Merry Christmas Everyone!

Christmas is one of my favorite holidays -- I love baking cookies, wrapping presents, spending time with family and, of course, decorating. My place is relatively small, but I always love adding new decorations to my growing collection of holiday ornaments and tchotchkes. Decorating always gets my in the spirit of the holidays, and I wanted to share some of the spirit with you.

Here are some photos of my Christmas decorations. Being a Phoenix girl, we don't really get that wintry Christmas feel (i.e.: cold temps & snow), so my little inside "winter-wonderland" look has helped me get that cozy and festive feeling.

And here are some classic Christmas decor items I found on the Web. I'd say most of them are fairly affordable, but of course after the holidays, they'll be really affordable!

12 Days of Christmas Ornaments, Crate & Barrel, $39.95; Golden Star Christmas Tree, Gump's, $45

Pre-Lit Poinsettias, Brylane Home, $24.99; Elegant Reindeer, Pier 1 Imports, $35 ea.

"Designer" Gifts For Less

I recently had the opportunity to guest blog on Shop It To Me's blog about inexpensive gift ideas for those who love designer items. The blog post is below. And, if you're interested in signing-up for Shop It To Me e-mails click here -- it is a great way to keep up-to-date on the latest apparel sales on the Web. (Shop It To Me sends customized e-mails of clothing sales by brand or retailer you've pre-selected.)

We all know at least one person who emphatically declares like Rachel Zoe, they “die“ for designer items. They covet designer logos, expensive fabrics and haute couture looks like a girl on a diet craves chocolate. And trying to please them is not always easy on a recession-thin wallet. But this year, in particular, with stores trying to reeve up their revenues, you can find plenty of designer-like items out there that ooze the sophistication and luxury of those pricey brands. Here are just a few chic gift items that can satisfy any of your designer-obsessed friends or family members this holiday season:

For that girlfriend smitten by the luxe look of designer handbags, check out Urban Outfitters’ Deux Lux Studded Hobo. It’s stylish, PETA-friendly (its faux leather if you can believe it!) and only costs $68.

Or, for your Sex in the City obsessed sister, pick up a pair of these Carrie-inspired Poetic Licensed pumps from Lori’s Shoes for a mere $88.

How about spicing up your mom’s play-it-safe wardrobe with a biker-inspired leather jacket, like this one from Frenchi for $168.

And, don’t forget about your stylish aunt, who loves one-of-a-kind items like this fancy and oh-so-chic From O’Keeffe Necklace from Anthropologie for $48.

Finally, we mustn’t forget about the men in our lives. Although most of them could care less about designer items, there may be a few fashion-forward fellows who dig those lavish looks. So, to please them, how about a bit of classy cashmere in the form of a scarf or sweater from J.Crew ( $68 and $62 respectively.)

So, the next time your Louboutin-loving friend or Chanel-salivating relative mentions a “too-die-for” extravagance, just know that with a little bit of searching, you can get them that designer-inspired item without that designer price-tag -- and, they’ll love it just the same!

Thanks for the Blogs!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I wanted to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to some of my favorite blogs for providing me with inspiration, laughs and a do-good attitude. I'm in awe of the many creative and talented people in the blogosphere -- their witty and unique perspectives on everything from fashion, to interior design to spreading kindness around the world brings a smile to my face nearly every day.

Thanks for the inspiration
The Sartorialist
A collection of photos taken by fashion photographer Scott Schuman showcasing stylish everyday and not-so-everyday (i.e. models) people from around the world.



I love being a voyeur of our ever-evolving fashion world. I'm constantly inspired by the photos of unique, extravagant and simple styles. It is constantly making me think outside my own little fashion box.

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The Scoop
A designer/fashion/artist blog from the girls behind OrangeBeautiful, a design studio of all paper things handmade: books, cards, stationary, etc.



They post their favorite items, which often become mine too. They've got great taste, and they often post links to other cool Web site that I would never have discovered if it wasn't for their great blog.

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Fashion is Spinach
An irreverent and witty fashion blog written by the editor of The Washington Posts' FW.



A creative look at fashion through the eyes of a woman who loves it as much as I do, but has the wherewithal to live and love it in her work and life. Each post really conveys her enthusiasm for style and design, and it makes me open my mind to perceiving all those "pretty things" with as much joy as she has for them.

Thanks for the laughs
dooce
A hilarious account of being a hip mom raising two precocious kids and two totally cute dogs. Oh, yeah, and there is a supportive husband in the mix too.



Not only is she a fantastically funny writer, she also takes beautiful photos of her daily life, cute videos of her five-year old, and shares some of her favorite things. I can always count on her posts to make me giggle.

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PassiveAggressiveNotes.com
"Painfully polite and hilariously hostile writings from shared spaces the world over."



Classic. Relatable . And, spit-out-your-drink funny.
(I've even submitted one.)

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Oprah's Not the Only One with Favorite Things
An ongoing list of favorite things, with clever musings about why you should make them your favorite things too.



My friend and co-worker Nadia started this blog because she loves to shop and she loves to share her finds. She always keeps it real with a bit of funny thrown-in.


Thanks for the do-good attitude
Operation Nice
A blog that "encourages people to be proactively nice."



It is my go-to-place for daily doses of goodness. Amidst all the anger, resentment and hostility in the world, this blog reminds me that there are people that still take time out of their day to think of others and be kind. There are stories about acts of kindness, assignments on how to be nicer, and links to other Web sites that promote goodwill towards others.

"Thank You" again to all these great bloggers for opening their lives, their opinions and their great finds to the masses.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pure Dead Brilliant

The Scots are a funny bunch -- they like to laugh; they like to drink; and they do both in their famous Scottish brogue. Their delightful and robust attitude towards life is enough for me to adore their culture. But what makes them even better are two special gifts they unknowingly gave to the fashion world: plaid & houndstooth -- two prints that have withstood the test of time.

Every decade from the late 19th century until today has seen its share of clothing bedecked in plaid or houndstooth. From ornate and cumbersome Victorian dresses to the grunge flannels of Gen-Xers, these prints have carried us through every trend, every style and every piece of clothing we've worn.

And this season is no different. Plaids and hounstooth are back and as the Scots like to say, "pure dead brilliant!" From sexy, curve-hugging dresses to boisterous pumps, these prints are ready to make an imprint on a new century.

Designer Looks

Houndstooth Sheath Dress, Alexander McQueen, $1595; Double-collar Shirt Dress w/Belt, Lela Rose, $995

Bargain Looks

Satin/Plaid 2-Fer Dress, Jodi Kristopher, $46.23; Sleeveless Houndstooth Dress, Jessica Simpson, $87.99; Poetic License Good Vibrations Pumps, Lori's Shoes, $88

Rocker Chic

These days it isn't very hip to be square. Everyone from your grandma to your best friend's baby are tossing aside their cardigans and pastels for the rockin' tough chick look. That means this season it is all about fitted leather jackets, stick-thin, gravity defying stilettos, and studded, chain-linked handbag. And let me tell you, this look is kicking ass and taking names. Hey, sometimes you just gotta be a little bad.

Designer Looks

Leather Motocross Jacket, Vince, $750; Drape Bootie, Dior, $1090; Pelham Shoulder Bag, Gucci, $1695

Bargain Looks

Big Chill Faux-Leather Jacket, Dillard's, $49; BCBG Paris Lyric Patent Platform Bootie, DSW, $59.95; Deux Lux Studded Hobo, Urban Outfitters, $68

Couture Halloween

Halloween is one of my most favorite holidays. Although I don't dress up or celebrate it the way I used to, I still enjoy the silliness and spookiness of it all. This year my work had a Halloween BBQ and a few people dressed up, including me (I was Betty Draper from Mad Men). It was so much fun to have one day where people indulged in a little fantasy -- whether it was something scary or ghoulish, or outrageous or funny.

And that is what made me starting thinking about the fantasy element of fashion. There are a few designers, like Galliano, Lacroix and Gaultier, who transform their fantasies into beautifully dramatic clothing and display them in fantastical and theatrical runway shows.

Below is the inspiration for this post. It is a Galliano dress from his Spring 2010 Ready to Wear show in Paris. To me the dress exuded a slightly macabre yet deliciously seductive sensibility. Exactly what the fantasy of Halloween is all about!

John Galliano, 2010 Spring Read to Wear
(photo credit: style.com)

Bargain Looks

Zoe Lace Dress, Bebe, $139; Polaris Dress, ModCloth, $99.99; Flutter Tier Ruffle Dress, White House Black Market, $98

Where the Wild Things Are

Just like the title from the beloved children's book, Where the Wild Things Are is a great testament to the fashion world's raucous love affair with animal prints. Whether it be the sultry spots of a leopard or the unruly stripes of a tiger, fashion is indebted to these frisky felines. And this season, animal prints are all the rage.

Taken in small doses -- a belt, shoes or a bag -- this bold print can add a bit of spice and sexiness to a simple outfit. Or, in bigger doses, like a dress or blouse, the look can be dramatic and awe-inspiring. Just be careful, though. Too much animal print can make you look more like a cat on a walk than a fabulous woman on a catwalk.

Designer Look

Leopard Sheath Dress, Oscar de la Renta, $2190; Leopard Tie-Front Blouse, Dolce & Gabbana, $1195


Leopard-Print Pump, Dolce & Gabbana, $695


Bargain Look

Cheetah Print Sheath Dress, Jessica Simpson, Macy's, $128; City Style Puff Sleeve Knit Leopard Top, New York & Company, $24.46


Women's Coddle Pump, Not Rated, Endless.com, $44.95

Fifteen Minutes of Fashion Fame

It seems over the past few years every celebrity with fifteen minutes or fifteen years of fame has started a clothing, accessory or shoe line. Many of these attempts have failed and been forgotten, while a few have managed to succeed and have longevity in the fickle fashion world.

Of the celebrity fashion lines that have risen above the fray, they all vary in price and style. From Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen's Elizabeth & James' purposefully disheveled and trendy fashions to Bono & wife's eco-friendly t-shirt and casual wear Edun brand, some celebrity clothing lines are, in my opinion, a bit overpriced and, well, boring.

But then comes a long a few gems. And by gems, I mean clothing and shoe lines that are trendy yet chic, classy yet daring, and affordable yet luxe-looking. Yes, there are some celebrity clothing lines like L.A.M.B. and Sienna Miller's Twenty8Twelve that are on the pricier side, but their stuff looks high quality and, yeah, wearable.

Here are a sampling of some celebrity clothing and shoe lines -- which, by the way, have some hits and misses in their collections, but nevertheless have a few stellar pieces that stand out.

Watercolor Ruffled Dress, LC Lauren Conrad, Kohl's $41.99
(Not a huge fan of Lauren Conrad, but a friend told me about this cute dress from Lauren's line at Kohl's and found it adorable! And, well, also the inspiration for this post.)



Boucle Dress, Jessica Simpson Collection, $128

Jacquard Bandeau Dress, Kate Moss for TopShop, $160


"Katie" platform pumps, Jessica Simpson Collection, $89; Prestige pumps, Carlos by Carlos Santana, $91

"Rae" sandals, L.A.M.B, Zappos, $260; "Turpin" Jacket, Twenty8Twelve, ShopBob, $460

Dressing Etsy

My journey through Etsy-land has been profound and prolific. I've found so many great and unique items, and I know there are so many more to discover. For my final installment of promoting all things Etsy -- but in no way my final posting of Etsy finds -- I present to you some sophisticated yet quirky, comfortable yet classy Etsy-certified dresses. Enjoy!

Donna Dress, BelleNoel, $120; English Rose Ruffle Dress, Lirola, $117


Orange Leaves Dress, Katyaskvo, $229

This Floral Life, Replicca, $40; PR Dress, Carol Hannah, $275 (she is a contestant on Project Runway!)