Fashion

(more…)

Spring’s bright trends are wooing me to get this Brahmin Anytime Glossy Tote in Firecracker into my closet! (You may have seen Brahmin’s Lacquer Red Arno Tote in this month’s issue of Vogue.) The Firecracker shade is a total attention getter that I can’t wait to pair with neon nails and a neutral outfit. (Fun, fun, fun.)

I recently checked out the brand firsthand at the HBO Luxury Lounge featuring L’Oreal Paris and New Era Cap, also attended by celebrities such as Tina Fey, Viola Davis and Andie MacDowell — and I was totally impressed with Brahmin’s exotic animal prints and Luna Polka Dots collection, as well as their myriad accessories. (Momma needs a new checkbook cover!) Something tells me this brand fling might turn into a long-term relationship.

Brahmin handbags are available at brahmin.com and in select department stores.

In the week leading up to the Golden Globes, all I can think about is Marilyn Monroe’s style. Actress Michelle Williams may face tough competition for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical (she’s nominated along with Jodie Foster, Charlize Theron, Kristen Wiig and Kate Winslet); but when it comes to who played the character with the highest chic factor, Michelle wins hands down.

Here, my favorite ways to channel Marilyn’s timeless look (clockwise): (more…)

Gift sets can be tricky, but every year, I find I rely on them when shopping for gifts at the last minute. This year, my two favorite offerings are from Kiehl’s and Privé:

For men, who can be particularly difficult to shop for, I find I can never go wrong with a good classic skin care set like Kiehl’s Ultimate Man Collection. I can think of at least five people in my family who would love this, as it comes with $72 worth of perennial favorites (Facial Fuel Energizing Face Wash and Moisturizer, Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream, “Ultimate Man” Body Scrub Soap, Lip Balm #1 and Ultimate Strength Hand Salve) for only $50. (Warning: They may ask for more once their supply runs out. Just saying.)

(more…)

Remember when there used to be just one style of TOMS shoes and you could find them only online? Things have changed, in a good way, for founder Blake Mycoskie and his company. His signature Argentinian alpargatas are now spotted worldwide (I’ve seen them in Italy, Asia, Jamaica, you name it) and his company (and shoe selection) have grown into an incredible business. His recent collaboration links up runway models like Amber Valetta, Elettra Wiedemann (talk about good genes– per Wikipedia, she’s the offspring of Isabella Rossellini  and Jonathan Wiedemann, a Harvard educated Microsoft design manager and former model) to create three exclusive, limited-edited shoe styles.

The newest styles offer different finishes : jean-blue with with Japanese indigo, casual color with African tribal stripes, and a more dressy burlap with metallic finishes. In addition to TOMS’s one for one philosophy (for each pair of shoes purchased, another goes to benefit a child in need), each model is associated with a supported charity will also receive a split of the profits and $2.50 from Glamour for the sale of each pair. Check out the full listing of models and their very worthy causes:

- Amber Valletta, Charity Water, helping with the availability of clean drinking water in developing nations.

- Elettra Widemann, One Frickin’ Day, give one day of your time, one day of your salary, or one service to a project in need.

- Kyliegh Kuhn, The Roots of Peace Penny Campaign, an annual humanitarian mission which inspires youth to collect pennies and spare change to support the conversion of mine fields into soccer fields, playgrounds, and safe schools.

- Liya Kebede, The Liya Kebede Foundation, protecting the safety of mothers and children, by ensuring they have access to maternal health care.

- Tao Okamoto, Peace Winds Japan, an NGO dedicated to the support of people threatened by dispute or natural disasters.

Each pair of shoe retails for $54 and can be found on the Tom’s site.

ONE. Raffine Jewelry Issabella Necklace – What girl doesn’t love a sparkly statement necklace? Every fashionista should have one in her jewelry box, and add to her collection with this one made with crystal and chain. Plus, you’ll be supporting an up-and-coming jewelry designer – and your fashionista friend will adore being in-the-know first. (more…)

If you haven’t submitted your biggest online shopping mistakes yet on this post- do so here to be entered to win $250 of merchandise or giftcards through AMEX’s  Membership Rewards partners. We will be picking the winner on November 30 so you still have a couple days to enter.

In part 2 of the American Express Savvy Shopper Program, we’ll be providing our picks for our top 5 must haves for the season.  I think these are particularly relevant right now in the midst of the holiday shopping season- some things to give and some things for yourself!

1. Tumi ‘Zuse Continental’ Carry On: Do your holiday travel in style this season with this versatile bag from Tumi.  I only pack carry-on when I can to save time at the airport and this bag fits into all domestic and international flight restrictions.  The best part of this bag is that there’s an expander so you can pack up to 1.5 in more of extra stuff.  Also, it’s 30% off on sale right now which is one of my favorite ways to shop online!

2. Bobbi Brown ‘Party to Go’ Palette: We love Bobbi Brown here at TDO and we love it even more when you can get a whole face palette for $25- or the price of a lipstick! This eye and lip palette provides beautiful day-to evening looks and is small enough to pop into the tiniest clutch.

3. Ugg Josie Convertible Boots:  A pair of cold weather boots are a must-have every winter, and this pair from Uggs does double duty.  Not only is it super comfortable and warm, it can also be worn two ways: with a tall shaft or folded over for a shorter boot.  For $250, it’ll probably be one the best purchase you make this season especially if you factor in how many times you’ll wear it..with everything!

4. Kate Spade ‘Pearl Street Drop Earrings’:  Every holiday season I always find myself drawn to something pretty and sparkly from Kate Spade.  This year, I’m obsessed with these oversized pearl drop earrings from Kate Spade which feature 14k gold posts, and smokey glass crystal details.  These would make a pretty gift for anyone but it’ll be hard not to get a pair for yourself too!

5. Ray-Ban Cat Eye Sunglasses:  Ray-Bans (which never go out of style) and cat-eye sunglasses (flattering on a lot of people) aren’t just for the winter- they’re for every season.  Finishing off our top 5 must-haves of the season is our pick for a pair of perfect sunglasses that last you month to month and year to year.

Do you have lots of stockings to fill this holiday? We have some ideas for everyone on your list!

Mom: Though we may be in a digital era filled with culinary apps, nothing makes a kitchen feel cozier than cute, custom recipe cards. Help your mother keep her secret family recipes beautifully organized with Invitation Consultants’ personalized recipe cards in a variety of styles (10 for $15).

Dad: Prefect for that dapper dad that prides himself in the fine state of his footwear!  He’ll be looking sharp with this complete Croft & Barrow set packed in a convenient case including brown polish, black polish, 2 applicators, shoe brush, edge brush, polishing cloth. $25.00 now on sale for $17.50 available at Kohl’s.

Dog:  Give your pooch the second best thing to a real lobster dinner with Boots and Barkley Plush Lobster Dog Toy. This will keep your family Fido occupied for hours with joy in every chew! Available at Target (prices vary by store).

Brother: For your brother who committed to Head & Shoulders years ago and is afraid to make the switch– treat him with the Redken For Men Classics Gift Set. This gift set includes some of his soon-to-be favorites: Go clean daily care shampoo, Grip tight holding gel and cleanse acid-balanced cleansing bar. Suggested retail price: $20 at Redken.com.

Sister: Paul & Joe Ornamental Self Select Eye Color are not only gorgeous jewel-toned shades but are perfectly packaged in a paper lantern to add to the tree and disguise the little present inside! Control the shade intensity with this easy to apply creamy powder shadow that she will be sure to love.  Available for $20 at B-Glowing.com.

BF/Hubby: We have lost far too many of our own lip balms to keep sharing. Luckily for us, Jack Black is proudly introducing the latest collection of bestselling balms with two new flavors! Moisturizing and complete with SPF 25 these four flavors will keep your sweetie-pie’s pucker in tiptop shape. Four full-size tubes for $25 available at GetJackBlack.com.

(more…)