Gift Guide: For All Your Girls

We're in prime shopping season now. While most women are pretty easy to shop for (at least I think so), it can be hard to get them something they haven't already gotten themselves.  I've put together a couple things that would be great gifts for all the fabulous ladies in your life - your mom, sister, aunt, or best friend.  These are all great items for any type of lady from the fashion obsessed to the kitchen queens - here are 7 great gifts for all your girls.....

1: A cult favorite - this is for the makeup obsessed girl who knows her stuff.  This palate features warm rose gold shades, perfect for any skin tone. Naked 3 Palate $52

2: For the DIY kind of chick, this is a simple DIY project that you can make by using a quote from their favorite public figure, song or maybe even a thing you say to each other.  Click HERE to find out how to make it.

3: Give this to a very special fashionista! Alexa Chung's book "It" is a collection of her drawing, writings, photographs, personal styling tips and thoughts on love, life and music.
"It" by Alexa Chung $19.32

4: Keep them warm and looking fab with cute winter accessories like these gloves.
Gloves by Mango $30

5: Know someone who loves to cook?  Get them an adorable addition to their kitchen
Muffin Dish $34.99

6: This infuser mug is perfect for anyone who loves tea especially loose leaf tea.
Blue Peony Tea Infuser Mug $19.95 

7: Great as a hostess gift, St. Germain is a delicious elderberry liquor perfect for enhancing white wine or champagne.  This can be found at most liquor stores. Find out more HERE

Gift Guide: Pretty Presents Without the Hassle

Ah the holidays!  Tis the season to be jolly - right? Not so much - at least not the last minute shopping part.  Are you finding yourself going through a mental list of what to get who and when you're going to find the time to get it? I know I am.  Have you found that you're sort of bored with the presents you given out in the past couple of years - the latest Jodi Picoult novel for mom, Yankee candles for your sister and Essie nail polish for your girlfriends?

This year, try to go with something new, something unique and something that will make you feel good; give back by purchasing your gifts from local businesses around the area.  

Thankfully our friends at Pretty Living PR have created the Bible of local shopping guides for all gifts pretty and sweet.  "Pretty Presents" is a local shopping catalog with tons of gorgeous, unique and locally made things that you can order.  The best thing about it?  It helps support small businesses around the area and gives the customer special rates not found anywhere else. 

Now you can do your shopping from home and have them delivered right to your door.  How sweet is that?  

Be sure to check out Pretty Living PR by clicking here

STYLE: What to Wear to (Any) Thanksgiving Dinner

Going Out to Eat:

(h&m)

Skirt & Tights
Why it works: Going out can mean a bit of a dressier occasion.  Depending on how dressy the place is, you may even feel obliged to wear something dressier. Pairing a sweater with a skirt in a warmer material like tweed or wool, tights and heeled boots, is a fail-safe ensemble for going out to Thanksgiving dinner.

"Friends"giving:

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Long Cardigan
Why it works:  You're among friends who are likely to be around your age who are more "hip" to what's in and what's not.  So why not wear a long, cozy, fabulous, statement of a cardigan that presents an equally fabulous outfit underneath (skinny jeans, loose fitting top with a great statement necklace)?  It's Friendsgiving, you don't have to worry about any elderly-folk questioning your get up.

Hosting Dinner:

Pretty Dress
Why it works: Are you hosting dinner this year?  Is your centerpiece gorgeous? Table settings flawless? Lighting is beautiful? And the house is smelling divine?  Great, now make sure you don't come stumbling out of the kitchen makeup-less and covered in turkey juice and powdered sugar!  You want your outfit to be just as presentable as your home, but not so luxurious that it might make your guests feel underdressed (unless you requested a dressier occasion) - after all you are home.

Boyfriend's Parent's House:

Pretty Blouse
Why it works: Now is not the time to pull out your sexiest heels and your lowest swoop neck sweaters (save that for New Years eve).  If you're going to be with your significant other's family on Thanksgiving, you want to look put together and approachable because you're most likely going to be meeting his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, and you don't want them to be afraid to strike up a conversation with you, but you also want them to notice just how pretty and fabulous you are!

Low Key Dinner:

(fashionworship)

Cozy Sweater
Why it works: Spending the holiday alone?  Or just a quiet night with a friend(s) or loved one?  Low key holidays are sometimes the best (or worst depending on your mood), but the best thing to be is comfy and warm. So snuggle up with a thick, oversized sweater, your regular ol' jeans, and a scarf to keep you warm.

Relative's House:

Casual Chic
Why it works: You want to be comfortable but not look it. Look polished with a nice button down, slim fitting pants, a nice pump and sophisticated and subtle accessories. There's no need to be overly dressy but you don't want to look like you don't care.  Be comfortable enough to have seconds, curl up on the couch for small talk and drinks, hold babies and take tons of pictures, but don't look like you've let yourself go.

Multiple-Dinner Plans:

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Festive and comfortable
Why it works: Crazy day of long drives and multiple dinners? Try to wear something comfortable but with festive colors; you don't know what the mood of each dinner is going to be, so might as well look festive, if not for your own sanity as well - it'll brighten up the day.  Try to stick with a sensible flat boot. The last thing you want to be worrying about is your aching feet.


Have a great holiday everyone!! xoxo

Top 5 Tuesday | 5 Essential Boots for Fall (and Where to Get Them)

It's amazing how much effect the weather has over our everyday lives.  How much thought we put into our daily things just to be prepared for the weather.  We change our tires, insulate our windows, wear more layers; it seems that in colder weather it's always best to think ahead and be prepared for whatever kind of weather may come - at least in the East Coast!

I can remember when I first came to college, I wasn't aware of how much walking I would be doing and therefore never thought to invest in a good pair of boots for the rainy fall days and slushy winter nights.  It didn't take long to realize that my pair of beat up KEDS and ballet flats weren't going to do the trick for the cold days ahead.  Being from the West Coast, boots always felt a little strange to me.  Like I was going to do something very outdoorsy and manly in them.  It took me a while to figure out what looked right on me, because not all boots are made for everyone and everyone (at least living on East Coast) needs their boots for different purposes. 

 So here are 5 boots that make sense for any lifestyle and a few places around the area that you can find your perfect Fall boot...

The Wedge

(HighHeelsandHangovers)

The wedge boot is the answer to all city walker's prayers.  They're high enough to create a sultry strut and bump you up a few notches, but comfortable and stable enough to be worn all day without the agonizing pain of spike heels. They go with practically anything.  My favorite way to see the wedge boot is with a short skirt and tights.  

PGH Find: I recently found some awesome wedge boots at Target for under $40.  

 The Equestrian

Olivia Palermo in Riding Boots

Nothing says Fall more than the perfect riding boot.  There's something so classic and effortless about they way they look paired with tight fitting jeans and an over sized sweater or coat.  They're comfortable enough as an everyday shoe, yet stylish enough to wear out and about. My personal favorites are the ones that are over the knee and free of any buckles, obvious zippers or any other embellishments. 

PGH Find:  Ten Toes in Shadyside has a great collection of riding boots this year.  

The Rain Boot

Hunter Boots (GBO Fashion)

A good pair of rain boots is one of the best wardrobe investments ever.  They are durable, easy to clean, long lasting and insanely chic.  I would wear these like a pair of riding boots only with rain boots I think you can be more creative with the color and pattern.  It's the one boot that the more creative the color, the more stylish it becomes.  

PGH Find: Little's Shoes in Squirrel Hill carries Hunters. Click HERE for more info. 

The Combat

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It's the "bad kid" of the Fall boot must-have list; the combat boot is edgy with a tomboy twist. The most recent styles are the floppy, undone, folded over ones or highly embellished punk ones that slouch or cut off at the ankle.  The combat boot is comfortable and sensible for cold, wet Fall weather and adds instant rock n' roll to any outfit.  

PGH Find: Ten Toes always has the best selection of combat boots every Fall! 

 

The Sexy

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Most of these boots serve a specific purpose: comfort, warmth, dryness, and mobility, but you have to have that one pair of shoes in every season's arsenal whose main purpose is to turn heads. Sky high, sexy, look-at-me boots for those days where you just need to feel hot. There are different heights and widths and inches meant for all body types.  Some like a super tall boot that reaches over the knee, some like a slouchy mid-calf with a chunkier heel, or some go for a buckled, pirate-wench look that's a little more edgy.  Either way, find your perfect "sexy" boots for this season to make any outfit instantly hot.

PGH Find:  Take a look at Primadonna in Shadyside!  

Monday Spotlight | Jazmin Jackson

When I met local designer Jazmin Jackson last year at her Launch Party/ Fashion Show, I was remember being blown away at how wearable and sophisticated her line JAZMEEN was. As each model sashayed across the runway, I thought "I would wear that, and that, and that, oh and that!" Every piece was completely understanding of a woman's physique and could easily be portrayed in a young professional's working wardrobe. JAZMEEN is a line that speaks out as a declaration of chic sophistication with a twist of new age style.

This year, it's no surprise that Jackson has up'ed her game. With a few new bold, head-turning pieces and a finalists position in the ELLE x Byco Design Challenge, nothing can stand in her way. I was able to take a moment and speak to Jazmin about her line, snag some style tips, and talk about the ELLE contest.

Finalist piece: The Carolina Kaleidoscope Fit & Flare Dress by JAZMEEN 

1- Tell me about your line, anything new since we last saw you?

JAZMEEN continues to adorn women with sensible statement pieces. From wedding gowns to a new collection with my very own custom printed fabrics. I recently featured work at the Father Ryan Arts center.

2- How would you describe your personal style?

If it's not comfortable, it's not for me. If I don't feel confident and happy wearing it, it's not for me. I LOVE COLOR! My smile is my greatest accessory.

3- How have you changed/grown as a designer?

I'm featuring my artistic skills more in my designs with my custom printed fabrics and I'm a member of Tech Shop in Bakery Square experimenting with laser cut technology. Super excited!

4- Any style tips for the Fall/Winter season?

My go to item this Fall/Winter are wedge ankle boots! They're versatile, comfortable, and functional. I pair with skirts, skinnies, and wide leg trousers. And best of all, I don't have to sacrifice comfort for style.

5 - Talk about the ELLE contest.

Elle teamed up with Byco.com to create a design competition where Byco will manufacture & sell the winning design and Elle will document the creation process of the design and do a feature story in their January 2014 issue. Over 250 designs were submitted and I'm currently a top 5 finalist!

Be sure to check out and follow JAZMEEN:

Website

Tumblr

Facebook

STYLE: Girl Power: JAZMEEN brings "The Lady" back for Fall 2012

     Just when I thought summer's boho-futuristic looks - with its flowing sheer skirts and mermaid colored ombre-hair - was going to tragically bleed into the fall/winter season, along came JAZMEEN.  The launch of fashion designer, Jazmin Jackson's line JAZMEEN, promises cleaner silhouettes and a more refined look for the colder seasons.  JAZMEEN's Fall 2012 collection steer's clear of the past season's loose grungy looks and reestablishes a very novel idea - dressing like a lady.

    The Fall 2012 collection is all about old school nostalgia, bold colors and embracing the female figure.  Crayon colored flared pants took the runway with skin tight turtle necks and groovy silk blouses for a sexy retro-working girl vibe. Flirty high-waisted pencil dresses and a charming classic a-lined dress - a la Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face - made a sassy debut for the fall.  The collection is timeless, fun, elegant and sensible for the professional girl.

STYLE: A Night at the Ballet (and what to wear for it)

I LOVE ballet!  My mom used to be a ballerina when she was younger, so I grew up with an appreciation for ballet (and the fear of bad posture).  So she and I kicked off our Christmas season by going to see The Nutcracker at the Benedum Center. With it's luxurious interior and its rich history of entertainment, The Benedum Center is one of the most interesting and beautiful venues I have ever been to!  How could you NOT dress up for it?  But it can be hard to dress up for the holidays; you never know where the fine line between "festive" and "ridiculous" lies, you want to be comfortable, but you also want to look fabulous - there are decisions to be made here!  The ballet is a perfect starting point to set the example of how to dress for the holidays because all the same things apply: you want to be comfortable, look great, take great pictures, and be festive but not cheesy.  I was pleased to see how many people put some real effort into their  ballet ensemble and how elegant everyone looked.  So let your fellow Pittburghers help you pick out your holiday ensemble.

Here are my favorite outfits from that night, I hope it inspires some wonderful holiday outfits for you!!

Festive Colors: Play with holiday colors by choosing different shades, tones, and textures.  The structure of this dress along with simple accessories and ankle strap heels keeps this look polished and grown-up while showing off a great shade of red.

Holiday Chic: Change up your usual LBD (Little Black Dress) by choosing something with an interesting neckline and/or sleeve.  Keep it chic with natural glowy makeup and a sleek updo.

Simple Elegance: The holidays are a great time to experiment with colors and textiles.  A cherry red coat adds a festive pop of color and a shining beaded top in a simple color is formal and yet whimsical.

Something Different:  For those who aren't into getting "glam" and "dolled-up," you can still look great by mixing colors and prints for an interesting "hip" look. 

Holiday Shine: Jewel tones and jewel encrusted pieces are ideal for the holidays, whether your celebrating in a group, with a significant other, or solo, it's bound to attract attention and be a point of interest.

Urban Festive:  Want to wear a holiday color without losing your cool? Add a fitted blazer like this one to your outfit for an effortless and urban look.

The One-Thing:  If you find that you just don't have (or want to wear) anything festive, pick at least one thing: accessory, color, neckline, ect., that changes the whole look.  These ladies do a great job of turning an all black outfit, into glamorous holiday ensembles fit for the theater with streams of pearls and a high collared ruffle in chartreuse!  

STYLE: StyleSegment.com Celebrates Fashionable Pittsburgh

Anyone who lives in Pittsburgh can agree, that Pittsburgh is quite a small city both dimensionally and socially.  It narrows down even more when you start to specify interests.  Each interest be it sports, arts, entertainment, service industry and even fashion, have their own tight knit groups that often see each other at the same social outings - which makes for perfect networking!! Pittsburgh's own Racheallee Lacek from StyleSegment.com, made this come to life with "Fashionable Pittsburgh" - a new "happy hour -style" gathering of all the local Fashion-Heads!  The event paid homage to two local fashion designers Golden Skyy and Elaine Healy, who displayed pieces from their new collection.  The crowd was a wonderful cocktail of local designers, makeup artists, photographers, journalists, bloggers, PR people, agents, models, and boutique owners. It was a successful night of mingling, networking and stylish outfits.  It made me feel so proud to be noted as a part of this very tight knit group in Fashionable Pittsburgh!!

Cruze Lounge crowd

Featured Designers Golden Skyy and Elaine Healy

Couture piece by Golden Skyy

Golden Skyy talks about his inspiration for his newest collection. 

Dress by Elaine Healy

Elaine Healy discusses her collection.

The Lovely Host, Racheallee Lacek from Style Segment.com

Sophisticated Evening Look

Nancy Kay from Nancy Kay Designs

Anna Bender 

Jonano owner &designer Bonnie Siefers

Makeup Artist Katherine Reel

Lauren Doyle and Martin Potoczny

Photographer Robert Hester prepares for his next shot

Bella Capelli Academy leader and advisors Desiree Powell and Megan Graham

STYLE: Happy Thanksgiving!!

Oh Thanksgiving.  Not my favorite holiday but it is nice to see family and friends and eat amazing food.  The trouble with Thanksgiving is that you may easily find yourself in a situation where you have several outings to go to; your family, your boyfriend's family, a friend's dinner party.  Each have their own expectations and each have a ton of food waiting to be consumed.  So what to wear for such an occasion?  Something fabulous of course to impress the fam, something comfortable to handle all that food and traveling from house to house, and something warm because it is COLD!

A warm sweater, skinny jeans, wedge boots and a scarf are a perfect combo for a cold day of traveling, eating and taking pictures!