Holiday Gift Guide: Children

Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Books To Bed PJ and Book Set

Melissa & Doug Oversized Horse

Zubels Animal Hats

Acorn Gator Slipper / Acorn Kitty Slipper

Burberry Hat and Gloves

Fashion+Holidays+NYC

Three of my favorite things! Last week Bergdorf Goodman unveiled their holiday windows, with quite an amazing show. Next up - NYC's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which will take place December 7. We hope to make it up next year to see it live!!

Holiday Gift Guide: Moi

In preparation for Black Friday shopping, here's some things on my list...

Banana Republic Leopard Neckwarmer / Kate Spade Wallet / Kate Spade USB 

Eiffel Tower Scissors / Club Monaco Gloves / Alice+Olivia Mug / YSL Lipstick

More holiday gift guides to come!

InStyle Essentials: TrioFit Technology

As a woman with a large chest, finding button down shirts that fit is challenging. While I was finally able to find a chambray shirt (as mentioned here), dress shirts for work have been off limits. When I heard about InStyle Essentials, I was intrigued, to say the least. These shirts are sized by bra size (32A-40H), so no matter how large your chest is, you won't have to worry about the gap between the buttons. After receiving mine this week, I am pleased to say, it fits perfectly!! Currently there are 3 styles available in white. I am anxiously awaiting more colors/patterns, as this will now be a staple in my closet!

Note: The shirt was gifted to me, but the views herein are my own.

Guest Post: Spring 2014 Trends

Now that Spring 2014 fashion week is over, it’s the time to dissect the trends that appeared on the runways in New York, Paris, Milan, and London. Each city saw a new and different interpretation of the trends of the seasons. That being said, not every trend on the runway is going to make it to the stores come next spring. Cheryl Denise was kind enough to allow me to cover some of the key trends I saw on the runways for her website. These are the trends I think have legs, and you’ll be seeing pop up in stores in 2014.

Gym Rats

This trend first caught my eye when the iconic Tom Ford put a decidedly casual (well, for him) laser cut leather tank top on his runway. Next, Gucci showed billowy metallic materials and a slouchy fit intended to drape across the body creating a luxe and casual look. The idea of luxury sportswear again appeared at Emilio Pucci, however with a decidedly 90’s turn via bejeweled tracksuits and leather crop tops. In Paris Anthony Vaccarello wanted to reflect the idea of swimwear in the city. The end product was triangle shaped hemlines and cutouts past the hip as a daring and sexy option for the real life gym rats.

Arts & Crafts

This season also saw designers embrace the growing world of DIY and crafting. The most literal interpretation appeared at Chanel where Karl Lagerfeld staged an art school themed runway show and dressed his models as (very, very wealthy) art students. Celine’s Phoebe Philo created bold tribal prints with large brushstroke patterns on many of the pieces she showed, turning each piece into a canvas. The pieced together and scrambled look of scrapbooks also appeared on the runways of Christopher Kane and Christian Dior.

School Girls

Alexander Wang kicked off New York Fashion Week with a collection that looked to the refined look of schoolgirl staples like oxfords, argyle sweaters, and pinafores. Next, in Milan, Prada sent out an army of schoolgirls in shift dresses and top coats that recalled the staples of a 50’s co-ed, but with thoroughly modern embellishments. Viktor & Rolf created a surrealist schoolgirl look in Paris with asymmetrical blazers, voluminous pleated skirts, and sweaters which were pierced with spikes.

Top Heavy

While strong shoulders have been in style for a few seasons now, this season it was all about the rounded shoulder, in an attempt to soften the normally harsh look. After appearing in New York and Milan (most notably at the No. 21 show), the silhouette hit its stride in Paris. The tastemakers at Balmain, Balenciaga, and Giambattista Valli all showed that this is going to be the look for jackets next spring.

 

About the Author: Spencer Blohm is a freelance entertainment, fashion, culture, and lifestyle journalist for www.satellitestartinternet.com. In addition to doing extensive research online he also likes to conduct “field research” which is essentially shopping, but under a different name. He lives, works, and shops in Chicago.

Sugar Paper + Target

Stationary extraordinaire Sugar Paper LA has teamed up with Target for 2014 calendars/planners. I am obsessed with all their (seriously affordable) options!! Nearly all of it is sold out online, but check your local Target to see if they still have some in stock. Click here to view a list of stores that received stock.

Made-to-Order Blahniks

Neiman Marcus has an exclusive Manolo Blahnik Boutique, where you can make your own BB pumps. Choose your heel height (5 options) and your color (20 options) and viola! Order by 11/5 (tomorrow!) to receive in time for Christmas!