NEW YEARS EVE CHECKLIST

SOMETHING SPARKLY

DKNY Paillette-embellished stretch-silk mini skirt

GOOD COMPANY

GOOD FOOD

BUBBLY

{SPARKLERS OPTIONAL}

Kevin and I are hosting a small cocktail party at our home tonight, and everything on the list is checked off. Reflecting back on the year past, I would have to say that time just flew by. It had to have been the fastest year in my 29 years. I can recall standing in my closet wondering what to wear for last New Years Eve- like it was just yesterday! I have a feeling that 2012 is going to be a year filled with new beginnings, opportunity, and growth. I want to wish everyone love, health, and happiness in the new year! Enjoy yourselves tonight!

What is everyone's New Years Eve Plans? 

Hawaiian Holiday

If you don't know that sequins and glitter have been all the rage this season, then you must be living under a rock with no access to fashion magazines and blogs. Staci (my future SIL) and Style Contributor here on Lilac and Grey, sent me these outfit shots to share with all of you...

I am not one to wear shorts, but these sequin shorts are TDF! It was love at first sight!

Staci and her sister Dana

Outfit Details:

Top: Haute Hippie

Shorts: Basix Black Label 

Shoes: Pour la Victoire

Kevin and I will be in jet-setting off to Cabo next month...If I can stick to my diet and excersise routine, these shorts will definitely be in my suitcase (but maybe in black)!

{all photos via Lilac and Grey}

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

Ring in the New Year with this {super simple} elegant, refreshing and delish cocktail....

Elderflower Champange Cocktail

Fill a tumbler with ice. Fill three-quarters of the glass with dry champagne or prosecco. Add thinly sliced cucumber and fresh mint. Top off with St-Germain.

What will your drink of choice be this NYE?

{Recipe and photo via Zested.com}

New Years Eve Dresses

Need a last minute NYE dress? Check out these beauties!

The back of this Antik Batik Sequin Dress is just as stunning as the front detail. Pair this with simple studs and black or nude shoes.

I am always looking for comfort; which is totally achievable with this stretch silk Elizabeth and James dress. Pair with chandelier earrings or embellished shoes to dress it up a bit.

The intricate detail in this ALICE by Temperley is so beautiful. Let this dress shine, and pair with patent leather pumps.

This brushed leather Theysken's Theory dress is like no other! Pair with an edgier chunky shoe or bootie.

What I Have Read Lately...

I have been meaning to add a "book review" series on Lilac and Grey for a while now. Here are three books I have read lately that I have really enjoyed and truly learned something from...

Steve Jobs, By Walter Isaacson. When I bought the book, I had no idea what to expect. I just knew I wanted to learn how this man became larger than life but managed to live such a simple one. Without telling much about the meat of the book, I was astonished by the inner drive Steve had to "create" products that would change the world. He never let anyone stand in his way of innovation, not even his family. He was sometimes portrayed as a person with no filter, that he could be sometimes demanding and cruel; but if you read the book, he was also the most incredibly sentimental and sensitive man that would cry at almost anything. His passion and emotions were the essence to his success. So if you want to "take a walk" with Steve, and be enlightened by his spirt, read this book.

We all know Bethenny from New York's Real Housewives series, and her "tell it how it is attitude." You either love her or you hate her, and what I "love" about her is that she is honest about just that! She doesn't care what people think of her, and she took control of her life and became a successful entrepreneur. This book, A Place of Yes, 10 Rules for Getting What You Want in Life,  is about her struggle of breaking away from her childhood "noise" and everything else that has held her back, and coming to "a place of yes." This book is about Bethenny's journey of past failures and what she has learned from them to take her to the place she is today. I really enjoyed her view of what she calls "noise" which is defined as the negative static in your head that holds you back from achieving the things you want to succeed. This is definitely a girlie book, and it is sometimes like an emotional roller-coaster (but what girl's life isn't?).  It doesn't hold ALL the secrets, but it is a great read. If you are a strong women that wants to have it all, career, husband, family, money, happiness and balance; read this book. 

PS. I also LOVE Bethenny's Yoga Workouts on DVD!

New Year's Eve Table-Scape Ideas

Whether you are hosting a big bash or an intimate dinner, here are some entertaining ideas to ring in the new year...

A simple vase and some baby's breath are always my "go-to" for flower arrangements, and who doesn't love a dessert bar?! 

New Year's Eve is all about celebrating the year that past, and looking forward to the New Year ahead. Keep place setting simple and classic, and focus on serving fancy cocktails and hor dourves.

With the "mini craze" upon us, serve mini cocktails and give each guest their own mini champange bottle to ring in the New Year with.

I love all white parties. For extra fun, ask your guests to wear white.

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It's Beginning To Feel A Lot Like...

Holiday Magic...

Lately, all I want to do is look at pretty pictures and drink champagne. I love this time of year! Now all we need is a little snow (just a little).

{1/2/3/4}

Let's Celebrate!

If I could pick ANYTHING to wear over the holidays it would be this Oscar de la Renta stunner! 

*sigh*

On another note, we are all over the moon here at Lilac and Grey, my brother and his girlfriend (now Fiance!) are engaged! Congratulations Paul and Staci! Sending big hugs and kisses to Maui, and can't wait to celebrate when you return! Let the planning begin, woo hoo!

Quote of the Day

"i want to be in the love business. run a kissing booth. sell mistletoe. play cupid. i love love. i really do. i think 

everyone should be in love."

-Ginny Branch


{image via}

Holiday Hair and Make-Up

The always glamourous smoky eye {totally achieveable with this kit}

Sleek and Chic {use this and this}

Simple elegance

An update on a classic

BIG lashes! {love these}

Soft waves

A timeless ponytail.

Don't you wish you had a personal stylist/make-up artist/ hair stylist waiting for you in your closet to help you pull together a head to toe look to get you out the door and out to your holiday party? Not everyone is so lucky. If this service was offered to you at an affordable price, would you want it? How much would you be willing to pay? 

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For The Love of Bows

I am a true lover of anything with bows {some of my friends even make fun of me} I thought that we were due for dedicated post...

Glamour in it's entirety..

Pearls and bows are totally perfect together. Here is a Similar necklace available for purchase.

Would you wear something like this? I would! Here is a Similar top.

Blush pink, bows, and sequins? Bursting at the seams with love for this adorable skirt! Available HERE

I would be really content for a long time if these blue soled, black bowed shoes were in my closet!

Be a tweetheart and follow Lilac and Grey on twitter!

{image 1 via Vogue China via Fashion Gone Rogue | image 2 via Bridness | image 3 via Vogue Australia via Studded Hearts |  image 4 via Asos | image 5 via A Daily Dose of Couture }

Designer Spotlight: Scott Sanders

I was introduced to Scott's work when I visited the Designer Show-house that he participated in this past summer. As a Parson's School graduate, he landed a job at Ralph Lauren, where he created the company's design department. Many of his completed projects have been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Veranda, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Interior Design, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, German Architectural Digest, Travel & Leisure, and Elle Decor. Here are a full of my favorite interiors that I pulled from his online portfolio...

It is no secret that Scott loves the color blue, and he uses that color to transform this space into a magnificent space!

This pool house is design perfection!

Sometimes it is the simplest details that complete a space, like these vintage beach pails.

Who knew a grouping of globes would add so much whimsy to this interior space!

I am IN LOVE with this artwork!!

If you would like to browse more of Scott's portfolio, you can click HERE

{images via Scott Sanders}

Deal of the Day

Boy do I want to slip my feet into one of these "Cinderellie's," but they are way out of my budget! Instead of dreaming for Prince Charming to be at my doorstep with a blush pink Miu Miu box, I found these...

Now these glitter platforms are totally attainable, and packs just as much WOW! 

Available HERE

PS. I am totally into Turquoise these days...

{image 1 via Love Italian Fashion, edited by Lilac and Grey| image 2 via Asos, edited by Lilac and Grey}

Tuesday Table-Scape

Last week's Tuesday Table-scape was a BIG hit! Many readers got back to me raving about the black and white tablecloth, and where they could get it.  I think it works really well for holiday table-scapes. I also love the use of dramatic candles to add to the glamour factor.

For those who asked, here are some links to buy the fabric to sew a DIY black and white tablecloth {it's hard to find already made ones}

House of Fabric

Rosenberry Rooms

Fabric.com

{photo via The Decorista}

Holiday Gift Guide

1. Donna Karan Gloves / 2. St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse / 3. Missoni Geometric acetate bib necklace / 4.  Prism Paris round-frame acetate sunglasses / 5.  Pauls Boutique Animal Print Wash Bag  / 7. Alexander Wang Prisma leather cosmetics case / 8. Asos Smooth Gold Hinged Ponytailer / 9.  Helene Berman Collar

Quote of the Day

"We learn wisdom from failure much more than success. We often discover what we will do, by finding out what we will not do."

~Samuel Smiles

{via}

O.M.G.

Dying.

{via Nina Garcia}

Holiday Gift Guide

1. Country Living Refrigerator, 2. Rockin Rider Brown Pony Rocker, 3. World Repair Kit, 4. Juicy Couture Girl's Faux Fur-Trimmed Tweedy Boots , 5. Leo Zodiac Art  , 6. Square Chairs, 7. Early Rider Bike, 8.  Sky King Jr. Tricycle, 9. Wooden Alphabet Blocks, 10. Recycled Canvas Play Tent