Happy Holidays!

Enjoy your holidays!


(Photo found here)

Gift wrapping without the paper

Rachel over on Heart of Light has come up with the most genius way to wrap presents without all of the waste. It consists of two very cheap and reusable substances: felt and ribbon. Check it out here.

You have a freak flag. You just don't fly it

One of my favorite Christmas movies for some reason has become the Family Stone. I think Diane Keaton is amazing, as always, and I think all of the actors in the movie play characters outside of their comfort zones. I also think that it is endlessly hilarious that Owen Wilson continually hits on Sarah Jessica Parker. I don't know why.

What Christmas movie do you have to watch every year? I of course will be watching Love Actually and Elf at some point.

Last minute gifts/stocking stuffers

I can't stop finding things that I would like or that other people would like for Christmas. So here is my last minute, last chance, gift advice for all of you slackers out there!

A camera with a projector. $430

Some Christmas music. $12.99

A jump start on their New Year's Resolution. $29.00

A sash that can be tied in many ways. $15

A cocktail ring for parties. $3.80

A time for giving

Ahhh Friends! You can learn so much from such a simple sitcom. Season 5, episode 4 "The one where Phoebe hates PBS", they debate whether an act can ever really be selfless, because somehow there is always some kind of selfish reason for doing it whether for your own personal gratification or something else.

On the way to work, I was listening to NPR and they gave companies who support causes as an example. These companies are getting all kinds of attention and business all because they appear to be compassionate.

On some level, this can all be considered wrong, but if these selfish people and selfish companies weren't giving for their own reasons, there wouldn't be many people left who were doing these deeds out of the goodness of their hearts. And therefore not many people or organizations would be getting the help they need.

So in the name of Christmas, try to give selflessly, but if you are going to be selfish, you might as well do some charity work.

Ugly Christmas Sweaters

If you have a last minute Christmas Sweater Party, go to this Web site, where sweaters are sold that have been rescued from their thrift store death and can be brought back to life.

Christmas Music!!!

Here is some Christmas music to put you in the mood. This is one of my favorites, the Barenaked Ladies and Sarah McLachlan singing God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman.

Sophia Loren

Sophia Loren has been a style icon for quite a long time. After seeing her interview on Sunday Morning and with her new movie Nine coming out, based on the Felini movie 8 1/2, I was inspired to put together these photos and some looks on Polyvore that I think encompass her style. Over time, as her style has evovled, she has always looked polished. She looks just as good in old photos as she does in newer photos; and she has achieved a timeless look. To achieve that kind of look, I think it takes knowing your own style, sticking with the classics, and not falling into the trap of trends that aren't right for you.

Sophia Loren Inspiration by The Cosmopolitan Clevelander featuring Lipsy

Items in this set:
D&G Dolce & Gabbana Ruched silk-satin mini dress, $745
Peplum Sun Dress, 50 GBP
ASOS Cutwork Trim Dress, $20

Happy Friday!

I hope you accomplish all of your goals for the weekend and find some room for fun too!


(Photo by Lasse Bak Mejlvang for Saga magazine)

My wish list

Dear Santa,

A gift card or something from Anthropologie, where the most beautifully made clothes live. 
A necklace from David Yurman, my favorite jeweler. 

A trip to New York City for New Years, one of my favorite cities. 

A camera that is a little less outdated than mine.