Inauguration Fashion Coverege

Mrs. Obama in Thom Browne at the Inauguration Ceremony

  This is what was underneath the coat.

 Sasha and Malia in Kate Spade and J. Crew

Mrs. Obama in Michael Kors at the Inauguration Reception

(The President looks pretty good too!)

At the Inaugural Ball in Jason Wu

A sketch of the dress

Thanks to Red Carpet Fashion Awards, Mrs. O and Fashionista for the photos.

Happy MLK Day!

Pinterest

I am in love with Pinterest! Pinterest it like this great, digital scrapbook that allows you to share, organize and keep track of all your great ideas. So much easier than tearing sheets out of magazines, right? I use to do that as a teenager and I must have filled up 10 binders full of magazine clips covered in those plastic cover sheets.

I know some people think that Pinterest is just for women that are obsessed with crafts and cookie recipes, but there is something on Pinterest for everyone.

Workout Tips

Book Recommendations

Style Inspiration

Keep Your Standards High Ladies!

Everyday Dishes

I am all for the fine china, and I believe that anyone who entertains regularly should own a set, but, plain old everyday dishes are even more essential because of how often you will use them. Don't bother purchasing fine china until you have the everyday stuff first because no matter how much you plan on entertaining, your everyday dishes will get more use.

There are so many options out there for everyday dishes including hundreds of white-ware styles and many others that come in a variety colors. The styles that come in a variety of colors are great because you can easily mix and match for added color. I prefer white because it allows me to mix and match sets with random one-off pieces that I have found at antique or discount stores like Home Goods. 

The most important things to look for in everyday dishes beyond the style is durability and whether not it is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Kemi from Crate & Barrel

Cottage by Villeroy & Boch

Best Dresses at the 2013 Golden Globes

I have to say, my favorite part of award season isn't the awards themselves, but the red carpet pre-show events where I can get the best view of the dresses, hair and makeup.Most people tune in to watch from 8-11 PM, while I tune in from 6-8 PM to watch the fashion action on E!.

Best Dressed

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Winter Getaway

If there is ever a time to head to some place warm, the wintery months of January and February are it, especially for those of us who were not lucky enough to find ourselves someplace tropical over the December holidays.

These are some of the places on my vacation wish list.

One and Only Palmilla Resort

Clothes You Can Wear Now & Later

The months of January and February can be a little tough shopping wise because all of the winter clothing and accessories is put on sale to make room for the spring collections that will soon be arriving.

It’s tempting to scoop up all the sale items, but you end up spending money on items that you will only be able to wear for a couple of more months. Luckily, many “winter” items currently on sale can be great transitional pieces for the spring when you pair them with the right items.

Here are some examples:

Classic Crew Neck Long Sleeved Tee by Lord & Taylor
Available in a bunch of colors, this comfy long sleeved basic T can be worn layered with a blazer or cozy vest for winter, and then worn by itself in the spring.

Choosing Flatware

I have to admit, I have always been a bit obsessed with sterling silver. I remember being over my grandmother's house as a child and she would set me up at the kitchen table with the silver cream to polish it. I just remember admiring the wooden box that it was stored in.

Not everyone likes sterling silver flatware, especially people who don't do much formal entertaining. For many people, they prefer stainless steel because it requires much less maintenance, and of course, it is much more affordable. Other options include bamboo, silverplate, horn and pewter.

Here are some of my favorite choices:

Francis I from Reed & Barton

Jewelry Box Essentials

No matter what your budget is, every chic girl needs to have a few essential items in her jewelry box, and it doesn't matter of they are real or paste. As long as they look real, then your set.

Also, this is a huge peeve of mine. You DO NOT have to tell someone that your jewelry isn't real. 99% of the time, no one will be able to tell the difference, so why let them in on your secret. It's much more fun to let them think your faux diamond studs are the real thing from Shreve, Crump & Low.

Here are some of the essential items that you should have in your collection.

Diamond Studs

Classic item that every woman should own. If their real you can pass them down to your daughters. Trust me, they'll be grateful.

Pearl Studs

Another classic must have. They can be plain, pink, black or with tiny diamond accents. They are always classic, and they will never be out of style.

A Classic Wrist Watch

I'm partial to Cartier because thats what Jackie wore, but my budget hasn't caught up with my taste so, right now, I'm loving anything by Michael Kors. If you have your heart set on fancy watch, look into a pre-owned one so you don't pay full retail for it.

A Cocktail Ring

It doesn't matter what it is, as long as it makes a statement.

Glitzy "Big Night Out" Earrings

Everyone needs a good party earring! Chandelier style, drop earrings or shoulder sweepers. As long as it sparkles, your good.

One Cuff Bracelet

Cuffs are classic. Choose one in whatever tone best suits your skin.

A Stack of Bangles

Bangles dress up any outfit in a flash. By them by the armful and mix and match as you please.

If your jewelry is faux but fabulous, you don't need to worry about locking it away for safe keeping. If your lucky enough to have the real thing, I recommend keeping your collection locked up in an in-home safe if you have it, or, do what my grandmother did, keep it locked up in a safe deposit box at the bank. And don't forget to insure it! 

These are a few of my favorite places & designers for gems and jewels, both real and fake.

Shreve, Crump & Low

Elsa Peretti

Kenneth Jay Lane

Lux, Bond & Green

Alexis Bittar

Fancy Flea Antiques

Brimfield Antique Show

Thank You Notes

With all the technology today, so many of us say our thank you's via text and email, and it is such a let down. I know people are busy, and it's faster to send an email or text, but your are missing the point with those methods of communication!

Classic Note

Mirrored Furniture

Mirrored furniture is one those things where less is more. I love it, but mirrored furniture should be used sparingly. I like to add it as an accent piece to glam up a room. The only time I would have more than one mirrored piece of furniture in a room is I had a pair of bedroom night stands. In this case, it is expected that the two pieces would match.

Mirrored furniture is great because it is so versatile. Besides night stands, you can also find mirrored pieces used for vanities, coffee tables, side tables, dressers or my favorite, desks! I love to see a mirrored desk in a ladies office. It is incredibly chic.

Nightstand

Vanity

Winter Dinner Party Menus

I know that everyone is on a diet as part of their new year's resolution, but for a winter dinner party, your menu needs to be a little more hearty than lettuce leaf and steamed veggies.

I am not saying you need to be making a roast turkey and stuffing, as a matter of fact, I would avoid that. I think people are so over the holiday food because they have had their fill over the past month. But if you are making someone come out on a cold, snowy night, they don't want to see a menu based on your current diet plan.

Try and strive for a balance between light and heavy. You don't want to weigh your guests down, but you don't want them leaving hungry either.

Here are a few menu options that I put together.

Menu I

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette

 

Winter Dinner Party Decor

There is always a big let down after the holidays for some reason. There aren't any more parties to attend or big holiday dinners, plus the cold weather tends to keep people inside most nights.

I am not a fan of this at all. There is no reason to put your social life on hold during the months of January and February just because of the colder weather and lack of holidays to celebrate.

That is where an old fashioned dinner party comes in. Getting a group of friends together for dinner one winter night is a great way to break of the monotony.

You can keep it as casual or fancy as you like. Just do what you feel comfortable with.

Here are some decor ideas to get you started.

Table Settings

Winter without being holiday-like

White china and linens with pine cones

Simple but chic

Rustic browns with added texture

Table Decor

Simple, but packs a big punch

Painted pine cones across the table

Small but festive

A few hydrangea stems mixed with pine cones and tree branches

Linens

  White tablecloth with silver embroidery

Gold snowflake runner with matching napkins

Tartan Napkins

Winter tablecloth from Lenox

Check back tomorrow for some winter dinner menu ideas!