Kristin van Ogtrop's Blog, page 414

Resources for the Chronically Disorganized and Hoarders

Not everyone who wants to unclutter and organize her home can do so without the help of someone else. Thankfully, assistance and effective treatments are available for those who need it and their families:
Often times, chronic disorganization and hoarding are a side effect or symptom of obsessive-compulsive disorder. For individuals who struggle with these specific effects or symptoms, The International OCD Foundation can be a fantastic resource for finding treatment.Sometimes chronic...

First Lady. First Class Style.

Ni hao--greetings from Beijing!

I am away in China this week for one of my best friend's weddings.

But, while I'm away celebrating this amazing event and seraching for fabulous forgeian fashion inspiration (stay tuned for a Chinese fashion roundup post when I get back)....I wanted to share with you this amazing lookbook/slide show cronciling our first lady--Michelle Obama's outifts from the inaugration to now. Thanks NYmag.com!  

Click HERE and enjoy!

When Nothing is Too Over-the-Top for Your Pet

Greetings, fellow pet-lovers.

 

Before we get into serious debate about what pets do and do not understand or how to pick the best pet insurance or when to let go and make the tough decisions, I figured a bit of lighthearted confession was in order.

 

I'll start.

 

Nothing is too good for our pet. No piece of furniture (ok, well maybe the antique desk in my parents' home), no choice morsel of food (all it takes is one imploring look for me to set a piece aside on my plate), no mode of...

The Animal Print Shop by Sharon Montrose

I came across Sharon Montrose's photography awhile ago on Etsy and fell in love with it. I am completely in awe of her ability to capture the animals (especially the baby animals) that she photographs in such wonderful poses. Take a look at one of my favorite examples, the baby giraffe series:

 

 

 

 

Luckily, Sharon has recently launched a print shop where you can order copies of her photos. I think these five prints are going on my wishlist:

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can find all of these prints and more at The...

The Animal Print Shop — Sharon Montrose

I came across Sharon Montrose's photography awhile ago on Etsy and fell in love with it. I am completely in awe of her ability to capture the animals (especially the baby animals) that she photographs in such wonderful poses. Take a look at one of my favorite examples, the baby giraffe series:

 

 

 

 

Luckily, Sharon has recently launched a print shop where you can order copies of her photos. I think these five prints are going on my wishlist:

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can find all of these prints and more at The...

Your September Book Is...

Hello, Bookies:

Well, it seems you've lost that Big Love-ing feeling, since August's near-winner polled only third this month. For a week, Mennonite in a Little Black Dress appeared to have a lock on the win, but then...an eleventh-hour surge put Jane Ziegelman's 97 Orchard: An Edible History of Five Immigrant Families in One New York Tenement far out in front. Later this week, Social Media Director Heidi Schoembs will say hello, talk a little bit about 97 Orchard, and set up the reading...

Scrub Up with Dior

For some odd reason, I just love face scrubs. I think there's something so rewarding about washing off a nubby paste and realizing you just knocked off a ton of dead skin cells. How productive. Skin is smoother and makeup goes on a little bit better.

After cleaning out the plethora of scrubs in my medicine cabinet the other day, I decided to keep just one--a new found favorite by Dior: Instant Gentle Exfoliant.

Rather than ragged walnut shells or apricot seeds, this extra-gentle, creamy face...

One More Question for You

Hi, Bookies:

Our friends down the hall on the print side send this question your way: What is the most beautiful book you've ever received? (Yes, they're still plotting the December issue.) Answer the question below—with the title, author, and a little description of the book—and you may see your reply printed in December's edition. Thanks a lot!

Are you reading this via an e-mail or RSS feed? If you wish to comment, please click here.

Rebecca Minkoff Launches A Shoe Collection

I've got some sizzling shoe news for you!

One of our favorite handbag and apparel designers Rebecca Minkoff has just announced the launch of her first shoe collection for Spring 2011. And if her gorgeous bags and clothes are any indication of what's to come for her shoe line then my feet now have a new obsession!

The 25-piece collection covers a wide variety of styles---from oxford flats to bold wedges and retail from $160-$395. I'm loving the use of texture, pattern and soft colors. The...

The September Poll Ends on Sunday, Bookies

Hi, gang:

Just a reminder: If you haven't yet voted for September, check your box before midnight EST on Sunday, when the poll closes. Social Media Director Heidi Schoembs will lead the discussion next month of the winning book from the four below. Results up on Monday!

Super Sad True Love Story, by Gary Shteyngart

Shteyngart, author of the acclaimed Absurdistan, returns with this biting, slightly futuristic novel, both a satire and a genuine love story set in an on-the-brink America.

97...