Fresh Equation Holiday Gift Guide 2012

It's been a week of amazing gift ideas from Christina of DeSmitten, Bryn of Byrdie, Lauren of Undelcared Penache and Jeannie of The Covert Boutique.  Thank you to these talented ladies for sharing their beautifully curated gift guides with us.  To top off the week, I'm sharing my picks with you today. 

 

I hope you have enjoyed and been inspired by all of these amazing items... and if you're lucky, hopefully you will find some of them under your tree on Christmas morning.

 

Happy Shopping.

1. PENDLETON MERINO WOOL THROW $118 Available in super soft merino wool, this throw from Pendleton comes in classic tartans and plaids. Many of the products produced by the Oregon based family-owned Pendleton company are made in the USA, including this throw.

 

2.LEATHER TOTE $285 I believe it's the little things that make an outfit… like a great scarf, sunglasses, a hat or a fabulous bag. This simple, chic leather tote from Rib + Hull is a great investment as it will complete any outfit and will only get better with age.

3. VITAMIX 5200 $449 If you have the money, you have to invest in a Vitamix. In seconds, you can make soups, sauces, dips and (MY FAVORITE) green smoothies.

 

4.SADDLE LEATHER DRINK COASTERS $29 FOR A SET OF 6 Coasters are a necessity but this monogrammed leather set manages to also be sophisticated. Plus, personalization ups the ante on gift giving. It shows the receiver you picked the gift out just for them!

5.CRAZY SEXY DIET $11.48 If you aren’t familiar with Kris Carr or haven’t read any of her work, you must start now! After a cancer diagnosis, Kris, a self-proclaimed party girl, turned her life around. She is now a cancer survivor, author, blogger, wellness warrior and inspiration for all seeking to live a healthy life full of peace, love and veggies. Kris’s book, Crazy Sexy Diet, is a must read introduction to the basics of health + wellness and one that I recommend to all of my clients.

6. MARA HOFFMAN INTARSIA SWEATER $473 You can never have too many cozy sweaters to get you through the winter. I'm loving the bright colors in this one from Mara Hoffman.

7. GOLD SEQUIN IPHONE 5 CASE $46.50 This gold sequin phone case will brighten up even the dullest of conversations.

8.10-PIECE GLASS BOWL SET $39.95 I use these bowls ALL the time... for prep, for leftovers and for serving. They are made of tempered glass so they can be used for hot or cold foods and are dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe. For those of you that don't have a lot of storage space, or should I say especially for those of you that don't have a lot of storage space, these are great because they nest inside of each other so you only need a space big enough to fit the largest bowl. I don't know what I ever did without them!

9. MICHAEL BUBLE CHRISTMAS $11.39 I’m a sucker for Christmas music. Michael Buble’s holiday album is full of classic Christmas songs and is the perfect soundtrack for any festive holiday party!

10. NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY SIGN ART $99 As my husband and I contemplate buying a house in the suburbs, I can guarantee you that this New York City Subway Sign will be framed and hanging in our new home to remind us of the many amazing years we spent in the city. Sigh…
 

The Covert Boutique Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Jeannie (aka Brass Knuckles) is a former accessories designer who left New York to get her MBA. She's now a full time marketer and mom to two young kids. The Covert Boutique chronicles her year-long goal to abstain from clothing purchases and revisit memories in her closet.

 

We are lucky to have Jeannie share her favorite holiday finds with us today.  Loving those lacquer trays!

 

Happy Shopping. 

1) IOMOI large lacquer tray, $250 -- With small children in the house it's easy to lose things. This gorgeous monogrammed lacquer tray would bring some welcome organization to our coffee table. Beautiful and kid-proof: a #winning combo!

 

2) Alex+Ani bangles, $78 -- When it comes to arm parties, you can always count on these bangles to bring top-shelf booze and talk to everyone, including your awkward co-workers. That's what makes them the perfect guests and they go great with everything and hence, you invite them every time.

 

3) Chanel classic flap bag, $(ay dios mio!) -- Usually I'm not too fixated on material possessions but this timeless handbag turns me into a Kardashian. I mean, this bag is the only reason why I occasionally purchase lottery tickets.

 

4) Birth names are so 2008. This year I'm gifting Twitter-handle name necklaces, $33.95+.

 

5) Rookie Yearbook One, edited by Tavi Gevinson, $16.45 -- Even though I am an entire generation beyond her demographic, I love Tavi and her Rookie empire. She reminds me of what it was like to be a teenager when you'd find wacky stuff at thrift stores and cry while listening to music and furtively stare at boys in the hallway and life was still this explosive, burgeoning thing. (Sigh).

 

6) Caroline Amato Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves, $58 -- Perfectly badass, paired with a brightly colored winter coat.

 

7) Logitech Wireless Speaker Adapter for Bluetooth, $39.99 -- This little gadget allows you to stream music on your iPhone wirelessly to any set of speakers, eliminating the need to watch your dock like a hawk to make sure it doesn't fall prey to grubby little hands.

 

8) Arlo acrylic tumblers, $3.50-$3.95 -- In our home, glass is a liability. That's why we drink highballs out of plastic sippy cups (have you tried this? It's... not the same). These acrylic tumblers are the perfect solution.

 

9) Buxom Big and Healthy Lip Tarnish, $19 -- I love lipstick but hate when it gets everywhere. This tingly lip pencil adds a touch of long-lasting color and looks great finished with a coat of Blistex.

10) The ugliest room in our house is the bedroom. Instead of a cozy love nest it looks like the dentist's office at a federal state prison. Threadless has lots of great wall art, $14.50+, including this chuckle-worthy piece that would bring a well-needed pop of personality to our otherwise cadaver-like room.
 

Undeclared Panache Gift Guide

Today, Lauren, of Undeclared Panache, shares her favorite gifts for 2012.  Lauren is a New-York-City-Newlywed. She has worked in the fashion industry for seven years, is a handbag designer by day and started Undeclared Panache in 2008 to channel her inspirations for other facets of a fabulously styled life. That studded Valentino tote is definitely going on my wish list!

Happy Shopping.

1. Gold Clip Lamp ($49) - Never can have too many adorable little project lamps and I love that this one adds a little extra pop of gold.
2. Leopard Driving Gloves ($138) - Ever since I got a Vespa, I have become more of a glove enthusiast. These leopard gloves are so chic.
3. Valentino Rockstud Tote ($2195) - It's tough to justify a big handbag purchase, but the Valentino Rockstud tote bag is a classic I could eventually pass down to my daughter.
4. Lg Square Glass Shadow Box ($34) - I love these personalized glass display boxes. Could store jewelry or treasures on your nightstand or desk.
5. Living Etc. ($80.50) - The British magazine, Living Etc.magazine has been a favorite of mine for a while. I am always so inspired by the bright colors and quirky European style. I hope Santa can deliver it to me once a month.
6. Statue of Liberty Sweater ($39) - Always attracted to a kitschy itarsia sweater, I can't resist one with the Statue of Liberty from Uniqlo.
7. Leather iPad Envelope ($79) - I'm late to the i-pad party, but I'd love to come in, even if it's just for the amazing accessories, like this monogramed leather folio.
8. Cheers Letterpress Coasters ($26) - Crazy about these "cheers" letterpress coasters. They would look so cute with my new china.
9. Brush Set ($60) - At least one gift is out of practicality. I am desperate for a new set of make-up brushes.
10. Black Watch ($35) - A sleek, minimal watch would look great next to a stack of bangles.

Byrdie Gift Guide 2012

Today's gift guide is from my sister, Bryn, who pens the style blog, Byrdie.  She lives in Brooklyn, NY and recently launched a personal styling business... for more info, check out http://www.brynsanders.com/.   I'm hoping Santa brings me that diamond tennis bracelet!

 

Happy Shopping.

 

1. Yellow Korner has awesome art ... I love their photograph prints. The Lion in the Wind ($119 - 11.4" x 11.4") is one of my favorites. It's stunning. How cool would it be to see this face every day in your home?

 

2. I collaborated with my friend, Allison, owner of Ladybird boutique in Columbus, Ohio and LA based brand Boulevard to design a canvas and leather tote ($122). You can customize it by getting up to three initials gold stamped on the leather strip ... perfect for gifting (to yourself or someone else)! Available 11/29 ... contact Allison to purchase - 614.298.8133 or ladybirdfashions@yahoo.com

 

3. A diamond tennis bracelet ($1,328) is a classic ... it goes with everything, stacks with other arm jazz easily and something that will be kept forever.

 

4. I love masculine watches and this Casio watch ($21.99) is so simple and chic being all black. It's totally versatile and would look cool with a few bracelets piled on with it. Plus, it's a total bargain!

 

5. I love fashion and I love Kate Moss's style ... what better coffee book than "Kate Moss" by Mario Testino ($69.99).

 

6.These lovers and friends sequin pants ($151.20 on sale) are perfect for the holidays and all through Winter. Pair with a white t-shirt, a black blazer and heels for night and a grey sweatshirt and booties for day.

 

7. I love the idea of a pop phone ($32) ... easier to hold to your ear while catting and it's better for you than holding your cell phone to your face. And silver metallic is so fun.

 

8. After going one of my best friend's wedding in Charleston, SC this past Spring, I'm loving silver mint julip cups ($36) ... they're perfect for a fun cocktail or as a vase with pretty flowers. Get it monogrammed to add a special touch.

 

9. Get the holiday party started by stuffing a stocking with this mini skull vodka bottle. It's a cool addition to any bar cart.

 

10. These Eddie Borgo Pave Spike Earrings are so edgy yet chic and totally wearable every day.

 

Desmitten Holiday Gift Guide 2012

I have a special treat for you this week!  I have partnered with 4 chic and talented bloggers to bring you some beautifully curated gift guides to help make your holiday shopping easier this year. 

 

Today's guest blogger is Christina DeSmet.  She is a fashion designer and the mastermind behind the design blog, DeSmitten, where she carefully curates her everday musings.  Recently, she also added vintage e-shop owner to her resume... check out Same State Clothing to purchase some of her amazing finds.

Christina shares her favorite picks for the season below.  I'm coveting that black + rose gold watch!

 

Happy Shopping.

 

Juxtaposed materials of gunmetal and natural bone tile make up this Origami Coffee Table from West Elm ($399). Sitting pretty in front of our sofa, this table would be a nice upgrade from the trunk we try and pass off as a coffee table, but really just use for storage.

 

In need of some new arm candy, this Rose Gold Watch with black leather band ($35) would be a perfect update to my old rose gold watch I wore for years, and at a fraction of the cost!

 

Since my boyfriend and I just celebrated 1 year as vegetarians, we are looking to spice things up in the kitchen. This In Depth Herb and Spice Workshop ($210/person) at the Natural Gourmet Institute in Brooklyn would be an amazing learning tool to introduce new spices and herbs into our simple vegetarian diet.

 

Keeping warm and in style isn't always the easiest thing to do in New York City, but these Hansel from Basel Stockings ($38) with contrast seaming will make a statement while keeping me cozy.

 

As a fashion designer, I am inspired by photography and art as much as actual fashion. These books incorporate a little bit of each. New Saint Laurent designer, Hedi Slimane is also a famed photographer. His book of photography, Anthology of a Decade ($38.50) incorporates still life imagery and portraiture with signature undertones of androgyny and glamour.

Maison Martin Margiela's book ($63) is a work of art in itself, designed with the same attention to detail as his clothing containing twelve separate booklets filled with inspiration.

 

This iPhone dock ($40) is simply designed for function without skimping on style. To tell time or listen to music while charging my iPhone, what more could I ask for?

 

With all the natural light in our new apartment, keeping plants alive is easier than I realized. A gift certificate to our favorite plant shop, Sprout ($25+) would be an ideal gift to give or receive.

 

Last week, with a table full of friends and family, after dinner tea turned mortifying when I had to serve milk in a mason jar and sugar from the bag! This sleek and chic Vera Wang Creamer and Sugar Bowl Set ($50) will ensure that won't happen again.

 

Stylish and comfortable, these 80% 20 Rina Boots (Cocoa $198) would round out my winter boot collection filling the void for laid back chic, non-black bootie.

 

Since I was old enough to care about these things, my stocking was filled with beauty products and specialty toiletries. I cannot think of a better high/low stocking stuffer combo than this ultra rich Rodin Body Cream ($80) and a bar of Organic Charcoal Soap ($6) that naturally extracts the toxins out of your skin while keeping it moisturized with essential oils.
 

Thanksgiving, giving, giving!

After Hurricane Sandy, I went with my husband + 2 of his co-workers to Staten Island to help with the cleanup efforts. 12 days after the storm, I was heartbroken to see Staten Island in such devastation. Entire communities were in ruin.

We were assigned to work on a home that had been completely flooded with water. First, we worked in the basement until we literally removed everything that wasn’t nailed down… and even some things that were. Then we moved upstairs where, for a few more hours, we pulled down all of the paneling and insulation and pulled up the tile flooring until the house was down to nothing but the studs and floorboards and was ready to be re-built. It would have taken the homeowners days to do what our crew of 4 worked diligently to get done in a matter of hours.

  

Did you ever see that episode of Friends where Joey tells Phoebe that there is no such thing as a selfless good deed? Well at that end of day, when we were driving home from Staten Island, I almost felt guilty because I felt so good. I had such a sense of pride and happiness that we had given back to the city of New York and that I had spent my day volunteering to help others in need. Here I was trying to help someone else feel better and I was the one that left feeling pretty amazing. Joey was right... I can't believe I'm quoting "Joey" from Friends but, hey, he made a good point... It’s impossible to do good without feeling good yourself.

Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks for the people, places and things in our lives that we are grateful for. Seeing the first hand devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy made me realize just how much I have to be thankful for and what a rewarding feeling it is to help others. So this Thanksgiving weekend, I encourage you to take the time to do a good deed and I promise, in return, you will receive that amazing feeling of happiness + goodness that only comes with giving.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Eat well and enjoy the bites!

Guess who I met yesterday...

I met the crazy sexy Kris Carr (who told me that her full name is also Kristin and is spelled just like mine) and the amazing Chef Chad Sarno.  They are the authors of Crazy Sexy Kitchen: 150 Plant Empowered  recipes to ignite a mouthwatering revolution.   

They even signed my copy...

If you aren’t familiar with Kris Carr or haven’t read any of her work, you must start now!  After a cancer diagnosis, Kris, a self-proclaimed party girl, turned her life around.  She is now a cancer survivor, author, blogger, wellness warrior and inspiration for all seeking to live a healthy life full of peace, love and veggies.  Kris’s book, Crazy Sexy Diet, is a must read introduction to the basics of health + wellness and one that I recommend to all of my clients. 

 

Chef Chad worked with Kris on all of the mouthwatering recipes in Crazy Sexy Kitchen.  For those lucky enough to get seats at the  book signing + cooking demo at The Whole Foods in Tribeca yesterday, Chad prepared the Crostini with artichoke puree, garlicky mushrooms, and horseradish (p. 144) and the Kale Salad (p. 159). 

 

I would have sworn there was bacon in the crostini if I didn’t know that all of the recipes in Crazy Sexy Kitchen are vegetarian.  I may not eat meat anymore, but I must confess that I do miss the taste of bacon sometimes.

 

 

 The kale salad will make a believer out of anyone who thinks that healthy food doesn't taste good and, with only 6 ingredients, is super easy to make. 

 

 

Kris Carr is one of the first people I discovered when I started my journey and investigation into healthy living.  She is a motivational force in the health + wellness industry and I was so excited to have the opportunity to finally hear her speak and to meet her in person.  Stay tuned for my adventures as I cook my way through Crazy Sexy Kitchen. 

 

Have a great day and, as Kris would say, “Eat your veggies, ignite your spark and live like you mean it!”