The Year 2010

Trends I loved

Mint green nail polish
Black Swan/ballet inspired fashion
Geek chic eyewear
Mad Men vintage dressing
Velvet

Blogs that inspired

Cafe Fashionista

vvb32Reads
Gala Darling
Piewacket
yes and yes
PinkBow
Hyperbole and a Half

Beauty products I discovered

MAC Mineralize Foundation SPF15

Smashbox Photo Finish Correcting Primer
Tarte The Jewelry Box

Sites I shopped

Shabby Apple

Amazon.com
Spotted Moth
Sephora
delias
J. Crew
Beauty.com

Movies I saw

Inception
Scott Pilgrim vs The World
Alice in Wonderland
Tron Legacy

Books I read

Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan: A Novel by Lisa See

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (Marvel Classics) by Shanower, Baum, and Young

Arcadia Falls by Carol Goodman

Murder at Mansfield Park: A Novel by Lynn Shepherd

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Songs that rocked my year

"Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry

"Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars
"Secrets" by One Republic
"Cooler Than Me" by Mike Posner
"Raise Your Glass" by Pink
"Love The Way You Lie" by Eminem ft. Rihanna
"Firework" by Katy Perry
"Your Love is My Drug" by Ke$ha
"You've Got the Love" by Florence + The Machine
"Only Girl (In The World)" by Rihanna

Have a Happy New Year!

Things i LOVE Thursday

Opening presents

Eating numerous holiday cookies

Loving these Star Wars posters

Reading Blameless by Gail Carriger

Listening to Sharleen Spiteri's "I wonder"

Enjoying a white Christmas

Hearting this fortune cookie necklace

Wearing cute, winter themed socks

Making Star Wars pancakes

Looking forward to the new year!

Jane's Fame

If you want to learn about the rise in popularity of Jane Austen's novels, pick up a copy of Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World by Claire Harman. Harman examines Jane's life as a struggling writer with a small amount of success to her global renown today. The book is full of interesting information about the Austen family's reaction to her writing as well as fascinating quotes by other authors and contemporaries. I loved this line from Richard Whately, archbishop of Dublin: "Her heroines are what one knows women must be, though one can never get them to acknowledge it." This was my last book for the Everything Austen II challenge. Can't wait for Everything Austen III!

Think Honeysuckle

A Color for All Seasons

Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

-Pantone 18-2120, Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle 2011 by Icedivastar featuring lace gowns

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! The new year is only a handful of days away, and I am already itching to makeover myself for 2011. The people at Pantone have decreed that Honeysuckle, a "dynamic reddish pink", is the color for the upcoming year.

Will you be embracing Honeysuckle in 2011?

Things i LOVE Thursday

Making spritz cookies

Listening to Straight No Chaser

Hearting the Nixon Vega Watch

Reading Dracula, My Love by Syrie James

Watching All I Want for Christmas

Loving the 25 Most Romantic Movie Quotes

Wanting a Yantra kit for holiday de-stressing

Wrapping presents

Listening to Free holiday music from Amazon

Wishing everyone a Very, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

After watching EllesGlitterGossip's holiday tag videos, I thought it would be fun to post about my Christmas favorites.

What's your favorite holiday drink? Hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream

Candy cane or Gingerbread men? Gingerbread men because they are so cute and tasty

What's your favorite holiday/Christmas song? Can't pick just one! Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Christmas Eve in Sarajevo", Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You", Judy Garland's "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"...

What's the weirdest gift you've ever received? XL underwear

Have you ever made a snowman? Yes, and snow forts, too!

What is your favorite Christmas smell? Cookies baking in the oven

What is at the top of your list this Christmas? Anna Sui by Andrew Bolton

What is most important to you about the holidays? Spending time with my family

What's Your Favorite Holiday Movie(s)? All I Want for Christmas, Home Alone 2, Elf

What's Your Favorite Christmas Color? Blue and Silver

Do You Like To Stay in Your PJs Or Dress Up For Christmas? Stay in my PJs!

Do You Open Your Present Christmas Eve Or Christmas morning? I open one present Christmas Eve and the rest Christmas morning.

Have You Ever Built a Ginger Bread House? This year I decided to build a gingerbread house from scratch...

What Do You Like To Do On Your Christmas Break? Break? What break?

Any Christmas Wishes? To survive the holidays!

Favorite Christmas Meal Or Treat? Grandma's fudge

What are your Christmas traditions?

Reading Child of the Northern Spring

I hate to admit that I have not done any holiday reading. I'll get the urge to read Christmas fiction in July, but by the time December comes around, I'm on to other things. A few days ago I finished reading Persia Woolley's Child of the Northern Spring, the first in her Guinevere Trilogy. I have only an elementary understanding of the Arthurian Legend, but since I loved the movie The Mists of Avalon, I thought it would be nice to read a book from Guinevere's perspective. The novel follows Guinevere's wedding journey to meet Arthur, the new high king of Britain. On the way, Guinevere reminisces about growing up during a time of social upheaval with the collapse of the Roman Empire and the threats of Saxon invasions. While a little slow moving, the story is beautifully written and relaxing to read. I am interested to see how the characters introduced in Child of the Northern Spring evolve throughout the rest of the series.

Go to Laura's Reviews for a wonderful interview with Persia Woolley.

Links a la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

Stylish Priorities

Edited by: Jennine Jacob of Independent Fashion Bloggers

Nothing like the end of the year to get you thinking. The holiday season is not only a time for giving, it's a time for reflecting. Whether your giving lavish gifts or wondering if shopping takes away from the spirit of the season, or just plain having fun with all the holiday parties (it's time to dress up!) this weeks links run the gamut from profound thoughts. Some of my favorites were how fashion has no age limit and just in time for New Year's Resolutions, will losing weight make you happier? Of course there's some excellent posts about fashion blogging, questioning reblogging and content ownership along and balancing your blog with your life.

Links à la Mode: December 16th

365 Fashion Rehab: Confession of a (Reformed) Shopaholic

A la Modest: Quit Wearing That! You Can Still Look Good in a Potato Sack!

Beango: A sketchbook that's a dream gift for a fashion designer

Button Owl: Will losing weight really make you happier?

Dirty Hems: DIY Sweater Leggings

Fashion Limbo: The Rant - Christmas shopping, I hate you

Fashion Lover: Q&A Interview with Tex Saverio, Indonesian fashion designer extraordinaire who was dubbed the "Indonesian Alexander McQueen" by the internet.

Fete a Fete: Guerlain Sur Mes Lèvres: Spring 2011 Makeup Sneak Peek

Finding Tokyo: There's no such thing as a fashion age limit!

The Fashion Pawn: The B.O.B Series: The 8 Commandments of Blogging

Grit and Glamour: Friend Friday: Let's Stay Together

Holier than now: Her story is history: the vintage-inspired mood board collages behind my Market Publique/Erstwhile Style vintage holiday lookbook

Independent Fashion Bloggers: How to promote your blog with an event

Whit & Whimsy: Gift Guide from WIT & Whimsy featuring several IFB members

Little Miss Makeup: ROCK CHIC: Runway-inspired smokey eyes tutorial

Shrimp Salad Circus: Reblog content controversy . quality, quantity, or just crap?

Stylebizzare: New year, new wardrobe? 7 tips to restyle your closet

the Citizen Rosebud: Inspiration real citizens

Taste & Style Files: If you're neglecting your hunny, well then this one's for you, babe! A reminder to stay in focus & in touch amidst our blogger frenzied lives

The Coveted: Pimp your style with a feathered hat.

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Dress Sale: BCBG, Tibi, Lanston, Myne, Velvet, Halston Heritage, ISSA, Wink, Vince, Joie, & T-bags

Things i LOVE Thursday

Making mint chocolate chip cookies

Reading Child of the Northern Spring

by Persia Woolley

Listening to Christina Aguilera's My Kind of Christmas

Watching Inception

Hearting the Red light Rudolph mash up

Loving this panda bear topper

Wanting the Samantha Dress from French Connection

Shopping all the holiday sales

Wishing for crazy socks

Drooling over the spring runway pics on style.com

All I Want for Christmas

I love making lists, so I was always the child who started making her Christmas list in August. My family is a bit free spirited when it comes to giving gifts which makes opening presents on Christmas morning exciting because you never know if they followed your list or not. Now that I'm older, I like to drop not-so-subtle-hints about things I would like to find under the tree. For instance, "Wouldn't it be nice to eat fresh doughnuts on Christmas morning? If only I had a doughnut maker..."

Mini Donut Factory

The Office Clue Game

Cake Pops by Bakerella

Fujifilm Instax MINI 7s White Instant Film Camera

Cooperative Polar Bear Sweater

Urban Decay Cowboy Junkie Set

Twinkie Chan's Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies

Tarte picture perfect

limited-edition gold-toned eyelash curler

Star Wars™ Vehicles Pancake Molds

Red Solid Color Tights

MAC She's Got It All Brush Collection

Anna Sui

How it Pandas Out Hood

What's on your Christmas list?

Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway!

Have a DIY Christmas

I love the idea of giving homemade gifts as Christmas presents, but I usually run out of time to make gifts for everyone. However, I found lots of inspiration at Not Martha and am now busy trying to decide what I can get done in two weeks.

• Lolly Chessie's Famous CP Christmas Trees
• Old-School Clay Crafts
• Homemade Gift Ideas from Your Kitchen
• Molly's Sketchbook: Felt Christmas Tree Pins
• Holiday Craft: How to Make a Handmade Wreath
• Create Your Own Heirloom Photo Ornament
• April's Mini Matryoshkas
• DIY: Ice Chandelier
• DIY: Bottles Full of Light
• Money Origami
• DIY Holiday Gifts
• How-To: Brown Sugar Scrub Gifts

Don't forget to enter the Holiday Giveaway!

Saturday Haul... and a Giveaway!

I love a bargain, so I find it hard to resist Christmas sales. The last few weeks have been full of temptation to buy cute things for myself while I'm out shopping for gifts for the family.

These boots from Target were too cute to pass up.

Thank you Velvet for Fireworks Over Toccoa!

Blameless was too good to pass up at Borders.

Saved $40 on my Ugg boots by shopping in the kids department.

My holiday job means I'm surrounded by temptation whenever I go to work.

Giveaway!

I'm offering a little giveaway to thank you all for following me this year. The winner will receive a mark Pretty Wild lip gloss in Candy Fix, a sample of HerCut The Shag Catalyst, a copy of First Act (a wonderful collection of poetry written by my mom), and a few other goodies as well.

To Enter Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment below with your email

Extra entries:

1. Subscribe to The Fashion Planner

2. Follow me on Twitter (@akaleistar)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry!

Giveaway open until midnight, December 18, 2010.

Open internationally.

Winner will be chosen by random drawing.

Links a la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

All Kinds of Everything

Edited by: Florrie Clarke of Intrinsically Florrie

There's such lovely variation amongst the links submitted this week. We are fashion bloggers- of course we like things that are pretty things from expensive handbags to quirky DIY jewelry- but the dedication to great content and a passion for good causes is what really stands out with this week's posts.

Links à la Mode; December 9th

55th Street: A new take on Street Style through my eyes

Analogue Chic: Drama with my mama: being my mom's personal stylist.

Any Second Now: Remembering the fashion of 1980's Duran Duran and how it inspired a fashion pictorial that includes giant Rubik's Cubes. Gotta love the 80's!

ashley4emergy: Tea Party and Vintage Fashion Exhibit with Socialite Ms. Lana Turner!

Awakened Aesthetic: Six Impossible Things...by BirdQueen Designs.

Big Girls Browse: Dressember begins - a different dress every day for the whole of December

Broke & Beautiful: Jeffrey Campbell goes pink...but for what cause?

de la pen: Balenciaga: The Spanish Master by Hamish Bowles

For Those About to Shop: Callous comments can be life-threatening

Haute World: Not your average designer collaboration: Fashion giants show their charitable side by creating dolls for UNICEF

Independent Fashion Bloggers: Tips for Holiday Gift Guides & Giveaways

Intrinsically Florrie: On DIY customising my own unique rings

lowefactor: Ever notice why pre-fall collections get lost in the holiday shopping press shuffle?

Lust Love Lose: An easy guide to applying red lipstick that will last all day.

Mrs Bossa: Blogs with Soul: Mrs Bossa raises a glass to the talent of the blogging community

Oranges and Apples: Interview and GIVEAWAY with photographer and jewelry designer Marie Bee of the Blue Balloon

Pocket Rocket Fashion: Debating with fashion photographer Diana Thompson the problems of plus fashion brands using models smaller than their range to promote them.

Searching for Style: Fashion 101: Why Luxury is Expensive. The making of an Hermès bag.

STREET STYLE: PICS BY POLKA DOT: One woman's journey to get credit for a piece Spanish Elle did using her photographs without her knowledge, or consent. A cautionary tale!

The Coveted: Winter Vacation Tory Burch Resort 2011

two for the clothes: Our second "Freaky Friday" post, in which her outfit for him turns out badly.

The Fashion Pawn: What a business card can do for you

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Jeans by: DL1961, COH, Siwy, Juicy, MiH, 7's, Joe's, Hudson, Charley 5, Cheap Monday, & AG Jeans

Things i LOVE Thursday

Listening to Katy Perry's "Firework"

Watching Cookie Monster Auditions for Saturday Night Live

Reading Jane's Fame: How Jane Austen Conquered the World

by Claire Harman

Buying new Ugg boots after discovering the wonderful

world of kids shoes

Decorating the Christmas tree with Barbie ornaments

Making a gingerbread house from scratch

(so much harder than what I thought it would be

-I'm calling it the "Dilapidated Chateau")

Wanting this awesome studded bag

Hearting this lace dress

Loving this panda hood

Walking around outside when the

world looks like a snow globe

I'm Here for the Party

The holidays are a wonderful excuse to buy new clothes, and while my calendar is sadly lacking in festive events, I can't resist planning party wear. When I saw the enchanting lady strapless dress in gray from Ruche, I was immediately smitten with the floral detailing at the waist. The ruffles in the sand knee high boots paired with Urban Outfitters sheer with bows tight or ditsy floral tight would take the look from classy to sassy. Finish with a Kate Spade clutch, such as the peacock lane kenessa, and sparkly cocktail ring, like the ice queen frosted ring. Grab some eggnog, and let the party begin!

enchanting lady strapless dress in gray

ruffles in the sand knee high boots

What are your holiday plans?

Gift Ideas: Beauty Tools

Shopping for Christmas gifts is an exciting part of the holiday season. Here are some innovative beauty tools that would be fabulous presents to give or receive. My favorites are the InStyler and Tarte's limited edition eyelash curler.

Beauty Tools by Icedivastar on Polyvore.com

Clarisonic Clarisonic® Plus for Face and Body "Cleanse for Hope"..., $225
Sultra The Bombshell 1", $130
Junior Hairbrush by Mason Pearson - Bed Bath & Beyond, $126
TEMPTU Perfect Complexion Set ($315 Value) Perfect Complexion Set, $280
Tarte Jeweled Eyelash Curler - Gift Ideas Under $35 - Holiday Gift...
Sewing Stardom: Product Review: The Instyler

Today is the last day to enter the Hem Gems Giveaway!

Links a la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup

It Gets Better

Edited by: The Sunday Best

As we head full on into the "holiday" season, with its unbridled consumerism, endless head-whacking charity pleas, and weird tie-ins, I expected the links list to be inundated with shopping guides. Instead, many dealt with what can only be considered harassment or, terribly, abuse; several looked at blogging as a cathartic experience, others as a rallying cry. I was lucky enough to be raised in an openly affectionate household with two strong female presences in my mother and sister, and this has undoubtedly affected my manner and attitudes as a married man. Since I can't go around changing men and society, no matter how cool that superpower would be, I offer this reminder, in what I believe is the spirit of the season (when that spirit is allowed to express itself unfettered): respect is the bare minimum we owe each other, and the bare minimum we should expect from others. Respect is not necessarily agreement, but it is always acknowledgment. For those who are struggling this season--financially, emotionally, physically--I can only echo the words of Tim Gunn, George Takei, and others when I say, "It gets better." Happy Holidays.

Links à la Mode: December 2

Analogue Chic 1 step forward, ten steps back: Skinnygirl by Bethenny Frankel

Be Fabulous Daily Women at work: An immodest proposal

Crimson Rosella My safe haven

Finding Tokyo Why Paris is no longer the fashion capital of the world

Independent Fashion Bloggers: The Comment Challenge

Melina Bee How to host your own clothing swap in five easy steps

Mrs Bossa Friend Friday Guest Post: Size Matters

My Heart Blogged Losing 40 lbs., and what I've learned

Oranges and Apples An ethics code for bloggers

Piewacket Hot off the press

Statements in Fashion My Alex, My Dragonfly

Style Eyes A fashion bloggers mini guide to psychology

The Button Owl Control freak

The Chic Curve From the author: "Fat Bitch"

The Coveted Nicole de Carle: Subversive Architectural Lingerie

The Demoiselles Can't stand the hate: Cutting Bridalplasty down to size

The Elegant Bohemian The sisterhood

The Laugh Slut Giving thanks

The Sunday Best Give him scotch

Vogue Vintage The future of fashion blogging

Wearabout Streets on the runway

SPONSOR:

Shopbop Swimwear: Bikinis by: Tibi, Rosa Cha, Clout, DVF, Red Carter, Thayer, http://www.shopbop.com/spanx/br/v=1/2534374302167112.htm?all">Spanx, http://www.shopbop.com/cosabella/br/v=1/2534374302023729.htm?all">Cosabella, & Shoshanna

Things i LOVE Thursday

Loving snow flurries

Listening to Enrique Iglesias' "I Like It"

Wanting these temporary tattoos

Doing some Christmas shopping

Making naughty granny panties

Dreaming of this sequin dress

Finding time for 10 minutes of yoga

Getting packages in the mail

Hearting this darling cat ring

Wishing for a snugly sweater

Happy December!

Woke up this morning to find snowflakes twirling through the air. Since it's the first day of December, I am happy to have snow, although it will be a different story come January. Right now I want to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate and my MacBook and browse all the wonderful winter clothing online. I'm loving the Snowball Mittens and Big Apple Owl Earmuffs from Kate Spade.