In My Bag: Skinny, Cropped Jeans

It's so tempting to buy new things for Spring even though it's still January and I won't be wearing any of it for awhile. So, to transition into warmer weather I'm at least challenging myself with new styles that work now and will hold their own when the mercury rises. Case in point: low-rise, skinny leg, cropped denim. They're perfect for tucking into tall boots now and will look fantastic with wedges in the Spring and flip flops in the Summer. I just picked up this pair to wear with my shearling boots and am completely digging them.

In Or Not So Much: Slipper Shoes?

I'm so not in love with these $125 knit slipper-boot-shoes. They look like they should only be worn inside your house or on a quick run to the deli... but I'm going to go out on a limb and say that we're gonna start seeing these in more places now that Sienna Miller has been photographed wearing them. Thoughts?

Look what I found online: Moondrop Clothiers

Do you go gaga from discovering great deals on hippie chick handmade items on EBay, scouring second-hand stores or finding the ultimate treasue buried in the sale rack? Check out Moondrop Clothiers for an eclectic collection of everything from shoes and clothing to home accessories to books.
Not only does Moondrop sell new and gently-used merchandise to its customers but they present a variety of handmade Fair Trade products with a bohemian flair. Each Fair Trade purchase supports "low-income artisans and their families by providing sustainable employment opportunities, safe working conditions, and a fair wage while maintaining their country's cultural traditions". By presenting these items as a viable buying alternative to their customers, Moondrop offers a truly admirable philosophy to shop by!

Has anyone tried...

... any of the Dr. Weil products created for Origins? I'm wondering if the Plantidote supplements and face creams live up to the hype. Share your feedback!

Get Inspired: Long Chains and Tshirts

Take a cue from this month's issue of Lucky which proclaims "A shiny, extravagantly long necklace adds all sorts of allure to a softly draped top." Add your own twist by picking a necklace with a little personality.

Our 60" chain necklaces can be worn super long by simply tying the strand in a knot and letting the ends dangle, or you can wear it as a lariat by folding it in half, draping it around your neck and threading the ends through the loop as you would wear a scarf (as shown).

We're currently featuring a variety of silver and gold chains from $76 - $110, so take your pick!

Road Tested: Frederic Fekkai Technician Shampoo

For those of us addicted to highlights, you know how important it is to take care of your hair, especially during the dry winter weather. I've been trying a lot of different brands lately in order to find one that is gentle enough but locks in shine and moisture. This is one high-end product that works better than grocery store brands in my opinion and is well worth the $$$. Plus, it smells divine -- just like juicy peaches! Available at Neiman's and Sephora: $29.50 for 16 ounces

Poll: What's your favorite nail polish?

At the moment, I'm in love with Rescue Beauty Lounge's "Moulin Rouge". It's got a little more of a berry tone to it than Chanel's famous "Vamp" but still gives off the same deep, edgy vibe. I bring it with me to the salon because I can't find anything else this dark or chip-proof.

What's your favorite nail polish?

Look what I found online: stylish horoscopes

By now you know I'm always in the stores and online doing what I do best: shopping. While cruising around today I discovered a fun little treat that offers daily and monthly horoscopes. It covers money, love, and of course, shopping. Mine read something like this..."This month, you're all about pragmatic accountability, no matter how trend-conscious or style-obsessed." As luck may have it, many of my recent purchases (see my entry below about the fab BR raincoat I bought) fall into this category (although many do not...see my entry about the five inch gold platform wedges I had to have!). We'll see how the rest of the month shapes up.

Visit Elle.com for your style predictions and let me know how on target they are with your shopping patterns!

Preview of Spring Jennifer Grove collection

A small preview of new spring pieces has just been made available. Make sure to check out the stunning new chain lariats -- these signature pieces are simple in design but pack a major style punch with their bold black and white combinations with gold and silver.

For news about the debut of the entire spring collection as well as an invitation to use private discounts, please join our guestbook.

Poll: Who looked the best at the Golden Globes?

In My Bag: Fitted Trench Coat

It may have just snowed this past weekend, but I was shopping for a lighter coat so I'm prepared for when the weather does change to something warmer. This Spring is all about choosing a signature piece, so when you're picking wardrobe items, make sure you have a great coat to pull the look together. This Banana Republic trench is so fabulous -- as soon as I tried it on I knew it was the one for me. It's the traditional trench coat but the belt and waist pleats make it so feminine and flattering so it will look great with dresses and denim alike. In my opinion, it's a very luxurious buy for only $198. The creamy buff color makes it a sophisticated neutral to pair with everything in your closet. FYI, Banana's new spring collection hit the floor only a week ago and I was able to score the last coat in stock at the location I went to, so if you're in the market for a new coat, you may want to start looking for one now. I guarantee trench coats will be a hot ticket this upcoming season!

Road Tested: Henri Bendel Candle in "Fig"

I've added something delicious to my daily ritual of reading the NY Times, enjoying my morning brew and listening to the Coffee House station on Sirius: lighting a Henri Bendel candle in Fig. It creates a luxurious, rich atmosphere -- sophisticated yet cozy. It's a warm, almost juicy scent; noticeable but not overpowering and something I will willingly become addicted to. With distinct notes of fig and jasmine plus a hint of something spicy thrown in, one thing is clear...I'm gonna need to stock up for the rest of the winter.

Large frosted glass pot; white wax, fig-scented candle with 60 hours of burntime, $26.

Baby doll dresses: In or Not So Much?

Watching Project Runway last night got me thinking about Mr. Kors' comments. He said, in what seemed to be a very condescending tone, that the "losers'" classic black suit with mod-detailing and a striped scarf accessory was very "stewardess-like". Odd choice of words given the fact that the inspiration for his current ad campaign is strikingly similar. His lace baby doll dress (which is gorgeous BTW), the single-engine jet plane ready to wisk the model off to somewhere fabulous? Seems very '60s stewardess to me -- hip, young beautiful women in inappropriately-short dresses jet-setting around the world? Hmmmm.

Fashion is supposed to transport us somewhere fabulous. And, when it comes to luxury fashion, aren't we supposed to find it both inspirational and aspirational? I don't consider Banana Republic luxury by any means, but the suit the women create for the store was as aspirational as that store needs to get in order to sell a million units across the country. It was a shame the judges, including Michael Kors, found it dull. It wasn't dull -- it was saleable to women who shop BR for trend-forward but still work-appropriate looks. They could have sold it in black, grey, chocolate and khaki to boot, including coordinated stewardess scarves!

...but back to my poll...Are baby doll dresses in or out for Spring? (No worries if you don't have a plane to accessorize with!)

In My Bag: Gold Metallic Wedges

I must be on another shoe kick because I saw these metallic wedges and had to have them. I can't help but get excited about Spring, even though it's mid-January. Neiman's was sold out of my size, but fortunately I found them on Zappos.com and scored free shipping while I was at it!
Anne Klein New York wedges, $153.99.

Add This To My To-Buy List: Chloe's strappy sandals

I'm totally lusting after these thick strappy sandals from Chloe. It's so refreshing to see something chunky that looks so beautiful. What can I say? They are the perfect complement to so many things this Spring, including all of the items from this weekend's haul from BCBG: a short sleeved silk eyelet peasant top, cropped black pants with 4 gold buttons at the bottom of the leg (very nautical inspired) and a royal blue bordered/multi-colored and multi-patterned silk spaghetti strap dress. Of course, I will have to wait a couple of months to wear said merchandise, but I couldn't resist!

Savings Alert: Today Only -- 40% off Everything!!!

It's Friday, so why not get your weekend started a little early with a sweet savings deal?

Enter "stopnshop40today" during checkout and take 40% off your entire Jennifer Grove order, including sale items. Offer valid through midnight tonight.

It's just for my faithful readers, so please enjoy and spread the word!

If you're in the mood for something trendy, check out our deluxe length necklaces like the pearls shown above. Regular price $48. Use your shopping code and purchase today for only $28.80, plus $5 for Priority shipping. I'm still seeing these super long necklaces pop on celebs (see Miss Mimi above) and on the runways (see Elie Saab RTW Spring '06 above), so you know the trend is going to have some staying power through spring.

Poll: Who was the best dressed of 2005?

After reading everyone else's top ten lists, I thought I'd see who you thought looked the best last year.

My personal vote wound up in a tie: SJP for her fabulous red carpet looks and Sienna Miller for her boho chic ensembles. (although I'm glad she's moved on past that look to more fancy numbers which show off her new cropped 'do even better)

Road Tested: Island Michael Kors

Well, it's back to work this week and, unfortunately, I do not have any plans that involve jetting off to a tropical paradise. The next best thing is to surround myself with products that can at least temporarily transport me somewhere other than the rainy East Coast. Anyone else sick of the cold weather already?
I'm so happy that I got Island Michael Kors as a Christmas present -- the timing couldn't have been better. It smells delicious and acts as a total mood booster. Think sand, sun, waves, a slight breeze and fruity cocktails with umbrellas and you'll get the picture. Definitely a luxury I can afford on a daily basis.

Win This!

Every month we draw one winner at random to receive FREE Jennifer Grove merchandise. The January winner will receive this Swarovski Crystal Pearl Necklace, retail value $55.

All you have to do is sign our guestbook ----> For exclusive Jennifer Grove collection news and private sale events, please send us your name and email address: guestbook

If you sign the guestbook, we'll also email you a private shopping code for complimentary 3-day Priority shipping!

Good luck!

In My Bag: C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint

Happy New Year, ladies!
It's back to work, which means more shopping tidbits and goodies to report back to you with.
First up, one of the best gifts to have received at Christmas (thanks, Mom!) is C.O. Bigelow's Mentha Lip Tint. It's the company's big hit product, but now available in a lovely tinted version. It comes in a pretty pink (my fave), a red/brown, plain red and nude tints. Looks like they're on sale now for $5, too, so definitely worth a shot if you dig that minty fresh feeling on your lips. Good gloss feel; not sticky at all. The great tube and slanted applicator tip makes it easy to swipe on without a mirror. One note about the color intensity...after practically inhaling my first cup of coffee of the day, it was necessary to reapply the gloss. No worries -- more mint for me!