Best Walk of Shame PSA Ever!

Dressing like a woman of the night does no favors for you the next morning.  Best to keep it classy, covered up, and a wee bit conservative.  Thanks Harvey Nics!

Merry Christmas!

Off to Grandma's I go today, so here is an early Merry Christmas from me!  Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you have an amazing holiday whatever you plan on doing or whomever you plan on spending it with.  Travel safe, eat way too much, and be sure not to put off your thank you notes for too long.

xo-

babs

PS - I  thought a little blast from the past might be fun.  Courtesy of my parent's tree and my mother never throwing anything away. ;-)

Fred Flare: Perfect Pop-Up for Stocking Stuffers!

Office Holiday parties and gift exchanges are happening, you may need a white elephant gift, or silly stocking stuffers.  OR, let's face it; you are cheap and want to spend less than $10 on your Christmas gifts.  Luckily, Fred Flare just opened a pop-up shop at Chelsea Market in Manhattan.  Although, I must warn our Jewish and vegetarian friends: I checked out their website (score non-New Yorkers!) and, there seems to be a bacon theme: bacon scented, bacon flavored, or have pictures of bacon on a number of items I would never associate with the hog.  But, this may be the perfect way for everyone to enjoy the magic of bacon.  It's a Christmas miracle!!

Here are a few of my favorite gifts under $10 from Fred Flare

For a friend whose life is falling apart.

For the practical adventurist.

For the globe-trotter.

For your teen male family member who just can't yet grow a 'stache. (but tries)

Anyone who admires the cast of Jersey Shore, Miami/LA Inc., Kat Von Whatever, or motorcycles.

The bacon lover in your life.

BROOKLYN
131 Meserole Ave at Leonard Street
Greenpoint, Brooklyn 11222, 718-349-1257
(a couple blocks north from the Nassau Ave stop on the G train) 
STORE HOURS: 11-7 MON-SAT, 11-5 SUN

MANHATTAN
HOLIDAY POP-UP SHOP at JINGLE
**STORE DATES: 12/09 - 12/23**
Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (btwn 15th & 16th Sts)
New York, NY 10011, 718-349-1257 
STORE HOURS: 10:30-7 MON-SAT, 10:30-6 SUN

EVERYWHERE ELSE
www.FredFlare.com 

The Belated Thankful List

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone!  I was sans internet/phone for the past week, and let me tell you: It was amazing.  I think it's good for the soul to completely unplug every once in a while.  We get so wrapped up in answering emails right away, text messages can't wait, and God forbid we don't check in on Foursquare or do a mobile upload.  Don't get me wrong, those things keep me connected to my friends in a way other generations can't wrap their heads around, but it is nice to fall off the grid for a while.  So, to get back into the swing of things here are the top ten things I am thankful for, and none of them will be technology related.

1.  Family - Enough said.

2.  Friends - The family you get to choose.

3.  Health - You know when you have had the flu for three days and you wake up one morning and realize, "I'm going to live through this!" That feeling makes me so thankful for my health.

4. Books - I love this John Waters documentary where he advises the audience not to date (well, he uses a different word I will abstain from) people unless they see books at the person's house.  I could not agree with this more.  Prop coffee table books do not count.

5.  The Library - To piggyback on #4, this is where you get said books for free.

  

6.  My Book Club - To further piggyback on #4 and #5, it is so nice to get together with a group of friends and talk intelligently about something other than who was wasted on Saturday night, what is going on with Mad Men or other jibber jabber.  If you aren't in one, start one.  It's a great excuse to meet a group of friends for dinner and a glass of vino on a school night.

7. Food - I love to eat.  Love it.  It is so enjoyable whether I am eating at a fancy new place, a hole in the wall, cooking at home, hell even going to the grocery store.  This is the one place I don't feel too naughty about spending money.  

8.  Mail - I love getting and sending cards in the mail.  I have totally picked this up from my mother.  At least twice a month since I started college I have been getting little notes from her in the mail.  They are amazing, and in this day of email the letter-writers of the world are the real rebels.  Eventually the 'slow food' movement will turn a tangent to the 'slow communication' movement. 

9.  Hot Water - This year when we went around the table to say what we are thankful for, my friend's 7-year-old son said he was thankful for hot water when he takes a shower.  Very practical choice.  As someone who experiences icy cold showers a handful of mornings each year in the tenement, I could not agree with him more.  

10.  Having a Job - Those of us who have eeked out of the recession and have managed to hang on to our jobs are so lucky.  Even though some had awesome severance packages, most did not.  I think one of the greatest gifts is getting up in the morning, having a reason to get dressed, and knowing someone is depending on you to show up.

What are you most thankful for this Holiday Season?

My Christmas Gift to You: the SATC 2 Trailer

Merry Christmas and God bless us every one (insert Tiny Tim voice here). No matter how cheesy, corny, or rediculous the Sex and the City movies get, no doubt I will be there on opening day with bells (and stilettos) on. Click below for the SATC 2 movie trailer. YUM!

Sex and the City 2 movie trailer

Last Minute Christmas Longings

Ok, here is my dream top five Christmas wish list. Price is no option, items can magically appear under the tree via Santa (no overnight shipping required), everything will fit perfectly, and basically, no holds barred. Get ready to swipe that plastic!

1. Bottega Veneta Maxi Hobo - $1995

2. Vince Leather Leggings - $895

3. Hermes Collier de Chien bracelet - $1000

4. Mason Pearson boar bristle and nylon brush - $100

5. Rick Owens leather jacket - $2034

What is your ultimate sartorial Holiday wish?

A Single Man - Meticulous Living Meets the Big Screen

I saw A Single Man this past weekend and, truthfully, I have been on pins and needles for the past few months waiting for this movie to come to a theater near me. Luckily, I live in New York, and I never have to wait very long for movies to open since they normally premiere here first. Hehe. I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession with anything Tom Ford has put his lovely little stamp on, and I remembered when he recently left Gucci he said he wanted to go into film making....and I have been waiting tirelessly for years for the final product: A Single Man.

Even if the story and acting were awful (which they so obviously weren't), A Single Man is visually arresting. The story is about a professor mourning the loss of his partner, his friend Charly, and how you would experience things if you knew this were to be your last day on Earth. The stark visual contrast of the saturated colors "pre-loss" and the gray-scale tones "post-loss" are enough to make you feel like someone is sitting on your chest. As George takes notice of the little wonders of his day...his last day....you can see the vividness return like he is waking up from a haze.

I just loved a Single Man for many reasons (wonderful acting, great story, beautifully shot), but ultimately I am a total sucker for wardrobe and set. The movie takes place in the early 1960's, and I was mesmerized by how the film looked and the way people were outfitted....you know, when people used to actually "get dressed" do go somewhere. To leave one's house in sweats was completely taboo (thank you Juicy Couture for changing that), and the hair/makeup was just amazing. I also have a new found appreciation for eyeliner after seeing a magnificent set of eyes drawn on Charley (Julianne Moore). The interiors were also fantastic. Set before the days of Corian and ultra sleek Italian sterility, I loved the contrast of George's glass and wood house (quite impressive for a professor's salary) to the luxe girlishness of Charly's. I caught myself thinking of ways to redecorate my apartment after I left the theater, which means the movie got the wheels in my head turning and is completely dangerous to my pocketbook. The scenes between the two of them are just amazing, and yes, I am wearing black liquid eye liner today. Thank you for the inspiration, Charly.

50 Gifts Under $50: For Him (#41-50)

The final installment is here! I always find it much more difficult to find presents for guys than girls, and I usually resort to gift certificates or something equally impersonal. Fear not fellow females....here are 10 budget-friendly gifts under $50 for the guys in your life.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Buy a pair and TOMS gives a pair to a kid in need.

TOMS Shoes - $44


Snaz up your suit.
White Linen Pocket Square - $42


Have a little fun on cold winter days...and look less like a bank robber.
American Apparel Mustache Mask - $14


Don't be George Costanza with a lump of a wallet. Get sleek and bubble butt free in 2010.
J.Crew Leather Cardholder - $15


A sophisticated way to drink brew.
Speigelau Beer Classics Glasses - $25 for set of two


For your favorite aspiring hipster
Flannel shirt from Uniqulo - $30


The gift that keeps on giving.
Subscription to GQ - $12


Don't lie, you love to sing in the shower. This will help you remember the words to Pokerface.
Wireless Shower Speaker Set - $40


Desperate times call for desperate measures...and at least this won't set off any metal detectors.
Plastic Pocket Flask - $15


NYC centric, but perfect if you are in the city. Coolest shades and plebeian prices.
Soho Sunglasses Lady on Broadway between Prince and Spring - $5-10

Day 1: For Her
Day 2: For Home
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: Food & Drink

50 Gifts Under $50: Food and Drink (#31-40)

Here we are for day #4: Food and Drink. I dedicate this category to my dad who always asks for gifts you can eat or drink. They are really the best types of gifts because they are more like experiences since they are consumed and something you can enjoy with loved ones. That is, unless you like to drink whole bottles of wine by yourself....which in case you should probably get some help.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Here are my 10 favorite gifts under $50 to eat or drink. Enjoy!

• 

I was accidentally given this bottle when I thought I had ordered a pino grigio at Le Bilboquet, and it has turned into one of my favorite wines.
La Crema Pino Noir two bottle set - $50


I feel like Marie Antoinette when I eat these: so lovely and decadent.
Kee's Chocolates French Macaroons on Thompson St. - $2.45 each for large, $7 for a wonderful mixed bag of small macaroons in amazing flavors.


The perfect way to add elegance for dinner in with your honey or make a night spent at home feel special.
Reidel Grape Pino Glasses - $49 for set of two


For the friend with the sweet tooth who abhors Swiss Miss.
Norman Love Black Sipping Chocolate - $20


Definitely for the pickle connoisseur. Ever since the pickle festival I have been obsessed. Spicy is the way to go if you love serious heat + salt + crunch.
McClure's Pickles - $12 per jar


Everyone should have a bottle of bubbly chilling in the fridge for a special occasion...or to just celebrate Fridays...or when Vogue has arrived (I actually did that once, and yes, it was fabulous).
Veuve Cliquot half-bottle champagne- $30


Sweet + salt is the ultimate flavor combo. The sea salt and chocolate really set the taste buds off and is perfect when you don't know if the person loves sweet or savory. This is something completely indulgent and not expensive.
Vosges Barcelona Bar - $8


Leave the plates plain white (food look gross on colored plates), and have fun with graphic prints on the cups.
Bo Concept Cups - $10 each


Once again, satisfies sweet and savory. Bacon peanut brittle fo the ultimate bacon lover.
Sir Francis Bacon Peanut Brittle - $16


My favorite glassware of all time: sophisticated, modeled after products way more expensive, and perfect to move away from the dreaded plastic cups...a huge "no" in chicness.
Marta Barware - $2.50 each


Day 1 - For Her
Day 2 - For Home
Day 3 - Mixed Bag

50 Gifts Under $50: Mixed Bag (#21-30)

Back again for day #3 and 10 more amazing gift ideas....all under $50. Sorry that I am one day behind....technical difficulties. Today is mixed bag: cool gifts that don't fall into any particular category and would work just as well for a co-worker, friend, or someone close.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

• 

To bridge the gap between the 19th and 21st century.

Iomoi e-stationary subscription - $20

The perfect present for your favorite narcissist.
Portrait by Richard Haines during Holiday sale - $50


The seats may be nosebleed, but it's just fun being there.
New York City Opera tickets - Prices start at $12


I think real style on the street is way more interesting than anything in a magazine.
The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman - $20


Spend your nights and weekends with Uncle Karl....and his favorite tunes.
Vogue Presents Karl Lagerfeld: My Favorite Songs - $41 for the two-CD set


For your frequent flier friend. Crucial for red eye flights.
J.Crew striped travel set - $30


Help someone get their groove back, or at least get some moves.
Dance Class at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre - $16.50 per class


Get a sneak peek into the world of MJ #2.
Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton DVD - $27


Each page is marked with a date and 5 sections. Look back 5 years from now at what you were doing on that exact day. I love this.
5-Year Diary - $25


Matches from restaurants are so blah. Lighters have no magic.
Iomoi 2-box match set - $12

Day 1: For Her
Day 2: For Home
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: Eat & Drink
Day 5: For Him

50 Gifts Under $50: For Home (#11-20)

Back again for day #2 and 10 more amazing gift ideas....all under $50. Today is all about gifts for the home: roasty, toasty, and full of holiday cheer.

Remember the rules:

• It can cost no more than $50 before sales tax.
• It must be something fairly luxe and fall into the category of an item that the recipient may wish to have but out of practicality would never spend their own money on.
  
• It must be relatively easy to find (either online, national retailers, or adequate substitutes are available).
• Finally, it has to be something I would love to receive or would personally give to a friend or family member. I would never recommend something I wouldn't pony up for myself.

Make eating in a little fancy.
Madeline Weinrib Chevron Napkins - $48 for four


Forget hippies and crunchy granola types, this incense is sophisticated and chic.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian Burning Incense Papers - $25


I don't live in an office, so why would I want a noisy shredder around?
Shredder Scissors - $18


A-Z and everything in between (including skulls, dragons, and flowers).
John Derian Decoupage Round Tray - $48


Hey BFF-- OMFG did you see this gift! Bet those pics are so TMI. LOL!
Text Photo Album - $16 each


A nice way to tell your frienemy you "wash your hands" of them.
Molton Brown Handwash + Lotion - $50 ($25 each)


Lovely Holiday decor devoid of pine cones and red ribbon.
Herb Wreath - $25


My favorite blogger, Rita Konig, always says trays clean up a mess of objects in an instant.
Lucite Tray from CB2 - $35


Amazing scents like Water, Fig, and Jalapeno will make you rethink candles becoming the new "cat lady".
Kobo Candle - $33


How many times have you run out the door without the Netflix envelop or been searching for keys. Enough said.
Light Switch Rack - $25

Day 1: For Her
Day 3: Mixed Bag
Day 4: To Eat & Drink
Day 5: For Him