Total Plaidness

Attention, dear readers: tartan is having a moment, and we preppies just can't get enough.

Perhaps it's nothing more than nostalgia. Raise your hand if you spent your formative years in a uniform skirt!

1. Love this trend on Taylor Swift. Here she is looking cute as a blazer button in London.

2. Next up, a pair of cozy kicks to enliven your winter wardrobe. (If this heel is too sensible for your taste, check out Betsey Johnson's stiletto version. Oooh la la!)

3. It's a tartan paradise over at Williams Sonoma Home. These table linens would make a marvelous gift, as would their fancypants cashmere throw.

4. Finally, isn't this Marc Jacbos wrap DELICIOUS? (I know it's excessive. Nobody ever said it was reasonably priced. Cough, cough.)

Good gracious, I suddenly want to hang a wreath on the door and cue up the Nutcracker. It's nearly Christmas in So-Cal.

There's no escaping it once Hunky Santa takes up residence at the Beverly Center!

Phone Foibles

As you might imagine, I have a thing about cell phone etiquette.

The New York Times recently tackled the topic in my beloved Fashion & Style section.

For the record, I'm appalled by the notion of manners vigilantes who prey on people having noisy conversations in public. It's a tacky antidote that creates an entirely new problem.

However, I'm rather firm on the subject of how to answer the phone. Ideally, it should go something like this:

CALLER: May I speak to Jennifer?

JENNIFER (Pleasantly): Yes, this is she.

As opposed to:

CALLER: May I speak to Jennifer?

JENNIFER (Squawking): This is.

I'm not saying we should all walk around talking like Jane Austen, just that minor grammatical adjustments make a big difference.

Well, that and the practice of not barking into the phone like a scullery maid.

P.S. Isn't this image the cutest? I just love the idea of J.A. taking meetings in Hollywood...

Happy Shoesday

Oh, Tuesday. There you go again, threatening to be dreary.

Well, guess what? Your new name is Shoesday, and you're fabulous.

1. Have you ever seen such astoundingly gorgeous sandals? They belong in a museum. Or better yet, on my feet, paired with the perfect little white dress.


2. On the more affordable tip, I've been admiring these pretty pumps from Nine West. Shades of Kate Spade!

3. Finally, I just can't get over these tiny driving moccasins. Perfect for the P.I.T. (prep in training) on your holiday shopping list!

If you're lucky enough to be ordering from Saks, be sure to use the promo code NOVSHIP9.

It means free shipping on every last delectable thing!

Red Carpet Conundrum

Please welcome Blake Lively, here to teach us a lesson about style priorities.

This jacket is delicious. The fit is sublime. I can even accept the fact that there's nothing under there but double-stick tape.

If' she'd paired it with dark denim or a pair of fab black pants, well, this would be an entirely different post.

Alas, fashion is a series of difficult choices.

Our darling starlet should have selected the cleavage-baring jacket OR the short-shorts.

Not both. Never both.

On the bright side, at least she isn't embracing this alarming new trend.

Honestly, y'all. These jeans are downright misogynistic.

If you don't believe me, check out what they look like from the back.

Anything this unflattering is a crime against women!

Petiquette

Dear Annabel Manners, 

I hope you can help with this. It's an emergency!

My friends are coming for the weekend. They're stopping through town on their way home from visiting family in a neighboring state. I, of course, offered to host them. I'm thrilled that they're coming!

Alas, on this, the EVE of their arrival, they mentioned that they also have their DOG in tow. Mine is not a dog-friendly household. They've offered to get a hotel, but I can't in good conscience put them out on the street. 

Honestly, I was floored. So much for being the hostess with the mostess! Now I'm in full-on disaster mode. I mean, have you ever? 

C.S. in the Midwest

Dear C.S., 

Good lord. Remind me to do a post on how to be a gracious guest. 

At least your visitors gave you some warning as to the canine code red. Fear not -- I have a solution.

It's not your friends who should find a hotel, it's the pooch! 

I suggest you put your other hostess duties on hold for a second. Hop online and find a nearby kennel where doggies can board overnight.  

When you talk to your friends, simply explain that your place isn't dog-friendly. There's no need to go into greater detail. Don't feel like you have to trot out a pet allergy or a tyrannical landlord. 

Just say that you can't wait to see them, but accommodating Fluffy is impossible in your present house/apartment/condo.

Your friends may grumble at the added expense and inconvenience, but since they offered to find a hotel, they obviously know it's a lot to ask. 

Get that puppy safely settled so you can focus on enjoying your time together. Hope this helps!

Graciously yours, 

ANNABEL MANNERS

P.S. Love the striped sweater in this pic? Check it out here!

Got an etiquette question? Send it to annabel@annabelmanners.com!

Chic and Eek: Twilight Edition

Say good morning to Kristen Stewart, who is allegedly dating the world's dreamiest vampire. 

She looks perfectly fine here (if you don't mind monochromatic and matchy) save for one untenable element. 

That hair. 

It's a mullet, really. Which only works if you're a bewilderingly hip Japanese teenager. 

I understand that she cut it this way to play Joan Jett, but I'd love to see her try a pixie cut. Or extensions. Or an updo. 

Something.

In a related story, here we have Dakota Fanning on the cover of Teen Vogue looking lovely and chic. 

Ordinarily I can't bear leopard print, but this is a glam-slam. 

I think it's the long sleeves. 

And (let's face it) really good hair. 

New Promo Code!

Oooh, this is a good one.

Starting today, get 20% off regular and sale-priced gear at Bloomingdales!

Just type in the promo code HOLIDAY at checkout to get the deal.

Since Christmas will be here in approximately 10 minutes, I'm using this discount to kick off my yuletide shopping.

A few haute ideas:

• Cutie cookware from Le Creuset


• A Burberry billfold for your preppy fella


• Darling Tory Burch flats that are already on sale


• A luxe cashmere ruffle wrap

This year, let's all be super-organized and unfazed by the advent calendar.

Starting just as soon as we finish these prosecco and pomegranate cocktails.