Hideous Sweater Party at Searsucker Del Mar

Christmas is right around the corner, but there are still a few days left to break out your hideous Christmas sweaters!  If you are in the Del Mar/Coastal North County neighborhood, there is no better place to visit on a Sunday than Searsucker Del Mar.  If you haven't dined at Del Mar's hottest restaurant, let today be the day because they are hosting their very own Hideous Sweater Party!!  Whether you decide to go for brunch, lunch, or dinner, there will be something on the menu to suit your taste.  Plus the fun party vibe cannot be beat.  The guest with the best HIDEOUS holiday sweater will win a $150 Searsucker gift card.  To enter, upload your photo to instagram, tag @searsucker and use #HideousHolidaySweater.  Check back for pics of the Lady Lawyers in our fabulously hideous sweaters!

http://www.searsucker.com/del-mar/menu/brunch/

How to be Professional and Chic at the Holiday Party

The office Holiday Party is this week...what are you going to wear?! How are you going to act??

Tip #1: Don't get drunk
Tip #2: If you are a really bad singer, don't do the karaoke
Tip #3: Don't dress in an overly provocative manner
Tip #4: Do dress in a festive outfit
Tip #5: Do wear red lipstick
Tip #6: Do be sociable and friendly towards everyone

There is nothing wrong with looking great at the holiday party.  In fact, it is recommended that you look fantastic, polished, and put-together.  Try not to wear anything too revealing or outrageous, but do not be afraid to get into the holiday spirit with sequins, velvet, and chiffon if the venue warrants.  This is a chance for your co-workers and superiors to see you in a new light.  You want to make a professional impression, but be free to express a little more of your personal individuality and style.  Sparkle and shine.  Have a great time.  Always keep it class and you should be fine!  Happy Holidays!!

Budget Dressing with the Kardashian Kollection! I love it...not going to deny it!

Ted Baker London equals Kate Middleton Class.  Just add a sparkling crystal or diamond necklace!

This is a great silhouette! The sparkle fabric is perfect for parties, but could also be worn to work :)
From TED BAKER LONDON

Don't feel like wearing a dress?? Then don't! Be just as sassy and festive in
this stunning suit from St. John Knits! Dress for the job you want! 

It's National Peanut Butter Lover's Month!

Did you know that November is National Peanut Butter Lover's Month?  We heard about this magical holiday the other day and we absolutely fall into the "Peanut Butter Lover" category.  In our opinion, the very best way to celebrate your love for peanut butter is with delicious homemade Peanut Butter Cookies.  If you want to earn points with everyone at the office, whip up a batch of these scrumptious cookies and bring them to all your co-workers.  They're so simple to make, and they taste amazing. 

Peanut Butter Cookies

¼ cup unsalted butter

¼ cup shortening
2 eggs
½ cup chunky peanut butter
½ cup sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons GF Flour Blend
¼ cup almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 tablespoon powdered egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup chopped peanuts

Preheat oven to 375°.  Butter several cookie sheets.  Using the paddle attachment of an electric mixer, cream the butter, shortening, sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the peanut butter and vanilla extract, continuing to cream.  Add the eggs one at a time, scraping the sides of the bowl and beating well after each addition.  Sift together the GF Flour Blend, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, xanthan gum, powdered egg whites, and salt, and mix into the peanut butter mixture until completely incorporated.  Stir in the chopped peanuts.  Cover the dough and refrigerate for 30 minutes.  Roll dough into approximately 36 balls that are the size of large walnuts.  Place 3” apart on a baking sheet.  Flatten with a fork that is dipped in GF Flour Blend or sugar.  Bake for about 10 minutes.  Cookies should be set but not hard, and have a light golden brown color. 

The Wrap Dress. A Fashion Essential.

     The Wrap Dress.  We all know that we are supposed to love them.  They are advertised as being classic and timeless; sophisticated yet alarmingly attractive.  Perfect for any occasion.  Easily transitioned from office to evening cocktails.  What is your experience with the wrap dress?  I remember when I first tried one on in high school.  It seemed cumbersome to me and not particularly flattering.  For one thing, it did not have enough coverage on top.  If you have a bust, most wrap dresses have a plunging neckline...and the neckline tends to "unwrap"!  Next...walking down the hill from the classrooms to gym class...the wind would blow through the canyon, and my dress would blow open with it!  Giving all the freshman boys a peep show was not exactly the desired effect.  The wrap dress was supposed to transform me into an elegant, "grown-up" woman.  It should not have contributed to my already substantial awkwardness! Forget the wrap dress! I swore them off for the rest of my life.  To me, they equaled impossible to wear, dorky, and last but not least, not sexy. 

The history of the wrap dress is shrouded in mystery and controversy.  According to the elder members of my family, the wrap dress has been around since the 1930s as an around-the-house cover-up made out of muslin.  I found a very fashionable looking wrap dress from the 1930s:

     

Clare McCardell is the earliest known designer of a "wrap dress" that I could find.  In 1946, she created what became known as the "popover" dress.  Millions were sold of this cute cap-sleeved wrap pictured below: 

     According to Vicky Tiel, french couture designer and business partner of the late Elizabeth Taylor, she and Mia Fonssagrives designed a wrap dress in the 1960s which was popularized long before the infamous DVF wrap dress.  Vicky Tiel's Website In 1968, Vicky and Mia created a printed jersey wrap dress in 1968 for Joan Arkin, a U.S. dress license.   Again in 1968, Via and Mia's wrap dress was featured in Redbook Magazine.  Then again, the wrap dress was created by the duo for the movie Candy (1969).  Vicky Tiel wrap dresses are now sold on HSN.  HSN backs Vicky...so it seems very legitimate that Vicky created the version of the "wrap dress" that was has been popularized since the 1970s.  Vicky Tiel on HSN

The Vicky Tiel Wrap Dress

Vicky Tiel and Mia Fonssagrives in 1960s


I confess.  In my opinion, there is no wrap dress that can come close to Vicky Tiel's.  It redeemed the wrap dress!  I purchased one on HSN.com and never looked back.  Her dress does everything the wrap dress should.  It is elegant and slimming.  The dress gives you the perfect hour glass figure...even if you do not have it.  Furthermore, it does not fly open in the wind and is never "vulgar" in the neck line.  That is not to say it isn't hot.  Every time I wear it, the men definitely notice.  The girls love it too! They ask me where I got the amazing dress...
Conclusion:  If you are looking for a wrap dress, buy Vicky Tiel's.  It is not only beautiful, but professional  and comfortable.  Do not hesitate to wear it to the office.

My Vicky Tiel Wrap Dresses!

Isabel Marant Pour H & M! The Aftermath

Everyone in the fashion world anxiously awaited the launch of Isabel Marant Pour H & M Isabel Marant Pour H & M
When the collection debuted on November 14, all madness ensued.  Fashionistas from London waited in line overnight to get the first dibs on these exciting pieces.  I was not waiting in line! Taking a huge risk, I casually strolled into the H & M at the Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego at about 10:30am.  The Isabel Marant supply had dwindled to a small 400 sq. ft section of the store.  I looked around.  The women were focused, their shopping bags were full, and they were scanning each other for must-haves!! After I had picked up the signature paillette pants, a young woman came up to me: "Are those the size 4?? I really should have bought them while I had the chance...I really wanted those pants." I paused a moment and thought to myself: "She seems really into these...and when will I actually wear them?" Paillette pants don't exactly fit the Lady Lawyer's Lifestyle...not going to be wearing those to the office! So, I decided to give up this coveted item to the young fashionista.  She was super excited....I see it as earning fashion good karma.
Everybody there was really nice.  Women were trading clothes, the H & M employees were helping customers with the sizes...it was so fun! I am glad I got there just in time.  By noon, the inventory was almost gone.  Luckily, I could fit into some of the teen girls and boys clothes...so I got the Isabel Marant funky look without the higher prices.  This designer is amazing. Isabel Marant: Site Officiel   I think that many of her H & M pieces can be integrated into one's lawyering wardrobe.  Here are some pics of my purchases:

Weekend Look

The sweatshirt could be paired with a black blazer for the office

Jeans Day at the firm

Romeo stealing my Isabel Marant shopper!

Jacket from the boy's collection

Artistic and Romantic

From the Junior's Collection...off duty 

H & M window, South Coast Plaza

Gypsy Skirt is Modest and Office Appropriate 

Must have wool Scarf from the collection

Legally Bohemian?

As shown, a little sheer for the office party perhaps

Can be made modest with tank underneath...

Isabel Marant relaxed glamour 

Isabel Marant for H & M

Isabel Marant, the brainchild of effortless, Parisian-hipster chic, is now designing for H & M.
It is true! My friend snapped some pictures of the H & M window at South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa.  A very inspired collection indeed.  The designer has created a fashionable ensemble of casual weekend pieces, office appropriate separates, and romantic date-worthy dresses.  The collection is to become available at H & M stores November 14th.  Isabel Marant Collection for H & M

Several pieces caught my eye as being particular lady lawyer must-haves:

Ladylike Silk Dress

Wool Jacket with sash conveys a "cool" but professional vibe.

Wearable pumps in Classic Hounds-tooth with studs: Don't forget your punk rock years...your ex has the pictures to prove it!  

Here are some adorable looks from the South Coast Plaza H & M window!
Thanks Andie! xo

Parisian, hip, and chic for the entire family!

Glamorous Suit for Casual Evening of evening mixers :)

When you make partner, you can wear whatever you want...including this outrageous sweater!

Tourism Ireland Luncheon at UCSD

Members of the Irish Network San Diego (http://www.irishnetworksd.com/), a network which seeks to bring Irish Professionals together in San Diego and Southern California, hosted an absolutely GRAND luncheon with Tourism Ireland (http://www.ireland.com/en-us) at the University of California, San Diego Faculty Club.  Among the distinguished guests was Alsion Metcalfe, Head of Tourism Ireland for North America, Ruth Moran, Tourism Ireland Publicity and Communications Manager for North America, and Leo Varadkar, Minister of Transport, Tourism, and Sport (http://leovaradkar.ie/).
As you may know, this is the year of "The Gathering"...when all of us of Irish Heritage or with an interest in Ireland are supposed to go there!! So if you haven't been yet...book your flights! Here is a promotional video for The Gathering:

Ireland is a great destination for vacations or business retreats.  Even Chief Justice Roberts teaches there and vacations with his family in Co. Galway.  Don't miss out on great opportunities to meet like-minded professionals in your area.  Find an area of interest that has monthly events! 

With Minister Leo Varadkar

Follow Up on the Kate Spade "Austen" Blunder

Kate Spade has made no formal statement about the Required Reading "Austen" handbag.

As posted yesterday on this blog, Kate Spade has released a bag, with the intention of paying homage to the great Authoress Jane Austen.  However, Kate Spade spelled the name "Austin"....as in Austin, Texas! 

I called several stores today...and each shop girl told me that the bag is still on sale and that it will not be discounted.  Furthermore, I was told that the bag was "going to be recalled" but then the company decided to sell it anyway in order to "honor all authors".  Well, this is pretty ironic, because the bag depicts an old-fashioned library card catalog drawer, with the label showing the authors in alphabetical order: Austin - Bronte.  By this reasoning, the intended author, Jane Austen....wouldn't even fall into this category.  As we all know, the letter E comes BEFORE the letter I in the alphabet.  This is comical reasoning.  Not to mention, disingenuous.  To my best knowledge, the store is not warning well-meaning customers that the name of the beloved Author is spelled incorrectly.  Come on Kate Spade.  Have a little respect for the customer.  

At the least, these bags should be discounted and the company should let people know that the name is spelled wrong.  Some nice lady will buy the bag for their Austen-lover, only to be embarrassed and upset when they figure out that "Austin" and "Austen" are not one in the same. 

What would Jane think??

She would think the situation in its entirety is quite a BLUNDER. 

Did Kate Spade Make a Mistake?!

Listen Ladies,

We love Kate Spade.  Don't get me wrong, we have all made mistakes.  I understand making a typo once and a while.  However, I was surprised to see that the new Required Reading Index Organizer handbag has spelled the name of Jane Austen as "Austin"! It is a pretty shocking mistake.  It is an adorable idea.  Being a huge Jane Austen fan, I was anxiously awaiting this bag....but wow! Unless it was intentionally done to spell the name of the city Austin, TX, it needs to be corrected...or hugely discounted.

Check out the pictures online and see what you think. (http://www.katespade.com/required-reading-index-organizer/PXRU4511,default,pd.html?dwvar_PXRU4511_color=902&dwvar_PXRU4511_size=UNS&cgid=ks-new-arrivals-handbags#start=12&cgid=ks-new-arrivals-handbags)

Get your law review editor on!!!

Perfect Casual Week Attire

So it's casual week at the firm.  What do you wear?! Can you get away with jeans? Probably...if they are $200 dark wash, mid-rise, paired with Tory Burch flats and a Faconnable twin set! Ha.  If you want to do casual week in a super-chic yet wallet friendly way, let us suggest going to your local Kohl's.

Not only does it have ongoing fashion lines with Vera Wang, Jennifer Lopez, Elle, and Daisy Fuentes, Kohl's is featuring a Paris-themed fashion line designed by acclaimed French designer Catherine Malandrino (http://www.kohls.com/catalog/catherine-malandrino-for-designation-clothing.jsp?CN=4294713815+4294719810). 

It will only be available for a limited time...so get there quickly!  The line contains chic separates, dresses and jackets in the favorite colors of lawyers everywhere: black and white.  

These clothes are comfortable and office appropriate, yet have that Je ne sa quoi that the Parisian women all seem to possess.  Why dress frumpy when you can dress French??