Merry Travels and Happy Eggnog!

It's that time of year again... the roads are packed and the airports and trains follow suit. What is a fashionista to do? Well pass her over the knee boots and carry on LV through security and jet set off to see loved ones of course!

As I fly South with the birds for slightly warmer weather, I would just like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas full of love and good company!

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Fashionspiration: Mistletoe Kisses

Ho Ho Ho my darlings...

Mommy Kissing Santa by fashiondiva304 featuring an underwire bra

Carine Gilson Thème Céres silk-satin kimono, $1,012
Elle Macpherson Obsidian Rita Underwire bra, $90
Elle Macpherson Obsidian Rita thong, $40
Lace Top Thigh High Plus, $14
Stuart Weitzman Women's Straples Evening Slide, $398
Berkshire Electric Fireplace - Antique White : Target, $700
Wake Up Frankie - Parisian Love Seat - You Think, Hot Pink, $579
Amazon.com: Good Tidings Vail Artificial Prelit 7-1/2-Foot White..., $50
Home Accents Holiday Lighted Decorative Gift Boxes, Set of 3 - 5554724..., $40
Pack of 6 Gleaming Silver Mirrored Glass Disco Ball Christmas..., $3.99
1-1/2" Vintage Look Heart Skeleton Keys - Pkg of 2 - Table and Shelf...
ego espresso cup & saucer, $44
Creative Imaginations - Narratives by Karen Russell Collection - 12 x..., $1.89
PINK HEART
Sweet/Dessert - Crisp Chocolate Chip Cookies - Photo Gallery - CHOW
Emine Saner: Mistletoe: endangered species or ripe for the picking? |...
Eggnog

NYC Digs: Big Apple Lady

There are an unending amount of things you can dive into in this wonderful city at any time of year... but Christmas gives everything a magical spin. Twinkling streets that sing joyful music to you as you skip along 5th Ave in your button up Balmain Boots! But with so many options, how is a fashionista to decide?

You can start by leaving Manhattan for a smaller island dedicated to one lady that has had her share of dazzling magazine spreads over the years... Lady Liberty! Long before the ladies of Sex and the City, Our Lady has touched people with her independent spirit... not to mention her classic Greek fashion (that she always knew was stylish).

It is inspiring to see that New York never lost its zeitgeist as the place to go to make your dreams come true. I found 3 of my ancestors listed at Ellis Island signing in for the American Dream after a haul from Norway! But we'll dive more into the gateway to America soon enough, for now lets visit Liberty Island.

Liberty is full of history and things to explore literally! The museum sits inside our statue! But word to the wise when planning to rendez vous with this Lady... plan ahead! To tour all the way up to the crown (which is of course the raison d'etre to visit her) you must BOOK IN ADVANCE! This lady's fabulous headpiece is booked months in advance... she's like the next hot restaurant in Manhattan... no exceptions!

How to be fabulous for Our Lady? Easy for a snappy dresser like yourself right?! Climb those stairs in style with some comfy flat boots with a fancy flair like these Chloe Cutout Boots. Fight those harsh Hudson winds in something ultra warm and soft like this Karl Donaghue. And of course la meme chose pour ta tete! Try this Diane von Furstenburg beret bien sur!

Have you met Lady Liberty?

NYC Digs: Christmas is Chocolate!

Christmas in NYC is the most magical time of year, beautiful window shopping, ice skating, and Christmas music heard near and far. Well this past weekend was no exception, as Santas of all shapes and sizes filled the city streets full of booze aided holiday cheer for Santacon! I personally love the girl's santa costume that both these ladies are sporting for the event. It's always fun to make the holidays fashionably festive!

After much exploring the past couple weeks a friend and I ventured upon this lovely chocolate shop at Bryant Park. Lily O'Briens Chocolate Cafe lured me in with promises of Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate... and they did not disappoint! I just love here how they've decorated the store for Christmas using their chocolates as ornaments.

This chocolat chaud was of course after a dazzling whirl around the Bryant Park Ice Rink! Nothing beats ice skating in New York, its always one of my favorite things to look forward to. Bundled in a winter white pea coat and catwalk worthy trapper hat you begin to feel like you are starring in your own holiday chic flic... now where is that prince charming?

How do you hit the ice my dears?

Cyber Monday DEAL!

Did you have a fabulous Thanksgiving break darlings? I hope you got to eat a great meal and then shop to your little heart's content. I certainly enjoyed my break and am energized to be back to work and routine!

Here are some of my favorites from Embellished. I hope they start your Cyber Monday off right!

Something for the Fashionista...

For the Anthropologie Fanatic...

For the Rockstar at heart...

Mention this post and get 10% off your purchase!

Noel en France

I love Christmas. Mainly because I have free reign to sing fun songs, attend parties with friends and family, eat a lot of cookies, and of course exchange presents. I am enjoying learning new Christmas traditions here in France. Here is what I've gathered this month.

First of all "Christmas Season" starts later, unlike in August in America. Every town has their own Christmas Market filled with handmade vendors, crepe stations, and hot mulled wine. I have really enjoyed visiting these.

I loved the aerial views of Lille, that's one of the great things about ferris wheels! Anything exciting in your area that you look forward to each Christmas?

Ice Ice Baby

Today was the first morning I had to start the grueling process of leaving time to scrape the ice off my car windows. It got me thinking about winter, and the things I love about it. Although it is my least favorite season, there are a few things that keep me going.

I love ice skating, even though i have only ever been on artificial rinks. In fact, it was not until I was older that the thought even occurred to me that it was possible to be so cold, one could ice skate on a natural lake or pond! That astounded me. Growing up in the South does not exactly grant that kind of thought process.

Nonetheless, I think I love how romantic it feels to be outside on ice and gracefully gliding along hand in hand with someone special, surrounded by trees and stars...sigh. Even though I prefer hot to cold, ice skating is something that gets me through the cold months of winter, something to cling to while I am eight layers deep in sweaters and coats desperately trying to stay warm!

*photos compliments of aroundapplegate.blogspot and myupperwest.com*

What keeps you warm in the winter?

For Him Gift Guide

So we all have that special someone in mind this holiday season. The person who runs through your mind all day for no apparent reason. The person whom you catch yourself smiling about when you spot something that reminds you of them. Now...what do you buy them for Christmas?

I have always felt that shopping for men is much harder than shopping for women. What do you get them...a baseball hat? So here is a lovely gift guide to ease the pain of your search for the perfect gift. Enjoy.

*Photos courtesy of their respective shops*

1. iPhone Case:: Full Give...Utah $34

2. Bottle Opener Belt Buckle:: Metalogical...Palm Beach $25

3. Fleur de Lis Tie:: Embellished...Charlotte $40

4. Duct Tape Mustache Flask:: J Duct...Portland $20

5. Bar Towels:: Branch Handmade...New Jersey $12

6. Guitar Pick Necklace:: Metal Pressions...Savannah $60

7. Motorcycle Tie Tack:: Dabble Designs...Pasadena $9

8. Sports Pillow:: T Shirt Memories...Naples $25

9. Rocker Ring:: Happy Go Licky...Kentucky $70

10. Rock On Tee Shirt:: Dowdy Studio...Dallas $22

11. Vinyl Album Decorative Bowl:: Odd Bob...Montreal $15

12. Leather Money Clip Wallet:: Broundoor... Montreal $40

13. Hand Gun Cuff Links:: Pink Top Hat...Las Vegas $35

An Embellished Christmas

The countdown is officially on for the biggest shopping weekend of the year! Its time to start thinking about your wishlists and gifts for this holiday season. After the rough economic year we have had, everyone has learned how important it is to act locally. Small business owners are what keeps America afloat, plus they provide something unique for you to own. Since Embellished readers come from all corners of the globe, I'm making an international wishlist.

*photos compliments of respective shops*

Las Vegas: Circle Line Studio, wall decal

England: Eclectic Eccentricity, feather bracelet

Canada: Beadsss, Fleur de Lis Necklace

Brooklyn: Pink Baby Mouse, Daschund Pillow

Indiana: My Lavalier, Je t'aime Necklace

South Carolina: A Heron Designs, Shakespeare Ring

New Jersey: Urban Heirlooms, Skeleton Key Clutch

Colorado: Tha Meow Designs, iTouch Case

Israel: Tattoo Socks, Tattoo Stockings

What's on your wishlist?

Something for the Mailman

As most of you know, one of my favorite things to do is peruse around Etsy for interesting items. I recently had the pleasure of discovering a wonderful stationary shop on Etsy that got me totally stoked about the upcoming holiday season. Crafterall is a handmade stationary shop with an interesting style that is simplistic and modern and leaves you wanting more! *photos compliments of Crafterall*

I had a wonderful chat with Marnie, the brains and creativity behind the paperworks, and she is so sweet. I always love learning people's passions and process. Enjoy her shop, interview, and maybe an exclusive reader gift below...hmm...what could it be?

1. What initially interested you in making stationary?

One of the things I love about paper is that it is everywhere. It's a very affordable, if not downright free, material. On top of that it's incredibly versatile. I've always had a fondness for paper, for what I can do with it, and for the words that may fall upon it at some point. I've been creating cards since I was in high school, and as familiar territory, it was a natural progression to move it into a business. Because every card and piece of art I make is unique, there's enough variance to keep the actions fresh and not get burned out. And honestly, because I tend to "re-invest" in my work (materials, storage, packaging, marketing, etc.) my business still tends to feel very much like a hobby.

Choosing a name for my shop was like choosing an image for a tattoo -- I wanted it to be meaningful, easily recognizable, and something that represented what I do. Since I have a pull towards all things crafty, I created a name that alludes to multiple media, purpose, and price. In a nutshell, I hope to create items that appeal to a diverse group of people who share one common trait: the appreciation of handmade works. I've started with my most familiar territory: paper. I like to fold it, cut it, and share it. In the near future, I hope to also offer fabric pieces and sketches as well.

2. Your TOPOgraphical style is very unique, how did you arrive at this for your designs?

Trial and error, experimentation, and happy accident all conspired together to allow me to ultimately arrive at the topographical style of my work. I incorrectly assumed that there would be only a little interest in the style, or that people wouldn't think it as interesting as I did. Instead, cartographers, graphic designers, golfers, abstract artists, and lake lovers from all over the world have come of out of the woodwork to check it out, and I could not be happier.

3. Shop Stats: How long have you been running, how long before your shop really took off, etc.

My first twenty listings on Etsy were unlike anything that is currently there. Simple cards made from patterned scrapbook paper with a stamped greeting didn't exactly make the front page. My first sale was two weeks after I opened. From there it was fairly slow until I started listing original papercut art. Once I started listing the first versions of my topo cards, the selling began to pick up and I felt the first inklings of a shop identity. These days, I see more of a direct correlation between listing and sales than anything else. Still, I try to keep the shop fresh with new designs, new experiments, and I'm always open to custom orders.

4. Any interesting tidbits?

I am grateful every single day for the kind of life I live. I'm able to stay at home with my youngest while my older daughter goes to school, and my husband works from home, so we exist together in a pretty idyllic little bubble. Every once in a while I'll get down about something: toddler spilled juice on the carpet, kids argue over a toy, I've got a big order to fill, I need to rush to get to the post office before it closes, etc. And then I snap out of it and realize that I am "living the dream", and that life is way too short to complain. I once heard Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies fame respond to an interview question about the hardships of touring with the band. He said he dislikes it when bands complain or even write ballads about being on tour. Touring is a benefit of being popular and successful, as well as part of the job bands "sign up" for when performing. This struck me as an honest truth that easily transcends the world of rock bands.

Do what you love. Love what you do.

Well said indeed, Marnie always has a passion for helping the planet and therefore sends all Crafterall scraps to another great shop on Etsy where Kendra Zvonik makes products from the remains of Crafterall projects! These projects are fun, useful, and green. Great combination! Be sure to check out Green Post for great present toppers and gifts for Christmas. *photos compliments of Green Post*

And get excited readers because Marnie is offering an exclusive discount

for you! From now until December 15th, Crafterall is offereing all Embellished readers a 25% refund on any purchase! Just be sure to mention "Embellished" in your note to seller.

You can also check out Crafterall's fun blog here, and follow Marnie on Twitter here.

Happy Christmas Card shopping!

Merry Xmas

I haven't posted anything for ages, but I haven't forgotten you guys.
So I'm wishing you, and those around you, a fantastic Christmas and an awesome year to follow.
Hopefully 2009 will bring a new "Advertising etc" ;)
All the best guys.

André

R/GA: Tattoo Santa

I scooped this one from adgoodness, it's probably the best Christmas Card I saw this year.

Credits:
Agency: R/GA


Via: adgoodness

DDB London: Christmas Card

Nice animation on this DDB London Christmas Card.

Credits:
Agency: DDB London (UK)
Animation: Peepshow Collective (UK)


Via: It's Nice That

Merry Christmas

I wish you all and your family and friends a very Merry Christmas and a great year to come.

André

Live Cheese & Biscuits

This is the best Christmas "card" I've seen so far. It's from web agency AKQA, it's a sort of gerbel Big Brother. The "Happy Christmas from AKQA" lights up each time a hamster goes on the wheel.


Credits:
Agency: AKQA, London (UK)
Web streaming: Groovy Gecko, London (UK)


Via: NOTCOT

Get a Mac Christmas Ad

Let me know your thoughts on this ad. I like how they transformed the characters into a "cartoon". Is this a one off?

More Christmas spirit: 12 Days of Christmas (remix)

I don't know if you guys know this classic Christmas jingle, if you do I'm sure you'll appreciate this new version by Straight No Chaser, if you don't, I reckon you'll like it all the same.


Via: The Guardian

Starbucks: It's red again

Another great Christmas campaign. again by Wieden+Kennedy, however this time it's from the Portland office. Are these guys compiting to see who gets the best Christmas campaign? Pass the cheer with the Starbucks Cheer Chain ---> www.itsredagain.com

Agency: Wieden+Kennedy Portland (USA)
Creative Directors: Danielle Flagg, Jed Alger
Art Director: Matthew Carroll
Copywriter: Jen Nicolazzo
Interactive: Chean-Wei Law, Peter Yue
Producer: Bev Davis
Media: Lis Christy, Lynn Mayo, Lisa Osborne
Retouching: Kyle Pero


Via: Wieden+Kennedy Studio

Blockbuster: Christmas

Another Christmas ad, another good one. This one reminds me of how it is at home, a lot of people, a lot of confusion. Every year we seem to have more people joining us, one day we'll have to build an extension just to make the dinner table bigger. Anyway, this ad supposedly has 35 references to movies. Can you spot them all? Great work by DDB Toronto.

Credits:
Agency: DDB Toronto (Canada)
Creatives: Shane Ogilvie, Joel Pylypiw
Production: Spy Films, Toronto (Canada)
Director: Jeff Labbe


Via: glossy/adgoodness

Coca-Cola: Beard

It's almost the 1st of December, pretty soon we'll be doing the Christmas decoration, so here goes the new Christmas Coca-Cola ad to help you get in the spirit. Some people say the ad is a bit clichet, but I like it.

Credits:
Agency: Ogilvy Argentina
Production: Rebolucion, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
Director: Armando Bo


Thanks to Inês Casola