Amanda's Style

Becki Newton (Amanda) in Ugly Betty on ABC plays a fast talking, jelly
bean eating, sarcastic fashionista and receptionist at Mode magazine.
Becki's character has a very defined sense of style of which I am a fan.


With her petite and slender frame, the show's stylists often dress
Amanda in elegant dresses with belts to emphasize her curves. The
dress on the left is quite beautiful.


Her clothes are always pretty and fitted rather than following the past few
seasons of billowing shapeless clothing. No matter how many times I get
drawn in by store windows full of mannequins in trapeze dresses, as soon
as I put them on I realize that they aren't meant for me. I'm looking forward
to something with more structure this season.


I love the use of puff sleeves and ruffles in these two outfits and the touch
of menswear of the vest and tie on the right. The puffed sleeves also help
to give more volume to Becki's upper half and play up her small waist in
comparison.


The show's stylists aren't afraid to play around with Amanda's style a little
bit. It is supposed to be a fashion mag after all. The outfit on the left is a bit
daring with the plaid shirt and teeny cap sleeve bolero. I like Amanda's big
bouncy curls on the right. I don't think I could pull that off without some
serious help from a stylist.

Holiday dresses

It's Holiday season again and time to get your cocktails on! Here's a selection
of some of my favorite party dresses to brighten (if not warm) up a cold winter
evening.


Plaid, recently brought back by Balenciaga and others is not just for lumberjacks
anymore (Silk Taffeta Tartan dress). For a slightly warmer option this metallic
striped sweater dress looks nice and cozy but still has the requisite shimmer.


As we all know by know, purple is the it color of the season blah blah blah
(Banana Republic Silk pleated dress). And, who doesn't want to sparkle all
through the night (Banana Republic Sequin Dress)? The real question is
where can I buy those fabulous purple gloves?!?!


On the more affordable end of things, these two dresses from the Gap
are quite cute (Strapless Shirred Dress, and Pleated-Waist Dress). The
red one looks like it might be an especially flattering fit.

Ice Hotel

The Ice Hotel in Quebec Canada is constructed each year entirely
from ice and snow, with 4 foot thick walls. I don't know though,
28-23 degrees Fehrenheit still sounds a bit cold to me. Perhaps
that's why all of their packages include a room in the ice hotel and
a room for the same night in the Auberge Duchesnay next door...
Dog sledding (included in the Winter Adventure package) does
sound like fun though!

Sale of the day

Net-A-Porter Sale Spectacular - up to 60% off.
Oh net-a-porter if only 60% off meant I could
afford you... sigh. Marc Jacos Multi-strap leather
boots.

stripey

I'm loving this crazy stripe sweater from the Gap.
The bright colors just make me happy. They had
quite a few other fun striped items a few weeks
ago, but they seem to be selling out quickly.

Outfit of the day

I wore this outfit in Jamestown, VA last week where it was about 75
degrees!

Sweater: J. Crew cashmere cardigan
Tank Top: Old Navy
Jeans: Lucky Brand
Shoes: Natural Sport
Bag: Dooney & Bourke

Fall Colors

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I spent Thanksgiving
at a family reunion on the East Coast and am now
racing for a work deadline on December 3.

After living in Northern California for the past 6 years,
I forgot how amazing fall colors can be! This photo was
taken in Jamestown, VA where the weather was
unseasonably warm. We were wandering around in
t-shirts!

Sale of the Day

For every $50 you spend at Ann Taylor Loft this weekend, you get two $25 gift cards to use later. I love this coat because of its collar. Its refined, yet unique -- my favorite combination.

Erin Featherston for Target

The Erin Featherston Go International line for Target has
been released. There are some pretty pieces if you go for
the cutesy look which I have to admit I often do. I really
like her signature hearts scattered across the collection.


Chiffon Peter Pan Collar Dress and Charmeuse Heart Jumper.


Short-Sleeve Swiss Dot Tie Tunic and Short-Sleeve Jersey Swiss
Dot Shirt.


Wool Long Coat - Oxford Cream and Wool Coat with Hearts. I especially
heart these coats though I'm not entirely sure about spending $90 on a
coat at Target...


Brocade Headband and Heart Scarf.

Sale of the day

Threadless is having a holiday sale. Most t's $10. These make great
christmas presents for most anyone on your list.


Children Under The Bed and Viking Bird.



Cyclope and Fake Pandas Have More Fun.

Sale of the day

Banana republic is having a sale! 30% off
select shoes, denim, scarves and handbags.
Their line of handbags is quite nice, with
stylish touches and beautiful leather. I love
this Somerset large satchel, $228 on sale for
$159.60. Yummy!

Nano Case

Now that my nano is here I need to accessorize! What
I really need are a good armband case and some
headphones for jogging that don't completely block
out all ambient car noises (which can be useful for not
getting run over)...

Cases by Kroo in black (or pink!).


A Kroo neoprene case and a very cool looking case by Shades.


Silicon cover with adjustable armband.


These angel and devil cases are v. cute, but probably
not totally useful for jogging. ;)

Totally cute boot

I saw these steve madden boots on
whowhatweardaily.com the other day...
They are completely chic and and cute,
but then again I seem to be in love with
spectator shoes this season.

Timbuk2

Timbuk2 makes awesome messenger bags.
They're all made right in San Francisco
and you can custom build your own bag
on their website.

This Friday Timbuk2 is having an artists
Originals event at their Hayes Valley store
with all proceeds from the bags going to the
charity of the artists' choice. I've seen some
of the previously designed artist originals
and they can be mega cool.

Nanooooo!

My husband bought me an iPod Nano
and it came in the mail today! Woo! I
am so excited to take it jogging. Now I
just have to find some music...

Rock Star Item of the Day

Marc by Marc Jacobs Snakeskin strap watch.
Awesome studded watch! I don't really wear a
watch (except while jogging), but if I were to get
one it might be this one.

Style Icon -- Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel of indy movie fame has a quirky cool style that never
fails to make a lasting impression. With that dark hair and those amazing
eyes I think she is one of the most beautiful actresses out there. Zooey
is absolutely gorgeous in the picture on left, channeling a bit of old time
french glamour. It makes me want to experiment with fake lashes and
eye-liner!


Zooey often mixes and matches prints and colors for a thrown together chic
look. Adorable bow detail on that jacket!


Always cute and interesting, Zooey in two vintage looks.


She plays the brooding angst-ridden girl well. I first remember seeing
her as Anita Miller in "Almost Famous". I love the combination of this
orange sweater with yellow flats and the bow and lace dress.


Though born in LA to a cinematographer and actress, Zooey manages to
stay out of the tabloids for the most part unlike a lot of other members of
young Hollywood.


Two red carpet looks. Long or short she always looks amazing.