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  I tend to be a bit of a purist when it comes to denim. Yes, I love various shades- all the blues, black, grey, etc. but tend to go for pretty plain washes and styles (I live in any J Brand with a 12 inch leg opening). I am a fan of torn denim as well but it took some time for me to make he adjustment. Recently I have fallen for a pair of jeans that are anything but basic. Hudson's Skinny Flag Jean are simply amazing. The combination of Hudson's amazing fit, the on-trend tears, and the Union Jack peeking out from under make them absolute showstoppers. We have also received Hudson's Lace Up Skinny Jean in the most perfect shade of faded black. The edgy lace up string is done in a suede material that covers a zipper. Both styles are modeled by the super chic Georgia May Jagger who has done Hudson quite proud.
Every man wants to give his significant other the perfect gift- something to make her eyes light up with joy. This can be a difficult task for many because lets face it- many men simply are not good at picking out gifts. Even things that should be fail safe (such as jewelry) can go wrong if you select something that is simply not at all "her." One of my aunt's exes gave her a super fancy speaker system that had cost an arm and a leg (and no it was not really a gift for himself because they lived apart and he had the same system. As he watched her try to muster some sort of enthusiasm he realized a simple gift giving truth- it truly is the thought that counts and not what you spend). So I decided to compile a list of a few options that will have any female jumping for joy. 1. ANYTHING by Chanel- yes its pricey but trust me its worth it. 2. A first edition copy of her favorite book- bonus if its signed. While this is obviously quite a lofty gift if she is worships The Great Gatsby, many women have a childhood favorite that may not be quite as out of reach. I would melt if anyone gave me a signed first edition of King of the Wind or Johnny Tremain- my two childhood favorites. (This is obviously for those who love to read. If your girlfriend's idea of literature is US Weekly I would avoid this and maybe tap her head a few times to make sure its not hollow...). 3. A gift certificate to her favorite spa. Times have been tough- she has most likely been attempting to cut down on mani/pedis, facials, massages, getting her hair done, etc. in an attempt to save money so why not spoil her a little for the holidays?
4. A beautiful item of clothing- something special like a cashmere sweater, gorgeous top, etc. here are a few recommendations: Splendid Cashmere Cardigan, Elizabeth and James Tokyo Top, a gorgeous coat like Alice + Olivia's Lace Plaid Coat, or a beautiful dress like Foley + Corinna's Beaded Tank Dress. Regardless of the item be sure its a special piece nothing tacky or bargain basement. It is also key to get it in the correct size- if you do not know her size ALWAYS err on the side of caution and get the smaller size- I repeat if you are torn between two sizes get the smaller. Otherwise you might as well get her a scale.......
5. A subscription to her favorite magazine. Not only will she love it but it will save money from her buying it from the newsstand where it is significantly more expensive.
6. A night out at her favorite restaurant- either with you OR you can volunteer to watch the kids while she goes with a few close girlfriends (yes- you will then have to pay for the others too but you will look like a hero).
The most fail safe way to give a woman a gift she will love is to take her shopping for it. Not like its a chore- there can be NO complaining. Turn it into a fun event- go together, get lunch (complete with champagne), then let her pick something she really loves.Gifts to NEVER give (unless she asks of course- then you're in the clear)1. a scale2. cheap lingerie- its offensive. Now if you're going to splash out on La Perla, Kiki de Montparnasse, or Agent Provacateur you're in the clear. 3. a scale4. anything made of cubic zirconia- I know most cannot afford diamonds right now but there is no reason to offend the lady. 5. A SCALE (if you cannot get this through your head by now I give up)
 Its official- the dress of my dreams has FINALLY arrived. I have a huge weakness for anything with a celestial feel and this new Foley + Corinna beaded tank dress looks like something an angel would wear. The gorgeous silver beading catches the light and makes you shine. It is the PERFECT New Years Dress. Perfect. Also amazing is the price- surprisingly low considering it is made of silk and covered in intricate beading.
  I absolutely LOVE Christmas morning (is there anyone who doesn't??) While the morning has gotten continuosly later as my siblings and I have grown older the routine stays basically the same- run downstairs, try and get my mom to come in from the stable, wait longer for my mom to come in from the stable, give up and fall back asleep while waiting for mom to come back in from the stable....(it goes like this for quite some time). Then we do presents, (I loveeeee giving presents- especially when you manage to find the PERFECT gift (more on this later)) breakfast, and lay around for a bit- all in our pj's. After all this wonderful laziness it is time to head over to my aunt and uncle's to see the family. While my extended family is pretty laid back, photos and a sense of propriety call for an appropriate outfit. This year I already have my outfit picked out- Elizabeth and James Faux Fur Jacket which looks soooooo chic worn open. Then I will wear Elizabeth and James Wedge Funnel Top in the most perfect shade of dusty lilac. A pair of dark skinny J Brands will finish off the look (I would definently lean towards clean, darker denim which is much more appropriate). A pair of flats will complete the look (heels dont work when your 15 younger cousins insist on constant games of tag and hours of piggy back rides).
 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."
 The only thing better than receiving new shipments is receiving the first shipment from a line new to the store. Our newest line is one I have been a long time fan of, Foley + Corinna. Created in 1999 by Dana Foley and Anna Corinna the brand has become a mainstay for gorgeous dresses and chic tops. One of our first pieces is an adorable cream ruffle vest with black trim. It is perfect over any basic black top and great worn either buttoned up or left to drape open. Then there is an amazing navy studded dress. The mix of gold and silver studs looks amazing when it catches the light while a racerback adds an unexpected twist. We are awaiting a third piece- an embellished cream dress that looks like the sort of thing an angel might have worn- perfect for Christmas or New Years parties.
    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.
 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?
 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 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.
  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.
  I've always been a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to art. I think this stems largely from growing up in an equestrian household where horse and hound style oil paintings reign supreme. When my family lived abroad there were many trips down to Christie's and Sotheby's with my father to select new works which almost always fell into the same category of the pieces hanging all around my house.Last week I went to the Art Institute of Chicago and after viewing all the usual suspects- Monet, Manet, Gaugin, Van Gogh........ I wandered into the new modern wing. While some of the work was over my head- the multiple video screens portraying a hysterical (and I dont mean in a funny way) clown only made me think of John Wayne Gacy- there were a few pieces I fell head over heels in love with. My runaway favorite were the beautifuls canvases by Cy Twombly- the use of color and sheer magnitude of the works really struck me. I really understood the huge source of inspirtation these beautiful works could have on a designer- the colors and style appeared to be almost print-like.So while my favorite artists are still Lagerfeld, Decarnin, Galliano, and of course the inimitable Ms. Chanel, I now have another to add to the roster.
  I tend to be a bit fanatical when I discover something I love- I have the dolman sleeve cashmere sweater I am wearing in three different colors. When something works I turn into a pack rat hoarding the items. My latest unhealthy obsession (or is it healthy because they look amazing....) is J Brand. And by latest I mean its been an ongoing habit that I just cannot seem to kick. While I have never been a smoker I imagine having to stop wearing J Brands would for me be comparable to giving up cigarettes. (in addition to being a compulsive shopper I also have some dramatic tendencies...)J Brand makes the BEST skinnies. This is a fact and must be taken seriously as though handed down as the eleventh commandment. I tend to prefer those with the 12 inch leg openings to the skinnier 10 inch openings. Mainly because I tend to pull jeans on in a last minute hurried kind of fashion and the 10 inch require half a second longer. Of course there are exclusions that must be made and J Brand's Legging Jean with zippers in Bruiser made me eat my words. I love them. LOVE. The fit, the wash, the zippers!!! The day they arrived was a very happy one as in the same shipment were J Brands 12" Torn Pencil Leg in Jett. Jett as in black. Black as in my absolute favorite denim color. They are amazing. AMAZING. To quote Ms. Zoe "I DIE." Die. They are such a must have and so perfect for the changing weather.
 I have a serious vendetta against most film critics- professional and those film snobs who copy everyone elses opinions. You know who I'm talking about- your friend who will only admit to liking indie films and snubs their nose at anyone into anything mainstream not because its their true taste but to try and look cool. My main reason for rebelling against critics- their trashing one of my favorite movies- Factory Girl. Any viewer would have to be blind to not think they had died and gone to fashion heaven watching Sienna Miller play the uber-chic Edie Sedgewick- Andy Warhol's first muse. My college roomate and I used to play the movie while we were getting ready for inspiration (along with taking swigs of the obligatory champagne).
When Theory's Cheetah Print Fur Coat came out I had a serious case of W.W.E.D (What would Edie do?) It is the perfect topper to achieve her undeniably amazing style. The rabbit coat is amazingly soft and the must have for any majorly chic girl. And to everyone out there who loves fashion- watch Factory Girl and you will immediately see what all the fuss about Ms. Sedgewick was about.
My boss can finally relax without me buzzing around his shoulder. For the past month and a half I have been asking, with increasing frequency, when our first Rory Beca shipment would be arriving. I know- asking once then writing down the date should have sufficed but is it had become one of my all-consuming obsessions (there are only seven or so- is that a bit excessive???) And guess what- it was completely worth the wait! As I type I am wearing the gorgeous oversized snickers top in the most perfect shade of purple I have ever seen. It has officially gained admittance onto my list of top ten favorite things in my closet which is quite a feat. Rory Edelman, Rory Beca's twenty-five year old designer, has also managed to create the best plaid shirt I have seen. The purple and black color palette is perfect- as is the fit. It also goes amazingly with my staple black skinny jeans- I honestly have a problem wearing anything else. Then there is the Imagination tank in the most wonderful print that perfectly encompasses the Willy Wonka theme of the collection. To make things even better, Edelman also created a black belt with gold bars along the sides that I am sooooo in LOVE with.
Now that the Rory Beca Fall One delivery has arrived it leaves me asking my boss just one question- when does Fall Two get here????????
One of the lines I am most excited about for holiday is Gemma. The little sister of Madison Marcus (one of my faves), Gemma offers gorgeous silk tops in a variety of prints. Apparently I am not the line's only fan as Lauren Conrad was spotted wearing the line at a major event- the signing of her first book L.A. Candy. Keep an eye out for Gemma! The gorgeous shapes and shockingly good price points guarantee it will soon be one of your go to lines.
xo amanda
 
 Two words: Lace Leggings. Yes, I said it-lace leggings! I have been kind of down on leggings the past few years preferring tights instead (Target Assets are AMAZING- they help shape and slim the thighs and rear). I was all over lace tights as soon as they hit the runway. Unfortunately my favorite pair met their demise after an incident with a large cocktail ring. Since then I have been looking for something a tad bit thicker. And voila- LNA has decided to answer my prayers with their amazing lace leggings. Not only is the lace pattern absolutely gorgeous they finished them with ankle zippers!!! I'm counting down the days until their arrival when I plan on wearing them 24-7. Order yours now!
xo amanda
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