City Girl Statement Necklace

These necklaces by J. Crew are tres magnifique. I think the crystal and bows adds great charm and decadence to this piece. While the mixed chains bring an unexpected edge. The perfect balance between tough and sweet.

A Fresh Start

The carpenter is due to arrive any minute to install the new door replacing the one kicked in during the burglary and my new Audi is safely ensconced in my garage. Life is beginning to return to normal....

Classic Times

I could never get tired of black and white fashion. It's a timeless look that will never go out of style. My mind conjures up images of two of the best style icons, Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. I just love the structured tweed jacket above. It's chic and reminds me of "Mad Men."

Stripes are a very big trend at the moment. The contrast between thick and thin stripes makes this dress an interesting concept.

These underpinnings are so very french. Ohh la la.

A New Car

The good news is that I have decided on a new car-a Brilliant Black 2010 Audi A3 with black leather interior. I've always admired Audis but have never owned one. I want something small, European, and upscale, but with room in back for my many passions-gardening, shopping, flea marketing, and Costco. This fits the bill perfectly. The bad news is that I have to go deal with a car salesman today-truly one of life's worst experiences. When I get home I will no doubt require a shower and a stiff drink. Wish me luck.

What is Style?

I found this post on a blog called Mr. Sartorial through a Google Alert I have for "Style Redux." I thought it was worth posting. Hope everyone had a lovely Christmas.

'What is Style?' Redux

I posted this on the blog I was previously working on and I’m going to repost the question here, with a slightly modified answer of my own, because I think it’s valuable food for thought.

I was asked this question a while back and I didn’t know how to answer it right away, so I thought about it. What is style? Well, it’s created by people for people; a way of communicating, a way of expressing oneself. This is why everyone has different styles. It can apply to anything: they way we do things, the way we dress, the way we organize the world around us.

Style encompasses many things. Style is about how we interpret events in our life and respond to them through mannerisms. It is the physical expression of our inner self, and it is inescapable, as much a part of you as your thoughts. It is the telling of a story in all the ways that are not spoken.

I once said that style is the way that all of the pieces of a moment come together in a way that makes it beautiful.

Style means many things to many people. What’s your story?

(Text courtesy of Mr. Sartorial, photo courtesy of Phillip Lim)

Merry Christmas from Style Redux

(Photo courtesy of Rodney Smith)

Happy Holidays from Style Redux

A New Wallet

One thing Santa needs to bring me as a result of my burglary Monday is a new wallet. My Louis Vuitton handbag is very lonely and empty. Any followers have any great wallets you love? It needs to hold a checkbook, credit cards, money, etc. I'd welcome suggestions. Thanks to everyone for their supportive emails and comments as I sort this mess out.

LV Inspired Bunny Ears

Bunny ear headbands are sweet and downright quirky. One of my favorite Olsen Twin fashion moments is when they sported Maison Michel lace bunny ears. I love that these girls can wear anything and make it look cool. Topshop has adorable bunny ear headbands for only $36.00. This one is unique, love the netted veil and the nude colored ears. While the black is very modern day Audrey Hepburn. Too cute!

pic via style.com

A Really Bad Day

The good news is that I was able to remove the 20 inches of snow from my shrubs today after a crazy blizzard here over the weekend buried the city. The bad news is that while I worked outside, a burglar made off with my cash, credit cards, debit card, checkbook, and several other items. A very stressful siege while the police shut down the perimeter of my property and conducted an armed search of my home, while I did not know the condition of my beloved dog or home. Izzy and the house are fine; me I'm not so sure.

(Photo courtesy of Rodney Smith)

Beautiful Books-Style and Substance

A lovely gift for anyone on your Christmas list would be one of these clothbound hardcover Penguin classics. Available for only $13.60 from Amazon.com. Free shipping over $25.00. These are also available at Anthropologie, but for $20.00, plus shipping. These are some of my favorite books. I would like any of them under the tree. These are beautifully bound versions of great classics that will look amazing on your bookshelf.

Snow Day

D.C. and the entire region are in the midst of a massive snowstorm with up to 20 inches predicted to fall. So much for last minute Christmas shopping and parties. I guess I'll have to sit back and enjoy it. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

(Photo courtesy of Rodney Smith)

Kate Spade iPhone Case and App

Did you know that Kate Spade has a stylish iPhone case out for $30 and an iPhone app downloadable for free? Info on the app at Kate Spade here. The silicone case in pink and stripes is stylish and functional. The case is available in Kate Spade stores now and ships online on 1/1/2010. A great gift for yourself or for the fashionista in your life.

Holiday Party Looks

Ruffles- Valentino

Here are ten looks from the fall 09 runway shows that are extremely gorgeous and sophisticated for the holidays. If you love to dress up take a cue from one of these designers who integrate elegance and glamour into their designs. This is the most perfect time of year to dress to the nines. I'm curious, what are some of your holiday looks this year?

photos via style.com

Brights- Oscar de la Renta

Volume- Vera Wang

Embellishments- Vera Wang

Sheer- Lanvin

Tulle- Erin Fetherson

One shoulder- Lanvin

Lace- Christian Lacroix

Velvet- Sonia Rykiel

Lingerie- Dolce & Gabbana

The Perfect Red Lipstick by Chanel

I am a long time fan of Chanel lipstick-it's all I wear. I normally use a Chanel lipstick with Chanel Glossimer over it. This Rouge Allure Laque is incredible. It is liquid lacquer-opaque lipstick and gloss all in one. And it stays on for hours without drying your lips. I wore it to a Christmas party the other night and it stayed on through eating and drinking without reapplying it once, while keeping its glossy sheen. My two favorites are Coromandel-an orange red with a very subtle shimmer and Dragon-a true red. Both are stunning. At $32.00, a lovely little Chanel Christmas indulgence for yourself.

Sequin Serenade

Sequins have been one of the most coveted trends this season. I think a touch of sequins here and there is an elegant statement. A woman wearing an embellished accessory likes to stay current, but isn't overly trendy. Here are a few pieces that will punch up your winter looks and prepare you for your fabulous holiday soirees. I'm in total awe of the Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Glam ballet flats above. They're a modern day version of Dorothy's red shoes and are in honor of the great Judy Garland. She was a loyal client of Ferragamo. I saw them in the store's window display yesterday and was blown away by the luscious colors. Best of all the palletes are reversible, a fun way to customize the shoe.

Sequined Belt

Two-Tone Sequin Wristlet

Two-Tone Sequin Pump

You Dazzle Me Sequin Ear Muffs

Harper Flats

Liah Flat

A Christmas Cocktail

Our neighborhood Belle Haven Women's Club cookbook has just come out and I have 5 recipes. In fact, the first three recipes in the book are mine. If the truth be told, I hate to cook, and wisely submitted three cocktail recipes and two hors d'oeuvres. I thought you might like to try one of my recipes that is wonderful for the holidays-The Blood Orange Champagne Cocktail.

1 ounce cognac

Juice from 1/2 fresh blood orange

1 dash Angostura bitters

3 ounces champagne

Combine cognac, juice,and bitters in a chilled champagne glass. Top with champagne and serve with a blood orange twist.

The beautiful color makes it perfect for a Christmas aperitif or Christmas brunch.

Christmas Shopping

Have fun out there this weekend as you work on your Christmas gift list.

(Photo courtesy of Rodney Smith)

Christmas Party

Our Belle Haven neighborhood Christmas party is tomorrow evening and it always a wonderful event. This year our hosts are former SEC Chairman and Congressman Chris Cox and his wife Heather. I have decided to wear these Lanvin black patent Mary Jane pumps, Chanel needlepoint handbag, and this gorgeous coat by Style Paris. It is red silk lined in white silk. I will wear it over a black sheath. Hope your weekend includes some wonderful holiday parties as well!