My Guest/Street Favorites - New York Fashion Week 2012- Classic American Sportswear

Pop Africana Founder Orowa Elewa

N Joos- Flare cords and classic grey coat, Top 3 look for me! Love the bag too!

Shala Monroque

Orowa again, same coat but different look.



New York Fashion Week 2012 just wrapped up and while it was exciting to view the collections ( loved Alturazza), I enjoyed looking at pictures of  the guests and what they wore to the shows.   I loved one pattern which emerged last week and that was that women local and foreign adopted classic American sportswear looks,  "American Classics " . Some women got it right.  The oversized baubles and bright pop colors trends of seasons past are fading. Maybe it was the weather, but I felt the wind shift back towards practicality vs overkill.

Thank you to all of the wonderful photographers and their blogs, they make it easy to track the shows. 

Camel Coat, Baseball caps were also very popular, it is NY after all!

My favorites were:

Denim jackets
Navy blue coats - sometimes with fur at the collar
Classic boot cut denim jeans and lots of jeans period.
traditional boots, high and low 
Simple knee length coats in white, camel, navy and black.

Don't get me wrong, our usual favorites were there and they did not fail to disappoint Anna Della Russo- does not fail us ever! .
but these were my favorite trends this year...
some of my favorites Love the denim jkt and navy coat- Oroma Elewa via All the Pretty Birds blog ,  Jenna Lyons - Relaxed denim jeans - via All The Pretty Birds , Leith Speer Barton- All denim - All The Pretty Birds  and Denim via Garance Dore blog. NY Magazine- Glamour Editor and J Crew Team - NY magazine

Denim with fur ( not sure if real or fake but I am hoping fake)

Navy Jacket and classic boots.

Camel Coat - NY mag, but also loved this red Red Pop but so controlled, love this look! loved this mix of classic colors Classic look,  but then Electra added some shine to her classic white blazer. to this pop of green Love, love love this! and navy with gold Navy reigns! Via style.com back to Jenna Denim jkt as a layer again. Coats draped over shoulders was also de rigeur. http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/020912_Tommy_Ton_F2012RTW/,   
 Vensette Founder in White White layers.

Buffalo Checks

Simple pieces, maximum impact.

Camel and the fast on trend "slouch coat "

London Fashion Week has begun and the entire tempo will change ( more eclectic). FS guests will continue to build their fashion selections to a final crescendo in Paris which is always very exciting! I love that New York gets everyone off to a real " New York " start ( New Yorkers are very together and practical) so that by the time we get to Paris, 10 inch heels will be de rigeur.





On to London!


Have a great week everyone!

Like a Chanel Ballet Flat ....for $12.00

I don't know what  your thoughts on this will be, but when I spotted this beautiful Land's End Bag in Sears in the Land's End shop, my first thought, Chanel Ballet Flat. The color combination of tan and shiny black and the fabric texture were beautiful and so Chanel. It looked like a million bucks and it cost 12 dollars because of the Land's End Sale at Sears. I am not a fan of clothing and shoes with obvious designer labels but this one could really garner some second looks without the double Cs.





 The bag by  Canvas and  Lands End   is available at select Sears stores nationwide.  The Land's End Canvas instore  shopping experience is better forget the web.  One of the best things that ever happened to SEARS. Maybe I will forget J Crew soon....very soon....

I have always been a Land's End fan, remember this oldie but goodie story from last year?   The Gingham Check Shirt.



Enjoy and Happy Shopping!!

FashionMom

Feeling Left Out.....by one of my favorites- What happened to J Crew?

My Farewell Toast ......



J Crew, has left me, I have been dumped. I feel lost, lonely and so darn unhappy.

 I can no longer afford any of this stuff. It has been a long time coming, they have been pushing their prices up for a long time but I finally hit rock bottom when the last catalog arrived yesterday. It is time to unsubscribe. I will have to walk by in the mall..I have to...

As all of you know  my love for  J Crew  led to them being one of the first blog posts on this site. I raved about their shoes, the clothes, the style. You know me, I could on for days about how much I love them. But yesterday was the final straw.. my catalog arrived and there it was, a cotton button down shirt for $150.00. There I said it, I cannot afford to buy a button down for $150 bucks. I just cannot justify it.
You know in this economy, luxury has been the one area of the market which has continued to do well and Mr Drexler and his  J Crew team have to go where the money is.  Hey,  I don't blame them, I would do the same thing. Their target market had to change too folks. Michelle Obama loves J Crew, even she seems unreachable to me now.  I thought she was pulling for me when she started wearing their clothes but she has pulled away and left me in the dust. Sorry Michelle, I had to get off of the high speed train.

My co workers and I were lamenting our loss last week and that was even before this catalog arrived. We all agreed that we can only shop in the sale section,  if at all.
As usual I salivated over everything from cover to cover but the button down shirt,  no, " The Perfect Shirt " on Page 098 The Perfect Shirt , hurt, deeply. How could they?

After a car payment, child care fees, food how can I justify a shirt for $150.00 not to mention The Martina Wedge Martina Wedge for $350.00 but wow, are they beautiful or what ?
J Crew had to follow the money, I don't blame them one bit, I wish them every success. It's business folks, Rest Easy J Crew.


Fashionmom

Merry Christmas! My Gift - Acer Tablet....now what about a cover? accessories? ..for a Fashionista well..

Well, after years and months of budget saving ( DH) , and months of  research by (DH) and years and months of listening to hearing me raging against the IPAD users( I am anti Apple, yes it's out now ). After years of listening to my condemnation of the conspicuous consumption of Americans ( a 10 year old with an IPAD, unreal!), this forty something, got an Acer  (Android) tablet http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Computers-Promotions/Acer+Iconia+A500+Tablet+Highlights/pcmcat239100050005.c?id=pcmcat239100050005&ref=30&loc=KW-3738&s_kwcid=TC|8064|%2Bacer%20%2Btablet||S|b|15568168039 for Christmas from DH and DD.
 DH is in the technology world and spent a lot of time doing research and listening to my needs before choosing the Acer. I know that I am using one of the best tablets on the market.
Thank you DH!

I also received a camera which we will be happy to use again. After a year or two of using our phones we finally realized that everyone taking pictures with cameras had an advantage over us, so sorry the pictures just looked a whole lot better! My blog pictures will be better in 2012!

I have to admit that using this tablet, will change my life...less books to recycle.... it was becoming a serious problem and less hard cover books for my library. I can finally read the NY times and WSJ without thinking that I am about to slap the person next to me in the face and arm with my papers.  I can Skype with our friends in Nigeria and my friends and family all over the world. I am looking forward to reading all my magazines and logging notes for my blog on my notepad. It is very convenient for someone who spends 90 percent of their time as a road warrior.

For current users- Let me know style and brand what you have now and why you like it.



But the big question...what type of cover ? and which part of my fashion persona will emerge with this purchase?  Just like DH it will take me some time to decide and choose my cover because this cover will be an ambassador of sorts, it  which will represent me and my "brand"  to colleagues, friends and family. As you know from reading my blog there are two sides to this fashionista, vintage and modern.  I love minimalist clothing but I also love accessories vintage and modern.  I favor vintage and retro prints for accessories, probably an ode to my mother and a rebellion against the strict minimalist tendencies I try to enforce with  my clothing choices,  so this could be a difficult journey for me.  But it is going to be fun I hope!


Here are some first looks let me know what you think.  Stay Tuned!

Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley- I already have a purse so why not... a little too fussy?


Michael Kors

Kors- Monogrammed case- Slick, Minimalist and Shiny!


Le Sport Sac

Le Sport Sac E Sleeve

Guess Sparkler


Guess Case at Macy's



Casemate at Macy's

Case-Mate 2 with Stand



Coach for IPAD

Coach for IPAD



Love it, love it! for all of my ladies who love labels!

Louis Vuitton for IPAD


Kindle Cover from my favorite folks at Franklin Planner

Kindle Cover by M Edge for Franklin Planner


The team at Moleskin makes wonderful notepads and it IPAD cover is exceptional.

Moleskin

I will keep you posted on my search and final pick, please let me know what you like!

I look forward to hearing from all of you!

Fashionmom!

12 Days of Christmas- Our Favorite Friday Tipples of the Year- XM Royal Rum, St Germain, Cachaca, Aperol....

Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad! Joyeux Noel! Happy Hannukah! Happy Kwanzaa! Feliz Las Posadas! Best Wishes Year of the Dragon 2012!



As we close in on the "Big Day" and the other big days to come, we wanted to share our favorites tipples for the year and all time. These are the picks we would want you to bring as gifts to our homes.
These picks have all been tested and approved and we are 100% sure you will not be disappointed!


Our visuals may not correspond with our recipes because we scattered different types of tipples througout the story. Enjoy the visual feast!


Here are our picks along with a recipes for 2011.

ST GERMAIN

St-Germain is made from the blossoms of the elderflower tree. It was the first liqueur created in the artisanal manner from freshly handpicked elderflower blossoms.


The elderflower is a delicate flower which quickly loses it fragrance and flavor.
Only for a few days in late spring in the foothills of the Alps are the manufacturers able to harvest the flowers for this exceptional liqueur. The harvest time is 2 to 3 weeks and French farmers (paysans) handpick and deliver the blossoms to local depots. Some use a specially rigged bicycle to take the blossoms to a local depot. Upon arrival the story of how the one of a kind flavor of the elderflower is harvested is a family secret. The resulting liquid is then mixed with grape spirit and cane sugar. The final flavor hints of citrus, peach and pear.
St-Germain is the main ingredient in some of the more delicious cocktails in the world. You can find it at fine liquor stores everywhere.

St-Germain Cocktail



2 parts Brut Champagne or sparkling wine

11/2 parts St-Germain

2 parts sparkling water or club soda

Fill a tall Collins Glass with ice. Add the Champagne first, then St-Germain, then Club Soda. Stir completely and garnish with a lemon twist.

APEROL



Aperol is an Italian aperitif originally produced by the Barbieri company in Padua Italy. It is now produced by the Campari Company. Now stay with me ...it is also the main ingredient in another aperitif popular in northern Italy in the Veneto region " Spritz'. Spritz is a wine based cocktail produced by the Campari group. Spritz is usually mixed with a liqueur such as Aperol or Campari along with white wine, the name of the mix is Aperol Spritz ( It is the unofficial drink of Italy) AperoSpitzCommercial.

Aperol was originally produced in 1919, but it did not become popular until after the second World War. The ingredients? Gentian, Rhubarb, Bitter Orange, Cinchona. It is very similar to Campari but it is slightly sweeter and the alcoholic content is a bit less than that of Campari. It is also lighter in color than Campari. It has a slightly sweet, bitter taste while Campari is more bitter. These drinks are perfect for hot days at the beach if you need something which is not too sweet, too sweet tends to make you more thirsty, the bitter helps to make the drink refreshing. Perfect for summer cocktails!!!

Roman Holiday


11/2 ounces Orange Vodka
1/2 ounce Aperol
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/4 ounce simple syrup
Tangelo Wedge
Strain with ice, pour into a Martini glass and then top with Prosecco!
Top with wedge.

CACHACA


Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil and the main ingredient is Cachaca. Cachaca is made from fermented sugar cane. Rum is made from Molasses, Cachaca is made from fresh sugar cane juice with is fermented and distilled. There are two varieties of Cachaca aged and unaged, or white and dark. Unaged and white is often used in cocktails while the aged or dark is meant to me drank straight or on the rocks.



 Caipirinha
1/2 lime, quartered

1 teaspoon white sugar
2 1/2 fluid ounces cachaca
1 cup ice cubes
In a large rocks glass squeeze and drop in 2 eighths of lime. Add sugar, crush and mix with a spoon. Pour in the cachaca and plenty of ice. Stir well.

LIMONCELLO

Limoncello is a sweet lemony liqueur from southern Italy. It is not sour, because it is made from lemon peel not the juice of the lemon combined with a range of alcoholic bases. It is usually chilled and served as a after dinner drink, but also appears in cocktails.


Mutu


Named after Florence soccer star Adrian Mutu
3 oz Vernaccia or other crisp white wine
1 oz St Germain Liqueur
1/2 oz Limoncello, homemade or purchased
Soda water to taste
Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Fill a collins glass with ice. Add the Vernaccia, elderflower liqueur and limoncello. Top with soda water and stir. Garnish with mint leaves and serve.

KAHLUA

Kahlua is made from 100 %Arabica coffee beans and sugarcane in the Veracruz section of Mexico. Veracruz is the home of Kahlua. The coffee cherries are handpicked between October and March and processed to extract what is known as the coffee bean. The beans are air dried and the husk is removed. The beans are then aged for six months and prepared for roasting. Meanwhile the sugar cane stalks are crushed and the juice is mixed with molasses, then yeast and water and left to ferment. Once it becomes alcohol the distillation process begins until it gets to proof and then stored in barrels.

After seven years wow! Coffee and Sugarcane meet again, the coffee is roasted and then combined with the sugarcane extract, vanilla and caramel and then left to rest for eight weeks and the filtered and bottled.


FashionMom Fave


1 part Kahlua
2 parts Club Soda
Ice
2 cherries.
In a rocks glass, add ice first, add Kahlua and then Club Soda. Add cherries for one of the most refreshing drinks!

RUM
Demerara Rum Punch


3 Parts Rum
1 part Lime Juice
2 parts Simple Syrup
1 part orange juice
1 part pineapple juice or grated pineapple
2 bottles ginger ale.
2 parts water
Watermelon juice always gives a special kick to a rum punch.
you must, must have a dash of Angostura.

Recommended Rum- XM Royal Rum, aged ten years from Guyana South America or Ten Cane Rum from Trinidad and Tobago. At fine liquor stores everywhere.

RIONDO PROSECCO SPAGO NERO ITALY
The Ginger


2 cups ice
4 oz Absolut Citron vodka
4 oz Grand Marnier
4 oz peach or apricot nectar
1 bottle Prosecco, chilled
I a glass pitcher filled with ice, mix the vodka. Grand Marnier and nectar. Let the mixture chill and allow the flavors to marry for 3 minutes. Strain ice. Add chilled Prosecco. Pour into white wine glasses and serve.

ABSOLUT
Misty Bitch


1 oz Vodka
1 oz Campari
1 lime
splash of pink grapefruit juice
Mix Vodka and Martini in a highball glass.Add fresh lime to taste and top with grapefruit juice.

12 Days of Christmas ( for Men )- Maitre Parfumeur Et Gantier - Fleur de Iris

As we get closer to Christmas, I would like to suggest a great last minute gift for your wife, girlfriend or partner if you can get to the nearest stockist or go for fast shipping online.

I first experienced  Maitre Parfumer et Gantier a dozen or more years ago at Aedes de Venustas http://www.aedes.com/ in New York City.  Aedes is one of the finest perfume salons in the world and their customer service is impeccable.  You can test and smell all of their scents without fear of being bothered by OR feeling intimidated by the staff. They are even better via phone.  As I was walking around the store testing and smelling  scents a client came in and asked for Rose Muskissime http://www.aedes.com/Rose-Muskissime_p_643.html by Matire Parfumeur Et Gantier and its famous perfumer Jean LaPorte. I was into rose scents at the time and I overheard her saying that she found that particular scent to be unique. I decided to smell the scents from the entire line. Needless to say I did not leave with Rose Muskissime but with http://www.aedes.com/Fleur-dIris_p_637.html Fleur De Iris, which I still have to today because I refuse to spray more than a drop every month, the scent is wonderful and it cost a small fortune for me at the time.

Fleur de Iris is a blend of rose ( top note) and green leaves. The middle notes are Iris, vanilla, Jasmin and violets. The base notes are amber, vetiver and musk.  I love all of most of the top, base and middle notes and together they create a unique slightly powdery but fresh scent. It is not easy to describe this scent but I love it. 

Maitre Parfumeur Et Gantier Salon was founded in 1989 by Jean LaPorte ( now perfumer for L' Artisan another favorite) a french perfumer http://www.maitre-parfumeur-et-gantier.com/eng/rub2.swf.   The line was based on traditional recipes of the 17th century. He used the rarest raw materials to create fragrances which are the the epitome of class and are very distinctive. You will be the only person in any room with any of these creations at any time, I  can guarantee it. It was then taken over  Jean Paul Millet Lange in 1997 http://www.maitre-parfumeur-et-gantier.com/eng/main.html and he continues the fine tradition set by La Porte.

You can find Maitre online at

http://www.amazon.com/PARFUMEUR-GANTIER-Maitre-Parfumeur-Gantier/dp/B0009MMKIO

http://beautyhabit.com/mpg.html


and www.aedes.com


Stores- Aedes De Venustas New York City


Now if someone would like to buy a bottle of Bahiana for me for Christmas.....http://www.aedes.com/Bahiana_p_629.html

 Oh la, la ! Merry Christmas!!

12 Days of Christmas - Classic Cotton Pajamas from Vermont Country Store

We have many PJ options available today from different brands but the prices of classic pajamas have climbed up the unprecedented heights in recent years.

The Classic Cotton Broadcloth Pajamas from Vermont Coutry Store are just that, classic, but in the sexy classic pjs type of way.  I am a classic PJ type of girl and if you are too, you will appreciate full notched collar and elegantly shaped pants.

They are available in the classic colors blue and pink and watch out for the candy striped classic which is sometimes available. You can hang out in these all day,  the prices are excellent and they last forever.

Get your ZZZZ in sleep in comfort wearing a classic style.

Enjoy!

12 Days of Christmas List- Fran's Chocolates, Laduree, Lake Champlain chocolates and See's Candies

One of our 12 wishes must include something to satisfy our sweet tooth and Fran"s Chocolates Home of the Salted Caramel  must be number one on our list. The bestselling , award winning Gray Salt Caramel is the best salted caramel we have ever sampled. There have been lots of imitators but nothing beats the chewy, salt combination of a Fran's Gray Salt Caramel. Trust us, this is the best on the market, bar none.

Laduree opened a store this year in New York, its first ever in the US. The Try the Rose Petal and Pistachio store is beautiful, as beautiful as the melt in your mouth Macarons. Go during the day but only during off hours, forget breakfast and lunch the line is out the door.

See's Famous Old Time Candies have been around since 1921    I buy them just for the Vanilla pops!  The company is based in California with stores all over San Francisco and Los Angeles. They are available at Macy's stores, Lord and Taylor Stores, Dillards and new and newsworthy Kiosks in select malls. You must try the Vanilla pops.


Lake Champlain Chocolates are famous for their Five Star Bars among other delicacies, and it is easy to discover why after a taste, of one of their   The Five Star Bar the fruit and nut is my favorite, and everything else  they offer. The company is based in Burlington Vermont and the chocolates are all made there from high quality Belgian chocolate. YUM!


Happy Holidays!

12 Days of Christmas List - Lucky Brand Jewelry and Fossil Jewelry

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Have you made your list and checked it twice?

We wanted to add some of our  favorites to your list, we will try to do a twelve day list. Many ideas pop into my head all day long, but I never get the time to write them down.
I hope that you love our picks!!


Drumroll please....


I think that we should get jewelry first and this is on a budget that all husbands will love.

We discovered Lucky Brand Jewelry and Fossil Jewelry more than a year ago, but the collections this year have been impressive and  they remind us of  our all time favorite John Hardy pieces. There are no diamonds but most of the pieces from earrings to rings are made of silver, gold, leather and wood and other metals and tastefully added stones.
There is a lot of openwork designs with a delicate feel but the matte metal gives it a strong edge. These pieces are all about earth and fire.  This season it is all about beetles, serpents which exude fire and strength in their own way.

Lucky Brand Ring

Snake Hoops

Lucky Brand Toggle bracelet

Peacock Ring

The collection prices range from $25.00 for earrings up to 150.00 for larger pieces.


 The Fossil company are famous for their watches but they also have an amazing roster of vintage inspired jewelry available online and at select Macy's stores.

One of my favorites is the Love Story Multi keys necklace   Love Story Multi keys necklace   which has vintage inspired matte silver and gold keys or the Love Story Multi Cluster necklace Multi Cluster necklace

Charms

Fossil also offers hundreds of charm options along with bracelets and chains.

You will be able to find matching bracelets, necklaces, earrings to make your look complete. But the fun part is choosing pieces from different collections which all match back to other items from other collections, everything is related.

Please go online to preview these gorgeous collections and I am sure that you will be sending a very long list to your loved ones and friends this holiday season!
What will I wear with the Love Story necklace?  layers just like the pieces, layer two stretchy tanks with jeans...add a cardigan and boots, polished and cute!




Gap



Gap


add boots Hive and Honey from Piperlime










Simply Brilliant, Fossil and Lucky Brand!

Happy Shopping!

Stampede at my local Target for Missoni. Score one for Target for getting them into the store!

I thought I was early..... I wanted to get a good look at the Missoni Line for Target and post an update on my blog, well.... I was  very late. The clothing racks were cleared out, all of the home items were gone, no bags, no luggage nothing. Women were walking around the store some looking a bit sheepish with shopping carts piled high with anything......I mean everything and anything.
It was shocking to see this much consumption during at such a difficult time in our economy but it also meant that certain segments of the population are not feeling any effects of the recession, it was shocking. Or to be fair,  it could also mean that so many people are out of work that sellign Missoni online to people all over the world is a great prospect.
I got my lip gloss and proceeded to the cash register where I was sandwiched between many women with carpets, rugs, boxes, clothing all Missoni.
The cashier told me that a lot of women told her that they would be selling their goods on EBAY, well there will be lots of choice on EBAY folks and I suspect that there will be lots of returns too, either because of very angry spouses or just plain old reality. It is a jolt though to learn that while some people are working to pay bills and keep their children on the straight and narrow other people out there are just having splurges at Target.
Some reality.

Happy Shopping folks!

New "Things to Treasure" Laduree comes to New York, Essence, Town and Country, Real Simple Family and Golf reading for children.

Laduree has arrived!  

Momofuku cookies are divine, Crumbs bakery has scrumptous cupcakes,  but we have to stop for a minute and consider what Laduree will unleash in New York City this fall.

If you have not eaten a macaron before, wait, have one from Laudree on August 22nd and let the obbession begin.

Laduree is a Parisian patisserie founded in 1862  and it is most famous for it's double decker macarons. The bakery is credited with inventing the double decker macarons. There are Laduree shops all over the world in addition to four in Paris, there are bakeries in  London, Milan, and Istanbul among other places but never one in New York City. They will open a store this month, on August 22nd  at 864 Madison Ave, NY ( between 70th and 71st). The location will have two areas one for enjoying macarons on site and the other for orders ( mine included) .

It is said that in the 16th century Catherine de" Medici brought the macaron from Italy to France. Louis Ernest Laduree was a miller, who opened a bakery on the Rue Royale in Paris. In the 1930's his second cousin Pierre Desfontaines, invented the double decker macaron, a flavored ganache between two macaron shells. If you have had a macaron, if not well made, the ganache can be too sweet, too crumbly or too pasty, it has to be just right, the shells and the ganache, Laduree always seems to get it right.

They come in fantastic variations by season Mint and Strawberry, Lily of The Valley, Almond Morello Cherry, Granny Smith Apple and other delicious flavors.

Find yourself at Laduree this month or get on the phone and place your order!

Town and Country and Essence have new editors and this is change I can definitely believe in.

Town and Country's editor is Jay Fielden of Men's Vogue fame, Pamela Fiori left months ago and the void was filled briefly by Stephen Drucker but this is my second Fielden Issue and it is excellent. The articles are insightful and colorful, I read the magazine from cover to cover.  There is some interesting insight from Ashraf Kahlil  about the changes in Cairo, from both a colonial and present day view. There is a profile of the three homes owned by the late reclusive heiress Hugette Clark, a wonderful story about the relationship between a woman and her favorite scents by Gully Wells then last but not least two stories about Ernest Hemingway and his family. The magazine has zoomed to the top of my to read list, the stories have great depth, grab a copy or download it now! The fashion is still there but the magazine now has so much more.

Constance White has had a significant career in fashion from her role as the NY Times Fashion contributor, to EBAY fashion director and now to editor in chief at Essence magazine. Her second issue is stunning, Essence has gone global, the stories, beauty and fashion reads have a global perspective and that is truly refreshing. There is a story about Women from the Diaspora which covers black Brits, another profiles women from countries all over the world and what they are wearing,  and under Work and Wealth excellent tips for Storage Ssolutions at home and do not miss the Reader's Choice awards!  Another one for you to read cover to cover.

Real Simple is one of my favorite magazines, I love the stories about family and cooking among other topics and  now we have the same fantastic formula with Real Simple Family, it is a single issue magazine and you need to grab it before it is gone. They cover great issues from how to tackle homework battles, to fixing boo boos to schedule streamlining. Fall 2011, is on newstands or downloads now.

I was at the PGA Championship today and met wonderful author Susan Greene who was promoting Count on Golf and my daughter loved it for her read before bed tonight and we loved it because it exposed her to something new and she was counting and spelling at the same time with Jimmy the bear, it was fun.

The books are

Count on Golf- counting from 1 to 10 using golf accessories and rhymes .

The ABC's of Golf - Learn the alphabet and the game from A to Z.

Consider it Golf- Rhymes and Etiquette and golf safety.

Opposites with Golf- learn the game using the concepts of opposites.

Junior golf Journal - Track progress and enjoy memories.

Worth every penny!

Enjoy your new treasures and please send us your feedback about those delicious macarons.

FashionMom

Italian Day continues- Missoni for Target- Our Must Have for Fall

Missoni for Target- Our Must Have for Fall

I cannot wait for this collection to hit the stores. My focus will be on the accessories, scarves, and handbags you cannot lose with those. I can finally own something from the venerable fashion house, yeah!

In Stores and online September 13th!

Update July 22 nd, 2011 NOW AVAILABLE IN BLACK! J Crew Does it Again- The Spring Must Have ! MacAlister Boots for Women

Major Fashion Fall Alert!  The Mc Alister Boot is now available in Beautiful Black with the tan heel. Please note this color is only available in STORES. Check it out, in stores, it is absolutely gorgeous!

Also available in Brown via the catalog.

I saw it in the catalog a few weeks ago and I felt my pulse race slightly. This is a classic FashionMom item. The heel was not super high and I love wedges, I could wear this with skinny jeans

Image from Style.com

Perfect silhouette for these boots(above)- Francisco Costa for Calvin Klein Fall 2011

 or cargosBanana Repub Cargos, slacks or the new wide leg jeans Wide Leg Jeans  or pants. I can also wear it with a flared skirt, skinny skirt or shorts with tights.

This is an everything shoe. And, it was available in gray,  a color which would match with my black and navy clothes. Gray...I dreamed about these shoes for a few days but it was back to reality. They are $198.00, that was not in my budget, family and food first.

Then, I visited the local mall a few days ago and stopped in the J Crew store and I saw them, in the color of the moment, nude. They were divine, creamy, tan heel, beautiful. And they were causing a fuss in the store. I knew it, they were hot! A young lady came into the store went straight for them and asked for her size. She tried them on and within five minutes was at the register. Done!

The desert boot especially in nude is the super trend right now, any mall, any men's store window, the mannequins are wearing some type of desert boot, Clarks, MacAlister type boot in almost every window. The men's version of course is flat.

Where was FashionMom? Well, I could not resist it, I asked if I could try them on, here we go, pulse is racing again,  the seduction is on, the fix is in, salespeople are hovering giving advice. The shoes came out, he told me to sit in the comfortable chair. I put them on, I have fine ankles so these types of shoes are not always a good style for me, but these were perfect. They molded to my ankles, they fit like a glove and they were  in a word, beautiful.

I tried to find a reason not to buy them, other than the price, I found the perfect excuse! They did not have it in gray in the store and I realized that this nude color was going to be on the feet of many women, I knew that gray would set me apart.

Link to J Crew MacAlister Boot

The manager would not be detered by my whining about lack of gray,  he rushes to the red phone and calls, returns to tell me that they have it in my size and that it can be shipped to me no shipping charges.

I knew I had to leave, I know that all of you have been in this situation before, the high pressure was on and I could not afford it. I could whip out the plastic and it would all be over. Oh no, that would not be good folks! Control, calm down, control....

I told him I needed to go home and look at the gray on line since he had confessed that he liked the tan better than gray. He pushed a bit more, but you can return it he said, I pushed back I need to see them and with that I walked out and escaped.

That was close, I came home looked at them again and looked at the price.

Valentine's Day just went by, my birthday is in September, Mother's Day they will be sold out.

There is always E Bay, but ladies this is the shoe to have, it is simply georgeous. If you can afford it, get it today, it will be gone very soon!!


Just a bit of History......

This type of crepe soled desert similar to a  Chukka boot was made famous by British officiers in World War 2. Chukka boots were worn by British officiers during the Western Desert Campaign. They were popular in the late 1940's and 1950's as casual wear. They were usually made in calfskin or suede.

Desert Boots are different they are looser at the ankle than Chukka's and have a crepe sole.

Clarks http://www.clarks.com/ are the most famous makers of the classic desert boot. They made the boots for the British Infantry in Egypt during the second world war.

The soldiers needed a boot that kept their feet cool while traipsing through the hot desert sand. They also needed a boot that was lightweight and able to hold up on the brutal sandy terrain. They enlisted the help of merchants from the Bazaar in Cairo to create a boot that met those needs. The Desert Boots were made to resemble these boots and the design has remained untouched since then.

They are truly timeless classics now interpeted by J Crew for women.

Love the concept and the boot.

Enjoy!

The Ulitmate Tote Bag! My search for the perfect one or two.....

"The Bag is central to every Parisian's style." It can make life easier (with special pockets for your phone of lipstick, a spring clip for your keys, an integrated flashlight) or make life hell (a big bucket bag into which everything is thrown together), and in which even a cat would have a hard time finding her kittens" Choosing the right model is all important. The Parisian chooses her bags on impulse, and not because she has been told what to carry around this season. She is not interested in the latest IT bag, but very keen to find the iconic bag for her"
Ines De La Fressange, Parisian Chic, a Style Guide.

I have been trying to find MY Iconic bag for the last few months since moving into our new home. Due to closet constraints (I do not mind it means I will buy less.....)  My bags have found themselves trapped in the attic in lovely plastic containers some of which may never see daylight again. The daily grind of changing bags has become tiresome.  I have to admit to being a bag hoarder , I part with one or two bags every year but I always hold on to one or two for nostalgia. My Pan AM and British Airways flight bags from EBAY really need to be on my vintage site and not in the attic, but I think I would love to have them on hand for some travel nostalgia someday soon....not soon enough. My Gwen Stefani Animal print bags I will pass on to my daughter since they are now worth a fortune on EBAY. The Vintage Hermes Constance will remain in tissue for my daughter because it is just too precious to part with and that was from Goodwill years ago. In addition, I need a bag which can handle constant plane and car travel for my job.


I would like an everyday bag and I need to contribute my unused bags to the Dress for Success organization, it would be an excellent way to help women going back to work. http://www.dressforsuccess.org/home.aspx
My final choice should be able to accommodate a laptop if needed, a big folder with all of my job information, my makeup bag, planner, phone, purse, sunglasses,  keys, wipes and must have at least one book, Leapster and some crossword puzzles. With that I will also need a cross body bag no?  Yes, just in case.


My search began in earnest after reading two really great books


Parisian Chic by Ines de la Fressange










































I Love your Style by Amanda Brooks






























Ms. Brook's book is divided by style type (Classic, Minimalist, High Fashion etc.) and under the classic chapter she writes


"Some people are really into collecting handbags these days. I am personally not so into it. It's ridiculously expensive and a great way to ensure that you never know where your wallet, keys, and phone are hiding. Trust me. If you are a classic dresser, or like the simplicity of a consistently carrying one bag like I do, a Black or Brown Handbag is all you really need. Choose carefully and spend as much as you can- or even a little more1 Avoid excessive hardware; you'll get sick of it over time, and it will often interfere with your jewelry or your outfit. If you usually wear gold jewelry, buy a bag with gold hardware and vice versa if you're a silver/platinum jewelry wearer. That might be the matchy-matchy side of me speaking, but I suspect that most of you classic dressers are pretty matchy-matchy too. "
"Amanda Brooks, I Love Your Style"


That cemented it for me; I already knew I was a classic/minimalist dresser with a touch of eclectic because of my accessories. That meant a bag in brown or black with absolutely no hardware, my accessories will do the talking, not my bag.


Color


I decided that black would be my color, brown would not match with a lot of my black heavy wardrobe, I like to keep all of the colors the same. Navy will come later, I love navy.


Hardware?
Hardware not gold, too glitzy that meant no Juicy Couture handbags or sorry Gwen no Lamb Handbags. Silver or platinum hardware it would have to be or just plain, black and please no logos, so no Coach, No Dooney and Burke, No B Murkowski!
This is getting easier......


Style /Shape


In her book Ines de La Fressange picked five shapes The Big Tote Bag, the Clutch (not good for every day), the Satchel (not big enough but that is always on my list), The Ladies handbag (not good for everyday) and the Straw bag (more casual). Straw bags have had a huge comeback this year, buy one at the end of the season for next year and you will be ahead of the trend for spring 2012.
For the Big Tote she says quote" A faithful friend for every day, you can slip your clutch inside, handy if you are going out after work and cannot go home first. Take out our clutch and leave your tote bag at the office."


Ms. Brooks chose the Slouchy Bag and the Crafty bags for her Bohemian girls, a Classic shape for her minimalists in black, brown, gray or tan or even lizard but always little or no hardware, perfect!


Based on my needs, a Tote would be the best choice, not a slouchy tote, something that is firm, sturdy and roomy, the straps would be the perfect length, and it can work over my shoulder or in my hands. It would be roomy enough to fit all of my goods and maybe if it has a zipper that would be nice too. They should all have pockets inside front and back with zippers. I do not want a divided Tote which tends to reduce space and restrict access to items.  A Hobo is my least favorite, everything swims at the bottom of a Hobo bag, and it drives me crazy.
Now for the search...


There are lots of choices out there in all price ranges of course, but the best investment totes for a working woman are in the mid $150 to $250 price range, so I zeroed in on a few brands which made which made it to the top of my list from my first time perusal of stores (Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomingdales and on line).


Kate Spade- classy hardware but still too much.
Kate Spade Bon Shopper

Kate Spade Vanston Jackson



Loved these two bags but I wanted a bag with the same color strap and something without so much hardware. The prices are out of my price range.


Ralph Lauren- love the matte color, minimal hardware and the hidden logo make this a winner (straps are the right length for shoulder or hand).
RL Nylon Tote

RL Leather Tote



The leather bag is divine.


Le Sport Sac- The shiny black texture provides a nice contrast for minimalists. 
Downtown Tote Le Sport Sac

I like Le Sport Sac bags because of they are made from parachute fabric which will never tear and they are super light! You cannot find better travel bags and luggage anywhere. The shiny black is a great option for a minimalist girl who wants to add some punch to her all black daily wear. I really like this bag.


Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs Medium Tote

Love the non-hardware look of this bag, this is a close runner up and there are lots of little nooks in and around the bag. Also check out the diaper bag in this style, it is awesome.




Michael Kors - too much hardware for me, but great handbags!
Python Black Kors

Kors Option 2

MK Leather Tote (too slim for me)

Back To School Bag- My pick, the most practical and reminds of Prada!

Mr. Kors does many variations of totes, some are the collapsible type which would result in all of your belongings swimming at the bottom of the bag, however he has a fantastic range of upright Saturday totes in a variety of fabrics and colors. You will have to decide if you are a silver or gold girl, there is a lot of hardware, lots of bells and whistles.


Tory Burch 

Tory Burch Nylon Tote- Love this Bag too!!



Talbots
Talbots Tote
Love this bag for the size and shape but the strap needs to be a little longer.

so my final picks..

Drumroll Please...

My overall pick is the Black Newbury Tote from RL, for its versatility and classic shape along with the lack of loud branding and hardware.
My second pick is the Le Sport Sac Tote because of the shiny texture which adds a stylish touch to a bag that is otherwise plain and practical.


What is your favorite tote ? Brand?


Please let us know...


Happy Shopping!

CamBria Cove- The Farewell Sale

One of our favorite sites is saying goodbye. The wonderful Cambria Cove which sold wonderful gift items and quirky pieces is closing it's web doors on July 31st.


http://www.cambriacove.com/

We will miss them and we hope that they return one day soon!!




Wine Aerator.







Best Wishes to the Cambria Cove Team!