Happy Holidays

I was welcomed to my parents' home late last night by a big hug from my mom and a beautifully lit-up Christmas tree surrounded by presents. It's good to be here, and since I plan on spending the next week eating my mom's Christmas monkey bread, sledding with my Dad, and shopping the sales with my sister, I will be taking a break from blogging. I hope you enjoy doing some of the same things, and come back after the new year for some exciting new posts!

Photo by Kerry Maloney

Amanda Talks Fashion: New Year's Dresses that Won't Break the Bank!

Not too long ago, I introduced you all to Lady Gray's newest member - our style editor Amanda. Now she's here to present you with her first fashion post, so read on to learn how to ring in 2010 with some serious style...

Finding the perfect outfit for Christmas parties is enough of a task, but then there’s that other holiday just around the corner: New Year’s. In your present-buying tunnel vision you may have forgotten to budget for a fabulous little number to wear to ring in the new year. But have no fear, there are plenty of festive, frugal frocks to be found. I’ve put together six 2010-worthy dresses - all under $75. This year, when the clock strikes midnight, you’ll be in style and in the black!

1. Rodarte for Target Lace Halter Dress, $44.99, Target
2. Necessary Objects Strapless Sweetheart Dress, $66.30, Bluefly.com
3. Limited Edition Women's Claudia Jacquard Dress, $39.99, Target
4. Dotted Pleat Dress, $24.80, Forever21
5. MINKPINK Two Timer Tank Dress, $49.99, Urban Outfitters
6. Satin Bodice Lace Dress, $22.80, Forever21

In a style slump? Ask Amanda your fashion questions at ladygrayminimag@gmail.com and she'll answer them right here on Lady Gray!

Snow Day Picnic

We’ve just gotten a foot of snow in New York (no excuse for the failure to post in ages!) and although it’s a bit of hassle to get around, it has turned the city into a winter wonderland! There’s something about snow that makes me want to find my sled, grab my dad’s hand, and go in search of the nearest hill. It makes me feel like a little girl again – which somehow makes this time of year feel all the more exciting.

Since I’m not one to stay inside on beautiful snowy day like this, (ok maybe I am – I am curled up in blankets on the computer right now) I love the idea of having a picnic in the snow, bundling up, and serving all of your cold-weather favorites! I’ve mentioned before how my best friend and I love having non-traditional picnics (at night, on roofs, breakfast picnics, etc…) and this would be right up our alley.

Our menu would probably include mulled wine, chili, and maybe a still hot-out-of-the-oven Derby pie…

(click on the items for links to delicious recipes)

Whether or not it’s snowing where you are, I hope you will get outside and enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season, no matter how many layers (or leopard print coats) you might have to put on!

Photo by Emersonmade via A Life More Fabulous

Gift Guide: Groovy Gabrielle

Groovy Gabrielle is a happy-go-lucky gal. No outfit is complete without a pop of color, and she’s always looking on the bright side. She loves rocking out to the oldies, and with her infectious charm you can’t help but love them too. Make sure your Groovy Gabrielle has a little flower power this season with these far-out finds!

1. Polaroid One600 Classic Instant Camera; from $74.99 at Amazon.com

2. Market Tote; $40 at Built

3. Women's Xhilaration® Plastic Retro Two Tone Sunglasess; $12.99 at Target

4. MOE3 Dotted Circle Paperweight; $24.95 at Fridgedoor.com

5. Flower Earrings from Anthroplogie (Sold out, but check out these similar ones - Buttercup Posts; $18 at Anthropologie)

6. Jack Purcell African Canvas Converse Shoes (10% of the net wholesale price of these CONVERSE (PRODUCT) RED™ shoes will be paid to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria); $65 at Converse

7. Kate Spade Take A Chance Bangle; $78 at Piperlime

Photo from The Invisible Agent

Gift Guide: Jet-Setter Jillian

In Bali one day and Buenos Aires the next, Jet-Setting Jillian has seen it all, but somehow it never seems old. She never tires of the feel of the gravity pulling her back into her seat as a plane takes off, trying the local cuisine in a tiny mountain village, or haggling over the price of fresh trout in a local fish market. Help make Jillian’s travels more meaningful with one of these go-to gadgets.

1. 9in Zipper Magnetic Backgammon; $37.98 at Backgammon Plus

2. Mini Travel Press; $9.95 at Bodum

3. Round Face Brown Strap Watch; $39.99 at Nine West

4. The Unisex Circle Scarf; $28 at American Apparel

5. Wildlife Tote; $39 at L.L. Bean

6. Juicy Couture Horseshoe Wish Necklace (for good luck while traveling) ; $48 at Piperlime

7.  Bonox Clocks; $18 at Urban Outfitters

8. Aromatherapy 1oz Pillow Mist; $3.50 at Bath and Body Works

Check back later to see what you should get for your Groovy Gabrielle!

Photo from TopTenz

Gift Guide: French-Loving Felicity

French-Loving Felicity has “parlez vous francais” since she could talk, and has worn her hair in French braids since her first day of school. She loves all things French, from the country’s delicious baked goods, to their beautiful language, and the handsome men that speak it. She hopes to live in Ole Paris one day, but until then she will have to make do with these classic French finds.

1. Femme Pour Tous Tee; $17.80 at Forever21

2. Chanel Creme Lipstick; $28.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue

3. Eiffel Tower Pendant on 16" Chain; $6.99 at Girl Props

4. The Art of French Cooking by Julia Child; $19 at Amazon.com

5. Authentic French Macarons; from $18 at Mad Mac NYC

6. Quelqu'un M'a Dit by French First Lady Carla Bruni; $11.98 at Amazon.com

7. Yves Saint Laurent Parisienne; from $39 at Sephora 

Check back tomorrow to see what you should get for your Jet-Setting Jillian and your Groovy Gabrielle!

Photo from bEbO's photostream

Gift Guide: Rebellious Rachel

Rebellious Rachel always stands up for what she believes in – a good fashion sense being one of those things! Her spontaneous and sassy personality sometimes get the best of her, but she’s never been arrested… thanks to her ability to run in five inch heels. Make sure the Rebellious Rachel on your list makes her mug shot a glamour shot with these brazen beauties.

1. Aubaine Boxing Gloves Necklace; $28 at Urban Outfitters

2. Simone Perele Avant Premiere Demi-Cup Plunge bra; $99 at Journelle

3. Military Patrol Jacket; Forever21 (Note: This item has sold out, but check out this one that's similar - Debutante Military Jacket; $45.80 at Forever21)

4. Suede Fringe Wrap Watch; $28 at Urban Outfitters

5. Love Rocks™ Lip Gloss Ring; $12 at Victoria's Secret

6. Jonathan Spray Dirt Texture Hold Hairspray; $23.20 at Jonathan Product

7. M·A·C 'Volcanic Ash' Exfoliator; $19.50 at Nordstrom 

8. Guerrette heels; $84.98 at Aldo

Photo from Bagwhiz

December Issue of Lonny is Here!

December 2009 cover of Lonny magazine

Photo by Patrick Cline

The countdown has ended ladies and gentleman... and I'm so proud to share the news with you that Lonny's December issue is now live! It is my hope that the pages of Lonny will continue to be a source of inspiration for you all. Our team is pretty exhausted but can't wait to see what you think about the work we've done!

Check it out here:

www.lonnymag.com

Lonny December issue is almost here!

Photo by Patrick Cline for Lonny magazine

Since my recent move to New York, I have been thrilled to be a part of the superstar team that was somehow able to envision, create, and produce Lonny magazine in just four short months. Now with even less time, we’ve worked hard to bring you our December issue, chock full of stunning photographs, beautiful homes, mouth-watering stores, design tips, and even a handy gift guide. There’s still a lot of work to do until its launch in just a mere 18 hours but hopefully you’ll think it has all been worth it when you check out http://www.lonnymag.com/ in the morning. Thanks for your continued support and encouragement – can’t wait to see what you think!

Read more at Michelle Adams' blog... m-a-belle.blogspot.com

Gift Guide: Cozy Christy

This category is named after my lovely mother, because I don’t see Cozy Christy’s toes until the springtime! She loves nothing more than to curl up with a cup of tea and a good book and most evenings would rather watch a movie at home with her sweetie than go out on the town. If you have a Cozy Christy on your list, make sure she stays stylishly snuggled up with these toasty treats.

1.  Massage Candle: $36 at Victoria's Secret

2. Mini Hottie Hand Warmer: $10 at Flight 001

3. Neff Knit Headphones: $42 at Urban Outfitters

4. Owling Sake Pot: $28 at Anthropologie

5. Women's Belted Wrap Cardigan: $29.50 at Old Navy

6. Antica Murrina Broadway - Murano Glass Ring: $38 at Forzieri

7. Fairisle Slipper Boots: $39.50 at American Eagle

Check back tomorrow for some exciting news...!

Photo via A Life More Fabulous - Photographer: Milton H.Greene

Gift Guide: Dapper Dan

We all have a Dapper Dan on our lists. He’s the guy that has it all – style, class, and an amazing personality. He also seems to have everything that you could possibly think to get for him for Christmas. Not to fear! Our roundup includes all sorts of goodies that will add to his street cred and get you on his good side for years to come.

1. Vintage chambray utility shirt; $98 at JCrew

2. 125th Anniversary Collection Climber; $47 at Swiss Army

3. "Winged B" Belt, Black; $75 at Hickoree's Hard Goods

4. Straw trilby hat; $40 at JCrew

5. Tree Trunk Mug, Bark; $18 at Anthropologie

6. Vers Wood iPhone Case; $36 at Urban Outfitters

7. extra close ™ shave kit for sensitive skin; $28 at Philosophy

Check back tomorrow to see what you should get for your Cozy Christy!

Photo from Swagger360

Gift Guide: Lovely Lana

Lovely Lana is the girl that always lights up a room the minute she walks in. She beats the boys at poker and looks good while doing it. She's clasically elegant and not afraid to show her feminine side. Wondering what to get her? We've got you covered...

1. Waiting and Wishing Wall Art; $60 at Urban Outfitters

2. DiorKiss Luscious Lip-Plumping Gloss; $20 at Sephora

3. Eberjey In Bloom chemise; $80 at Journelle

4. The Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank; from $1.68 at Amazon

5. 2-carat Cup; $18 at Fred Flare

6. Lauren by Ralph Lauren "St. Barths" Bangle Bracelets with Crystal, Set of 9; $98 at Bloomingdales

7. Leather Gloves Faux Fur; $38 at Urban Outfitters

8. Nine West Jaewon pumps; $89 at Piperlime

Check back tomorrow to see what you should get for your Dapper Dan!

Audrey Hepburn photo via Photo Bucket

Lady Gray Gift Guide...

With Christmas just around the corner, I'm sure you're all scrambling to find just the right gift for that special someone. Well stop scrambling! My lovely style editor Amanda and I have scoured the web looking for the perfect presents for everyone on your list, from your Dapper Dan to your Jet-Setter Jillian. The best part? All of the gifts (except for a special luxe category) are under $100, keeping you and your wallet happy. We've even included an under $10 category to make sure your worries are focused on who you're going to kiss under the mistletoe instead of whether or not you've overdrafted from your bank account. So look no further, because starting from tomorrow through the 15th you can find it all here!

Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping

-Ellie Gray

Photo courtesy of Calypso

Introducing Lady Gray's New Style Editor - Amanda!

Hi everyone -

I am so excited to inform you that my amazingly talented friend Amanda will be joining the Lady Gray team as our style editor. I couldn't be more thrilled! Check out her first post below...

“Would you be interested in being the style editor for my blog?” When Ellie approached me with this question, the answer was a no-brainer. I signed on within seconds. After all, getting the chance to talk about fashion on an awesome blog- what could be better than that? Then it really sunk in…I get to talk about fashion on an awesome blog! I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity or the subject matter.

Personally, I think fashion is pretty powerful. Not only can it inspire you (remember feeling invincible when you first slipped into those knee-high boots?), but others as well. It can trigger a domino effect of inspiration: a showstopping dress can inspire an entire photo shoot that in turn sparks a writer to pen a novel. See what I mean?


Now, my attention is not focused solely on labels. Let’s get real- the stores I frequent are T.J. Maxx, Target and Marshalls. As the daughter of a bona fide bargain shopper, I’ve been schooled to believe that a stylish wardrobe need not compromise your credit report. My goal with these posts is to show you all of the amazing ideas out there- and how you can make them work for your budget. From time to time, I may even throw in an interior design post or two. With all that said, hello Lady Gray followers!

-Amanda