Category Archives: Gifts & Luxuries

Distractions

Unique and Chic

Boutiques are the cure for the ordinary

One of the things that is so special about boutiques is that they offer a departure from mass production. They are treasure troves of beautifully crafted items that your friends and family will just adore. Here I’ve put together a smattering of items from LEIF.com for holiday. LEIF is out of Brooklyn, NY and has crafted a beautifully curated site with artisan items for your home, table and jewel box. Just look at these cheerful cups, bracelets and serving spoons — and the vibrant Pantone milk pitcher is perfect for the creative in your life. Also, I’ve never seen a terrarium gardening set before – how cool.

- On Another Note -

Even though we are in holiday mode with lots to do and friends to visit, sometimes we get thrown a curve-ball during this festive season. On a personal note, I have been behind on my blog postings. We had to say goodbye to our dog last week and the sadness still washes over me daily. You’ve probably had to go through this yourself and know how hard the whole thing is. If I post less frequently you’ll know why, and if I suddenly post a lot, it’s probably because I’m trying to distract myself. Anyhow, grief is a odd thing and there’s no rhyme or reason to how each day will go.

Hugs to you,

Laura

Tell Me About it, Stud

Here’s a word I’m trying to drop from my blog posts — perfect. As in, this dress would be perfect for a barbeque or these shoes would be perfect for work. There are sooooo many options for what to wear and it all really comes down to what you want to wear, your mood that day, if you are PMSing and feel two sizes bigger, and how far you’re going to be walking. I’m chucking the notion of perfect anything from my blog. Let’s be imperfect, off-beat, quirky, mussed and downright askew.

So Studly

Maybe it’s a backlash to all the statement pieces of jewelry that are popular right now, but I’m putting the spotlight on studs. Such a crazy rabble-rouser, aren’t I? A pop of color that doesn’t weigh down your ear. A simple spark of light that brings attention to your face. An inky black speck for your bad-girl moods. A powerful statement for a big-deal meeting. An unfussy choice for casual days. And…it might be a good Mother’s Day present too.

Options, options

  1. Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Pipe Dreams’, $68
  2. House of Harlow 1960 ‘Star’, $55
  3. Dara Ettinger ‘Felicia’ stud, $86
  4. Anthropologie ‘Sprout’ posts, $28
  5. Anthropologie ‘Dalton’ posts, $28

More to see (click any picture):

Does anyone else remember this classic clip from the movie Grease? How fun was that scene?!

If you caught my geeky reference from this scene in the title of today’s post, 10 points for you! Nothing like a bit of ’80s pop culture to keep us alive and kicking (ha, another geeky 80′s song reference). OK, somebody stop me now.

xLaura

Piles of Bold

Michael Kors Fall 2011 (photo: Style.com)

Whatever is influencing the latest influx of bold, silver jewelry, let’s just be happy for it. Possibly it’s the power-house impact of the Michael Kors’ Fall 2011 runway collection (shown last spring). Maybe it’s the failed return of our favorite feminine superhero, Wonder Woman to TV that has given rise to dual arm cuffs on mere mortal women. Or maybe it’s that gold prices are at a mind-blowing, all-time high price per ounce. It probably doesn’t matter what brings these beautiful, silver, statement pieces our way — just stay tuned for gorgeous, bold, gleaming pieces that are going to be exquisite with what you’re wearing this fall.

My favorites are decidedly architectural in design and carry a certain amount of heft, which translates edginess, power and sensuality to the wearer. That sounds like a lot for jewelry to do, but wowza, check out these two beauties below. Now picture Emma Stone and Margherita Missoni in delicate, dangling jewelry…still good, but not-so-kick-ass.

Emma Stone (photo: Getty Images via MTV)

Margherita Missoni (Photo: Kevin Tachman via Vogue.com)

The Goods

There are piles and piles of bold jewelry out there, but these stand above the rest and come in all different price points. [click any picture for more info]

 

Evil lurks everywhere, right? It’s probably a good idea to be armed* and on some days, even double-cuffed. Could be useful.

xLaura

*not literally…geez.

Better Off Red

Delmy Maya via Chictopia

I’m partial to the month of February, so I had to do a post that includes red for Valentine’s Day. Whether you looking forward to it or can’t wait for it to pass, there always room in your life for something red. You can decide how much or how little of the sexy color you want to wear, but I think this Polyvore set is hot, hot, hot!

Click picture for more info:

And some ambiance:

Capril Blue Jar Candle in Volcano at Anthropologie

Red Love Paperie Garland at Etsy

Lastly, adorable Valentine’s for the kids:

Love & Hearts Postcard Valentines at Etsy

Red is always sexy, whether you care about Valentine’s Day or not. And if you like to keep your sexy under wraps, there’s nothing like wearing red lingerie under your outfit. I love the Calvin Klein bra & panty set above. Muy Caliente! You might just decide to make any old day Valentine’s Day.

It’s beyond cold here in Colorado today (something like -8 degrees). Brrrrr. Hope it’s warmer where you are. Oh and before I forget to tell you, I’m on Twitter now, so come check it out. I’ve been sharing the best of what I read about fashion, interesting people and good shopping, plus giving updates to the blog. Hope you’ll follow along!

If you’d like to see more of Delmy Maya’s personal style (picture ablove), you can find her at her blog, Fashion Bananas.

The Rugged Man

Dugan Peacoat, $248

There’s something very sexy about a man in rugged clothing. Maybe it’s the implied physical nature of a man who’s been working outside that puts a blip on the radar, but it definitely works for a lot of woman (and men). Throw in a bit of stubble and some nice shoes and you might as well just call it done.

It’s possible that I had too much fun looking through the Sundance catalog last week, but I did so only to bring you some very nice options for rugged manly-men clothing. Wrap up any one of these items for your man as a gift and have a very merry holiday indeed. I especially like the Cashmere Henley below — it would be a great layering piece for any guy.

Click any picture for more info and pricing.

Sundance Commando 1/4 Zip Sweater, $78

Kuhl Performance Merino Sweater, $128

Cashmere Blend Henley, $98

Sorel Chesterman Snow Sneaker

Also on my radar this week was the informative Holiday Book Lists from the NY Times. I particularly liked the lists on:

If you know someone who loves to read, this list is a great place to start in finding them the perfect gift.

Have a great day!