I don’t generally think of myself of an addict, but the fact is, when it comes to (certain) television shows, I’m a downright junkie. I’m like a character from LOST, pushing the darn button, week after week. I do go through phases — but once I’m hooked, I’ve just gotta know: what happened this week?? And I’m not even a snob about it. I’m just as likely to fall for Modern Family (free) as I am for Entourage (cable – ouch!).

One of my longest running crushes: Mad Men … Madison Ave in its heyday. Beautiful, wicked, tragic people wearing stunning clothes. Iconic 60′s fashion in a haze of booze and cigarette smoke. What’s not to love about Mad Men fashion? So when Anna at Hachette told me about The Fashion File: Advice, Tips, and Inspiration from the Costume Designer of Mad Men (Emmy award winner, Janie Bryant), I just had to have it — so we could share it with you, of course.

Fashionistas will love the forward from January Jones and the stylish illustrations. You’ll get a peek backstage, but pick up some pretty practical tips too. Here’s a bit about “Comfort versus Chic” — a topic I can especially relate to (mostly because I’m a transgressor in just about every category!)

Have fun discovering your inner Betty or Joan …

Comfort versus Chic

Just as the right accessories can enliven any outfit, the right pieces will surely main a stylish silhouette. I refer to those items as “fashion felons” and can guarantee that they never play nice with other separates. Sneakers, for instance, are appropriate only for athletics. And don’t think that you can get away with them while running errands. You can find a smart, chic alternative that’s equally easy on the feet. Skeptical? Read on.

Fashion felon: A shapeless tee

The white T-shirt, first issued by the navy was originally designed as an undershirt beneath a uniform. But ever since the fifties, it has become an American staple and tripled in size (I’m not talking about the huge, trendy tees with shoulder pads form the eighties either.) If you’re swimming in a T-shift, your silhouette suddenly appears as vast as the ocean. Toss this top or relegate it to attire for garden work or attic cleaning.

Stylish substitute:

You don’t need to banish tees. Just be sure to find a style that doesn’t swallow you whole, and opt for little feminine accents like a puffed sleeve or a low ballet back. Ruching on the sides will slim your outline and three-quarter sleeves are always flattering. Experiment with varied necklines like a V, cowl, or boatneck style. A cotton tunic is just as breathable as a tee. Plus you get a wink at your natural curves and femininity.

Fashion felon: Visible panty lines

These pesky undergarment outlines disrupt the flow of a tailored silhouette. Plus they hardly flatter the backside. Similarly, a protruding panty strap looks more unkempt than alluring.

Stylish substitute:

The thong — originally worn by men more than 50,000 years ago as a loincloth — is one handy solution for eradicating panty lines. If you’re averse to the style, girdle-inspired shapewear will certainly do the trick.

Fashion felon: Visible protruding midriffs, AKA muffin-tops, and bra back bulges

Again these disruptions to your contours break up that natural long line of the body.

Stylish substitute:

If you’re not blessed with a slim torso, replace low-rise jeans with a high-waisted style that doesn’t pinch at the midriff. A well-fitted bra should eradicate back bulges …

Fashion felon: Disheveled sneakers

Perhaps the perceptually chic Parisians abhor jogging because it would force them to wear running shoes? A pair of slipshod sneakers, with scuff marks or grass stains, should be worn only for athletic reasons or to a sporting event. In my opinion, they defy femininity.

Stylish substitute:

Flat-heeled boots, ballet flats, summer sandals, and espadrilles all make perfect alternatives. Or try a pair of slip-on canvas skimmers in a vivid red, green, or floral print, which look cute with jeans, shorts, or even a summer mini dress.

Does this book sound up your alley? Leave a comment below describing your fashion style and we will select one winner to receive their own copy.

Excerpts reprinted with permission from Hachette Book Group.

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive the title above. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 8 am PST November 16, 2010 to 10 pm PST November 19, 2010.

Just last week, I spent a few days in New York City and was reminded what an important role food plays there. I had lunch in a charming French bistro with Maria Baugh, co-founder of famed cupcake bakery, Butter Lane and Managing Editor of Food Network Magazine; I toured a to-die-for Italian food mecca (more on this to follow!), and the Hachette Book Group told me about the newly published Clinton St. Baking Company Cookbook, by the husband and wife team and restaurant founders, Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lanman. After reading the recipes, I’m determined to make my way back to the Big Apple just to have brunch at “New York’s number one breakfast spot” (says Lonely Planet … and I’m buying it!).

Yesterday, we asked our Facebook community which of the two wildly popular Clinton Street cookies recipes they’d like us to share here on the blog: Chocolate Chunk … or Maple Walnut? So, without further ado, here’s your winner (by a crumb!). Happy baking:

Clinton St. Baking Company: Maple Walnut Cookies

Makes 24 cookies

1 stick (8 Tbs.) unsalted butter, room temperature

1/2 cup sugar, plus more for sprinkling

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 large egg yolk

3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 3/4 all-purpose flour

1 cup walnuts (or pecans), toasted

*These cookies are made from dough that you can roll, slice, and bake like a shortbread. Not too sweet, they’re great confections for dunking in coffee

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter and sugar for 3 to 4 minutes, until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the maple syrup, yolk, and vanilla and mix until smooth and combined, again scraping down the sides of the bowl.

3. Add the flour and turn the speed to low. Mix until combined and a dough forms. Add the nuts and briefly mix until they are evenly dispersed in the dough.

4. Roll the dough into a log (2 inches thick and 12 inches long) and wrap it in plastic. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes, until firm.

5. Coat 2 cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray or line them with parchment paper (we do both at the bakery to prevent sticking).

6. Remove the dough from the fridge, unwrap, and use a knife to make 1/2-inch thick slices. Then sprinkle lightly with sugar.

7. Place 12 cookies on each cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until pale golden brown. The cookies should have a brown colored ring around the exterior and the undersides will be a golden brown.

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How would you like to have over 100 of their beloved recipes (yes, including more cookie recipes) that can be found the Clinton St. Baking Company cookbook? We are giving away one copy to one of you! To enter, leave a comment on this post and we will select one winner.

Julia

Today’s Grommet, ila security, actually got me thinking quite a bit about my own personal safety. I know there are times when I’m not as aware of my surroundings and as alert as I should be … and I’ll bet I’m not the only one feeling that way after watching today’s video. Jacqui Hames is the spokesperson for Ila security and she reached out and asked us to pass along her top 10 safety tips for personal safety. I was very impressed by Jacqui — she’s one of Britain’s best-known real-life detectives, with 25 years in the London Metropolitan Police. Plus, she co-hosted BBCs Crimewatch for 16 years. She clearly knows what she’s talking about, so I’m happy to share her safety primer with everyone here.

by Jacqui Hames

1. THINK AHEAD

Take a few minutes before you go out to think through and plan your journey, particularly if it’s not a regular route.

It may sound obvious but try and avoid poorly lit or very quiet areas if possible – even if it is the quickest route.

Check public transport journey times and look for alternative options should your plans change or a bus/train is cancelled – have a contingency.

2. CARRY A MOBILE PHONE

This can be a lifeline when stranded but when you need it most you can guarantee you’ll have forgotten to top up your credit or the battery will be flat! If nothing else, make sure you have change for a call box. Some phones have an SOS message facility – check yours.

3. LET SOMEONE KNOW

Keep in touch with a member of your family or a friend, particularly of you’re feeling nervous or a little vulnerable on a new route. Phone or text just before you start your journey and let them know what time you should be arriving.

4. CARRY PERSONAL SECURITY ALARM

This could give you the opportunity to stop any attacker in his tracks. Attaching the ila Dusk to the outside of your bag also provides you with the additional feature of using a woman’s scream.

So many of us are literally ‘struck dumb’ with fear when confronted by an attacker – the ila Dusk gives you back a voice and valuable seconds to escape. Sad to say these days there aren’t many knights in shining armour about to come to your rescue unless you’re really lucky, but using the few seconds to put as much distance between you, could stop you from becoming a victim.

5. WALK WITH CONFIDENCE

Following all these tips will give you confidence and there’s no doubt that striding out, head up, oozing confidence is one of the best ways of putting off a potential attacker. He won’t want to raise his risk of being caught, so if he thinks you’re going to cause him trouble he’s likely to be put off. When you arrive at your front door have your key ready to go straight in. Try to wear flat shoes (or have spares with you) and walk with traffic coming towards you so a car can’t creep up and surprise you from behind.

6. DON’T FLASH YOUR CASH OR VALUABLES

If you stop at a cash machine or shop on the way, try to conduct transactions as discretely as possible. Carrying your bag with the clasp facing inwards is a good idea, but keep your keys and phone separately in your pocket if possible.

7. TAKE OFF THOSE HEADPHONES

It’s sooo tempting to lose yourself in your favourite music when walking home or to work, but being aware of your surroundings and the other people around you will sharpen your senses and provide an early warning system of any potential trouble.

8. ALWAYS USE LICENSED CABS

When your feet are sore, you’re tired, fed up and desperate to get home it’s oh so tempting to get into a car when the driver says ‘Want a cab, love?’ Please don’t – licensed cab drivers are only allowed to ply for hire in a regulated cab rank. Would you willingly get into a stranger’s car under normal circumstances? Well that’s exactly what this is.

Book a cab through a known cab company and make sure the driver tells you the name it was booked in – before you get in. Programme a couple of reputable cab numbers into your phone before you go out.

9. IF YOU THINK YOU’RE BEING FOLLOWED

I know – our worst nightmare. But it needn’t be if you keep your wits about you and act fast. First try crossing a road or turning back on yourself. If they continue to follow, assume your suspicions are right and get help. Try pretty much anywhere there are people – pub, bar, cafe, shop, service station etc or knock on the nearest door where the lights are on. If the worst happens and you think an attack is imminent set off your ila Dusk alarm and run as fast as your can towards an area where you know there will be people. Leave your shoes behind and even your handbag if that’s what he’s after – you are far more valuable than property.

10. TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

Well all develop instincts or intuition for danger as we gain more experience of life. But it’s easy, particularly under influence of alcohol or peer pressure to ignore what they’re telling you. Trust them and you’ll invariably stay one step ahead of the criminal.

For more about Jacqui’s background, you can check out the video she sent us below:

As Jacqui mentioned, she has written a book called, Savvy! The Modern Girl’s Guide to Doing It All Without Risking It All, and she has generously offered to give a copy away to one of you today.

To enter to win, just leave a comment or question below. Jacqui will also be checking in to answer any questions you might have!

General contest rules: To enter, you must be a U. S. or Canadian resident, and at least 18 years of age and you must leave a comment or question on today’s post. No purchase necessary. The winner will be randomly selected and will receive the title above. Employees, contractors, and the families of employees and contractors of Daily Grommet, Inc. are not eligible to enter. You are not eligible to win if you have received a prize or giveaway from Daily Grommet in the last six months. Void where prohibited. Contest will run from 9:00 am PST September 29, 2010 to 10 pm PST September 30, 2010.