Sunday, June 16, 2013

Party time!

As a writer - most of my work is logged during late nights and early mornings with only the clicking of the keyboard to keep me company. As a blogger I thrive on partnerships - interviews with clever creators and photo shoots with snappy objects. I collaborate because I believe in the people, places, things, and emotions that I choose to feature on the blog. Collaboration is a dance between two bodies swaying to the same rhythm. Without the collaboration I am out on the dance floor on my own. I'm cool with that - but every so often it sure is nice when someone reaches out a hand and says, "Want to hit the floor together?" That's when it becomes a dance party. Welcome to my party.

I couldn't be more happy to share that I will be co-hosting an event on Wednesday, June 26th with fashion pioneer Steven Alan. The store sells Alan's namesake line as well as clothing, bags, and accessories by around 100 other fabulous young designers. One of my favorites from their line-up is the incredibly talented handbag designer Clare Vivier. Clare will be here on the 26th - personally monogramming her to-die-for bags! Please do join - and bring friends. The Sentimentalist firmly believes that more = merrier.

THE EVENT



THE BAGS 

Vivier's bags make me weak in the knees. They are sleek, fun, sexy, and perfectly sized for any occasion. I've got my eye on the tan striped clutch for 4th of July weekend. How perfect would it be with a simple white dress? And monogrammed? Done. 










THE LOOKS

I had an absolute blast last week visiting the store, trying on looks, and getting up close and personal with the many treasures that are hidden behind their storefront on the top of Greenwich Avenue. And the outfit options? For those readers who have written in and asked for outfit inspiration - here it is.


For the "Outdoor Evening Dinner Party"
{Dress: Steven Alan}
For "Errands Around Town"
{Top: Lauren Moffatt, Jeans: Won Hundred} 
For "Drinks and Late-Night Dancing"
{Dress: Steven Alan}
For "Extra Swagger while Drinking and Dancing"
{Clutch: Clare Vivier}
For "From Gym to Pick Up"
{Shirt: Steven Alan, Bag: Clare Vivier, Shoes: Shoes Like Pottery}

For "I Even Took Time to Accessorize Effect"
{Bracelet: In God We Trust}
For "Lunch with the Ladies"
{Dress: Steven Alan, Bag: Clare Vivier}

THE STORE 

It's a treasure trove of gems. The beach blanket is the perfect gift for anyone you visit this summer. And the jewelry says "I think you are someone special." when given as a gift. Or "I think I am someone special." when bought for yourself. Gentlemen, there is plenty for you too. No excuses. Get shopping.

These bright colored laces would look super snappy in my old boat shoes.


Men's trunks that are not too short or too long - just right.


The Beach Blanket


Flowers for the Minis = Love


I've had my eye on Military Watch Company for a while - laid back classic.


Eye spy new glasses I want.


The "Kick-around" Shoe that would kick my Converse Chuck Taylor's to the curb...


For The Boys...


Love Love Love. Need Need Need an "E" and an "S".


Baubles


Beauties


Bling


A Clare Clutch with Cute Shorts


Skip the flip flops - and wear these with your cover-up.

The Line Up

Navy sandals? Be different. Do it.

Hope to see you all on the 26th! And please do pass along to those in the area. We'll drink. We'll talk. We'll try clothes. We'll monogram bags. And we'll get sentimental. Can't wait!

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Dear Old Dad

So here I am blogging about just how crafty and organized I am trying to become and what do I do? I leave shopping for Father's Day gifts to the very last minute. Not crafty. Not organized. Sorry Dad. Sorry Husband. I may not have ordered personalized golf balls months ago but I do fancy myself to be a very good last minute shopper. SPOILER ALERT - If you are related to me stop reading now!!! Here's what I came up with yesterday...


FOR JOHN

I've been on a major basket of goodies kick since writing about my friend's cool company here


Feelin' hot hot hot!


We live for corn in the summer. I like boiled. John likes grilled.


Pit Mit? Yup. This means you can touch stuff on the grill and not get burned. Very badass.


A Dark and Stormy is one of our favorite summer drinks. Ginger Beer, rum, ice, lime, perfection.

** The "Gift Basket" was created solely from items I bought at HomeGoods. HomeGoods is the shiz-it! No really they are. Their stuff is quirky, interesting, useful, and affordable. I like them. 


FOR MY DAD



Here's the thing about my dad. He's a very smart man. And he's a crafty man. That means that over the years he has gotten just about every tool one could want or need. We've done power washers, electric drills, GPS navigators... And the books! I would be shocked if my dad hasn't read every single book ever written about wars of any kind. He's old school and carries hardcover books in his briefcase on the train and subway as he commutes to work. I kind of dig it. I like things that don't change over time. Thanks for staying predictable Dad. So because the well has finally run dry - I will be giving my dad new "mommy made portraits" of his adorable granddaughters this year. I know he'll love it. Oh, and we'll be barbecuing together too. Time together is really the most important part.


FOR THE REST OF YOU

It might have to be all about the I.O.U. this year. These gifts are great but alas they must be ordered. So unless you get on the horn today and have them overnighted they might be a little late. But I've always said "better late than never". It's the thought that counts right?



Father's Day Gift Guide


How many times has dad's phone battery run out at the least opportune time? Problem solved. This one is also good for the guy who has an iPhone and a Blackberry. It works for both.

Sandy feet after hanging ten with the kids at the beach? This will help to get feet clean before they get in the car. Is this really a gift for dad? Maybe... I think great gifts really do please the whole family. Right sweetie? Moms can thank me later for this one. 

This brand was created by a hockey player. I met him once and he said they were really made for men with "muscular" backsides and thighs. They work for my baseball boy. It's a good thing John stopped reading after the spoiler alert or else he would be very embarrassed that I'm telling you all his ass looks great in these pants. Fun bonus - Pockets are lined with great fabrics which adds a nice little pop of color to these basic chinos!

We are big golfers in our house. We (READ: Lindley, NOT John) are also big on finding lost balls in the rough. It's that whole "free" thing that always gets me. The more balls I find - the less I buy. So these cufflinks are actually made from balls that others have shanked and lost at TPC Sawgrass, headquarters of The Players Championships, on the very challenging 17th hole. RAD!  

And really what man doesn't like knives? MEAT. KNIVES. CUTTING MEAT. All very manly... This knife holder is super chic and unique. I just need a new kitchen and then we'll have the perfect place to put it. 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Hot Lips

Lovin' me some fuchsia lips these days... One can always blend into the crowd with subtle make-up and then *SHAZZAM* - you add pink lips and you become fabulous! Notice how I have selected images of women with different skin tones, different shades of hair, and different colored eyes. Truly this look can work on anyone. Be brave and pucker up! 

















A few of my favorites: