Louis Vuitton Dresses: Fantasy Translated to Reality

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Dress: Banana Republic Rosette Lace Sheath Dress

The dresses above are those fabulous Louis Vuitton frocks that appeared on the scene in the spring of 2012, and that have graced the backs of numerous celebs. I loved them so much, of course I completely wanted one. BUT...(the big BUT) . . . I found them impractical. I just couldn't think of many occasions that I would have to wear one . . . so how, then, to capture the details into a dress that I might actually wear?  Enter Banana Republic's Rosette Lace Sheath Dress. The shape translates well for work or evening cocktails, the color is unique and intriguing, and the lace details invoke the inspiration of Louis Vuitton.  At a fraction of the price. And there you go...fantasy translated to reality.

Fantasy Friday: Puppy Love

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I saw this gorgeous Stella McCartney spring 2012 dress on the pages of Vogue and fell in love.  Then I saw it paired with the cutest puppy and I fell in love all over again (I have wanted to get a puppy for the longest time).  Fashion and puppies, what better combination?

Fantasy Friday: Springtime in London

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Source: diariodofigurino.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

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Source: diariodofigurino.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

I don't know what it is about me and Fridays and balloons, but this editorial makes me want to hop on a plane come March (or maybe April) and stroll in Green Park.  And yes, I would take the oversized bouquet of balloons with me...

Editorial from:
Glamour UK February 2012
Photographer: David Oldham
Stylist: Sophie Cooper
Hair: Lisa Eastwood
Make-up: Lisa Eldridge
Model: Clemence Poesy

Looking Forward to Spring: Spring Trenches

Source: anntaylor.com via Nicole on Pinterest

Source: anntaylor.com via Nicole on Pinterest

One of my favorite parts of spring is that you can literally wear any basics that you want, and if you top it off with a chic trench coat it will always look chic.  I saw the Ann Taylor Graphic Topper in a magazine a couple of months ago, and I couldn't wait for it to come out.  It is the perfect item to add interest to spring bright basics.  But of course, every wardrobe needs a basic khaki trench, and the Afternoon Topper hits the mark with its bracelet sleeves and emphasized collar (when worn open). And remember, spring showers, brings May flowers (and an opportunity to wear chic trench/rain coats....)

Kate Spade Does Prints: Kate Spade Spring 2012

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I have to admit, that I have never really associated Kate Spade with prints. Solids in bright colors, an occasional polka dot or stripe here and there, sure -- but not prints. I have to admit that the combination of black and white with the solid pops of color looks gorgeous. The above pics were taken behind the scenes of Kate Spade's spring ad campaign, and I am intrigued...I can't wait to see more of what is to come...

Hellooooo Spring!

It has been unusually warm here on the East Coast....we are talking almost 70 degree days in late January/early February, which is just unheard of!  So today I wore the above outfit to work.  When I came down the stairs, my adoring husband greeted me with, "Well, hellooooooo spring!"  Granted, I was trying to tone down the brightness of the dress with the nude accessories, especially since I was headed to my very conservative workplace. Then, as I was making our morning coffee, I heard chuckling behind me.  When I turned around to hand him his coffee he said, "You and the Great Wall of China -- the only things on earth that can be seen from space!!!"  Okay....not the reaction I was going for.  But I did get lots of compliments on the dress at work.  My husband is clearly not the greatest barometer of fashion. I say, don't fear the brightness...embrace it (and tone it down a bit with nude accessories).

Ann Taylor cap sleeve dress
$98 - anntaylor.com

Hoss Intropia long top
$175 - stylebop.com

Banana Republic colorblock shoes
$120 - bananarepublic.gap.com

Chloé genuine leather handbag
£1,125 - harveynichols.com

Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Is Back!

Banana Republic announced today that they are bringing their Mad Men Collection back on March 1st.  According to them, it will be a 40-piece "country club-inspired" collection. Sounds like it will be 60s preppy. I was overjoyed by at the thought of the Mad Men Collection that was rolled out last fall, but not as many of the pieces worked for me as I thought they would.  I like the idea of the Mad Men Collection, because so many of the dresses are designed to look great on curvy shapes. However, in execution many of the dresses just didn't fit into my wardrobe, as I'm not really a floral-pattern-person.  Nevertheless, I'm still excited to see what Banana Republic rolls out for spring 2012, and to see how they interpret the "country club-inspired" theme.  And I think the teaser dress above would be great for summer!

Banana Republic Scores With Spring 2012

All pictures courtesy of BananaRepublic.com

It has been a very warm winter here in on the East Coast, such that it hardly feels like winter was here (until today when turned bone-chilling cold). But the recent styles hitting stores are a reminder that spring isn't that far off, and although I usually relish sweater and coat weather, spring fashion definitely has me looking forward to warmer temperatures. I am absolutely adoring the nautical stripes, the preppy splashes of navy, green and white, and the geometric prints in bold colors. In this vein, Banana Republic has finally scored a hit.  It almost seeems as though they are striving to fill the gap left by J. Crew when J. Crew decided to go too trendy.  Here are my top five picks:

1. Dot V-Neck Dress (Pictured in Pictures #1 and #4 above)

2. Large Polka Dot Dress (Pictured in Picture #2 above)

3. Gold Button Sweater Jacket (Pictured in Pictures #1 and #2 above)

4. Laurel Color-Block Pumps (Pictured in Pictures #4 and #5)

5. Color-Block Tee (Pictured in the last picture above)