Lily Allen, Chanel's New "It Girl". Who Is She?

A few months ago when I saw this amazing ad campaign of a Audrey Hepburn look a like as Chanel's new "It Girl" I was scratching my head. Who is Lily Allen?

I found out that Lily Allen takes the cover of ES Magazine with an insightful interview this month. She is definitley not a shy gal. More up and in your face. You can read this interview here.

She is a "Pop sensation. Voice of her generation. Fashion designer. Political activist. Mouthy blogshite. X-rated sexpert. Fall-down drunk. WAG-tagoniser. Queen of MySpace. Exhibitionist. Primadonna. Style icon. Celebrity girlfriend. Celebrity daughter. Celebrity sister. Paparazzi prey. Party starter. Princess.

Lily Allen has been called all these things, and much, much more - sometimes with justification, often without. She's posh, she's common, she's sexy, she's demure, she's reticent, she's outspoken, she's sensitive, she's shameless, she's loved-up, she's distraught, often all in the same evening. Then she goes to bed, gets up and has breakfast. Then she posts her breakfast on the Internet. Then other people analyse her breakfast. And wonder why she posted it on the Internet.

Contrary, contradictory, occasionally catty, always compelling, Allen, at 23, is Britain's most consistently engaged and engaging pop star, as well as one of our most successful. from Lily Allen Music." found on her Lily Allen website.

What do you think about Lily Allen being

Chanel's new cover face?

Snowmen Magic

A little snowmen magic from my parents home.

Good luck creating a little holiday magic

this week for your family.

What are you creating to be magical?

I'm working on the Christmas dinner table scape

and more wrapping. And wrapping... Who the heck bought all these dang presents anyway? We always say we are going to cut back every year and it never seems to happen.

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Happy Holidays,

Christina

A Sunset At The End Of The Day~ Pure Magic

After reading that most of my favorite blog authors are stuck in rain, wind or snow, I thought it is the perfect time to share our Southern California sunset. Especially for all those gals that just need a pretty landscape to enjoy for a second or two from all the holiday hustle and bustle.

My new years hope is to be able to surf better on my big red (far right) Trident epoxy surfboard in those gorgeous waters.

Surfs up from California!

We are taking Christian to see the snow for the first time next week, which about an hour and a half drive. I wish snow was in our backyard, so don't get me wrong, I am jealous!

Santa is bringing sleds and snow boards, so we are ready.

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What are you hoping for, going to experience, pushing yourself to do or going to just do differently in the New Year?

xo,

Christina

Pretty In Pink Holiday

Who says you can't have a pink tree? Not me!

The last three photos were taken of my parent's little pink tree that seems to brighten up the "girlie" boudoir. Why not think outside the red and green holiday box.

What do you think?

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Happy Holidays,

Christina

Photo credits: 1 st photo found on flickr

2nd photo is from Peacock Feathers and taken by Donna Griffith

Last three photos were taken by yours truly, Christina

Great Gift Ideas With A Charitible Cause Behind It From The Tea Collection ~ For The Little Citizens Of The World~The Global Fund For Children Cause

If you would like to give the special little ones on your holiday list a unique item with global awareness and includes 70% of your purchase giving back to children, this selection is right up your alley. Based on the shared mission to serve the little citizens of the world, Tea has created a modern line of Children's Clothing exclusively for the Global Fund for Children which receives 70% of each sale of their "for little citizens of the world" merchandise ($6.95-$44.50 per item). Tea’s beautiful collection has been featured in Vogue and In Style magazines as well as many of the parenting and family magazines like Couture Baby. For the past 10 years, The Global Fund for Children has focused on a single mission: advance the dignity of young people around the world by supporting innovative grassroots organizations working with children whose economic, social, ethnic, or gender status stands as a barrier to opportunity. Since its founding in 1994, The Global Fund for Children has distributed more than $5 million in grants to 205 groups in 61 countries. That's what I call the spirit of giving.

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Here's a portion of the line up of the most adorable clothing and books for this special cause:

Little Citizen's shoulder bag. $16

The perfect book bag.

Little Citizens pink hoodie with book.

Other colors are available.

Sizes 6 months to 7/8. $44.50

Little Citizens little hoodie.

Other colors are available.

Sizes 6 months to 7/8. $35

Little Citizens T

Other colors are available.

Sizes 6 months to 7/8. $28

Little Citizens bodysuit and book set.

Other colors are available.

Sizes 0-3 to 9-12 months. $21.50

Going to School in India book

$21.95

Be My Neighbor Book

$16.95

Come Out and Play book

$15.95

To Be a Kid book

$6.95

To Be An Artist book

$16.95

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What a better time to really make your gifts count while being in the spirit of Christmas.

Not only are you making your precious little ones happy, you get the satisfaction of knowing your gift keeps on giving to other children around the world. And, what better time to teach your precious little one's about giving to others.

Now, that is a win-win that puts a smile on my face. How about you?

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Happy Holidays,

Christina

The Countdown Begins~ Weekend Read Links a' La Mode

The Countdown Begins

Edited by Dramatis Personae

The countdown has begun–not only until the end of the year–but until the end of the first decade in the 21st century. That’s kind of amazing to think about. Styletastic and Sway, Sway, Away! both look at fashion from the Oughts with two distinctly different visions. [the3st] interviews the founder of ModCloth, while Wicked & Whimsy reviews Closet Confidential (by the hilarious Winona of DaddyLikey fame!).

Links à la Mode : December 17th

• 39thandbroadway.com: – How Brands Get Burned By Celebs


• A Typical Atypical: – Suffering from Buyers Remorse: The Real Deal


• Brunette and Pink: – Makeup Tutorial: Leighton Meester Inspired Winged-out Smoky Eye Look


• DailyDivaDish – Create a sparkling New Year’s look with the Tarte Treasure Chest Giveaway. Enter to this limited edition kit.


• Friend in Fashion – Sugar and spice and all things nice – Unearthing the unique designs of the fabulous, Arizona based designer Monique Martinez, through the captive lense of Galaxie Andrews.


• Grit and Glamour: – The Trend Conundrum–rends are a tricky thing; what makes some women look so pulled together is not a wardrobe full of the latest styles and trends, but the ability to know which ones to avoid.


• i'm the it girl: – My Love Affair With Hermes and the Great Debate: Kelly or Birkin?


• Idiosyncratic Style: – 12 Great Holiday DIY Projects – give something special this year (even if you are short on time and money)


• kaKofonie Of si(gh)lenS: – My most amazing (and green!) find this year: Denim Therapy, a company who will restore your tattered favorite jeans to like-new condition. Seriously.


• La Société de Mode The Fashion Society: – Combats are stomping their way back into style


• Pursed Lips: – Thoughts/quotes on Lady Gaga as a powerful tool, if a difficult one to reach, for designers.


• Style on a String – Getting down to the wire: Gifts for the Stylish Geek who is kind of Girly too


• Styletastic: – As the 00’s are coming to en end, we look back at the fashion memories that will define the decade. Ah the memories!


• Sway Sway Away!: – Sway Sway Away! presents Caitie’s bitching and moaning on the worst trends of the Aughts.


• THE COVETED – Love it or Leave it : Rodarte for Target


• The Fashion Planner: – The Fashion Planner shows you how to make a jaunty beret.


• The Working Wardrobe: – Beware of “business casual” being too casual for the workplace.


• tick tick heart: – A focus on the varying fashions of some of our quirkier leading ladies in film.


• White Rabbit: – Pros and Contras of Artificial Nails


• Wicked Whimsy: – Closet Confidential: A Review


• [the3st]: – Success & Getting There: Interview with Susan of ModCloth.com

Santa, Oh Santa... Just In Case You Need A Little Hint or Two...

Dear Santa,

I have been nice this year, so thought you might like a few subtle, or not so subtle hints...

First of all, classy lingerie from Frou Frou Fashionista.

Ho... Ho... Ho... Santa...

Absolutely anything from Betsey Johnson, please...

Bliss Linens... You just can't go wrong here.

Luxury never goes out of style...

A fabulous Italian bench from Paris Boutique Hotel... This would be amazing as a piano bench for the three of us. Right? It might actually make me want to play the piano everyday!

Every bloggers dream, a decent camera. Any type will do.

LADURE'E. If you haven't tried it, I must tell you it will be a memorable moment. I've only tried the almonds, so a macaroon might just do the trick. But, I think I 'm becoming addicted! Don't tell my trainer! She can't take this away. No way.

I just finished Vicki Archer's first book, "My French Life" and was delighted with the magnificent photography by Carla Coulson and the brilliant descriptive writing. So, I definitely would love to see "French Essence" in my stocking to take me away to Provence (while the boys play our new Wii for hours).

What's a list without a little CC? This fabulous Chanel ring can be Found here. But, really Santa, any old (code word for vintage) Chanel will do!

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Well, that would just about do it! I know, no wish for ending world hunger or world peace. I am so self involved. Tee hee...

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What are you putting on your Christmas wish list? Do we have anything vaguely in common?

xo,

Christina

P.S. I am content with my Anthropologie sweater and our Wii Christmas this year.

This is all for good fun.

A Fabulous Find~ FrenchBlue & Co.

It's snowing over at FrenchBlue &. Co...

A place to find this stunning old painted portrait on wood...

Snowing with the most unique treasures found anywhere...

This old alabaster box with medallion lady really gets my heart pounding. What a home for a special treasure or gift...

French correspondence "Old French pink book" from a posh French lady to an English politician in 1791 for a person that adores history or just the beauty of books...


Old French collections of books from 1829 of
the Histore De France that could be that perfect gift for someone that has everything...



A gorgeous hotel Marie Antoinette coffee pot for the
hostess with the mostess...


The most unique and intricate beauty to be found anywhere...
Like this framed French Bisque floral Motif...

The perfect "A Christmas Token" scalloped gift holder that would stand out from the rest and make a special present fabulously memorable...

And more custom made packing for the tree...

French writing seaweed box...

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It is snowing over at FrenchBlue & Co.

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Good luck with those Christmas lists, darlings.

Let me know if you find anything you just can't live without at FrenchBlue. I know there are a few special items I just can't stop thinking about!

xo,

Christina

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If you have a shop that you would like to be featured, just leave me a comment with a link to it. I will see what I can do.

All photos found at FrenchBlue & Co.