Time for Change…and for a new fashion designer

Out with the old, in with the new. Yesterday marked a monumental day in history—President Obama officially took the reigns. I loved listening to his inauguration speech. It was just so inspiring. And, wow, I must say that the First Lady looked amazing last night! There’s been buzz for some time as to whom Michelle Obama would be donning to the Ball. She surprised many (including me) with her decision to go with Jason Wu. But, wow, was that one-shoulder, white gown just stunning, or what? Jason is a 26-year-old, New York-designer, who launched his collection in 2006. It’s safe to say that the First Lady’s glamorous chiffon choice has just taken his fashion career to a whole new level. An additional nod of approval came from the President, “First of all, how good looking is my wife?” I’d say an all-around night of achievements and one very fashionable First Lady! And as tradition goes, after wearing it to 10 fabulous parties, this fashion statement will live on at the Smithsonian.

-Kristin

"New Year, New You"

Everyone says, “New Year, New You.” It’s a strong statement, but I’m trying a little something new with my hair in 2009. According to an Allure.com poll, 58% of women say a new haircut or color is their first step when they want a change. I recently jumped from dirty blonde to a deep chestnut—it’s a big change! I’m just now learning how to manage the color, while keeping my hair healthy. I’d love to hit up the salon for a deep condition or glaze treatment, but who really has the time or the money to do that? My solution: John Frieda’s luminous color glaze in clear shine. Here’s how it works—smooth it on, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse! Simple. I think this is absolutely perfect to achieve that crucial shine and glossiness in the months between your salon visits. Even better, it’s only $9.99!

-Kristin

A STYLISH STATEMENT

Starting tonight up until the ball drops in Times Square, I’ll bet there are a handful of holiday parties on your schedule. Other then juggling your glamorous social life, your next dilemma…what to wear! Assuming you chose the perfect LBD over that cheesy snowman sweater in the back of the closet, your look still needs that extra something to show how bold and beautiful you really are. I say simplify your typical jewelry pieces (studs & a dainty necklace) and add the extra punch with a fabulous cocktail ring—how apropos. Rock your sparkler on your middle or index finger, and I promise every time you raise that flute of Veuve your fellow partygoers will stop and stare. I love these statement gems by Kenneth Jay Lane. They are perfect for the season and won’t break the bank!

-Kristin

CHANEL: Luxe Lacquer

For the summer opening of their Robertson Boulevard flagship Chanel created a quartet (exclusive-to-store) nail color collection, stamping neon lacquer all the rage. For fall they added some warm glitz with both sparkly and opaque gold tones. So what has this luxe label conjured up for these winter months? The Chanel Moscow Collection limited-edition nail colors and I have to have them! The Russian Night’s collection (created exclusively for their December Paris-Moscow pre-fall ‘09 show) consists of 3 lust-worthy hues. They are all black based with a hit of either red, gold, or blue shimmer- so if you still are wearing black polish it’s time to toss it! The dark nostalgia of these colors will create a surge for sultry holiday mani/pedi’s. So go ahead and channel your inner Czarina with the power of polish!

-Kristin

Influence

A recent addition to my collection of coffee table books is Influence, the new compilation of interviews from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. These twins seem to have had business savvy characteristics in their blood since birth and this next accomplishment they can add to that lengthy tally. This near 300 page book features 20 interviews (some together, some separate) with an array of influential icons, some of which they have known for years and others they were meeting for the first time. I loved their choice of individuals and thought it was a great representation of art, fashion and lifestyle. My personal favorite was Diane Von Furstenberg a woman I myself admire. Another great caption was with writer Bob Colacello, where MK couldn’t get enough about the days of partying in the factory with Andy Warhol (possibly why she is always spotted at swanky joints such as the Beatrice Inn.) All-in-all bravo to the Olsen’s! What a fabulous glimpse into some of the most creative and influential minds!

-Kristin

Finally, My J.Crew Ponte Pants

The funny looking Jodhpur pant is all over this year’s runway and leggings have become a bit too …well, blah. At last, the perfect in-between that has it all, the J.Crew Jersey-knit (Ponte) pant. Then in good fashion, Vogue features this sleek black ankle pant and there it appears-- the dreaded waiting list. I hopped online first thing in September (ordering 2 sizes to make sure at least 1 fit) and finally on the last day of November they arrived. It was well worth the wait they are everything I wanted them to be: slim, midweight, yoke details on the inside of the legs, and the perfect gold exposed-zipper up the back. They look amazing day or night, with a patent flat or a 4-inch pump. I wore mine out on the town with a hammered satin top, over-sized jewels, and killer heels. Their ease and versatility dub them this season’s must have staple!

-Kristin

Last Night's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

At 10pm (East Coast time that is) last night, I along with millions of others ogled over the svelte figures cascading the catwalk of the annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on CBS. So after an hour of amazement, the next best thing was my sudden burst of motivation to exercise. The cold weather makes me lazy and I’ll admit it I’ve been sans gym for quite a bit, but I guess all I needed were those lingerie donning beauties to push me out of my slump. So starting today I’m getting back in the swing of healthy eating and shaping up. To give me that extra push, Levi is coming into the office today for a session. I’ll never be an Adriana or Heidi but after working up a good sweat I do feel great!

-Kristin