Book of the week.

Since Christmas is only 5 days away... I thought I would do a 2nd post of books for those of you who are traveling over the holidays or for those of you who are going to need a mental break from the family by escaping to Barnes and Noble to bury yourself in a few books for the afternoon. So here are a few books to check out while you are browsing. Happy holidays!

Perfectly Kept House is the Sign of A Misspent Life: How to live creatively with collections, clutter, work, kids, pets, art, etc... and stop worrying about everything being perfectly in its place.

Mary Randolph Carter

A Life of Style: Fashion, Home, Entertaining [Hardcover]

Rebecca Moses

(This book looks like a really great Marketing tool. The copy was great from the pages I viewed.)

Domino: The Book of Decorating: A Room-by-Room Guide to Creating a Home That Makes You Happy 

Deborah Needleman

Book of the week.

So I did some Christmas Shopping tonight at Henri Bendels and discovered that they sell coffee table books there.  Of course they do.... because Bendels is so awesome and full of overpriced wonderful things! In fact, you might even walk out of there with a $50 tree ornament that will be seen for one week out of the year.  Thankfully I was distracted by Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear for Every Occasion that I have been wanting to check out since it was released. I was only able to flip through it for about 5 minutes because I had like 5 others stores to go to, but from what I read and looked at, its a sure buy.  It has some really great chapters on advice and the illustration is adorable. I actually think the illustration was done by the same artist that does the the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book every year.

Have an MKA Monday.

Olsenboye for JCPenny

So Mary-kate and Ashley have a new line at JCPenny's called Olsenboye, if you don't already know that is super affordable and actually really cute.  The past two collections were cute, but this holiday collection is awesome.  I haven't seen the pieces in person, but I'm definitely going to go check them out because the shoes are priced for around $30.00 which is what I should be paying for shoes since they ruin so easy in NY.  Plus I have to support my twins!

Book of the week.

So tonight, I finally got to see Million Dollar Quartet on broadway with my parents in the city... And let me tell you, the piano player who played Jerry Lee Lewis blew me away! I would pay $100 just to see that rascal tear up the piano one more time. (Gosh, if I dont marry a musician my life might be over! Hurry up and turn 18 already Biebes). The show was really entertaining if your into the classics like Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, etc but if your not a music fan and into the oldies its probably not the show to see. I will the only person in their 20's at the show. 

But back books. Seeing that the story takes place in Memphis at Sun Studios, I thought I would post a book I have been wanting for some time now: Hatch Show Print: The History of a Great American Poster Shop.  The book is the first fully illustrated tour of this iconic print shop and also chronicles the long life and large cast of employees, entertainers, and American legends whose histories are intertwined with it. I actually visited Hatch Show Print Shop 2 years ago on a road trip to Nashville with my mom and dad and ever since then, I have been obsessed with their work. Its a truly unique establishment that has hardly changed over the years and I love places like that. Im almost positive Hatchshow made the Million Dollar Quartet logo so I will definitely be purchasing the poster for my apartment. But they make more than just posters. So if your not a poster person or if it doesn't go with your home decor, here are some other great things that Hatchshows work is featured on and would make great gifts for the holidays. And don't forget, you can always buy the book. You can never have too many books!

The Show Cabernet Sauvignon

Around $15.00

(My Favorite and at a great price! You can find it at World Market.)

Vintage Poster

Around $20.00

Book of the week.

Considering that I just did a JA post.  I thought why not make him the book of the week.  I actually already own Jonathan Adlers: My Prescription for Anti-Depressive Living, (which I found for $12 at a thrift store in NY a few months ago) but I'm dying to get his 2 new books below.

 Happy Chic Accessorizing

Happy Chic Colors

Jonathan Adler: The Geometric and Gift Genius.

jet set coasters

sunglasses case

elephants salt and pepper

calories popcorn set

I just had to showcase only a few of Jonathan Adlers genius gifts he has in store right now.  Check out his website or if you are near a store be sure to stop by because he has so many amazing gifts right now that are age appropriate and something people will actually use because its not junky.  And they are all under $50. I love JA!

Forget the Christmas tree lighting... Its ice-skating season!

When I was younger I always dreamed of becoming a professional ice-skater. (I mean, did we all?) Of course there were no ice rinks in East Texas for me to train in order to be the next Sasha Cohen, so instead I took up roller blading and ballet.
Well lucky for me, I live in New York now where I can go ice skating everyday if I want to from now until the first of February! So I hope I fit the part of an ice princess because I am about to purchase my first outfit and skates online. The decked out girl in the professional looking gear sequined from head to toe, laid out in the middle of rink at Rockefeller Center... Yes, that will probably will be me, so don't hate!

Let me know what you think about my potential get-ups and look :)

      

THE MORE I LOOK THROUGH THESE OUTFITS, THE MORE UPSET I AM THAT I WASN'T A FIGURE SKATER FOR HALLOWEEN! I AM LOVING THESE FANCY THINGS!

King Cole Bar at the St. Regis. Check.

So I talked in an earlier post about making sure that I had the famous Red Snapper at the King Cole Bar in New York before I kick the bucket---so my friend Maggie, Michelle and I went this past Thursday.  22 dollars later...here is my proof.  Very swanky place! I will definitely be going back :)

Gift something PERSONAL-ized this season.

Do you have that someone in your life who is impossible to shop for because they either already have everything or they're that friend who is always so thoughtful when it comes to gift buying?  It because more of a job to shop for them, than it is fun right?  Well skip the hunt this holiday season and instead buy them something personal or should I say personalized because there is no doubt that they will love it, keep it forever,  remember you when they look at it, and know that you were thinking of them when you bought it.  And the best part is you can sit at home, order it offline and have it delivered to your doorstep! Just make sure you order it early enough to be delivered for the holiday (hence the reason I am posting this now...Well and because I stumbled upon this bracelet and fell in love with it!)  Happy gifting! 

Jamiere Chained Bracelet

A personal and personalized favorite brand of mine is Jon Hart Designs. I was given a few pieces for Highschool graduation from family friends and loved them so much I asked for more pieces last Christmas. That just goes to show that its something you will use forever and remember who gave it to you.

Med. Holiday Tote

Checkbook Cover


More to come friends.... I left my idea book at work so I will continue post tommorrow!

Add this one to the list too.

I have to see anything thats recently been filmed in the city clearly plus, there's nothing better than a feel good movie and anything with Reese Witherspoon in it. And the clip where Paul Rudd almost gets run over by the cab driver-- Yeah that was totally me this morning. One of those days...

My kind of movie...

I admit, I don't watch a lot of movies but I am definitely going to have to see this one over the holidays.

Book of the Week.

NEWS FLASH to me....
Barney's Department Store has a whole floor dedicated to books?!? (So this just goes to prove that I have been living under a stupid rock after all.) 
And I thought a trip to Barney's was dangerous before?..... This knocks it up to a whole new level.
In fact, Im going to dedicate my trip to the book floor at Barney's in order to check out Kate Spade's new book:  Things We Love
.......Oh the sweet smell of freshly printed books and a burnt hole in my pocket! :)
Im not sure when the release date is but here's a peek in side: 

REASONS I LOVE HER NEW BOOK:
-Colorful
-Creative
-Honest
-Charming
-Eye Catching
-Has a vision/sense of direction
-laidback but presented well
-fun but well put together
-likeable
-knows what she likes
-classic
-adventeous
-Sooooo Beautifully designed!!

Window shopping walking to work.

Walking by Macy's on my way to work this morning, I was just in time to see the windows in tranformation for the all the holiday shoppers.  Santa clause, little elf's, presents and Christmas cheer are already taking over 34th Street windows decorated with new accesories for the fall and must have pieces for holiday partys.  Fur booties, fur vests, fur bags, fur hats, you name it.. .Fur was everywhere.  But what really took over the windows were all the mannequins dressed in the infamous LBD.  Im sure that is no surprise considering that this is the time of year for PAR-TAYS! Obviously, your going to need to update your cocktail dress department with a new chic LBD so you can look your best even if you drink to much eggnog. :)
In fact I'm pretty sure I saw my roomies Rachel Roy dress she just purchased yesterday being placed in the window as I was walking by! (Prompts to you Malone! Your dress is already famous and your ahead of the shopping game.) Look's like I have some online shopping to do! 
Here are some of my favorite looks I've found so far:

RACHEL ROY - Kristen's PICK!!

BURLESQUE DRESS

$129.00



          

              BCBG

FAUX-LEATHER CONTRAST DRESS

$248.00

BCBG

ASYMMETRICAL LACE COCKTAIL DRESS

$398.00

Bucket List.

Add to bucket list:
Empire State Building
Million Dollar Quartet Broadway
NY City Ballet 'Swan Lake'
And.... Find Mary-Kate and Ashley

B is for Bows. (On my shoes!)

So I just got back from Mood Fabrics and did it get my creative juices flowing or what? (You know, the fabric store from Project Runway.) I could have spent the whole day brainstorming ideas and things I want to make in the three story fabric store.  Unfortunately, I don't have the time to start the 800 projects and businesses I have floating around in my head if I want to have a social life and keep my job, because I had to come back to work to finish up my to do list.  But lucky me, one task I still needed to finish was researching the top fashion blogs which lead me to this idea, that had to be blogged about immediately!

While checking out WhoWhatWear, I stumbled upon this brilliant idea to reinvent a boring pair of heels that is just my taste and right on for this seasons trends. D.I.Y. Bow Shoes Not to mention, it looks so simple do. (No sewing required!!) All you need is a hot glue gun, leather or fabric swatches, a simple pair of heels or flats, and a little bit of creativity. And if you want to get really creative you could even add buttons, rhinestones, chains, whatever your feeling to add a personal touch to your one of a kind shoes. (Could be cool for a holiday party?)  This is the perfect craft for someone who doesn't have much time but needs a project every once and a while to keep their sanity.  In fact, I will be making a pair this week once I have time to swing by the fabric district after work. Pictures to come. Happy Crafting!

Lanvin for H&M winter 2010 collaboration video

So word on the New York streets is that people are going to be sleeping outside in order to buy the new collection which hit select H&M stores on November 20.  I admit, my first thought upon hearing this news was, "Wow that is kind of crazy considering the collection is basically made up of cocktail dresses, I mean how often do you get that dressed up?" --- That was until I realized that Lanvin was also designing shoes for the collection and saw them on this video!  Maybe I will pop a tent with all the shopaholics and homeless people after all.

My Bucket List Begins...

To explore means, one must have a set of goals for oneself or have a destination in plan, right? Well, no. At least not entirely; because then it wouldn't be called exploring. Okay, maybe I am wrong and thinking way to much into this, but either way I have some kind of plan to make sure that all the things I find in the city intriguing and a 'must do or see' while exploring the concrete jungle where dreams are made of and that is why I am officially documenting "My Bucket List" today.

The list is in no particular order, just random according to when I either found out about them or just came to mind. Why don't I start things off by introducing the King. No, not the King of Rock n' Roll- Elvis. The King Cole Bar that is....

1) Sip on a "Red Snapper" Serena Vanderwoodson style at the King Cole Bar in the St. Regis Hotel
(Just so you know-- Im going for the historical, educational, and GossipGirl fame reasons. Not for the booze) :)

Book of the Week.

I'm still dying to go to Dylan's Candy Bar (daughter of legendary fashion designer Ralph Lauren) store in NYC, but until then here is her sweet new book! What a genius marketing concept!

BUY IT HERE

You even get a free 8 pack of candy bars worth $40 if you buy it from her website!

A little holiday eye candy to start your week!

Well Halloween is over so that means its time to put the orange candy on sale and bring in the red and green holiday candy at all you local Duane Reade stores/Walgreens.  But Christmas candy isn't the only thing that is moving into stores right now.  Holiday cheer is about to be everywhere along with so many wonderful gift sets! Let's start with all the awesome limited edition Make Up sets that are in department stores and at Sephora right now.  I assure you there will be more gifting ideas to come on my blog.

My Top Pick: Tarte: Jewelry Gift Box   $52.00

Other Favorite Gift Sets:

Wish For The Perfect Pout ($96 Value)

MAC A Tartan Tale Chapter 1 : Eye, Lip & Face Kits ($36.00) GREAT STOCKING STUFFER!