Today is my fiance’s birthday. How could you not fall for someone who has this much swagger as a toddler? I am taking my man out for a fancy night on the town and have some great gifts ready to go. As a former jaded L.A. girl I am happy to report that he has opened my heart wider than I ever knew possible. He makes me happy every single day and I know how lucky I am to be able to say that. I can’t believe that I’m going to be Mrs. K in three months!
Happy Birthday Babe!
I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah! Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!
In case you’re looking for some festive New Year’s Eve ideas, I wanted to share two fun DIY projects from the adorable blog You Are My Fave. Love the idea of ringing in 2012 with these fun ideas:
For the oversize disco ball polka dots, buy a fringe garland (you can find these at shops like Party City), card stock and grab your scissors, rubber cement and some glue.
Cut circles from the card stock, brush on rubber cement starting from the bottom and adhere a line of the silver fringe cut to the appropriate size. Layer and glue until covered. Trim any excess and then you can affix to your wall with tape.
For the super chic party hats and noisemakers, just buy some at the dollar store and cover in pretty paper and cover in your favorite embellishments (go for sparkle and shine.)
Sofia Blanc de Blancs available at most wine shops; Sprinkles Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes; Fig & Olive Gift Card; Floral Art Red Radiance arrangement; Wally’s Pick Six; Monogram Coasters from Sugar Paper.
Rehn Dudukgian is the very talented milliner behind Bijou Van Ness, the beautiful collection of fashion and wedding hats, inspired by Old Hollywood and made from pure silks, fine crystals and vintage brooches. I own a black and white polka dot version that makes me smile anytime I see it.
What is the first gift you remember receiving? On my fifth birthday my godparents gave me a beautiful oversize doll wearing the most gorgeous dress and hat. It was one of the first times I remember appreciating the beauty of fashion; I wanted to wear exactly what my new doll was wearing.
What are some favorite gifts you’ve been given over the years? As a child, I loved receiving things like my Game Boy and Paula Abdul merchandise (I was obsessed!), but in retrospect, some of the best gifts I received were in the form of trips that I took all over the world, that in turn inspired much of my creative process today.
What are favorite gifts to give others? Ever since I got into millinery, I love to give my friends and family (including babies and pets!) custom hats that I create inspired by everything I know about them. I also love throwing in something completely unexpected that I’ve heard them mention in the past, but have probably forgotten about.
Do you have a go-to store or website for gifts? Anthropologie is my default store when I need gifts for others or when I want to treat myself. They have charming things in every department, as well as an amazing selection of books, beautiful housewares and accessories.
What’s your favorite charitable cause? Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Doctors Without Borders.
I’ve been working from home for more than 10 years, and even before that, I was a grad student with a very flexible schedule. People are often shocked to learn of this. How do you get anything done? Do you wear your pajamas all day? Working from home does require a lot of discipline and you have to be willing to spend a lot of time on your own. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I think I get a lot more done and I certainly enjoy not having a commute.
One thing I do sometimes get jealous of is when someone has a fancy work Christmas party to attend. I’m not sure why I do, because many of my friends don’t always enjoy attending theirs, but I guess it’s just me wanting to feel part of a team or celebrate all of the hard work done in a year. So I am happy to report that I’ve already been to two parties. The first was my fiance’s work party at The Parlour Room in Hollywood. I spent a good part of the evening chatting with someone who had been to El Bulli for a 26-course lunch before it closed — incredible.
Then on Monday night I attended the Morrison Hair holiday dinner at Broadway by Amar Santana, a fantastic new restaurant in Laguna Beach. I am writing and consulting for the new salon which is opening next week. It was inspiring and I got to hang out with some truly talented folks. Today I am attending FIDM’s annual holiday soiree (the fashion college is one of my oldest clients.) There is lots of merriment, singing, festive attire and I get to see my FIDM friends, which is the best treat of all.
