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Setting the Mood: New Year, Same Tricks

By admin|December 29th, 2015|Setting the Mood, Why Did You Wear That?|

I like New Year’s Eve. I always have. Despite the unnecessary pressure to come up with somewhere fantastic to toast the new year so as to post on all social media channels by 12:01 and even more pressure to lock down the perfect twelve o’clock kiss, there’s a bit of mystique built into an evening otherwise designed for disappointment.

What you may not know about me is that I’m missing the holiday gene. I don’t love Christmas carols, I couldn’t tell you the last time I decorated a tree, and I’ve spent the last two December 25th’s like Macaulay Culkin, home alone in Manhattan. A Grinch I am not, but because my family is so spread out across the country, the holiday season has taken on a bit of a different meaning to me. If you’ve never experienced New York on Christmas day, which most people have not, you are missing out on something truly magical. Empty sidewalks, closed cafes, and the absence of angry horns. Talk about silent night.

By the time December 31st rolls around, I’m more than ready to trade in the previous year for a newer model. I’ve got a list of bad habits I’m set to swear off, a newfangled collection of delusions for the year ahead, and a fresh pair of red knickers (for good luck, of course).

The places I’ve spent the last day of the year have been sordid and there are very few which warrant honorable mentions. As a matter of fact, I had to think for a moment where I even was last year. I danced the night away with new friends at Soho House and drank my body weight in champagne. I wore a black crepe de chine romper with lace tights. And as for this kiss? I was caught canoodling with a handsome young Frenchman. His name? Je ne sais pas.

Friday Frocks: In the Red

By admin|December 18th, 2015|Friday Frocks, Why Did You Wear That?|

New York may be called the Big Apple, but when it comes to that shiny red skin, we’d prefer it be rotten. New Yorkers tend to favor the LBD over the LRD because wearing color makes us nervous. Regardless of New York’s aversion to any other shade of black than black, a red dress is a closet staple, especially around the holiday season. Much like the “bend and snap,” an LRD works every time. You may be saying, “But I don’t look good in red.” Fortunately for your pretty little whining self, there are enough shades of red that at least one will complement your skin tone and hair color- from crimson to cranberry. So take a step outside of your comfort zone during the party circuit this year and dare to draw some attention to yourself in any various shade of red.

1. Zimmermann Sueded Bralette Dress, 2. Bec & Bridge Bon Bon Long Sleeve Dress, 3. Noam Hanoch Russo Mini Dress, 4. Nili Lotan Mock Neck Gown, 5. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Andrea Guipire Lace Dress, 6.Issa Haley Dress, 7. A.L.C. Aldridge Dress, 8. Halston Heritage Embellished One Shoulder Stretch Crepe Gown, 9. VERSACE Mini Dress, 10. Carmella Michelli Dress

Gift Guide: Whatta Man

By admin|December 18th, 2015|Gift Guide|

The jig is up. That is not a picture of my boyfriend. I am single this holiday season, which is great for my bank account, not awesome for my electric bill. There’s a reason I placed precedence on my pet gift guide. “Dogs before dudes,” someone once said. I think it was Gandhi.

Just because I’ll be kissing myself under the mistletoe doesn’t mean the rest of you will, so in your and my imaginary boyfriend’s honor (in summary, a bearded, possibly tattooed, motorcycle riding surfboarder. He also probably paints, plays the guitar, and rescues baby squirrels in his spare time), I’ve created the greatest gift guide for your special guy. This guide will either baffle you as to why I’m single or cement the reasons that I am.

1. Jack Threads The Cashmere Crew, 2. Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge, 3. Herschel Supply Co. Niles Cap, 4. Garrett Leight Brooks Sunglasses, 5. Atelier de L’Armée Leather Trimmed Cotton Canvas Backpack, 6. Vans Desert Chukka, 7. Bowers & Wilkins P3 Foldable Headphones, 8. Bootcase iPhone 6 Hybrid Power Case, 9. Leica X Typ 113 Compact Camera, 10. Suunto Kailash Carbon Tone Titanium GPS Watch, 11. Hector Saxe Leather and Suede Travel Backgammon Set, 12. Stelle Audio Wood Pillar Speaker

Gift Guide: Pet Project

By admin|December 17th, 2015|Gift Guide|

We all know the head of my household is a man with white hair, big brown eyes, and stands about two feet tall. Sure, I’ve been known to date short guys and older men aren’t out of question, but the boss of my abode is my dog, Smitty. There really isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for him and that $5k vet bill a few years ago is proof enough. There are few men who could get me out of bed, into 12 degree arctic tundra to go for a walk and I certainly don’t share my pillows with just anyone. So, when it comes to holiday shopping, he tops the list. Sure, he needs to get a job, but as a reward for his discernment in potential suitors and his unconditional love, he deserves something above and beyond Beggin’ Strips.

If you’ve got a precious pooch on your shopping list or a friend who is especially obsessed with his or her pet, below are some gifts worthy of a belly rub.

1. Graphic Image Leather Dog Waste Bag Holder, 2. MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check Dog Bone Frame, 3. K Kane 18K Gold Plated Maltipoo Cuff, 4. Faux Fur Dog Coat, 5. Sydney Evan 8mm Red Garnet Beaded Bracelet with 14K White Gold Dog Bone Charm, 6. 360 Cashmere Skull Dog Super Model Sweater, 7. Charlotte Olympia Dachshund Pandora Clutch Bag, 8. Mungo & Maud Canvas and Leather Pod Dog Bag, 9. Harry Barker Dog Bucket with Leopard Print Play Balls, 10. Ralph Lauren Plaid Dog Vest, 11. Harry Barker Parisian Leopard Toy Bin, 12. Frida Red Leather Collar with Lead

Gift Guide: Guest of a Guest

By admin|December 16th, 2015|Gift Guide|

Unless you’ve been a complete and utter asshole all year, more likely than not, you are going to be invited to at least one holiday party if not many. As most of us know, it’s in poor taste to turn up without a gift for your generous host or hostess. Emily Post would have your head and Martha Stewart would wind up back in the pen. Sure, there is the obvious gesture of bringing libations, but isn’t that a little selfish knowing full well that you’ll be the one to down that bottle?

Also, when all the party is over, the hangover has set in, and all of the bottles have been sent to recycling, wouldn’t it be nice for your generous hosts to have something to remember the night by other than your friend John’s topless rendition of “Hello”?

1. Tom Dixon Marble and Brass Pestle and Mortar, 2. D.L. & Company Limited Edition Ambra Candle, 3. Marble and Wood Cheese Board, 4. Cuddle Up Faux Fur Stocking, 5. Williams-Sonoma 22 Vile Spice Block Set, 6. Face to Face 911 Linen Wine Bag, 7. Magisso Naturally Cooling Ceramic Champagne Cooler, 8. Grace Hightower & Coffee of Rwanda French Press Gift Set, 9. Kim Seybert Paillette Wine Decanter, 10. Assouline Simple Italian: Classic Recipes and Tips from Harry’s Bar in Venice, 11. Jonathan Adler Marble and Brass Tic Tac Toe Set, 12. RabLabs Kivita Snowy Turquoise Coasters