A New Year

High hopes for 2011 (clockwise):

Adventures.

Stop fighting my wavy hair.

Hello, sequins.

Notice the pretty little things.

This is going to end on a super-mushy note, in which I thank you all for so kindly taking me in as one of your own. My mom, who, though I love her immensely, has no computer proficiency whatsoever, asked me what a blog is — what is the point, and why does it not qualify as a magazine or something of the sort? The only answer I could come up with is the same reason that I love blogging: for me, it's an assortment of the prettiest and littlest things in the world, which have all come together to slap me in the face, gently, with a solid dose of sheer delight. Thank you for your support, your sweet comments, and for sharing everything lovely along the way.

And now, champagne!

New Year's Chic

I'm a cat, and Alice & Olivia is just dangling a goldfish in front of my face with their nightlife-themed lookbook. Isn't this the perfect inspiration for fresh New Year's Eve ensembles? I'm a sucker for the black and white palette with the only occasional glimpses of gold and silver — the simple shades keep voluminous ruffles, gleaming sequins, and soft velvet from looking too gaudy or ostentatious. The vibe isn't in-your-face so much as it is "Oh, is it 2011 already? Perfect, hand me another glass of Prosecco so I can toast a year of looking fantastic."

Because you know 2011 will be the year of looking, feeling, and being fantastic.

Girl Crush

Audrey Tautou, natch. Versatile, charming, and ever so elegant.

[photo cred to Listal]

Love Potion No. 9

Last week, I waltzed into my room and found this Love Potion No. 9 sweater on my bed. I must have missed the memo that Love Potion No. 9 is actually not only a famous movie, but a famous song as well. Even my grandmother knew it. I, on other hands, saw the Chanel No. 5 bottle (made of SEQUINS) and knew that Love Potion No. 9 would be my drink of choice forever and ever and ever. I might wear this for New Year's eve, dressing it up a bit more with a black chiffon miniskirt and my white and silver Lanvin flats.

In other news, I got the Kate Spade Book of the Month clutch for Christmas! The cover of the Great Expectations version is black and grey with hints of neon pink, meaning it will go perfectly with just about everything in my wardrobe. I also received J Brand waxed venom skinny jeans — this wouldn't be that exciting except for the wax treatment, which gives the jeans a sheen that resembles leather. I'm the antithesis of a badass, so these make my dream of leather pants attainable but not completely frightening. Or maybe I'll use the leather look of the jeans as my excuse for getting in a little more trouble in the new year... I'll go to bed later than eleven and refuse to take my daily multivitamin, really living it up.

P.S. My boyfriend had me convinced that he'd bought me a pair of pajama jeans for Christmas. I was trying to figure out how to mask my look of disdain last night when he pulled a little Tiffany blue box out of his pocket — no feigned joy there. He gave me a beautiful pair of sterling silver earrings; I have incredibly simple taste in jewelry, and these were perfect. He's a keeper, no?

Guest Post!

My guest post is up at College Prep! Carly is super, super sweet, and I was so flattered to be asked to write about my manic obsession for all things pretty and preppy. You can find my post here, and thanks again to College Prep!

[photo cred to Vogue May 2010 via Dress Design & Decor]

A Christmas Weekend

Merry Christmas weekend, everyone! The next few days, I'm polishing up a guest blog post (my first ever — so excited!) and cooking manicotti and stuffed ricotta shells for fifteen members of my extended Italian family. Naturally, nothing is wrapped and I've been subsisting on my mother's oatmeal raisin cookies. It could be worse... I could have hidden presents so well that I can't find them and accidentally finished off all of my mom's carefully-decorated Christmas cookies. Both of which may have happened in the past. 

Here's to a joyful and lovely Christmas!

[photo cred to Loving Life, Style Me Pretty, A Whole Lotta Love, and IMDB]

Holiday Chic

The Bryant Park Corp kindly, and very generously, invited me to attend a holiday soirée earlier this week at the Empire State Building's new Empire Lounge. When I first received the email, I blushed for ten minutes. Even though I wasn't able to make it due to the terrifyingly overpriced entity that is MetroNorth, I did find the time to hunt down the perfect dresses for the occasion. 

This Anna Sui dress, on the left, is wrought with sequins and tulle and somehow, remains elegant and sophisticated. I saw it and immediately wanted to take it out for a steak dinner and drinks, maybe a movie. Unfortunately, the love of my life is not only light years out of my price range, but sold out. Bad for me, but very good for my wallet. Plus, the fact that I couldn't have it even if I did have the money helps the loss to sting a little bit less.

The French Connection frock, on the right, would be a happy replacement, particularly for my budget. It sparkles. It offers a lusciously draped hemline that would be perfect for twirling and a feminine neckline with tasteful embellishment. The only thing that kills me are the thin straps — something more substantial would add a solid dose of sophistication. I would've fixed that by pairing it with a shrunken, grey-sequined jacket that I just bought, as well as simple grey suede heels.

As I imagine this ensemble and subsequently begin to kick myself, please remind me to never pass up a holiday party at the Empire State Building. Tell me to buck up, down two shots of espresso, and stop worrying about going by myself and being awkward and drinking free Ketel cocktails in the corner all night. Because when I think about it, that's really not a bad scenario in which to find myself.