New Year's Eve 2012

2011 was a great year and 2012 is only picking up where the last year left off.

I know that this last month was a little slower on the site and I apologize for that. With all of the holidays and vacation time, we all got a little carried away. I promise you that 2012 will make for a better Fashionisette! 

For the New Year I am making a "12 Goals for 2012" list and vision board. Life's ups and downs can make you forget the path you wanted to be on, or were on originally. Here is a quote by T.S. Eliot, “For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” Let's leave last year where it belongs and be the person we want to meet.

Thank you for being a reader and subscriber. Thank you for all of your comments and feedback. 

The Fashionisette Team wishes all of you a happy and healthy entry into 2012!! 

Thursday Love: Time is the Ultimate Present

Quote of wisdom du jour: Lost time is never found again - Benjamin Franklin

They say that diamonds are a woman’s best friend…well in retrospect; TIME is a relationship’s best friend. And I’m not just referring to cursory time spent watching a movie or something like that, I’m talking about true, meaningful, quality time…that’s a gift that’s value can’t truly be measured.

While this NYE is fast approaching and hopefully you have some fun and safe plans in place, I don’t want you to forget that quality time with your significant other is extremely important. Here’s a suggestion that was given to me a long time ago, that I try to implement any time I can.

On a day when both you and your partner don’t have to work, put spending time with each other ahead of anything else.

Now…that's a little bit more difficult for my wife and I now that we have a child, because where we're off work, chances are he's going to be with us, but every once in a while, we get a day where it's just us and he's at daycare. That's when I take advantage of the opportunity. For me, we don't have to do anything special, it could just be cuddling in bed together while talking about what we want to do on our day off while not actually doing it. Or we can go out to breakfast or lunch or go to the beach together just the two of us.

 Everyone takes that advice differently, you could take that to mean that you get up early and cook your partner breakfast in bed, or surprise them with a picnic lunch in the park, etc. However you decide to interpret it is up to you. But remember, time spent together allows for better communication which can only strengthen your relationship.

 

As we move into the New Year, let’s all make it our goal to strengthen our relationships because if you don’t have love in your life….what do you really have? Hope all have a happy and successful 2012.

Remember...."We're all worth something....we just each have to individually determine our own worth!"

To my Fashionisette Family….it’s been a great year and I’m looking forward to working with you all and an even better year for us all as we move forward into 2012 and beyond!

Holidays 2011

The Fashionisette Team is wishing you all a happy and safe one! 

xo

Thursday Love: Surviving the Holidays

Jewel of wisdom du jour: Drink and party responsibly!!!

This is going to be a quick survival guide to navigate through the holiday season. There are many possible pitfalls that could cause many issues and get your new year started off on the wrong foot….I’m going to help you avoid those issues.

First and foremost, save hooking up with someone for nights out partying with your friends when the liquor is flowing freely. Don’t even entertain the thought of hooking up when you’re at a company function. I don’t care how good looking a guy or girl is at the job….it’s not a smart idea as it could make your work environment very difficult and tense going forward. Words to remember: “Don’t $**T where you eat!” This leads me to my second piece of advice.

Consume alcohol wisely!!! Knowing your limitations is of utmost importance. While alcohol does lower inhibitions and relaxes the atmosphere, at times it can do more harm than good if not used in moderation. Choose where and how much alcohol you consume, drinking too much at say…an office holiday party…could land you in the unemployment line if not careful. Because of the fact that alcohol does lower inhibitions, it might be best to keep to a 2 drink maximum at company holiday parties, especially if you have issues with your co-workers or boss. The last thing you want to do is be known as the office drunk or say something inappropriate to co-workers or even your boss…and then have security asked to remove you from the party…which in most cases is a given that you’d better start looking for a new job in the morning.

 

I don’t know why many men decide the holiday season is the time for his girlfriend to meet the family. In my opinion, the girlfriend (if exclusively dating) should meet the family at a summertime barbecue over Fourth of July weekend or Memorial Day weekend….not during the holidays. But for some reason we men continually do that. So ladies…here’s a little tip for you…don’t try to do too much or go over the top on first meeting the family or TRY to impress them. Just be yourself and let things follow their natural course. If he’s a good guy, he won’t let you be put into an awkward situation, and he’ll make sure to not stray from your side for too long or leave you alone to get peppered with questions for too long either.

One other thing that many people don’t tend to realize is that many relationships don’t make it through the holiday season. The stress is elevated because there are some many things to do and not much time to do them in….but you must remember to get the proper amount of rest and prioritize the things that need to be accomplished throughout the holiday season if you want your relationship to last. Depriving yourself of sleep will only make you less productive and grumpier and more agitated which will eventually lead to fights with your significant other. So remember that taking care of your relationship begins with taking care of yourself and getting the rest your body needs. Also, make sure to make a little time for just you and your significant other.

Here’s to wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe end of 2011.

The Glambergirl Alert: A Kardashian Kristmas

The Kardashians sure know how to ring in the holidays in style! The ultra glam family has been known to slay a Christmas card. After last year's I really didn't think they could out do themselves but you can never underestimate the Kardashian Klan.

For the 2011 Kardashian Kristmas card, and yes I changed the "C" to "K" in true Kardash style, the family was decked out in mostly tuxedos, even for the girls that wore skirts they were still in bow ties, which I love. I love how the matriach Kris was the splash of color in this photo but I think my favorite in the "Disick" family. Kourtney, Scott and especially baby Mason look incredible!! They don't even look real.

The Kardashian family even added a special twist to this year's photo. There are certain versions of the card that are 3D, yes that's right you can see your favorite reality family up close and personal.

Bruce and Kris.

Khloe and Lamar.

Kim K.

Kourtney, Scott, and Mason.

Rob, Kylie, and Kendall.

What do you think about the card? Who are your favs?

Gift Guide: The 2.0 Edition for the I-T Girl

This season brings some of the coolest gizmos and gadgets for the woman who is not only an IT Girl but literally that I-T girl! Check out some of the luxury tech finds below, so you can stay fashionably smart.

Diane Von Furstenberg iPhone case:
$40
www.dvf.com

Lanvin Printed iPad case

$134
net-a-porter.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Stardust headphones
$88
marcjacobs.com




Kate Spade Kindle Case – Sprinkle Dot
$69
www.amazon.com

By Lisbeth Cervantes

Gift Guide Quickie: [Sweet Edition] JJ's Rockin Cupcakes

Peppermint Patty

Food brings people together...and dessert makes them all sweeter. Give the gift of cupcakes this season. It really sweetens the moment. Who doesn't enjoy a really good cupcake? So, my pick this season is JJ's Rockin Cupcakes. And yes, they are rockin! I was introduced to them this past NYFW at a media retreat for press during fashion week. Well, they have some amazing holiday deals and of course I had to share. [A little background on this awesome bakery delight: John, the owner, is a Brooklyn bred "ken", who was in construction for 20 years before switching over and constructing the perfect cupcake. Him and his wife have known each other since they were 14 years old. How sweet right! He's 6'2" and knows his way around a cupcake. Now that's a rockin story.]

Here are the cupcake specials this season in case you want to spread the calories...:ahem: I mean love around (btw, they have 22+ flavors to choose from):

Special Holiday 12pk of minis which include, Grandmas special, Suga-Suga, Peppermint Patty, and Red Velvet with our signature cream cheese frosting all for $15.00.

Holy Cannoli minis in 12pks for the holidays. [Dark chocolate cupcake topped with Brooklyn style cannoli filling.] $18.00

Cupcakes are sold individually in the classic size for $2.50, $30 for a dozen. Cannolli & Fresh Fruit cupcakes are sold for $18/dz for the minis, $35/dz for the classic size, or $3.00 individually.

Holy Cannoli

Get your cupcake set here: www.jjsrockincupcakes.com 

Gift Guide Quickie: For the Coffee Lover

Jimmy Choo RIKA. $165.

The Jimmy Choo RIKA mock croc coffee cup sleeve is a small luxury to gift the Starbucks addict in your life. It's something they will use over and over again. The coffee cup sleeve is in a faux croc leather material that can adds that stylish touch to an ordinary cup. Jimmy Choo RIKA coffee cup sleeve. $165. Jimmy Choo. (It also comes in orange. Great bold colors for all year round!)

Jimmy Choo RIKA sleeve in orange.

Hermes leather coffee cup sleeves.
$195.

Prefer real croc? Well Hermes has their own version of the luxury coffee cup sleeve in real croc material. Made from their leftovers and scraps, as part of their Petit H collection, they are putting their leftovers to good use. Now Hermes isn't actively producing them, until there's a surplus again, so these might be harder to find. The regular leather ones are $195 and the leather croc ones will run you $250. Hermes Coffee Cup Holders. $195-$250. Hermes.

Hermes crocodile coffee cup sleeves. $250.

You're Invited: Melange Couture Holiday Trunk Show

Gift Guide: Net-a-Porter Edition [Under $200]

Want to get your friend a designer gift but didn't get that holiday bonus yet? No worries. I decided to check out Net-A-Porter and find the perfect gifts for under $200. I didn't think it would be easy, but I found some really cute things for under the imaginary budget I set. So now you don't have to be intimidated when it comes to designer names...just in case you were. You can get your friends some fabulous items and not break the bank (well, maybe just crack it a little).

The Fashion Bookie: The Trench Book by Assouline Books. For the fashion historian, this book is great. Features the history of trench coats and how its iconic style has developed over the years. $35.

The Technista: DKNY Printed leather and calf hair iPad Case. This giraffe-print, leather trimmed, and calf hair iPad case is a stylish case for the girl who's tech savvy. $54.

The Girl on the Go: Nixon Time Teller Rubber Watch. Bold accessories is in. This fuchsia watch (with a green seconds hand) will keep her on time for all of her meetings. $60.

The Jetsetter: Lanvin (set of 2) Luggage Rubber Tags. Her luggage can stand out more with these designer ID tags. No matter how small, every doll should have some piece of Lanvin in their life. $70.

The Snow Queen: Alexander McQueen Leather and Ribbed Knitted Gloves. The cold has yet to really hit, but make sure she's prepared with a pair of long fashionable gloves. Now you can wear cropped sleeves and stay warm. Who couldn't use a pair? And they're by the infamous [and gone way too soon] McQueen. $126.

The Shoe Lover: Christian Louboutin by Christian Louboutin hardcover book. You may not be able to afford a pair of red bottoms, but her coffee table can make other tables red with envy. It's 300 pages of history, photographs, and even some pop-up art. $150

Winter Wonderland: Cougar Boots

Mirage boot. $250

I am one of the privileged bloggers that Cougar Boots has decided to partner with. To be honest, if they did not contact me last winter, I wouldn't know about them. But since then, I am seriously a die-hard fan!! (See my first post about them here: Cougar Girl. Those two pairs I wore everywhere.) Their boots are perfect for the coldest winter. This Canadian company really knows how to combine warmth with style. That's why I was happy they contacted me this season. I only wear their boots in the wintertime, because NY can get pretty cold and messy. So, I got the Mirage style boot. It's easy to see why this style was popular with me. A leather and suede wedge heel boot looks great with skinny jeans, jeggings, and leggings (my wardrobe staples of late). Everywhere I go, I get compliments on the style and dolls asking where I got them. They are comfortable, keep my feet warm, cozy, and dry.

I have been wearing them on some of our colder days just because they are automatically my go-to's and I don't want my feet to be cold. A few days ago, I was going to CT, and finally took some pics before I left so you can see me wearing the boots. I am so delayed on showcasing them. The bonus for me is that they actually fit my calves and have a side zipper design so you can easily get in and out of them...which is important with boots. Plus, they have this cute zipper detail in the front (with Cougar on the zipper) so you can open or close the suede part. You can see what I mean in the photos. It's almost as if I have no other boots in my closet but my Cougar styles.

side of the boots

Just to fill you in, Cougar Boots has been around since 1948. They design boots to brave the harshest elements. They have this really cool motto: For the world you walk on. Love what you wear. It's printed on all of their shoe boxes. If you're looking for the alternative to winter boots I suggest you check out Cougar Boots to see what Fall/Winter styles suit you.

back of the boots

front of the boots

Disclaimer: The Fashionisette was gifted a pair of boots as part of a blogger program. 
The Fashionisette is not being compensated for the review. Opinions expressed are my own and are not influenced by compensation, gifting, or other means.

Gift Guide: The Femmepreneur

It's that special time of year! So what do you get the dolls and kens in your life? Well, we here at The Fashionisette (albeit last minute) are putting together our first gift guide, just in case you're doing your shopping last minute too.

First up, The Femmepreneur. She's the doll who is all about mixing business with style. Here are some ideas on what to get her...and that she will actually use.

Scotch "shoe" tape dispenser. $9.99. Staples

I was in Staples the other day and came across the best tape dispenser I have ever seen. It's a black patent platform shoe dispenser. Adorable right?? It combines shoes and an office necessity. You always need tape right? And it decorates the desk perfectly. In the stores it's just $9.99, but in case you can't make it, you can order it online for $10.99. Scotch Shoe Tape Dispenser. Staples.com

Post-it Pop Up Purse. $9.99. Staples

Keeping with the chic office supply theme, this Post-it Pop Up Purse is too cute to keep track of all your post-it notes. It's great for the girl who loves handbags and needs to jot down the latest boutique. Post-it Pop Up Purse. Staples.com. $9.99.

Want to get something more personalized? I am a huge fan of Design Her Gals stationary. You can design stationary, mugs, water bottles, iPad sleeves and more with a character that looks like your doll (or ken too). You can pick the body type, hair, eye color, outfit, accessories, etc. that resembles your friend. Who doesn't like personalized stationary designed in their likeness? And now you can receive 40% off your order. Design Her Gals Stationary. Prices vary. Designhergals.com

Heart hole puncher. $16. Uncommon Goods.

Have an office romantic? This heart hole puncher is ideal. Just because she's a professional, doesn't mean she doesn't believe in love. The heart pole puncher takes up to 7 sheets of paper and leaves behind cute heart-shaped confetti. Heart Hole Punch. $16. Uncommon Goods.

Funchico v2.0 Vintage Laptop Case. $99. Rainebrooke.com

Toting a laptop doesn't have to look boring. Rainebrooke is one of my favorite makers of chic laptop bags! They offer a variety of styles, and in my favorite color - pink. With the return of vintage style TV shows (think Pan Am), carrying retro bags is definitely in trend. This pink and ivory herringbone tweed is a nod to the nostalgic with the 2.0 technology she carries inside.

inside the laptop case.

Funchico v2.0 Vintage Laptop Case. $99. Rainebrooke.