look of the week 8

This look is a double feature because I couldn't decide what I liked more: a looser sweater and cleaner shorts (look one—how great is that red? and such an attractive complement to burgundy lips and nails) or a fitted turtleneck and statement sequins (look two—love the mix of pattern and texture! and that polish? kind of Grinch-y, in a good way!). Like jumpsuits, shorts are an unexpected and chic way to do holiday soirees—you'll stand out in a crowd of dresses and skirts. Just add tights (classic opaque or playful polka dots) if you don't want to bare your legs—so Euro. Which look would you go with? I included a few wreaths because it feels too late in the season for a full Christmas decorating feature, but if you're scrambling a little like me, you might still need to add a few touches! Wreaths are as iconic as the tree and a great way to give a small space some festive spirit. I'd love any of these in my apartment—clean and modern. Also, I'm not much of a baker, but I'm feeling motivated to buy a box of sugar cookie mix (sorry, no rolling pins in this kitchen..), frosting and sprinkles for a fun little decorating day this weekend. And I'm due for another batch of Chex mix. What treats have you been whipping up?

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Wreaths

one | two | three | four

Look 1

one | two | three 

four | five | six | seven

*NARS lipstick in Scarlet Empress

*JINsoon nail lacquer in Audacity

Look 2

one | two | three

four | five | six | seven 

*Marc Jacobs nail lacquer in Lux

*Marc Jacobs lip gloss in Magic

holiday gift guide 4

Is anyone else struggling to understand how Christmas is two weeks away? Maybe it's because there's no snow (knock on wood), and I haven't been hitting the holiday movies and music very hard. I guess I should start! While I've only watched Home Alone once so far this season, I have been diligent about shopping (shipping times require it!). As of yesterday, I have just two people left on my list. It can be fun to hem and haw over the perfect gift for that special someone, but there comes a point in mid-December (a point I am very near!) when you just need a no-brainer. Something as simple and guaranteed-to-please as the star atop the tree. Comfy PJs that are still appropriate when staying as someone's house guest, a luxurious body wash to replace her daily Dove on date night, and an artsy wall calendar that doubles as décor are all exactly that. For him, try a travel jump rope that'll keep him fit while away on business, a teeth-whitening kit for a sparkling smile, and a patterned watch strap to give his old sweatshirt-and-jeans standby some panache. K, listening to Christmas Pop on Spotify for the rest of the day—note to coworkers: please do not disturb (kidding, of course). Have a great day! 

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FOR HER

1 | Cities by Rooftop Calendar  2 | St. Tropez Bronzing Lotion

3 | Pajama Set  4 | Hand & Foot Cream Travel Duo

5 | Infinity Necklace   6 | Fruit Infusion Water Bottle

7 | Tocca Body Wash  8 | Jo Malone Cologne Collection

FOR HIM

9 | Buffalo Check Throw  10 | Travel Jump Rope

11 | 'Cheddar' Money Clip  12 | CABINS book

13 | Boxer Briefs  14 | Back-up Phone Charger (also in Camo)

15 | Teeth Whitening Kit  16 | Camo Watch Strap



MORE GIFT GUIDES
Stocking Stuffers
For Her
For Him 

holiday gift guide 3

While it's sometimes appropriate to spend big bucks, I typically keep it casual when it comes to friends and holiday gifting. There are certain little things a girl always needs (like long-lasting top coat—with Deborah Lippmann's, I'm chip-free for a week!), and it's always nice not to spend my own money on those "essentials." If you feel your present needs a little extra oomph, pair up a couple of smaller items to make something simple (and potentially anti-climactic) into a fun little experience that not everyone who cruises through Crate & Barrel can pick up: fill a cheeky mug with hot chocolate and gourmet grounds or loop pretty hair ties around a bottle of dry shampoo for hair-emergency mornings. It shows extra effort and creativity—which she'll enjoy—because after all, it's the thought that counts.

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fly in style: 1 | Travel Sleep Mask 2 | Travel Brush Set

a hot drink for a night in: 3 | Metallic Latte Mug 4 | Wine & Cider Mulling Spices

if she's skipping the salon: 5 | Mini Mani Kit 6 | Addicted to Speed Top Coat

 for the homebody OR frequent party host: 7 | Mohawk Match Strike 8 | diptyque Tubereuse Candle

because she'll need a snack while catching up on correspondence (these almonds are to-die!): 

9 | Global Greetings Stationery Set 10 | Marcona Almonds

beauty editor faves: 11 | NARS Lipstick in Heat Wave 12 | Jouer Luminizing Tint

a girl's gotta eat: 13 | Cooking for Two cookbook 14 | Oil & Vinegar Bottle Set 

pretty little things: 15 | Shimmer Cross Asymmetrical Necklace 16 | Lace Trim Panty

bar cart essentials (there are times when the cork will just not go back in the bottle!):
17 | Champagne Glasses 18 | Monogram Bottle Stopper

for when she oversleeps: 19 | Detox Dry Shampoo 20 | Elastic Hair Tie Pack

the prettiest pop of color on cold winter days: 21 | Cashmere Gloves

socks for now, sandals for later: 22 | Copper Birkenstocks 23 | Colorblock Trouser Socks

Gift Guide for HER
Gift Guide for HIM

holiday gift guide 2

When shopping for my mom and sisters, I search for practical luxuries—useful things that make every day feel a little more special, but aren't so basic that they buy them on weekly Walgreens runs. After a long day of work, most of us don't bust out fancy glassware, but for those nights she's hosting friends, it's nice to pour Pinot from an elegant carafe (or serve snacks from fun appetizer plates). And last year, jumbo bottles of shampoo and conditioner were two favorites I found under the tree—I was stocked up for months, and it was a better brand than I might have bought for myself, making every shower more enjoyable. Great gifts don't have to be unusually unique; some of the best simply elevate her regular routine.

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1, 2 | Made for all hair types, the weightless formula of Living Proof Shampoo and Conditioner delivers smoothness, volume, conditioning, strength and polish (what more could you want?!) for the perfect hair day, every day. Tack on some thickening mousse and a travel kit to take it to the next level. I ALWAYS wish I had travel sizes of my favorite products, but never think about it until the night before a flight. Save her from the procrastinator's plight. 

3 | A fresh, hand-rolled New York baker's dozen via a Bagel of the Month package is something any carb lover will lust over, and presents an excuse to host an easy at-home brunch.

4 | Clutches are like shoes: you can never have enough. I love the boxy structure of this minaudiere, and the sparkly stones make it the perfect party accessory.

5 | Many women I know take care of their skin—SPF, moisturizer—but not all indulge in fancy creams and serums. This Shiseido night cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and helps prevent deeper signs of age (YES, please), and smoothing it on before she goes to sleep will make her feel so pampered.

6 | A case for her passport makes the standard navy exterior feel more personal (to match the stamps inside!). Even if she doesn't travel internationally every week, the calf hair leopard print will offer chic relief when she does, like having a cushy neck pillow or mineral face spray in your carry-on.

7 | While a large-and-in-charge bouquet makes a statement, three or four of these bud vases in the kitchen or bedroom is a delicate and tidy accent that diffuses the pleasant scent of fresh flowers like tiny votives scattered across the mantel. 

8 | Two of my best friends (with enviable taste and Martha Stewart-like skills) swear by Real Simple. It's got it all: recipes, beauty & fashion, entertaining, weddings, health, family and work. Give a subscription to the well-rounded friend with lots of interests. 

9 | I'm always throwing loads in the wash just to get fresh sports bras and socks back into rotation. Give her a few new tops (like this seamless Athleta Fast Track Top) and help push laundry day out a little further.

10 | A modern and classic pure-cotton throw adds style and comfort to her couch. The Houston Throw is breathable with a substantial weight that makes it a great yearround option.

11, 12 | Whether she's tracking her on-the-clock to-do list or jotting down musings throughout the day (even Matthew McConaughey has a diary!), the sunny sheepskin cover on this notepad makes it a treat. Toss in a fresh set of ballpoint pens to complete the package. Like bobby pins and Chapstick, I never seem to have enough, and these neon ones will be easy to find in her purse.

13, 14, 15 | JEWELS! These three bands all have great texture and a gorgeous mix of rose and gold tones.

16 | This cheese board is three feet long, offering plenty of serving space for everything from Brie to Swiss, plus olives, prosciutto and nuts at the next book club. 

17 | Order a size up and give this cashmere V-neck as a luxuriously cozy sleep sweater. Pajamas become a real outfit in the winter (I'm in mine by six o'clock many nights!), and having a wrap to snuggle up in makes the cold, dark nights bearable. 

18 | A hefty coffee table book is always a win, especially when the subject matter combines fashion and journalism (or, you know, something your recipient is passionate about). 

 19, 20, 21 | It's hard to pick a scent for someone else, so give a couple of rollerballs (less of a commitment than a full size) she can stash in her purse. These save my life when I'm running from work to happy hour, or when I need to freshen up on the fly after the gym. 

22, 25 | Cheeky cocktail napkins are a fun complement to a sophisticated carafe, something any savvy hostess should always have on hand. 

23 | A classic hand-crocheted tote she can take everywhere from the corner co-op to weekend body pump. It folds flat, making it convenient to pack for a trip to Cabo, too.

24 | The whimsical phrase that adorns this protective iPad case makes a great life motto. It'll make her smile every time she checks her Facebook newsfeed. 

Shop GIFT GUIDE for him here. 

holiday gift guide 1

It's time to get your Santa on! I've put together a few gift guides this year, and the first is for the guys. Dads, brothers and boyfriends can be hard to buy for—they don't need nearly as many David Yurman bangles and Lululemon bras as the gals. But at the same time, many men don't shop much at all, which means they're lacking many of the "basics" and leaving the door wide open for a savvy elf. Christmas is the perfect opportunity to shower them with everything they didn't know they needed.

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1 | the most timeless sweater: a half-zip pullover looks great on men aged 24 to 94

2 | a French press for the perfect brew (or this for a quick cup)

3 | tumblers personalized with his city's coordinates, streets and sights

4 | a manly tobacco and leather scent in an easy-to-pocket package

5 | the new, GQ-approved wallet: boring brown is out, color is in

6 | a moisture-wicking tee for early mornings at the gym—you can never have enough

7 | a pizza stone for CPK-caliber pies (garnish with ribbon, red pepper flakes and fancy Parmesan)

8 | classic Clubmasters add vintage style to his sunglasses stockpile

9 | touchscreen-compatible gloves so he can swipe and scroll in sub-zero temps

10 | gone are his frat days and the unwelcome smells that went with them; a guy's place has got to smell good

11 | the modern weekend shoe, updated with cozy faux fur lining

12 | moonshine makes for a fun + adventurous cocktail post-present opening

13 | a new kind of history book: Glenn Beck's follow-up to Miracles and Massacres tells the story of the "unsung heroes and obscured villains" who helped make America

14 | patterned socks let him have a little fun, even when he's wearing a suit

15 | a silk knit tie that's as versatile as a Chambray shirt

16 | fragrance-free moisturizer with SPF helps keep his money maker forever young