celebrity sighting!

on my lunch i stopped by Lee's Art Shop on 56th btw 7th Ave & Broadway to pick up some art supplies. i was standing near the paint aisle talking to one of the employees and i heard a woman behind me talking to a little boy i turned around and saw Angelina jolie holding zahara talking to maddox. of course, i had to do a double take because i'm not really used to running into A LIST celebrities. apparently she is in new york filming "the good shepard" downtown (near my boyfriend's office) with robert de niro and matt damon.
anyway, i am always curious about what celebrities look like in person, as a frequent reader of US weekly i always envision celebrities exactly how they appear in those pages. angie, (i call her that because we have put our differences behind us and now are good friends:)) was wearing seven jeans (definitely were the smallest size available because she is ridiculously skinny & they were even slightly baggy on her) black boots over the jeans, a black shirt, large black sunglasses, and her hair was in a ponytail. she looked effortlessly chic. she wasn't as tall as i thought she would be though.
maddox was the cutest, happiest kid i think i've ever seen he was jumping up and down talking to his mom and her assistant. the baby was TINY and was just looking around, a very good baby i must say. no brad though, so through my excitement there is a tiny bit of disappointment!

dress me up
fab finds du jour

some are repeats only because they are now on sale! yay for sales!

• plenty cap sleeve shell $159 @ girlshop.com -

  1. i love the detail on this sweater. not exactly practical for cold days like today but it is a hot shirt and i love it!
• ella moss jolie top $101 @ eluxury.com-

  1. i love this shirt because reminds me of a shirt i owned freshman year of college only because of the color, the bell sleeves, and the embroidery. i loved that shirt and would have kept it forever and ever but I ripped it in the typical college freshman fashion.
• marc jacobs yellow trim cardigan now $167 @ bergdorf goodman--

  1. a sweater i raved about in my yellow fever post and it now happens to be a bit more affordable so you should definitely subscribe if you haven't already.
• diane von furstenburg printed jacket on sale for $298@ bergdorf goodman-

  1. i adore printed jackets and am sometimes just chicken to wear a printed jacket (i guess it is all that red blood pumping through my veins) this is well tailored, not too loud, flattering, and best of all not a paisley print so i would definitely purchase this now that it is a little less expensive.
• cami available @ bergdorf goodman & neimans

  1. i'm not sure if this is still available online :(
• la rok brocade cap sleeve jacket $145 @ girlshop.com-

  1. i don't own anything brocade (see above: my fear of prints) despite the trend but i am all about the milly lace blouse listed below and i think this would be perfect over it. v. britney spears i think. oh god did i just write that? i did but i can't help it, it is all kelly's fault that i am obsessed with "B"
• diane von furstenburg silk cami on sale for $158@ bergdorf goodman-

  1. simply stunning would look perfect under the printed jacket or on it's own.
• missoni scilla dress $1375 @ eluxury.com

  1. can't afford it but i was obsessed with prints today and how can you ignore missoni when thinking print?
• paper angels corset ribbon blazer $249 available @ girlshop.com-

  1. ever since this blazer was available to pre-order i have been eyeing it. I don't love that it has so many buttons on the front, but i probably wouldn't button it anyways...hmmm i am curious if i would love it as much if i didn't button it. i love that it is all black and yet not boring. i need a black blazer in my closet and this one would add a bit of flare while staying demure. i love that.
• szulika lace ribbon tie vest $55 @ girlshop.com

  1. you can't beat this price! this shirt dresses up & romanticizes any outfit
• milly beaded halter now on sale for $259 @ bergdorf goodman--

  1. first fell in love during my trip to bergdorfs last month! gorgeous!
• saja sequin banded knit top $154 @girlshop.com-

  1. perfect to wear over jeans while lounging around the color is a bit summery i think but i would love this come spring time.
• nanete lepore silk goddess top $230 @ eluxury.com

  1. i love the cut, the color, the fabric but i love the detail on the straps...true to it's name it looks like something straight out of a greek myth.
• milly rose print silk jacket now on sale for $263 @ bergdorf goodman & neimans-

  1. another sighting during a trip to bergdorf goodman
• marc jacobs cropped jacket now on sale for $272 @ bergdorf goodman -

  1. amazing, love it, need it, must have it, adding it to my christmas list now!
• uluru suzanne ruffle sweater $212 @ girlshop.com--

  1. something i would wear everyday. i especially love the long length. a great shirt to layer with.
• candela cowl neck sweater now $193 @ girlshop.com

  1. i adore cozy sweaters like this. it makes me think fun winter scenes including cozy ski lodge, hot cocoa, fireplaces, & hot boyfriends that have no interest in football (ahh the perfect fantasy).
• milly long sleeve lace blouse now on sale for $184 @ bergdorf goodman

  1. (i've been looking for the perfect longsleeve black lace top & this is IT! i'm officially in love!)

scene & heard
nyc thanksgiving weekend

this past weekend my boyfriend and i set out in good holiday spirits to accomplish two things: 1) make a dent in our christmas shopping & 2)to take in new york christmas & thanksgiving scenes given that there is no place like new york during the holidays!

above is a collection of photos i took on the wednesday before thanksgiving.

1. lights in rockefeller center


2. ice skating in rockefeller center (how romantic)


3. rockefeller center facing saks


4. snowflakes at saks


5. window displays at saks (snowflake)


6. window displays at saks (snowangels-my personal favorite)


7. window displays at saks (ornaments and a goddess/angel that looks like ariel)


8. window displays at saks (another shot of the snowflake display)


9. on the upper west side during inflation eve...here is the macy's star balloon


10. inflation eve this picture is nearly identical to the one that was on the cover of the new york times on thanksgiving (yea i'm that good)

handbags du jour
"...mmm sounds good, i'll have that"

and what is better yet most of them are on sale. no fibbing here... i know it is virtually unheard of, but while browsing today i found these fabulous bags! (some of which i've been lusting over for months...so much so they actually had to reprimand me at marc jacobs the other day for manhandling and drooling on their beloved bags...they only threatened to banish me forever, it's not a big deal really, just the scrawny sales girls flexing their "muscles" right?)

• treesje pico clutch $207 @ girlshop.com
• pucci printed clutch on sale for $319 (was $455) @ bergdorfs each print is unique and colorful and this is what i love about pucci. i don't think i could pull off anything larger than this but it is fun and would funk up my more conservative ensembles
• marc jacobs red drummed leather satchel on sale for $837 (was $1195) @ eluxury.com
• marc jacobs metallic silver "blake" (also avail in gold) $997 w/gift @ eluxury.com i think i saw a photo of teri hatcher overseas a few weeks ago carrying this bag while under an umbrella anyone recall the photo?
• marc jacobs med blue leather tote guinevere normally $995 now $697(avail in black as well) @eluxury.com for some reason i love this bright blue this one is on sale i also love the blue coach bags (namely the wristlets because i think they are young and fun)
• luella doctor gisele bag in red now $625.90 (was $895) @ Saks (red is fun and versatile given that it goes well with black and brown making it (this bag in particular great for work)
• marc jacobs silver zip clutch! $395 @ eluxury.com the cutest thing ever!
• lauren merkin plum velvet bag...for sunday stylin'
• pucci ipod case now $161 @ bergdorf goodman (was $230)-love it fun, girly, designer, and best of all not boring. the fun print does't clash with my black coach bag i carry to and from work and would stand out as i'm digging through my bag. I love that it has the flap to cover the face and screen my ipod screens always get scratched (not badly but scratched nontheless) because i have a "window" in my current case.
• bokier bag-on sale and i love it

• activeendeavors.com 20% off your order with code: holiday20 @ checkout

• bergdorfgoodman: free shipping when you spend over $175 & enter code: gift05
• philosophy.com make any purchase of $50 or more and you'll get a complimentary 3.5 ounce cinnamon buns body soufflé.enter cinnamon when prompted during step 1 of the checkout process to redeem your free gift. this offer is only valid on philosophy.com and is good from 11/29/05 - 12/6/05 or while supplies last. cannot be combined with any other offer. one per customer please.

• hanky panky's famous soft mesh thongs, undies, and bras are 25% off at barenecessities.com when you enter DCHANKY at the checkout.

• stila.com -get free shipping, free samples, free giftwrap when you enter HOLIDAY at the the checkout (through dec. 5th)
  
• when you buy any pair of Levi’s pants through December 3, you’ll get 50 % off any shirt, sweater, or accessory. Levi’s will automatically apply the discount. Visit the levisstore to start shopping now. Limit one 50% off item per order. Offer good while supplies last.

• nordstrom now through Dec 5th spend $100 on items from the Free People Collection at Nordstrom.com and receive a special free gift* (also from Free People). Not to mention free shipping. to redeem enter NORDSHIP1 at checkout

accessories du jour

• Stila candle--a great gift & it would look wonderful on my bedside table.
• e. 9th lucite cameo cuff $92 @ girlshop.com-- i have been lusting after this cuff for months
• christie martin personalized 3 tiered necklace $105 @ girlshop.com--i love the fact that you are able to personalize the charms. this is the perfect gift for your girlfriends or sister.
• osei yaw sun earrings $92 @ girlshop.com-- i have been looking for the perfect pair of ethnic looking gold earrings forever, but haven't yet committed to "the pair" these might just be "the ones"
• kimberly faith triple strand necklace available at the girlshop.com sample sale originally $110 now $49 (the gold is sold out until 12/9 but the silver is just as delicious)-- i love this necklace because it can dress up just your typical jeans and tshirt but can add edge to a chiffon dress, or cami.
• hermes pink cuff $480-- i can't afford it but it is beautiful and would look exquisite on my wrist, don't you think?
• kara janx boyshort $18 @ girlshop- i love the adorable designs on these boyshorts! i will be buying in bulk
• manolo blahnik satin mule @ bergdorf goodman on sale from $575 to $345-- love these satin pumps because they are perfect for any fancy dinner or cocktail party...or just to play dress up with...or just to say i own? hmmm...
• marc jacobs quilted flat- @ bergdorf goodman on sale for $$210 (was $300)- this is it the shoe i have been dying to own. i would wear this shoe every day until there was nothing left of the sole... it is girly, casual, yet fancy, and simply fabulous. i must own them or i will regret it for a lifetime!
• valentino velvet pump @ bergdorf goodman on sale from $495 to $347
  this shoe is perfect to wear with a holiday party dress. i love the open toe and i especially love the feminine the bow gives the shoe

VOTE FOR POD PEOPLE @ threadless.com my friend damon submited an awesome tshirt design to threadless.com so vote now because those country folk have ipods too!

• for wannabe knitting nancys like me! knit knack kit available at kitson buy it for $22.95 @ shopkitson.com
• i love this bliss lau olive crescendo bag because it has a unique shape and is large enough to hold all of my junk buy it for $485 @ style.com
• currently in love with this bliss lau monarch belt because i haven't seen anything like it and i can think of a million things in my closet it would look fabulous with... buy it for $195 @ style.com
• bliss lau's accordian bags are fabulous but i selected the bliss lau mini accordian bag in rich velvet because i think it would be perfect to carry to a holiday party buy it for $295 @ style.com
• this bliss lau coil belt reminds me of one of my favorite belts i bought about 3 years ago...you just can't go wrong in buying a belt with a large ring $175 buy it @ style.com
• this is the cutest cuff ever: i absolutely love the unique, artsy look of the bliss lau flora cuff-- it is perfect for me! buy it for $85 @ style.com
• the hengst nymph dress is yet another fabulous party dress buy it for $345 @ style.com
  
  
  

because i've been good for at least half of the year i would really appreciate if you could drop off these items under my tree. thanks in advance, santa!

with love,

melanie

p.s. you're the man santa!!

• ipod alarm clock because i use my beat up cell phone as an alarm clock (and hello, it didn't work this morning) and my "toxic" ringtone is no longer charming in the am i would much rather some variety while i'm waking up.
  
• The O.C. Season 1 DVDs -so i can relive the greatness that is the O.C.
  
• JBL Speakers -i've wanted these forever because the sound coming from my laptop speakers isn't the best...
  
• kate spade metallic ipod case -because my pink ipod case is literally falling apart and i can't have that
  
• Wedding Crashers Uncut DVD -every one needs laughter & vince vaughn in their lives
  
• apple store giftcards -itunes gift card would be music to my ears, apple store so i could maybe replace my ipod headphones that broke last week, and eventually purchase a new ipod and laptop
  
• directions to Archivers in West Des Moines -since i will be spending christmas in the good old hawkeye state i have included directions to Archivers for Santa's convience. i enjoy being crafty and there is no archivers in new york (tear) so please buy me anything and everything in that store and i will be immensily happy.
  
• The O.C. Season 2 DVDs -rejoice for season 2 of the o.c. how can you not like the O.C.?
  
• hp all in one printer -my current printer is in storage i purchased it my sophmore year in college...i would like to print photo quality but also would like to be able to scan...i am currently using the printer in my boyfriend's dad's office but can't seem to get the scanner to work properly because whoever installed the printer didn't install all of the drivers and then decided to do away with all of the cds necessary to fix the problem so i figured i'm due for a new printer i might as well put it on my x-mas wish list.

• square multicolor bangles:

• "bloom" necklaces (top) & double circle necklace (bottom):
  

• bloom plaques:

bloom plaque

• colorful candlesticks!:
  

• small circle earring(top) & "peacock" earring (middle) & below "zebra" necklace:

my always fabulous friends kelly & tricia sent me this adorable ecard yesterday and it really put me into the holiday spirit!

of course i plan on partaking in the "black friday" shopping extravaganza, much to my boyfriend's dismay, and i'm not going to lie i'm really excited about it. i am devising a game plan/shopping strategy as we speak!!!

x-mas gift list: family i have to buy for & gift ideas or lack thereof

cool goods du jour

• protoculture: nouveau eggplant lily tee $34 virginthreads.com
  this cap sleeve, scoop neck top is delicious in the simplicity of the design... it reminds me of the block prints i spent my time making things instead of blogging about things...
  
• rena tom: leather drop earrings $33 virginthreads.com
  these earrings are different enough to draw attention but settle enough so they don't overpower my ensemble
  
• lyn & luz: four-leaf clover copper cuff $100 virginthreads.com
  i will make my irish boyfriend so proud when he sees my fabulous new cuff...isn't the best accessory good luck anyways, oh wait or isn't a good looking guy? hmm lucky me, now i'll have both! :)
  
• fjord: sailor dress $115 virginthreads.com
  i'm speechless...love love love
  
• fjord: sailor tee $38 virginthreads.com
  reminds me of the l.a.m.b. shirt i've been looking for (the one jennifer anniston wore in elle magazine & was at kitson) but it is cheaper & the same concept (& color)
  
• bennie and olive: knitting needle case $46 virginthreads.com
  knitting is chic!! well it is if you have this adorable case! i should buy this for my cousin alice & my aunt pam because they are the most talented knitters i know (my aunt pam actually tought me to knit a long long long time ago, but unfortunately i wasn't that dedicated to my craft! (tear) but maybe it will come back to me (like riding a bicycle?))
  
• fancy: alphabet ring $50 virginthreads.com
  symbolism that i love in a language i understand
  
• clare nicolson: ‘twiggy’ cushion $80 virginthreads.com
  this designer is into birds (which if you haven't read before i'm not too fond of) but i love this cushion i can totally envision this in my apartment
  
• bon vivant: cerulean studded iPod case $70 virginthreads.com
  i need a new ipod case and this might just be "THE ONE"!
  
• bennie and olive: cameo buckle and belt $73 virgin threads
  delicious & fabulous
  
• ana!s: black sea tee $33 virginthreads.com
  adore the crochet flower v. pretty & feminine
  
• all in one journal $14 kitson
  for the girl who needs to consolidate (me!)
  
• NaMoDA: dance top $82 virgin threads
  so cute with jeans or black "dance" pants i always love the dancer look even though i'm not a dancer and i don't have a dancers body...haha i can dream can't i?
  
• michaela - home: american folk - moss $180 virginthreads.com
  spirograph on your pillow...(i miss spirograph!) snowflake decor...love it
  
• decorative Things - printed salad servers $28 shopkitson.com
  beats a boring wooden spoon
  
• steve rosswick: "slogan shirts are lame" tee $26 virginthreads.com
  if you can't think of your own slogan you can always go with the tried and true...
  
• rebe: dalila sweatshirt with woodland print $82 virginthreads.com
  i adore printed hoodies, and i especially love the contrast of the white on blue.
  
• bennie and olive: left & right mittens virginthreads.com
  because every once in a while don't we all have to remind ourselves?
  
• bakelite bits: harlow necklace $110 virginthreads.com
  the yellow would look perfect with my white cashmere v neck sweater!
  

what style are you? old style?!


D-Licious: Wonder Woman Beer Can Silver Cuff $80 @virginthreads.com

sorry i had too!

Crystalyn Kae: Tweed Trees Tote $145

what is great about this bag (besides that fact that it is incredibly cute) is that is made 100% in the U.S., contains no animal hide or byproducts, is handwashable, and each bag is one-of-a-kind as each "tree" is made out of hand-cut swatches of tweed, ultrasuede, and velvet foliage and then is securely stiched onto the glazed tote bag.
available @ virginthreads.com

• kaleidoscope v-neck top @ fred flare reminds me of a snowflake $68 fredflare.com

• "Coal" Gum For the Naughty I'm handing this out to everyone this christmas because it is so freaking cute and funny! $5.95 @ kitson shopkitson.com

• i will get this for anyone i think will be nice enough to cozy up to a fire while crochet a blanket for my unborn child and maybe in 15 years they will complete it and my baby can have a beautiful hand crocheted blanket! hey, you gotta plan ahead right?! $22.95 @ kitson shopkitson.com

• crafty apple jersey @ fred flare $36 fredflare.com

• crystal headband (as seen in December's InStyle) available at Bloomingdales $45
  
• silkscreen workshop DVD available @ fred flare $24.95. perfect for the budding artist or for someone who loves art and love to try new art forms. fredflare.com

• L.A.M.B. Ornate Graphic Raglan Thermal $115 l-a-m-b.com

• MAC magenta faux croc brush set(5 brushes) $45 don't you just love holiday gift sets! i am debating getting this for my sister but might be tempted to steal them from her at a later date...hmmm... maybe not such a good idea :) maccosmetics.com

• owl ornament @ anthropologie $14. ok, i'm not a fan of birds but my grandmother is and she would love this so i'm going to buy this for her. i think my mom might like it if i told her i bought it because it reminded me of harry potter's hedwig (haha it is so true) yea so it is odd i guess i just don't like live birds...no that isn't true i don't like dead birds either...hmmm yea so i just hate birds but i like this ornament and would like it so much more if it were a puppy. oh and by the way there are so many other cuter ornaments this year at anthropologie i love the cupcake ones cupcake numero uno
• cupcake numero dos
• cupcake numero tres
• cupcake numero quatro
• crochet snowflake ornaments
  & the
• butterfly ornament

so pretty much all of them except for the birds save the owl!:)

• owl ornament

• librarian pin to go with my librarian action figure $9 @ fred flare. i personally think it is adorable because i work in the law library at my firm & i think it might amuse my co workers but then again i could see a partner or a paralegal actually take it seriously and start asking me to help them when i would have to refer them to the reference desk because i know absolutely NOTHING about the library itself...long story short the pin is cute and will make my platnium blonde self look a teeny tiny bit more intelligent... fredflare.com

• local celebrity tee $26 @ fred flare "like ok and stuff" is so totally my catch phrase ya know? i mean it is like sooooo me and stuff. ok?! fredflare.com

• for those knitting nancys: this beautiful knitting kit is @ anthropologie for $98 anthropologie.com

• l.am.b. ruffled blouse in black $285 l-a-m-b.com

• metallic passport covers for your favorite world traveller $42 @ bloomingdales bloomingdales.com

this pearl sash from free people is on my must have list because it dresses up my weekend wear of t-shirt & jeans

inspiration:

• reese witherspoon @ the new york "walk the line" premiere she is wearing a fabulous carolina herrera dress with black christian louboutin pumps.

there are so many options!! let's prioritize shall we?

task:

1. research the numerous & always fabulous options
2. play dress up
3. look smashing @ your holiday party.
   

separates are possibilities too:

shoes: a love story:

hold me tight: the perfect clutch