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ERIKA GIRARDI NAUGHTY BUT NICE
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Opposite: Naughty But Nice. Plaid Blazer: Balmain from Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills, Lingerie (worn under): Agent Provocateur, Earrings: Michael John Jewelry, Necklace: Louis Vuitton, Rings: Fallon, Headband: Dolce & Gabbana from Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills Photograph by Jim Jordan with White Cross Productions Above: Haven Earrings, Swarovski, $129: Enjoy two different party looks with this glamorous pair of pierced earrings. Wear the pear-shaped green crystal studs alone, or take the sparkle to the next level and attach the large, dangling crystals encapsulated in gold-plated cages. www.swarovski.com
IF ONLY IN MY DREAMS TIS THE SEASON SIMPLE TREASURES
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the blazer takes a new direction with
SOFT TAILORING in a luxe, laid-back Italian knit.
Patrick James Knit Soft Coats, Suede Elbow Patches Burgundy, Tan, Navy $438
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Reserve Heather Cashmere Soft Coat $795 Robert Talbott Wool Pocket Square $65 Patrick James Crisscross Cashmere Sweater $395 Reserve Stanfield 100% Cashmere Scarf $175
Leather Blazer Balmain from Saks Fifth Avenue, Beverly Hills Earrings Chanel Necklace Adornmonde Rosary Lana Jewelry Ring Alexis Bittar Lingerie Worn Under Agent Provocateur
NAUGHTY but nice
“PRETTY BUSY” IS HOW ERIKA GIRARDI— KNOWN TO MOST OF THE WORLD AS HER ALTER EGO, ERIKA JAYNE—WOULD DESCRIBE HER LIFE, BUT THE 46-YEAR-OLD WOULD ALSO SAY SHE IS LIVING A DREAM THAT SHE DOESN’T TAKE FOR GRANTED. “I always grew up in the arts, but I never thought I’d be on reality television and I didn’t think it was possible for a woman of 46 years to gain this level of success in an industry that’s very youth driven,” Girardi explains to me. “So to be identified as ‘pop culture’ now, which is what Housewives is … no, I never thought it was the way it would come about. I could not have foreseen it.”
Features Editor Andrea Towers Photographer Jim Jordan with White Cross Productions Stylist Dani Michelle, assisted by Rum Brady Makeup Etienne Ortega Hair Castillon
Housewives, of course, is the Bravo reality show, The Real Housewives, a franchise that documents the lives of several wealthy housewives living throughout the United States. In 2015, the show’s sixth season, Girardi joined the Beverly Hills edition and quickly became a household name, thanks to her boisterous, eccentric and over-the-top personality. And like most reality shows, being thrust into the spotlight so quickly was a learning curve. “I always say that the most important thing you need to do when you’re on a Housewives show is remember everything you said, because you’ll be called on it,” says Girardi. “Whether it’s on-camera, offcamera … it’s always going to get back to whoever, so you need to be very clear about the conversations you’re having and the words you’re using. I think that Housewives has taught me a lot about myself.” Erika goes on to explain that being on the show has revealed a new level of strength and tenacity in herself. “It’s not for everyone,” she tells me. “The reality about reality television is that you’re seeing a certain part of people’s lives, but there’s also part of the cast members' lives that you don’t see … there’s just not enough time.” And as Girardi tells it, though the average viewer only sees part of their lives, there’s a behind-the-scenes connection between the cast members. “All of the cast members are bonded by this unique experience of sharing our lives on television, so it is something that brings us all together. We all speak a certain language only we understand. In some ways, we all look out for each other and help each other. We share a special bond.”
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Velvet Dress Gucci from Maxfields, Beverly Hills Head Band Miu Miu Earrings Alexis Bittar Shoes Christian Louboutin Ring Henri Bendel
"Whatever you are, there’s always the polar opposite living inside. We’re not all the same. It’s like a social chameleon in a way … it’s just mine is on steroids."
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
INTERIORS EDITOR, MIKE RAGAN, INVITES YOU TO HIS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
“Christmas is a time to celebrate life, love and treasured memories.�
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hristmas is a time to celebrate life, love and treasured memories. Each year I look forward to carrying on traditions of decorating our home. It is always “more is more,� and I love it, as do my friends and family. It all begins the day after Thanksgiving. A whirlwind weekend of decorating both inside and out is followed by the reward of snuggling with the pups by the fire, candles lit and a big glass of wine in hand. The tree is 12 feet tall and houses hundreds of ornaments collected for over 40 years, representing a life well-lived. Hanging each ornament offers a moment to reflect on its story, a perfect way to open my heart and home for the holidays.