FASHION: SAMPLE SALES

Nieves Lavi Sample Sale

You are invited to the Holiday Nieves Lavi Sample Sale!
Dresses from $25 to $100.
Tops and Skirts from $25 to $50.
From Tuesday December 4th to Friday December 7th - 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Location:
Lily Kate Showroom
234 West 39th Street
9th Floor
New York, NY 10018

All major Credit Cards and Cash accepted. No Checks.
All sales are final.

CULTURE: WHOSE HOUSE?

i don't care who you vote for in the upcoming election...i just want you to be aware & informed about all the candidates so you can make a wise decision when november 2008 rolls around. take some time to watch the debates on cnn they can be quite enjoyable! if you like the t-shirts visit http://www.urbanoutfitters.com to purchase $28.

FASHION: VPL BY VICTORIA BARTLETT

discover a new brand, VPL, that merges underwear & sportswear into a multifunctional, comfortable wardrobe. VPL was introduced to the world in 2003 by victoria bartlett. you can mix-n-match the pieces or dress them up or down. discover this one of kind line & all it has to offer by visiting the VPL website @ http://www.vplnyc.com/ & to make a purchase click on http://www.shopbop.com/ take a look at a couple of my favorites below. (constriction cardigan $275, singshot halter tank (underneath cardigan) $265, vpl cincher dress $495)

FOOD: ASIAN LETTUCE WRAPS

still have leftover stuffing from thanksgiving, well here's a recipe from domino magazine that will turn that old stuffing into something new, light, & tasty. enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:
head of iceberg lettuce
¼ cup of hoisin sauce
2½ cups of leftover stuffing
1/3 cup of pine nuts

Working from the base, remove the core from the lettuce and discard any discolored outer leaves. Cut the head into quarters, then carefully peel off 10 sets of two-leaf layers; each double layer will become a lettuce cup. Spoon hoisin sauce evenly among the lettuce cups, then do the same with the leftover stuffing. Place pine nuts in a small pan over medium-low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, nuts are just lightly toasted, about 2 minutes (watch carefully; they burn easily). Sprinkle over filled lettuce cups. (recipe and photo are from dominomag.com)

LIFESTYLE: READ THIS

CHECK OUT THE WASHINGTON POST HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN CALENDAR
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/features/2007/holiday-guide/seasonal-survival/holiday-countdown-calendar/index.html?hpid=features1&hpv=national TO STAY ON TOP OF ALL YOUR HOLIDAY PLANNING!

FASHION: HOLIDAY PARTY LOOKS

holiday looks from banana republic...there's something for the office party, house party, or a party at your local hotspot!

FASHION: NEW BOUTIQUE IN MIAMI

downtown divas is located on biscayne boulevard, miami fl. the boutique is owned by sisters serena minott & danielle fraser (pictured above: image from the miami herald). downtown divas opened about 2 months ago & they carry casual chic merchandise such as shift dresses, flirty tops, etc...learn more about this new boutique by clicking the link below:

http://www.miamiherald.com/297/story/305881.html

have a happy thanksgiving! birdie butter will be out of town until sunday, i will try to post as often as i can.

DECOR: WALK ALL OVER ME

walk all over me...for $28 each why not! urban outfitters does an amazing job on home accessories! these 3x5 rugs are super cute & will liven up any room. take a look at http://www.urbanoutfitters.com to see the other color & pattern choices.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

freepeople.com is a great place to shop this year for christmas gifts. here are some ideas for the special people in your life. happy shopping, visit http://www.freepeople.com to purchase!

• the friend who loves vintage - buy this quirky hand painted clock $48 she will adore it
• the diva - pick up a pair of the elsa aviator's $38 to hide from her fans & paparazzi
• the homebody - select a pair of nordic wooly pompom socks $28 to keep her warm
• the gadget lover - choose this embellished ipod holder $24 provides style & protection

FASHION: BLAZ-ER

classic, modern, fabulous, are just a few words to describe this double faced wool "lexington" blazer by jcrew ($250). i adore this jacket...you can pair it with dark denim jeans & a bold color silk blouse...a full skirt with a fitted tee underneath...sleek slacks & flowy chiffon top...or a printed shift dress, i love it! this blazer will definitely be on my christmas list this year.

FASHION: A TASTE OF TARTAN

tartan? plaid? whatever you may call it, is a great holiday gift for your mom, sister, aunt, or grandmother. jcrew has a huge assortment of tartan style gifts starting with the jazzed up lumberjack flats $225, add some funk to your ensemble with this cute cropped tartan trench $350, carry this cute silk tartan "claire" clutch $65, wear the sparkle plaid "margaret" shirt with your favorite jeans, accentuate your waist with the wool critter belt $38, or splash around in the textured wool wellies $85. all items can be found @ http://www.jcrew.com!

FOOD: PASTA & PEPPERS

need an idea for a quick meal? try birdie butter's favorite

penne pasta with roasted red pepper sauce & fresh baby spinach

ingredients:

1 box of penne pasta

1 jar of archer farms roasted red pepper sauce (can be found at target)

1 bag of baby spinach (fresh)

salt to taste

parmesan cheese (optional topping)

directions: boil water in a saucepan, add a dash of salt to the water, add pasta to boiling water (i use 1/2 a box you can use more if you like), cook about 12-14 minutes, drain, add sauce (about 1/2 depending on how much pasta you cook), add 1 cup of spinach, mix all ingredients, add salt to taste. top with fresh parmesan cheese if you like. it's tasty & healthy (use whole wheat pasta as a healthier option). enjoy

FASHION: TIBI

TIBI was created by Amy Smilovic. She travels to exotic locales to find inspiration for her collection of dresses. TIBI is for anyone who may live a casual chic, artsy, SOHO type of lifestyle. I love the prints Smilovic uses, they are retro & truly unique. deco shift dress $391, scoop neck dress $370 & daydream lace dress $339 all can be found at shopbop.

FASHION: I'M SO BLUE

jcrew has done an amazing job with their jewelry. it looks sophisticated while being affordable. great pieces that can be worn with a cocktail dress or with jeans & a t-shirt. the bluebell pave ring will make a statement on anyone's finger for $45, the basic blue enamel bangle is a great accessory for everyday wear $35, the bauble cascade necklace could do wonders for basic grey tee $135, & the oh so fabulous hand-painted palm beach enamel bracelet is simply beautiful $68. check out the other colors these items come in & see what else jcrew has to offer.

LIFESTYLE: IN THE MOOD

i had the taste for starbucks this morning...the smell of coffee especially when you walk into any starbucks makes me smile! to my surprise the red cups were back which means the holidays are approaching quickly. it's just something about starbucks & the red coffee cups that make me want to shop! instead i came home & took some shots of my starbucks tall holiday cup filled with a delicious caramel macchiato. enjoy

DECOR: HOLIDAY SETTINGS

looking for some ideas for table settings this holiday season...take some inspiration from the images above featured in the los angeles times. the settings are non traditional BUT they will add much needed flavor to your table this holiday season. skip the traditional flowers or lame turkey napkin holder & go for something with a little more style. to find out where you can purchase these items click on the link below to the article "Topping it all off". happy holidays!

http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-tabletop8nov08,1,4011730.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

LIFESTYLE: INCREASE AWARENESS

the upcoming election may seem far away, BUT before you know it you will have to make a very wise decision on who our next president will be. urban outfitters did a great job on these tees & they are a perfect way to get everyone energized & excited about the next election! pick up one for $28 from http://www.urbanoutfitters.com