Big Night In

2009 is officially on its way out, make way for 2010! After a long hard year I really want to party but I'm kind of feeling the stay at home vibe. By no means does this mean I don't want to dress up for New Year's Eve. You can be fabulous and comfortable. Believe me, a few friends, drinks and a karaoke machine (I know, I'm a complete weirdo) make a wild night in. I'm looking forward to a great night and I won't have to stand in line or circle around for a parking spot.

Rachel Pally "Eastside" Jumpsuit $109.90

I love the ease and comfort of a jumpsuit or maxi dress for a great night in. One stop shopping: just put on a go! These versatile outfits can be dressed up with jewelry and heels or dressed down with a fancy thong flat.

Vince Silk-Blend Racerback Jumpsuit $245.

Rachel Pally "Sienna" Dress $246.

Holiday Stooper

Hey Gals, I am basically in a post holiday coma. I'm trying to store all of my energy to rev up for the new year. Any suggestions on how to shake off that I really over-shopped, attended one two many family gatherings and had way to much chocolate (contrary to my previous beliefs, there is a such thing as too much chocolate) feeling? I think I'll try one day of doing absolutely nothing (heaven), a hot bath and maybe a very luxurious movie. By luxurious movie I mean checking out the new Gold Class Cinemas (a handful of theaters are scattered across the country). It's like the first class flight of movie theaters: huge comfortable seats, a waiter, great full course meal choices, and a first class $20 ticket price (very cool though). We'll see I'm checking out Avatar tonight.
Photo courtesy of Flickr by JeffGoop

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I'm having a great time with family and friends today hope you're doing the same. But, I'll be back in the saddle on Monday (consider yourselves warned).







...And yes, this old Christmas party picture is all I could conjure up.

Laughter Is the Best Medicine

I'm officially stressed out. With all the holiday prepping I'm running out of time and energy. I can really use a massage. Oh wait, I don't have time for that. However, there's always time for a laugh.

Here's a great video I found of women making complete fools of themselves (I love YouTube). The takeaway?...always invest in good underwear.

Last Minute Gifts: Good and Cheap

If you're still Holiday shopping, it's getting down to the wire. I love to find a gift that's easy on the eyes and easy on the wallet. Here are some great options all under $25. Brilliant!

Books are always a great go to gift for the person who has everything. This one's cute. The Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's Most Elegant Woman, $19.95.

I have already have a pajama fetish but I'm almost as obsessed with knee socks and cool slippers. These remind me of Uggs (I actually don't wear Uggs on the street but love the style of a boot with thermals or sleep shorts at home). I think these make a nice gift. Nordstrom "Shaggy" Slipper Boot $24.

Perfect for Foodies. I just had these waffles at a Brunch on Saturday (to die for)! Pair the mix up with a colorful mixing bowl or cute dish towel and you have instant great gift. William-Sonoma Golden malted Pancake and Waffle Mix $10

More Holiday Cheer

Once again it's Friday and as usual it's time to celebrate the start of the weekend. Friday always puts me in a good mood and since it's the holiday season I want to share the cheer. Now, a word of warning: if you're not finished with all your holiday shopping beware of the word SALE. Take precautions for safe, successful holiday shopping (that means good, comfortable shoes and a tightly secured wig) because it's a jungle out there.


I'm probably going to hell for this, but let this be a lesson to everyone on holiday shopping...Black Friday is a competitive sport-SHOP ONLINE!


And for the brave ones out there...There is a huge sale event in Los Angeles this weekend starting today. It's called The Warehouse Sale and the sale might be coming to a city near you (check out the info here).

Cool Winter Coats

Judging by the $169 gas bill I just received, it's cold. You might have your winter/holiday wardrobe ready to hit the street, but if you plan on spending anytime outside what people see the majority of the time is your coat. You potentially have to spend months being seen in the same thing over and over again-choose wisely. Decisions, decisions...why does life have to be so hard? Let me see if I can help...





This coat is all you need for a Rock & Roll Winter. Wool coat + leather sleeves = an extra cool coat. Honestly, you could roll with this in L.A. but may not want to rock it colder climates like Chicago (not sure how leather sleeves will fair in below zero temps).
Charlotte Ronson Trench Coat w/ Leather Sleeves $945







This time basic Black is military inspired with clean modern lines. I love the high neckline on this coat and because of it I'd probably skip the scarf. I also love the price and because of that I can skip the ulcer. Calvin Klein Multi Tier Walking Coat $178.

Make a statement with a bold color or pattern. Perfect for the woman who wants to stand out and be a beacon of light in a sea of Grey and Black.

Get noticed in colors like Red, Plum (or anything in the deep Purple family) or a rich Blue. And there's that high collar again. George Simonton Convertible Stand Collar Jacket $139.

I'm completely mad for plaid. It always gives me such a vintage feel. The dramatic collar on this coat is just fab.
Latte by Coffee Shop Plaid Asymmetrical Coat $268.

Holiday Hot

I know it may be cliche' to be draped in red from head to toe just because it's the holidays, but it's such a beautiful and vibrant color I'm not even going to try to resist. I completely understand not wanting to be yet another girl at the party wearing a red dress. So, can we at least compromise and stay festive through red accessories?

Bring any basic outfit up a couple of notches by adding these glam shoes.
Betsey Johnson "Law" Pump $149.95

I really like this fancy little number (I know, I might be obsessed with all things sequins). Offset the femininity and dressiness of this purse with a more masculine outfit like a tuxedo styled pantsuit.
MAXX NEW YORK Reversed Sequin Round Bag With Chain Strap $58.90

The ultimate holiday accessory: the red lip. Try a universally flattering shade like M.A.C.'s Viva Glam (shown) or Russian Red lipstick.

The Spirit of Christmas

Happy Friday! Although cold, gloomy and raining (at least it is where I am), the weekend is here (not complaining though-I'll take 'em how ever I can get them). We've got two weeks until Christmas and it's time to get on the grind with all the holiday preparation (unless unlike me you're one of those people who are fabulously organized and have just about everything completed-showoffs). At the risk of sounding corny, I really need holiday music to get me in the spirit. So these are some of my go-tos when I need a little motivation. Like to hear 'em? Here they go...

One of my all time-favorites for Christmas cheer.



Looks like Chris Brown can put a hurtin' on a Christmas song too. However, my favorite is still the original version of This Christmas by Donny Hathaway.



Wow, I can't believe I found this one...I swear my Dad plays this every year.

KISS: Keep it Simple Stupid

Okay, I officially have a love affair with designer Alexander Wang. With the exception of Fall 2009's biker short debacle (see what I really think about biker shorts here), I love just about everything Alexander Wang. I really appreciate the simple concepts he uses and then adds a little twist: so simple, so modern, so sexy and so expensive. Now I just need another job to actually pay for some of this stuff. Well, it is the holidays so I'm not above taking donations.

Above and right: Alexander Wang Georgette Blouse $195

A sexy off the shoulder button up is even more dramatic from behind. Love, love, love!

How unexpectedly sexy is this? A simple tank dress that emphasizes the shoulders and back. Wear as-is or add leggings or opaque tights. The T by Alexander Wang line offers sexy basics like tanks, t-shirts, and dresses. T by Alexander Wang Stretch Tank Dress $88

Dear Santa, I've been a really (okay, fairly) good girl, please send me this...
Alexander Wang One Shoulder Dress $795

P.S. Other designers I love who keep it simple: Helmut Lang, Calvin Klein.

Viva Las Vegas: CityCenter is Here!

Long gone are the days when Las Vegas is only synonymous with gambling, fabulous cheap buffets, and Elvis (well there will always be gambling and Elvis, cheap anything in Vegas-not so much). Now, Las Vegas is hotter (and more expensive) than ever. Not only does Las Vegas boast some the hottest hotels, restaurants and nightlife, it's becoming my favorite destination for some damn good shopping. Eat your heart out New York! To add more fuel to the fire, opening this month for your shopping, eating and hotel lodging enjoyment is the $8.5 billion dollar project, CityCenter (check out the cool interactive website here). CityCenter includes a half million (yes million) square feet of shopping collectively called Crystals (opened Dec.3) that includes Tom Ford, Carolina Hererra, and Roberto Cavalli (all upscale shopper's or window shopper's dream) to name a few. Photo above left: courtesy of Vdara.com

rendering of Crystals courtesy of crystalscitycenter.com

Expect to be accommodated in style at one of the five new property's: Vdara (opened Dec. 1), Mandarin Oriental (opening today), Aria Resort & Casino (opening Jan. 16) and Veer Towers (for purchase only, opening mid January) and Harmon Hotel (opening late 2010). Time to get your travel plans ready. I'm both excited and little annoyed that I just left Las Vegas the day before the openings. Oh well, looks like another road trip is on the horizon.

Oh, and I told you Elvis isn't going anywhere...

Cirque Du Soleil is unveiling their tribute to Elvis at the Aria Hotel and Casino. Wouldn't it be great if Cirque did a tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson?

Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend!

Tis' The Season To Travel...

With the holidays amongst us it's inevitable that some of us will have to travel . So don't leave home without these super cute (and practical) accessories.



Just about every time I go on a trip I return with more stuff than I left with (you know a girl loves to shop). This leather tote rolls up for safe travel in your suitcase then rolls out and serves as an all purpose tote and carry on.

Sak Fernwood Tote $115

Personalize your luggage for 11 bucks! It's not really as personal as monogramming, but these leather luggage tags are bright and will make your luggage a little more noticeable.

Leather wrap luggage tag $11.60

Don't leave home without your very own pillow and blanket for travel. Because these particular blankets and pillows feel sooo good and using the ones on the airplane is sooo pro-Swine Flu. Practical as they are, these do come in a variety of cute colors. Nap Travel U Pillow $25 and Nap Travel Blanket $25.

Vacation Time

Okay, I messed up. I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday weekend and missed Monday's entry. So unlike me, but I did have fun in Las Vegas. I'll have more about Vegas and some of the new hot spots later in the week (pinky promise). Stay tuned...






photo courtesy of Vegas.com

Fade To Black: Black Friday Blues

Welcome to the Friday after Thanksgiving otherwise known in the retail world as Black Friday. Welcome to early morning alarms sounding, fierce crowds, impossible parking lots and tired arching feet. Sound like a nightmare? It is to me. I can't think of any reason to line up before the sun comes out to spend my money (now if they were giving away money, that's a different story). Honestly, I do a lot of shopping and there are some deals out there if you hit the pavement early. But in the long run, if you want to save money and time, shop online. Consider these tips:

1. Search for the items you want to doing by a search on price comparison sites like ShopStyle.com (best for clothing and accessories) or Pricegrabber.com (for just about everything else). These sites compile all the offerings across different websites on the net : the more specific the search the better (i.e. "Calvin Klein Black Sydney Pump").





2. After finding the site that offers the best price (include factors like the cost of shipping or returns to make the best decision), do a Google search for coupon codes (i.e. type in "coupon codes for Banana Republic" and search). There are often many coupon codes you can use when you check out online (i.e. Free Shipping and/or an extra 20% when you type in a specific code). Some online retailers let you use multiple coupon codes for additional savings.





3. Sit back and wait for your holiday shopping to arrive at your doorstep.

Happy shopping (your feet will thank you later)!

photo courtesy of http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniewoo/ / CC BY 2.0

It's The Little Things

What are you thankful for? I can go on and on with all my blessings, but I'll spare you with the mushy stuff. Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones. And I can't forget to thank you for checking out It's Better Than Drugs (yes, all 5 of you). Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday season and I'd be crazy not to be thankful for all the wonderful food and treats that I'm going to experience. I'm looking forward to eating (in moderation of course-okay, it probably won't be in moderation on Thanksgiving day-but after that I promise), relaxing, and a little shopping. That's why I'm so thankful for these:

• Fashionable Sweats-Sweats are perfect for lounging after a great holiday meal, shopping or wrapping gifts. To do this in complete comfort but without looking like you gained 75lbs or are recovering from the flu, check out (my personal favorite) flattering and ultra comfortable sweats from Gilly Hicks (online shopping may be best option for this store, the scent of cologne that permeates from the store is so strong I practically need a respirator after leaving).

photo courtesy of : http://www.flickr.com/photos/janelinton/ / CC BY 2.0

Baby It's Cold Outside

I know the weather is getting cold, but you shouldn't let your hotness quotient suffer as a result. There's no good reason you can't be warm and stylishly (yes, I'm aware this may not be a word) adorable at the same time. Personally I'm waiting on the cashmere Snuggie and I'm sold.

Cashmere Infinity Scarf $98, Banana Republic

This is a warm versatile accessory that you won't get tired of styling in multiple ways

Members Only Faux Fur Vest $148. I don't know how warm this vest keeps the rest of your body, but you'll have a very warm heart. Plus this would look great with jeans, leggings, or over a dress paired with tights.

Portolano Long Black Cashmere Gloves $57, Lauren Urstadt Opera Leather/Cashmere Gloves $295.

The long glove is the perfect accessory for all the 3/4 length jackets and wraps this season (who would have thought you can actually keep your arms warm and look cute in a shorter sleeved jacket). Choose basic black or add a little drama with a luxurious leather and cashmere combo.

It's Friday: Get Ready To Rock!

Happy Friday Ladies! The weekend is here and not that you need any motivation, but here's a video that always gets the party started. This video is circa 1990 (as stated by Chubb Rock himself) and still has one of the hottest party beats ever (if I must say so myself).
Enjoy!

Eat Your Heart Out Janet Jackson: Santa Gets Frisky

Yes, those are Santa's mittens over her breasts and no, I couldn't get a bigger photo (damn). Looks like the traditional Christmas sweater got a little sense of humor. Actually, it's about ten steps up from the typical Reindeer/Jingle Bells sweaters I usually see floating around come December. Not sure if I'd wear it, but I think it's funny and at the least a holiday conversation piece.

Grey Antics Mrs. Klaus Sweater $78, Urban Outfitters

Chic On The Cheap

You can get an authentic Herve Leger dress for just $150! Not into the bandage dress? How about a beautiful Tracy Reese dress for just $50! No, I'm not talking E-Bay or the absolute sample sale of the year, I'm talking renting designer dresses straight off the runway for a fraction of the price. Sign up at http://www.renttherunway.com/ , choose your dress, they'll send it to you, take care of the dry cleaning and even let you rent the next one for just $25. Granted you have to give the dress back after you wear it, but how many times have you bought a dress for a special occasion wore it once and then never again? If you're going to waste money on something you'll never wear again shouldn't it be on something you normally wouldn't be able to afford anyway (but then again, maybe you can afford it but just hate to waste money)? Besides, you get four days to enjoy it (pay a little extra and get eight days), wear to your heart's content and take plenty of pictures. Whose gonna know?

above right photo: Herve Leger V-Neck Bandage Dress: regular price $1590, rent it for $150!

Tracy Reese Taffeta Rocker Dress: regular price $475, rent it for just $50!

Friday Video Fun: De La Soul-Buddy

Well look what I found and dusted off for your Friday enjoyment. Nothing brings me more joy than a little shout out from the late 80's/early 90's (home of the leather medallion and high top fade-yes, even for the ladies). If ever you should run out of fashion or dance move ideas please feel free to come back to this video for reference. So far I've seen just about all the fades, afrocentric prints and beads I can handle in one sitting (but this song sure makes me happy and ready to start off the weekend). Please pay special attention to our friend Queen Latifah in this video (check her out in the background). All I can say is "You've come a long way baby!"

Creative Comfort-Wrap Up In Style

As the temperature cools down, we inevitably have to start wrapping up (Unless it's LA in the middle of November. An unpredictable at least 80 degrees yesterday-trust me it's overrated when you're trying to get dressed in the morning). For most of us it's time to pull out the sweaters, scarfs, and coats. But don't ruin a perfectly pulled together outfit with a boring old sweater wrap, or lackluster coat. Your outerwear should possess the same amount of excitement as what's underneath all that warm fuzziness.

Splendid "Vintage Whisper" Fleece Wrap Cardigan $78 This wrap is versatile and has a little edgy minimalist vibe to it.

MM Couture Three Layer Ruffle Sweater $125
I love the added drama of the ruffles.

BDG Plaid Sweater Coat $98
It's a sweater, no it's a coat. Whatever is it, it's super warm and cute piece to throw on top of a basic outfit.



















Hinge Fringe Trim Cardigan $88
A little hippie=a lot of hot style.

Buy This Book and Read It: Chic Sweats

What's the best way to feed your fashion fix, help the environment and the economy all while being your own chic little Martha Stewart? Get your hands on the Sistahs of Harlem's latest instructional book on how to create fierce fashion from old sweats. It's called Chic Sweats and I can't think of a better way to turn your most comfortable items (re-purposing old sweats saves money and it's oh so Green) into super fashionable clothing that you can create yourself (so "modern" Martha Stewart-you can do it). So run out and buy this book and get sewing (looks like the economy still needs your help)!

Chic Sweats by Carmen Webber & Carmia Marshall $15.80

(I guess I should mention one of the authors is my ultra fabulous stylist/designer/author friend Carmia)

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Move over jeans, there's a new Sheriff in town: Leggings. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but right now I can't get enough of leggings. It seems leggings have been the go to item season after season. And why not? They're so comfortable and versatile, and if worn the right way, so flattering. Leggings have evolved from the cotton comeback kid from the 80's and 90's to ultra trendy materials like leather and sequins. There aren't too many items you can't throw on with leggings: stilettos, flip flops, chucks, and ankle, knee high or over-the-knee boots. Just make sure to balance most leggings with a longer top (T, sweater, cardigan) to avoid undue exposure (I said most, there are exceptions). But whether you're a friend of leggings or not, soak in the happiness that is Friday and enjoy your weekend.

above photo: Horace Leather Front Leggings $292

Old faithful. Basic black cotton.
Hue Stretch Cotton Leggings $25

Hot nighttime look.
LaRok Sequin Leggings $348

For the bold and the beautiful or as a really good foundation piece. It's a tank and leggings in one. Pull on boots and a cardigan over this for an instant outfit.
Cotton Spandex Unitard $32, American Apparel

Are Overalls Over The Top?

Well, well, well...look what's made it's way out of the fields, paint store or from the back of your closet. It's the return of overalls! Now before you get beside yourself with nostalgic hysteria, ask yourself , "Do I really want to be seen wearing these?" I have my answer, maybe I can be a little help you with yours.


Ralph Lauren Spring RTW 2010
all photos courtesy of Style.com











Lamb Spring RTW 2010

The old one shoulder strap trick (*sigh*). This is only appropriate for 90's group Bell, Biv, Devoe or LL Cool J circa 1992.








Jean Paul Gaultier Spring RTW 2010
OMG, Rerun is that you?





Chloe Spring RTW 2010

Some poor animal had to suffer because of this?









Cynthia Steffe Spring RTW 2010

To be fair this didn't repulse me. I actually think it's kind of sweet and feminine looking. Certainly not my style, but a woman (I'd prefer to see it on more of a girl-21 or younger) could probably pull this look off.






My Verdict:

I'm a self proclaimed slave to the one-piece jumpsuit (shorts, long pants...love them all). But when it comes to overalls, I think they're best served on the farm.