Tag Archives: hayden harnett

friday finds: fashion week!

Friends, I’ve missed our Friday Finds fun, so I’m resurrecting it today. Which means I’m pre-empting Kim’s usual spot…so you’ll see her here on Monday instead. Rude, I know. Forgive me?

Every year when Fashion Week (or NYFW, as it’s called in the biz) rolls around, I get excited to see what’s in store. But mostly, I get incredibly jealous that I’m not there. Because, you know, the only thing standing between me and a front row seat at Marc Jacobs, Rachel Comey and Proenza Schouler is a plane ticket and a hotel room.

Since (sniff!) I’m not there, I thought I’d daydream a little about what I’d pack for my fantasy NYFW experience.

First, I’m going to need an amazing carry-on. This new tote from Hayden-Harnett stole my heart the moment I spotted it last week, and hasn’t let go. Navy and black used to scare me, but now it’s one of my favorite color combos – and this crazy-practical version happens to be reversible! Fashion Week or not, I may need this as a consolation prize.

Menswear flats are everywhere right now, and I’ve been dying to splurge on a pair of Dieppa Restrepo loafers. This metallic tasseled version would be just the thing to get Bill Cunningham to snap my pic, as I stylishly leap from one cab to another.

Of course, I’m going to need some pretty amazing apparel to compete with all of my cohorts on the front row. Fortunately, Lauren Santo Domingo has nothing on me. Sure, I could go with the obvious and dress in the designer whose show I’m seeing, but it’s infinitely cooler to show up in a piece from a up-and-coming label. This Jasper jacket from Veda isn’t available until next month, but I’m sure I could pull some strings and pick one up early, just like all the celebs do. It’s easy, right?

And really, it’s time to admit that those printed pants I’ve been coveting are totally necessary – at NYFW, it’s all about trends, after all. These from Derek Lam have been in every fashion magazine this season, so they’re sure to pave my way to success. Or, I could go the “understated chic French” route and opt for these Vanessa Bruno cropped silk trousers instead. I do love that colorblocking!

To go along with all this edgy apparel, I’ll need a little something extraordinary in the jewelry department. Yes, I’m thinking a piece from Iosselliani is just the thing to help me bump up the style quotient of my everyday attire. Add a white tee, leather jacket and a great boot, and really, I’m ready for just about anything.

Finally, I’m going to need an amazing bag to carry to all of these events. I’d be nothing at NYFW without at least one piece of Proenza to my name, but absolutely everyone will be toting the ubiquitous PS1. Instead, I’ll opt for this neon yellow clutch (which I’ll wear, ever so coolly, crossbody by day). This bag alone is sure to get me into Anna Wintour’s most exclusive fete.

Phew! I’m exhausted, friends. All that wistful shopping was too much….I think I need a nap. Especially since I’ll be heading to all those after-parties this week. Have an amazing weekend, and I’ll see you back here next week!

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get gifting: festival of the last minute

Santa’s sleigh is revving up, friends…are you ready?

Neither am I.

If all of the gift guides this month weren’t enough to rouse you from your procrastinating ways, chances are you’re in a bit of a pickle right about now. For the most part, overnight shipping is done, and it’s time to get something under the tree or risk the wrath of your loved ones.

Step away from the Starbucks gift cards, friends – I have options! Behold, a few of my favorite last-minute tips to check every name off your holiday list:

  • A certificate for a bespoke Hayden-Harnett scarf, paired with a copy of the photo you’d like to use, would be a wonderful (and incredibly thoughtful) gesture for anyone.
  • If she’s a fashion-forward girl who knows exactly what she wants, gift her the chance to design her own custom jewels at GemKitty. Or you can take it a step further – design the piece for her on their awesome website, print out a picture, and package her gift card with the design you have in mind. She can take your suggestion or change it out, without having to stand in a returns line on the 26th.
  • It’s hard to go wrong with a spa gift card. If you don’t know her favorite spot, pick yours. (Or if you’re local, pick mine – Portland Spa every time.) With price points from a manicure to a full day of bliss, this is a perfect fit for any budget and just about any girl. Plus, many local spas are running holiday package specials right now to help you out. Portland Spa, for example? 50% off any laser hair removal package for the holidays. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a lifetime without shaving.
  • If you must go with a retail gift card, steer clear of the mega-mart options (Target gift cards are so not festive) and for heaven’s sake, shop local. Head to their favorite boutique (or a store you know they’d love), and ask them to wrap the gift card up in a box, not an envelope – it feels more gift-y that way. A chic clothing boutique, a wine store or local distillery, even a video game arcade are all great ways to gift outside the box. If you’re in another city, enlist a messenger service (they’re everywhere) – the gift will be at their door today, probably for under $20.

Are there any last-minute finds you’ve given with wild success in years past? Or ideas you’re planning to test this year?

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mail call: hayden-harnett’s bespoke scarf arrives!

I’d like to introduce you to a friend of mine: the Baron Reginald von FancyPants. The Baron, as he’s known to friends and family, generally spends his days hanging out in my entryway, bedecked in his customary uniform of fedora and ironic necktie (or occasionally a tiara, when he’s feeling frisky). You see, he’s a bit of a clotheshorse (clothestiger? Anyway.). Since his love for sartorial adventure knows no bounds, today he’s agreed to be a supermodel:

Isn’t he a handsome devil? I know, you’re captivated…by that gorgeous scarf around his neck. It’s my bespoke photo scarf from Hayden-Harnett, which you all helped me pick out, and it arrived this very day! I’m so glad I trusted your opinions – it’s absolutely beautiful. Want a closer look?

I’m just so, so thrilled with how it turned out! The silk is so soft and sheer, but still has body to it, which is the ideal recipe for scarf tying perfection. The photo reprinted beautifully, with so many subtle color variations in the light from yellow to peach to red. And if you look closely, you can see one of my grandmother’s vintage Christmas ornaments reflected in one of the circles of light, which makes it even more special to me. My husband is even wowed – he said it’s one of the prettiest scarves I own (and believe me, I’ve amassed a bit of a collection).

If you’ve been on the fence about trying out this amazing service from Hayden-Harnett, let me tell you – it’s absolutely, completely worth it. I’m giddy with excitement, and can hardly wait to wear the bejeezus out of it this holiday season (and beyond)! My only sorrow is that you won’t be able to order one in time to have it for the holidays. But for those of you celebrating the Festival of Last-Minute shopping, a gift certificate for one of these babies is going to be high on my December 24th list of suggestions.

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get gifting: all that glitters

Really, who isn’t a jewelry guide for? Anything sparkly is the perfect gift for moms, sisters, friends – and, of course, feel free to send a link to your significant other, as he’s almost certainly in the market for hints this time of year.

  1. These pretty druzy crystals would be the perfect go-to pairing with denim – if I don’t snag them first. Druzy earrings (and similar), Iris Jewelry Designs, $82 (take 10% off sitewide with code HOLIDAY10)
  2. If you can’t buy her the Crown Jewels, this might be the next best thing – she can ogle to her heart’s content. Boucheron: The Secret Archives, by Vincent Meylan, $60
  3. A locket always feels like a special gift to me. This one packs all the sentimental punch but with a style that’s not so precious. Ball locket necklace, Hayden-Harnett, $55
  4. Those pale rectangles of recycled glass give you a hint of bold color that’s still completely wearable. Mountains necklace, Sword+Fern, $72
  5. It’s hard to go wrong with anything from Grayling, but I love that these earrings are statement-worthy but still wearable for everyday. Tail Arc earrings, Grayling Jewelry, $88
  6. Call me old-school, but there’s nothing I love quite as much as a classic cameo. Cameo necklace, Kessler, $165
  7. I am forever setting my rings down in ill-advised locations (above the kitchen sink, for example), but I like to think this little squirrel would save me from yet another near-disastrous misplacing. Squirrel ring box, Jonathan Adler, $125
  8. Remember all that arm party fun I’ve been having? This gives you all the style, with absolutely none of the carefully-orchestrated effort. Pearl & disc bracelet, Gerard Yosca, $60
  9. Simple and classic, these are the perfect studs, but with a stylish update. Etoile pavé studs, Kira Kira, $250
  10. If there’s a mom on your list, look no further. Use this kit to send off a fingerprint from her darling munchkin, and she’ll get a sterling charm as one-of-a-kind as her little one. Custom fingerprint charm, Priceless Prints, $65
  11. I’m such a fan of Tiffany & Co.’s new Locks collection, and this bangle is at the top of my list. Besides, what’s a jewelry gift guide without a splurge or two? Vintage lock bangle, Tiffany & Co., $1,850
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opinions needed!

{EDITOR’S NOTE: You wise, wise judges have spoken…Christmas lights it is! I can’t wait to see it in person, and will – of course – let you see it the moment it arrives. Thanks for all of your help!}

Friends, I am having a serious crisis of indecision, and I need help! I’ve been obsessed with trying out Hayden-Harnett’s Bespoke Scarf service for the longest time, and I’m finally ready to take the plunge. But, as is usually the case, I’m paralyzed by indecision. So many amazing choices! I’ve narrowed it down to three, but I simply can’t go any further. And so, I’m leaving it to you stylish people to help me pick.

Option One: my adorable dog’s nose. Sentimental for sure, but I’m not sure how this one will look when worn…could go either way.

Option Two: a fun, graphic photo of our Christmas tree last year. Sentimental because it reminds me of a wonderful holiday, and I think the pattern will look so pretty as a scarf – like polka dots, but better.

Option Three: a beach photo from a vacation to Mexico. Still a bit sentimental, and I absolutely love the colors in this – I think it would be a great “mental vacation” scarf to wear on gloomy days.

So, friends – what do you say? Opinions in the comments section, please!

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currently coveting: hayden-harnett bespoke scarves

It should be no surprise by now that the geniuses at Hayden-Harnett are some of my favorite people around. It should also be no surprise that I’m a scarf addict (seriously, I may need a 12-step program). So, when HH announced their new Bespoke Scarf Service? As you’d expect, my heart skipped a beat or two. Then they let me know that they’re offering the bespoke service for half price(!) this month, and I knew you had to know about it right away.

(How cute are HH owners Toni and Ben in that photo?)

You can literally make a scarf from any image under the sun, friends. I’m overcome by the possibilities!

How does it work? Well, I haven’t hit “buy” yet, but I’ve taken myself through the process online several times, just for the fun of it. The idea’s this: take any photo you love, upload it to HH, and they’ll turn it into a scarf. I’m having the hardest time deciding, but here are a few of my (many) ideas:

  • A photo the hubs took at the Musee d’Orsay on our trip to Paris.
  • A black-and-white wedding photo of my grandparents
  • A sweet picture of my dogs in the tulip fields last spring.
  • A favorite photo of the Luxembourg Gardens I bought years ago.
  • It’s a little early for Christmas, I know, but I’m imagining some pretty wonderful gift options for those near and dear to me. Perhaps a photo of my best friend’s baby boy, or that photo of my grandparents’ wedding for my mom.

Once I pick my image, I can choose the size (bigger is always better with silk scarves, if you ask me) and the fabric (sandwashed silk over chiffon any day!), and they’ll have my one-of-a-kind beauty to me in a few weeks.

And, even better, they’re offering 50% off the bespoke service through September 1. Just use code BESPOKEME, and you’ll have your custom creation for half price.

So, here’s what I’m really dying to know: what photo would you use?

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birthday bash: winners!

Hey all! It’s the big day: time to announce all the winners of our Birthday Bash!! This was a hard one to do objectively, as so many of you dear readers are friends, or have become friends, and I wanted to thank you for that. But then, so many newbies have shown up for the Bash, and I wanted to thank them too. The only thing to do was to reach deep, deep down for my ethics, trust the Random Number Generator, and keep things on the level. And so, I did. Drumroll, please…

Winner, Day 1 – Inhabit NY cashmere sweater: Lisa S.

Winner, Day 2 – Christine Mighion aquamarine earrings: Shirlene B.

Winner, Day 3 – Mabel & Zora dress by Tiffany Bean: Lauren

Winner, Day 4 – Hayden-Harnett clutch wallet: MJ Moore

Winner, Day 5 – Clarins summer skincare collection: Elle

    Congratulations!!! I’ll be emailing each of the winners with details, so be on the lookout! And for the rest of you, well, you can shoot jealous dagger-eyes at these lucky ladies for a moment or two (they’re screaming too loudly to notice anyway), but after that, I hereby give you justification to go forth and buy yourself a little something from one of those amazing sponsors.

    Thank you again so much, everyone, from the bottom of my designer-loving little heart. The fact that you choose to spend a few minutes of your day here makes me so embarrassingly happy, I can’t even tell you. When I meet one of you, or you email me to say hello or ask a style question, it quite literally makes my day. I’m so looking forward to the next five years!

    And a special thanks to the staggeringly generous sponsors from our Birthday Bash: Inhabit NY, Christine Mighion, Mabel & Zora, Hayden-Harnett and Clarins. These are, quite possibly, my five favorite brands of all time, and I’m beyond honored that they wanted to be part of the party. Show them some love, won’t you, friends?

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    birthday bash, day four: hayden-harnett

    {Entries now closed, but thanks for looking!}

    Are you just swooning over the collection of goodies we’ve had this week for our big Birthday Bash? I’ve considered, more than once, rigging the whole thing and running off to Mexico with this haul. But then I remember that the point was to thank you all for being here, and going all klepto on you didn’t really seem to convey that message.

    Today’s fabulous giveaway comes from a longtime love of mine: Hayden-Harnett. They make the most sumptuous leather goods, but they’re particularly fabulous at designing pieces that manage to be both on-trend and incredibly functional. Their Ibiza tote, for example, is so versatile, it’s practically an urban legend. But that felt far too practical for a Birthday Bash, so when designer Toni Hacker sweetly offered me my choice of goodies to give away to you to celebrate, I went with the piece I’m most coveting from their site right now:

    Oh, I love it so! I’m a wallet snob in the worst way, so when I tell you this Clutch Wallet is one of the best I’ve seen in ages, you know that’s no small praise. I’m a big fan of a big wallet, as I have more credit cards than is at all reasonable. This one has twelve card slots, two zipper compartments, four open compartments, a pen loop…and that yummy graphic print interior. And it’s all robed in Hayden-Harnett’s signature soft-as-silk leather in eternally chic navy blue. It’s lovely enough to toss into your bag or to carry solo for a quick errand or an evening out. It retails for $178, but – as with all of the goodies this week – one of you gets to take it home for free!

    TO ENTER:

    You can enter up to three times today, and each of those three entries qualifies you to win any of the five prizes announced all this week, not just today’s prize. Keep that up all week, and you could still score 6 entries this week! How to do it? Simple:

    Entry 1. Comment on the post. Easy peasy.

    Entry 2. Facebook: “Like” Shopping’s My Cardio (if you haven’t already), and repost the contest on Facebook, using those brand new, handy-dandy little buttons at the bottom of the post. Use your imagination, but something like this would work well:

    I just entered to win the perfect leather clutch from @Hayden-Harnett in @Shopping’s My Cardio Birthday Bash! http://www.shoppingsmycardio.com

    …then come back and leave a second comment telling me you did so.

    Entry 3. Twitter: “Follow” @ShoppingsCardio, and tweet about the contest using those same fancy buttons. Just as a suggestion:

    I just entered to win this beautiful wallet from @hayden_harnett in @shoppingscardio’s Birthday Bash! http://www.shoppingsmycardio.com

    …then come back and leave a third comment letting me know you got that done.

    For the rest of the rules and details, head over here.

    Good luck!

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