Inspired by Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure, I decided to write my own:
Like my hair: independent, luxe, unruly.
Here are some others from the book:
Well, I thought it was funny. - Stephen Colbert
Almost nothing was under my control. - Joel Stein
Nobody cared, then they did. Why? - Chuck Klosterman
What's yours?
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
I've found that visiting Etsy is a great way to start my day. The bright rows of fabrics, pottery, jewelry and other handmade items give me a morning boost that beats coffee. Plus, I often get motivated to make things of my own ... or at least think in a more sustainable, innovative way.
This morning, I found some locally made items that are both fashionable and functional. Have a great day!
These head warmers are a nice way to keep your ears warm and look adorable. Chrissycreations is selling them in any color under the sun for $14.99, plus $2.99 for shipping. I've also seen them at Leahey & LaDue Consignment, 3753 N Southport Ave. Keep your ears toasty!
Decorative plates are a great way to pop color into your kitchen. WickedlyGoodWares offers hand-painted plates for $27, plus $6 shipping. A unique way to decorate your kitchen (after all, the plates are one-of-a-kind) and serve food.
I also found amazing vintage clothing, like this black velvet cocktail dress for $60, plus $9 shipping from bootstrapvintage. I love the clothes in Mad Men, and this fits in perfectly.
Have a wonderful day!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
Well, the frigid weather's officially here. And with that comes some good things - like the first blanket of snow that makes the city look like a fairy tale - and the bad things, like the snow pelting you in the face to say "good morning!".
Now that it's here, how do we prepare? After two years commuting via public transit (and therefore via foot to the transit), I've learned that more is never enough. And while bundling up like Randy from A Christmas Story is enticing, I also think looking presentable (or some winter version of it) is important.
Here's what I think are some of the best options. I haven't perfected my winter ensemble yet, so chime in with your thoughts!
Head and ears: Hats are always a big no-no for me (turns my hair into a mushroom), so I've found other options. Earmuffs or 180s work wonderfully but when it gets really cold, more is needed. So ear covers and a hood works wonders (I'll be shopping for a coat with a hood after the holidays!). If your hair tolerates hats (lucky!), there are so many adorable options. I've seen an alarming number with cutout designs that also do not cover one's ears. Don't make the mistake of picking one of those up!
Neck: Nothing's worse than having a sore neck from shrinking it into your shoulders to stay warm. I've seen a lot of coats that have a high collar, which looks amazingly warm. The jackets zip up high, to around your mouth so you don't have to distort your body to keep warm. I recently saw a girl wearing what I think was a "scoodie." You can make it yourself and I found an instructional video here. Hers looked like a giant sweatshirt around her neck, minus the hood and arms, and it was cradling her in warmth and I was oh, so jealous. It may be my inner warmth-seeker making me think this is attractive - do we like? Of course, once snow hits cotton, it may not be warm for too long!
Hands: I have fabric gloves, which only work during the "warm" winter months. When it's snowing or sleeting, a waterproof nylon pair seem to work best to shield me from the nasty weather.
Feet: Rain boots just won't cut it. I wore mine today and by the time I was at my door, my toes were frosty. Winter boots are a must and if they're mid-calf in length it's even better. You can avoid ruining work pants or jeans and you can step through the snow just because you want to.The sidewalks were already slippery today, so the bottom of your boots should have grip.
Coats: Arguably the most important part of the equation, I find that once the snow hits, my wool coats aren't the best option. They absorb the moisture, plus it stays damp for awhile. A knee-length jacket with waterproof nylon material, a hood and high neck seems like the perfect option!
Supporting roles:
Tissues, for that runny nose.
Lip balm, to keep your lips smooth.
Lotion, to keep your hands moisturized.
Salt - seriously - it's really slippery.
Any other suggestions? Keep warm, it's harsh out there!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
The holidays are here! After weeks of turning a blind eye to the holiday decorations on Michigan Avenue, I can finally be excited about the lights, glitter and sparkle on the street. Yesterday I listened to holiday music and decorated my apartment, so I'm in full-on holiday mode and I love it!
I was one of the crazies that got up early Friday to go shopping but if you still have a few people left on your list (or all of them - I won't tell!) here are some ideas.
Don't forget that today's Cyber Monday, so you can get Black-Friday-like deals online. Search for coupon codes on sites like Coupon Cabin and Retail Me Not to get deeper discounts.
Gift guide 2009
- Magazines. It's a gift that keeps giving. On my wish list this year? Body + Soul, Smart Money and Mother Earth News. Through Dec. 1, you can get Real Simple, Food & Wine and others for $5 on Amazon.
- Etsy. For the person who has everything, Etsy has something they don't. Find homemade gifts and even shop local to find necklaces from Jeneri Jewelry, an oversized bag by Elizabeth Wren, ocean flourite wishbone earrings by Toni Designs or Chicago photos by Helene Smith.
- Books. Find them at a used book store, and I think it's the best present ever. The books have so much character and mystery.
- Gift sets. Make your own! A blanket, gift card for pizza and movie for your favorite couple; a robe, slippers, bubble bath and book for your favorite mom; an apron, burger seasoning, grilling tongs and a case of beer for your favorite dad.
- Memberships. Brookfield Zoo for a family. Gen Art for yourself or CWIP for the professional in your life.
- Movies! Netflix is a good option, as is Blockbuster by Mail (which is a little more expensive but you can trade in a number of DVDs at the store).
What are you looking forward to giving this year?
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
It's the perfect love affair, me and my Vanity Fair. You see, it delivers itself to my door balancing brilliant expose pieces, humorous profiles, culture, high fashion and sophistication. I'll admit it: I postponed plans with my beau tonight to finish reading the article on Ruth Madoff ... and then the short piece on Oscar de la Renta ... and finally the page-turner on the Astors.
The Madoff and Astor articles displayed the power of greed. But Oscar de la Renta just made me laugh. The 77-year-old Dominican Republic-born fashion designer's one-page piece was filled with quotes and facts that made me adore him. Did you know that he's been designing for "over 40 years," which means he was in his 30s when his designing career started. See?! There's always time to follow your dreams! And he's still working hard at 77. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
* "Do you know why I almost always wear a tie? I have this complex that if I walk into a place wearing a colorful shirt someone will stop me and say, 'I'm sorry, but the Latin band comes through the other door.'"
* "Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself."
* "I remember one time asking Gore Vidal why Truman Capote dried up. He told me that Capote was so successful he forgot to exercise his craft every day. I always say that every day for me is a learning process in the midst of tremendous anxiety about whether I can do it all over again."
* To be well dressed, you must be well naked" (or as the VF staffer clarified, comfortable in your own skin).
Well said.
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
According to an article in today's Trib, consumers are tired of being frugal - they're ready to splurge!
Since I've started fine-tuning my financial ways, I've decided that if I can get something for less (there's always a way!), I will. Of course, that's not to say that splurging isn't enticing. Heck, it only took me a moment to think of what I would buy.
If I was to pick something to splurge on, it would be one of these beauties:
The Tiffany & Co key collection, which start at about $150 and go up, naturally, as you add sparkling diamond additions and decide on your precious metal of choice. My favorite is the quatrefoil key pendant which retails for $1,000.
What's something fun you would splurge on, and when do you think it's appropriate to buy yourself an expensive present? The difference between pre- and post-recession me is that I don't buy items just because. I need a good reason to make a purchase.
That's not to say I wouldn't accept the necklace as a birthday present. Dec. 15. Just sayin' ... .
So, share the details. Are you sick of penny-pinching or does it still thrill you? And, just for fun, what would you splurge on?
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
Most things in life are not free, but if you have a wicked bargain eye and a good shopping sense, you'll find that some things are (kind of) free.
From coffee to a fruity drink, here's some things you can enjoy free of charge. Some are completely free, others require a purchase to receive a free item.
What's the best free gift you've received? If we're talking about material possessions, I'll say my grandma's bedroom set. She was upgrading her set and gave me her Ethan Allen furniture, which makes my room look incredibly homey and earthy. Of non-material items, I'll go with a laugh, smile or hug from any of my favorites. Yes, I know, I'm cheesy.
Buy one, get one at Jamba Juice.
1.1 oz. sample of Dunkin' Donuts coffee to brew at home.
Buy Corner Bakery breakfast, get a free coffee.
Allure is having a legendary giveaway (think sandals, makeup, jewelry, totes - oh, my!) Enter and read contest details here. The mag is giving away 33,683 items total - go get yours!
Enjoy your day!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
UPDATE: Here's one more recent freebie find!
Red Mango, which has recently opened at 2806 N. Clark St., is offering a free small yogurt with one topping from 4-7 p.m. Saturday. Yum!
DON'T FORGET TO ENTER OUR BEST BUY SPONSORED FATHER'S DAY CONTEST BY 5 p.m. TUESDAY!
I love beautiful things. And sometimes, beautiful things are pricey. Luckily, Gilt Groupe, Billion Dollar Babes, Beta Boutique and BADC provide a discount haven for Michael, Diane, Mark, Jimmy and Cole - and all their friends. Behold the sample sale.
Gilt Groupe is an invitation-only designer sale spot that features up to 70 percent off retail price. When I logged on tonight, I had to restrain myself from buying the Cole Haan Cara Sandal for $68 (marked down from $140). It offers sales for women, men and children, and features clothes, accessories and shoes. Sales last 36 hours and membership is free. If you don't want to wait for an invite, head over to StyleChicago.com and click on the Gilt Groupe advertisement, which will grant you membership to the site!
Billion Dollar Babes holds designer sales three times a week. Sales last 48 hours and prices are discounted up to 80 percent off retail. You can join Billion Dollar Babes for free and it carries clothes, shoes and accessories. If you "window shop" online sample sales, don't forget to search for coupon codes before you make a purchase - you never know what you'll find!
Beta Boutique, 2016 W. Concord Place, is the city's "first and only permanent sample sale," per the site. The store finds local, national and international designer fashions and sells them at 40-90 percent off retail. The boutique also hosts sample sale events at other locations and if you register on its mailing list or become a fan of its Facebook page, you'll keep in-the-know.
BADC, or Borrow a Dress Couture, is bringing the concept of men's tux rentals into women's fashion.The store, 3221 N. Sheffield Ave., recently opened and it leases designer apparel and goods. The cost of leasing an item ranges from $45-$300 depending on the retail price. Designers include Alexander McQueen, Herve Leger and Vera Wang, and they carry sizes 0-18, plus maternity wear. A lease lasts for three days, so you can and should wear that Marchesa number every day - we won't tell. BADC handles the cleaning and its merchandise retails for $100-$4000.
Check out designers at the forefront of fashion - just don't wear out your plastic!
xoxo,
Lisa Marie
My name is Kate and I'm an addict. My vice? Burt's Bees lip balm.
I've always been big on lip balm, I have to have at least one stick in my purse, in my desk at work and in my car. But once I had my first Burt's Bees, the rest of those other lip balms couldn't compare. It's by far my favorite, and if you love Burt's Bees as much as I do, you'll be happy to hear about their new promotion.
To celebrate the company's 25th anniversary, Burt's Bees is having Burt Day Giveaway.
Burt's Bees is giving away 1,000 lip balms every day for 25 days until June 20th.
Want to win? Go to the Burt's Bees site here between, 8 and 11 a.m. (central time) through June 20th and register for your chance to win one of their lip balms!
The trick is, every day the giveaway will start at a random time between 8 and 11 a.m., so you'll have to keep checking in to the site to see if you can catch the daily giveaway.
Make sure to take advantage of this great giveaway while you still can!
Kate
*photos courtesy of Burt's Bees
