Fuchsia Focus

[model: Anna Rudenko. dress: A via Bloomingdale's. tights: poof! booties: Max Studio. belt: Bebe. purse: BCBG. bracelet: Swarovski. eyes: MAC Deep Truth. nails: OPI silver crackle.]

        While black always look chic, I find that I crave colorful pieces. So since the past few weeks have been unseasonably warm so I took the opportunity to wear this fuchsia silk dress without a jacket. I just adore this color and the ruffle detail (which would be much less visible under a jacket, another plus!). Black tights provided a little bit of warmth for strolling by the riverfront. I also added the studded belt and leather booties to keep the look from getting too girlie. The black purse with the studded tassel, distinct quilting, and adjustable gold strap made it a very necessary recent addition to my closet. The little pop of cobalt shadow pairs beautifully with vibrant fuchsia since the accessories are so neutral.

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Arrivederci 2011

[beautiful day at my desk]

        As a very dear (and diplomatic) friend put it, 2011 was a year of "education". And while I couldn't agree more, I still wanted to take a look back at all the bright moments of the past year. I'm thrilled that 2012 has arrived and cannot wait for the new adventures and amazing experiences that await! Looking forward to a few changes here, can't wait to unveil them! Wishing you all a wonderful year full of the hope of new beginnings, health, happiness, and the strength to live fully. Cent'anni!

[my collection of makeup brushes]

[exotic eyes]

[alexander mcqueen exhibit at the metropolitan museum of art in NYC]

[alexander mcqueen:savage beauty | 'jungle remix' photoshoot]

[two friends, summer love]

[las vegas birthday trip | 'hot hues' photoshoot]

[reading terminal market | crepes and cappuccino]

[inspired by my surroundings: spiked railing | vince camuto studded bow flats]

[st. augustine, fl: champage toast | historic downtown at dusk]

[attention-demanding lips | crystal cascades at the ritz-carlton]

['blazer gets dressed up' photoshoot | christmas in love park]

[absolutely adore the ben franklin bridge]

[taking a walk on the wild side in my fur vest | bcbg leopard pony hair flats]

[twinkling tealights | sparkling on new year's eve]

All content property of Lauren Mantilla.

Holiday Gifting Guide: $50 or less

[Henri Bendel Link Bracelet $38]
This gold-plated link bracelet is a beautiful gift for your bestie, sister, or other special girlie.

[J.Crew Nordic scarf $49.99]
The wintery pattern and the warm wool knit make this a perfect holiday gift.

[Pottery Barn Mirrored Dresser-Top Trays sm$29 lg$49]
A mirrored tray is a pretty addition to her dresser and allows her to showcase her favorite jewelry or pretty perfume bottles. To make it extra personal, have her initials engraved on it.

[Pottery Barn Silver-Plated Jewelry Box s$30 m$49 l$89]
Know a girl who is all about her gems? Then she'll love this engravable jewelry box that's just as pretty on the outside as the baubles inside!

[MAC Cosmetics 'Make It Perfect" brush kits $49.50]

Got a girlie on the go on your list? These fantastic brush kits are available in three different options, each with a bag to easily pop into your purse for easy touch-ups!

[Deborah Lippmann 'Trendsetter' nail set $35]

This fun set of Deborah Lippmann polishes are a great gift for the girl that is put together from head to toe!

[Victoria's Secret Pajamas 'The Fireside Long Jane' $49.50  'The Dreamer' $39.50  'The Angel Sleep Tee' $30 or 2/$35]

After a long day, every girl loves to put on a new pair of pjs and relax. Victoria's Secret offers a lot of great options, these are a few of my favorites.

[Menu Winebreather Carafe $50 available at Neiman Marcus]

This dual carafe-wine aerator is a unique and useful gift for the wino couple or friend with a new apartment.

Holiday Gifting Guide: $25 or less

[Henri Bendel Holiday Votive $15-2.6oz. $30-9.4 oz.]

Henri Bendel candles are my year round favorites. So it goes without saying that their Holiday votive is a great gift. And once the candle is fully burned, you are left with a beautiful glass container. (I use all of mine to hold my makeup brushes.)

[Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker soundtrack $13.70 on Amazon]

Everyone loves traditional Christmas carols, but the beautiful classic music of this Christmas ballet will be a gift to enjoy for many years to come.

[philosophy Sparkling Cranberry duo $18 & SIlent Snowfall duo $15]

These indulgent bath products come in cute seasonal scents and the packaging is so festive all that's missing is a bow!

[J.Crew Factory long button gloves $19.50]

I like small details on gloves, like these buttons, and the longer length will ensure no cold breezes sneaking up their sleeve!

[Style: A to Zoe by Rachel Zoe $15.99 on Amazon]

Never know what to get that stylish friend? A book complimenting her excellent taste is a a fantastic gift!

[Pottery Barn Diamond Quilted Velvet Jewelry Roll $16]

If you have someone on your list that is always on the go, this velvet jewelry roll is a lovely present. I like that it can be personalized with their initials.

[MAC Cosmetics Kids Helping Kids holiday cards $10]

These fabulously festive holiday cards are not only a unique way to spread Christmas cheer but also benefit an amazing cause. These cards were illustrated by children living with HIV/AIDS and all the proceeds benefit the MAC AIDS Fund which supports all ages, all races, and all sexes worldwide living with HIV and AIDS. For more information, visit http://www.macaidsfund.org.

[various black and white posters at Target $14.99-24.99]

For the world traveler, these gorgeous prints will remind them of their travels and decorate their walls in style. 

[Bloomingdale's Little Beauty Bag $18]

A tiny totable version of the classic Bloomie's Medium Brown Bag to store their makeup and other beauty necessities.