the hunt: must-have moto boots

It's time for me to acknowledge a sad truth. My absolute favorite, wear-with-everything black motorcycle boots are on their last leg. I managed to prolong their life by a season when I had the soles - which I had completely walked through - replace last fall, but now the insides are starting to deteriorate. They're literally falling apart.

So that means it's time to start hunting for a replacement pair, and thankfully there are lots of fantastic options out there. From haute to budget, here are some of my top picks:

gift guide 2012: classic christmas

Nothing says Christmas like vibrant red and forest green. Whether it's festive footwear or coffee mugs made for cozy afternoons by the fire, gifts in these timeless colors will bring a dose of holiday cheer to everyone on your list.

1/ TOMS Red Dot Women's Classics, $54. 2/ Crate & Barrel Pick Me Up Mugs with Tray, $25. 3/ McSteven′s Rudolph’s Chocolate Creamy Cocoa, $8. 4/ Alexander McQueen Skull Print Silk Chiffon Scarf, $295. 5/ Pendleton Tartan Mug Set, $52. 6/ Tory Burch Pietra Doro Long Necklace, $425. 7/ Michael Kors Crystal Bracelet, $250. 8/ Reed Krakoff Boxer Bag, $1,090. 9/ Crate & Barrel 3-Piece Holiday Snowflake Nesting Bowl Set, $20. 10/ J.Crew Collection Janey Printed Flats, $248.

gift guide 2012: ballerina dreams

I have a serious love for ballet, so it goes without saying that one of my favorite holiday traditions is watching The Nutcracker. Lucky for me, my cable subscription includes Ovation TV, which broadcasts a "Battle of the Nutcrackers" every season. This year, that means seven different Nutcracker productions to enjoy. The music, the costumes, the sets - The Nutcracker is the ballet that makes thousands of little girls (ok, and grown women) dream of becoming a ballerina. So why not give the one you love a little piece of her dreams this Christmas? From haute fashion to a gorgeous book of ballet photography, these Nutcracker-inspired gifts will bring out the ballerina in anyone.

1/ Crate and Barrel King Nutcracker, $130. 2/ Alexander McQueen Blossom Pink Circle Mini Dress, $2,560. 3/ Bloch Amelie Pointe Shoes, $64. 4/ Repetto BB Strass Swarovski Crystal Embellished Leather Ballet Flats, $600. 5/ Lululemon Skinny Satin Pirouette Headband, $12. 6/ Ballet Beautiful Workout DVDs, $11-$13. 7/ Ballet: Photographs of the New York City Ballet by Henry Leutwyler, $88. 8/ Nutcracker Nation: How an Old World Ballet Became a Christmas Tradition in the New World, $22. 9/ Xhilaration Juniors Fashion Legwarmer, $7. 10/ La Mer Collections Crystal Ballerina Charm Watch, $165. 11/ Rebecca Taylor Perfect Fit Strapless Dress, $425.

oscars red carpet: pretty, but not that exciting

Let me start by saying I had a great time watching the Oscars last night. One of my good friends celebrated her birthday yesterday by hosting a viewing party, and since there ain't no party like a theme party, we all dressed up in our favorite, old school velour track suits and played Oscars bingo. Oh yeah, we keep it classy.

So yes, I had fun last night, but wasn't the red carpet...boring?!? Lots of people looked really pretty, but they also looked really safe. One of my friends and I were left pining for the wild days of Cher on the carpet in Bob Mackie, or even someone - anyone! - willing to take a fashion risk, like Cate Blanchett always does. (Seriously, where was Tilda Swinton when you need her?) Overall, the red carpet was a snoozefest, but there were a few looks that left a lasting impression:

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Couture

I adore Rooney Mara. She dresses for fashion, and this Givenchy Couture gown was a perfect choice for her. There was a lot of buzz about who would dress Mara for her first Oscar nomination - Calvin Klein was deemed a strong contender when she showed up front row at the fall show - but I had a feeling it would be Givenchy. I mean, the French house's spring couture show looked like it was created expressly for Lisbeth Salander, her character in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. This dress was a softer, more accessible choice, but it's flawlessly constructed with interesting, challenging design details. Not just anyone could pull this off, but Mara makes wearing it look effortless.

runway to davenport: alexander mcqueen

For her first paper + cloth guest post, I asked interior designer and blogger Amanda Sinistaj (check her out at www.dwellwellonline.com) to find inspiration in the spring 2012 runway collections. As a stylist, my job is to translate and curate fashion for the rest of the world, whether for an individual's wardrobe or an editorial fashion shoot. For her first post, Amanda translates the design vision of the divine Alexander McQueen for a very different runway - your living room.

Runway to Davenport: Alexander McQueen
by Amanda Sinistaj

Trends…I hate that word. Personal style seems so much more appropriate for where 2012 is headed. It will be a year of personal expression, individuality and all about the details! From runways to your living room, we will show you how to translate the spring fashion line up into your home decor.

Alexander McQueen's collection for spring focused on incredible details in pleating and draping that were infused with an oceanic theme. Texture and color is a proposition easily incorporated into your living spaces.