Holiday Gift Guide

Black Friday has come and gone. And to be perfectly honest, I found NO great deals worth writing about. I hope some of you our there had better luck. I did, however, have a great time people watching and seeing all the many interesting outfits pulled together to tackle the biggest shopping day of the year.

For those of you that didn't get all their Christmas shopping done last week, I have compiled a Gift Guide to help ease you in the right direction of gift giving.

For Her:

Statement Necklace. For the girl who loves to make a statement with her fashion choices. This piece of jewelry can set the tone for an outfit.

Urban Decay Eye Shadow Pallette. What girl doesn't love playing in makeup? (Sephora is my playground. I have this set, and LOVE it)

Personalized Stationary. The organized professional will love you for helping her keep it together with clean, sophisticated notecards as she's climbing the corporate ladder.

Lilly Pulitzer Daily Agenda. Make scheduling pretty.

Reebok Easy Tone Shoes. Have you seen the commercial? I want these.

For Him:

Dots Gloves. Probably one of the coolest gifts I've seen. Use your iPhone (or any touch screen phone) while keeping your gloves on.

TOMS Shoes. Y'all already know I'm a big supporter of this company.

Business card case. Let's face it: most guys just throw their business cards in whatever pocket is convenient...leading to curled up edges and ridges down the middle of the card. Protect your contact information and treat it like the value it is.

Sandwich maker. Make it easy for 'em.

An "Experience" Gift. This could be anything from tickets to a Titans game, concert, or Broadway play to an all-out trip.

While thinking of gathering gifts for others, why not go to your local Angel Tree and help a underpriveliged child have the Christmas they deserve. There's nothing like the feeling of giving back.

Gift packaging tip: Instead of using sticker name tags, use small ornaments to tie to the ribbon. Designate a certain design or color of ornament to each person to keep track of who's gift is who's.

*xoCHMxo*

Ooh la la, My Rue La La

Scoring the best deals on Black Friday is not just for the people who like to get trampled and mauled at WalMart or Target. We are living in the internet age, people! And that's why its good to be in the know of some amazing sale sites! Why get stomped all over when you can get everything you want at a fraction of the price right from your comfy computer chair?

I think its about time that I introduce you all to a little secret site that I frequent. My good friend, Katie, enlightened me on this fantastic Boutique Sale site a couple of years ago. There's a trick. And here's the deal: almost every day, there's a brand, or "boutique" as they call it, that goes live on the web with super sale prices. That brand is only up for 48 hours (or less, depending on the brand or if they sell out of it quickly...the site actually crashed when it Gucci went live...and yes, it was sold out within a couple of hours). This is the REAL DEAL, not any fakes, immitations, or imposters! Here's a list of the upcoming "boutique" sales for the next few days:

• MICHAEL Michael Kors


• Stuart Weitzman (my personal excitement is here...SHOES SHOES SHOES!!!)


• 7 For All Mankind


• 7 For All Mankind MEN


• James Perse


• James Perse MEN


• Cole Haan


• Cole Haan MEN


• Portolano (beautiful, chic leather gloves and other accessories)

Other boutiques that will be featured in the next few days include a companies who specialie in crystal and espresso makers. These are just the brands over the next few days; they let you know of other boutique "openings" only about a week ahead of time.

To take advantage of these deals, go to http://www.ruelala.com/, click on "not a member?" and enter my email: courey3489@yahoo.com where it says "A member invited me" to enter this site (its invitation only) and you'll also get a $10 credit. Free money to go towards your purchase!

Or just click this link: http://www.ruelala.com/invite/cmccubbin

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, and enjoy great deals on Black Friday!

*xoCHMxo*

Boots in the Workplace: The Black Edition

This post was inspired by my beautiful friend in our northern neighboring country. It is already nearing the freezing point there and boots are a must, not just an option! When wearing boots in the workplace, you need to be careful not to go all-out crazy to where it looks like you're about to hit up Le Rouge. But in this day where everyone owns a pair of plain black, heeled boots you'll want to have something that stands out from the crowd and that sea of monotony. And here's the great news--there are so many options out there!

Extra embellishements such as bottons, buckles, or bows add flavor to the plainness without going Go-Go-ish. Keep it feminine, yet sharp. Attention-grabbing, but elegant. And in cold weather, you'll most likely want to keep with the knee-high (or higher...I love over-the-knees), but if you choose to do an ankle boot, go for opaque tights (stockings, as they're called in Canada) to where your look is more pulled-together. And make a permanent note of this--opaque tights will make your legs look fabulous!

With saying all that, here is a "guide" of sorts, focusing on black boots, that will look great in the workplace for winter:

Obviously, the guide is done with black boots...but the bottom three would look fantastic in gray, as well as tan. MOST of these boots are UNDER $100!!!!!! All boots are found on piperlime.com.

And Shannon, I wish I could send a whole Hyder's store to Canadialand for you to raid! ;)

*xoCHMxo*

Feature W.O.W.!

Sometimes you'll get more W.O.W.s than other times because I get so many looks going on in my head, that I have to release some of them to my blog to free some brain space. ;)

With the holidays right around the corner, some of us will be attending many functions where we will need to dress to impress and release our inner creative diva since its trapped inside by wearing business wear for the daily grind. I think this look (with three choices for a skirt) is great for a holiday party!

Go for a "blousy" black top to start with. This will go with anything, from skinny gray jeans, black leather leggings (you know I'm a fan!), or a tight, sharp skirt! The blousiness of the top will look great paired with the tightness of the bottom half of the look. Choose a material that is somewhat thin--if the material is too thick, it will look too shaped, too boxy.

Here's a great example:

For the look today, we're going to pair it with three different skirts--showing versatility for your wardrobe. These could be key pieces that get paired with many different items to get the most bang for your buck!

Skirts with a tight, higher waist will balance the loose fit of the top. The skirt you choose will depend on bold you wanna go!

No matter the skirt choice, pair it with black, opaque tights and a pair of booties like these.

If choosing the first or third skirt, be daring and throw on that sequin blazer to stop everyone in their tracks. If choosing a skirt like the second (sequin one), finish it off with a knit hat to balance all the *whoa* of the sequins. Add some leather gloves to spice it up with even more edge!

*xoCHMxo*

I never thought I'd say this--but I'm in loving what the Olsen twins are doing these days. They have come a long way from the tiny tot they played on Full House. The twins put their minds together and launched their clothing line Elizabeth and James. They have really gotten it right when combining menswear with feminine detailing. These are girls that normally look like teeny bag ladies--yet they have somehow produced some very stylish pieces within Elizabeth and James. Here is a dress that I adore:

**please ignore the fact that this model looks like that snotty, bikini girl from American Idol!!



Perfect alone, but when you pair it with what's next, and you'll be deserving of a big Michelle Tanner "You got it dude!!"

Another somewhat-newer brand, LaROK (launched in 2004) puts out great edgy clothing. I love their dresses, but I'm dying for this sequin blazer. Yes, sequins. All over the thing. Not one bit of shyness written on this piece. It screams that you are bold, confident, and you can rock with the best of them.

This jacket would look great with the Elizabeth and James dress. Couple it with several strands of long, gold necklaces and a tall platform with an ankle strap and do your thing, girl!

xoCHMxo

Feature W.O.W. Factor

Get excited! Its Wednesday...and I'm bringing back the wear of the week! With my job, I have now spruced up my closet with fashion-forward career pieces. To incorporate style, while staying professional, may seem to be a no-brainer, but I'll admit, it can be quite the task! In fact, some days it makes my daily morning routine stretch a bit longer than it should! But here's a jazzy alternative to the standard business "look."

How about ruffling some feathers with a super slim-fitting, button-up top teeming with flourishing, romantic ruffles around the neck. Colors are great, but white is always so classy looking. Unveiling Figure A:

Pair this top with a business-dress version of the "skinny" pant. The pair I have came from Anthropologie. Super slim-fitting dress pants actually look better when they are just a bit longer than ankle length paired with a fabulously tall shoe! The ones shown below are Alice + Olivia, but I would have them shortened to where they hit right at the top of the heel of your shoe.

And here's the greatest news: don't be shy about the amount of bracelets you stack on your arm. Its even better when they aren't so matchy-matchy. Gold bracelets mixed with jeweled bracelets mixed with a thicker bangle mixed with some pearls would be perfect. Don't forget a skinny gold belt to tie the outfit together.

And we must not forget the shoes:

Go for a super tall pump with some type of embellishment that make them show-stoppers. At work, its always fun to be able to get creative with your footwear. Show off your personality!

TOMS. One for One.

Because it has been so incredibly long since my last post, I'm going to try to redeem myself by posting an entry with such wonderful depth and meaning; something I'm truly passionate about. When I first learned of this organization, I could not get enough. I fell in love with the cause, the meaning, the message...and wish I had more time to get my hands wrapped so far around this project that no child would ever have to go without shoes on their tiny, calloused feet again.

Of course I'm talking of TOMS shoes. "One for one" has so much meaning, so much love behind it. Its one of those things that just makes sense. One of those "I should have thought of that"-type organizations. I first saw the TOMS line in a boutique in my town probably three years ago. I went home, looked the shoes up online, and immediately was drawn to the message. Its pretty simple. You buy a pair of shoes for around $50 bucks, and a child in need receives a pair because of your purchase. Its a win-win. Shoe drops are coordinated by the lovely peeps at TOMS several times a year. The shoes go to under-priviliged children--some who have never even owned a pair of shoes. These are kids that are living such poverty that they are prone to disease--so having protection around their feet means the world to them.

So that's when I learned of the message. But it really hit home this summer. I spent my summer in the middle of Mexico. In a great town. And I walked this town, both days and nights in mostly my TOMS. But there was such an intense problem with poverty that every single day I saw children--who had no home except the sidewalks they roamed--selling anything they could to make a few pesos to get them food. Many wore clothing too small, and most didn't even have shoes. I made it my daily mission to give them anything I could that would bring a smile to their faces. Balloons. Balls. Bracelets. Pesos. But mostly food. One night I gave a three-year old a full box of Cheerios and you would have thought I had given him an entire Thanksgiving meal, only to have five more kids run to me to see if I had anything else for them. And as I looked down at my feet every single day, I was reminded that my TOMS--that I had walked miles and miles in--have their own counterparts in the pairs worn by the children that I provided shoes to by purchasing my own. Somehow, we're connected. Children just like the ones that I saw every day in Mexico. And I knew I had made someone's day just a little bit easier.

I see these children's faces every single day in my mind. They are forever engraved in my heart. Their little smiles that would light up their face when they saw me coming. And I admire Blake, founder of TOMS, for making it his mission to help kids just like this face their daily broken world.

Let's all do our part. One for One. TOMS

Call the Fashion Police--My Time has Been Stolen!!

A wise woman once said, "Time is a cruel theif to rob us of our former selves." But I will not let it rob me of my blog, nor of my creative self...though it made a cruel, cruel attempt.

The past two weeks have brought many changes into my life--one of those being a J-O-B, which I'm highly thankful for! Along with a new job comes tons of learning, which takes time; so I very much apologize for my leaving y'all high and dry and thirsting for more blog entries. *Ahem*, you were wanting more, right...?

Where the Wild Things Are

Where the Wild Things Are is not just a #1 blockbuster, nor is it just a book. We have our own wild things in the fashion world. And where they are is HERE, and definitely in the NOW! It should come as no surprise to some of you that I adore animal prints. This trend seems to revive itself constantly, making it a classic. This season, its all about the leopard. Sure, zebra has had its moment, and still continues in some pieces today. But leopard is overpowering and shredding the zebra to pieces this fall!

Leopard print can be seen in clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, even furniture! I've gone through many leopard pieces over the years--sweaters, silk belted shirts, scarves, gloves, even leopard pants. Yes, my fashion friends, I had leopard pants. But at this very moment I am all about the (sometimes) subtle leopard detailing on, well, pretty much anything! But for sake of making a shorter entry, we'll focus on shoes. When looking for shoes this fall, try taking a risk and focus on booties. These are ankle-high boots with a great heel. They are very much having a well-deserved moment in fashion right now. Couple that up with some leopard detailing and you've got yourself a predator on the loose. My favorite are pictured here:

Christian Louboutin, Leopard Bootie: $975

Neiman Marcus

Nope, I didn't forget to add a decimal point in there. They are really $975. But, if you can find a very similar shoe, please go for it! These booties are great with opaque black tights and that perfect LBD. They provide the perfect detailing to make your all-black attire POP!

Here's a bit cheaper alternative.

Beverly Feldman, Chaos: $299

Zappos.com

Still a bootie. Still with leopard detailing. Still over $100. Ladies, there are alternatives under $100 out there. You just need to be willing to bargain hunt. TJ Maxx. Marshalls. Filene's Basement. Any discount retailer should have some options.

So get in touch with your inner wild thing...and happy hunting!

*xoCHMxo*

Balmain is the Name of the Game

This is what I'm talking about! Here's an excerpt from the Balmain runway show. Balmain hails from Paris, headed up by artistic director Christophe Decarnin. Decarnin knows how to keep the brand sharp and edgy, coupling that hard-core look with exquisite details providing a pristine example of the look I described a few posts back. Though, I obviously cannot afford this collection, I feel that Balmain defines a big part of my favorite style right now. That tough look with a touch of femininity by adding sequins and amazing detailing. This designer inspires me to pull looks together from my own CC (closet collection).

Balmain Runway Show

Extra tidbit: Balmain is the designer worn by Pink and Shakira when they wore the same dress to VMA's this year. (Check out the exact dress at about 00:36 in the video).

Also, check out those boots...to die for!


*xoCHMxo*

Feature W.O.W. Factor

Every week, look for a Feature Wear of the Week. We'll call it W.O.W. for short--and because you can create a serious wow factor with it! I will pull together a seamless look that you guys can most likely create at home. Since its fall, you can have a lot of fun with this--fall clothes are the greatest and the most versatile!

Let's start with the top. This year it has become much easier to find the basics. For the top, we're going to go for a basic, white, long-sleeve tee. The tee should be almost a tunic length. It is OK for it to have a bit of a slouch, boyfriend-type fit. But if you are going for this type of fit, just make sure the arms are tight so it doesn't look like you just put on your boyfriend's actual shirt. This type of fit is very much hot this year. Get the neck in a scoop or v-neck--not crewneck. If you want to go the more designer route, James Perse has great (amazingly soft) tees for around $75. Cheaper route? I'm sure you can dig one up at Forever 21.

As for the lower half of this look, let's go with dark jeans. SUPER dark. These are the most flattering and should be in everyone's closet collection! Choose a leg that has a trouser, almost bell-flair fit--tighter on upper leg, then much wider nearing the bottom. Smooth pockets work best with this look, due to the longer tee coming over the pockets. You don't want those flap pockets poking through your tee making you look like you've got some extra oomph going on down there.

To top this look off, pair a very fitted leather jacket over the tee. The tee should be longer than the jacket. Slip a long, one strand necklace over your head for simplicity. Then pair some amazing heels with the look to pull it all together.

Lastly, wear it with confidence and make 'em go W.O.W.!

*xoCHMxo*

Fellow Fashionistas, Listen Up!

Ever feel like it would be so fantastically efficient to have apparel suggestions emailed to you daily based on your personal preference? Not only that, but to have these items be on sale??

Gals, let me introduce you to LuxGoddess.com, a neat little website that has gathered clothing and accessories from almost every designer you could ever think of (and from over 80 stores!), and has discounted the price for its members. The greatest part is that there is no cost to be a member! Just a quick little email sign-up. It even gets better, your emails can be customized for the website to pull apparel, not only by your preference, but also by your size! So every email you get will be clothes in YOUR size...no more clicking on the picture only to realize that there are no more size Small left. The emails can be sent daily, weekly, monthly, however you want. I, of course, chose daily!

Extra tidbit: There's over 30,000 sale items...

Get busy!

Now I'm off to a photoshoot! Stay tuned for another update tomorrow!

*xoCHMxo*

Pack your Bags at Saks!

This Friday must be the day for deals! And the weekendJust for being wonderful readers, I have unearthed a coupon for all you who love Saks. This coupon is for 25% off and WILL work at Off Saks at Opry Mills. It will work until closing on Sunday. So print it out, head to your nearest Saks, and pack those shopping bags to get the greatest deals!

Saks Coupon

You can thank me by rockin' your latest and greatest buy from Saks with great pride! So get busy shopping!

*xoCHMxo*

Tory Burch for CHEAP!

Tory Burch, one of my favorite designers, is having a GREAT sale today. Its private, but guess who has the link...

http://www.toryburchprivatesale.com/index.aspx

Go here quick! Items are flying off the shelf because this private sale does not happen very often!

*xoCHMxo*

Riding Off into the Sunset

I am going absolutely ga-ga for riding boots this fall. They are not just for riding horses anymore, ladies. I have a pair of black Franco Sarto's and a pair of black Tory Burch, both from last fall; but I feel that I have truly reached riding boot bonanza with my new Frye (style: Dorado Riding) boots. Seriously, they make me sigh outloud in an undeniable state of bliss when I pull them on.

The riding boot is more or less defined as a flat boot (no heel or not much of one, anyway) that comes up to your knee. It can be pull-on or zip-up, depending on the style. Riding boots generally have more of an ovalish toe (no points here in riding boot territory). Think of all those Ralph Lauren ads I'm sure you've seen dozens of times. That man knows true riding boot style.

I'm literally in love with mine--especially for their endless versatility. They are a fabulous staple in anyone's closet. Take a ridic riding boot and couple them with a great sweater dress (with or without tights). I'm envisioning a hiphugging dress that has bell sleeves and a cowl-neck, hitting just right above the knee so you can show off your perfect shoes. Or dress-up a pair of super skinny jeans with the boots and a chunky sweater. If you're going slim on bottom it is so complimentary to choose a baggier, slouchier fitting top.

Frye Dorado Riding boots found on zappos.com. But check with Steve Madden for their styles-- SM usually does a great job in recreating great looks for an affordable price!

Happy Riding!

*xoCHMxo*

Skinny is Not Just for Minnies...

As anyone that is even only somewhat up on their fashion knows, skinny is in! You see skinny jeans and leggings everywhere for the girls. But skinny is now not just for women...it has embraced its male clientele!!

I'm lucky enough to have met my fashion equal in a male: my boyfriend. Though he says I didn't meet my equal, I created him. I strongly beg to differ. He has impeccable style. And he knows for a fact what I'm about to tell you.


Skinny, or slim-fit suits, are all the rage for the guys this fall. They provide such a clean, smooth silhouette that you men should jump on this flattering shape! The slimness takes away all that extra baggage of inches of fabric that is just not necessary. Walk into a room full of execs in those relaxed suits, and I guarantee you will be bringing down the house! Every guy will wonder just how you look so put-together. Neat. Clean. Flawless perfection.

If you are feeling extra daring, PLEASE jazz it up with a bowtie. On a guy, there is nothing that exudes more confidence than that clean suit tied up with a bowtie nice and neat like a present for your leading lady! LOVE IT! If you don't want to go the bowtie route, you can always go with a normal tie, but punch it up with a pocket square (the accessory that matches or compliments your tie, but goes in the side pocket of your suit). You will be to die for!

Keep in mind that a suit is an investment. You want it to look amazing. C'mon, you'll be wearing it while hopinig to close those big deals. So don't settle for the cheap suits, unless you are certain it is made of fabulous fabric. And believe me, there are some of those out there! You just have to know where to look. But even then, still expect to pay at least $200.


So fellas, push those relaxed suits and baggy fits to the BACK of the closet for when the fashion world chooses to raise these looks from the grave...if ever.


*xoCHMxo*

Leather & Suede...Tricks of the Trade

For my first report for Firing the Passion for Fashion, and hopefully for the next few, I'll be talking about Fall/Winter 2009-10 looks. This fall it seems like it is all about shutting it down with channeling your inner-biker girl and glamming it up to create the perfect combo of Glam Rocker. You'll be seeing tons of leather this season--from jackets to vests, and leggings to pants. There will be fringe, grommets, zippers, and tons of black!

Today, we're talking leather & suede...and wearing and pairing it right! Leather leggings were HOT on the runway for Fall Collections. So I have channeled my inner fashion fairies to take looks right off the pages of magazines and use contents of my closet to re-create the look. I just so happened to have some faux leather leggings. Amazing. I bought them last fall, as it seems I always tend to buy pieces right before they become key components for the very next season. I think its embedded in my genes...my mother has great fashion sense.

You'd be amazed at how flattering leather leggings can be; but make sure to buy them in the correct size...if you get them too tight they will pull and create creases that will bring attention to places you don't want, and if you get them too large, you will be in a constant battle of pulling the things up (as the fauxleather that these leggings are made from tends to stretch). I would recommend you buy the ones that go all the way down to your ankle. They are more suited for colder weather. I mean, seriously, would you wear capris in cold weather? You can find a pair of faux leather leggings at American Apparel for around $45. Or if you want to save some extra cash, keep checking at discount retailers like TJ Maxx for probably around $15-20!

For the next component of this look, let's talk about shoes! Leather leggings are awesome paired with gladiator heels or short, ankle-high booties. Find yourself a pair of suede booties and you will be to die for in your new look! I am crazy-in-love for leather and suede paired together!! For an extra biker glam oomph, find a bootie that has a fabulous extra detail. Mine have wrap-around ties. But you could go for zippers, bows, or side cut-outs. My suede booties are Nine West...so they are extra affordable!!

*xoCHMxo*

The Budding of a Fashion Idea...

After completing my MBA at the end of August, I have found myself on the job hunt. And in this economy, and as any of my fellow unemployed friends know, job hunting can be a very monotonous task that seems to never give hope...never have a substantial ending. But I'm really crossing my fingers that I will land a job soon!!

Though valuing an awesome education and trying to fulfill career dreams is a big part of me, there's also a side of me that has a burning desire for fashion. But being currently unemployed also means having zero spending money. No spending money equals ME not being able to fund this need to have all the key pieces to create all these looks that the fashion fairies create in my head. SO, I'm using this blog as my creative outlet. So, we'll see where this goes. Hopefully, I'll detail looks for less, key pieces for the season, and maybe I'll even pull looks from my head to write out to give you guys some ideas too!

*xoCHMxo*