Save The Date

Wow, what a whirlwind week! Lot's of work, sprinkled in with some play and oh-I got engaged! I'm back and I couldn't be happier (even if it is a Monday). Just look what I happened to stumble across, the cutest jewelry keepsake idea ever. I know I missed Mother's Day with this, but I love this gift idea for any special occasion (wedding anniversary, graduation date, child's birthday). It's the perfect accessory for yourself or someone special in your life (hint, hint). Enjoy your week!

The Calendar Necklace in Yellow Gold $375, Dalla Nonna Jewelry. all photos courtesy of dallanonnajewelry.com

The Calendar Necklace comes in shiny or matte finish in Sterling Silver, 14Kt Yellow, Rose or White Gold. The Calendar Necklace in Shiny Silver $150, Dalla Nonna Jewelry.

For The Love of Fridays and Mom

Happy Friday and a happy start to Mother's Day weekend. Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there (and a special hug for mine). This has always been one of my favorite songs honoring moms. Enjoy (you better, afterall it is Friday)!

Boyz II Men - A Song For Mama



If Boyz II Men was a little sappy (although nothing's to sappy for Mom) for you here's Tupac's ode to Mom, Dear Mama.





In honor of Mother's Day I'd like to receive this. No, I'm not a mother but I have a mom and know many mothers so I think that should qualify me by association (right?).
Just look at the bottom of this bag, HOT! I know it's expensive but, it's Mother's Day.
Alexander Wang Leopard Diego Bucket Bag $950.

Out Of The Blue-Turquoise is the perfect accent color for Spring

Turquoise is cool, calm and just right punch of color for Spring. As the weather heats up just a little (or at least it's supposed to-sorry NYC), turn up the heat with a classic blue that pops. A perfect match for all the soft colors and neutrals that headed down the runways for Spring 2010.

Kendra Scott Turquoise Danielle Earrings $60

These earrings scream for attention. No need for much else. Great with anything from a little black dress to a tank top and cutoffs.

Sleek and delicate with just a flash of color.
Aura Necklace, Banana Republic $45

I like that this ring has a vintage feel to it.

Lucky Brand Big Blues Ring $35

Very girly and feminine. Perfect for Spring!

Sequin Beaded Flower Stretch Bracelet $58

Love and Loss: Valentine's Day Treat/RIP to Fashion Great Alexander McQueen

Happy Friday All! Let's all say goodbye to a long hard week and hello to a love filled Valentine's Day. Or as a very jaded individual pointed out to me, Single Person's Awareness Day (xoxo). No matter what your romantic status is you can still have a great day on Sunday. It's not about all the flowers, cards or fattening chocolate (these Valentine's Day staples were all put in place to make money for retailers like florists and greeting card companies). So don't get wrapped up in all the materialistic things. Take a warm, relaxing bath. Go get a massage. And if all else fails send yourself roses and maybe order yourself this...

Rebecca Minkoff "Love Letter Satchel" $495. How do I love the, let me count the ways...

1. It's a beautiful standout red (perfect for Spring), 2. It's a versatile shoulder and crossbody bag (hey, Dr. Oz says the crossbody is perfect for your back), 3. You get the picture.

On a sad note. Fashion designer Alexander McQueen was found dead in his London home yesterday from an apparent suicide. Such a great loss and shock to the fashion industry. He was always one to watch for creativity and excitement. RIP. See the story here.

left photo: Alexander McQueen Spring RTW 2010 right photo: The designer himself

all photos courtesy of style.com

Kick It In Khaki: Part II

I know I went MIA last week (I was so swamped with work I didn't have a minute to breathe), but now I'm back with full force. Okay, so where was I? Oh, the natural khaki palette is fresh for Spring but feel free to spice it up with bright accessories. Don't be afraid to kick it up a notch!

Rory Beca "Monte Carlo Wrap Dress" $216.

Start with neutrals then add on bright colors as you go.

Make any neutral red hot with this wide leather waist belt.

See By Chloe Knot Belt $265

Brighten up your look with warm yellow. The crossbody bag is very popular for Spring (your back will thank you). This one's a crossbody or a clutch you decide.

The Sak "Silverlake Convertible Crossbody Clutch" $139

This pastel multi-colored heel can be paired up with anything from dresses to rolled up khaki pants.

Betsey Johnson "Lavant" $190

Under The Weather

Hey Ladies, Happy Monday! Not so happy over here though, it's rainy, cold and I'm sick and officially out of commission. I'll be back soon. But, cute umbrella, right?



Marimekko Silkkikuikka Orange/Fuchsia Umbrella $32.00. A little more than I'd like to pay for an umbrella but nothing beats good quality when it's raining and windy and you've got a hairstyle to protect.

Infinity and Beyond

Happy Friday Ladies! The start of the weekend is finally here. Don't you wish the weekends would just go on and on forever? Kind of like this cool accessory I've been eyeballing called the Infinity Scarf. Transform your outfits in a snap by slipping on this circular accessory that's already a perfectly sculpted neck scarf.

Nephali by TDM Design "Cloe" Large Loop Scarf $94.50. Try experimenting with different colors and textures for the most impact. This accessory can create a downtown vibe when paired with a tee or tank or very polished look when adding a black infinity scarf on top of a black blazer or dress.

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.

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.

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.

Happy Birthday to You: One Year Later and Still Drug Free

I can't believe I almost let this one slip past me. So without further adieu, Happy Birthday to the best blog a girl could ever have! It's Better Than Drugs is a year old (give or take a couple of days-I barely remember my own birthday) and every birthday blog has got to have a wish list.

1. World Peace



2. Affordable Health Care For All



3. Clean Air



4. A Weekly Massage



5. A Puppy

And Maybe this...

The sight of snakes (or spiders) freaks me out, but I've always loved a great snake inspired piece of jewelry. It looks sexy and forbidden a' la Garden of Eden. Hypnosis Long Necklace $320, Swarovski.

You can see more detail on pic of the bracelet (try to ignore the actual snake-yikes). So perfect with a sleek all black ensemble or just about anything else you want to add a little sex appeal to.
Hypnosis Bangle $280, Swarovski.

Lucky You: Designer Shopping Meets Your TV

Mark your calendars for some good TV. Lucky Magazine and HSN have joined together with seven designers for two days of shopping. Okay, I know HSN and designer clothing don't really mix. Whenever I flip past HSN I usually think "Wow, this is where women find those hideous Santa Claus sweaters." But this event looks like it should be safe since designers like Tracy Reese, Kooba, and Rebecca Taylor are involved. Tune in Friday, October 16 @ 8PM ET and Saturday October 17 at 8AM ET (check out hsn.com/luckyshops for more info). Don't hesitate to report right back to me immediately if you see anything remotely close to a Jingle Bells themed
sweater.
Photo right: Corsage by Tracy Reese $89.90, HSN

Minkette by Rebecca Minkoff $350, HSN

Event Price $250

Farewell Summer, Hello Fall

Happy Labor Day! Hopefully you're reading this before or after a day of fun and relaxation (and if you're lucky great barbecue). Now that summer is officially over, tomorrow we'll be smack dab at the beginning of Fall. You probably think I'm going to recommend you start shopping for a new Fall wardrobe. As much as I love shopping, I think it's totally ridiculous to buy a new wardrobe. A smart girl knows just how to transition a Summer wardrobe to Fall (I can't even think about throwing on boots or a jacket tomorrow but a girl can be prepared-it's still all of 99 degrees here).

Two Simple Rules

1. Add layers. Layer on warmth with opaque leg wear, scarves, or long sleeve tops.


2. Toughen up accessories and outerwear. Swap sandals for boots and linen for leather. Bring out the hardcore handbags in deep colors and heavy materials.
   

Start with a simple silk dress you used to throw on with strappy sandals or flat gladiators during the summer...

Silk Twist Neck Dress $59.99, Banana Republic.

Add heavy opaque tights (you can still wear your strappy sandals or add a boot)...

Donna Karan Crocodile Pattern Tights $23.90

Top with a long belted cardigan or tough leather jacket (if the crisp Fall air is too cold, add a turtleneck under the dress too)...

Cotton/Wool Long Cardigan $98 and Double Wrap Belt $50, Banana Republic.

Mike & Chris "Janus" Ruffle Leather Jacket $645

Voila! Summer meets Fall.

Supersize Me

Finally, you can say yes to that second helping of dessert and still be in fashion. There's a new trend leaning toward oversized clothing. I'm talking about cozy slouchy sweaters and long and relaxed cardigans to be exact. This look is best served when paired with a fitted bottom (i.e. leggings, skinny jeans, a fitted pencil skirt). Let's all rejoice in fashion's answer to the fat day. above photo: Knit Chunky Cape $100, Topshop


You know I was just kidding about that second helping of dessert right?










Knitted Chunky Long Cardigan $100, Topshop
So cozy and comfortable with leggings and boots (try ankle, knee high or over the knee looks).

Try this at home

Start with a sexy oversized sweatshirt (say hello to Flashdance Chic)...

Unisex California Fleece Big Sweatshirt $47, American Apparel

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Add a dramatic statement necklace...
Fallon Jewelry Infinity Necklace $265

+

Super slim skinny jeans...
Goldsign Misfit Skinny Jeans $238








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Finish the look off with a sexy pump. A classic shoe pulls together an intentionally slouchy but polished look.
Christian Louboutin Decollette 100 Jazz Pumps $595

Whimsical Watches

There's no easier way to add a little kick to your wardrobe than with accessories. Why not start with a really fun watch? At least you can have something cute to look down at as you countdown the minutes until lunchtime. Funny how time flies at the office when you have Facebook, It's Better Than Drugs, and now a mesmerizing watch to hold your attention.

Adidas 'Small Candy' Watch $65. I have this one in White and absolutely love it. The digital face is such a blast from the past.

You can mix and match different faces and straps to create your own custom look. The face and straps come in a variety of fun colors and are sold separately.
Toy Watch 'Jelly Head' Watch Case $110
Toy Watch Jelly Watch Strap $65














All that color not your style. Keep time under wraps as a creative statement piece or a charm bracelet.





Swatch Fashion Collection Watch $70






























Burberry Engraved Charm Bracelet Watch $495