Angry Music, Vampires, & New England--Oh My! An Ode to Black

Lately, I'm all about black. Black clothes are pretty much my uniform at work, black nails have become a part of my identity, a light smokey eye has taken over my cosmetic repertoire, and even my hair is black now. I love black for being simultaneously functional, chic, and totally classic.

So what's the deal? Have I gone emo? Am I a bit too obsessed with vampires? Maybe there's a little too much angry music on my iPod? My mother will tell you it's New England. When she and my Daddy moved back to Boston after living in LA for years, she said that her technicolor sunny California wardrobe stood out like a sore thumb against the black and grey New England background. So maybe that's it--maybe I'm a little too New England...

Whatever the reason, black is the new black--at least for me. So as an ode to the color I so dearly love and obsess over, I thought I would share some of my favorite black possessions with you. Some are old, some are new--but none are borrowed and NONE are blue!

Black Tee. Okay, let's rewind to the part about how I might be a little too obsessed with vampires: it's true. But can we also talk about what an amaaazing husband I have, considering that he purchased this tee for me, despite my competing affections for the fictitious and fiercely handsome pale face? Is it so wrong to love them equally?



Black Nails. French manicures are soooo last year! Like a little black dress (LBD!), black nails are classic. Whether you opt for Chimney Sweep or Black Satin, rest assured that your nails will work for day or night, work or play. Just make sure you keep your nails short and square; we don't need to get all creature from the black lagoon or anything.

Black Jeans. My office has a no denim rule. I know, right?--so unfair! The kicker is that my jeans are some of the nicest things I own! Yet, I have found that it's possible to bend the rules with black jeans, and my pair of black Joe's Jeans with their tasteful cigarette leg is my favorite way to go. Am I going to get totally nailed by putting this confession on the internet? Likely. But for the sake of you fashionistas living in a no-denim-by-day world out there, I'll take the hit.

Black Shoes. I received my first pair of Chucks as a child, but we were reacquainted during college when a friend gave me a pair (adult-sized this time) for my birthday--and it's been a love affair ever since. Unlike Kristen Stewart, I never wear them with a party dress--nor do I wear them to work (some rules can neither be bent nor broken). But every other time and place is fair game. Like most black apparel, they are comfortable, classic, and fabulous.

Black Hoodie. Sometimes a fashionista just wants to be cozy (hello, lolly.brand!), and nothing is more cozy than a hoodie. For years now, my black hoodie and I have been inseparable. Granted, my "black hoodie" is more like a series of different black hoodies that have been used, abused, and worn out. My new favorite brand for cozy-cozies is Alternative Apparel (not to be confused with American Apparel), AND if you're loving this fabulous Rocky style hoodie, then just wait until it has the skater graphic from brand.L by lolly.brand on it!* Coming soon...

Painting my nails in preparation for a friend's Christmas party a couple of weeks ago, my adorable husband remarked that black wasn't exactly the most festive choice. Nonetheless, it certainly looked fierce with my black and gold Yansi Fugel dress! What can I say? I guess I'm just happy being a black sheep--and loving angry music, vampires, and New England (obvi).

See you next year, dearest fashionista friends! I'll be the one wearing black...

XOXO,
Lolly



*Obviously, I'm ALL about shameless self-promotion, so let me just add this: brand.L skater hoodies will be available in January 2010--yay! Stay tuned at www.lollybrand.net for exclusive details. Plus, lolly.brand is now on Facebook; join the group by clicking here!


Images, in order of appearance: (1) Gashly Crumb Tinies drawing by Edward Gorey, image thanks to http://www.mentalfloss.com; (2) Team Edward Crew $24 from Urban Outfitters, online at www.urbanoutfitters.com; (3) Black Satin Nail Polish by Chanel, photo from www.fashionista.com; (4) Cigarette Leg Jeans in black by Joe's Jeans $165, available at Shopbop (www.shopbop.com); (5) Converse sneakers in black, photo thanks to Star Style Inc. (www.starstyleinc.com); (6) Rocky Zip Up Fleece Hoodie in eco black by Alternative Apparel, photo thanks to Alternative Apparel (http://www.alternativeapparel.com/).

Dirty Girl!

I normally dread the day after Christmas, when all of the excitement and anticipation leading up to the holiday suddenly dissipates, leaving me surrounded by gifts--yet sadly empty. I'm happy to report that, thanks to a ridiculously generous gift from my fabulous aunt and her family, this year was different. In fact, the fateful "morning after" smiled down upon my mother, sister, and me as we made our way to Cranwell for a girls' day at the spa. Jealous???

After lunch, wearing white fluffy robes, we settled in at the Image Center for our nail treatments. Expecting to choose from the standard selection of my beloved OPI and Essie polish, I was pleasantly surprised to see the luxurious collection from Butter of London--exclusively. And so, like Mary Poppins, I fell in love with a Chimney Sweep...

According to the Butter's handy online dictionary, chimney sweeps were often depicted in Victorian literature as heartless, abusive scoundrels. Not unlike its namesake, this fabulous colour is a smudgy charcoal with a subtle metallic sheen. It's so dark that it's almost black, and it's borderline dirty in the most irresistible way. Move over, Chanel... Thanks to Butter, I'm a dirty girl!

Image: Chimney Sweep nail colour by Butter of London $14, available online at www.butterlondon.com.

Socks Again!

With just a few days left until Christmas, last night found me furiously multi-tasking in a desperate attempt to finish my holiday to-do list (if only...). As a consolation, I put on my newly purchased A Charlie Brown Christmas DVD to lift my spirits. What I didn't realize was that, in addition to A Charlie Brown Christmas, my DVD also featured It's Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown--added bonus!

You're probably wondering where this is going, seeing that this is a fashion blog... Well, let me first tell you that It's Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown doesn't hold a candle to A Charlie Brown Christmas. That said, I still had to laugh at the following scene, where Sally and Linus are listening to "The Twelve Days of Christmas" on the radio:

Sally: That song drives me crazy! What in the word is a "calling bird"?!

Linus: A "calling bird" is a kind of partridge. In 1 Samuel 26:20, it says, "For the King of Israel has come out to seek my life, just as though he were hunting the calling bird." There's a play on words here, you see. David was standing on a mountain calling, and he compared himself to a partridge being hunted. Isn't that fascinating?

Sally: If I get socks again for Christmas this year, I'll go even more crazy!!!

What Charlie Brown's little sis doesn't know is that socks are a faaaaabulous gift. In fact, I attended a Sock Swap with my favorite Bessie Blue girls just a few weeks ago (if you're slow on the uptake, that's a Yankee Swap where only socks are swapped), and I've never seen a more heated exchange of footwear since the Pucci boots scene in Confessions of a Shopaholic! With socks, the possibilities are endless. I'm partial to knee-socks, especially if they are argyle. My husband, on the other hand, absolutely adores Smart Wool socks. My dearest Momma is obsessed with dainty little ankle socks. And the list goes on... So, silly Sally, I will have to (respectfully) disagree. In the winter especially, everyone wears socks! So why not gift them?

Quotes taken from It's Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown (1992). Images, in order of appearance: (1) Scene from A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), thanks to TV.com (http://www.tv.com/); (2) Scene from It's Christmas Time Again, Charlie Brown (1992), thanks to YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/); (3) J. Crew argyle socks, photo thanks to Tres Tres Chic blog (http://sochicitsscary.blogspot.com).

Hey, Sugar Lips!

Q: Hey sugar lips, how did you get so sweet?

A: Brown Sugar Lip Scrub from Sara Happ--yum!

Believe it or not, the Boston blizzard this past weekend found me braving the snow to make my spa appointment at Bella Sante like the crazed fashionista that I am (darn those 24-hour cancellation policies!). After changing back into my street clothes following my appointment, I was horrified by my reflection in the mirror: pale skin, split ends, and chapped lips--OH MY! Winter is such a mean girl (good thing I was armed with my make-up case).

That said, one can only call it fate that a sample of Sara Happ's fabulous lip treatment met me at the check-out counter. Her Brown Sugar Lip Scrub eliminates dry, flaky skin to leave lips ridiculously soft and supple using the naturally exfoliating power of (surprise, surprise) brown sugar. The best part? Lick your lips post-treatment for a little bit of yummm.

As for my pale skin and split ends? Well, I booked a hair appointment for next week, and I am desperately hoping that Santa puts a pair of tickets to Hawaii in my stocking on Friday (hint, hint)... After all, I've been such a good girl!

Image: Brown Sugar Lip Scrub $24, from Sara Happ--available online at www.sarahapp.com and at select Bella Sante locations.

Winter Hair Woes: Gone!

In a lot of ways, my hair loves the winter. It requires faaar less work on my part to keep it straight and tame. Though I still have to flat iron, my prep time drops from ten minutes to five. So easy, right? The only problem: static. The cold, dry air results in so much static electricity that you could run a generator from my luscious locks!

Never one to keep my complaints to myself (not exactly my best quality), the lunch hour found me swapping hair-care woes with a few female coworkers. I have to say that I'm glad I did; otherwise, I may never have learned of Frédéric Fekkai's Winter Anti-Static Weightless Mist. One of my co-workers keeps a bottle in her desk drawer to keep her own winter hair woes under control and was generous enough to let me test it out.

So what's the secret of this seemingly magic hair potion? Fekkai uses organic salt to neutralize the static charge and soften the surface of the hair, and a few spritzes is really all you need to get the job done. The mist has a light coconut scent (or so I've been told--my olfactory system is a total failure) that's subtle yet reminiscent of warmer, sunnier days (sigh). Believe me, YOU NEED THIS. Winter hair woes: gone! Just like that.


Special thanks to Deb for sharing her hair-care secret with me!

Image: Winter Anti-Static Weightless Mist by Frederic Fekkai $15, image thanks to FabSugar (www.fabsugar.com).

Five Fun, Festive Gifts Under $50 (A Girl's Guide to Giving to Guys)

As you ladies may already know, in last week's post, we gave your guy a few gift ideas for you (Awww! So sweet, right?). Now the tables have turned. Are you done with your holiday shopping yet? I didn't think so. Never fear, today's handy guide to giving features five fun, festive guy gifts. Feeling the urge to splurge? No need! These gifts are conveniently priced under $50 each...

1. Printed Lumberjack Pullover Hoodie from Urban Outfitters: As rugged as your manly man claims to be, you know he could use the extra layer. This hoodie's outdoorsy lumberjack print may inspire him to venture outside to chop wood, but maybe you can convince him to cozy up with you by the fire instead... Pricetag: $34

2. Scrolling LCD Party Watch from Urban Outfitters: In love with a charming chap who isn't quite so punctual? All is not yet lost. This solar-powered, futuristic timepiece will keep him in the know, at least when it comes to day, date, and time; the rest is up to him (we know he can handle it). Pricetag: $30

3. J. Crew Secret Wash Point-Collar Shirt: Pining after a prepster prince? Keep him looking sharp with a festive red gingham shirt that's actually super soft too, thanks to J. Crew's special "secret wash." The best part? For an extra $10, you can add a monogram. After all, can you really do preppie without a monogram? Pricetag: $49.50

4. Classic SD Swiss Army Knife: Are you mooning over a mountain man? Fortunately for you, the perfect gift has arrived. This handy pocket-sized Swiss Army knife in a lively holiday red (conveniently the signature color of the Swiss Army brand) is perfect for everyday adventures--or for going on a bear hunt (your choice). Pricetag: $17.50

5. J. Crew Camp Socks: Baby, it's colddd outside! Whether your guy is a camper or a cuddler, you can keep him warm with a pair of comfy camp socks made in the last remaining sock mill in Vermont. Pricetag: $16.50

So there you have it! This year, give your guy something he will love almost as much as he loves you. So go ahead, get your shopping on! And may your days be merry and bright.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Printed Lumberjack Pullover Hoodie in red $34, from Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com); (2) Scrolling LCD Party Watch in red $30, also from Urban Outfitters; (3) Secret Wash Point-Collar Shirt in large gingham/authentic red $49.50, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (4) Classic SD Swiss Army Knife $17.50, from Victorinox Swiss Army (http://www.swissarmy.com/); (5) Camp Socks in salsa $16.50, also from J. Crew.

Holiday Dress Lust

Growing up in my family, the holidays were always the most wonderful time of the year. This was the case for many reasons, but for me, one of the best parts of the Christmas count-down was looking forward to wearing my special Christmas dress. In the month of December, my mom would surprise me with a fabulous, festive dress that would make its debut when we went to church on Christmas Eve. And my mother had the best taste in Christmas dresses: reds, golds, and black in velvet, taffeta, and lace--always extravagant and always lovely.

Momma doesn't buy Christmas dresses for me anymore (Sigh. Being a grown-up is awfully hard work!), but I have tried to maintain her tradition and like to get myself something special to wear during the holiday season. Hence my holiday dress lust; it happens every year. During December, it seems that gorgeous gowns are EVERYWHERE. But a Christmas dress is something special, something extraordinary. Save the little black dress for cocktail parties; a Christmas dress is much, much more.

So what am I lusting after this year? It seems Madame Diane von Furstenberg has done it again! The DvF Cerrado Dress has won my heart. Made of flowing washed chiffon with a fly-away skirt hem, the explosion of color (its official color actually is "color explosion," I kid you not) puts it in a category all its own. You know the expression, like a kid in a candy shop? Well, the technicolor print of this dress sort of makes a fashionista look like she's wearing that same candy shop--and I mean that in the very best way. It is nothing short of extraordinary, and I WANT IT!!!

Hence, the following:

Dear Santa,
I have been a very, very good girl this year.

So please bring me a pretty dress.

You know you love me.

XOXO,

Lolly

Image: Cerrado Dress in color explosion $425 by Diane von Furstenberg (online at www.dvf.com).

Five Fun, Festive Gifts Under $20 (A Guy's Guide to Giving to Girls)

'Tis the season for giving, but we're (still) in a recession. Guys, this is for YOU. Yes, diamonds might be a girl's best friend, but it really is the thought that counts. So don't fret! Today's handy guide to giving features five fun, festive gifts that are conveniently priced under $20 each. Intrigued? Read on...

1. Lacoste Solid Pique Headband: Is your gorgeous girl a proud prepster? Don't worry, we've got her covered. This festive red headband is made of the same material as all those polos in her closet. And the best part? It's actually comfortable. So make your preppy princess proud. Pricetag: $14

2. Eight Point Readers from Anthropologie : In love with a bookworm? How convenient that the sexy librarian look is always in fashion at Anthropologie. Make her literary adventures more stylish with these red reading glasses. Your girl may be smart, but I'm willing to bet she's sassy too. Pricetag: $14.95

3. Urban Outfitters Bonox Clock: Newly wed and setting up a cozy little nest together? Dazzle your wifey with your knowledge of decor by way of a funky red alarm clock. That vintage chic look will get her every time. Pricetag: $18

4. Urban Outfitters Sequin Hinge Wallet: Got yourself a glamorous gal? Well, that's an easy one; it's all about the sparkle factor. Make her holiday party outfits shine with this red sequin clutch. She can hold her fabulously festive clutch in one hand and your hand in the other. Pricetag: $18

5. Juicy Couture All-Over Holiday Boy Briefs: No matter what kind of lovely lady is in your life, one thing is for sure: all girls love undies. Especially Juicy's fun, festive holiday selection. And don't worry, she won't think you're one of those skeevy guys who sheepishly browses the naughty nighties at Victoria's Secret. These are boy shorts for goodness sake! And Juicy. Enough said.

What did I tell you? Contrary to popular opinion, it is indeed possible to keep your wallet and your lady happy at the same time. How's that for holiday spirit? Until next time, merry, merry!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Solid Pique Headband in red $14 from Lacoste (http://www.shopapparel.lacoste.com/); (2) Eight Point Readers in red, on sale for $14.95 from Anthropologie (www.anthropologie.com); (3) Bonox Clock in red $18 from Urban Outfitters (www.urbanoutfitters.com); (4) Sequin Hinge Wallet in red $18, also from Urban Outfitters; (5)

Juicy Couture All-Over Holiday Boy Briefs $18, available from Bloomingdales (www.bloomingdales.com).

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

After Saturday night's snowfall here in Boston, it seems that winter is here to stay. Though I will eventually tire of winter, at this time of year it feels too festive to lament the white blanket of snow on the ground. Of course, it also inspires a certain wardrobe evolution, with a general inclination towards a more snowy color palette.

You know the saying, If you can't beat them, join them? Well, when you live in New England, there is absolutely no use in fighting the snow. It will snow, you will shovel, and you must bundle up against the icy temperatures. But it's not all bad! In addition to building character, the winter also offers the opportunity to embrace cozy sweaters and slippers, glittering accessories, and snowy white apparel. So while you make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, allow me to share some of my favorite snowy accoutrements...

1. Cocktail party: Glam up your holiday party wardrobe with a statement bangle like this one, where a wintery mix of pearls and rhinestones rest in silk.

2. Skating on Frog Pond: It is possible to be dazzling and warm, especially with these sweater-knit gloves. Anything but ordinary, they feature a sprinkling of tiny pearls, as well as a ruffle at the wrists. Now if only you can master that spin on the skating rink...

3. It's in the bag: I'm one of those girls who firmly believes that a bigger bag is better, but it's horribly inconvenient to lug around a Mary Poppins' sized bag to holiday parties. For festive occasions, it's fun to change the scenery with something portable and striking, like this icy metallic rosette clutch.

4. Skirting the issue: I'm all for dresses, but sometimes a skirt can be just as fun. Whether it's for work or play, I'm loving this snowy sweater-knit skirt with a soft dusting of ivory rosettes.

5. Slip into something more comfortable... Please, I'm only talking about slippers, and I just adore these ballet-style slippers. Made of metallic-flecked wool with a bow at the toes?--how could you not love them? For me, one of the best parts about the winter is snuggling up by the fire (yes, I have a fireplace--jealous?) in cozy pajamas and comfy slippers. After all, my poor, high-heel-wearing feet deserve the break.

6. All wrapped up: Speaking of something more comfortable, let's talk about layers. This ivory jacket is made of French terry, and it doesn't get much more comfortable than that. As far as edge factor, the asymmetrical neckline and sweeping collar is a definite plus.

7. Sparkle bright: For the budget-conscious fashionista, spending all that hard-earned cash over the holidays can be a bit of a drag. No longer! With a glittery wallet like this one, goodbye, holiday blues--and helloooo, sparkle!

So, darling snow bunny friends, you can see that it doesn't take much to dazzle--especially with winter as our guide. What else can I say? Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Bubble Bath Bangle $128; from Anthropologie (http://www.anthropologie.com/); (2) Stepping Stone Gloves $88, also from Anthropologie; (3) Iced Rosettes Clutch $298, also from Anthropologie; (4) Snow Flower Skirt $148, also from Anthropologie; (5) Metallic Wool Ballet Slippers $54, from J. Crew (www.jcrew.com); (6) Directional Button-Up $68, also from Anthropologie; (7) Crushed Glitter Magic Wallet $16.50, also from J. Crew.

Too Turquoise

One bland November weekend (well, not really--it was right before Thanksgiving), I ventured up Canada way (Montréal, in particular, of course!) to visit some old friends and recall the simple pleasures of my summer life. I was invited to a surprise engagement/birthday party of a friend, and while I was there, noticed a beautiful and exciting trend: deep turqouise for fall.

Everyone was doing it. The bride-to-be/birthday girl had on a beautiful black and turquoise dress. Her best friend's dress was also in the same family. As I looked down, I noticed that I was wearing turquoise tights with my burgundy pumps and little black dress. It was everywhere, even the lights in our classy Gossip Girl-esque supper club. Even Bella is doing it.

When I trudged back to Ohio (sigh), I noticed it was everywhere here as well. When my Astronomy professor wore a turquoise shirt to class, I knew it was truly a trend. Interestingly, we also have learned in Astronomy that, when stars are moving towards us, they are called "blueshifted" because we perceive the light they emit as blue due to their motion. A blue tint also indicates new star formation in the sky. Fashion taking a hint from the Laws of Physics? I'm peachy with that.

Blue, especially lighter turqouise, is so often seen as a summer color, given its bright, tropical and beachy feel. Yet, a deeper turquoise is showing us all that there can be some versatility to color, and there is a way to wear blue in autumn without defaulting to navy.

The verdict: love it. It's a perfect pop of color that plays surprisingly well with others, especially neutrals. It's the perfect color for a scarf, tights, or even pendant if you're in the mood for a touch of the American Southwest. So don't just settle for bland blues; invest in some new turquoise pieces and see what happens!

xoxo la montréalaise

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Bella Swan and Edward Cullen (http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2120989/bella_swan_from_twilight_halloween.html); (2) Turquoise ballet flats, available at Polyvore (www.polyvore.com).

Refresh Your Smile!

My new obsession: Ultra Mentha Lip Shine from C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries. I received a tube as a gift from my ultra-stylish friend, Katie, and I've been addicted ever since. For those unfamiliar with this fabulous beauty product, allow me to dish...

The chemists at C.O. Bigelow have infused their lip treatment with a spicy blend of peppermint oil and field mint oil. The result is a sheer, glossy shine that tingles your lips and actually freshens your breath. After a single application, my lips are happy and shiny, AND I feel like I just finished chewing a stick of mint gum. It's amazing.

The added bonus is, for a working gal like me, it's the ideal fresh breath solution. Chewing gum at the office is a serious no-no, yet icky breath is always a no-no. Bigelow's Mentha offers a two-for-one fix; while glossing your lips, your mouth gets all minty-fresh too. It's like the Orbit commercial--Dirty mouth? Clean it up!--minus the gum. So go ahead, refresh your smile!

Image: Ultra Mentha Lip Shine $7.50, from C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries (online at www.bigelowchemists.com).