BOY TOYS...PART II

Stressing about what to get your Beau this holiday season...never freight The Mauve is here to help!!! Check out these gift ideas and you shouldn't go wrong this season with getting the gift they would LOVE!!!

BOY TOYS...Part I

You walk outside of your home…You can feel it in the air…Its everywhere you turn… — the holidays are here! That means let the shopping begin! For some, the exercise in trying to gauge just what someone on your list might like best is fun. But for the guys on your list? —Stepping outside the gadget box and finding that genuine gift can be very stressful. So this week, I decided to do all of you a favor. This week's posting is a little lesson in how to buy for those who you care for, and the things he will not only use or like, but things that will make him tingle all the way down to the tips of his toes. The end result? You’ll be appreciated even more.

• Do your research. Now I don’t mean go running to the Internet to find the latest, hottest, item on everyone’s top ten list (although that might be helpful). But in this case, it means talk to close friends. The man has a tight circle of insiders. They know what's on his list. They know in what color. They know in what size. Which edition of the Jordans, and what video games he lacks in his collection.
• Pay attention. Very rarely do they drag you on extended shopping trips, so when you are out shopping with him, play very close attention to the things that he picks up and categorize them. Listen to the stories he tells you and the interests that he had as a child and try to pick a gift that reflects something of his interest.
• Try shopping online. Most men are highly acclimated to the cyber world and get excited about new technologies…and what better way to get the latest gadgets than online? Most online retailers offer the most up-to-date information on different gadgets and tech toys. If he spends a lot of time in his car, a satellite radio subscription and receiver might be a good idea. If he throws a lot of parties a new stereo or surround sound system might be in order. As long as you have good reason — and therefore put sufficient thought — into the gift, you'll be safe in this category.
• No gift cards. Not today. Not ever. That thought thing is the reason for my personal ban on gift cards of all sorts. Yes, I know they're failsafe. But these days, when pretty much every supermarket has a rack of gift cards (Home Depot, Starbucks, iTunes, whatever you want, chances are it's there) these little pieces of plastic spell cop-out to me.
• Finally, no pouting if they return something. Here's the bottom line: they'd love you to buy them something that they truly love, they could assemble tonight, use tomorrow, and show off to their friends. But if you miss-understand that, they will do their best to give you ample credit for trying. Chalk it up to practice makes perfect. And know that if you need to take back the Cashmere sweater set you spent time and effort picking out, we'll understand. Really. We will.

SO...YESTERDAY I TOOK A BREAK

Yesterday at work I found myself bored, with plenty to do. So I took a break from my tasks and decided to sit in the lobby with the receptionist. She and I usually like to have round table discussions on different topics, but mainly guys and relationships. Now during our conversation my coworker (a guy) came into the lobby and was inquiring about what we were giggling about. I told him we we talking about how guys are picky about females appearances. We told him that some guys could be very particular about the way a female wears their hair, how much make up they wear, and most importantly the way they dress. Now me personally, I love to hear what a man has to say about women and relationships. It gives me a glimpse into the crazy world in which they operate. He started by saying that he had no problem if a "chick" wears hair extensions or not, as long as her hair is nicely kept. Which is a general statement for most men, but what caught my attention is when he continued on by saying how he couldn't stand for a girl that was "too trendy". He shared a story about a past girlfriend that he said, "over dressed on every occasion", and it drove him crazy so he eventually stopped taking her places. He ranted, "I remember one time we were gonna go see a football game and she came dressed in a short mini skirt, a tight shirt, boots, and way too many accessories."

He argued that none of that was really needed to go watch football. He also said that he was into the trends, but that when you overdue it, the outcome could be a catastrophe. I completely agree with my coworker. Being trendy takes a lot of skill and it should be noted to everyone that just because you go into a Gucci store and by out the whole boutique, you can still come out looking like a nightmare! There are ways to incorporate your way of fashion into the trends, without looking like a walking mannequin from a department store. You want to be able to dress appropriately for every different occasion, while still maintaining the trend. For example, if I were going to a basketball/football game with a guy there's nothing wrong with putting on a nice pair of Seven jeans, a crisp white v-neck t-shirt (American Apparel), and some comfortable flat boots (depending on the weather).

Now with this outfit, you've achieved a nice comfortable look that still makes you look sexy, because if you've chosen the correct Seven jeans, they are sure to hug your curves just right; and that v-neck t-shirt will draw attention to the chest area without trying so hard to do so. So ladies, when you are going out on dates, or out with your boyfriend, fit the trend... but make sure the trend doesn't out do you! The guys are watching!!! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

THE LUST LIST

IT HAS TO BE A SIN TO LUST SO MUCH:

"SOUTH BEACH, ANYONE??"

Imagine the outcome of ushering one of the sexiest rockers to put his touch on one of the hottest hotels on South Beach! Mauve, prepare yourselves for a luxurious travel destination spot that you must visit when next in South Beach, Miami. It has been reported that the highly proclaimed rocker, Lenny Kravitz’s design company, Kravitz Design, Inc. has teamed up with the Morgan’s Hotel Group to design their latest lounge in The Delano hotel. The Miami-based venture has been in existence for about two years and was born out of Kravitz’s love of architecture and interior design. "I was always changing things and moving things around," said Kravitz. "When I started touring 16 years ago, going around the world, I got into architecture."The lounge, entitled, “The Florida Room” is designed to reflect the golden past of Miami Beach’s music history. "I love the musical history of Miami Beach. The Beatles, James Brown and Frank Sinatra all spent time here." To capture that mood, he's creating a speakeasy-style space, tucked underneath the hotel's Blue Door restaurant.

Its no secret to anyone that Lenny Kravitz is a design junkie, he’s been studying architecture for some time know and initially began designing private homes and has now ventured off into the hotel industry. His homes have been featured in numerous publications and television shows, showcasing his plush fur carpets and extravagant art deco pieces, and now he is spearheading The Delano project serving as the creative director. The lounge should be set to open by December 8Th, in time for Art Basel which is practically the Delano's favorite holiday.

6 WAYS TO BOOT UP FOR THE WINTER

The winter is drawing near and the weather is dropping faster than the sun! Its time to boot it up for the winter!!! I will showcase six different style of boots that are hot for the winter. With boots done right, it can be very hard for you to mess up an outfit! Take a look at the different styles:

1. Ankle/Booties- Ankle boots or booties have forced its way onto the runways for the fall/winter seasons. More cover up than a pump and less hassle than a knee-high boot...who could complain? Very comfortable, stylish, and easy to accomodate. Style with a short mini dress or skinny ankle jeans and cruise down the street, in style!

2. Mid-Calf- So you still love to wear skirts in the winter? Then doll up your legs with a sleek pair of Mid-Calf boots that you can show off. Go wild and get a pair with studs or buckles...whichever way you wear them (jeans/skirts) make sure they are seen! These Fendi Platform Boots are by far my favorite for this season! 3. Knee-High- Okay so maybe you're bashfull and hate to show off so much leg. Then get your foot into a nice pair of Knee-high stilleto boots. It gives a great arch to the foot and excercises those calf muscles! If you are still in the mood for bermuda shorts or cropped pants, use a Knee-High boot to create an on-going coverage on the leg. 4. Thigh-High- Are we feeling a little risky?...A little sexy? Then you better get yourself a pair of Thigh-High boots! Only one concern! Please lets make sure they are stylish because you might find yourself with a pair of "hooker" boots! A crisp, black leather, stilleto heel should suit you just right. These are also a great way to keep you warm and sleek at the same time. These Chanel boots were featured on "Andy" in the movie "The Devil Wears Prada". Such a classic boot! 5. Riding- You may be going horseback riding, even foxhunting, or maybe just taking the train to work, whatever the case, every women should have a pair of riding boots in their closet! They are the epitome of a classic boot. Very sheek and whichever way you wear them, preferably with jeans tucked in, you will look like an Equestrian Socialite! 6. Flats- As we all love the glamorous look of stilletos, there are days when comfort screams out at us. Do yourself, and your feet, a favor and grab a pair of cute, comfortable flats for the winter. Wear them with casual dresses and tights, jeans with sweaters, and skirts. Your feet will thank you when the day is over, promise! Now make sure you make your way to the nearest shoe retailer and grab all or some of the different styles of boots for the winter! If not the boots pictured...then try something within the same style group. If interested in purchasing any of the boots featured than send an email to madam.shai@gmail.com and I will give you the information on where to purchase!