Oh So Chic Holiday Gift Guide from Decorative Things

Just a few months ago we were introduced to Decorative Things - a cute little online shop that "turns ordinary things into decorative things." Founded 21 years ago they started ordinary phone books decorative with fabric slipcovers and now they have tons of unique items for everyone on your holiday list. Here are a few things we just can't live without - whether you’re shopping for someone else or yourself - treat yourself to Decorative Things.

Keep Calm and Carry On Poster

There has been quite some buzz surrounding the simple and chic poster which looks great framed in an office or your own home. Even celebs like Tori Spelling & Dean McDermott can't be without it. It comes in five different colors and is only $25 - a perfect unique gift.

Cutting Boards with Personality

If you missed their debut on NBC's "Ask Melissa" - you’re missing out on one the "Hottest Gifts for the Holidays." The ultimate odor and stain resistant hygienic work surface for cutting preparing and serving food. This cutting board ($30) is different though - instead of shoving it away in a drawer you are going to want to show it off on your counter. We LOVE the toughened non-skid glass made of new technology with non-slip rubber feet and it comes with a lifetime guarantee against breakage!

Stylish Resin Watch to Channel Your Coco

Coco Chanel was one of the first to show off vintage Bakelite jewelry – and this is just like a vintage Bakelite bracelet except it is a chic watch ($65). It is perfect for every woman on the go – like Coco once said “Luxury must be comfortable. Otherwise, it is not luxury.” Just like Chanel these resin watches are chic and modern – a perfect match.

Good Luck Horn Necklace from Kenneth Jay Lane

The horn necklace ($60) is just one of the chic designer accessory’s we adore. It is a must in every fashionistas wardrobe and is a signature fashion statement. Join the Kenneth Jay Lane Jewelry club which includes all of our loved fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Madonna and Britney Spears. Sarah Jessica Parker, and her besties also wear them often on “Sex in the City” and out on the town.

Eyeglass Trays in Decorative Patterns

This is a perfect gift for anyone who treasures their glasses. While you may have seen them on House Beautiful “THE BEST” list as well as Oprah’s O List you need to make sure they are on your list this holiday season. For only $20, the beautiful laminated trays are a perfect touch to any desk or night stand and make eyeglasses easy to spot.

But, just remember, whatever you decide to put on your list, for yourself, or someone else, make sure you click on over to Decorative Things – there is plenty more waiting for you.

Perfect Picks for HOLIDAY GIVING! PLUS a few GIVEAWAYS for YOU!

For those who love their jewels and accessories we have handpicked (and tested) many tiny treasures but we have only a few that made the cut.

Just dying to know what topped our list? Skinny, Pink Sanguaro, Big Girl Workshop & Stiruppz.
SKINNY: Chic, Simple & Modern (oh, and VERY budget friendly!)
From the pages of Lucky and Instyle to Rihanna - Skinny pieces are floating around everywhere. From simple to statement we just can't get enough of Skinny. Skinny will surely make heads turn. With a funky array of rings, bangles, earrings and necklaces, Skinny has a piece fit for every fashion sense. The collection's versatility and playful sense of chic makes it a must for day or night. Skinny is made with the same attention to detail and premium materials found in high quality jewels, however, the price points speak to all budgets. Swarovski crystals, rainbows of colorful glass beads and enamel are glittered throughout the collection. Jessica Elliot continues to deliver innovative styles coupled with luxe materials, making Skinny the finishing touch for a look that is both fun and polished.
*GIVEAWAY* Just in time for the holiday season we want to give you a little gift! Skinny wants you to have the Large Domed Ring (below) to wear for your holiday party! Just leave us a comment below telling us why you LOVE Skinny! In the meantime we will tell you our faves.

Nickel Square Solitaire Ring: White Opal $22

Simple, classic, and is perfect for anyone on your list.

"Candied" Enamaled bangles $30

Snatch them up in all colors so you can mix and match making a fun & colorful statement. They look ever so chic stacked and we def recommended stocking up!

PINK SANGUARO: Modern Twist to Vintage Jewelry and totally unique finds

We LOVE handmade & can't get enough of Etsy so we wanted to feature a designer who made oh so pretty things. We just can't stop wearing Pink Sanguaro's Big Love rings ($10.50) in winter colors.

They are a perfect gift and they come wrapped ever so sweet ready to give. Another great pick is the bangles. We adore the Ocean Bangle for only $12! It is a perfect little shop to find whatever you are looking for at super great prices.

BIG GIRL WORKSHOP: Delicate, Feminine, Whimsical, yet says something....

The ever most perfect silver sterling designs come from this creative little shop. Currently we are obsessed with the "Believe" Bracelet ($32) – an exclusive Big Girl Workshop design. Both sleek and sophisticated it reminds you everyday to "Believe in Your Dreams." The gleaming script is cut and polished to perfection, and centered on a delicate chain.

Another adoring piece is the darling Peace Sign Cluster Necklace ($32) with green accents. We love the moss green fresh water pearl, green teardrop quartz and sterling silver charms clustered together on a 16" chain. Another perfect gift for the jewelry lover on your list.

STIRUPPZ: Keep Your Style Secure! Perfect for your favorite fashionista!

Stiruppz help you achieve a chic look at a perfect price that doesn't take a lot of time. NO Time, Chic, Perfect Price – three MAJOR things we love in a product! Stiruppz are a great stocking stuffer and perfect for any fashionista. We suggest picking up a pair for yourself too! Made of elastic webbing, nylon and alligator clips – we had no damage to our clothing and were comfortable enough to wear all day long! We couldn't believe the difference with Stiruppz. We had no bulging jeans at the top of our boots. They are a serious MUST and perfect gift for only $25!

Personal Tip: Roll your jeans up much higher than your ankle to achieve the right tension. Doing this will help keep your jeans really smooth in your boots! You won't be disappointed and will achieve the perfect trendy look this season.
*GIVEAWAY* Since we have decided this is a BIG must have item for every fashionista we want YOU to have your own pair. Post a comment below telling us why you just can't live without Stiruppz!

*All comments must be received by Friday, December 4th, at 11:59 EST. The winner will be chosen randomly and emailed the following day. Open to U.S. residents only. Skinny ring is size 6 and has a retail value of $70. Stiruppz are one size fits all and has a retail value of $25.*

Obsession is VERY Addicting -- Our Obsession -- MOGO!

Addicted and Obsessed doesn't even

cover how fixated we feel about MOGO.

Just a few days ago we received the uber cute magnetic charm bracelets from MOGO & well, we haven't taken them off since we put them on; it is currently our deepest most prized possession. MOGO is anything but your grandmother's charm bracelet - it's truly a modern and original concept.

MOGO is a modern, artistic, & playful line of accessories that combines interchangeable charms, linkable Charmbands,and reusable packaging for a completely new take on the charm bracelet concept. We LOVE how you can link multiple Charmbands together to make necklaces, headbands, anklebands, wristbands, belts and even special occasion jewelry for your fabulous, furry friends. The possibilities are endless (so let your creative side run wild) with MOGO’s fully adjustable, high quality (and strong!) silver hook that latches onto any of the charmbands rivets. MOGO Charmbands come in five fashion forward colors - perfect for the accessory obsessed fashionista.

It doesn’t stop there! As for the charms - the fresh, fun, magnetic charms connect securely to the charmband rivets with a powerful "click", providing one-of-a-kind personal style. MOGO Charms come in funky & hip designs such as 'Groovy Love', 'Heart to Heart', 'Peace Time', 'Pet Pals', and 'Free Bird'. You can get packaged sets of 3 in a reusable tin that accommodates a Charmband at the bottom making it perfect for gift giving! We recommend stocking up because you will quickly fall in love with this line - we have no doubts!

The Charmband can also be personalized with fun, vibrant letter charms (sold individually) for endless opportunities in spelling words like LOL, BFF, - which is just OMG so perfect for ‘tweens’.

The tweens we know are so hard to shop for, but the fashionable, high quality and affordable (yes, very budget-friendly) MOGO Charmband and Charm set with tin make the perfect oh so chic holiday gift for under $30. We promise you'll want to snag one for yourself too!

The "must have" accessory for tween and chic moms is debuting in December (just in time for the Holiday season!) exclusively at Fred Segal, select Neiman Marcus stores and additional retailers nationwide after the first of the year.

Sidenote: One of our six year old product testers loved her MOGO Charmband and Charms so much she slept in it (and the charms didn’t budge)- definitely the perfect gift for any fashionista in your life.

The website, www.getMOGO.com will be launching soon so keep checking back often!

*Disclaimer: MOGO is Cupcake Mag tested and fashionista approved. We do not get paid to review products. Just like all the products we feature, this is just our opinion (and review) on the brilliant MOGO products mentioned above.

Chic Babes: Sweet Little Sprinklings

Over the past few weeks we have tried & tested many different hair accessories in our little one’s locks. After being sick of losing barrettes and hair pulling clips we ventured out to find the perfect match.

Bugalug is the perfect STAY-PUT accessories for the Urban Girl. Unlike other STAY-PUT hair accessories these stay in without giving your sweet cheeks a headache especially the fully adjustable headbands ($8) which us chic-momma’s can wear too! We adore the no slip bows ($5) to add extra sweetness and the grosgrain ribbon barrettes ($4) in just too fun patterns and prints! The newly launched 3 pack of Pony Loops ($10) are perfect for pony tails (and a cinch to use too!). Don’t forget to check out the Soother Clips ($10) for the tiny tots in your life. The multifunctional clip is perfectly chic to hold the lovey; whether it is a pacifier, toy or Sippy cup.

All of Bugalugs high quality hair accessories are innovative, unique and one-of-a-kind for every style that suits your little, or big girl in an array of fun colors, prints and patterns. It’s easy to express yourself with Bugalug!

As for Creative Clips by Colleen – well, you may have seen them around town or in your weeklies on celeb tots like Tori Spelling’s little one, Stella and Denise Richard’s girls. They are truly for your little oh so chic fashionista.

Colleen Connon, mother of 2, set out after an unsuccessful search for fun hair accessories for her daughter’s fine hair and well, became VERY successful as Creative Clips have became wildly popular. We currently are obsessed with the Blue & Green Peacock headband ($12) that even we can wear, not just our girls! We just can’t get enough of the girly sequin glitz and glam bows in a wide variety of colors and styles. And of course, we adore the Cupcake clips! All the clips feature Velcro to prevent the clip from slipping in fine hair. In fact, there is nothing we don’t like – we are craving all the oh so chic bows and just can’t get enough of these FAB hair accessories.

ELLA MOSS & SPLENDID TRUNK SHOW

To all my CHIC fashionistas you MUST pencil this event in ASAP!

This week Urban Chic Harbor East store will be hosting an Ella Moss and Splendid Trunk Show for almost all day - 11am to 8pm. All shoppers will receive 10% off all Ella Moss and Splendid Trunk Show items along with a FREE gift with your purchase.

Urban Chic: Best Trendy Clothes Washingtonian 2009

JUST IN: One of our favorite boutiques in Georgetown's Book Hill, URBAN CHIC,has won our votes for "Best Trendy Clothes" Washingtonian 2009.

Next Wednesday July 8th from 5-8 PM Urban Chic will be celebrating with a party! We have attached the invite below in hopes you all can make it!



It's not just a party though -- all guest can shop new looks for 10% off and will receive an exclusive Urban Chic promotional code for $10 of their official "Best Of" Washington Washingtonian Party ticket taking place July 15th at the National Building Museum. As always, Urban Chic will be serving treats and bubbly so PLEASE make sure you don't miss it!

Check out http://theurbanchicblog.wordpress.com/events/ for more info!

Behind the scenes: Channeling Audrey Photoshoot

A CLASSIC LOOK THAT WILL NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE

Location: English Garden

As soon as the planning began we couldn’t think of a better place to pull from but URBAN CHIC. We haven’t been there since the KiKi Beach trunk show and we needed every reason to stop back by.

Audrey Hepburn is a classic icon and her style shall always remain in future fashionistas.

FAB FIVE FINDS: Audrey Style

1.) DVF Wrap Dress $325
2.) Chloe + Reese SILK FAILE PARTY DRESS IN ORCHID $482
3.) Necklace $75
4.) Autumn Cashmere Striped Baby Cardigan $242
5.) Navy Theory Skinny Pants







Stay Tuned: NEXT FRIDAY WE WILL BE VISITING URBAN CHIC FOR THE ALICE + OLIVIA TRUNK SHOW. WE WILL BE SURE TO COVER THIS EVENT TO THE FULLEST.




In the meantime visit Urban Chic’s must read new blog:

Not only do they give you insight on what’s in store but they bring you up to date with events and our favorite – Spotted..CHIC girl – it is a must to click on!
http://theurbanchicblog.wordpress.com/

The KiKi Beach Trunk Show

URBAN CHIC GIVES A WARM FASHIONISTA WELCOME TO KIKI BEACH




Images : Courtesy of Urban Chic

Time and Place: Thursday November 13th 5-9pm
Urban Chic, Bethesda Location

One of the trendiest boutiques in town, Urban Chic, held a trunk show for store manager Catherine Koch to welcome Kiki Beach to the neighborhood. A local to the Baltimore area, Catherine is now living in the swank Georgetown and has a serious addiction to clothes and statement necklaces. Always interested in fashion she worked in boutiques during the summers in college. After graduating in 2004 her desire for jewelry making began. Catherine was hooked once her Aunt Wendy showed her how to make necklaces. She began making necklaces for her friends, which also including for weddings. When she made the move to Washington DC she applied for a part time sales job at Urban Chic in Georgetown in June of 2007 and has been with the company ever since, and is now a Store Manager. It wasn't until Urban Chic owner, Lindsay Buscher approached her about starting a line exclusive to Urban Chic which came about only a few weeks ago. Who couldn't pass up the unbelievable opportunity to do something they love?








A One on One with Catherine Koch:

Lyra Mag: What was the concept/inspiration behind KiKi Beach?
CK: The line is inspired by my grandmother, she loved her name and fashion. She was a huge inspiration to me; she always wore bold accessories with neutral colors. I love the look of pairing a statement piece with easy clothes for day, or to jazz up a LBD for evening. I use versatile colors, so women can wear their KB pieces everyday – to work or running around town - not just on special occasions.

Lyra Mag: Since I wasn't able to make it to the trunk show this evening at Urban Chic, can you describe the line to me?

CK: I use semi-precious stones like turquoise, rose quartz, jade, onyx, and jasper. I have unique clasps on the pieces and use Swarovski crystals for a little sparkle. I have bracelets; single, double, and triple strand necklaces. Also, I do special orders for earrings to match with the pieces. The stones are all sizes with smooth or faceted surfaces. The colors range from pale yellow and black, to bright green and pink.

Lyra Mag: What was the biggest and/or scariest risk you made when starting out?


CK: Probably the scariest risk I made when starting the line, is the chance that this fantastic opportunity that Lindsay and Chris gave me will not succeed and grow. They gave me the complete freedom and support to run with my dream for designing a jewelry line and thought of failure is terrifying. But so far, women have been responding to the pieces and I have been getting great feedback so far! It's very exciting! I'm so happy that customers understand my vision and are finding the perfect accessory for their style!

Lyra Mag: Who do you want to see wearing your jewelry?

CK: I really love seeing my friends and family wearing pieces – I know that I'm doing something right! I want all women to try out a piece and find one they love – add on a simple single strand – try layering a few
or go for a big double strand. Seeing pieces on customers is a dream come true for me.
Lyra Mag: Will we ever find Kiki Beach elsewhere or do you think it will continue to be exclusive to Urban Chic?

CK: In the future, if the demand is high, I'm sure you will see Kiki Beach carried in other stores. But for right now, you can find the line in all three Urban Chic locations: Bethesda, Georgetown, and Baltimore!

Lyra Mag: Do you find it difficult to balance starting your own line while managing Urban Chic?

CK: It has not been difficult balancing managing the Bethesda store and starting the line – I have enough down time each week to concentrate on creating pieces. When I go to purchase the stones, I know exactly what I want to design with each kind I find. I'm a planner; so it's easy for me when I sit down to make the pieces.

Price Points:

Fairly affordable: $50-$300.

End Note: Catherine is a multi-tasker, and makes it looks easy. She’s the manger to a popular boutique and is starting her own line. If you are in the Washington DC make it a point to stop by any of the Urban Chic Locations or visit them online at www.urbanchiconline.com.
Be sure to join their mailing list for great savings.