Happy New Year!

Happy New Year’s Eve my fashion darlings…

Xoxo red sole diary

New Year's Eve Fashion

New Year's Eve is fast approaching. Check out my latest styling video if you are scrambling for ideas on what to wear this year.

XOXO

red sole diary

My Wish List this Holiday Season

I've been an awfully good girl this year...I'm just saying! Here are a few of the things on my "wish list."

Clockwise from top left:

Miu Miu Wrap

Damas Knotted Platform Pump, Christian Louboutin

La Mer Watch

Chanel Coffee Table Book

3.1 Phillip Lim Studded leather gloves

Bond No. 9 Eau de Parfum, Andy Warhol Lexington Avenue

Balenciaga Arena Giant Work Handbag

Happy Holidays!

This is why I am so busy: My latest photo shoot

There is so much going on for me right now that sadly my posts have been further apart than I would like. I am working on creating a more consistent schedule of posts for you all to enjoy in the new year. Thank you all for still hanging around. There are some exciting things in store after the new year! Stay tuned...

Last week I was contacted by Matt Haines in a panic as his scheduled wardrobe stylist for a fashion shoot just vanished never to be heard from again. He called me with two days till the shoot. After reviewing his work I jumped at the chance to work with him and committed to the project. That's when my work really began. I had one day to pull together all of the looks and get everything in order to make this shoot happen as far as wardrobe was concerned. It was a little extra work on my part but it all came together beautifully in the end.

Quick polaroid to reference what model is wearing

Staging area for wardrobe

To read the photographer's take on the photo shoot and see some of the final photos click here.

Stop by tomorrow to check out what's on my "wish list" this holiday season.

Hostess Gift Ideas

It's that time of year for holiday parties. Instead of bringing your normal bottle of wine as a hostess gift here are some new ideas to use this holiday season.

Stylish Note Cards

Everyone loves a handwritten note, especially in this digital age! These fun, stylish cards will be sure to put a smile on your hostess' face.

Monogrammed Serving Tray
You'll be sure to be invited back again once your hosts open this gift. This fabulous lucite tray will serve any entertainer's needs.

Eco-friendly Personalized Bags

Give a gift that can be used over and over again. This personalized market bag is the perfect size for your host to stock up at the farmer's market or just out running errands. Everyone loves a bag with their name on the front!

Gourmet Cheese Serving Set

This Laguiole multi-colored cheese set is sure to be a hit with your host who loves cheese. These French handcrafted serving utensils are both functional and beautifully artistic at the same time.

Diptyque Candles

Everyone loves Diptyque candles. With essential oils and a burn time of over forty hours they are a must have in any entertainer's house. There is a scent to satisfy everyone's personal preference.

Sterling Silver Straws

Theses straws by Christolfe are for the hostess that has everything. A bottle of bubbles is a lovely gift but pair with these straws and it's suddenly a celebration!

For other gift guides check out these links:

Gifts Ideas for Him
Gifts Ideas for the Kids

Holiday Gift Ideas for Him

Retro Themed T-Shirts

What guy doesn't love his old, worn in alma mater t-shirt? Give the guy in your life a new vintage inspired tee that he is sure to love.

Novelty Salt & Pepper Mills
Looking for a fun gift for the guy who loves the 80's? Then feed his 80's obsession with one of its most popular icons, the Rubik's Cube. The cubes are built around high-quality grinding mills. When they are put to use they move and sound just like the original Cube.

For the Chocolate Lover
Who says your guy is too old for suckers? When he opens this box of chocolate-covered caramel lollipops, the little boy in him will be jumping up and down excited to start his sugar high.

Camera Man
An all-new, all-analog camera that recreates the square images and down-looking viewfinder of an old Rolleiflex, but does so on 35mm film. A fun retro toy for the photo junkie.

Designer Duct Tape
For some reason guys love duct tape. Mix it up by giving him these fun designer tapes. Just be warned, he may go a little "tape happy."

The Bookworm
The Kindle is a great gift idea for that guy who is always reading. The wireless reading device can hold up to 1,500 books on it, so now your guy won't have to figure out what to do with those old books once he's done reading them.

The Wannabe Rockstar
He sings in the shower and any chance he gets...so help him live out his rockstar fantasy with the iKaraoke for his iPod. He'll feel like he's the lead singer with this gift.

Check out our gift ideas for the kids here. Check back for more holiday gift ideas in the upcoming week.

Cat Burglar Barbie by Christian Louboutin

The collaboration between Christian Louboutin and Barbie has arrived just in time for the holidays. Louboutin created a savvy, fashion-forward "Cat Burglar" Barbie complete with signature red-soled shoes. Whether it is for the fashionable girl on your list or just you, this is one collectable you don't want to miss. Who says you're too old for dolls?

Christian Louboutin "Cat Burglar" Barbie, $150

Holiday Gift Ideas for the Kids

I can't believe it's December already, and the holidays are here. I know I haven't been posting as much as I would like, so thank you for still hanging around during this crazy time. Your sites give me so much inspiration and I am reading them even if I don't leave comment love. It has been a busy time for me and there are so many new changes coming that I can share with you in the new year! Very excited.

The next few weeks will have us all finalizing holiday plans, shopping for the perfect gifts and hopefully reflecting on what we have to be thankful for this season. Over the next week I will be posting some of my holiday gift guides. Today we're starting with the kiddies. They can make you laugh or cry whether they are yours or not...but there's nothing better than seeing their face light up opening presents.

Create your own holiday traditions with this fun set, $29.95

Custom Converse shoes for the fashionable ones, $45

A new bike is always a great gift, $79

Playing with their food will never have been more fun, $10.95

Celebrate Sesame Street's 40th Anniversary with these stylish tees, $68

Laughter is the best gift ever, create some with this Tickle Monster kit, $34.95

Drool-Worthy Accessories

These are just a few accessories that I've been drooling over lately and hoping they will magically appear in my closet in the near future. They are sure to add just that extra ounce of drama to any outfit.

Getting ready for Turkey Day tomorrow, but will have lots of updates for you lovelies when we get back. Enjoy.

3.1 Philip Lim, Studded Leather Gloves

Charlotte Olympia, Maxine Sandals

Balenciaga, Two-toned Round Sunglasses

Marc Jacobs, Night in Rio Swarovski-studded Clutch

Chanel and Lily Allen, Perfect Match

I love this Chanel campaign with Lily Allen...just wanted to share it with you all as it put a smile on my face again today!

Black Tie with a Hint of Blue

I have been completely MIA this past week and have missed you all. Between sickness, designing a new logo and having a computer malfunction, [that I'm still dealing with...boo] a week has just flown by without me noticing. There are lots of changes that will be happening in the next few months and am excited to share them with you all soon!

I did a double take when I found this gorgeous evening gown and saw that it was below the $700 range. When I saw who designed it, I fell in love even more! Alexander Wang once again delivers his cool-girl glamour and I can't get enough. I'm not usually a blue and black girl, but this works for me this time around. This will be my look for any black-tie parties that come up this holiday season. Now I'm just waiting for the invitations to show up in my mailbox...

Alexander Wang, Draped Satin-Jersey Gown

Halston, Penn Snakeskin Sandals

Alexander McQueen, Knuckle Duster Clutch

Fashion For the Holidays

Thanksgiving is a little over two weeks away and that means it's time for holiday parties soon after we finish digesting our turkey dinners! Planning your holiday outfits a few weeks in advance will help ease the stress of the "not having anything to wear" syndrome.

Today I had the honor of being a guest on the Chicks Who Chat online radio show with the most fabulous Jen Hinton, founder of The Classy Closet. (I've posted the link below if you would like to listen.) Well as you can guess we started talking about shopping and we barley touched on fashion ideas for holiday parties before time ran out. Here are a few trends to keep you stylish this holiday season...

1. The LBD

It is the classic wardrobe item that you just can't go wrong. If you have multiple events but don't have the budget for more than one dress, this is the piece to invest in this season. Just by changing up your shoes and accessories you can have a brand new outfit without changing the dress. Accent with a fun colored pair of tights, fabulous shoe-booties and some accessories that bling and you're guaranteed to be the sensation of any party.

2. Sequins

Nothing says the holidays like a lot of sparkle. I love sequins and am so excited they are here to stay this holiday season. In order to not make the look matronly, choose styles and silhouettes that are fresh and fun. Choose a trapeeze-style mini dress or an asymmetrical top. If you want a more understated look, add a jeweled-toned silk tunic over a pair of black sequined leggings. Just be careful not to go overboard and look like you fell into a vat of glitter!

3. Red

One of the first colors that comes to mind for holidays is red. It's a classic color and perfect for a holiday outfit...but spice it up a bit. If you are wearing a red dress, add a skinny leopard print belt and some peep-toed shoes to add a little flair.

4. Winter White

Go for an elegant yet modern look when you wear winter white from head to toe. Instead of wearing a dress choose a pair of wool wide-leg pants. Add a lightweight cashmere sweater that opens in the back for a touch of intrigue. Adorn yourself with gold and jewel-toned accessories and people will be wondering who you are all evening.

5. Statement Accessories

It's all about being noticed this season and making a statement with one key wardrobe item. Jewelry has become larger and larger, but make sure not to mix too many elements as you will take away from the overall look. Shoes are another great accessory to make a statement with...I could go on forever but we all know a great pair of shoes when we see them so go find a pair.

At the end of the day, have fun with your holiday outfits. If you feel great you'll look great. Style is mostly about the attitude.

To listen to the recording of me on the Chicks Who Chat radio show today, here is the link.

Award & Tag Time

They like me...they really do!!! I was just informed my site got an award, I'm so excited. Thanks to lovely fashion-savvy Connie at Living My Glamorous Life for giving me this award. Here we go...

Where is your cell phone...purse

Your hair...blonde
Your mother...too far
Your father...hmmm
Favorite food...caviar

Dream last night...none

Favorite drink...Orange Sunkist Soda

Dream/goal?...summer home in Martha's Vineyard
What room are you in...bedroom
Hobby...shopping
Fear...not being in control
Where will you be in 6 years...traveling again

Where were you last night...dinner with girlfriend
Something that you aren't...passive
Muffins...lemon poppy seed

Wish list item...Anything Balmain
Where did you grow up...Chicago

Last thing you did...Yummy dinner with girlfriend
What are you wearing...pjs

Your TV...reality

Your pets...Tyler, my furry son!

Friends...amazing...nothing else to say

Your life...so lucky

Mood...satisfied

Missing someone...my grandma

Vehicle...BMW X5
Something you are not wearing...makeup
Favorite store...Barneys
Favorite color...Chocolate Brown
Last time you laughed...dinner last night

Last time you cried...few weeks ago
Your best friend...my hubby
Place you go to over and over...Santa Barbara
Person who emails you regularly...darling husband
Favorite place to eat...Mr. Chow's

RSD is tagging all of her Fellow Fashionistas to do this one ~ so my lovelies tag you're it...

Martinis or Diaper Genies
coco & kelly
BonBon Rose
la vie...j'aime
My So Called Fabulous...
Le Musings of Moi

"High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture" at FIDM

"High Style: Besty Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture" exhibit at FIDM

Givenchy, Valentino, Chanel oh my. Socialite and style maven, Betsy Bloomingdale has donated over 125 pieces of her personal garments and designer sketches to The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) museum's archives. In turn FIDM is showcasing Bloomingdale's pieces, that span over three decades, in an impressive exhibit titled, "High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture."

Betsy Bloomingdale

Bloomingdale's heralded collection of haute couture pieces has earned her universal respect in the fashion industry. The exhibit presents a never-before-seen look into Bloomingdale's personal life and style as well as showcasing the creation of haute couture garments.

My darling husband surprised me by taking me to see the exhibit last week. The pieces were amazing and there was not one thing I wouldn't love to wear today. Just goes to show you that haute couture is always in style. The designers whose masterpieces filled the gallery was truly mind-blowing. Some of her favorite designers shown are Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Marc Bohan for Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Norman Norell, Gianfranco Ferrè for Dior, Pierre Balmain, Yves Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta to name a few. There was a feathered Chanel dress that I'd have killed for but judging by the security guard's stare I knew I wouldn't get very far!

Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld feather dress that I wanted sooo bad!

Gianfranco Ferrè for Dior, 1989-90 red silk crepe evening gown - PC: Brian Sanderson/FIDM Photography

For all you fashionistas in the Los Angeles area this show is a MUST SEE. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing haute couture up close and personal. To see all of the detail, passion, and drama behind the design truly takes one's breath away. I have to say, I felt like I needed an oxygen tank after how many times my breath was taken away by the exhibit.

Outside FIDM Museum

"High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture"

FIDM Museum and Galleries

919 S. Grand Ave.

Los Angeles, CA 90015

October 21, 2009 to December 13, 2009

Free exhibition Wednesday - Sunday

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Private tours are available

For more information, call 213-623-5821 x3367

or visit the FIDM Website

Happy Halloween

Have a wonderful Halloween my lovely fashionistas...

Stella McCartney For Baby GAP and GAP Kids

For all of you fashionista moms or those of you who have up-and-coming fashionistas, mark your calendars for November 2nd. That's the day Stella McCartney's children's line for Baby GAP and GAP Kids hits select stores in the US, Canada and online. The line will launch November 3rd in the UK, France, Ireland and Japan. By the looks of the ad campaign, it's sure to be a sell-out!

Collaborations are nothing new for McCartney. She has launched successful lines for H&M and Adidas but this will be her first time venturing into children's wear. There are superhero t-shirts and customizable sneakers for the boys. The girl's collection has a close resemblance to McCartney's 2009 fall/winter ready-to-wear namesake line. You and your little one will be the most stylish ones at Mommy & Me this winter. My personal favorite is the Sgt. Pepper military inspired jacket, it'll be a must have for my budding fashionista!

November is shaping up to be an exciting month of collaborations. First we had the news of Jimmy Choo launching a holiday line with H&M, now McCartney and the Gap? Looks like it's going to be a happy holiday season!

Tom Ford...He's Back!

Tom Ford, the amazingly talented designer and recent film director, has finally confirmed rumors that he IS indeed ready to return to women's wear. Yes, that's me jumping up and down screaming with joy over here!

PC- WWD

Ford has confirmed that he and Domenico De Sole, his long-time business partner, are looking to secure funding for their new venture. It was a sad day in fashion history when he stepped down as head designer at Gucci. True to fashion, Ford never went out of style and was always in demand. My day got a whole lot brighter just knowing that soon I will be able to fill my closet with his exquisite designs. "I got a feeling...."

SITScation 2009

I'm back from a successful weekend in Vegas. Sitscation was crazy fun and I even managed to learn a few things as well! Loved meeting all the fabulous, sassy SITs women. I'm still in awe that I got to meet some of my favorite bloggers and hang out with them. Still feel like I should've asked for autographs. I mean, I got to hang out with Nanny Goats in Panties (LOVE) and meet Le Musings of Moi, who by the way has insane style!

Me & Margaret (Nanny Goats in Panties)

Checking out the Christian Louboutin store with all the delicious shoes was the cherry to my sundae...oh what those red soles do to me.

Excited to finally meet Jen Hinton in person...she's just as classy as I thought!

Jen Hinton (Keep it Classy)

Thank you Heather and Tiffany for organizing such a great weekend, it was amazing. Already looking forward to next year.

Shining Sparkling Things...Must be Vegas Baby!

Got my bags packed and I'm leaving on a jet plane heading to Las Vegas today. I will be attending the SITScation conference and am very excited to hear some amazing speakers and meet the other fabulous attendees. In the spirit of Las Vegas, I'm posting some fab finds that are all about the sparkle!

Clockwise from top left:

Bird by Juicy Couture, Paillette Embellished Tank

Miu Miu, Glitter Slingback Sandals

See by Chloe, Chiffon Sequined Skirt

Anya Hindmarch, Marano Box Clutch

Balmain, Paillette Mini Dress

Ray-Ban, Wayfarer Overlay Sunglasses