Outfitting your Home

I'm using 2011 to save my money, as hard as that is, to put towards a down payment on a new condo.  I'm a planner so I'm already getting ideas of how I'd like to decorate.  I'm sure some of these will change over the year but I'm sharing them with all of you as they come along.

As you know by now, I love modern things but I found these Aviator Chairs from restorationhardware.com to be very retro while maintaining a modern sensibility.  They are wrapped in aluminum and the seat and back are in a luxurious leather.  They are very different than what most people may want but that's what makes them so special.  They are selling for $1495 each.

http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productId=prod50031&categoryId=cat1701068

I'm very into white furniture lately.  I know it's not very practical for keeping clean especially when you have a dog like I do.  However, the pure color is so fresh.  I love how this bed looks.  The tuffed leather headboard is fabulous and the low profile of the platform is sleek.  I could totally see this working in my new digs.  This Ludlow Bed is for sale on downtownfurniturenyc.com for $2188.00 (queen size).  It's also available in black and brown but I think the white is the best.

http://www.downtownfurniturenyc.com/gallery/br-designer/mlludlowbed.html

My boyfriend and I love entertaining so a dining space is a must in the new place.  We'd like to give it some glam by adding a chandelier.  I've found the most stunning one although it's hard to settle on just one.  This beauty is from lampsplus.com for $1798.91.  It's by Schonbek and uses Swarovski crystals.  I'm dying just thinking about having this in my space.

http://www.lampsplus.com/products/Schonbek-Quantum-Silver-29-and-one-half-inch-Wide-Crystal-Chandelier__J2770.html

Hair Do's

Spring is looking like an exciting season for beauty especially in the hair department.  All over the runways were very wearable hair styles like these:

Slicked Back

This is a very easy style to do and fast too if your running late for work or just don't want to wash your hair in the morning.  All it takes is a very deep side part and a low ponytail.  Control the flyaways with a little hair gel or cream.  Keep the end of the pony either stick straight by running a straightening iron through it or create some fullness by adding some large waves.  

Tousled Waves

This looks a little bit easier than it is.  It's the classic "I just rolled out of bed this way" style.  It looks best with a middle part and soft flowing locks.  Mousse can help add texture when curling the hair. Finish with a shine serum.  If you need hairspray make sure it is a soft formula so that you can still run your fingers through your hair.

Double Duty

Every woman needs some items in her wardrobe that work just as hard as she does.  That's why I love these pieces which can be worn to work or for dinner and drinks after a long day.

This Dolce Vita dress is great because it actually comes with the leather belt.  I would wear it with some dark tight and black pumps. Some great rings or bracelets in the same antiqued gold to pick up on the studs on the belt would be nice too.  It's on sale for $145.00 at dearfieldbinder.com.

http://www.dearfieldbinder.com/17660.html

A well-made blazer is a must.  Chloe makes some of the best in the designer arena.  The winter white color can be worn year round.  The sharp shoulders are very modern.  Wear this to work with slim trousers and for evening add a hot heel and dressy tank to make it sexier.  Neimanmarcus.com has this for $1840.00.

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod127720007&parentId=cat15940733&masterId=cat19670732&index=0&cmCat=cat000000cat000001cat17740747cat19670732cat15940733

Get Healthy

Ok, I'm going to admit I'm part of the small percentage of people who don't enjoy water.  I know, I know, you say "How is that possible?".  I only really like it after I'm working out.  Normally, it's too boring for me and I forgo drinking anything altogether.  However, I have found a great product which can help me get some more of the good stuff into my body.  It's the Ceylon Pitcher from CB2.com.  This ingenious pitcher has a side compartment which can be used to put tea, berries, lemons or limes, mint, or whatever your favorite accent is.  It gives your water a little kick.  Finally, something I can drink.  It's $29.95.

http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=230&f=5834&fromLocation=search#BVRRWidgetID

Springs Brightest Stars

I'm looking ahead to Spring and finding the new brights are so lovely.  The punch of color lifts your spirit as well as those around you.  And who says you need to wait until Spring to test this trend out.  I think a change of routine from the basic black would do us all good.

I have to feature another dress by Alice & Olivia (a favorite) since its got so much going for it.  It's pretty simple from the front but the back is really spectacular.   A fun ponytail would be a great way to set off the back.  Though everyone will notice you from the sunny yellow color.  This is available on BergdorfGoodman.com for $368.00.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod60670017&parentId=cat233500&masterId=cat206600&index=2&cmCat=cat000000cat230300cat232504cat206600cat233500

If you're a little afraid to go all out with a bright like the dress above a handbag is an easier way to work the trend.  I like this orange bag by Givenchy.  It has double handles and a long shoulder strap which can be removed.  It's available on mytheresa.com for $1,866.05.

http://www.mytheresa.com/shop/ANTIGONA-MEDIUM-BAG-p-14562.html#

And for those of you who can't commit to this trend fully I think a lipstick is the easiest way to try it out.  This bright fuchsia lipstick by Dior is bold but truly feminine.  Plus, it will only set you back $30.  It's great alone but can be layered with a gloss in a clear or similar pink shade.  Keep the rest of your makeup simple and let this one shine on its own.  It can be found at Sephora.com.  It's Rouge Dior Lipcolor #475 (Pink Caprice).

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P272656&categoryId=B70

Let's Plan a Vacation

Now that most of us are back to work after the holiday season I think it's only fitting that we start planning a mid-winter vacation.  It'll give you something to look forward to especially when you can't take any more days of bundling up and walking through dirty snow.  Here are my picks of hotels that I'd like to be spending my time at. 

Bardessono in Yountville, California is a green hotel and spa located in the Napa Valley.  Each of the 62 rooms feature their own space for in-room spa services.   The rooftop pool is great for relaxing or grabbing a bite to eat.  Their restaurant features farm-fresh products which are locally sourced.  The rooms are thoroughly modern but still have a warm feeling.  The spa centers its treatments around the seasons which are dedicated to bringing your body back to a calm center.  They offer a variety of packages with double rooms starting at $550.00 (including breakfast).

http://www.bardessono.com/

We all know about the W hotel group.  But, one of their best is located in Santiago, Chile.  Some of the best views of the Andes Mountains are visible from your room and even better ones from the roofdeck pool.  Even with such an amazing backdrop this hotel is located in a fashionable part of the city with cobblestone streets and modern skyscrapers.  They have 196 rooms with doubles started at $299.  I think the photos speak for themselves.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/whotels/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=1979

I saved the best for last.  If you're looking for the utmost in luxury than look no further than the Viceroy in Anguilla.  I have my eye set on this resort for a romantic getaway.  The interiors were designed by renowned interior designer Kelly Wearstler.  There are 3 restaurants, a 2-story spa, and private ocean view pools.  Get ready to indulge and be pampered.  Rates begin at $450.

http://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/anguilla/

Welcome to 2011

I hope you all had a fabulous New Years and brought in the new year in style.  If you felt that maybe 2010 wasn't your best year in fashion don't worry.  I can help you start out this year with a new take on chic.  You just have to get out there, work it, own it, and just have fun with it. 

Some people are trying to start out this new year with a new career.  What better way to amp you up in your search than to find the perfect interview outfit.  Now, this may differ depending on what career your leaning to so I'll try to keep this one somewhere in the middle.  It always helps me on an interview when I feel that I look good.  It gives me the boost that shows through to the interviewer.  I like this sheath dress by Milly.  It's got a modern/retro look but can work in most offices.  If you need to cover up the arms a simple blazer or cardigan will do.  I would keep the look simple by pairing this with a great pair of expensive black pumps.  They will be with you for a long time and can be worn for a variety of events.  This dress can be found on BergdorfGoodman.com for $365.00.

http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod60320052&parentId=cat260345&masterId=cat260344&index=3&cmCat=cat000000cat230300cat232503cat234605cat260344cat260345

I know many of you are hoping to start the new year by getting into shape.  It's a great idea but don't wear those tired and old sweats.  Pick up some cute and comfortable gear by Lulu Lemon.  They have stylish workout clothes that will only motivate you more to reaching your weight loss goals.  

I like working out in leggings.  They don't limit your movements whether your running, lifting weights, or taking aerobic classes.  I like the look of a cropped legging like this Wunder Under Crop.  It has a hidden zippered pocket in the waistband for you to store your keys.  They are $68.00.

http://shop.lululemon.com/Wunder_Under_Crop/pd/np/1170/p/2512.html

I prefer a fitted tank top when I'm working out.  It keeps everything in place and I don't feel as hot as if I am wearing a cotton tee-shirt.  This cute tank would look great with the cropped leggings above.  It comes in a variety of other colors and sells for $52.00.

http://shop.lululemon.com/Push_Ur_Limits_Tank/pd/c/530/np/530/p/2191.html

Helping others in the new year is always stylish.  I plan on donating some money to some of my favorite animal charities but I encourage all of you to give to whatever pulls on your heart strings.  I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and chic new year.