The Exclusive JZ Holiday Giving Guide

(New York City, NY - November 2010)

There is so much to be thankful for from the leaves turning color in NYC to the Lanvin collaboration that launched this week with H&M. As the Holidays near and no doubt, the 2010 'Best Of' lists will be compiling, I wanted to write my own Holiday Guide to share with you, so that you may have your content and eat it too. As a nationally recognized Style Expert and regular Style Correspondent for TV Guide Network's Fashion Team, here is the brand spankin' new JZ Style Guide to the Holidays. Be it for media publication, if you're looking for a Holiday Style Expert or if you just need some help on picking the perfect party dress for the Holiday Party circuit. Like to read it, here it go... and THANK YOU. I am so grateful.

1. Altruistic Accessories
Trinkets are the true multi-tasker of the Style world. Jewelery and accessories can be purchased not only for you but for great gifts, Secret Santas and stocking stuffers and since the Holidays are the time for giving, take it to the next level and give some more by giving back with gifts. These key accessory brands stylishly stand for something: Designer, Attorney and Mother, Jessica Mindich has launched, Jewelry For A Cause (.net), her darling set of Blue Buddha Talismans, Family Crest wrist ties and True Prep charms with proceeds going to benefit DoSomething.org. Also, the fine folks at Lia Sophia have established an empowerment program where brand hostesses can throw a party, sell some beautiful jewlery and build their business. Be it for financial gain or fun, a trip to LiaSophia.com is a must!

2. Black and Blue
Everyone loves color and the hottest combination this Holiday is Royal Blue and Black. Think Royal Blue Dress with Black Blazer or Little Black Dress with a royal blue pashmina. So many options, so little time.

3. Cocktail Dresses for Less Coin
You have a list of invitations piling up and not enough in the closet to compensate. What's a girl to wear?! A simple shopping trip to some key stores will have you ready to dance the night away in no time. And for under $50, you'll be looking sparkly without spending the cash. Forever 21 is always my first stop in picking up a fun number. They never disappoint but if a more mature look is your thing, QVC has some beautiful and flattering finds under $50.

4. What to get the Guy
The dude in your life, be it lover, brother or friend is always a toughie when it comes to gift giving. That said, there are some very chic gifts that are a home run when it comes to style. A wallet from Jack Spade has humour but still says grownup. An Adidas watch or better yet, luxury leisure wear by David Beckham for Adidas is a great gift. Finally, grooming is key to kick off the new year with a new look and the people at The Art of Shaving are doing their best to clean up the boys in your life. A kit or better yet, a proper salon shave is a great gifty for any man, bosses and friends with benefits included.

5. Thrifty Girl
I've recently moved in to the Upper East Side section of New York City. And to each block there are at least two Thrift Stores. Which got me thinking. A great gift idea for intimate friends and family are Thrift Store books. The thought that goes into each as you customize who you are giving what to mixed with the yellow, dog-eared pages, phrases underlined in a past read is an intimate and even romantic gift to give. Some thrift shops to stop at: Salvation Army, Housing Works, Goodwill, the local Library.

And end of the year props to some brands that I have had the pleasure working with this year, swimwear line Bikini Thief and luxury sportswear brand, BodyRock Sport by Kelly Dooley both have incredible styles with terrific Black Friday and holiday sales for maximum online shopping fun!

Happy Holidays! 'Tis a beautiful season. xxJZ

jess loves lanvin loves h&m

I have the fortune of living a hop & skip from h&m and a nyc one at that, ensuring that the windows are dressed beyond divine. we fashion lovers all know by now that lanvin is working the h&m collab and the adorable windows reflect it... so, with a November 20 launch date, what are you thinking? I am sucker for lanvin, placing alber elbaz's deisgns at the top of my top three fave houses but if it's between us girls, I'm minimally shocked at the prices.everything over $100, most cocktail pieces close to $250. If u recall a few past designers: lagerfeld, stella mccartney, the prices were never this bloated. and while, the pieces are perfectly lanvin, is it a wise purchase to pay out so much at h&m, while great in a pinch doesn't hold it's own on the real thing. I might be sticking to eBay for my lanvin couture. a bit more money but "the real deal" quality that pays for itself.