The Perfect Dress for my Parisian Getaway...

A few nights ago I found myself wandering around the upper East side... I actually had time to kill, which is unheard of in my world (I was so excited)!  I happened upon this little French restaurant, Brasserie Julien... their logo is "Paris around the corner"... and indeed it was.  I ordered a glass of wine, listened to the jazz and thought about all of the craziness of holiday shopping.  I started laughing to myself about the fact that all of the stores push all of these cold weather gift items on you, but meanwhile they are stocking their shelves with latest resort wear.  The world of fashion... wouldn't it just be easier if we could find pieces that we can wear for most of the year.  Pieces that are timeless and make you feel pretty when you put them on...

Well, I have found one brand that you may or may not have heard of that certainly fits into this category... Tucker by Gaby Basora.  She has the most charming pieces that can be worn in so many different ways... you just feel like a lady when you don something from the Tucker collection.  The collection has a definite vintage vibe, apparent from the moment you open up the website.  It is know for it's beautiful prints and silk the is the fabric of choice.  The clothes are very wearable and would certainly look great on everyone.  When I daydream about some of the Tucker pieces that I would buy, I picture myself strolling along a little street in Paris, sitting in cafe or maybe stopping by the flower market to purchase some flowers that I would effortlessly throw together in some dazzling arrangement... 

My only beef with Tucker is that the pieces are on the more expensive side... so annoying!  However, if you ever did purchase a piece it is definitely a good investment.  These aren't the type of clothes that go in and out of style.  They are staples that can be adapted to fit into any wardrobe, therefore the price could be justified...  Either way, you must take a look at the website... I love it!  I believe I may have a new item(s) to add to my Christmas list...

                                                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of tuckerbygabybasora.com

Chunky Knits plus much, much more...

On the brink of the cold "winter" weather tomorrow, all I can think about are cozy sweaters, cute tunics, fabulous belts... anything and everything that has to do with layering!  It might as well snow tomorrow with the outfits that I have planned!  When I get into this mood, I head straight to my computer... "Free People, here I come"... to fulfill all of my clothing fantasies.

You may be wondering about my choice in stores... are they too young???  Well, in general, they do market towards twenty-somethings, but if you look close enough there are many pieces that will fit nicely into your wardrobe.  Plus, the bohemian feel of Free People adds a bit of fun and whimsy (we all need a dose here and there).  Another positive of the store... when you add a piece of their clothing or an accessory, you are not going to look like everyone else.

In general, I love their sweaters, dresses (many can be worn as tunics), and jewelry.  They also have great knit tops and slips to use as your base when layering.  The prices are reasonable (for the most part) and, of course, there are many splurge-worthy items... especially in the jewelry department!  You just have to remember that you are probably not going to wear the items the way they are styled online or in the store.  But, I do recommend checking out the website and just remember to think outside the box a bit... have some fun!  

                         - Allison

P.S. This is a great store for gift items!

*photos courtesy of freepeople.com

A Perfect Gift...

Since we are all in the gift-giving spirit right now, I thought that this would be the perfect time to mention Gorjana jewelry.  I know that I have mentioned her jewelry in a previous post, but that was before I owned her studded leather wrap bracelets... 3 to be exact.  And, I love them!  They are so delicate (but so cool), which makes them perfect for layering and for everyday wear.  I feel like hot stuff (seriously... hot, hot, hot) when I wear them, and I don't have to worry about knocking my daughter in the head with some chunky bracelet (yes, this has happened on occasion)... so what could be more perfect???

Well, not much could be more perfect than that... except giving a gift that someone truly loves!  Okay, since we are all on the same page right now, you must check out Gorjana's jewelry for all of the women that you are buying for this holiday season.  She has very delicate necklaces that are screaming to be layered, cool cuff bracelets, beautiful earrings... some more statement, some very delicate, as well as a bunch of really cool rings (I especially love the cuff ring!).  And, do you want to know the best part (besides these are all very classic, chic pieces of jewelry)... it is all very affordable!  I cannot honestly give you a name of a jewelry designer that has such tasteful pieces at such reasonable price points.

Gorjana's backstory is really cool as well... she was born in Yugoslavia, moved to Canada, became a model and then a jewelry designer (and very recently, handbags too)!!!  I really do believe that everyone has a specific path, although it may be filled with many muddy roads and potholes, eventually she will enter the place that she was always supposed to be... that is how it is with Gorjana... beautiful!

- Allison

*P.S.  Become a fan on Facebook and receive great updates and insider tips on upcoming sales!

*photos courtesy of gorjana.com