Cozy Old Navy Fall Winter 2015

Fall is upon us, but no one told the sun. September in NYC is as hot as ever. Old Navy's winter holiday offerings is prepping us for the day when the temperature drops. The key look was a mix of bold colors and large-scale plaids. The bigger versions of classic skin sweater motifs made the giftable pieces look fresher and younger.

Top picks for holiday gift giving were fun accessories. Coordinating hats and scarves in bright polka dots or quirky holiday statements. Bucket bags and backpacks in the season's colors were also a hit among the bloggers in attendance at the showroom. 

The Old Navy preview served up mini donuts that reminded me of the skating parties my school hosted in my childhood. The clothes, cozy booties, and color palette were quite similar to my grade school fashion trends too. That's what is so fun about this retailer. It takes your nostalgia and updates it for return after you grow up. 

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Holiday Guide: Gifts That Give Back

The holidays are for giving. As much as I like receiving gifts, I get more pleasure seeing the look on the faces of those who open my presents. You can double that pleasure with gifts with a charitable element.

Here are some of the best beauty and fashion ideas for men and women. Some are personal favorites; others were suggested by fellow influencers on Twitter:

Kiehl’s Greatest Hits Collection $45: Every year, I buy my sister a Kiehl’s product to discourage her from hanging onto old products from the year before. For the holidays, the brand’s Greatest Hits Collection has, obviously, everyone’s favorite products in one box. It’s a great value for diehard fans. Also, 100% of Kiehl’s net profits up to $100,000 from the American sales of the Limited Edition set will support Feeding America.

Bird & Stone Cleopatra Bracelet $26: This global chic bracelet has diamond cut brass beads and turquoise stone. You can actually choose the right size to suit your arm for stacking or wearing alone. A percentage of the net profits from their sales benefit the SISI Fund. They help widowed women in Kenya through microloans and financial training to become entrepreneurs.

Caudalie’s Premier Cru Anti-Aging set $99: Who doesn’t love champagne during the holidays? This gift set contains the two most popular products from the brand in travel friendly size. This company is against toxic ingredients and contains plant based anti-oxidants like Polyphenols and grape based resveratrol.

Each product purchased from Caudalie contributes to the “1% for the planet” movement to help the environment. This initiative supports projects like reforestation in the Amazon and building a sustainable, organic, and fair-trade Shea Butter industry cultivated by communities of women in Burkina Faso.

M.A.C. Viva Glam Rihanna Lipstick $16: If you look at my makeup drawer, you will see that MAC lipstick by far is the dominating item. I have loved this brand’s lip color since high school. I request it every year for my stocking (and my family lovingly obliges). Instead of just a percentage of profits, every cent from the sale of their Viva Glam products goes towards helping people affected by HIV/AIDS via the MAC Aids Fund.

Warby Parker Windswept Shades $145: This company was an instant darling for their hipster eyewear at affordable prices. Let’s face it, in fashion; no product has a higher markup than eyewear. Warby Parker brought that percentage down AND manages to donate a pair of eyeglasses to a person in need with partnerships with organizations like Vision Spring. The Windswept shades above are part of their higher end Concentric collection. You can give a gift card so your recipient can choose their favorite style, fit and even prescription

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Tom’s Men’s Paseos $59: These canvas shoes are one of Tom’s bestselling styles. Guys will love the comfort and color range. Similar to Warby Parker, the company has a One for One policy of donating a pair of shoes for every pair purchased.  In addition to shoes, they also have the same efforts for eyewear. Their coffee roasting company contributes to providing clean water to communities that lack it.

Anthony Perfect Shave Kit $65: Pamper your guy with a posh shave kit that includes the brand’s Glycolic Facial Cleanser, Shave Cream, Pre-Shave Oil, and After Shave Balm. A portion of every sale is also donated to support prostate cancer research.

Giving gifts that give back guarantee a smile on more than one face in the world. Isn’t that what the season is all about?

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Gift Guide Pick: Elizabeth Arden UNTOLD Perfume and Lipstick

The hottest trends to come out of the fall/winter runways were unmistakably red and gold. They also happen to be the colors of the holiday season and the brand that embodies that is undoubtedly Elizabeth Arden.

 That shiny gold case and bright red lip symbolized the classic look of glamour to me since I first opened up a fashion magazine as a child. Now, the ruby lip is as hot as ever. I admit I was a little shy to try the bold shade of Red Door Red for daytime. Elizabeth Arden’s global artist Rebecca Restrepo created a collection of lipstihues to flatter all skin tones and fashion colors. I learned that the key to a strong, pigment intensive shade is to make sure your lips are well moisturized. This particular collection is filled with shea butter and vitamins A, C and E to pamper your lips.

I don’t know what it is about pulling open a new lipstick box and turning the tube that got me excited when I first explored makeup, but that joy never left. I already gave my Mom some early stocking stuffers with a few shades that she loved; my girlfriends might too.

My best BFFs will get to try a new fragrance. A great perfume in a glass sculpture is another no-brainer gift for your favorite beauty fans. Elizabeth Arden’s UNTOLD was launched this year. The fragrance is presented in a frosted faceted bottle, like a jewel. It is framed in silver then topped with a crystal clear stopper. The scent itself has what the industry calls “gourmand” notes of pear, black currant and pink pepper along with floral gardenia. I tested it out; it was kind of sexy, romantic, but not overpowering.

Are you ready for a party to give a bright red kiss?  Do you want to unwrap a seductive new scent? Find your goodies at the Elizabeth Arden makeup counter this holiday.

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Elizabeth Arden. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Elizabeth Arden.

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Gift Guide Pick: Etienne Aigner Stag Bags

If you are ever stumped on what to give the most fashionable person in your life, the no-fail gift is always a handbag. If you don’t know her style or her favorite designer, the Etienne Aigner Stag Bag covers all the bases.

If your recipient of honor is a practical gal, the collection is offered in two sizes. The bigger one is a great carry-all size, the smaller accommodates the necessities. They have double zip closures and card holders.

Realistically? That’s not why you are buying this bag. The true fashionista is well beyond such practical details. She knows quality Italian leather. If she is a diva, she would be drawn to the brightly colored striped snakeskin styles. If she is classically elegant, she will love the luxurious untreated vachetta leather edition.  If she is a red carpet regular, the metallic leather is gorgeous in front of the papparazzi.  Most styles retail under $500.

The Etienne Aigner brand has its roots in Haute Couture. The man himself started created high end leather goods after the Second World War. He apprenticed at the House of Christian Dior and Christobal Balenciaga. Today, creative director Daniela Bardazzi created the Stag Bag as a tribute to the Etienne Aigner camera bag her father-in-law carried in the 1970’s.   

Women love their purses. As a gift, you will not have to worry about fit and a trendsetter knows how to build her outfit around her favorite accessory. The bonus gift? Knowing she will have the compliments and envy of everyone around her.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Etienne Aigner. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Etienne Aigner.

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Glam Gift Season with Bulova Watches

It’s that time of year; the organized people are already gift shopping for their friends. I used to look out of the window as a child and see a shimmering Bulova watch billboard during the holidays. It set the standard for sophistication to my 5 year old self. I was re-introduced to the brand at a holiday shopping celebration.

The wearable tech market is being led by smart watches. Many of these are bulky pieces that will give you your heart rate and re-confirm that the phone you have in your other hand got a text message. 

A classic watch is now a luxury.  I learned from an industry lecture that watches are the new jewelry gift. By giving a watch crafted like a fine bracelet, it is an indulgence because you are wearing it for the style, not purely for function anymore. 

The Bulova Facets collection is taking cues from heritage designs and fine jewelry. I was the lucky gift recipient of a rose gold piece with about 100 hand set crystals embedded in the face. While it is contemporary, it also has hints of Gatsby glamour with is mother of pearl face. 

To be honest, most of the watches I already own are quirky, minimalist and rarely worn. This piece is the perfect finishing accessory for me for upcoming holiday parties. It has elegance, but it isn’t stuffy. It’s light and water resistant (just in case those parties get too wild). It is definitely one of my favorite gifts this year because it is beautiful, functional, but not a piece that I would have purchased for myself out of necessity. That’s why it was a treat.

Are you ready to be a stylish Santa? Consider the Bulova Facets collection for your deserving loved ones!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by BULOVA. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of BULOVA.

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Instyle's $3000 Shopping Spree and Holiday Gift Guide

Thanksgiving week means the pressure of holiday shopping is ON! One of my favorite sites, InStyle.com is helping busy people like us with a curated pop-up boutique until December 27th.  How about something even more helpful?  Enter to win InStyle.com’s $3000 shopping spree to make gift shopping really easy, especially when it comes to treating yourself.

I browsed through the InStyle holiday boutique selections and was most fond of their designer fashion and accessories offerings.  They have chosen over thirty fashion forward brands to feature.  My personal holiday party strategy leans to luxurious fabrics in black or red in lace, velvet and sparkly embroideries.  On my shopping list for the next soiree is the sexy Nic & Joe top paired with a sequined mini-skirtfrom Garnet Hill.  When it comes to jewelry, I love rich jewels in deep colors and the more bling, the better.  On my wish list, (hint hint) are Marco Bicego’smulti-gem drop earrings.   I have a weakness for big statement rings and jewel studded watches too.

Handbags are an easy gift for me or for any of the stylish women in my life.  For this season, metal hardware embellishments and snakeskin textures are hot.  Longchamp or Dooney & Burke is eternally on my (and my sister’s) gift list.  I am coveting Longchamp’s crossbody clutch or the big red and black Dooney &Burke shopper (and it can hold gifts for others!).  A more wallet-friendly option would be Kenneth Cole’s studded red bag that looks great at parties.

You can’t forget shoes.  The silver and black leather pumps from Kenneth Cole are also going to be my go-to dancing shoes for late nights of the holidays. 

Some of my favorite romantic gifts, even to myself are sets of luxurious lingerie.  Again, I love black and red.  Figleaves has a beautiful collection this season at some reasonable prices.  I am partial to their Pour Moi set. 

Seeing my loved ones open their gifts is the best moment of the holidays for me.  Imagine how much fun you can have surprising them with a fashionable $3000 shopping spree that you could spend together!  Well, you have to be in it to win it, so make sure you enter the InStyle Holiday Boutique sweepstakes before December 27th, 2013. 

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by InStyle via Single Edition Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of InStyle.

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Gift Guide: Giving Back!

Get into the true spirit of the giving season.  You would never know it, but every gift purchased in today's chic gift guide also benefits charity.  Isn't it that much more fun to know when you give a gift, you are giving it twice?

This lovely gold rose ring from Cuyana ($95) is the perfect shiny thing you want for the holidays and benefits Charity:Water, an organization that brings safe, clean drinking water to third world nations.

The stunning wood frame purse is from Kayu Design ($295). A portion of the proceeds for their gifts go towards Unite for Site.  The organization helps fund sight-restoring surgeries to people in developing countries.

Sales of this cozy scarf from FEED helps provide 10 school meals to children in need.  The scarf was made by artisans in Kenya and features a hand beaded logo. Kenya Kikoy scarf $50.

100% of the profits from Laura Mercier's Hope lip gloss ($24) will go directly to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund,

These party-ready lace print Tom's shoes ($68) are part of a collaboration with artist Gabriel Lacktman.  Every pair of Tom's Shoes that are purchased, another pair of shoes is donated to children in need.

Warby Parker has the most stylish eye wear in the market these days.  The fact that a pair is donated to people who need them every time another pair is purchased only adds to the cool factor.  Loving these Mabel style sunglasses this holiday. 

Who doesn't love candles during the holiday season?  Glass Baby has handcrafted pieces in beautiful colors and techniques.  The company has dedicated itself to benefit many charities since their inception.  This season, they are currently helping food banks around the country. Set of 3 hand-blown votives $132.

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Holiday Gift Guide - Gold and Glitter

It's all about luxury and decadence for the holidays.  Whatever the economic world is doing, the wish list world can be optimistic.  Here is my round-up of the most covet-worthy gold and glittering fashion gift guide for the holidays:

Ridiculous Splurge:
Hermes came out with a diamond studded rose gold chain mail handbag that costs more than many homes at $578 000.  However, if you were one of the recent Powerball lottery, feel free to drop this under my tree. By request at  (212) 751-3181.

Luxe Wish List:
The sparkly Jimmy Choo Vamp Glitterstrap sandals would look divine with any little black dress you could come with for that holiday soiree ($653).

Attainable Luxury:
Kate Spade's gold polka dot cuff makes sure you don't take the glitz too seriously with an aspirational price point of $73 .  Also, I just love cuffs.

Rebecca Minkoff's gold Mini-Mac is the perfect handbag for day-to-night holiday event hopping at $ 250.  Never mind that I already have this bag in black and cranberry, I love it in metallic gold too.  It's just the right size for a night out since it holds my phone, makeup and money.  It's compact enough to tuck under my arm.

Oscar de la Renta's gold filagree necklace definitely makes a statement for even the most simple of cocktail dresses ($134).

Alexander McQueen's edgy gold patent studded wallet is just smokin' ($285)

Budget Stocking stuffers:
I really love my Foot Petals!  These guys keep me from screaming in pain in my heels.  I love any little foot cushions that keep me in comfort.  Foot Petals are not supposed to be seen, but let's face it, you always get ambushed when you arrive at a friend or relative's house for a party and find that you have to leave your precious Louboutins at the door.  If, they're not actually, Louboutins, but a less than impressive label, on-trend metallic gold Foot Petals ($7) have you covered.  (They also have fun prints too).

Text and font prints are de rigeur.  Having a shiny Diane von Furstenburg phone case to flash around is even better ($23).

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Rebecca Minkoff Giveaway + Holiday Sneak Peek

 What is on YOUR holiday wish list?  Rebecca Minkoff put plenty of items on mine this week.  The coveted designer hosted a lovely Ladies night out at her studio to showcase her Holiday 11/12 goodies.

Fellow fashion bloggers were treated to sweets, a makeup treatments and chances at receiving a hand-painted monogrammed Mini Mac clutch.  Jenni of I Spy DIY  was the one with gold paint and brush in hand.  Daniel Saynt of Rebecca Minkoff and Socialyte was acting as Santa Claus handing out handbags.

The holiday collection of Rebecca Minkoff handbags introduced us to new colors and shapes.  Innovative hardware was the big draw, with textured studs and mini hinges used in abundance as trim.  There were cute, sexy mini-dresses for partying.  The handbags were perfectly accessorized for these looks.  Fashionistas shopping for a handbag this holiday will also have the opportunity for a personalized purse.  The monogram program is available online and in-store.

 So are you salivating?  Lucky you, we're giving away a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac clutch handbag for you to party with.  All you need to do is fill out this form for entry!

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