It's Black Friday! Shop H&M for Holiday Style!

Hello fashionistas!
Today is "Black Friday" -- known to all budget-conscienscious shoppers across America as the biggest holiday shopping day of the year! It's a bit crazy, the thought of hitting the malls and big box stores with thousands of holiday shoppers looking for a bargain, but I can honestly say, I went last year and saved a bundle on Christmas gifts.  I'm not fanatical, so don't go out at midnight, or even 6 am... instead, I keep it sane and plan on hitting the stores around 8 or 9 in the morning (after a Vanilla Latte & bagel) and see what I can accomplish in one day. If I am lucky...I can finish my holiday shopping in 3 hours (dreaming big here!) and spend the rest of my holiday season enjoying evenings at home by the fire and out at fabulous parties with my family and friends, not worrying about shopping!

One word of advice... The key to "Black Friday" is having a Game Plan.Before I head out, I make sure I have all of my coupons and circulars, and visit the stores' websites to get a sense of what I want to buy for each person on my list. Otherwise, you get to the store and just feel overwhelmed & can really waste your time.  I find the best stores to hit are one-stop shopping stores like Macy's or Kohl's with their departments dedicated to housewares, bath, kitchen, men's, women's, kids and accessories. That way, if you hit your stride, you could complete your entire shopping list at one store! They other key to my game plan is trying to go to one mall or collection of stores...such as Legacy Place in Dedham, The Wrentham Outlets, or The Walpole Mall, then you only have to park your car once. Some of the stores that are really promoting their "Black Friday" specials are Target, Toys R Us, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble and H&M.

One of the stores I'm definitely going to hit on Black Friday is H&M, as they have unbeatable prices for their cutting edge fashion. I have a fashionable sister & sister-in-laws to shop for... not to mention, I have quite a few holiday parties that I need to "look cute for" myself! So, if you love to look stylish on a budget, then H&M is definitely the place for you! No matter your style, body type or age, there are great looks at H&M for everyone (even babies, kids, maternity & men).  I have found many basics like black t-shirts and cardigans, neutral A-line skirts and solid jersey dresses...whereas other times I've chosen to go more bold with a floral printed kimono-style blouse or wildly patterned tunic dress for that modern, edgy look (see image at left).

One of my favorite things about H&M is their accessories. Where else could you buy a chunky, gold "statement necklace," dangling tassel earrings or feather headband for under $8? They have great scarves, hats and sunglasses too. I always say, when you are looking jazz up your wardrobe for a holiday party or just a night out with the girls... go for some new, eye-catching accessories for just a few dollars...and they make great birthday or Christmas gifts! I have included some of my "Top Holiday Looks from H&M" below.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season! 'Tis the season to be safe, thankful, happy & enjoy this special time with your loved ones and friends. 

Peace & Joy,
Mel :)

Enjoy this fun video shot in Tokyo of Japanese model and DJ... Elli-Rose Van Cliffe. She's got a cool vibe & fashion sense..not to mention an awesome job! :)

Wedding Planner: Engagement Photo Session!

A fun wedding planning idea for all newly engaged, future brides & grooms is to hire a  photographer to do an Engagement Photo Session! You will want to take your time to find the best photographer you can for your wedding (and engagement) photos by asking friends and colleagues, visiting websites, reading reviews and looking at their work online.  Be sure to discuss the fees and options for shooting your wedding - including actual photography time (usually 5-6 hours), plus the cost for the digital images on CD, prints and wedding album. You can either do a full wedding package or pay for things "a la carte," depending on your budget and needs. If your wedding is on the larger side, I suggest hiring a team of 2 photographers, as it easier for 2 photographers to capture all the moments and portraits of a large wedding party. Be sure to shop around. Meet with a few photographers to negotiate the price and find the best photographer to suit your needs, personality and style!

The Engagement Session is a wonderful way to not only capture this exciting time in your lives as a newly engaged couple, but you get a chance to work with your wedding photographers. They will learn your personality, and give you ideas for poses, your best angles, and generally get comfortable with you before your Big Day! I suggest you take your Engagment photos in a place that is special to you as a couple...perhaps somewhere in your hometown, a favorite park or beach, the place you got engaged, or any other fun or romantic place you can dream up! I suggest bringing at least 2 "looks" you can change into...one formal or more dressy look (a dress and a tie/slacks), and the other, a more casual look (sundress or jeans)...to show off your personalities. Then, you can use these photos for your Save the Date cards & guest books (which is what we did!)... and have beautiful prints for your mantelpiece.  Enjoy these ideas from a wonderful Engagement Session shot in Hampton Beach, NH by Henry & Masci Photography.

(All photos: Henry & Masci Photography)

Meatpacking District – Manhattan, NYC

A Great Neighborhood to Meet, Greet & Eat Meat!
When visiting NYC I love to go to the Meatpacking District in Manhattan... it's got this great vibe, with remnants of cobblestone streets, refurbished warehouses, and restaurants for everyone, from high-end French cuisine to BBQ from the Dirty South. For better or for worse, many high end retail stores (Barney’s, Matthew Williamson, Hugo Boss, Ports 1961) are taking over the "MePa" area (terrible abbreviation!), and rents are growing too high for some long-time bar owners. Stay tuned as the district transforms from slightly gritty to mostly posh. Although I have to say, I love a little mix of both. Here are my favorites:

Spice Market – Jean-Georges Vongerichten is the king of East meets West cuisine. He blends classic French cooking with Asian influences so perfectly, everything he touches turns to gold. You may have seen him as a judge on this season's Top Chef...good episode! I love Spice Market for many reasons, its stunning décor, ultra cool lounge and amazing cocktails. The space is huge with lots of cavernous rooms…great for people watching! Get a reservation at 9 or 10 pm, enjoy a pineapple mojito and pan-asian delights from one of the world’s great chefs. (Fun fact: My friend Jennifer and I went here one night for mojitos and met legendary E Street Band rocker “Little Steven” Van Zandt AKA Silvio Dante from The Sopranos. He was such a trip!) Reservations required. 403 W. 13th StreetNew York, NY 10014~ (212) 675-2322

Pastis is a hip and popular French bistro, with a lively atmosphere and hearty fare. It’s a Meat Packing cornerstone, a busy place for locals, tourists, and celebrity guests alike who flock to Pastis to enjoy a glass of red wine or a Le Sazerac cocktail. Go for the traditional steak frites, sea scallops Provencal, or a hearty Croque-Monsieur. Great for people watching and feeling the vibrant energy of the City. Reservations required.
9 9th Ave, New York, NY 10014 ~ (212) 929-4844

The Hog Pit - If you are tired of the long lines, pretentious doormen and Sex and the City wannabes, head on over to The Hog Pit in the Meat Packing District. My friends and I wandered into this roadhouse and right up to the bar for some tequila shots and cheap beer. Bikers, Willie Nelson (yes, he’s a fan) and everyone in between have a great time here. The BBQ ribs, pulled pork and mini corn dogs are finger-licking good, and the low prices can’t be beat. Besides, you might catch Keanu Reeves or Johnny Knoxville playing pool, so check it out. (NOTE: Sadly, due to increased rent, The Hog Pit will be closing on Jan. 1, 2009, so go now to say goodbye.)
22 Ninth Avenue at 13th Street, New York, New York 10014 ~ (212) 604-0092

Markt – Having lived in Amsterdam, I had the opportunity to visit Belgium a few times. So, finding Markt while wandering from the Meat Packing district to Chelsea was great luck. It takes me back to the lively grand cafes of Brussels or Antwerp. I recommend sitting at the bar, ordering an icy cold Hoegaarden white beer, tomato soup, steamed mussels -- offered 6 different ways, and a side of crispy Belgian frites with mayo. Prost! (Cheers!) And, it is even open for breakfast. 676 Sixth Avenue, NY, NY ~ (212) 727-3314

Question: Has anyone been to 5 Ninth ?? I’ve heard it's a cool place that is located in an unmarked rowhouse…it's hip, serving American-Asian fusion in a rustic atmosphere. Many say it a great brunch spot. And a romantic dinner spot at night serving red snapper, chicken and short ribs in the Asian style. Many people recommend hitting the upstairs bar as it has a cool scene in the Meatpacking District, for a “Gansevoort Fizz” with Jamaican run, Drambuie, and lemon juice. In the warm weather there is a sizable garden/deck for dining. 5 Ninth Ave., New York, NY, 10014 nr. Gansevoort St. 212-929-9460