Allie

Delicious Danes

2008-11-29T20:30:00Z

So my December issue of Cookie arrived yesterday with the stunning Brooke Shields and her gorgeous girlies on the cover. All three ladies are decked out for the season throughout the spread inside -- which is paired with Brooke's insights on motherhood and its meaning for her. Having read her incomparable Down Came the Rain, which so candidly described her harrowing experience with post-partum depression, the article was particularly heartwarming to me.

On a far more superficial level, within the piece, Ms. Shields is wearing gowns galore, one of which in particular caught my attention.
A quick foray over to designer Robert Danes' site revealed this little number in holiday green...

Think I know how I'll be decked in the halls this December!

Fa, la, la, la, la...la, la, la, la!
--Allie

PS - Don't you think this cuff would be lovely with it?

A Place for Everything...

2008-11-29T16:19:00Z

...and everything in its place. Or as was demonstrated this past Thursday, a place for everyone and everyone in their place. Our clan traversed over the river and through the woods (well, into the car and over the highway to be more accurate) to Grandmama's house and was she ever ready to welcome!

Nine of her grandchildren were in attendance, and as is Grandmama's way, the kiddie table was outfitted not only with calligraphed placecards for each tiny diner, but a brightly colored Crocodile Creek placemat unique to each eater's perceived interests.

For my our family's future astronaut:

For the future florist:

For the nephew who appreciates the Westminster Dog Show much more than the Macy's Parade:

For Mai:

For Ringo:

After the meal, grown relatives were regaled with a panoply of pertinent facts on the array of placemat subject matter. (For instance, I'll always remember this Thanksgiving as the one wherein I learned dogs actually have three eyelids!) Naturally, each child was sent home with kisses galore and their own table topper.

Here's hoping Grandmama makes the passing of the placemats an annual tradition...we'd love the whole collection!
--Allie

PS - While we all continue the giving of thanks for our many blessings, let's be sure to extend the grace outwards. Go check out our Purpose Presents gift list!

Tooting and Touting Our Tote Taste

2008-11-23T01:58:00Z

Never one for false modesty (or to miss an opportunity for gratuitous alliteration), just had to share...

Some time back, I was pining over this patent green perfection from Mulberry. Had heard that Mena Suvari and others were similarly smitten with the line...and just last week as I was flipping through the mags at my mom's, looky what I happened upon!

No matter the celeb Life & Style's readers "prefer," to my view, the bag works on who ever wears it!

Peace and patent leather--
--Allie

PS - Congratulations to Ashlee Simpson Wentz and Pete Wentz on the birth of Bronx Mowgli earlier this week!

The Cutest in the Cafeteria

2008-11-21T18:04:00Z

...and the most earth-conscious, too!

As most of you already know, I am always on the look out for ways to minimize waste, and have I ever happened upon a phenomenal find!

While eating my mid-day meal with "the lunch bunch" in my nephew's elementary school today (Mai and Ringo shared the time with their aunt), I became enthralled with the little gal who was sitting to my left. Along with her apple slices, veggie chips, soy milk and yogurt from her lunch box, she extracted a little chocolate-colored packet. She undid a velcro closure, opened the fold, appeared to read the inside, smiled widely, and then pulled out a child-sized pink calico cloth napkin from an interior pocket. Age is irrelevant; if a fellow female possesses an accessory of note, Auntie Allie's asking for details!

As it turns out, her little lunch box lovely is called a Happikin. (I even wrote it down so I'd not forget once my nephew and I had consumed the last of our cookies!)

A quick peek online reveals a tidbit that shouldn't surprise: the creator of the Happikins is mama! Committed to living in a more planet protecting mode, she's created the Happikins to help reduce the 18,000 pounds of waste generated by the average elementary school each year. A small step perhaps, but great distances are accomplished via compounded small steps!

Needless to say, my nephew's set is already on order! (Hmmm, and maybe I should consider some stocking stuffers for Skye and Ben...)

Here's hoping by the time my twins enter school Happikins will be on the required supplies list; but even if they're not, rest assured Ringo and Mai will each have a set!
(Side note: Apparently my little lunch-eating seatmate was reading the inside of her Happikins pouch! A panel of the interior cloth is treated, so a note may be written with dry erase marker and erased daily. Genius!)

Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Respect Mother Earth.
---Allie

PS - Speaking of creative thinking and gift ideas, have you checked out our 2008 Posh Cravings Gift Guide for Divine Dads? Do!

Right Up My Alley Cat

2008-11-15T23:34:00Z

No doubt it's easy to imagine, from childhood to the present day, to those who love me (and that one bully in the third grade who didn't) I'm often referred to as "Allie Cat." As a result, feline paraphernalia of all varieties can be found napping all over the house.

The latest lionine look I've sunk my kitty craving claws into? The artistry of Cynthia Petrovic. Her stylized, ancient art influenced line Red Tango spices up my request list for this holiday season. With plans to go over the river and through the woods numerous times as 2008 draws to a close, I've already set my sights on a few travel friendly feline-themed accessories....

You'll be surprised how many board books (and a BlackBerry to boot) you can carry in this cute cat carry-all...

For lugging my laptop around -- or out of -- town, this slender tote slides over my shoulder with ease...

Looky look...this darling compact for cat-ching a glimpse of my visage...

...and this key chain clips easily onto a carry-on for those layover minute monitoring sessions!

MMMMMMEEEEOOOOOW!

Bye Bye, My Would-Be Bastets---
--Allie

PS - Have you visited the forums lately? I just realized I haven't in a while...let's all hop over!

Bring it on, Boston!

2008-11-08T22:00:00Z

In New England, Old Lady Winter packs a powerfully frigid punch. Babes in Boston know the necessity of a nice seasonal coat...or two...or three...

Sweeter than any mojito -- but equally intoxicating -- are the warming wonders of MINT Jodi Arnold. My Newbury Street strolls will be made not only more comfortable, but more couture, by donning this, my joy-bringing new jacket.

Pictured here with long black leather gloves (which always work), I've gone ahead and acquired a pair of pale finger warmers to complement my coat of choice in sixties mod style. Edie Sedgwick and Sienna Miller have moved me!

Have you found your fall fashion topper yet this season? Do tell!

Keep warm!
-Allie

PS -- If anyone can find opera length leather gloves in kelly green, please pass along the purveyor! Thanks!

A Doodle Dandy Do Or Die

2008-11-07T15:43:00Z

You know you want to sing it!
"I'm a Yankee Doodle Dan--dy, a Yankee Doodle Do or Die..." (Feel free to add a Jimmy Cagney jig if you're so moved.)

All our talk of Boston as late brings to mind the legendary accents, the pride in heritage, and the readily identifiable role of things deemed "Yankee." There's an inexplicably comforting quality about America's northeast; and when I cannot be there in body, I vicariously indulge by perusing one of my favorite periodicals...

Travel tips, luscious recipes, advertisements for Mom & Pop locations through which one can access fresh Maine blueberries...it's a cover-to-cover read for me each month. If you're planning a trip to New England, be sure to bone up beforehand!

When it comes to magazines, this one's my Yankee Doodle joy!
--Allie

PS - Have you checked out the first of our "fierce" Fall Finds? Do!

Satisfying the Urge...

2008-11-02T00:46:00Z

...the suck urge and the skull motif urge!

Check out this sinister skeletally-themed soother!

Offered by the same squad of entrepreneurs that introduced the infamous "Billy Bob" teeth (of which we saw more than a few sets this Halloween), this punk rock paci will surely be the hit of every playground and playdate.

A bit too brazen a binky for your baby? Pondering potentially long lines Tuesday at the voting booth with a baby (or in my case, babies) in tow? Look what my little ones will be latching onto while we wait...

Novelty nuknuks...why not? They may be silly, but they don't suck! (sorry, couldn't resist...)

Wishing us all angelic -- and accessorized -- darlings as we accomplish our adult patriotic duty this Election Day.
-Allie

PS - Have you cast your e-ballot on the PoshCravings.com presidential poll? Last I checked the two major candidates were tied at 50% to 50% -- go vote!

Inside the Mind of the Artist

2008-11-01T00:43:00Z

...or at least inside his head!

Sure, most of us are familiar with his soup cans, his Marilyns, his Jackie O's and Elvises (or is that Elvis-ii?), but it's a lesser known of Andy Warhol's subject matter muses that entices me...particularly at this time of year.

The superlative silk-screen printings (as with so many of his other works) have ever-so-slight variations from one print to the next...almost a DNA individuality for what might at first glimpse seem at the barest bones (sorry!) identical.

Whether you're moved to make a Warhol skull print purchase as a spiritual reminder of our temporal earth-bound lives, as a wall-mounted conversation starter at any function you might host, or as a wise investment in art to pass along to the progeny, as Hamlet might contemplate "To Buy, or Not to Buy, that is the question."

Next year, I'm going to pass on the plastic pumpkins and add a few of these high art hauntings to my house.
--Allie

PS - Have you peeked at our bony best bets this week? Go cast a glance their way....

Party Favors

2008-10-26T00:57:00Z

A presidential election occurs only once every four years, so this year, we're hosting a "Watch the Returns" fete chex Allie et al. Since we have two new citizens in our home this time around, in true bipartisan form we plan to deck our duo in ballot balancing style. (and in purple nonetheless -- red and blue combined!)

Guests can elect to reveal their affiliation and/or preference via their garb, buttons or conversation...or they can simply keep mum and enjoy some McCain Mojitos or Barack Coladas.

Party favors? No matter who wins, the night will endly sweetly with candidate-adorned cookies and cupcakes.

The other elements of election evening will remain a secret...since some of the attendees may be getting a sneak peek via this post!

In order to gain entry, the "I Voted" sticker is a mandatory accessory.

Anybody else literally celebrating our democracy on the 4th? Do tell!
--Allie

PS - If you haven't already, please go read Andy Andrews' feature article this week...it's wonderful!

Powerfully Well-Suited

2008-10-25T13:06:00Z

She may have been the brunt of jokes for her fashion sense (or what some pundits declared, the lack of), but I'd like to go out on a limb and prefess no one in recent history has worked a pantsuit with the potential presidential flair of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Gutsy in her color choices, creatively crafty in her cuts selected, it's obvious Hillary's adopted uniform undergirds her with confidence and positively perceived professionalism.

Since we've been expounding on style statements of government gals, removed from the race or no, Mrs. Clinton's contribution to the landscape of looks this year merit a mention. As it turns out, many of Hill's most perfect pantsuits have been custom-made by the superlative Susanna of Beverly Hills. Inexpensive they're not, but as the RNC demonstrated recently, decking out a candidate on the trail takes investment!

An on-camera cutaway of Ms.Clinton at the recent Alfred E. Smith dinner revealed a glitteringly gorgeous evening jacket, with which I have to imagine a pairing of elegant pants resided under the table.

While her look may not be one suited for all, my hat is off to Hillary -- not only for breaking that glass ceiling, but for breaking with forced fashion expectations that might not mesh with her personal style. Whether you espouse her political views or not, you've got to respect her individuality.

Peace amidst politics--
Allie

PS - Have you voted for your favorite fashionista on the ballot this year? We've got all sorts of vehicles where you can cast your ballot (in secret!) before November 4th! Let your opinions be known!

Perfume with a Pink Purpose

2008-10-19T00:52:00Z

Jo Malone. Fragrance-creating femme par excellence. English entrepreneur. Wife. Mother. Breast cancer survivor.

Motivated by her own experience and moved by the plight of others', Jo has created an entirely crave-able scent composed from the essences of seven sensory-pleasing roses from around the globe.

During the month of October, Malone will be donating a portion of the profits from the North American and UK sales of her exquisite fragrance Red Roses to breast cancer research.

Nothing quite like the sweet smell of sisterly support!
-Allie

PS - Speaking of sweet smells, one of our lovely ladies on the forums has shared a sinful-sounding dessert recipe. Looking at the list of ingredients, I think I know the scent that will fill my kitchen tomorrow....

Bid for a Bag!

2008-10-16T15:14:00Z

...and benefit LINC, an organization committed to providing legal and financial counsel to those suffering from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Posh Mama Sarah Jessica Parker has long been associated with the group, and has generously donated numerous autographed Bitten bags and Sex and the City items to be auctioned in a live auction October 16th; others are being offered in an online-only auction. No matter your location, peruse the purses by SJP and an amazing array of pocketbook designers and donors.

Feed your fetish for bags and breast cancer patient support simultaneously!

Recognize this little number by Timmy Woods? It's signed, and being offered up in the live auction tomorrow night...so get thee (or a proxy) to Richmond, Virginia tomorrow night!

Adieu, my Mamas!
-Allie

PS - If you haven't already, view Sweet Syd's latest finds from MCM!

Cozy Cabesa

2008-10-11T16:17:00Z

Despite my teenage, hair-panicked protestations, my mama always admonished, "Wear a hat, Honey. Your body's heat escapes through your head."

Now -- with two little new noggins to protect -- I've embraced Mai and Ringo's grandma's mindset, and am ever on the hunt for chic chapeaux.

My latest find? Check out this chunky-knit number by Sand Cassel Kids (the children's division of the long-lauded Goorin Brothers hatmakers):

Called the "Bandit," it comes in Olive, Navy, Brown and Black...shades suitable (and interchangeable) for both my sweethearts. Friend of PoshCravings and owner of Tough Cookies, Shannon Komsky confirms I'm not alone in my taste; Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale recently purchased one in her Sherman Oaks shop for new big brother, Kingston!

Doesn't it look doubly adorable when paired with his curls?

Have you discovered a cute cap for keeping your kids' heads cuddly warm? Do tell.....I'm always in the market, times two!
--Allie

PS - If you're concerned about your mussed hair after wearing a hat, consider picking up this special edition Hana Professional Flat Iron -- $25 from your purchase will go to the Susan Komen Fund for the Cure.

Pretty in Pink

2008-10-09T13:53:00Z

Isn't she?

Molly Ringwald needn't be the only one; if Christian Louboutin has anything to say about it, she won't be. Check out these primrose patent pumps!

Gasp-inducing. While the designer may not be kicking a donation breast cancer awareness/research-ward for the purchase of this pair, who says they won't encourage the wearer to do so with their every stroll out of the closet?

So you sway a little more Ally Sheedy?

Why not don these Doc Martens' and sit astride this sweet scooter?

Put a li'l pink a la pied, and support our sisters in the struggle simultaneously.

Peace and pink--
Allie

PS - You know, this long sleeve topper works with BOTH shoe options. Just select slacks or a skirt and stand up to cancer!