IT TAKES BALLS

I hate New Year's Eve. I think I've seen Dick Clark's "Rockin' New Year's Eve" TV special once. Yes it's pathetic that I prefer to stay in my pajamas while others are getting tipsy and are joyously ringing in the new year, however, these disco beauties could change my mind. A party with these as the placeholders? Or strung around a chandelier? Or cloistered in a glass vase? Pour me a glass of champagne. These balls are worth staying up for.

www.plumparty.com

IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

Let's face it. Nothing says Christmas like kids. Smiling faces. Appreciative of the little things. Always joyous and innocent. Okay, so maybe that's stretching it but luckily Christmas does seem to bring out the appreciative parent. Temper tantrums and all..we sure are glad they're around.

If only Christmas could come every day.

Happy Holidays.

LEFT, LEFT, LEFT RIGHT LEFT!

While I'm not entering into the army, I'd kinda like to look like I am. Khaki/army inspired shirts and jackets strike just the right note once the weather starts to warm (whenever that will be). You can feminize them with gold accessories or super feminine hair. Either way you'll be right in step for Spring.

INSPIRATION

If you're not visiting The Sartorialist blog on a daily basis yet, you should. It presents daily hits of street fashion from New York to Australia to Spain. Gorgeous snapshots of eccentrically glamorous women and men with serious fashion guts. It will open your mind to all the possibilities just waiting to be found in your very own closet.

www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com

GLITTERATI

Every little girl loves glitter but that doesn't mean she wants to be covered head to toe in it. If you have a discerning sophisticate on your hands try out the J.Crew glitter kids' belt. It can create that uptown/dowtown balance when paired over an oversized army green oxford, grey leggings and UGGS. All I can say is, do they have it in my size?

www.jcrew.com

VOLUME FOR LESS

I don't like to spend money unnecessarily. Who does? Which is why I never buy $25 mascara when I can get the most fabulous one for $8. People say it's all in the brush, but I disagree. When doing a fashion show or putting makeup on clients I don't use the brush the mascara comes with... I have to use the more sanitary, disposable brushes. It's all in how you apply. Place brush at base of lashes firmly, wiggle a little bit and then coat the rest of the lashes. Repeat, repeat, repeat until desired effect is achieved. Now all you have to do is figure out what to do with that extra $17 you saved.

www.cvs.com

CREATING A DYNASTY

Did you ever wear a dress to a party when Dynasty and Dallas were the top TV shows? If you did, it's time to get your long, pointy, hot pink, Carrington claws on it. It'll be perfect for that holiday party you just got invited to and you know no one else will have it. Just shorten it, subtract a few bows and make a scene...... Alexis-Krystle style.

WRAP IT UP

I like bows. I like presents. What's not to like, right? Same goes for these accessories by Kate Spade. The Bourgeois ring and flats. Festive. Fun. And cheap enough for the bourgeois in all of us.

www.katespade.com

TEAM POMEGRANATE

Girls are mercurial. Team Edward one day, Team Jacob the next. Cherry Crush one day, Pomegranate the next. Boys. Makeup. It all depends on the day. For today, Jacob and Pomegranate are my new favorites. Just like the original Cherry Crush... Pomegranate lip and cheek stain is sheer and weightless but the color is a bit more pink than red. You won't have to stand out in the cold for 2 hours to get those winter pink cheeks....it's just too bad it doesn't come with a Pomegranate martini.

www.stilacosmetics.com

I BELIEVE

MAD SCARF

When I was 18, my mother took me to Paris and bought me my first CHANEL. A red and white silk scarf that I fell in love with instantly. I wrapped it around my head a la Grace Kelly, but instead of looking elegant, I looked old and crazy. I tried wearing it around my neck....still crazy, but in a Mary Tyler Moore way. Then I remembered Flo, best friend to Alice. She wore scarves around her neck but she also decorated all her purses with them too. Voila! Finally a way to wear my beloved scarf and not be totally nuts.

SWEETER THAN PIE

Listen up. This necklace has your name on it. Well, it has my name on it so wait to order it until I can get my hands on it. I can't figure out if I want to eat it or wear it, it looks so sweet. "Cherry Pie" necklace by Isabel Harvey is one sugary confection we can all feel good about.

www.isabelharvey.com

ANN'S BACK

Remember when Ann Taylor was your "go to" for cocktail dresses and baubles to go with? It's been a while since that was the case but lately Ann Taylor is making a comeback. With beautiful knits, simple but well proportioned dresses, jewelry that is feminine and current. Finally.

Wear it with that simple black dress and it'll be Taylor made for you.

www.anntaylor.com

NECK WARMER

I know you've seen scarves worn really long and really thin. They're a "look" and a layering tool but they definitely don't serve much purpose. They certainly don't keep you WARM. Now that winter is fast approaching, staying warm is key. Wrap it up close to your neck... even long wool wraps can be worn as a scarf. Warm and chic. I'm all choked up.

ALL BARK

I am not a baker but luckily I don't have to be. I have the easiest recipe for chocolate bark that is super healthy and delicious. It will leave you feeling satisfied; it's super low in carbohydrates; it's good for your skin and health and it won't get in the way of you fitting into that size 4 Christmas dress.

3 Tablespoons Green and Black cocoa powder

3 Tablespoons MELTED Spectrum organic coconut oil

3 suirts liquid Stevia

handful of walnuts

In flat shallow tupperware container mix all ingredients until smooth. Put in refrigerator and let cool (about 25 min). Once hard, cut into pieces and enjoy. Bark and bite all in one.

SOLAR POWER

I went to New York this weekend and while I saw plenty of amazing fashion and decorative items.... the real find in NYC was a face cream. Summer is officially over but the sun's rays are still out, damaging our face (like we need more of that). The need for heavy sunscreen is over but you still need to be protected and do it naturally. Devita moisturizer has TRANSPARENT zinc oxide instead of the more common white/grey zinc that is in my other favorites. This means it's fantastic under makeup, is sheer and absorbs easily. It leaves the skin soft and supple but protected and not from a bunch of chemicals. Sorry Neutrogena.

www.organicbeautyworld.com

HERE I GO AGAIN

I thought this look would never return but everything in fashion makes a comeback so here it is. Acid wash jeans are everywhere and some are better than others. If you don't feel like looking like a leftover Whitesnake groupie you might want to err on the gentler version of acid wash. A more bleached out version rather than full out acid. Free People's bleached grey jeans are true to the 80's but styled for today.

"Is this love, that I'm feeling? Is this the love... that I've been looking for.. is this love, or am I dreaming.......?"

www.freepeople.com

PLUM CHOICE

Here I go again with the Sugar Plum Fairy references. As my daughter would say about her love of wearing head-to-toe pink and the love of pink in general, "I just can't help it."

These are sooooo ethereal and so utterly feminine...so Sugar Plum! The tutu dressed girl inside me is desperately hoping to see these in her Christmas stocking this year. Hint. Hint.

www.jcrew.com

SWEET SPOT

While I'm a big fan of dresses that look like cupcakes I'm also a really big fan of the cupcake itself. I don't need a birthday to celebrate the pure perfection these little treats offer and neither do you. That's the beauty of them. They fit every mood and every occasion or non occasion. Somehow you are okay buying a few cupcakes out of the blue but would feel weird buying an entire cake. SWEET in Back Bay and Harvard Square offers the prettiest, yummiest cupcakes around, baked fresh every day. You really don't need a reason to get them. Just get them.

www.sweetcupcakes.com

DRESS ME, KATE

The holidays are around the corner which means holiday parties. It's the one time you can get away with wearing sequins and sparkles galore and not feel overdone. Topshop's Kate Moss Christmas Collection has to plenty to offer for a shin dig but this sequin mini dress is to die for. It hits mid-thigh and has a plunging neckline (although not quite as plunging as they've made it out to be in this picture) but has long sleeves and weighted fabric. It's the right combination of covered and uncovered. Sparkly but subdued in color. So pretty. Dress me, and kiss me, Kate.

www.topshop.com

CONVERSING AGAIN

If Converse sneakers never turned you on, I get it. Too round. Too long. Too white. Too clunky. Save it for the boys right? Well, no longer. If all you needed was a little bit of sparkle to warm your heart, you're in luck. Free People's embellished high top will make even the biggest Converse detractors smile. Rabbit feet never looked so good.

www.freepeople.com

MAKING UP

Just thought another before and after might be fun. There is no limit to what makeup can do. What could makeup do for you?

LONG GONE?

It used to be said that once you reached a "certain" age you should cut your hair. Luckily that rule, along with so many others regarding age has disappeared, but I wonder what prompted it in the first place? Is it the hair? Is it the face? Is it just in the attitude? Maybe it's all three. If your face, attitude and style can handle the length, fine. If your face is dripping down like a basset hound like mine is, maybe a cut is in order. Hello salon? 2:00 appointment please......

MUFFIN TOPS ARE FOR EATING

You've heard it before but apparently you're not listening. Muffin tops are the best part of a muffin. Slightly crispy, sugared hopefully, just doughy enough. THAT is the breakfast version. The body version is horribly frightening and needs to be put to an end. When your pants are a) too tight and b) too low, it creates a muffin top. It's not pretty and it's not cute. Put down the muffins and eat an apple instead or at least get a bigger pair of pants.

FURRRRRIFIC!

Nothing says posh like a fur coat. Or a fur hat. Or a fur collar. Whatever fur you choose, even if it's faux-fur, it will drastically change your look. Even a pair of khakis can't look boring when paired with the luxury of fur. And unlike some winter coats, fur coats actually keep you warm, and isn't that the whole point? Thinking of wearing that old puffy jacket? Fur-get it.

SOLE SLIPPERS

My daughter walks around constantly on her tippy toes. She pretty much likes her shoes depending on whether she can stand on her toes and do pirouettes in them. Fair enough. I love the excitement she shows for them and I secretly long to be that excited about my shoes as well. And now I am. These London Sole flats look like a grown up version of something the Sugar Plum Fairy would bust out if she had a choice to wear anything but pink. My inner ballerina is Tendu-ing all across the living room floor.

www.londonsole.com

MAN'S WORLD

If you're having a hard time locating a great cardigan sweater, try looking in the mens' department. I did just that at a recent fly-by at American Eagle. While the womens' sweaters were lightweight and flimsy and sometimes too brightly colored or with overly whimsical detailing, the mens' sweaters were heavier weighted, tailored and in great colors. I scooped this sweater right up in an extra small and it fits perfectly. Not too tight and not too short. Sometimes boys rule.

www.ae.com

WALK OF SHAME

First let me say, there is nothing, NOTHING, like a pair of Louboutin heels. The craftsmanship, the line of the shoe, the quality of the materials. They're worth every penny. They are works of art and art can be expensive. However, there are times when you only want a shoe for one night and one night only. Who wants to spend that kind of money for one night?

Bakers shoes, while certainly not quality, manage to get "the look" a lot of the time. And for under $100 it's one 1 night stand you can't resist.

www.bakersshoes.com

HEADS UP

Looks like little Blair may have to ditch her headbands at college but that doesn't mean you have to. If you're feeling your inner Gossip Girl check out bycarolina.com for these sassy and not too pristine headbands.

www.bycarolina.com

DUCK DUCK BOOTS

Listen up boys and girls.... it's time to clear out your closet and find your old duck boots. The older the better, the more ragged the hotter. Yes they're preppy but they're a classic and fit in nicely with the ladylike and gentleman trends that are happening right now. And for those who have to muck around at soccer games or trek through nature walks with your kids, even better. They work and they're an original. The boots are it.

www.llbean.com

EASY ON THE EYES

Are you still trying to figure out how to create a smoky eye? Are you buying more kits promising the ease of the smoky eye but instead of appearing sexy-smoky you look scary-racoony? Your search is over. Ready? Ready for how easy a smoky eye can be? Here it is. All you need are three things. Nars Mudd Club pencil, black eyeliner and black mascara. Line your upper lid generously with Mudd liner then blend with your finger to cover your entire lid (Mudd liner is very soft and acts like a shadow when smudged). Then use Mudd to line your lower lid just outside your lash line. Now use your black eyeliner to line your inner upper and inner lower lash line and smudge both. Add a lot of mascara and you are smoked.

www.narscosmetics.com

ZARA ONLINE!!!

I'm not sure much more needs to be said. Zara is going online. Their current website offers a lookbook but purchasing hasn't been an option. Come Autumn/Winter 2010 that will no longer be the case. Pinch me.

www.zara.com

MY MAMA

For those who say makeup makes you look older, I beg to differ. When done correctly, makeup can erase what mother nature should have never intended. When my mom turned 50 (shown here) she wanted makeup that could make her look youthful but also sophisticated. A little eyeliner, matte neutral eye shadow, tinted moisturizer and gloss easily helped create a decidedly younger version. Mother Nature can suck it.

VAMPED

Balenciaga is doing it. Fendi is doing it. Bergdorf's is doing it. This does NOT mean that you should do it too. While vampires may be hot (yes, I'll admit, I'm as obsessed with Edward from Twilight as any tween girl out there) makeup is not the way to bring out your inner vamp. Stick to dark goth toenails or fingernails... maybe the occasional darker plum lipstick but that's it. Take it any further and you just wind up looking....dead.

BABY MAMA 33 WEEKS

Layering can sometimes make you look like #15 on the football team but when done right, it can actually be slimming and interesting. Just like fabrics and colors in a house, giving an outfit different dimensions, color and texture is super appealing. When you're pregnant, it can slim the belly and also add needed warmth when the weather gets chilly.

TO BUY OR TO RENT, THAT IS THE QUESTION

So you have a big event coming up. Major players will be there from the fashion world but the highest level of fashion attire you have is a last year's markdown from Nordstrom's. You know you can't wear that, but your budget doesn't allow for a brand new $2,000 Prada ensemble either. So how about renting for the night? Weartodaygonetomorrow.com has garments for rent for as little as $200 from designers such as Stella McCartney and Dolce & Gabbana. You have the garment for a week, dry clean it and ship it back. It's just like Cinderella, only you get to pick the dress instead of your fairy godmother.

www.weartodaygonetomorrow.com

FASHION WEEK

For anyone living in the Boston area who can also stay up past midnight...this could be an event worth going to.

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AIM HIGH

There's nothing wrong with having a budget only meant for JcPenny but not knowing how to pick and choose from JcPenny is. Train your eye to the highest level possible. That goes for fashion and it goes for interiors. Ditch those Pottery Barn catalogs and start reading Architectural Digest. Say no to Glamour and study VOGUE and BAZAAR instead. Once your eye is trained to the finer design elements, you'll know exactly what works and what doesn't work in the lower priced markets.

DRESS IN RED

'Tis the season for red. Lipstick is a good start...shoes are even better. But nothing can compare to a simple red dress. You most likely already have a little black dress so this season treat yourself to a little red dress. Giambattista Valli's dress is so simple yet so perfectly draped...it's a must have. Are you RED-Y?

www.matchesfashion.com

RIDE IT

Fall is here. Kids are back in school and unfortunately the air is getting chillier. Say good bye to your flip flops and roman sandals...socks and boots are making their comeback. But it's not time for the heavy, keep your toes from freezing boots and it's not always practical to be sporting the rocker, platformed, studded bootie either. Sometimes you need a steady, be able to stand in them all day, kind of boot. Enter the riding boot. Always a classic and never goes out of style. They can be worn over jeans or with a dress. You can be socialite equestrian girl or total urban it girl. Your choice. Saddle up.

www.madewell1937.com

REAL DEVIL

If you're into fashion, this is a can't miss. Mark your calendars.... September 11 release date.

HAPPY ENDING

Ever had a favorite lipstick get discontinued? A blush? A foundation? It's not pretty. It's horrific and you'll do anything to get your favorite item back. Remember Elaine on Seinfeld? Yeah,, it's like that. When you find yourself in this situation,, there's help. Strawberrynet.com carries discontinued products from all your favorite brands. Just make sure to check their site as soon as you know your product has been yanked out of production,, or you could be really, um, unhappy.

www.strawberrynet.com