Lay on Some Fringe

Trend Alert: Fringe Shoes

We have certainly seen this fashion statement with Minnetonka boots and suede bags, but fringe sandals are the next craze. So whether you're traveling somewhere warm or dreaming of the spring already, check out the latest accesory must have!

Urban Outfitters Suede Fringe T-Strap Sandals Fringe Shoes in All Styles

Fringe Suede on the Runway

Alice's Tea Cup

This Alice and Wonderland inspired café has more than just tea and cupcakes. The whimsical atmosphere is perfect for both children and adults with its vast menu. It offers an enormous selection of teas, sandwiches, salads, crepes, kids snacks and more. The eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. But beware, there is usually a long wait that will drive any hatter mad! Part of its appeal is the celebs that have been known to go there, including Suri Cruise. A more kid friendly environment than hotel tea rooms, Alice’s Tea Cup hits the spot.

Dashing Diva

Let’s face it, we all desire to be pampered… and that means manicures and pedicures! But sometimes this experience can be more torturous than relaxing. Crowded salons and chipped nails are a thing of the past once you step inside Dashing Diva. This glamorous and girly nail heaven is the go to place. Not just a cute atmosphere, Dashing Diva offers exceptional services. It features a wide array of colors and lacquers that make manicures and pedicures last much longer. The basic manicure, entitled the Divaroma Manicure, is exactly as it sounds. It consists of careful attention to your nails and an aromatherapy treatment of Invigorating Peppermint, Energizing Orange, La La Lavender or Soothing Eucalyptus. The experience is enjoyable and bubbly, praised by InStyle, Allure, Elle and countless other publications. There are numerous locations throughout the world with several in NYC. The appeal of this salon is its treatments, décor and its late night beauty services. Don't forget the complimentary cosmopolitans! Visit http://www.dashingdiva.com/ for more details.

Insomnia Cookies

Finally a solution to those late nights in the library or helpless dessert cravings! Insomnia Cookies will deliver cookies, milk and other baked treats to your dormroom at many college campuses. The diva in all of us seeking a basket of cookies in bed can finally rest assured. This clever company began in 2003 when undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania discovered a need for this service. Their enterprise grew beyond UPenn to many other universities including NYU, Michigan, Cornell & Syracuse. Insomnia Cookies is now available for all of New York City as a delivery or in-store service. Visit http://www.insomniacookies.com for more information! The service is provided from 8pm-3am

Blog Inspirations

While searching for new fashion trends, I came across these fabulous blogs. They have inspired me and what my blog can transform into. Take a look:

Well this isn't a new find, but my favorite blog is Who What Wear Daily. http://whowhatweardaily.com/

http://cupcakesandcashmere/

http://ww.iamfashion.blogspot.com/

http://www.dailycandy.com/

And some others:

http://www.glam.com/

Twilight

In case you have somehow missed the news, Stephenie Meyer's best-selling book Twilight has been transformed into a film! I have yet to read the book (its at the top of my to do list), but I am seeing the movie which is released on 11/21! I am a huge fan of Kristen Stewart, she is so intriguing and unique. She seems like the perfect fit for this role based on everything I have heard and read about the book. Stay tuned for a post after the film comes out tomorrow, but be sure to catch it yourself! Hurry, Twilight addicts have pre-ordered their tickets weeks ago!

Stylista

This new reality TV show features 11 contestants vying for the position of assistant to Anne Slowey, the fashion news director of Elle Magazine. While the concept of the show is interesting and I am a magazine fanatic, it is slightly embarrassing for Elle. To offer a position through competition on reality television is ridiculous as the show is focused purely on entertainment. It conveys the image of fashion magazines as shark tanks. Anne Slowey is not even the Editor in Chief of Elle, so I do not know why she is conducting this show and imitating Meryl Streep’s character in The Devil Wears Prada. It is humiliating for the magazine and for Slowey, especially to be part of show named “Stylista”. The allure of the show is its glamour and amusement, but it certainly does not advocate working for a fashion magazine. In fact, it shows the absurdity of tasks given to assistants such as preparing the perfect breakfast. I am critical of the show because I know that fashion magazines are not like this, even for assistants. I can appreciate the humor, so I find the show exciting and addictive. The show adds to the thrilling line up on CW this season. Stay tuned to see who will receive a paid, year-long junior editorial position, a paid lease on a Manhattan apartment for a year, and a $100,000 clothing allowance at H&M.

Henri Bendel

Inspired by the biggest shopping day quickly approaching (Black Friday of course...the day after Thanksgiving for those unfamiliar with the madness), I want to explain the allure of Henri Bendel. "A girl's playground," is the perfect description for this depatment store made up of boutiques. It has the largest selection of accessories I have ever seen (especially hair accessories), not to mention amazing jewelry, make-up and little Bendel logo must-haves. Seeing the crisp brown and white stripe bags on the street makes me jump. I can't help but indulge each time I enter this fashion palace. Although it is a zoo on Black Friday (and most weekends leading up to the holidays), it is a must stop shop and has everything on a girl's wishlist.

Visit http://www.henribendel.com/ to see the latest looks and even shop online.

I Love New York

From the bright lights to the bussling streets, New York City is one of the most magnificent places. Filled with hip restaurants, unique shops and the best array of museums, the excitement of the city is endless.

Besides scouting out the glitz and glamour of the department stores, stocking up on Magnolia cupcakes and seeing the holiday decorations in the next few weeks, I want to check out these major museum exhibits:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art - The Art of Dress, featuring an audio guided tour by Sarah Jessica Parker. This exhibit is organized by The Costume Institute and will cover the Museum's permanent collections of fashion through the ages from the ancient world to the present.

Museum of Natural History - Planitarium and The Butterfly Conservatory: Tropical Butterflies Alive in Winter

Museum of Modern Art - Van Gogh and the Colors of the Night

The Morgan Library and Museum - Drawing Babar. This exhibit revolves around the classic children's stories about Babar the Elephant. The Morgan Library has the working-drafts and early watercolors used in the book. You're never too old to appreciate Babar.
So in between your holiday shopping and sipping hot chocolate, stop at these museums to expand your appreciation of art, culture and fashion. I know I will.

My Weekend With Shooter McGavin

Actor Chris MacDonald, more commonly known as Shooter McGavin (from the popular comedy Happy Gilmore), returned to his alma mater this weekend to celebrate 100 years of William Smith College. He was largely involved in the weekend festivities from a presentation Friday afternoon, to serving as the master of ceremonies Saturday night and a screening of a film he stared in entitled Quiz Show on Monday night. (Not to mention Saturday night on the town in Geneva, NY with HWS students). Chris has premiered in over 85 films and television shows, including his best known movies (Happy Gilmore,) Leave It To Beaver, The American Pie Series and Flubber to name a few (see imdb.com for a complete list). Chris is very much like his character in these movies, extremly funny, (but slightly aggressive). Nevertheless, Chris was eager to engage in the HWS community - from walking through Scandling Center and having students chant "shooterrrrr!!!!!!" to a personal dinner at the Presidents' house with a few students and faculty members. I fortunatley was able to attend this event (how many people can say they ate dinner with an actor?). I was thoroughly impressed by his friendliness and his willingness to speak about his ups and downs before making it in Hollywood. The film he screened afterwards, Quiz Show, is quite an entertaining and informative movie that I thoroughly recommend.

Chris as the MC

A famous scene from Happy Gilmore

Grab Hold of These

Fabulous Clutches: Featuring Marc by Marc Jacobs

Lock It Up ClutchAirliner Magazine Clutch

The Sweetie Clutch

The Handy Clutch

Opening Ceremony

Located in Soho, this avant-garde boutique features the most unique and diverse selection of fashion in New York City. The owners, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, travel each year to a different country and experience the culture. They buy two season's worth of collections from about 10 designers. Imagine traveling around the world for business and studying the new styles and trends. Check out the store on 35 Howard St. to have the coolest looks!

Political Fashion

With just 2 days left until the presidential election, it's time to show your political views in style. Check out these designer duds...

PS - Make sure to vote if you haven't already!

Nanette Lepore T-Shirt
Marc by Marc Jacobs Tote

Derek Lam Tote

Vera Wang T-Shirt