Loading

Friday, December 31, 2010

Possessionsta 31 Days of Giveaways - 2011

31Days











Hair of The Dog: just a few of the items I'll be giving away

Bottom Row: Elle Magazine's Ellements of Personal Style, Lily and Miggs silk chiffon dress, Ryan Ryan gold initial pendant as seen on Rachel from Glee





Tomorrow, most likely, you will wake up hungover.


Physically, that hangover will be caused by that bottle of champagne you downed.


And mentally? That hangover is known as January. 


Caused by your impending credit card, as January plays out you'll have flashbacks of last month's purchases: that too expensive New Year's top,  Christmas gifts for 30 of your closest friends. And a New Year's eve bar tab that could bankrupt even Adrienne Maloof.


But before you swear to get back on the shopping wagon and try to be more fiscally, *gasp* responsible, take some advice from this Possessionista: three advil, a regular coke on ice and a dose of the "hair of the dog that bit ya."


Hold on. Put that Champagne  bottle down.


STARTING TOMORROW and for the next 31 days, I'll be giving away items from some of my favorite designers, stores and artists to one lucky reader daily.


Each day the blog will highlight one item and that's when/where you'll enter to win. Each entry will be open for 7 days. 


Just a little taste of these amazing bags, shoes, boots, clothes and jewelry and you'll be back off the wagon and shopping by February 1.


Make joining Shop-Anon your New Year's resolution for next year.


Possessionista 31 Days of Giveaways Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary. All prizes in the 31 days of Giveaways were generously donated by the company featured. The Possessionista does not accept money or gifts in exchange for these items. The companies featured in 31 Days of Giveaways did not pay to participate in the 31 Days of Giveaways. Winners will be chosen at random, and odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. The Possessionista is not responsible for late, lost, stolen, illegible or incomplete entries which will be disqualified. By entering the Possessionista 31 Days of Giveaways, you give your consent to the prize-giving company to use your email for future marketing.  Only one entry per person per giveaway.  Prizes are not refundable or returnable. They are regiftable, but that's just tacky.






Thursday, December 30, 2010

Bachelor Fashion - Tenley's Red Carpet Parade

I hate to admit it, but I read Reality Steve. The truth is, although the guy's ego is bigger than Kim Kardashian's, er, bank account (hello? a date realitysteve contest and a self-coordinated meetup with him at Chicago's Wrigley Field? Really?) no one has better scoop when it comes to the Bachelor than he.

But when he recently took issue with former Bachelor contestants for attending an endless stream of red carpet events - and tweeting about it-  I asked myself whether I wouldn't do the same.

If I were 26, hot and fresh off a hit reality TV show, you can bet your Valtrex that I'd be at every red carpet event I was invited to faster than you can say Vienna Girardi.

And my guess is he would too.

Though he probably wouldn't look nearly as good in any of these dresses.


Tenley at Kim Kardashian's watch launch party
$275
Ted Baker

Tenley at the AMA's
$129.00
French Connection

Tenley at the Jingle Ball
$52.20
Motel Rocks

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Kyle's Red Colorful Interview Top


Though we saw it first on Real Housewives of DC when Mary had to put a security system on her closet, it wasn't until I saw Kyle Richards and niece Nicky Hilton wearing similar Yoanna Baraschi dresses that I realized there's totally a market out there for designer mom and daughter clothes. 


Think of it as the equivalent to American Girl doll clothing for socialites and starlets.




$229.50
The Hip Chick

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Jillian Harris Fashion: Leather leggings and gray tunic at Design Event


Hi Dana,

I am DYING to know where Jillian's grey tunic/leggins...can you ID them?  Thanks so much!!! Stacy

People don't understand how much pressure I am under. They think my blog is shallow, superficial.

The most dismissive refer to it as my "little blog."

They don't realize that sometimes it's a matter of life and death. Like Jillian's grey swing tunic and leather leggings. 

Because I'm not just a blogger.

I'm trying to save your life.

Grey tunic, H&M, about $12.00
Frye Harlow Campus, $291.00, Zappos
Leather Leggings, Aritzia (not online. sorry.)


Monday, December 27, 2010

Ali Fedotowsky Style: Ali's blue puff sleeve dress from the Lupus Bag Lady Luncheon


Hi Dana, LOVE LOVE LOVE your blog! And especially love the posts you do about bachelorette fashion. Ali recently wore this dress to the 8th Annual Lupus LA Bag Ladies Luncheon, and I just absolutely love it. I am going to an engagement party and thought this might be appropriate to wear to it? Thoughts? I just love the shoulders and the cut of the dress! Thanks,  Laura


Like the period between herpes outbreaks,the hiatus between The Bachelor Pad and The Bachelor has been unexpectedly long.

We are but mere weeks out from the premiere of The Bachelor, and I'm as anxious as an infected bachelorette looking for love.

On the one hand, I'm open minded. I mean, once upon a time I stalked Jillian Harris and Ali Fedotowsky's clothing, without so much as even a Twitter handle to work with. On the other hand, I'm all alone in my search for the wardrobe of 30 love (and fame) seeking singletons.

Leaving me as helpless as someone without health insurance.

Still, I'm confident if I can track down Ali's blue puff sleeve dress from her Lupus Luncheon, there just might be a remedy to my problems.

But what transpires for those bachelorettes? Well, I'm just not sure that there's anything strong enough for what's in store for them.

At least not over-the-counter.


$68.00 (use code n2011 for 30% off and free shipping)
KarmaLoop

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Cake Pops for Dummies - Recipe, tips and hints for making Cake Pops

My first foray into cake pops

The only thing that I like more than trendy clothes are trendy desserts. From chocolate fountains to cupcake wedding cakes, I'll jump on a dessert trend faster than Rachel Zoe can order a venti nonfat sugar free vanilla latte.

So for my annual New Year's Eve party, I wanted to wow my guests with my baking prowess by jumping on board the latest dessert du jour - cake pops.

To be fair, my artistic abilities leave a lot to be desired. Having scored only a B- in fundamentals of art in the 10th grade, I knew enough to keep it simple.

So here is the recipe, and tips for the kitchenally challenged, on how to make fool-proof cake pops.


Bake a cake. Seriously. Any cake. I used white for my test, but I'd recommend yellow. Just because I like yellow cake better.


Crumble the cake into little pieces. You can do this in a food processor but then you don't need to lick your fingers which is sort of the point, no?

Dump 1/2 - 3/4 of a tub of frosting into the crumbled cake bits and combine into a dough-like consistency.  (Most recipes called for the entire tub, but it was waaaaaay too sweet.) 

Refrigerate the whole thing for at least one hour,


Take out the refrigerated dough and roll them into balls. Melt a little baking chocolate or melting candy (my preference) and dip lollipop sticks into the melted candy and then insert into the cake balls.

Refrigerate again. 
This is the critical step. You need them really, really cold if you don't want them to fall apart.


Melt the remainder of your chocolate or candy melts.

Tip: When they say dont get any water in your candy they aren't kidding. I got a drop of water from my double boiler in my candy the first time and it destroyed the consistency. Do it in the microwave on 30 second intervals to keep your candy/chocolate in perfect dipping consistency.


Tip 2: If you are using chocolate chips, add a little vegetable oil to thin out the chocolate. Otherwise the dip is too thick.


One by one, remove balls from refrigerator and dip. Twirl the stick and lightly tap against the side of the dipping bowl to remove any excess chocolate and sprinkle.


Stand pops upright in a styrofoam block to dry and serve. 

Makes about 50.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: The Ben Towne Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research








If Cancer were an episode of Gossip Girl, Neuroblastoma would be Juliet Sharp.


It hides in the shadows. It pretends to be something else. 


And then it turns your world upside down. And you are never the same.


I know this because in 2008 I lost my friend Ben Towne to Neuroblastoma. 


In his short life, Ben taught me a lot of things. The importance of friendship. The value of humor.  That we make our own miracles.


During 18 months of treatment, Ben Towne defied the odds. When given just 24-72 hours to live, Ben endured for 3 months.  He acquired every diecast model from Cars, the Movie. He hit a tennis ball with the accuracy of Roger Federer. He could kick anyone's ass in Wii golf.


And did I mention that Joel McHale mentioned him on The Soup?


Not bad for just three years old.


In 2010 I gave you 614 reasons to spend your money: dolman sleeve sweaters, overpriced jeans, flat knee high boots, and about nine million polka dot tops from Glee.


On this Christmas Eve, I'm giving you just one more. And if you only spend your money on one thing you ever see on this site, please donate to the Ben Towne Foundation for Pediatric Cancer Research.  100% of donations to the Ben Towne Foundation go towards pediatric cancer reasearch. And where there is research, there are cures. 


We make our own miracles.


Merry Everything.



Thursday, December 23, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Zappos

zappos

What are you doing still reading these shopping guides?


It's two days before Christmas and you haven't finished your shopping?


Well don't blame me. For the last 23 days I've given you more than a few of my favorite items to give (and get.)


Fortunately for those of you (me) who like to wait until the last minute there's Zappos who practically invented next day free shipping. Seriously, I swear. Sometimes I'll order something and it's shipped before I've even confirmed my purchase.


I hope you like what I've picked out from Zappos.


Since they've probably shipped them out to you already.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: The Hip Chick

HipChick

I'm always fairly skeptical of anyone who doth protest too much. 


Insist that you're happy, rich or beautiful, and I'm pretty sure you're trying to convince yourself. The truth is that people who have money rarely feel the need to talk about it. A person who insists her life is perfect is probably hiding some deep dark secret. And never look directly at a girl named Jolie or Belle.


Based on this theory, you'd expect a boutique called The Hip Chick would only carry pieces approved by Snookie and Juliette Lewis. 


Turns out my philosophy isn't totally spot on. Despite its overreaching name, The Hip Chick does, in fact, carry the prettiest and coolest threads including Alexis Bittar, David Lerner, Elizabeth and James and Chan Luu. It's more Kyle than Kim Richards, if  you get my drift.


And while most of their prices are for those who need not talk about their money, the sale section is not to be missed. 


For those of us who need to insist that we're so happy with how much money we have.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters
Top Row: Deena and Ozzy intarsia trapper hat $24, Pins and Needles short sleeve rugby sweater $42, Zara Terez Pyrite necklace $65
Middle Row: Pins and Needles ruffle front lady coat $138, Carin Wester Milano Bag $220, Truly Madly 80's Sweatshirt $38
Bottom Row: Nom De Plume Sawyer Ya Ya dress $89, Dolce Vita Jeweled Heel $228, Pins and Needles Velvet Trim Blouse $54


I think the world's most underrated shopping experience is Urban Outfitters.


In between the hemp wall hangings and quirky table top books is a veritable treasure just waiting to be unearthed. Whether your style is girly or punky, you can find current trends and classic pieces, including blouses that channel Chanel and dresses that could be easily mistaken for vintage.


With a pricepoint that's just-right for most of us, and a handful of splurge-y pieces, Urban Outfitters is a perfect spot for impulse buys as well as of-the-moment trend pieces that you just can't bring yourself to buy the real deal. Plus, their partnerships with International designers are totally couture without the price tag. And their selection of Jeffrey Campbell shoes makes me positively giddy.


And I'm not alone. Stylists like Lou Eyrich from Glee and Mandi Line from Pretty Little Liars both adorn their little divas almost exclusively in UO. And stylists like Lindsay Albanese uses it to dress up the ever adorable Ali Fedotowsky for many red carpet events.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Revolve

REVOLVE

Calling me self-centered is like calling me a brunette.


It's something I've known all my life.


And it goes without saying that I've always felt the world revolves around me.


So it's ironic that despite my many, many attempts to get the uber cool Revolve Clothing to advertise with me, it's only recently that they finally conceded.


Proving that perhaps the world may not REVOLVE around me.


But there's no doubt I have significant pull on its orbit.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Pink Mascara

PINK MASCARA


Some of the most memorable periods in my life are marked by mascara colors.


At summer camp, the first time I was aknowleged by (arguably) the coolest girls in the village is marked by blue mascara (wet & wild.) I was 12.


The first trip I took with a boyfriend, who would one day become my husband, was to Seattle, where I learned that purple mascara would really make my green eyes pop.


And one of my first affiliates is a little boutique known as Pink Mascara, which specializes in celebrity labels like House of Harlow, LNA and Wildfox, as well as a great selection of Alice + Olivia, Parker and J Brand.


Meaning that years from now, when I look back on the little blog that could, these memories will be marked with Pink Mascara.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Charm & Chain

CHARMANDCHAIN

I adore jewelry shopping. Flea markets, Forever21, vintage shows and estate sales. The world is my grandmother, and I'm just waiting to inherit her baubles.

Charm & Chain was one of the greatest discoveries I made writing Possessionista. 

Because Charm & Chain carries the high end jewelry designers like Erickson Beamon and Alexis Bittar as well as trendy Frieda and Nellie friendship bracelets (covet) and vintage, one-of-a-kind and editorial pieces.

And though a lot of their selection has appeared on Gossip Girl there's just as many under $100 finds.

Because if the world is a grandmother, than Charm & Chain is one of those grandmother's like Goldie Hawn that are too stylish to actually call Grandma. 

And I just love rifling through her jewelry box.


Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Alys Grace

alysgrace

It's important as women that we dress appropriately for our age. 


And as a thirty-something I sometimes struggle with wanting to wear clothes that are better suited for some of my younger readers. (I'm talking specifically about those giant faux fur jackets and sequin leggings.)


Luckily Tiger Bachler, owner of Alys Grace knows you don't have to compromise style as we hit our 30's.


The sophisticated San Francisco boutique is a favorite of Bachelorette Ali Fedotowsky, and caters to extraordinary women of all ages and sizes.


Responsible for the crazy frenzy of Report one shouldered ponchos, Alys Grace has the greatest selection of Chan Luu jewelry, Vince sweaters and DL1961 jeans.


Best of all, you'll feel as extraordinary about yourself as you will about the clothes.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Designs by Stephene

DesignsbyStephene



There are certain names I don't pronounce for fear of sounding stupid.


Dom Perignon.
Linea Pelle.
Botkier


My latest affiliate -Designs by Stephene - is one of my favorite haunts when I'm looking for a little retail therapy, but until they became Team Possessionista, I never knew it was pronounced Stef-an-ee.


Like the middle Tanner girl from Full House.


So check out my picks for gifts to give and get from Designs by Stephene.


And for Goodness sake, prounounce their name correctly.


Because as Stephanie Tanner put it best: mispronouncing someone's name?


How rude.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Possessionista Gift Guide: Stefani Bags





As a child, I used to dream that my mother would somehow forget me in a toystore and I'd have the opportunity to spend the night surrounded by books, games and dolls.


As an adult, the fantasy remains, but the destination has changed.


Though I swapped out Toys R Us for Stefani Bags, the opportunity to spend hours with product that never makes me feel fat, sad or lonely is what fantasies are made of. And with code XMAS25 take 25% off storewide (33% off sale items)


And, yes.


That fantasy includes leather.


And studs.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Glee Fashion - A Very Glee Christmas - The Cheerio's Socks

Look what I found at Target today!

Glee Cheerleaders socks
Candy Cane KNee High Stripe Socks with fur trim
$5.00
Target

Possessionista Gift Guide: Singer22



Once upon a time, to be considered a celebrity, one needed to excel in at least one of the threats: acting, dancing or singing.

Today, to be considered a celebrity, one needs only to be featured on the celebrity inspired fashion headquarters Singer22.

This comprehensive shopping destination IDs paparazzi shots, and lets you shop by celebrity. Which means you can shop right off the backs of Nicole Richie, the Kardashians, Kristin Cavallari, Stephanie Pratt, Ashley Tisdale, Megan Fox, Annalynn McCord, Rachel Bilson and Ashley Green.

Making you practically a celebrity too. And you can tell everyone you're a Singer.

Even if you can't carry a tune.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Day to Night: Holiday Season Office Party



Hi Dana,
Great Blog.  I love it.  I'm hoping you can give me suggestion on what to wear for my work holiday party. I'm new to the company so I'm not sure how dressy people wear to the party and  I can't ask my coworkers since I don't think people from my department are going.  It's right after work so it has  to be something I can wear during and after work.  It's freezing cold where I live but I don't want to wear pant to the party either.  Any Suggestion?  Thanks Dana.  Looking forward to hearing your suggestion.


Along with high-waisted jeans, harem pants and fur vests, post work parties are one of the biggest fashion conundrums we will face in our short time here on Earth.


Save for glow-in-the-dark fabric or twinkle lights, it's not easy to choose a dress that can blend in the day, and stand out at night. Which is why, when it comes to work parties, I always suggest choosing a simple silhouette and keeping it business casual with a girly blazer, cardigan or sweater and then taking it to nighttime with flashy accessories or a statement shoe.

And should it turn out that your co-workers are more flannel and beer than cashmere and pearls Just 86 the accessories, and toss on a pair of sequin Converse for a totally casual holiday look.



work parties

Possessionista Gift Guide: ShopBop


SHOPBOP


I always wanted to go to the University of Wisconsin - Madison.

There was something so cool about its campus that despite being smack in the middle of the frozen Midwest, both laid back West Coasters and Edgy Easterners were equally drawn to it.

I think of Madison-based Shopbop in much the same way. Despite its Midwestern roots, Shopbop has an inherent coolness that caters harmoniously to laid back California couture as well as sophisticated New York style.

And, much like gaining admission to the University of Wisconsin, finding a sitewide sale at Shopbop is difficult, but not impossible.

It just takes a little patience, dedication and luck.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Glee Fashion: A Very Glee Christmas

No actual reindeer were injured in the making of these novelty sweaters


As the only Jewish girl in my entire elementary school, I learned rather quickly how to navigate through Christmas season. 


By knowing every single word of every single Christmas carol.


My love of Christmas carols remains today. Especially modern carols sung by Top 20 artists.


Seriously, I still listen to that 24-hour Christmas carol radio station that only exists in December, I choreographed dances with co-workers to Step Into Christmas, and I own every Christmas-themed Backstreet Boy album.


And although the Mariah Carey version of All I Want for Christmas remains my all-time favorite Christmas Carol,  Finn and Rachel's version of Last Christmas  runs a very, very close second.


Also in the running? Last night's episode which is definitely in my top 5 favorite Glee episodes. In spite of the novelty-sweater-palooza, Rachel's outfits were beyond compare. And there wasn't a dry eye in the house when we finally got to see Artie walk.


And that wasn't the only Christmas miracle.


Emma also made a reappearance.




Rachel's red reindeer sweater and houndstooth mini skirt
Sweater is H&M - Thanks to Laura at LKC Style for the tip
Skirt is Aqua by Bloomingdales, 2009 (sorry)


Rachel's navy sweater dress with white piping
Cashmere Intarsia Dress
$160.00
Brooks Brothers Fleece
(Eat a sandwich, Lea!)

(Emma wore it in a different color)
$229
Bergdorf Goodman
(Thanks Danielle at WWEPW for the tip)

Rachel's Cable Knit Short Sleeve Sweater and Suspender Skirt
Zara


Rachel's sleeveless, white piped dress with red bow detail and skirt
Vintage

Rachel's Star Print Sleeveless Dress
$550
FarFetch




Rachel's pleat front button dress
Southward Stop Dress by Maeve
$220 (no longer available but TONS on eBay)
Anthropologie
Thanks Laura


Glee Club's Red and White Arm Band Cardigan
$44.00
Urban Outfitters

Double Breasted Peacoat, $32.80 Forever 21
(still available in stores, but not online.)

Tina's panda hat
$35.00
Stefani Bags

Cheerios Red tripe fur knee socks
$5.00
Target






Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...