in the Boston Herald today...

i gave the Boston Herald some gift ideas to S.W.A.K.

Valentine's Day is adored by some and loathed by others.  I find that with the right approach, it can be a playful & fun day that is certainly NOT reserved for only googly-eyed couples.  I love giving a sweet treat to my nieces, girlfriends, sister, etc.- and it does not have to be an obligatory box of chocolates.  There are plenty of clever ways to say "you're swell" this February 14th- and they are only a click away!  My picks to Seal With A Kiss... 

1.  Diptyque makes the most luxurious candles.  This rose scented one is almost as good as the real thing.  Diptyque.com,$60.

2.  My pre-teen niece would love these.  I want a pair, too.  80spurple.com, $12.

3.  Let him know he can always stand under your umbrella, -brella, -brella.  (As along as he holds it).  Feliz Rey, Ahalife.com, $75.

4.  A happy sentiment is always appreciated.  Especially if it is letterpressed.  Paper-source.com, $4.95

5.  I hope someone loves me enough to gift me this cashmere, multicolored sweater. Chinti and Parker, Net-a-porter.com, $545.

6.  A darling stack for your darling.  Jennifer Zeuner rings,Shopbop.com, $198.

7.  These heart ring pops come in a box of 36.  Enough for the whole office & commitment free!  Candywarehouse.com $23.

8.  This "phonekerchief" is a witty sign-of-the-times.  I have a feeling we could all learn to unplug- and work on more eye contact.  The Way We See the World, Ahalife.com,  $34.

9.  One way to measure your love.  Paper-source.com, $6.95 

in the Boston Herald today...

 Holiday recently looked into purchasing a commercial monogramming MACHINE (wouldn't it be darling to personalize our signature collection for you even more?!?!)  BUT MAN- are they pricey!  we are still doing our research, but in the meantime, i'm leaving it up to the experts.  today in the Boston Herald i gabbed about keeping it personal...

Monogramming is more popular than ever these days, and I have to say that I'm a fan--in moderation.  While I tend to favor the more simple variety like a classic L.L. Bean tote to lug home groceries, I have friends who would monogram their children if they could!  If you are a lover of keeping it personal, there are a zillion ways to spell out "that's mine," from traditional towels & signature sweaters to initialed iPhone cases.  I've rounded up a few from around the web that I've been seeing plenty of...and not one has my name on it.  Yet!

1. Perhaps the latest in line of personalized goods is this lucite, home-decorative letter from the house of Tory Burch. ToryBurch.com, $95.
2. I love sending mail the old fashioned way, and colorful but understated note cards are perfect to pop in the post.  Conner, Barneys.com, $75.
3. A modern take on the traditional monogrammed necklace is seen here in orange acrylic.  Moon & Lola, Baublebar.com, $58.
4. You'll never leave a bar with the wrong phone with this lattice pattern custom cover.  A Modern Styles, Etsy.com, $40.
5. I've wanted a classic gold signet ring for my pinky forever.  Would make a meaningful Valentine's Day gift (hint hint). Ariel Gordon, Maxandchloe.com, $525.
6. The whole family can have (and wash) their very own.  Bia Cordon Bleu, Bloomingdales.com, $9.99.
7. A large scale, single letter on a throw pillow is a charming alternative to the more fancy & formal full bed set. CWonder.com, $44.

in the Boston Herald...

i really and truly need some vitamin D soon- so i whipped up a fantasy trip (and a fantasy packing list) for the Boston Herald this week...

Cabin fever has crept in far too early for me this year and I'm already craving some vital SUN.  Perusing new resort & spring collections for 2013 is NOT helping.  There are so many beautiful pieces, colors & textures to covet!  I'm particuarly drawn to all the beachy-chic gear perfect for a winter escape to an exotic island.  While I have no plans for such a rendezvous- a girl can dream and "pretend pack".  Tropical escape or not, here's what is currently on my fashion-I-wish-list... 

 

 

1.  An incredibly stylish one-piece.  Mara Hoffman ALWAYS turns out the BEST swimwear. This "Pow Wow" printed plunge suit is no exception.  Net-a-porter.com, $275.

2.  LemLem is a collection on my radar.  I'm in love with all of their breezy pieces this Spring.  The "Dehna" striped cotton-blend voile dress is perfect for lounging! Net-a-porter.com,   $245.

3.  A big hat is a must and this one by Missoni would look fabulous with my chosen suit & cover-up.  Harveynichols.com, $275.

4.  I've been dying to get my hands on a copy of Grace Coddington's memoir.  No Kindle for me- I love actual pages to flip through (by a pool- preferably).  Amazon.com, $35.

5.  Almost as good as the real thing, Creed's Virgin Island Water, is heaven-scent ;)  BergdorfGoodman.com,  $95.

6.  I'm a big fan of Lavanila with 30 spf.  It's luxury for your lips. Sephora.com,  $16.

7.  I am LOVING Isabel Marant's jewelry for Spring- especially this island-y, wide multi-bead bracelet.  Matchesfashion.com, $186.

8.  An "IT" shoe collection that keeps geting my attention is Ancient Greek Sandals.   Youheshe.com, $175.

9.  Sunnies with a hint of a cat eye- especially these by House of Harlow- always look stylish.  Zappos.com, $88.

10.  Last but not least is a great beach bag.  This ikat & straw tote by Prymal is eco-fashion friendly and handwoven.  Done.  Wondermode.com, $110.

in the Boston Herald...

if you are having trouble getting dressed these days-  you are not alone.  i always struggle this time of year (sweats always, please?).  but i find that wearing a neutral base like black and ivory can keep me feeling chic and poised for either seasonal direction.  for the Boston Herald last week i put together a look that walks the fine-fashion-line between post winter & pre spring.  in fact you may already have a few similar items in your closet!  (and YES!  i am totally serious about that hat!)

 

1.  Introducing a soft shade of cream or ivory (not white- as it most likely will feel too harsh) to your face is a nice alternative to black on top and black on bottom.  If it has a pretty, loose bow like this blouse does- even better.  Orla Kiely, $163.

 

2.  I can't seem to retire the legging thing- especially when I want a simple and comfortable look.  However a good, quality legging is important! These David Lerner ones that I carry at Holiday are the very best I've ever worn.  They keep their shape & color wash after wash, and never ever pill.  David Lerner, $90.

 

3.  I love layering creams on top of each other (especially in the winter), and this feminine, textured cardigan/coat is beautiful over a silky ivory blouse.  I'd wear this to dinner or to work.  River Island, $48.

 

4.  If there is not a pile of snow on the ground, a chic flat in gold complements this whole "French gamine" style (a favorite of mine).  I love the simplicity of this pair.  Repetto, $276. 

 

5.  A long vintage glove is such a charming addition to an outfit.  Ambersattic.com, $65.

 

6.  This is a complete splurge item, but I am enamored with all of Roberto Cavalli's printed clutches for Spring 2013.  I'm crazy for a classic animal print that is generally proper for any season-- plus it's killer with the outfit!  Pretty please?  Roberto Cavalli, $2237.

 

7.  I love tossing in a flower motif in black or white during these dark months; it hints at what is to come!  Perhaps the most iconic fashion fleur is a pin by Chanel. Chanel, $655.

 

8.  Lastly, I adore this witty black cat beret!  Silly can be chic if it's perfectly simple.  Plus, anything with a sense of humor--especially in January!-- is welcome in my book & closet.  chicnova.com, $29.

in the boston Herald today...

in general i'm terrible with technology- and when it comes to "daily planning", i prefer it to be "bound".  i gave the Boston Herald some of my favorite ooooold-school options to organize 2013...

Call me old fashioned but I am still a lover of paper & pen.  While everyone around me seems to be planning life events on their smart phones, I'm the gal with the notebook making lists.  Luckily there are a few charming alternatives to an electronic gadget or a plethora of sticky notes to keep me organized!  So for all those new resolutions and goals; here are a few stylish (and just as smart) places to put them. 

1/Parisian Chic Weekly Planner. Rizzoli $19.95.  2/Le Petit Prince Pocket Weekly Planner. Moleskine $18.  3/Faux Leather Pocket Planner. Lechtturm 1917 $20 with Tiffany & Co. Pen $110.  4/Weekly Planner. Design Darling $20.  5/Notebook with Key Pen.  Scotch & Soda $28.  6/Horseshoe Weekly Planner. Sarah Pinto $20.