Excess-orizing with… @SuzannaDai

I’ve decided to create a new series for STB centered around my biggest fashion obsession- ACCESSORIES.  Don’t get me wrong- of course- I love all things clothing, but accessories can make or break an outfit.  Accessories can change your average LBD into a jaw-dropping moment.  I wanted to kick off the series with one of my absolute fave jewelry designers, Suzanna Dai.  If I could own every one of her pieces, I would!  She is truly an artist, which is why I put her up to the task of taking a classic black dress and EXCESS-ORIZING it into a fabulous show-stopping number!  When gathering her picks together, Suzanna told me she was inspired by the opulent baroque trend.  I couldn’t agree with her picks more.  They really transform the dress, making it perfect for any night out this holiday season!

• Suzanna Dai, Linz Necklace, $345 
• Ella Moss, Rosalyn Strapless Dress, Sale- $138.60 
• Dolce & Gabbana, Embroidered Mary-Jane Pumps, $1,051 
• Lauren Wolf Jewelry, Druzy Studs, $165
• Diane Von Furstenberg, Limited Edition Sun Circle Clutch, $995 

Somewear: The Nutcracker

Though I absolutely love the ballet, for some reason I never think about going until the holiday season hits.  And for almost any traditional ballet company in America, the holiday season means many performances of the timeless classic, The Nutcracker.  You would think after seeing this show year after year, people would grow tired of it, but it just isn’t the case.  It’s become a tradition in many families- a perennial favorite!  I’ve probably seen The Nutcracker about a dozen times and with each passing year I love it more and more!  If you’re in the Dallas area, you should definitely check for last minute tickets.  The Texas Ballet Theater will be performing until December 23^rd! 

• Zara, Beaded Degrade Skirt, $89.90 
• Flowy White Tank, $75 
• Bauble Bar, Green Krypton Collar, $48 
• Rachel Roy, Suede & Glitter Bootie, Sale- $297 
• Dara Ettinger, Alicia Druzy Stud Earrings, $95 
• Deux Lux, Sequin Envelope Clutch, $90 

Where to Wear: The Holiday Party Dress

Where to Wear: The Holiday Party Dress 

There are too many cute holiday dresses this year to pick just one.  But in order to justify 6 new dresses you gotta come up with 6 fab places where you’ll need to get dolled up!  Check out my suggestions below!  

1. His Company’s Holiday Party: Halston Heritage, Draped Cowlneck Dress, Sale- $267 
2. Shabbat Dinner at a Friend’s House: Diane von Furstenberg, Danette Sweater Dress, $385 
3. The Nutcracker: Mango, Velvet & Sheer Dress, $29.99 
4. Christmas Eve Dinner at the Club: Anthropologie, Goldleaf Cocktail Dress, $258 
5. NYE Ball: Nasty Gal, Disco Nights Dress, $98 
6. Your Company’s Holiday Party: Tibi, Epstein Lace Dress, Sale- $237 

Excessive Baggage: Packing for a Ski Trip

Travel blogger, Amy Jarczynski from Jetsetter Gypsy, reached out to me recently about her upcoming ski trip to the Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise.  She thought her trip would make for another great Excessive Baggage collab, so I created a fun ski trip packing check list for her!  Of course, anyone who skis regularly knows about all the hard core ski garb needed to really get out there and hit the slopes, so I decided to skip the boring stuff, and focus more on the cute stuff– like your ski bunny outfit for the lodge or your cozy pjs for lounging in your room after a long day out in the snow! 

• Wildfox, I Believe in Magic Sweatshirt, $108 
• Juicy Couture, Thermal Leggings, $43.40 
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Puffer Jacket, $498 
• Tory Burch, Joey Boot, $350  
• Kate Spade, Arm Warmers, Sale- $66 
• J.Crew, Fair Isle Ski Sweater, $138 
• Diane von Furstenberg, Danette Sweater Dress, $385 
• I Ski, Sunglasses, $28 
• VINCE, Turtleneck Sweater, $320 
• American Apparel, Leggings (3 Pack), Sale- $66 
• Kate Spade, Big Apple Bow Ski Hat, $88 
• DUFFY, Snood, $95 

STB’s Designer Gadget Gift Guide

Wanna give some designer love this season without spending the designer bucks?  These gadgets make for the perfect gifts!  They are j’adorable and affordable! 

1. For the Gym Rat- Jonathan Adler, Retro Floral Earbuds, $20 
2. For the Fashion Blogger- Target + Neiman Marcus Collection, Proenza Schouler iPad Sleeve, $39.99 
3. For the Chatty Kathy- Rebecca Minkoff, Pop Phone Handset, $48 
4. For the Jet Setter- DVF, Travel Adapter, $95 
5. For the Social Butterfly- Kate Spade New York, iPhone 5 Crossword Puzzle Case, $40 
6. For the Presentation Princess- Marc by Marc Jacobs, Pickles the Bulldog Flash Drive, $42  

STB’s Quirky Holiday Gift Guide

It’s time to stop giving the easy go-to, yet completely impersonal gift card and start getting creative with what you give this holiday season.  Here are a few quirky and fun gifts to add to your shopping list!

1. For the Pet Lover- Cat DJ Scratching Deck, $35 
2. For the Trend Setter- ASOS Spike Collar Tips, $17.54 
3. For the Bottle Boozer- Key Bottle Opener, $21.00 
4. For the Old School Photographer- Lomography La Sardina Analogue Camera, $75 
5. For the Daily Commuter- UGG HeadPhone Ear Muffs, $85 
6. For the Little Mister- Fred Flare Mustachifier Baby Pacifier, $12 
7. For the Celeb Obsessed Blogger- Suri’s Burn Book, $12.95 

Somewear: Christmas Tree Farm

I’ve decided to start celebrating the festive month of December a few days early.  First stop- a Christmas tree farm.  Gettin’ my kicks on and kicking this holiday season off right!  

• J.Crew, Snowcap Quilted Jacket, $110.60 
• Rails, Kendra Plaid Top, $123 
• Paige Denim, Black Velvet Skinny Jeans, $189 
• Serafina, Manhattan Haircalf Sneakers, $415 
• Laura Mercier, HydraTint SPF 15, $20 
• Rebecca Minkoff, M.A.C. Clutch, $295