How you end 2009 is how you will live 2010

So that's what they say, ay? I am going to end my year with lots of sun, relaxation, laughter and love. Today I take off to Peru and I look forward the change of scenery & seasons.

This past year has been nothing short of fabulous & chic.  Instead of making resolutions, I give each year a theme. 2008 was "Change", 2009 was "Balance" and (drum roll....) 2010 is  the Year of the ENTREPRENEUR. I've had lots of inspiration this past year and some ideas/projects up my sleeve.  So what am I waiting for you ask? Exactly. 2010 is all about making things happen. Of course the new year will bring lots of goodies to ACCIDENTAL Chic - more doses of fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

As we head into 2010 remember to; surround yourself with positive people, be creative, travel often, dream more, take risks and then just laugh at it all.

Wishing you a very Happy New Year

CHEERS! xoxo

Happy to be in my Havaianas!

It's time I starting packing for my venture to Peru to ring in the New Year.  It is currently 77 degrees (big smile), so you know that means?  It's HAVAIANA time! I am loving their FIT flip flops in black and grey ($28).

Ivanka Trump recently gave her guests Havaiana's at her wedding reception. The flip flops had the bride & groom's name on each foot and were tied together with a ribbon that read, 'what a pair'...precious.

Mantra Monday

Today's Mantra Monday is inspired by a gift I received from two dear friends. Let's just say they know me very well. I am not one to get my panties in a bunch and I have a great love for cupcakes, so this sign says it all (plus, they bought it for me in 'Tiffany' blue!).

31 Rue Cambon: Chanel's Paris Flat

'Invisible Perfection' is how some describe Coco Chanel's fabulous Paris flat. Although Chanel's apartment is filled with visible perfections - crystal chandeliers, gleaming mirrors, pairs of gilded Chinese horses, an ancient Russian icon from her friend Igor Stravinsky, a golden hand her friend Alberto Giacometti sculpted for her, and a shaft of wheat painted by her friend Salvador Dali.

"To enter Chanel's universe, you climb a curved staircase, up steps carpeted in beige, with white trim. When new collections were presented, Chanel watched them being modeled from these stairs. During the show, she would sit perched on the fifth step down from her apartment, in front of a wall of mirrors. Looking down, she could see the models and the audience reaction to the clothes — without anyone seeing her." - Susan Stamberg

Mademoiselle Chanel never slept at her apartment, notice there is no bedroom. Chanel simply walked down the block to the Ritz where she would enter through the rear door to retire for the night. 

Each morning she returned to 31 Rue Cambon, where she would work in a mist of Chanel No.5 which would be sprayed in the salon before her arrival (love it).

I am so excited to stumble across these great photos. Chanel's Paris Flat is definitely on the top of my list when I venture to Paris in April 2011!

 

Merry, Merry, Merry!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

Enjoy breakfast in your pajama's,

huge family fests,

hot coco & cocktails with friends

...that's exactly what I plan to do!

xoxo

Well, isn't this just FABULOUS

Rodarte for Target

This weekend's snowstorm did not keep shoppers from lining up bright and early this past Sunday for the unveiling of Rodarte's line for Target.

We all know big name designers collaborating with Target is the latest trend. I was curious to see what Rodarte had to offer.  I did my research and came across the look book online.  The pieces are definitely affordable and have a bit of an edginess to them.  The collection includes everything from a faux leopard jacket for $79.99 to fishnet tights for $9.99.

 

 

 

My research continues as I head back to the suburbs for the holidays.  Of course Target is always on my list of pit stops.  I will tweet if anything tickles my fancy. Hopefully pieces from the line will still be available.

The Brush Guard

 

I recently came across this GENIUS invention in O Magazine...

The Brush Guard!

For all those beauty gurus out there who cherish their makeup brushes, especially those who have invested in high quality (aka expensive) ones,  this is the answer to your prayers. The Brush Guard protects and expands the lifeline of your makeup brushes.  It is a stretchable, breathable tube which protects your makeup brushes while traveling and dries bristles in perfect shape after being washed.

I tested out The Brush Guard this past weekend since my makeup brushes need a major cleaning. You simply put the tubes over the bristles, place the brush upside down in a cup and let dry. Presto! My brushes were in perfect shape the next morning.  I also travel a lot, which was the main reason I had to try this product. Now I don't have to worry about my brushes becoming flat or becoming contaminated in my makeup bag while I am traveling this holiday season.  Ah, life is good!

Mantra Monday

And the winners are...

BIG THANKS to those who participated in December's giveaways!

Katelyn (apara Boot Kit)

Sallie Anne (DESIGN By Kathleen Pearl Necklace)

Congratulations to the winners

Stay tuned for more giveaways in January!

Happy Holidays, xo.

Holiday Dressing Tips from Shoshanna Gruss

What is best to wear for your different holiday parties this year?

Family Affair:  A pretty dress with an embellished neckline or embroidery, something you can throw a cardigan over, move around and have fun in.  

Office Party:  Simple shift or sheath dress that will take you from a day at the office to the party that night, with a change shoes and accessories.

Girls Night Out:  A great strapless dress in a bold color like a violet or red is perfect.  Add a cropped leather jacket or blazer to give it some edge.

What is the must-have accessory to spice up any outfit?  

I think a statement necklace is the ultimate piece to pair with a dress for the season.  It can instantly change an outfit.

What are the key dress trends to look for this holiday season?

Bright Bold Colors

Sequin and Shine

Embellished Necklines

How do you take your daytime outfit from the office to a holiday party?

Start with a simple dress shape, like a shift that can act as your blank canvas.  During the day keep it simple with flats and delicate jewelry.  Slip into fabulously high heels, and throw on a pair of great earrings or a vintage necklace for the office party later that evening.

How do you find the best dress for flattering your body type?

You have to find a shape that works for you and stick with it.  Try on every shape you can until you find the one you are most comfortable in and shows off your best assets.

What are some ways to up the glamour of your favorite little black dress for the holiday season?

Accessories are the best way to glam up a LBD.  You can use so many different kinds of colorful jewelry to stand out, play around and have fun with it.  Also, a bright bold lip is a great way to spice up an outfit.

What in one must-have holiday piece that can be worn for every party occasion this season?

I think the perfect dress for any occasion is a simple shift- you can wear it so many ways (from a day at the office to a party at night) and make it look like a different dress with a change of accessories.  It’s my go to dress for every holiday party this season.

What are your personal DOS and DONT'S for holiday party dressing?

NO Holiday Sweaters

DO Have Fun with Color

DON’T Be Afraid to Stand Out

DO Shop Your Closet- Mix and Match Old Pieces with New

www.shoshanna.com

The VS Soft & Sexy Wrap (on sale!)

Low & behold I found a cheap alternative to the DKNY "Cozy", the Soft & Sexy Wrap at Victoria's Secret. Original price is $58,  however it is now on sale for $39 until tomorrow. 

I personally could not bring myself to pay $185 for the DKNY Cozy, although I am sure the quality and material are worth it. Maybe I'll give the  Soft & Sexy Wrap a try. If I happen to get a lot of uses out of it and run it into the ground, then I'll think about upgrading to the Cozy.

 

It's a Henri Bendel Holiday

 

Tips for Clear Skin

After reading Dr. Murad's tips on Elle.com I have decided to turn in early tonight instead of spending the next few hours tackling my many to-do's.  The article answered the many questions I had. This means I will have to forgo catching up on Dr. Drew's Sex Rehab...bummer.

Give me sequins, sequins, SEQUINS!

I am falling in love with sequins! I never thought this would be so if you had asked me ten years ago when I associated sequins with flashbacks of tacky recital costumes I was forced to wear.  Whoever thought of pairing a chic, sequined jacket with jeans is GENIUS. The look speaks for itself - a sense of style without trying too hard. 

Who'd thought sequins could be so casual chic?

Mantra Monday

DESIGN By Kathleen GIVEAWAY!

DESIGN by Kathleen is a jewelry line where each piece is creatively designed to be unique. The jewelry is made with beads that are carefully chosen to create a unique design.  Kathleen makes all her pieces with "class & style" that makes you smile. 

This week's giveaway is the Pearl Elegance Necklace featured on Etsy ($22).  This 19 inch necklace has been designed with brown and beige pearls. there are sea beads added in between. A silver clasp with crystals is attached to connect the necklace.

A lady can never have enough pearls right?

One lucky reader will win this necklace, see below to enter!

Ailey Dancers dressed in Balenciaga & Sean John

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater kicked off their 2009-2010 season.  The Opening Night Gala was held Tuesday, December 2nd. at the Hilton Hotel, NYC.

The female dancers were dressed by Balenciaga and the male dancers were dressed by Sean John.  Pictured above is the fabulous Renee Robinson showing off her Balenciaga  gown. Below are the gentlemen sporting their Sean John suits.

AAADT is performing at the City Center until January 3rd, you MUST go see them! The company is truly phenomenal. Don't fret if you are not in the NYC area, the company will be touring the country. Check when AAADT is coming to a location near you.  I will be seeing AAADT this Sunday and the show will be celebrating director Judith Jamison & her 20 years of leading the company since Alvin Ailey's passing. 

Temperley London Pop Up Holiday Boutique

What's a 'Pop Up Shop' you ask?

It's when a retailer sets up shop in a location for a short amount of time. I have noticed it is becoming quite the trend especially for the holidays.

For those of you who will be in the city this weekend take advantage of Temperley London's Pop Up Holiday Boutique taking place this Saturday & Sunday at 453 Broome Street. Lots of giveaways and deals, you must RSVP though!

Here are the details...

'Tis the season at Anthropologie

 
 

Mantra Monday

apara Boot Kit GIVEAWAY!

The apara Book Kit just launched this fall and is a must-have for this season. No need to sacrifice your favorite trends for comfort anymore!  Each kit comes with a full pair of Slinges for luxourious cushioning all the way from the base of your heel to the ball of your foot, two pairs of Heel Appeal which cradles your heels in those Manolo's and two pairs of Grippy Steps to ensure against embarrassing slip-ups in the highest of heels.

I had the pleasure of testing out the kit. The Slinges are my favorite and made those Steven Madden Riding Boots a lot more tolerable to walk around this city in.  The best part is the Slinges and Heel Appeal are clear so when you take off your shoes in public places you don't have to worry about that "Odor Eaters" look (ha!)

Since 'tis the season for giving, I am giving away an apara Book Kit to one lucky reader!  Enter the giveaway below and the winner will be announced next Friday.