Fall Fashion Forecast, Month One: September

Let’s cut to the chase, this month I’m focusing on Faux Fur.  Grrrr.

What better way to get a jump on your autumn wardrobe than purchasing that staple piece of faux fur.  Whether it be a coat, vest, bag, or pump, you’re gal here, and resident fashion expert (read: shopaholic committed to continually stimulating the economy and her Amex bill) has wrangled up some fall fashion stunners.

#1 Pick

Starting with my #1 pick: Twelfth Street by, Cynthia Vincent’s Arizona faux fur vest.  Perfect length.  Perfect cut.  Great price.  Great size range.  What are you waiting for? Guarantee they won’t last. (Piperlime,  Arizona Faux Fur Vest, $249)

# 2 Pick

Numero dos on the list:   a little retro-esque double breasted, and oh, so, girly number from Top Shop:  Boucle Faux Fur Collar Coat. It’s a flattering silhouette to most figures (as long as you aren’t layering 2 sweaters and a scarf under it), has a classic, and timeless style element to it, and most importantly, totally affordable. (Top Shop, Boucle Faux Fur Collar Coat, $190)

# 3 Pick

Third on the fashion faux fur list makes me: bananas.  Love Rachel Zoe, had the pleasure of having din-din with her many years back, and she was just as entertaining then as she is on Bravo today.  Her new collection has debuted at Saks 5th Avenue and has me in hives of excitement.  I chose the bomber silhouette, because she’s done such an A-mazing job of transforming the classic men’s style into something fluid and feminine; we die! (Saks 5th Avenue, Zoe Faux Fur Jacket, pictured top, $450)

# 4 Pick

Onto the 4th fantastic fur, fashion item, the shootie.  Shootie?  You ask.  Why it’s one part shoe and one part bootie.  We found a great lug-sole bottom, hook-and-eye lace shootie with an adorbe (that’s how we say adorable here) fold-over shearling detail.  Perfect over tights or stove-pipe jeans.  2 colors to choose from though we say buy both.  (Dillards, Kelsi Dagger “Francille” Lace-up Ankle Boots, $119, pictured right)

# 5 Pick

We’ve come to the fifth and final installment of our Fall Fashion Forecast Month One – handbags.  When it comes to fur as an accessory, less is more (I know, I know, the first time you’ve heard that). Accessory is to accessorize not dominate.  Too much fur takes over and that’s all people see.  We chose a small shoulder bag from Express because of it’s size (everyone can carry it), because of it’s color (looks uber expensive and it is so not), and because of the price.  Let’s be honest, no need to get too attached to a faux fur bag as the everyday wear, will wear it down.  So look it as a one-season sensation.

Well gals (and guys, cause we know you’re there) we’ll see you in October.  Feel free to like us on FB and tweet us on Twitter.

Ciao til next month!

Thanks to Shannon for her fabulous fashion posts!  Shannon Cavanagh-Estrada is co-owner of Pitch! Press.  Her expertise lies in styling, trend-forecasting, design consulting and working in the public relations arena.  For more information on Shannon, visit www.pitchpress.com.

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A while ago, in Beauty Flashback, I wrote about a few of the beauty products from my teenaged years that I just couldn’t forget, and from the amazing responses that came from Busy Bee readers, apparently they hadn’t forgotten those products (and more) either!  After the fun of reminiscing about the beauty products, I started thinking about the foods that were unique to my generation and so here goes!

Drinks – Tang; Kool-Aid (served in my mom’s plastic pitcher that replicated the big guy!); RC Cola

Breakfast - Carnation Instant Breakfast; Count Chocula or Quisp cereal; a soft boiled egg served in an egg cup with a generous sprinkling of Bac-Os!

Snacks - Onion dip made with French Onion Soup Mix (the oversized can of Charles Chips was optional!); Jiffy Pop Popcorn (remember anxiously watching the foil lid?)

Dinner – Libbyland TV Dinners – when a baby sitter was in order, these were the favorite treat!

Dessert -  Jello 1-2-3 (who could forget those three “magical” layers!)

Candy – Pop Rocks, Bottle Caps, Razzles, Lemonheads

I can’t wait to see what all of you remember from both family dinners and parties hosted by our parents!  We’d love to hear!

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Tip of the Week:  How to be a Fabulous Gift Giver!

The desire to be a fabulous gift giver has been on my mind ever since last Thanksgiving when I started to compile my holiday shopping list.  I wanted to shop and buy gifts, but what to buy?  The presents that I wanted to give had to be special, useful and if possible, surprising.  Not an easy feat!  Here are some simple tips that might help you to be the fabulous gift giver you want to be!

• Keep your ears open:  throughout the year, listen to what your friends and family have to say!  Whether it’s a new fascination with Italian cooking or a little one’s love of horses, take notes and shop accordingly.  For smart phone users, employ the free app EverNote to record your ideas.
• Shop when you travel: gifts purchased at unusual locales will always be special – you’ll be more at ease while shopping and the gift will be more exceptional.
• Remember the Three R’s:  Jessica Jenkins, the author of Encyclopedia of the Exquisite, reminds shoppers of the three R’s – embossing, engraving and embroidering!  This cleverly reminds us that any gift can be transformed into a luxury item with an embroidered monogram or engraved sentiment.
• Ask yourself three questions:  Michelle Madhok, founder of Shefinds.com, suggests that you ask yourself three questions about the recipient:  What does she want?  What does she need?  What can’t she afford?  The answer to one of these questions is the sure path to a wonderful present!
• Two general thoughts:  think consumable (candy, candles, stationery) or think experience (movie/theatre/museum tickets).
• Wrap it up:  careful gift-wrapping and a hand written note will enhance even the simplest gift!

It’s truly a skill to be a great gift giver and hopefully, these suggestions will inspire the best gifts yet!

The Typography Trend:  Decorating with Letters and Numbers!

When my husband and I first bought our current home, we had very little furniture and even less to hang on the walls!  Graphic items, with dimension have always appealed to me and so I created wall groupings with some artwork, interspersed with wire, wood, metal and cloth letters that reflected our first and last names.  I collected the letters over time and added them in all sorts of spaces.

Recently, though, I’ve spotted the typography trend in fabulous catalogs and magazines – making this trend easy to bring into your own home!  Choose your letters as I did by initials, spell a special word or phrase, or just choose letters that have visual appeal!  Depending on the material, the letters can be suitable for a living room, kid’s bedroom or den!

Here are some typography resources:

Three Potato Four Shop

I love everything that’s sold by this shop – including their amazing selection of typography!  The offerings are vintage and unique, so you may want to check back regularly as you assemble your collection!  Take a look at:

• 12” Blue Plastic “pick a letter”
• Carpenter Wood Letters and Numbers (pictured)
• Hand painted commercial letter and number signs (pictured at top)

Grandinroad

Grandinroad has a fabulous selection of metal letters and symbols in a variety of sizes and colors that will make it easy to match your décor. (Grandinroad, Antiqued Metal Letters and Symbols, $29.00 – $69.00)

Feather Your Nest

If numbers are your thing, these vintage petrol numbers in red and white are a great way to personalize your space!  (Feather Your Nest, Red and White Metal Numbers, $25)

Restoration Hardware

These letters and symbols are sold in three cast metal finishes and in a variety of sizes!  This choice is perfect if you prefer a more monochromatic look! (Restoration Hardware, Cast Metal Letter Ojects, $7.99 – $69)

Birdsquare Carpentry

This workshop creates what it calls “heavy letters,” from different colored concrete.  The letters measure 9” tall and 2.5” thick, with the width varying from letter to letter!  These letters have a great, modern esthetic. (Birdsquare Carpentry, Heavy Letters, $15)

Urban Outfitters

Here you’ll find letters covered with aged maps, industrial stencils and perhaps most fun of all, marquee letters with lights!  (Urban Outfitters, prices vary)

Please share your photos with Busy Bee if you do!

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With the recent announcement of the Color of the Year for 2011, Honeysuckel, I thought that I’d take a look at some of the fun gifts inspired by these classic color charts!

Mugs

Choose your favorite shade from this assortment of ten colors!  Or, an entire set of ten!  (individual mugs, $14.99)

Travel Accessories

Each one of these items is really practical, but pack a punch of color with creative flair!

• Laptop/Messenger Bag, $88
• Passport Cover, $23.99
• Coin Purse, $16.99
• Luggage Tags, $14.99
• Wallet, $39.99
• Book Bag, $44.99

T-Shirts

Match your preferred strength to the relevant Pantone colour and get that perfect cup every time!  (Pantone 4 Coffee T-Shirt, from $25.14)

Cufflinks and Key Rings

Designed to resemble the iconic Pantone chip, these cufflinks and key rings are made of stainless steel and feature coloured enamel in seasonal colors. (Cufflinks, $67; Key Rings, $45)

iPhone and iPad Cases

Bright and colorful, these cases are a fun statement in the world of electronics!  Case Scenario, who manufactures these covers, calls the Pantone colors “the color of ideas” which is incredibly inspiring!  (iPhone and iPad Cases)

Each one of these items would make a fabulous gift for the creative people in your life – both those who create art and those who are inspired by it!   What Pantone color are you?

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