Christmas Shopping (A Little Help for the Fella's)

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 scale
2. 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 scale
4. 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)

Foley + Corinna Beaded Tank Dress

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.

Holiday Dressing Part Three- Christmas Day

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).

Holiday Party Look Two

I cannot resist metallics for holiday or sumptuous silks EVER so its only natural that this next blouse is one of my pics for another upcoming event. Myne's Frankie Blouse is one of the loves of my life. The color, fabric, shape, and tiny gold-tone buttons make it the perfect holiday piece. I plan to pair it with super skinny Elizabeth and James black trousers and booties (most likely also by Elizabeth and James- what can I say- I have an ADDICTION). I also like wearing skinny pants when everyone in the room will be wearing dresses. As a hopeless romantic I am powerless against gorgeous chandelier earrings so I will once again turn to Sophia & Chloe this time selecting their Rhapsody earrings in a fun shade of fuschia to brighten up the face. Then I plan on throwing on my favorite new coat which will take you anywhere this holiday season- Alice + Olivia's Lace Plaid Coat. Swept up hair and smokey eye complete the perfect hoilday look.

Holiday Dressing- Party Look One

I absolutely love the holiday season. The snow, smell of pine, family being together, great food- it doesnt get any better. One of my favorite things about the holidays is the slew of parties that call for the perfect outfit. (My favorite part of ANY party or event is always getting dressed up. Well, that and champagne.) This holiday season I have far more gatherings than any previous year, maybe because after a rough year people are craving something special and times with people they love. Since putting outfits together is my favorite hobby I thought maybe I would recommend a few. Naturally, Elizabeth and James has created my favorite holiday piece with their gorgeous Vanessa Blouse in oyster. I have always been a huge fan of anything even somewhat Grecian and asymetrical and this blouse fits the bill. I plan to pair it with a high waisted black bandage skirt and black tights (I live in black tights. LIVE.) and fun shoes- maybe these Jade T-Strap sandals, also by Elizabeth and James. The look then screams for glamorous jewelry so I will pull out these stunning chandeliers by Sophia & Chloe. Grab a clutch (I'm partial to this GORGEOUS vintage suede Chanel clutch that I continuously steal out of my mother's closet. Holiday look one complete.

New LNA

LNA is one of my favorite lines for great basics with a twist. During winter long sleeve tees are a must. I highly recommend LNA's long sleeve back tail tee. Available in both heather and black, it elevates the style of the basic you will live in. Another great long sleeve option is LNA's long sleeve zipper pocket tee with an on trend zipper. While these long sleeve tees are great I have to say my favorite is LNA's ripped v-neck tee in black. Rather than wearing it with nothing underneath I pair it with a sequined Free People tank so that a hint of sparkle peeks out through the slits.

While I am not usually a huge leggings girl- i typically favor tights- LNA has blown me away with their riding pant leggings. As a former equestrian (I rode hunter/ jumpers growing up) I could not resist the charms of LNA's take on the trend. Get your pair now because they will not be in stock for long!
xo manda

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."

NV Welcomes Foley + Corinna

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.

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.