My "Best of" List in Fashion for 2009

As this year comes to a close, I'd like to reflect on some of my favorite fashion moments and people of 2009. I know you're probably sick of the endless "best of" lists for 2009 but one more won't hurt :) I wish everyone a Happy New Year! Make 2010 your best year yet!

Cheers!

5. Men's fashion - I don't know if we owe it to Mad Men or men in the USA embracing the Euro slim look but this year brought the return of the gentlemen. A lot of guys brought their "A" game in the fashion department and I for one absolutely LOVE it. Keep it going into the new decade fellas!

4. Lady Gaga - is there really anything else to say?? Lady Gaga reminded me this year that one of the most important elements of fashion is to just have fun with it! She also inspired a plethora of Halloween costumes :)

3. The Super Skinny Jean - I have been wearing skinny jeans since high school (I will never forget my first pair of Parasuco jeans!). I'm glad everyone else is finally following suite. I'm trying to build up my inventory in them before the trends over...but I'll still be wearing them!

2. Rihanna - It was nice to see a woman of color powering many of the trends in 2009. I don't think there has been more women (of all colors) obsessed with her hair cut since "The Rachel"! She's also not afraid to switch it up and that's what I like most!

1. Michelle Obama - Other than the monumental moment of our first African American president being sworn in this year, our first lady has brought fashion back into the White House. With her beautiful designer attire from Jason Wu and Isabel Toledo and economically friendly wears from J.Crew, Mrs. Obama has brought the style and elegance of Jackie O back to Washington. I'm so excited that we have 3 more years of it - maybe even more!

How to throw a great holiday party!

Tis' the season to..... mingle! I love hostessing parties at my place, be it Game Night, Summer Brunch, or a Holiday Party. I've listed some of the things that I consider when planning a party. It's always great to get advise and new ideas on how to be "the hostess with the mostest"!

Cheers!

• Holiday Wardrobe: If you're hostessing a holiday party don't forget the bling! My fave holiday piece this year is a great red and silver sequins top I snagged at TopShop for $20!! Aqua exclusively at Bloomingdale's also has a great sequin tank top dress that is perfect hostess attire.


• Politically Correct Menu: I always like to make sure I cook at least one vegeterian friendly meal and a couple veggie appetizers. Even if you don't think anyone coming to the party is a vegeterian, it's better to be safe than sorry.
• Pick a Color/Theme: Pick a fun color or theme and get plates, utensils, and decor to bring the idea to life. It makes the party that much more interesting and exciting for your guests.
• Potluck Time: Need help with the menu? Ask your guests to bring their favorite holiday dishes to help with the workload. You can even have them bring the print out of the recipe so you can swap recipes! If they don't know their way around a kitchen, wine is always a great substitution :)
• Have a Signature Party Cocktail: To avoid opening multiple bottles of wine all night, create a signature cocktail for the evening. You can prepare pitchers of your special concoction prior to the event and just refill your punch bowl. Some great holiday drink ideas are spiked apple cider and winter sangria (also known as a bishop).
• The Season of Giving: I started asking my holiday party guests to bring unwrapped toys and books to our party. We then make a donation to Big Brothers, Big Sisters of NYC. Find a charity in your area and make sure you have your party before their toy drive cut off date.

Finally, make sure you plan ahead and create a great seasonal music playlist for your party. I love to hear classic holiday songs that I grew up listening to. Happy Holidays!!!

Being a fashionable jet-setter!

Hello everyone!

I know it's been awhile, but I'm back from my travels with lots to blog about :) During my crazy month of travel this past November I witnessed many faux-pas. So I thought, "I should share some of my travel tips to help others become savvy jet-setters!"

First things first, when packing, I always keep in mind of the following:

• If possible use distinguishable luggage or place something special on your luggage to identify it easily.
• Men should always pack a collared shirt and women appropriate dress attire (I recently went to a resort with my husband and many of the restaurants required men to wear pants and collared shirts).
• Pack mix and match pieces so you can create some variety in your vacation wardrobe.
• Base most of your packing on the shoes you want to take (I don't bring a pair of shoes that I can only wear with one outfit!)

Now that the packing is done, it's time to get to your travel destination. My first piece of traveling advise is a quote from Nina Garcia, "A cashmere sweater will get a first class upgrade before a tracksuit". Now I'm all for being comfortable when traveling but I'm also a huge advocate of people putting more effort into their appearances. There is no need to wear your pajamas on a flight. Some of my flight attire tips are low-rise jeans (so your waist doesn't feel too constricted), linen drawstring trousers, or a knit or matte jersey dress or skirt (with leggings perhaps if you're prone to getting cold). Next is tackling the airport security line efficiently, it's all about proper footwear and carry-on bag. Be prepared, place all your personal items like keys, phone, and wallet into a outer pocket of a carry-on bag with a zipper. If you're wearing a jacket with zippered pockets, place everything in there and zip the pockets before taking it off. I normally always wear slip on shoes when traveling and this helps tremendously at airport security.

So now we're through security and we're getting on the plane. One of my biggest pet-pives is people that get up before their group or row is called on the flight. Just wait your turn, if everyone did it it would help the boarding process a lot. Also, follow the rules regarding carry-on luggage. If you're only allowed one "appropriate size carry-on" - which shouldn't be longer than 22"-26" - and one small personal item, don't try to board with 4 separate bags. And with that being said, when stowing carry-ons always remember "wheels facing out or in" not all kinds of sideways.

Now that you're settling into your seat I'll give you one of my new favorite travel tips. Get a small bag ladies (I use one of my cute little LeSportsac insert bags) and place the following items in it: earplugs, gum, your cell phone, iPod/MP3 player, pain reliever, and headphones. This can stay right in the seat back pocket so you can get to it conveniently during the flight or while taxiing. I also always like to make sure to bring a bottle of water and small snack onboard because you never know how long it may take for the flight attendants to start beverage services due to turbulance or a long taxiing time.

So there you have it...just a few tips to help you on your next trip. And in the words of my favorite airline JetBlue..."Happy Jetting!"