Catalog Choice - Yes Please

Like many of you, we just had our kids' winter vacation from school.  We returned to find the piles of mail, and more than half of it was catalogs.

We all do a fair amount of online shopping but seriously, the number of catalogs that show up in our mailbox is ridiculous.  It seems to be such a waste, when most of them go directly into the recycling bin.

So with that in mind we thought we'd share one nonprofit we found that is aiming to cut that down.  It's called Catalog Choice and it does just that - allows you to opt out of catalogs you're just not interested in, and only receive the ones you want.

Sign up, enter your name and address, and from there you can search their database of hundreds of catalog companies and they will help you get off those mailing lists.  They make it easy - and they're starting to help people with other privacy concerns online.  By their estimation, they've saved 670,577 full grown trees, 672 million pounds of solid waste, and over 98 million gallons of water used to process the paper.  That's a lot of unwanted mail.

I'm entering a bunch of the ones I received today - and keeping the ones I'd like to see again.  Thought you might enjoy this helpful hint.  Perhaps it will free up a few more minutes of your day and do a little good too.

Catalog Choice

Shake and Wear

This one is for all you ladies who refuse to iron.  Much to my mother's chagrin, I'm one of them.  I have survived thanks to the old steam-it-while-you-shower trick, and the abundance of Chinese laundries in San Francisco, but lately I'm all about shake and wear.  These pieces are quick, easy, and truly pret-a-porter.

This first one from Lesley Evers is a personal fave.  It's available in camel, charcoal gray, and black.  I'm hoping they come out with a spring version in vibrant colors.  Hot pink anyone?  Pair it with tall boots and you're done.

There's a reason why DVF's infamous wrap dress has been a wardrobe staple since its 1973 debut.  The Clealan gives a nod to the color block trend that's in the Spring forecast.

Think a classic button down is out?  Well think again.  J. McLaughlin makes one in a soft tee fabric.  Oh-so-chic with jeans and flats!

Perfect with white pants (and yes, weather-permitting, you can wear white pants before Memorial Day), this Elizabeth McKay original punches up the polo.  They're on sale now in orange and red, so catch one while you can.

Ahoy There!

America's Cup fever has infected San Francisco and it's putting many of us landlubbers in a nautical frame of mind.  These classics look at home whether land-locked or by the sea.

A sophisticated nod to those rope bracelets from summer camp (which are here if you're looking for your kids).  This chunky cotton rope necklace by Lizzie Fortunato is available on Chance, the brainchild of a former Kate Spade design starlet.

These stripes hail from Brittany's legendary St. James.  Choose from a palette of delicious colors.

If your look requires a bit more sparkle, J. McLaughlin offers a touch of shimmer with its Seashore Tunic.

And flats by Pretty Ballerinas were first spotted on Habitually Chic.  They're simply adorable!

Who knew that sailing could be so sexy?  What knockouts from Tory Burch (available this May).  Thanks again to Habitually Chic for the 411.

The Dark n' Stormy needlepoint belt courtesy of Smathers & Branson.  Your mate will love you for it.

And because every sailor worth her salt knows how to throw one back.....

Dark n' Stormy

Ingredients:
Ice
1/4 lime
2 ounces dark rum (we love Goslings)
10 ounces of ginger beer
Lime wedge for garnish

Directions:
Fill 12-ounce glass with ice.  Squeeze the lime wedge over the ice in the glass.  Add rum, ginger beer, stir and garnish with a lime wedge.

Cheers!

Charmed, I'm Sure

In honor of Valentine's Day we wanted to share with you our favorite charm necklaces.  There are many copy cats out there these days, but we're giving you our top three.  And no, we're not sticking extras in there - these are the only ones so far that are classic yet eye-catching.  Add your children's initials, your sweetie's name, or the paw print of man's best friend;  this is one accessory that you can dress up or down - with a t-shirt or a cocktail dress.  Lipstick Money ladies are truly charming as we know - so tie one on and carry the loves of your life with you every day.

Heather Moore

Jennifer Fisher

Helen Ficalora

Valentine's Day For Him

Sound familiar?  Cupid's arrow strikes but you're fresh out of ideas of what to get your sweetie.

What better way to say I love you than to protect your guy when he ventures out of bounds.  This ABS backpack inflates in an avalanche and becomes a parachute-like life vest.  How 007!

If arm candy is your way to his heart then checkout these whimsical cufflinks bound to bring a chuckle amidst the chaos.

Indulge his other love by helping him get into the groove....

Get inspired with these love vouchers or better yet make your own.

At a bare minimum, toss aside the sweats and tshirts for one night.  Dubbed the "Love Suspender" by Agent Provocateur, flaunt it and win his heart forever.

Happy Heart Day......xoxo

The Accidental Housewife

The word housewife makes us cringe.  Despite the ick factor, let's get real.  We all get down and dirty every now and again.  Looking for an attitude adjustment when you're faced with loads of laundry and last night's dishes?  Help and humor have arrived!

Bid adieu to dishpan hands forever with these ultra feminine gloves by Gloveables.

Not quite the French maid, but a close second.

Required reading.

A woman after your own heart.  These cocktail napkins say it all so you can keep sipping your Chardonnay......

.......or some CocktailRx.  Girlfriend, you've earned it!

Our Favorite iPad Covers

Well iPads are rapidly becoming ubiquitous, but we know that Lipstick Money ladies are anything but common.  Where to find the best cloak for your new indispensable accessory?  We will give you a few of our faves.


Our inner book worm leads us to this classic tome cover from Twelve South.  It's vintage with a twist.  Yes, it was in Oprah, but truly, we had one in hand before we saw the magazine.  And we still love it.  Do you think the Austen sisters would approve?

At Lipstick Money, you know we have a thing for monograms, so we can't resist this one at Saks.

We are also known to favor some shades of 'icky green' occasionally, so this (faux) alligator makes for a chic companion.

This fab entry from Vivre makes us feel hip in Manhattan or Jackson Hole.  Be spotted with this one.

And because maybe you may need one for an upcoming tropical getaway or to remind you that summer will come again, this one from Boxwave beckons us to rolling dunes and salty breezes.  Pick up one or two depending on the season?