Even the Las F website needs to get some well-deserved beauty sleep from time to time. We'll be taking a bit of a break while the site undergoes some interesting new changes. We'll be back in 2007 with a brand new layout and new features. We hope to see you then!

Love,

Las Fashionistas

Ecco Boots--I recently purchased my first pair of Eccos, and they are AMAZING. They are stylish and extremely comfortable. I'm definitely a fan...but at the price, they're a splurge.








An iTunesgift card I've been listening to a lot more music this year since I joined the iPod world. I'm always looking to add new tunes to my ever-expanding collection.










A bottle of Pinot Noir from this vineyard...seriously some of the best red wine I've ever had.

















Le Canadienne boots--these just look so cool to me. They seem like they'd be comfy too, and I'm all about comfy these days.










This is something that doesn't exist yet, but if it ever does, I'd love a phone patterned after the Blackberry Pearl with an Apple interface. A girl can dream, right?

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way! Oh, what fun it is to go wish listing today, hey!

I have to admit, at the risk of sounding completely materialistic, I want a lot of things! However, by the time payday rolls around, most of my money is spoken for. That doesn't leave much room for splurging. So, in hopes someone else will feel like splurging on me, I have composed this list and thrown practicality out of the proverbial window.

1. J.Crew cardigan (jcrew.com). I am in love with this sweater! I was instantly hooked, because penguins are one of my favorite things. I like the simplistic cuteness of it. I have developed a collection of interesting cardigans, and I love wearing them because they are so easy to work with. Dress it up with a skirt, or dress it down with a pair of jeans. You can't lose.



2. A magazine subscription to Real Simple (realsimple.com). I can't even count how many times I have discovered a helpful hint while flipping through an issue of Real Simple. Many of my friends are subscribers, and they say it's worth every penny. Not to mention, it's so aesthetically pleasing. I would pay simply for the pretty pictures every month. Their graphic design team deserves a gingerbread latte!




3. Andy Warhol flower watch (urbanoutfitters.com). Checking the time would be the highlight of my day, with this funky watch from Andy Warhol. I don't like pulling my cell phone out every time I want to check the time. So, I always find myself on the quest for a watch that I will actually wear, and that fits my personality. This is the one for me! Too bad the price tag reads a whopping $150. Who knows? Maybe Santa is feeling generous this year.


4. Tom's Shoes (tomsshoes.com). Since my friend introduced me to the lovely land of Tom's Shoes, I have been aching to have a pair for myself! These fun, simple slip-ons are more than just a cute pair of Saturday shoes. They are also part of a cooler-than-cool charity organization. For every pair of Tom's you buy, a pair is given to a child in need on your behalf. Blake Mycoskie (Designer, Chief shoe-giver) modeled Tom's after a traditional Argentine shoe. They are available in lots of patterns and colors. I'd like a red pair.

5. Last, but not least, I'm wishing for a white Christmas. For once in my life, I'd love to bundle up and take a walk on Christmas day with snowflakes falling all around. Even now, I hear a little voice in my head saying "in your dreams!"

So, what? This is a wish list, and dreaming is the point!

I chuckled to myself when F.Seattle mentioned how she asked for things she needed for Christmas. I'm guilty of the same thing now that adulthood has set in. Every time a co-worker or friend asks what I'd like for Christmas, I say a big sack of money. Obviously that won't happen. Future Hubby is getting me a haircut for Christmas. A haircut. Because I asked for it. He offered me the world, but my practicality got in the way. I'll use this post to list the items I would have liked to ask for if I could just be a little more juvenile.

1. iPod auto hookup. Now that I have the Nano, and cannot live without it, I need a better (and legal) way of listening to it in my car. Why not go all out and install this DLO iPod dock? Not only will it give you a place to put the iPod other than the cup holder, and crank your tunes over your boss auto sound system, but it will also charge it for you so that you can keep the music going once you step out. That's a device that does it all.

2. One tall nonfat chai latte per day. Delivered to my office in the morning, so I can wake up with that delicious spiced tea.

3. A red Razr. I admittedly already have the pink one, but so does everyone else on the planet, it seems. So now the new object of my affection (which everyone else will soon obtain, I'm sure) is the red Razr. Not only is it a more stylish color, but it also sends some much-needed money to help respond to the AIDS crisis in Africa. Socially conscious and good looking? I'll take two.

4. A maid for a week. That's all I'd really need her for, but you can believe me I'd really work her for that week. She'd do all those little things that keep piling up that I never seem to get around to, like dusting the light fixtures. Hopefully she'd also be able to wrap presents, because I seriously stink at it, and I'll be embarassed on Christmas day, I'm sure.

5. A trip to Midway Island. I know what you're thinking, "Isn't that the island that was strategically important to the Allies in World War II?" Yes, but now there's so much more to offer, and tourism is really starting to pick up there. A beautiful tropical island getway would be great for the FH and I while the maid is hard at work back in New Jersey. Midway Island's best selling point: it's practically unheard of. You can enjoy a true week away from it all, without the tourist crush, and have some romantic, private moments that you will remember for a lifetime.

The difference between a Christmas wish list and a grocery list is reality. While it's nice to dream about owning the following possessions, the reality is that I can survive without them. I'm incredibly blessed and thankful for all that has been provided for me. And like my Granny once said, "wish in one hand and [expletive] in the other---which one do you have more of?" Having said that, I give you my 2006 Christmas wish list:

My circa 2001 Hewlett-Packard desktop PC worked hard over the years to earn my respect. My PC supported me through two years of college, three years of my professional life, and almost one year in the blogging realm. Despite its faithful performance, it's time to retire the antiquated biddy and part with an old friend for a new friend---the latest in notebook technology.

Tennessee doesn't see much snow in the wintertime, but we do see quite a bit of ice. It's always a joy at 7 a.m. to patiently wait for my car windshield to defrost, while simultaneously attempting to "go-go-gadget arm" with an ice scraper. In the interest of preventing a mild case of frostbite in the mornings, I'd like a remote car starter.

Have I mentioned lately, how much I love cosmetics? What about how much I love makeup palettes? Sephora recently introduced this Blockbuster Palette, containing 64 eye shadows, 32 lip colors, seven cheek colors, one translucent shimmer powder, four double-ended shadow applicators, two blush brushes, and two lip brushes. And at $40 a pop, the price tag is surprisingly reasonable.


The year 2007 is less than a month away, and a plethora of potential resolutions are floating around inside my head. In the interest of killing two birds with one stone, I'd like this Splenda-themed cookbook to help me eat healthy and cook homemade meals more often.


A gal always needs filler for her stocking. Sure, the traditional candy canes, chocolate, and fruit are great, but this year, I'd like something different. I enjoy nothing more than a piping mug of hot tea on a cold, winter day, especially if it's a variety from my favorite tea vendor. I recently tried the Honey Ginseng flavor at Panera Bread, and I'm hooked.

I'm one of those annoying people who ask for socks for Christmas because I need them. Or gift cards because I never know what I might need in the future. So making a fanciful wish list is a bit of a stretch for me!

So in the needs category: I am desperate for some new New Balance running shoes. And a far-fetched want: lululemon athletic pants.

This Canadian line has grown increasingly popular in the States because their clothes are made to last a long time (kind of justifies the pricier cost), and they look great on curvy girls. I love lifting weights, but a lot of athletic pants will ride down during lower body exercises. Nothing worse than worrying about your underwear showing while you're doing a heavy set of squats in the power cage! These pants feature a roll-down waistband for adjustable waist height (so you can keep your knickers covered), dry-wick fabric, and chafe-free flat seams.


Another need: cute rain boots. I have been obsessed with these antique print inspired boots for months, but the $200-plus price tag just doesn't do anything for me.

There's nothing like a fresh journal to inspire you to do more writing and dreaming in the new year.



And since I just moved offices (from one with no wall space to one with stark, ample walls), I need a new work-appropriate calendar. Which means I've got to leave the Orlando Bloom one at home,

and put up a more elegant, but fun calendar at work.

Who knows? Maybe this calendar will help me break my latte-a-day habit...

Finally, the cold weather has set in and I can start wearing my beloved peacoat. However, dry skin also set in and that is not beloved. Dry skin is annoying for obvious reasons, but it's also harmful and can lead to premature aging. Most of us live in areas where our hands and face are exposed to cold, windy weather daily. Not to mention, in cold and flu season we wash our hands more than normal. So, even though dry skin can be hard to prevent, thank goodness for all of the products made to treat it!

Skincare should be a top priority year-round, but especially so in the winter. When bathing, make sure to exfoliate well, but softly, with your washcloth. Instead of using regular bar soap, buy glycerin soap or a creamy body wash. It's a good idea to lather on the lotion right after you shower AND right before bedtime. For certain areas that need special attention I use my secret weapon, Vaseline. At night-time, just rub a little bit onto elbows, knees and heels. I don't suggest using Vaseline unless you are headed to bed. Due to it's greasy feel, you probably want to allow time for it to sink in.

It's easy to stay moisturized at home with all those lotions lying around. But don't you hate it when you are out in public and notice a dry patch on your hands? Or your elbows? Well I am here to remind you of how uncomfortable you feel at those moments. So, go find a small bottle of lotion and put it in your purse right now, before you forget!

For the best body lotions head straight to the center of style and beauty . . . your local drugstore! Surprised? Don't be. You don't have to break the bank for soft skin! Inexpensive brands like St. Ives, Jergens, Aveeno and Nivea work great. St. Ives Intensive Healing lotion works miracles for me. I like it because I can feel it nourishing my arms and legs, and it doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy. Sometimes body lotion is thick, and hard to apply quickly and evenly. But St. Ives lotions are great because they aren't thick and application is easy.

If your lips are feeling dry and irritated try giving them a vacation from your lipcolor. Burt's Bees has a great tinted lip balm, it's a nice alternative if your lips need the break. Chapped lips is one thing, but when flaking occurs, it can be painful. I suggest buying a lip exfoliatior. This set from Benefit ("Lipscription" $30 at sephora.com) is a good choice. Looking for a less expensive alternative? Softly buff your lips with a moist washcloth, moving in tiny circles, and then moisturize right away with a very emollient lip balm. Here's another great time to use Vaseline.

Is your hair starting to feel lifeless? Around this time of year, my hair has problems with split ends and dullness. Sometimes regular shampoo just doesn't cut it. Try a shampoo that specializes in moisturizing! Definitely treat your tresses to something new in the conditioner department. The "3 Minute Miracle" by Aussie is amazing. I've used this off and on for a couple years now, and it never disappoints. After shampooing, I apply my conditioner and twist my hair into a bun with a clip I keep in the shower. This way, during the rest of my shower routine (shaving, washing) my hair is getting a nice long soak with the conditioner. When I am all done, I let my hair down and rinse with semi-cold water. I loved when I discovered this little trick! It has really made my hair softer and more healthy.

All products I mentioned, excluding the Lipscription, can be purchased at your favorite drugstore for under $10. Now that is what I call glad tidings!

How do you deal with dry skin? Share your secrets with us!

One of our dear readers writes: "I recently bought a gorgeous matte-sequined gold skirt (knee-length, clingy but classy)...but I have no idea what to wear with it. I have a holiday party coming up this weekend and I'd love to wear my beautiful new skirt, but I need fast suggestions for a top! Please help!"

When I closed my eyes and tried to imagine your gold skirt, a few thoughts immediately came to mind. A gold skirt is an attention-getter, so a muted top would be a good idea. You said it was classy, so let's carry that through, as well. Finally, the skirt is clingy, so that will help us to have an idea of some balance for your outfit.

Gold is a versatile color, so you could go with a whole bunch of different colors. Let's take a look at something in basic black. Black and gold is a stunning, elegant combination. Something sleeveless, although pretty chilly for the winter, is also elegant. Besides, I've always found that you should wear a woolly coat outside, but wear something light inside - all those bodies make a room very warm. Or maybe you live in Florida, who knows. Anyway, this shirt at left, available at Target, is simple, but has some touches that really class it up. It includes a velvet trim and some ruffling, so it's not just your basic, boring black shirt. Slap a brooch on that shirt and you will take the shirt from "top that goes with skirt" to a part of a complete outfit.

You could also go with something long-sleeved with some decorations that will stand up to the gold skirt. By that I mean that it's not just some long-sleeved shirt, it's got some pizazz, too. It won't look out of place next to your skirt. This shirt does just that. It's a Liz Claiborne, and while it might not keep you toasty warm, it might be a better alternative to sleeveless if that's your deal. A nice, floaty fabric like this is also fitted but not clingy, so it should mesh well with the cut and lay of your skirt. If all else fails, a soft cashmere sweater in nearly any color of the rainbow is a nice compliment to almost any bottom, and I happen to know Old Navy has a sale on cashmere sweaters either very soon or now, so go check them out, if it suits your fancy.

I hope that helped you out! Enjoy your party, and have a glass of egg nog for me.

Write them down if you must, but please DON'T make these mistakes!

5) DON'T be too sensitive.

During the holiday season, we all tend to become a bit touchy about politically correct issues. With all of the diversity in celebration, is it possible to find a way to celebrate our different holidays peacefully? Here's an idea---how about some tolerance? Instead of worrying about how your favorite mass-market retailer will label your Christ-kwanz-ukah, be thankful you have the freedom to celebrate what you want, how you want, when you want, and to have that extra piece of fruitcake if you so choose.

4) DON'T forget your manners.

Though the season is young, I have already personally encountered a parking-related altercation at my local shopping mall. As I sat in my car and watched two women verbally assault each other over my own parking spot, I wondered if common decency still exists. We use the hustle-and-bustle of the holidays as an excuse for our impatient, selfish and rude behavior, and it's about time we stop. It won't kill you to walk a bit further, wait a little longer, and make the words "please" and "thank you" staples in your vocabulary. And remember, a smile goes a long way!

3) DON'T get sloshed at the office holiday party.

You don't want to be that girl, do you? See Elaine Benes to the right, and the result of too many cocktails with coworkers. As if a public display of dance-like convulsions wasn't enough, she followed it up the next year by making out with the office man-ho. Gals, learn from her mistakes. Enjoy that a large mug of eggnog, or an extra glass of champagne---but know your limits. Remember, the workplace loves juicy gossip, and an intoxicated showing is fodder for the rest of year.

2) DON'T get caught up in the rampant materialism.

When I was a child, my brother and I would fight over the Sears Christmas catalog when it came in the mail. Armed with scissors and glue, we would spend hours leafing page-by-page, searching for toys to add to our Christmas list. In the world of adulthood, the Internet may as well be my own toy catalog, and I spend lots of time (more than I care to admit) surfing to build my list of gimme's and wants. In an effort to make this season more about someone else than ourselves, I encourage you to make a donation (whether it be your time, money, goods or services) to a charitable organization of your choice. Visit Charity Navigator to find one, or contact your local church, synagogue or civic organization for ideas. Afterall---that Balenciaga bag sure is fabulous, but for the price paid, you could feed and clothe an entire town in Africa. Just something to think about...

And the most important Fashionista DON'T for the holidays:

1) DON'T wear holiday-themed sweaters.

You know what I'm talking about. These festive sweaters are adorned with massive amounts of puff-paint, glitter glue, ribbon, sequins, and googly eyes. Some are even equipped with hidden battery packs, enabling them to light-up or play music. Inevitably each year, I see young women wearing these monstrosities, and I fight the urge to stage an intervention. Gals, let's permanently loan these sweaters to the 70-and-up crowd. Just say no! That goes for accessories too---yes, you, the one wearing the big jingle bell around your neck!

Photos courtesy of Tubaloons.

Drew Barrymore is definitely one of my favorite actresses. She seems completely unfazed by fame. She's balanced and sensible--you won't catch this girl dancing around completely wasted and panty-less like other people we know!

Here she is in NYC: (pictures courtesy of Popsugar)

I love the whole autumn look she has going on. A friend of mine has recently been persuading me to wear more color. While black is certainly slimming, color can brighten your entire perspective. Drew pairs a simple pair of jeans and a brown coat with a funky scarf (that's going on my Christmas wishlist!) and a cool bag. Casual, yet definitely not boring!






She gets BIG bonus points for her well-done hair and her shades too. Well done Drew!

Who is your favorite down-to-earth actress?

Having visited many of our commenters' blogs, I can tell that many of our readers are well-read, interesting people with more on their minds than just fashion and celebs.

Though we generally tend to write about clothes and make-up, we like to take the time every once in a while to point you to particularly good magazines, books, music and websites.

Shelfari is exactly the type of website a well-read fashionista might enjoy. Shelfari is like a virtual book shelf where you can show the world and share with friends what you are reading, what you have read in the past, and your personal opinion of the books on yours and others' shelves. It's a cool way to get book reviews from real people and connect with people reading the same things you are.

Best of all, it's free and it's fun!

(In the interest of full disclosure, I must say that I am old friends with one of Shelfari's founders, though he didn't ask me to write about it. But I didn't think that knowing one of the founders was reason enough to not share how cool I thought this site was with all of you!)

Happy reading!

This one's for the menfolk out there. Few men will ever understand the joy and rapture that many women get when buying shoes. They way they see it, a shoe protects a foot, and any shoe that does so comfortably is a good shoe, and no further shoes are generally necessary. A woman, and some smart men, know that a shoe is so much more than that, and the right shoe for the right outfit or occasion is the cherry on top of your looking-good cake.


















Shoes can effect how you carry yourself, and can slim a thick leg. A drama teacher I once had told the ladies to always audition in heels, because you carry yourself very differently than you would in flats, and it's incredibly flattering. It's true in the real world, too - a heel is very flattering. But it's not just about picking a heel, it's about picking one that's comfortable, that suits your personality. Chunky or stiletto, wedge or kitten, and a world of colors and textures are among just some of the choices that women have when picking a shoe. It's about taste and style, and expressing that part of a person's self is a true adventure.

Maybe that's why guys just don't get it. There aren't really myriad shoe choices for men. Sure, there are oxford, loafers, boots and the like, but unless you go to one of the more daring shoe stores, men's shoes are pretty lackluster. Nordstrom is a great example of this. I love Nordy's for shoes (especially some great sales), and I am never disappointed with the ability to choose a nice, conservative shoe, or a wild, feathered shoe that my fiance will never understand. What does he have to choose from? A variety of tasteful leather shoes in black, brown or navy blue. I exaggerate, of course. There are a few other choices. But perhaps the reason men just don't understand us and our shoes is that they were never afforded the opportunities that we were. Women's lib: 1. Rest of the world: a lot more than that.






















I'm sure most guys don't yearn for the day when they, too, can pick up a satin shoe that goes perfectly with their new suit. What if they had all along? The situation might have been totally different. Rather than dwelling too long on that idea, I'll just be glad I can pick from a huge selection of crazy, beautiful, different, flattering, painful-but-worth-it shoes.

The holidays are just around the corner, readers! In a few weeks here, the Fashionistas will observe their yearly tradition of posting their wish lists, but meanwhile, we'd love to hear from you! What do you want from Santa this year?

Hey Ladies,
(and the occasional gent)

I am tickled pink to be the next Las. Fashionista!

What makes a fashionista? My mom would say "Confidence!" and I would have to agree. But we all know I could wear leopard print leggings with confidence, and still be off target. A true fashionista makes up her mind to look classy, while keeping her personal flair.

Living 25 minutes from the beach and 2 hours away from 3 big cities (D.C., Annapolis, Baltimore), has really played a part in creating my personal style. Seeing women in the city looking chic and sophisticated definitely inspires me to follow their lead. And yet, one trip to the beach leaves my legs itching to be in a flirty skirt. As you can imagine, I am often torn between the two extremes! But half the fun of fashion is doing something different everyday, and looking beautiful while you're at it!

I can't wait to share my advice on make-up, fashion, and attitude . . . not to mention, the hard lessons I've learned, and horrible mistakes I've made in the past. What doesn't kill you makes you a better dresser, right?

love,

F. Maryland

The metrosexual male has emerged full force, complete with a pink polo shirt, self-tanner, and even the "european tote," a.k.a. the "man purse," a.k.a. the "murse." Don't forget the man-icure. Where do we draw the line?






Should men get manicures? Why or why not? Will you embrace the funky nails that come with the territory, or do you demand a grooming overhaul involving a splash of clear nail polish?


Photos courtesy of ivillage.com

Ah, yes, it's the time of year again: the holidays. Fa la la la la, la la la la. Also known as "getting to meet the boyfriend's family for the first time" season.

When meeting the parents, dress more modestly and conservatively than you might in normal daily life. This is the time to wear fitted, though not too short or lowcut, sweaters, to-the-knee skirts or nice slacks, and dressy shoes. Tone down your make-up a little, and let your warm smile be the first thing they notice about you rather than the lipstick in your teeth or your black liquid eyeliner.

Make sure your outfit works well with or without shoes--you never know when you may need to be shoeless in another person's home. Groom your feet and hands well; no chipping, peeling nail polish please.

Talk with your boyfriend about bringing a gift. Cookies, plants, a classy Christmas CD, or a bottle of wine can all be good choices--but talk with your boyfriend about the appropriateness of your gift beforehand. Wouldn't want to give cookies to the person on a diet or the wine to an alcoholic...that sort of thing. If somehow you do give an inappropriate gift, apologize (only once--you truly did your best!) and remember it really is the thought that counts!

Be yourself while being on your best behavior. Smile, shake hands, be gracious, and have fun!

All you can do is hope to God your experience won't be like SJP's in The Family Stone:

Yikes. I'm sure you will be fine though.

Dear Readers,

The Las F team is taking an extended break to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with our family and friends. Please think of us while you "dress" your turkey. We will return to our regular schedule of posting on Monday, November 27, accompanied by a new Fashionista!

And one more thing...
We're thankful for you.

Love,
Las Fashionistas

Tights are back. F. Cali wrote about them last fall, and the stretchy stockings decorated the spindly legs of fall runway models from Gucci to Temperley, Chloe to Anna Sui. Three distinct versions of tights are popular this year. And they don't include anything labeled "nude" or "sandy beige." In other words, these aren't your Granny's pantyhose.

Opaque

Definitely the easiest version to pull off, but opaque tights are anything but boring. Opaque tights are incredibly slimming and classy. While the traditional dark colors are best for professional settings, opaques in colors like red, pink and green can add a little tart to a boring outfit. Solid tights are versatile enough to work in just about any ensemble, including monochromatic looks and patterned garb. Don't forget to have fun playing up the shoes!

Temperley

Patterned

Don't be afraid. Patterned tights are intimidating, but offer lots of panache if you're willing to give them a shot. Stick with vertical pin stripes, polka dots, or simpler patterns. Overly busy patterns, horizontal stripes, and gratuitous color will make you look heavier. Dark backgrounds are a helpful guide in matching patterned tights with your outfit. Pairing patterned tights with solid dresses or skirts is the obvious choice, but don't shy away from mixing with patterned clothing. Stick with a similar color palette and create a mosaic look for added drama. Solid, subdued heels are best for this look.

Anna Sui

Textured

Wooly tights serve a dual purpose, first for fashion, and second for warmth. Because textured tights produce a cold-weather look, they work very well with wooly sweaters, plaid skirts and classic tweed. Textured tights look fabulous with knee-high boots.

Anna Sui

For a variety of styles and colors, visit the below vendors:

Stocking Girl

Wolford

Look From London

Fogal

Legwear Resource

My Tights

Photos courtesy of Style.com.

You know what, readers? There are still a few examples of good health out there in Celeb Land. Shocking, right? Take, for instance, Jessican Biel:



I know, every time she has her picture taken, she's working out. She's discovered what I have discovered of late--endorfins are addictive! I've been working out every day for the past two weeks and let me tell you, it's made quite the difference. All of a sudden I am no longer concerned that I'm not a size 2. I feel great, and I'm looking good too.



Jessica looks healthy and happy--let's hope that more starlets witll follow her lead and start living a bit more sensibly.

Get moving: it's the best gift you can give yourself!

Pictures courtesy of Popsugar.