The Holiday Rush

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I know this sounds completely irrational, but this year it feels as though the holiday season is coming faster than ever.  Maybe it's because the stores have been promoting holiday wrapping paper since before Halloween (thanks again for that induced panic attack Duane Reade!) or the fact that my inbox was flooded with a serious attack of Black Friday/ Shop Local Saturday/Cyber Monday/Extended-Cyber-Monday-into-Cyber-Tuesday promotions, but this year it feels like the holidays are on overdrive.  I do love this time of year, and I think it's important to take the time to stop and smell the hot chocolate.  

Here are a few ways I'm slowing down to enjoy the season:

- Keep a Running List.  I love a good deal as much as the next person, but honestly, all those promotions can leave my head spinning!  Instead, I like to keep a running list of fun, interesting things - some of which end up on Friday Finds! - that I think could make for great gifts.  I might not even have anyone in mind for them, but I like to keep a list on my phone (for easy reference) of things that catch my eye throughout the year.

-Buy 'em As I See 'em.  When I find something that would make the perfect gift, I grab it.  There is no telling if it will still be available in the size, color, etc. I'll want or need when Christmas/birthdays/anniversaries roll around.  

- Stock Up Early.  I love me some holiday cards.  Love Love Love.  Last year I stocked up on holiday cards after Christmas when they were heavily discounted.  Now, I'm all geared up for this year.

-Be Present.  Whether it's whipping up a batch of holiday cookies or decorating the tree, I like focus on the task at hand.  Sure, I'll take tons of photos but I'll wait to post them.  I don't want to ruin a real moment, so that it can live online.  Enjoy in real time!

-Give Yourself a Break.  This one is the hardest, but I'm going to try my best not to get too caught up in the whirlwind of the season.  It's a marathon, not a sprint.  

-MC-

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Italian Dressing

There have long been two positions on style - French vs. Italian.  The French certainly own all things "chic", but the Italians have glamour down to a science.  (And it's not limited to Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida, although they are incredibly glam, just check out It-Girls, Olivia Palermo or Bianca Brandolini for a more modern take.)  I love and appreciate that je ne sais quoi; however, I'm often drawn to the polish and sophistication of Italian style.  Check out these tips to infuse a little Italian sizzle into your style:

- Embrace Your Figure - Learn what looks great on you, not just what looks great editorially.  Get personal with your tailor.  A few minor tweaks make all the difference.  

- Stand Out with Accessories.  This doesn't mean they have to be large or flashy, but instead add personal touches for a little extra oomph. 

- Sneakers belong in the gym.  Flip-Flops belong at the beach.  

- Add an air of mystery.  A golden rule for a reason.

- Details make the difference.  Something as subtle as a well-manicured hand (doesn't even need to be polished, but filed, buffed, etc.) or a bold red lip show that you put in the time and effort to look your best.  

- Fragrance.  Find your signature scent and don't leave home without it.

Who knows Italian style more than these two?  Here are Dolce & Gabbana's Life, Italian Style Tips.

Need even more inspiration - click here.

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Floral Forecast

Nothing is more welcoming or uplifting than fresh-cut flowers.  Bold and bright or pale and demure, a well-place bouquet instantly breathes freshness into a room.  However, after a few days, the bloom may be, quite literally, off the rose.  Extend the life of your next arrangement, even by just a day or two, with a few easy tweaks.

- Change the water daily.  Seems easy, but it's also easy to overlook.  Just think about how your skin would feel without water for a day.  Enough said.

- Trim the stems everyday.  Be sure to cut them on an angle, preferably under a running faucet.  I like to use kitchen shears for a precise cut.  Be sure to remove leaves after they start to look limp.

- Add a pinch of sugar.  Flowers need food to stay alive.  By adding a bit of sugar to the water, which is drawn up through the stem, you're giving the flowers the energy it needs to bloom.

- Drop in a penny.  The copper in a penny helps ward off bacteria, which can cause flowers to die more quickly. 

- Switch up the vase.  As the arrangement gets smaller and the blooms get wider, switch out a tall vase for shorter, rounder one.  This play on proportion makes the flowers look artfully full.

- Keep flowers out of the elements.  Seems a bit counter-intuitive, but freshly cut flowers do best when not in direct sunlight or excessive wind.

Rainy Day Style

Today was a rainy Spring day in the city.  Iffy and ever-changing Spring weather can make for tricky morning wardrobe choices - its chilly now, but what about later?  You don't want to be without a warm enough coat, nor do you want to be all bundled up for no reason.  Here are a few tips for looking pulled together during those tricky weather situations:

- Check the weather the morning of.  Ok, this seems like a no-brainer, but it's definitely the first step.  (I aim to never be totally unprepared for the rain-snow-lightening-heat wave, etc.)  With that said, I admit that I'm fairly obsessed with knowing the weather at all times, and I like to be armed with all the details.  The Weather Underground app is the best thing ever.  It provides seriously local weather based on 42,000+ weather stations around the country, so you really know what is happening around you.  I love that it gives you an hour-by-hour breakdown (crucial for deciding what to wear for the commute) and what the real temperature is vs. what it feels like.  

- Layer Love - Spring in NY is incredibly fickle.  In fact today it rainy, flurried and was sunny all in the course of a few hours!  Arm yourself with layers that you can take on and off to avoid freezing or sweating.  I like to op for layers of silk and cashmere which can provide warmth, but also let you breathe.  I'm a huge fan of cashmere wraps.  They offer warmth without bulk.

- Color Burst - When it's dull and grey outside, I like to make a point to wear a bright color to lift my mood.  Love these colorful ones from Joe Fresh!  

- Simple Hair - In the case of weather vs. hair, weather will always win.  Adjust beauty routines accordingly.  If hair is curly, embrace it!  Otherwise go for a simple ballerina bun or braid, and some extra-hold hairspray.  

- Bright Beauty - Nothing perks up a rainy day like a bright lip.  Right now I'm loving an orange-red lipstick.  I feels fresh and bold, but still entirely office friendly.  Not a bold lip girl, try  a bright manicure.  Right now I'm wearing Lacquered Up by essie.  

- In the Trenches - Nothing is more classic than the trench coat.  I have a couple, but for chilly mornings, it's best to look for one that is lined and on the longer side.  Michael Kors has some great ones.  

- Wellies - If you get nothing else, invest in a pair of Hunter Boots.  They give an air of English charm and keep feet dry.  

- Travel-Size Umbrella - On those days when you're not sure what the weather will do, it's always best to have an umbrella just case.  Look for compact, durable umbrellas that you can stash in your bag without weighing you down.  I like Totes minis - they are light and available in a variety of colors and patterns.

MC Shops: The 5 Places You Need to Know

When moving to a new place, or even just exploring your current neighborhood, there are 5 key people/places you always need to know - 

Antibes, France

1.  A Tailor - Sounds simple, but locating a great tailor is crucial!  (And remember it might not be the local dry-cleaner.)  Whether it's taking in a seam, adding a hem, or reconstructing a garment, tailoring your clothing takes your look from fine to fabulous.  Do your research, and look who comes highly recommended.  After all, many tailors really earn their reputation by word-of-mouth.  Ask a friend or neighbor who always looks pulled together where they go.   It's likely nearby.  Feel awkward asking them?  Check in with local high end retailers and see where they recommend their clients.  Once located, start by working on a simple piece, and from there, decide whether or not to move forward.  Finally, be sure the piece you're having worked on is worth the cost of the edits.  Tailoring can be costly, but the results are worth it!

2.  Shoe Repairman - Similar to a fine tailor, a shoe repairman breathes new life into your old favorites.  Need a new zipper for a favorite boot or to tweak a wonky heel?  A skilled repairman can fix these in a snap - saving your wallet and your feet from having to find a new pair.  Oftentimes, a shoe repairman can assist with bags and leather goods too!

3. A Butcher - OK, this one sounds a bit old school, and it is!  The fact is, when your cooking for a crowd or your looking for something special, a true butcher can't be beat.  Not only will you get exactly what your looking for (although if it is out of the norm, you should call ahead to be safe), and they will let you know exactly how to prepare it.  Have questions later, give them a call; they are happy to help.

4. Vintner - I like to buy local wines, and when the NYC area has so many wonderful vineyards (I really love Shinn Estates and Dilbertos), there is no reason not to!  Don't feel intimidated.  Ask questions!  These guys love wine and can't wait to share their knowledge.  Let them know what your planning on pairing with, your price range and any preferences (I'm currently on a Savignon Blanc kick).  You'll leave with the ideal bottle and be able to speak to it when it's opened later - always a good thing!  Remember to write down the names of the wines you liked for later.

5.  Bakery - This is the one I'm on the hunt for currently.  Again, I love an old school bakery - and not just for sweet treats - but for Sunday rolls or a loaf of Italian bread.  The price is pretty on par with grocers, but the freshness is on a whole different level!