{holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

From the {this is glamorous} blog, this side-swept chignon is easy to create and perfect for upcoming holiday parties.  Red lips finish off the look.

Click here for quick instructions {holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

photos: {this is glamorous} blog

DIY: Tinsel Tree

Another easy DIY project for the holidays!  Rue Magazine's latest edition featured this retro Christmas tree which I duped for cheap, cheap.  Unfortunately, I didn't have any feather boas on hand (that will need to change) so I used a glittery white mini tree skirt instead.  I found the tree at a local gift shop but I've seen similar ones at Target.  The string of pearls and mini ball ornaments are also available at Target for around $8.

Rue Magazine Tinsel Tree 

And this colorful little guy is perched on a desk in my office

Also, be sure to download Rue Mag's adorable stationary...drink tags, party invites and gift tags (pictured below) all free here in their latest issue.  

 

DIY: Holiday Wreaths

I saw this little DIY another blog and am so bummed because can't remember where to give credit!  Pottery Barn is selling gorgeous holiday wreaths that start at $80, but you can make them yourself (it's easy, I promise!) for a fraction of the price.  I put this little piece together last night with materials that only cost $20.  All it takes is a little time and you've got yourself a handmade holiday wreath that looks just as fabulous at PB's.

Here are the materials you will need to recreate this particular wreath (keep in mind, you can always change the colors or get a tinsel one...get creative!).  You can find these items pretty much anywhere... Michael's, Target, Pike's Nursery:

1. Green wreath
2. Red ball ornaments
3. Silver ball ornaments
4. Green (or matching color of your wreath) ornament hooks

Attach the ornaments to the wreath and try to affix them closer to the base of the stems.  That way the tops of the ornaments don't show as much.  You can also tweak them by simply twisting the ornaments clockwise to tighten things up.

 Pottery Barn Wreath

Handmade Wreath

Barbie: The Blonde Collection

Clutch: $60, Makeup Pouch: $40, Necklace: $50, Earrings: $50, Wrapping Paper: $15, Journal: $15, Note Cards: $35, Note Cards: $18.  All items available for purchase here.

The Barbie Blonde Collection has arrived -- and just in time for the holidays.  Channel your inner Barbie with golden clutch purses, one-of-a-kind dolls, hair accessories and more.  Carrie Bradshaw-like necklaces and earrings may not be every day pieces (at least for some of us), but add a flirty wink to a wardrobe.  I also like the 80's look of the stationary and wrapping paper.  Perfect for any girlie girl... young and old alike. 

May Your Days Be Shiny & Bright...Holiday Cards

What holiday season would be complete without holiday cards?  Cambria Cove offers absolutely gorgeous boxed cards for sending out Christmas wishes and blessings for the New Year.  For $30 you get a wonderful array of 20 cards (with about 4 different designs) that slip into lovely lined envelopes. 

Or sift through the Holiday Boutique at Kate's Paperie and feel good knowing that some of the collections are printed on "100% post-consumer recycled paper using veggie based ink."

From Vera Wang to Kate Spade to cards like this from MoMA

A Vintage kickback

And a nod to the more classical themes

Images:  Cambria Cove, Kate's Paperie

RHOC: Gretchen Rossi "How To" Hair & Makeup

As one of the "housewives" on Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Orange County, Gretchen Rossi is cashing in on the lucrative franchise.  Last spring, she put her name on a beauty line which is available here on her website.  In the video clip below, Gretchen promotes her namesake cosmetics and does a quick tutorial on how to achieve her trademark "swoop" bangs.  Fast forward to 5:15 to get the scoop!
 
Click here for video




{When Gretchen Christine Beauté first debuted, the creative branding efforts were pretty much nonexistent.  The line was not "new" by any means -- it can be purchased without the "Gretchen" label for considerably less here and here.  In the beginning, Gretchen's line had the exact same names as these private label cosmetics.  The Gretchen brand eventually wised up and changed the names, but the colors and the descriptions are still the same.  Notice the amazing similarities in Grechen's lipstick, "Re Bound" pictured on top which goes for $12.50 and Lady Burd's "Bridal Party" on the bottom which can be purchased for $4.45...}

image: Lady Burd Cosmetics

Steals & Deals: 24 Hour Sales

The Today Show highlighted various 24 hr sales going on today...find cashmere sweaters that are regularly priced at $119 for $24 as well as gorgeous gold (or silver) cuff bracelets, dangly earrings, hair products and more...


http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39952878/ns/today-money

Images:  XOXO, Talbots, Robyn Rhodes, Living Proof