Points of View

Even though December 31st and January 1st are only a day apart, there’s something about the beginning of a new year that makes us all feel like we’ve started afresh. Call it a second — or third, fourth or 20th — chance to get it right, call it a clean slate. Whatever you dub it, though, take advantage of the new year’s sense of renewal.

Like many, I do come up with a list of resolutions and goals for myself every year. Most of these goals hover somewhere between the categories of lofty/unobtainable and “things I should be doing anyway.” In the end, I find it’s best to make resolutions that better my body, mind and soul and have the potential to turn into lifestyle changes — not just a 365 day challenge.

Some resolutions are more personalized (such as traveling more or budgeting time more efficiently) while others are lifestyle habits we can all benefit from (exercising more and eating better both qualify, and are two of the most popular new year’s resolutions).

Another new year’s resolution we can all benefit from is better shopping habits. This boils down to money management, but the way we shop also says a lot about our personalities. For example, some people rarely shop around to find a better bargain while others hurriedly shuffle to the discount rack even if they’re not in need of anything.

The shopping habit I’m most guilty of? Online bargain shopping. During my free time, you can catch me perusing deals on designer duds at eBay, sifting through the hundreds of Etsy stores and clicking on any e-advertisement promising a good deal.

I’m also signed up at myriad monthly subscription websites — including JustFab, Birchbox, BeautyFix and JewelMint — and receive about 20 to 30 emails daily from various clothing/jewelry/makeup stores. The worst part is that while many delete these daily emails, I’m guilty of checking out what’s new (and what’s discounted), which only tempts me further.

This year, I’ve made a vow to cancel all my monthly subscriptions (who needs a new pair of shoes every month, really? My husband refuses to look inside my closet for fear of the great shoe avalanche) and will only allow myself purchases when absolutely necessary (e.g. special occasions or a new fitness gear when mine’s ready to be tossed).

Perhaps in the coming years I’ll be able to make goals like some of my other friends, who vow to go an entire 365 days without buying even one new piece of clothing or pair of shoes. For now, though, I’m taking baby steps. After all, new year’s resolutions are about making changes that translate into lifestyle habits.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Last night, we ushered in the end of an era. One of luxe opulence, high drama and, of course, really great styling. Gossip Girl was meant to fill the empty Louboutin’s Sex and the City left behind when the HBO show went off the air, but this teen/20-something centered prime time soap opera was in a whole league of its own.

Naturally, the finale was a highly anticipated one. It goes without saying that all finales are, but long-time fans of the show had even more invested in this particular series closer.

From the very beginning, the TV show’s audience had no clue who the main character of the show even was — “she” was an anonymous blogger who somehow knew every juicy detail of gossip on the Upper East Side. Since the show’s inception, we all wanted to know who was responsible for torturing these poor little rich kids. Really — finding out who posted under the moniker of Gossip Girl ranks right up there with finding out who Ted Mosby’s wife is on How I Met Your Mother.

SPOILERS AHEAD

I’m just going to go ahead and say it: Gossip Girl was none other than Lonely Boy Dan Humphrey. In a twist of irony, the outsider — who’d seen his fair share of upturned noses, rolled eyes and plenty of insults — was the one pulling the strings all along. In short, he decided that if he couldn’t get inside the Upper East Side’s world, he’d write himself in. And he did.

Dan put it perfectly as he explained to the audience why he became Gossip Girl:

“The Upper East Side was like something from Fitzgerald or Thackeray – teenagers acting like adults, adults acting like teenagers, guarding secrets, spreading gossip all with the trappings of truly opulent wealth. And membership into this community was so elite you couldn’t even buy your way in. It was a birthright – a birthright that I didn’t have. And my greatest achievements would never earn it.

All I had to compare it to was what I read in books. But that gave me the idea: I wasn’t born into this world … maybe I could write myself into it. I overheard enough conversations to mimic the voice of the Constance girls, but every writer needs his muse and it wasn’t until that photo of Serena in the white dress that I knew I had something strong enough to actually create a legend and launch a website.

Within weeks I was getting dozens of emails with stories about Upper East Siders, so I posted them anonymously. And then I got more. Before long it was a monster. Everyone was sending tips … When Serena came back from boarding school, I wrote my first post about me, Lonely Boy, the outsider, the underdog. I might have been a joke but at least people were talking about me.”

The end was admittedly a little corny, but Gossip Girl is endearing in that way. And to be honest, sometimes those warm and fuzzy endings are nice to have. The show concluded with Gossip Girl (aka Dan Humphrey) marrying his Serena while an already married (with adorable child) Chuck and Blair looked on with other friends and family. We also saw that Nate was thriving at The Spectator and contemplating a role as Mayor and that Lily and William (Serena’s father) were back together while Rufus was with a brunette.

In celebration of Gossip Girl’s long run (and what a fun run it was), I suggest gifting yourself a little something from Natori. After all, the show’s stylists seemed to have quite the obsession with the brand. Try a luxe robe or chemise and saunter around your house a la Blair Waldorf, or perhaps spritz a little of Natori’s soft and sexy signature EDP anytime you’re feeling nostalgic for S and B’s shenanigans.

Gossip Girl lovers can only hope that another NYC-centered TV show comes onto the air. The only catch is finding people as absolutely breathtaking to look at GG’s main characters — and creating the kind of juicy drama and mystery to keep people hooked. New York City certainly serves as a great backdrop for a fashion-forward drama.

Blair Waldorf Wears a Josie Natori Robe
Season 3, Episode 15: “The Sixteen Year Old Virgin”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Glamour Lace Chemise
Season 4, Episode 9: “Witches of Bushwick”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Dyansty Pajama Set
Season 4, Episode 18: “The Kids Stay in The Picture”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Nanami Dress
Season 5, Episode 7: “The Big Sleep No More”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Beguile Chemise
Season 5, Episode 15: “Crazy, Cupid, Love”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Silk Empress Robe
Season 5, Episode 19: “It Girl, Interrupted”

Blair Waldorf Wears the Josie Natori Beguile Tunic
Season 5, Episode 20: “Salon of the Dead”

Blair Waldorf Wears a Vintage Josie Natori Robe
Season 5, Episode 21: “Despicable B”

By Wendy Rose Gould

The Vogue Fashion Fund, a 9-year-old program that both mentors and provides cash for budding designers, partnered with the CFDA this past week to celebrate Seventh Avenue’s next generation of designers. The annual dinner event was chock full of well-dressed party goers and some of the fashion world’s most elite, including Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and Burberry’s CCO Christopher Bailey.

Out of the 10 finalists considered for the award, designer Greg Chait was this year’s big winner. Chait, a former stylist, is the creator of the ultra luxe knitwear-based collection, The Elder Statesmen. The collection includes richly colored cashmere and wool cardigans, lush blanket scarves, hoodies for the fashion forward, cozy sweaters and gloves. In addition to the recognition, Chait received a whopping $300K from the fund.

The CFDA also named two runners up: Tabitha Simmons and Jennifer Meyer. Both took home $100K.

Simmons, who hails from England and now lives in NYC, is a shoe designer whose speciality includes soaring heels, boots, heeled sandals and evening shoes. She’s the wife to well-known photographer Craig McDean. She’s also a stylist, model and regular contributor to Vogue. Her shoes have an almost steam-punk-meets-modern-woman vibe to them.

While Chait works with cashmere and wool and Simmons does shoes, Meyer’s specialty is all things jewelry. Meyer, who is married to actor Tobey Maguire, works with fine metals and has a minimalistic, classic aesthetic. Her set of baubles can be found at Barney’s and includes sweet pendant necklaces, alphabet-inspired pieces and gemstone-infused earrings.

While we agree their work is impressive, it’s worth noting that all three winners are either closely connected to celebrities or are celebrities themselves. For example, Chait’s been rumored to have dated Selma Blair and in early years interned with music legend Whitney Houston. He’s also been seen with the Olsen twins and actress Laura Ramsey. Simmons’ relationship with Vogue is not to be dismissed, nor is Meyer’s marriage with big time actor Tobey Maguire.

We can’t help but wonder how much of a role their social ranking played in the CFDA’s final decision — can you?

Mirela, founder of The Stylish City, puts it eloquently: “While I don’t want to pass judgment and say that this is the only reason they won, it is becoming increasingly evident that in this business it is impossible to make it unless you are some kind of celebrity.”

She asks, what does this say about the fashion world itself? We urge you to share your thoughts.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Whether you’re a holiday shopping procrastinator extraordinaire or the type who buys gifts months in advance, there’s always — without fail — a last minute mad dash to round off holiday shopping lists. No matter who’s on your list this year, how much you want to buy or how long you procrastinate, we urge you to get organized. Organization leads to thoughtful gifts, happy recipients and, ultimately, a saner you.

Gather Pertinent Information

Get information from your giftees that goes beyond a basic wish list. For example, make sure you know clothing sizes, color preferences, style, interests, etc. Knowing such information helps you get creative when buying. A wish list is helpful, of course, buy holiday shopping is more fun for both parties when you get to color outside the lines.

Brain Storm and Research Gifts

Once you have all the information you need, take an hour or two to brain storm potential gifts for each person on your holiday shopping list. Do your research on the items, noting prices and where to buy. Creating this list on your computer is more efficient since you’ll be able to edit and add information as you go.

Plan at Least Two Shopping Trips

Trying to buy all your holiday gifts at once leads to headaches and frustration. It’s just not possible to get everything all in one trip, so don’t put that much pressure on yourself. Plan at least two shopping trips, though preferably three. Hit as many stores as you can on the first day (both virtual and brick/mortar) and then organize and assess all the gifts once they’ve arrived. Plan your second trip and repeat. The third (and hopefully final) trip should take place no less than a week before you exchange gifts and should serve as a final “last minute” excursion.

Use Holiday Shopping Apps

It’s not called a smart phone for nothing. Take advantage of your know-it-all phone this season by utilizing some of the best shopping apps out there. For example, the free Slice app automatically tracks any holiday gifts purchased online (or shipped out), keeps all your e-receipts in one place and monitors your spending. Other holiday shopping apps worth checking out include mGifts ($2.99) and The Christmas List ($0.99).

Track Your Spending

If you don’t use a holiday shopping app to keep track of your spending, at least keep track elsewhere. Set a budget for each person on your list and keep track of every purchase. Spending even amounts on family members, children and others will ensure no hurt feelings when all is said and done. You can keep track with a computer document, by storing receipts or by writing purchases down with good old fashioned pen and paper.

By Wendy Rose Gould