Darlings, I wanted to share one of my favorite DIY Valentine’s Day gift ideas with you, in case you are racking your brain trying to think of a way to show your Valentine how you feel (like I am!). I call this a Love Jar or Love Bucket and you simply fill a handsome jar with tiny heart-shaped love notes.

Here are the steps:

1. Find a jar and/or bucket in which to put your love notes. (I used a vintage decanter {similar} and silver bucket {similar} from my fave store in San Francisco, Past Perfect, but you can use whatever vessel strikes your fancy. I chose both a jar to put the love-note hearts in and a silver bucket so that my valentine, Fred Baby, had a place to put the notes he had read.)

2. Pick up a sheet or two of pretty paper. (I used Paris map wrapping paper from Paper Source. Papyrus and Kate’s Paperie also have great options. Be sure one side is blank so you can write on it!)

3. Cut out tiny hearts! (Or, use a heart-shaped punch, which is probably much easier. The number is up to you. I used our anniversary, 2/18, and cut out 218 hearts, which admittedly is a lot, but you could do whatever number means something to you and yours. Or, add a twist: Start with 14 for Valentine’s Day and then add a new one each day – that would be such a fun tradition!)

4. Use a pretty pen to jot down your favorite memories. Ideas of what to include: things you love about your Valentine, special dates, adventures, nicknames, inside jokes, or whatever you want to express (our Love Jar is filled with a lot of food references and travel adventures – big surprise!). It’s amazing how writing something as simple as “ancho fudge pie” or “San Marino snow” can bring back a flood of memories.

5. Deliver your Love Bucket to your love bucket! While it’s technically a gift for your valentine, it’s really such a gift to yourself, too, as you get to travel down memory lane with your favorite travel partner.

Do you have any favorite Valentine’s Day or anniversary gifts that you’ve given or received? Do tell, lovelies xx!

[Photos by BussBuss; art print by Shelby Healey]

If you love Audrey Hepburn and Breakfast at Tiffany’s as much as I do, you must watch this Breakfast at Tiffany’s-inspired makeup tutorial by makeup guru Lisa Eldridge showing how to get Holly Golightly’s look — from her eyebrows to her lips.

Audrey eyes are so coveted and I can’t wait to try out the kitten-eye look! There are so many clever tips for getting her brilliant doe-eyed look even if your eyes look nothing like hers.

Do you love Breakfast at Tiffany’s too? What’s your favorite Audrey Hepburn  film?

Thank you Kristen Turner for sending this our way, daahling!

[Photo by Rare Audrey Hepburn]

2B top c/o; GAP 1969 jeans; Rebecca Minkoff bag c/o; Sendra ‘Sara Clare’ boots c/o; hair by Joseph Chase

My darlings, I’ve finally found love! With a hair stylist that is. I’ve always secretly envied girls who had trusted stylists that they returned to over and over again. Despite “dating” many, I never found my perfect match. Until today.

And I have Groupon to thank, no less! Remember that great deal that popped up last week at Argyle Salon in Sunset Tower? Well, I nabbed it and I’m so glad I did. Frankly, I was in a pretty rotten mood all day Jesse Spano-ing out (time, time there’s never enough time!), so I wasn’t expecting much. In fact, I had visions of myself crying in my car (again) after my having my haircut (um, I’m not the only one who does that, right?).

But then I met Joseph Chase. We chatted delightfully for a good 10 or 15 minutes about what I wanted, what would be a good fit for my lifestyle, options, etcetera and finally decided on a Nicole Richie-esque bob with a long side-swept bang. I had been feeling like a troll, and walked out feeling like a million bucks. If you are in need of a wonderful hair stylist who truly listens and “gets it” and gives you exactly what you want, I couldn’t recommend him more. And the salon itself was lovely too. Low-key (which is saying a lot considering the A-list celebrity clientele they cater to), great West Hollywood location, extremely friendly staff. Check it out and tell Joseph I said hi xx!

[Photos by BussBuss]

I’ve always loved the idea of a short wedding dress like Audrey Hepburn wore in Funny Face. Playful and sweet, there’s something utterly charming about a tea-length or mini wedding dress, don’t you think?

For our wedding, I wore a knee-length white dress under a white coat (I don’t think anyone ever saw it as it was 18 degrees outside!), and a floor-length Art Deco-inpsired silky dress for the reception. If I were getting married today, I’d love to wear some of these pretty dresses:

This sweet-chic babydoll dress by Romona Keveza (the same designer of Kaley Cuoco’s SAG Awards dress) from her Spring 2012 RTW collection. So spirited, I adore the flirty feel and the movement.

These darling mini wedding dresses from BHLDN make my heart skip a beat (left: Seraph’s Whim Shift; right: Miraflores Dress). How perfect for a garden, backyard, or courthouse wedding.

This BHLDN minty crinoline skirt (which also reminds me of Kaley Cuoco’s mint Romona Keveza dress) took my breath away. (I’m obsessed with this color!)

While not a short wedding dress, I am completely smitten with this Oscar de la Renta poppy-print gown from his Spring 2012 RTW collection {similar}. Does it make you swoon, too?

So tell me, would you wear a short wedding dress or an unexected wedding dress with a twist? If you’re already married, what did you wear on your weddding day? What would you wear if you were getting married today? 

I love Rachel Bilson. Her style. Her humor. Her new show Hart of Dixie that makes me laugh and pine over the clothes (a separate post on the fashion inspired by Hart of Dixie coming soon to a BussBuss near you!).

If you’re a fan too, you will likely die over this video like I did. Behold, Rachel Bilson rapping.

p.s. NSFW

One of the spring trends I’m most looking forward to is the resurgence of candy colors, especially mint. Refreshing yet sweet and sophisticated all at once, I’m feeling very minty fresh. Let’s grab a mojito, pretend we’re on an island — Capri will do! — paint our nails mint and dive into spring (the early bird gets the worm!) with these darling mint pieces.

1. Juicy Couture Striped Floppy Hat

2. ASOS Rare Pastel Stripe Dip Hem Dress

3. Schuler & Sons Pulled Tide Wedges

4. ASOS Pastel Skinny Belt

5. Essie Mint Nail Polish

Even though, admittedly, it’s been summerlike here in LA, it still gets nippy at night. (Plus, I can get cold chills in 80+ degree temps — you too?). So I’ve been on the hunt for a cute sweater or two to add to my very sad little collection. Here, a few darling favorites — all under $100:

1. ASOS Bonjour Sweater – Oui, oui.

2. Topshop Owl Sweater – A hoot and a half.

3. ASOS Angora Sweater With Heart – Charming, darling.

4. Paul & Joe Sister Polka Dot Sweater Dress – There’s a sweet bow on the back, too!

5. Numph Polaris Sweater – Boxy and boyish but with a very girly twist.

Totes

I’m so ready to get outta town! You too? These colorblock cuties — and darling shoesies — scream bon voyage. Now, where to go…

Where would you head if you could be anywhere in the world right now? I’m between Cappadocia and Puglia (I desperately want to stay in a trullo). While I don’t know which place I’d chose, I certainly know what I would bring:

 1. GAP Colorblock Tote – Light but large enough to carry home your treasures.

2. Kate Spade Striped Adette Dress - For frolicking in the olive fields.

3. GAP Colorblock Tote – Room to smuggle home more treasures!

4. Kate Spade Eat Cake for Breakfast Gia Pouch - A good mantra wherever you are.

5. Marais USA Studded Flat — Perfect for those cobblestone streets.

Call me schmoopy, pookie, but I’ms a sucker for anything with heart(s). So when I spotted this preppy-chic sweater with heart elbow patches (elbow patches!), my heart nearly skipped a beat.

Wouldn’t this be cute to wear on Valentine’s Day? It’s darling in a Love Story sorta way paired with this suede skirt, but it would be just as sweet with black skinny jeans, too, dontcha think?

Christmas is a mere nine days away and shipping deadlines are looming. So before I take off for the weekend, where I will giddily shop Paula Abdul’s estate sale in order to get ready for a Dynasty-themed holiday party (so LA), I wanted to share a few of my favorite online shopping sites for finding really great gifts. These are the ones I use time and time again. And I’ve included some coupon codes and a few tips, too. Happy shopping and shoulder pads xx!

Uncommon Goods – I love their quirky, playful gifts and always find a ton of fun entertaining and hostess gifts.

Kate Spade – Playful bags, jewelry, housewares, frocks and socks, plus everything comes in a pretty green box! Enjoy free ground shipping on all orders.

Anthropologie – I adore their home decor and gift section! Plus, get free shipping on $100+ orders through 12/31. And, save 30% on full-priced holiday decor and gift wrap. Plus, take 30% off all sale items. Select standard shipping by 10am EST on 12/22 and your packaged will arrive by Friday, 12/23!

Moma Store – The spot for design-y and artsy gifts for adults and kids. Today’s the last day for free shipping over $75 with code 4FREE.

ASOS – The perfect spot to find gifts for the fashionista on your list (they have the cutest dresses!). Plus, they have free shipping both ways, so you don’t have to be paranoid about fit (pre-paid label included so it’s easy-peasy). Free standard shipping ends today! Or, order by 12/19 for $12 flat-rate express shipping. Plus, save 30% on the ASOS Collection through 12/18.

Amazon – Find everything under the sun, like pretty coffee-table books (at prices lower than anywhere else), Kindles, cameras and electronics. Shipping is usually free for orders over $25 with free super saver shipping (last day to order is 12/19), but here’s a tip: Get an Amazon Prime membership and you’ll get free two-day shipping year-round with no minimum order size. We use it way more than our Costco membership. Total life-saver for procrastinators (that’s me!).

Hammacher Schlemmer -  I always find some cool gadget or gizmo for my parents here, and we both love their lifetime guarantee, which means if something ever breaks, they’ll replace it or give you a refund, no questions asked. Peace of mind is priceless. Last day for standard shipping is 12/19. Get free shipping with code FSRETAIL through 12/31/11  (that saved me over $20 yesterday!).

Banana Republic – I often pick up classic-cool sweaters, scarves and belts for my husband and mother-in-law here. Today only, get 30% off with code BRGET30 at checkout, plus get free shipping on orders over $50. Order by 12/20 for 12/23 delivery.

J.Crew – See above. Plus, they have cute seasonal items like iPhone cases that make great gifts. Today only get 30% off plus free shipping on all orders with code CHEER at checkout. (My wishlist just did cartwheels!)

Madewell – J.Crew’s hipper younger sister, Madewell has cool plaid shirts, the best boots and fun bags and accessories. For women and men. Get 30% off winter favorites today only, plus free shipping on all orders through 12/20.

Melissa and Doug – I love to pick up fun, educational toys for my sweet niece here. Get 15% off with code NSAVE15 or 25% off puzzles with code NPUZZLES25 or free shipping with code FREESHIPZERO (no minimum required).

Charm and Chain – My fave site for glammy baubles and jewels! Did somebody say cocktail rings, shimmering earrings and bib necklaces?

Sephora – Free shipping with any $25 purchase today only with code SHIP25 at checkout. I don’t know any girl who wouldn’t want to find glitter nail polish or NARS lipstick and blush in her stocking!

Red Envelope – Thoughtful gifts for guys, grandparents and more, often with a sentimental twist. Plus, who doesn’t love their signature red gift box! Get 20% off with code SGIFTS20 at checkout.

American Express Gift Cards – Sometimes a gift card is the way to go (perfect for teens…and I like to give them when I want to give an experience gift for a getaway or show but don’t want to bungle the dates). Save 33% on 2-day express shipping – now only $5.95. Order by 11AM on 12/21 to receive by Christmas.

Hope that’s helpful! I highly recommend curling up with a cuppa hot chocolate and enjoying the process — and the fact that you can avoid lines at the stores and the post office, crowds, road (and parking) rage, and fighting (and being pepper-sprayed) over what’s left.

Oh, and one last tip: Do take some breaks as to prevent an online shopping injury (yes, it’s possible — yours truly needed to take her own advice yesterday.)

If you have any favorite online shops, coupon codes, or tips, please share them in the comments!

p.s. More great gift ideas and deals in our Holiday DEALS Gift Guide. Plus, What to Give the Chic Hostess With the Mostest and Six Peppy Gifts Under $40! And some fun ideas from last year’s gift guides.

[photo via Prepaganda]

So you guys know my boyfriend Andy Spade, right? His clever shop Partners & Spade is offering a really cool and cheeky Christmas present for a mere $.99. For less than a buck, they’ll send you (or your lucky gift recipient) a polaroid of “any over-priced product” in their store (packaging included!). Genius, right? Details here.

Or, make this idea your own by printing out fantasy gifts for your loved ones (or tear things out of magazine…or snap photos of things you want to give…or, if you’re really artsy, you could even draw them!). Think anything from those dazzling Louboutins for your bestie to a private island for your lovie. The options are endless.

I love this idea, how about you? Would you want to give or receive a gift like this? I know I would!

Fuggedabout Christmas sweaters. This darling gift bow for your tresses is the glamorous and cheeky way to add a festive touch to your holiday party ensemble. It would also make such a cute present for your best friends. It’s a total glam slam!

Available here at bando xx!

Did you see Sarah Jessica Parker on Live With Kelly earlier this week? She looked *so* darling in her frilly Valentino dress and bright teal tights by Hue. Bright tights are one of my favorite ways to jazz up any look (and any gloomy day!), and they’re an easy, fun and inexpensive way to add a festive touch to your holiday party ensemble. (I normally get mine from American Apparel.)

Do you love them, too? What do you think? Do you wear bright tights? Would you wear colorful tights? Is it too much or just right?

Here, SJP gives us the deets on her outfit in Fashion Finder (I love Fashion Finder and wish every show did this). I wouldn’t kick those Jimmy Choos outta bed, either!

Happy Friday, my dears, and I’ll see you back here next week for Gift Guides galore, plus Christmas in New York and Christmas in LA photos. Until then xx!

One of my favorite things to do when traveling is to aimlessly wander and stumble upon new discoveries, like unknown designers and shops (ice cream shops included!). Such was the case when strolling around my old — and favorite — New York neighborhood, Nolita, this weekend. The bright, bold colors and shapes of Dinosaur Designs instantly drew me in.

Set up more like a gallery than a shop, stacks of resin bracelets beckoned, as did cool vases — all made of resin and all in unexpected and fun color combos. Like alligator burgers and Crocodile Dundee, Dinosaur Designs hails from Australia and each piece is handmade.

I love a good cocktail ring and these fun statement rings won me over. Wouldn’t they be fun to rock at a holiday party, quite literally?

These earrings would also make quite the statement, whether with a chic little black dress or jeans and a tee.

Once my eyes spotted these gold bracelets, voices in my head — that sounded eerily like Hugh Jackman — chanted in unison, ‘Come to mama, come to mama!’

And even though I wanted nearly every piece I touched (I touch everything when I shop, sue me!), I didn’t buy anything on the spot… And totally regret it.

Luckily for me — and all of the lovely ladies I’d like to give pieces to for Christmas, there is a Dinosaur Designs online shop, too.

Which would you go for: ring, bracelet, necklace, vase? 

It’s been way too long since my last cut, in big part because I can’t decide what I want to have done…and in small part because I am very, very lazy  — well, when it comes to my hair. Shampoo? Pshaw. Brushing? Overrated! (Okay, in truth my hair is dry so it just does much better without frequent washing — the brushing, well, see exhibit LAZY above).

But when I spotted these pics of Alexa Chung’s new ‘do? Well, swoon, baby, swoon. I’ve contemplated bangs for…let’s see, forever, but always decided against them because 1) I can’ stand to have hair on/in my face, 2) My hair is fine yet naturally wavy AND I have a cowlick so they wouldn’t lay flat without some effort and 3) My husband hates bangs.

But now I’m really thinking about taking the fringe plunge because 1) It’s an easy way to hide fine lines and wrinkles, 2) I’m convinced this means I’ll be able to wear less makeup and 3) Did you see how flippin’ cute she looks?!

To fringe or not to fringe, that is the question. Would you do it? Have you done it? I’m afraid I’ll end up looking like this. Or this.

Sometimes a girl just needs a little glitter…and a lotta girly glamour! That time is now.

1. Betsey Johnson Maggie Dot Pump Platforms at Ruche
2. Glitter iPhone Case at J.Crew
3. Sequin Scarf at Ban.do
4. Mini Hearts at Ban.do

My darlings, I hope you had a delicious Thanksgiving weekend and are all fueled up for the most exciting online shopping day of the year – Cyber Monday! It’s the one day of the year where you can get the best deals (sans pepper spray). We’ve asked some of our favorite designers, brands and online shops to give you, dear readers, amazing coupon codes that will help you stretch your holiday dollars (that just means we can buy more, right?). Behold, the annual Holiday DEALS Gift Guide!

Delicate Raymond	The Soap Box Company	Moop
Lauren Conrad, Mischa Barton and Carrie Underwood are just a few of the famous fans of Delicate Raymond’s breathtaking jewels. We adore the Vintage Monogram Collection, featuring engraved coin bangles and initial charm necklaces. Worn layered or alone, each piece adds instant glamour to your look and makes a treasured gift.	Artisanal bath and beauty products packaged beautifully? Yes, please! Bonus: Everything is all-natural and tested for sensitive skin. This Vanilla Milk Lotion and Body Wash Caddy Set is on our wishlist and we plan to gift it to our spa-loving friends. It would also make a great hostess gift. Now, to choose a scent… Vanilla? Almond Blossom? Sweet Mint? Or Holiday scents?	Coveted and beloved by the fashion blog world over, Moop’s incredibly cool handmade waxed canvas bags are like a favorite pair of jeans: comfortable, durable, and they make your backside look good. Oh wait… But they do make *you* look good. And smart. We love the Paperback, which fits your fave book (or iPad or Kindle) perfectly.
Use code BUSSBUSS35 for 35% off any regularly priced merchandise through 12/31/11!	Get 20% off plus a free holiday lip balm with code BUSSBUSS through 12/25/11!	Enjoy free domestic shipping in the US through 12/3/11 with code MOOPMOOPBUSSBUSS at checkout!
Klix Makeup Brushes	Bellissima Jewelry Design	autrepeau
This genius three-brush set features white, replaceable, recyclable brush heads so you won’t have to spend time cleaning, rinsing, drying and reshaping your makeup brushes, only to find they never quite work the same again (and aren’t even clean!). We’re nabbing sets for our sisters and besties (um, and ourselves!) and giving the gift of glowing skin this holiday season. Take that, Santa.	We were floored when we first spotted Bellissima’s handcrafted necklaces and jewels. The sophisticated and playful color combos (like the cool grey and punchy red of the Lucille necklace above) instantly take a ho-hum outfit to a whole other level. After scooping up a few pieces for ourselves (hello, it’s holiday party season and we need to spice up that LBD!), we’ll be gifting Bellissima jewels to the special ladies in our lives… if we can bear to part with them!	We’ve been huge fans of autrpeau ever since we sampled one of their long-sleeved innerwear tops over seven years ago. And now we never wear sweaters without one. Created as an incredibly comfy second skin to be worn under itchy sweaters and scratchy suits, autrepeau’s camis and tops make winter wear and suits comfy — and save you bundles on dry cleaning bills. We’ll be gifting them to all the business women and sensitive-skinned ladies we love.
Enjoy the Klix Makeup Brush Collection for just $39.99 (reg. $59.99) through 12/31/11 with code BUSS2011 at checkout. Free shipping is included, too!	Enjoy free shipping with code BUSSBUSS through 12/17/11!	Enjoy 10% off and free shipping with code BUSSBUSS through 12/30/11/!
Kensie	Asos	Delias
We love the cool-girl clothes Kensie dishes up, like this shimmering black sequin frock. We’re also pining over the downtown-chic sweaters, vests and capes. And we can’t believe this amazeballs deals. This means we can buy twice as much, right?	From on-trend yet wallet-friendly dresses and coats to bags and shoes, our ASOS wishlist is miles long. And now is the time to stock up as they are treating us to a very rare coupon code. Hooray for Black Friday online deals with no trampling required!	We may not be 14 anymore, but that’s never stopped us from indulging in Delia’s super-cute, affordable clothing. How cute would this darling scarlet number be for holiday shindigs AND on Valentine’s Day, too? We’ll likely be scooping up some cute cardigans while we’re at it. A deal this good is hard to pass up.
Buy one get one free using code MAKEPRETTY through 11/29/11!	Enjoy 20% off womens (including sale items!) with code HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY through 11/28/11.	Take $20 off any order over $75 with code 75AFFND at checkout!

More deals:

Kate Spade: Up to 75% off + $5 ground shipping during the sample sale on 11/28/11.

Trina Turk: 15% off with code CYBER15 on 11/28/11.

Anthropologie: Free shipping on orders over $100 through 11/30/11 when you use this link.

Dwell Studio:  20% off plus free shipping with code BESTSALEEVER11 on 11/28/11.

Banana Republic: 30% off with code HUGECYBER on 11/28/11.

GAP: 30% off with code HUGECYBER on 11/28/11.

Steve Madden: 30% off plus free shipping with code STUFFING at checkout. Exclusions apply.

J.Crew: 25% off + free shipping with code SURPRISE on 11.28.11 only!

Madewell: Enjoy an extra 30% off sale items & free shipping with code ENJOY on 11/28/11 only!

Macy’s: Get an extra 25% off (10% electrics) with code MACYSFF through 12/5/11.

Rebecca Minkoff: Major deals (like $100s off!) in the Black Friday Sale, plus first 100 to use code CYBERMON get 10% off new purchases (1 per customer).

For more great deals, sign up for The DailyBuss email and follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

* This guide brought to you by our lovely sponsors.

My sweets, how are you spending Thanksgiving this year? Last year we hosted my darling husband’s family at our place for the first time ever. And this year, we are excited to play hosts again – this time, hosting my parents for the first time! Since we are going to be a small – but merry – group of four, I’ve been asking each person, What are your Thanksgiving musts? What do you really love at Thanksgiving and would be crushed not to see on the table?

I’m all for Thanksgiving leftovers (it’s really the best part, isn’t it?), but with out-of-town visitors, I also know it’s fun to take them to eat at new places. So, we’re cutting out the superfluous and making our musts. So far, that’s been turkey and gravy, mashed potatoes (my Mom makes the BEST ones ever), stuffing (really dressing, but I will forever call it stuffing even though it’s not coming from inside the bird), and cranberry sauce. I’ll also be making some crispy Brussels sprouts and a simple green salad for added crunch.

I’ve never been a big pie person, so in lieu of that, we’ll be making chocolate mousse (my mother-in-law has the best recipe) and I want to try this pumpkin bread pudding just to try something new. And, in addition to Pizza Bianca, I might be making these sparkling cranberry brie bites as an appetizer to nibble on while we cook the day away.

But enough about me, I wanna know: What are your Thanksgiving musts?  What just isn’t Thanksgiving without it? Family fights and tears, not included.

[Table from The Perfectly Imperfect Home: How to Decorate and Live Well via A Lovely Being; Gnome via Slim Paley; Pudding by Romulo Yanes; Brie bites by Yummy Mummy]

Can you believe it’s Thanksgiving week already? Come Black Friday, we’ll have a dazzling Holiday Deals Gift Guide for you, chock-full of great gift ideas and coupon codes, but for now, let’s talk hostess gifts. I love coasters because they’re incredibly practical (who can’t use a coaster?), plus they can add just the right pop of style for not a whole lotta clams. They’re the perfect hostess gift, don’t you think? Here, a few cool and chic faves…

Jonathan Adler British Flag Coasters – for your British brother-in-law who sometimes misses where he grew up.

Kate Spade Live Colorfully Borough Coasters – for your friend who can’t get enough of the Big Apple.

Tree Ring Coasters – for your bearded husband who loves escaping to Rock Reach House.

Reclaimed Slate Coasters – for your friend who throws killer dinner parties.

Squares CoasterTray – For your whip-smart graphic designer friend who values color and pattern.

Rorschach Coasters – for your psychologist mother-in-law who always says “tell me more…”

Jonathan Adler Jet Set Coasters- for your fearless friend who spent the last year traveling around the world solo and is finally coming home!

iomoi personalized coasters – for your Palm Springs-loving friends whose house was smashed in by a tree over a year ago and finally got their re-building permits approved.

How To Make It In America. Do you love it, too? I’m obsessed. Which got me to thinking… What would Ben, Cam, Rachel and Domingo do for Thanksgiving?

AphroChic Placemats – They’d eat on these oh-so-Brooklyn-it-hurts placemats.

Graffiti Cocktail Shaker – Let’s face it: Drinks will be the main event.

Cutipol Rondo Gold Cutlery- If Kappo’s not in jail, he’ll insist on these bombdotcom utensils.

Spherical Ice Tray Set – Because they know drinks these days are all about the ice.

Bicycle Glasses – I mean, hello.

Bear Rug Coasters – If there are any coasters, they’d have to be these.

Don’t Give Up The Ship Pillow – Word.