Discovering Ackerman

Judie Rings at Kara Ackerman

Style Shout Out to discovering new things on Columbus Day!

I am a fan of Kara Ackerman's jewelry and am particularly partial to the Brooke Knot Leather Bracelet in tan because it is so versatile.   The other bracelet I reach for every day is the turquoise friendship bracelet, not just for the color and quality, but because when I gave my daughter two of them, she gave one back to me.

Kara Ackerman has some beautiful jewelry on her site and today she also has some amazing specials which include a Judie bracelet and an evil eye necklace that has been spotted on the cover of Lucky, but if you are looking for a great ring that is simple and classic check out Judie.

The Judie ring with the round stone is a delicate design which will work as well for tweens and teens as it does for women and comes with a variety of stones.  My favorites are the Blue Topaz and the Amethyst.  This ring has graced the pages of Lucky and InStyle Magazines and has been seen on the fingers of Minka Kelly and Chelsea Handler.

So while Columbus may have discovered a new world geographically, I think today is a great day to discover a new world in style.

Happy Shopping at Kara Ackerman!

An Apple A Day...

Style Shout Out to innovators, like Steve Jobs, who see the possibility where others see the impossibility.

I heard the news about Steve Jobs from my hubby who was reading the news on his IPad.
Immediately I picked up my IPhone where Twitter was filled with Jobs related tweets.

That was yesterday and as I sit here today typing on my MacBook in my line of sight and charging up for the day ahead are my hubby's IPad, IPhone, and MacBook, my daughter's IPad and IPod, and my IPhone.  Later when I walk into our studio and pick up my guitar I will once again be reminded of the man who changed the way we listen to music and make music.

As my daughter and I were leaving for school this morning she saw Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos talking about Steve Jobs on Good Morning America and she said, "Oh Mom this is not such a good morning for his family and for Apple because you know he is Apple.  I hope they're all going to be okay."

I looked at my 8 year old and realized she had never known a world without Steve Jobs and realized how lucky we all are for having known the world with him.

20/50

The Beach at Hilton Head Island

Style Shout Out to celebrating 20 & 50 years!

Our entire family celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary last week at Hilton Head Island.  My sisters and I chose this place because it holds special memories of great family vacations.  And it was so nice for my parents to be at their favorite place with their daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

Sitting on the beach watching my daughter boogie board for the first time and laughing with her cousins made me realize just how fortunate I am to be so close to my sisters.  Sure we have our ups and downs like everyone but when push comes to shove the lesson I learned from my parents is that you have to work at relationships.  So whether it's with your siblings, your kids, your friends or your spouses...relationships take work to keep them healthy.

So thanks Mom and Dad for all of the lessons I have learned from you and for being a shining example of love and what it takes to make a relationship work.  And to my hubby on our 20th wedding anniversary...it feels like we said, "I Do" overlooking the Pacific only yesterday!

A Better Day!

Style Shout Out to great style for a great cause...and finding a cure that will being us all a better day!

Chan Luu

Last week I wrote about how Chan Luu is offering three beautiful bracelets to help raise money for BreastCancer.org.  I love supporting companies that are responsible partners in the community and give back.

Today I am so excited that LOFT is once again doing their part in the fight against breast cancer and besides three great tee shirts and three great bracelets, they are also offering the LOFT Cares Card.  This is such an easy way to help.  Simply purchase the card for $25 and through November 15th you will save 20% on your LOFT purchases.  The beauty of the card is that while you are saving on your holiday shopping, you are also helping a very worthwhile cause because 90% of the card's purchase price will be donated to BCRF.

So today check out Chan Luu and LOFT and know that your purchase is helping others.


My Style Shout Out Tip:   I always start my Christmas shopping in October!  I love the fact that while I am purchasing gifts that will bring a smile to the faces of the people I know and love, I am also helping to bring a smile to the faces of those I don't know because maybe my purchase will help someone somewhere find the cure that will make us all smile and give us all A Better Day!

Sunday Shorts

Via Giants.com

Style Shout Out to Sunday and keeping it short.

I have always loved the Fall.  Growing up in the North East there was something so magical about the transition from Summer to Autumn...maybe it had something to do with the way the leaves magically changed colors and the air was so crisp and fresh.  And of course it was always the best feeling when there was a chill in the air and it was time to pull out the sweaters, jeans and boots.

Even though I live in a city now where we don't see the cooler temperatures until almost November I still enjoy Fall because I love football.  I grew up in a house with three sisters and in our house Sunday was always football Sunday.

So today it may be 93 degrees outside, but inside it is all about my family and the game!

Happy Football Sunday! And congrats to the New York Giants on their big win today!

Looking Good & Feeling Good

Style Shout Out to Chan Luu for creating fabulous and helping others.

My sister came home to visit recently and she had a surprise for my daughter and nieces...she bought them their first Chan Luu bracelets.

The bracelets are made of a cotton cord that is the most beautiful shade of sea foam green with soft pink crystals.  Opening their Chan Luu bags the girls were so excited.  And I was excited to find that not only are the bracelets amazing, but 50 percent of the sales proceeds are donated to BreastCancer.org which is am amazing organization.

Chan Luu has three bracelets that are benefitting BreastCancer.org so if you are looking for a new on-trend bracelet check out one of these pieces and you will look good while helping others to feel good.

My Style Shout Out Tip:  October is breast cancer awareness month and there are so many companies that get involved which makes it a great time to do a bit of early Christmas shopping.  I love how Estee Lauder usually sells pink ribbon pins...I wear mine on my favorite denim jacket, and I love how every year Saks partners with a designer to offer a fabulous and fun tee shirt.  The one I have that was designed by Karl Lagerfeld always gets the most compliments and I feel good knowing that my purchase is helping someone else to feel good!

Atwood For All

Brian Atwood

Style Shout Out to Brian Atwood for designing fabulous!

Brain Atwood knows style.  This Chicago-born designer has quite an impressive resume which includes graduating from F.I.T. in New York and being the first American to be hired by the legendary Versace where after proving himself at Versus, he was quickly promoted to head designer of Versace accessories.

Brian Atwood launched his first shoe collection in 2001. The collection was well received by fashionistas and Hollywood celebrities and a decade later his shoes still surprise and delight!

Recently Atwood launched B Brian Atwood.  This line is such a treasure offering that signature Atwood style and quality at a more affordable price.  Having had a career in marketing I think this was a brilliant move by Atwood and two of my favorites are:

B Brian Atwood at Nordstrom

1.  The Frederique pump is such a classic.  I love this neutral color and the versatility of these shoes.  Wear them with dresses, skirts and jeans...this just may become my go to shoe for fall.

B Brian Atwood at Neiman Marcus

2.  If you are looking for a fun and flirty sandal look no further than this fringe t-strap.  Again I think the neutral color is fabulous and I love shoes that make a statement...seriously, check out that heel.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  B Brian Atwood is currently available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks.  With so many styles to choose from and such a good price point there is truly a B Brian Atwood shoe for everyone.  Happy Shopping.

Value & Valentino

Valentino at Gilt

Style Shout Out to Gilt for bringing us Valentino.

Today started off as a typical Monday...making breakfast, packing my daughter's lunchbox and driving her to school.

After I got home, I made some coffee, grabbed my laptop and turned on Good Morning America.  As I was watching Demi Lovato sing Skyscaper on GMA I hit the record button so my daughter could see her performance when she gets home from school.

While catching up on emails and the Emmys I came across an email from Gilt and this wasn't just any email.  Today's sale is featuring none other than fashion legend Valentino.

This sale begins at noon ET and these handbags will sell out quickly.  So set your alarm and get ready for guilt-free Valentino at Gilt.

Demi Lovato on GMA

And if your kids are Demi Lovato fans her new CD "Unbroken" drops tonight at midnight. Based on the year she's had it is good that she seems to have come through it stronger and healthier and unbroken!



My Style Shout Out Tip:  It's no secret that I am a huge fan of Gilt and it's hard to find anyone that isn't a huge fan of Valentino.  So if you are looking for a quality handbag that makes a statement check out Gilt today.  Happy Shopping!

Sunday Shorts

Giuliana Rancic via Zimbio

Style Shout Out to Sunday and keeping it short.

When I think of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York it reminds me that awards season is right around the corner.  So after a day of watching football I am anxiously awaiting the Emmy Awards.  I love seeing all of the fabulous fashion on the red carpet and always look forward to watching E's coverage with Ryan Seacrest and Guiliana Rancic.

Tonight I will be keeping an eye out for Kristen Wiig, Christine Baranski, Gretchen Mol, Edie Falco and Amanda Peet and not just for the dresses but for the jewelry.  I've been told they'll be wearing jewelry by Fred Leighton so of course it will be spectacular.

Happy Emmy watching!

7 Things

Style Shout Out to 7 Things...

A Rendering From The September 11th Memorial

In light of this being the week of the 10th Anniversary of September 11th I have found myself in quite a reflective mood.  So today in addition to my family and friends,  I am grateful for the following 7 things...

1.  That my 8 year old is confident enough to stand up for herself and others in all situations.

2.  For those who have worked and continue to work tirelessly at the Septemer 11th Memorial and Museum and to those of you who have donated to this great cause.

3.  For Adam Braun and his work with Pencils Of Promise.  It is amazing to see how much this organization has accomplished in such a short amount of time and I cannot imagine the future possibilities.

4.  To the schools in our country that have adopted Rachel's Challenge as a way to empower children toward positive behavior and respect for self and others, and to put a stop to bullying. 

5.  To TOMS for making a difference everyday in the lives of people with the gift of shoes and the gift of sight.

6.  And on a stylish note to Horchow Finale for having the most amazing prices on sunglasses.  Seriously today they had Oliver Peoples and Prada for fifty percent off the retail price.  Such a find!

7.  To my daughter and husband and all of the music and laughter that fills our house everyday.