The Top Ten

As we bid adieu to 2009, I can't help but think of the decade’s most memorable moments in style. There have certainly been a plethora of trends over the last 10 years. Some were fabulous, some were puzzling and some I’d like to completely wipe from my memory. Oh my god, did I really own a trucker hat? Was I on drugs? Anyway...below in no particular order are my top ten: the good the bad and the ugly!

Fendi Bags (Big Break in 2000)
Thank the good Lord for Sex and the City. Not only was it my favorite show of the decade and my biggest overall style inspiration, but it introduced me to Fendi Bags. They’re a little slice of Italian- made heaven! I’d give up my pinkie toes for a lifetime supply of Fendi bags. I’m not kidding...who needs pinkie toes?

Uggs (Big Break in 2003)
I blame Jessica Simpson. Back it 2003 while watching an episode of Newlyweds, I spotted my first pair of Uggs. I was so intrigued I bought a pair online a few days later. Nowadays everyone in the English speaking world owns at least one pair of Uggs. Their comfort can be described in two words: like buttah! Their appearance can be described in one word: fugly.

Skinny Jeans (Big Break in 2006)
A breath of fresh air after too many years of bell bottoms. You put on a pair and POOF!, instant cool. But skinnies on men? Just plain wrong.

Head Bands (Big Break in 2007)
Gossip Girl. Enough Said.

The Thong (Big Break in 2000)
Were once reserved for strippers, call girls or other ladies of the night. Suddenly women of all ages were flocking to Vickie’s & stocking up. Goodbye visible panty lines, hello urinary tract infections. Eww.

Vintage (Big Break in 2007)
Typically reserved for artsy high school/college girls, thank Mad Men making it mainstream.

Flat ironed hair (Big Break in 2002)
What did we do before flat irons? I can’t even remember...I guess we just walked around with frizzy heads. Perish the thought!

Vampire Chic (Big Break in 2009)
This trend usually pops up every ten years or so. We almost had a vampire-less decade, now 5 out of 10 television shows have the word “Vampire” “Blood” or “Dark” in the title.

Statement Tees (Big Break in 2003)
These also pop up every so often...remember Frankie Says Relax? 2003 was a huge year for the statement tee. You weren’t super cool unless you had “Gettin’ Lucky in Kentucky” or “Rock Star” emblazoned across your chest. Sadly, I had this Jesus tee in yellow. Don’t judge.

Leggings (Big Break in 2006)
Started out as a layering piece with perfectly good intentions. Quickly turned bad as a pant alternative. It is my personal goal in 2010 to rid the world of the “No Pants” trend. Wish me luck.

You Guys Want Some Cookies?

'Tis the season for baking! And what’s better than a freshly made chocolate chip cookie? Basically nothing.

Recently I went shopping at the always fantastic Wegmans . Realizing I was out of the standard cookie making essentials, I loaded up on ingrediants including Wegmans brand chocolate chips. I'm usually a loyal Tollhouse chocolate chip-er, but the Wegamans brand was less expensive. So when I made cookies I followed the Wegmans recipe which was subtlety different than the Tollhouse recipe. Just a bit more brown sugar, flour & a little water. I don't know how but the Wegmans cookies are way better!

Tollhouse better watch their butts!

Wegmans Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup (2 sticks) Wegmans Butter, softened

1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 tablespoons water

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 package (12oz) Wegmans Real Chocolate Morsels

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

1. Beat butter and sugars until light colored and creamy. Beat in eggs, one at a time until completely incorporated. Add vanilla and water; blend well.

2. Combine flour, soda and salt; gradually stir into butter mixture. Stir in chocolate morsels and nuts (if desired).

3. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart. Bake 12-15 minutes (at 375 degrees) or until crisp and golden brown. Cool on wire racks. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

The Ugly Truth

Christmas!!! There's so much I love about this time of year. Watching my favorite holiday movies, especially White Christmas and Home Alone. Baking delicious cookies. Listening to fabulously cheesy Christmas music. And as corny as it sounds, that warm fuzzy feeling you get right after Thanksgiving that lasts until New Years. Love that warm fuzzy Christmas feeling!

With so much to love about the holiday season, there are only a couple things I detest. #1 Everyone & their mother being out...at the mall, at the grocery store, on the road...where do they all come from?? And why won’t they get out of my way! And #2 hideously ugly Christmas sweaters. I'm not sure exactly how they originated...nor do I really care to know. But I mostly blame home shopping shows like the atrociously awful Quacker Factory for selling them to the public. And ultimately, I blame the terrible judgment of all the housewives, grandmas and teachers across this country for purchasing them. Hang your heads ladies...for shame!

Luckily it’s possible to wear a festive top without looking like Christmas decorations threw up all over you. Sequined & sparkly knits are holiday appropriate without being gaudy & tacky. So I better not see anyone wearing a terrible Christmas sweater, or I might just rip it right off you...got it? :)




Faux Gemstone Cardigan $35, Old Navy

















Sequined Scarf Sweater $110, J Crew

















Sequined Shoulder Sweater Dress $54, Arden B


















Sequined Knit Top $60, Zara