All That Glitters...

Style Shout Out to Ippolita and her beautiful jewelry because sometimes “all that glitters is gold!”

Ippolita at NeimanMarcus NorthPark Center

As I was checking Twitter a few days ago I came across a tweet from Ippolita regarding the chill in Houston.  As it turns out she is currently on a “trunk show tour” making appearances at select Neiman Marcus stores throughout the country.  Now I have been a big fan of Ippolita’s jewelry since she launched her line.  The pieces are unique and the way she combines metals and stones is true artwork.  Her jewelry has an interesting fluidity that makes it exciting.

So when I realized that Ippolita would be making an appearance at our Neiman Marcus store I did what any good fashion-loving Mom with a future fashionista would do.  I surprised my daughter when I picked her up from school and we headed to the trunk show.

Diamond Constellation Ring

This was my daughter’s first trunk show and she was so excited to meet Ippolita.  The event was as amazing as the woman herself.  Ippolita dressed in black with a boa in her hair looked as stunning as the pieces she creates.  She took time to talk to everyone that attended and her warmth made a big impression on my daughter who so enjoyed making funny faces with her in the Ippolita photo both.

As you would expect from Neiman Marcus, the treats they served, including their legendary popovers stuffed with chicken salad were tasty and beautifully displayed.  After all this was an event to celebrate the beauty that Ippolita creates.  And I must say my daughter and I did find a few beauties that made it onto our Valentine’s wish list with the help of Lynnea who has worked with Ippolita for years and is so knowledgeable about the pieces.

London Blue Topaz Sterling Bangle

As we were driving home my daughter said, “Thanks Mom this is an awesome day.  When I am a designer I am going to do clothes but I want to do jewelry too just like Ippolita, and then maybe Lynnea will want to come and work with me.”   So as a Mom my goal for the day was achieved.  Because the day was about more than just jewelry shopping, it was about creating a memory with my daughter that will be long-lasting!

So thank you Neiman Marcus for hosting an amazing event.  And thanks Ippolita for designing pieces that are as warm and beautiful as the person you are.  Sometimes all that glitters is gold!


Follow Ippolita on Twitter @IppolitaJewelry http://twitter.com/#!/IppolitaJewelry

http://www.ippolita.com/about-ippolita/

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/templates/SC6b.jhtml?itemId=cat4560731&parentId=cat000160&masterId=cat2830733&008=&007=Search&006=3192346060&005=848951189&ecid=NMSGDIIppolita&004=722304794&002=2134166

The Heart Truth & Nothing But The Truth - Be Young At Heart!

Style Shout Out to The Heart Truth^® and to the designers, celebrities and corporations that support their worthwhile cause.  To them I say, “Thank you for helping us all to be young at heart!”

Cat Deeley in Alberta Ferretti

February is a busy month for me filled with a lot of celebrating.  In all seriousness our family celebrates 8 birthdays.  That’s a lot of cake and a lot of candles!   

Now, besides very important birthdays, all of us know why February is such an important month.  It is the month filled with flowers, chocolates, cupids and hearts.  Of course, after birthdays, when we think of February we immediately think of Valentine’s Day.  But thanks to organizations like the American Heart Association and The Heart Truth^® February, besides being the month for candy hearts, is now also known as the month for healthy hearts.

This one month every year serves as a reminder that in order to take care of others we must take care of ourselves and that starts with taking care of our hearts!

Julianne Hough
in Swarovski

Last Friday kicked off Heart Health month with National Wear Red Day^®!  It’s so great when you are out going about your business and you see so much “red”.  It’s comforting to know that as a people we can achieve such great and positive things when we rally behind a great cause or idea!

And what a great idea was The Heart Truth^®?   This is a national awareness campaign whose goal is to remind American women to be pro-active about their heart health.  They created and introduced The Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness in 2002.

The Red Dress should remind us of the need to protect our heart health and should inspire us to take action. Each February since its launch, The Red Dress symbol breathes life on the runway with the support of the fashion industry and celebrity models at the Red Dress Collection Fashion Show.  

This year the show kicked off Mercedes-Benz Fashion week at Lincoln Center in New York City and as the runway lights illuminated the catwalk with celebrities proudly sashaying in their gorgeous red dresses it was a night of hope and joy.

Julianne Hough, representing national sponsor Swarovski looked stunning as she glided down the catwalk with the grace of a dancer.

Dania Ramirez looked beautiful in a strapless Catherine Malandrino floor-length gown as she spoke about women’s health and how it’s not so much about eating but, “eating right”. 

Giuliana Rancic of ENews in Marchesa

Cat Deeley was a vision in Alberta Ferretti as she talked about how “you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of other people.”  For me this strapless dress with the perfect amount of sparkle was almost too beautiful for words...except the words, “I want that dress. Or at least I want to find a store where I can try it on!”

Marchesa hit another Red Carpet homerun as Giuliana Rancic danced down the runway in a fun and flirty number that had me pondering the question, “Where can I wear that dress?”

So today on this Thursday I give thanks for National Heart Month and for all of the people who have so much heart that they dedicate themselves to helping others keep their heart healthy.

Now stop reading, get moving and take a walk...go play dress up with some fabulous red dresses and be young at heart!

http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/educational/hearttruth/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heart-Truth/6476847301?v=info

Follow on Twitter @TheHeartTruth http://twitter.com/#!/TheHeartTruth

Sunshine & Stuart...Mr. & Weitzman!

Style Shout Out to Stuart Weitzman and Sunshine...Mr Sunshine That Is!

This morning I woke up to sleet, snow, icy roads and another snow day.  When we moved to this part of the country I never imagined that we would have more days off from school due to “inclement” weather here than we had in New Jersey.  Needless to say, my 8 year old is ecstatic and more brownies will be baked today.  I would like to say from scratch, like Giada DeLaurentiis, but I cannot so I will say, "Thank You Betty Crocker!"

UGG Classic Short Boots

As I grabbed a hoodie from the closet this morning, yes I said hoodie, and my UGG boots, it doesn’t matter where you live you need these boots, I noticed my new Stuart Weitzman boots now sitting alone on the shelf.  It’s like that early episode of Hannah Montana where Miley always gets picked last for teams in gym class. 

Now before you gasp in disbelief, yes I said Hannah Montana.  When you have a daughter that is a fan of all things Disney, you watch together, laugh together and use the episodes as teachable moments.  

Now getting back to the boots, you gasp in disbelief, “Oh no, how did these beautiful Weitzman's become the Miley of the closet?”

Stuart Weitzman Linear Wedge

Well, this is what happens when you live in an area that is characteristically “dry” but somehow becomes uncharacteristically “wet” around the time you bring these suede boots home.  Now I know many would say, “Buy leather, more versatile.”  But these boots in suede are gorgeous and thanks to Stuart Weitzman at North Park Center's sale they were a steal!  My hubby says just wear them, it’s just water.  To which I reply, “Never!”

So as my daughter and I are about to embark on our brownie making the weather girl is predicting sunshine for Saturday and I already know what I am wearing even if that means wearing them to my nephew’s 4^th birthday party!

I check the DVR and put on Ellen.  As Matthew Perry comes walking out onto the stage, my daughter says, “Hey Mom, it’s Chandler Bing...you love Chandler Bing!”  I remind my daughter that his name is actually Matthew Perry and she says, “I know, but Chandler Bing is much funnier to say!”  Who can argue with that?

So as my daughter and I are baking on this very cold, gray and snow-filled day, Ellen and “Chandler Bing” are discussing his new show, Mr. Sunshine,  that airs tonight.

Sometimes you just have a lightbulb moment...it may be snowing and cloudy outside, but as my hubby always says, “Never Say Never” (no Justin Bieber pun intended) because tonight I am getting out my Weitzman boots...

Welcome back to TV Chandler Bing!  Hello Sunshine...Mr. Sunshine that is!

Treasure Trunk Tuesday

Style Shout Out to Stella & Dot for designing excellent quality fun jewelry!

If you are not familiar with Stella & Dot don't worry, because you are not alone.  I hadn't heard of this company until recently when one of my friends from PTA invited me to a jewelry trunk show at her house.  Now those of you who know me know that "at-home trunk" shows are not really my thing.

So when I received an invite to this particular "trunk show" my initial thought was to respond with a no.  But the Moms hosting the event and the Stella & Dot stylist are women I know to be stylish and savvy.  I am always telling my daughter not to be narrow-minded.  So I listened to my own advice!

Stella & Dot Jewelry via stelladot.com

And let me tell you, my friend Katherine and this amazingly stylish line of Stella & Dot jewelry did not disappoint.  This company has found a way to create a quality piece with a competitive price point.  There really is something for everyone, including some adorable pieces for tweens and teens alike.  As my 8 year old daughter was pouring through the catalog, pink Sharpie in hand ready to circle wanted items on a moment's notice she exclaimed, "Mom, Giuliana Rancic and Penelope Cruz wear this jewelry.  How cool is that?"  So I had to agree, it is pretty cool that this relatively new line is making big waves washing up in publications such as InStyle and Lucky.

So thanks to my friend Katherine for introducing me to Stella & Dot, and to Kirsten and Julie for inviting me to the party!  While Stella & Dot won't replace my love for all things Ippolita,  I think I have found a way for the two to peacefully co-exist.

Sometimes you do find a treasure in a trunk!

http://www.stelladot.com/sites/katherinesigrist

Sometimes You Have To Just Go With It!

Style Shout Out to Fox for bringing the Red Carpet to the Superbowl.  When my hubby said, "Red Carpet?" I said, "Just Go With It!"

Adam Sandler & Jennifer Aniston
on the FOX Red Carpet

Now I have to admit that while I love the Red Carpet,  I also love football.  So to have these two things together at one event, for me, was awesome.  I realize that this Red Carpet didn't give us the usual glitz and the glamourous gowns but it did make for some interesting pre-game entertainment.

Maria Menounos and Michael Strahan, while an unlikely pair, did seem to be having a fun time.  Menounos has this down-to-earth charm about her and Strahan is simply Strahan...one of a kind!

Keith Urban was outstanding in the pre-game concert.  But that is what you come to expect from Keith Urban.  He is unwavering in his professionalism and always gives it his all!

Jennifer Aniston & Adam Sandler NFL

It was great to see Michael Douglas, looking healthy, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, looking fabulous in all black!  They are a stylish couple, and she definitely brings glamour everywhere she goes.

My favorite Red Carpet moment was when Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler were being interviewed by Menounos and Strahan.  Of course, Aniston looked California cool in her medium blue jeans with her Burberry scarf wrapped just right and Sandler looked like, well Sandler.  Adam Sandler isn't one of those guys who is a slave to fashion.  Whether he is on the Superbowl Red Carpet or Late Night With Jimmy Fallon he seems to be the guy who says just give me my hoodie and just go with it.

I especially enjoyed the end of the interview when Adam Sandler handed the football to Jennifer Aniston.  Michael Strahan went out for the pass but she threw long and he just couldn't get to it in time.  He was a good sport about missing the pass even when Menounos went out for a pass and caught it.

Sometimes you have to just go with it!

Superbowl Sunday Shorts!

Style Shout Out to Superbowl Sunday.  Today we keep it short.

To Sephora and Jennifer Aniston for giving back.  For every "Like" made on The Jennifer Aniston brand page on sephora.com in the month of February 2011 a $1 donation will be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  And to Marlo Thomas for her work everyday for St. Jude!  Outstanding!
http://www.facebook.com/Sephora?v=app_10442206389

To Stuart Weitzman for designing beautiful shoes for women and to the North Park store for employing outstanding sales associates.  Your customer service is as awesome as your shoes.  Thanks Kendra!

To Fox for having a fun pre-Superbowl show, "Red Carpet" & Keith Urban included.

To Maria Menounos for having so much fun interviewing celebrities on the Superbowl Red Carpet, and for catching that pass from Adam Sandler.  And to Jennifer Aniston for throwing a long pass that Michael Strahan could not catch.

Happy Superbowl!

Walk A Mile In My Choo's!!!

Style Shout Out to Jimmy Choo for designing shoes that give back.

Jimmy Choo Dynamo at JimmyChoo.com

This morning I woke up to 6 inches of snow, more than was predicted and rather unusual for this area of the country.  So when it snows this awesome snowman-making snow I am thankful because I know it means cold noses, frozen fingers, hot chocolate, warm smiles and an awesome snowman or three in our front yard...one for each of us!

Reading through my emails I immediately open the one from Jimmy Choo.  It’s a habit.  These shoes are beautiful and I must admit that they, along with some Ippolita bangles, are on my style wish list.

Today’s email caught my attention because Jimmy Choo wasn’t just selling shoes, they were selling a pair of shoes called Dynamo to benefit the Dynamo Camp Project in Italy.  Dynamo Camp is a not-for-profit organization and the first summer camp in Italy for children who have serious or chronic illnesses and are in therapy or post-hospital convalescence.

I applaud Jimmy Choo for creating a limited-edition shoe in collaboration with the children that attend this camp.  I love that the renowned Italian Illustrator Beppe Giacobbe, worked with the children to create this shoe, and I absolutely love that 100% of the profit from the sale of these shoes go to benefit Dynamo Camp.  Yes, I said it, 100%! 

Tamara Mellon OBE Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Jimmy Choo was quoted as saying that the company was delighted to collaborate with such a worthy charity.  And I am delighted too!  I am delighted that a luxury brand like Jimmy Choo has taken the time to work with kids to create something so beautiful. 

I am thinking today may be the day that one of my style wishes comes true.  And as I walk a mile in my Jimmy Choo’s I will always be reminded that with each step I take it may have helped a child somewhere take a step too!!!

Thanks Jimmy Choo, not only for the stylish shoes but, for the good feelings I will have every time I wear them!

7 Things on a Thankful Thursday

Style Shout Out to Thursdays and so much to be thankful for...in addition to family and friends and health and happiness, today I say...

Thanks to snow days...baking and board games and lots of laughs!

Thanks to Marc Jacobs International for posting a link to my blog entitled, "Marc Jacobs International, Say What?" on their Facebook Wall.  The number of people that read my blog was amazing.  Love Love Love Marc Jacobs!   http://www.facebook.com/marcjacobsintl

Thanks to @7FAM for a fabulous assortment of denim.  You truly have something for everyone. Loving my new skinny jeans!  http://www.7forallmankind.com

Thanks to J Crew for your "Hollywood Inspired" catalogue that reached my mailbox on the coldest wintery day and made me think of Los Angeles and the sunshine.  http://www.JCrew.com

Thanks to Gilt for the great deals on Stila Cosmetics.  Everyone needs a little Summery glow in the middle of Winter.  http://www.gilt.com

Thanks to Jimmy Fallon for another great week of laughs.  Loved the IPhone Apps.
http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com

Thanks to Saks and Sephora for a better smelling week.  To Saks for launching the premiere Jimmy Choo fragrance and to Sephora for launching the new Jennifer Aniston perfume!
http://www.saksfifthavenue.com/Entry.jsp?site_refer=360i+G&kw_refer=saks
http://www.sephora.com

Be Stylish! Be Thankful!

Hello Hollywood!

Style Shout Out to J Crew for bringing Hollywood to my doorstep!

The Hollywood Issue

Another snow day just like yesterday so no school.  It is too cold outside for building snowmen and even too icy for a snowball fight.  So in our house there will be more baking, more board games, and more playing with Barbie dolls.  It’s also a great day to catch up on organizing photos and reading magazines.

When we got the mail yesterday afternoon it was like a breath of fresh Spring-time air to see the J Crew catalogue.  At first glance I realized this was not one of those catalogues that you thumb through quickly and toss in the recycle bin.  No this one, entitled The Hollywood Issue, was to be read when time allowed...no rushing!

  

So last night after my little one was tucked in and my hubby was watching the news I made a cup of PG Tips English tea and sat down to 

savor my tea and my catalogue.

Ankle Length Jeans vis JCrew.com

And this “Hollywood Issue” did not disappoint.  The black and white cover with the couple in the convertible, her head back, big smile, wayfarer-inspired sunglasses and sweater on her shoulders just screams casual glamour.  Now I know those two words are not used a lot together but having lived in Southern California and being a loyal J Crew shopper I think they work in total harmony. 

J Crew Blythe Blouse via JCrew.com

One of the reasons I love J Crew is that as the company evolves they never lose sight of their customer.  While they find ways to reinvent themselves they never compromise the J Crew quality and continue to offer clothes that are chic and classic.  Take for example the Blythe Blouse and the Minnie Pant.  These are items that will become a staple in anyone’s wardrobe.  Another classic is the Toothpick ankle stretch jeans in white.  Nothing says California cool on a warm Spring day more than the right pair of white jeans.

I hope you enjoy your J Crew catalogue as much as I did and if you didn’t get one in your mailbox stop by your local J Crew and pick one up.  I’m glad I took the time to peruse the catalogue last night because today I have lost it to my daughter who is circling the items she loves with her trusty hot pink Sharpie. 

Thanks J Crew for a truly chic catalogue...Hello Spring...Hello Hollywood.

Tuesday's Treasure Gilt-Free Stila Cosmetics

Style Shout Out to Gilt Groupe for making shopping guilt free!

This morning we had a snow day!  No school lunch to make and backpack to check so while everyone slept,  I poured a cup of coffee, turned on the Today Show, and sat down at the computer.  After my daily check in with the Wall Street Journal, The New York Post, and Fashion Wrap Up, I checked my email.  There is a PTA newsletter to put together and articles are coming in today.

But before I tackle the PTA I open my email from the GiltGroupe.  "Are my eyes deceiving me?" No, they are not.  Today on Gilt there is a section "Brush With Love" and much to my delight Stila Cosmetics are featured.

Stila Girls via Stila.com

Founded by a celebrity make-up artist, I have been a huge fan of Stila since 1994. What first attracted me to the brand was the way it was marketed.  There weren't any models or celebrities touting the brand, it was simple sketches of girls with the make up and I found this a fun and innovative way to promote their products.  I remember reading that the name Stila was derived from the Italian word "Stilare" which means "to draft or draw-up".  This is very fitting considering the brand's wide assortment of products and colors allows each woman to draft their own signature look.

Now that I have a daughter I am even more aware of how so many magazine covers are plastered with photo-shopped images of unattainable beauty.  I am thankful to Stila for letting the women using the products find their own beauty without comparisons.

Besides their commitment to high quality,  the other thing I applaud Stila for is their eco-friendly packaging, and their understanding of the importance of giving back.  It makes spending money a little easier when you are doing it with a company that is socially responsible.

So today, as I enjoy the snow outside my window,  I know amidst the brownie baking and board game playing, I will find a few minutes to enjoy some Gilt-free shopping and purchase some Stila Sun Highlighter so I can have a luminous Summer glow in the middle of Winter.

Thanks Gilt Group for this Tuesday Treasure of Stila!