holiday wishlist!

harper's bazaar just launched their holiday gift guide for december and i am absolutely OBSESSED with everything they have featured. seriously, it's as if they went inside my head and sought out to come up with a list that would be perfect for ME, lydia russo. most of these items consist of BOOKS, but they are very affordable and actually, educational! [that's how i'll pitch them to my parents!]

above: photo album for every month of the year, color coded!
why it's awesome: these albums, which are incredibly cute, will inspire you to take a little bit of time to go to the local CVS and develop all your favorite facebook pictures. not only will you have a nice case to present the pictures in, but a fashionable one. the rainbow is going to be so cheerful to look at and will grab everyone's attention from across the room.

above: Louis Vuitton Art, Fashion and Architecture... An anthology of the fashion house's most visible collaborations with artists, architects, designers, and photographers. $63.75 at barnesnandnoble.com.
why it's awesome: this anthology of louis vuitton is actually pretty affordable and will be an awesome addition to your coffee table. not only fashion lovers will appreciate this, but artists and architects.

above: Kate Spade Occasions Book... For the hostess, this illustrated guidebook to throwing the perfect fete — no matter its size — will be much welcomed. $19 at barnesandnoble.com.
why it's awesome: this is the ultimate book for a girl in her 20's. designer kate spade gives tips on how to throw an elegant party. the book is a little less than $20, so it's perfect for college budgets.


above: The Little Dictionary of Fashion... Secrets of style and timeliness tips from Christian Dior. $15.96 at barnesandnoble.com.
why it's awesome: um, i wish i had this book for the 'definition' assignment we had for fashion research & communication! this is definitely a must-have for fashion majors. christian dior has taken the time to inform girls of key words to know in the fashion world.


to see the complete holiday wishlist, visit here: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/fashion-articles/luxury-gifts-for-women

true life: i am addicted to shopping.

so, i gotta say--- my closet is something i'm definitely not too proud of. i am the absolute definition of a addict shopper. i love the feeling after i have just purchased something new and shiny. even if it's not necessarily something i need, if it somewhat catches my attention---it has to be mine.

although the closet looks like it would be an instant headache, it is my favorite place to take refuge. many nights, especially when i am on the phone with a friend, i sit on the floor of my closet and feel calm as my clothes surround me.

2 years ago, i moved into a new house and vowed to myself that i would remain organized and keep my closet under control. since the time of my move-in, my closet has grown to be an empire of collected garments.the sad thing is, i'm not even showing the full view. the floors of my room are completely hidden with clothes.

goal or winter break: straighten out & organize! i'm sure many things can be donated to charity...

the scoop on Iradj Moini!

[featured above: naomi watts with Iradj Moini ring]

a few years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to jewelry designer Iradj Moini, who designs elaborate pieces of wearable art. in the past, Iradj has collaborated with Oscar de la Renta, but most recently launched his own store in NYC. his designs have been seen on many a-listers such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce, and even Oprah. although his pieces can be a bit pricey (they range anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand), they are definitely worth it. this intricate jewelry will definitely get you noticed in a crowd.

here's a look at some of Iradj Moini's pieces:

[featured above: Beyonce with Iradj Moini necklace]

[featured above: a closer look at the Moini necklace Beyonce is wearing]