Category: Must-Haves

1. The Feminine Power Suit – every woman should work what she’s got… especially at work.
Holmes & Yang Suit Jacket $2,995 & Suit Pant $995
2. The Perfect Pencil Skirt – work your curves, but don’t offend your elders.
Boudicca Lace Pencil Skirt $2,115
3. The Lingerie That Makes You Feel Like a Goddess – even if only you know it’s there…
Kiki de Montparnasse Le Fleur Demi Bra $235 & Amour Le Reve Short $165
4. The Little Black Dress – such a necessity and anything but boring {I have at least 50 different LBDs… start your collection… or add to it… with something like this}
Narciso Rodriguez Cut Out Back Dress $1,495
5. The Statement Bag – something large {you have to be able to fit everything that makes you fabulous} and luxurious.
Marc Jacobs Lacqured Quilting Fifth Avenue Tote $1,350
6. The Piece of Jewelry That You Bought for Yourself – mine is 3 carats of aquamarine surrounded by champagne diamonds… what will yours be?
Federica Rettore Antique Cut Citrine Ring $9,100
7. The Wild Heels That Take You From Day to Night – leopard + louboutin = fashion “yes” every time
Christian Louboutin Bianca $995
8. The Red Lipstick That Brings Out Your Hollywood Starlet – appropriate for any occasion… bring a little drama to your day.
Dior Rouge Dior Lipcolor in Red Muse $32
9. The Stunner Shades – no one will know if you’re famous or just tired.
Dior ‘Havane’ Metal Aviator Sunglasses $395
10. The Surprising Black Stilettos – make sure they look you up and down.
Christian Louboutin Very Prive Peep-Toe Pump $1,095

A woman who possesses true style possesses individual style.  She knows what she likes.  This is demonstrated in the clothes she wears, the way she presents herself, and the artwork that she chooses.  The artwork that you choose to decorate your space is a reflection of who you are, what you like, and what makes you tick.  You should surround yourself with artwork that inspires you and just feels right.  It is only important that you like it; it is a reflection of your taste and no one else’s.  We are all past the age of posters {even framed posters aren’t good enough}… it’s time for some real art.  A common misconception about “real art” is that it must be expensive…  it doesn’t have to be.  Peruse local boutiques, flea markets, and sites like etsy {where I found all of this fabulous artwork} and you can find inexpensive artwork and feel as though you “discovered” your own favorite artist.  I was on etsy the other day {well, pretty much every day} and I found Pinkytoast.  Take a look at her shop… she’s something else.  I ended up buying all of the artwork below.  I can’t wait to frame and hang all of these pieces in my living room… her artwork is feminine, humorous, and whimsical.  Exactly what I want my space to feel like.

These pictures are taken of items that will be put on my very girly and oh-so-perfect cocktail cart {still a DIY project lovingly in progress}.  The items have been collected over time and, though you can find comprehensive lists of what a bar should be stocked with all over the place… this is what a fabulous, glamorous, chic hostess should always have in her bar {not what some scotch swilling middle-aged man would be stocking}.

1. Buy/acquire/collect the essentials. You will definitely need an ice bucket, a cocktail shaker {or two}, a bottle opener, a corkscrew, something with which to stir, coasters for impromptu parties, a strainer, and glassware.  I also think that it is glamorous to have an ornate champagne bucket on hand for spur-of-the-moment celebrations.

2. Get the liquor necessities… and it’s only a necessity if you, my love, like it. Or… if one of your best friends {who is a frequent cocktail guest at your home} loves it.  If you hate, utterly hate gin, don’t buy it {I only own some because it was a gift… from a gin drinker}.  Can’t stand whiskey? You don’t need it {though a whiskey sour is a delicious thing… give it a whirl}.  If you want to make sure there is something for every palette, always have vodka {you can mix it with virtually anything}, wine {a bottle of white and red}, and beer {the more obscure, the cooler you look}.  To really be a star, especially if you love summer parties {who doesn’t?}, have some tequila options on hand.  Tequila is perfect for festive margaritas and {arguably more festive} tequila shots.  To go above and beyond and be an entertainer’s dream… have a bottle of champagne. Always.  There is always a reason/person/moment to celebrate.  And nothing says “celebration” like champagne.

3. Make sure you have mixers & ice {bonus Hostess-of-the-Year Points for garnishes}. You can use what you have on hand {any kind of juice, soda, etc.} or get a few of the following: cranberry juice, soda water, tonic, coke/diet coke, 7up, and something tropical {like pineapple juic}.  If you want to make life easy, have a few pre-made mixes {for things like margaritas} on hand.  A few varied citrus options {lemon, lime, orange} are all you need in the garnish department {and they add a fabulous splash of color}.  If you want to go above and beyond, have some coarse salt and sugar on hand with which to rim your glasses.

Every woman knows that her look isn’t complete without the right footwear.  With these ten pairs in your closet {and a fabulous pedicure!}, you’ll be ready for any occasion.

1. Sergio Rossi ‘Boston’ Peep Toe Pump $715
2. DV by Dolce Vita ‘Dugan” Sandal $60
3. Sam Edelman ‘Lazar’ Espadrille $150
4. Jimmy Choo ‘Decoy’ Platform Bootie $995
5. Sperry Top-Sider ‘Southport’ Slingback Wedge $90
6. Lanvin ‘Sandale Clous et Strass’ Sandal $1595
7. Alexander McQueen Peep Toe Sculpted Wedge Pump $930
8. Dior Cannage Stitch Peep Toe Pump $770
9. Jimmy Choo ‘Berry’ Calf Hair Flat $725
10. New Balance ‘1210’ Training Shoe $125

You can just wear one… in your hair, on your wrist, around your waist… for a touch of femininity.  Or you can wear them from head to toe for a frilly, girly, oh-so-cute look.  I can’t get enough bows.  Maybe you’ll fall in love with one {or all} of the bow-topped items below like I have.

1. Crystal Dipped Handheld Mirror Made with Swarovski Elements $350
2. Christian Louboutin Lady Bow $735
3. Anthem of the Ants Bow Romper $62
4. Badgley Mischka Bow Watch $150
5. Giuseppe Zanotti Chiffon Bow Sandal $850
6. Barneys New York Floral Bow Tie $75
7. Lanvin Silk Bow Front Blouse $1,165
8. Christian Louboutin Madame Butterfly Bootie $1,195
9. Tasha ‘Skinny Bow’ Headband $24
10. Kensie ‘Adrienne’ Hipster $12
11. Dior Cannage Stitch Peep Toe Pump $770
12. Heidi Klein Salina Bow Bikini $235
13. Marc by Marc Jacobs D2 Bianca Bow Pave Bow Earrings $68