Alice + Olivia Lace Plaid Coat

A coat is an investment piece- a classic, well made coat will last forever and be timeless. A coat is an item where lower quality is immediately evident and cheapens one's look. In the colder winter months it may be the only item many will see you in so make that impression count. Last year I purchased a gorgeous charcoal Valentino Red coat with mink collar that broke the bank and swore that was it- no more this year. That was until I saw Alice + Olivia's Lace Plaid Coat and about died. The classic black and white and amazing shape had me hooked- I had to have one. This coat is beautifully made and a piece you will wear for years to come. Just get used to saying "Thanks, its Alice + Olivia."

New Elizabeth and James

I think I may actually be addicted to Elizabeth and James. No matter how much I have I cannot stop craving every single new piece the ever stylish Olsen twins design. The problem is I actually have multiples of the same designs- example three Tokyo tops, two tulip dresses (one in the same print as one of the Tokyo dresses), and so on. The latest arrivals have done their usual magic. The Tokyo top has been re-imagined in the gorgeous and super-feminine slipper pink. I am dying over the Elizabeth and James Vanessa Blouse in Oyster which will look amazing with a statement necklace or earrings. Then there is the Leslie Faux Fur Jacket- super chic but without the guilt or price of real fur.

Gemma Has Arrived!!!

I have a new favorite line- Gemma! Gemma features adorable tops in 100% silk and at reasonable prices. First, there's the elephant tank in blue silk which is too cute. I about died when I first saw it at a show. The tank also has a great pocket on the lower left hand side that goes on to cover the side. Next, in the same gorgeous blue is the blue and black plaid shirt also in 100% silk. It really elevates the necassary plaid shirt with not only the material but also the buttons at the cuffs and slight extra volume in the sleeves. Then a gorgeous charcoal blouse with superflattering voluminous sleeves and pocket. Its absolute perfection tucked into a super fitted high waist black skirt. The prices are an added bonus- I would consider them to be worth even more once integrated into your wardrobe.

Elizabeth and James Cornelia Top

Its no secret that I am beyond obsessed with Elizabeth and James. My current love is their Cornelia Top in a gorgeous almost psychedelic print. In Rachel Zoe style I screamed out "I die!" when I walked in and saw it before ripping off my other new Elizabeth and James Cyber Tee which I also love and throwing the Cornelia top on. Its beyond gorgeous with buttons on the side and in the most sumptuous silk. The only problem I am running into is that my Cyber Tee is looking at me a bit forlorn so I may have to change back and forth a few times today Lindsay Lohan style. Because who doesn't love a costume change?

J Brand Jeggings

New shipments tend to be the highlight of my day. What could be more fun than receiving boxes full of glorious new clothes? Its especially thrilling when something I was not expecting arrives like today when J Brand sent the most perfect denim leggings. The J Brand 901 Legging in Olympia are the softest denim I have ever felt and super comfortable. The wash is amazing and superdark which is my favorite (besides black of course). Beyond being the perfect wash and fit the price is ridiculous- J Brands for only $138! Get yours quick because they are going to blow out.

Fall Has Come

Fall is my favorite season. I was fearful for a bit that the Chicago area had jumped straight into one of our brutal winters but todays 55 degrees and sunny weather is like a breathe of fresh air. After work I am rushing straight to Sephora to pick up a few bottles of my absolute favorite body wash- Philosophy's Pumpkin Spice. Then its time to wrap up in a cashmere sweater, Splendid makes my favorites as they all tend to be insanely soft. I love their brown and blue hoodie. This little gray v-neck is perfection layered over anything white. But my hands down favorites are any open front drape ones they make such as this gorgeous black one whose slightly ruffled shoulders make it feminine and special. Come in store to grab one before the last is snatched up.

Padma Lakshmi

One of my absolute favorite shows is Bravo's Top Chef, hosted by the beautiful Padma Lakshmi. Fortunately Ms. Lakshmi is not just another pretty face but has led quite an interesting life. She has modeled for Ralph Lauren, Helmut Lang, Alberta Ferreti, Emanuel Ungaro, Roberto Cavalli. Her first cookbook, Easy Exotic, was awarded the title of Best First Cookbook at the 1999 Best Cookbook Awards. Her followup Tangy, Tart, Hot and Sweet is a personal favorite. From 2004 until 2007 Lakshmi was married to British Indian novelist Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie- an intriguing personality on his own. Ms. Lakshmi has added yet another role to her resume, jewelry designer. As a huge fan of statement and Indian inspired jewelry I was quite excited to see what she would create and was not disappointed. Lakshmi "wanted pieces that were feminine and eye-catching without being gaudy or ostentatious--many statement pieces can look like that on TV--and while the inspiration comes from classic Indian jewelry design, my work in the kitchen and as a cookbook author definitely influence the shapes we choose." She is successful in lightening up traditional Indian jewelry and enhancing its feminity by adding a certain delicacy to the pieces. The line, called Padma, retails at Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus.