Get Gorgeous this Holiday with a Gift List from QVC

Well folks, it's Cyber Monday, and after making it through all of the plates of turkey and hoards of aggro black Friday shoppers you can now just sit back, relax, and hardly have to lift a finger to get everything you need to fulfill your holiday gift list this year.  Whether you need some help in the giving department for one of those 'hard to buy for' ladies on your list, or if you're feeling a little lost when it comes to the receiving department and have no idea what to include on your own wish list as requested from a special someone; Vogue Influencers has brought in some help from QVC's Lisa Robertson.  Lisa has put together a list of her top holiday gift picks that allow you to participate in all of the joy without all of the craziness - most coming in at less than $100.  So what are you waiting for?  Scroll on down and start your clicking, or head on over to QVC.com.  Happy shopping!

1. Mally 10-piece Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection

Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliners have a long-wearing formula that contains nourishing and conditioning ingredients. For a really cool trick, line the top lash line with the Onyx, then line that line with a colored pencil. It's a subtle peep of color.

2. bareMinerals Box of Gems 20-piece Color Collection

A 20-piece collection of stunning eye and lip shades. Experience the ultimate in luxury with 10 new eye colors and 10 high-shine lip glosses that will drizzle lips in pure color. Tip: For a jewel-toned look, pair Gem and Glow eye colors--and deepen and smoke out even more with the Twinkle shade.

3. Judith Ripka Sterling Hematite Doublet Ring

A rich, deep, cushion-cut synthetic blue quartz doublet rests above a section of hematite in this mesmerizing ring. A sterling silver twisted-rope border accents the gemstone, while four heart-shaped prongs sparkle with a Diamonique® simulated diamond in the center of each.

4. Melania Madison Avenue Bold Case Bracelet Watch

As glamorous and show-stopping as New York City itself. Clear, round crystals on the connecting links of this bracelet watch are sure to attract attention, while the bold face with its mother-of-pearl dial is a classic finishing touch.

5. Nadri Micro Pave' Criss Cross Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Eternally elegant. With four bands crafted into a crisscross design and encrusted with micro-pave-style round, clear crystals on the front, this highly polished silvertone bracelet is sure to create a lasting look.

6. Dennis Basso Button Front Ruffle Collar Coat with Rosette Detail

Everything's coming up rosettes. This gorgeous fully lined, button-front coat will warm up your outlook. Ruffle details, in-seam pockets, and a cloth rosette on the collar help this stunning outerwear piece rise to the top.

7. ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! 2 Ply Cashmere V-Neck Boyfriend Cardi

Wear this boyfriend cardigan over a simple tee paired with your favorite jeans, and accessorize it with anything from a scarf to an extra-long necklace.

8. Michael Dawkins Sterling Signature Pod Small Earrings 

Small in size, but big on stylish impact, these free-form pod earrings are ideal for every day wear and special occasions. The earrings have a seamless silhouette.

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Drink of the Moment: Thanksgiving 2011 Spiced Pear Perfection

Thanksgiving is only four days away, and thank goodness because I can't wait to have a legit reason to enjoy a few of what I have decided will be my signature Thanksgiving cocktail this year.  You may remember a few weeks ago I mentioned that I was trying to sort out a spiced pear cocktail for the fall (you can revisit that previous 'Drink of the Moment' post here if you'd like), but was not having much luck finding perfection.  As things would often have it, it turns out that I was looking too hard to find something that was right in front of my face the whole time, and in this particular case the simplicity of it's perfection is almost shocking.  The flavors should prove to be quite complimentary with the traditional Thanksgiving meal, and the 80 proof should assist in successfully surviving a houseful of family members.

Spiced Pear Perfection

1 part Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
3 parts Pear Juice
Dash of ground cinnamon (I used Saigon Cinnamon)
Dash of ground nutmeg
Dash of ground cloves

Pour rum into your selected glass (I used a martini glass for a better photo, but would recommend a highball glass or the like).  Shake in spices to your taste - if you don't have each of these spices separately, you might give pumpkin pie spice a whirl.  Top with pear juice.  Garnish with a cinnamon stick or if you're feeling exceptionally motivated, rim with a cinnamon sugar mix.


Happy Thanksgiving!

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A Salute

Though I'm a little behind the curve on getting this post up, I didn't want to let this Veteran's Day weekend pass without a nod to all of our veteran's.  My own veteran here at home found this yesterday, and I think it speaks for itself.

My Punk Rock Girl

 Happy Halloween!!  Not having any kids to deck out and tote around to pillage candy bowls all over the neighborhood, the Halloween attention usually gets shifted to the dog.  Fortunately, Olivia is usually a fairly willing participant and LOVES all of the attention she gets.  I hope you enjoy Olivia's Halloween 2011 costume video premier below (note that she's not bucking the costume, she's just really excited to go for a walk), and have a safe and happy halloween!

                                                                             

On The Runway with Anna Dello Russo INC Exclusive

The holiday season is quickly approaching, and along with it comes all things shiny and sparkly.  I really love anything I can get a gleam or a glint from, and would probably be dressed like a disco ball year round if I could get away with it.  Sadly, I have to rein things in most of the year, but the holidays usually give me a great excuse to deck myself out in all things shiny, sparkly, and over-the-top festive on at least a few occasions.  

I'm already trying to get some new holiday outfit inspiration from different places, and was tickled when my Vogue hookup came through with a sneak peak of the November INC collection for Macy's that has been edited by the one-and-only fashion editor extraordinaire and fashion icon Anna Dello Russo (editor-at-large & creative director of Vogue Japan).  As things have it, Vogue has offered us an exclusive sneak peek at the unreleased INC line November collection short film, 'Dark Shine'.  Styled by Dello Russo, the film represents a runway show that encapsulates Anna's iconic aesthetic and features shimmering sequins in deep black matte and glamorous evening styles perfect for the upcoming holiday season.  I hope you enjoy this first look at the film below.  Bring on the shine!





Ready to see more?  Here are some key pieces from the upcoming collection, available at macys.com in November.

Selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, these sequined hem shorts are all-out glamorous for fall.

This jacket selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, hits all the right notes: festive sequins in matte black with draped construction and a touch of attitude.

Selected by Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, this LBD takes a playful turn when strewn with paillettes that catch the light fantastic.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.

Drink of the Moment: In a Pickle

This week, I had been working on a lovely little spiced pear beverage for the 'Drink of the Moment' to kick off the fall season.  As life would have it though, I couldn't seem to get the pear drink tweaked *just* right, and found myself in a bit of a pickle.  Musing on what direction I should go in next, I ended up hitting that proverbial wall.  Of course, what's the best thing to do when you hit a wall like this?  Hit the liquor store, of course!

Although I'm unfortunately still on a quest to find the whole pear thing I was looking for at the store, I did find something else that certainly caught my eye.  As things would have it, there was a tasting in the good ole Va ABC this evening, and thanks to this good fortune, I am able to share with you the 'Naked Jay Dirty Pickle Martini'.  Yes folks, you heard me.  There is now a dill pickle flavored vodka, and not only is it great for all of your double entendre needs, but it is made right up the road  from me in Reston, VA, and is SHOCKINGLY good.  As in, I can actually drink it straight.  (Hey, don't judge).  On top of that, it's exceptionally well priced at $14.95/750mL bottle compared to the Stoli Gold that is my go-to, and it seems that even those that are less than thrilled to try it (namely Jay, who I think only gave it a go based on the name of the brand) turn out to like it.  So, what are you waiting for?  Go grab yourself some of this most fantastic pickle flavored vodka, and make yourself a drink out of what is sure to the the next 'BIG DILL'!! (I really kill myself sometimes).

'The Dirty Pickle Martini'

2 oz Naked Jay Dill Pickle vodka

1/2 oz dry vermouth (I used my gold standard 'Noilly Pratt')

1/4 oz olive juice

Combine in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously.  Pour into glass and garnish with a dill pickle slice.

Can't find this vodka in your local store?  Check out the website by clicking here to find out where to buy, or let them know that your regular store is sorely lacking!

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If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to make sure you have a drink for every moment.

Happy 15th Jimmy Choo! Coming Soon to a Store and/or Coffee Table Near You

Did someone say 'shoes'?  Or, more aptly 'Choos'?  I can't think of one more universally thrilling thing to females (and some males) around the globe than shoes - they can take an outfit from uh-oh to he-llo!,  make a fat day melt away, and add that extra pep to your otherwise faltering step.  Of course, there are plenty of shoes out there, but only a handful have been able to take their places in the same stratosphere that Jimmy Choo resides.  The luxury combination of quality, design, and detail is inspiring to and emulated by shoe brands around the world, but in no way matched.

On this, the company's 15th anniversary, Vogue Influencers have been offered an exclusive first look at 'Icons', a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archive.  The shoes will be available at a Jimmy Choo store near you (prices yet unreleased), but if your 'Santa' is on a bit of a holiday budget this year, then you'll also be delighted to know that the collection will also be highlighted in a commemorative coffee table book entitle XV, out this November.  

Have a look at the video below to hear what Jimmy Choo founder and Chief Creative Officer, Tamara Melton, has to say about the commemorative ICONS collection, and then scroll down to feast your eyes on a first look at it's exquisite shoes.


Please press 'PLAY' below to start video.

In violet suede from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In brown suede with patent orange heel from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In black and white zebra print pony from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In gold shimmer suede from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

The famous ‘Feather’ shoe immortalized by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City when she anguished, “I lost my Choo!” An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In zebra printed pony from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Multi taupe shaded python from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

In red and white gingham from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Sand pixilated leather from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

Fuchsia snake print lace from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.

An exclusive, never been seen before design sketch from ICONS, a capsule collection of shoes inspired by the most significant creations from the Jimmy Choo archives.


If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.