Fashion

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.

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Last night, I caught a glimpse of the always-gorgeous Jamie-Lynn Sigler with Joe Jonas, as well as Dominic Monaghan, while sipping champagne at the ultra-chic, intimate Sayers Club in Hollywood. The occasion: a private celebration of the GQ November music issue and the new GUESS online miniseries with the fashionable, Brooklyn-hip-hop-style-inspired Theophilus London, who gave a special live performance. Also in attendance were TV stars and hosts galore, such as 90210′s Shenae Grimes, and of course GQ Luxury Advertising Director Brendan Coolidge Monaghan.

Check out the miniseries exclusively on the GUESS Facebook page. And thanks to GUESS for inviting us to this amazing event!

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I was honored to be chosen by legendary costume jeweler Miriam Haskell to be one of two bloggers they partnered with for the launch of their new collection with Decades. Along with Brooklynite Lucy Laucht,  I was tasked to interpret the collection’s Uptown/Downtown vibe.  If you’ve followed my style blog The Hsu Closet, it shouldn’t be difficult to guess that I was chosen to play the Uptown role and spent the day yesterday capturing some of my favorite haunts north of 57th St.

I captured the quintessential early morning Park Avenue shot, an essential part of an uptown wardrobe, and a very uniquely uptown treat, and of course, the uptown gal’s drink of choice. The day culminated at the Lisa Perry store where Miriam’s new collection was presented alongside a wonderfully curated selection from Decades.

Miriam Haskell and Decades also popped up a downtown shop at Soho House, featuring a distinctly downtown selection of clothes and accessories.  Both stores are a must visit- not just to admire the jewelery collection but also to find some seriously amazing vintage and like-new clothing.  The only downer of the day was finding a pair of dream Jimmy Choos, one size too small.

If you would like to visit the pop-up shops (and you definitely should), RSVP to the Soho House or Uptown at Lisa Perry by emailing rsvp@dtwo1.com. Follow Miriam Haskell on Twitter and Facebook for more up to date info!

I am so starved for a shopping spree, I’m obsessing over way too many things to count right now. But the cotton blend Emerson Black Suit has been lingering on my mind the longest. Each piece, sold separately, is bound to stay in my wardrobe forever.

Of course, at $594 (that’s $188 for the ankle-length Little Black Pant, $228 for the jacket and $178 for the belted skirt), I might have to wait. Of course, I’d also have to get the Emerson White Shirt, $128, the currently sold-out Oil Linen Cummerbund Belt, the Bag-O-Turtlenecks, $58, and every blouse on the site … oh, and the new London Coat, $368, and the Emerson hot-pink-lined Camel Coat, $315, and … gee, is there anything Emerson makes that I don’t want?!?

Donatella Arpaia, that is. You may have visited one of her many numerous restaurants, seen her sitting next to Jeffrey Steingarten as one of the judges on Iron Chef America or recognize her as the winner of Meatball Madness, beating out chefs like Andrew Carmellini. She returns to the New York Food and Wine Festival September 29th to defend her title. We caught up with her before her meatball battle and next big project: the birth of her baby! Read on to see what pregnant chefs crave and her favorite munchies in New York City.

The Daily Obsession: Legend has it that you used to be a corporate lawyer before going into food. How did you decide to make the switch and why? Were you wrestled with indecision?

Donatella Arpaia: I grew up in the restaurant business and my father and brother are both restaurateurs so it’s in my DNA, but from early on I was encouraged to be a lawyer. I enjoyed the study of law but hated the practice of it. At the time I was living in a small studio above my brotherls restaurant, Cellini on 54th st. I was grabbing a bite at the bar when I saw my brother needed help because his hostess didn’t show up I got up and pitched in. That was it! I knew at that moment I needed to change directions. I struggled a bit because I studied so hard and a lot was invested in my education, but really, I had no doubt about the change of course I was about to embark on. I never looked back!

TDO: For many people, pursuing a career in food is a dream—what advice would you give to them for success?

DA: Food is a wonderful and exciting ride but many people have only a very limited idea of what the reality of this industry is like. It’s hard ! I recommend they work in area of food they are interested in to get a really good taste of the reality of this industry. You must be extremely committed and passionate to succeed. (more…)