You are currently browsing the archives for December, 2010
Meredith, Lindsay, The Gentleman and Stolen Says want to wish you all Happy Holidays! These pictures portray only a slice of the festivity from Manhattan’s Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center. (The nutcrackers in red are right in front of Meredith and Lindsay’s corporate building – they really go all out!)
We’ll be taking a short break from our regular posts, but don’t fret! We’ll be posting again on January 3. Until then, enjoy the holidays and have a fabulous new year! Cheers to 2011!
The Winter Holidays – arguably the busiest time of the year. And even though New York is already one of the busiest cities on the planet, the holidays continue to take the pace to a whole new level. On top of the everyday 9-5, the average social calendar of a New Yorker nearly doubles during the holiday season with holiday parties and holiday shopping added to the list of deadlines to meet before the relaxation. I’m not going to lie, it can get pretty crazy.
But amidst all the seasonal chaos and the occasional flurries of snow, it’ s important to slow down, take a look around, and enjoy some of the activities that are going on. My friend J, who really believes in this and tries to make it her mantra, loves to play hostess and bring people together to make Hallmark, Kodak, and New York moments. And so, true to form, she threw a fantastic holiday party this weekend – and I naturally attended in full festive force.
The moments are few and far between when you can look at a room and see twenty of your closest friends from wholly separate areas of your life. But this weekend was one of them, and it is truly indescribable! J & I tagged it the “Holiday Extravaganza 2010.” And what an extravaganza it was. Seasonal decor, a few seasonal treats and beverages, and a low mix of holiday and popular music in the background, it was definitely an evening to remember.
A few key ingredients to throwing such an extravaganza are:
1 ) a fabulous host (J is definitely the hostess with the most…ess)
2 ) a slough of fabulous friends
3 ) a prime piece of real estate.
J’ s living room and kitchen combined are about equal to the size of my entire apartment. This means, in Manhattan real estate terms, that it is the quintessential space for entertaining.
One of my favorite features of the evening had to do with the beverages. To begin with, there were three options: vodka cranberry punch (with real cranberries for an added holiday flair), hot cocoa with peppermint schnapps (in true cold-weather fashion), and spice-mulled wine. Now, when you’re out at a bar, and you set your glass down and forget which one it is it’ s easy enough to go to the bar and get a fresh drink. When you’re in someone’s home, the glasses aren’t in quite as much abundance, so J came up with a cute and practical plan. She found seasonally appropriate gift tags and tied them to the stem of each guest’s glass. When a guest chose a glass, they simply labeled the tag with their name or initials, and thus branded that glass theirs for the entirety of the evening. Brilliant, no? And pretty darn cute to have a little tree or snowman to keep you company while you sip your mulled wine.
And so, during the busiest time of the year, in the busiest city, here’s to the little moments that we share with our dearest friends.
Cheers, and happy holidays from me and my friends.
Is it possible that you are STILL looking for some last minute gifts for this Christmas? You saw Lindsay’s wish list on Monday and The Gentleman’s suggestions for the guys on Tuesday, so here are a few more ideas in case you’re in need.
1. Canon Rebel XS
This is right on top of the list. Really, nothing else needs to be on the list. However, in the name of making a pretty collage for you lovely readers, I have included a few other items. I’ve always loved photography, and now that photos are such an important part of Cubicle Chic, a snazzy new camera would make all the difference!
2. Anthropologie, Everything-In-Place Cape
I’ve always loved capes, and this one is pleasantly understated, and its buttons and army green are a fashionable army influence. I’ve tried a few capes on over the years and they always feel way too large, and I just can’t seem to figure out how juggle weird arm hole placement in addition to the usual purse and canvas bags. This one, however, looks like one I might be able to handle.
3. ModCloth, Craft Market Maven Dress
This may not be everyone’s favorite color, but I love all shades of green. It’s also nice to wear a color that practically no one else is wearing. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to feel like you could walk on to the Mad Men set. I think I could channel a little Joan in this one!
4. J. Crew, Beaded zip cardigan
I’m tired of my tired cardigans. Plain, simple, boring. None of them are nearly as interesting as this gem from J. Crew. Disregard the scary price tag for a moment… maybe it’ll turn up on sale at the outlet one day?
5. Vintage Pickins, Winter White Deer Antler
My current addiction is browsing Etsy for housewares. I’ve favorited dishes, Bell jars, lamps, teacups and deer antlers. I don’t have a coffee table at the moment, but I could see this sitting on top of a few books or next to a nice glass vase.
6. L.L. Bean Signature, Shearling Lined Boots
Again, this price tag is a little much. But aren’t they so pretty?
7. WhichGoose, Cocoon Butterfly Hair Hair Comb
These hair combs are rather popular in the blog world, but if you haven’t seen them yet, you have to check them out! They are so beautiful – they’d be the perfect statement piece at any event. She also makes some beautiful head pieces for weddings. Plan ahead!
8. Kelly Moore, Juju Bag
I first saw this bag on Adored Austin and love it! Kelly Moore designs gorgeous camera case bags that could absolutely pass as your purse, which is a nice change from the not-so-stylish options that are in most camera stores. I like this Juju Bag’s camel color, but Kelly also has some great colors, like purple and green. Gotta get the camera first, of course!
It’s hard to believe that Christmas is less than a week away. The Gentleman has barely started his Christmas shopping this year and expects that there are probably a few of you out there who are in the same boat. Don’t fret – The Gentleman has got you covered. Today I’ve got my top five favorite Christmas gifts for the gentleman in your life. The best part is each of them are under $100.
1. The Art of Shaving: Badger Hair Brush and Shaving Cream
I’d walked by the Art of Shaving stores in the mall for years before I decided to stop in earlier this year. After buying some of their shaving products, I’m convinced that they sell quality shaving goods. A badger hair brush and quality non-spray-on shaving cream turns what, for many guys, is the chore of shaving into a therapeutic morning ritual. The brush is used to lather on the cream in a smooth and consistent manner. Their cream is extremely high quality and doesn’t smell of synthetic dyes. If your favorite gentleman is still shaving with an aerosol can purchased at the drugstore, this could be an excellent gift that will change his morning routine for the better. For $77, the brush and the cream will last well over a year.
2. Silver Tie Bar from The Tie Bar
Mad Men still remains one of the most popular television shows on cable and guys continue to try to emulate the look of Don Draper and the rest of the Madison Avenue crew. One of the most overlooked aspects of early 1960s dressing is the tie bar. This small metal accessory, usually in silver, slides over the tie and clips it neatly to a gentleman’s shirt. It is both functional and decorative since it holds the tie in place and prevents it from, for example, slipping into food while the gentleman is eating. Tie bars can get quite expensive; however, The Gentleman recommends a simple $15 silver tie bar from The Tie Bar, an internet-only boutique specializing in neckwear and accessories. For under $20, this little accessory can give a nice dash of style to any gentleman’s work wardrobe.
3. Cotton/Cashmere Sweater from Banana Republic
For the last few weeks, the Gentleman has spent a lot of time talking about sweaters and especially highlighting the potential for the v-neck sweater to accentuate the collar of shirts. Lots of stores sell v-neck sweaters in a variety of colors at a variety of price points. This year, The Gentleman is fond of Banana Republic’s simple cotton/cashmere v-neck sweater. For $59, this sweater will be a go-to staple of any gentleman’s wardrobe during the winter months.
4. Casual leather gloves from L.L. Bean
Like a good sweater, quality gloves are a must in many parts of the country during the winter months. Living in New Orleans where the winters are mild, I’d forgotten this simple truth last month when I went to Chicago for Thanksgiving. Upon stepping out of my hotel room, I was shocked by the biting cold that threatened to devour my hands. Most stores sell a pair of simple leather gloves, but this season, The Gentleman recommends L.L. Bean’s handsome offering. L.L. Bean perennially has great outdoor gear. At just $49, these gloves are a better price than what all of their competitors offer.
5. Leather Wallet by Filson
Many guys, The Gentleman included, are guilty of carrying around a ratty old wallet that they’ve had since middle school. Nothing looks worse than being out on a date and pulling out a tattered, sweat-soaked mess of leather when it comes time to pay the bill. If you’re looking to give a gift to a gentleman with a similar problem, a new wallet could be an excellent present. Filson, one of the most respected American leather makers, makes a great wallet for just under $100. This is the most expensive item on this list, but wallets last decades. Also, unlike the other items on this list, Filson’s wallet is made in America from a company with a historic tradition of making quality leather goods domestically.
There you have it, five items that are sure to make any gentleman’s Christmas merrier.
Next week, The Gentleman considers his New Years Style Resolutions for 2011…
Christmas is less than a week away – can you believe it?! With the holiday right around the corner, Meredith and I thought it would be fun to share some of the things on our wish lists. No, this isn’t a wink, wink, nudge, nudge type of thing for anyone — we just wanted to share some things we’re currently lusting for. Happy Holidays everyone 
This boot would be perfect for trekking around in the city all day: durable and stylish!
I just moved to a new apartment and bought an Expedit from IKEA. I’m LOVING filling it with my favorite books and magazines, and I think this one would be a fab addition.
Who said a home office space can’t be inspiring, even when it comes to filing?
I’m not one to splurge on jewelry for myself, so this goes on the wish list. It’s so beautiful and would have an extra special place in my wardrobe because it’s designed by one of my favorite bloggers, Kelly of The Glamourai!
Those of you who know me know about my obsession with pretty underthings, and this set by Zinke is absolutely adorable!
What’s on your wish list this year?
« Older Entries
