My Chic Life

 

Rain Rain Go Away!

For years I’ve wanted them.

Seen them on others and wondered… when am I going to get a pair??

No, I’m not talking about Louboutins, I’m talking about RAIN BOOTS!!

I see Rain Boots when they come out in the Fall and I think, “they’re cute, but when will I actually wear those?” Fast forward three months and it’s pouring every day and all I want is a cute pair of galoshes but they’re no where to be found. This year, I’m starting my search early and I WILL get some great pair to rock out this winter and keep my tootsies dry. I think when buying these boots, they can be a little fun (they’re made of Rubber for goodness sake!) but they shouldn’t be so crazy that you can’t wear them to work (hello yellow duck boots!)

Here are some of my current faves in every price range and style!

Big Spender - Ralph Lauren

Affordable Chic - London Fog

A Bargain in Red - Target

Color Me Mine!

Oh… can you feel it? Fall is almost here!! 

And you know what that means?!?! DARK NAIL POLISHES!! 

I’m so excited, I’ve been dying to wear something dark and mysterious on my nails for weeks but it just doesn’t feel right when it’s 97 degrees outside. So I’m waiting patiently and biding my time… but you can bet, as soon as the first chilly breeze comes our way I’m heading straight for the new Espana Collection from OPI

This is a PERFECT collection for me, and I don’t think I’ve been this excited since the French line came out a few years ago! With colors like Give Me Moor! and Here Today Aragon Tomorrow I will be deep and mysterious with the simple painting of my toes. Winter, here I come!

Deep in the Heart of Texas

As I type this, I’m flying God-knows-how-many miles above the earth, headed for Dallas Texas, and I’m struck at how much has changed in my life since the last time I came to Dallas 4 years ago. For one thing, they didn’t have wireless internet on airplanes back then and I was cramped in a center seat in the back of the plane (unlike the decadent First-Class Lazy Boy I’m sitting in now). More than that though, is the amazing transformation my company and my career have undergone. 

4 Years ago I was still rather green in my field and headed to Texas (on my 22 birthday) to attend The Special Event Show conference. For those of you not in my industry, just imagine the Super Bowl of event planning conferences and you’ll get some idea. At the time I had hired my first “real” employee and brought her along on the trip as a “perk”… never mind that I really couldn’t afford the expense, I believe in education and growth and wanted her to get both. At the time I did 98.9% social events and charged far too little for all of them. At the time I still worked out of my basement and fantasized constantly about what it would feel like to finally “Make It”.

I don’t know if I’d say that I’m “made it”, but I will say that I find it so spectacular that my career (and my company) are right where I’d hope they’d be. I’m headed on this business trip to shoot another episode of the show I’ve been hired to host (debuting this spring on WE tv) and I’ve left behind an office of incredibly talented (and more importantly, competent) employees who will continue to keep the ship afloat in my absence. We have a docket of events lined up that are not only exciting but PROFITABLE (imagine that!) and I somehow have managed, (at least this week) to get to the gym often, put down the blackberry (occasionally) and not drink quite as much wine as the week before. So… from my perspective, which is legitimately, the 50,000 foot level, I’ve come a long way baby and I’m excited to see what lies ahead!

Top it Off

If I’m being completely honest, I don’t think I’ve ever set foot in an Ann Taylor store. I am not a naturally conservative dresser, (unless I’m wearing it ironically) and so there was never a strong desire to shop at AT… honestly, it was where my mom shopped, and so I was always hesitant. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when Ann Taylor contacted me and wanted to send me pieces from their new line… wait, hold the phone, what?

A store, contacted ME? Wanted to gift me their clothing??

I’m sure you’re just as confused as I was, but we’ll chock it up to some great press about my company in LA and a new TV show coming out this spring and suddenly… I’m getting to know Ann.

I loved the concept of the new line… something new, and fresh. Something for TODAY’S working woman, pieces that make me feel like I’m all growns up, without wearing my mommy’s clothes.

I have to tell you Chic Readers, I’m a convert… the feminine trench coat, the fancy blazer, the oval print ruffle front sheath!! AHHH, bliss… and that was just the first box I opened. It also must be said, that it wasn’t just the beautiful clothing inside, it was the presentation and packaging its self, black satin ribbons covering sexy black garment boxes that just screamed Breakfast at Tiffany’s and made me feel so special.

I’ve spied on the rest of the line and I really love it, there’s a high-waisted black pencil skirt and a satin tiered strapless dress in eggplant that are beckoning me like sirens, and you know what that means… it means I’m about to take my first trip to Ann Taylor, because I just realized how much I like her!

Welcome Home

One of LA’s main drags, Hollywood Boulevard, can be… well… a drag. The mix of freaks, bums, and tourists can make the blocks from Las Palmas to Vine nearly unbearable for normal folk like me. With the cat-calling, honking, paparazzi, and loitering, it’s almost too much to handle. 

Fear not, I have found a sanctuary amid the chaos and flashing lights. A safe haven where you can escape the smog and schmucks. It is the ESSEX Public House, a place where the fries are hand cut and the drinks are poured with love. This cozy abode is perfect for people-watching through the big open front windows or cozying up in a back booth.

mi casa es su casa

Last Thursday, Alex Lorton of Dolce Group and I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch with our dear friend Allie Greenburg of Puma. ESSEX boasts a pretty diverse menu with something to please the adventurous as well as the traditionalist lunch The duck confit- magnifique! The ahi burger was a swimming success and Alex’s portobello sandwich was the SHITAKE.

Quack House

We were a little too swamped with work to relax with beers that afternoon but the beer menu was quite impressive. I’ll have to make the trek back to Hollyweird for some brews. Hey, at least I know where to find refuge.

I Die!

I am a die hard, super fan of Rachel Zoe! I love love love everything about her! I love her blousy tops, I love her fur jackets (which I can’t wear on principle, but still adore), I love her 70’s style, and mostly I love how much she loves fashion! 

I realize that I’m dorking out by admitting to my obsession, but I can’t help it. When she wrote a book, I bought that book. When she started recommending shoes on Piperlime, I started buying those shoes! And while I realize that her life and her wardrobe are pretty much unattainable for 90% of this nation, I love the ideaology that we should always look our best because then we will always feel our best, it’s at the essence of what it is to be chic!

So if you’re an obsessed stalker like I am, or want to join the club, I’d suggest you sign up for her newest venture. The Zoe Report! It’s your fashionable must-have daily tid bit, and it’s delicious!

Also, don’t forget to set your TiVo for August 24th when The Rachel Zoe Project premiers on Bravo!!!

I’m giddy with anticipation!!

Support Our Troops!

Coffee is a necessary part of most of our everyday lives, giving us the energy to get through the day.

What if you could get your daily caffeine fix AND do something great at the same time??

Today on our trip to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, we discovered a new way to support our troops with our coffee addiction. For a limited time, Coffee Bean is offering customers the opportunity to buy “Support From Home Coffee Blend” and either have a dollar from your purchase donated to the Fisher House or have the entire bag donated to our troops. With this purchase you also receive a complimentary “Support your troops” tag that you can use to donate 10% of future purchases to our troops! The bags that are donated to our troops have an area for personalized messages, drawings, or whatever your heart desires, letting you send a message to our soldiers… the drawings, prayers, and notes of encouragement melted our hearts so we know they’ll mean the world to the soldiers who are so far away from home.

At Chic Events, we know that coffee is an essential part of our day. Our troops deserve to have it as well! Go to Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf today and buy some coffee for a cause!

I just ADORE these vintage inspired lockets from Urban Rose!

Lock and Key

They’re so special, and I know will add the right amount of style to all my blousy tops! I just bought the Silhouette Tree locket on the 33″ cable chain (extra long so I can pull off the layered look).

They also have a fantastic collection of earrings, and convertible necklaces, any or all of which will add some history to your growing jewelry collection!!

Eggs-cellant!

Eggplant is in season!! 

Let’s be honest, were you even aware it HAD a season? Or do you, like most others, see it winking at you from beneath the produce misters and think “No way, too hard, I wouldn’t even know where to begin!” Trust me, I know it seems daunting, but it’s just so gorgeous, don’t you just HAVE to give it a try??

I like it as vegetarian option when I’m cooking for herbivores… cut it into “steaks” lengthwise, (be sure to score the flesh with a diamond shaped pattern) drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and grill it up! Also, it’s a great substitute for pasta when making a lasagna  (my attempt to be “healthy”).

PLUS: This little lady is also an edible member of the Deadly Nightshade Family, which sounds super sexy to me. All the more reason to try it out on your next trip to grocery store!