I was so struck by this lamp base, I thought I’d post it up for you. SO very old world and French, no? Available at Kim Fiscus Antiques. I think I’d love it even more with a white or moss green shade…

The title of this article makes me laugh a little. Sure, a trend by definition is completely overdone, but SO over? That’s a little harder to pinpoint. For one thing, Designer trends can take years to trickle down to us, “the masses,” at reasonable prices.

So, SO Over for designers is not SO Over for mainstream America. Secondly, I firmly believe that style is NOT about trends. It’s about personality and individuality (read my philosophy here.) You like what you like - that can be influenced by trends, but you’re certainly not dictated by them. Nonetheless, I read a great little article on a site that I am really digging on lately, More Ways to Waste Time.

Trends that are currently SO Over include:

• Antlers
• David Hicks-influenced design
• Suzanis
• Cowhide rugs
• Flatscreens over fireplace (seems odd that this is a trend…isn’t it a practical hanging place?)
• Ironic takes on “hunting lodge chic”
• Over-the-top Baroque modern and Hollywood Regency style
• Green products - like bamboo sheets (shouldn’t this be a staple of modern design?)

Anyway, check out the whole article on More Ways to Waste Time (great photos!), and the original NY Times article.

**Photo by Raeanne Giovanni-Inoue for The New York Times**

Amazing. Incredible. I am deeply saddened by the fact that I was unaware of this site when I purchased a new duvet cover a few months ago.

Having trouble finding something that blends with your vision of a perfect bedroom? I ran into the exact same problem, and I ended up finding a duvet cover that makes me happy, but I’m not totally in love with it.

If I had known about this site, I would have gotten something that I love; I came across inmod the other day and was blown away. This cool site let’s you completely customize your duvet cover.

Steps:

1. Select Fabric
2. Choose Hand-Embroidered Pattern
3. Choose the base color of the duvet
4. Choose embroidery colors for EACH of the design elements (amazing, right?)
5. Select Size

You can view your progress every step of the way. Prices start at $200, so it definitely ain’t cheap, but it sure is PRETTY.

**photo courtesy of more ways to waste time **

Laptop skins are a great way to express your sense of style, either at the office or at home. Essentially a large sticker, these skins spice up traditional (read: boring) laptops and bring them to life. My Mac, which is used for all of my writing, has an awesome zebra print on the front (I’m totally pro animal print in small doses…accents shouldn’t be overwhelming). Prices start at $19.99. That’s a lot of style with a small price tag! I’ve found three sites with a pretty decent selection.

http://www.schtickers.com/
http://www.decalgirl.com/
http://www.skinit.com/

Change your mind about what you want? No problem, most sites promise goo-free removal of the skins, and reposition-ability.

Interested in skins for all your other tech products? These sites have you covered with options for your cell phones and MP3 players, too!

Word on the street is that Justin Timberlake may be the face of the next Parfums Givenchy men’s fragrance. Representatives from both camps were unavailable for comment. Check out a full article here.

photo courtesy of www.justjared.com

Forget about black - tin is in. Whether you’re looking for a new neutral or a shade that really makes a statement, next time you head in for a manicure try silver polish on for size. I like the gunmetal/pewter shades myself - a hint of sparkle and shine, and not nearly as severe as black or plum. Some silvers to try:

• OPI, Stars in my Eyes, SALE! $6 from http://www.goddess-within.com/
• Essie, Steel-ing the Scene, $8 - my favorite!
• Essie, Opera, $8 
• Orly, Diamond Love, $7 - best neutral pick!

Check out my new article up on Stylehive - it’s all about staying stylishly warm this winter…

Oh yeah, and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The final segment on advice for minimizing a large chest at work. This segment’s all about dresses, which are unbelievably hot this season - especially paired with tights, boots, etc.

Anthropologie Clockwork dress, $168, available here; Anthropologie Valentine Dress, $118, available here; Trovata ‘Wilma’ Wrap Dress, $270, available at Nordstrom; Diane von Furstenberg ‘Julian’ Wrap Dress, $325, available at Nordstrom; Calvin Klein Short Sleeve Sweater Dress with Belt, SALE! $96, available at Macy’s - All photos courtesy of their respective websites.

The tips are similar to what we’ve already talked about for tops and jackets. Really, your best bet will be an open neckline, which will absolutely prevent you from looking top heavy.

Two great styles to try are [Read more →]

Joining the ranks of ANTM (America’s Next Top Model), Model Life with Petra Nemcova, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, and America’s Most Smartest Model, is a new reality series on modeling - Make me a Supermodel.

Bravo has had wild success with reality shows in recent years (think Top Chef and Project Runway). Make me a Supermodel is the next logical step; they’re simpy trying to ride the coat tails of success of other networks. I’m definitely skeptical; the twist on this show is that fans get to vote on who will stay, and who will get the boot…like American Idol for models. Can mainstream America put their finger on what makes a high fashion model? I’m not so sure.

24 models are quickly whittled down to 14 finalists, men and women. Over the course of 12 weeks the 14 models participate in challenges designed to test their modeling potential. Sound familiar, ANTM fans? It’ll be interesting to see how this stacks up to ANTM, which yes is feeling a little dry and old, but it still my standard by which all other modeling shows are judged.

Following the recipe of success set forth by ANTM, Make me a Supermodel has model hosts: Tyson Beckford and Niki Taylor. The show airs on Thursday, January 10th at 10pm.

Take a look at the Bravo website, and let me know which of the models you think has the most potential. I’m not sure what I think yet…but I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

While I do think that white elephant gifts are fun (who doesn’t like stealing the gift that you really, really want?) every year I find myself sighing at the thought of trying to put something creative together. So, I’ve done a little brainstorming so that you don’t have to do any work at all! Here are 10 gifts under $20 that are absolutely worth giving.

Laura Mercier chocolate truffle/French vanilla soap set, $18 at saks.com; candy cane shot glasses, $8 at fredflare.com; Juicy Couture ‘lollipop’ boyshorts, $18 each at nordstrom.com; Trudeau Graviti Black Pepper Mill, $19.95 at laprimashops.com; Blue and Red LED faucet light attachment, $19.99 at thinkgeek.com; Monopoly Here and Now Limited Edition, $17.19 at amazon.com; curved triple frame, $19.95 at crateandbarrel.com; Marimekko Kivet Umbrella, $19.95 at crateandbarrel.com; bird jewelry holder, $14 at potterybarn.com; Burt’s Bees Travel Shower Kit, $13 at burtsbees.com.