The gift of giving

This month we celebrate the gift of giving and if your scared of crowds and long lines, I suggest buying most of your gifts online.

For my best friend who’s always on trend I found Rachel Zoe’s Faux fur vest ($79.80). It can be found on qvc.com.

For something classic that anyone would love, Smythson.com is perfect. To make something personal, order a monogrammed journal, planner, or stationary with their initials. Smythson has been around since 1887, has been used by the English royal family for many years, and even Jackie O was a client.

To give a stylish gift that will make your loved ones stay healthy, lulu lemon workout outfits are very flattering on every figure, amazingly comfortable and motivate you to exercise and stay active.

This season, more than ever, I feel inspired to give gifts with a purpose. I ordered a pair of Tom’s shoes for everyone in my family. For every pair you buy, the company will give a new pair of shoes to a child a need. I bought the gold glitter pair ($54) for my sisters. It is the perfect gift because, not only are you helping a great cause, you are also giving a fashionable and fun gift.

The gift of giving back always makes you feel good too! One of my favorite holiday traditions it to pick a salvation army angel tree. The Angel Tree is a fun way to give if you like shopping. Just pick out an angel ornament that has a girl or boy, their age, and a description of some of the items on their Christmas list and drop it off at the mall where you picked it out. You can have fun shopping for them and you will be proving them with a few things that they need and a few that they wish for.

Most importantly, do not forget to write a thoughtful thank you note for the gifts you receive and the parties you are invited to. Everyone loves to open up a thoughtful note with a charming or humorous description of your time together.

In with the Old

Over the past few weeks I have been looking for a good vintage store in Dallas. I have been wanting to find some cool new pieces but I don't want to spend alot of money on new clothes and jewelry. Most of the stores I have found have so much junk and it would take alot of time to dig through everything. This weekend I went home to my parents house and went shopping in my mom's closet. I found so many cool things that she is letting me keep that she has had for a really long time. I found some vintage necklaces and old dresses and jackets that she is letting me alter. It also made my mom feel good that I like her stuff because we have always had different tastes in clothes and jewelry. In this recession it can be really helpful to go back and look through what you already have. Even things stored away in your back closet that you have been meaning to get rid of may have come back in style. This is also a good lesson to keep all of your special clothes and jewelry because you never know if they might have a come back.

Etiquitte and style tips for holiday parties!

With many holiday dinner parties coming up, it is just as important to dress the part at it is to act the part. There is no sense in being the best dressed if you are not going to be on your best behavior. Your good manners will even make your outfit look better. If the dress code is casual, my favorite dinner party pick is jeans and a pretty blouse. Make sure to wear something sparkly or interesting on top because when you sit down to eat, your company will only see what is on top. I like Tucker printed blouses paired with dark jeans and your favorite heels. A way to get a conversation started is to wear something sparkly. For a holiday cocktail party Alice&Olivia sequin dresses are always fun and festive. Add opaque tights to your favorite dress to keep warm and change up the look. Now that you have figured out what you are going to wear, don’t forget your manners Despite what your Grandma has always said, it is okay to have your elbows on the table as long as there is not a plate in front of you. If you are going to talk with your hands, make sure to leave your fork and knife on the edge of your plate before you gesture. When it is cold outside soup is a staple. Scoop your spoon away from you otherwise you are likely to spill on your fantastic outfit. Never show up empty handed. Always bring something for your host, a pretty little candle, your famous home made holiday dessert, or Tablescapes: Setting the Table With Style by Kimberly Schlegel Whitman. Don’t forget to be a good guest, contribute to conversation, dress the part, and don’t forget to smile and have fun!

Mad Men

I have been catching up on the old seasons of the hit series on amc called Mad Men. Its all about the advertisers from the fifties. I find it incredibly fascinating considering I am studying advertising and love everything about that time period from the clothes, the fads, and the housefold decor. I wish we still had these ladies style, although I do not envy the way women were treated. They were treated like objects and no matter who they are, they are just another woman for men to play with. While watching the show I realize how far women have come in the last half century. We now have the ability to voice our opinions and are shown respect in the world of buisnees. Way to go ladies!

Palm Sunday

While in church this morning, it seemed that people were disconnected to the service and more connected to their cell. I was listening to the sermon when I was distracted by the sound of a phone ring. Luckily it was not mine, but as I looked around to see who was reaching for their phone I realized that multiple church goers were typing away on their blackberrys. The people who respectfully keep their phones tucked away pulled them out immediatey after the service is over. It seems that poeple have become so attatched to their phones that even on the day of rest they cannot take one hour off. Remember that it is important to take time away from our technology devices to relax and pay full attention to what is presently going on around us.

Body Image

I feel strongly about the problem with Anorexia for young girls today. Designers, fashion magazines, and friends put too much pressure on young ladies to be as skinny as possible in order to fit the society's "ideal look". Girls are constantly reminded to lose weight when opening a magazine or listening to their moms, friends, or celebrities talk about how they need to drop ten pounds. A way to fix this problem would be to raise more awareness about having a healthy body and eating for nutrition. Also, instead of looking up to models who seem like they have not seen food in weeks, we should learn to appreciate women for what they have accomplished. This would help young ladies focus less on how they look in a bikini and give them more time to achieve goals that do not have to do with a number on the scale.

You Don't Have to be Rude to Fly

Airports bring the worst out of people. As I noticed on my Spring Break Vacation, many people are stressed and suddenly get rude when they are close to an airplane. Passengers will do whatever it takes to skip long lines and trample over whoever is in their way. Even the flight attendants can get this contagious disease. One rude employee can destroy the reputation of an entire company. I will never fly a certain Airline (which will remain unnamed) because of the degrading attitude I encountered while flying home from spring break. One flight attendant had a bad attitude at a high altitude. When an elderly lady sitting close to me was suddenly struck with nausea, she was treated worse than a dog. The flight attendant yelled at her like she was a child instead of making accommodations. Anyone who needed assistance was treated with a rudely obnoxious remark. The point of my claim is that the service, whether great or degrading, creates a brand's image. It is always important to treat people with the utmost respect in order to build a credible reputation.

Spring Break Fever

Spring Break is just around the corner. Here are a few tips for keeping it classy!

-Do not under any circumstance get in a car with a stranger.

-Can you see Audrey Hepburn or Grace Kelly entering themselves in a wet tshirt contest? I don't think so!

-Always be aware of your surroundings... which means don't chug to many margaritas.

-This is where we differ from Jacky O...she never would have taken her drink to the dance floor. Keep your drink in hand at all times and never leave it unattended.

-If your going to a hot climate re-apply the SPF so the rest of your trip is not ruined by a lobster burn and you'll thank me later for wrinkle free skin.

-Don't forget to pack a bathing suit, cover up, light reading, and toothbrush in your carry on in case your luggage gets lost.

Have fun and be safe!

Meet the Parents

Meeting your boyfriend or girlfriend's parents for the first time can be nerve racking.  I met my boyfriends parents for the first time last night.  We care what most people think but the parents approval is always essential!  All I can say is that it is important to remember to be yourself.  I am learning in social psychology about situational behavior and how one will probably act different in front of their boyfriends parents than they would in a group of friends.  This got me thinking that we should always try to act the same no matter who is around.  If you would'nt say something in front of your boyfriends parents why would you say it when your with your friends?  The point is to always be on your best behavior no matter who is around.