Christmas Gift Guide for Men

Let's face it....men usually aren't very fun to buy for. Most men I know would be happy with a shirt, tie, cooking accessory or anything LSU. So, this gift guide isn't quite for those guys. This guide if for those guys who are little harder to buy for...those guys who have it all and want nothing but really appreciate a unique gift. So, here are a few special and unique ideas...

First, for those wine lovers is a new product called the Corkcicle. It is literally a frozen icicle attached to a cork...that way he will never lose the chill of the wine and he doesn't have to keep putting it back in the fridge. Simply freeze the Corkcicle before using and it stays frozen for hours. It's genius and at only $23 a great gift. (I just ordered one for myself)

Next up is for the guy who loves technology, and really which one doesn't. I know you and him have seen plenty of Idocks for Iphones. But this one is a little different. The Eton Soulra is solar powered, which means he'll never have to replace the batteries. He can bring it on the boat or out to tailgate and never have to worry about it not working. The price point is a little higher at $165 but still pretty reasonable.

Last up is for the collector - the guy who loves sports paraphernalia and takes pride in displaying it. Saks has an array of sport memorabilia ranging from the original grass of the original Yankee stadium to desk chairs made out of the original seats of Yankee stadium to signed gloves by Muhammad Ali. Prices range from $100 to $2500 so you have a lot to choose from to really surprise your man.

Happy Shopping and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Gift Guide

If you are like me, you are shocked to realize that Christmas is just two weeks away. Where does the time go? Time to do some shopping! Here are some great ideas for all types of women in you life...

For the shoe obsessed lady, finding a new pair of shoes to really surprise her can be difficult. However, here are two unique options. UGGs are now making all kinds of boots and slippers. These black moccasins are my favorite this year. They are technically classified as a slipper but with a rubber sole are perfect to throw on with a jumpsuit and run around town. Another fun option are these monogram rain boots. Rain boots are something that most people don't want to buy themselves but everyone needs. Well, these monogrammed rain boots are so cute and would be a great treat for any Southern lady that loves her initials. And, the good news is that both of these options come in at $100.

Next, for your designer loving girl, there are so many options to choose from. But, let's face it, designer stuff can be really expensive. That's why I love Tory Burch's new collection of costume jewelry. You still get the designer look and logo but for a fraction of the price compared to a handbag or pair of shoes. The bangles come in at a little higher of a price point at $195 but the earrings are only $60. Any designer loving girl would be pleased with this jewelry.

Next, for the girl that is obsessed with make-up and everything Sephora, here are two great options. The Stila lip gloss is actually a repeat item from last year's list because it is that good. I'm telling you ladies this lip gloss is awesome. And, the Christmas set is only $25 for over $100 of lip gloss. Also, Laura Mercier put out a special "nudes" palette for the holidays and it looks amazing. And, again at just a $48 price point, it's a reasonable way to really treat your glamour girl this year.

For those girls who collect coffee table books, there are three new books out this year that I'm just dying over. First is the Louis Vuitton Icons book showing all the bags and trucks the brand has ever put out. And, guess what? It's only $25. Next up are the Chanel book and Christian Louboutin books. Both will be collectibles as they walk you through the famous brands history with beautiful imagery. These are a little more expensive at $100 and $150.

And last but certainly not least, for a really big treat for the girl who loves all of the above and so much more, treat her to a really big luxurious item. This Gucci scarf is to die for! Big and snuggly, it would be any girls dream gift. But, watch out because the price point is $460. And, lastly is the Louis Vuitton Keepall duffel bag. I covet this bag every time I see someone traveling with it. It's classic and wonderful and could be used forever. But, you'll have to be a big spender because it comes in at $1,485 - which I know is a lot but well worth the investment!

Those are just a few of my favorite things this year. Tomorrow, I"ll give you some ideas for the guys in your life! Merry Christmas!

Scarlet Fever

One of the hot colors for the fall and winter is RED! If you haven't noticed, celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Ashley Green have been rocking this color on the red carpets. And, it was the go to color this year at the Oscars with leading ladies like Anne Hathaway and Sandra Bullock.

But, to most of us red either reads flashy or Christmas. Well, don't let your mind hold you back from this color this year. Embrace the scarlet fever running through the fashion world.

If you are really bold, try wearing a complete red dress. You are sure to steal the show. Just be careful with accessorizing - stay neutral - you want everyone to look at your dress and think classy, not trashy. Or, if you want just a splash of red try wearing a great red top or even red pants. Red tops look great with black pants and jeans. And, be sure to scale back the red pants with blues or blacks on top. If you have a red top but are just not sure you want to be that flashy, try scaling it back with a scarf - that way you still get some red.

If you are thinking there is no way you are wearing that much red outside of Christmas Day, there are other options. Try investing in a great red coat. If you stay with a classic style, it will always be in style. Or, add a red scarf to a neutral outfit. Scarves are the easiest way to update your look. Or, you can add a pop of red with a handbag or great shoe. Remember the old rule that shoes and bags have to match no longer exists. It's totally okay to wear a red bag and black shoes or vice versa!

Why not make yourself the legendary lady in red this season!

Closets, Closets, Closets

Since I work in a lot of different styles and sizes of closets, I'm always looking for space saving solutions. My go-to store is The Container Store. I'm convinced they have a solution for every organizing detail in closets, bathrooms, drawers and laundry rooms.

If you look at their website and are inspired but don't know where to start, check out Redress by Laura. You may need to treat yourself to an early Christmas gift with one of our packages. Get your closet straight before the new year begins.

Or, if you are looking for a gift for someone who just has everything, one of the Redress packages could be a perfect solution.

Life runs smoother when your world around you is organized!

Belt It!

Belts have been all the rage this spring and summer and will continue on through the fall and winter. Belts can be an easy addition to any wardrobe and can really change up an outfit.

Brad Goreski, stylist to the stars, was quoted as saying that a belt is a stylist's best friend. He always brings a bag of them to every photo shoot and every appointment when dressing a client because if anything doesn't fit just right, he'll belt it and it all falls into place.

So, how do you wear them? Well, the most flattering ones are waist belts - ones that hit at your natural waist - not your hips. Hip belts are making a come back but just remember, where ever you wear the belt is where the eye will naturally look to first. So, do you want people staring at your waist or at your hips?

Belts can help cinch in chunky knit sweaters, which are very trendy again this winter. Or, belts can add interest to a plain dress. Belts can also make a cardigan look trendy by layering pieces and cinching in at the waist.

Just remember that the belt will stop the eye at wherever it is placed and draw attention to that area. Sadly, not everyone looks good in belts. Remember not every trend is for everybody. It's actually a trend that I don't love very much. I wear them sparingly because I'm very high waisted. If you don't feel comfortable in a belt, remember there are plenty of other trends that you can embrace. Figuring out what looks best on you is part of the fun of fashion!

Summer Glow in Winter

Now that it's cold out, there is no more laying out in the sun and getting the great summer glow. However, with today's selection of self-tanning products, we ladies can still pull-off the look. But, with so many choices, who is to know which one will work and which one will make us look orange?

Well, unashamedly, I've tried many of these products. Some are good and other awful. But, most recently I've tried Clarins Instant Smooth Self Tanning cream and it's now my new favorite product, like a little magic in a jar!

Clarins isn't oily or greasy. It's actually more of a creamy lotion. It's slightly tinted so you know where you've spread it or not spread it. So, you can get a perfectly even coat. And, you can layer however much you want so you can get as little or as much of a tan as you want. The product is actually made for your face and neck, which means no breakouts, but I've also used it on my arms.

And, most impressive.......it doesn't SMELL. I mean not even a little bit! So many other products have a smell to them that it instantly gives away you are using a self-tanner. Well, now with this product you can fool everyone.

So, get the beach like glow in the middle of the winter. I'm almost out of mine and I know this will definitely be on my Christmas wish list!

Missoni for Target

Just in case you haven't read any fashion magazines in the past three months, here's a reminder....Missoni for Target hits the stores tomorrow (September 13).

Missoni is an Italian fashion house that is famous for their zig-zag knitwear in colorful patterns. The Missoni family has been creating their collections for over 50 years and truly is the definition of luxury knitwear. An average price for a Missoni scarf is $250! But, starting tomorrow, you can get the line at Target starting at $7 and ranging to $400.

Missoni's collaboration with Target includes an impressive 400 piece collection ranging from flirty dresses, colorful sweaters, scarves, shoes, rain boots, bedding, dishes, children's clothing, stationary and home decor.

Head designer Angela Missoni is quoted as saying, "I wanted to bring a little of la dolce vita to America. Every item in the collection is designed to reflect the Missoni lifestyle: relaxed and stylish."

I'm so excited I can hardly wait. I plan on going to Target as soon as I wake tomorrow. I actually secretly went today in hopes that they would put it out early - no such luck.

Here's a look at a few of the pieces. Hooray for Target!

A Blast From The Past - Denim Jackets

In my opinion the denim jacket has always been relevant. And, this fall the fashion world is saying so too. So, it's time to dust off your jean jacket because this denim staple is making a bid to replace the leather bomber this fall.

Celebrities like Cameron Diaz and trendsetters like Pippa Middleton have already been spotted layering snug, faded denim jackets over feminine looks for an edgy update. So, how do you pull off this look without looking like you've just stepped out of time machine from the 1980s? Here are a few tips....

First, be sure it has a shape, meaning it's defined at the waist. Snug fitting around the waist is always most flattering.

Second, never wear it with jeans. Denim on denim is a bit 80s. Instead layer it over a dress, skirt or shorts of any other material.

Third, a cropped version is usually chic. And, if you really want to edge it out, wear one with studs or embellishments - just make sure the embellishment don't over do it.

Lastly, try rolling the sleeves to 3/4 length for a cool, chic look.

So take a blast from the past and wear a denim jacket to usher in the fall.

Bows, Ruffles, and Chiffon .... Oh My!

As we continue to review ladylike looks for the fall, don't forget three important aspects....bows, ruffles, and chiffon. The runways and fall catalogs are filled with these three things. However, the trick is to not wear all three in one - two is okay but not three!

Let's look at the bow top first. There are plenty of ways of wearing the bow top - tied in a true tight bow, tied in a loose bow, tied in a sailor's knot or tied like a scarf. This fall all ways will work and will look chic. If you are feeling a little like Bozo the Clown with your bow, try layering the top with a cardigan or sweater - this will lesson the impact of the bow.

Ruffles too are all the rage this fall. I feel like this is a trend that keeps coming back fall after fall so you are bound to have something in your closet with a ruffle. Again remember, you are going for a ladylike look - not a school girl - so be sure to pair it with the appropriate pants or skirt. And, if the top is to billowy, belt it so the ruffles don't take over you.

Chiffon tops can stand alone but also work great with bows or ruffles. If your top is chiffon, be sure to wear a camisole so no one sees anything extra. It's always safer to wear either the same color camisole or nude camisole under the chiffon top.

So, enjoy being a lady this fall and really show your feminine side!

Lovely Lace

One thing that fall is all about is being a lady - thank you Duchess of Cambridge...AKA...Princess Kate! You will see lots of chiffon, lace, ruffles and ladylike accessories. Over the next few days, I'll highlight a few of these trends.

Today we will start with lace. In my opinion this is a tricky trend. It is very easy to go from looking ladylike to looking trampy. Here is how to overcome it....

Be sure the lace is in appropriate places and no unnecessary body parts are showing. Also, instead of going from head to toe lace, try just a top or just a skirt. And, be sure to wear something under a lace top - usually the same color as the lace - sometimes nude works under black lace or black works under nude lace but be careful that it stays classy.

If lace isn't your thing and you still want to take part in the trend, try a lace shoe, bag or jewelry. This kind of delicate detailing lends a sophisticated edge to fall's ladylike looks!