My 2011 Christmas Wishlist

My dad texts me nearly every day for me to send him my Christmas List (otherwise, he has no idea what to get me). With so much going on these last weeks before winter break, it wasn't exactly a priority, but now with exams over (WOOT!), I was finally able to sit down and compile my annual list of semi-affordable sought after items. Here's what my most fashionable and practical list to date consisted of:

1. Crosley Portable USB Turntable (Urban Outfitters, $160) - saw this at Urban Thread and fell in love - with this I'll be able to finally listen to all my dad's old ABBA and Beatles vinyl records, as well as my iPod (and it's portable!). Love.
2. Wispy Pointelle Cardigan (Anthropologie, $60) - so pretty and feminine, I can see myself matching this with everything from dresses to jeans.
3. Red Rose Patch Dress (Topshop, $100)- this is one of those dresses that can easily transition from season to season - just throw on a coat and tights and you're ready for the winter!
4. Camino Metallic-Knit Sweater (Marc by Marc Jacobs, $138) - I love the neutral colors on this sweater, and I can definitely dress it up or down.
5. Naked2 Palette (Urban Decay, $50) - speaking of neutral colors...I'm jumping on the bandwagon here, but after seeing the gorgeous colors in the set my Big had, I could care less.
6. Kindle Fire (Amazon.com, $199) - my sister has an iPad and while she loves it, I'd be perfectly content with a Kindle - nothing beats a real paper bound book to me, but it sure is a lot easier to carry around.
7. Day Ladies Black Quilted Victoria Rain Boots (Kembrel, $90) - ever since I moved to Tallahassee I've been looking for the perfect rain boots for me...and I think I finally found them - love the classic black, quilting, and ribbon lacing!
8. Salmon Ballet Pumps (Topshop, $32) - it is so difficult for me to find a truly comfortable pair of flats and Topshop's are like heaven to my feet - I've just about worn out the ones I got in Dublin, so it's about time for a new pair.
9. Community Season 2 on DVD (Amazon.com, $22) - probably one of the most underrated shows on TV right now, every episode surprises me with its sheer creativity and originality. Plus, I love Joel McHale.
10. JewelMint and ShoeMint pieces ($30 and $80, respectively) - just as I got hooked on Kate Bosworth's JewelMint (looking forward to my Nordic necklace in the mail), I learned about the launch of Rachel Bilson's ShoeMint (who, as most of you guys know, I'm obsessed about). Last time I checked all the shoes were sold out, but I seriously can't wait to get my hands on a pair of Rachel-designed, Steven Madden-made shoes.

What else made the list?

1. A good trench coat - this is one thing sorely missing from my wardrobe. Since I can't exactly shell out $1,000+ for Burberry, I've been looking at alternatives. I really love Anthropologie's Elevenses Pansy Corset Trench - it's so unique and lovely with the print and lacing!
2. Jeffrey Campbell Taupe Suede Litas (Urban Outfitters, $160) - I've heard nothing good things about these shoes, and I can't wait to own a pair myself. Yeah, they're a little pricey, but they're definitely worth the investment!
3. Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception for PS3 - because this is probably my favorite PS3 game series and you can expect me to devote a good chunk of time towards playing it - and my sister is right, the guy from Psych does look like the game character.
4. Art of Catwalk 90-Day Membership (Art of the Catwalk, $180) - my old membership expired this semester (I remember when it was only $300 for a whole year) and I miss it so much. Two of my littles have recently started going and it's made me realize just how much I miss it. I only have about 3 months left here anyway and I'll have a lot more free time next semester, so why not?
5. Supernatural: The Anime Series on Blu-Ray (Amazon.com, $32) - it's Supernatural and anime - how do I not already own this?

What's on your list this year?

2011 Teen Choice Awards: Best Dressed

I've been waiting to do another "Best/Worst Dressed" list so I've been looking forward to the Teen Choice Awards. The award show is known for it's youthful and fun fashion and the looks below certainly epitomize that - great job, ladies!

#1 - Selena Gomez - Erin Fetherston

#2 - Nina Dobrev - Dolce & Gabbana

#3 - Blake Lively - Gucci Resort

#4 - Taylor Swift - Rafael Cennamo and Ranjana Khan

#5 - Rachel Bilson - Chloe Resort

#6 - Lucy Hale - Cengiz Abazoğlu

#7 - Zoe Saldana - Lanvin Resort

#8 - Holland Roden - Donna Morgan

#9 - Troian Bellisario - Maria Lucia Hohan

#10 - Avril Lavigne - Abbey Dawn

#11 (Runner Up) - Maggie Q - MaxMara

#12 - Josie Loren (Runner Up) - Kymerah

What were your favorite looks of the night?

Rachel Bilson in California Style Magazine

Chanel dress, belt and necklace.

My style inspiration and celebrity obsession Rachel Bilson was featuredon the cover of the March 2011 issue of California Style magazine. She looksabsolutely stunning in the various drool-worthy gowns she wears in thegorgeous photoshoot.

The magazine article covers a variety of topics – here are a fewsnippets of what she had to say:

Referring to her Edie Rose dinnerware: “To stick with fashion, thatwould be a little bit more predictable. But there’s no one in my demographic,or really any ‘celebrity’ who has a similar aesthetic as me, who’s doing homeor tabletop design. I’m sort of obsessed with dishes. I’m always cooking andbaking at home, and I hate going out. I’d love to do bedding, too.”

Referring to her relationship withex-fiance HaydenChristensen: “Without saying anythingtoo specific, I can tell you that things are really positive right now. We’lljust have to see how it goes.”

Referring to working with Josh Schwartz (creator ofthe O.C.) again: “Josh knows me so well. I mean,he’s married to my best friend. We’re all very close. He knows how I deliver aline. He knows that I can be, you know, funny. It’s much harder to be funnythan it is to act in a drama. But I’m up for it.”

Versace dress. Van Cleef & Arpels earrings.

Dolce & Gabbana blouse and skirt.

Valentino gown (reminds me of Emma Watson's BAFTA gown). 

Ralph Lauren Collection dress.

Chloé dress. Cathy Waterman necklace.

Oscar de la Renta dress. Cathy Waterman earrings.

Rachel Bilson Launches Edie Rose Home For Macy's

Rachel Bilson is back at designing for her Edie Rose line! Instead of clothing, however, she's designing tableware for Macy's. I have to say it seemed a little random, but apparently Rachel has been collecting dishes since she was a young girl. Who knew?

Explaining why she decided to start the line, Rachel says, "I was on what seemed like an endless search for really cute dishware and tabletop items when I thought it would be fun to design what I was looking for. I have a passion for dishes and thought it would be a great opportunity to design exactly what I wanted -- cute and stylish entertaining and dining ware that is affordable."

The line is aimed "to appeal to the modern woman at various stages of her life, whether she is going off to college, decorating her first apartment, registering for her wedding or simply in need of beautiful items for her home." The pieces range in price from $12-58 and are meant to be mixed and matched. Every piece reflects Rachel's love of "birds, butterflies and all things whimsical," and the entire collection is tied together by a common color palette of turquoise, aqua, black and white.

What does Macy's think of line? “Edie Rose Home reflects a timely aesthetic that appeals to the fashion savvy Macy’s customer,” said Steve Cardino, vice president and fashion director of Macy’s Home Store. “We are proud to be the exclusive retailer of this eclectic and affordable collection that infuses Rachel’s eye for style with everyday pieces for the home.”

Well, Macy's definitely sound supportive. And the line looks promising, but I'll have to wait and see. As most of my friends know, after living with so many for so many years, peacocks have become my least favorite animal on the planet so featuring them in the line is a bit of a turnoff, but even I have to admit the piece below is actually pretty cute.