THINGS GET HECTIC QUICK

Beginning like—yesterday, my blog posts will be a little on the sporadic side. I've recently taken on more writing assignments with Runway Passport and we are currently moving into our new apartment, so my hours are kind of all over the place. Case in point, it is nearly two in the morning here in Stockholm and I've just now been able to get to my computer today. I've got some posts lined up so hopefully I can knock a couple out tomorrow morning for your reading pleasure.

In the mean time please bear with me, my lovely readers!

TTFN,

Andie

ZARA, CAN YOU HEAR ME?

Dear Zara,

I am a big fan, but have been feeling sort-of left out lately. I see you've opened online stores in over ten different European countries since September, but Sweden has not been one of them. I see you plan on expanding your online stores into the U.S.A., Canada and South Korea early next year, but still no sign of Sweden. This makes me sad.

I am a big fan, but it is a little difficult shopping in some of the Zara stores here in Stockholm. Most often it looks like a clothes grenade has gone off, leaving items strewn all over the place. I feel like I'm digging to China when I'm sifting through some of the tables that were (once upon a time) organized with items such as cardigans, pants, etc. I can never seem to find anything I want, and yet, I come to your website and am constantly ohhing and awwing over your lookbooks.

I am a big fan, so please consider opening an online store here soon.

A big fan,

Andie 

TEN HOLIDAY PARTY RULES ACCORDING TO ANNA DELLO RUSSO

A couple days ago the magnificent Anna Dello Russo posted these ten rules for attending parties this holiday season on her blog (I love that she has a blog). And whatever Anna says, goes. So, without further adieu I bring you Anna's Ten Party Commandments along with some pictures I've added for your viewing pleasure!

"Now begins the critical period for parties to celebrate Christmas. They involve family and friends, as well as formal events. Here are my 10 rules to be always on top!"

1. Don't wear RED or GREEN outfits. You will look like a Christmas tree.

2. Forget any COATS—even if it's only 5 degrees outside. You should make a big impact just with your dress.

3. Choose GOLD. You will emphasize the idea that you are a Christmas GIFT to unwrap.

4. Go to the hairdresser. Get a facial, manicure and pedicure. Don't worry to be OVER-DONE!

5. Choose between a HAT or MAKEUP. If you wear a hat keep a fresh face, otherwise you will look like a transvestite.

6. Wear lots of JEWELRY. The sound of JEWELRY banishes bad thoughts and bad ghosts.

7. Focus on the SHOES. Generally at a Christmas party you spend a lot of time seated on the sofa.

8. Shoes have to carry all the magical atmosphere of Christmas. Choose a sparkly, shiny, eccentric, metallic, decorative, precious, brocade, extravagant, color-full, magnificent, enchanting ... PAIR OF SHOES.

9. Don't worry about a BAG, you will immediately forget it on some chairs.

10.  Don't throw yourself on the drinks and on the food. It's not POLITE!

Happy Holidays!

PLAYING CATCH UP

Image via New York Magazine

It's been a little over a week since my last post and a lot has gone down in the fashion world, let's recap. H&M released images of the entire Lanvin/H&M collection and the final Kate Moss for TOPSHOP collection was launched. Both collections were meh. I had actually planned to line-up at H&M on the 23rd and live blog the release of the collection, but I'm not really feeling any of the pieces (except for maybe the sunglasses), so I don't think it will be worth my time and energy to get up at 5am and wait in a long-line with several hundred other rabid fashionistas, pushing and shoving their way into H&M. Moving on.

Speaking of H&M I pretty much own the entire Arizona Dream collection now (well, almost). I bought this leather jacket and these suede pants, however I'm returning the pants because they just don't fit right. Story of my life.

I ordered these Timberland boots. Super excited to get them because winter has arrived in Stockholm in all it's freezing-cold glory (we had quite the snowstorm yesterday).

I bought an apartment! Expect lots of interior design posts in the near future!

The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will celebrate the work of the late designer Alexander McQueen in its annual spring exhibition. The show, which will open May 4 and run through July 31, 2011. What I wouldn't give to see it!

WWD turned 100 years old, which in fashion magazine years is like, as old as Jesus Christ.

I am obsessed with short hair after seeing a slew of celebrities chop off their locks—the latest being Ashlee Simpson. How adorable does she look? And check her out channeling Edie Sedgwick here. In the immortal words of Rachel Zoe, "I die."

That's it for now. Expect regular posting to resume now that this past hectic week is behind me.

XO,

Andie

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Although Halloween is technically on Sunday (tomorrow), most Halloween parties will be happening tonight. I've been invited to a friend's party but I have absolutely no motivation to find a costume. I was originally planning on going as David Bowie from the Aladdin Sane album cover, but a difficult week at work and zero energy crippled my costume hunting efforts this week.

Now with not much time left to plan a costume I think I'll end up going as a "fashion blogger," donning my trendiest pieces. That works, right? ;-)

On second thought, maybe I can just run to the grocery store and pick up a Lady GaGa costume there.

Hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween!

XO,

Andie

THANK YOU!

To all of you around the world you have been reading my blog. It means a lot to know others are reading my posts and I'm not just talking to myself! So far I've got readers on six continents! Who knows, maybe there's a lonely fashionista in Antarctica who'll stumble across my blog someday... ;-)