{H&M top; Aqua skirt; TopShop belt and earrings; Cutler & Gross sunnies; CC Skye cuff; VonRay pin; Valentino handbag; Carven for Robert Clergerie shoes}

In high hopes that this Memorial Day brings you out of your comfort zone {as if sipping lemon caipirinhas should only be left to the weekends} and brings you to the beach, the lake, or the BBQ pit {what’s cookin’?} I bring you the ultimate guide to checking your day old outfit at the door, and rolling deep next weekend in freshness so fly that it will make your neighbors extra, extra nosy!

The Beach:

Sheer chiffon has stolen the hearts of us fashionistas nationwide. Wear this trend in an age appropriate way with the oldest trick in the books… the classic cover up. A long sheer chiffon caftan {calling all Diane von Furstenberg fans} or a short airy white version {I smell an afternoon at Bloomingdale’s} will keep you fashionably first!

Stylist’s trick? Take a long caftan that hits below the knee and update it by tying the flowing fabrication in an effortless knot around the knee area. Instantly, your caftan goes from {a drag} to {a swag}!

The Lake:

Last time I checked your closet {yes, I’ve been inside your home}, I noticed you have been wearing the same flip flops both for your monthly pedicure and to your afternoon social swim. Gasp! Do you use the same towel for the pool and the shower?  Levels! Levels! All accessories have levels.

Your pedicure flip flops should be under $10. Your “to the lake!”, “to the ocean!” and beyond flip flop should be over $30. Fashionable favs are at Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. Don’t ever let your sun-kissed {lewk} smell of cheap plastic again!

The BBQ:

Cheeseburgers by way of 360 degree juice splattering is no home for white. Stay All American while churning the midnight {baked beans} and opt for a striped tee and jeans.  A straw hat would Lion Witch and Wardrobe you right onto the front pages of the J.Crew catalog. Trust me, it’s a good look!

Remember to pack light and live by “La Petite Valise”. The lighter your suitcase, the lighter the burdens in your life…

Sail away!

xoxo,

elshane

I might be the utmost qualified ladylove to touch in on this subject; I cry at every Zales commercial ever aired.

The elshane motto of a brighter life is woven stems from catering {lewks} for specific celebrations, and Valentine’s Day is high up on the mega list of favorite holidays to play dress-me-up.

And why is this night different from all other nights, we ask? Because on this night, we dress for our significant other(s) (it’s 2012, peoples!), or the imagination of one(s). Trends are left in the dust of classic sex appeal. Edginess may have gotten you the date, but your inner {Sofia Vergara} is paying the bill tonight…

(Jennifer Behr for DVF turban; DVF maxi; vintage necklaces and handbag; TopShop boots)

****

Table For Two…

Steak and Martinis? A dress, of course, is required. Red, of course, is required. Leave the cliché comments at the babysitter’s door. Tonight you are dressing for the ultimate date night of 2012. You are your best self: the dress, the hair, the makeup, the shoes. Leave no step behind. Take the diamonds out of the safe. Bat those lashes and deserve that second drink without a peep…

“Roughing It” with Ham Sammies? A more low-key dinner out is often preferred by most Valentine-goers because of the clockwork overpriced holiday menus. {Ru-uude!} Doesn’t mean your wardrobe should reflect that change of sassy pace. On a night like Valentine’s Day, the fantasy of romance is between you and your partner– there is no one else in the room tonight! Stand out with a body-con pencil skirt and low cut printed top. Add a bright heel to keep your partner’s eye wandering…from head to toe.

Posing as Chef Betty? Nothing says female empowerment like a home cooked meal! Light candles, dim the lights, and serve up your famous Saucy Special in a dramatic non-formal maxi dress (chiffon, silk, or cotton). And, don’t forget the heels! If you are bringing the restaurant “home” into the kitchen, keep all restaurant rules in play tonight. Last time I was in a restaurant shoe-less was, well, last week in Tokyo, Japan… So unless you’re searing sea bass and slicing sashimi, stay stiletto strong!

The Brooding Bunch? For every whimsical Sally running through daisy gardens with effervescent fervor, there is a crew of {hit the beat, DJ!} To All My Single Ladies! who will gather together this evening and reflect on bad dates, celebrating their fabulousity! {You go gurl!} Forget red and black: go bold! This is your time to celebrate yourself: go Green {with envy} for your untouchable swagger cool. GAP and Joe’s Jeans make green denim that skinny-fy any leg and add a winter zaa-zaa-zoorific to a snowy or shiny backdrop. Bring the look home with a wildly entertaining top and rewarding accessories.

And what will I be wearing? I’m going Chef Betty on this holy night. Meaning… while my Beef Tenderloin Tips and Truffle Mac n’ Cheese are a-roastin’, I’ll be doing a swift oil-proof rapid quickfire change into a beachy chiffon pink snow leopard maxi and tough chick booties. Hair long and wavy, heavy on the eyelash, and strong on the ’07 Malbac.

Ambiance and all smiles.

xoxo,

elshane

(NastyGal sheer top; DVF bralette and shorts; vintage hat; H&M sunnies; Christian Louboutin handbag and boots)

****

Everyday I’m shuffling!

You know that Party Rock video? The uh-mazing wardrobe choices… think drop crotch pink leopard pants, neon printed tees, wide rim glasses and huge Afros… These LMFAO bandmasters grabbed 2012 by the ball drop!

Can’t we all be so lucky? If I hear one more New Year’s Resolution pertaining to caloric intake by way of cheesecake… I might just go Chicken Vindaloo on your thighs. Let’s be creative: touch our inner soul this year with some positive changes for 2012… inspirations that will lead to a beautiful New You. Dr. elshane calls for a Rx of fashion overdose: we’re all trying something new this year!

Here’s a rundown of some fun fashion moments of 2011… you’re not too late! This doc guarantees a hippin’ hop in your step if you try one of these trends:

+ Sheer Genius: Forgo the “cami included” the next time you wear your sheer chiffon blouse. Opt instead for a printed tank or {age appropriately} just a black demi strapless bra. (A demi- style strapless bra gives off a demure note, as opposed to a regular bra = Street Walker!)

+ Tight End: Calling all printed tights! Me? I prefer sheer black with a Swiss dot. Print on print? Of course! Wear your printed tights with a printed dress. Rule? All prints should stay in the same size frame.

+ Metallic Bond: A metallic shoe is the end all, be all, ladies! No excuses. It’s the new basic black.

+ Color Code: Colored denim is the biggest pant trend of 2011. This look works for all ages and all seasons. I love red denim paired with a black leather jacket. Or a cobalt blue jean with a grey sweater and silver kickers. Joe’s Jeans makes 55 colors!

+ Eye Candy: MUST alert! Have you treated-yo-self lately? Fresh frames are oh-so-fly. Stay current in 2012 by updating your eyewear. A thick frame is the only road to fashion acceptance. Square, round, cateye… black, tortoiseshell, colored. There’s a shape and size for each of you. Splurge it up, do it up nice, and leave that narrow rectangular frameless pair on your neighbor’s front stoop.

Party people!

xo,

elshane

(BCBGeneration jumper, necklace (worn as headpiece), belt; DVF bracelets; Nicky Hilton rings; Kelsi Dagger boots)

****

My favorite part of New Year’s? Run{way}ing into the party in the same dress as everyone else! Sparkle-o-fun in a wine spritzer!

Who are we kidding here? That is the biggest {party foul} {buzzkill} {Debbie downer} {fashion suicide} in the elshane handbook.

So…the approach to the No-Fail, No-New Year’s-Beige-me, No-Way? A punch!

1. LBD: If your NYE lewk involves an LBD {little black dress}, hurrah, hurrah! How très chic! A punch and a splash is all you need to keep your… photos on Facebook a frequented subject of conversation…

     *A punch? A bauble-y bib necklace in a rich jewel tone will light up your face like a Christmas tree! Try searching for costume jewelry from brands like Dannijo, Kate Spade, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, and J.Crew. *A splash? The weather outside is… flippin’ frightful! Doesn’t mean your overcoat and scarf have to follow suit. Add a faux leopard coat (try Club Monaco, ASOS, DKNY) or a shimmering swirly lollipop of dreams colorful scarf, from Theodora & Callum, Pucci, or Diane von Furstenberg.

2. PASTEL: You heard it straight from elshane! Pastel! No, not shimmery golds and silvers… unless you want to be oh-so-Beige this NYE. Calling all warm, soft, sorbet-inspired Pastels! Take notes from the Spring 2012 runway collections like Louis Vuitton, Calvin Klein, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Rachel Roy: stretch your bad ankle and leap into 2012 fashion-foot-forward! Orange-Creamsicle-Punch- you glad you heard it here first?

3. X-FACTOR: {Reference my photos above} Are you surprised I chose this look for New Year’s? Probably not, because it’s just so punchy-kewl from head to toe! Spelled Easy E: effortless, extravagant, elegant, e-sexy, this look guarantees all eyes on the prize, all in the most shimmering light! No haters can hate, all lovers can love: a sexy jumpsuit that shows just the right amount of winter white skin, and leaves just enough room for three remaining slices of 2011 cake. (Take an Easy-E jumper home from designers like Robert Rodriguez, BCBG, Tibi, Vince).

So there you have it. New Year, New You, in a punch!

(DVF shirt, scarf vest, pants, luggage; vintage hat; Lia Sophia bracelets and necklace; Christian Louboutin heels)

****

{“When you figure out your suitcase, you figure out your life”} – Diane von Furstenberg.

Holiday spirits, people! Everyone’s goin-a-packin! Trains, planes, and automobiles…guaranteed you will be part of the mass exodus {“movement of ‘Jah people, oh-oh-oh yea-eah!”} – Bob Marley) this holiday season. For the sun-chasers, Cabo San Lucas? Miami? For the snow-seekers, Aspen? Vail? For the rest of us in this world who don’t follow the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills travel itinerary, Uncle Joe’s house? Down the river?

{“No matter where you’re going, you will surely be a-tow-in”} – elshane. There’s nothing chicer than a shimmery soul in a scrawny suitcase, La Petite Valise.

How to pack your La Petite Valise? {cue unlined paper, colorful pens, and an imagination…} **I’ve substituted clothing for names; see how I pack my weekend La Petite Valise from LA to NY…

FRIDAY  (69°LAà 42° NYC)

Airplane: Jimmy leggings; Kimmy sweater; Shimmy scarf; Winnie flats; Minnie

leather jacket

Dinner with parents: Binny jeans; Spiny chiffon button down; Shimmy scarf;

Winnie flats; Gwinnie fur coat

Out with friends: Binny jeans; Gimmee sequin top; Shimmy scarf; Lynnie killer stilettos; Minnie leather jacket

SATURDAY (38° NYC)      

Business meeting: Timmy harem pants; Spiny chiffon button down; Shimmy

scarf; Lynnie killer stilettos; Gwinnie fur coat

Lunch with old co-workers: same look as above

Dinner with college friends: Flynnie leather pants; Kimmy sweater; Lynnie

killer stilettos; Minnie leather jacket

SUNDAY (43° NYCà 74° LA)

Shopping Soho: Flynnie leather pants; Spiny chiffon button down; Shimmy

scarf; Winnie flats; Gwinnie fur coat

Museum tour: same look as above

Airplane: Timmy harem pants; Kimmy sweater; Winnie flats; new scarf I

purchased while shopping earlier that day; Minnie leather jacket.

Friends, we call this “hanging with Kimmy, Shimmy, Winnie, Minnie; Binny, Spiny, Gwinnie; Gimmee, Lynnie, Timmy and Flynnie.”

Therefore, when you pack a La Petite Valise, you…

ALWAYS HAVE ROOM TO “MAKE NEW FRIENDS”

xo, elshane

That’s right, now that most of your shopping is complete (hopefully!); it’s time to get wrapping.  This holiday we are all about bows, the perfect presentation for your gifts!  We love picking a theme for our gift wrap… this year it’s all about red & white peppermint stripe, and of course great bows!

(Gift Accents: Whirly Pop from the Candy Store, Jingle Wine Wreath from Pottery Barn, Winter Candy Apple lip gloss from Bath & Body Works)

DIY Bows

1) Bow napkin: lay napkin flat, fold lengthwise twice to form long, ribbon-like shape.  Fold short ends in so they meet in the center and cinch in the middle with a napkin ring. (Lenox napkin- Macy’s, Chilewich gold dahlia placemat- Sur la Table)

2) Tuxedo bow: fold the ends of a piece of ribbon in towards the center and secure with glue/tape.  Wrap a second piece of ribbon around the center and secure in the back.  Cut a piece of ribbon 1 ½ inches longer than the bow and cut notches on each end.  Secure the bow to the top.

Bows aren’t just for wrapping! Finish off your holiday looks with some of these bows. And in case you get hungry from shopping, we’ve shared our favorite bow tie pasta recipe. It’s the perfect festive dish!

1) Delias chain bow necklace 2) Reiss knit silk bow tie (we’re inspired by Brad Goreski!) 3) French Connection bow felt fedora 4) LOFT bow v-neck shell 5) Rebecca Minkoff sweetie bow clutch

Bow Tie Pesto Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

Pasta:
1 pound (16 oz) bow tie pasta (cooked)

Pesto Sauce:
1 cup packed fresh basil (1 1/3 oz)
4 large garlic cloves
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1/4 cup grated romano cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Other Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chicken chopped*
1/3 cup sun dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
1/2 cup pine nuts

Directions:

1. Cook pasta and drain.
2. Wash and pat basil dry.
3. In food processor (or blender), mix basil, garlic and walnuts. Add olive oil and process again. Add cheese, salt, and pepper and process again.
4. Combine 2 tbsp of hot water with heavy cream. Stir cream mixture into pesto.
5. Reserve 12 pieces of pasta, then pour pesto sauce over pasta and stir until well coated.
6. Add chicken, sundried tomatoes, and pine nuts.

That’s a wrap for us!  Happy wrapping and gifting!

Kelli & Lisa

All I want for Christmas is…

* Everything sequin * Navajo embroidered accessories * Gorgeously expensive bath products * Extra blingy costume jewelry *

Oh, and, for my significant other to think I’m the best girlfriend in the entire world. {Cue tolerable present ideas for men here}…

* Everything sequin * Navajo embroidered accessories * Gorgeously expensive bath products * Extra blingy costume jewelry *

Eek. I guess I’m really bad at sharing.

But, this holiday season I’m feeling recession-proof! Not just because of my array of lucrative freelance positions that I hold {most of which I’m paid in tweed skirts three sizes too big, costume rings that rust my fingers, and cashmere socks that I store in the “if I ever make it on that skiing trip” drawer.} Kidding. I’m feeling good, and I want my favorite friends in my life to look as good as I feel.

The ultimate Fashion-Friend’ly Gift Guide for everyone in your life who really matters…

For yourself, start with a fabulous heel that, for one time of year, you don’t have to just look, not touch… like this Jimmy Choo pair for $750. Add a colored denim pant, say JBrand, Rag & Bone, or Citizens of Humanity.

Oh, and throw in that must-have party dress {blame it on New Year’s Eve}! MICHAEL Michael Kors, $175

Now for the best friend, think STATEMENT! Anything leopard will do… like this MICHAEL Michael Kors tote, $598. For the blogger and fashion-obsessed friend, if she already doesn’t do the Lita…then she ain’t got nothin’ on style! (Fix it quick by getting her the newest and most lightweight {might I add fabulously comfortable} Jeffrey Campbell “Lita” boot, $145). And of course, no chic mom can be without comfort bling, like these STEVEN Steve Madden studded loafers, $145.

A spiritual friend should never leave home without a “well traveled” {lewk}, like this backpack reminiscent of a Turkish Grand Bazaar market find, or these prayer bead bracelets.

Co-worker time! LOVE HATE relationship? We all get it. Instead of filling his stocking with pricey coal, get him something that can enhance his inner cool-factor. Bond No. 9 perfume and cologne, $150 and up; Voluspa candles, $18 each;  Kiehl’s bath and body products, $60 gift set for men and women; Gucci coffee table book, $85

Fashionable best guy friend duties? Keep his mind-body-soul Los Angeles laid back in colored sock and TOMS shoes. Did you know, for every TOMS shoe purchased, a new pair of shoes is given to a child in need? Pump up that holiday spirit! $48 and up.

Blind gifting? Grab Bag? Can’t go wrong with the best hair-tie known to wo-men: elastic knots, 6 for $10; Hollywood Fashion emergency kit (filled with all women’s must-have-quick-fix’s like double stick tape, stain wipes, blister pads, more, $14.95, or quirky coasters that fit any home decor (or re-gifting pile), $6.95 each.

Happy shopping!

xoxo, elshane

Holiday shopping is in full swing!  If you’re like us, you’ve made a list of the people worthy of something special only to come up short with the perfect gift idea. We like giving gifts that are thoughtful and unique, which is never an easy task when you have a list full of people and you’re on a budget (after all it’s easy to find the perfect gift when money is unlimited!).

We’re helping you out this year with our list of perfect gifts for the host/hostess with the mostess to the men and women in your life, we’ve got you covered!

For the host/hostess – all under $15!

1. Keep your wine bottle cozy with a fur stole from Pottery Barn!
2. Sur La Table Sock Monkey- add some flair to a wine bottle
3. Skinnygirl Sangria- a great alternative holiday cocktail from our girl, Bethenny Frankel
4. Mrs. Meyer’s Earth friendly cleaning products- we promise the host(ess) will LOVE you, especially after the party’s over and the cleaning has begun!
5. Etsy festive straws – we love the red & white for peppermint cocktails!
6. Z Gallerie peace sign wine stopper- peace and love to the leftover wine
7. Lulu McGee dish towels- monogram/personalize them for the host(ess)!

And now his/hers options we’re coveting!

1. Birchbox ‘his’ gift basket- pamper him with personal care products
2. Shutterfly photo book- personalize with the favorite people/places in their life!
3. iPhone angel wings for the angel in your life!
4. Sarah Chloe bracelet- chic gift for your favorite stylish loved one!
5. DKNY & Calvin Klein skinny ties for the dapper man in your life.
6. The Godfather classic quotes book- “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”
7. Z Gallerie ‘Great Mustaches’ and ‘Diamond Ring’ coffee mugs perfect for your fave couple!
8. Birchbox hers gift basket- all of her favorite goodies in one basket!

Want to give a gift and give back? For just a few dollars (sounds like the perfect stocking stuffer or client gift!) you can make a big impact.

• $1- A textbook for two classrooms in Africa, used by 40 children (booksinafrica.org)
• $2– Drumsticks for a child learning to play drums (littlekidsrock.org)
• $3- Field trip for youth in need of inspiration to a museum or theatre (createnow.org)
• $4- Two hours of phone time for a soldier to call home (cellphonesforsoldiers.com)
• $5- Kerosene stove for a homeless family who typically depends on open fire to prepare their meals (foodforthepoor.org)

Happy gift giving!

Kelli & Lisa

(Seven For All Mankind shirt; vintage skirt; Ray-Ban sunnies; Helena + Troy handbag; Christian Louboutin shoes)

***

As winter nears (all 56 degrees of it here in Hollywood), laziness rings like our morning alarm.  So we roll out of bed, throw on what most closely resembles a down comforter in the form of wearable garb, and we head off to a day filled with… tax evasion trials, movie auditions, dog walking, vegetable picking, rhinoplasty consultations. STOP right there! We’re all thinking the same thing in utter repulsion. For such a glamorous day ahead, why did we pick such a {snooze-fest} of {lewk}?

Blame it on routine! {rou • tine : snooze button pressin’, teeth brushin’, jeans-at-the-top-of-the-laundry-pile sqeezin’, largest-sweater-in-the-closet throwin’, oatmeal eatin’, newspaper readin’, boots-already-snow-salt-stained stompin’}. Holy heart attack! Edging for that promotion? Not so fast, sloppy Susan.

Beat that {lazy lewk} with one of the oldest and easiest tricks in the book: tone-on-tone dressing!

** Pick a color, and stick with it.

** Start uber-chic by experimenting with neutral hues (grey or beige or khaki). Using two tones of the hue, break up the gradient with a stark white, black, or brown punch (a-la beige blazer, off-white pants, brown leather belt), and finish with a shoe that pairs back to the strongest, most comfortable color (in this case, brown).

** When experimenting with brights, keep the gradient of the color close to a constant. What works: olive green and deep, smoky green. What doesn’t? Grass green and seafoam green.

** Keep fabrications similar. Silky, airy fabrications should stick together, as should stronger fabrics like wool and denim.

** Experiment mostly with solids, throwing in small prints only as accents, like a printed silk scarf with a skirt suit.

** Top off the {lewk} with neutral makeup that accents your bone structure for a clean finish.

DON’T:

** Mix prints while attempting this technique. There’s always a time and place for print-on-print {my favorite!}, but while tone-on-tone dressing, the equation is clean + chic = luxe !

** Wear blue eye shadow if you’re creating a blue look, or a pink lip with a pink look. {costumery, gasp!}

It’s as simple as that. {rou • tine : snooze button pressin’, teeth brushin’, nearest-khaki-ensemble-in-your-closet pairin’, oatmeal eatin’, newspaper readin’) …

Promotion? Check.

xo, elshane

The doors have opened for Midnight Madness, which means holiday shopping has officially begun. So far, Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, Tilly’s and Sephora have people’s attention. With deep discounts, gift cards and gift with purchase offers, these stores have people lining up to get in on the savings.

Are you out shopping? Let us know what deals you’re excited about.

We’re off to get in on the action and feel the Midnight Madness rush! We’ll be back soon, so stay tuned!

Kelli and Lisa