Monday, September 3, 2012

Perfect Affordable Designer Bag for Fall...Loeffler Randall Rider Bag




First, I am amazingly excited that Loeffler Randall launched a handbag line.  But what is even more exciting is how affordable the bags are...in an age when any designer will slap their name on a bag and charge over $1,000 for it, at least Loeffler Randall has the decency to charge half that.  And this bag is so versatile, you can wear it with anything, day or night, work or play, cross body or top handle...you are limited only by your imagination.  And the bag comes in four neutral colors to boot...here's a link to the Loeffler Randall Rider Bag at only $495.  Granted, the bag is vaguely reminiscent of the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag... but the styling is so spot on and has its own unique details that I'll overlook that small detail for now...

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Skinny Jeans Alternative: Trouser Jeans




You know fall is upon us when all of the fashion magazines feature articles on finding the best fitting jeans. I have to be honest...there are days when I just can't hang with the skinny jean trend touted by so many of those articles. That's where my trusty trouser jeans come into play. The key to wearing them stylishly is proportion. With a wider, easier leg on the bottom, stay more fitted and tailored on the top.  Plus, a perfectly tailored trouser jean just plays well with a crisp shirt and blazer.  Okay, I'll admit the last picture is more of a bell bottom jean than a trouser jean...but the picture just goes to show you that you can break the rules sometimes.  A looser top can be okay too...provided it isn't too blousy and shows off your shape (i.e., your waist), otherwise you run the risk of looking dowdy.  I just love it when jeans are comfortable and stylish...which is exactly what jeans are meant to be . . . 

Friday, August 10, 2012

Fantasy Friday: Bottega Veneta Purple

Source: nymag.com via Nicole on Pinterest
 
Source: frillr.com via Nicole on Pinterest


Occasionally you see that perfect dress that speaks to you, and you know you would wear it forever and ever. The first dress above is just such a dress...I love the pale purple with the unexpected pops of red, orange and yellow.  Now, this is a dress that I would wear year around...(you might recognize this dress from Bottega Veneta's fall 2012 ad campaign).  Now, being a fan of that perfect shade of pale purple (not lavender, mind you, which looks a bit too easter-eggy), this dress reminded me of another one that I also admired in the fall 2009 ad campaign.  And sure enough, the shades seem identical (the second dress above).  So fun to see how the same shade re-emerges in difference incarnations. Now, finally, if you aren't a pale purple person, I love the royal purple outfit (third picture above) paired with a blazer and accented with a jewel-toned turquoise.  Bottega seems to keep getting purple right.  Now, the real question is, would it be horribly sinful to wear the first dress above with a classic Chanel bag, rather than the Bottega bag its pictured with?

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Louis Vuitton Dresses: Fantasy Translated to Reality


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.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Fantasy Friday: Puppy Love


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?

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Metamorphosis: Crystal Wren Blond




Crystal Wren debuted a new dramatic look new dramatic look, that is quite the opposite of the look she wore as she rose to fame as a model -- blond and waif-ish, as opposed to brunette and curvy.  This drastic change makes one wonder if the change was a product of external forces pushing in, or internal forces taking shape externally.  Whatever the reason for the change, it just goes to show that almost anything is possible.  And Crystal Wren is one gorgeous woman, whether brunette, blond, waif-ish, or curvy. (And I absolutely adore the Zac Posen gown she is wearing in the top picture.)

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Perfectly Imperfect. Teeth (and Vanessa Paradis)


Virtually my whole life, I had huge gaps in my teeth.  In college, and a drunken friend jokingly exclaimed, "You know what I love about you? Every tooth in your mouth is its own entity!"  It was never really something that bothered me, and I owned it.  It was a trademark.  Then, after some dental issues, and my upcoming wedding, I was persuaded to fix "the problem."  A problem that I never really thought was "a problem."  Anyway, after two years of invisalign, my teeth are now nearly perfect, and people who knew me before compliment me on how great my teeth look.  But wouldn't you know, just as I get my teeth fixed, the gapped tooth thing comes back into style.  And perfectly imperfect has become the order of the day.  But in my mind, we are all perfectly imperfect....even when we fix our so-called imperfections.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Fantasy Friday: Springtime in London


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

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Looking Forward to Spring: Spring Trenches



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....)

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Love Letter To A Dress: J. Crew Blouson Dress In Stripe

Source: jcrew.com via Nicole on Pinterest
Source: jcrew.com via Nicole on Pinterest
Source: jcrew.com via Nicole on Pinterest

For a Valentine's Day present to myself, I picked up the J. Crew Blouson Dress in Stripe, and I have to say that I adore it -- and I can't wait for spring to come so I can wear it! The dress is a bit loose, as the "blouson" title implies...so size down if you want it more fitted, or buy it in your size if want to wear it a bit loose.  The dress is elasticized right at the smallest part of your waist, so if you pair it with a belt, it is super flattering, and covers up a tummy or thighs. The fabric is 100% silk, and it is quality silk -- it doesn't look cheap. I'm looking forward to styling it exactly like they have styled it in the first picture above, but you could literally style it any way you wish, and the stripes are right on trend.  I honestly would never have thought to style it with a leopard print belt as in the last picture, but I suppose it works. I think I'll go sans hat, though (a la picture number two).

And while I was at it, I should have picked up those bracelets...they are super-cute!

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentine's Day: Over The Top Valentine's Dress



And if you have somewhere fabulous to go, by all means...go over-the-top...

Happy Valentine's Lovelies! Super-Easy, Chic and Sexy Non-Cheey Valentine's Day To Evening Outfit

Super-Easy, Chic and Sexy Non-Cheey Valentine's Day To Evening Outfit


A super-easy day to night Valentine's option is as easy as four key pieces -- a bright dress that plays well with red, a red clutch, red lipstick and some neutral shoes. I absolutely adore the yellow and red combination, which is what is inspiring me for spring.  Grab a yellow dress, any yellow dress, and play it up with red lips and a red bag (red shoes would be too matchy-matchy).  It is the perfect way to incorporate red into your outfit for Valentine's Day without looking too cheesy, while also looking festive, bright and happy.  A tailored sheath dress transitions well from work to evening, too.  Happy Valentine's Day!


Moschino Cheap Chic dress
$695 - net-a-porter.com

Casadei stiletto high heels
$485 - stylebop.com

Hunting Season Python Red clutch
$895 - intermixonline.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Kate Spade Does Prints: Kate Spade Spring 2012



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...

Friday, February 10, 2012

Fantasy Friday



 It may still be winter here on the East Coast, but in my heart spring has sprung. I'm not one for openly sporting monograms or labels, but there is something so happy about these Louis Vuitton patterned balloons.  I think its the colors...I wouldn't be beneath grabbing a few of these and walking as much as possible through the park.  Perfect fashion inspiration for an end-of-winter Friday...