While wandering through Williamsburg a few weeks ago, my friend and I both spotted an unassuming little store front that neither of us had seen before. As we walked closer we decided that it looked awesome and that we should go inside. It turned out to be the newly-opened boutique, Joinery, which was, in fact, awesome. Not only is the store itself gorgeous and rustic, the pieces in it are so, so unique.

via Racked

There’s an eclectic mix of jewelry, clothing (men’s and women’s), and home goods from around the world.  Owner Angela Silva beautifully curates a collection that includes black diamond bracelets from Tokyo-based E.M. Noir, gorgeous pieces from Canada-based lingerie line Fortnight, and hand-woven textiles from Brazil.

Unfortunately, one of the store’s best features isn’t for sale. Charlie, an adorable shih tzu-poodle mix (shitdoodle?), observed us from his little bed by the register while we browsed.  When he grew tired of us, he took his miniature tennis ball, flung it a few feet in front of himself and then happily began to play catch… with himself. It took all we had not to grab him and run. But then we probably wouldn’t be welcome back at Joinery.  And we definitely didn’t want to risk that.

Joinery- 263 S. 1st St. Williamsburg, NY 11211

Target it the best. We all know it and we all accept it. And, obviously, one of the things that makes Target so great is the tradition of capsule collections that give mere mortals and the 99% access to great designer fashions. The pieces I have from Thakoon and Proenza Schouler’s Target collections are some of my favorites (and some one the most compliment-inducing). Jason Wu for Target promises to be no different. Taking inspiration from the concept of an American girl in Paris, Wu’s collaboration with Target has allowed him to “create an accessible collection that reflects [his] sophisticated design aesthetic.” And at prices from $20-$60? Lucky us.

The collection goes on sale February 5 (my birthday! what a coincidence!). But I’m guessing you’ll have to claw your way to the front of the line. (Get it? Claw? See the cat?)

08
Jan

And by “it,” I mean your body. It’s FREEZING out. Thus, to keep my mind off of my numb toes, I have complied a list of robes that will keep you warm and (for the most part), still looking cute-ish.

Eberjey’s Alpine Robe is sinfully soft and super warm without being bulky in the least. It comes in blush and this color, which is apparently called Pebble. $178, Journelle.

Target’s Sherpa Short Robe is simple, snuggly, and just $30.

The Beijing Quilted Robe by Natori is timeless and perfect for lounging around on a Saturday. Now $119, Nordstrom.

In my dreams, it is 70 degrees (not 17) and I am wearing this robe by Julia Restoin-Roitfeld For Kiki de Montparnasse. Actually, it can stay 17. I’d gladly freeze for this piece.

“But what are you actually wearing right now?” you ask. Well, rest your eyes upon this beauty…

Do I look sexy in Kashwere’s Adult Shawl Collared Robe in bubblegum pink? Absolutely not. Am I warm? I am, indeed. $135

Stocking stuffers are tricky- you don’t want to spend too, too much on them, but you also probably shouldn’t be able to find everything you’re looking for at CVS. Hence this list of awesome, yet affordable little trinkets with which to fill your loved ones’ stockings…

 

This Dumpling Bag by Chako is made from vintage Obi and Kimono fabrics and the inside is just as beautiful as the outside. It’s the perfect size to throw in your purse and use as a lipstick holder. $45 at L-atitude.com.

 

Who doesn’t love nail polish? That’s right, no one. And this golden shade from Butter London is universally flattering, perfect for ringing in New Year’s, and has a fun name (The Full Monty). $14 at Ulta.

Kate Spade’s Live Colorfully Borough Coasters are a fun (and useful) gift for any stylish New Yorker. $20, Kate Spade

 

Perfect for a night out, Stila’s Pocket Palette fits in a small clutch and comes with 2 blushes and 4 eyeshadows in gorgeous shades. Bonus- the cases themselves are stunning. $14, Urban Outfitters

Just the thing for the friend who really needs her beauty sleep. Or for the friend who doesn’t have curtains. Mary Green’s “Working on My Novel” eye mask is a cute and comfortable way to block out the sun’s angry, early morning rays. $26, Journelle

I don’t know about you, but winter is not easy on my lips. L’Occitane’s organic and Fair Trade Certified shea butter, packed with Vitamin E, helps to combat dry, flaky lips. Plus is comes in cute little tins and delicious flavors (Vineyard Rose, Orange Honey, and Apricot Flower). Pucker up, New Year’s is just around the corner. $15, L’Occitane.

 

Happy Holidays!

Yesterday, while finishing up my Christmas shopping, I decided to stop by the pop up shop held by L-atitude, the amazing “online portal for shopping trips around the world.” The site offers incredible pieces (jewelry, bags, clothing, etc.) from exotic locations that I’m dying to visit, but can’t quite justify traveling to right now. Held at Anthony Todd’s stunning showroom on 11th Street, the pop up shop allowed visitors to browse L-atitude’s wares in a nice, completely unpretentious environment. While I found myself drooling over, well, almost everything I saw (not pointing any fingers, Mehry Mu Ikat Clutch), I decided on a pair of earrings and a necklace.

 

From One Fine Thread‘s Jewels of the Kalahari collection, these earrings were made in Kenya from ostrich eggshells. They’re a great statement piece and I got tons of compliments when I wore them out last night.

This brass Cleopatra Necklace from Mumbai’s Bungalow 8 is so regal and I can’t wait to wear it with a strapless LBD.

Long story short, L-atitude’s pop up shop was great. They do an impeccable job of catering to their clientele of chic, interesting women who are looking for unique pieces to add to their wardrobes. And the little box of goodies from William Norris & Company that they included in my bag made it clear that they realize that the way to a woman’s heart (mine, at least), is through her stomach.

15
Dec

I love walking through Union Square on the way to work during the holidays because of the adorable fair they hold every December. When I found Lolabean’s mini boutique, however, it made me love the walk even more. Founded in 2005 by Tiffany Bean, the gorgeous jewelry line has a wonderful assortment of unique necklaces and earrings.

Unfortunately my Blackberry’s camera is sub-par so you can’t really tell, but the set up is beautiful and showcases the pieces perfectly. I love the Drusi necklaces- the elongated jasper is so stunning when the light hits it- but I also really like the simplicity of the Bar necklace.

If you’re in New York, be sure to stop by Union Square to see Lolabean in person, and if you’re not, definitely check out the website.

Fall and winter are my favorite times of year to try bold new makeup trends- mostly because there’s little to no chance of me sweating everything off. But anyway. The depressing weather that inevitaby shows up each year around this time gives us all the perfect excuse to experiment with fun new products that provide the perfect pick-me-up (sometimes coffee and champagne just aren’t enough, amiright?). Plus, the abundance of holiday parties necessitates an abundance of fun holiday looks. Here are some of my favorite products for fall and winter this year that will help you achieve just that…

Red lips are perfect for the holidays and will never go out of style. Joyous Red from Nars’s Holiday 2011 collection is a gorgeous choice this season. $24

While rich, bold reds are great for fall and winter, they really limit what you can do with the rest of your makeup. If you want to play around with intense shades on your eyes, or you just want to go for a really natural look, a light lip stain is the perfect product. Maybelline’s Color Sensational Lipstain in In The Buff gives just the right amount of natural color and stays on all day. $5

This set of three mini cheek stains from tarte is not only beautiful, but the universally flattering colors give the perfect pop to dull winter skin. $25

The Balm’s jewel toned Pick-Up Liners go on smoothly and liven up any look. $19

 

Oribe’s Dry Texturizing spray gives the perfect “just rolled out of bed” look, even if your actual “just rolled out of bed” hair is decidedly unsexy. $39

One of the most talked about nail polish trends in a while comes from across the pond. London’s Nails Inc. has come out with magnetic lacquer that dries in gorgeous patterns after you hold a magnet (embedded in the cap) over the wet polish. $16
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour 531 Peridot. ‘Nuff said. $25

While wandering around the East Village a few weeks ago, I was caught in a downpour (seems to be the norm lately) and ducked into one of the first places I saw. Luckily one of the first places I saw was Still House an adorable little boutique filled with pretty, unique (and affordable!) jewelry. Throughout the store are little bowls filled with all different keys, engraved with words like “believe” and “love.” Inspirational, no? Anyway, I chose one that said “trust” and for sixteen big ones (wheeeee!) I got the key and a cord. Put two and two together (or rather one and one) and you’ve got yourself a necklace.  And a cute one at that.

Still House is located at 117 East 7th Street.

In my humble opinion, throwing on a pleated skirt or dress is the easiest way to  look completely professional and pulled-together while still remaining completely comfortable. Luckily, they are in this spring and summer. Here are some of my favorites.

Tommy Hilfiger Silk Crepe Long Pleat Skirt, $498

Rachel Roy Bamboo Print Pleat Skirt, $475

Zara Pleated Dress, $90

Club Monaco Pamera Skirt

Elie Tahari Francesca Skirt, $398

Tory Burch Minta Dress, $428

Milly Combo Pleat Date Skirt, $285

BCBG Mateo Strapless Pleated Sateen Dress, $298

Perfect for hot summer days. Just don’t walk over any subway grates.

A while back I went to a jewelry sample sale at Midtotwn’s Ace Hotel (which has free wi-fi in the lobby; not that I just go there to use it or anything. Ok, fine I do, but so do a lot of other people).  Anyway.  At said sample sale, there were a bunch of cool designers and pieces, but one really stuck out. Contemporary metalsmith Emilie Shapiro creates her handmade jewelry and body adornment line WE ARE HERE using copper, bronze, brass, sterling silver, and 14kt gold. The unique, one-of-a-kind pieces really caught my attention and I ended up getting this necklace:

WE ARE HERE everlasting pendant, $75

It was made from hand-cut copper and then enameled glass was applied. This picture isn’t great so you can’t really see the gorgeous metallic greens and golds. But they’re there- trust me.

Here are some of my other favorites:

Shapiro teaches jewelry classes & workshops at Liloveve Jewelry Studio in Brooklyn, which I will definitely be taking when I get the time and $400. She is also available for custom commissions. Visit her website for more information. Also, to shop.

She considers her work wearable art. So do I.