11/30/09

Moda POP

Now that we have officially entered the holiday shopping season, we will be featuring gift guides each week for that special someone in your life. This wool "Chimera" jacket by J.Crew would make a lovely gift for the career minded girlfriend/wife/sister, etc. The pleated silk habitol trim adds a unique bubble effect for a feminine appearance, while still keeping the bold power look of a classic blazer. She can wear this to the office, or for a more casual look, pair it with skinny jeans and a simple tank. We love the dusty blossom color for winter and it will translate well in to spring. It is currently on holiday sale at J.Crew.com, and they are running a promotion with additional 20% all sale items.

11/29/09

Wrap POP

This week we touched upon the leather trend that has surfaced in just about everything from clothing and accessories, to home decor and children's apparel, etc. We found a staple leather jacket that will withstand future seasons, as well as a pair of fingerless gloves for a more dramatic statement. Store and organize your coveted beauty products in a well designed leather cosmetic case, that will also make for a nice holiday gift. Personalized leather coasters are a beautiful and unique option for a host/hostess gift this holiday season too! Get a simple pair of leather boots for your little sprout, that are both comfy and stylish. Finish off your week spending an afternoon with your family in historic Julian CA, exploring the quaint little town and all that it has to offer.

11/28/09

Love POP

One of our favorite Thanksgiving weekend traditions, beside checking out Black Friday deals, is going on a drive to the mountains for fresh baked warm apple pie. In Southern California, we are lucky to have beautiful Julian located in San Diego's backcountry. Once a busy gold mining town, this charming mountain treasure offers many outdoor recreational activities including horseback riding and llama pack trips! If a joy ride is what you had in mind, breeze past tree-lined, uncluttered roads before stopping off at the infamous Julian Pie Company on Main Street. Then, pick up souvenirs of delicious homemade jams to remember the fun day!


11/27/09

Sprout POP

Stylish shoes for toddlers can be so hard to find if you're looking for something simple so it doesn't compete with the rest of his or her outfit. One of our favorite shoe brands for kids is See Kai Run for their modern takes on classic shoe styles. Awarded the prestigious Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association, their butter-soft leather, durable construction, and rubber sole are perfect for in or outdoor play. The Finley, a classic black boot, is this season's must for both boys and girls! Available at Diapers.com in sizes 0-24 months, your little one will be struttin' around like you do!


11/26/09

Dwell POP

Send the perfect thank you for this season's party host or hostess with a simple, classic, personalized gift. These leather coasters, by Graphic Image, are made of French calfskin, water-treated, and backed with a non-skid protective coating. Available in red or black, personalized with a beautiful silver block style initial or not, it will go perfectly with any home decor. The set comes delivered by Saks.com in a shiny gift ready tin canister with a leather top.

11/25/09

Allure POP

We can't stress enough the importance of a well designed cosmetic case to store all of your beauty products at home, or when traveling. The Bailey Medium Kiss Cosmetic case, by Cole Haan, combines style and construction beautifully wrapped in softly rouched leather. Not only will this cosmetic case neatly store your products, but can also double as an evening or day clutch. Available in 4 different colors at www.colehaan.com .

11/24/09

Trim POP

Fashion gloves are one of the more dramatic trends to surface this fall/winter. There have been many half and fingerless options available, and each make for a different statement. These leather fingerless gloves by TOPSHOP have just the right amount of detail in the quilting, and would work well when paired with skinny jeans and a simple tee. Be careful not to go overboard when sporting these gloves, and make sure to limit your other accessories and leather pieces.

11/23/09

Moda POP

Snug fit and cropped leather jackets are making their comeback as the perfect companion to floaty feminine dresses, cocktail frocks, and tunics. We recommend investing in a leather jacket that is fitted and not overly embellished or "trendy", such as this piece from Victoria's Secret. Priced at under $200.00 this jacket is affordable and will work well in future seasons.

11/22/09

Wrap POP

This week we focused on gearing up for one of our most favorite holidays, Thanksgiving! We found a simple festive dress, and paired it with an ostrich feather hair clip to complete a special occasion look. Enjoy the warm scent of Pumpkin Spice Muffin bath and shower gel, by Philosophy, without packing on the calories from the real muffins. If you plan to attend any holiday parties this year, purchase a copy of the American Fashion Cookbook for a unique host or hostess gift. Create a new and lasting holiday tradition with your children by writing letters to Santa while celebrating Thanksgiving. If cooking a lavish meal is not on your schedule for this year, check out Citysearch.com for some great local Thanksgiving "to-go" meals.

11/21/09

Love POP

If celebrating Thanksgiving with your loved ones is not an option this time, why not invite a few of your closest friends and their dates over for a sophisticated gathering? Not a cook? We have you covered there too! Citysearch.com has put together a fantastic listing of restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners to go. One of our L.A. favorites is Tavern, offering a large, organic, herb roasted turkey with all of the fixin's and two desserts for about $50 per guest. Another favorite is Sapphire Laguna in Orange County also offering a herb roasted turkey with all of the fixin's plus three additional sides and a choice of dessert for about $43 per guest. Set a gorgeous table and serve up signature cranberry martinis all around. Cheers!




11/20/09

Sprout POP

A perfect holiday tradition to start this Thanksgiving is to have the kids write their letters to Santa! Not only will this keep them busy before dinner, it will give you an idea of what they wish for under the tree. All you need are some basic office supplies and a place for the kids to put it all together. When the letters are done, have them place it in an envelope and put it in the mailbox. While everyone is having dinner, one of the adults can leave to pick up the letters. Before he comes back in, he can ring a bell, and everyone can claim it was Santa's reindeer picking up their letters. Parents can also mail a response back to their kids signed especially from Santa using these directions!




11/19/09

Dwell POP

If you aren't spending Thanksgiving Day preparing a delicious dinner in your home, but accepting an invitation at someone else's instead, show up with a little something thoughtful for the fashionable chef. This year, The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) compiled 100 recipes from its infamous members in a new book called the American Fashion Cookbook. Containing delicious recipes like John Varvatos' Calalaloo Soup, Derek Lam's Yellowtail Crudo, and Mark Echo's "Adults Only" Chocolate Chip Cookies, this hostess gift is the perfect collectible accessory to her (or his!) designer kitchen. Available at Amazon.com.
Bon appetit!


11/18/09

Allure POP

If you are feeling the need to indulge in some pumpkin spice muffins this holiday season, we have found the perfect solution without packing on the calories. New Pumpkin Spice Muffin bath and shower gel by Philosophy will leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated while you enjoy the warm festive smell. For those multi-tasker's out there, the 3 in 1 formula can be used for body wash, shampoo, and bubble bath. Available in 2 or 32 oz or in this gift set.

11/17/09

Trim POP

Turn your everyday look into a special occasion ensemble with a cute hairpiece. This Pom-pom feather pin and hair clip from J.Crew adds a glamorous touch to any look. Simply sweep your hair into a loose bun, tuck the ostrich feather clip on one side, and you'll have yourself an easy chic style, perfect for the holiday season! Available in three different colors at J.Crew.com.

11/16/09

Moda POP

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching and we have been on the hunt for a festive dress that is both comfortable and stylish. This Oversized Dress with Novelty Zips, by Rachel Roy, is the perfect blend of fall colors and also allows for some indulgent eating. Wear with a pair of tights or leggings to keep warm, as we are beginning to feel temperatures drop! This dress is a part of Rachel Roy's new budget line, "RACHEL Rachel Roy" and is available online for only $99.


11/15/09

Wrap POP

This week we were inspired by one of the hottest new trends to hit the streets, lace! Work the trend into your wardrobe with lace leggings or lace detailed shoes. Give your skin a soft beautiful glow with a sheer veil of sparkling body powder and add some glamour to your home with wooden lace wall art by Brocade Home. Don't forget to bring your sprout on board with this trend by dressing her in Splendid's lace burn out tunic set. Finish off your week at Cafe Sevilla where you can enjoy a delicious Spanish dinner and dancing!

11/14/09

Love POP

Add a little Latin flavor to your weekend by jetting off with your Love to Spain. Well, not quite. But in a little street in Downtown San Diego, known as the Gaslamp, Cafe Sevilla Restaurant, Tapas Bar, and Live Music is the perfect dinner getaway. Complete with Flamenco dancers and Wednesday night Salsa lessons, your lacy leggings will definitely be sashaying! With a huge selection of tapas at the bar, authentic paella, or entrees highlighting flavors from the Iberian Peninsula, something is sure to tease your taste buds. If that doesn't lure you in, let the sounds of Spanish gypsy music take you underground to Sevilla Night Club. San Diego too far? They are also located in Riverside and Long Beach...Vamos a Celebrar!


11/13/09

Sprout POP

As our adorable sprouts reach the 'tween years, it becomes difficult to dress them so they are fashionable, but not little hoo...well, I think you can finish that one. Since lace is a huge influence this season, how do your incorporate this into your stylish little diva's wardrobe? Think simple, effortless, and comfy with Splendid clothing for kids. This Lace Burnout Hooded Tunic and matching Leggings set is perfect for layering or worn separately with skinny jeans. Available at Bloomingdales.com in sizes 4-6x.

11/12/09

Dwell POP

How to bring just enough romance and glamour to the bedroom without emasculating your man? Employ one of our favorite bedroom design ideas by replacing your traditional headboard with a beautiful piece of wall art, such as the one featured in the room below. This wooden lace pattern wall art by Brocade Home in SoHo, NYC can be easily hung directly to the wall just above your bed. Not only will this add style, but much needed floor space at the foot of the bed! Add some luxe, ruffly linens and cushy pillows to complete the look.


11/11/09

Allure POP

Give your skin a soft beautiful glow with Guerlain's limited edition Sublime Radiant Powder. Silky and ultra-light in texture, this sparkling powder graces the skin with a sheer veil of "diamond" reflections to subtly illuminate shoulders, arms, back, decollete and hair. The powder is bottled with a finely screen-printed lace and a long black tassel atomizer, that would look lovely on any vanity. Available for purchase at Dillard's.

11/10/09

Trim POP

Monsieur Christian Louboutin has done it again! The "Candy" flat is the ultimate creation of girlish glamour with a tough edge, that is almost too difficult to describe without showing in person. The details in this shoe, which are meticulously crafted by hand, surpass anything else we have seen. These balerina flats feature patent leather and lace with a studded toe cap, zipper trim and signature red sole. They are available in limited quantities and colors at Barneys. Also, be sure to order a size up as Louboutins tend to run small. Click here for a more budget friendly alternative.

11/9/09

Moda POP

Lace is huge this season, and is popping up in everything from clothing to shoes, and even home decor. It adds a nice touch of femininity and interest to all of the edgy looks we have been seeing lately. For a simple way to work the trend into your wardrobe, try a pair of lace leggings paired with a simple LBD or tunic top for a day look. These lace leggings by Kova & T feature a stirrup that can be worn under or over your shoes. For a more affordable alternative check out this option by BCBGeneration.

11/8/09

Wrap POP

This week was dedicated to all of our expecting, and soon to be expecting Mama's! We found a fun silk tunic for the upcoming holiday season as well as some lovely maternity and nursing lingerie. Protect your skin from all the changes that occur over the 10 months with Mustela's Double Action Stretch Mark Cream. The Belly Book is a great and easy way to document your journey through pregnancy, and even compare to future pregnancies. Take care of yourself and your little sprout to be, by attending prenatal yoga classes at your local YogaWorks studio, which will also greatly aid in preparing for birth. Most importantly, capture and create lasting memories of this special time with Ginette Sundin of Sundin Photography.

11/7/09

Love POP

During your pregnancy and after the baby arrives you will encounter moments that are so special you can't even trust your own memory to hold onto it. Photographers who are gifted in capturing these times are irreplaceable, especially when you find one as genuine, kind, funny, and patient as Ginette Sundin of Sundin Photography. Based out of San Diego, California, Ginette and her husband, Daniel, specialize in natural light, candid photography. We have dragged them to trails, parks, beaches and to our own homes to capture our lives. We feel so lucky to have been able to work with Ginette that we want to share her with you! Just for 3 o'clock POP readers, book a portrait session for January or February 2010 and receive $50 off the session fee. There's a limited number of sessions available and you must book by November 30, 2009 at www.sundinphotography.com.




11/6/09

Sprout POP

The moment you feel the flutter of your little one move inside you you know it's REAL...I mean, someone is really in there...At this point you realize that you must work out not only for you, but for the little person inside! While Alexis and I were lucky to be pregnant at the same time, we decided to attend prenatal yoga classes at our local YogaWorks, Orange County. Prenatal yoga, combined with light cardio work, is the perfect exercise by improving lower back pains, digestion, and swelling around the joints, as well as with labor preparation through meditation, visual imagery and vocalization to improve your overall physical and emotional well-being. YogaWorks has several locations including Los Angeles and New York. Leave us your email address at 3oclockPOP@gmail.com for a complimentary week of classes!


11/5/09

Dwell POP

In the months before your new sprout shows up, it seems you spend most of your free time at home day dreaming, nesting, and sleeping. While you have this free time, why not start journaling your pregnancy? Of all the ones out there, our absolute favorite keepsake is The Belly Book: A Nine-Month Journal for You and Your Growing Belly by Amy Krouse Rosenthal available at Amazon.com. Its light-hearted humor and author prompted questions and fill-ins make it easy to keep up-to-date while leaving room for weekly pregnancy and sonogram photos. We still love flipping through ours wondering how the next pregnancy will be different...


11/4/09

Allure POP

One of our biggest fears during and after pregnancy... the dreaded stretch marks! To help prevent and minimize stretch marks during pregnancy try Mustela's Stretch Marks Double Action Cream. The cream is hypoallergenic, compatible with sonograms, and has proven efficacy when tested under gynecological control. Their unique formula not only moisturizes and nourishes your skin's elasticity, but also contains restructuring properties which will minimize recent stretch marks. We used the lotion twice a day throughout our entire pregnancies and are happy to be stretch mark free! For more information on the cream and where to purchase, visit www.mustelausa.com .

11/3/09

Trim POP

We have found a lovely solution for those of us who have decided to take on one of the most demanding, yet rewarding tasks of having children, breastfeeding. Thankfully, we have access to such lingerie lines as Emily B Maternity, which offers beautiful nursing bras and maternity briefs. Days of horrendous full coverage nursing bras are gone! Make an appointment with a Nursing Bra Fit Specialist 2-3 weeks before your due date to be sure that you are purchasing the correct size. Some Lactation Consultants/Fit Specialist will even come to your hospital room after delivery (and engorgement) for a more accurate fit. Emily B Maternity as well as a number of different maternity lingerie lines can be purchased at www.figleaves.com.


11/2/09

Moda POP

One of the most challenging things about being pregnant is finding maternity apparel that is not only on trend, but flattering, comfortable and appropriately priced. This silk maternity Jewel Grunge Tunic from TOPSHOP will be great for the holiday season and can be worn with leggings for a more casual look. Style your bump with the TOPSHOP maternity collection as it is perfect for the fashion forward mom to be! You can shop the entire collection on their website.

11/1/09

Wrap POP

This week was all about living a fit, healthy lifestyle. We featured Lululemon athletic apparel for working out or simply hanging around the house, a great gym bag by Stella McCartney and the Beauty Water Shower Purification System by Jonathan Products for soft shiny hair. The Gaiam Balance Ball Chair is the perfect alternative to your home or office chair, and allows you to sneak in a few exercises while strengthening your posture and sending off a few e-mails all at the same time. Get your little one on board with a daily fitness regimen and dress them in iPlay's Itsy Bitsy Organic line. Finish off your week and enjoy this beautiful weather with a moderately difficult hike through Dana Point Marine Reserve.