2009: A look back at the year in fashion

Fashionally speaking (yes, I just made up a word)  2009 was filled with many fun surprises.  Embellishments were huge as were bold, architectural, statement pieces.  The 90′s made an appearance (cursing the fact that I ditched all of my Doc Martens a few years back) but the 80′s still held strong with leggings galore, pleated pants and lots of structured shoulders – minus the “Working Girl” vibe.  

Trends that will carry over into 2010 –   exposed zippers, sequins, studs, lace, leather and faux fur.  

Trends that should say goodbye with 09′  – paisley, fringe (in large doses anyway) anything Ed Hardy related (gross!) and Lady Gaga.  Okay so she’s not so much a trend as a pet peeve.  I”m sorry but put some damn pants on already!  

Below are some of my favorite looks from 09′.  

Photo courtesy of Fabsugar.com

Photo courtesy of Fabsugar.com

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Beet’ini cocktail

beetini

A recent search of the dark reaches of our fridge inspired a new cocktail for us the other day.  Gretchen’s favorite martini has always been a Ketle One, extra dirty martini, but I couldn’t find a jar of olives in the fridge with enough leftover juice to make a cocktail.

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Bleu Cheese and Grape Crostini

crustini

James treated us to some of his delicious bread this Thanksgiving and with the leftovers (which are rare!)  I decided to make crostini.

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Bristols 6

Got a problem that needs fixin’?  Well Bristols 6 has got you covered – literally!

Let’s be honest, some LBD’s, depending on their slink factor, don’t leave room for much else and require a more au natural look.  However, you don’t want the entire world to know you’re going braless either.  Enter Nippies!  The discreet patches that will camouflage your assests on those cold dance floors and will still have heads turning  — for all the right reasons.

Nippies X Patch of Freedom

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Collab Allert: Rodarte for Target

Rodarte1

Just in time for the holidays the dynamic sibling duo behind the brand has decided to team up with Target for an affordable, chic line that is anything but basic.

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Hawaiian-Style Lettuce Wraps

hawaaianwraps  031

Lettuce wraps are a great way to trick people into eating family style: cook up a pan of filler, set out a head of lettuce and some toppings and let your guests do the work!
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Equestrian Chic

 

Rihanna

 I’ve never been on a horse in my life but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the look of the seasoned rider.  You can too, just use these pics as inspiration to create your very own equestrian chic ensemble.

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Cajun Tuna Bites with Horseradish Cream Sauce

tunabites

Met up with family the other night in Baltimore and one of the appetizers we got were these yummy blackened tuna bites.  I was instantly smitten and had to try my own version at home.

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American Fashion Cookbook

American Fashion Cookbook

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Shaved Fennel and Beet Salad with Orange Segments

beetsalad

This salad has everything!  So crisp and refreshing yet still hearty and satisfying thanks to the beets.

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2009 Xmas Fashion Gift Guide

Tis’ the season to go shopping!!  One of my favorite pass times whether it be for myself or those closest to me.

As much as I love to shop though, you won’t find me anywhere near a mall come December.  I prefer to skip the lines, the fighting over parking spaces and the freezing weather, grab my laptop and my cozy slippers, kick back on the couch and get down to business!  Trust me, it makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable when there is no strange woman elbowing you passive agressively to get to the front of the line…

So for all the fashionistas on your list, I give you my holiday fashion gift guide for 2009 courtesy of Singer22.com!

KAiN Label Pocket Tank in 8 Colors

I’m a Kain label addict and your lucky recipient will surely become one too once she feels how silky soft these tops are (probably helps that they’re made with 10% silk!)  The newest addition to the line has some beautifully rich colors such as this one that would look great paired with a cropped blazer and jeans. 

 

KAiN Label Pocket Tank in 8 Colors – $78

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Xmas Kitchen Gift Ideas 2009

So it’s December 1st and you know what that means?  Some of you jokers still haven’t started shopping for the holidays.  Why bother battling the unwashed ruffians at the mall when you can point and click your way to the finish line at home?

Since you’ve probably got someone on your list that enjoys cooking, we’ve picked out some interesting and useful kitchen gift ideas.  I guarantee that there’s something in here for everyone, even for the person that already has everything.

Here are nine cool gift ideas under fifteen bucks and five under forty to fit any budget.  Just for good measure, there’s a bonus idea at the end – if money is no object.

 

 

Gifts under Fifteen bucks:

 

Mario Batali 5.25-in. Mario Batali Food Flipper ToyWhat kitchen would be complete without a wind-up miniature Mario Batali doll?  This little guy’s even got Mario’s signature orange clogs.

$12.95 at Cooking.com

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