November 2009 Archives

I will tell you exactly how it is. There is nothing that I like better than receiving a gift. Some people love quality time, others loved to be praised and encouraged, but I just want a pair of diamond earrings wrapped (in sparkly paper, please) with a big bow on top.

Now, you might think that this is a tad self-involved, but let me reassure you that I love to give my favorite people gifts just as much as I love to receive them. I listen all year long as my friends and family nonchalantly express interest in things. I usually get my first tip around March, and I immediately begin a Christmas List. I try to have at least one gift written down for every person on my list by October so that I am ready to purchase with plenty time to spare before the big day. 

Now, I am not saying that gift-giving is easy.  It takes plenty of time and patience. And, there is always that one person that is more difficult to decide on a gift for than everyone else. I am not naming names, but my difficult person is a doosy (you know who you are).

If you let it, the holiday season (and shopping for your more difficult loved ones) will get you down and ruin all the fun. Here is my advice, as your personal shopper and friend, on how to get it all done in time.

1) Get Organized (Write your list down now!)

2) Be Honest (Ask your friends and family what they want. There is no shame in wanting to give a great gift.)

3) Shop Early (That means now! So that you can get on with enjoying yourself this season.)

4) Keep It in Perspective (Don't lose sight of why it is so much fun to give people gifts: because you love them!)

To get you in the Holiday gift-giving (and receiving) spirit, here is a peek at my Christmas Wish List for this year:

• A Mini Laptop (So that I can write my blog articles everywhere I go!)
• A Fabulous Red Jacket (In my color, of course.)
• A Gold Clutch (For date night with my husband.) 
• A Black Onyx Ring and Matching Earrings (I told you I have a thing for jewelry!)
• A New Coffee Table (My Jack Russell Terriers killed the last one. I know they look precious, but don't be deceived.)
• Spending Lots of Time with the People I Love Most!

What is on your Christmas Wish List this year?

By: Lauren Bailey, AICI FLC

Whenever I visit a client's closet for the first time, there are a couple of wardrobe essentials I look for. Do they have a great cocktail dress? Do they have cute shoes? Do they have plenty of accessories? But, one of my wardrobe staples may come as a surprise. I almost always insist that my clients invest in a great denim jacket.

Now, I don't mean the 1990's Levi's jacket that we all knew and loved. The reign of Levi's has come to an end, and with it, a new generation of denim jackets has taken center-stage. The denim jacket of today is much more sophisticated. More of a blazer, really, than a jacket. And this wardrobe staple can take your closet in a new direction if you just know how to use it.

A quality denim jacket is the perfect wardrobe staple because it has a medium level of casuality. If it is shaped like a blazer, it will look polished, but the denim will keep it fun and functional. A denim jacket can be paired with slacks, dresses, and skirts to add an unexpected twist to a well loved outfit. (Just remember not to pair your denim jacket with denim, or the fashion police will come after you!) 

Now that you know how a denim jacket can remix your wardrobe, it is time to make your purchase. Here are a few rules to help you in your search. 1) Only buy a jacket that compliments your body shape. 2) Look for a denim that enhances your coloring. There are light and dark denim jackets, as well as a variety of shades of blue to choose from. 3) Buy a denim jacket that reflects your sense of style. 

Here is a picture of the denim jacket that is currently hanging in my closet. I purchased it at Anthropolgie a couple of years ago. It is contoured so that it enhances my waistline, it is a medium blue shade to compliment my coloring, and it has ruffles along the edges that reflect my preference toward romantic styles of clothing.

You don't have to be bored by your closet. Mix it up with my wardrobe staple. Happy denim jacket hunting!  

Triple Split Eye Shadows, originally $20, are now just $16 for a limited time. Each eye shadow contains three different colors for a variety of creative combinations. Stop by the studio to have a makeup artist select a Triple Split Eye Shadow for you.

*Offer expires December 4th, 2009. (You must stop by or call the studio to receive this offer.)