Pam's Pick: Alexandre Birman Python & Suede Pump, Fall 2013

Labor Day has come and gone, the crisp air has swept in, schools start on Monday (at least in NY), and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York kicks off tomorrow. This can only mean one thing: Fall fashion is officially here, and with it comes layers, cozy sweaters, hints of suede, fur vests, felt hats, pantyhose and everything else I love about this glorious season. Oh, did I mention new shoes? Not that this is an excuse to skip your pedicure – Always Be Your Best You! – but, closed-toe, pointy shoes are hotter than ever. This trend has been brewing for about five seasons and this autumn, it’s exploding in every texture and heel height.

I’ve chosen this option from Alexandre Birman as my must-buy shoe for the season because it’s a classic you'll turn to for years to come, and yet it embodies all the key flavors of the season – lady-like heel height, pointy toe, contrast toe, animal print/skin and mixed materials. Also, Mr. Birman makes the most comfortable shoes imaginable. I can play tennis in them! 

Pam's Pick 9.5.13 - Alexandre Birman Python & Suede Pump

Pam's Pick: Michael Aram Enchanted Forest Candle Sticks

A journalism professor once told me, that you should always have one amazing line in your article that you absolutely refuse to edit. Well, I believe that tip applies to decorating your home. There should always be one piece that you absolutely have to have in your living space, regardless of the ebbs and flows of style or the physical location and size of your home. For me, that one piece is my Michael Aram Enchanted Forest candle sticks. I find myself moving them to new locations in my living/dining room depending on the season. Each migration gives them, and our home, new life. For the fall season, I've places them on a mirrored tray on top of my class coffee table.

What's your must-have décor item? Is it a new creation or a antique piece from your mother or grandmother? Leave me a comment below and let's talk home décor.

P2 Beauty: Lolita Lempicka’s Elle L’aime Fragrance

All great women have signature scents, like Nancy Regan with James Galann’s Galanos and Audrey Hepburn with Givenchy's L'Interdit. I, too, have a commitment to Terry Mugler’s Angel. I began wearing it in my teens, though I know it’s more suitable for the mature, sophisticated set; then again, I’ve always had an old soul. As I actually got older, I’ve found myself wavering a bit, especially during the summers when the nose craves something softer. Well, now, I’ve found my signature summer scent in Lolita Lempicka’s Elle L’aime fragrance.

I’ll get to what the official top/bottom notes are, in a second. To me, it smells: captivating, luxurious and playful/soft sexy. (Soft sexy is Sophia Loren vs. Marilyn Monroe, or Eva Longoria vs. Kim Kardashian – no offense to the iconic Marilyn or fabulous Kim, but they put sexy in your face). Back to the perfume …

I would NEVER leave the house, or even my bedroom!, without a little spray, and of course mascara and lip gloss. If you want to be treated like a lady (think Nancy Regan, Audrey Hepburn, again) you need to take care of yourself like a lady.
For those with a nose for scent, here’s the 411: top notes of Bergamot, Neroli and Lime with a sparkling of Coco Essence, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang, leading to a warm base of Vanilla, Myrrh and Sandalwood.

Begging this month and thru, at least, the holiday season, Neiman Marcus will have the exclusive on Lolita Lempicka’s Elle L’aime. (888.888.4757)

P2 Beauty: Lolita Lempicka’s Elle L’Aime

P2 Fashion: 3 Wardrobe Staples to Help Transition from Summer to Fall

In New York, the first whiff of fall is upon us, with temperatures set to dip below 60degrees, in the evening. If you’re not quite ready to get rid of your summer dresses and tanks with shorts, here are the essential fashion staples you should have on hand for late August.

1)      A leather jacket: If you don’t already own one, skip to your favorite shop and get one in a basic black, chocolate, olive, cream or grey. Better yet, if you find a good deal and a silhouette that speaks to your taste and works with your body, get two! This is an investment-worthy item. Sure, leather is the current fabric of choice, but a good leather jacket is really a perennial classic that should last you a lifetime. Avoid cheap pleather and go real; sorry PITA, not that you like me anyway. Check out Saks Fifth Avenue or spend some time at your favorite off-price retailer like Century 21, TJMaxx or Marshalls. I scored my leather jacket at Filene's Basement, may that store Rest In Peace . . . tears . . . walling . . .

2)      Hosiery: How do I love thee, let me count the ways. I’m old school and could LIVE in some form of hosiery, every single day of the year. If I had it my way, all formal events and corporate offices would ban women from having bare legs. (Ladies, I hear you screaming at me through the monitor. A bare leg, in many settings, is like a home without curtains – it’s unfinished.) For pre-fall, look for sheer plaid/herringbone, flesh-color florals, and soft reds and blues. For legwear, I'm a fan of AlexBlake.com. They carry tons of European, hard-to-find brands.

P2 Fashion - late summer hosiery







3)      Long sleeve cotton shirt: You can layer them under your dress, just be mindful that the shirt doesn’t ride up and create layers under your dress (see last week’s Pam’s Pick) and that the collar of the shirt works well with the collar of the dress. Ideally, you only want the sleeves to be visible. Otherwise collar neckline shirts with collar neckline dress, and vnecks with vnecks.  I get all of mine from H&M because I sweat so no shirt will ever last longer than 1-2years, so why bother spending more than $12.99? The exception are my Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts ($128), which I hand wash. And, in full transparency, even those will not last longer than 3years for me ;(.  

Pam's Pick: Rose Gold Double Snake Necklace ChiPeek.com

Accessories are the easiest way to take an outfit from special to spectacular, not to mention a fab option for busy moms – yes, I’m talking to you – who want to quickly jazz up a flowy white tank and linen shorts (my summer staples). Remember, NO EXCUSES! If you have the right assortment of accessories and plenty of basics, in your closet, you can get dressed in seconds – even when the baby is cooing, the nanny is running late and your husband is still in the shower. 

Rose gold being the metal du jour and snakes being the animal du jour of the year, I can’t get enough of this Double Snake Necklace. It’s from my favorite new jewelry website ChicPeek.com. Check it out.

Pam's Pick, ChicPeek.com Wildfox Double Snake Necklace, August 14, 2013

Pam's Pick: Elizabeth Daniel NY Shirts

This is absolutely, hands down, the best collared shirt I’ve ever owned! At $110-$138, Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts are worth every single penny. Comfortable for travel, ideal for layering under a dress to transition from summer to fall, amazing stretch when you’re pregnant, an easy go-to for running errands with the kids, yet dressy enough for work.  Forget about bunched fabric that rolls as you walk or is so thick it creates unnecessary lines. Products like this give busy moms like me absolutely no excuses for always being our best selves. Put on this shirt with a little rouge, and you’re good to go.

Pam's Pick: Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts, August 7, 2013



Pam's Pick: Elizabeth Daniel NY shirts, August 7, 2013

Originally, only available in black and white, I’m THRILLED Elizabeth Daniel NY added color to their collection. 

Pam's Pick: Thymes Kimono Rose Candle

Yes, I'm not sticking with my noon posting commitment, but if you ONLY knew the type of week I'm having ... Perhaps, someday, I'll be brave enough to share the story. For now, let me just share today's Pam's Pick, which is a perfect way to end an emotional, only-a-mother-could-understand day.

Candles are one of my favorite ways to calm down, because scents can transport your mind to that happy place - we all have that happy place, where no one can touch us. They are also an easy way to make your home feel like a luxury hotel or spa … something every mother needs. Thymes’ Kimono Rose is my current go-to scent. Prior to that, it was their Mandarin Coriander candle. This company just knows how to do fragrance right! Plus, there candles come in beautiful glass containers adding to that hotel feel.

Enjoy and relax!

PS Did I mention candles are also ideal for baby making? Proceed with caution … and/or protection!

Pam's Pick: Thymes Kimono Rose Candle, July 31, 2013