Leave it to the fabulous Zuhair Murad, to “wrap it up right.” His 2012 Spring Collection highlighted one look after another adorned with bow embellishments.So…GLAMOROUS!

Nothing says Glam like a perfectly made-up smokey eye. If you’ve been remiss at giving this look a try (because you don’t quite know how or what to buy ) I have a very easy answer for you…simply Google smokey eye and oodles of tutorials and products abound. Click on demos from Lancome, Maybelline, Cover Girl or any of the  numerous beauty blogs and before you can say  black eyeliner you will be proficient at achieving this look. Try it..you might be surprised how beautiful a smokey eye can look on you.   

Opi Holiday “Muppets” Collection..YES.. I did say Muppets….. 

Happy Tuesday Glamour Girl! You have officially completed Phase One  of your holiday shopping. All that running around and clicking away to snag holiday deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. may have done a little damage to your digits. I thought what better time to get yourself a little something to repair the damage and stay in the holiday spirit.  I give you exhibit A: A very affordable and easy way to not only repair the wear and tear on your mani-pedi but start the “Holiday Sparkle and Glam Plan.”  OPI has brought out the Muppets collection for this holiday season (to celebrate the latest Disney movie ) and to add a dose of pizazz to your nails. Available at Sephora, Ulta  Beauty and numerous other cosmetic emporiums (not to mention eBay)..At $8.50 a bottle it won’t set your fholiday budget back and it’s a perfect little stocking stuffer for all your Glamour Girl friends.

My fave of the Collection: Called “Excuse Moi… 

Gap Holiday Candy Campaign 

Demi Moore for Ann Taylor Holiday lookbook

Nothing says “Christmas” better than a beautiful Tiffany Ad…

Image courtesy of thehomiebsick.tumblr.com

“Good things come in Small packages….” 

O.K. …Enough of the long lines and the over crowded malls and the people pepper spraying at Walmart..(Really???? A woman felt the need to pepper spray???What has the holiday shopping season come to??) I urge you to get up bright and early on Saturday morning and support your small local businesses. What better way to bring money back into your own neighborhood and at the same time support those small shop owners that will give you the one on one service you so desire.  Ten to one by shopping small you can make a big difference. Happy Holidays.

Image: tumblr_lduw38s0hc1qd646ho1_500_ 

May this Thanksgiving  Day be filled with abundance, blessings and grace.

I am so thankful for all of you…my wonderful and loyal

Go to Glamour Girl readers.

*Images of the beautiful Grace Kelly from we heartit.com

A beautifully set table is always noticed and appreciated by your guests, and it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune-matter of fact, some of my best dressed table settings have been done for literally nothing. Here are a few simple tips to help your holiday table be dressed to the nines.

1. Keep it simple. White plates may seem boring but they are the perfect backdrop for adding pops of color and whimsical accents.

2. If you’re going to invest in anything, make it a set of cotton or linen napkins. Not only will a well made napkin look elegant on your table but you’ll be able to use them over and over again. 

3. Some of the best accessories for your table come from nature. For Thanksgiving: Gourds, pumpkins, acorns, pine-cones, fall leaves…they’re all perfect for adding a touch of class. To make it extra festive consider a can of spray paint as your new best friend.

4. Candles and tea lights add romance to any room.

5. Name tags are very helpful when you have a group of people just meeting each other for the first time at your party. You can print them out on your computer with an interesting font or write them on something unique.

H-Have a Plan. Make a list and check it twice. This mantra couldn’t be more accurate when it comes to tackling the holiday gift giving season. Write down everyone you’re going to buy for (and I do mean everyone.) By adhering to THE LIST, you will avoid standing smack dab in the middle of a mall with carolers, screaming children and hurried shoppers, scratching your head and asking yourself: Who’s gift is this going to be?? *Feel free to also make additional lists for party prep, holiday cards and holiday home decor. Sorry if  this is starting to sound like a “tweet” from Martha Stewart.

O-When in doubt take you’re shopping ONLINE. It’s easy, efficient and goodness knows a lot less taxing on your body and your patience. PLUS …so many sites are now including free shipping and returns. Pay attention to each sites policies when it comes to returns and additional fees for restocking.

L- Look for the HAPPY in holiday. Yes you are rushed and multi-tasking to the nth degree but do your best to keep yourself in the true “spirit” of the season. When you find yourself stressed, overwhelmed or exhausted. Stop for a minute…look around and be grateful for all that you have.

*(If you find that your finances have taken a plunge and you can’t afford gifts, remember it’s always  the thought that counts. Give of yourself. (A task done for someone, an offering of something you made yourself, a job accomplished with no payment in return). Kind gestures will not only fill the gift quotient but will most likely be cherished and remembered long after the season is over.

I-Be Inspired. The season is filled with inspiration. There is holiday music, decor, food, do it yourself projects,parties,activities… they’re all part of this joyful season. Be inspired to try a new recipe, switch up the decor in a room, re-work your old standby holiday outfit, get your ice skates out of storage and get to a rink, try a new hairdo…anything…something. Mix it up! Do something new and different. Forget your fear and embrace the joy of the day.

D Don’t I repeat don’t have delusions of grandeur!  Let go of any thought that you can do everything. You bake EVERYTHING from scratch, you make all your own presents and your wrapping paper. Your centerpieces on the table are remnants of greenery from your yard that you have woven together, spray painted and added sparkle…and your holiday parties are stocked with gourmet treats that you prepared this morning. This only happens in magazine photo shoots and at Martha Stewart’s house (with her TEAM of experts in tow.) When in doubt “let it go” and do the best you can with what you’ve got.

A-Be Appreciative. When your Aunt Mary (whom you just adore but realize that her taste is stuck somewhere in the 80’s) presents you with another red holiday sweater with appliques on it. THANK HER. You have got to give her kudos for trying and repeat silently to yourself “It’s the thought that counts.” Remember…the spirit in which the gift was given. You might dislike the item but Aunt Mary thought she was giving you a little piece of heaven. (P.S. Remember there is always eBay)

Y-Put the Y back in you. With all the giving of presents,holiday parties and oodles of  preparation make sure you squeeze out a little time each day for you. Giving should be a gesture that lifts your spirit but sometimes in an effort to beat the Holiday Rush you put yourself last on the list of things to take care of.  You can do something as simple as sitting and listening to a Christmas CD, sip a cup of hot cocoa,take a long bubble bath or just  close  your eyes and take a deep breath.  Do something nice for you. It’s not termed the “Holidays” for nothing!  

S-Seize the Season! There is only one holiday season each and every year. It lasts approximately 35 days depending on how late Thanksgiving is placed on the calendar). Before you can blink, its over and we are knee deep packing everything away for the next year. As best as you can…LIVE in the MOMENT: Enjoy, Observe, Celebrate and remember that the greatest gift you can give yourself and those around you is to be truly PRESENT. Happy Holidays!

L.o.v.e.d. this Deco Ad Campaign for Fall 2011. Granted we all can’t look as picture perfect as model Constance Jablonski (but without photoshop neither could she…no offensive to Constance-she’s stunning but  I want you… my readers, to be aware that there is no such thing as perfection and feel better about yourself….) Any who ..I thought this set of photographs might just inspire your inner working Glamour Girl . Have a great Monday. 

Read Your Morning Newspaper…

Grab a cup coffee.    

 Walk to your business luncheon….at the Plaza

Do a little window shopping on your way home from work.

 Back home.to change  outfits and go out for dinner plans.