideas for any special bride-to-be.

Planning a wedding requires a lot of communication. Pretty cards like these are a perfect way to send messages to the bridal party, vendors, or family members.

{BHLDN, Bride-To-Be Silhouette Cards, $48.}

I love this sweet little gold necklace. If getting married is anything like getting engaged, I could definitely use the reminder that I am a "Mrs." in the first few months. It took me two months to remember to use the word "Fiance"!

{Kate Spade, Say Yes "Mrs" Necklace, $78.}

Every bride could use something blue. This gorgeous pair of earrings would be a glamourous addition to any bride's outfit.

{Kenneth Jay Lane, Swarovski Crystal Clip Earrings, $75.}

A keepsake is always appreciated. How cute are these?! The new couple can flaunt their official status on the big day or just use these while dining together at home after the honeymoon.

{BHLDN, Sweethearts' Forks, $24.}

I can't be the only bride-to-be that is challenged in the kitchen. This beautiful cookbook has amazing reviews and would be a great gift for any newlywed couple. Star your favorite recipe before you give it to her or include one of your own within the pages. A thoughtful extra touch is always appreciated.

{Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook, $35.}

I have my dress, but I have no idea what I will be wearing with it. These are great for the whole wedding weekend. This two pack of pretty panties says "Bride 2 Be" and "Mrs." I would wear one pair to my rehearsal dinner and the other on my wedding day.

{Hanky Panky, Bridal Low Rise Thong Gift Set, $59.}

This pair says "I Do" and is also perfect for the big day. (Colors sold separately.)

{Hanky Panky, "I Do" Low Rise Thong, $31.}

The stylist in me has to make this last gift suggestion. This kit contains everything a bride could need on her wedding day. From a mending kit and super glue to an extra set of rings (in case the wedding bands are misplaced) to hairspray and stain remover, it's always good to be prepared. Everything comes packaged in a tiny silver clutch.

{Ms. and Mrs. Bridessentials Kit, $25.}

Bonus: Pick up a kit for the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom, and her bridesmaids too! Because you just never know...

I know I would be happy to receive any of these at my shower. Brides, what was your favorite gift that you received?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Fashion For Your Inner Geek.

Back to school time brings to mind a jumper I used to have with an apple on the front. I think about the pencil case I used to organize and re-organize with all of its brand new pencils, erasers, and pens. I loved the smell of my new supplies and the feel of crisp notebooks waiting to be filled. I looked forward to the first day of school every year. Yes, I was a geek.

My school days are behind me now, but for some a new year is just beginning. A lot has changed since my apple jumper days, but my love for school supplies has stayed the same. Many of my peers are looking for an adult way to do back to school, grad school that is.

Here are some suggestions to excite your inner geek.


1) Thank goodness I will never have to carry a backpack again. But, if you are headed back to school this fall, you will need something other than a handbag to hold your supplies. I recommend a classic and polished tote or a fun trendy satchel. You will have this gorgeous Kate Spade camel leather tote forever. And the pop of kelly green on this classic satchel, plus its reasonable price, make it a must have.

{Kate Spade, Vanston Jackson, $475. $237.}

{Cambridge Satchel Company, The Batchel 15", $146.}

2) Of course you can't leave your laptop at home when it's time to write that paper. Head to your local coffee shop in style with one of these great cases that will also protect your beloved computer.

{Tory Burch, Ski Vintage Laptop Case, $125.}

{Kate Spade, Fairmont Striped Sleeve, $60.}

{Ted Baker, Quilted Laptop Sleeve, $89.65.}

3) You could always combine the two elements with one chic piece. Check out these laptop bags! Perfect for your computer, a folder, and a grown up pen (see below).

{LeSportsac, 15" Poppet Laptop Case, $62.}

{Bloomingdales, 13" Commuter Case, $45.}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pretty Nylon Laptop Case, $118.}

{Marc by Marc Jacobs, 15" Turnlock Shine Commuter Case, $248.} 

{Herschel Supply Co., Canvas Content Bag, $110.}

4) It is time to put away the Bic and pick up a grown-up pen. Whether you choose playful or elegant, just avoid plastic.

{Waterman, Golden Beige Ballpoint Pen, $70.}

{Tornado Rollerball Pen, Peacock Teal, $22.50.} 

{Tornado Rollerball Pen, Stainless Steel, $22.50.}

{Tornado Rollerball Pen, Green Lacquer, $22.50}

 5) Spiral notebooks be gone. Express your style with a chic journal.

{Moleskine, Classic Red Ruled Notebook, $17.95 $14.36.}

{Moleskine, Classic Large Plain Notebook, $17.95 $14.36.}

{Moleskine, Volant Large Ruled Notebook, Manganese and Cerulean Blue, $12.95 $10.36.}

Are you headed back to school? What are your must have items this season?

Happy back to school everyone. xo

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Penchant for Pendants.

Anyone can get dressed. Anyone can put on a blouse and pants, jeans and a shirt, or a dress and some shoes. What separates the masses from the stylish crowd is the thoughtful ability to turn these items into an outfit.

Outfit:
"a set of usually matching or harmonious garments and accessories worn together; coordinated costume; ensemble..."

The key to an outfit is accessories. Specifically, the finishing touches that add personality to the "harmonious garments" you choose to put on. Watches, shoes, scarves, handbags, and jewelry are what you should reach for after you've put on your favorite dress, or t-shirt and jeans to bring some of who you are to the clothes.

In the jewelry department, the long pendant necklace is everywhere right now. (Though keep an eye out because chokers are making a comeback as well!) The pendant necklace looks great with a bohemian or 70's inspired look. It is also a great accessory to add visual interest to an otherwise plain top, and will draw the eye down to elongate the line of your body. Gold is the metallic color of the season, so pick up a necklace that combines these two elements to add an instant update to your closet.

Here are some fabulous gold pendant necklaces to get you started. (As usual, click on the item you like to buy it.)

1) The double strand on this necklace is nice and modern. And the feature stone is the color of the season- purple!

{Kenneth Cole, Violet Double Layer Pendant Necklace, $40.}

2) This gold pendant will go with anything. Wear it alone or layered with other necklaces of similar lengths. The "antler" design gives this piece a nice texture.

{House of Harlow, Antler Pendant, $115.}

3) Though you can't tell in this photo, this filigree pendant has some weight to it. I love the vintage tough of the filigree and the rich browns of this stone are perfect for fall. Try this pendant if your frame is a little larger. It will help balance your proportions instead of looking like a necklace that is too delicate.

{Sabine, Filagree Frame Pendant, $40.)

4) This little number is my favorite. I love the pop of spicy red that it will add to any outfit. The more classic shape and design matches my personal style. 

{Hive & Honey, Oval Pendant Necklace, $26.}

Which one is your favorite?

All of these gorgeous pendant necklaces are budget friendly and available online at Piperlime. Don't forget to add your name to their email list for an automatic 15% off your purchase!

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

That's right ladies. Scarf season has arrived.

As you may have read here before, anyone can throw on a t-shirt and jeans or a blazer and a pair of trousers. What separates the stylish crowd from those that simply get dressed are the thoughtful touches. Accessories are often what lend visual interest to comfortable basics and one of the fastest and easiest ways to turn ordinary separates into an outfit is by adding a scarf. The fun part is deciding how you will wear it. Here are some looks I am loving right now.

 

I wish I was this cool when I was young! I'm pretty sure at this age I was only wearing dresses and skirts. This little girl has been added to my style inspiration book.

Do you have any great scarves that you have been waiting to wear?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

Friday Favorite. 8/26/11

It's finally Friday! I know I already wrote about pink shoes this week (see post here), but I had to share one more pair with you since I've been staring at them all week. (No seriously, maybe I have been staring at them for two weeks now, I'm not sure.) Anyway, enjoy this glorious eye candy:

{Alexander Wang, Anais Metallic Leather Loafer Pump, $670.}

Feminine blush color? Check.

Fabulous tassel detail? Check.

On trend loafer appeal? Check. Yes, please.

Have a great weekend. xo

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.

I'm Not Really a Surfer.

Working with clients, I always recommend that once you find a basic that works for your style and body type, you should stick with it. It could mean finding the brand of jeans that always fit you off the rack (J Brands for me, they are all I own now), always reaching for that fit-and-flair dress silhouette if you are pear-shaped, or the perfect blouse (love Equipment, see post here) that you buy in ten different colors and patterns. This 'stick with what works for you' rule extends beyond clothes. Right now, I'm talking about hair.

Ombre hair. Balayage. Have you heard of it? This hair trend has been around since it took Hollywood by storm back in 2009. Some trends come and go and some stick around for a while. For me, this is one trend that will stick around for a while, because I can't let it go. Why? Because, I had ombre hair long before ombre hair had its name. It's something that works for me, so I'm sticking with it.

The main characteristic of the ombre effect is hair that is darker at the roots and gets lighter toward the ends. There are several versions of it, from subtle to dramatic, for blondes or brunettes. I have been highlighting my dark brown hair for ten years. While away at college or traveling, as my blonde hair grew out, my roots would be dark and the ends would be light. While living out in Los Angeles, I started seeing some of the top celebrity hair colorists in the business and this is where I learned about ombre hair. Waiting for my appointment with Negin Zand at Sally Hershberger or Lorri Goddard-Clark when she was at Neil George Salon meant dealing with roots. But these skilled artists would intentionally color my hair so that that the time in between appointments only made my hair look better. Low maintenance color they called it. I was in love.

Two years later and I am not ashamed to say that I still am in love with the effect. I don't worry about my roots and I love my dark to light hair because it works for me. I love that it never looks too perfect and that it always balances out my polished outfits. I love that people still mistake me for a California girl even though I've been back in Massachusetts for a year. Today, I will see the talented Michelle Rozopoulos at Philip Ciampa Salon in Andover, MA for my upkeep appointment. I can't wait. She always does an amazing job and is the only person I trust on the east coast with my hair. I've already followed her to three salons and must say she is worth the trip.

Here are some beautiful examples of my favorite hair.

The blondes. (Love that hot pink lipstick Lauren Conrad is wearing! See post here.)

The brunettes.

And something in between.

So, what are your thoughts about ombre hair? Be honest. Love it? Hate it? Over it?

Treat everyday like you are on the runway.