Holiday Bloom: The BSC Gift Guide 2012

The holidays and all the glitz and glamour embodying the spirit are here! There is no doubt it’s my favorite time of the year. Little makes me happier than the weather combined with the aromas, street and home décor, seasonal cuisine, crackling fire and the sale shopping!

I’m not sure how deep I’ll dig into my pockets this year, but I’ve had fun trimming down my list to these few, but amazing gifts for the special people in your life. I’ve limited the goodies to things of beauty, accessories and some apparel. Because all of those things make our lives complete. Ladies, share this with the guy in your life!

Makeup & Beauty Lovah’s:

I’m in love, love with Bobbi Brown’s ‘Caviar’ collection, which is clean, sparkly and dashing for all holiday fetes. The traveling brush set makes it super easy to keep all the necessities of beautifying yourself. The lip glosses all shimmer and run the spectrum of pretty colors. Make sure to grab the oil essence at her counter while at it. I don’t have it but have smelled it. Pure lush. $20-$58. All counters.

Artistry 'Escape to Paradise' eye palette in Chrystal Glacier is so right for the season. The amber-esque tone lends to a soft and warm look any chica can take from day to night. The Glided Chalet had more pop and looks amazing when blended properly. The blue and silver are just haute. $75/each.

'Valentina' by Valentino Eau de parfume. I smelled this earlier this year and instantly fell in love. I'm hoping I'll be opening it up for myself. Avail at Nordstrom. $80-$108.

Accessories To Go:

Michael Kors metallic 'Jet Set' wristlet is for the traveler that doesn’t need to take the full size wallet abroad. It has the right amount of space for driver’s license, credit cards, biz cards, one lip gloss, some change and a few other mirco  items. I traveled with it internationally for the 1^st time and never missed my wallet. That one's full of receipts anyway! $68

Misikko Hana ceramic flat iron will get your hair looking glossy and ready for being out the entire night without any worries! I've used plenty of flat irons on my wet hair, but this one did the trick in half the time. It's so fab, it's been featured in Marie Claire and Redbook. Snatch it up. 

LUXHAIR wigs. Yes. I just said wigs! I've never been into them but I love to follow how fiercely Sherri Shepard wears hers! She's the queen of rockin' different looks on The View and other appearances. She and a few others, including Latina Daisy Fuentes partnered up with Luxhair for their own line of wigs that show off their personality. I'm particularly lovin' on the Soft Curls one from Sherri's "Now" collection. Easy to wear and feels like real hair. A great deal at $45. Save your hair from all the stress we put on it and throw a wig on every now and then!

Luxe Pieces:

C. Wonder cashmere cardigan is always welcome. He'll love to press up against you when you rock this super soft classic sweater. Comes in a variety of colors. $178.

Sam Edelman 'Tara' booties go a long way this season. These are the perfect mashup of rugged but pretty leather with a good amount of sparkly. And the heel is a nice break with the skinny heel. $148.

C.B. Herrera Designs 'Scalloped Swarovski Tear Drop' necklace is dainty, sparkly and goes with everything you'll consider wearing this season! Who doesn't love adding some bling to their ensemble? Her entire collection is lovely, actually.

WHAT'S ON YOUR FANCY LIST?

Merry Christmas, Happy holidays and happy shopping! B-

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Boots, Flats and Spiked Vibes

This is my favorite time of the year for many reasons. I don't know anyone who doesn't look forward to the coziness of fall fashion. The layering, the furs (faux or not), puffy coats, warm vests, hand-knit scarves, fabulous hats and of course the shoes! Well, and bags!

While editing my list of must-purchase shoes, particularly boots and chic flats within the next month, I fell in deep like with these. Each one of them has something special that speaks to my personality and sense of style.

I'm looking at my current boot and flat collection and it's looking pretty pathetic. It's just that time to update and upgrade. These are great options!

The Selection:

1. Reebok kicks
2. Rachel Comey
3. Wanted 'Kiley'
4. Jeffery Campbell spiked 'Lita'
5. Sam Edelman 'Park'
6. Nike 'Luxe'
7. Jeffery Campbell 'Hayden'
8. Ego & Greed 'Driver'
9. Via GiltGroupe

What's on your fall must-have boot and flat list? 

*I've not tried on any of these shoes so I can't speak for accuracy of size, fit or comfort. I simply like them! 

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GILT City Atlanta Launch & A Sweet Blogger Win!

(Aspire Magazine publisher, N. Renee Webb & me)

(Aspire Magazine publisher, N. Renee Webb & me)

Axor Urquiola from Hansgrohe USA bathtub

(Gilt City President, Nate Richardson, Evelyn Mims, Producer at NBC 11 Alive and me)

Just when I have no energy or motivation to go out and mingle, which you all know requires lots of dolling up and schmoozing, especially when it's a room chock-full of "must-knows," I get a tweet from a friend letting me know they're going to be at the Gilt City Launch of the Atlanta edition. And, I need to see this friend.

I had already been invited to the private soirée, but after having showed up a full evening in advance, fully dressed, I had little interest in going through the same exact motions. It really happened that way. I pulled up the to the strategically situated and absolutely beautiful MODA edifice, all to find out the event was the night following. 

As I walked up to the door, I thought something was off as I didn't see anyone trying to ID themselves at the door. But, an elderly man was so polite and complimented my outfit, that I decided to quickly run back to my car so no one could see what I was wearing. Oh yeah, I was going to rock the same look to the T in 24 hours!

And so I did. The pants are my latest obsession and am begging to wear them again. I snatched them up at a local thrift store for a mere $6. They were such a hit, I was offered $50 for them that night! Ha. Don't you love when that happens? But, you can see why! These have to be the hottest knickers, ever. 

The GILT City Atlanta launch party was swanky, full of energy and laced with beautiful and fashionable people. Designer Mychael Knight from Project Runway was in attendance, as he is at most of these type functions in Atlanta. Dancing With The Stars Karina Smirnoff was also there, clad in body-fitting black and white dress. But, I totally overlooked her. 

I did have a chance to parlay with Gilt City President Nate Richardson, a lovely young man vibrant with personality. We talked up my fave spots in Atlanta and D.C. and other goodness. 

2nd best to mingling with old fave friends like Evelyn Mims from NBC locally and a few writers, I enjoyed the cocktails and the artwork! I've always appreciated art and design in all mediums, but staring at a tub for 10 minutes gave me new perspective on taking baths (which I find a bit, eh, gross). I later found out the Axor Urquiola from Hansgrohe USA bathtub is part of a collection in a showroom just 20 minutes away. 

Party was swanky and delicious as evidenced by the popsicle in my hand in the 1st pic, which took place not even within 5 minutes of arriving (hence the sunnies still on --- which I hate when others do! ha! I'm caught!)

To top it all off, and making my attendance worth every bit of two drives into the city, I got word last week that I won the Gilt City Blogger Challenge, garnering me a feature on GiltCity.com, $200 to shop on Gilt.com and $100 to giveaway, so stay tuned for that! 

An uber sexy evening, well spent! 

Thrifted Ellen Tracey knickers; Thrifted bouclé blazer; Old Navy tank; Sam Edelman "Navarro" pumps; Moschino sunnies; Tory Burch cuff and bracelets; chunky glass ring; vintage choker; C.B. Herrera earrings; Kenneth Jay Lane owl necklace; boutique found purple faux snakeskin clutch

*1st 4 pics courtesy of Jay Young Photography; Love my Hipstamatic bathtub shot and mediocre shots of shower head and friends, courtesy of my iPhone.

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