L's Holiday Wish List

I was dead honest when I said in my last post that gift giving is my favorite part of the holiday season. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't get a tad excited when I see a beautifully wrapped gift under the tree with MY name on it too. (Hey, I'm only human.)


As a kid I would make my wish list MONTHS in advance. There would obviously be various adjustments along the way. And for my dad, a special hand drawn map with an "X" marking exactly where the sought-after item was located in the store... along with size, color and style number in case they had to locate it at another store.


Luckily my wish lists have matured right along with technology. And as of today, I have graduated from sending emails with direct links to the items, to writing a blog about them, complete with pictures. (Not to mention a smidgen of added pressure... because if the items I'm asking for aren't seen in future posts, my readers will know you have failed me. I'm ONLY kidding.)


So mom, dad, boyfriend... here you go. My 2011 holiday wish list:


Viktor Rolf Flowerbomb from Sephora. This stuff smells SO yummy.  

Tile-Quilted Mini from Anthropologie. Hi skirt, meet closet.

Magic Twisty Whisk also from Anthropologie. If I could own one of everything from their kitchen collection, I would. How ridiculously cute is this whisk?

DV by Dolce Vita Wyatt Boots from Endless.com. I LOVE the blue suede and the edginess of these boots. PS -- they're on sale!!

Oh hi boyfriend, you're looking very cute and generous today. What do you think of this Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch from Piperlime? Wouldn't it look great on my wrist? Next to all those bangles you bought me?

The Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Mini in Blood Red from Revolve Clothing. Isn't she gorg? She perfectly complements my skin tone, no?

And last but not least, I wish that everyone who reads this blog would please make a donation (even $1!) to Bessy's Place via the Massachusetts Humane Society. I adopted my cat Marley from a humane society over five years ago and it breaks my heart to think that there are so many cats that need to find loving homes. Help them build a cage-free sanctuary for homeless kitties! (Yes, folks, I truly am a crazy cat lady.)


How about you? What's on your Christmas list this year?


Happy Friday!
xoxo,
L

Holiday Gift Giving Guide + Coupon Codes!

Christmas has always been my absolute favorite holiday. I love the smell of the fresh pine Christmas tree that we cut down ourselves every year. I love baking and decorating sugar cookies with three generations of my family. I love decorating the house with reds and greens and little candles in every window. And yes, I even love the snow. Where I grew up, it was a rare occasion when we didn't already have several feet of the fluffy white stuff by Christmas morning.


My favorite Christmas tradition though, is the gift giving. I really enjoy watching my loved ones open a gift I hand-picked (or handmade!) for them. Since I'm not very crafty, I tend to buy most of the gifts I give. Although I do try to find gifts that other people have made (think Etsy) so that the gifts are more original and often personalized.


Below are my favorite gift ideas for every member of your family. Plus several coupon codes to help soften the blow your wallet is bound to take this holiday season!


Ideas for Mom:


If your mother likes to cook or bake, this Kitchenaid Mixer is a must-have! The standard mixers cost around $200. Plus they come in so many fun colors. Does she already have one? Buy her a few attachments to go along with the it. **TIP: Keep an eye out for the Kitchenaid sale on Rue La La. They tend to have them on sale every now and then. Need an invite to join? Send me a quick comment with your email address and I'll send you the invite!**

Is a mixer a little out of your price range? Head over to LOFT for their $35 and under event and grab her this adorable marled cowl-neck sweater. They also have awesome jewelry, comfy pajama sets and cozy slippers, all for under $35!

Ideas for Dad:


My dad loves to read and is constantly buying books so I figured why not buy him a Kindle. You can buy one for as low as $79 from Amazon.com or if you spend a little bit more you can get the Kindle Fire which allows you to browse the internet, play games and watch movies & tv along with downloading and reading your favorite books.

How about golf? Most fathers like to golf, right? Problem is my dad already has a nice pair of golf shoes, I wouldn't know how to pick out the proper driver (I once bought him a women's lefty club... oops.) and he has enough golf shirts to choke a horse. So how about this hilariously useful golf club drink dispenser from Overstock.com!

Ideas for your college-aged brother or sister:

My brother is currently a senior in college and while I know he is having a blast, I also happen to know that he is often eating meals out of a can so he can save money for umm, nights out "studying" with friends.


So I figured why not send him or her some yummy meals he can grill or cook himself. Omaha Steaks has plenty of gifts to choose from for under $50!


Don't think they will ever cook for themselves? Why not give the Keurig for the college world, the Soda Stream. This cool little gadget let's you turn water into your own soda, flavored sparkling water or energy drinks. You can buy it for around $100 at Bloomingdale's, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Kohl's, to name a few.

Ideas for the sister that always steals your clothes:


Victoria's Secret is still offering their tiered coupon code FALL11 PLUS free shipping on all orders over $25. They have the cutest colored cords, sweaters, and fur-trimmed boots that could be the perfect addition to your sister's closet. Who knows, you might even have to "borrow" these plum cords. You know, just to pay her back for all the times she borrowed your favorite things.

Or get an extra 30% off already reduced items at J.Crew using coupon code MUSTHAVE! This cable knit sweater will go perfectly with the plum cords. And at $35, you can't go wrong.

Ideas for the boyfriend:

Obviously you'd be girlfriend of the year if you bought him an iPad2. But not all of us can shell out several hundreds of dollars for one so what's a girl to do?

I love this stainless steel watch from Michael Kors.

Or I'm always a big fan of giving a gift certificate to your favorite spa for a nice, soothing massage. It's like "thank you for putting up with me all year, go relax for an hour!" And it secretly benefits you too. But shh, we won't tell him that.

Ideas for your best friends:

I got one of these for Christmas a few years ago and I LOVED it. So much so that I want to give them to all of my friends. These personalized wrap towels from Etsy are so cute and practical, who wouldn't love them?!



Need a gift idea for a neice, goddaughter or any other little girl for that matter? I love these turby twisty towels for your hair. Every girl needs one!

For the cat and/or dog lovers:

Pick up these cute pet stockings at Crate & Barrel for 15% off using coupon code 85675 10045 97522 7610. Plus free shipping on all orders over $99. (They're also having a 25% off sale on "wine & dine" sets!)

Other coupon codes:

Banana Republic: Save 30% on full-priced styles using coupon code BRPARTY now through Sunday, 11/20.

French Connection: Get 30% off your purchase during their friends & family event using coupon code AW11FF.

Ann Taylor: Use coupon code WINTER30 and save 30% on your order. Orders over $150 receive free shipping as well!

Neiman Marcus: Free shipping on any order using coupon code FSNOV.

Saks Fifth Avenue: Earn up to a $450 gift card using coupon code NOV2011. See website for details. Also get free shipping on ANY order using coupon code HOLIDAY.

Steve Madden: Free shipping on any order using coupon code HOLIDAY. Plus check out their fall sale and get up to 30% off fab pumps, oxfords and booties.

ASOS: Use coupon code SAVE20 and get 20% off everything! Hurry, this deal expires 12am PST, Monday, November 21.

Kate Spade: Enjoy 20% off their featured holiday sweaters. No coupon code needed!

Tobi: Now through November 20, get 30% off your entire order using coupon code EARLYBIRD30.

Hope my gift ideas have helped a bit! Looking for a coupon code that you don't see listed above? Let me know and I'll help you find it!

xoxo,

L

Restaurant Review: All Seasons Table

Boston has plenty of amazing restaurants and I still have a long list of places I'm dying to try... But sometimes I just need to get out of the city. Is that weird? Maybe it has something to do with my small-town roots. Either way, exploring the 'burbs one restaurant at a time has been a recent hobby of mine.


One of my favorite finds so far is All Seasons Table located at 64 Pleasant Street in Malden. A year ago I wouldn't have been able to find Malden on a map. Now that I've broadened my horizons, I've found a restaurant that offers delicious food and the perfect backdrop for both nights out with the girls AND romantic date nights with your significant other.


On certain nights they have a jazz band playing in the main dining room. The music is soothing and the ideal volume for enjoying the music or carrying on a conversation. They recently expanded and added a second "room" to incorporate more seating. Along with more seating, they added a second bar and sushi bar in this room. The decor is simple and inviting. There are bonsai trees and Asian sculptures scattered around but they do not overwhelm the space.

Their menu is lengthy, but there is something for everyone. All Seaons Table offers Pan-Asian dishes such as Basil Duck with Chili Thai sauce along with more American favorites like crab rangoon and sesame chicken. They also have a full sushi bar with plenty amazing choices. Call me boring, but my favorite is the spicy tuna roll. It's fresh and delicious and I've never been disappointed with a meal here. If you like spice, get the spicy edamame. They are the perfect (healthy!) appetizer. I also happen to LOVE the pineapple fried rice. Not exactly the healthiest option, but sooo yummy and totally worth the calories.


Now for the mai tais. Oh my are they amazing. I used to think all mai tais were created equally but not so at this place. I don't know what they do differently but one sip and I swear, you could easily close your eyes and wake up on the beaches of [insert favorite tropical destination here.]


Note: For those of you who think the mai tai is a "girly" drink -- order the Man's Mai Tai. And then tell me just how manly you were while dealing with your hangover the next day.


Malden is only a quick five mile ride from downtown Boston. Or a 10 minute ride on the Orange Line, if you dare.


Next time you're craving sushi or Chinese food, resist the urge to order in... Make the drive to Malden and you won't be disappointed, I promise!


Until next time,
L

Workweek Chic

I don't know about you, but sometimes I need a little extra boost in the morning to get myself out of bed. Sometimes it's allowing myself to indulge in a salted caramel mocha midweek. Other times it's simply excitement over getting to wear a new sweater or pair of shoes.


Today I happened to remember that I hadn't yet worn my most recent purchase. My Stella & Dot Bamboleo necklace. You wouldn't believe how quickly I sprung out of bed to figure out an outfit that struck a perfect balance between office appropriate and fun.

Blazer: Aqua via Bloomingdale's; Layered silk tank: JCrew (last year); Necklace: Stella & Dot;

Black pants: F21; Penny Loafer Wedges: LOFT; Rings: vintage, Tiffany & Co.

If you haven't checked out Stella & Dot yet, you need to do so right away! Their jewelry has been featured in Vogue and InStyle magazines, on the Today Show and on countless celebs. You'll be seeing me wearing several of their pieces as I recently became an independent stylist. I'm working to put together a few trunk shows in the Boston area within the next few months so stay tuned! (Shameless self promotion is over now, sorry!)

Now for the coupon codes:

You can find my blazer at Bloomingdale's and now through Saturday, 11/12, you can get it for 20% off using coupon code HAPPY.

Like my silk tank? Get a similar one at J.Crew and through the end of today, save 25% on your purchase of $150 or more using coupon code STAYWARM.

How cute are my LOFT wedges? Right now you can save 40% on your order of $100 or more by using coupon code FRIENDS at checkout.


Happy hump day, we're half way there!
xoxo,
L

Sunday Brunch

If you follow me on twitter you know that my little sister was in town this weekend checking out colleges. The idea of her being in the same city as me makes me happier than any fab fashion find would make me. We toured a local college, caught a volleyball game, shopped the boutiques of the North End and, of course, ate a ton.


Sunday morning we went to an awesome brunch in Charlestown before sending them on their way back to New York. I think a classic but casual and comfy outfit is the perfect outfit for a Sunday brunch. How do you think I did?

 From left: Taylor (younger but taller sister!), me, Dad, Dad's fiancee Linda

Jacket: Anthropologie; White T: Victoria's Secret; Scarf: vintage
Skinny jeans: Hudson; Boots: Bandolino via Piperlime; Bangles: Alex & Ani

Looking for a jacket similar to mine? Check out this Schoolboy Blazer from JCrew. Get 25% off your purchase of $150 or more (plus free shipping!) using coupon code STAYWARM. This offer expires Wednesday, November 9 at 11:59pm.

Stock up on basic Ts (like the one I'm wearing) or whatever else your little heart desires at Victoria's Secret using coupon code FALL11. The more you spend, the more you save! Also use coupon code PICK20 and get 20% off one item of clothing or a pair of shoes!


Here are some other codes that might come in handy:


Yumi Kim: Save 30% during their friends & family event using coupon code FAMILY30. In stores and online through November 21st.


Pour La Victoire: I LOVE all of PLV's shoes... now you can get 25% off their boots using code PLVBOOTS.
Happy saving!
L

Outfit Inspriation: Faux Is The Way To Go!

I remember my very first pair of faux leather pants. I was a freshman in high school. Mom & Dad were out of town that weekend so I announced to my friends that I was going to have a party. Naturally that meant I needed a cute new outfit to host in. I went straight to H&M and picked up a pair of black faux leather pants, a hot pink sweater and a pink sparkly belt (haven't we all played the part of fashion victim at some point in our lives?)


Fast forward several years and I'm back at H&M lusting over a similar pair of leather leggings. Luckily this time around I know a bit more about how to make them look good.


I've been seeing so many pictures of celebs and models wearing leather pants or leggings with over-the-top fur vests. And I'm in love.

SO in love, in fact, that I gave it a shot myself! What do you think?

White blouse: Madewell; Faux fur vest: BB Dakota; Faux leather leggings: H&M;

Black pumps: Charles David; Bangles: Alex & Ani

Looking for a faux fur for your own closet? I'm obsessed with THIS one from ASOS. Get it 15% off with coupon code BONUS15 (today and tomorrow only!)

Here are some other coupon codes to help feed your shopping addictions:

French Connection: 30% off the holiday collection using coupon code FCH11


Endless.com: Save 20% on your purchase of $100 or more using code NOVEVENT (until midnight tonight!)


Henri Bendel: Enjoy 20% off your purchase of $100 or more plus free shipping. Use code FFSALE at checkout. (Friday, 11/4-Sunday, 11/6)


Karmaloop: Get other BB Dakota clothing and save 20% on your order using repcode MKDAVIS at checkout.


xoxo,
L

Outfit Inspiration: Kristin Cavallari's Colorblock Dress

I used to be a Kristin hater. I must admit, I was on Team LC during the good old "Laguna Beach" days. But after seeing this outfit, I not only decided I liked her, but that I desperately needed this skirt/tank combo.

One issue: I work in a corporate setting. Yes, I could've saved this for a night out on the town but I really wanted to make this outfit work for ME any day of the week. So I came up with this:

Peplum blouse: J.Crew; Pencil skirt: J.Crew; Belt: Can't remember; Shoes: Charles David

When using celebs as inspiration, it's all about putting your own spin on it. Clothing that might look killer on the models in the magazines might not work for the everyday girl. Work with pieces that you're comfortable wearing and shapes that work with your body type. I've tried the colorblocking trend before but not with such bold colors. This post proves that us normal girls totally can wear (and look good in!) the trends that our favorite "it" girls are wearing.


Happy colorblocking!
L