A WEEK OF GIFT GUIDES: UNDECLARED PANACHE

Good morning Knuckles!

Today's gift guide comes from my dear friend Lauren of Undeclared Panache.  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.

Lauren's blog is one of the few that I read every day, and it is endlessly inspiring!

Lauren's comments:

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.

Stay tuned for my own gift guide tomorrow!

A WEEK OF GIFT GUIDES: BYRDIE

Hi Knuckles!  I hope you are enjoying these beautiful gift guides as much as I am.  Today's gift guide comes from Bryn, of Byrdie.  Here's a little info about Bryn:

 I have worked in the fashion industry in NYC since college, have a personal style blog, byrdie, and have recently launched a Personal Styling business based in Brooklyn, NY (for more info, check out www.brynsanders.com). I love working with people to help them look and feel good.

Bryn's style is impeccable!

Bryn's comments:

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. 

Happy shopping, Knuckles!

A WEEK OF GIFT GUIDES: DESMITTEN

Good morning Knuckles!  Our week of gift guides continues with today's wish list from Christina of DeSmitten.  Here's a little info on Christina:

My name is Christina DeSmet and I live in Brooklyn, NY. I started DeSmitten in 2008 as a catch-all for the overflowing inspiration that I came across in my work as a fashion designer. I recently added vintage e-shop owner to my résumé. DeSmitten is where I carefully curate my everyday musings in an attempt to define the spaces between fashion, interiors, art and design.

Christina's blog is awesome, so definitely check it out!

Christina's comments:

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.

Stay tuned for another great gift guide tomorrow, Knuckles!

A WEEK OF GIFT GUIDES: THE FRESH EQUATION

Happy Monday Knuckles!  I hope you had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving!  

This year I am very happy to be part of a Holiday Gift Guide exchange featuring 4 other amazing bloggers.  Every day I'll post a different blogger's gift guide, and end the week with my own.

Today's gift guide comes from Kristin of The Fresh Equation.  Here's a little info about Kristin:

 Kristin Brady has worked in the fashion industry since moving to New York City after college.  She recently embarked on a new career as a Holistic Health + Lifestyle Coach and she is also a certified NLP Practitioner.  Kristin is the founder of www.thefreshequation.com and she believes living healthy should be a fun and tasty experience. She helps others create lives full of health, happiness, passion and good food through teleseminars, workshops and 1-on-1 coaching.  Kristin currently lives in New York City and spends her free time drinking green juice, cooking, running and playing golf with her husband.

Kristin's comments:

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 am 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…

Hope you feel inspired, Knuckles!  Happy shopping!

THANKFUL ALL YEAR ROUND...

For these goobers:

Ugh!  I've got the dreaded Sunday blues.  At least I get to spend a fun afternoon Christmas shopping on Michigan Ave. with my work crush.

Enjoy the last few hours of your Thanksgiving weekend, Knuckles!  Tomorrow we really get into the holiday spirit with the first of five days of holiday gift guides!

DIY SCHOOL SPIRIT

Hello Knuckles!

I'm a sucker for all things preppy.  As I've mentioned before, I love the Rugby aesthetic.

So while I was rummaging through my childhood bedroom a few months ago I found my old junior varsity letter, which I stitched onto an old sweater:

(Sunnies, Chanel; sweater, F21; skirt, once a strapless bandeau dress that I MORPHED INTO A SKIRT MYSELF, I still can't believe it, I'm not a crafty person by any means!, H&M; boots, Miss Sixty; scarf, Hermes; bag, LV; jewelry, Asos, Banana Republic, Alex+Ani, Target; FCFT pin, DIY.  Please excuse my grossly dry, under-moisturized hands).

The "S" stands for the name of my old junior high school.  More relevantly, it also stands for my Twitter handle, Slintbee (follow me, if you are so inclined).  Someone pointed out that these are also Michigan colors to which I stared at them blankly (the only collegiate color I acknowledge is Cardinal red.  Go Card!).

Have a WONDERFUL holiday week, Knuckles!  I hope you are spending Thanksgiving with the people you love the most!

FUNKY SAX FRIDAY

Let's end the week with a video.  This song and this sax-playing are my jams.

(If it doesn't work click through to YouTube.  DO IT).

I mean, the sunglasses.

Have a wonderfully hilarious weekend!

DIY FLORAL CROWN, AND I DIDN'T EVEN NEED A GLUE GUN

This weekend Mr. Brass Knuckles and I celebrated our friend's birthday downtown.  I have been totally inspired by floral crowns:

(Lana Del Rey, Bona Drag Ceremonial Collection lookbook; take a second to peruse, it is gorgeous)

so I decided to cobble one together at the last minute to complement my outfit and celebrate the freakishly warm and windy weather:

(Wink wink!)

(Blouse, H&M; tank top, Target; pants, American Apparel; belt, Banana Republic; jewelry, Asos, Target, vintage gold cuff; clutch, Elliott Lucca; shoes, 9 West)

  

 Luckily, I have a huge stash of flower hairpins already, so I just put on a skinny plastic headband and clipped on some purple and black flowers (if you want something more permanent, you'll need a wider headband, some fake flowers, and a hot glue gun.  Cut the flower stems, leaving about 3/4".  Glue the stems onto the headband and voila).

Have a great week, Knuckles!

MARRIED WITH CHILDREN

Hello Knuckles!

I am totally going to embarrass CoStar by being the Mom who refuses to wear age-appropriate clothing and shows up to PTA meetings looking like Peg Bundy:

(Sunglasses, Carrera; blouse and pants, both F21; earrings, (can't remember); jelly bracelets, Claire's; watch, Casio; shoes, Enzo Angiolini, these shoes are the anti-FLOs, they are the most comfortable heels I own.  Even after epic evenings out, when I wear these shoes my feet and I remain on speaking terms) .

Though I'd rather channel Kelly Bundy:

(All photos, Nasty Gal lookbook)

Have a great week, everyone!

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

Like the Man Repeller, I don't buy clothes because I think men will find them alluring (I doubt many women do).  However, I did make an exception for this sweater:

(Sunglasses, Chanel; sweater, H&M; shirt, J.Crew; jeans, James; bag, Gucci; shoes, Via Spiga, bracelets/earrings: Alex+Ani, Pandora, Target, Claire's)

I bought this sweater a few years ago at H&M (from the boys department) because I knew Mr. Brass Knuckles would love it.  He definitely does, and so do a lot of other dudes.  I swear, sometimes I'll go out wearing something slinky and get nary a glance but then I'll wear this sweater and it's like I'm Boobs McGee.

For Mr. Brass Knuckles, Star Wars and superheroes are always at the very tip of his consciousness.  One night I was working late and crept into the bedroom after he went to bed, wearing a pair of ratty green shorts and an orange long sleeve shirt.  Mr. Brass Knuckles stirred, looked in my direction, mumbled "You look like Aquaman" and then rolled over and went back to sleep.

(Super Friends)

Have a great week, Knuckles!

TEAM AMERICA'S AWESOME (SO'S THIS HAT)

Good morning Knuckles!

Dude, I friggin' love America.  Yes, my candidate won but more importantly, I'm just so proud of the democratic process.  Voting is nothing special -- every American citizen over 18 gets to do it -- and yet it's incredibly special.  I can't tell you how happy I was by all the proud "I voted" posts on my Facebook feed.  

(I just noticed the lowercase "i" here.  How modern!  By the way, when I am a retired old lady I am definitely going to be a polling place volunteer.  When I went to vote yesterday morning they were all in the best mood and picking away at a giant box of Dunkin' Donuts donuts on the table.  LUCKY!).

In other news, this fall I'd been on the lookout for a great floppy wool hat.  I finally found the perfect one at American Apparel.  It has some structure so it doesn't fall into your eyes, but it's floppy enough to give you that Bridget Bardot look.

(Hat, American Apparel; sunnies, YSL; blouse, Diane Von Furstenburg; braid jeans, Grey Ant; purse, Gucci; shoes, Jeffrey Campbell; jewelry, Asos, Target, Icing; vintage gold cuff from my Mom)

This is one of my favorite blouses.  I bought it online from Cusp while pregnant with the little guy.  During this time I had a horrible commute into the city and the only music I wanted to listen to was Rage Against the Machine and Sabbath (I chaulk it up to the extra testosterone).

My dear Knuckles, hope you are having the best week ever!

DATE NIGHT SELFIES, PLUS SELFIES ON MARS

Good morning Knuckles!

This weekend Mr. Brass Knuckles and I went on a much-needed tapas-and-a-movie date night.

(Hat, American Apparel; sweater, H&M from the men's department, I bought this for Mr. Brass Knuckles for his birthday last year but he wasn't really into it.  I forgot to return it, and found it last week in our coat closet and it's now my new favorite sweater; blouse and necklace, F21; pleather leggings, Silence+Noise; bag; Oryany; boots, Gil Torres)

Here's a random selfie from the movie theater:

And here is the extraordinary Curiosity Mars rover selfie released by NASA last week:

(Photo NASA.  Seriously, this is Mars you guys.  Unbelievable).

Have a great week, Knuckles!  Kick some ass!