A Beautiful Day

Style Shout Out to a Christmas stocking filled with beauty!

Some of the best presents are the ones that are small enough to fit into your stocking.  And I'm not just talking about the kind that are from Ippolita and are sparkly.  I'm also talking about the gifts of beauty.  I came across a few things on the Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom web sites tonight and thought I'd share them.

Fresh at Neiman Marcus

1.  This gift set from Fresh may not fit into a stocking but it should fit nicely under a tree and it is all about lips and all about fabulous.  I am a big fan of Fresh products and especially love the lip treatment as it does what it claims to do.  This is an excellent present for someone who loves Fresh and a great way to introduce someone special to a very special product line.

Yves Saint Laurent at Nordstrom

2.  When I think glamourous make-up I immediately think Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent. This Holiday Glamour gift set from Yves Saint Laurent will tuck nicely into a stocking and has some of the company's hottest products including Touche Eclat.  This product magically covers under eye circles and leaves you looking  like you had 8 hours of sleep even if you didn't come close to that number.  Also included in the set is a chic little make-up bag that holds a beautiful neutral gloss, eye pencil and mini mascara.

Stila at Nordstrom

3.  I remember when Stila first launched their line.  The way they packaged the product with the Stila girl was a brilliant marketing idea leaving every woman to be their own Stila girl. This palette, designed exclusively for Nordstrom, is the perfect size for a stocking stuffer and will fit easily into your handbag to keep you looking fresh all day.  Besides eye shadows, blush, a highlighter and a mirror for easy touch ups, this palette also includes a face chart with instructions that will make creating a polished look a breeze.  Take this and your Fresh lip color or Yves Saint Laurent gloss and you're good to go.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  Beauty products make fun presents.  When we were first married my husband gave me this great gift set from Estee Lauder that included everything from eye shadows to lip glosses to blushes.  I had so much fun creating different looks that the thought of that present still makes me smile.  And for me that's what gift giving is all about. It's not so much about what the present costs.  The real value is the feeling you get when you open the present.

Joie De Vivre

Joie at Nordstrom

Style Shout Out to Joie and the great clothes that make me feel joyful when I wear them.

Since its' inception in Los Angeles in 2001 Joie has created clothes that fit a relaxed yet chic California lifestyle. But you don't have to live in California to enjoy them as Joie is available at stores like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

The concept of the company is that all pieces should be casual, comfortable and luxurious.  And year after year Joie has successfully managed to turn that concept into reality.

Having lived in Southern California for almost ten years I seem to gravitate toward clothing companies that are based there before I even know they are a California company.

If you've lived there then you know what I'm talking about when I say there is something really special about this part of the country...the amazing sunsets over the Pacific, the beaches, the weather, the music, the style!  And Joie has managed to take all that is great about this area and translate it into fashion.

Joie at Nordstrom

Nordstrom has some beautiful tops by Joie right now that will take you from the holidays through the rest of the winter in style. One of my favorites is the silvery v-neck that Nordstrom has paired with a Current/Elliott Stiletto Leopard print skirt.  This is the type of piece that can truly be dressed up or down because while the fabric has a dressy look the shape makes it look like your favorite go-to sweater that you would wear to a casual lunch on a Saturday with family or friends.

My other favorite is the June Peasant blouse.  Again this is a top that is so versatile and can transition easily from day to night.  The rich color makes it the perfect addition to a winter wardrobe.  This top would look just as good with 7 For All Mankind black velvet pants for a Christmas party as it would with Current/Elliott Stiletto skinny jeans for Sunday brunch.

Fashion should make you feel joyful and Joie does just that!

Current/Elliott - Boyfriends & Stilettos

Jennifer Aniston via Singer22

Style Shout Out to Current/Elliott for designing some fabulous fashion.

It's no secret that I love jeans and I especially love jeans that are excellent quality and have a flattering fit.  If you're looking for a great pair of skinny jeans that fall into that category then check out the Stiletto by Current/Elliott.

While this company may be best know for their iconic Boyfriend jean which has been seen on many a celebrity including Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, their line also includes some great denim jackets, tops, and skinny jeans.  My favorite skinny by Current/Elliott is the Stiletto.

First of all if you're an average height, like me, then the Stiletto jean will hit at your ankle.  This means no bunching, shortening, or having to turn the jean up once. This style also tucks into boots with ease and stays tucked and is the perfect length with a ballet flat.

I ordered my first pair of Stilettos in a medium blue color from Neiman Marcus where they are currently on sale.  After wearing them for a day and realizing that they looked as good in the evening as when I first put them on in the morning (no sagging),  I was excited to find them in a dark wash called Blue Note at Saks.  Even better than finding the jeans in another color was the fact that they were also on sale.

The Stiletto @ BarneysNY

Since I placed my order last week Saks sold out of the Stiletto in Blue Note but they are still available at BarneysNY.  So if you're looking for a skinny in a rich dark blue wash with no distressing the Stiletto in Blue Note may be a great pair of jeans for you.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  On a cold, rainy day like we are having today I pair my Stiletto jeans with Hunter Boots and a camel v-neck sweater from Ann Taylor...classic and stylish and warm!

Happy December

Style Shout Out to December!

The countdown to my daughter's birthday and Christmas has begun!  I absolutely love this time of year....the family...the decorating of the house and the Christmas tree...the baking....the planning of my daughter's birthday party...the music...it's just so festive.

And of course no December is complete without a little birthday and Christmas shopping. As I was watching Good Morning America and reading InStyle this morning I came across a few things that will make excellent Christmas presents and I thought I'd share them with you today.

Ippolita at Neiman Marcus

If you are in the market for an interesting piece of jewelry check out Ippolita.  She designs some beautiful pieces in sterling and gold so there is something for everyone.  I love her gold bangles but I tried on this sterling sliver ring with London Blue topaz at Neiman Marcus that was amazing.  Staring at this ring reminded me of sitting on the beach in Malibu, staring at the Pacific on a beautiful Summer day.  For me jewelry is equally about the piece and the feeling I get when I put it on.  My daughter and I have been fortunate enough to meet Ippolita and she is as genuine as her jewelry.

Kara Ackerman

The Brooke bracelet by Kara Ackerman is one of my favorite go-to pieces. It's a really fun leather and gold-plated bracelet that will make a fabulous addition to your jewelry box.  Kara Ackerman designs pieces at varying price points so it will be easy to find some fun stocking stuffers.  I know for a fact that a few of her friendship bracelets are making their way to some stockings this Christmas.

 May Books

On Good Morning America I was introduced to May Books.  They are a company based in Dallas that is devoted to bringing function and whimsy to your day in the form of notebooks, planners, and agendas.  I think these books will make fabulous Christmas presents and stocking stuffers.  Personally, I am buying a few for my daughter's teachers, my sisters, my daughter, and one or two for myself.  The cool thing about these notebooks is that you can have a monogram added to the cover which totally personalizes the gift.  And, one more thing...if you order today you can save 50 percent!

Happy shopping!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  You don't have to spend a lot on a gift as long as it comes from the heart.  I have been known to write a lullaby for a baby shower gift and a song for a birthday gift.  Music comes easy to me so find what comes easy to you...maybe it's writing a poem or baking some truly delicious cookies.  Be creative and have fun this holiday season.

Guilt-Free At Gilt

Style Shout Out to guilt-free shopping at Gilt.

Christmas is right around the corner.  I have always loved the holiday season and it is especially fun as a Mom because you get to see Christmas through the eyes of your child.

Throughout the year there are a few things that make me feel like a kid at Christmas and one of those things is when I open an email from Gilt and see one of my favorite brands being featured.  From Chan Luu bracelets to 7 For All Mankind jeans I have found some of the best items and today's email did not disappoint.

If you are in the market for the perfect little black dress for the holidays check out this dress by Catherine Malandrino.  I love her designs for their flattering fit and excellent quality.  The price for this dress is pretty fabulous too.  For a fun look I'm wearing this with my Current/Elliott denim jacket and Chanel ballet flats.  For a more dressy look I'm thinking Louboutins or L.K. Bennett pumps.

I also found a great pair of chinos by J Brand.  When I hear the name J Brand I immediately think denim but their chinos are outstanding...super soft...super comfy...super fit.  And, at Gilt they are a super price.  I'll be wearing mine with ballet flats and an LNA tee shirt for a casual look.  To dress them up a little I'll pair them with a top from Joie and my L.K. Bennett pumps.

Make sure to check out Gilt today as things go quickly.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  While I totally enjoy a shopping trip with my daughter to Nordstrom and Neimans I also love the convenience of shopping at Gilt.  The prices are fabulous and so is their customer service.  Happy guilt-free shopping!

40 On Monday

Ribbed Henley @ LnA

Style Shout Out to Thanksgiving weekend and Cyber Monday!

First of all I have to admit that I didn't go to the mall this past weekend.  I am one of those people that loves Thanksgiving for the low-stress day that it is and I like to enjoy the long weekend. For me this weekend was all about family, food, football, music, and decorating for Christmas.

And today is all about checking out the great deals online and getting a little Christmas shopping done.

So you can imagine my delight when I was reading my emails earlier and found that 7 For All Mankind and LnA Clothing, two of my favorite retailers, are offering a 40 percent discount today.

If you are in the market for some fabulous jeans look no further than 7 For All Mankind because today they are offering an additional 40 percent off sale items.  Sevens are a staple in my wardrobe because of the clean lines and the flattering fit.

Boyfriend Shirt @ LnA

And for phenomenal tops check out LnA Clothing.  I love their tee shirts for the quality and the fit.  And for the cooler weather I absolutely love LnA's long sleeve boyfriend shirt and the ribbed v henley.

With 40 percent off this is a great time to pick up something for yourself and something for someone else.

Happy Shopping.

My Style Shout Out Tip:  I wear my LnA tee shirts all year long.  In the warm weather they are fabulous with shorts and flats. Today I wore one with skinny jeans, a leather jacket and Stuart Weitzman boots...hello Fall.

Kitson - A Really Cool Place To Shop

Kitson Pencils

Style Shout Out to the season of giving and gratitude.

I am one of those people that really doesn't like to set foot inside a store during Thanksgiving weekend. While the sales are great, I would rather spend time with my family, enjoy the holiday and do a bit of Christmas shopping online at night...but not on Thanksgiving night. That time is spent playing board games and eating leftovers from dinner.

But when I do sit down with my laptop this weekend there are a few favorite stores I will check out and Kitson is one of them. If you read my blog then you know how much I love Southern California.  Every time we are in Los Angeles visiting family we do a little shopping at Kitson.  This store carries a fabulous selection of merchandise and is, as my daughter describes it, "just a really cool place to shop!"

So you can imagine my delight when I opened an email today from Kitson advertising their Black Friday Sale with free shipping on all orders.  My cart is filled with some fabulous stocking stuffers like PuraVida bracelets,  Fresh Honey Tinted Lip Treatments and Kitson pencils.  I also found some candles that will make wonderful gifts for teachers.

PuraVida Bracelets @ Kitson

Sure I could find some of these items locally but I love when a gift has meaning and since Kitson is one of my daughter's favorite places to shop anything purchased there will mean a lot to her.




My Style Shout Out Tip:  If you are in Malibu visit the Kitson store at the Malibu Country Mart and Lumber Yard.  They have a great selection of merchandise. On a recent visit I found fabulous scarves, fun PuraVida bracelets, and interesting coffee table books.  And speaking of coffee, after you do a little shopping go next door and have a cappuccino and gelato at the ChocolateBox Cafe. It is seriously good coffee and some of the best gelato I have ever had.

Blue Jeans, Bracelets & Giving Back

Pura Vida Bracelets @ puravidabracelets.com

Style Shout Out to the blues Jean Bar and Pura Vida for giving back!

As I watched my daughter walk into school today with her backpack, lunch box, and Target bag stuffed with cans of food for the school's food drive I was reminded of how much I love this time of year. For me Thanksgiving is about being with family, cooking great food, and watching football.  It's also the time we clean out our closets to see what items can be donated to help others.

And usually after a closet clean out there is a little room to add one or two new things and I know exactly where I'll be headed to pick up those items.

Recently my daughter and I went to the blues Jean Bar because they are the one place in our area that I know of that sells Pura Vida Bracelets.  We discovered Pura Vida at Kitson on our last visit to Los Angeles.  The bracelets are available in an assortment of fun colors and benefit great causes, including the Surfrider Foundation.

When we were at the blues Jean Bar picking out bracelets for Christmas gifts I noticed that they were running a promotion for November.  For every can of food you bring to the store, they will give you five percent off a pair of jeans with the maximum discount being twenty percent.  If you read my blog then you know I absolutely love when companies do something to give back so I figure this is the perfect time to pick up a new pair of jeans and feel good doing it.

The blues Jean Bar is unique in that the stores have a huge bar with a "jeantender" who is waiting to find you the perfect pair of jeans.  They have really taken the guess work out of buying jeans and it's as easy as ordering a grande, non-fat cappuccino from Starbucks.  For me I'll be ordering Paige, skinny, medium blue, ankle length jeans.  My eight year old will most likely be picking out another Pura Vida bracelet and that's okay with me because when she wears them I know she will be reminded that it's always good to give back.

My Style Shout Out Tip:  Visit the blues Jean Bar to find the perfect pair of jeans and don't forget to pick up a few Pura Vida bracelets.  They make great stocking stuffers for Christmas and remember, giving back is always in style!

L.K.Bennett - Classics & Quality!

Style Shout Out to Kate Middleton and bringing classic back.

It's my opinion that if we can credit Justin Timberlake with bringing classy back...think the invitation he recently accepted to the military ball, then I think it's safe to say that Kate Middleton has played a major role in bringing classic back.  I, for one, am very happy about this because I have always gravitated toward a classic look.

My philosophy when it comes to style is that it's important to find what works for you and to be on-trend but not too trendy.

Kate Middleton has put several designers and stores in the spotlight.  The ones that immediately come to mind are her wedding dress designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Zara and the little blue dress, Reiss and the beautiful cream dress, and L.K.Bennett and the neutral pumps she has worn on several occasions, including her visit to California.

Now being married to a Brit I have heard of L.K.Bennett but have never had the pleasure of shopping in one of their stores.  While Chicago and Atlanta are fortunate in that they have L.K.Bennett stores, we in Dallas are not as lucky.  So after seeing Kate in her Sledge pumps, and being in the market for a neutral pump, I took a chance and called the Atlanta store.  I was told they had a shipment of shoes coming in and that there was a pair of size 8's that were not on hold for anyone yet.  Usually I don't buy shoes online from a brand that I have never tried but as I always tell my daughter, sometimes taking a chance pays off.

Via ShopStyle

So when the Atlanta store called me a few days later to say the shoes had arrived, I reached for my debit card, verified the return policy, was assured that this shoe ran true to size and happily placed my order.  I have to say that I was really impressed with the customer service at L.K.Bennett's Atlanta store.

When my shoes arrived they exceeded my expectations.  The color was the perfect neutral, they fit perfectly, and the quality was exceptional.  I was actually surprised that for a high heel they were so comfortable.

So, if you are lucky enough to be in Chicago or Atlanta, stop by L.K.Bennett and check out the Sledge.  And if you're willing to take a chance you can always call one of the stores and I'm sure you will not be disappointed in the customer service and the quality.

My fingers are crossed that L.K.Bennett will open a store here soon.  Until then, I have the Atlanta store's number in my IPhone!


My Style Shout Out Tip:  If you are looking for a fabulous neutral pump check out L.K.Bennett.  After wearing these shoes for a few hours I realized why they are a favorite of Kate Middleton.  These shoes are as comfortable as they are stylish.  Happy Shopping!

Thank You!

Style Shout Out to our Veterans!

Yesterday after school it was homework time. As we do everyday, I made a cup of tea for myself (being married to a Brit has influenced my choice of afternoon beverage), poured my daughter a glass of water and got her a snack.

My daughter usually does her math homework first and I think this is because math comes to her very easily. So, yesterday when she said she was going to do Language Arts first I was a bit surprised.  She said the assignment was to write a letter to the troops.  As a Mom I have so many moments that have made me feel proud and watching her thoughtfully write a letter of thanks to our troops was one of those moments.

As she was writing we talked about the troops, our country, and freedom.  My daughter said that the American flag and the 4th of July fireworks always reminds her of freedom and how our troops work so hard to protect it.

So today on Veterans Day I would like to take a line from my daughter's letter..."Thank you for serving our country and doing so much for other people and for all of the sacrifices you make everyday."

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Happy Veterans Day.


My Style Shout Out Tip:  If you are in the market for a fun pair of boots that will make a difference, check out The Boot Campaign.