Holiday Honey

'Tis the Season!

Ahhh, the holiday season. Is it just me, or does it seem like this year it's on steroids? Or, perhaps it feels like this every November, and I perpetually forget how palpable that holiday feeling, really is. I'm not complaining; au contraire mon ami! I am one of those people that longs for Christmas in the middle of July. I'm captivated by the flavors of the season: nothing on earth gets me excited like the aroma of nutmeg, pumpkin, cinnamon, or the taste of cold, spiced eggnog. I mean it, nothing. There's not anything better than savoring all of these sensory indulgences with loved ones around a decadently decorated table or beside a smoldering fireplace. Let us not forget the delectable cuisine, the thoughtful gift exchanges, the cutie-pie cookies, the fabulous fashions... And certainly we must acknowledge Christmas music. Yes, I admit, every Christmas, I'm that annoying person in the office who uses a holiday ring-tone. This year I'm rocking out to THIS little number -- trust me, you'll love it. Now, considering that this is hands down the most joyful time of year, we wanted to get you started with some major link love... We hope you enjoy every moment of this season and as this decade comes to a close, stay fresh, fabulous, and unforgettable! Allow us to project our girlish excitement unto you, with the following: 

Great gift ideas from one of our absolute faves, GP.

Tips for a vegetarian Thanksgiving. 

Exceptional accoutrements for you accessory fiends out there, with a holiday twist!

Ten answers to the perpetual conundrum: what to bring to a party host?

How to stay sexy throughout the season. 

You know this list wouldn't be complete with out... Oprah's Favorite Things!

Plus, a bit of sartorial eye candy to make you every bit the glacial-goddess: 

Leggings at Revolve Clothing
Boots by Diane von Furstenberg

Bitchin' Brand: Pavonine

I feel summer creeping in... And it makes me want to shop! And what says summer like loose fitting, flowy, jersey style clothing? I happened upon a brand that's newer to the market (2009 was the launch year), that's completely and utterly TDF (Holiday Honey translation - To Die For). Pavonine, the California based brand was symbolically named with homage to the only bird in the world that will die if caged; for its' designers vision is one of freedom and beauty. The Pavonine Quetzal bird is in the same family as the peacock, a HH favorite creature for its most awe inspiring feathers.This glorious collection of rompers, wrap dresses, and much much more is moderately priced and comprised largely of blacks, whites, and flattering & precious jewel tones. I've personally scored a sweet black romper and stunning white wrap dress, and have received nothing but questions from girls at work and on the street on where to buy. FYI - I've found the best online supply at Revolve Clothing. A boutique down the street from me (that's very un-strategically located next to a killer ice cream shop) happens to carry the brand and first turned me on to its splendor, and I'm officially obsessed. Better clear some space in your closet. 

More Clothing...

Love Your Locks

Let's discuss a topic near and dear to all of our hearts: hair. Your gorgeous, flowing mane is naturally one of the key components to your appearance, right? Ahh, hair, Its wooed many a man and caused heartache to a great many women. My post pubescent years were an all out war between me and my hair. By nature I have coarse, frizzy hair, and lots of it, that's always seemingly fought not to look good. Now, in my mid-twenties, I've finally been able to coax my hair into cooperating by showing it who's boss. A few things I've learned when it comes to hair product: 

 

 

• You get what you pay for. I'm sorry to say, but product DOES matter. Salon brands will typically yield much greater results than drug store brand. Ask your stylist what she recommends. 
• Ingredients are essential: Look for natural things like glucosides and glycerines for a natural, plant derived product.
• Less is more: You don't need a ton of shampoo, hair gel, hair spray, or anything for that matter. A little typically goes a long way, particularly when you buy more concentrated salon brands. 
•  Sulfate free is the way to be: I can't stress this point enough. SLS (a powerful sulfate) is something used in all types of cleansers, whether shampoos, detergents, household cleaners, or dish soap. It dries out your hair, adds to drying time, makes it more porous, can darken it by a shade, and can contribute to hair loss. Sulfates are what causes shampoo to lather, which naturally we feel makes our hair cleaner. But I'd recommend trading in your lathering drug store brand for something a bit more gentle that reads "Sulfate Free" on the packaging, and get over your addiction to excessive lathering. My personal favorite sulfate free shampoo is Moroccan Oil, which smells absolutely delicious, and in my opinion, is worth every penny. 
• Keratin: These treatments are pricy (my salon starts at $150) but they're nothing short of life changing. They'll cut hours down on your styling time each week, and essentially will end up paying for themselves. They'll last roughly three months and will make doing your hair each morning a breeze. Your locks will love you. 

One thing we can all agree on, we all want strong, healthy, pretty, Cosmo-Cover-esque hair. So treat yours right and it will in turn be one of your greatest assets. 

Must See: Coco Avant Chanel

 I love watching fashion films, The September Issue and Valentino: The Last Emperor are among my faves. Last night I was craving a good flick; you know the kind that a girl can live fabulously, vicariously through while enjoying some red wine and a bowl of cherries? So I picked up Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) starring Audrey Tatou who strikingly resembles the real Coco. I tend toward movies without subtitles (since I usually like doing other things whilst I watch i.e. writing on Holiday Honey, shopping online, or perusing the likes of my favorite websites) but I decided to put all of my attention on the story of the iconic, pre-mega-brand Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (turns out Coco was just a nickname) for 110 full minutes. And girl, am I glad I did. I adored listening to the beautiful French vernacular, and Audrey Tatou's tenacity and spunk completely broke any language barrier; Coco's reputed intensity was conveyed endearingly via some memorable one liners and an ever contemplative gaze that Tatou replicated with perfection. Who knew that Coco Chanel grew up a poor orphan, was once a singer, lost in love, all the while working toward her goal of changing standards for how women had to dress? I had no idea how influential this powerhouse truly was and how greatly her influence has affected what we women young and old wear each and every day ~ whether haute couture or H&M. If you're a woman, a fashion lover, a go getter, or an eternal optimist, then I'd suggest picking up this film ASAP. 

Instant Glamour!

Chandeliers have withstood the test of home fashion time, as well they should. The beautiful light fixtures for your room are like diamond earrings for your outfit. The elegant chandelier need not be limited to foyers and dining rooms, as they can instantly glamify a bedroom, living room, and even a kitchen! Okay, they can be pricey, but check out budget friendly stores like Ikea or Bed Bath & Beyond for some beautiful, affordable options. Check out a few of my faves below!

Ceiling Lighting by Sandy Chapman
Ceiling Lighting at Neiman Marcus

Dressing Festively: Cute or Tacky?

In the spirit of feeling patriotic for Memorial Day, I shopped my closet for my cutest pieces that have any sort of American or red, white and blue flair. This got me to thinking... Is dressing festively tacky? I've always kind of thought so- until recently. Especially for holidays with such symbolic meaning. After all, it is thanks to wonderful America that we're able to enjoy such fashions. I've come to realize that if done right, this can yield a fun, cute result. It's all about subtlety, my friend. Perhaps instead of a pink top on Valentine's Day, you'll rock some cute heart-shaped earrings to show you're fashionably in the spirit, or an emerald ring on St. Patty's Day. But as for today, what do you think of my subtly-Memorial-Day-inspired look?

Day Dresses by Pringle
Flats by GUESS

The Hills: Juicier Than Ever?

I love The Hills this season SO much that I no longer even refer to it as a guilty pleasure, rather, a pleasure I proudly exclaim to the world. I must admit, I was a huge skeptic about the show with LC's departure and the evil Kristin taking the reins. But in all fairness, I see change is Miss Cavallari. She appears to be maintaining friendships - even with girls! (Who'da thought?!) And I'm digging the female camaraderie as the chicks help Holly and Stephanie through the Speidi marriage that appears to be tearing the Pratt and Montag families apart. Critics claim the show is fake, but clearly something crazy really is going on with Heidi and/or Spencer, seeing as though we know there to be truth behind the 10-plastic-surgery situation.

 

 

All-in-all, I cannot believe I'm enjoying a Kristin season more than I ever did a Lauren season. Always a Lauren fan, I have to admit that Kristin's empire is keeping me intrigued. What are your thoughts?

Go Nuts with Pistachios!

    Thanks to a commercial advertising Wonderful Pistachios, I learned that this delicious little bite just so happened to be one of the lowest calorie nuts. How could it be? I find them far tastier than almonds, brazil nuts or other nuts that we know are very beneficial. When I'd take a handful, I didn't do it guiltlessly, bearing in mind how calorically high nuts can be. Guess what? Now I do! These little babies are only 159 cals for about 50 nuts! Now, you know that we here at HH wouldn't try to push you in the direction of a "low calorie" diet as a way of achieving optimum health and vitality, but of course, we musn't over-consume. 

    You didn't think I was done did you? You know I'm "nuts" for health. So here are some other benefits that pistachios can provide you.

• Good source of fiber
   
• Excellent source of protein
• Found to reduce stress
• Full of antioxidants 
• Good source of monounsaturated fats

    To get some extra flavor and added nutrients, I like to mix a handful of pistachios with a few almonds and a sprinkle of cashews. It makes for a delish, energizing, healthy snack! 

Modelinia: Your Best Source for Fashion Week Coverage!

Even though I was just dying to make it to The Big Apple for Fashion Week, other obligations kept me at home. Fortunately, our fave website, Modelinia had New York Fashion week totally covered for me. Check it out for tons of slideshows, pics, and coverage of the fashion shows!! They even composed a six-episode series called Fashion Week TV that features models, designers, and tons of footage. Don't miss out on Modelinia's complete coverage, and as always, stay fab!
 

Super Drink: Yerba Mate

One of my New Year's Resolutions isn't all that uncommon: Give up my dependency on coffee. I've become one of those people who simply shouldn't be spoken to before she drinks her morning cup of joe. Not cool, especially for the people that I live with. In lieu of this resolution, I've begun drinking a pungent yet powerful alternative called Yerba Mate (pronounced "yerba mahtay"). Have you heard of it? This super tea hails from South America, where residents of Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay meet over cups of Mate, just as we Americans do coffee. 

 

In fact, in Beunos Aires, many people carry their Mate with them and sip on it throughout the day. In honor of these South Americans, I've been sipping Mate all day long and wow, do I feel spectacular! Some of the benefits of Yerba Mate include: weight loss, increased longevity, colon cleansing, stimulation of mental and physical alertness. You can learn a whole lot more about Yerba Mate here. I buy the Guayaki brand and have gotten used to drinking it straight, even though its a tad bitter. Trust me -- the way I feel makes it well worth it. Plus, with South American exports like Alessandra Ambrosio and Gisele Bundchen, they must be doing something right =)