Hanukkah is here again. This is the first year Adam and I decided to forgo 8 nights of presents and instead buy a light fixture for our kitchen (currently being installed as I write).

I am not one for simplicity- so of course, I decided to add in a little surprise and get a second light fixture- for our master bathroom that is a mini version of the giant chandelier in our entrance (Yes, I realize I have a slight lighting obsession lately- not sure what the deal with that is)

I had an interesting conversation via email earlier this week with a friend of mine asking which way I preferred to spell Hanukkah. (Obviously you can now tell). As I kid, I remember my dad and grandfather always spelling it with a “Ch” which I guess would be the literal translation of how it would sound in Hebrew if you were to properly pronounce it- which NO ONE does anymore. I remember always thinking that was the old way of spelling it- the “H” seemed more modern. But doesn’t that kind of defeat the point of tradition- the root of Judaism?

I was ready to let all this go- and deem myself intellectually stimulated for the week- until Adam brought home a gift from his office Secret Santa. The gift was great- a set of 4 colorful dreidels (the Secret Santa is a weekly gift of $1-$2 for the month of December)- so clearly whoever it is recognized that a chocolate Santa isn’t ideal…..but sadly the packaging actually read “Draydel”. I kid not. The company that made our wooden spinning tops literally packaged them and called them Draydels. Did I miss something?

Happy (C)Hanuk(k)a Ya’ll.

Tunic, Diane von Furstenburg from Copper Penny on King St; Leggings, Express; Boots, from Ecy Shoes n’ Chic

TARYN TALKS ABOUT Hanukkah in the South is a unique experience. It kind of doesn’t exist. You’re kind of forced to say/and say back Merry Christmas. I’ve always taken the “Happy Holiday” approach. A friend of mine recently sent a holiday card that I thought was BRILLIANT that said “Happy Everything”. I chose to send out sparkly Christmas ornament cutouts with cartoon characters of me and Adam and write Happy Holidays. I’m sure no one today noticed I was wearing blue for Hanukkah. They probably just thought it was a cute blue dress. I’m trying.

It’s December 9. I am about to click order on my Hanukkah present for Adam. Hanukkah is less than a week and a half away.

Talk about procrastinating.

You see, in year’s past- I LOVED shopping for the holidays. But not this year. For some reason, I’m protesting the holidays. I guess that doesn’t really make me the 99%- more like the 1%. I’m simply choosing the strategy of avoid and ignore.

It just seems so stressful to find that perfect gift. Adam and I have this issue of if we want something, we buy it. So the holidays are kind of just a regular Tuesday or Wednesday for us- with wrapping paper. I don’t even have time to go into the scam that I believe is wrapping paper….

I even opted out of Black Friday this year- we had to drive from New York to Boston- 2 of the biggest shopping centers in the country- and still the only place I hit was Saks Fifth Avenue in Boston (I mean I could see it out of my hotel window- it wasn’t exactly a fair fight)

So, I’m clicking “send” on what we’ve decided is our holiday gift to each other- a new light for our kitchen. Wow, when did I become so lame?

Tunic, Diane von Furstenburg (my Black Friday purchase); Leggings, Express; Boots, Muks

TARYN TALKS ABOUT: Shopping. Call the doctor! I am officially the Grinch that Stole Christmas this year. Maybe it’s because I still haven’t heard the Hanukkah song on regular radio. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He’s just not coming to Ascot this year.

It’s pretty common this time of year to reflect back on the past 12 months and think about what we’ve accomplished and set some goals- or resolutions- for the year ahead.

I am frequently asked what direction I see my business going in. I am terrified of this question because I have no idea what the answer is. This is something I’ve battled since day one of TK PR- now, more than 4 years ago (yes, like most other holidays, I guess I missed that anniversary this year too).

I have no idea where TK PR is heading, to be honest- I have no idea how I got where I am. But I love every minute of it.

Every now and then I encounter someone who has a true passion. I’ve had the pleasure of working with a number of fashion designers- who create, who are a brand- producing something tangible. They know what they want to be- they’re living it.

This week I had the opportunity to be chef for a day at Soby’s- the absolute ultimate gift for aspiring chefs or just anyone who loves to cook. I spent the morning in the kitchen with Chef Shaun Garcia- learning to cook his infamous shrimp and grits. To hear him talk about a tomato- or even bacon fat- with such passion- is truly inspiring. Shaun is living and breathing his love. He knows what he wants to be when he grows up- and he’s doing it every day.

I’m still not sure. I love fashion, I love being in front of a camera, but I also love opening a magazine and seeing my client featured in a national title. It’s a draw.

I guess- there is always that dream of opening a yoga studio on Aruba overlooking the Caribbean…..

Shell from Mariani’s; Blazer, Karlie; Pants, Express; Necklaces are mixed- from the Everything $10 Store, and my own creation; Ring from Wilson’s on Washington; Shoes, Ann Taylor

TARYN TALKS ABOUT: When I grow up, I have no idea what I want to be- but if there’s one thing I do know- I think the single best trend of 2011 has been color blocking- and in an unexpected way. In fact, this outfit may be one of my all time favorites.

Friday night is not just the day after Thanksgiving- like it has been the past 28 years of my life.

It’s my 10 year high school reunion.

And for the first time since the day I packed my bags and moved to New York, I’ll go back and visit where I grew up.

It’s kind of a weird feeling…that life seems so far away and yet it wasn’t that long ago in the grand scheme of things.

The biggest anxiety I’ve faced over the past 10 years has been what to wear to this reunion.

2 years ago I was in Bergdorf Goodman and saw the most amazing Milly LBD that fits like a glove. I bought it with future plans of wearing it to my reunion. Well, seeing that our reunion is in a bar- and Irish one at that- I don’t think that’s exactly ideal.

Labor Day weekend I was visiting my parents and went to the Saks Fifth Avenue outlet and found an amazing leopardish print sequin covered Nicole Miller dress that fits like an even snugger glove.

Again, too fancy for a bar called Lir on Boylston St.

About a week ago, in the middle of yoga (where I get all of my enlightened ideas) I realized my best outfits start from the ground up. So I decided on my brown suede Louboutins. I just needed a new pair of super skinny jeans and I planned to go with my go-to- a cute, relaxed top and a blazer.

So, with 4 days to go, I have packed about 18 potential outfits (including a new pair of Seven for all Mankind skinnies that are so tight I may have to skip the mashed potatoes AND the stuffing on Thursday) centered around either a purple Jil Stuart blazer or a black Veronica Beard.

What will the final result be? I don’t know. But probably not the grey knit Theory dress covered in zippers (that I’m bringing anyway just in case because, yes, I bought that too for the occasion).

Shirt, Alvin Valley; Sweater, Adam; Jeans, Seven for all Mankind; Shoes, Vince Camuto; Cuff, Henri Bendel

TARYN TALKS ABOUT reunions. I know Facebook has drastically changed how reunions work, but there still is that great excitement about seeing people for the first time again, having a face to face conversation, and even better- having salacious gossip to talk about for the long car ride home.

With Black Friday just a week away, I thought I’d take a minute to emphasize the importance of Power Shopping through the holiday season.

You see, last night, I had some free time so I decided to head to the mall. I figured a Thursday night the week before Thanksgiving- the mall would still be tolerable. And I was right.

The key is finding the least busy times- I waited until after the dinner rush- and arrived at 6:45. By 7:50 I was in my car, loaded with packages. Seriously- I hit Macy’s, Express, Coach, Bath and Body Works, the Hallmark Store, and Victoria’s Secret in just 1 hour.

How? Power Shopping. I was on a mission- I knew exactly what I was looking for- but still allowed myself time to “shop” (smell every single candle in Bath and Body Works- they are THE BEST candles.)

We are in the midst of utter madness. Gone are the days of leisurely shopping without a destination in mind. For the next 6 weeks- you better know exactly where you’re going and why or you will not survive.

For the first time in years, I will miss out on Black Friday. A little piece of me is saddened by this- as it’s always been a tradition- first with my mom, then with friends as I got into my teenage years, then again with my mom when I figured out she was cool again, and then alone here in Greenville. A little piece of me though- is psyched I won’t have to battle the madness- only to find out that Target sold out of the game I came for, drive to Best Buy only to see the line wrapped so far around the door I assume those people will be out there until 4pm…you get the point.

This year, I will actively participate in Cyber Monday. .Coms- beware- I am a girl on a mission.

Sweater, INC (this was one of those crazy good 80% off end-of-the-season finds last year at Macy’s) Jeans, Beija-Flor; Boots, Christian Louboutin from FootCandyShoes.com; Purse, Louis Vuitton

TARYN TALKS ABOUT: Holiday Shopping. The best advice I can give- dress in layers. It’s 8 degrees outside and chances are you’ve got to park pretty darn far from the entrance- and then it’s 108 degrees inside….there’s nothing worse than a hot and cranky shopping experience.

Oh yes- and if you still need some great ideas what to wear through the holiday season- I’ve got you covered in the latest installment of Schering Secrets airing this weekend on WYFF-4 during the morning newscasts. Everything from what to wear on Thanksgiving with your in-laws to ice skating in the new outdoor skating rink downtown (and special thanks to Sassy on Augusta for allowing me to take over their store for this segment!)

Well, I gave it a valient effort. I tried to ignore the holidays as long as I could. But with the start of all Christmas all the time on the radio- I am throwing down my flag. I surrender.

I really wanted to pretend it wasn’t happening. Despite the early warning signs- Christmas trees in retail stores, sparkly fashions taking over the windows, and the constant reminder that Black Friday is now just 2 weeks away.

I haven’t bought a single present. Thankfully, Hanukkah comes late this year- it actually overlaps with Christmas- like a little favor from up above. In past years, it’s started as early as 3 days after Thanksgiving. Try preparing for that. I dare you.

I feel like as I get older, I become less and less as rigorous about early holiday shopping and am more and more becoming that a**hole who is shopping at the very last minute when the poor TV reporter is out at the mall filming the jerks who are still trying to check everyone off their list. Look ma! I’m on tv buying your Christmas present with 12 hours to go!

Well, equally as important is what to wear during the holiday season. There are a lot of occasions where you’ll see family you haven’t seen in a while, old friends, and despite the loud cheer (thanks to too much eggnog) you’re still being judged. So don’t neglect your outfits while you’re rigorously planning what to buy your friends and family and what to cook for Thanksgiving dinner.

If you’re utterly lost as to what’s appropriate when, I’ve got 2 solutions for you:

1. Watch WYFF next weekend for my latest installment of Schering Secrets. I took a field trip to Sassy on Augusta to show you everything from what to wear to Thanksgiving with your In-Laws to what to wear to the Office Christmas Party.

2. Go to the TD Holiday Fair Dec. 2 and 3 where we’ll be reenacting that segment with a live fashion show on Friday at 4pm and two shows on Saturday afternoon.

And if all else fails, just steal my outfits look for look. I don’t mind. As long as you aren’t wearing the same thing as me at my high school reunion 2 weeks from today.

Top, Trina Turk from Sassy on Augusta; Pants, Nina Ricci from Coplon’s; Blazer, Veronic Beard from Coplon’s; Shoes, Vince Camuto

TARYN TALKS ABOUT the holidays. It’s a stressful time of year for everyone. I say this a lot, but it’s true- if you get dressed up, you’ll feel better- and that makes everything better. Even if you’re traveling or just running errands- swap the sweats for a cute sweater and combo with skinny jeans and boots. Trust me. People are nicer to you when you look important.

Today was a really good day. Something happened to me that I’ve waited years for.

I’ve finally discovered my signature scent.

I am dead serious- this is a milestone for me. I have spent years and hundreds of dollars in search of the perfect perfume.

I’ve tried Gucci, Prada, Ralph, Nina, SJP, seriously- I could go on and on about the perfumes I’ve tried and purchased. Typically I’ll go into a perfume store with a ripped out ad- if I really love a perfume in a magazine, I’ll bring it with me to the store and then I still try about 8 different scents just to be sure- and usually wind up getting what I went for.

But I do this often. I usually have 3 or 4 perfumes in rotation at the same time. And when one runs out, I just roll it off. I honestly couldn’t tell you the last time I ran out of one and felt compelled to buy another.

Until today. Everytime I wear Chanel Chance (the pink one- not the green) someone compliments me. And I love the smell of it too, I must admit. If I had to describe it in words, I honestly can’t. It’s just perfection- to me.

Well, it’s just about run out so I haven’t worn it much lately. I decided to pull it back out and squeeze out the last few drops- and just smelling it again set me over the edge. I LOVE this perfume. This perfume is ME. (And I realize all of you out there who consistantly compliment me everytime I wear it are saying DUH WE TOLD YOU SO) but this was an epiphany I had to have on my own.

I’ve always been jealous of the girls that you can smell a mile away and know it’s them because they always smell the same. Now, I can finally say I will always smell the same. From this day forward, my signature scent will be Chanel Chance.

Okay fine, maybe not this day forward since the bottle ran out- but as soon as I can make it back to Macy’s.

Sweater and jeans, from Mariani’s; Boots, from Ecy Shoes n’ Chic; Earrings, from Gilt Groupe, Bracelets, Mixed; Ring, Wilsons on Washington

TARYN TALKS ABOUT: signature style and scents. As we go through different periods of our lives, our style changes- depending on what we’re doing, where we’re working, where we’re heading…but one thing can remain constant- a signature scent- and today, I found mine.

I was in a seminar about a month ago when the speaker said something kind of profound….if you have nothing to blog about, don’t blog. Write when you’re inspired.

Well lately my life has been kind of boring…uninspiring.

Do you ever feel like you’re just in autopilot- going day to day, just the same old same old? That’s kind of been the last few weeks for me. Sure, I’ve had the occasional event- Peter Pan at the Peace Center, hanging out with Cathy Rigby for 5 hours, the Soby’s Anniversary Party- but for the most part, I have not been living by my new mantra: Live the Life You’d be Envious of if you saw Someone else Living It.

I have, however, been planning a bunch of fashion events thanks to my newest client- Sassy on Augusta- which I’m VERY excited about…more information to come on those….and I feel like I’m in a good groove where I’ve finally found my fashion comfort zone of dressing- the blazer, pant, tee/simple top look seems to be my outfit of the moment.

Though, this sweater did stop me dead in my tracks.

Sweater, Beth Bowrey from Sassy on Augusta, Pants, Nina Ricci from Coplon’s, Earrings, Swarovski, Shoes, Prada from DSW a long, long time ago….

TARYN TALKS ABOUT life. Unless your Kim Kardashian, life can be pretty unexciting on a day to day basis. It’s the little milestones along the way that make it fun. Otherwise, you’ve got to make your own fun.

I get asked to speak to a range of groups- and today, I was asked to speak to a group that I’d never addressed before. High School students.

Talk about intimidating.

Before I left this morning my husband even said to me- please, they’ll be texting on their phones the entire time.

That made me feel great.

But regardless, I wanted to impress these kids. After all, I’m not that much older than them (yes, the countdown to the 10 year reunion is on- less than a month away!). I figured if I could engage 1 kid in that entire room- even though I may never know I did- my day was worth it.

You know how hard I stress about speaking engagements- not about the presentation- but about what I’m going to wear. Especially for this group- these are all kids aspiring to be in the fashion industry some day.

I settled on an outfit and headed to the school.

I talked about my experience from moving to New York and getting a temp job at a showroom that ultimately didn’t hire me, to visiting Hong Kong and meeting celebrities and starting my own business. I tried to tell them everything.

And when I opened it up for questions- they came fast and furious. Some- far more innocent than others- how many designers have you met (Oscar de la Renta, Rachel Zoe and Carmen Marc Valvo to this day are still the highlights), how many shows have you been to, how many celebrities have you dressed…

But the best question of all came when I was wrapping up and told the students I had brought copies of the Fall Fashion issue of TOWN Magazine when one of the girls raised her hand and asked if I would autograph her copy.

And then the entire class one by one asked. It was a moment I will absolutely never forget as I sat their signing a blank spot in the fashion spread with “Follow Your Dreams”. I felt like a celebrity.

Dress, Notice- I think I got this at Monkees; Capelet, Rebecca Taylor from a New York sample sale; Shoes, Ann Roth from Ecy Shoes n’ Chic; Necklaces, Vale; Ring, Vale (shopvale.com)

TARYN TALKS ABOUT: Role models are everywhere. Sometimes they’re older than you- sometimes younger. But at the end of the day you’re going to take advice from someone who looks the part too.

I love Marshall’s.

You just never know what you’re going to find.

I went on a mission to find a cute (inexpensive) jacket to wear over a dress to a friends’ wedding outside in Asheville.

A snapshot of my day:

Walk in and am immediately drawn to a Michael Kors faux fur jacket- exactly what I came for. A lady who could be my great-grandmother walks up to me to tell me she loves the jacket and bought it for herself and just saw the exact same one at a major department store (writer’s block intentionally) for twice the price. Awesome. Maybe she’s the brides grandma.

Head to the dressing room but am stopped en route by odd foreign woman who tells me she loves my boots and asks where I got them. She proceeds to tell me about her love of neutral colored boots.

Walk in dressing room and a woman opens her door and says “Can I ask your opinion on this outfit?”

I found this particularly humorous because essentially the woman hit the fashion jackpot. I went on to tell her how much I loved the grey knit leggings with the exact same grey colored tunic (really, she was clearly trendy with the tone-on-tone thing) but told her she needed a black belt or something to break up all the grey. She pulled out a long black and white patterned cardigan sweater and VIOLA! Perfection. Then I told her that her black knee high boots ruined the look because they made her legs look too short. I insisted she try the outfit with black ankle booties. I wonder if the woman was wondering Who the hell is this girl? All I wanted to know was if the grey-on-grey thing was working.

I left the dressing room (with a pair of grey cashmere Juicy sweatpants to boot) and that same strange foreign lady stopped me again to ask where I got my cape.

I kind of felt like a zoo animal on this recent visit to Marshall’s. But that’s the fun part of going there- you just never know what’s going to happen next.

Dress, Laundry (this is an oldie- I THINK from eDressme.com but I’m not so sure); Faux Fur Jacket, Michael Kors (Marshall’s); Shoes, Ann Roth (Ecy Shoes n’ Chic); Bracelets, I think Belk or Macy’s; Purse, Kate Spade (gift for my 16th birthday); Earrings, Cocobella

TARYN TALKS ABOUT saving money. There is no better feeling than knowing you saved money. Whether it be with a coupon or because the original price tag on the Juicy cashmere sweatpants is literally $220 more than what they’re selling for- everyone loves to be thrifty. (I especially love when I go to the trouble of comparison shopping and clipping 35 cent coupons to save  a few dollars at the grocery store, only to find out my husband didn’t have time to go to our bank so he got charged a $4 ATM fee.)