You Fancy, Huh!?

I don't know about you guys, but I feel as though my December is completely booked!  The holiday soirees are approaching fast.  These parties and get togethers are the perfect excuse to get a little fancy.  What better way to celebrate the season than with some sparkle and glitz.  Here are a few items to help you get your fancy on....

Hervé Léger Sequin-embellished bandage dress, $1,590
Vince Sequined crepe T-shirt, $295
DIANE VON FURSTENBERG DAX GREEN POLYESTER -, 280 GBP
Sequin Bandage Pencil Skirt - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic..., $59
Buy.com - Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick (Creme) 59 Love That Red, $8.94
Lauren Jones Angel, $102
SANTI CP3353 Clutch, $188
Oscar de la Renta Red Enamel Bib Necklace, $890
Crystal-Studded Cocktail Ring, Light Green, $99
Sequin Flair Headband, $6.80
Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe Nail Color, $18

The Half-Moon Mani

The half-moon manicure dates back to the 1920s.  The look involves reversing the traditional French Manicure.  Instead of white tips, the inner half moon shape at the base of your nail is white or left bare.  This look is most often worn by Dita Von Teese.  You can make your own rules and use any color you would like.  Check out these color combos...

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I am LOVING this look.  What are your thoughts on it?

For a tutorial on how to create this classic look click here.

Happy Thanksgiving

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Just wanted to take the time to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving.  There are so many things to be thankful for especially the little things that we never really even take into consideration. 

May you eat to your hearts content and enjoy this special day to the fullest.

Be safe everyone!

Food Porn of The Week: German Chocolate Pecan Pie

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  If you like pecan pie you will LOVE this version.  I have been making this recipe every Thanksgiving for the past three years.The addition of flaked coconut and semi sweet chocolate chips makes it extra special.  In my family we like it served warm with a nice scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top.  Perfection.

Jada Amerie

 I'm sorry everyone, you will have to forgive me as I am mildly OBSESSED with my new niece.  She has brought so much joy and love into our lives.  I had to share some pics from the day after she was born.  She's such a sweet baby.

BTW, thank you so much for all of your congrats and kind words!

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Jada wearing a flower headband Auntie Erica made her.  I think it will look better in a few months as she grows into it ; )

All is Full of Love

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I am so very proud to say that yesterday my sister Jillian and her boyfriend Vinny welcomed their beautiful daughter Jada Amerie into this world.  All I can tell you is that I literally feel like my heart is going to explode because it's so full of love right now.  As soon as I held her in my arms for the first time I started to bawl; and yes, it was the UGLY cry. 

Jillian, I can't put into words how proud of you I am.  Girl, you are a trooper and a superwoman.  Thank you so much for blessing all of our lives with this new little angel.  I love you, Vinny, and Jada with all my heart.

Let the spoiling begin!

Turkey Day Tablescapes

May I have your attention please:  Thanksgiving is exactly one week away!  I needed some tablescape inspiration and this is what I found... 

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If you celebrate Thanksgiving, how is your planning going?

My Latest Addiction...

Can I just tell you how ADDICTED I have become to Style Like U.  I love getting the opportunity to have a sneak peek into some really stylish people's closets.  The site is so inspiring.  Check it out and let me know what you think.

All photos via Style Like U

Food Porn of The Week: Pumpkin Flan

At practically all of my family gatherings you are more than likely to find some type of flan included in the dessert menu.  This version is perfect for Thanksgiving, which is right around the corner!  The mildly sweet and earthy flavor of pumpkin just goes so well with this creamy, caramelized goodness.

Flared Out

As you saw here I love my flare and bell bottm jeans.  I can't tell you how happy I am that flares are making there way back into stores.  These look great with a loose button down and some chunky heels.  Here are a few great finds...

True Religion Jeans Carrie Skinny Wide, 349 EUR
J Brand Lovestory Flare Jeans, $178
Tall 38"Jessie Flare Jeans, $85
Twist Seam Flare Jean - Women's Clothing and Apparel - Chic Dresses,..., $69
Asymmetrical Flare Jean - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $10

Essie's Winter 2010 Collection

I can't even believe Essie's winter collection is now available.  Where has the time gone?  Anywho, I am in love with the colors.  I think Hot Coco and Going Incognito are on the top of my mani list.

Food Porn of The Week: Penne a la Vodka

Sorry for the lack of pictures, but it's been a crazy week.  I have tried many penne a la vodka recipes over the years, but they never seem to taste like the penne I order when I go to an Italian restaurant.  Well, I think I found a winner.  The results of this recipe were perfect.  Creamy, not too tomatoey (I know that's not an actual word), the taste of the vodka was present, but subtle.  Instead of onion I used two shallots.  I also added green peas as a finishing touch.  So tasty!

Kitchen Inspiration

Within the next few weeks I plan on doing a mini kitchen makeover.  I live in an apartment and the kitchen is really the heart of the house.  We cook, eat, and entertain there.  I have been trying to get inspired...

 

Would any of you happen to have any good sources for kitchen inspiration, whether it be online or a magazine?  I'd really appreciate it ; )

Coat Check

{Old Navy}

It has been getting really cold...coat weather cold.  Lady-like coats and jackets are what I crave during this climate transition.  Nothing beats a great fur collar or belted waist.  Here are a few picks that grabbed my attention...

{Rebecca Taylor}

{Anthropologie}

{Top Shop}

{Anthropologie}

{Loeffler Randall}

Cheesesteaks & Art

Here's a few shots of our impromptu trip to Philly this past weekend.  We enjoyed some AMAZING art, architecture, cheesesteaks, cookies, and ice cream.  Now time to detox.

 {Chinatown}

 {Reading Terminal Market}

 
 {The Famous 4th Street Cookie Co.}

 {The line for Jim's Steaks wrapped around the block, but was so worth it}

 

 {Visted the Works on Paper Gallery}

{Some work from the incredible artist, Distort}

A major thanks to Mathew and Linda for being the best tour guides/company ever.  We had a blast.  Hope to do it again sometime ; )