Winter Inspiration From Anthropologie

Anthropologie is a must see store for me each holiday season.

I can't wait to see their creative and extravagant holiday decor that brings the holiday season alive.

Last Christmas all I wanted from Santa was a

sweater for this great store.

Thank you Santa for listening.

I still love that cozy sweater.

Whenever in doubt of what to buy a special gal

for Christmas,

this is the place to find it.

They have the most amazing hand knit scarves, sweaters, hats and gloves that have been my cherished favorites.

And, their home goods are so funky , fresh and rustic.

Oh, did I mention the killer boots they have?

Visiting this store is like going on an adventure.

Oh, I need some inspiration. I will be there very, very soon... I am taking photos today for my next fashion feature in Belle Inspiration magazine. And, Belle Inspiration is having a holiday giveaway you won't want to miss and their holiday edition is out! Good luck to us today.

Do you have a favorite store or place you love to visit during the holidays for inspiration or gifts? Please share.

Happy Holidays,

Christina

All photos found on Anthropologie's Facebook page.

It Gets Better~Links A' La Mode Top Fashion Posts Of The Week

It Gets Better

Edited by: The Sunday Best

As we head full on into the "holiday" season, with its unbridled consumerism, endless head-whacking charity pleas, and weird tie-ins, I expected the links list to be inundated with shopping guides. Instead, many dealt with what can only be considered harassment or, terribly, abuse; several looked at blogging as a cathartic experience, others as a rallying cry. I was lucky enough to be raised in an openly affectionate household with two strong female presences in my mother and sister, and this has undoubtedly affected my manner and attitudes as a married man. Since I can't go around changing men and society, no matter how cool that superpower would be, I offer this reminder, in what I believe is the spirit of the season (when that spirit is allowed to express itself unfettered): respect is the bare minimum we owe each other, and the bare minimum we should expect from others. Respect is not necessarily agreement, but it is always acknowledgment. For those who are struggling this season--financially, emotionally, physically--I can only echo the words of Tim Gunn, George Takei, and others when I say, "It gets better." Happy Holidays.

Links à la Mode: December 2

• Analogue Chic 1 step forward, ten steps back: Skinnygirl by Bethenny Frankel


• Be Fabulous Daily Women at work: An immodest proposal


• Crimson Rosella My safe haven


• Finding Tokyo Why Paris is no longer the fashion capital of the world


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Comment Challenge


• Melina Bee How to host your own clothing swap in five easy steps


• Mrs Bossa Friend Friday Guest Post: Size Matters


• My Heart Blogged Losing 40 lbs., and what I've learned


• Oranges and Apples An ethics code for bloggers


• Piewacket Hot off the press


• Statements in Fashion My Alex, My Dragonfly


• Style Eyes A fashion bloggers mini guide to psychology


• The Button Owl Control freak


• The Chic Curve From the author: "Fat Bitch"


• The Coveted Nicole de Carle: Subversive Architectural Lingerie


• The Demoiselles Can't stand the hate: Cutting Bridalplasty down to size


• The Elegant Bohemian The sisterhood


• The Laugh Slut Giving thanks


• The Sunday Best Give him scotch


• Vogue Vintage The future of fashion blogging


• Wearabout Streets on the runway

The New Patchwork Chanel Bag.

Here it is, the new Chanel bag

for Spring/Summer.

Just in time for your Christmas list.

Like or not so much?

I likie.

Happy Holidays,

Christina

The Captains Helm Creates A Unique Shopping Experience While Mixing Vintage Finds And Skate/Surf/Motor

The Captains Helm in Oceanside and Costa Mesa are one of the best stores for creative inspiration, gifts and unique finds. The Captains Helm carries the best new and vintage finds around Orange and San Diego county. Our visit starts off with your favorite coffee drink in hand from a friendly local and talk of the waves of the day.


As you enter, if feels like you are in a lounge that is like no other. One side of the store caters to men
and the other equally as important, women.
If you need a cool t-shirt for any man in your life,
this is definitely the place to go.



They are a buy, sell and trade type of place.
So, it is always fresh each time you visit.
The perfect place for a fab find.

They also carry surf, motorcycle and

skate favorites for all.

Up-to-date jewelry to complete your look and surf mags to keep you in the know.

Their love for vintage is obvious.

A store decorated like no other.

Classic biker leather jackets, denim and

flannels are in abundance.

Classic denim and flannel for the gals as well.

All are hand picked by their talented buyers

to only carry the best pieces available.

One of a kind boots for men and women.




Surf's up. Grab a board.



A true collector's delight of classic rock albums.
It's hard to leave this store empty handed.

Every square inch is designed to perfection.

Even the changing rooms are a work of art.

It's a feast for the eyes.

And, they even have a few chairs

to sit back, grab a mag and take a load off.

Not in just any chair. I love this baby!

If you are ever in Oceanside or Costa Mesa

be sure to visit the Captains Helm. Check out their inspirational and hip blog called 3rd Floor Musings. Or, you can pick up the hottest items featured in their online store.

Do you frequent any local shops like this

where you live? If so, please share!

Happy Holidays,

Christina

All photos taken by Christina Gough in the Oceanside Captain's Helm store.

Giving Thanks from The Independent Fashion Bloggers Links A' La Mode Top Fashion Posts Of The Week

Giving Thanks

Edited by: Holier than Now

It's Thanksgiving here in the U.S. and many of us are looking forward to the Black Friday sales - oh wait, I mean spending time with our families and friends! But it's wonderful (and kind of weird) that so many of the people that influence and support us on a daily basis won't be gathered around our table; they'll be hanging around our web address, retweeting our (sometimes) witty comments, liking our latest post on Facebook, etc. Whether or not you celebrate turkey day, as a blogger it's hard not to be full of gratitude for the resources we share on a regular basis. This week, Tickle Me Chic helps ban the blogging blues, Previously Owned does your holiday gift shopping for you, and Make the World a Prettier Place sums up the reason so many of us are grateful just to be alive (hello? fashion!) with a visual history.

Links à la Mode: November 25th

• Be Fabulous Daily Applying old-school academic standards of original content and citation of sources to fashion blogging


• Boheme Noir Best outfits 2010 of style icon Giovanna Battaglia


• Fashion Butter: How to DIY Fur Collar with Chains


• Fish Monkey's Writing Stuff Lanvin + H&M: Is there a downside?


• Frock and Roll A code of ethnics for advertorials on your blog


• Grit and Glamour RSS and Sharing for Dummies—and Lazies


• Haute Halifax Out of sight, out of mind? A look at the impact of the textile industry in Africa


• Holier than Now The Under $50 Gift Guide: Fashion, guy-friendly goods, eco and charitable finds and more


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Are you addicted to blogging?


• Make the World a Prettier Place 30 Vogue covers from 1922 to 2005


• Mary Van Notes A vintage style post from a tree house


• Pancake Stacker Lessons from "Changing Fashion: Internet and Blogging" featuring Liz of Late Afternoon, Yvan Rodic of The Face Hunter, and more


• Positively Bleak Tips on staving off the winter blues - with a bonus compilation of free demos and EPs from alternative rock bands!


• Previously Owned A carefully selected gift list for the foodie, fashionable, beauty obsessed and generous


• The Chic Curve Winter coats for everyBODY. No matter what size or shape, there is a fabulous jacket just for you!


• The Coveted: Frock Luxury Vintage: A local NYC discovery


• The Fashion Pawn The Business of Blogging: Your Blog Brand


• The Lingerie Addict: 5 things Every Woman Should Know About Her Lingerie


• The New Professional A bloglover's tips for keeping up with your blog reading


• Tickle Me Chic: Get rid of those blogging blues: Tips and links to ban discouragement


• Wanderlost 10 things to look forward to this winter

SPONSOR:

Shopbop bags: Burch, Matt & Natt, Minkoff, IRO, Botkier, Gryson, LAMB, Chloe, BE&D, DVF

Victoria Beckham Is Not Just A Pretty Face, She Can Design

Most of us just know Victoria Beckham as "Posh" from the Spice Girls and more recently the lucky gal married to hunk soccer player David Beckham. She is also a mother of three. But, she has more up her sleeve.

She has been designing sleeves.

Beautiful sleeves and clothes for women and

this is her fifth Spring/Summer Collection.

I find it chic and a bit timeless.


Dresses that could be worn to the office,

lunch with the ladies or a dinner date.
Now, that's a dress working overtime!




I am loving the tailoring and simplicity.
A modern twist to a regular sheath and
some with a fun colorful punch.




This would be my pick for a Spring/Summer
work to date dress. This dress would look great
with a tailored jacket in almost any color.



The only real frilly dress in the collection is
quite cute with it's 1950's vibe.



Impressive.

What do you think?

xo,
Christina



Photo credits: Victoria Beckham Website

When Fashion Teaches You A Lesson From The Independent Fashion Bloggers Links A' La Mode

When fashion teaches you a lesson

Edited by: Marie Denee of The Curvy Fashionista

As fashion bloggers, we are often the ones sharing and giving advice about fashion. But what happens when fashion turns the table on us and teaches us a lesson or two? From learning how to be thrifty, coping through a crisis, or the economy, these fashion bloggers took a cue from fashion's lessons and turned them into a delicious and delectable read- and I have rounded these up for you...

Links à la Mode: November 18th

• Almost Sober Mag: Pull It, Push It and Come Back When You Proved It: Direct experience from a newly established independent publisher: a week as a fashion editor.


• Beyond Fabric: On the relation between Body Language and Fashion Photography


• Dedicated Follower: To Write Love on Her Arms - I join the movement and write love on my arms in honor of a lost friend.


• Exiled from the City: Throughout the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift in consumer variables and the function of fashion.


• For those about to Shop: Society must take some responsibility for the dangerous obsession to be thin.


• Freeda Style: "Appropriate Attire" Are ALL the old rules of fashion dead? Or should some survive?


• Haute World: Grace Kelly Exhibition: How a royal style icon can teach us a lesson in thriftiness.


• Heathers Design Blog: Musings on fashion now and fashion then, based on the exhibit "Fashioning Fashion" at LACMA.


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Self-Promotion 101: It's not about you


• LivLux Mag: ComfortZones: Even Fashionistas get insecure when trying new styles.


• Make the World a Prettier Place: History of Fashion: The New Look (1947)


• Miss Vinyl Ahoy: I've read some negative comments about the 30 for 30 challenge, and wanted to explain more of what it is and why people should care about it, from my POV.


• Modesty Theory: Welcome to Hijabi Fashion Week- showcasing the style of Muslim women for various occasions.


• Oh My Massila: Reflections on the crossroads between fashion and feminism.


• Previously Owned: The tale of the "00s" Vintage and the mockery of the consumer... Are we becoming victims of the mass media?


• RetroChick: Why Fashion isn't Frivolous


• Return to Sender: Sometimes life gets in the way of fashion. How I Survive A Crisis


• Searching for Style: Fashion 101: Who Owns What. The lowdown on the big fashion conglomerates and the companies they own.


• Socialite Dreams: Sparkly, glam shoes are a must have for the holidays! Twinkle Toes: The Holiday Shoe Guide


• Taste and Style: Keep Being YOU.


• The Curvy Fashionista: How to determine quality in plus size fashion

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Boots:KORS, Joie, UGG, Coclico, Frye, L.A.M.B, Hunter, Frye, DV, Ash, & 12th St.

xo,

Christina

All found at Independent Fashion Bloggers

Belle Inspiration eMag The Enchanting Holiday Edition Launching November 15th

Get inspired for the holidays with

Belle Inspiration's enchanting holiday

e-mag edition that is launching November 15th.

This issue will cover romantic dinner settings, extra ordinary holiday decor, effortless entertaining and a showcase on sunny Miami gardens.

"Belle Inspiration is your rendez-vous with good taste and style. Published bi-monthly and delivered to you in a digital flip-page format.

Based in Paris France, our international team of contributors are all about a romantic style of living, and enjoying the simple things that can make your day more beautiful.

Each issue will profile practical and versatile ideas coupled with beautiful images, unique boutiques, wallet-friendly solutions for interiors, food and fashion.

Meet business-minded women and discover how they launched their dreams. We endeavor to be your online escape, a small respite during your busy day. For you, your family, your home, your life!"




I was lucky enough to be able to write an article about the history and value of cameos for this special issue. I am still pinching myself over this one...

If you subscribe to this special magazine, please let me know what you think. The first issue was breathtaking and full of so many wonderful articles. You can preview two of the amazing articles here.

I can't wait to see the Holiday Issue!

The magazine is only $19 for a yearly subscription

for 6 issues that is sent directly to you as an e-mail.

Have you seen this magazine yet?

Or, do you follow their enchanting blog

called Bonjour Romance

by the lovely and talented Mimi?

She has an amazing gift basket from Metis Linens

that you may want to enter into. Fabulous!

If you have a business to market,

this may be a great place to get international exposure.

Enjoy dear friends.

xo,

Christina

All photos from the Belle Inspiration website.

Your Spot Is Reserved For Dinner...

Your special spot is reserved today

at the dinner table.

Come enjoy an elegant dinner

at my parents home with us.

My Grandmother's colorful floral

china, Waterford glasses and sterling set the mood

for this festive table and

brings back fond family memories.

Anyone hungry?

My Mom has always been able to create tablescapes that are magical. She certainly has a gift and I love to see what she has created each time we go to dinner at her home. She loves to pull out all the stops and enjoy her collections. And, there is just something special about being at your Mom's house for dinner.

Do you use china and crystal and the such? I do whenever possible since it reminds me of my Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. They all adored their fine things and collected them for us to enjoy as well. But, washing all the precious dishes by hand is my least favorite thing... Yet, setting the table is the most fun and the anticipation of the evening to come is always gratifying.

xo,

Christina

Photos taken by Fab Finds Gal

Hot Lipstick Heels On Katy Perry~ Love or Not So Much?

Lipstick heels. Love or not so much?

Best wishes to Katy on her

upcoming marriage today.

I can't wait to see what she wears since she is

always pushing the fashion envelope.

What do you think?

xo,

Christina

Fashion Blog Improvement via Links a' La Mode Top Fashion Posts By The Independent Fashion Bloggers

Fashion Blog Improvement

Edited by Jennine Jacob of Independent Fashion Bloggers

Whether you are contemplating starting a blog or if you've been bloggging for a while, getting to know the ropes is a never-ending journey. This week we have a nice round up of bloggers sharing how they do it, what they find important about blogging. From taking your own photos, whether or not to have comments, and how to cover the fashion shows with your own twist, this is the week to buckle down and learn.

Links à la Mode: September 30th

• Boheme Noir: Burberry S/S 11 Show Coverage


• Brachman's Sparrow: So you want to know how to grow your blog…


• Chic Steals: Marshall's and the World of Off-Price Retailing


• Dramatis Personae: Fashion vs. Fatfashion Blogger


• Dressful: Fashion is Art, Not Trivial!


• Fashion Pulse Daily:New York Fashion Week Team’s Top Spring 2011 Trends


• Fete a Fete: Dolce & Gabana Evocative Beauty Fall 2010


• Hello Beauty: Bobbi Brown Black Velvet Fall 2010 Collection Review & Video


• Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Importance (and Unimportance) of Being Niche'd


• Leia's Delights: No Comments?


• ModlyChic: How to Take Your Own Outfit Photos


• Retro Chick: Revies Illamasqua Lipstick


• Scarlet Letter Style: Are Boobs Really Back?


• Style Spotting: The Women of Warpaint


• The Column of Samantha Tyler: Decoding: Bestiary of the IT Girls


• The Coveted: Getting Inspired by The Metropolitan Museum of Art


• The Lingerie Addict: How to Dress Like Dita von Teese


• The Simpliy Luxurious Life: Tips for Looking Fantastic Each Day


• Vogue Gone Rouge: New Upcoming Designers Show


• Wit & Whimsy: Getting to know designer Phillip Lim and why everyone's talking about him and his line

SPONSOR:

Shop style at Shopbop: Tunics - 291 - Kill City - Tilo - Georgie - Parker - Freecity - Flats

xo,

Christina

All found at Independent Fashion Bloggers Website.