Kimberlee's Pick of the Week: Get Your Motors Running

I have a past filled with stories worth telling, and a mind filled with lyrics worth yelling…It’s no secret that I’m a bit of a wild child.  While my friends were busy spinning bubble gum pink fairytale fantasies of growing up to be Cinderella, I longingly idolized every eternally cool aspect about Joan Jett and all that she stood for.  Fearless, reckless, and head to toe rebellious…with a leather jacket to match.  There is something unquestionably intense and alluring about a choppy head of intentionally messy hair and smoky black eyes worn with knee high motorcycle boots that are wrought with the wear and tear of a life lived on the edge. 

My picks this week are my slightly more feminine, slightly more modern interpretation of a look made iconically cool like only James Dean could.

Up first, are the coolest boots to walk the walk this century, the Highway Boot by Unity created by Carlos Santana.  As one would imagine, practically anything Mr. Santana touches becomes immediately drenched in his aura of cool, and this pair of broken in vintage vibe cognac brown flat motorcycle style boots are no exception.  Complete with a round toe, ankle harness with a (squeal) buckle to match its slightly smaller partner placed at the top of each outer shaft.  Where Carlos has breathed life into them taking them to an entirely new level of cool, is by adding RED full length zippers running up the back each shaft.  A-freaking-MAZING!   (also available in black paired with a BLUE full length zipper).  I am in love. 

What better way to pay complement to the coolest boots on earth than with an ultra modern genuine leather bomber jacket that offers a nod to its vintage inspiration? Posing a slightly Red Baron-esque aviator vibe, the Asymmetric Leather Jacket from Rezrekshn is the perfect balance of striking detail and impressive ease.  Classic moto style blends with an ultra modern asymmetric (higher in the back, lower in the front) hem adorned with cotton ribbing at the waist and the underside of each sleeve, available in a deep luxe brown or the always perfect black. 

Like a true nature’s child, we were born to be wild…and when you see us walk down the street you are definitely going to know it.

Sparkle and Shine This New Years!

I have been searching for a non-black party dress for New Years Eve and came across these sparklers!

My favorite from BCBG on sale for $118

Make an entrance from Betsey Johnson. $428 offered in black or teal

 I think this dress below would look stunning with a pair of black Christian Louboutin from Barneys!

Bebe's Asymetric Sequin Shift Dress $498

Express Lace-Inset Roched Dress on sale for $70.80

Forever 21 Beaded Silver Dress In Red $29.80

Effective Strategies For Successful New Years Resolutions

It is almost the turn of the year and time for us to chose a New Years resolution.  Here are some tips that will help keep you on track this year.



1) Make a plan and write it down. Take the time to organize your thoughts and goals on paper. Once you have the general idea, then you can break it down into steps. Ensure that these steps can be immediate actions. Which leads me to my next tip.

2) Think big picture and work backwards. Take the ultimate goal and write it on the top of the page. Mentally envision what steps will need to happen immediately before the ultimate goal. Then determine what will come before that to make that step happen and so on and so on until you have reached the bottom of the page and have an immediate step.

4) Make it achievable and remain flexible. Aggressive goals with a large margin for failure will only create angst and disappointment. Create challenging goals that aren't going to set you up for failure by being too aggressive. Remain flexible so that you have room to move if you need it. ***Think of it like your favorite pair of jeans. They fit really well but not too tight to where you can't breathe.

3) Make yourself accountable to someone other than yourself. If this is a goal that you are repeating from years past that have failed, clearly being accountable only to yourself hasn't worked. Find a partner who shares your goal, a mentor or a friend who you can report your progress to. You will be far more assertive that way because you won't want them to be disappointed.

Christmas Weekend Bliss: Glamorous Gifts!

What a beautiful holiday! I hope that you and your loved ones had a safe and happy holiday weekend together. We had a family reunion yesterday with Grandma Deli, the inspiration behind Sunday Suppers. Every single member and extended member of the family present' it was truly the best gift anyone could ever receive. I am fortunate to have so many loving arms to come home to.

Santa was good to me as well. I got the gift of glam!! Here are a few highlights:

Thank you Sammy and Kristen! Smash box Lip gloss gift set from Sephora!

Dashing lassie Eyeshadow Set from MAC. Thank you, Rhonda!

My signature scent, Coco Chanel. Thank you, Baby!

I also received a new makeup bag filled with E.L.F. cosmetics! Thank you, Kimmy.

Slumber Party! Pajama Picks That Are Sure To Get The Party Started

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house...Girls in pajamas sipping drinks with their spouse...The stockings were stuffed by the chimney with care...in hopes that St. Nick would bring two pair...Before getting nestled all snug in their beds...they popped popcorn and dreamed of pink, plum and red. Pajamas that is....

Slumber Party Essentials:

• pillows and lots of blankies
• popcorn and candy
• fashion and gossip magazines
• a land line telephone preferably in pink (***not a cell phone- it's important to disconnect from technology for a night to connect with your besties. Prank calls only.)
• nail polish
• skin care for masks

Victoria Secret always has the best selection. What better way to kick off the holiday cheer than a new pair of soft cozy jammies? Here are a few picks of mine:

Sugar Plums

Candy Canes

Le Bonbon

Stocking Stuffers $20 and Under

My stocking is my favorite part of Christmas morning. Here are a few things that are sure to please.

Sock It To Me Thigh High Stockings $19

Bow Diggity Tee. C'mon now, that's just fun. $19.99 

Fine Glitter Headband from JCrew $14.50

A travel mug for my coffee $10.95 

Fingerless cable knit gloves so I can use my iPhone when it's cold outside. Gap $16.99

Pay Up Python Wallet $20

Havana Nights Lace Thong $9.99

How I'm Saving $1,000’s Off My Christmas List

Being in full Yule Tide nostalgia, I signed, sealed, and sent my Christmas list off to Santa Claus a couple of weeks ago with the snow still fresh and the Christmas lights just beginning to twinkle.  My list was full of requests that were thoughtfully selected and edited down to the barest of my fashion essentials.  It was perfectly illustrated, and complete with handmade iced gingerbread cookies packaged lovingly in bubble wrap so as not to allow crumbling on their journey to the North Pole.  No chances are being taken here, I am sure to get exactly what I wish for this Christmas.  Yesterday, I received a letter in the mail sealed tightly in a bright red envelope that smelled of hot cocoa and peppermint.  When I opened it, gingerbread cookie crumbs tumbled onto my lap as I slowly unfolded the single sheet of candy cane stationary.  The letter was from someone addressing himself as Santa’s Head Elf, and it was a very politely worded letter of denial in response to my Christmas List.  Damn. 

After a day or two of feeling utterly devastated and feeling completely sorry for myself, I decided it was time to brush myself off and form a Plan B.  Despite those elves finding my requests to be unreasonable, I believe I can still have the Christmas of my dreams with a few minor (well researched) modifications and a sprinkle of Christmas magic taking my dreams from something only Santa could accomplish (if only those elves would give him the list) to something completely realistic for a fashionista on a much smaller budget.

Here is how I am saving $1,000’s off of my Christmas List this year:

Christmas Dream List: $76,228.00

Christmas Reality List:  $1067.78

Christmas Dream:  William Rast Sami Slouch Jeans, $185

Christmas Reality:  William Rast for Target Destructed Skinny Jeans, $49.99

Christmas Dream:  Pallavi by Diane Von Furstenberg $398

Christmas Reality:  Printed Tunic by BCBG Max Azaria, $128.00

Christmas Dream:  Tsavorite and Pink Sapphire Floral Pendant from Tiffany & Co. $70,000

Christmas Reality:  Paloma’s Marrakesh Dome Pendant from Tiffany & Co. $425

Christmas Dream:  Tiffany & Co.  Tiffany Lacy Round Sunglasses $500

Christmas Reality:  Rachel  Zoe Audrey in Tortoise $36.50

Christmas Dream:  Alti Pump by Louboutin $895

Christmas Reality:  Kaytee by Rachel Roy  $99

Christmas Dream:  Stephanie by Diane Von Vurstenberg $875

Christmas Reality:  Elizabeth by Melie Bianco $35

Christmas Dream:  Louis Vuitton Rolling Luggage, Monogram Vernis Pegase 45 in Pomme D’Amour $2,520 & Louis Vuitton Travel Accessories, Monogram Vernis Jewel Case in Pomme D’Amour  $855

Christmas Reality:  Diane Von Furstenberg Signature Studio Luggage $130

Hostess Gifts $30 and Under

WINE LOVER
Pottery Barn Wine Decanter $29 For wine enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. The asymmetrical top helps make it easier to pour.

Wine: Here is a great website to explore various regions with numerous choices for wines under $30. It's called Plonk Wine Merchants. 


NEWLYWEDS
Pottery Barn's Monogrammed Candle $25 This is the perfect selection for any newly married couple hosting one of their first holidays together.

CLASSIC STYLE
Tiffany & Co. Crystal Bowls: $30 Everyone loves a blue box during the holiday. Hand your hostess the sweetest little crystal dish. Add colored candies for extra pop!

FOODIES and SWEETS

See's Candy: This California classic will guarantee a smile. Truth be told, I will eat the whole box if you let me.You can find various boxes or go to a retail location and hand select an assortment.


For the Foodie or the Chef: Leave it to the experts at Sur La Table to make all things perfect for the perfect host or hostess. Choose from a selection of fine If they are daring, the Himalayan Salt Plate. For those who are aspiring but aren't quite there yet, maybe an easy bake oven. 

 
Saint Helena Olive Oil Company: This is a family favorite. We love her extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars and the green olive tapenade ($14). They also have body products that are as good a a trip to the spa.   

Once again, I am dazzled: This Month's Shipment From Shoe Dazzle

Bright and early on the morning of December 1^st, the excitement begins to build.  It’s Round 2, and this time I’m ready.  Really ready.  Eagerly waiting at my laptop for my December Shoe Dazzle email announcing that my showroom has been stocked with fresh selections for December.  And when said email finally arrives, I am once again thrilled with the line up my stylists have selected for me to choose from.  I will confess that I did click the option to send the first round back for more options before making my final choice, but really, that was only to test their process. 

Within 2 days, new choices were waiting in my Showroom, and I was just as enthusiastic about these as I was about the first group.  After much deliberation, my final choice for December is Gracia (recommended for me by Kim Kardashian herself). She exudes femininity with her 4 ½ “ heel covered in a rich black man made described as “faux leather” but feels much more velvety to the touch.  The metallic gold ribbon like accent that paints the toe and heel of the pump in a criss cross pattern adds just a hint of glamour to a basic black pump, without being too overt. 

Like my choice from last month http://www.sugarlipslifestyletips.com/fashion-friday-with-kimberlee-shoe-dazzle (which I’ve not worn over a dozen times and am still in LOVE with), the quality of Gracia is much higher than that of a $39.95 shoe.  The structure, the stitching, the attention to detail, everything about this shoe is pure joy.  Shoe Dazzle has proven to be a great experience thus far, stay tuned for further footwear updates!