The Magpie Chronicles

Champagne Tastes on Beer Budget…Not so bad, really.

themagpiechronicles — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:38:02 +0000

The people who know me (lucky devils!) know that there is one thing that holds constant in my life…my love of sparkling wine. At 90 calories a glass, champagne just fills me with excitement without completely filling me up. My other cocktail of choice, the Greyhound, can run me up to 200 calories! Not I, no sir. While I don’t plan on filing for divorce from champagne, I think a legal separation may be in order, and I blame my fiancé. Gasp!

Ok, let’s relax. So he and I are both really watching our calories these days and last week I came home to find a fridge full of beer (shocker), but not his normal beer. This beer had 55 written on it. When he came home to a good deal of them gone, he realized I may be hooked. Clearly I’m not one to abstain completely (I won’t go all GOOP on you), but I would rather not take in 500 calories of bubbly goodness on a Friday night. Enter Budweiser 55. Yes, that’s right. 55 calories and it’s really no sacrifice! I mean, I love champagne so with MGD 64, the pros of champagne outweighed the 26 calories I’d be saving. However, with a 35-calorie benefit I think I’m ready to make the switch…for now anyways.

Want a pretty tip? For me, presentation is key. I don’t want to feel like a man drinking out a beer bottle so I pour my 55 calories of heaven in a gorgeous cut crystal highball glass. Add a hemstitch cocktail napkin and you’re done. Cheers!

Stop Being So Shady. Seriously.

themagpiechronicles — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 02:49:26 +0000

My ubber chic and ridiculously fabulous boss recently came home from a lunch with a pair of Cutler and Gross shades that she borrowed from her super stylish friend. It took me about three minutes until I was manically searching the Internet for stores that carried the British brand, but many only had mens frames in stock. I spiraled into a deep depression until my boss announced she was jetting off to London for a few and “could pick up a few pairs.” She always says things like that with such ease that I have hard time not envying her. She found them over the pond for $400, which is kind of out of my price range… but since we’re in the fantasy world of the internet, I highly recommend you buy them!

These glasses are very downtown, but paired with a perfectly polished outfit they are a firecracker accessory. Literally amazing. You will turn heads…just be sure not to notice.

Saved By the Bell

themagpiechronicles — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:46:49 +0000

Manhattan has many girls about town who grace the covers of social pages and blogs, but one such lady has taken Manhattan by storm and ruffled the feathers of the Upper East Side prim and proper.

Born Evelyn Byrd Bell, “Byrdie” has proven herself as both a socialite and talented actress and now has followed the ranks of Hearst and Hilton by signing with Ford Models. Her fierce beauty and effortless downtown style have got people looking, and now there is no turning back. There is one blaring difference, however, between Byrdie and the majority of NYC “society” – Byrdie is actually a societal figure. Born into an amazingly long line of Evelyn Byrd’s – dating back to the daughter of Colonel William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond, Virginia – Byrdie is shaking up the social world and putting some blue blood back into the mix of Manhattan mutts.

The Byrd women were historically known for their unprecedented beauty, and our Brydie is following suit. I don’t know whether it’s her bed head hair or day after eye makeup, but something about her makes me want to light up a Virgina Slim (it’s only fitting to honor her roots), drink some champagne and have some good old reckless fun.

Take a look at our Bell of the ball in action…

In Elie Saab

In Nina Ricci

Epitomizing downtown chic

Checkerboard Chic

themagpiechronicles — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:07:37 +0000

On a recent shopping trip, I stumbled upon Yigal Azrouel’s line and became instantly smitten. I won’t lie, some of the looks reminded me, ever so slightly, of the infamous white suede suit that Cindy Mancini “borrowed” from her mother in the 1987 hit Can’t Buy Me Love. Luckily, for Mr. Azrouel, that white suede suit spoke to me during my formative years and I can’t get enough of it. Another blaring theme? His checkerboard concoctions. Black and white peppered his runway and made a strong impact on main street as well. Let’s take a look at some of his Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 looks.

Since the reality show The City is SO real and the girls pick our their own clothes, do their own hair and makeup and don’t read from a scrip, I was so impressed to see how this trend had also spoke to them…

Whitney Port and Olivia Palermo

While I generally put Olivia on mute when she is on-screen, I am seriously impressed by her style and beauty – be it manufactured or not. Her looks always exude an element of mystery, are never too revealing and always fit her like a glove. Somewhere, there is a style team that deserves a serious hi-five. Here are a few more of her loved looks:

Olivia at New Armani store opening on 5th Avenue

Despite her tiff with Tinsley and vacant television “personality”, Olivia is slowly working her way back into our hearts one outfit at a time.

Can’t get enough of Olivia? Follow her looks on StyleSparkler’s weekly “Oh Olivia” column. www.stylesparkler.wordpress.com

The checkerboard look also translates to jewelery. Blake Lively looked stunning at the 2009 Angel Ball, however some seemed more hung up on her splotchy chest than her ridiculous Lorraine Schwartz “knot” earrings ($38,000). These earrings completely made her look. Well, her red lips certainly did not hurt the equation either…I love the red pop. We also see this red addition above in Olivia’s street looks – her red nail polish acts as a huge accessory. So chic.

Don’t Shoot the Messenger

themagpiechronicles — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:09:43 +0000

I bought my very first messenger bag from The Gap my sophomore year of high school. I remember our meeting like it was yesterday – I saw her there, sitting in the clearance bin, beaming with potential. I had to have her. I walked away proudly that day with my $12 mustard yellow messenger bag by my side, literally. Every fall I seem to come back to her effortless style and ease. On a recent trip to Hermes, I became enamoured with the Evelyn bag. Given Evelyn’s high price tag (over $1,000) however, I began my search for the best, though slightly cheaper, messenger bags of the season.

Duluth Pack is a company I’ve just recently become acquainted with and now that I have, I’m not quite sure how I ever lived without them. This company is like L.L. Bean meets Orvis at Ralph Lauren’s Bedford house. Very gentleman farmer chic. They make truly classic pieces that won’t go unnoticed. Like the perfect pair of Ray-Ban Aviators – these bags just look cool and effortless. Check them, and my favorite picks, out at www.duluthpack.com.

Classic Leather Purse $125

Delux Shell Bag $80 - Available in multiple colors

Leather Mini-Haversack $195

Filson – Rugged quality for over 100 years. Filson is for the true outdoorsman. I found them through my father who was looking at fly fishing gear and went directly to the women accessories link. Their field bags make my mouth water and, like any true classic, only get better looking with wear. To see the bag below and browse other items visit www.filson.com.

Small Field Bag in Tan $155

Okay, so we can’t always look like we just got back from hunting pheasant, I get it. Here are my choices for more mainstream messengers that will be sure to turn heads…

Dooney & Burke Large Toggle Bag $285 www.dooney.com

Who says you can’t wear white after labor day? Dooney & Burke created a spin on the classic messenger and developed a bold look that screams preppy chic. With colorful accents and wooden toggles, this bag has a 1970′s vibe that would look pretty amazing lying across a tweed blazer and vintage Pucci scarf. Don’t over think this bag – throw it on to go to work over a trench or on the weekend with a flowing bohemian dress. The options are endless.

Botkier Aiden Crossbody Hobo $525 www.bergdorfgoodman.com

Botkier and Tory Burch never disappoint. These bags are great examples of updated classics.

Tory Burch Vintage Military Messenger $475 www.bergdorfgoodman.com

You may be back to your tote bag next week, but never forget the role that a fabulous messenger can play in your life. With their laid back style they are sure to reemerge year after year.

The INSPIRATION:

Hermes Evelyn Bag

Jaded

themagpiechronicles — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:17:28 +0000

Some people collect stamps, other coins. I prefer Chanel nail polish. I started roughly three years ago and now have a respectable collection – nearly 30 bottles. I’m a huge fan of the limited edition colors, however, I have recently become lazy in my pursuit of collecting these rare birds. Seeing the nails of the lovely models walking the Paris runway for the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 show, however, left me itching for my next fix. Enter Jade ($25).

After seasons of darkness, Jade is like our knight in shining armor coming to free us from the oppression of black nails. Don’t get me wrong, I sympathize with the hold that black polish had on our society – I wore Black Satin and Noir Ceramic religiously for months – but I’m thrilled to see a move in the bright direction.

This is the perfect nail color for fall and winter and acts as an accessory in itself. Wear with skinny black pants and fabulous black silk blouse and your perfectly manicured nails will be the main event – add an insanely chic gold cocktail ring and statement necklace to the mix to take your look beyond.

Not daring enough to don green tips? Here is the next best solution, and in my opinion, the new black – Intermezzo. This opaque opal ivory is the perfect every day color. Seemingly simple, this polish makes a very bold statement while not serving as the main attraction. Before winter is here and we all settle into our lacquers of deep wine and holiday reds, take a step outside the box and talk with your hands!

Bright Idea: Give the gift of Chanel polish! Nothing says luxury quite like Chanel and at $25 luxury can be affordable. Giving one nail polish may seem too small, but Chanel polishes come packaged in beautiful little boxes that make them seem more substantial that the average lacquer. Also, if you buy your polish at a Chanel boutique, they always have little tiny Chanel gift bags and tissue paper that will serve as the perfect wrapping for such a gift. Talk about make a big statement with a small price tag…Remember, beauty is in the details!

Other colors I’m loving for fall / winter:

Essie Mink Muffs ($8)

Essie Angora Cardi ($8)

Essie is another amazing brand (also a far cry cheaper that Chanel) and they just came out with a very pleasing top coat that I’m slightly hung up on – Matte About You ($10). Take a look at how you can transform a color, nay, an entire look, with one coat!

Essie Mink Muffs with Matte Top Coat

Essie Angora Cardi with Matte Top Coat

I can’t wait to put a coat of this magic potion on all of my favorite colors – specifically, I think Matte could really work with bright (think neon) colors to tone them down and flatten them out.

Lauren Santo Domingo, Yo.

themagpiechronicles — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 20:31:03 +0000

I have this ongoing day-dream that one day my father is going to come to me and reveal that I am actually the heiress to a sparkling water fortune, but because he really wanted me to appreciate it and “stay grounded”, he insisted I live my first 25 years as a regular civilian…until now, that is!

Ok, so we can’t all be Perrier Princesses, but luckily we have Lauren Santo Domingo to do the dirty job. As a previous resident of Gramercy Park I was shattered to learn that Lauren Santo Domingo (Contributing Editor, Vogue) and her husband Andres moved in just as I moved out. The darling couple paid a measly $18.5 million for a mere 27-foot-wide townhouse on Gramercy Park South. The five-story classic Greek revival mansion boasts 20 rooms, a fabulously landscaped garden, and a key to the Park, to say the very least.

However large Lauren and her hubby may be living, it’s what’s in her closet – oh lets get real – multiple closets, that’s got me interested. It would be a personal dream to be a fly on her dressing room wall. I can only image the insanity that is her wardrobe collection. It would be a museum-like experience. Lauren’s style is the epitome of chic. Let’s take a look down the fashion runway that is her life…

Here, still Lauren Davis. The Bride Wore Ricci.

Waiting outside of showroom in NYC with her venti Starbucks.

At 'Fete d'Hiver' dinner dance in NYC.

Just in case you haven’t quite had your fill of the editorial bombshell, here is Vogue doing my personal favorite - Seven Days, Seven Looks, One Girl: Lauren Santo Domingo.

http://www.style.com/vogue/voguedaily/2009/09/seven-days-seven-looks-one-girl-lauren-santo-domingo/

Dear Santa…

themagpiechronicles — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:36:31 +0000

Making a Christmas wish list is so, well, spoiled necessary. If strict instruction isn’t given, things are liable to go wrong…very wrong. For all you women out there who smile coyly when asked by your boyfriends and loved ones what you want and say, ‘I’ll love anything you get me because YOU picked it from the heart!’(Mom, I’m talking to you). Just stop it. You’re ruining it for the rest of us who know what we want and are not afraid to send our boyfriends PowerPoint Presentations featuring our wish lists. Everyone just sit back, pour yourself a drink and start thinking about what you really want this year. Here are my top 5 choices!

#1. A Large Goyard Tote – My first choice is a solid, non trend item. I love Goyard and this tote is an amazing investment and a piece that will withstand the test of time. A truly classic piece. It’s no secret that my style icon is Vogue editor, Meredith Melling Burke. Here is MMB donning her green Goyard tote all around her fabulous world.

I personally feel that the Goyard tote is like the Hermes H belt – a staple item. Classic luxury with a twist. You will never regret the investment!

#2. A Chic Leather Banded Watch – The best gift I ever received (other than my engagement ring!) was a Cartier Tank watch from my father for my college graduation. I literally feel naked without it. Recently, however, I’ve been itching for a leather banded watch. Something about it says ‘I’m rugged and fabulous!’. Victorinox Swiss Army Vintage Watch ($595) may just do the trick!

Or this fabulous Orvis Engraved Initial Watch ($98 +$10 for monograming) for those who want to cut back on cost but not style.

#3. A Pair of Ferragamo Flats, Parina Plisse Ballerinas, to be exact! Those who know me know that I love me a good flat! My sister bought me my first pair of Chanel flats when I was 19 at the Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City. She had just got her first job out of college and decided to spoil me rotten. To this day she is still the most generous person I know….Regardless, my sister created a monster. If there is a holiday that is conducive to gift giving, I ask for a pair of flats. I asked my mother for a pair on Columbus Day once and learned that just because alternate side parking is suspended does not mean that I get a pair of shoes…tragic, I know.

Anyway, at $440 these flats won’t break the bank and will make any casual outfit look like a million bucks! Pair these flats with an ankle jean and an oxford or leggings with a turtleneck and statement necklace for an effortlessly chic ensemble.

#4. A Personalized Metallic Notebook ($100) from Neiman Marcus- I’m all about organization and I’m quite old school with my methods. I’ve had the same club leather planner (from Quo Vadis – Trinote Planner) for years. I get anxious when I can’t consult my trusty guide every hour or so. Given my work, I think it would be really beneficial to have a personalized notebook to be able to keep daily notes, ideas and blogs (obvi!). I’ve got my eye on the greenish color with gold letters.

#5. The Mimmi Dress from Reiss ($520)! I mean, if I didn’t have one sequined item on my list, this wouldn’t be The Magpie Chronicles, it would be The Boring Chronicles. This dress is literally on another level. When you have it on your body you need a glass of champagne in your hand, extremely high heels on your pretty little feet and one set of perfectly pouty red lips! Let’s just scream Happy New Years now.

Happy shopping!! xx

All That is Gold DOES Glitter…Sorry Tolkien.

themagpiechronicles — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:37:33 +0000

With all due respect to Tolkien (and his devilish rings), I’ve yet to see something gold that didn’t send my heart into a bit of a glitter spasm. That being said, I was simply thrilled to learn that yellow gold is making such a bold come back. Recently I’ve been drooling over anything Henry Dunay – specifically his 18k Gold Faceted Ring.

However, at just over $4,000 I’d have to go homeless and hungry for a month or six to make that happen.

Another absolutely gorgeous, and equally evicting (priced over $1,000), version of the gold cocktail ring is Cartier’s new Trinity Collection. Created for Cartier’s Centennial celebration, the collection was inspired by the original Trinity ring from 1924 that has become one of the House’s most iconic designs. This ring is like a gold rainbow. They use yellow, rose and white gold. This ring is an absolute MUST for anyone who wants to own their own slice of jewelry history!

Now to get back to reality…

When it comes to fashion, and who am I kidding, just about anything, I generally submit to the tastes of Meredith Melling Burke, and if she says the gold glitters, it glitters! Here she is seen tootling around the fashion tents sporting her Stephen Webster spiked gold cocktail ring.

At roughly $300 this ring is special enough to make an investment piece and reasonable enough to not send you into a credit card coma – and, if nothing else, it should give you great pleasure to know that in owning this ring you share something in common with the fabulous MMB!

Speaking of gold and glitter – here is a quick and easy way to get your gold glitter fix while helping a great cause… Gold Glitter TOMS ($54). With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Look good and feel good doing it!