Cool Cords

I'm loving the idea of adding some texture to my winter wardrobe with some corduroys. Wearing these with a light, flowy top, jacket and boots makes for great combo. 

1. J Brand Jeans Ali Wide Leg Corduroy Pants

2. Vince Stretch Corduroy Leggings

3.  Current Elliott Skinny Cords

4. Gap 1969 Skinny Boot Corduroy Pants

5. Blank Denim Spray On Skinny Corduroy Pants

Wedding Survival Kits

These "Mr. and Mrs." Wedding Survival Kits are such a cute idea for pre-wedding gifts.  They have Mother of the Bride, Mother of the Groom, Bridesmaid, and Bride essentials and survival kits.  They carry all of your must-haves including: "folding brush with mirror, hairspray, bobby pins, facial and blotting tissues, earring backs, emery board, clear nail polish, mending kit, scissors, safety pins, corsage pins, double-sided tape, stain remover, static remover, breath freshener, antacid, pain reliever, deodorant towelette, bandages, dancing socks, calculator, waterproof mascara, and earplugs." You can never be too prepared for the big day! 

Sparkly Shoes

We're thinking of some sparkle for New Year's and nothing compliments a simple dress like great jewelry and killer shoes. Maybe it is a bit of a Cinderella thing, but we're seriously loving these modern, glass slipper-like styles.

Miu Miu Glitter and Calf Hair Pumps

Badgley Mischka Humbie Glitter Pump

Kate Spade Licorice Too Pump

Chinese Laundry Harvest Moon Pumps

Happy Holidays

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! We're taking a little break for the holidays to get relaxed and refreshed for 2012. We'll be back to blogging on January 2nd but in the meantime, keep up with us on Twitter (@ninarand and @mariaprovenzano) and Instagram (ninarand and mariaprovenzano).

Gift of the Day: A little Hanky Panky

After a recent purchase at the Pink Lily store in Santa Monica I discovered I am very late at jumping on the "Hanky Panky" bandwagon.  Everyone I talk to swears by this brand, and now it is my new favorite!   It is a great gift idea for yourself or someone else.

Low Rise Thong

Modal Babydoll Sleepset

Signature Lace Bralette 

Gift of the Day: For the Dog Lover

For the people in your life who love their dogs as much as we love ours, here are a few fun gift suggestions:

Tory Burch Braided Dog Leash

Ralph Lauren Holiday Riding Coat 

Martha Stewart Pets Grooming Tote

Gift of the Day: The Music Maven

For the music lover in your life!

Diane von Furstenberg Heart -Print Earpuds

Standing Ovation iPhone Case

ION Tailgater Ultra-Portable Sound System for iPod/iPhone

Rock Band (I know it can seem childish, but it is actually a LOT of fun..... its the only reason to have a playstation)

Gift of the Day: Mother-in-Law

Here are some great ideas for buying gifts for your mother-in-law.  It is best not to buy something that requires you to know their size.  Go with items that are more of a one-size-fits-all! 

Frederic Fekkai Creme Luxueuse with Shea Butter

Voluspa Candles

Cashmere Scarf

Club Monaco Gloves

William Sonoma Riedel Magnum Decanter

Holiday Entertaining: Grape Expectations

Whether you're hosting the big holiday dinner or are just planning on having several friends over through the holidays, stocking up the wine refrigerator is always a must! A great way we've found to do this is Laithwaites Wine Club. Laithwaites sends you a 12 bottle case every three months (and you can add on or pass on shipments, as you need to) and you can choose a case of reds, whites or mixed every time. And this isn't just cheap wine - we've found a lot of new favorites that we may never have purchased just walking through the store.

Right now their introductory offer is a 12 bottle case for $69.99. They also have specials on top holiday whites, bubbles and after dinner favorites.

Get more info here.

Gift of the Day: Splurge!

We were recently introduced to these AMAZING cuffs by American Estate Jewelry. Each piece is hand done and intended to become a treasure that is passed down to each generation. There are 14 beautiful cuffs in the collection, along with earrings, necklaces and other items and these are three of our favorites. They're definitely a splurge gift, but so gorgeous that it is worth it for someone special on your list.

From top to bottom: Sunflower Cuff, Magnolia Cuff, Three Blossom Peony Cuff

Gift of the Day: The Sweet Tooth

It is a VERY RARE occurrence for me to buy any form of dessert.  Our mom made everything from scratch and that is a habit I have continued to keep.  With that said, I have my select few favorites that I recommend and a few recommendations from one of my favorite blogs The Dessert Darling (a very trustworthy dessert critic)!

Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark and Peppermint Snaps Set

William-Sonoma Panettone (It's NOT Christmas without Panettone..... Trader Joe's actually makes a good one as well)  It makes the best french toast!  Here is a Giada De Laurentiis recipe to try!

La Maison du Chocolat A Dessert Darling Recommendation

Baking Betty's A Dessert Darling Recommendation

Visit dessertdarling.com for more ideas!

Gift of the Day: For the Reader

A few ideas for the readers in your life:

Top row: Tory Burch Printed E-reader Sleeve ($135)  -  Turkmenistan Gold Bookmark ($34.95)  

Bottom row: Clip on Book Light ($14.95)  -  Brooklyn Bridge Bookends ($69)

Holiday Beauty: With Rochelle Rae

With December in full swing, the holiday events and parties for work and with friends are starting and it is time to start thinking about the perfect look. We asked beauty expert and creator of Rae Cosmetics, Rochelle Rae, for her ideas on great holiday looks and here are three of her favorite looks and tips to try this holiday party season. Not only are these great looks for you, but Rae Cosmetic Kits and individual products make stellar gift ideas for the beauty mavens in your life!

Look 1:

The holidays are filled with sparkle and that is also true for the eyeshadow trend this season. A little shimmer can go a long way so choose a lighter shade like icy blue or lavender. Highlight the brow bone and inside corner of the eye with a glittering white for and extra pop.

Try the Rae Cosmetics Icicle Eye Set filled with 3 shimmering shades of icy blue shadow, a long lasting onyx eyeliner and a lush silk mascara in a shiny silver bag.

Look 2:

Nothing says take me to the mistletoe like a bombshell red pucker. Red is always the color of the season but it can be a bit tricky with all the eating, drinking and that mistletoe. Apply lip liner to your entire lip and then apply lipstick. Lightly blot, then apply lipgloss to just the center of your lips. With a small brush apply powder to outside edge of lip line to keep it from bleeding.

Try the Rae Cosmetics Mistletoe Emergency Kit. It includes an anti-feathering, Long Lasting Lipliner and a plumping, Lip Lust Lipstick in Bombshell. Finish it off with super high-shine Lucky Lips Lipgloss in the shade Naughty. Comes in a little red wristlet, so you can kiss and run. 

Look 3:

 It is impossible not to notice, rather real or fake, lashes are getting longer and longer. This season you may feel a breeze ewhen the girl next to you blinks, it is all about lovely, long lashes. If you don’t want to splurge on extensions, you can apply some falsies. If you decide to go au natural start by curling your lashes, this instantly makes them appear longer and thicker and eyes bigger and brighter. Apply a lengthening mascara and then apply more. Use a clean disposable mascara wand to remove extra mascara between coats. Then apply more.

Try Rae Cosmetics Lush Mascara. A Protein-rich formula containing silk powder, which builds into strong flexible threads for long, lush lashes. The hollow-fiber brush lifts and separates each lash, no clumping for a long and natural look.

Gift of the Day: For the Bride

Being an engaged couple around the holidays is so much fun!  It is such a special time in someone's life. If you have a close friend or family member who is engaged here are some fun ideas to get them to celebrate and commemorate this time in their lives. 

The Ultimate Wedding Planner and Organizer 

Rockabuy Creations Custom Hangers

Charms of Faith Christmas Ornament

My Adobe Cottage Stockings

Vumbaca White Wine Charms

A Six Pence In Her Shoe (LOVE THIS!)

Gift of the Day: Super-Organized Friend

For your super-organized friends, Tilly Maison makes the perfect trays to keep everything from jewelry to cosmetics and desk accessories in stylish order. Just in case you're not sure what size or color will suit your friends best, Tilly Maison's Etsy shop has $45 and $90 gift certificates.

Our favorites are the petite chevron stripe tray and the gold and white herringbone lucite tray (with compartments!).

Gift of the Day: The Bling Baby!

The holidays are the perfect time of year to ask for some bling.... and if you are really good maybe you will something with some extra sparkle! 

Kate Spade New York "All Wrapped Up Pave Ring"

Badgley Mischka Multi-Strand Pave Disc Necklace

David Yurman Bracelet (Definitely a splurge.... but maybe if you have been really good your significant other will get it for you!)

Kendra Scott Diana Bracelet

CUSP Mixed Beaded Clutch

Gift of the Day: The Fitness Fiend

Lululemon Gym Bag

Natural Fitness Yoga Mat

Forerunner60 Fitness Watch with Hear Rate Monitor

Lululemon Top

Water Bottle with Filter (This is brilliant! Never buy bottled water again)

Hurom Slow Juicer 

Gift of the Day: For the New Mom

For the new moms you know, here are a few ideas both baby-related and not!

1. TOMS Wedges - to ease back in to wearing heels ($69)

2. Kate Spade "And Baby Makes Three" photo album ($50)

3. Plum Pretty Sugar Kimono Robe ($124)

4. Kai Gift Set ($110)

Gift of the Day: The Beauty Buff

When it comes to "The Beauty Buff" the best gifts tend to be gift sets. Sephora and all the make-up counters generally will carry some around the holiday season and you definitely get more for your money! 

Laura Mercier: The Nudes Lip Glace Set ( I have this and I LOVE it!)

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact

Urban Decay Naked Palette (my new favorite eye shadows)

Sephora by OPI: Good Tidings We Bling

What's our latest obsession?

Well you can find out, if you stalk us on CurrentlyObsessed.me! Currently Obsessed allows you to "stalk" all of your favorite style bloggers and keep up with their current favorites. The site launched December 1 and we're lucky enough to be a part of it. You heard us right, we're asking you to stalk us - seriously!


The site is invitation-only and invites are limited. The good news is that we've got 50 invitations to share with our readers. The first 50 readers to sign up for Currently Obsessed using the code The_HSS_FeedObsessed get access to the site and can check out our favorites - which we're adding to every day. 

Sign up here and snag one of the 50 invites we have to share!

Gift of the Day: The Creative

Here are a few fun ideas for the creatives in your life:

1. Jonathan Adler Muse Bottle Stoppers

2. Acrylic Desk Accessories

3. Flip Camcorder

Christmas Music

When we were growing up our mom would always want to start listening to Christmas music in the summer.  Then right when Halloween was over we would listen to Christmas music until New Years! Here are some of our old and new favorites.

Josh Groban: Noel

The Carpenters (probably the most classic!)

Jessica Simpson Rejoyce: The Christmas Album

Amy Grant: Home For Christmas

Hey Santa! Carney and Wendy Wilson

Kristin Chenoweth: A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas

Donny Osmond: Christmas at Home

Gift of the Day: The Traveler

My sister and I became expert travelers when we were in college going back and forth from Michigan to Florida State.  Here are some great recommendations if you are trying to think of a gift for someone who does a lot of traveling.

You Better Be-weave It Sewing Kit (Perfect in case of a wardrobe emergency)

Charger and Cord Case

Henri Bendel Passport and Bag Tag

Personalized Cami and Shoe Bag

Henri Bendel Garment Bag

Gift of the Day: For your Boss

Buying a gift for your boss can be a little tricky. You don't want to buy anything extravagant or too personal, but you do want to purchase something nice and that you know they will like. Here are a few ideas:

1. Williams-Sonoma Peppermint Bark and Cookies - always good to take home and share

2. iPad Dock - a fun accessory for our favorite tech item

3. Calendar Paperweight - a nice desk item

4. Whiskey Lover's Set - for after the rough days at the office 

Gift of the Day: Shoe Addict

Shoe addicts will need these accessories to help with their addiction!

Henri Bendel Shoe Bag Set

Happy Feet Socks (after a day in heels these will make your feet feel amazing)

Christian Louboutin Book

Minnetonka Boots

Vera Wang Lavender Label Pumps

Gift of the Day: The Hostess

For all of the holiday parties you'll be attending this season, here are a few hostess gift ideas!

Sucre Holiday Macaroons  -  Kate Spade Monogrammed Notecards 

Jo Malone Deluxe Candle (try Roasted Chestnut for a new seasonal scent)

Gift of the Day: The Baker

Here are some ideas for the baker in your life.  Keep in mind that it can be more fun to get lots of little things instead of one big thing!

Crate and Barrel Cookie Jar

Etsy: Party Ink Custom Stickers

Giada De Laurentiis Red Bowl Gift Set

Crate and Barrel Cake Tester

Crate and Barrel Off Set Spatula

Sur La Table Baked Doughnut Gift Set

Sur La Table Cookie Dough and Ice Cream Scoop

Gift of the Day: The Fashionista

Remember these bold beauties? 

We loved receiving these Eastport bags as gifts, so we think giving them as gifts this holiday sounds like a great idea for the fashionistas in your life. They make for a super stylish beach bag, weekender or carry-on bag!

To make this gift even better, Ellen Allen Annapolis is running an amazing holiday promotion. For the entire month of December, whenever you purchase and Eastport bag ($250) in green or navy, you will get an Oxford clutch in green or black (a $125 value) for free! Just enter the code MYGIFT at checkout. Also, shipping is FREE until 12/31 - no code required - does it get any better?

P.S. Ellen Allen is discontinuing the yellow Eastport, so you can now get the bag for $125 (50% off!) - snag this deal while it lasts!