Better Late Than Never

Dang Gina. I had all hopes of posting this list well over a week ago. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. I'll spare you the excuses. My guess is many of you have waited until the very last weekend to finish up (or maybe even start) your holiday shopping. So, here are some ideas for my fellow procrastinators.

Without further ado... MY OFFICIAL 2007 CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST:

Mi madre - A subscription renewal to one of her favorite mags: O, The Oprah Magazine. I actually gave her the initial subscription a few years ago for Christmas and I just continue to renew it. It's a gift that keeps on giving. Also, since my mother retired she has really become a jet-setter. I'm so happy about this and know that a gift card from any major airline would be put to good use immediately. Check the corresponding airline's website for more info on how to hook-up the world-traveller in your life.



Mi hermano - My big bro will be a hip-hop head for life. But he's honestly a hip-hop elitest of sorts. A Soulja Boy fan he is not. That is why I know he'll appreciate this authentic coffee table book, Born in The Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop (Rizzoli); major bookstores nationwide. The photographs in this tome were taken by the well-respected Joe Conzo and truly captures the golden days of hip-hop.



Mr. TK (aka boyfriend/significant other)- I'm such a private person so revealing too much of my personal life on this blog is terrifying for me. But, I will say Mr. TK is still MIA. (well, sorta) We'll see what 2008 will bring. Anywho, I would enojy treating someone to a relaxing facial and/or massage at Harlem's own BBraxton. Catering specifically to men, BBraxton seems to have just the right mix of cool and masculinity my TK would desire. 212.369.3094/1400 Fifth Avenue at West 116th Street
http://www.bbraxton.com/default.asp
(Blogger isn't letting me post the pic but please check BBraxton out on their website. So sexy. So cool. Gotta love all that haberdashery being back in Harlem!)

The BFF - My best girlfriend is a working mom and rarely makes time to pamper herself because she's so dedicated to her family. But I know that she's secretly a glamourpuss and would love these pencils from Color by Cynde Watson. Isn't the packgaging slammin'?! Plus the line was created by a top make-up artist who happens to be a sister.
http://beauty.hsn.com/color-by-cynde-watson-precious-eyes-eye-color-pencil-kit_p-3656210_xp.aspx
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=276133369



My nieces - I adore stationery. Always have too. My dad ensured that I had my own personalized stash as a little girl. In keeping up that family tradition, I can't wait to get my seven and four-year old nieces a set of their own from American Stationery. This catalog based company is super-affordable but doesn't skimp on the quality or style. Now they'll have no excuse for not writing letters to Auntie B!
http://www.americanstationery.com/shopping/prod_catalog/prod_catalog.asp-cat-35-page-1



A not-so close co-worker, neighbor, hairstylist, manicurist, etc. - Gift cards, gift cards, gift cards. But I like thinking outside of the box. Movie theater tix. Barnes & Noble or iTunes hook-ups. Even a Starbucks gift card for ten bucks. In this case (we probably don't know each other that well), it really is the thought that counts.

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

The title is a stretch but I wanted to get your attention. I am overdue for a post and don’t have the time or energy to put up part two of my holiday shopping list right now. Meanwhile, I’m visiting my fam for the weekend. So funny updating this blog from my mother’s computer which for the record is much faster than mine. While on the plane traveling here, I caught up on some reading and came across the gorgeous ensemble below in the latest issue of TIME Style & Design.



This sorbet hued frock would be hot all by itself (those sleeves!) but paired with that ridiculous chunky turquoise necklace is just sinful. I think I’m even more moved by this vibrant color and ultra femininity because it’s the dead of winter and I’ve been wrapping up in layers to protect me from the harsh effects of a Northeast winter. NYC had the first real snow of the season yesterday. I admit that I rock bright colors year-round - they look so good on brown skin - but this pic (courtesy of Giambattista Valli) injected just a lil’ bit of summer into my life today and I felt the need to share.

You can thank me later. Oh, and my mom says hello.

P.S. – If you’re patiently waiting for the temps to increase where you are too, accessories can definitely help. Mittens (Don’t we prefer them over gloves?), scarves and hats in primary colors make any grey or black coat pop. And will erase those winter blues – at least for a minute.

Let’s Take It Back To The Old-School

This is going to be quick - I have Saturday morning errands to run. But I’m slowly learning that every post doesn’t have to be the same (long) length. Before I go off errand running I need to share my fabulous find of the week. Well, it’s actually the fabulous find of a co-worker of mine. Feast your eyes on the handbag below:



Bananas, right? Old-school handbags officially made their comeback a few years ago but MCM kinda stayed in the shadows. (I did peep Salt of Salt ‘N Pepa rocking a gigantic signature logo one on her reality show.) The huge logo screams "look at me" but it works here because, duh?, it’s a freakin’ MCM bag. Now if it was Gucci, Fendi, Prada, etc. it would be so obnoxious but on this bag it’s slightly kitschy. Loves. It.

For the youngins who might be clueless reading this, MCM is a European luxury brand that was uber-popular in the States from the mid 1980s to the mid 1990s. Rappers like Finesse & Synquis had outfits made out of MCM leather for their music videos. Since everything old is new again, the company appears to be attempting a comeback with a younger, hip set. The bag in the picture sells for $995 at Bloomingdale’s. (Yeah, that’s what I said.) Their other current offerings are way too gaudy for my taste. My co-worker clearly got the best of the bunch.

I hear that eBay sells authentic vintage MCM bags pretty regularly but I think I’m content sneaking a peek at my co-worker’s for now. Let’s hope she doesn’t freak out at my stares… Oh well, off to the grocery store I go!

The British Are Coming!

That’s me in the above pic during my London jaunt a few years back. I lived in London in ’03 and while my stay was brief, I became attached to several things. London is synonymous with bad cuisine, but I always managed to get delicious grub in Brixton. I also grew fond of Neal’s Yard (awesome organic health and beauty products), Portobello Road and Spitalfields Market (inexpensive vintage finds) and window shopping at Liberty or Browns (think Henri Bendel or Jeffrey with cooler interiors).

One of my absolute fave London shopping spots was Topshop. The retailer gained some American notoriety earlier this year with their Kate Moss/Barneys initiative but it’s still unknown to most on this side of the pond. Well, let me tell ya - Topshop is the TRUTH! Imagine a wallet-friendly mass retailer that combines the femininity of Zara, the trendiness of H&M with the sophistication of Club Monaco. Now imagine that same place stocking their shelves with new merchandise as often as three times a day.



I frequented the flagship store in Oxford Circus because it was walking distance from my flat and my school. I went there way too often. Sportswear, outerwear, denim, footwear, accessories, lingerie - it’s all there. Topshop is a leader of what the Brits have labeled the High Street. And dudes, there’s a Topman for y’all as well.

So, what does this really have to do with you? Topshop is officially opening up a store in the U.S. next September! Rumors have circulated about this move before but this time the talk seems legit. Now, my Topshop finds won’t feel as exclusive (picture me looking sad) but I’m still excited. WWD is reporting that the store is scheduled to open in Soho (perfect fit) and gradually expand to other locations.

If any of the nine (Thanks Barri!) folks reading have ever been to Topshop - please leave a comment and share your experience. Are you excited about the soon-to-be British transplant?

Joining the H&M Hoopla

Okay, so I wasn’t apart of the H&M hysteria surrounding Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney or even the recent Roberto Cavalli. Waiting in line for hours to purchase any designers clothes and possibly being injured in the process is not my idea of fun. Go figure. However, I’m totally excited about the upcoming collabo of H&M and Finnish textile firm Marimekko. Marimekko is known for their vivid prints and bold color usage and has been in the fashion game for decades. In fact, H&M execs plan to include popular patterns from the Fifties through the Seventies in this collection for Spring 2008. The line is slated to hit H&M stores internationally in April of next year and will include looks for men, women and children.

I’m super excited about the above illustration of the designs and hope I’m not disappointed with the real deal. There is an understated sex appeal to this sketch that I love. All the brown models definitely have something to do with my excitement as well. Will it be worth waiting in line for hours? I don’t know, but something tells me there won’t be nearly as much hoopla surrounding this collection since Marrimeko isn’t a household name like Cavalli and Lagerfeld. More cute sundresses for me!

Who’s Been Naughty; Who’s Been Nice?

South Africa Dreamin’

This is just the time of year I would typically distribute my Christmas Wish List as a child. It was a tradition in my household while I was growing up and I continued it until I was well into my 20s. Yeah, I can be that chick. I knew no one was really paying me or the list I gave them any attention post high school but it was habitual I guess.

No matter that I wasn't going to get half the things on my wish list because my parents were struggling to keep me in a private elementary/junior high school and my older brother in a private university. Struggling to make sure I could participate in Girl Scouts, attend dance classes and take piano lessons while sacrificing things like new furniture for themselves. Those wish lists encouraged me to dream, to have the audacity to ask for more.

A post will soon follow with items I would like to give to my loved ones this year. Don’t worry, I no longer leave milk and cookies out on Christmas Eve. But the Charlie Brown/Peanuts Christmas song is officially in my CD rotation.

Drumroll Please… Presenting My OFFICIAL 2007 Christmas Wish List!

An iPod. Notice that I just mentioned playing CDs. I do not own, nor have I ever owned an iPod. Tragic, I know. And I honestly haven’t missed having one until this year. But, my last few airplane rides with the cumbersome CDs, CD player and CD case were just a plum mess. As if traveling via airplane hasn’t become complicated enough. I also have a daily commute of close to 3 hours (round-trip) so the convenience of owning an iPod will make my life just a little easier.

Tickets to a Stevie Wonder concert. I missed the most recent show at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. No real explanation needed for this one. He’s a musical genius. Funny, I’ve met him but still haven’t seen him perform. Right behind Stevie are Earth, Wind & Fire (Note to Diddy; they are a band.) and Prince - another musical genius.

A v-neck cashmere sweater in black, grey and/or orange. Staples, staples, staples. It’s a no-brainer. Perfect paired with slacks, a pencil skirt or even denim.

A Louis Vuitton classic monogram speedy bag. I normally stray away from items that every other female in NYC owns. But, it’s compact (unlike my shopper tote) yet roomy enough for a squirrel like me and the cost per wear will actually make it worth the money in the long run. Plus, I love that it looks just as chic with a pair of stilettos as it does with sneakers. The Fendi ‘Spy’ bag, the Chloe ‘Paddington’, the Hermes ‘Birkin’ - all too trendy for this working girl. The LV Speedy stands the test of time.

A plasma flat-screen television. I don’t know much about electronics so I have a little more research to complete before picking one out. (Ben, HELP!)

A fish tank. And fish for the fish tank. What a sleek addition to my bachelorette pad, right? I owned goldfish growing up but now I think I want tropical fish. I know they require a lot of work (I can barely manage my apartment now.) but I’m up for the challenge. I think the fish would add such a relaxing element to my home. Perhaps this desire has something to do with me being a Pisces?

An all-expense paid trip to South Africa. I am already working on making this trip happen by my dang self in 2008 but who can blame me for trying? A little financial assistance would be most appreciated. Hoping to visit Capetown and Jo’berg. And ya know I’ll blog about it when I do.

I am compelled to add that I know gift giving is not what Christmas is really about. I’m a Christian (Although I’m starting to wonder what that truly means - Mom don’t panic.) and I feel that the commercialization of Christmas is just beyond. C’mon - Cyber Monday? Still, I enjoy this season and all it has come to mean to me and my family. This PSA is officially over.

9 Questions For… RODNEY LOVEJONES

With a name like Rodney LoveJones, being cool just ought to be your birthright. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Mr. LoveJones created Bill Jones Epicure Delights nearly four years ago. This boutique pastry company is known for confectionery treats like red velvet cupcakes with crushed cranberries and sweet potato cheesecake. For a recent wedding, he created a pumpkin squash armaretto cake with English coffee armaretto buttercreme. Oh, and the cake was topped off with white chocolate flowers that Rodney hand-painted to add a fresh floral look. How’s that for mouthwatering?

Before breaking into the world of sweets, Rodney developed a diverse resume having founded his own children’s talent agency and assisting with the launch of the now defunct Suede magazine. But, his true passion is baking and since completely diving in just a few years ago, his clients already include radio personalities Miss Jones and DJ Envy, corporate financial giant Goldman Sachs and the Clintons (as in Bill & Hillary). A true people-person, Rodney’s personal style is just as memorable as the delish delectables he whips up. He’s known for his signature bow-ties in funky colors or prints. Read on to learn why umbrellas are multi-functional, who’s porch is a must visit in Brooklyn and snag yet another reason to head up to Harlem immediately.

PPT: Who are your favorite stylish people?
RLJ: My grandfather William Samuel Jones got dressed to go to his factory job everyday in a suit, fedora, bow-tie and gloves. And he always carried an umbrella. He didn’t want his family to feel less than because he worked in a factory. The gloves helped him hide the calluses on his hands from hard labor. I later learned that the umbrella helped him keep his balance - my grandfather loved him some spirits!

PPT: Where are your favorite stylish places?
RLJ: Saint Germain in Paris, France because it reminds me of NYC’s West Village but it still has something romantic and quaint about it. It has lots of mom and pop shops that I like. Also, Solomon’s Porch in Brooklyn. You can listen to live music, get a great burger and be around nice people.

PPT: What are your favorite stylish things?
RLJ: Bow-ties, because of my grandfather. I got my very first one when I was six years-old from Alexander’s department store. It was velvet and way too big for me at that time but I was extremely excited about it.

PPT: What’s been your biggest splurge?
My Shun Knives designed by Ken Onion. I’m over the embarrassment of how much I paid for them - they’re my favorite knives!

PPT: What about your ultimate budget find?
RLJ: I got a wool camel Burberry car coat for $12 from a thrift shop in Harlem (135th Street & 5th Avenue). No stains, no rips, no missing buttons. And it was dry-cleaned.

PPT: What’s the last book you read?
RLJ: Hmmm. I read more than one book at the same time. For the third time I just read Our Kind of People by Lawrence Otis Graham.

PPT: Who are you listening to?
RLJ: I’m listening to Rahsaan Patterson’s new cd Wine & Spirits. My favorite songs [on it] are Stars and Higher Love.

PPT: Your last vacay (not work related) was to?
RLJ: I went to Paris last year.

PPT: What’s your definition of style?
RLJ: Besides my grandfather, I learned a lot about style from (celebrity make-up artist) Sam Fine. Sam always keeps an impeccably clean make-up kit because people judge him by that before he works on their face. Now, I apply that same philosophy to my utensils as a chef. Even down to how my wait staff presents themselves. Just being able to prepare good tasting food is often not enough in this business.

Originally I promised to deliver a 9 Questions For… every month. My bad. Things happen. Life happens. Going forward, I’ll try my best to keep this feature monthly.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!