Mother's Day Picks from Celebrity Stylist Robert Verdi

While I'm away on vacation, our writer Eileen had a chance to attend another fabulous tweet up at Robert Verdi's Luxe Lab. This time, the subject at hand was the celebrity stylist's picks for Mother's Day, which is rapidly approaching...as in this weekend...as in, get on it, procrastinators. If you need some help, here are Robert's picks for fabulous gifts for the woman who, you know, only gave birth to you:

For the Philanthropic Mom, this gorgeous, limited-edition Avon "Crusade" tote by Finnish design house Marimekko gives back in a big way: 100% of the net profits from the sale are donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Moms on the go (like mine) will appreciate the Clipa, an instant handbag that clips onto surfaces like tables to keep those fabulous label bags from hitting the floor. They're super sturdy, come in dozens of finishes, and she can leave it ON the bag so she doesn't have to dive into her purse to look for it come time for brunch with the girls.

Cool mom's are always interested in fashion, so this gorgeous Anne Klein watch is perfect for her. It's a trendy update on a sport watch with a round clear case, crystal accent around the face and a silicone magenta strap, which is both stylish and comfortable.

Radiant mothers (you know the ones that come with their own light source) will love Jane Iredale multi-tasking makeup that covers everything from lips to cheeks to eyes! Sunbeam is an all-in-one compact that can be used all over the face as blush, eyeshadow, or blended together as a bronzer.  Add Longest Lash Mascara to thicken and lengthen her lashes and top it off with Just Kissed Lip Plumper, a fab lip product that plumps and adds just a hint of color.

We all know tha Hip moms love to get mani-pedis and honestly, the hottest colors out there are from nail divas Ginger and Liz. This new nail company is getting huge press in all the magazines (Harper's Bazaar ring a bell?), so give your style maven some of their hot colors, like Boss Lady (classic red) and Can You Keep a Secret? (grayish taupe).

Chic moms know that accessories are the best way to show off your style so, by all means, get that woman some fabulous sunglasses from Banana Republic. They're elegant and refined, come in a wide range of neutral tones, and come in at between $78-$118. Protect her precious peepers the right way!

Classic moms love jewelry, especially gorgeous pieces from Skagen, like this gorgeous mesh cuff made with nickel-safe stainless steel embellished with crystalized Swarovski elements and fabulous signature earrings. I would dare say that this jewelry might be your get-out-of-jail-free card from missing so many phone calls or crashing the car into the garage when you were 16. 

Traditional moms (again, like mine) might enjoy gardening, in which case Robert recommends Rebecca Cole's new fabulous book,  Paradise Found. Rebecca is an amazing green thumb full of great advice. If you're in Manhattan, stop by her store, Grow, on 30th Street between 7th and 8th. We all adore her and the book is fabulous.

Trendy, eco-chic moms will enjoy the super-cool Brelli, a parasol made of 100% recycled products. It's made of bamboo, cotton and clear plastic so she can feel good about the environment while braving the elements.

So take this shopping list with you because time's-a-wastin'. Mom's expecting something fabulous and with these picks from Robert, you'll more than deliver.

You're Invited: DKNY Invites You to The Book Launch of Bump It Up

As you know, I recently tried my hand at a pregnancy style post. Well, honestly, there's someone out there with a lot more knowledge about the subject (first-hand, might I add). Her name is Amy Tara Koch and her book, Bump It Up: Transform Your Pregnancy Into the Ultimate Style Statement is having a launch party at the DKNY Madison store TONIGHT from 6-8. Mix and mingle with the author, ask pregnancy style questions while you enjoy libations and cupcakes, and one lucky attendee will win some great prizes: a copy of the book, a DKNY Cozy (or "The Miracle Garment", as it is referred to in Amy's book), the Donna Karan Body Perfect mid-thigh body shaping masterpiece, AND a $500 DKNY gift card! I mean, pregnant or not, I would get in on this, ladies! Details are contained in the invitation above. Go have fun and if you win that gift card, remember who told you about this fabulous little event!

Obsession of the Day: Kelly Cutrone's If You Have to Cry, Go Outside

I just finished reading a book I believe every woman on Earth should have in her personal library. Rarely do I make such claims but for anyone with a dream (which is almost all of us), goals (ditto) and striving to make things happen in your life (no question about it), there's a book you must order, buy or indefinitely borrow from your savvy best friend: get Kelly Cutrone's book.

Entitled If You Have to Cry, Go Outside and Other Things Your Mother Never Told You (HarperOne, 2010), it's a full-access look into the history of the legendary PR mogul and a book chock full of career and personal lessons. This isn't a hoaky advice book, people. This is a tough-talking, glorious insight into how to be a full-on power chick in fashion or any other industry. It's like taking the best of what you see on her show on Bravo, Kell on Earth, and condensing it into take-home form with stories of her own personal failures, spirituality, personal life and career highs and lows. I don't care if you're married or single, coming out of college or entering your later years, this is an amazing bedside tome full of inspiration and strength. Even though it's slightly geared toward young women, I think every woman at every point in her career will enjoy it and take something away.

Love her or hate her on television, I'm making a personal recommendation for ALL of you to pick up this book. I assure you, this is a do-not-miss read. Kelly's a woman's woman who wants all of us to win so take her up on her advice. Buy the book.

Holiday Gift Guide: Robert Verdi's Holiday Picks

Remember I sent you the notice to follow me on Twitter for Robert Verdi's Holiday Tweet-Up last week? Well, an epic time was had by all. Robert invited some of his favorite bloggers/social media peeps to enjoy a fabulous night at Luxe Lab where he gave us his picks for holiday gift giving.

Everyone at the party was madly in love with these amazing items and I can vouch for how happy these items make the person receiving them. If you're looking for last minute gift ideas, these are Robert's recommended items:

The Palm Pixi Smartphone (starting at $99 via Sprint), which combines swipe screen technology and a full QWERTY keyboard in one slim, petite little slice of technology heaven.

A gorgeous Carlos Falchi Large Metallic Shopping Tote ($220), which is amazing for running errands or showing up to brunch and making pretty much everyone jealous.

Fabulous cookies from Tasty Morsels Bakery (which can be made into a menagerie of shapes, including the ones shaped like his famous cranium, complete with sunglasses).

Fragrances from Ralph Lauren Polo Red White and Blue ($52.50) for men and the Harajuku Lovers Snow Bunnies Special Edition Collection ($30 each for full sized scents) for Women.

Sherpa for Sharpie Pen Covers ($29.95) for those of us who are writing utensil snobs and cannot live without large buckets full of Sharpies (which is not uncommon for those of us in fashion media...I'm not kidding).

A Portolano Cashmere Hat, Gloves and Mittens Set (various prices), which I haven't taken off since I got them.

Victoria's Secret Miraculous Push-Up Bra ($48-$52) and The Lacie Panties (3 for $30). This amazing bra can add up to two sizes to your bustline and the panty is truly one size fits all. Genius.

The Fresh Brown Sugar Bath Set ($75), which is perfect for the overworked bath lover. You know, like me.

The RJ Graziano Go Glam Set of 10 Crystal-Accented Bangles ($59.95), which are absolutely gorgeous. It's a big thing for a jewelry designer to acknowledge another one. They're simply stunning and are fabulous for evening. Hello, New Year's Eve is rapidly approaching.

Warm footwear is an absolute necessity. I admit to being an Ugg virgin until that night but now I live in this Ugg Australia Bailey Button Ankle Boots ($150). I'm also getting miles of wear from these absolutely beautiful cropped Moc-Toe boots from The Vintage Boot Company.

The movie lover in your life would sing your praises over a one-year gift subscription to Netflix ($167.88). If you want them to scream like they're in Oprah's audience, gift them the ROKU Netflix player ($79.99), which wirelessly streams movies from a Netflix queue to your television.

We all have to consult the experts and if you're an astrology reader like most of us, famed astrologer Susan Miller's 2010 Calendar ($15.99) is where it's at, people.

 

More photos from the event can be seen here.

These are genius last-minute gift ideas and coming from a celebrity stylist, how can you resist giving something that's red carpet approved? Print this list and take it shopping. Tell 'em Robert Verdi sent ya!

Stylish Book Review: Fierce Style by Christian Siriano

Book cover courtesy of Hachette Book Group, Inc.

A few weeks ago in the midst of moving, a little package arrived at my new place with a book inside. It was Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self by pint-sized fashion and style dynamo Christian Siriano. You're familiar with Christian, I'm sure: winner of Project Runway, fashion darling, Payless accessories line and guest appearances on Ugly Betty. You'd think it was a book on being famous but no, although there are mentions of Siriano's success in the book. Actually, it's a cute, cheeky view of the world from Siriano's lens; a guide on how to look, feel and live your most fabulous life.

I know you're thinking he's in his twenties so what does he really know about life, and I offer that having read the book cover to cover (with a time lapse in between to grapple with the flu), there's something in there for both the young and the old(er). Siriano's philosophies on style, shopping, design and personal attitude/determination (which is really the most endearing section and a great read) are paired with heartfelt stories of his own disappointments and triumphs both personal and professional and it's really quite inspiring. It also comes with a glossary of terms because the book is peppered with his favorite euphemisms such as "ferocia coutura" and "tick tack toe" (you need to read the book to see what I'm talking about.) With inset quotes from Vanessa Williams, Becki Newton, Whoopi Goldberg and Siriano's Runway mentor Tim Gunn, it's a quick-but-fun read that will make you smile and also give you some a little bit of insight into the design dynamo's view on the world...and it's really fun!

A great gift for anyone just beginning to discover themselves and/or their own style, Fierce Style is a fun, fabulous read for the subway or for a great weekend wrapped on the couch with Project Runway re-runs. Recommended!

Editor's Lust List: YSL Sale, Nicole Richie's Hat and More

I'm curled up on the couch with a whole DVR full of Rachel Zoe Project and trying to shake this horrible cold, but that doesn't mean that I don't have my eye on some fabulous style items while I'm bedridden. Here's what's on the Lust List right now:



As reported by my friend Nola at GlamChic, the Yves Saint Laurent Friends and Family Sale is the main reason for my recovery right now (in addition to a FULL schedule of events next week.) Mark your calendars, ladies: October 28th - October 30th from 8 am - 8 pm (8 am - 2 pm on the 30th) at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street, 4th Floor) here in Manhattan, bags, shoes and apparel will be available for up to 80% of retail. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. No Checks. All sales are final. If I elbow you in the face trying to snag a Downtown Tote, I mean it with nothing but love.




I'm a fan of all things Nicole Richie and I've been in love with her black fedora for quite some time. A fashionable little bird just spied the gorgeous chapeau and snagged one for herself. It's the Alexander McQueen Homburg Hat ($580) and I'm going to have to get one for myself. Love menswear touches on a girlie girl.



Since I'm curled up in my sweats right now but I still have to answer the door, I have to make sure that they're fabulous and fashion-forward. I cannot say enough about my all-time favorites, introduced to me by uber fashion maven Karen Robinovitz: the Young, Fabulous & Broke Zen Pant ($119). Running errands, yoga or hanging around is just way more lovely when you can do it in style. Get them from one of my online favorites, Shopbop.



By the way, speaking of comfort, how many t-shirts do you have that you simply need to throw away? Well, maybe they just need a makeover. I'm playing around with this book, Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt by Megan Nicolay ($10.37 via Amazon.com) and I'm coming up with all sorts of new and fabulous designs. Can you imagine a whole new wardrobe of tops for free? It's genius, really. I'm working on transforming a beer pong t-shirt into a fabulous little Flashdance number. I'll keep you posted.

I'm going back to bed. Have a fabulous weekend, my lovelies. See you bright and (hopefully) healthy on Monday!

Celebrity Style Moment: Ivanka Trump in Naeem Khan

Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images

If you've been watching television lately, you've seen that Ivanka Trump is out on the circuit promoting her new book, The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life (Touchstone). The book looks to be as sharp and as intelligent as the style of its writer. At a promotional event, the real estate mogul/former model/author/jewelry designer (what doesn't she do?) looked spectacular in Naeem Khan and, of course, Ivanka Trump Collection jewelry. The one-shoulder style looks amazing on her curvy frame and it brings the eye up and down, making her look tall and lean. Love this style and if you're rocking Ivanka's proportions, this is a great evening look to consider, especially from designers as talented as Naeem.

The Breakover Diaries: Five Ways To Take Care of Yourself

I'm not sure if this is a breakover post as much as it is a "life happens" post, but let's face it: stress can break a body down. If you're trying to do too much or you're feeling down and pulling energy from your reserves, you're going to wear yourself out. I hope these tips will help you:

1) Set limits and say "No" - Sounds easy when you read it but it's hard for most of us. Setting barriers doesn't make you selfish, it makes you smart. Saying "No" and spending time doing the things that YOU want to do (like watching Paula Deen make magic with heart-stopping amounts of butter) enables you to heal, recharge and figure things out for yourself. Start small but work your way into a good solid string of "No thank you's" and you'll create some space to think and heal.

2) Exercise - Working out isn't about physical vanity as much as it makes good sense. Exercise releases endorphins, which help with mood and physical exertion gives you more energy and helps you sleep better. Walk around the park, take a trapeze class or hop into a yoga studio, but working out is the daily appointment that you should NEVER miss. It's non-negotiable, even if you have to get up at 5 am to fit it in.

3) Avoid activities that start with the word "over" - Overeating, overspending and overdoing are three examples of activities to avoid so you can stay away from deficits. Deficits mean you have to fill a lack or a void before you can even get back to some state of normalcy and that's before you can make things better. The best over is "over it" and that's what you're going for with this type of behavior.

4) Do not spend time with people who suck - Look, this is way more simple than you think it is. We have all reached a point in our lives where spending time with people who don't make us happy is time wasted. Hanging out with people who make you miserable or who take without giving back is a complete waste of good makeup and it takes years off your life. Cut them off and be done with it.


5) Indulge! - My favorite indulgences are great wine and amazing bubble baths with a good book. I turn off the phone, pour myself a glass of wine (and great wines are available at almost any price - ask your local wine store) and curl up with a tub full of bubbles and a good book. This weekend's picks are Barefoot Bubbly Extra Dry ($7.99 - see, told you about the price), Lush's The Comforter Bubble Bar ($8.75) and The Style Strategy: A Less-Is-More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart by Nina Garcia (Harper Collins). Don't call me tomorrow evening. This is what I will be doing.

The best investment is always made with the Bank of You and deposits are made by taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy. Start with this little list and start doing only those things that cause you to feel good when you go to sleep at night. Life is too short to spend it worn out, drained and upset and taking care of yourself is always in style.