On My List

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is already over and we are staring Christmas right in the face. If I didn't cook and eat the turkey myself, I may have missed Thanksgiving all together. I feel like we were getting ready for Christmas right after Halloween. We're all hoping for great holiday sales, but I never thought playing Jingle Bells in October was the way to inspire people to shop.

In any case, it is THE shopping season (not that I need a season or an occasion), but it does help when I have to explain the credit card bills to my accountant, ahem, my husband. I love a good gift just like the next gal, so I've started my wish list in case "Santa" decides to come down the chimney.

The first two things on my list are both by Phillip Lim. It's been a while since I've bought anything by PL but oh boy, that's about to change. I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this peacoat leather beauty. The detachable hem gives the jacket so much versatility. I have several pieces of Phillip Lim outerwear...by far they are my most favorite. The fit and style are impeccable.

The Phillip Lim lovefest does not stop here. Take a peak at this beautiful sequined silk-chiffon top. The navy chiffon is adorned with gold, silver and bronze sequins giving an urban chic twist on evening wear. Cinch in the black grosgrain belt and layer it over draped pants -- it's a great alternative for cocktail attire.

The holidays are here. Whether you are making a list, buying off a list or just treating yourself, both of these beauties are winners.

Happy Thanksgiving

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am thankful for many things this year -- one of which is Whole Foods. I'm cooking for my brood which consists of my husband, kids, and brother-in-law. With the help of good ole Whole Foods, dinner will be more about gin and tonics and dessert than it will be about slaving over a hot stove. Yes, I will do "some" cooking but I'm looking forward to quality cuddle time with my family, a little pecan pie (they don't make 'em here like they do in Texas) and some tivo.

Some time during my kids afternoon naps, I'll be sipping my cocktail and conjuring up outfits to go with my newly purchased Boutique 9 Oxford flats. I've been coveting this style for some time now but hadn't found a pair I loved till I saw this distressed, crackled metallic leather version. My first ensemble includes a Trina Turk jumpsuit and an oversized sweater -- all of which I am also thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! Wishing you all a tasty, cozy and loving few days with your families. See you again on Monday.

Tuesday Tip

There are plenty of winter days where gloves are appropriate in the Bay Area. In fact, I will be sporting some over the elbow leather gloves tomorrow night for an evening out with my husband. Gloves are a great accessory for both warmth or fashion. But let's face it -- they aren't iphone or ipod friendly. It wasn't always easy to get your cashmere or wool wrapped little fingers to click the letters or song of your choice, until now.

Echo Touch gloves are cashmere/wool blend gloves that have electromagnetic fabric fingertips that let you type while keeping your fingers warm and toasty.

At $30 a pair, I guess my iphone friends just found out what they are getting for Christmas.

In Houston

Well, I meant to tell you all that I was back home in Texas meeting my, soon to be, brother's fiance. It was a lovely weekend at home. I took the day off friday and well seeing as I just got home, I'm off tomorrow, too.

Please check in on tuesday for new fashionable tidbits!

Jewels By Branjelina?

I've never been a big fan Angelina Jolie. Undoubtedly she's gorgeous and yeah she wants to save the world, but I'm more "team jenn". As for Brad Pitt, I guess he's hunky but I'd take Matthew McConaughey over him any day. Still there is no denying that Brangelina is a power couple with big things on their horizon. One of those things is their new venture in high-end jewelry design with Asprey via a capsule collection of gold jewelry and silver accessories called The Protector — and inspired by the snake. It's a shame that the collection won't have any striking green emeralds similar to what she wore to the Oscars.

The limited edition collection, which was conceived and designed by Pitt and Jolie, has been in the works for more than a year, and will go on sale at Asprey stores in London, New York, Beverly Hills, Tokyo and Dubai later this week, according to Asprey officials.

Prices start at $525 for a silver baby spoon with a curving, serpent-shaped handle, and all net proceeds from sales will go to Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, which was cofounded by Jolie in 2006. The charity raises awareness and funds to educate child victims of war, conflict and natural disasters.

Ummm, what the heck is with the serpent theme? When she was pregnant with their daughter Shiloh, Jolie was given a ring, in the shape of a snake. Since then she’s considered the reptile a talisman and protector of her family.

I wonder if they are doing a "high-end" version of a necklace with a blood filled vile on it?

The "L" Word

The other night it was a marathon round of tv. I'm embarrassed to admit that I watched Oprah (tivo is my best friend) plus Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. I was able to fast forward through some of the commercials but watched Private Practice, live. I sat on my living room couch, glued to the tv. I justified watching hours of tantalizing fictional story lines as if it were remotely equivalent to reading a book. Normally I flip channels to avoid commercials but suddenly I found myself paying attention. It was a commercial for an "L" plan. And by "L," I don't mean Louboutin or Lacroix. I mean layaway or partial payment as I like to refer to it. At that one moment I realized what an ingenious plan layaway is. For years now layaway has gotten a bad rap. But truth be told, it's a great idea. Especially when it comes to designer goods.

We all know that I fall in love all the time. Though some of my obsessions must be bought as quickly as they are discovered, there are numerous items I could patiently wait for. For example, if I were to break up payments (over a 3 month period) for my beloved Chanel flats...well, let's just say I would do it! PLUS, I would avoid incurring large credit cards bills or having to take all the financial responsibility at once.

Oh, and if you want a handbag but you don't want your husband to know about it, well then perhaps a partial payment plan is the best way to keep those big purchases under the radar. A credit card charge of $1000 requires a lot more explaining than a few $300ish payments per month. Of course they aren't offering this plan at Neiman's or Barney's, though if they did, I would be all over it.

So if you are looking for a creative buying solution or you want to keep your credit cards bills manageable, a partial payment plan is a great option when making a hefty purchase! For now, iniam is figuring out how to offer this service. Stay tuned...

iniam, ila and i, and Kathleen van der Spek Trunskshow

Iniam is joyfully excited to welcome Houston based designer Ila, of ila and i jewels, to share her "naturally elegant" jewelry with all of you. Be ready to adorn yourself in diamonds set in yellow, white or rose gold. But that's not all! iniam will also bring a luxurious collection of apparel and accessories by San Francisco based designer Kathleen van der Spek.

On Sunday November 15th, enjoy 20% OFF on ila and i jewelry, Kathleen van der Spek designs and all regular prices merchandise at iniam!

It's going to be an afternoon you don't want to miss!

Holiday Must Haves

On my day off yesterday, I popped into iniam to drop off a few things. As I arrived, my jaw dropped as I saw the fantastic collections that had just been unpacked. Little by little, amongst all the sweaters and stylish daily wear, we have been receiving bits and pieces of holiday must haves. But yesterday, there was an eruption of beautiful holiday pieces that every girl would want in her wardrobe. Velvet pants and beaded pearl sweater by Milly and a stunning wire wrapped bead dress by Haute Hippie -- both are nothing less than a fashionista's dream. But wait! There is so much more...a chanel inspired cardigan set in a soft grey color palette and chic blouses sure to be the conversation piece at any hoiday party. Oh, AND you don't want to miss the gorgeous new hair accessories. The peacock feathered headbands are my favorite!

It's like Christmas in November...I'm so excited I am shopping I mean working today!

Tuesday Tips

I'm always dragging my feet when getting out of bed in the morning. I'd do just about anything for five more minutes of uninterrupted sleep. Sometimes looking awake supersedes feeling awake.

There are some trends we love because they make us look chic and then there are those trends that do even more than just making us look hip and fashionable. One of these trends is purple and blue mascara. I know violet lashes have a certain retro-'80s feel, "but the blue pigments go a step further, reflecting the whites in your eyes and making you look brighter, bolder, instantly more AWAKE."

I love the gorgeous, sophisticated violet of both Heidi Klum's Extra-Lengthening Mascara from her Exotic Jewels Collection for Victoria’s Secret, and Estée Lauder’s Limited Edition Sumptuous Color Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Amethyst!

So here's the plan. Tomorrow I'll sleep five extra minutes, skip brushing my teeth and use the time I save to apply violet mascara. I'll look bright eyed and bushy tailed as I'm searching for some breath mints!

Day Off.

taking the day off...tune in tomorrow!

My New Favorite T

I love James Perse tshirts -- all of them. The fabric, fit, and overall life span of these tshirts is nothing less than amazing. I feel a "but" coming on.

BUT, I've also fallen in love with another tshirt. I can't fully vouch for the quality, though so far so good, but the the fit is well....forgiving. The JCrew boyfriend tissue tee is my new BFF. It's long, a little loose and has a great neckline. The tshirt had me at "a little loose". It's great as a stand alone tee or equally as great when layered with a blazer or cardigan.

I haven't had as much luck with other JCrew tshirts, but this one is a keeper.

6 pairs of Shoes

I'm on the hunt for shoes again. My wardrobe could stand to have a few more flats so why do I keep gravitating towards OTK boots? I've always liked them, I just couldn't get myself into a pair, but now I am becoming freakishly obsessed. My Dolce Vita booties arrive tomorrow (I can't wait) and then I'll be on the hunt for some OTK boots. Since I'm off this week-end, I might pop into the city and spend a little time "investigating".

Whether or not over the knee boots or booties are your cup of tea, there are six types of shoes every women needs. I am by no means advocating that any woman should limit themselves to six pairs of shoes. I come from the "more is more" mind set -- at least where shoes are concerned. Having said that, the following are six shoe styles crucial in completing a woman's wardrobe:

1. Two inch kitten heel or wedge
2. Flat
3. Dressy/sexy high heel
4. Kicks -- a pair of sneakers that are fun (keep your Nike's for the gym)
5. Boots
6. All Weather Boots (rain boots)

I'm sipping on my cocktail (who cares if it's a tuesday night) and I'm shopping for shoes. I need a pair or all weather boots. Why the heck do I have a pair of heels in my shopping cart?

Move over Gilt and Rue La La -- you've got some new competition! There is a new sample sale site on it's way: Swirl, Sample Sales by Daily Candy.

The most noteworthy difference is that all the items featured on Swirl will be hand picked by by Daily Candy's editors and overseen by newly named Creative Director, Eve Epstein, who was until now editor in chief over all the Daily Candy properties.

Membership is exclusive to DailyCandy subscribers for the beta launch. So if you’re not currently a DailyCandy subscriber, sign you up to receive the DailyCandy “Everywhere Edition” when you sign up for Swirl.

The site is beta and will soft launch on November 16th. It's first come, first serve to sign up -- the full launch will come in some time in January.