Words of Wisdom From Rachel Zoe

Rachel Zoe has fabulous catch phrases that have entered the hearts and minds of many many many people, but I came across an interview that I felt showed another side, a wise side, and I felt the need to share this link.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/34042/the-rachel-zoe-project-unwanted-attention

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  I die.

New Year's Party Time

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to ring in the new year.  This means a long list of resolutions and dresses for midnight on January 1st.  I have never done the sparkly, big party New Years, but that does not mean my outfit has to sacrifice.  Life is a runway and who says I can't wear a sparkle number to a low key party?  I have compiled some dresses from Net-a-Porter that I have my heart set on.  If only I had the money!

The Haute Hippe Sequined Silk Dress $695 and the Tibi One Shoulder Sequined Silk Dress $935.  The Haute Hippie is one of my favorite dresses in this round-up.  I am partial to the loose fitting, subdued dress.  I like this because it is relaxing and the navy color makes the sparkles more of something in the background instead of in your face.  The Tibi dress incorporates two of my favorite fashion aspects.  I am loving the one shoulder.  As my idol Rachel Zoe says, the one shoulder is having a major moment.  I am also loving the black sequins.  They are dark enough to be categorized as black, but big enough to make a statement. 

 The Milly Metallic Lace Shift Dress at $400 and the Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti Sequin-embellished Crocheted Dress at $825 are nice examples of a more subdued New Years ensembles.  I enjoy the Milly because it is classy and gold.  Most lean towards the silver sparkles, but gold is a metallic too and worthy as a New Years Dress option.  The Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti combines New Years with cocktail.  Stripes don't work on everyone because sometimes the horizontal stripe is unflattering, but that aside I really love the alternating silver and black stripes.  Add a black tuxedo blazer and you are good to go for the night!

The Rebecca Taylor Strapless Silk Bustier Dress at $495 and the Alice + Olivia Maggie Sequined Georgette Dress are nice because they have a hint of sparkle.  Some do not like to go all out for the New Year, but still want that wow-factor sparkle.  The Rebecca Taylor is a nice option because whether you have a waste or not, this dress will accentuate it.  And I am always a fan of a fuller, girly skirt.  I have been a long time devotee to Alive + Olivia and I absolutely love this dress.  It has the hint of sparkle on top, but a draped skirt on the bottom.  Love.

So writing this post has made me even more excited for the big night.  Excited enough to online shop a little more? Oh yes.  Happy Early New Year Everyone!     

I'm Feelin' Boho

Despite the freezing weather that is invading the area, I am feeling the Boho flowy dress vibe tonight.

I decided to prowl the Bohemian section of shopbop.com tonight and channel my inner hippie.  First is the Joie Cece Paisley Dress at $149.00 (50% off :) ).  I love this dress for multiple reasons.  I am loving the paisley pattern, but because it is mixed with darker shades of purples the paisley is not taking over the whole dress.  I am not a fan of the multicolor paisley because I find it too novelty-esk, but a more subdued paisley appeals to me.  The combination of a silk shell and cotton lining make this dress super flowy and 100% comfortable.  Next is the Tibi Byzantine Embroidery Dress at $483.00 (30% off).  Bohemian does not just have to be silk, structure-less dresses.  This Tibi dress, despite it's high price tag, is bohemian but structured.  It's a form of jersey material so the comfort factor is taken care of.  I am also loving the black/ pale pink combination.   I can just picture the woman sporting this dress on a night out in NYC.  Maybe a holiday party?

My hippie side has been satisfied :)

Just Some People I am In Love With

Or should I say their outfits?  Finals are over and my soul has been set free.  Here are some chikas that are rockin' it.  More to come!

Random Free People

In the spirit of the Christmas season and my favorite brand, I have put together some of my Free People wishes.

First is the Boho Angel Blanket.  Yes I do realize the magnitude of the price, but I am still a little kid when it comes to my presents.  Christmas is not the time to ask for socks and necessities.  It's a time to splurge and get random and expensive blankets like the one above.  I am just picturing it at the edge of my bed folded over my quilted comforter.  The ivory color will go with any chair, bedding set, or family room couch.  The fridge and beadwork give it just enough design, but it is still available to wrap around yourself and snuggle (favorite activity).  The next item on my list is the Oh Loverboy Dress.  I love this dress for many reasons.  First, for those with green eyes it's the perfect shade of green to bring out the green in your eyes.  Next I love the hint of black trim because it can be work with flats in the springtime or with black tights and pumps in the fall and winter.  I absolutely love this dress and very much hope it's under the tree when I come home from school fresh out of finals! (Love you mom ;) ).

The next two items are ones that could actually go together.  The first is the Solid Ruffled Tap Short.  Personally, I have had a pair of black dress shorts on my list for awhile.  They can be worn with a classy white tank in the summer with simple flip flops or with tights and a smart blazer in the winter.  They are super light and comfortable and will feel like a skirt.  I have saved the best for last.  I am obsessed with the Velvet Crusher Peeptoe.  I am partial to the cherry, but all the colors are fantabulous.  I don't even know where to begin.  The glitter on the platform and heel provide a statement with every step and combined with the velvet on the base of the shoe, they are perfect for winter.  The dainty silk bow on the back just seals the deal.

So that is my Christmas list for now.  I am sure it will grow, but these are my loves as of now.  Happy Holidays and happy shopping!

Time to get back to blogging and what better way to do that than to share my new favorite TOMS.  For a little pop I love the Black Glitters.  I was a fan of the Silver and Gold Glitters, but the subtle gloss of the black would be a more subtle way to add some fun to a blah, winter outfit.  And the pattern on the inside of the shoe is adorable.  Another adorable plum option for fall/winter is the Plum Wool Cordones.  They are a touch thicker than the original TOMS.  Last, but absolutely not least are the Purple Flannel Women's Botas.  These are at the top of my Christmas list for a cluster of reasons.  I love the purple and grey combination of flannel.  They also have this shoe in black, but it almost looked too manly for my taste (despite my love for menswear inspired pieces).  More fun Christmas list items to come!  

Outfits of the Week

Back and here to stay.  This week was bananas, but time to get to some writing no?  So I've been playing around on the internet looking for outfit inspirations and I've come across some outfits that I am absolutely loving with pictures from of people.com.

The first two outfits I found were from one of my favorite celebs, Drew Barrymore.  It's hard for me to pinpoint an exact name for her style because just when I think she's adopted a style she switches it right up again.  I love this about her.  The first look I am loving is the grey purple combination.  Some may snob grey because it's "boring", but I love it because you can pair it with virtually anything to get a sleek neutral look.  The detail of the military shirt completes the outfit.  It makes the outfit as a whole more casual and fits in perfectly with the fact that military is having a major moment (Rachel Zoe love).  Onto the next.  Drew's shirt and pant combo is a slightly fancier ensemble, but using the same shoes.  Grey pumps are gorgous and go with anything.  The black trousers are perfect if you have a small waist compared to your hips.  It accentuates the smallest part of your body.  With the metallic pop of the shirt, this outfit makes me want to throw on some booties and stay out all night!

Here are some more fashion loves of mine.  I am in love with the color combination on J Alba's dress.  The gold and black is completely chic and combined with gladiator heels, need I say more?  My favorite part of the dress is the shoulder pads.  A pronounced shoulder always makes a girl look sharp.  From the sleek Jessica Alba to relaxed and boho Leighton Meester.  I am a ginormous fan of the oversized shirt.  Rarely do I sport the tight shirts so there is no need to explain how I feel about Ms. Meester's shirt.  Love.  I am into the boho top paired with the dress shorts on the bottom.  The juxtaposition of two work nicely together.  Now those moccasin booties are to die for.  They match the shorts and since they are so short they make her legs look oh so long.

A touch of fur, a pinch of feathers, a dash of leopard, and a whole lot of sequins

So school is in full swing and Theology is really starting to give me a bore.  Instead I'm opting for some online window shopping.  Alive and Olivia is one of my loves.  I got my dress for a sorority function from them and have been in love ever since.  It's the perfect mix of rock and roll and hippie chic and while I love the relaxed chic look, I need some glam rock thrown in there ever once in awhile.  I've put together a few lovely pieces that you can add to a neutral outfit for a little pop! affect.

The Fur Collar and the Francesca Feather Skirt are lovely ways to add a little dash of excitement to an outfit.  The fur collar fits in nicely with the plain cardigan.  The simple tone of the sweater balances out the boldness of the collar.  Now I semi-prefer this collar in black purely because I am in love with the color black, but the pink with grey detailing can be good if you are looking for a pop of color.  Onto the fur skirt.  I am in love with this piece.  Let's start with the color.  I am dying for the pink fading to black on the very ends.  All one color would be too boring.  Now let's address that this is a completely feathered skirt and with the playfulness of the feathers it's as if they were meant to be together.  I like the pairing of the vest, but I would also opt for a plain white tank.  I wouldn't necessarily order the white tank from Alive and Olivia though because white tanks are so easy to find cheaper.

Loving the Chrissy Faux Fur Jacket and the Luiza Embellished Jacket.  Even though it's still August, this brief cold spell and the idea of fall being a month away make me crave jackets.  A pop of animal print is such a big trend this year and I am loving the way the leopard is being used here.  It's not only adorable with the all black ensemble underneath, but it's also functional because it's a little heavier.  Perfect for the arrival of fall and beginning of winter!  The other jacket is slightly less practical, but no less amazing.  I am loving the Michael Jackson inspired silhouette and the cropped affect because I feel like it makes it more feminine by revealing a little hip.  The color combination of black and brown looks adorable open or closed.  I am a huge fan of mixing black and brown despite the fact that some say they completely clash.  I think combining neutral tones always gives you a subtle, sleek, and modern look.  Bottom line- I'm in love.  

Alexa Chung for Madewell???

Alexa Chung is a style icon and in my opinion always looks relaxed, but somehow perfectly put together.  If you tip to one side of her personal style you see a bit a prepster.  But lean towards the other side and you see a downtown chic girl.  Combined you get a complete personal style.  So needless to say I was more than ecstatic when I found out Alexa Chung did a line for Madewell.  I love Madewell because I feel like it is a more downtown version of J Crew and I love that hipster, but not too left leaning hipster look.  A preview of the collection can be seen at madewell.com.  The complete collection can be seen online on September 9 and in stores September 11.  I will definitely be updating this post when I get my eyes and hands on that collection. BANANAS.   

Bedding Loves

Since being back at school, I've taken notice to everyone's bedding.  I feel that what you decide to put on your bed says a lot about you as a person.  It's a fresh start and I love to see what image people choose to portray for their sleeping quarters so I've put together some of my favorite bedding choices.

The Wildfield Quilt and Arabis Duvet are both from Anthropologie.  I am partial to the first because it was my bedding of choice.  I wanted a quilt with a bohemian feel, but not a complete flashback to the '60s.  The quilt has a variety of patterns and colors so I paired it with more neutral, solid colored pillows.  I love that it can go with so many different colors, but also has a base color of blue.  The second option is heavier because it is a duvet, but still keeping to the quilt design.  The Arabis is less busy than the Wildfield, but still has a couple patterns throughout.  The overall color is tan and with a few accents of blue and yellow so you have many options for pillows and room decorations.

The Rosette Quilt and the Tuxedo Duvet are more of a romantic style.  The Rosette Quilt is shown in purple, but it comes in a variety of colors like navy, cream, and a light grey.  The deep purple tone and the gatherings give off a romantic vibe and is for someone going for sophistication.  I love the Tuxedo Duvet because it's so fluffy and it makes me want to turn up my AC and snuggle up.  This may not be the best option if you are going away to school with no air conditioning, but if you are getting it for your room at home or have the luxury of air conditioning then this is definitely an adorable, girly option.

Eat Pray Love: In sleek travel attire

I have done some major slacking this week on writing due to the fact that I had to pack up my entire life and ship back off to school.  However, I did find time to see Eat Pray Love on this rainy summer day.  I anticipated a moving movie that would make my life seem inadequate and force me to reevaluate everything choice I've ever made.  It was less intense that I thought.  It was uplifting, motivated me to travel, and gives you the courage to change your life if you aren't satisfied.  And the men in that movie, James Franco and Javier Bardem (yum), were to die for.



Onto the fashion aspect, because there is always a fashion aspect.  If you know me personally, you know that I have an obsession with traveling and everything that it entails.  I love the packing, the luggage, the travel accessories, and the outfit for the travel day.  All that traveling Julia did in the movie got me thinking about travel attire and what is best to travel in, in terms of cuteness and practicality. I also have a love affair with Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen and their upscale line THE ROW.  I know the clothes are out of this world expensive, but the simple, chic white tee is what I live for even if it costs $400.  They are also perfect for travel!

As I was perusing Bergdorf Goodman I thought THE ROW is the perfect for traveling.  When I need to get on a plane layering is a must.  No matter where my destination is, hot or cold, I always have the same staple outfit because the plane is always a little chilled.  This includes stretchy pants, tank, and some type of sweater.  Here are some MK&A variations that I would definitely sport.

To start, the cami is a must.  I love the simplicity of the the Biggins Camisole.  It's made out of silk so it's comfortable and sleek enough to slip under a sweater.  Plus the white will go with anything and I do love my neutral tones.  It's always cold on the plane so I always pack a sweater, if not wear one, in my carry-on bag.  This Knightbridge Cardigan is perfect (cheaper version from Gap that I wrote about in a previous post) to put over the white cami.  Put both of these tops over the Stratton Pant and you have yourself a comfy, travel friendly outfit.  If you are arriving to the beaches of Mexico then slip off the sweater and sport the cami and slim pants, and if you are arriving to the snow throw on a coat over the sweater and you are good to go!

Some extra pieces that can be added to the staple cami, sweater, and stretch pant are the Talford Coat and Barclay pants.  If the weather is extra cold I'd add a coat to bundle up in or sport a leather pant.  I love my liquid leather leggings and they are so comfy and are nice alternative to a "jegging".

These items are super expensive and most cannot afford to drop $1000 on pants, but that's the beauty of the staple items.  They are staples, which means they can be found anywhere and the prices will range from cheap as dirt to out of this world expensive.  All these travel clothes and movies make me want to jet-set away to some far off place.  For now I'll settle for school :).

My Back to School List

I have been prepping for school (so excited!), hence my lack of writing.  My back to school list was pretty extensive to say the least, but there were some items that were must haves.  I'm going back to college so this does not include things like bedding, but more personal things that want to add to my wardrobe along with some school supply essentials.

For starters I need a planner, always.  I am not the most OCD person you'll ever meet, but when it comes to school and scheduling I need a planner to keep me on schedule.  Making its second appearance this year is the Moleskine 18-month Large Softcover Weekly Notebook.  Last year my best friend in the whole entire world introduced this to me.  I had another sub-par notebook ready, but after seeing the Moleskine she bought I waltzed over the Barnes and Noble and got myself one. It's sleek and black so it fits nicely anywhere and goes with anything.  I also really enjoy the set-up.  It has two pages for a time-table schedule (one for each semester), weekly pages with Monday through Sunday on one side and a lined page on the right (to write my daily assignments), and months at a glance.  What more could you ask for???  I loved the planner so much I bought a matching red hardcover journal for personal thoughts.

Next item on the list isn't as practical as a planner, but on the list nonetheless.  I've been searching for a shirt to tuck into a high wasted skirt or pants.  The typical v-neck or tank is always a good option, but I wanted something different, particularly for going out at school.  I initially found a white corset top at anthropologie.com, but I waited too long to buy it and it went out of sale...sad face.  I did stumble upon a more intricate, but slightly more expensive corset top that would do the job.  The Surreptitious Corset is actually better for going out (white, hmm not such a good combo with a party) because it's blue (neutral color) and with the lace detail, the top suddenly becomes more outfit friendly.  The top is in the intimates section, that is not going to discourage me from wearing it with an adorable high waisted skirt.  Takin' a risk!

Next order of business; the feet, but more importantly what goes on them.  Right before spring of last year I purchases my first pair of TOMS.  Not only are they comfortable with a supporting arch, but they are a dark shade of grey so I can wear them with almost any color and any outfit.  So I think the time has come for me to purchase a new pair.  I'm still deciding between a more neutral pair or walking on the wild side with some glitter action.  The TOMS Indigo Powdered Wool Cordones are a new style and I love the Keds "esk" style without the laces and how the color fades as the material approaches the toe.  This is slightly more trendy than my tradition grey ones as well as a new style.  On the other hand, I could opt for the Silver Glitters.  I am toying with the idea of gold as well, but either way the glitter gives it a sexy pop of color while sticking with the neutrals.  After writing this post I think I'm leaning toward the glitters.  Very productive.

In terms of make-up I try to test out different brands and colors, but one eyeshadow will forever be my neutral staple.  Two years ago I wandered into MAC pleading for help with a neutral eye look that would be fancy enough for prom.  The MAC man delivered and included in the three different eyeshadows I purchased was Jest (you can scan through the colors to Jest and select frost to purchase).  After I used it for my prom makeup, I began using it as my everyday eyeshadow.  I don't like to wear a lot of make-up so this was perfect.  In the winter it provides a nice and subtle nude shimmer, but in the summer with a bronze face, Jest adds a pink shimmer on top of your sun kissed skin.

Yes, that is a picture of a man, but I recently had coffee with my friend and I asked where she got her white v-neck from (have been on the pursuit for the perfect one forever) and she shared it's from target from Hanes.  It's perfect.  The neck does not plunge too far down when put on a woman, it's not as see-through as most white v-necks out there are, and it's super cheap. LOVE.  I have yet to purchase it, but judging from the look my friend Molly was sporting I think it's going to be a winner.

Now these are only a few things on my list, but these are the main things that stand out in my mind that I must get.  Shop 'till I drop?! 

Cupcakes!

No I am not referring to real cupcakes, but cupcake dresses!  If you read my post about A Vintage Affair, you know that I am furiously reading through the book so I thought I'd give my book a little face time.  First off this novel is loaded with supplementary stories to support the main plot of Phoebe opening her vintage store.  Phoebe encounters new friends, new men, as well as the shoppers who come through her store.  My favorite people she meets are the ones who come in and fall in love with the cupcake dresses.  The cupcakes are reminiscent of 50s prom dresses and poodle skirts.  Not to mention that look is a huge trend this year as seen in Louis Vuitton.  Love it.

   

I had this mental picture in my mind of what these cupcake dresses look like and the tan dress shown above portrays it the best.  I pictured a skirt that went a little past the knee, a sweetheart neck, and a full but not too over the top skirt.  The dresses came in turquoise, lime green, yellow, and pink.  As I was reading I felt the colors not only complemented  the ladies' physical features but also their personalities. 

The turquoise dress met its match with a loving bride to be.  She comes in with her husband and immediately falls in love with the garment while searching for a party dress.  Despite her love, she cannot afford it and is forced to leave empty handed (worst situation in fashion, sad face.)  Her husband rushes back the morning of the party and buys the dress for her, saying she had to have it and if she is happy then that is all he wants for his bride.  I felt this dress was a perfect match for her because the bright blue really made her pop with her dirty blonde hair and she so clearly loved the dress.  I loved that her husband went back and bought it for her.  Two loves woven perfectly together!

The lime green cupcake found its home with a feisty redhead who originally purchased another, not nearly as fab, dress.  She came into the shop with her crackberry using husband.  She has such presence as she looks for a dress for her fiance's business dinner.  She is truly a whirlwind.  Her husband forces her in to a drab black number that doesn't nearly compliment her personality and off she goes to the dinner.  Ah, but that would be a horrible end to a story about cupcakes.  The redhead returns with the exact amount to purchase the lime green dress.  Turns out she ratted her husband out to a newspaper that he was involved in a criminal act involving fire.  And all she demanded in return was the same amount of money to purchase the dress.  Crime for fashion much?

The next shopper is much younger than these ladies in their 20s.  A young school girl looking for a dress for her dance falls in love with the yellow dress, so much so that she vows to save her money over the next three months to buy it.  Phoebe doesn't put the dress on hold, until five other shoppers tried on the dress.  Every time the yellow cupcake was tried on Phoebe cringed inside so she put it to rest and reserved it.  I have yet to find out if the young lady is able to buy the dress, but I know I'm rooting for her.  (Mostly because I've been there and stressed about that!)

Finally we have the pink cupcake, which I think is my favorite story because for me it was the most relatable.  A woman comes into the shop on a shopping mission, and we all know what that is like.  Phoebe asks the occasion and the woman goes on to explains that her and husband have been trying to have children and after the sixth time of trying via drugs she was unable to get pregnant.  Needless to say that's upsetting beyond comprehension. So she does what any other woman would do, shops it out.  This is exactly what I do when I'm upset because when you're feeling sad all you have to do is look at the pretty cupcake dress or whatever the purchase may be.  Helps to turn that frown upside down!

More to come as I finish up this novel.  So sad to see it end, but so excited to see the outcome!