A Few of My Favorite Things This Week

We are hard at work over here at Real Life Style on the new website and blog, which should be launching by September 1st! Want some more exciting news? We will soon be posting on the blog most days instead of once a week. Don't worry, I won't be overwhelming your inbox with this change. You will still receive your email once-per-week but as a digest of all the week's blogs. In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite new products this week. Happy Shopping!

On a trip to Morocco in 2012, Tory Noll asked a cobbler to turn a handwoven rug into a pair of shoes. When she returned to New York with her custom-made shoes, everyone was asking about them. With high demand, Noll went back to Morocco to work with the local cobbler on designing and making more shoes. Combining vibrant Moroccan textiles with local craftsmanship, Noll's label TEN & Co. sells sandals, oxfords, flats, and booties.  

The Sandal

No. 3003, $180

The Slip-on

No. 2010, $190

The Bootie

No. 1009, $200

Do you love the original Sugar lip balms as much as I do? Wouldn't it be awesome if you could get the same gorgeous scents and moisture as the balms combined with even more gorgeous glossy color? Well now you can! I CANNOT wait to try the new Sugar Lip Shine Treatments from Fresh. The Rosé seems like one of those all-flattering colors one should have in their purse at all times! 

Fresh Sugar Rosé Shine Lip Treatment, $18.50

The shine without the stickiness! 

Does a fluffy stool seem random? I promise, it isn't! I've been lusting after an adorable fluffy foot stool such as this one from Anthropologie ever since I didn't buy one on my honeymoon in Argentina 4 years ago. After a long day with too much shopping for his taste, my husband was in no mood for my trying to bring a foot stool home in our suitcase, despite my cries of how cool and inexpensive it was. I missed out on the real thing then but will be first in line when a $55 version from Nate Berkus becomes available on Target.com on August 31st. Are you a better DIY'er than me? Try making your own following the directions in this post from blog, A Beautiful Mess. 

Anthropologie Luxe Fur Stool, $348

Which of my favorite things is your favorite? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter!

Ten Cheerful Gifts for the Holiday Host or Hostess

Looking for just the right thing to bring to your boss’s annual holiday shindig, or your 20-something sister-in-law’s first ever holiday cocktail party? We have something special for every event this season. Happy Holidays!

Nate Berkus for Target Stoneware Vase, $12.99 

So many parties this season, too many hostess gifts to buy? Get Nate Berkus’s name and style at a great price. Fill this vase with freshly trimmed branches and garnish with a bow for a fancy gift without a fancy price tag.

BeachHouseLiving Vintage Hand-Stamped Cheese or Jam Spreaders, $48 

Etsy is THE place to look for adorable gifts with a personal touch. Your host can spread these knives around a communal cheese plate and serve with after dinner drinks. Order a set now and have them ready to gift for that last minute invite to a sophisticated soiree. I dare you not to buy a set for yourself!

Kate Spade New York Coaster Set, $35 

What 20-something girl doesn’t love an extra touch of glitter in her household? These coasters would look beautiful under champagne glasses at a New Year’s Eve party. My regular readers, and my clients, will recognize these coasters as matching my glitter iPad case!

Palmette Scented Candle Jar in Gift Box, $40 

This candle smells amazing and your host will want to keep the jar on his or her desk as a small stash spot after they burn through the wax.

Wishbone Bottle Opener, $12 

The ideal addition to any holiday bar cart! Gift this bottle opener with a case of fever tree tonic water. I like to bring a case of their ginger beer, a bottle of grenadine and a jar of good maraschino cherries to parties for a fun non-alcoholic option. Thanks to my friend Jim for that idea!

Dear Coco Christmas Collection Chocolate Truffles, $25.20 for 12 pieces 

These locally-made chocolate truffles are seriously incredible. The Christmas flavors are Bavarian Gingerbread and Austrian Linzer Torte, but there are also Chanukah flavors and addictive around-the-world toffee bars. Their November holiday collection was my go-to Thanksgiving party hostess gift this year.

Damien Hirst Anamorphic Cup and Saucer Set, $125

 For the extravagant art lover…Don’t know what to bring to your hedge fund friend’s formal Christmas dinner? These gorgeous Damien Hirst prints reflect off the silver tea cups and are a steal at this price.

 Mark and Graham Linen Satin Stitch Coasters, $35 

Stand out among your colleagues with this practical but charming host/hostess gift at the boss’s annual holiday party. Be sure to order ahead of time!

Jonathan Adler Tortoise and Hare Bottle Stopper Set, $48 

Slow and steady wins the cutest bottle stoppers! Give these stoppers with vintage bottles to serve water and homemade sodas.

Anthropologie Twilight Serving Spoons, $28 

What perennial hostess wouldn't appreciate a fresh pair of shiny serving spoons to brighten the holiday table?

Happy hostess shopping!

Anthropologie Grows a Garden

Every trip is an excuse to go shopping and eat good food, is it not? I was recently admiring a client's jewelry when she told me she had purchased it from Terrain, innovative garden store/restaurant/nursery concept from the folks who brought us Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters and Free People. An invite to a baby shower outside of Philly this past weekend was the perfect excuse to head to Glen Mills, PA and check it out.

My visit to Terrain was a dream, perfect weather and...an Heirloom Tomato Festival! There was a limit to what we could buy while traveling with a toddler stopping to splash in every puddle and dig in every pot of dirt. However, I did come home from Terrain with fresh Wild Flour Bakery bread, Peppermint Goat's Milk Soap, and Little Flower Candy Company Sea Salt Caramels. Keep reading for more details to help you plan your trip to Terrain. Just don't leave on a Saturday morning and drive through beach traffic, like we did...

Watch this fancy 30 second video to see the magical setting and local fresh food at Terrain's restaurant. What the video doesn't show is the GIANT popover (baked in a clay flower pot!) that they serve each table. Our table required two. 

Edible goods for sale in the Terrain shop.

A jewelry trunk show just a few feet away from the tomato table.

Beautiful scarves hanging along side floral art.

Terrain has a thing for Terrariums.

I almost had my husband convinced to let me take home this branch chandelier until we realized we don't have the 15 foot ceiling it requires. However, I'm still pining for one of the birdie mirrors pictured below.

An outdoor vignette

If you aren't in the Philly area and you can't get there, here are a few products you can buy online.. You can also visit their other store in Westport, Connecticut.

These blue studs are perfect for a cool blonde!

Still Water Studs, $240

Hericot Vert Earrings, $128

Vintage Textile Handbag, $398

Backgammon Scarf, $128

Farmaesthetics Nourishing Cream, $38

Terrarium Succulents Plant Collection $45

Mystery Solved:How to Wear Floral Pants

I know what some of you are thinking. Floral pants? Really? Really. One of the most daring (and fun!) trends to try this season is the floral pant or jean. Whether a large, bright pattern or subtle and small print, you’ll stand out from the crowd wherever you go. Printed pants can be intimidating because they draw attention to the bottom half. However, with the right overall silhouette, these pants can be totally flattering and most importantly, fun to wear. These little tips will help you style floral jeans or trousers for an outfit that will have you looking and feeling spring spectacular!

Peplum tops cinch your waist and add the perfect balance to the ultimate feminine silhouette.

ASOS Pants in Bold Floral Print, $67.82

J.Crew Ponte Peplum Top, $78

Try mixing your prints too!

 

UNIQLO Skinny Fit Tapered Jeans, $29.90

Theory Striped Peplum Top, $140

Slouchypatterned trousers are very “in” this season. You can either match the fit with a large boyfriend-style blouse or tuck in a tank top for a more slimming look.

Lashes of London Joggers in Digital Floral, $91.44

UNIQLO Draped Tank Top, $9.90

ASOS Peg Pant in Floral Print, $36.58

Splendid Voile Shirt, $108

 Printed pants at work? If your office has a more casual dress code, this look is totally appropriate. Add a blazer or a tweed jacket to printed pants for an outfit that’s bound to impress your co-workers. 

Anthropologie Miniflora Charlie Trousers, $118

H&M Grosgrain Blazer, $79.95

 H&M Pants, $34.95

H&M Blazer, $59.95

Feminine florals look great with a tough edge, such as a leather t-shirt or boots. Add a rocker-style necklace to tie the look together. 

 

Allsaints Dash Leather T-Shirt, $305

JewelMint Golden Dagger Necklace, $29.99

Oasis Floral Tailored Pant, $74.81

ASOS ALBUM Leather Ankle Boots, $101.73

Sporty sweatshirts can make floral trousers look effortless but still totally chic. The floral print on the casual pants keeps the outfit polished. 

Anthropologie Cora Patterned Trousers, $118

Top Shop Cropped Sweat, $36

UNIQLO Draped Printed Bottoms, $14.90

Splendid Madeline Striped Sweatshirt, $98

The print on these jeans is subtle and great if you aren't ready for bold prints. You can wear them simply with a cute t-shirt, just like you would wear any other pair of jeans! Don't forget to mix your prints or add texture with a lace tee!

 

J.Crew Cropped Matchstick Jean in Indigo Floral, $98

Madewell Meadowlace Tee, $78

Anthropologie Pilcro Stet Slim Printed Cropped Jean, $98

J.Crew Vintage V-Neck in Stripe, $26.50

 

AG and Libery Ankle Skinny Jeans, $245

J.Crew Striped Cashmere Sweater, 238

 Chambray shirts are so easy to wear and match practically everything. Wear with these printed pants for a preppy summertime look. 

 

J.Crew Liberty Toothpick Jean in Tresco Floral, $119.99

Madewell Perfect Chambray Boyfriend Shirt, $69.50

Pearl Georgina Chapman of Marchesa Floral Lace Skinny Pants, $70

Top Shop Cropped Sleeveless Shirt, $52