Category Archives: Tips

7 Days of Gifts – Day 2: Siblings

03 Monday Dec 2012

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7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us! While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 2: SIBLINGS
Under $50

Brothers and sisters can often be the hardest to shop for (at least for me). I want to get them something they will actually use, but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. My gifting philosophy is that there always has to be a little indulgence. Otherwise, where’s the fun? Show them they deserve a special treat with these can’t-fail picks.

SISTER
Mix and match two of these gifts for Under $50 brilliance

Sephora + PANTONE Universe Opulent Lacquer Trio, $19

gifts nail polishs1460443-main-heroSephora Give Me Some Lip Sampler, $25 ($79 value!)

sephoralipss1453901-main-LheroAlex and Ani Script Initial Bangle, $24

gifts alexanibracelet_6386405

FOR HIM
One awesome gift or two awesome gifts. Looks like a win, win.

J.Crew Leather iPhone Case with Embossing, $48

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or Topman Skinny Tie (a must for modern style), $19giftstopmantie_7371159

plus Brixton “Butcher II” Touch-Screen Gloves, $30giftsgloves_7424408

Can you guess who we’re gifting tomorrow? Check back to find out!

7 Days of Gifts – Day 1: Co-Worker

02 Sunday Dec 2012

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7 DAYS OF GIFTS
Your Guide to Flawless Gifting for Him and Her

December is officially upon us. While many retailers now start their Christmas marketing in the middle of October (even before Halloween!), my cue to kick the holiday shopping into gear is seeing DEC on the calendar.

As a self-proclaimed Proud Gifter, I get a legitimate thrill out of finding just the right gifts for everyone on my list—the gifts that they really, truly LOVE getting. (Side note: I’m also a willing recipient of said gifts.)

Since scouring malls and websites in search of the perfect gifts can be quite time-consuming, I took it upon myself to do the work for you in this “7 Days of Gifts” series. You can thank me later.

Every day this week, I’ll feature smile-inducing, reasonably-priced gift ideas for the near and dear on your shopping list.


DAY 1: CO-WORKER
Under $25

First up? That extra-special co-worker who makes your Monday through Friday actually bearable. Your saving grace on the tough days, and your inside joke partner on the better days. He/she may not be your best friend, but they still deserve a token of your appreciation.

FOR HER: Kate Spade Let’s Do Lunch Business Card Holder, $20

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FOR HIM: Z Gallerie Great Mustache Push Pins, $5.95 and Mug, $12.95

giftsmustache-push-pins-set-of-8-186910655agiftsgreat-mustaches-mug-066763212

Come back tomorrow for sibling gift ideas!

Marilyn’s No. 5 Love Affair

20 Tuesday Nov 2012

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As if Chanel needed to remind anyone that they are arguably the most iconic and influential fashion house ever, they’ve been on a heritage kick lately that takes us inside their nearly century-long reign.

A turning point in the history? Marilyn Monroe’s declaration of love for the signature scent, No. 5. In an interview, the ever-so-mysterious Monroe brilliantly answers the quite-illicit question, “What do you wear to bed?” with a giggle and, “Just a few drops of No. 5.” Even without the dedicated PR reps and intense media coaching that starlets receive these days, Miss Monroe understood how to flawlessly maintain her image. She knew how to reveal just enough and still leave them wanting more—a skill we all wish we could master (at least I do).

With this one off-hand comment, Monroe catapulted the fragrance into a new realm of popularity, where it continues to remain. She also revealed the lucrative potential of the designer/celebrity relationship, which is now a vital part of the equation for the success of any brand. Cheers, Miss Monroe, for continuing to inspire us to pursue a life of beauty, passion and enjoyment.

For more Inside Chanel content, visit the Chanel site.

LA Happenings: Saint Laurent Revival at What Goes Around Comes Around

29 Saturday Sep 2012

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No matter where you stand on the Yves Saint Laurent v. Saint Laurent Paris side of things, one thing’s for sure…vintage connoisseurs are delighting in the fashion house’s decision to go retro with its re-branding. On Wednesday, September 26, renowned vintage retailer What Goes Around Comes Around Los Angeles teamed with nail art innovators ncLA to celebrate the revival of the Saint Laurent name.

Shoppers and admirers were welcomed into the charming yet impressive boutique to browse the well-curated selection of vintage Saint Laurent pieces and more.  Mini manis with YSL-inspired designs, petite cupcakes from Frosted Cupcakery and chic cocktails by Little Black Dress Vodka were enjoyed by all.  Pampering, sweets and drinks set against a backdrop of beautiful designer clothing made the recipe for a perfect evening where fashion proved once again that it’s able to take what once was old and make it new.

A Lesson in Man Repelling

23 Sunday Sep 2012

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If you haven’t heard of “Man Repelling,” you’ve surely seen it. A term coined by the brilliant Leandra Medine (the Man Repeller, herself), it refers to runway and real-life women’s clothing that fashion lovers see as AH-MAY-ZING yet the average guy finds hideously revolting. See official definition:

man·re·pell·er1  [mahn-ree-peller]

–noun
outfitting oneself in a sartorially offensive mode that may result in repelling members of the opposite sex. Such garments include but are not limited to harem pants, boyfriend jeans, overalls (see: human repelling), shoulder pads, full length jumpsuits, jewelry that resembles violent weaponry and clogs. (manrepeller.com)

While I am but a meager apprentice of Mrs. Medine’s (yup, she’s married), I’m not unaware of the fact that some of my clothing choices are less than attractive in the conventional sense. And I’m ok with that. As I’ve said before, fashion is about self-expression—telling the world about yourself without saying a word. If I’m dressing for someone other than myself, it’s for other women who appreciate great style. Once in a blue moon I’ll throw on a little something that the hubby will undoubtedly like, but even he appreciates my repelling looks. I think when you free yourself from the burden of impressing the opposite sex with “sexy” clothing, you can uncover your true sense of style and revel in the joy of fashion for fashion’s sake.

This full-length jumpsuit (an example in the above definition) instantly makes me feel like an A+ student at the Institute of Man Repelling (that should totally be a real school), and I love it. First of all, it’s fluorescent purple (or electric blue if one of us is colorblind). Second, it’s high-waisted with pleats (gasp!) and a wider-than-wide leg. As if that weren’t enough, I decided to throw my bright red wedges into the mix to really up the color ante.

What are your thoughts on Man Repelling? Tell me in the comments section!

Jumpsuit: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Shoes: Dolce Vita. Clutch: Max Azria.

How To: Avoid Getting Sick

18 Wednesday Jul 2012

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It’s been at least three years since I’ve had a cold or been wiped out by the flu (knock on wood). I don’t take a crazy amount of vitamins, I don’t get flu shots and I don’t live in a bubble. What’s my secret? Allow me to share…

1. Eat fruit. At least two whole pieces of fresh fruit each and every day. You know the phrase, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Whoever said it was on to something. It doesn’t matter if it’s a banana, apple, bunch of grapes, berries or an orange. Fruit is fruit, and it is so good for you. The vitamins and nutrients in fruit naturally keep you and your immune system healthy.

2. Sleep. Rest. Repeat. Most people need about eight hours of sleep per night. I function better when I get nine, but it’s not always possible. If I get less than seven several nights in a row, it definitely catches up to me. That brings us to rest. On weekends (or whenever I have downtime), I have to allot time for myself to decompress. With our busy lives and jam-packed schedules, it’s easy to let yourself get run down, and that’s when colds and viruses strike. Sometimes you can’t do everything. Learn how to identify your body’s limits and say no when you reach them. Now, I know this advice isn’t an especially feasible if you have a busy social life but it’s all about finding your balance.

3. Stay hydrated with water. Drink lots of it throughout the day. Here’s my daily breakdown: I have a tall glass with breakfast, my big Nalgene throughout the day (32 oz), a tall glass when I get home, one with dinner and one or two more before bed. Some people count tea, juices and such as hydrating, but I say keep it simple. Water is what our body runs on.

4. Wash your hands. I might be borderline OCD on this one, but I swear by having clean hands. When you think about all the things you touch every day, it’s pretty gross. Keyboards, keys, door knobs, remote controls, your trusty phone (eek!). Bacteria lives on everything. Avoid transferring to your insides by washing your hands with antibacterial soap as often as you can. No matter where I’ve been, it’s always the first thing I do when I walk in the door, and I always do it before eating.

That’s it. Four simple tips to keep you on your feet. Of course, mixing in some yoga or your exercise of choice doesn’t hurt, either. Obviously I’m not a doctor, nor can I guarantee that this will work for you like it has for me, but it’s all basic health recommendations so it can’t hurt to give it a try.