Friday Words of Wisdom

Happy Friday to all! I'm as eager as a recess-deprived kindergardener to start the weekend, and know many of you can relate. Thank you all for reading, and I hope what I'm doing here brings you as much enjoyment as it brings me to do it.

As you all know well by now, I'm a consumer at heart and mind. I write about products that I enjoy or want. I want something new everyday, have since my earliest memory, and doubt I'll ever see the day when there is absolutely nothing I want. After all, not only am I human, I am woman. It seems natural to me.

But there are times when the bank account sinks just a little too low for comfort, and I have to ask myself, "why exactly do I want these things, as opposed to say, a larger savings account? and do these things I buy actually make my life better?" The answer is usually yes, and my posts generally go on to justify why...

Nevertheless, sometimes in order to truly appreciate the things we purchase, we need to be reminded that shopping is a privilege, not an endless scavenger hunt. In order to remind myself of this, I'm dedicating Fridays to inspirational truths about consuming. Expect simple and profound words of wisdom, coming from the wisest of the wise.

So without further adieu...

"I will only say now that elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity. Outside this, believe me, there is no elegance. Only pretension.

Elegance is not dependent on money. Of the four things I have mentioned above, the most important of all is care. Care in choosing your clothes. Care in wearing them. Care in keeping them.

But it is possible for a woman to be elegant without spending very much money on her clothes, if she follows the basic rules of Fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that suit her personality

Simplicity, good taste and grooming are the three fundamentals of good dressing and these do not cost money.

Grooming is the secret of real elegance. The best clothes, the most wonderful jewels, the most glamourous beauty don't count without good grooming."

-Christian Dior

Habitat Therapy

To quote a line from one of my favorite films: "There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

I have come to accept these five little words as just about the truest statement ever uttered. What is home? Comfort. Shelter. Happiness. Whether they come in the form of people, a place, or both, there is nothing better, is there?

Just like everything in life needs to be nurtured in order to survive (be it a garden, a wardrobe, or a relationship) so do our living spaces need to be renewed and made fresh from time to time. So that, indeed, is one of my quests this season: finding a few key pieces to modernize my space and make me smile.

A few things on my radar so far...


These adorable porcelain gnomes are too difficult to resist. They're a modern take on a classic garden tradition that would add a dash of charm to any mantle or bookshelf. Modern Gnomes, $19 www.westelm.com


A recycled glass base topped with a shade collaged with repurposed dictionary pages, this table lamp is the bedtime reader's dream. Light and vocabulary in one bedside companion: truly brilliant. Well Defined Lamp by Stray Dog Designs, $388 www.anthropologie.com


These comfy puffs are as decorative as they are versatile. The texture and color would pop in any room whether used as an ottoman or floor cushion, and they seem perfect for entertaining guests. Knitted Pouf, $80 www.cb2.com


Nothing matches the clean, fresh scent of patchouli when it comes to embellishing a room with fragrance. These candles from legendary Parisian parfumeur Dyptyque are ensured to burn evenly, and with proper care will last for an average of 50 to 60 hours. Diptyque Patchouli Candle, $60 www.bluemercury.com

Get The Look: Rodarte SS11

The Rodarte sisters rarely fail to impress on the runway and last Fall at NYFW was no exception. Gilded fabric with matching lips and accessories characterized the Spring/Summer '11 collection. Chunky, high-strap sandals grounded each look, while long, straight tresses loosely side-pinned with Victorian barrettes finished off a collection that exudes romantic edginess.

Recreate the Rodarte spirit this Spring by adding any or all of these key items to your wardrobe:


1928 Brass-tone Green Enamel Bar Flower Barrette, $15 www.westcoastjewelry.com


Tadashi Shoji Gold Woven Dress, $328 www.bloomingdales.com


BCBGENERATION Ruched Leather High-Heal Sandal, $110 www.bcbg.com


MAC Pigment in Old Gold, $19.50 www.maccosmetics.com

Lust-Worthy Shoes of Spring

Kate Spade New York 'Diva' Pump, $285 shop.nordstrom.com


Paulina Ankle-Tie Ballet Flat, $188 www.jcrew.com


Valentino 'Rockstud' Kitten Pump, $895 shop.nordstrom.com



Victoria Wedge, $248 www.freepeople.com

Spring Sweetheart Looks

While there may be several weeks of cold temperatures left to endure, a girl still can dream of the bare-legged and sleeveless days ahead. As I mentally prepare to trade in cable knits for silk prints, I'm looking forward to flirty and fun styles this spring. Here are a few fresh looks that embody everything I anticipate:

The Ballerina Effect:

Haute Hippie Silk Tulle Ballerina Mini Skirt, $395 www.saksfifthavenue.com

Dainty Floral Prints:

Joie Sari Cap Sleeve Silk Dress, $278 www.intermixonline.com

Crochet Lace:

Marc Jacobs Bronte Lace Dress, $758 www.marcjacobs.com

A Coat That Loves You Back

It took me this far into the Fall/Winter season to do it, but I finally hopped on the faux fur bandwagon after weeks of deliberation.

Cons:
1. Maintenance: dry clean only
2. Limited Wearability: not tolerant of rain or snow
3. Trendiness: you always have to ask, "How long until this bandwagon drives off a cliff?" translation: "Will I be able to wear this next season?"

Pros:
1. Trendiness: you always have to ask, "But to what level of fabulous-ity (p.s. I'm coining this phrase right now) will it take my outfit this season?" Set at high 10, this coat was an easy 22.
2. Fabulous-ity: see Pro 1.
3. Warmth: it's soooo warm and cozy. Like wearing a cuddly teddy bear. (Note: teddy bear, not cuddly baby bear cub, which is why we prefer le faux).
4. L-O-V-E: As demonstrated by Pro 3. At the end of the day, isn't Love really all you need? Wearing this coat, I truly feel embraced with affection. And because no, I do not own a puppy and I need to be loved by my clothes.



Fancy Fur Coat, $175 www.frenchconnection.com

Bryce Dallas Howard for Kate Spade Spring Ad Campaign

Kate Spade announced last week that this lovely redhead will become the brand's first celebrity spokesperson and will be featured in the Spring 2011 ad campaign. Daughter of director Ron Howard, Bryce has most recently worked on The Twilight Saga and Spiderman 3. You might also remember her from several years ago when she starred in several M. Night Shyamalan films, including Lady In The Water and The Village.



I've had a style crush in this girl for a while now and am completely excited about this partnership. Both the actress and the brand embody a classic American style, using simple, vibrant color to make a smart and bold statement... I love a match made in fashion heaven!

Things You Need During a Snowstorm

Mother Nature is not playing around, kids in the NYC metro. Clearly we have scorned her. So like a miserable child sulking in our room for 12-48 hours (or the larger half of a week, if our pissed-off street cleaners see fit to take their sweet time) we'll just have to suck it up and make the best of it.
Fortunately, not everyone will view any snow day(s) this week as an excuse to veg out on Ramen noodles and Jersey Shore re-runs. And if you're like me and would rather sit outside naked through this snowstorm than endure a bunch of orange baboons yelling and punching each other in the face, well hopefully you'll appreciate my little list:

One. Whether you're watching trashy tv, baking cookies, or playing Words With Friends all day in your pajamas, fuzzy socks are essential.


N-A-P Socks, $20 www.Brookstone.com

Two. International guru of chocolate Max Brenner has not only perfected the sweets themselves, he has perfected the art of consuming them. The Hug Mug, Brenner's special tool created exclusively for "the chocolate drinking ceremony" allows you to cradle the warm mug between the palms of your hands, and is certain to make every sip extra delicious.


Hug Mug, $9 shop.maxbrenner.com

Three. Let's not forget the Hug Mug is brilliantly paired with Max Brenner's own decadent Chocolat.


Max Brenner Chocolat, $11 shop.maxbrenner.com

Four. If all Jersey Shore marathons were replaced with Cary Grant movie marathons, well then the world would just be a better place. If I find myself confined to my cozy loft this week, you can rest assured this debonair man and these film faves will keep me entertained all day.


An Affair To Remember, 1957.


Notorious, 1946.


His Girl Friday, 1940.


Charade, 1963.

Last. (but certainly not least) A girl who has an entire day free to do her nails and doesn't take advantage of it, well it's just plain shameful. Don't be that girl.


Chanel Le Vernis Black Velvet Nail Polish, $25 www.chanel.com

Chloé

As an advertising gal myself (unfortunately blogging is not my day job) I have a soft spot for printed fashion ads. If I am to be completely honest here, my personal opinion is that a glossy magazine spread creates a desire unmatched by any billboard or web banner. When I touch those shiny pages it's like holding fashion in the palm of my hand: I connect with it, decide it must be mine, swipe a credit card, it belongs to me - that simple.

So allow me to continue my modest profession of love for this brand (and for that matter, the ancient media format that is the magazine) via this mini tribute through the past half decade in Chloé ad campaigns...

Circa Fall 2005. Spring, Summer 2007.Raquel Zimmerman for Chloé, Fall Winter 2010-11.
Spring 2011 Campaign.

Spring Eyewear by Chloé

Since the luxury brand's founding in the early 1950's, Chloé has upheld a classic, understated feminine look. Come to think of it, I can't name a single thing about Chloé that doesn't exude timelessness and bohemian elegance. As I patiently await the warm, sunny days of Spring ahead, I find myself lusting after Chloé eyewear - certainly no exception to the rule.
Just some fragments of my drooling covetousness, top three favorites of the fifteen lovely lines:












www.chloe.com