** This post is a part of my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide, created in partnership with Amanda of Mommy Mandy and Kristin of Our Ordinary Life.  Please check out their Holiday Guides for more great gift ideas! **

I’m not big into wearing t-shirts but every now and then a few really cute, great shirts do actually make it into the rotation.  Since early October, the “Anchored” t-shirt from Scared Panda has been one of them.  Featuring the Manhattan skyline (one of my favorite places!) and designed by Brooklyn resident Brad Jonas, the shirt reminds me to refuse to be overwhelmed – there is always something so much bigger than what I might be dealing with.

Plus, it’s just stinkin’ adorable!  I have gotten at least one compliment from strangers on it each time I’ve worn it – about 3 times now.

If you’re looking for a gift that also allows you to give back this holiday season – this is it.  10% of every sale of this t-shirt goes to Scared Panda’s non-profit partner Growing Home, a Chicago-based non-profit that provides job training through an organic agriculture business.  Talk about giving to give back!  I love it!  Plus, each shirt runs around $18 and during the Holidays includes free shipping and gift wrapping – so you have a great gift wrapped and shipped for under $20 smackeroos!

Better yet?  All of their tees are printed using only eco-friendly inks and is produced locally in the US!

Best yet?  I have an early Holiday Gift for you!  Use the coupon code “PANDAS” to receive 10% off your next order.

Go, shop, and be well!  Happy Holidays!

Disclosure:  Scared Panda sent me a t-shirt to wear.  All opinions on its awesomeness are my own.

One of my favorite television events of the year is coming up – and for once, I’m not talking about any sort of awards show.  I’m talking about the 85th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I have such wonderful memories of this parade – I distinctly remember my 7 year old self sitting firmly in front of our large console television and watching the giant balloons go by as delicious smells of a southern Thanksgiving wafted from the kitchen.

Of course, this year’s parade will return with the usual suspects - Kermit the Frog, Snoopy the Flying Ace and Spider-Man – alongside the loveable Clumsy Smurf, Buzz Lightyear and Mickey Mouse and I’ll be planted yet again in front of the TV with our two pajama-clad kiddos watching them float by.  This parade always ushers in the beginning of Christmas for me – the official start of the holidays, but this year I have the inside scoop about more than just Santa and the cool balloons.

My sources at Ann Magnin tell me that Teresa Scanlan, Miss America 2011 will be featured on her own float wearing a stunning coat by Joseph Ribkoff.  The gorgeous knee-length ivory coat has a feminine ruffle and an eye-catching fabric rosette – proving that is possible to look chic and stay warm (a la our favorite fashion icon, Kate Middleton). And honestly – wait until you set eyes on this baby – it will be the most coveted item on your Holiday Wish List.

I know it already is on mine.

The answer is yes. But after awhile, my eyes began to wander. And my heart began to lust. First it was a purple pair, a Spring style that I hunted down relentlessly all over the Upper East Side-to no avail….huge bummer.  I did, however, find them in Emerald Green and now we are insperable! These jeans have become my new uniform.

There are a multitude of ways to wear colored denim, but this is my go-to look:

Of course, the bright denim takes center stage in this ensemble. I tone down the bright factor with some of my wardrobe staples-an easy tee and classic blazer. My favorite tees are the v-necks from Old Navy and my all-time favorite blazer is the Gabe from Theory. Jazz it up with a great necklace-currently, I’m into big gold collars-and you are all set!

Have you jumped on the colored denim trend? What’s your favorite way to wear it?

Frankly, there are a lot of questions I need answered.  Who is pregnant?  What will Dan do when he finds out Vanessa sold his book for publication?  What is going to happen to Chair (Chuck/Blair) in the midst of all of the royal wedding planning? How long will Serena stay in LA?  And perhaps most importantly…

What the HECK happened to Dan’s hair?  Ew.

No matter your level of Gossip Girl curiosity, I’m sure you at least want to know the thing that we all do – where are all of those amazing clothes from.  So, here is your Season 5, Episode 1 Gossip Girl Fashion preview for “Yes, Then Zero“.

Serena’s Purple Dress in LA with Nate

Catherine Malandrino Dress
Azzedine Alaia Platform Shoes $838

Serena on-set in Los Angeles

Maje Cream Silk Studded Tank Top $80
Alice + Olivia Shannon Printed Maxi Pleated Skirt $484

Serena in Los Angeles

Rag & Bone Aubry Top (sold out)
Theyskens Theory Beaded Vest (sold out)
Rag & Bone Feather Skirt $277

Blair Waldorf

Oscar de la Renta S/S 2011 Dress
Nancy Gonzalez Clutch

Diana Payne (played by Elizabeth Hurley)

Herve Leger Bandage Dress
Jimmy Choo Nude Sandals

Well, this is definitely not your mother’s J Crew. Or mine, even.

Jenna Lyons has done it again, this time transforming the prepster cool looks into an almost unrecognizable mashup of prints, color, and texture. Familiar highlighter pinks and citrus tones make their return for Spring. They bring with them familiar J Crew standbys like chambray, slubby silks, and sequined stripes.  The styling was part Tory and just a touch menswear…if you peered really deep, you can see a little bit of 2011′s Spring J Crew peeking through.

Was it tailored? Yes.

Playful? Yes.

J Crew? I’m not so sure.

Ms. Lyons has thrown me for a loop this time. Is this another J Crew revolution or just an update to their current recipe for success? I’m going to have to let this one sink in for a little bit. What’s your initial reaction?

Get out your shades, ladies! DVF’s Spring collection is full of punchy, cheery colors and many lively prints. If optimistic is what she was going for, well I give her an A-plus. Familiar shapes like wrap dresses, cropped pants, and toga styles were broken up by menswear-inspired blazers and punctuated with lighthearted prints. The kimono styles and wide obi belts were a welcome update to the expexted DVF wrap dress.

The diverse silhouettes and creative juxtaposition of the styling showed just how versatile this collection is. Sophisticated prints, fabulous frocks, smart work looks-in DVF’s neck of the woods, things sure are looking up!

I’m sorry, but was there a convention for the completely chic that I was not invited to? I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, I. DIE. Die.

My mouth is hanging open like Eli Manning at a press conference. I cannot get over this collection!

From dressy elegance to casual cool, every single look was a win. Fluid fabrics worked seamlessly back to tough leathers, chunky knits, and structured shapes. Bold hued looks were grounded by all white, ethereal ensembles. This collection is totally glam, utterly cool, and very, very wearable.

Which look is your favorite? Clearly, I’m having trouble deciding.

DIY-ing with the girls from Honestly…WTF
click here for more info

Exploring all the neighborhoods of NYC inside Lord and Taylor
click here for more info

Loading up on Missoni for Target at the Pop-Up Shop
click here for more info

And I’ll probably wrap it all up with a free Foster the People show at Lacoste…all in a day’s work, my friends!

Cocktail parties, fashion presentations, meet and greets, and perhaps a free drink (or three)-there’s bound to be something happening in your neck of the woods!

Check out the offiicial guide for all the fashionable functions and hot happenings!

all necklaces from forever 21

Do ya need a quick wardrobe pick-me-up during this time in between seasons? I know I sure do! If you have been following along, you know that I have already started gathering ideas for my Fall Wardrobe. I also have begun saving for those “musts” and investment pieces for the season.

The problem?

I want to shop now.

The cure for my fashion itch is accessories — specifically those from Forever 21. I can load up on a variety of styles, look good on the cheap, and as it turns out-these items are usually the ones I get the most compliments on!

I’m obviously a necklace person; I love just tossing ‘em on over a simple tank, a fun romper or easy strapless dress to instantly elevate my look. Pieces with movement, layers, and tassels add a bit of texture and interest to outfits comprised of softer fabrics-a must for all the lightweight jersey we are currently wearing to keep cool! Bird accents are also something I just can’t seem to pass up-whether a feather for a Boho feel or a tiny bird charm for a sweet vibe, I’m all about the “fowl play”.  The statement collar is another silhouette I love, as it can be paired back to the simplest of outfits and take them from tame to eye-catching.

Do you have a go-to store for accessorizing frugally?

Well, at least until we had to switch to flats and not heels.  Ouch.

I will be the first to tell you that I was beyond pleased with the selection at Sears.  I literally had so many items that I wanted to try on that my arms were aching from carrying it all.  We had a mini fashion show in the dressing room – I’m sure the other customers were thoroughly confused – if there had been loud music blaring and lights flashing you would have sworn it was a runway show.

Oh also, not many other customers had a photographer following them around to document their shopping trip.  To make myself feel special, I like to think of it more as paparazzi.  Thanks, Sandy – you were a great paparazzo and a huge help to my ego.

I had no idea there were so many different clothing lines at Sears – Apostrophe, French Connection, Bongo, and now the Kardashian Collection, just to name a few.  I was like a kid in a candy store.

We hit the dressing rooms in a hurry – we had so many different looks to model!  In the span of about 10 minutes I suddenly felt like I was back in college, trying on clothes with my sorority sisters – flipping sizes over the door to share, giggling, and giving delicate, but honest feedback.

You know what I love most about the clothing at Sears?  It’s made for real women.  Like, y’all, I have curves.  We’re all ladies here so I can share – I’m a bit busty, and definitely have a small waist with, you know, HIPS.  Real women do.  Well, real women and Kim Kardashian.

Oh hey, she has a line at Sears, now!  Did you hear?

I love synergy.

One of the biggest compliments that I have been given lately was the one given to us by Jennifer — the Sears rep who was on the shopping trip with us.  She took one look at us in our new clothes and said “You guys look better than the models!”

And you know what?  I agree!  We ran the gamut of body types, but all three of us are built like REAL women and I loved that the clothing just fit us.  It is so nice to try on something for once that is not made for a sample size, but is made for a real woman.  Not only that, but was cut in a way that allowed me to wear a size medium, even with me being a bit busty.  The cuts all allowed for me to have a waist, hips, boobs, (ok, and maybe even a little leftover baby belly – 4 years later) but was still tailored in a classy way to fit the lines of my body.

I have no shame.  I’m in the store hamming it up for photos with a GIANT RED TAG and sensor hanging off of my dress.  Have no fear.  I bought it and wore it to the party later that night.

Ooooh, and check out my pretty shoes from the new Kardashian Collection.  I fell in love with them.  I had to have them.

They cost more than my dress.

They were worth every penny.

Of note, these shoes, like most heels, are not meant for superfluous amounts of standing.  These are “8 blockers”.  Meaning that after about 8 blocks, you’re done.  Plan accordingly.  After about 3 hours of standing in them, I switched to flats, though I did whip them back out for people to take photos of them a few times.  Because, and let’s be honest, those shoes are HOT.

What I don’t have a photo of is my fiance’ suggestively raising his eyebrow at me when he saw these shoes.  Trust me, he totally did.

All in all, partnering with Sears Style has been a match made in heaven.  We had the best time on the shopping trip together and I can’t thank the entire Sears team enough for such a great opportunity!  I hope that we had the opportunity to say hi that night at the party and that we had a chance to talk about the fact that I was dressed in head-to-toe Sears.

Leave me your thoughts – have you checked out Sears Style yet?  What are you waiting for!?

Disclosure:  This post was sponsored by Sears.  All opinions are 100% mine, and always will be.  That’s how I roll.

image via

One of the most well-done and highly anticipated designer collaborations is on its way….Missoni for Target! Arriving in stores September 18, the zigzag-clad offerings will include items for men, women, kids, and home. Did I mention there are accessories?

Scarves!

Rain boots!

Totes!

Laptop cases!

Cosmetic bags!

Luggage!

This is sure to be one oh-so-chic collection. To shop the new Missoni collection, head online or plan to get there early-what’s your strategy for getting first dibs on Target designer collabs?

I am so excited….O M(issoni!)G!

all images available here

As you can see, I am loving the combination of bright hues like Cobalt and Goldenrod against a saturated neutral like Cognac. You can still find me colorblocking, but this time it will always involve a deep neutral anchor. Vintage prints and silks always keep Fall from being too frumpy, and there’s nothing like a simple shoe to keep the focus all about the clothes.

What Fall trends are calling your name? Do you create inspiration boards a la pinterest or the old fashioned way?

blazer, necklace, wedges, shorts

Sure, the temps are still going strong–but the calendar is telling us that Summer is drawing to a close. It’s the age-old battle of Farenheit versus fashion, ladies, and we need to be prepared.

Here’s my simple method for surviving the swelter while still maintaining a current look: blazer+shorts+acessories. It’s foolproof — all you do is add a tank or tee in your favorite color (or pattern, if you’re a daredevil!) and you’re set. Try it with different shoe heights. Experiment with fabrics. Play with color. You’ll be surprised how many combinations you can come up with!

all items available at vince

I’m sweating. Literally. From the heat outside and also from looking at the Vince Fall looks-who could imagine throwing on a wool anything right now? Still, I’m browsing these amazing pieces and finding myself crushing on every one of them. If I have my street lingo in check, I would have to say I’m “sweatin’” Vince right now.

What?  Is it too early for bad humor as well as sweaters?

But seriously, folks…this collection has sophisticated cool written all over it. From slinky silk tops to glam fur vests to easy prepster sweaters and familiar skinny pants-there is something for everyone in this season. Most pieces easily work back into your wardrobe, reviving your old Fall favorites and there are a few show-stoppers thrown in-hello, fur jacket!

Which items make your heart skip a beat?

So this year, skip the mall, head online and make your Dad beam with pride. Oh, and if you have any other great suggestions share them in the comments. The more ideas Erika has the better, right?

FitBit – If the Dad in your life is an exercise fan, a geek or just needs to be motivated to get off the couch and regain a little spring in their step, the FitBit is the perfect gift. Clip it on your belt and you get the number of calories burned, the steps you’ve taken and the mileage you’ve traveled. Plus, wear FitBit at night and it’ll track your sleep efficiency. But wait, there’s more! The online dashboards, goal setting modules, friend connections and community are really where FitBit starts to shine. At just under $100, it’s a great gift for Dad – just be sure he doesn’t throw it in the wash!

Dyson Air Multiplier Bladeless Fan – Our family is a fan family, and to this day my Dad can’t sleep without a fan on. So if you’re looking to geek out on the latest in fan tech, skip the Vornado and head straight for the Dyson. It’s the first bladeless fan, which means it has a beautiful design and an even better wind stream to keep Dad cool while he catches some deserved mid-afternoon zzz’s.

Netflix Streaming Subscription – Some, ok me, might say that the gifts that keep on giving are the best of all. Because while a new gadget or shirt is nice, a subscription service gives Dad the ultimate – choice – every day of the year. Netflix streaming packages are less than $10/month and give Dad instant access to tens-of-thousands of movie titles and TV shows straight from his iPad, Xbox, iPhone, Android phone, Internet-enabled TV or computer. If you think your Dad will scratch his head at the gift, just tell him he can now watch every episode of Cheers ever made, back-to-back. Trust me, he’ll get it.

Audible.com – Another great subscription, especially for dad’s that are on the go. Remember books on tape? Well, imagine the Amazon for audio books that you play on your phone or iPod. In fact, Amazon owns Audible, and with a subscription you can guarantee Dad a new book title every month. There are thousands of books including the top Amazon and New York Times Bestsellers. It’s a book, a month, all year. To a bibliophile there is nothing better.

Apps for the iPhone – Sure Dad has the iPhone, but when you stare at his home screen and see that he only has the basic apps and Angry Birds you die a little on the inside. There is clearly a whole world of apps out there that are waiting to bring his iPhone to life. The easiest way to do this is to buy an iTunes gift card, and then sit down with him and pick a few out to get started. Then he’ll have some cash left over to buy a few on his own. Here are a few of my favorites: Path, Instagram, AutoStitch, Plants vs. Zombies, QuickOffice, MLB At-Bat, Skype, Simplenote, NBA Jam. Get him started with those gems and then get ready to hear “I didn’t know it could do that!” clear on through to next Father’s Day.

The Geek Dad’s Guide to Weekend Fun – Thanks to Erika, I own both Geek Dad and the latest from Ken Denmead, The Geek Dad’s Guide to Weekend Fun: Cool Hacks, Cutting Edge Games and More Awesome Projects for the Whole Family. Denmead, who writes for Wired’s blog of the same name, has assembled a collection of geeky projects that dads and kids can do together. The projects are fun, inexpensive and range in difficulty, making it perfect for any dad with kids 5 – 13. My son and I have made LED fireflies and are working on PVC Nerf blow dart guns next. I can’t wait till he’s a bit older to break out the soldering gun and bring our Legos to life. If the dad in your life is a geek, and you want to inspire the inner-geek in your kid, pick up these books. They’re tons of fun.

Bonobos Clothes – Walk into most retailers and the men’s section is roughly the size of a half-bathroom with few, if any, selections that really inspire. So instead of choosing from slim pickings, head on over to the online clothing store MADE for MEN, Bonobos, and pick up some stylish threads built to fit dad to a T. I particularly like the vintage sports tees. But everything they have is amazing – pants, shorts, suits, you name it.

Nook Color – I’m a Kindle guy, but I can’t help but jealously eye those Nook Colors. The Nook Color is more like a tablet than a stand alone e-reader. You can send email, surf the web, play Angry Birds, oh yeah, and read! At $249 it’s half the cost of the iPad and still a great geeky gift for your gadget-loving Dad.

A Magazine Subscription – Whether it’s Wired, Rolling Stone or The Economist, you can’t go wrong with a subscription that keeps Dad in the know. Grab a copy off the news stand so you have something to give, and tell him it comes with at least 12 more just like it. Thoughtful, easy, inexpensive. Win.

iPad 2 - Its predecessor topped my Dad’s Day list last year, and now, more than ever, it’s the ultimate gift for a geeky dad. You’ve seen the ads, you know the deal. If you’re looking for a true statement gift, this is it. I shouldn’t need to say much more.

Tickets to a Ballgame – There’s nothing quite like being at a ballgame with your Dad. Remember the first one you went to? Kind of felt like magic, right? But with ticket prices so high, who can afford it anymore? Well you can if you use ScoreBig. Like a Priceline for sports, concert and theater tickets, you save up to 60% off the retail price. With ScoreBig, you decide how much you want to pay for tickets, plus there are never any fees and every ticket is 100% guaranteed. It’s members only right now, but luckily I work there, so here’s a special invite to skip the waiting list and get in now. Why not grab a couple of tickets to the game for you and your pops? And if he’s more of a rocker, you can rock out at a concert of your choice instead.

L.A. Noire – If you have a gamer in the house this is one of the two must-have games on the list for this year. Made by the legendary game shop Rockstar Games, this title takes you back to 1940’s Los Angeles, where you play a detective in a giant game of ‘who dunnit?’ where things aren’t what they seem and characters change allegiances and stories at the drop of a hat. Definitely one to play after the kids are in bed. The stunning graphics, expansive world and nuanced stories make this a winner.

Portal 2 – The other blockbuster game of the year. If your Dad is more of a problem-solving puzzle master, ditch Sudoku and get him this mind bender. In a game that is more mind power than fire power, your Dad’s smarts will be put to the test as he tries to defeat the evil GLaDOS. It’s been called the most anticipated game of 2011 – trust me, your Dad will thank you for it.

Xbox Kinect – And while we’re speaking of games, we can’t forget the next-gen sensation that is the Xbox Kinect. Ditch the controller and get off the couch with Kinect’s body-controlled interface. If your Dad liked Minority Report, he’ll love this. Use your hands and body to navigate characters through games, truly putting you in the middle of the action. With titles for him and the whole family, Kinect takes the idea of the Wii to the next level.

Adidas Rod Laver – I love Zappos. With free 48 hour shipping and 365 days to make a return, you can’t go wrong. Add on top of that the world’s largest collection of clothing and shoes and you’ve got a winner in my book. I’m a fan of the Adidas Rod Laver. Classic, understated and cool. They work just as well in the office as they do on the weekend. Keep Dad young and hip with a pair of these. You’ll see a spring in his step in no time.

A Cool Watch – Nothing adds geek cred like a conversation-starting watch. But skip the Timex and grab one of these cool watches. While Hipsters may go for the calculator watch, add a bit more class and go for the subtle nod to geekdom with the Cadence 4-bit Chronoraph. With a July launch you’ll need to let him know it’s coming, but it’ll be worth the wait. It’s clean design says “I know what’s up” rather than “I’m a follower”. After all, that calculator watch lost it’s cool when it ended up in Urban Outfitters.

Altec Octiv Mini – I’ve been using this since last Father’s Day and it’s been my most used gadget ever since. Part iPhone charger, part alarm clock, part sound system, this little gem is where my iPhone goes at night, and wakes me up with tunes of my choice. The small footprint doesn’t take away from the great sound it gives music on your phone. So toss that old alarm clock and upgrade to the Altec Octiv Mini.

Beats by Dre – Not only do they carry the name of the most influential Hip Hop artist of our generation, they also get rave reviews for their clear highs and clean bass. I recommend the Solo HDs. They sound great and they just look cool. They’re not cheap, but if your dad spends a bunch of time on the train, subway or plane, hook him up with some sonic enjoyment.

Countertop garden – Bring a little Zen to Dad’s life with a desk or counter top garden. Trust me, he’ll love playing Daniel-son and reliving the hundreds of times he watched the Karate Kid. These cool planters are clean, easy to maintain and bring some natural beauty to any cubicle or counter top.

These Guys Have All the Fun – The ESPN Book – Give Dad 700+ pages of the inside scoop to his favorite network. This tell all includes the sometimes sordid and messy details of life at ESPN behind the scenes of SportsCenter. From the writers who brought you the New York Times bestselling look behind Saturday Night Live, this book will give Dad all he ever wanted to know about the Worldwide Leader and more.

So that’s a wrap for this year’s gift guide. Have any great suggestions? Add them in the comments. And remember, every one of these gifts is better when it comes with a big hug and an “I love you Dad.” Trust me, we’re a sucker for those, every time.