toast.toast.toast.

There's SO much for me to be thankful for this year, but I'd like to raise a glass {or an entire bottle} to you readers.  Whether you stop in for a peek, leave a hilarious comment or if we've met in real life, I want you to know that your support is my inspiration everyday.  Here's to having it ALL in 2011 and not feeling the least bit guilty for enjoying it.  You only live once, right?

Cheers, loves.

xoxoxo,

Lisi

p.s. Talbots asked me what I was thankful for this year.  Go over to their blog and check it out!

pic via Gail

Beautiful Aloha

It feels like yesterday that we boarded a flight to Hawaii and spent ten glorious days basking in the sun. We island hopped from Maui to Kauai and I was exactly two weeks pregnant. Almost one year later I found this editorial and was immediately drawn to it, partially because of the recent blizzard, but more so because the attitude in Hawaii is the absolute opposite from that in New York. These days I find myself dreaming of Hawaii. When the temperatures cruise below 40, nothing is more tempting than floating off to a warm sandy beach, fresh flower leis in your room and the most incredible fish tacos the world has to offer.  Even if it's just in my mind.

{anja by carter smith, 2005}

picture this: diane kruger

63rd Annual Cannes Film Festival, Palme d'Or Award Closing Ceremony

May, 2010

Dress by Jason Wu

via 

The Aisle New York

What's one part glamour, two parts couture & totally fabulous all over?

The Aisle New York!

If you haven't heard of it yet, you will now be bookmarking, hearting and favorite-placing this site.  Brides and families/friends of brides, grab your laptops and your wallets, get ready to be blown away.

I recently spoke with Shara Levy, cofounder of The Aisle New York and self proclaimed "bridal enthusiast."  While she planned her own wedding a few years back, she realized there was no chic place to buy wedding dresses online.  She partnered with industry veteran, David Yassky (former editor at WWD & W Magazine), Deborah Moses (former Editor in Chief and Creative Director of Elegant Bride Magazine) and Mark Ingram (owner Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, NYC) and they set out to revolutionize the bridal industry.  By the unwavering support they've received in the press already, I'd say they're well on their way!

Modeled similarly to Gilt Groupe, brides can find a hand curated selection of bridal fashion and accessories from the world's top designers including Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Amsale, Lela Rose & Angel Sanchez. Bridal party and wedding attendees can find lots of goodies  like accessories by Ranjana Khan, Christina Garcia, Sydney Evan & Suzanne Couture Millinery.
Oh, and the best part?  Everything's between 40-50% off retail prices.

The site's set to launch on January 3rd, but you can sign up now!
Pre-register here to gain exclusive membership.
While a wedding can be a pretty big undertaking, a bride shouldn't have to sacrifice anything for a fabulous dress.  And shoes.  And accessories.
Now she won't have to.

The Aisle Behind The Scenes Video from The Aisle New York on Vimeo.

Original of the Species

This weekend I found myself reflecting on my blog and the original plans I had for it almost two years ago.  The Beauty File came out of my need to express myself in a creative way everyday.  At the time, my passion for makeup and beauty lead me to write product reviews and tutorials on my favorite looks.  Since then, I've spent the last two years trolling the fashion and lifestyle blogs and have developed what I consider to be a pretty well rounded collection of just about anything I find "beautiful."  Whether it's a song, an editorial, a shoe or an out-of-reach handbag, I now post things that I just find to be inspirational.  On that note, something I've always valued and taken seriously is originality.  My favorite blogs are the most original ones, you can find them on my sidebar to the right.  While I've strayed a long way from strictly beauty, some of my favorite photos are still the ones taken behind the scenes at fashion shows during hair and makeup.  Hope you'll join me in appreciating some of the ones I found over the long weekend.  Not even sure when or where they're from {if you know, let me know}.  Oh and if you're wondering about the title...it's just the name of my favorite U2 song, ever.  Listen to it here.  

"Everywhere you go, you shout it.  You don't have to be shy about it, no...You are the first one of your kind."

via

trend for your consideration...

A diamond necklace on your back.

Kind of sounds a little racy.  But how lovely and unexpected to see a gorgeous, sparkly piece cascading down your back?  I've always believed that when you're going for sexy, less {skin} is more.  How about adding an extra dose of pretty by trying this trend sometime soon?  I think I might.  Anyway, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!  Wishing you get everything you're dreaming of when you wake up tomorrow morning!  If you remember, come back and share what goodies ya got! 

via because i'm addicted, simply seductive

Would you like to advertise on The Beauty File?

Chanel + chocolate, is there anything better? Perhaps not.

However, The Beauty File is offering the next best thing with ad space for 2011 at a reduced rate for the holidays.  Lock it in before the ball drops!  Email me at thebeautyfile at gmail dot com.  All the cool kids are doing it.  FYI: Every dollar you spend here goes directly to my son's adorable wardrobe via baby gap.  Such a good cause, right?

photos via simply seductive, julia

Natalie Portman: Behind the Scenes Vogue Shoot

In case you haven't watched this yet...it's fab.

Massimo Dutti Holiday

I love everything about this holiday collection. The neutrals, the chunky knits, the leather, it just feels like holiday wear. Which brings up my next question...what are you wearing this holiday season? To a holiday party, to Christmas dinner, to a fancy schmanse New Year's party? Anything special? We'd lovvvvvve to hear about it! "We" meaning, Charlie & I, obvs.  xo 

via fgr

Carey Mulligan: Elle UK 01.11

Oh, how much do we love us some Carey Mulligan? I've got to see her new film somehow. Sometimes I buy magazines just to read about the starlet on the cover. This month's article in US Vogue about Natalie Portman was amazing. Did you know she's like BFF with Jeanine Lobell, creator of Stila? After Lobell sold Stila, she traveled with her family (Anthony Edwards + kids) around the world and Natalie met them for 5 weeks in China. Just when you don't think she could get any cooler.  Poof.  She is.

Thought this article would be worth reading...sorry the print's so small, but at least you don't have to go through the trouble of trying to find the British version of Elle to read it. Let me know your thoughts if you get through it!

via fgr (i think)

m i s s a l e x a

Here's a little Alexa for you on this horrid Monday morning. It's freezing as all hell in New York and my three and a half month old refuses to wear a hat. Is that even OK? Tonight I have my last project/presentation and then I'm taking a short break and gonna be back to blogging hard core in 2011. Looking forward to ringing in the new year with the three b's: bottles + burp cloths + bubbly. Is there even a way to fake glamorous when your shoulders are wet from teeny weeny baby bubbles and you're up to your ears in wet diapers? Maybe I'll wear a sequined tank to honor the occasion. I give up! How 'bout you guys? What are your plans for the holidays + new year's? Whatcha doin', whereya goin' and most importantly, whatcha wearin'? Besos...

How awesome is this photo? I wish I knew where it was from...blame it on momnesia.

Joanna Hillman: fashion editor by day...

How adorable is Joanna Hillman? She's Bazaar's senior fashion market editor and she just embarked upon a fabulous fashion adventure.  "30 days of style" is a peek into her outfits {which are AMAZING}, as documented on a teeny, tiny site called Harper's Bazaar. No big deal. I'm obsessed with how cute she manages to look while braving the ridiculously chilly NYC streets. Her outfits are one thing, but how much do we love her braid+wayfarers+redlip combo? I feel a ton cooler knowing she and I share the same taste in coats {I have #4} and bags {I have #2 in black, but the YSL downtown is phenom in army green}. OK, so go entertain yourself and check out the rest of her looks. Also, want to wish you all a GREAT weekend. This is my absolute favorite time of the year. My 4 year wedding anniversary is next Thursday and I'm really, really, really looking forward to it. Besos..........xoxoxo

spotted on because i'm addicted, photos from bazaar

A Game: Assess That Dress

I spotted this vintage dress on Alix's blog & found myself wondering about all the beautiful places this dress has been. Galas, opening nights at the ballet, dinner at fabulous supper clubs accompanied by long, silk gloves. Here's a fun activity for a Thursday. Pretend you're this dress at any point in time. Where will you go tonight? Who will you see? And most importantly, what will you wear to accessorize?

Have fun, loves!

via cherry blossom girl

Crystal Renn for Paper Planes F/W 2010

Is this really plus size?
I think she looks phenomenal. I'm so glad there's a teeny bit of body diversity in fashion right now.  Do we all agree there should be more?

Crystal Renn by Derek Ketella for Paper Planes

{if she's plus size, I must be obese...}

via fgr

Wanted: The MOMA Store

tumblers, $70

animal alphabet wooden puzzle, $40

choco tape dispenser, $38

espresso set, $48

magnetic vases, $45

my favorite print, magritte's, "the empire of light II," $18.95