Holiday Color Wheel. Emerald.

Absinthe - get those sugar cubes ready!

C Wonder Ikat Mugs - just $8/each. Sip in style.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

From my own collection - python and cabochon cuff by G-Lish.

Manolo Blahnik emerald suede "Toubid" sandal.

Emerald Toy watch - great bridesmaids' gift, in any color.

Vintage-y green paper straws by Kikkerland

"Constance" china pattern - this was Charlotte's pattern on SATC when she wed Trey.

"Elope" by Illamasqua nail varnish - courtesy of "Polish or Perish"

J. Crew "candy stripe" cashmere pullover in aloe/emerald

Lulu Frost emerald resin and crystal ear drops.

Kale - it's really good for you; especially brides. Saute in garlic and olive oil.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buying Guide for Emerald:  Toy Watch, Manolo Blahnik shoes, J. Crew sweater, Illamasqua nail varnish, Lulu Frost earrings, Kikkerland straws (these are Fish’s Eddy, since the green was sold out in Kikkerland, but check Amazon.com for all the great colors of the paper straws) and also try Etsy’s vintage section), Kale – at your local Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or farmer’s market, Constance fine china by Bernardaud, Absinthe at all good liquor stores, C. Wonder Ikat Mugs, python and cabochon cuff by G-Lish. Manolo Blahnik “Toubid” is from Spring 2009 collection, but can be found by clever consignment and eBay hunters.  Enjoy – tomorrow will be PURPLE.

Wedding Wednesday Quick Post – Trending: the Statement Bracelet for brides.

Brides come to us for the following reasons:  a) they have no time, b) they are stressed, c) they hold demanding jobs and volunteer work, d) they live out of town, e) they are planning a destination wedding (aren’t they all at this point?).  One common misconception is that said brides need style guidance, but that is simply not true.  Our brides are chic, stylish and most of all, entirely unique.  So, when we hold forth about trends or kick a glaringly tacky one to the curb, it is not a reflection on the part of our clients – ever.

This is a teaser for the larger “What’s In?  What’s Out?” wedding post that is coming soon.  Very often, I’ll see a bride with way too much going on, accessory-wise.  Not my brides.  But if you are planning a wedding and here on this blog, let me just say that tweaking the expected and editing down your look is key.  Tiaras=no.  Unless you are 4 years old.  If you are 35 and wearing a tiara and you are not royalty, it’s just jejeune.  Updo with curlicued tendrils PLUS a statement necklace PLUS too much makeup PLUS giant briolette earrings?  No.  Just. No.

This season, I am hoping brides will wear their hair long and loose, keeping the neckline clean and focus on the arm candy.  That’s right – the Statement Bracelet! All eyes will be on your hands anyway, so give it a little more attention!  So many companies are doing links, cuffs, skins, stones, estate, antique, costume, real, coloured stones, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold (!), Deco, tribal, or old-Hollywood glam that it gives you a great chance to show off the long-overlooked and most lovely wrist.  Generally speaking,  worn on the opposite hand of your engagement and wedding rings.  There are so many wedding possibilities, in all shapes, sizes and budgets, so let’s do an overview, shall we?

J. Crew (bow down to Jenna Lyons) is rife with possibilities.  I love the Deco Bow Bangle.  I also favour the Classic Pave Link Bracelet (and own it!).  So wedding-ready is the Crystal Mosaic Bracelet – it’s got that weight and heft to it.  Pair ANY of these with the Crystal Sunburst Earrings and you have a total look with glossy hair and a great manicure!  These also make insanely great bridesmaids’ gifts.

Savoy Bracelet by JewelMint

Credit: J. Crew - Deco Bow Bangle

Moving on to my favourite jewelers – the real stuff, at a good price – are ALL of the bracelets (except the leather ones) from J. L. Rocks!  Check out the page and images here!    Have you seen JewelMint, a carefully curated lookbook of wonderful pieces at $29.99 cofounded by actress Kate Bosworth and stylist Cher Coulter? It’s like ShoeDazzle or The Row for jewelry and it’s quite beautiful.  I have a crush on the Savoy bracelet (above)!

Credit: J. Crew - Crystal Mosaic Bracelet

Big spender?  Look no further than this diamond flower bracelet from Ross-Simons, who, by the way, has lovely CZ versions of their important pieces.  I also love love Emitations, an online retailer that cultivates great red carpet looks for less.  Chances are, you can find a faux copy of your engagement and wedding rings to wear while, say, scuba-diving.  Their marketing director, Jenni Beckstrom, is all kinds of awesome, to boot!

Of course, who doesn’t love the Trinity and Love bracelets from  Cartier?  Check them out online!  In yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, with or without diamonds.  True love!

Credit: Ross-Simons

Tuesday Shoesday – The Basic Shoe Wardrobe

I firmly believe that every gal (and guy) should have a basic shoe wardrobe of staples.  I’ve taken it too far, but now, have learned how to store my shoes and boots in a well-edited, almost archival way with dustbags in clear boxes from Container Store and I’ve even gotten the reboot of the Polaroid camera and I tape a photo of the shoes on said box.  But, today is not about excess – I keep some of my designer treasures and wedding shoes to pass down to my decidedly tomboyish daughter, who will one day love them.

I also recognize the value of Saludos, Havainas, TOMS and other inexpensive but necessary summer and fall staples.

But, here’s what every gal should have in her shoes wardrobe (include those adorable Minnetonkas from yesterday’s post!):

High-heeled slingback pump.  I like a slingback better than a plain pump – and I wear my “Carolyne” by Manolo Blahnik in black for many meetings and events.  I’ve had them for 7 years.  You can find similar style in other price points on Piperlime.com and Zappos.com, of course!   You can get them from 2″ heel height to 4″.  The white satin version is a bridal favorite as well!

Photo: Courtesy Manolo Blahnik

Moving on:  everyone should have a great pair of cap-toe ballet flats.  So many to choose from!  Revolutionized by the Chanel quilted ballet flat and updated recently with Gap’s Urban flats (they fold up and come in a little baggie – love), I am loving these cap-toes from LOFT this season.  Adorable. There are no images on the web for these, so click on the hyperlink to see the four different colors!  And a way softer price point than the Lanvin’s and Miu Miu‘s that are almost identical!

Wellies:  When the weather turns rainy, cute Wellies are a must.  I wear Hunter and J. Crew has some great ones.  They are cutest with short denim skirts or cute shorts – very leg-lengthening.  Or, tuck your skinnies into them.  A must have for rain or shine!  Remember Kate Moss at Glastonbury?  She rocked those!

 

 

 

 

 

The Nude Platform Stiletto Pump:  Nothing, and I mean, nothing, looks better on legs and makes them look miles long than these babies.  You don’t have to get Louboutins.  Nine West makes a respectable one.  But it must have the platform footbed in order to be comfortable.  I wear these shockingly often with everything from jumpsuits to pencil skirts and evening cocktail dresses.  You’ll be shocked how much you love them!

 

I would also add to this list strappy gold flat sandals, Sebago or Sperry Topsider boat moccasins, Tretorn sneakers and some adorable wedge espadrilles.  Oh, and one pair of absolutely knock-out strappy high-heeled silver stilettos (what I wore to my own wedding, by Giuseppe Zanotti)!  Happy Tuesday Shoesday!

 

Marvelous Monday – a few style tips that float my fancy.

Summer party season is in full swing and whether you are a hostess, guest, bride-to-be or just follower of all things style, I wanted to share a few of my finds with you on this rainy (at least in East Hampton) Monday.  I refuse to go softly into the night that is fall, so these are really “year-round” finds that are particularly useful right now.  I have purchased and tried or worn all of these products and in full disclosure, have not been compensated to endorse any of said products.  We at F4 are our own guinea pigs and we’re happy to share!

Full disclosure:  my vanity countertop unretouched this morning!

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Hair:

I am always looking for the latest serum or heat-protector for days when I have my hair blown out or need to iron it myself without further damage, especially since I spend a lot of time in the sun, surf and chlorine.  I use Kerastase, Ted Gibson, Purology and WEN. But, I’ve been a fan of Kiehl’s for many, many years, mostly for its Creme de Corps body butter and mens’ shaving products.  I’ve used every hair line on the market and found these two products to be outstanding for creating a sleek mane in the humidity.

Kiehl’s Stylist Series Silk Straightening Cream : a distant cousin to their legendary Silk Groom, this lightweight cream is used on damp hair before blowing out.  It’s lightweight, you only need a little and it’s fragrance free without heavy waxes.  It relies heavily on soybean extract and sunflower oil to soften and protect hair.  Genius!

Next up, the Kiehl’s Silk Groom Serum – a perfect finish to your style.  Leaves hair soft and gleamy.  Concentrate it on the ends and don’t use too much.  It’s very light and keeps those strands glossy and tamed.

Lips:  EOS lip balm is the greatest. Invention.  Ever.  I order mine from Drugstore.com by the dozen. Or, order here. The spherical shape, the flavor, the long-lasting formula all excite me.  It even seems to exfoliate your lips a little bit when you apply.  I use a chubby lip gloss pencil over the EOS for a durable, sheer, colorful lip.  You’ll chuck your Chapstick after this!

Nails:  Yes, I know we did a nail post, but I have new favorite – and it’s limited addition.  I found mine at J. Crew.  FACE Stockholm nail enamel in “One Hundred Seven” is a deep iris/cyclamen/violet shade that just POPS.  Love it!  Image courtesy of We Heart This – it’s sold out on the J. Crew website, but you can get it on Face Stockholm’s website OR in many J. Crew stores.

This post is very disorganized.  But hey – it’s a rainy Monday and I am blogging from the summer house while my kids play in the basement playroom.  Forgive me!

Fragrance:  I am a  Chanel fragrance (or any fragrance) addict.  I am particular to the “Exclusifs” collection  of limited edition concoctions and have found my new scent (everyone asks what it is but I never give a straight answer, so….) in the form of “Coromandel”.  It’s a glorious, woodsy Oriental that is perfect for the colder months.  The other two fragrances that I own that harken to Coromandel are L’Artisan’s “Timbuktu” and Balmain’s “Amber Gris”.  I just don’t like to smell like anyone else.  You should give all three a whirl.  YUM.

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

Must have SHOE:  Say goodbye to Uggs, as I have a new retro passion!  The Minnetonka Moccasin Back Zip Boot.  Yep, it’s back.  The fringe and lug sole and buttery suede look fresh and fun.  I ride my bike in these and take them on the town with white shorts and great gingham shirt or Ikat tunic.  LOVE.  In the fall, pair them with colorful skinny jeans and a white tee and schoolboy blazer!

J. Crew does it again! The “Streamer” gown for 2010!

We have seen a gown quite exactly like this that was couture Oscar de la Renta for about $18K, and while the craftmanship of a de la Renta cannot be denied, brides on a budget will love love love this gown.   We would pair it with navy satin platform stilletoes and a may-juh chunky cocktail bracelet with lots of crystals or, lucky girl, diamonds!  Here is the official description:

Silk habotai with horizontal rows of crinkled silk chiffon. Strapless. Fitted bodice with silk organza interior corset for added support. Back zip. A-line skirt with a slight train. Fully lined in silk georgette. Falls to floor. Part of the J.Crew Collection. Import. Dry clean. Specially packaged in a custom-made box to ensure your gown is always as beautiful as the first day you wear it. Catalog/jcrew.com only.