THE PERFECT GIFT FOR EVERY WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE

This year we thought instead of coming up with a generic list of gift giving ideas we would capitalize on the rich variety of women we have on our staff and have them share a few of their favorite things that would make perfect gifts for women with their unique areas of interest.

GIFT GUIDE FOR FOOD LOVERS

Lauren who joined us in 2015 has studied at the Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy and worked in the restaurant industry as a chef; once the reality of the rigors of the restaurant business set-in she decided to switch gears and leave the culinary creativity for home. She offered up her gift suggestions that even the novice home chef or food lover will be delighted to receive.

ART INSPIRED CUSTOM KNIVES:

This item is definitely a splurge, each knife is handmade and designed not only to work well but to be a work of art in and of itself. This is a dream gift for me but I have added it to my list for Santa.

Middleton Knives

THE WINE WAND:Generally, if you love food you love wine; this rule definitely applies to me but I hate dealing with the allergic reaction I can sometimes have to sulfites and histamines in wine, a headache and stuffy nose can really rob this indulgence of its enjoyment. The Wine Wand allows you to enjoy your favorite wine with no down-side. This amazing filter aerates the wine, absorbs histamines and removes sulfites so you can enjoy every glass with no regrets. Pure genius!

Wine Wand

HEIRLOOM CUTTING BOARD:

This item is also on the pricey side but I feel so inspired by its beauty every time I use it, definitely worth the splurge.

Heirloom Cutting Board

MCCONNELL’S ICE CREAM PINT-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB:

Even the most experienced chef or home cook really doesn’t want to go through the effort to make ice cream, so this is the perfect treat. McConnell’s makes all of their ice cream in small batches with raw unpasteurized grass-grazed cows. All of their gourmet blends include raw, local, sustainable, organic ingredients.

Pint of The Month Club

STRAPLESS MAXI DRESS:
One of the most important things when I am in the kitchen prepping food or entertaining guests is to look good and be comfortable. I love this simple strapless maxi dress by Hale Bob; I can move around easily, no worrying about flashing someone if I have to bend over to take something out of the oven and there is plenty of room if I decide to have a second helping of dessert.

Braxton Maxi Dress

SEXY LINGERIE:

I like getting something personal and feminine from my significant other that makes me feel like I am still his babe. Personally I love wearing sexy lingerie under everything, even jeans and a sweatshirt, It just makes me feel like a woman.

Adore Me Noreh Bra and Panties

 

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE OUTDOORSY WOMAN

Alexis is the outdoors woman of the group. When she is not working she spends her time training horses and teaching horse back riding lessons to the youth in her area. Here are a few of her favorite things.

SMITH OPTICS SERPICO SUNGLASSES:
I am always in need of new sunglasses. Being outside all the time means lots of sun protection. I have had several pairs of these glasses they fit good and they last. A definite favorite.

Serpico Sunglasses

CUSTOM COWGIRL HAT:

Cowgirls For Christ is a company I discovered last year at Cowboy Christmas. I got one of these last year and I absolutely love it. It provides great shade from the sun, fits great and is unique to me.

BOGS RAIN/SNOW BOOTS:
I spend a lot of time in the mud and snow, a good pair of boots goes a long way. I love these because there are not laces so they are easy to slip on and off. They are dry, warm and cute; of course it is important to look cute even if you are cleaning out stalls.

Bogs Plaid Boots

STRETCH PONTE LEGGINGS:

Let me just say, I love leggings! They are so comfortable and easy to move around in, you can dress them up or down, they fit nicely inside of a pair of riding boots and can be worn as riding britches. The Ponte fabric on these keeps them from stretching out so they hold their shape.

Ponte Leggings

CLASSIC COMFORTABLE UNDIES:

Okay, so I know undies for Christmas is not usually high on the list or is the classic gift from grandma no, no but when they are this cute I think any woman would be happy to receive them.

Adore Me Rosalia Bralette and Panty

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE WORKING MOM

Hannah is our working mom in the group. As all working mom’s know finding the right work life balance is challenging to say the least. Below is her wish list this year. Oh hubby, are you listening?

SEND A MEAL:

This company delivers gourmet meals right to your door. Having dinner covered every once in a while is at the top of my list for gifts I would love to receive because that means when the kiddos get home from school I could actually give them my undivided attention with homework or play a board game.

Send A Meal

PORTABLE PHOTO PRINTER:

I love capturing moments on my phone but never get those photos printed and they end up staying in this supposedly smartphone instead of on my wall, so a photo printer that can print image directly from the phone is the perfect solution. Not to mention when we are at Grandma and Grandpa’s house I can live them with a printed photo of the kids on the spot.

Sprocket Photo Printer

HOME THERAPY:
No not the psychological kind but I have to admit some days I feel like I need that as well. Some evenings I just need to wind down and I feel bad even thinking about going to the spa so this home spa retreat set is my choice, it definitely helps me keep my sanity.

Invigorating Retreat

CHARM BRACELET:

I’m sentimental but not to big on crazy knick knack’s to remind me of special times with my family (dusting is not my favorite chore). Solution, I’ve always loved charm bracelets but have never felt great about purchasing one for myself because I’ve always felt that something like that should be a gift.
Bracelet
Charms

LEATHER EMBOSSED SWEATSHIRT:

I like being fashionable but with kids acticality and comfort normally come first, I love this sweatshirt because it is comfortable and the leather detail gives it that fashionable edge so I can wear it without looking frumpy.

Alma Embossed Sweatshirt
LUXURIOUS JAMMIES:

With kids around lingerie is not really practical but I still want to feel feminine and sexy in a toned down sort of way, of course. I love this Adore Me Fallon knit jogger set, it is comfortable but still makes me feel really feminine.

Adore Me Fallon Jogger Set

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE STUDENT

Brittany is our student, still in the process of growing her young mind and deciding which PHD she is going to pursue. But she definitely knows her own mind when it comes to the perfect Christmas gift. Here are her selections.

BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH-CLUB:

I love to read. I strongly believe that by reading regularly it keeps your mind fluid and very imaginative. Whether random articles about the fluctuation of bird populations in the Northwest of the United States, fun tips on how to be more energetic every day or a great mystery novel; you can never go wrong getting me a book. I love this book of the month club because you pick the genre and your interest and then a knew literary adventure shows up at your door once a month.

Book of The Month Club

FASHIONABLE SNUGGIE:
What better to cover up under while you’re studying or reading than a One Piece? Especially when you are forced to sit at a desk, a One Piece is a sure way to keep your entire body warm and still have easy arm access. This is totally what I look like at my desk, LOL.

One Piece Onesie

PIZZA CUTTING PROTRACTOR:

I am sure this is an amazing two-fer that is definitely a students dream!

Pizza Cutting Protractor

WACKY COFFEE MUGS:

When I’m cuddled up at home I like to have coffee and it’s always nice having some sort of wacky mug to remind me of home. Another favorite; travel mugs they make staying awake during class a lot easier.

Wacky Mugs

THE PERFECT SWEATSHIRT:

 

Draped Sweatshirt

Cutout Shoulders

This sweatshirt by Liberty Garden is perfect to wear to class or at home studying. You can look stylish while also being comfortable.

COMFY SLEEPWEAR:

I can always use another pair of adorable PJ’s.

Adore Me Nicoletta Jammies

GIFT GUIDE FOR THE TRADITIONALIST

Ashley is our traditionalist of the group, she loves all things feminine, tailored and luxurious. Here is her Christmas Wish List.

CASHMERE INDULGENCE:
My Christmas List indulgence this year is a 100% Pure Cashmere Hat, Glove, Scarf set from Fisher’s Finery. I love Pure Cashmere; it is so soft and warm it gives you that sense of being snuggled up by the fire every time you put it on.

Cashmere Winter Set

AURA CONNECTED ALARM CLOCK:

What I’m dreaming of for Christmas is a good night’s sleep, so on my Christmas List is the Aura Connected Alarm Clock. This little gadget provides the right light waves to promote a relaxing environment to induce sleep, along with sounds that can help soothe you to sleep. It can also be customized to your light and music preferences for a gentle wake-up experience.

Aura Connected Alarm Clock

MASSAGE ENVY GIFT CARD:
One of the bests gifts I ever received was a massage. I had never done anything to pamper myself before and this was a novelty that I always considered outside my usual time and expense. However, once I did take advantage of this amazing gift, I was completely hooked. Thereafter, I made time and set aside the finance to make this special occasion part of my routine every few months. Each time I went in for pampering I felt more and more rested. An added perk is that I got to develop a friendship with my massage therapist.

Massage Envy

RUFFLE NECK BLOUSE:

There is a revival of the ruffle neck blouse and my Christmas List is not immune to its attraction. I am in love with this trend as it lends femininity to what is usually a stiff, buttoned down tradition. So this year I am wishing for Ann Taylor’s Tie Neck Ruffle.

Tie Neck Ruffled Blouse

JACQUARD KNIT DRESS:

This Hale Bob dress perfect for any occasion, it’s flattering, demure and a great transition piece.

Morgan Jacquard Knit Dress

TAILORED PAJAMA’S

I confess, I am even traditional when it comes to P.J.’s. I love these because they are so soft and comfy; and honestly I think leaving something up to the imagination can be very sexy.

Adore Me Matilda Pajama Set

 

Well there you have it, some advice from the girl’s on  our staff here at Posh At Play. We hope you have found there suggestions helpful and will have some very pleased recipients of your generosity this Christmas.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FALL STREET FASHION…ON THE LOOSE IN NEW YORK CITY

This week one of our fashion bloggers is set loose on the streets of New York City to discover and report the latest trends in Fall fashion street wear. What is the common girl on the street wearing to business, lunch, and evening? And how do New Yorkers incorporate fashion into their busy, non stop lifestyles? Let’s discover what’s trending and find out ways you can implement into your Seasonal wardrobe and your lifestyle needs this year.

PRACTICAL COATS WITHOUT THE YAWN 

In preparation for the trip, I ended up packing only one bomber leather jacket. However, I should have followed the chic coat option all of New York is wearing this Season. In the city that never sleeps, women know that an all purpose, durable coat is the way to go for Fall. Lighter than fur or wool, the camel trench coat is one of this Season’s favorite jacket options, suitable paired over your work suit and later with a chic midi dress and over the knee suede boots.

Be FURocious 

Being from L.A., I had wondered if “fur” is a taboo touchy clothing piece for Fall so ended up leaving my faux fur vest and real fur jacket at home. That’s not the case here in NYC. Cozy fur vests and coats are all the rage paired over anything from business suits to a day out in Central Park, faux of course for the protection of animals.

And Don’t Forget The Brights

You hear the myth that all New Yorkers only wear black and dark colors, so as to not stand out too much as a tourist, I opted to pack and wear neutral colors only. Boy was I wrong. New York women know how to stand in color, but with a more sophisticated approach. They pair one brightly lit statement piece and accessorize with solid colors and minimal jewelry. Try your black slacks with a bright outer piece to stand out like an “Oh So Chic” New Yorker.

ALL WHITE IS STILL OK 

Throw out the “no white” after Labor Day rule, and make your own rules like the New York women do. I tend to always push my white and ivory clothes to the back of the closet for Fall and Winter, but the New York women know that rules were made to be broken. They steer clear of silk and chiffon pieces, in favor of heavier fabrics like wool. I am actually on the look out for a white leather jacket for Fall here in the Fashion District.

Seen outside Carnegie Hall, I liked how she dressed up for the night in a tailored dress and crisp heels for a busy night out on the town.

Some Of Our Favorite White Pieces 
Ivory Tailored Bolero Jacket
Catrinah Lace Dress
Laszio Sequin Cocktail Dress
Silk Charmeuse Dress
Joe Ultra Suede Leggings
Bruna Embossed Faux Fur Jacket

SILKY SLIP DRESS

I’ve always been a bit leery of wearing a barely there silk slip dress during the Fall. But New Yorkers are pairing the slinky silhouette this Season with hardier fare, from tees underneath, to moto jackets, to long trenches. Combine with your favorite ankle boots for downtown shopping style and switch to strappy heels as you head to a Broadway show. Check out this flowy one I found at Bloomingdale’s in the heart of the city.

Need a little romance in your afternoon? Try a glitter knit slip dress paired with a chunky oversized cardigan for a chic and comfortable New York errand running girl. No time for a trip home? Pull slinky heels from your tote and meet friends at Hudson Clearwater hidden restaurant.

Check out the Brooklyn Museum  in a sophisticated black & white slip dress and leather jacket then dine at Saul for a NY evening to remember.

ANKLE LOVING BOOTS 

And speaking of ankle boots, they are my “go to” shoes roaming the streets of NYC. As I expected, the streets are covered with every single boot style imaginable, from combat, to suede, to rocker style, to patent leather. My ankle boots were perfect to pair with my leggings all day and with my jumpsuit at night for the ballet. If you only get one shoe this Fall, get the versatile ankle boot.

Rocker Style Ankle Boots

Office Slash Evening Ankle Boots

Utilitarian Chic Ankle Boots

LONG VESTS AND SKINNIES MESH

What a great styling option, suitable for women from young to old. Skinnies are easy to pack and slim the leg on everyone. I brought a variety of these adaptable pants to switch out with different shirt options. How does New York style their skinnies? With an oversized chunky sweater and ankle boots or heels for a night on the town. I just had to head to Macy’s on 34th to grab me a pair of NYC’s favorite.

The vest and skinny work easily for the office or a chill fall NY day. Pair your black lace skinnies with a long sleeve knit top and oversized vest for office days or shimmy into your favorite jeans and satin top and stroll Manhattan for a totally you afternoon.

LAYERED LIKE A LOCAL

Since I only took 1 carryon, I had to think about layers while in NYC. How do they keep so warm, especially on brisk windy Fall days? I spotted jeans paired with a plaid long sleeve, infinity scarf, and a chic wool blazer; an A line skirt with long sleeve sweater tucked in; and I myself wore leggings, tight sweater, and warm vest that kept me comfy all night long.

On the go? Shimmy into a pair of leggings, pullover an oversized sweater and slip into to some concrete loving kicks for a busy New York Minute.

No matter how you choose to layer, the ONE item all New Yorkers never go without is a long warm scarf. From Central Park to Broadway to Greenwich, these girls know how to style a scarf. Layer a long draping sweater over a knit top and infinity scarf with your favorite jeans tucked into some serious leather combat boots for a NY City walk about.

So whether you’re in The City to see the sites, taste to food, listen to the music or everything in between. Be sure to dress like a local, but always remember to
Be YOU, Be Fashionable, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

FASHION TRUTHS FROM AN EAST COAST GIRL

Last week, L.A. based fashion blogger Natalie Kramer gave you favorite West Coast Girl styling tips. This week, take some Preppy and Polished tips from the East Coast influenced by tradition as much as practical concerns.

Since weather patterns can be unpredictable, with sun one minute and rain the next, East Coasters are used to fashionably styling a light cardigan or sweater year round. The East Coast is the home of Ivy League schools and academia in the North and manners and charm in the South. This influences the region’s style and fashion with the popularity of pearls, polos, plaids, and sweaters. Take a look at our 6 tips on how to dress East Coast style.

CLASSY GIRLS WEAR PEARLS

East Coasters know that the best way to add a bit of class to any style is to simply add a string of pearls. From work to play, any outfit can be enhanced with this simple embellishment. Whether you choose to don a charming A Line Dress or classic oxford shirt and blazer, pearls are a more than acceptable accessory day or night. So grab those heirloom strands of your grandmothers or splurge with Majorica’s Three-Strand Pearl Necklace as a way of initiation.

RAIN BOOTS ARE A FASHION STATEMENT

Every East Coast girl knows that rain wear is not merely a necessity, it is a fashion statement all its own. From rain jackets to umbrellas to boots, an East Coast girl knows how to rock these items in style. Start your fashionable rain wear collection with a trendy pair of weatherproof boots. For a perfect Spring style, we like Hunters Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots paired with Vineyard Vines Cashmere Linen Tunic Sweater and skinny jeans from Hudson. Add a little novelty to your look with jewelry pieces in the Cape Cod Collection from East Wind Silver Co.

GET NAUTICAL

For East Coasters, nautical pieces are tied in from north to south inspired by sailing whether for pleasure or toil due to the convenience of the Great Lakes and the length of the coastline. Since the weather along the East Coast tends to be chillier and not as mild as the West Coast, our “beach wear” often includes a light sweater, cardigan, floppy hat or scarf. Start with Citizen’s of Humanity’s white cropped shorts paired with a striped tee from Paige Denim, your string of pearls, and classic boat shoes from Sperry. Be inspired by Spring’s runway looks from Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, and start shopping your favorite nautical items. Don’t forget the perfect nautical jewelry, we love the anchor inspired bracelets by Kiel James Patrick.

Polished Plaids

Pretty Polos

GO POLISHED IN POLOS & PLAID

On the East Coast, the popular “preppy” style derives mostly from the universities. The polos, plaids, and sweaters have evolved into a very chic yet proper style perfect for anyone to try this Spring. Let your hair go natural, and pair Washed Dayboat Classic Shorts  with a Short Sleeve Polo Shirt and Lacoste Slip On Sneakers. Accessorize your look by tying a plaid button up around your waist in case the weather turns chilly. On dressier occasions, combine your polo and pearls with a White A line Mini Skirt from Hale Bob or a Candy Pink Striped Midi Skirt from Chic Wash.  Who says that you have to be a college student to enjoy one of the East Coast’s favorite fashion statements?

BE PLAYFUL IN PREPPY PRINTS

In contrast, on the lower regions of the East Coast, Southern charm omits the plaids opting for lovely and light shades boasting floral and sea faring prints yet the proper look is still maintained with clean cuts, A line skirts, and the like. And since it’s Spring, now is the perfect time to “be playful in preppy prints.” Look for light pastels, floral prints, flutter sleeves, and midi-length skirts. Lilly Pulitzer has got it down to a science with their eye pleasing shades, one of a kind prints and oh so Southern Charm. We’re particularly fond of the Shellabrate print this year that easily pairs with your lightweight cardigans and Georgica Jelly Sandals.

You can even carry the playful prints to the workplace with Hale Bob’s Beaded Blue Silk Blouse and Wide Leg Linen Trousers. Slide into a pair of Metallic Gold Wedges from Lilly and your sure to bring a refreshing outlook to the office. From dresses to skirts to shorts, be sure to include the East Coast’s favorite playful prints into your closet this Spring.

MONOGRAMS ARE A MUST

Finally, our favorite “style” that every girl should choose not just for Springtime but throughout the entire year is monograming. East Coasters from North Carolina down are obsessed with monograming everything, making it their own. From jackets to handbags to jewelry to even iPhone cases. Putting your initials on your favorite styling items shows ownership and commitment to the things you love best. The East Coast is characterized by individualism and hard work, but with class, character, and charm. We love the classic East Coast look pictured above with your very own personalized with a Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater paired over a Polka Dot Blouse, and Cropped Denim Jeans. If you choose to try only one East Coast style this Season, pick your favorite item to monogram and take ownership of your fashion. Whether you choose to own your most loved handbag, hat or  hoodie Southern Charm Embroidery is the place to go to put your stamp on it.

From our list above, there is sure to be an East Coast style that suits you this Season. Maybe you’ll decide to add a string of pearls on your next evening out. Or you may tie a cardigan around your outfit for lunch out with the girls. Or why not monogram your favorite fashion accessory or wardrobe essential, exuding style, class, and individuality.

Now that you have read both last week and this week’s blogs on West Coast vs East Coast fashion truths, we’d love to hear YOUR opinion on which style you think fits you best. Will you follow your region’s trends and styles, or will you choose to “go against the grain” and try something new and different? Let us hear from YOU and comment below. And remember, no matter what we here at Posh at Play want you to be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.