Happy New Year!

I would like to wish you all a happy and healthy new year. May it be filled with joy, love and peace. Again, thanks so much for following this blog. I started it with the intent of connecting with women all over the world. So fun to connect with ladies from Australia, India and Germany to name a few other countries. I've enjoyed sharing my passion for fashion and lifestyle. I hope I have inspired you a little or just that you had fun with me.

xoxo
Vee

Holiday Time

Have a wonderful time enjoying the people you love in your life, whether they are near or far. Reflecting back on the year, I realize how time flies. I am sure you do too. I am so grateful for my husband, children, family and all the wonderful friends in our lives. We are very blessed and I am careful to remember the real meaning of Christmas.

Sparkle and Shine

A sequins pencil skirt is a fun way to show up to your holiday parties. There is glitter everywhere this season so if you are into it, go for it! I personally am a glitter and glam girl. If you are shying away from the skirt then shimmer in shoes, sweaters or other kinds of skirts. Have fun and let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Cheers, It's Party Time.

White Sangria

1 bottle chilled dry white wine
1 bottle chilled champagne (modestly good champagne will do)
3 oz. Damiana liqueur (herbal liqueur with citrus and vanilla flavors)
2 freshly sliced pears
2 apples (sliced and cored)
20 whole cloves
1 tsp. ground nutmeg

Preparation:

1. In a large pitcher, add the pears, apples, cloves and nutmeg.
2. Add the Damiana liqueur and stir.
3. Add the wine and stir gently.
4. Refrigerate overnight.

When you're ready to serve, pour in your champagne, stirring it slowly within the mixture. Serve in an ice-filled wineglass.

Courtesy of HGTV

Fabulous Friends: Michelle Edwards

Today I am featuring the talented fellow blogger Michelle Edwards. I discovered her on Pinterest. She is a holiday decorating specialist and owner and designer of her own Etsy shop. She creates beautiful home decor items to make your home feel warm and inviting. I love her style and wanted to share it with you. Check out how she transforms a mantle for the Christmas season. Visit her blog at Sweet Something Designs

I love the simple elegance of it all.

(See more below)

Hostess Gifts

Here are some great ideas for gifting your holiday party hostess. 

All items were featured on Elle.com. These monogramed journals are 

my favorite. Hint hint.

Great Looks for the Office and Beyond

Here is a great business casual look. Transitioning into a cropped pair of cold weather pants can be a challenge as far as what kind of socks to wear. Notice the color of the sheer stockings. It is a much better choice than wearing the nude knee highs we used to wear in the 80"s.

(from witanddelight.tumbler.com)

The accessories and the cape are what stand out here and pull it all together.

(Ralph Lauren)

What a difference a belt makes.

(Hermes)

Beautiful Living

 What a beautiful way to display floating candles. The great thing about these candle displays is that you can really do this all year around with seasonal items. 

Keeping warm

Just a few looks to keep you all warm and cozy during these chilly months.  Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Bon Appetit

Caramelized Onion and Apple Tarts with Gruyere and Thyme

I've decided to change things up on the blog. While I will still feature posts on fashion, I feel inspired to  share more on lifestyle. This is a new column called Bon Appetit where I will share yummy recipes with you. I'm always looking for delicious but easy recipes. Here is a great one by Williams Sonoma.

I have not made it though I fully intend to based on the reviews.

The Accessory Short List

I saw one of my favorite stylists on "The Talk" today. Lloyd Boston. He spoke about the "classic" accessories a woman should have in her wardrobe. The main thing to remember is that classic pieces, including accessories never go out of style and is something you should reach for in your closet. The secret is to wear them so they look current. He suggests four items.
Read more below.

Fab Finds: Mother Jeans

I am totally a jeans girl and I told you I would do a post on my favorite pair of jeans. The brand name is Mother. How appropriate right? They are a soft denim, very comfortable and well fitting. They have a retro seventies look which, of course, I love. The back comes up just below the waist and the front, while it is below the waist is not too low. It is not a good fit for everybody. As we all know finding a pair of jeans is a very individual thing but I did want to share with you. The style I am wearing is not the only one they make so there may be another that is perfect for you.

Love the flair cut which is slimming.

Photos by Kaelynn Serena

Stormy Weather

Well, I think tropical storm Sandy is starting to pick up steam and show what she's made of. It's nice to watch from inside.We are all bracing ourselves. Hoping and praying that when she is done no one is hurt, there is not too much damage and that we don't lose power. Oh please don't let us lose power. It may just be my biggest pet peeve about living in this area. For now, we have everything we need. Power, candles, firewood and plenty of martinis. Cheers!

Ted Baker dress at Nordstrom. I like pairing boots with a fancy girlie girl dress.

If you are in this storm, stay safe!

Bling Bling Bling

You know I am a big fan of accessories. It is such a great way to spruce up an outfit and to make a fashion statement. Take for example, a plain top and pants or skirt. Looking in the mirror you feel your look is a bit drab. Well ladies, bring out the bling. Have fun mixing up necklaces. Pearls are a good neutral piece to mix up with either gold or silver. You don't have to go with pieces quite so big if you don't want to. Mix and match proportions that feel comfortable to you. 

Fall Texture

I wanted to give you ideas and looks on mixing textures. You know what a faux fur fan (ha) I am. What are you waiting for? Go out and get yours. Throw that leather jacket on with an ensemble like this and you will really be stylin' girl.

When In Doubt Add A Belt

Adding a belt is a simple and fun way to change up any outfit. If you find what you just put on looks too plain, try adding a belt. Be careful though. The style of belt depends on your figure. If you are long waisted, you can wear just about any style be it thin or thick. If you are petite but are not long waisted, you probably will want to opt for a thinner belt. Full tummy figures should look to a dark color elastic belt. If you have a short torso (or waist) try wearing a belt that matches the top.

Faux Fur

Faux fur is so fun, elegant and chic. Makes me feel like I am back in another era. A little bit of Audrey shall we say. What used to be considered a "dress up" jacket adds so much style to a casual pair of jeans. Wear it at any occasion really. From lunch with the girls, to an evening out or even a more formal affair. This is truly a cold weather staple ladies.

Improvise with a long strand of pearls and a brooch

Shop the Blog:

Faux Fur Jacket: to order click here
Bag (Nordstrom, sold out)

Pampering Your Face

54 year old Michelle Pfeiffer

We are all getting so self conscious about our face at this stage in our lives. So in an effort to provide some helpful hints for all of us I am on the constant search for information. I discovered a great article in Harpers Bazaar this morning. The most important tidbit I can share with you is that basically, what you put into your body is what you look like. Ugh. I think by now we secretly know that though. (Pssst, I am thinking we can maybe take #3 in moderation) Don't shoot me I am only the messenger. In the meantime here is what the article said:

1) Focus on eating plants. "They provide all the nutrients needed to nurture the skin, including protein, vitamins, and minerals." Stay away from meat and dairy; they "have been shown to be inflammatory to the body, causing your skin to look dull and dry." 2) Avoid sugar. "It promotes a chemical reaction called glycation, which damages skin cells, decreasing firmness and elasticity and making wrinkles look more prominent." 3) No caffeine and alcohol. "Alcohol turns to sugar in the body, while caffeine causes inflammation." Sorry. 4) Drink loads of H2O. "Hydrated skin looks more plump and supple, so wrinkles aren't as noticeable. Watermelon works too." 5) Say no to salt. "It causes water retention and skin puffiness, making you look years older than you really are." 6) Steer clear of spicy foods. "They will aggravate rosacea, making your skin appear red, inflamed, and aged." 7) Go for nuts. "Walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts are rich in skin-saving potassium, iron, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. A small handful each day is enough."

Read more: Saving Face - Tips to Look Younger Fast - Harper's BAZAAR 

Winter White

Just because we are hanging up our white jeans does not mean that we can't wear our winter whites. It is all in the appropriate fabric. Linen is obviously something we would not wear here in this climate. Wool and polyester blends are good. Winter white is such a bright substitute to the dark colors we tend to wear during the cold months.

Skirt from Zara, boots are Stuart Weitzman

Top from BCBG

Photography by Kaelynn Serena

A Dress: Two ways

I bought this dress a few years back for a black tie affair and have not worn it since. So, I thought it would be fun to try wearing it a little more casual. The way it looks above is the way I would accessorize it for a more formal event it along with the shoes below. Take a look in your closet and see if perhaps you have a dress that is just hanging there because you don't know what to do with it. Try pairing it with more casual shoes and a more casual jacket such as a denim or leather one. If you live in the area and would like me to come and help you. It is quite fun. Just click on the "contact" link at the top of the blog.

A more casual look.

Fab Finds: A Great Bag

I just got this bag at Nordtroms. Love it for several reasons: nice and roomy but not too big, neutral color that can be used all year and smooth, buttery leather. Click here if you would like to order it.

Long and Comfy

Maxi dresses have been in trend for the past couple of summers. Why not try a long skirt for fall and wear it right into winter. The long skirt is a really nice option to a black pair of slacks. This look is very tailored with the crisp white shirt. A burgundy ( waist length) or honey color buttery leather jacket would be beautiful with it. Other things I would pair with it would include a scarf, cashmere sweater, turtle neck top, denim jacket or shirt, a fur vest....So many options. Try adding this staple to your wardrobe. And may I add, a very comfortable way to travel. (this skirt is not available but if you would like to order other black skirt options, click on the highlighted links right below)

Other black skirt options:
click here or here

An Alternative Piece

You know how I love to add interesting pieces to complete a look, making it unique. Making it yours. Here is a maxi cardigan I found last year. I think it is a fun alternative to standard one. If you are petite, I suggest you wear heels. Since I shopped my closet for this item, I will be on the look out to see where I can find one for you this year.

Photography by Kaelynn Serena

An Afternoon Sail

We have discovered that sailing in the afternoon is our favorite time of day. As unpredictable as the winds can be we usually manage to get some good sailing in. This is a great time of year. The farther we get into fall the more the winds blow. It will be a beautiful time of year to sail in the next six weeks. Fisherman sweaters, blankets, some jazz music and Port wine.  We have a ritual now that we love. Cocktails back at the dock at sunset. What's not to like right? Being out on the water or even around water has always felt so calming and enjoyable. While I must admit that I enjoy being on a motor boat on occassion, the experience on a sail boat is very different. Talk about calming. Instead of listening to the motor you find yourself listening to the water splashing against the side of the boat and the sounds of the seagulls singing.

Enjoy the quality time this weekend may bring.