Party with Lilly!

Hey y'all, if you're in NYC, stop by Lilly Pulitzer next Thursday night.

They're throwing a summer soiree from 7-9, and you're invited! 

Wish I could make it for shopping and cocktails -- 10% of the proceeds benefit a great cause!

In other news, Saks announced a fun giveaway this week. Spend $75 on Lacoste to get this cute alligator headband. 

Use the promo code LACOSTE at checkout to get the deal. 

Cheers!

How Low Can Polo Go?

Wow - massive sale at Ralph Lauren! 

Please double check my questionable retail math. I'll be astonished if I tallied these correctly. 

1. Great-looking basic black shorts for just under $19. (Sizes are really limited, but what a haute deal!) 

2. An adorable swimsuit coverup that easily doubles as a dress ($33).

3. A nautical turtleneck ($119.25) you'll wear every single spring. Especially if you have a firm policy of buying anything that makes you feel like Grace Kelly.

Move fast, dear readers. These things are flying off the virtual shelves. 

Go out and make me proud!

Sultry Sneak-Peek

Hubba hubba. 

Check out the ads for the new Melrose Place, coming this fall to the CW.

As I've confessed before in this very space, I have a weakness for tacky TV. Back in the day, I watched l'original, so there's an excellent chance I'll tune in for this version. 

The more pressing question: what, pray tell, is poor Ashlee Simpson wearing in this picture? 

It looks to be a flimsy bodysuit tucked into jeans. Wait, no. Studded jean shorts. 

Talk about a nod to the 90s!

Other concerns: 

1. Why does this fellow have one leg in the pool?

2. Who's that lurking in the background, and why is he 15 years old than everyone else?

Whatever, I just hope they bring back Jane and Sydney!

Exercise Etiquette

In one form or another, I seem to eat cheese almost every day of my life. My current obsession is St. Andre, which you can find at Trader Joe's. 

Pair this buttery, triple-cream cheese with a Pita Bite cracker and a glass of wine, then cancel whatever else you had planned for the evening. You'll be busy swooning.  

The antidote for all this decadence, of course, is exercise. I either take a dance class or lace up my only pair of athletic shoes and go for a jog. 

Naturally there are the requisite accoutrements -- my pink iPod, vampire-grade sunscreen, and a giant pair of Chanel sunglasses. 

(Readers, this is what people mean when they say someone "runs like a girl.") 

Now, I'm the kind of person who smiles at everyone I pass on the street, even here in the big bad city. Most people respond in kind, and those who don't clearly have no manners. 

The more rampant problem is sidewalk hogs. 

Maybe you've met one of these stubborn sorts -- a person who willfully occupies the middle of the sidewalk, despite the obvious sound of a jogger approaching. 

This means that you, the jogger, must break your stride, pause the music and chime out, "excuse me!" 

All while silently communicating that you're not a mugger or a threat, just a girl who really likes cheese.  

A Quick Guide to Sidewalk Etiquette

• If you are part of a couple, separate and walk in a single-file line when you encounter someone who needs to get around you. 
• If you're walking a dog, steer your pet out of the way and hang on to the leash. 
• If you're pushing an enormous stroller, well, just do your best. 
• If you're by yourself, for heaven's sake move to the left or right. Really, either one will do. 
  

So basic, and yet so foreign. Y'all know this, of course. 

Help me spread the good word! And don't miss that St. Andre...

Milkshakes Are The New Cupcakes

What do Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan, the Kardashians and the Pratts have in common?

A) They're all shy, retiring types.

B) They're collaborating on a book about tacky behavior.

C) They've all voluntarily visited a milkshake bar that partners with paparazzi. 

When I first saw this picture, I thought, "Ah. Lindsay must be doing a charity appearance. Smart move." 

Silly me. All this carrying on is, in fact, over milkshakes. 

On the bright side, does this mean there's no longer a line at Sprinkles?

Georgia Peach Cobbler

Ordinarily, when I use the word "cobbler," I'm talking about the care and feeding of my favorite wardrobe element. 

In this case, it's a dessert that you'll make again and again. Even if you're a catastrophe in the kitchen and you're merely trying to impress a cute boy. 

It's easy, adaptable, and it delivers. Swear on my Louboutins. 

Georgia Peach Cobbler

• 5 cups of fresh, juicy peaches chopped into 1-inch bites
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, beaten
• 6 tablespoons cold butter

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Toss the peaches with lemon juice and spread evenly in an 8x8 inch metal baking pan. 

In a separate bowl, crack the egg and beat it lightly. Add flour, sugar, and salt. Mix with a fork until crumbly. (The consistency should be clumpy, like soft granola.) This forms a crumble topping that you will sprinkle over the peaches. You'll have lots of it -- pile it on!

Grab a stick of butter out of the fridge. (I use the salted kind.) Chop it into little cubes and dot them evenly on top of the crumble topping. 

Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Serve warm, with Breyer's Vanilla. 

The best part? You can make this with all kinds of fruit. Strawberries. Blueberries. Plums. Apples. (Peel them first, and add a pinch of cinnamon to your topping.) Divine. 

Now back to our regularly scheduled program of gushing over shoes. 

Booty Cutie

Right now we're all blissfully swathed in summer whites, but a savvy stylista always plans ahead. 

If you read Daily Candy or Blackburn and Sweetzer, you might have heard about 2 Bandits, purveyors of super-cute boot accessories. 

Here's what you need to know: 

1. Last year's styles are on sale.  

2. This year's batch is more fab than ever!

If you're not planning on springing for new ones, now is a great time to take your old boots in for a tune up. 

Have a shoe repair place professionally shine and polish them, then slip on your Bandits. Voila - instant makeover!

P.S. If you're a summertime purist, there's still a Lilly sale going on at Saks...

Snood Operator

According to Net-a-Porter, "fall's most talked-about accessory" is the snood -- part scarf, part hood. 

I'm of two minds here. 

I could see this being chic in the coldest of climes. Minnesota, say. Or one of the Dakotas in January. 

But if snoods take off, people in Los Angeles will soon be wearing them to the Coffee Bean when it's 63 degrees outside. With flip-flops.

I'm a little skeptical of trends that borrow heavily from the Snuggie. 

And for that matter, from Fiddler on the Roof!

What do y'all think? Would you wear one?

Bridal Bind

Hi Annabel,

I am getting married in October and my fiance and I are having an adult-only reception. I know it is not appropriate to invite people to your bridal shower who are not invited to your wedding, but what about children?

Do I include people's children on my bridal shower invitations if I am having an adult-only reception?

Thank you,

Bride-to-Be

Dear BtB,

While it may be tempting to invite younger friends and family members to your bridal shower, it really isn't appropriate unless they're also invited to the wedding.

This old rule still applies (even for the littlest would-be wedding guests). Showers are full of wedding chatter and anticipation, and you wouldn't want to hurt anyone's feelings by carrying on about a fun event they won't get to enjoy.

Also, it sends a clear message to moms and dads that this wedding is for grown-ups. Book a babysitter if you plan to attend!

One exception: if you're having flower girls or ring bearers, be sure to include them in all the festivities. (They're part of your wedding party, after all.) It's up to their parents to decide which tulle-fueled events they will attend.

Graciously yours,

ANNABEL MANNERS

P.S. Digging the invitation shown here? Visit paperbuzz.com for more info!

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

Chic and Eek: ESPY Edition

Oh, my. Here we have Mrs. Vanessa Bryant arriving at the 2009 ESPY Awards.

Let's begin with an acknowledgement. I can see how someone married to Kobe might go to extra lengths to look alluring. 

Don't be fooled - she's not wearing a dress. It's a cleavage-baring jumpsuit paired with Louboutins. (Right?)

I think the problem here is one too many elements. It's satin. And sparkly. With cutouts. And harem pants. 

As for the tailoring, well, nobody likes a neckline that exists to smush your curves.

I'll say it again: Fit, fabric and form are the keys to red carpet success.

Take Serena Williams, for example. In the past, I've seen her choose delicate, wispy dresses that just don't work on her muscular frame. 

Happily, this Roberto Cavalli shatters her previous record. Lovely color, great fit, and it draws attention to all the right places. 

The ESPYs, by the way, are dedicated to Excellence in Sports Performance. 

Bet you a dollar I'll have to look it up again next year. 

Portrait of a Ladies' Man

Sweet baby Jesus. 

Say hello to comedian Russell Brand, best known for his role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall. 

And for pairing tattered, feminine cardigans with rubber flip-flops while shopping in Malibu. 

Here's the kicker: apparently we women just can't get enough. 

Today's Haute Tip (por homme): Put a shirt on, brother. Unless you're wearing swim trunks, walking around shirtless is not an option. Lord. 

If you can't resist Mr. Brand's considerable charms, be sure to set your TiVo. He'll be hosting the MTV Video Music Awards again in September.

I mean, have you ever?

Gossip Girl: Right on Target?

A few weeks ago, the word on the stylish street was that Anna Sui was designing a Gossip Girl-inspired line for Target. 

Looks like that's not the case after all. And thank goodness! This picture is a yawner, don't you think?

I love Target as much as the next thrifty girl, but when I tune into GG (breathlessly, eyes shining) I want pure, fashion eye candy. No knockoffs, please. 

Let's face facts: Blair Waldorf wouldn't even stand next to someone wearing that getup in the middle. 

It's not that I'm opposed to high-end/low-end pairings. Here in the real world, I can't wait to see what happens when Jimmy Choo meets H&M. 

But on TV, I prefer a glam alternate universe where high school girls go to prom in Marchesa and Dior. 

That's what I call Xhilaration. 

Dabney Lee Promo Code

Guess what I found while reading Lucky magazine at the nail place?

A preppy promo code for home and office designer Dabney Lee!

For a limited time, save 30% on any purchase when you enter the code luckybreaks30 at checkout. 

There are so many fun things -- monogrammed playing cards! a personalized mousepad! -- that it's hard to decide what to order. 

I'm loving the lucite tray shown here.

It's the perfect hostess gift for that darling friend who invites you to her beach house for a whole glorious week!

Amish Couture

Zooey Deschanel is cute as an indie rock button. No two ways about it. 

Here she is chatting with Conan O'Brien last night. 

I know black tights are kind of her signature thing, but they're not exactly summer chic.

In fact, this whole outfit shouts, 'back to school.'

Milk money. 

Trapper Keepers. 

Autumn leaves. 

Zooey honey, it's July.

Less school. More pool.

Beyond Blond

Hi Annabel, I have a question for you...

Last week I went to the salon and had my hair highlighted. There are a few pieces that did not turn out so well, so I'm going back this week to have her 'touch them up.' 

What is the tipping etiquette in this situation? I tipped 20% last week. I did not notice until I got home or I would have said something in the same visit, thus only tipping once. I'm not sure she should get a tip as it was her mistake, but I don't want to seem cheap or fall to the bottom of her client lift! 

Any and all advice is appreciated!

AC

Dear AC,

Your initial 20% tip was right on the money. 

As your hairdresser, it's in her best interest to keep you happy and coming back every couple of months. 

Obviously you don't have to pay for the correction, but if you're interested in maintaining a long, blond relationship with your stylist, you should still offer her a tip. 

(It doesn't have to be the same amount you tipped the first time, just something to show that you appreciate her work and her time.)

There's a good chance she won't accept any money. If that's the case, thank her sincerely and tell her you'll see her next time. 

Let's say you're still not loving the color. Or that she makes a similar mistake in the future. Find someone who understands your blond ambition. And don't feel guilty about the breakup. 

Other ways to be a star client: 

1. Send your hairdresser a holiday card.

2. Show up on time for appointments.  

3. Tip the shampoo girl (especially if she gives head massages!) 

4. Ignore the old rule about not tipping your stylist if he or she owns the salon.

Good luck with those golden locks!

Graciously yours, 

ANNABEL MANNERS

Vintage Do

Poor Emma Watson may have suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the premiere of the latest Harry Potter installment, but I must say I adore this look. 

What we have here is a case of bad luck and inclement weather, not unladylike behavior. 

According to InStyle.co.uk, this is an Ossie Clark dress from the 1970s. 

Wearing the right vintage frock can be magical, provided it's in pristine condition (check) and perfectly on trend (maxi check).

Also, choosing something long, tailored and flowy is surprisingly bold when everyone else is vamping in Herve Leger. 

Anybody else ready to banish the bandage dress? 

Tacky Tuesday

Hope y'all are feeling hearty and hale. Today we're going to scrutinize three trends that might give delicate readers the shivers.

First up, the Bra Barrette, which serves two purposes. It keeps your straps from sliding around and functions as jewelry. For your back.

Anybody else getting a theme park vibe, here?

Next comes a trend I've seen all too frequently in my adopted town. Say hello to micro cutoffs. 

Today's Haute Tip: If your pockets dangle well below your denim cutoffs, your shorts are probably too short. Not to mention downright slovenly. 

Ew!

Finally, can you keep a secret? Tori and Dean is one of my unapologetic guilty pleasures. Here's why: 

Either Tori Spelling really is a sweet, lovable, devoted mom, or she's a far better actress than anyone ever guessed. 

But back to fashion. The Uggs don't even faze me anymore. I live in L.A., therefore I'm more or less immune to them.

It's the baffling combination of sand and suede. Does anyone else find that wildly impractical?

It may be Tacky Tuesday elsewhere in town, but this little blogger has a solution. 

I'm hauling out the big guns: family pearls and my new Tory slides!

Cute-Girl Quesadillas

Ooh! Love this preppy look on Jessica Simpson, don't you? 

Click here to see a better picture of the dress. Does anyone know where we can buy it online? I'm a sucker for silk!

Horizontal stripes can be tricky, but Jessica pulls it off by emphasizing her waist and using my not-so-secret weapon, the nude shoe. 

At this time of year, we're all trying to wriggle into swimsuits and summer frocks. If you need inspiration, try one of my favorite lunch recipes. It's quick, healthy and delish!

Cute-Girl Quesadillas

• 1 eight-inch whole wheat tortilla
• 2 or 3 tablespoons light or low-fat shredded cheese
• 3/4 cup broccoli florets
• Fresh chopped chives
• Olive oil cooking spray

Place the broccoli in a microwave-save bowl. Drizzle with water and cook on high for two minutes. Let it cool slightly, then chop into tiny bites. 

Sprinkle 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of cheese on half of the tortilla. (It's the "glue" that sticks everything together.) Add the broccoli and about 1/2 tablespoon fresh chopped chives. Top with the remainder of the cheese and fold the tortilla over. 

Place a skillet coated with cooking spray over medium high heat. Cook the quesadilla for about a minute and a half on each side, pressing down with a spatula to secure. When the cheese is melted and the outsides are golden, it's ready. 

Cut into wedges and serve with a small salad or a cup of soup. 

Tasty. Virtuous. And sure to help you into those Daisy Dukes! 

High Heels for Babies

So long, quaint little booties. Hello, hubba-hubba heels. 

Check out Heelarious, a line of soft, squishy crib shoes for infants ages 0-6 months. It was started by two moms from Seattle who insist they're designed solely for laughs.

Darling readers, I spotted these while shopping at Kitson in Los Angeles, and I couldn't wait to race home and blog about it.  

They're not intended for walking. They're more for giggles. And catching the eye of that hot toddler down the street. 

I don't have a little one yet, but something tells me these heels won't exactly complement the smocked dresses and monogrammed play clothes I'm already planning on.  

It's not that I'm anti-whimsy. Far from it. 

As a matter of fact, these ballerina slipper socks make me want to start popping folic acid just in case! 

What do y'all think? Would you dress your baby in heels? 

Laundry Etiquette

Dear Annabel Manners, 

I live in an apartment building with a laundry room we all share. When people leave their stuff in the washer or dryer, doing laundry takes 10x longer.

Do you think it's OK to take other people's clothes out of the machines?

-- MK in Santa Monica

Dear MK, 

This is a precarious matter indeed. Here's what we know: 

• Abandoning your laundry midway through the project is rude and likely to inconvenience your neighbors. But then again, 
• The person who removes said clothes and unceremoniously plops them on a table or another machine is being inconsiderate as well. 
  

When you're first in line, be vigilant and stay on top of the schedule. If you must step away, just leave a note on the machine that reads,

Hi there! 

I have to run out for a few minutes. If my clothes are finished before I get back, please feel free to pull them out and leave them in this basket. I don't want to hold you up. 

Thanks, 

[Your Name]

If you're stuck behind a laissez-faire launderer or laundress, give them a grace period. As a general rule, it's best not to touch other people's clothes unless you absolutely have to. 

Let's say an hour goes by. I think it's OK to remove your neighbor's things. Ideally, he or she will have left behind an empty basket for you to put them in. In any case, make sure you place them on a clean surface. 

If the clothes are dry and you're feeling charitable, you can do a good deed and fold them, but that may be too intimate. It depends on your neighborly dynamic. 

Whatever you do, don't put someone else's wet clothes in the dryer, insert quarters, and hit the start button. There may be delicate items that will shrink or mutate in the heat.

In any case, go out of your way to be respectful. Hopefully your neighbors will, too!

Graciously yours, 

ANNABEL MANNERS

P.S. Dig the dryer in this picture? Check it out here.

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

No-Hassle Hostess Gift

I don't know about you, but I could never show up to a party empty-handed. It's just not in my DNA.

A bottle of wine, a quick hors d'oeuvre, fancy olive oil -- any thoughtful little thing will do.

If I'm bringing a something to nibble on, I like serving it on a tray or in a bowl that stays behind as part of the hostess gift.

(The gingham cuties shown here are from Target, and they're $13.99 for the set. Plenty of time to run by and grab one before the weekend!)

Since Fourth of July parties typically take place around pools or in backyards, it's best to bring un-fussy finger food, like chips and dip, great guacamole, bar cookies, or the best browies ever.

I found this recipe in Fine Cooking magazine a few years ago and I've never even considered another. Y'all are going to love it.

Double Chocolate Chunk Fudge Brownies

• 6 ounces (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, cut into six pieces (more for the pan)
  
• 2 ounces (2/3 cup) unsweetened cocoa
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 1/2 ounces (1 cup) all-purpose flour
• 4 ounces coarsely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (chocolate chips work, too!)
• 2 ounces (1/2 cup) coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Generously butter the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square Pyrex or metal baking pan. (I use the latter.)

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Off the heat, add the cocoa. Whisk until smooth. Add the sugar and salt and whisk until blended. Add one egg and whisk until just blended. Whisk in vanilla and the second egg until just blended. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until just blended. Add the chopped chocolate and stir to combine.

Scrape the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Scatter the nuts over the batter, if using. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with small, gooey clumps of brownie sticking to it (30-33 minutes). Don't overbake or they won't be fudgy!

Transfer to a baking rack and cool completely before cutting into squares.

If you bring these to a party, I promise you'll be invited back!