Pretty in the Queen City

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas from Celebrity Stylist Jeni Elizabeth

Lets face it! The amount of stress Valentines Day brings is enough to drive any girl to pull her hair out! Will he call? Will he remember? Will I get flowers? Is it too soon? Do I get him a gift? What do I wear?? The list goes on and on!! There was a time in my life I was CONVINCED that Valentines Day was designed to make girls feel awful about themselves! With that said I wanted to give you all a jump-start on my favorite picks for gifts and items that may come in handy this year! Whether it’s what to wear or what to buy it never hurts to try to places and new fun ideas! Take a risk this year, even if you don’t have that certain someone in your life!

Organize a girl’s night out or host a fabulous cupcake party at your home with your favorite movies!

Style: You could spend hours looking for that perfect dress, that has the perfect price tag! I have to say one of my favorite websites of all time, and one I use with almost all my clients would be shoptherunway.com. I swear it is possible to find any design, any color, and fabric for any body type! Everyone wants to look sexy on Valentines Day, and that doesn’t always mean that the dress has to be skintight or above the knee…in fact this season the runway has been filled with knee length and calve length dresses! If your looking for something perfect for you body this is the place t go! Super sexy and just stunning I would swear if you cant find it on her website it may not exist! Good news? It won’t break the bank either!

Accessories: Its not always easy finding that perfect accessory to match that perfect dress. I have never been a matchy match girl! I love having fun with color and adding something loud piece that no one would expect! PJs closet is the place to go for some fun sassy and spicy pieces! What I love about Pjs is that she offers some amazing styles and brands that are new and fresh! One example is Cha-Lo Brand; I promise you will want every piece!

Gifts: The gifting can always cause a headache. Here’s the thing, you have 2 options as I see it.  Go big or go personal. Valentines are people who are special to your heart for one reason or another. There are those people who love the personal gift of an amazing picture scrapbook, or a drawing or collage that you took the time to put together yourself. It’s really a personal decision depending on who the person is your gifting. I love looking at Martha Stewarts webpage and coming up with ideas, as well as Real Simple!  

If its something you are looking to go big on I recently came across an over night bag Millionaire Daytrip Duffle by Mam Couture Feel Like A Mill that I am just obsessed with! Any guy would die over it! It’s really your decision, but if the wallet allows it I would say do both!

No matter what you need to enjoy your day! It doesn’t matter if your mom and you spend your day making Valentines with your children! If your single, party like there is no tomorrow! If you do have that someone special in your life I say make this year special and do something crazy! It’s Valentines Day so you’re allowed to wear your heart on your sleeve and expect the world! No matter what make sure you do it in a FABULOUS way!!!

About Jeni Elizabeth

Celebrity and TV Fashion Stylist, Jeni Elizabeth is based in Los Angeles, California and has trained under some of Hollywood's best. With over 7 years of experience, her styling can be seen on such stars as Carrie Underwood, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Jeni's work is everywhere from fashion look books, music videos, and celebrity editorials, to some of the hottest Network Reality Television Shows. Along with these projects, she also enjoys styling her private clients for all occasions.

With an education from FIT in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing and Design, Jeni went on to work at New York's legendary Boutique, Henri Bendel, where she ran the women's department for three years. It was there that she met Michael Palladino, the man that would influence her to become one of Hollywood's best and hardest working stylists in the industry.

Jeni is quickly becoming the Must Have in everyone's fashionable closet before an event. Her fun and crazy personality make her a delight to work with and an instant favorite amongst all her clients. Her passion and devotion are immediately evident and inspire everyone around her. Jeni's love for her craft gives her the ability to make anyone feel absolutely amazing about themselves after just ten minutes with her.

There is no doubt that Jeni is making her mark on the Red Carpet with her smile and talent.

Holiday Wish List from Celebrity Stylist Jeni Elizabeth

Everyone has a holiday wish list. Everyone has a certain something that they are hoping to open up around the holiday time from a person in their life. Most of these people are women. Women that are not only compiling a wish list year around in their heads, but also actually get disappointed when they do not get at least 80% of that wish list. I say this because I am one of these women.  Throughout the duration of the year I am guilty of compiling what I call the “Jeni Christmas Catalog” of items I would absolutely love to have on Christmas morning.  I feel like there are certain items every woman should have on their wish list this year. Certain trends or fun products that no woman should live without! Some expensive and some very attainable, but all absolutely having the ability to make a woman feel fabulous every day. 

My first and favorite would have to be the well-known Faux Fur Animal Hat! I swear I am obsessed. From the moment I received one myself to even seeing it on notable celebs I thought it was the happiest way to be cold! These hats not only bring a smile to adults and children, but they are also completely affordable! You can obtain a fun furry hat for as low as $14.99-$79.00. I say if you are going to wear a winter hat do it in style! Absolutely on my wish list for this winter!

This winter is heading to be one of the coldest and wettest holiday seasons of all. For those of us with a commute to and from work, our winter attire and staying warm is very important to us. For me I always worry when I get bundled up that I look like a worker in the North Pole! I get very excited when I can find items such as the Hunter Boot, otherwise knows as Wellies! Not only do they come in amazing colors and flatter my calves, but they are also completely affordable and are not just for winter, but also can be worn year around on those crazy rainy days! I think the Wellie boot should absolutely be on every woman’s wish list in her favorite signature color!

Black leather leggings should be in every woman’s wardrobe! These leggings are not just for women with legs that reach the sky! Leggings are fun and sexy and every woman no matter how tall they are have the right to wear something that make them feel sexy! Lets be honest, I dress everyday in what makes me happy, and I dress for men to feel sexy, not for a woman’s approval. With that said throwing on a pair of leather leggings changes my whole day. They can be paired with a black fitted tee and little ballerina slippers for a casual yet sexy day. They can be worn with tall black boots, flat or heeled for that extra splash of fun! They are actually very warm and very comfortable at the same time. Black leggings have several functions that are not just winter inspired and again are a wonder addition to your wardrobe! They are affordable and can be found everywhere from Nordstrom’s to Alice and Olivia. I LOVE them!

One of my favorite parts of being on the road is packing my cosmetic case. Working at Henri Bendel for so long I had the luxury of obtaining all of their amazing cosmetic cases that I am very simply obsessed with! Knowing that Henri Bendel is such an iconic part of fashion in NYC it makes me smile to be all over the country and have a piece of that with me at all times! For this reason I would encourage every woman to add the Henri Bendel Cosmetic set to her wish list this season. Cosmetics can be a very important part of a woman’s day and they deserve to travel in style as well!!!

So, what's on your holiday wish list? We'd love to hear from you! 

 

About Jeni Elizabeth

Celebrity and TV Fashion Stylist, Jeni Elizabeth is based in Los Angeles, California and has trained under some of Hollywood's best. With over 7 years of experience, her styling can be seen on such stars as Carrie Underwood, Lindsey Lohan, Paris Hilton and Marissa Jaret Winokur. Jeni's work is everywhere from fashion look books, music videos, and celebrity editorials, to some of the hottest Network Reality Television Shows. Along with these projects, she also enjoys styling her private clients for all occasions.

With an education from FIT in Fashion Merchandising, Marketing and Design, Jeni went on to work at New York's legendary Boutique, Henri Bendel, where she ran the women's department for three years. It was there that she met Michael Palladino, the man that would influence her to become one of Hollywood's best and hardest working stylists in the industry.

Jeni is quickly becoming the Must Have in everyone's fashionable closet before an event. Her fun and crazy personality make her a delight to work with and an instant favorite amongst all her clients. Her passion and devotion are immediately evident and inspire everyone around her. Jeni's love for her craft gives her the ability to make anyone feel absolutely amazing about themselves after just ten minutes with her.

There is no doubt that Jeni is making her mark on the Red Carpet with her smile and talent.

JewelMint Feature: Cavalier Crest Pendant

As you know, I partnered with JewelMint quite some time ago. I love receiving special pieces created by Kate Bosworth and Cher Coulter. They are insanely talented. 

I recently received the Cavalier Crest Pendant designed by Cher. I may or may not have squealed with delight when I opened the gift box. I am in love with this piece.

Leave the damsel in distress behind, and become style’s new heroine! Created for fearless fashionistas who want to set their own trends, this 20" crest necklace transcends common designs. Made for an epic style moment, the 3" shield pendant is engraved with a classic fleur-de-lis. The rolo chain secures with a lobster clasp and includes a 2 ½" extender.

From tshirts and jeans to fabulous dresses, I have paired this lovely pendant with practically everything in my closet. It can easily be worn day or night and has plenty of room to shorten or lengthen the chain. I recently wore the necklace for my cover shoot for Women With Know How magazine.You can view my interview HERE.

Check out JewelMint HERE.

And make sure you send me photos of you wearing your fav JewelMint piece. You may be featured on Pretty in the Queen City! 

The Inspiration Behind the Line: Treasures in New Zealand

 

There are numerous countries vying to be the next major fashion capital and succeeding in taking attention away from the big four, from Stockholm to Sao Paolo, Tokyo to…New Zealand?Yes, it turns out that New Zealand produces more than just good rugby: Michelle Ng, designer behind couture headpiece and jewelry line Young&ng, is a New Zealand native who moved to New York 2 years ago to start her own line. Since then Young&ng has gone from strength to strength, becoming a favorite with press and stylists alike and is now just about to launch its 4th season.We’re always intrigued to discover the inspirations behind a designer’s work so Michelle Ng let us in on some of her favorite New Zealand hotspots to inspire, escape and indulge. The Inspiration Behind the Line: Michelle Ng of Young&ng lets us in on her 8 favorite Auckland, New Zealand treasures

Victorian Gilt

http://www.victoriangilt.co.nz

This store takes my breath away. New Zealand is so far away from the rest of the world so such treasures like these are very rarely found. The owner of the store takes trips around the world searching only for the most stunning pieces of anything ranging from fabrics, clothing, shoes to thimbles and ribbons.I haven't spent all my pennies there yet, however I spend nearly all my time with my head buried in the baskets and hands sorting through the treasures from dawn till dusk... My mother hates that we live right up to road from it. I never come home!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Tanuki's Cave                                                                                                                                                                

http://www.sakebars.co.nz/cave.html                                                                                                                      

This place is purely so cool.                                                                                                                                                  

They don't take reservations, they don't have a sign on the door. The people there are so down to earth and serve almost everything on a stick!The combination of New Zealands' freshest food with the simplest style of Japanese cooking is amazing. The atmosphere is dark, cosy and intimately loud. One other thing I love is that they are so loyal to what they serve, they don't change their menu. Ever. 

Mission Bay                                    

http://www.missionbay.co.nz/
I love Mission Bay.It's a very chill, easy access beach. Along Mission Bay, you have the BEST fish and chip shop - Fish Pot. Movenpick is a must for ice cream.                              

Michelle Ng

And the Belgium Beer Cafe for their white wine mussels and cigars for the boys... Every New Years day, this beach is packed with New Zealanders, positive thinking and high hopes for the new year.We have warm weather from November - March basically. The evening air and sight of freshly built sand castle is what I really come here for.  

       
The Chocolate Boutique

http://www.chocolateboutique.co.nz/

Now, I am not a person that particularly likes chocolate, however, I can never resist going when friends invite me out on a beautiful cold winter night. The desserts aren't very "artistically" decorated but it is all so wholesome and inviting, as if your mother made it just for you!Although my spoon only dabbles into friends’ varieties of orders, I always end up spending more than them on gifts and treats for loved ones.There aren't many seats as it is very intimate and lit by candles and moonlight. 

Taupo

 Some very close friends have this gorgeous beach house right on Lake Taupo.We used to all drive about 4 hours from Auckland to spend a long weekend there.We would then take the boat and sail to the other side of the island, park right on the pebble beach, pull out the cheese, breads, wine and other yummy picnic basket foods. For hours and hours we would just lay there, jet-ski and let the heat dry our hair. We all try and get together anytime all my friends are in the same country.Since we all live in different parts of the world, a trip to Taupo is a must we are all together in New Zealand.It always reminds us of why we all head home. 

Rotorua
I love the glowworms, the mud pools and how earthy Rotorua is.This place is so relaxing, with the beautiful clouds of steam from the natural earth.I remember getting onto a little boat with my family and some other family friends with a crying toddler. However, when the boat started moving into the darkness, these little beautiful colourful flickers of light started to come out and then there was complete silence. I know it sounds strange, but going in the freezing cold winter weather is a must... sitting in the heater spring pools reminds me of warmer days!

The Chiller

http://www.thechiller.co.nz/

This place is amazing for Breakfast or lunch and is tucked in the industry area of Parnell in Auckland. I went there after I failed my drivers licence for the 3rd time and after a bite of their meat pies and carrot cake, everything was alright again. The boys there are so nice and the salads change every day and are so so so fresh!One thing I love, they always have plenty copies of the New Zealand Herald, so I grab one of those, order and chill out. 

Cornwall Park
I love taking a stroll with my family through this big gorgeous park right to the summit of the hill.It is right by my house so there is never an excuse to not run around the park. When you reach the summit of the park, you can look down and people make messages with the rocks at the bottom.There are so many whimsical messages from  " will you marry me" to " I lost my wallet, if find, please call -------"There are sheep around and everything is so green and lush. A world I like to get lost in. There is a charming teahouse at the bottom of the park that my mother likes to take my brother, sister, and I when I am home. The scones with cream and jam are yummy with a lovely cup of tea in a garden full of butterflies...

LAST MINUTE COSTUME IDEA: Beat all those rival Black Swans this Halloween

With Halloween just days away, it looks like Black Swan is set to be one of the most popular costumes this weekend (we’ve seen many costume stores offering Lady Gaga costumes for 50-75% off, sooo last year darling!)No doubt there will be OTT interpretations, gory interpretations, lazy, badly executed interpretations and, of course, slutty interpretations but, if you’re planning to really stand out as the prima ballerina this Halloween, why not make your Black Swan the best of the lot with a striking headpiece from Young&ng.

Halloween is a time of fantasy, excitement and escape and allows us to become someone else (so no excuse for lazy or shoddy costumes!) Release your inner black or white swan with Young&ng’s Fall/Winter 2011 collection, designed to set its wearer apart from others and redefine the line between art and fashion. The pieces exemplify strength and power in the depths of desire, love and heartache - perfect for the Black Swan storyline.  But, all that aside, walk into the room in one of these headpieces and you’ll look fierce!!  All you need to master now is that tricky eye make-up…. 

From left to right: Gunmetal Headpiece, Gunmetal Bloodcell Crown with Studs, Encrusted Gold Headpiece  This stunning Gunmetal headpiece ($495.00) with its straight cut edges would certainly create a dangerous yet elegant black swan.   The Gunmetal with Studs Headband Crown ($645.00) would look fantastic for either a white or black swan costume; the white studs encrusted on the crown would match perfectly with a white swan and a perfect contrast accessory on a black swan. Need a touch of edge and glitz to add to your Halloween? Not a problem with this golden goddess piece. The Encrusted Gold Head Piece ($995.00) would top off the perfect black swan costume, allowing the wearer to really make their costume their own creative work of art (and will be a piece you’ll treasure long after the 31st). All pieces are available from www.YoungandNg.com