Happy, Happy 4th of July!

♥ Happy, Happy 4th of July, kitty cats! ♥

May your day be full of beachside bonfires, sunkissed skin, and colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Gulp Green Giveaway Winners

Kitty cats, as the pretty, pretty princesses that we are, it is no surprise that we are forever toting about a bottle of water in our Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Bags to keep our complexions looking glorious; but now, thanks to Avon, three (3) of you fabulous fair maidens will be carrying said water in a Hello Green Tomorrow Reusable Water Bottle as part of Avon’s Hello Green Tomorrow Campaign. Congratulations to…

…Vanessa of My Heart Blogged, Megan of A Suitcase and Stilettos, and Janine of *La Dolce Vita*!

Please e-mail me at cafefashionista@yahoo.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.

Thank you to the winners, and to everyone who entered Café Fashionista’s giveaway!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to SassiSam Blog for the picture.

Gulp Green Giveaway

Mon doux, though our Theodora & Callum-clad feet may lead others to think otherwise, even the truly glamorous gals of the world long to do their part to save the good green earth – we simply choose to do it in a way that keeps our Rachel Pally Clover Dress from getting mussed…like by sipping daintily from a chic, eco-friendly water bottle which speaks volumes about deforestation and preserving the world.

You guessed it, dolls! In honor of Earth Day (which we celebrated on Friday, April 22), Café Fashionista has teamed up with Avon to bring three (3) parched princesses Avon’s brand new Hello Green Tomorrow Fundraising Water Bottle!

“Avon will distribute 100 percent of the net proceeds from the Hello Green Tomorrow Reusable Water Bottle sales to The Nature Conservancy for continuing efforts in the Atlantic Rainforest in South America, and to the World Wildlife Fund for their restoration projects in Indonesia (Borneo and Sumtra). These forests serve as the lungs of our planet, helping clean the air of pollutants and mitigating climate change, while supporting an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals and providing water for millions of people.”

To Enter the Gulp Green Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post stating what you do to help the planet between now and Monday, May 9, 2011 at midnight PST.

♥ For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating what you do to help the planet between now and Monday, May 9, 2011 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥ For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post stating what you do to help the planet between now and Monday, May 9, 2011 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick three (3) names out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winners on Tuesday, May 10, 2011.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Avon for the picture.

Happy, Happy Easter!

♥ Happy, Happy Easter, kitty cats! ♥

May your day be full of chocolate-covered bunnies and candy-colored eggs!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Cambria Cove Mother's Day Gift Bundle Giveaway

Kitty cats, Sophia Loren said it best when she stated, “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” Now, thanks to Cambria Cove, all of you lucky ducks have the chance to show your mothers that the very opposite is true, as well, by entering the Mother’s Day Gift Bundle Giveaway!

Cambria Cove has put together six (6) handpicked pampering gift packages “each designed to suit unique moms.” Gift packages include:

♥Jewelry Treasure Trove - “For the mom who wants her jewelry to be beautiful and meaningful, this collection is filled with pieces that she'll wear forever.”

♥Serenity Spa Collection - “It's Mom's turn for 'time-out.' With this package, she can treat herself to a spa facial every day while wearing the softest sleepwear and savoring Voluspa's luxurious scent.”

♥Completely Glam Grab Bag - “Chic moms will love this collection—especially pieces from 'it' designer Alexis Bittar. The decadent, finishing touch? A High-Heel Pump filled with Assorted Chocolates.”

♥Breakfast in Bed Bundle - “From start to finish, it'll be a Mother's Day she'll never forget. From breakfast on fresh, floral-themed servingware, to the comfort of Yala's super-soft sleepwear.”

♥Sweet Baking Assortment - “This collection is a sweet recipe for memories. Mom and the kids will love donning the adorable aprons and making frozen yogurt and Cake Pops—the trendy treat sensation.”

♥$750.00 Shopping Spree - “Whether she loves pampering indulgences, practical gifts, or both, she can shop to her heart's content for everything she loves.”

Enter Cambria Cove's Mother’s Day Gift Bundle Giveaway here. Now, tell me, my loves, which Mother’s Day Gift Bundle would your mum adore?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Cambria Cove for the pictures.

Happy, Happy Valentine's Day!

♥ Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day, dolls! ♥

May your day be full of candy hearts and kisses from cute boys!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Teen Vogue for the picture.

Now We Are Two...

Happy, Happy Second Birthday Cafe Fashionista!

Thank you to all who have supported my little humble fashion abode on the World Wide Web since its debut on January 4, 2009. Here's to many, many more years of fabulosity.

As Plautus once said, "Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words."


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Happy, Happy New Year!

♥ Happy Happy New Year, lovers! ♥

Here's to a sparkly start to 2011!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

♥ Merry, Merry Christmas, kitty cats! ♥

I hope that your day is magical and sparkly!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It for the picture.

Guest Post at La vie...J'aime!

Lovers, so very often I share with you the intricacies of my material desires and adorations; but it is not everyday that I let you in on the items that I want (and can actually afford!) at the moment. Today that all changes, dolls!

Scoot on over to La vie…J’aime where I have taken part in Jaime’s 2nd Annual My Stocking Series by penning My Stocking: March of the Penguins - a comprehensive rundown of the five items I am most hoping to find in my Christmas Stocking come December 25!

Happy, Happy First Day of December, my loves!


Fashionably yours!

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving!

♥Happy, Happy Thanksgiving, my loves!♥

I hope your holiday is full of pumpkin pie and hot cocoa topped with colorful mini marshmallows!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.

Sealed with a Mix Tape

"There are all kinds of mix tapes. There is always a reason to make one."
Rob Sheffield
You can drape a girl in diamonds; ply her with chocolate; and shower her with dozens of red roses. Truth be told, you can do it all; but deep down, even if she never admits it to herself, the most sentimental way to win her heart is via a mix tape.

Darlings, it pains me to think that you may be completely out of touch with this type of reality, so I’ll simply spell it out for you…the mix tape is the piece de resistance of presents. As Victor Hugo once said, "Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent." It is a scapegoat of sorts for allowing one to divulge their deepest feelings for another; to give an individual the chance to lay their heart on the line in a fashion unencumbered with stuttering or nervousness – just pure words flowing languidly from the stereo.

"When you stick a song on a tape, you set it free."
Rob Sheffield
But I digress; one must be mindful of the fact that a mix tape is not merely a quick fix for the person who forgot to buy a friend or significant other a gift, nor is it a goodie given in place of something store bought. A mix tape is a small piece of someone’s heart. Whether created by a nostalgic sorority girl for her BFF; or a cute hipster boy wanting to leave a lasting impression on the girl he is currently wooing, a mix tape says it all. Hence the reason why creating one is oftentimes a difficult task.

Making the perfect mix is an art, a skill learned over years of practice. It is not something that can be put together overnight. It involves countless hours of planning, researching, and recounting magic moments that took place between you and the person in question. The nights spent falling asleep under the stars; the long periods of comfortable silences; the impromptu adventures. To put it bluntly, it is a soulful, symphonic scrapbook bringing good and bad times from mere minutes ago to years past to light.

This Valentine’s Day, forgo the chalky candy hearts, the flowers that will wilt away in a few days time, and the stuffed animals that will ultimately be re-gifted sometime down the road; and instead impress with a mix tape that will be cherished forever. Don’t worry dolls, I’ll help you along!

"It’s always that one song that gets to you. You can hide, but the song comes to find you."
Rob Sheffield
♥New Wave In the age of technology, it is shocking to see a CD anymore, let alone a tape. Nevertheless, sending digital downloads of songs is a surefire way to ruin the effect of the mix tape (unless, of course, you are using Fred Flare's Mix Tape USB Flash Drive). If you want to stay true to the roots of the mix, and you’re armed with the equipment required to work with a cassette, I suggest taking the time to put a tape together. If, however, you feel more comfortable working with a CD, go for it. A bit of the vintage vibe proffered by a genuine cassette is lost in translation; but it’s the music that counts.

♥Time After Time The length of time that a mix tape runs varies for the creator, yet almost always sticks to the 30-minute interval rule, starting at 60-minutes and going through 120-minutes. In general, 90-minutes seems to be the favored mix tape length. It’s long enough to get your point across, without droning on with unnecessary inclusions.

♥Theme Team It is impossible to so much as begin putting a mix tape together until you have decided upon the theme you are aiming for. Is it being created with a potential love interest in mind? Are you putting it together to commemorate a childhood friendship? Will it be given to someone attempting to heal a broken heart? Before you begin, it is essential that you have the answer to this question. Once the theme has been decided upon, you can move onto the hard part…creating a title!

"When we die, we will turn into songs, and we will hear each other and remember each other."
Rob Sheffield
♥The Name Game I realize that you are devoting your time to selecting songs for your compilation, but an amazing title is a complete necessity for the perfect mix tape. Something labeled "Sappy" or "Love" is uninspired and makes the receiver feel as if very little thought has been put into the creation of this gem. Don’t allow your hard work to be overlooked due to a bad title! Wrack your brain for memorable experiences or covert inside jokes the two of you have shared – the best titles stem from these very places!

♥List Love Kittens I truly hope that you are like me in the sense that you adore making lists, because you will be creating quite a few of them on your quest to perfecting your mix tape. Track listing is a crucial part of the mix. It involves choosing an assortment of songs, then weeding out the ones that fit the theme you are going for, and ending with deciding which tracks are the most compatible with one another. This step alone often involves numerous trials to ensure that you choose the best songs, but it is well worth it!

♥Number One I cannot stress the importance of the first song on your mix. The first song sets the tone for the complete tape, and makes the listener decide whether or not it’s even worth listening to in its entirety. For this reason alone, never underestimate the power of the opening track. It is essential that you steer clear of songs that are too predictable, as it immediately enshrouds the entire tape in a cloak of boringness. At the same time, going the clichéd route makes one contemplate the seriousness of the mix. You want something that is faint yet fascinating; a song that will catch the listener’s ear and draw them in - therefore, choose wisely.

"I realize that I will never fully understand the millions of bizarre ways that music brings people together."
Rob Sheffield
♥Metamorphosis Too many get caught up in wanting miscellany within their mix which oftentimes results in disaster. As William Cowper said, "Variety is the very spice of life," but if it doesn’t fit or flow correctly, it can be the ruination of your tape. Transitions between songs must be subtle. Moving from light indie to pop rock needs to be done gradually, allowing the tempo to rise slowly with each song to keep the tape from becoming detached. Leaping from genre to genre within your mix must be avoided at all costs; the songs must have a link to one another that makes everything flow perfectly, and creates a harmonious collection – otherwise the entire tape fails.

Darlings, like love; creating the perfect mix tape requires nurturing, patience, and a large dose of TLC. You may not get it right the first time, or the time after that; who knows, it could take you years to perfect your mix tape method. But just like amour, somehow, someway, when you least expect it, it will find you. And when it does, everything will fall into place; for, in the words of Rob Sheffield, "But the answer is simple. Love is a mix tape." Until then…

Happy, Happy Valentine’s Day, my loves!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the pictures.


♥Note: I originally wrote this post for one of my favorite blogs, Fashion Court, on February 1, 2010; but I loved writing it so much, that I thought I would share it with all of you here, just in case you missed it!


Don't forget to enter the Love Is in the Air Giveaway for your chance to win the 90 Words Per Minute Dress from Shabby Apple.

Guest Post at Fashion Court!

Dolls, curious to know what Cafe Fashionista would love to receive for Valentine's Day? Check out my Guest Post Sealed with a Mix Tape over at Fashion Court as part of the Conversation Hearts series. You'll find out what I'm craving come February 14; and pick up a few tips on creating the perfect mix tape for your special someone!


Fashionably yours!

Lady in Red Giveaway Winner

Oui, the holidays may be over, but that is certainly no reason for you to lock away your bedazzling sequin accessories! Darlings, the truth of the matter is that there is never an inappropriate time to sparkle; and now one (1) of you will have the chance to do just that, for within mere moments you will learn the name of the lucky winner of Mimi Boutique’s Melinda Sequin Bag in Red. Congratulations to…

…Rachel of The Redhead Fashionista. There is no need to worry your pretty little head over going unnoticed again; with the Melinda Sequin Bag in Red swinging saucily from your arm you will forever create quite a stir – no matter where you find yourself!

Please e-mail me at cafefashionista@yahoo.com with your mailing address to claim your prize.

Thank you to the winner, and to everyone who entered Café Fashionista’s giveaway!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Listal for the picture.

Lady in Red Giveaway

Kitty cats you know me, never one to resist a sequin. Couple the glittering pretties with the color red, however, and I can hardly keep myself from jumping out of my seat and dancing in the same fashion as an overzealous pre-teen watching a Justin Bieber video on MTV. Which, I presume, is precisely what one (1) of you lovelies will be doing this time next week when you find out whether or not you are predestined to be the Lady in Red. But I digress; obviously I’m getting ahead of myself here.

In the hopes of bringing a bit of festivity to your beloved handbag collection, Café Fashionista has teamed up with Mimi Boutique to bring one (1) lucky reader the Melinda Sequin Bag in Red – a designer-inspired, faux leather stunner embellished with sequins, and sporting chain handles a la some of Chanel’s finest creations!

To Enter the Lady in Red Giveaway:

♥Visit Mimi Boutique, and choose your favorite item.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, January 14, 2010 at midnight PST stating what your favorite Mimi Boutique item is.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating what your favorite Mimi Boutique item is between now and Thursday, January 14, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect, and leave a comment on this post stating what your favorite Mimi Boutique item is between now and Thursday, January 14, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, January 15, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Mimi Boutique for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Cozy Up to Shopbop and Ugg Boots Giveaway for your chance to win a $100 gift certificate to Shopbop.com.

Smitten Saturday

♥Savoring Sparkles I’m truly angry at whomever convinced you that sparkles were nothing more than a bit of arts and crafts supplies handed off to wild and crazy kindergartners to keep them quiet in between nap and snack time. That person was sadly mistaken, loves! The truth of the matter is that sparkles can be either here or there. One moment they can be dancing in your hair, the next they may be outfitting a favored Gryphon frock. But perhaps my absolute favorite format to savor sparkles is via regal refreshments. That’s right, a beverage that beams brilliantly from its position in a first-rate flute sitting pretty in your cocktail ring embellished hand is almost as important as the shoes adorning your feet, or the clutch clasped tightly in your magnificently-manicured fist. After all, one who looks as stunning as you deserves a pretty drink to accompany her as she wows the room with her presence. As such, accessorize with burbling apple cider, complement your Camilla Skovgaard Chain Sandals with a glittering glass of cranberry juice, and cuddle up with a goblet brimming with white grape juice that will make your jewels beam brighter than you ever thought possible! How will you be savoring sparkles come New Year’s Eve, darlings?

♥Ribbon Dancer Old habits die hard; or rather, in my case, they rarely die at all! Since I was a teeny, tiny toddler traipsing down the stairs precociously a la Kay Thompson’s Eloise, I have found that the wrapping used to conceal the gifts my family had spent hours choosing just for me was oftentimes more interesting than the gift itself. Specifically, the yards of shimmering ribbon tied daintily around each pleasing package. Throughout the course of the morning, as everyone gathered round the tree to exchange presents, I would spend much of my time hoarding the cast-aside pieces of ribbon, intent on using it to accouter myself with in some way at a more appropriate moment. But why on earth should one waste valuable family time hunting for stunning streamers tossed to the wayside, when you can simply buy blissful ensembles already laced with such a dazzling decoration? ASOS Oversized Belted T-Shirt Jersey Dress is a stunning way to wrap yourself up in all sorts of wonderful even on the most casual of days. One can’t help but feel like a life-size present – and a glamorous one at that! – when adorned in Notte by Marchesa’s Ribbon-Trimmed Silk-Chiffon Dress. Charlotte Russe’s Rose Jacquard Corset receives an extremely feminine fix via the addition of a satin ribbon tie about the waist. And please be prepared for jaws to drop when wearing Forever Unique’s Ribbon & Velvet Trim Dress, for it has the power to hypnotize. Ready to become a card-carrying member of the ribbon dancer brigade, loves?

♥Fairy Tale I thought about waiting for a cute boy to arrive and sweep me off my feet in the hopes of creating a fairy tale with one another; but no. I suppose I’m not the most patient of individuals; therefore I am taking matters into my own hands and creating a fairy tale all my own via petite holiday-influenced fairy cakes that even Peter’s pal Tinkerbell would approve of. Now, I have told you all time and time again that I am not the most handy person in the kitchen. In fact, in the past two years alone I am guilty of having concocted half-baked banana nut bread, hard as rock sugar cookies, and soupy pumpkin pie; hence the reason why I am leaving it up to the professionals to create the fairy cakes of my whimsical imagination a reality. First I’ll visit Fairy Cakes Bakery to scoop up a dozen of their spicy Pumpkin White Chocolate offerings; next I’ll pick up the Holiday Peppermint Twist from Kara’s Cupcakes as a last farewell to the Christmas season; and to round my fairy cake jaunt up I’ll pay a visit to Cupcake Royale for the cake version of Figgy Pudding, Eggnog, and Candy Cane. Who wants to join me on my fairy tale?!

♥That’s A Wrap! Darlings it wasn’t me who said it, so stop pointing fingers! It was Vaughn Monroe who first stated in 1945 “Oh the weather outside is frightful…” as the opening bars of Let It Snow. All I am doing is reiterating his proclamation, as I absolutely could not agree more – the weather is frightful; combating it, however, is not. As long as you have a cocoon sweater, that is! Why on earth do you think that wriggling caterpillars emerge from cocoons as full-fledged flittering butterflies? I believe it is due to the fact that there is no more cozy location to hibernate for even a short period of time; which is why it is obvious for optimal warmth and worldliness in your wear, a cocoon sweater is your best bet. Skinny jeans will never be the same again when partnered with Paul & Joe’s Cocoon Sweater in Black which drapes in the most dazzling of ways. Silence & Noise’s Stitch Detail Cocoon Cardigan is an affordable way to retain savoir faire in any situation. And Mason’s Cocoon Sweater in Gray is a playful way to protect your form from the cool chill in the air while looking completely posh. Christmas may be over, but Santa baby, do you think that you could pretty please with a cherry on top drop these last few items down the chimney? I’ll be extra good the whole year through!

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to We ♥ It and ASOS for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Twenties Girl Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl.

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

Darling over the past twenty-something years I feel that we have developed quite the strong bond with one another. You’ve seen me through chipped teeth and Barbie obsessions, and I still maintain that, at the ripe old age of seven, I spotted you in our Southern California apartment (though to this day there is not one living soul who believes me). Between you and me, however, we know it’s true; so don’t try to deny it. You wouldn’t want to end up on the Naughty list now would you, Mr. Claus?

And Mrs. Claus! Though I have never corresponded with her directly, I’m sure she has a soft spot for me. After all, I was the one who packed a small suitcase full of chocolate chip cookies and homemade potholders crafted by my first-grade fingers for you to bring back to the North Pole especially for her – which, might I add, was missing when I awoke on Christmas morning; a sure sign that you took it on your way out the door (or rather, up the chimney).

But I digress; this year my letter is slightly different. While there are countless items I would love to call my own (namely the Brooklyn Bridge Double-Finger Ring introduced to me by Mayra), I am not writing to request beaming baubles or flashy frippery; for Christmas 2009 I am asking only for gifts which give back to others, that way there are no losers in terms of prezzies, only winners all around!

♥Wishingfish “Lucky Beggar Purse” Kitty cats, if you weren’t already aware, though a hunch on my part tells me you were, I am a coffee lover who has never been able to resist the lure of an adorable handbag or home for my spare change. Thus the reason the Lucky Beggar Purse is wholeheartedly calling my name. The brainchild of artist George Skelcher; the Lucky Beggar Purse evolved from inspiration found right on the sidewalks of New York City via homeless panhandlers using decomposing coffee cups as their own personal pocketbooks. Blue, white, and gold in color, and emblazoned with the words “We Are Happy to Serve You,” the Lucky Beggar Purse, which was once exhibited in an NYC art gallery, is a little slice of East Coast history that will make you appreciate the good things, and feel proud of how you helped others, as part of the proceeds from each purse go straight to HELP USA.

♥DKNY Jeans “‘Believe’ T-Shirt” I truly feel that there is no better way to inspire a little hope in not only oneself, but in the people surrounding you, than by what you wear; and DKNY Jeans’ “Believe” T-Shirt is a preemptive way in doing just that. A part of the DKNY Capsule Collection created just for St. Jude’s Hospital’s Thanks and Giving Campaign, which inflames shopaholics like you and me to “give thanks for the healthy kids in your lives and to give to those who are not”; the black, silvertone stud embellished Believe tee is the perfect topper to a pair of black as night bottoms, like Community Denim’s Low Rise Skinny Jeans with Zip, or a slinky bandage skirt for an urbane look that makes you feel good both inside and out!

♥LUSH “Charity Pot Lotion” Santa, you know this better than anyone given your job description, but we are in the throes of winter, and that spells absolute disaster for one’s skin. The wind whipping us about to and fro is tyrannical, and downright detrimental to our dermis; therefore, I (and I’m sure all of you are as well) am in need of a moisturizer that will protect and enhance my exterior, and the one I choose is LUSH’s Charity Pot Potion. Not only does it make you smell like a spring garden; but all proceeds go to the LUSH charity of your choice. Would it be too much to ask for two pots? I’d like to support 4 Paws for Ability as well as Reach for the Rainbow, s’il vous plait!

What purchases are you making to give back this holiday season?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr, Wishingfish, HSN, and LUSH for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Twenties Girl Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Sophie Kinsella's Twenties Girl.

Smitten Saturday

♥Card Shark Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that, as a creative thinker who peruses the right side of my brain far more than the left, I am utterly incapable of resisting the power of an ambrosial holiday card gussied up with whimsical illustrations coupled with charming season’s greetings that assist in ringing in the New Year right. In fact, since we’re being completely honest here, I might as well just come clean and admit that I adore the greeting cards attached to the gift, almost as much as the gift itself. I am a firm believer in the fact that much more time is put into etching the appropriate sentiments into the folds of a splendrous piece of stationary than is devoted into picking out the perfect present; thus, one must always ensure that the card in question is both memorable and magical.

For the fashionista in your life, Bonnie Marcus’ Fashion Folded Card, announcing Have a fashionable holiday, is something that will be treasured until the end of time; Renee Rivas’ Fashionista Christmas Holiday Greeting Cards are destined to adorn office cubicles year-round and bring to mind get-togethers with the girls; and Olivia A. Myers’ Downtown Christmas Greeting Card is a preemptive way of wishing your BFF the best this holiday season, while reminding her that shopping during the entire month of December is meant to be guilt-free – so scoop up those See by Chloe Lace Tights, splurge on sass & bide’s When You’re Older Dress, and snatch Son of John’s Heidi Sequin Tank with Racer Back sans guilt! What type of card shark are you?

♥Celebratory Mail Call Darlings, I’m not bragging when I say this, I’m merely speaking the truth…I may be one of the most skilled Online shoppers you will ever meet; but Sidney of Olive Writes recently reawakened my adoration of mail order catalogs, a feat which has literally dragged me away from my laptop, at least for a handful of hours, plopped me smack dab in the middle of the couch bundled up in a plaid throw, and left me flipping through page after page of pleasantry. Blame it upon the Christmas spirit or attribute it to a desire to channel the pre-computer age child within, but there is truly nothing as charming and simplistic as curling up with a cup of hot cocoa in front of a flickering fireplace, and swooning over catalogs depicting fashionably dressed models frolicking in faux snow, or families decking the halls with popcorn-strung garlands in matching pajama sets. It’s an enchanting experience that one absolutely must take the time to savor; especially during the holiday season. Thus, turn on the twinkling fairy lights, turn off the overheads, and snuggle in for the cold winter’s night with J. Crew, Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and a multitude of others – after all, it’s a celebratory mail call…don’t you want to be a part of it?

♥Ornamentary, My Dear Watson In the first grade I arrived home for the start of Christmas vacation with a pine cone slathered in peanut butter and rolled in a bird seed medley dangling from the tip of my finger. Such a creation was meant for adorning the shrubbery in the front yard; yet I took it upon myself to hang it from the tree sitting pretty in our over-decorated living room, already crowded with gifts wrapped in paper spotted with illustrations of Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer. Two days later the family awoke to a loud humming sound, only to discover that our beautifully decorated tree was covered in ants jubilantly feasting on the sticky surprise. Despite the merry mishap which resulted in swiftly doing away with the topiary, there was no lapse in happiness around the household. Why? Because the disastrous decoration in question was crafted with my very own pint-sized hands.

Darlings we must simply face the facts; the ornaments in which we use to trim the tree each year harbor an unmatched type of spirit and magic. They dictate our likes and dislikes; the memories we have shared; and the adventures we have experienced over the years. As such, we must ensure that our trees our outfitted in nothing but the best. Hang Henri Bendel’s 2009 Signature Fifth Avenue Ornament from the highest bough while donning a daring design by David Lerner. Showcase your shopaholic side by draping Nordstrom’s 2009 Shopping Bag Ornament over a beatific branch while teetering in a pair of Tory Burch platforms. Or highlight your love of the Big Apple with Kurt Adler’s New York City Glass Ornament while decked out in Bing Bang bling. Just please do us all a favor and steer clear of the peanut butter!

♥Pretty Maids All in a Bow Lovelies, perhaps I’m only speaking for myself, but I have spent the past week wrapping gifts like crazy, topping each one with a shimmering bow that crinkles when poked, and twinkles like the brightest star when simply gazed upon; but adorning presents with such embellishments is truly not enough. As strange as it may sound, I am feeling an overwhelming desire to, in the very same fashion as Blair Waldorf, accouter myself in bows, bows, and more bows! Really now, why on earth should glorious gifts have all the fun – we deserve a little bow action ourselves; and bow action we shall have! I truly cannot imagine anything looking more lovely when paired with an ambrosial party frock than Felix Rey’s gold Greta Satin Bow Clutch festooned with a bright red ribbon that would make even Santa Claus himself giddy. Turn heads just as much when you leave a room as when you enter it with Anthropologie’s Victorian-inspired Grand Exit Boots – an ideal complement to a wrap tunic and ebony leggings. There’s no doubt that you would easily pave the way of the holiday party if decked out in Foley + Corinna’s Satin Bow Dress. And obviously one is never fully dressed without the playful sophistication of Derek Lam’s Halter Top with Side Bow adorning her upper half. Tell me darlings, are you a pretty maid all in a bow?

♥Fruit Loop Do you think me absolutely absurd for being ever so slightly obsessed with fruitcake? I have heard the proclamations of how unappetizing each bite is; I’ve gazed upon its somewhat grotesque appearance; I’ve curiously poked its candied coating with a well-manicured fingernail numerous times through the cellophane and plastic wrap embellishing its nutty form in grocery stores all over Southern California. Yet, all this aside, my interest is still piqued. There is something so decadently appealing about a dessert that emerges solely for the holidays, and often takes up to three months to perfect – an aging process that is incredibly bizarre yet enthralling. Given the fact that, just a few days away from Christmas day, I obviously don’t have enough time to so much as attempt to craft my own; I have decided to splurge on a pastry up to the task of adorning the table come the big day (though there are no promises that it will be used for anything more than a pretty decoration).

Cabela’s Grandma’s Famous Fruitcake is a favorite due to the fact that it comes wrapped in a holiday-themed reusable tin and sports the word Grandma in the title, making it sound like a homemade surprise from a beloved relative! ClaxSnax from Claxton Fruit Cake is a kitschy table favor for holiday guests due to the fact that each slice comes individually packaged a la chewy fruit snacks so no difficulty with cutting the nut-filled creation takes place. And it is impossible to think that Harry & David’s Traditional Fruitcake could be anything less than posh, glamorous, and luscious for the sheer fact that everything from Harry & David is pure heaven. Tell it to me straight…what is your experience with fruitcake? I need details darlings!

♥Red Light District While red, white, and green have always marked the trio of hues that so fully complement the season of peace on earth, goodwill to all men, and season’s greetings; when it comes to accoutering oneself in a singular shade for the holidays, I have always found that red does the trick masterfully. The color itself holds so much symbolism in terms of being seductive, romantic, and rambunctious all at once. It retains the ability to juxtapose between tranquility and rowdiness; yet never fails to come across as sophisticated and haut monde. And, of course, we cannot forget that it turns heads no matter the place or time. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that you don such a dye with wild abandonment! Pair ShopMamie’s One-Shoulder Socialite Dress in Crimson with black leggings and ebony riding boots. Style Unknown Factory’s Biker Skinny Jeans alongside an asymmetrical tank. Top a plain white tee with Rag & Bone’s Honeycomb Cardigan. Or simply perch Bop Basics’ Cashmere Beret atop your head for a touch of French flair. Are you seeing red, kitty cats?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Shopbop for the pictures.

Socialite for the Night

Kittens, I’ve brushed aside the brisk, bid adieu to arctic temperatures, and kissed cold weather goodbye; or rather, my wardrobe has! Please note that I have thought long and hard about the decision that I am about to divulge to all of you lovelies over the past week, and the conclusion that I have drawn from nearly overdosing on contemplation of the fashion variety is that, regardless of the chill in the air come New Year’s Eve, I refuse to conceal my form with shapeless sweaters that mar one’s silhouette with beastly bagginess and drab personality! The forecast could predict ten below – though, in all honesty, we know something like that would never happen in Southern California – and I would still tempt fate by allowing my porcelain skin to play a virtual game of peek-a-boo with the chill; and you can blame my brazenness solely upon the sassy Shopmamie!

Anyone who knows me as well as all of you do is quite aware of my fondness of off the shoulder tops. I’m completely incapable of resisting such accoutrement given the fact that they provide a splash of seductiveness in the most coquettish and demure of ways. Thus, there was absolutely no question in my mind that Shopmamie’s One-Shoulder Socialite Dress was the frock destined to stand in as my date come the evening of December 31.

Spicy in its simplicity, the One-Shoulder Socialite Dress is simply begging for the chance to break out of your closet and be wined and dined for a special occasion – and really, what more perfect time than the one in which you are ringing in the New Year, and all of the exciting adventures destined to accompany it?!

Charming in cobalt, cheeky in crimson, and bewitching in black, the One-Shoulder Socialite Dress flaps and flows in a flirty fashion that entices dapper suitors sporting savoir faire and cute boys suffering from can’t-be-controlled-yet-absolutely-adorable bedhead alike; while making you feel like the belle of the ball in true saucy style!

Cinch mark’s That’s A Wrap Scarf around the waist to create an hourglass contour that renders your many admirers speechless; up the wow-factor and channel the Old Hollywood starlet within with the addition of the statement-making High Society Necklace; or highlight the playful pleating detail about the neckline by dusting Twinklebelle over your bare shoulder and collarbone for a glittering shine that makes you sparkle from the inside out!

Don’t you want to be a socialite for the night, darlings?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopmamie for the pictures.

Sparkling Sophisticate Giveaway Winners

Can you see them, darlings? The bright lights twinkling far off in the distance, of course. The sole glimmer in a pitch black atmosphere. They’re not fairy lights strung up for the holidays, if that’s what you were thinking. Non, the sparkle gleaming in your direction is not a mere object being used as a decoration; rather it is a pair of elegant Keaton Pants from BB Dakota that are pleasing to the eyes, and even more pleasant for the derriere! The very same pants that will soon be gracing the lower half of two (2) of you lucky ladies. Oui, the day of reckoning has arrived. Congratulations to…

…Senorita Fashionista and Diane of Snapshot Fashion. I hope you’re both prepared for your posteriors to truly steal the show whenever wearing these brilliant bottoms!

Please e-mail me at cafefashionista@yahoo.com with your mailing address, and size (S - L) to claim your prize.

Thank you to the winners, and to everyone who entered Café Fashionista’s giveaway!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Listal for the picture.