Hello, 2009

Usher in the new year with people you love, a little bubbly, a handful of resolutions and the goal to make this year better than the last. Thanks for a thrilling 2008. Cheers to 2009. May it be a year of health, wealth and happiness for all.

ps- Happy Birthday Marisa!

A Tad Late But Who Cares

John Mayer did a fantastic live cover of Mariah Carey's holiday hit, All I Want for Christmas. Jen, are you listening?

Bonafide City Girl

You know you watched it. Fess up. Last night's two episode arc intro to The City was all I hoped it would be and more. Like, let's talk about how Olivia doesn't even try to hide/fight her bitchy condescending nature. And why on Earth does she care so much that Jay snubbed her dinner party? Who knew Whitney had such a sex kitten wardrobe all this time? Everything was short, backless and se-xy. Erin seems precious but I am curious how homegirl lives in such a fat apartment by herself. And how do she and Whitney know each other again? A little back story, MTV. And Jay. Showing some Justin Bobby tendencies with his "I do what ever I want whenever I want" mantra. And what is with the sudden vilification of Alex? Wasn't he just trying to be a good friend? I mean, if she dissed him for Jay and then Jay was cheating on her, he really owes her nothing. The fact that he tried to help showed me that maybe he is a nice guy. I don't know why he was edited to look like a potential ax murdering stalker. And who didn't love Kelly Cutrone's fairy godmother cameo. Not only is she "there" for Whitney during this big transition, she hated all up and down Olivia and vouched a little for Alex. Loved it. Can't wait for more. In fact...off to watch it again.

ps- old school Olivia dramz here.

Your Slip Is Showing

Possibly the most simple-meets-genius idea ever, Your Slip Is Showing is going to revolutionize your LBD. Their slips, designed to hang out from underneath your dress, bring new life to an old favorite. You can dress up your black dresses many different ways and no one would be any the wiser.


The pink ice would be so pretty sticking out from underneath a black dress at a wedding and the madam feathered slip would look so festive under a swishy black skirt on New Year's Eve. For the first time ever, letting your slip hang out is a fashion faux pas no more!

She's Death Cab's Cutie

My #1 girl crush is officially off the market. Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie were engaged just before the holidays. Best of luck to these two and any adorable, pale, musical, emo babies they have!

Cheers To Good Years

Now that Christmas is behind us (minus a truckload of leftovers), it is time to think about New Year's Eve. If you are hosting a party or small get-together, this idea from Martha (who else?) is sure to be a hit. In Spain it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes on New Year's Eve. Each sweet grape denotes a good month in the new year, each sour grape a less then stellar month. Threading grapes on wooden skewers to lay on decorative trays or popped perfectly into champagne flutes would be a great tradition to begin.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Wishing you a Christmas filled with love and laughter.

xoxo
Paige

A Merry Little Christmas

Add the family, a warm piece of my husband's family's Christmas bread and it would be a merry little Christmas, indeed.

Hope your holiday is merry and bright. xoxo

Just Say Yes

We caught a matinee of Yes Man today and it was pretty cute. Jim Carey makes me laugh every single time and Zooey Deschanel is equal parts adorable and precious. Oh, and guess what purse she carries in the movie?

A Little Christmas Cheer

Elf is without a doubt one of my favorite holiday movies.



Love, Actually is pretty good too.



A staple in my house growing up, Christmas Vacation. I can quote the entire movie. It's rather impressive.



A Charlie Brown Christmas is always sweet.



But A Christmas Story is hands down the very best. Wanna know a secret? I had a sorority sister move to LA after graduation who ended up dating Ralphie for like 2 years.

A Little Musica

Yesterday I saw Vicky Cristina Barcelona. It was typical Woody Allen but played beautifully against a gorgeous Spanish backdrop. Javier Bardem wasn't too shabby either. The music was pretty fun too and ideal for the background of a Spanish cuisine inspired dinner party.

Movie Night

Stealing Second - watch more funny videos

A while back, I posted about this little film, Stealing Second. Now the trailer is up on Funny or Die and Alex Richanbach, the guy behind the movie, is sending me a copy of the DVD. Screening at my place everyone?

Christmas Goes Postal

This picture from Post Secret has me wishing my Christmas would be white...not in the mid 70's with a chance of rain.

A Bubble A Day

Last night at my office Christmas party, I scored this super cool bubble calendar from my secret Santa. This poster-sized calendar (almost as tall as me) has a layer of bubble wrap over it and a bubble to pop for every day of the year. Given my affinity for mercilessly popping bubble wrap whenever it is in my presence, this was a great present for me! Still need that perfect gift for the person who has everything? Ask yourself this – do they have a bubble calendar?

Vacation – All I Ever Wanted

I started my vacation today and don't have to be back at work until 2009. Sigh. I could get used to this.

ps- When I was in 3rd grade I wanted to be Belinda Carlisle.

Oh, And Santa

Not to be a stickler, but could you wrap the aforementioned gifts in this? Thank you.

My Dearest Santa,

I know you already gave me one gift this year and I am ever so grateful for it, but there are a few things left on my wish list. I'm not sure how technically savvy your elves are but I would LOVE to have a Flip camera so I can start vlogging and dazzling my blog readers in the proverbial flesh. Also, this would come in handy to make short little vids to send to my girls in Denver, Dallas, NYC, D.C. and beyond. In addition, some Polaroid film for my camera and a bottle of Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb perfume would be most delightful. In the event you have some elf gemologists on staff in your workshop, these lovely onyx spike earrings would be an uber cool and snazzy addition to my jewelry box. And lastly, a Carrie bicycle basket. The one I originally wanted was discontinued so I have chosen this popular model to reside on my handlebars come 2009. Can you help me out, Santa?

Love always,
Paige

ps- I am leaving out the good cookies this year!

Justin Bobby Redeems Himself

Sad but true, I have lost interest in The Hills this past season and I can barely muster up a "yea" for their renewal for one more season. However, last night's episode had a redeeming moment from a very unlikely player, the one and only Justin Bobby. When Stephanie comes over to Audrina's (what is she every body's sidekick now?) to feign faux fright over the missing Heidi and Spencer (in the minds of every other American, that would be a good thing) Justin suggests putting up signs around the neighborhood with their picture. God, it was the best exchange in all of Season 4 of The Hills matched with equal amounts of awesomeness by Stephanie's face after said JB comment.


And, I'll give a brief shout out to Heidi who drunkenly agreed to marry her unemployed, friendless, fuzzy faced gnome of a boyfriend while three sheets to the wind on Patron (or whatever is above Patron, right Spence?) with Kelly Kapowski hair. I have seen couples on Cheaters, Jerry Springer and Intervention have more coherent, constructive conversations about marriage than these two. But I will raise a glass to them and toast their nuptials. Those two deserve one another and the only thing scarier than these two marrying each other, would be for them to be back on the singles market.


And a tiny squeak of a shout out to Whitney, who is on to her own fake reality show, showmance and showfriends. I wish her the best as I will be tuning in, after Page Six Mag calls her the new Carrie Bradshaw wouldn't you?

ps- Major points to anyone who can identify Whitney's headband at her going away party. I must have it.
pps- To see the full episode click here.

Under Cover

Check out Lily Allen's cover of Britney's Womanizer. It is total bubble gum fun!

ps- Ladyhawke has a pretty good one too!

pps- i also totally love this remix of Kelis' Milkshake and Michael Jackson's Billie Jean!

Quite Possibly The Coolest Idea Ever

Two self-proclaimed fashionista best friends who work as freelance styling assistants for the likes Harper's Bazaar and Italian Vogue have set up a little grass roots booth twice a week in Union Square in NYC dispensing fashion advice for tips. How cool is that? They also have a blog where they document their endeavors and we can see what they are up to next!

Christmas Came Early

My house will soon be haunted – with ghost chairs. My mom really rocked it this year and bought us a set of ghost chairs for our new abode. They arrived yesterday and being the Mrs. Claus she is, couldn't wait until the 25th to give them to us. I plan to grab a few of these from Ikea to drape over the seat like the lovely Ms. Sea of Shoes seen below.


Thanks, Mom! You have no idea how much these chairs will be loved and cared for.

Best Christmas Episode Ever

Did you watch? Go to Hulu right now if you missed it!

Loving This Song (And Album) To Pieces

This Is Your Life - The Killers

ps- Brandon Flowers is looking pretty good.

Happy Happy Joy Joy

Jenny Lewis - Happy

I was tagged by the lovely and very, very talented Project Eco Art to list Six Unimportant Things That Make Me Happy. Are you ready for this Earth shattering info?

1. Starbucks. Not just the coffee....the actual act of going to Starbucks. I have no idea how it happened or when it started but I love the mindless Saturday morning ritual of going to get coffee with my mom. It makes me feel awesome. I blame Friends.

2. Shopping for beauty products. I can't get out of Ulta or Sephora without dropping some coin on some random product that I never knew I always needed. Be it nail polish, a loofah or some lip plumping serum - I will buy it and be giddy about it the rest of the day.

3. Getting my haircut. I always feel amazing the day I get my haircut. It is probably due to the fact that a professional blowout is the best thing ever for people with thick hair that takes 45 minutes to dry...with a blow dryer.

4. When my niece sees me and runs at me full steam ahead shouting "Miiiiiiiiimmmmiiiiiii!!!!" and gives me a monster hug. That's the best. Hands down.

5. Sleep. My husband sometimes laughs at me for my love of sleep. I remind him that sleep is free and he immediately pipes down and in silence thanks me for having such a recession friendly hobby.

6. Getting a compliment. On my Target purse, my lipstick or my blog – it is all the same to my warm, fuzzy heart. Don't be afraid to tell the chick behind you in line at the grocery store you love her scarf or your friend that you love her new haircut or the assistant at work that you liked their idea in the brainstorm meeting. Compliments make the world go round.

I'm not going to tag anyone in particular, I am tagging everyone in general. What makes you happy?

The Office Holiday Party

Lovely reader Elena emailed me asking for some outfit suggestions for her office holiday party. Happy to help (considering I need an outfit for the very same occasion), I whipped up two festive looks that are sure to be stunners (and still appropriate) at the office extravaganza. Having been photographed wearing green enough times to know that it doesn't always come off as flattering, I opt for holiday cheer adornment in red. The outfit on the left takes gray and black neutrals and punches them up with lacy tights, a festive cocktail ring and red lips and nails. A red coat is attention getting at the door and then neatly accents you on the back of your chair throughout dinner. The outfit on the right brings the color. No way will you get lost in the sea of black dresses. Matte tights and black suede pumps tone the outfit down while sparkly accessories add a hint of glamour. In order to take nothing away from the dress, frame it in a black wool trench coat. And since Elena will be going straight from work to the party, there is no time to swap your day bag to an evening clutch. However, this chic black bag can go from day to night without anyone being the wiser. If you want more options, check out WhoWhatWear for more looks. Just remember, the office party is no time for cleavage, sequins, dresses cut up to your whowho or Christmas sweaters.

Musical Styles

Entertainment Weekly has put out lists of the most stylish musicians, movie characters and tv players. Zooey Deschanel made the musician list and from the above choices it is evident why. My other fave made the list too...

Stick A Pin In It

For the poor kid at Constance Billiard, little Jenny Humphrey sure rocks some expensive, fabulous gear. Take for example the rocker chic bag she carried to Bart Bass's funeral. The Safety Clutch from Bodhi is pretty hipster fabulous. And at $748, do you think Rufus bought if for her in exchange for her not acting like a total twerp?

What's Up Doc

This Sartorialist shot made me freeze in my tracks. Not because I find the outfit remarkable or anything, although each piece is cute in itself, but because of the shoes. I BEGGED my mom for a pair of floral Dr. Martens when I was 16. She bought them for me. I wore them to school. The boy I was madly in love with made fun of them. They never saw the light of day again. Luckily, my mom being the amazing fashion maven she is (my friends call her Rikki Fabulous) saved them all these years and they are still on the tippy top shelf of her closet. I might need to rescue them this week and see if 12 years later I have the guts to wear them...even if the boy I am madly in love with now hates them.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

Thank you for last nights episode of Gossip Girl, which was most likely an early Christmas present to girls 13-45 across the Universe. More specifically, thank you for making Dorota a bridesmaid with a sparkly headband at Eleanor and Cyrus's wedding. That was a bonus.


I promise to be good next year so that you might finally get Blair and Chuck together, hasten the grow out of Jenny's mullet and off Aaron Rose once and for all.

Sincerely,
Paige

Do Good Gifts

Open your wallet this holiday and buy your loved ones gifts that give back. So many wonderful companies are offering products that are useful, stylish and give a substantial chunk of change to a worthwhile cause. FEED bags are available at Whole Foods and for $35 provide 100 meals for hungry school children in Rwanda. Pottery Barn Kids is offering Oatmeal the bear this year with a percentage of the proceeds going to St. Jude for children's cancer research. These bears are soft and sweet and already have the endorsement of my 3 year old niece. Kiehl's and Brad Pitt teamed up to create the Aloe Vera cleanser with proceeds going to a charitable partnership for environmental education and awareness. The DVF Wonder Woman tote is chic and fun and sales benefit Vital Voices, a women's empowerment organization. The breast cancer scarf from Coach is gorgeous and funds 20% of sales to research. Amazing! Tom's shoes is one of the most amazing business models I have ever read about. Buy a pair of shoes and a pair is donated to a child in need. Philosophy's Tree House apple hand wash set benefits PBS Kids and would be a lovely gift. For the girly girl who has everything but the perfect lipstick, a tube of MAC's Viva Glam is sure to please her pout and heart. Proceeds go to AIDS research. Converse is also doing its part to raise money for the fight against AIDS. These tennis shoes are so cute and make one heck of a statement. And lastly, if you want to give the mother of all charitable yet stylish gifts, a Cartier Love bracelet is the way to go. Pricey, yes, but any recipient in their right mind will love it for the gorgeousness of it and also the heartfelt thought behind it.

Hope you found some more ideas! Giving gifts that give back is a great way to feel good about spending a little cash this holiday.

Ballet & Babies

I'm so happy it's Friday! I am going to the ballet tonight and then headed to Austin tomorrow for a baby shower for my friend (the one who still needs an "M" name for her baby boy!). So far in the lead? Maverick - which I kind of love!

Stay warm and toasty everyone! And before you head out on any shopping excursions, check out my gift guides for girls and guys. xo


ps- image stolen (with love) from Joanna

The Second Date

If all goes well for Danielle, here are two suggestions for some second date outfits. One, more dressy and flirty and perfect for dinner or drinks and the other more casual and sporty, ideal for a basketball game or concert (both great get-to-know-you dating activities). Oh yes, and don't forget the yummy flavored lipgloss and Altoids.

Drama In The City

The City - MTV Shows

With The Hills barely able to hold my attention anymore (was that even really Spencer and Stephanie's grandmother?) I am looking forward to the new faces, stories and fashion that The City will deliver. Another sneak peak above!

Whoa

A light fixture made from necklaces, charm and chains found at Goodwill and Salvation Army. Gorgeous. Ironically, I'm sure it is worth a fortune.

KRuss Live You've Never Seen Her

My favorite wholesome girl, Keri Russell, takes some sexy risks in a Details photo shoot.

Gifts For Guys

Shopping for the men in your life can sometimes be stress inducing. Here are a few things that I think just about any guy around would be happy to find under their tree. I mean what travelholic guy wouldn't want a pair of Bose noise canceling headphones? Trip after trip those babies are the gift that keeps on giving. If your guy is dead set on making fitness a part of his New Year's Resolutions, a set of Perfect Push ups would be an awesome leg (er..arm) up on a that goal. I don't know a guy out there that can't quote "Let's hug it out, bitch" so if your guys loves to kick back with a DVD on Saturday nights, make it the season box sets of Entourage. And we want our guys to smell good, right? Kiehl's makes great, inexpensive cologne and Jack Black makes amazing shave products that smell subtly wonderful. A fancy key chain is a classic gift that gets use everyday! If your guy is like mine, he has a thing for watches. Zodiac makes a fantastic casual, sporty watch at a nice price. Now, skulls just scream "Christmas" don't they? Well, they do in my house. My husband would freak for that skull stationery and he is already eager to place the bottle of Crystal Skull Vodka I got him for our anniversary (yes, you read that right) on our bar. A Jack Spade attache case is the equivalent of any fancy bad you have. Share you love of footwear with your guy and buy him a cool pair of kicks for Christmas. Converse has an unbelievable selection of styles and colors for very little cash and pair of Ugg slippers will last him for many more holidays seasons to come. The Ray Ban Clubmaster is set to make a trend resurgence thanks to Brad Pitt and when not wearing them on the patio for eggs and mimosas, he can rest his eyes with the hilarious Napoleon Dynamite sleep mask. Again, music is always a winner gift. The vintage style radio that accommodates his iPod, Guitar Hero The 80's, concert tickets or a plain ol' iTunes gift card are always winners. Personalized cuff links for the man with a five year plan are a timeless wardrobe addition and a sophisticated flask means that wherever your man goes, a party is not far behind.

Hope these ideas get you thinking and the special guys in your life (hubby, boyfriend, brother, father, etc.) all appreciate your thoughtfulness no matter what you get them in the end. Get shopping....only 21 more shopping days!!

Good Morning, Sweetheart

I love this image of Julliete Lewis and her bag on the Rebecca Minkoff website. Have you ever felt that way about a bag? I have. Is that wrong? See the other photos on the site. They are precious.

The Blind Date

Sweet reader Danielle just joined Match.com and has a slew of dates lined up. But what is a girl to wear on a date, much less a blind date? Danielle asked for my help and I was happy to whip a few things up. My general rules on a first date outfit is to make sure it isn't too fussy, cutesy, frilly or too "label whore-y." Here are two options I have come up with for Danielle.



Now, the outfit on the left is the more casual option. Men always say that they love a woman in jeans and sexy top. Black jeans are a dressier version of jeans and give a slight edge. A sexy top might not be so hot on the first date (you aren't giving away the milk on the first date, right) so this casual top is pretty without screaming "Hi, am I trying too hard?" Plus, it is a little loose which means you can eat in it and still look amazing. The booties are trendy yet simple and the jewelry is tough but pretty. Healthy glossy lips from some Benetint and vampy nails would put the right amount of polish on this casual look. Perfect for drinks, a movie, a concert, coffee or an arcade (a fun first date!) The look on the right is a bit more dressy. Red is the #1 attention getting color for guys so why not wear it? The sequin cardigan is a playful juxtaposition of conservative and edge and the black nails, jewelry, tights and booties pull the look together with sophistication. Perfect for dinner, a play, a party or dancing.

Next up, some second date outfit ideas for Danielle.

PS- She loves them!

"you are sooo sweet! i LOVE THEM! that was my issue..i tend to use my classic chanel with every outfit, and the first thing my friends said was you need to not look like a label lover..i'm going to print it out right away!" - Danielle

Jenny & Elvis

Did you guys catch Jenny Lewis and Elvis Costello on Letterman last month? Me neither! I love this song, and it isn't even close to being the best one on her new album.

Gifts For Gals

One of my sweet readers, Courtney from Dallas (Holla C!), asked me if I would put together a little montage of affordable holiday gift ideas and I was happy to oblige. Searching for the perfect gift for all the people on your Christmas list can be a real challenge so I always opt for something fun and a tad frivolous. I think the best gift is something that the person would love but would never buy themselves - like that lomo camera, coffee table book, expensive bubble bath or the decadent color-of-the-moment Chanel nail polish. Gifts don't have to be especially detailed. You could blanket your sisters, friends, cousins and nieces with their favorite shade of Havaianas and you could cover your neighbors, co-workers, mom's group and book club with a treat from Dylan's Candy Bar (with packaging so cute you don't even have to wrap it!). A thoughtful journal to capture New Year's Resolutions is always a handy gift as are a cute pair of undies (how cute are those rugby stripe skivies?). Surely you have one fashionista on your list that would love a metallic clutch bag, trendy chain necklace or fancy cocktail ring (under $100!). And since there isn't a girl out there who doesn't like to smell good, Demeter has an inexpensive scent for everyone (I love the Baby Powder scent) and Tocca makes the most elegant candles that smell heavenly (Cleopatra is my favorite). DVD sets of favorite shows always prove to be a great gift. There isn't a tween out there that doesn't claim either Team Serena or Team Blair so the first season of Gossip Girl would surely be a hit. And, my fail safe back up gift the person who has everything - the iTunes gift card. Music is such a personal gift so why not give the recipient their choice? Save your nephew the embarrassment from having to open a CD stamped with EXPLICIT LYRICS across the front in front of his mother.

I hope these ideas inspire your shopping and bring sweet, thoughtful gifts to the ones you love this Christmas. Gifts for Guys is up next!

Eagle Eye

Going to The Eagles concert tonight. I cannot wait. A CD that never left my CD player in high school was The Eagles Greatest Hits. I can't wait to hear all my favorites, especially this one.