New Years Eve Ideas

Hey Y'all,

So I'm gonna go ahead and apologize that I don't have a NYC neighborhood shopping rundown ready for this week. What can I say...your fashionista's schedule is packed to the brim with parties and what nots, and I just can't get to it at the moment. I'll do my best to get a start later this week when things are a wee bit quieter. But again, no promises.

So I'm currently doing a lil window shopping for New Years Eve dresses, and I really like the sequin look, as featured in this spread from last Friday's Women's Wear Daily:


and as Thandie Newton is sporting in this picture:

Beautiful.

Every single magazine under the sun has advertised this $198 French Connection dress:

What can I say, it's super cute. It would look amazing with tights and some chunky sandals, but I promise, 5 girls will have this dress on at any party you go to.

Same case for this Club Monaco dress that Joy Bryant is sporting:

It's $298. A lot of money for a dress you might wear just once.

I went online searching for a few alternatives.

This dress by Adrianna Papell:

Is a wee bit more affordable at $179 at Nordstrom.

Another option is to buy a sequin top, and wear it with dark jeans, like this top by BCBG:

Which is about $300 at Nordstrom.

You could also wear a sequin blazer like this $500 one by Isli:

With an understated top and a cute jeans.

The problem with sequins: they're so expensive! I haven't found any affordable options online....maybe I'll go with a different design (satin, prints, great accessories) for New Years Eve.
I'll let you know what I decide.
Smootches!
Sales, Sales
* From NY Mag: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Store is taking 20 to 50 percent off sculpture reproductions, books, and stationery.
When: 12/19–1/31; for store locations and hours, call 800-468-7386.

The Bomb Gift Guide for the Frugal and Fabulous

Holiday Time is here!
The lights are up, sales are on, and the weather's...mild.
Anyway, if you've been procrastinating (as I have) on buying holiday presents, don't despair. I've compiled a few frugal ($50 or less) and fabulous stocking stuffers for the fashionable people in your life. Find 'em online and order just in time!

First up: BFF/Sister
Show your girl some love with this $34 square buckle braided wide belt from Urban Outfitters:

It's trendy, hip, and will fit seamlessly into any divalicious wardrobe. Comes in brown, black, or ivory.

The next bomb item is this luminous leaf necklace from Urban Outfitters:

A veritable steal at $18, this necklace's cute yet simple design will deliver an understated accent to any outfit. Bonus: No worries about size!

No worries about size either with this 5-piece set of bangles by A.V. Max:

These "go-with-anything" bracelets are $41 at girlshop.com.

Lastly, for the friend who has it all (there are a few), try ordering some Personalized Princess Stationary...

...so she can send notes in high style. $50 for a set of 20 at www.thestationerystudio.com.

Next on the holiday list? Let's take care of your boyfriend/brother/guy friend.
Ask any guy what they want and it's like pulling teeth (trust me, I know).
Anything having to do with electronics is a 'go,' so I found these Fabrix Ipod Holders:


They come in cute styles for guys and gals, and are only $20 at www.fabrixcases.com.

Hoodies are also huge this season, and Dr. Jay's has a large selection. This Mecca hoody...

...is about $40.

And this Nylon Printed Hoody:

...is $50.

Lastly, for guys, I fancied this $40 hat by Diesel:

Get it at Urban Outfitters online.

Moms and Dads are a little tougher to buy for when the limit is $50, but the following items have potential.

For Mom, these $20 Ann Taylor tipped gloves are a good look:


And this matching scarf is $25...

...at www.anntaylor.com.

Still stumped? You can never go wrong with a magazine subscription.

Buy your fashionable mom a subscription to Vogue for $18.

Now for Dads.
Any business man can use a card case, and this one by Ennis....

is $39 at www.ExtraordinaryNy.com

This Blackberry holder is at Ann Taylor...

...but I think a man could get away with this $38 one.

And lastly, go ahead and get Dad a magazine subscription as well....

....he can get two years of GQ for only $20.

Finally, for anyone on your list, you can never go wrong with style centered books or DVD's!

At www.amazon.com you can buy...
1 complete season of Sex and the City....

...for $50.

Seasons 1-3 of fashion centered British Comedy Absolutely Fabulous....

...for $30.

Divalicious reads, like Dress your Best by Clinton and Stacy...

...for $19.

The Budget Fashionista by Kathryn Finney....

...for $13.

The Pocket Stylist by Kendall Farr...

...for $20.

Andre Leon Talley's memoir...

...for $35.

And of course, Fabulosity by Kimora Lee Simmons...

...for only $26.

Gifts that keep on giving:)
Smootches!

Real Style: Atlanta Edition

Hey Y'all,

As some of you may know, I'm a Southern Georgia Peach, transplanted to New York City. Always on the lookout for fashionable people, I tried my hand at taking pictures of a few of Atlanta's stylish men and women during a recent trip.

One wknd I went to a bar at Atlanta's new Atlantic Station and snapped pictures of a few peeps.

This first duo...


...looked great in their stylish belts, skinny jeans, and stillettos. I really liked how the girl on the right's earrings matched her shoes.

This chick....


...shined because of her funky hair and detailed trench.

For the men...


...this dude was the only one in the house wearing herringbone and an ascot with sneaks.

And lastly, this guy...

...matched his T-shirt to his Nikes, and accented the whole 'fit with a cool belt.

Peace Up, A-town down (Smootches)!

Want great places to shop in Atlanta???
My fabulous sister recommends the following boutiques:
*Go to Bill Hallman (www.shopbillhallman.com)
for unique soho inspired pieces. Bill Hallman is located in Little Five Points and Virginia Highlands (bonus: Virginia highlands features great vintage dresses, shoes and clutches).

*Pieces of Adrene (www.piecesofadrene.com) has great one-of-a-kind finds. Perfect for club outfits to get crunk!

*Envy (www.theenvylife.com) has great club clothes for the grown and sexy.

*Tease (www.teaseshirtjunkie.com) is a small boutique, perfect for those looking to make a statement. They feature a line of ethnic friendly shirts, including messages like "Little brown girl" and "I love my hair"!

*If all else fails you can head to Lenox Mall-shopping central where the young and fabulous of A-town hang. Recently spotted in Lacoste, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton were Andre 3000, Usher, and Bow Wow getting their shop on. And if these stores aren't "posh" enough for your tastes, head across the street to Phipps Plaza, home to Atlanta's most elite stores.