Auld Lang Syne

[via]

2011 was an amazing year and 2012 is shaping up to be even more ridiculously wonderful and amazing.  I hope that you and yours have had a wonderful holiday season and wish you nothing but joy and fabulousness and sparkle in the upcoming year.

Holiday Florals

Truth: There is nothing better in my mind than a good peony.  I'm downright obsessed with these confections.  I've always been drawn to them which is why they were my wedding flower and I purchase them every time I see them in the store.  So this holiday season when I was looking for a floral arrangement to bring to my mother for the holidays, I went straight to my go-to.  Unfortunately I was unable to execute what I was exactly looking for; however, I was able (with the assistance of Whole Foods) to execute something that I was pretty stoked about the end result.  

I love the idea of an unconventional flower for the holidays. And the wonderful think about peonies is that they only get more beautiful as they continue to open.  By the time we left my parents house, they were absolutely stunning.  While I love the holiday tried and true (amaryllis and paper whites), I think this arrangement was absolutely perfect!

Best of 2011

2011 was quite a year for us: lots of travel (LA, Germany (twice), Chicago, Vegas, Jordan); we're expecting our first and all of the craziness that goes along with that -and that was just personally.  With the year coming to a close, I simply couldn't resist running down the best of the year from a fashion, beauty, and pop culture perspective.

Best Fashion Trends:

[J Brand]

Colored Denim hit the fashion scene in a veritable rainbow of colors.  I adore this trend; it's super fun, young, and adds a great twist to classic denim.

[Adian Mattox Sequin Dress]

Sparkle: Sequins and glitter have appeared in everything from dresses, to shoes, to accessories this year.  For me, I don't think it gets any better that a fully sequined dress, but then again, I consider sequins a closet staple.

Minis: Who doesn't like to show a little leg? I loved that hemlines went shorter this year.

[JCrew Perfect Shirt]

Leopard  has been one of those prints that has come and gone year after year, but this year, it came back in full force.  Retailers and designers have designed a variety of pieces in this (what I think is) a timeless print.  Some of my faves are from JCrew, but there are plenty more out there.

Arm Candy I have been a huge fan of layer multiple bracelets with watches.  I just adore the look and this year, it was all about the arm candy. 

Designers for Less: More and more high end designers are collaborating with retailers to provide lines that are more accessible to the masses.  Whether or not you agree with this approach, it has definitely been effective.  Missoni for Target shut down the Target website and caused lines outside of Targets the day it was released.

                 

[People]

Pregnancy, it's the new black. (Think about it) It must be in the water, but nearly everyone seems to be with child these days.  And (luckily for me) this has caused a higher interest and need for maternity fashion.  (Something that has been practically non-existant for quite some time.)

Best Brands:

JCrew: This brand has been one of my favorites year after year, but this year they really knocked it out of the park every season further proving their staying power.

Kate Spade: Kate Spade dubbed 2011 the year of color and with that a brilliant collection was born.  They have solidified their place as a classic lifestyle brand from their gorgeous designs to their fun accessories and home items.  

Tory Burch: Though Tory Burch is a younger brand, this smart-minded, stylish business woman has propelled her company into the forefront of fashion.  Best known for their classic ballet flats, the rest of her collection is at a great price point, classic, timeless, but with a modern edge.  Not only that but her company is woman-focused and is incredibly forward thinking.

Best Beauty:

Cat Eye Make-up: Love the retro-look that made a comeback this year.

[Cupcakes & Cashmere]

Glitter Nails: Albeit, annoying ridiculously hard to remove from your nails, I love the trend of adding some sparkle to your mani.  From polishes by Deborahh Lippmann to OPI, and even using Martha Stewart Glitter as a top coat, I think this trend is definitely here to stay for a while.

Fishtail Braids: I love this take on the classic braid.  It's much better for those with hair styles that have layers and is uber easy to execute.  Instant upgrade to your hair style.

[Via]

Feather Hair Extensions:  I think this was a pretty short-lived trend, but none-the-less, I loved the different addition to the typical extensions that everyone is so used to.

Best Fashionistas of 2011:

Blake Lively

Emma Stone

 

The Middleton Sisters

Best Music:

Adele

Florence + the Machine

JayZ & Kanye

Best Movie:

Bridesmaids

Best Workout:

Ballet Bar: With the sweeping success of Black Swan and the coveted bodies that Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis sported afterwards, a fitness movement was born.  Or rather, jumped on.  This has been a tried and true workout for many for years and years.  I'm just happy that it's come to the forefront.

Best Guilty Pleasure: 

Pretty Little Liars: Sure I'm a grown woman expecting my first child, but who's to say that I can't enjoy a silly tween drama on ABC Family. And the fashion is really fanstasic.

Best Leading Man: 

Ryan Gosling: This was Ryan's year.  He played everything from a nameless driver to a politico to a total heart throb.  I find him truly endearing and adorable hot.

Best Comeback:

Britney Spears: Let's be honest here: Brit has had a rough few years.  This year, she released Femme Fatale, seemingly got her life back in order, launched a successful global tour, and got engaged.  Kudos to Britney for being a true comeback kid.  Everyone loves a comeback!

Biggest Farewell:

Steve Jobs:  Say what you want about the man, but his brilliance in the business world and as an innovator speaks for itself.  His death definitely was a loss, not only to Apple, but to the world.  

Sparkle On

Sparkle On by hautechild featuring leather handbags

With New Years right around the corner, what better an excuse to break out the sequins and glitter and celebrate with some bubbly (of the non-alcoholic variety for yours truly-bitter.dagger.)  Here is my ideal outfit to ring in 2012 (if I weren't knocked up and all).

Weekend in Pictures - Merry Edition

[CurlyGirlDesign]

I love spending the holidays with my family.  Sure it's completely chaotic, usually ridiculous, but it's completely full of love and joy and traditions.  Christmas is my favorite, next to smiling.  (Elf reference, anyone? anyone?)

[One of three Christmas trees]

[The Kid's Tree: Filled with all of our old ornaments]

Another reason that I love Christmas at my parents: my mother's ability to make the holidays as they should be: gorgeous decor, scrumptious cookies, plenty of food (and wine), all with lots of love.  

[Christmas Coco, unamused]

Hubs and I enjoyed our last Christmas as a little family of 2 (3 if you count the dog and the cat, I suppose), but next year we are even more excited to start traditions of our own and see Christmas through the eyes of a little guy!

[Do not open until 31 January]

Yule Tide

[via]

Merry Christmas to you and yours! Have a wonderful Holiday weekend!

A Beautiful LIttle Fool

There are very few things not to like about F. Scott Fitzgerald's arguably, most notable book.  The period, the characters, the storyline- all of it is just to die for.  And it happens to be one of my all-time favorite books.

The 20s are definitely make a resurgence in their influence of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle as of late.  It's definitely a trend I can get behind.  (As is the remake of the movie that is currently being filmed in Australia)

Holiday Gift Guide

[Anthropologie Homegrown Mugs/Kate Spade Gum Drop Stud Earrings/Josie Maran Moroccan Getaway Travel Case/JCrew Classic Pave Link Bracelet/Deborah Lippmann Trendsetter Set/Kate Spade Bow Valley Helena]


Only a few more shopping days left before the big day.  Are you ready? I'm, sadly, am not.  So instead of spending my time at crowded malls, angrily searching for parking spaces and waiting in lines, I decided to spend my time on a last-minute gift guide.  There are lots of fabulous gift guides out there, but here are a few of my favorite things that I've come across this holiday season which are great as last-minute gifts OR gifts for yourself as a reward for braving the malls.  Is there anything you are hoping to see in your stocking on the 25th??

A Girl's Best Friend

Amongst a star-studded crowed, one of the world's most famous and coveted jewelry collections went up to auction last week at Christie's Auction House.  Elizabeth Taylor was known just as much for her career as for her amazing baubles.  What a girl wouldn't give to own a small slice of her jewelry box?!

[Sapphire & Diamond Sautoir/Bvlgari]

Estimated worth: $600,000 - $800,00

Sold For: Approximately $5.9 million

[Mike Todd Diamond Ear Pendants]

Estimated Worth: $25,000 - $35,000

Sold For: $375,000

[Emerald & Diamond Necklace/Bvlgari]

Estimated Worth: $1 million - $1.5 million

Sold For: $6.1 million

And last, but certainly not least, the most iconic piece of jewelry from Liz Taylor...

[The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond Ring]

Estimated Worth: $2.5 million - $3.5 million

Sold For: $8.8 million (and worth every penny)