New Year's Eve

The end of the year is fast approaching... Time once again to look back and celebrate all that we have experienced and accomplished. And, with only a few days left in 2011, there are usually two big questions everyone is asking:

What are you doing for New Year's Eve?
and
What are you going to wear?

And hey, if you only have one last chance to make an impression in 2011, better make it count right? Here are some New Year's Eve outfit ideas to get you inspired for the big night!

THE DRESS

French Connection Samantha Sequins Dress / Tibi Metallic Jacquard Dress / Haute Hippie Sequined Strech-Silk Dress

Nothing says "let's celebrate!" more than metallics and sequins. The French Connection silver sequined dress is the perfect balance of classic and fun with the wrap-over detail, powerful shoulders, and eye-catching sequins. While the silver hue is beautiful, the dress also comes in gold (check it out here). Tibi's Metallic Jacquard Dress is a little less flashy, but equally fun with its olive, gold, and black metallic finish and, major plus, forgiving waistline (hey, it is the holidays after all!) If you would prefer a dress with some sleeves this Winter, try something like Haute Hippie's Sequined Stretch-Silk Dress. While the cut of the dress is rather simple, the all over bronze sequins and low back ultimately steal the show. For a similar, less expensive option, check out Nasty Gal's Gabby Sequin Dress.

THE SHOES

Christian Louboutin Bianca Patent Pumps / Kurt Geiger Scatter Suede Booties / Steven Angels T-Strap Pumps

When you're working with sequins, the easiest thing to do is to contrast the party on top with some black basics. These sky-high Christian Louboutin patent pumps are a coveted classic, while the Kurt Geiger suede booties provide a little more edge. For some added feminine detail, the Steven t-strap pumps can be worn over tights to enhance an elegant evening look.

THE ACCESSORIES

1) Wolford Matte Opaque Tights
2) YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick in Exquisite Plum
3) MICHAEL Michael Kors Sloan Python Patent Leather Clutch
4) Maison Martin Margiela Patent Leather Envelope Clutch
5) OPI Nail Polish in Lincoln Park After Dark
6) YSL Large Patent Leather Clutch
7) DANNIJO Coco Rings

So... What will you wear for New Year's Eve? Hope you are having a wonderful holiday season! À bientôt!

A Few Things

Amazing knits

All the way buttoned-up blouses and leather jackets

Big coats and leather gloves

Jay-Z
All photos via Jak & Jil

A Holiday Gift Guide

1) Pretty Ballerinas Rosario Soft Green Suede Flats: All of Pretty Ballerina's flats are beautiful and really well made. Choose from suede, quilted leather, patent cap toes, embellished details, rounded or almond shape... You're bound to find the perfect pair for anyone!
2 & 3) Zara Knitted Mittens and Pompom Hat: You can't go wrong giving someone a hat and gloves during the winter. I love the bright color and knitted texture of this set. A very simple and cozy gift!
4) DANNIJO Stanton Bracelet: This beautiful Swarovski crystal cuff would be beautiful layered with other bracelets, or simply worn on it's own to elevate an evening look. Particularly during the holiday season, everyone loves a little bling!
5) Votivo Holiday Red Currant Candle: When all else fails, give someone a candle. This one by Votivo not only smells amazing, but it also comes in a beautiful glass jar and case for the perfect gifting option.
6) J. Crew Handknit Fair Isle Sweater: Everybody loves a cozy sweater! Not only is this one perfect for Winter, but it's also 30% off today at J. Crew. Just enter code 'JINGLE' at checkout and make someone very happy for less!
7) Stubbs & Wootton Richard Black V Slippers: The Stubbs & Wootton slippers are the perfect gift for that stylish friend or family member in your life. A fun blend of classic and edgy, they can be worn both around the house and around town. The 'Yes and No' pair are fun and quirky while the 'Croc Black V' are a little more luxe and timeless. There's sure to be a pair to suit anyone on your holiday gift list!
8) Chanel Chance Eau de Parfum Spray: Perfumes can be tricky to gift since everyone has their own favorites, but I just love this fresh floral scent by Chanel. Everyone always comments on how great it smells and it makes for a great basic, wear-everyday scent.
9) Cambridge Satchel Co. The Classic Satchel: Not only are these coveted bags the perfect classic carry-all, but they are also surprisingly affordable! Give someone the look of a Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel for less and choose from basic colors like saddle brown and black, or lime green and bright yellow.
10) Michael Kors Runway Chronograph Watch: A nice watch makes a great gift, and Michael Kors makes some of the best in the $200-$350 range. This gold oversized watch is attractive, well made, and simple enough to wear with everything.

Happy holiday shoppping and à bientôt!

A Christmas Wish List

1) Alexander Wang Metallic Bouclé and Mesh Sweater: Alexander Wang is awesome and this sweater is no different. Made of yellow, white, and metallic blue fabric, this piece adds an unexpected touch of cool to any outfit.
2) Céline Horizontal Gusset Cabas Tote: Unfortunately, this bag is sold out everywhere but I want it soooo baaddddd and can't stop obsessing about it. It's the perfect shape, big enough for all my crap, and looks so cool with the exposed zippers.
3) Irreverent by Carine Roitfeld: I posted about Carine Roitfeld a number of weeks back and mentioned her book, Irreverent. Since she stepped down from Vogue Paris, Carine has been working on this book of more than 360 pages chock-full of images chronicling her extraordinary work in the fashion world since the early 1990s. It would make a great gift for anyone interested in fashion.
4) J. Crew Silk Polka Dot Nightshirt: You can't go wrong with getting someone pajamas for Christmas. I love J. Crew's nightshirts - they're so comfortable and you don't feel like a total slob wearing them all day. This silk one makes a nicer gift, and if you shop online at J. Crew today, you can take an awesome 25% off your entire order. (Just use code "MERRY" at checkout)
5) Alexander Wang Intarsia Pullover: Okay, so anything Alexander Wang is pretty much dominating my Christmas list this year. This sweater is ridiculously expensive, but so flipping cool. I want to wear this with everything and never, ever take it off.
6) J. Crew Flannel Boxers: Who doesn't love flannel? These boxers look so cozy and would make a great gift. Again, they're 25% off today only!
7) 3.1 Phillip Lim Fine Stretch Jersey Top: This piece looks super basic, but the sheer chiffon sleeves and partial sheer chiffon back elevate this black top to a whole new level. It would be beautiful paired with a leather pencil skirt or with black jeans and heels. It would also look super cool worn with a vest like Isabel Marant's Sleeveless Tuxedo Jacket, or underneath a dress like they have it styled on net-a-porter.
8) Dessine-Moi Un Parisien by Olivier Magny: I just bought this book while I was in Paris, but I wanted to include it again here because it's absolutely hilarious. The English version is called "Stuff Parisians Like," and couldn't be more spot on in pinpointing the mysterious ways of the Parisians. Study up and enjoy this book to be mistaken for a Parisian or to simply laugh and be transported into the daily Parisian life.
9) Kurt Geiger Sweep Boots: I wear short black boots pretty much every day, so adding an alternate pair with a small heel wouldn't be a bad idea (hint, hint).
10) DANNIJO Mariella Earrings: I normally don't wear earrings, but for these beautiful crystal chandelier ones, I will make an exception. Actually, the only earrings I ever wear are big ones like these. This pair would really make an all black outfit stand out and look gorgeous contrasted with a sharp, strong-shouldered blazer.
11) Alexander Wang Leather Shorts: these leather shorts are exactly what I've been looking for. A lot of designers make a nice, clean leather short, but I love how Alexander Wang ups the badass factor with crinkled leather and exposed buttons up the front. With the perfect baggy fit, I want to wear these shorts all year round with tights and big, baggy knits in the winter (like the Intarsia Pullover!), and with casual tee's in the Spring/Summer.

More great Christmas gift ideas (for everyone) to come this week! À bientôt!

Paris in November

It's been a busy couple of weeks, but now that finals are over, it's about time I shared some photos from Paris...

Along the Seine River - Notre Dame and the Pont de l'Archevêché



Afternoon walk through Père Lachaise cemetery

Afternoon sunset at Père Lachaise


Croissant cooking class at La Cuisine de Paris

Clear, sunny Sunday at Sacré Coeur

Chanel purse in the Karl Lagerfeld's Printemps Christmas windows

We absolutely lucked out with the weather during our stay in Paris. 9 days out of 10 we had clear, blue skies, a soft orange glow from the distant sun, and little need for a coat. My mandatory visit to the Père Lachaise cemetery was hauntingly beautiful at sunset and the view from the top of Sacré Coeur on a Sunday was stunning. Couldn't have asked for anything better!

One morning, Francesca and I took a croissant cooking class at La Cuisine de Paris. Just along the Seine and two blocks down from l'Hôtel de Ville, this charming little cooking school offers cooking classes in French and English. For three hours we worked in pairs rolling thick layer upon layer of butter into dough to create classic croissants, pain au chocolats, and croissants aux amandes. It was a fun class (definitely made me appreciate croissants more!) and the chef we worked with was really great. Check out Lost in Cheeseland's interview with one of La Cuisine de Paris's founders, Jane Bertch, or head straight to their website to see their full schedule of classes!

Now, I'm back in Portland for the holidays with lots of fun things lined up in the next few weeks... Got tickets to see Foster the People on Wednesday, picking up the Christmas tree tomorrow, and most of my friends will be home by the end of the week... Life is good! Hope you are all well and staying warm wherever you are!

À bientôt!

A Few Things

Fuzzy, cozy sweaters

Leather and studs: the perfect DIY project for a cold day inside

Fall layers
All photos via Jak & Jil