An Unusually Warm Winter

The headlines have been saying it all...the weather this winter has been quite crazy across the entire country to say the least. If you live on the east coast, you are familiar with this very warm December that is quickly coming to an end. I believe in my area, there was one day in the entire month that came in average/below average. Christmas Eve day was 30 degrees above normal...shorts anyone?

With the warmer than normal weather, the heavy sweaters and jackets have stayed in the closet. Forget the big parka or ankle length coat, the weather calls for, perhaps, unconventional winter jackets. I am loving this quilted front, sweater back piece from Ralph Lauren Black Label. The piece is heavy enough for the 50-60 degree days we have been having, and the mixed media styling makes the piece fresh and modern.

While it may not be the normal coat that you will show up to a December meeting in, it certainly does fit the bill. I paired it with cotton pants (rather than wool) and classic suede chelsea boots. The modern Balenciaga bracelet adds of touch of interest while remaining subtle.

How are you adapting to the weather in your area?

Jacket: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Pants: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelet: Balenciaga // Boots: John Varvatos

Holiday Gift Guide for Her: Luxe selections for the Jetsetter

Have that special someone on your list that is the quintessential definition of a jetsetter? The below is a selection of a few items that may fit the bill for the female on your list that just has to have the best of the best.

Who said jet setting was cheap? While these selections are on the pricier side, a lot of them are simple and classic and will last your gift recipient for years to come. The selections seem to be dominated in black, yet from Paris to Milan and New York to Los Angeles, black is universal and just what the jet setter is looking for.

A Bottega Veneta Eye mask? Check. The perfect bag for touring and running around their favorite city? Check. Only 6 days left until the big day!

1. Saint Laurent Leather Shoulder Bag- $1,990 Net-A-Porter

2. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick -$36 Neiman Marcus

3. Loewe Black Leather and Metal Sunglasses- $380 Editorialist 

4.  Le Labo Travel Tube Kit- $145 Barneys

5. Bottega Veneta Leather Eye Mask - $250 Barneys

6. Rimowa Deluxe Cabin Luggage - $595 PORTMANTOS

7. Hermes Silk Twill Scarf- $700 Editorialist

8. Stuart Weitzman Hijack Suede Boots -$479 *sale Bergdorf Goodman

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES:

Wine + Travel Lover | For the Well-Groomed Man | Eleven James + The Macallan | Selections for the Stylish Guy

Holiday Cocktail Ideas for any Occasion

The holiday season is a great time to try new cocktail recipes, whether you are hosting or taking to the host, below are some holiday cocktails that are good for any gathering this season. Each recipe is quite simple, and the punches are great for sharing.

I personally love the St-Germain recipe below. I mentioned St-Germain as being a great ingredient for spring cocktails, however, it is great year round. As a side note, if you do not love cocktails, try adding a splash of St-Germain to a simple glass of champagne... you will not regret it!

The Carlyle Punch is one of the acclaimed beverages served at the New York Carlyle Hotel's iconic bar,  Bemelmans Bar. The cocktail is available on location through the festive season, but enjoy the recipe for the punch below at your holiday gatherings this year.

Grab the bottles, mix up, and enjoy!

The Carlyle Punch (pictured above)
1 ounce Southern Comfort
1 1/2 ounces Raspberry Vodka
1 1/2 ounces Cranberry Juice
1 ounce Orange Juice 1 ounce ST-GERMAIN
1 ounce Simple Syrup 1 to 3 dashes of Bitters
Splash of Champagne

 Method | In a shaker, combine ice with the Southern Comfort, Stolichnaya Raspberry, St. Germain liqueur, simple syrup, orange juice, cranberry juice and fresh lime juice. Pour in a cognac glass over-ice and finish with 3 dashes of Angostura bitters and a splash of Champagne. Garnish with blueberries and raspberries.

Winter Flowers Punch
 1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1 cup Superfine Sugar ½ cup ST-GERMAIN
¼ cup Honey
½ cup Cognac, Tequila. Bourbon or Gin
16oz Chilled Brewed Chamomile Tea
2 bottles of MARTINI Prosecco
Orange or Lemon Slices

 Method | Combine the lemon juice, sugar, St-Germain, honey, spirit, and tea in a non-reactive bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the prosecco and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour. Pour into a decorative bowl or pitcher. Garnish with orange or lemon slices and fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve in champagne flutes, wine glasses or punch cups.

St-Germain Cocktail

2 parts MARTINI Prosecco
1 ½ parts ST-GERMAIN
2 parts Sparkling Water

Method | Fill a tall Collins glass with ice. Add MARTINI Prosecco first, then ST-GERMAIN, then sparkling water. Stir completely and garnish with a lemon twist.

Photos: St-Germain, Martini

Holiday Gift Guide: Selections for the Stylish Guy

Eleven shopping days left until the big day- are you ready? In my series of gift guides, I am presenting a few selections for the stylish guy on your list. He may be at the cutting edge of fashion, seen sporting the most recent trends and modern silhouettes. He may not have a dress down moment, always running around town looking dapper. 

Below find selections that may fit into any aspect of his wardrobe from cold weather accessories to cufflinks for his cocktail soirées. These selections include on-trend items that are both classic (camel overcoat) and trendy (Fendi Monster Gloves) so you can tailor your selections to his unique preferences. Finally, every stylish guy has a signature scent, and I highly recommend Royal Oud from Creed...it is absolutely one of my favorites so I have included it with this curation.

1. J.Crew Ludlow Slim-Fit Wool and Cashmere Overcoat - $450 Mr. Porter 

2. Fendi Monster Knit Gloves- $250 Bergdorf Goodman

3. Givenchy Embroidered Bouclé Blazer- $1,650 Mr. Porter

4. Ralph Lauren Mother-of-Pearl Cufflinks- $395 Ralph Lauren

5. Creed Royal Oud- $385 Creed

6. Club Monaco Jacquard Knit Sweater- $150 Mr. Porter

7. Burberry Cashmere Check Scarf- $575 Saks Fifth Avenue

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES:

Wine + Travel Lover | For the Well-Groomed Man | Eleven James + The Macallan

5 Sweaters for the Holiday Season

Whether it is a yearly tradition, or you are just getting into the "holiday sweater" trend, do not be afraid as not all holiday sweaters are created equally. With that being said, your holiday sweater does not have to be "ugly" and end up in a social media post with hashtag #uglysweater.

The seasonal sweater has evolved over the years, with many iconic brands offering refined intarsia and winter jacquard prints that are perfect for the office work part or a seasonal open house party. Below are five sweaters that are sure to carry you through all your holiday season functions in style while still remaining festive at the same time. 

Happy Shopping....and being festive!

Beam Plus Suede Elbow Patch Intarsia Sweater - $180 Mr Porter

Polo Patterned Sweater - $245 Ralph Lauren

Gant Rugger Cotton Jacquard Knit Sweater - $165 Mr Porter

Vineyard Vines 1/4-Zip All Over Fair Isle- $185 Vineyard Vines

Club Monaco Fair Isle Jacquard Crew -$149.50 Club Monaco

Holiday Gift Idea: Glassware that Wine + Travel Lovers will Adore

It is hard to believe it is the holiday season already. Yes, I am one of those people that says this every year, however, it seems like just a bit ago we were wearing shorts and complaining about the extreme heat. With that being said, as soon as the calendar turns to December, it is always a great time to start checking people off your list for holiday shopping...you simply cannot start too early.

I have curated a few gift lists at Skimbaco, such as selections for the well-groomed man as well as the new Eleven James Holiday Collaboration. I am excited to share with you some of my favorite finds this season here as well. To start out my selections at Life Through Preppy Glasses, I thought what goes along with the holiday season hand-in-hand? Wine!

The folks at The Uncommon Green have created a beautiful line of glassware that is truly like works of art as the collections feature etched maps of U.S. and global cities. The unique aspect of these glasses make it the perfect gift for the person on your list that loves wine and that loves to travel. Personally, I find that traveling and wine go hand-in-hand as you can always experience new wines that are indigenous to the area of your travels.

I had to opt for the Paris Map traditional wine glass as it is one of my favorite cities in the world. Additionally, if you are looking for more contemporary silhouettes, stemless options do exist. It is fun to select cities that the person you are gifting has been to or loves. I can see the glasses being a great conversation piece over a nice bottle of wine, sharing stories of travels near and far. 

Be sure to browse all the different cities that are available from The Uncommon Green. If the person on your list is not a wine lover, there is a full line of bakeware styles available to match whatever libation they might prefer from whiskey to beer.