She Bible - Pray for dresses!

She-Bible - sounds like a bad B-Movie. It's really an cute assembly of dresses and reasonably-priced other unique pieces. I first spotted the label at a local boutique and a quick search online gave me a direct link. I don't know the designers personally, but I felt like I was emailing directly with them because their customer service team is really good. I bought the "classic" dress in a great rust color - and I plan on wearing this winter plus on vaca in Hawaii. Check it out - www.she-bible.com. Runs slightly small - I wear an 8 and ordered a "M-L" in the classic dress. Also check out the Pop Doyle shirt - very cool in striped but you should be slightly small on top to pull it off.

She-bible.com

More Boots

I'm in boot heaven - or is it the other much hotter place - since I seem to be spending much of my budget on these winter beauties. Now that I found the perfect pair in black, I needed brown. I headed to J. Crew to see what they had and bought a nice one for a decent price. They don't have the fit or comfort of my Tory Burch's (see previous blog entry), but I'm loving these just the same. They're called the "long" Brewster and they're snazzy enough for pants and dresses. These fit large so get one size smaller. I went a half size and they're a little big.

J. Crew Brewster Boots

Riding Boots

I'm afraid I am a bit behind the times when it comes to boots-I love the look of skinny jeans tucked into boots, or tights and tunic bottomed-off with a great pair. My friend is an upscale cowgirl and looks great in her Western-store-bought boots. But I never thought I could get away with this look - until recently. Throwing caution to the wind, I splurged on a pair of Tory Burch Jackson riding boots and I love them. I plan on wearing them all Winter and I'm now shopping for clothes to go with the boots! Very country, so city - I think I'll write a song about 'em.

Tory Burch Jackson Riding Boots

We All Scream For Ice Cream

OK, so summer is all but over, but is it so wrong to want to eat the most delicious ice cream on the planet any time of year? I didn't think so, I knew you were on my side.

Let me tell you, of all the ice cream I have had, and I consider myself a well-traveled ice cream expert, nothing compares to Graeter's Ice Cream. Once you dive into the heavenly Black Raspberry Chip or the Double Chocolate Chip, you will be a true believer.

Graeter's is located in Cincinnati, but they ship overnight and it is worth the 24 hour wait. It costs a little more than store bought ice cream, but let me tell you, it is worth every penny!

Graeter's is my "go to" mail-order gift for friends, family and business associates.

Graeter's Ice Cream

Toys From Yesteryear

With all the super-advanced electronic toys out there, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that my daughter prefers mostly the old classics. She loves to play with my "old" Barbies and all the classic 60's garb I still have for them (wow, did I just date myself?). She also loves good old fashioned Legos and Playdoh.

I have come across a wonderful company that stocks many of the old standbys. Toys such as Creepy Crawlers, Slinkys, Lincoln Logs, Rock'em Sock'em Robots, and many others. The challenge now is to stop my husband from dog-earing pages for the toys he wants. Heck, who am I to judge if he wants re-live his youth?

Back To Basic Toys

Lash Out

I have a maximum of 10 minutes a day for putting on my makeup - and one item that helps me stay within this time-frame is my mainstay Lancome Definicils Mascara. I have tried many-a-mascara over the years, from over the counter brands to trendy (and expensive) types from high-end boutiques. All of these imposters run down my face, are difficult to take off at night and the wands - don't even get me started. Any of Lancome's mascaras overcome these problems, and Definicils is definitely the one that kicks lash.

I love Lucy

Lucy Activewear rocks for everyday clothes or workout gear. Check out their website or any of their stores for great stuff. Burlingame (home of one of the first Lucy stores) has a great staff who are friendly, helpful and not in your face. I'll get this black tunic soon and try the Balance Knee Pant. I haven't taken them off in a week and I get lots of compliments on them. Also try the Splendid striped tees in bright colors. Love them and I Love Lucy!

Look, Warm Slippers!

After years of wearing my Ugg boots as slippers, this Fall I plan on buying some comfy, soft sheepskin padders from Padraig Cottage. Their website has a decent selection of different color slippers for men, women and kids - hand-crafted with all natural materials. And they seem Irish (Padraig is Gaelic for Patrick!) I'll start by getting a pair for our daughter and see how she likes them. I first read about them in the recent Domino Magazine, and because I'm a sucker for anything the writers of that pub recommend, I thought I would pass it along. The website has other gift items like a newborn hat made from the same fine wool from New Zealand. Thinking about stocking stuffers - check out the Padraig Slipper and go green for Ireland this Christmas.

Freedom of Choice

I'm not a political person (even though I majored in Poli Sci in college). So when it comes to talking about the election or for that matter, any hot-button issues facing our country, I'll let everyone else weigh in. Jeans? Bring it on! (How shallow and materialistic do I sound right now??!!!). I found some great-fitting white jeans at Tulip boutique in Burlingame, CA. Made by "Freedom of Choice" (a favorite of numerous celebs apparently), they fit great - not too low, not too tight, slightly trouser-like. Am I too old to pull these off? Apparently not - they even took me back a few years to the 7th grade with the sailor buttons in front. Plus Tulip's about-my-age-sales-lady said she has four kids and she was the reason I noticed them. God Bless our right to choose!

Come, Play, Summer!!

Come, play, summer! I thought I had found the easiest and chicest summer playclothes for a 3 year old at Baby Style with the store's signature cotton dresses, tops and pants in mix and match colors. The other day, I discovered a line that just may beat Baby Style. "Entertaining Elephants" is a store in Studio City, CA. I have never been inside, but their website has a great selection of organic cotton play clothes, toys and other goodies for kids and babies. I called and ordered a few items. Friendly service, quick shipping and voila, my girl was wearing adorable, soft, uniquely-colored dresses, leggings and t's. I am planning ordering more soon in a size or two up as items ran fairly small.

Cute Little Sundress

What are most husbands good at when it comes to making purchases? Golf balls...check, charcoal for the BBQ...check, a round of beers for his buddies...check.

So when daddy came home with this cute little sundress from Boden for our little one, I was shocked, flabbergasted and just plain in awe. Daddy did good!

Boden Sundress

Italy Anyone?

When you think of a perfect Italian honeymoon, do you think of strolling the maze of walkways in Venice, the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the bucolic Tuscan wine region, the Spanish Steps in Rome, or the amazing coastline of the Amalfi coast? Ok, I am bragging a little - my husband and I did all that and more on our honeymoon in Italy. Although the entire trip and every stop was memorable, one hotel made a lasting impression.

The Hotel San Pietro, in the beautiful small town of Positano on the Amalfi coast, was simply stunning. The hidden location, built into the rocky cliffs above the Mediterranean, and the airy, relaxing vibe make it a must-stay for anyone looking for the quintessential Italian vacation experience. You know you've arrived when you see the tiny San Pietro Chapel, which sits atop of the cliff and after which the Hotel is named.

When you enter the elevator at the top off the cliffs for the first time, you cannot imagine what will open up before your eyes as the door opens in the lobby. The light filled space with views of the ocean and the floral covered walls is all it will take to make you a believer. It's as if you have arrived at a private villa. You will half expect to see Sophia Loren sipping a Campari and soda on the terrace - and you just might, since the San Pietro is a favorite in celebrity circles.



Hotel San Pietro

Fun Shoes For The Little One

We've had these Naturino shoes in red, navy, green, pink and orange over the past few years. Our three year old loves them and so do I for easy on and off, and just downright cuteness. They are easily washable too. European fit and style paired with down to earth prices at our favorite local show store Gumshoe - naturally!

Angels in Heaven - Helen Ficalora jewelry

I first spotted Helen Ficalora's artistry on my friend Gina who has great taste - she wore a simple gold chain with delicate little charms with a plain white t-shirt. Adorable. The Linda Mancuso Award charm was a pleasant surprise as I checked out Helen's website. Part of the proceeds for this charm go to breast cancer initiatives and Linda Mancuso was a wonderful gal. There are also rings, earrings, charms with yoga people and beautiful angels. Put on your wings and take flight.

Helen Ficalora

The L-Word

Everyday I embrace the "L-word." Not because I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, but because I love to wear anything from Lululemon. This Canadian-based activewear store has everything I want and one thing I need - the "Be Still" pant. Loose fitting but not nerdy, low waisted but not belly-bearing - it is the best comfy, everyday/workout pant I've tried. Try it yourself- and be still your heart.

Tip: Consider ordering one size down

Be Still Pant

Hanalite Brown Canu Wedge by Calleen Cordero

So I'm strolling down Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, and while passing by the Margaret O'Leary store (yeah right, I spent my entire afternoon there), I see a fabulous pair of shoes and I had to have them.

I put them on hold, dropped a hint to my husband, and what do ya know, they show up on my birthday!

Calleen Cordero

Basic T-Shirts By Alternative Apparel

I hate to admit it, but once in awhile I go lowbrow and pick up a few basic tees from Cheapestees. I buy the Alternative Apparel tees and they are cheap, cheap, cheap - but the real thing and I love 'em!

Alternative Apparel

J. Crew Bubble Necklace

Saw it at a party this weekend - one stylish gal in the room with a simple black shirt and white jeans. It's a J. Crew item and I've already purchased it for my mother's birthday in the hopes I can wear it more than she will.

Bubble Necklace at J. Crew

"Little Leona" at Leona Edmiston

What can I say, I love this Australian designer for all the right reasons. My husband hates it for 1 good reason. Fabulous frocks, shoes, handbags and more delicious accessories for women and I love the new collection for little girls - "Little Leona" will make your little one even more adorable!

Leona Edmiston