STYLE/BEAUTY

The cheer and glamour of the holidays is in the air and we all know what that means, gingerbread lattes from Starbucks, peppermint pedicures and the frantic dash to find the perfect outfit for “that” Christmas party. Whether it’s an office party, a dinner with family or a crazy night on the town with girlfriends there are a few DOs and DONTs to keep in mind while getting dressed for winter holidays.

DO Keep It Simple Sexy
A Little Black Dress is really perfect for holiday parties. It is a very cliché choice, but and LBD is always classy and fabulous. Keep the lines simple and the hem short. Wear it with opaque black tights and killer embellished booties for mile long legs. Don’t forget to pair this simple look with one bold accessory, – it is a party after all. Try a statement necklace or an eye-catching cocktail ring.

DON’T Take It Too Literally
Stay away from the obvious Holiday details. Don’t wear a Santa or light-up Christmas tree sweater. Stay away from the traditional Christmas colors (red and green). A better way to show your Christmas spirit is by wearing something ultra sparkly and glittery. Try a heavily beaded or sequin dress in silver or gold. My favorite not-so-obvious yet festive colors are royal purple and silver. If you really do want to incorporate red or green into your holiday look, do it in small doses, especially when it comes to accessories. Try a glittery red bag or red shoes paired with a short white or black shift dress.

Try The Little Red Dress
When you want to stand out in a room opt for a fitted red sheath that hugs all of your curves. Try on different shades of reds to find your perfect match. Reds with blue-green undertones are perfect for those with fair skin while ladies with tan and darker skin look amazing in orangey reds. When choosing handbags and shoes to match your red dress don’t opt for red. Instead try nude or gold heels.

The One Shoulder Is Festive And Sexy
One-Shoulder dresses and blouses are festive and sexy. Look for one-shoulder styles with embellishments for an ultra glamorous party look. Pair your one shoulder blouse with black cigarette pants or a hip-hugging pencil skirt. One shoulder chiffon dresses are a classic and can be worn well into the New Year and beyond.

DO Be Dramatic With Your Makeup and Hair
Christmas parties are a great time to go the extra mile with makeup and hair. One of my favorite beauty looks from the fall runways is the application of bronze eye shadow on the brow bone instead of the traditional light highlighting color. This is a fresh take on eye makeup and it looks really chic. I suggest you use glitter shadows in gold and silver under your brows to really shine under the lights. As far as hair goes, the bigger the better. Also headbands are huge right now thanks to Gossip Girl and they’re here to stay all the way into next season. Try an up do paired with a bejeweled headband with soft eyes and a bold red lip.

DON’T Forget To Have Fun
There are so many brilliant designs in stores right now and it would be a shame to not have some fun and flaunt something outrageous. Whether it be feather detailing or extremely bright, don’t be scared to try something new. I always say, it’s better to be over dressed than under dressed and most of all…

DO Try To Make An Effort
Have some courtesy and at least look presentable. Your host has spent much time and money to put together the party, and your most fabulous presence is required.

Millissa Mathai 

Easy Ways To Wear This Season’s Hottest Trend: Leopard Print
Leopard print is all the rage this season! Seen all over the catwalks from Dolce and Gabbana to Mulberry, leopard print seems to be everywhere this season, and by looking at the SS11 collections, this trend isn’t going anywhere. This statement making print is easy to wear and can be worn tastefully. Here some ways to look classy in leopard print:
Editor’s Tip:
Before you go shopping for Leopard print accessories and or clothing make sure you study what a leopard print actually looks like in terms of form and color. Try to view Dolce and Gabbana leopard print clothing and accessories to get a feel for leopard print done right. Stay away from any colorized leopard prints in shades of black and white, pink, blue or yellow, those prints are not chic.
DOs & DONTs Of Leopard Print
Do add one leopard print piece to your outfit to add Sicilian sensuality to your look.
Don’t wear more than one piece of leopard print at a time.
Do invest in great leopard print basics by designers who are known to do leopard print well like Dolce and Gabbana as they will always be in style.
Don’t break the bank on leopard print accessories if it doesn’t fit your overall personal style. But there’s no harm in trying a few wallet-friendly leopard print accessories to freshen up your look and be on trend.
If You’re Nervous About Wearing Leopard Print Start Small With A Leopard Print Scarf:
For those who are very nervous about wearing leopard print a great place to start is with a leopard print scarf. It will look best when paired with a two-ply ivory cashmere sweater and ivory dress pants topped with a gold and ivory chain belt. Don’t forget to finish the look with nude sling-backs.  Look for silk scarves and stay away from tiny prints. (Editor’s Pick: YSL Leopard Print Scarf, $995)

It’s A Jungle Out There Dress Accordingly in Leopard Print Heels
Leopard print heels are a great way to try the leopard print trend. Look for shoes made from calfskin for the most luxurious look. A leopard print sling-back is the best option. Pair them with a little black dress or a black silk tunic and black tights. (Editors Pick: Paoletta By Nine West Originally $84.00 Now $60.00)

Make A Statement With A Leopard Print Handbag

You should invest in a fabulous leopard print handbag as it is a classic and will look great today and forever. A mid-size leopard print tote is a great option for day while a small leopard print clutch is the best option for nighttime. Pair your leopard print handbag with a classic white collared shirt and jeans with patent black pumps for a casual daytime look and for night try your leopard print clutch with a plum cocktail dress and satin plum platforms. (Editor’s Pick: Alexa Leopard Print Handbag By Mulberry, Price On Request)

By Millissa Mathai

It’s not a secret we are friends with Savvy and because of that we know that they are hosting another sale for L.A.M.B tomorrow. You might also want to enter that facebook giveaway for the $498 bag. It’s a crowded week for sample sales, and we don’t know what merchandise they will have, but I can tell you know it’s going to  be the best organized and well priced event   you’ll go to this week.

Handbags, Clutches, Totes,
Cosmetic Bags, Wallets & More!
December 8, 9 & 10
Wednesday 8 – 8
Thursday 10 – 8
Friday 8 – 6

144 Fifth Avenue NYC
2nd Floor
(19th – 20th Streets)

Enter to WIN a L.A.M.B. Handbag*
(Value $498)

RSVP on Facebook

* Winner must be present
to pick up winning handbag.

CREDIT CARDS ONLY
American Express, MasterCard & Visa

Do you know we couldn’t give away the $25 last week? Everybody has a phone, look around, take a picture, upload it on flickr, and qualify to win! It’s that easy.  For week two, the question is: “I couldn’t help but wonder… what store has the nicest Christmas decoration?” We would love to see pictures from other places than New York. Europe, can you hear us?

What was it about SATC that made us love it so much? Was it the sex or the Manolo Blahniks? Personally, I suspect neither. I think it was Carrie’s questions, making us look at ourselves and reevaluate what we believe in.

The question is back. Each week we’ll be asking ourselves a question, and letting you answer it through your images  We’ll choose the winning picture, and the winner gets $25. Go to our Flickr group, and add your photo to the pool for a chance to win $25.