valentine's registry

is it wrong to have a registry for valentine's day? I can just hear the exasberated guffaw of my ex-boyfriends everywhere as I ask such a question. I know it's not cute to kid of such things, but do boys ever really know what to pick up for their paramours? candy. yum. flowers. that's nice. but how about a sterling silver love ring? or a hanky panky thong set? - someonespoilme.com is right on cue with cupid this season so take a look around and "accidentally" hit the 'send to a friend' button to your bfriend. oops.

I'm with the (head) band

the new york city weather this winter is freeeezing! most days, unbearable. I often wonder why I moved away from sunny california where the weather never dips below 60 and the sun is always shining. so when I see a handmade item, that is intended to keep your head comfy and cute in these cold, cold times, it makes me warm and fuzzy inside. a friend and fellow artist, gabriela fernandez has be knitting up these adorable headbands that look cute and for only $20, supports the artisan community. drop her a line at gabbyto2000@hotmail.com and order up some warm for your wardrobe today.

middle-aged acne

ACNE, the new-ish denim collab with Lanvin is actually quite cute and versatile in its look but absolutely horrible in name. I get that it is targeted towards teens and I get that it can be a provactive discussion but from such a classic and elegant century-old couture house, its moniker misses the mark. the jeans line ranges from $550 to $650, while coats will run $1,200 to $1,500. jewelry and handbags are expected to be priced north of $1,500. Or you can just put some zit cream on it.

west village style guide

robbie was invited by his buds at the soho synagogue to a men's shop opening, and as one who never misses a chance to see what is new in fashion, I gladly tagged along. kesner is located on hudson street in the west village and it sets a style bar. fully stocked with fantastically chic, well-constructed and slightly tongue-in-cheek designers and unique accessories, the shop is a must-stop for the fashion-forward man. I loved the funky scissor tie-clips and array of cashmere bowties. robbie picked up a robert geller leather jacket that he had his on eye for some time now. the lush gray and purple tones of the shop remind me of a brit rock bespoke shop and I happily recommend this place if you are looking for something special.

word to the style wise

an orange glow, turquoise lined eyes and frosted pink lips do not a style statement make.

booty parlor party

several years back I met a fabulous spitfire of a lil lady by the name of dana braverman. she is just the most. she came up with a concept to launch a line of designer sex toys and accessories that are packaged in a fun, girly, classy way that a woman need not be afraid to show off on her nightstand if mum comes to visit. her company, booty parlor has blown up with product selling in victoria's secret and in standard hotel intimacy kits. last night she hosted a book launch party for the ladies that wrote how to love like a hot chick at the W tuscany. it was a very sexy night to say the least. and with booty parlor's new service, mojo makeover, it may be time for you to get busy. and yes, I mean in THAT way.

cocktails at tiffany's

I had the pleasure of attending the bride wars premiere last night and the fab afterparty which was held at tiffany. gotta love an after-hours event at tiffany's. we were even gifted with little blue bags that held little blue books (for scribbling naughty thoughts in). as for the film, it was written by casey wilson of SNL fame. anne hathaway is stunning. in person, even more so. she had men surrounding her the entire night both at the screening and the party. kate hudson is an adorable comic tour de force. I guess it's in the genes. the movie is cute and kristen johnston steals the show. I got to say hello to my old friend robert verdi at the party and my accessory muse, jennifer meyer with her hubby tobey macguire in tow. much love and thank to LR for the invite.

heel-ing thru retail therapy

with the structural heel owning the runways for spring fashion week, make sure you've got a pair to strut your spring stuff in. modern vintage has a darling collection of vintage pieces with a very of-the-moment flavor.

gilt-y as charged

I am obsessed with gilt groupe. especially when they throw cathrine malandrino for $114 all up in my face.

strangers making the most of the dark

god, I love new york city. lisa's friend was dj'ing the CSS afterparty so after a liter of unfiltered sake (kampai!) and half price sushi on 7th street, we headed out to check the scene. hundreds of people were dancing without worry, care, taxes, recession, bailouts, prejudice. there was no rhyme or reason to the crowd, old and young, other than that everyone was dancing. a dream. god, I love new york city.

rebecca wynne trunk show

I love my friend rebecca friedman. we've known each other since we both made the move from new york to los angeles and back again. she spent close to a decade producing teevee, got a hitched to a great guy, lived in china for a bit collecting stone samples and started up her signature jewelry line, rebecca wynne fine jewelry. last night I hosted a trunk show at salon V to showcase rebecca's collection for fun holiday purchases. friends, collectors and stylists stopped by to view the pieces and toast with some vino. the pieces are so chic for a lady who knows a thing or two about semi-precious stones and luxurious design. with a price range from $45 - $600, rings, earrings, bold chunky necklaces and delicate bracelets made with 18K champagne golds, diamonds and stones, complete a collection that is unique, beautiful and totally worth taking a browse and buy.

yellow + blue =

me and nico hit up a fresh event last night in the name of all that is eco and friendly. greendrinks nyc is a monthly ny event where tree huggers and green chic glamazons get together, get saucy and network on behalf of a more sustainable planet. last night, was their holiday party at blvd. so what surrounded it were room upon room of organic chocolate (yum. dinner), alternative powered photo shoots and lots of really neat green organizations. we met erik who does free hikes and eco-trips through naturecalendar.com around nyc where there is abundant nature. we met a guy that started a rickshaw business in lieu of those late night gas-guzzling cab rides. and I pledged my word that I would become more green by unplugging my appliances, changing five light bulbs and requested green energy from the electric company. it's easy being green!

clean house

when I moved back to new york last month, my dad complained about how I had a decade of my stuff in his garage and would I kindly remove it asap. dads (sigh). this got me going on a major clean-up crazy train. I organized a lifetime of zaino family junk. I figured since I'm moving into my new place in a few days, I might as well clean up in the money dept. as well to make that rent. so, I had a yard sale!! two days. fourteen hours. in the snow even. I walked away with a couple hundy which was good and the rest took a trip to goodwill for others to enjoy. I definitely recommend in this economy and certainly in this season, that we rid ourselves of miscellaneous stuff and to pass it on to others who may need it more or to think out of the box and make some money while cleaning your home (and soul). season's cleanings.

happy feet

it's great to get a good review from an expert on something that you should get but what about the crap items you SHOULDN'T buy? I'm a repeat customer when it comes to the cheapy mani/pedi so when I was introduced to the as seen on TV item, the ped egg, I was all in. you even get two for the price of one when you order now. I now know why -- this thing stinks worse then stinky feet. it doesn't work well and leaves you feeling frusterated and taken regardless of the "bargain". for the same price you can head down to the local mani/pedi place and get a proper pedicure complete with massage, warm towels and freshly painted tootsies.

eat. drink. and save money.

so its official - we are in a recession. ouch. its nice to see people being prudent about the holiday spending season as it gives us a chance to get creative on less coin. an easy and terrific little treat to offer in-laws, workmates or 2nd tier friends are gift certificates from restaurant.com -- they have unbelievable savings with $3 for a $10 certificate and other inexpensive chow choices. with a quick check of a zip code, dozens of participating restaurants appear to offer your friends the best in season's eatings.

I am grateful for...

my family

davines hair product

$28 dollar riding boots by george at wal-mart

twilight

domino magazine

lobello fresa lipgloss from mexico

sexy trench coats

arnold palmers from the tea shop

my trusty longchamp tote

you

sweeet dee denim

several years ago, I picked up what seemed to be a pair of designer seven jeans. I bought them from a man on the street in nyc for $40. my bfriend at the time would joke that they were really "sixes" and wouldn't last. that was four years ago and they have been my favorite pair of trusty "go-to" jeans.... until now. in light of the recession and the inflated prices of designer denim, I have found a line that is both trusty and great looking. the "sweet dee" collection of alias premium denim is sexy, stylish and most of all, an unbelievable bargain at $40. the only minor setback is that they are a bit low on the hip (which is something I try to avoid) however, I think with wear, they will be exactly what I want.

coat check

with the winter season upon us, its time to get into something toasty and warm. if u are looking for a new coat, there are tremendous sales happening right now. big brassy buttons, military inspired trench coats and fitted leather numbers are all the rage. think burberry. or michael kors. for high end style and warmth. house of diehl has a hot leather motorcycle jacket that'll knock your socks off but with a tiny leather jacket and no socks, you'll be super cool both literally and figuratively. head to any of the major department stores like macy's or a marshalls if u're looking for something affordable and attractive.

do u like it rough?

I am living in a remote section of eastern long island. an advantage of this, other than the incredible air, leaves, sunsets and water, are the bargain basement prices of their blow-dry. I am a girl with curly curly hair and sometimes when its just too much to bear, a nice blow out saves me from hair anxiety. in los angeles this can run up to $75. in new york city, usually more. but on long island in a secret little strip mall getaway, I found a $12 blow dry to die for. I made a visit with me mum today and for less than a date night at the movies, I've got straight hair for the week. genius. the rough part came when I mentioned I had just put some african-american hair product in for a nice condition and gleam. not genius. the girl was shampooing my hair as though she was ripping it out to clean it of its recent conditioning treatment. then came the blow dry. she ripped at my head with her round iron brush causing my neck to rash and almost bleed. sheesh. when she took out the hot straight iron, I nearly fainted. I liked the consistency of her thoroughness but it was a bit too rough even for a tough girl like me. cest lie vie. I like my straight hair even with the clumps ripped out. and at $15 with wash and tip, I'll keep going back for more.

O yes!

the other night before a soho dinner at bread I popped into sephora on broadway to, ummmm, put on my (or really, their) makeup. I'm sort of living out of a gucci bag right now and sometimes my fave products can't come with. and it is a recession. so really I'm being crafty by saving money with my in n' out make-up tricks. I digress... I fell in instant love with two new products from smashbox. the O-glow intuitive cheek color and bionic mascara are to die!! especially, the O-glow. it gives your cheeks the rosiest and most natural of a blushed tint. with goji berry extract, its good for you too! so pretty. if u pair it with the NARS foundation you've got a paparazzi ready look. but at $44 for the NARS product, its probably best to follow my suit and sample and run.