StyleWhipped

Danielle Aspromatis: Bridesmaid Wish-list...

Picking out your bridesmaids gifts should be fun! Your girls, your support system, your family...they deserve to get something really unique for being part of your day. If you are at a certain age and have been part of your girlfriends wedding parties for years, you may already have a lot of "wedding day" jewelry, tote bags, makeup bags and the like.

Giving a gift of jewelry doesn't mean that's what you want them to wear on the day of your wedding. Let your girls personalize their dresses by accessorizing it how they would like with their own jewelry and get them something that is cool, new, and that they really will use on a daily basis. With monogram jewelry being really big still, and braided cord bracelets still on the scene, I like this Tai Pave intial bracelet from Neiman Marcus, $115, in either black or gold. No, they are not going to wear it to your weddding but I guarantee you will see everyone wearing this for days and nights to come. Layer it up with some other chunky bracelets or put it on the same side as your watch to get that eclectic feel to your look...the more you layer with these the better! 

-Danielle

More Pink, Please.

I am often (ok, very very often) called a Barbie. And I am 100% ok with that. I have super blond hair, am usually tan, kind of permanently standing on my toes like a Barbie doll, and always have glittery make-up on (really, even at 10am). But most importantly, I am completely in touch with that girly gene in me that loves pink. I like pale pink, bright pink, dusty rose, magenta...you name it. I will never, of course, be one of those scary women who wears too much of it at once...being a stylist, I clearly understand the importance of having one pink item (whether it's a piece of clothing, a handbag, my jewelry, etc) be the standout focal point in an outfit. Pink dress? Nothing else pink, please. (NOTHING.) Pink jeweled necklace? Try it with a black & white ensemble so it really gets noticed. And when your outfit itself is pink? Well, read on...

Karina Grimaldi brings us this adorable (but not at all cute-sy) pink embellished mini dress. It is really, really pink (it's such a bright, vibrant, totally Miami-ish hue that it is making me happy just writing about it...), so it needs to be the star of the show. You can wear it alone as a mini dress (it is REALLY short, so get that spray tan out and run a couple extra miles!), or layer it over your skinniest white jeans or black leggings. Keep accessories to a minimum (all that embellishment acts as a major statement necklace), sticking to linear drop earrings, an oversized watch on its own, and maybe a smattering of ultra-thin diamond rings on a few fingers. But embrace the pink...it is feminine, flirty, happy, attention-grabbing and actually really flattering on so many skin tones. Just let it be the one and only pink thing you step out of the house wearing that day.

And if anyone suddenly calls you Barbie, just remember...she DID have a dreamhouse. And Ken. ;)

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Gearing Up for Red, White & Blue

It's hard to believe we are already well into May...before you know it, we have to think about Memorial Day BBQ's! I am so grateful for spring after a long winter and excited to celebrate the kick off to summer!

The point of a BBQ is for you to AVOID slaving away in the kitchen...simple food is the key and what's more simple than hot dogs and hambugers? It's not so glamorous of a menu on it's own, but if you step up the presentation of your "dog and burger bar" you will be happy to serve your grilled "delicacies" to all guests of all ages. "Make your own dog or burger" is easy to execute with little bowls of all the fixin's...sauerkrauts, mustards, cheeses, onions, peppers, tomatos, pickles...and whatever else you can think up! Throw some bowls of cole slaw and potato salad to accompany it and you have a complete meal that looks cohesive and and A+ in presentation! Signage is great (but not necessary) and you could print up something cute right at home. Pick up some plastic baskets, 4 for $2.05 from Windy City Novelties...you can use these again and again with wax paper sheets!

Happy BBQ season!

-Danielle

Black & White...and Perfect All-over...

Diane von Furstenberg is one of my all-time favorite designers. I love her as a visionary, as a woman, as a business person, and as a fellow believer that life and fashion should be fun, glamorous and easy-going. While I was out on Friday night in the Meatpacking District of NYC with my friend Jill, I made her stop while I started snapping pictures with my phone of all the new pieces in the DVF store's windows. There was an all-over sequined long-sleeved romper that might just have to be one of my "investment pieces" this season. However, all-over sequins might not be up everyone's alley...

Which is why I just had to feature this DVF dress, the "Keoni Two." In an on-trend and always-chic black & white sepia print, this lightweight cotton number will get you through now, the entire summer, and into fall. It's perfect for work (add a blazer with a nipped-in waist), a date (add in your highest strappy stilettos), or Sunday brunch (try metallic flats and a little shoulder bag). The combination of slightly puffed sleeves and cinched waist are insanely flattering, while the loose skirt with a scalloped hem is forgiving but doesn't swallow up your figure. And that black & white palette is a perfect opportunity to add in a great pops of color...a bright yellow clutch, pink peep-toe platforms, jewelry with cobalt blue stones, or even a dove grey cropped leather jacket on a Fall night.

Thanks, Diane. You make our wardrobes, yet again, perfect all-over.

~ Alison.

Tie One On

A big trend in the last few years has emerged for brides to buy two wedding dresses...one long, elegant traditional wedding gown for the ceremony and first half of the reception and one short, fun dress for the 2nd half of the party and for the after party if there is one. This double dress concept is great if you have an unlimited budget ...which most people don't! Also, in my opinion, you only get to wear your wedding dress once, for one day, so my advice is love the dress you buy so that you don't want to take if off at all!

However, if you want to update a more classic dress halfway through the day or evening, one thing you can do after your ceremony is to add a sash or a jeweled belt to it. This adds that extra something to your dress and makes it "party ready." Sashes and belts can be purchased at all bridal shops, but one particular one that I love is from The Wedding Main St. Priced right at $175, this can completely change the look of your wedding gown and also can be reused in the future. Opt for a silver, black or champagne ribbon and you have an update for your little black dress! It's also a great piece to have an pass down to a friend or family member for their wedding...it's a perfect "something borrowed"!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Danielle

Health Coach Stacy Crawford: Organic Wine...Right Here on Long Island!

“Wine is sunlight, held together by water." - Galileo Galilei, 1564-1642

I have lived on Long Island for most of my life, and I love it.  I have true Long Island pride.  I love being less than an hour drive from New York City, ten minutes from the beaches, and half an hour from the famous Hamptons.  One of my favorite parts of Long Island is one of the least talked about- the North Fork.  Everyone thinks that all of eastern Long Island is just like the trendy Hamptons, but the North Fork is rich in farm-land, mom and pop joints, and- my personal favorite- wineries.

Even though I am a Health Coach, I definitely enjoy having a good glass of wine every once in a while! I love going out to eastern Long Island to visit some local wineries.  It’s hard to believe that farmland so abundant is so close to NYC- it feels like a world away when you are out on the North Fork.  And once you get out there- you realize you are in wine country- it feels like you are on vacation, and it is there that you get to indulge in a little liquid sunshine.

I like to support organic and biodynamic growing- two very important forms of agriculture that are close to my own personal values. Most people are familiar with the term ‘organic’.   Growing organically means thatfood is grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, with no antibiotics or growth hormones.   Biodynamic growing is a little different- it embodies all of the same characteristics of organic growing but it takes on a more holistic approach.  Biodynamic agriculture incorporates everything around the area- animals, crops, and soil in every aspect of the growing process.  Most uniquely, biodynamic agriculture uses the astronomical planting calendar, which revolves around the phases of the moon.  Pretty amazing, if you ask me.

So what does this mean for the wine?  It means that when you drink an organic or biodynamic wine you are drinking a product that is grown in the most natural way possible!  I came across a winery on the North Fork of Long Island in Mattituck called Shinn Estates that uses biodynamic farming techniques to grow their grapes.  The owners have even installed a solar and wind powered system that produces all of the energy used for the winery, cellar, vineyard bed and breakfast.

The owners of Shinn Estates created a fantastic estate.  It is quaint, laid back and refined all together on one piece of land.  It is a must-see if you plan on taking a ride to the farms, or on a winery tour.  Try the light and crisp “First Fruit” Sauvignon Blanc, or the smooth “Nine Barrels” Merlot- both wines are excellent and will please any white or red wine drinker!  Now that the warmer weather is here, it’s definitely worth a drive out to eastern Long Island and enjoy some time out in the fresh air with a healthy glass of amazing wine.  It’s the healthier way to have a drink and support local agriculture.

To hear more about making healthier choices in your life, or to schedule a FREE Health History Assessment, please email me at: stacycrawfordhealthcoach@gmail.com. Also visit my website  www.stacycrawfordhealthcoach.com or visit my facebook page www.facebook.com/stacycrawfordhealthcoach.

- Stacy

Table-Top Revolution

I love to have barbeques outside and invite family and friends over to eat and hang out (can it please get warm enough this week for that?!), but the last thing I want to do is to bring nice linen napkins outside -- it just doesn't seem appriopriate for a barefoot day with food on the grill and lemonade. Paper napkins work for me, especially in the great colors and prints that companies have out now, but if you want something a little nicer you are kind of stuck.

Enter the affordable, alternative to paper napkins...Mydrap cotton napkins and placemats are available in 5 sizes and dozens of colors and patterns! They come in a roll, much like a roll of paper towels (a space saver and stays nice and neat!), and you can either toss them after each use, or throw them in the washing machine for up to 6 times to extend their life! They also have fabulous coasters and placements that come in the same great roll. 

Super cute for your upcoming Mother's Day celebration if you are cooking for BBQ'ing, a backyard birthday, shower, or any other gathering that is casual but you want a little something more than your average paper napking from the supermarket. Affordable, pulls your table and decor together, and most importantly, makes your life and clean up easier!

- Danielle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rally the Troops

This is a funny time of year...it is alternately hot, cold, muggy, clammy, sunny, windy, rainy - and often all in one day! You know that when even the stylist has a hard time getting dressed in the morning that it's a bad scene weather-wise! And I think outerwear is one of the hardest things to master...it's too warm for even your lightest wool coat, but it's not quite warm enough for your lightest denim jacket or vest. I most often opt for a leather jacket...I have one that is lined, one that isn't, and a number of others in various colors, styles, and finishes. But I think my favorite for this time of year is the one with the leather body and cotton canvas sleeves. It gives off the cool-girl vibe of a cropped leather motorcycle jacket, but keeps me from totally overheating because of the breathable cotton sleeves. It's great with a cute scarf in the early morning, on its own during the day, and perfect when layered over a really fine sweater in the evening. 

So when I saw the "Marco" jacket from PJK Patterson J. Kincaid, I was immediately enamored. Not only was it the reverse of my leather-body-canvas-sleeves version with its leather sleeves & details and cotton canvas body, but it is a gorgeous, on-trend, feminine-meets-masculine, urban-meets-glam combination of black and army green. And since an all-black jacket can look a little dark/heavy for spring (especially this year when everything is frothy mint green and cool coral), the chic and edgy olive army green lightens this up just enough without making it at all too girly. And while my off-white cotton canvas sleeves are permanently getting dirty (I live in nyc...I'm not sure I should have expected anything less...oops...), this shade of green will only age and look perfectly worn-in with a little city-dust on it ;)

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Just Rose-y...

With the wacky weather we have been having this spring, and less buds and blooms on the trees this April, I am seeing more roses turning up on people than in the garden. Flowers come and go in popularity with jewelry, and it seems they are on the upswing this season for not only parties and events, but for every day wear too. Whether you are pairing either of my two finds today with an elegant black dress or skinny jeans and a t shirt, both go with virtually everything and can add a lot to any outfit.

Sometimes I am looking for a cool non-dangly earring but I am sick of putting the same old studs in my ears. Plus, simple diamond studs are not always appropriate and they actually can get a little boring after wearing them day in and day out, for everything from work to the gym to a wedding. So I love these rose studs from Betsy Johnson. Sparkly and cute and priced right at $25 from Macy's, you just can't go wrong with these...

For a more elegant-yet-chunky take on the rose, I love this cuff from the David Tutera line. This piece is more of a statement, is more unique, and can go with any outfit from a bar to a ballroom...

So take some time this spring to smell -- er, shop -- for roses!

-Danielle

Everything's Coming Up Gucci

And roses. But mainly Gucci with roses...

Here's the thing. I rarely feature pieces from Gucci. Not because I don't love Gucci. (Trust me...I loooove it. Does someone not love Gucci? Now I'm confused...) But I don't because I usually prefer to feature smaller, newer designers who I want to expose our readers to. However...everyone once in awhile, there is a piece that speaks to me for some reason or another, and I just have to share it. HAVE TO.

And today, this printed silk-twill halterneck top is that piece. First and foremost, this style, with its deeply-cut-out-shoulder-and-tie-around-the-neck silhouette is super flattering on just about every body type. It draws attention to your face and collarbone and makes your shoulders look more toned than they really are (!). Second (to me at least), there is nothing more chic than an abstract print rooted in black and white. And the wide black stripe at the hip is exactly where you want that slimming feature to be. The print itself is inspired by Gucci's iconic collection of scarves, and, um...look at the print on the top and then look at the flower part of our Stylewhipped logo...clearly Gucci and I were having the same thought at one point! 

This top is also completely backless, which is a gorgeous way to "do" sexy...it's not in-your-face and it's a great part of your body to show off without ever being vulgar. Wear this with skinny black pants or leather legging now and with skinny white pants or jeans all summer. And even though it's backless, this really does work all year...just change up your accessories and add-ons to keep it seasonally appropriate (chubby little furs, booties instead of sandals, heavy jewels instead of delicate, etc, etc...). And feel free to wear it a lot. I mean, it is Gucci after all...;)

~ Alison.