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!        

                                                      

The Ladies of Rachel Zoe

Now I know these events are in the past, but The Rachel Zoe Project just aired last night and I felt it worthy of being discussed.  The ladies of Rachel Zoe must be given their credit, along with the style goddess herself.

Cameron and Kate are two of the cutest and quirkiest ladies in Hollywood.  They are both beautiful and have gorgeous figures to boot.  They put their Golden Globes looks in the right hands.  I absolutely love these options provided my R. Zoe.   Kate looks bangin' in this Marchesa dress.  Her look is retro with a pop.  The structured collar with the cinched waist emphasizes the hourglass shape.  You can't see the train, but it gives it a dramatic flair that is timeless.  Cameron went for a simpler look in this red McQueen number.  Cameron's body looks amazing in anything, but this one takes the cake.  The dress hugs her body, not skin tight, but enough to see her frame.  As for the collar, I believe it speak for itself.  Dr-ah-ma-tic and I love it!

Jen is one of my favorite actresses.  Not only is she adorable but she also can go from wearing her North face by day and sport Versace by night.  I rarely see her in something that I dislike.  Jen donned a jaw dropping Versace gown at the Globes and Rachel Zoe nailed this right on the mark.  The silhouette is beyond amazing and combined with Jen's fabulous body this look is a winner.  I look at this and cannot find one flaw.  As for Molly, she did not attend the Globes in this vibrant Marchesa fuchsia gown.  Unfortunately I do not have the opportunity to be in Molly Sim's presence, but judging from her fitting on last night's Rachel Zoe project this color mirrors her personality beautifully.  Even though the dress does not flaunt her body I do enjoy it on her.  The one shoulder looks lovely with her toned arms and the fuchsia pops on top of her sun kissed skin.  In the words of R. Zoe "so major"!

Last, but certainly not least is Paula in Kaufmanfranco.  Rachel's new employee, Ashley, was in charge of Paula and might I say she looks 100% fab.  You can barely tell she has a baby bump under there.  I am loving the color on her.  The charcoal color looks amazing with her locks and the belt shows she has a figure.  Combined with the sparkle, Paula definitely shines. 

New Buy: Fall Long Cardigans

My love affair with J Crew, just as with Chanel, is not secret.  While it may not be as out of reach in terms of price as Chanel is, I usually don't buy a whole lot from J Crew unless Mom is there to label it "back to school shopping" and help out a little with the expenses.  I just don't have $100 to drop on three sweaters, unless it's at the J Crew outlet of course! 

My obsessiveness is slightly fulfilled with email updates about what's new or popular online and in the store and I recently received an email about a new wool sweater called the Alpaca long cardigan (left).  I absolutely die for these square, bohemian looking sweaters.  They are just so comfy and I love the relaxed cardigan look, however I cringe at the idea of spending $118 on one.  I love them, but just don't think they are worth that much.  So after looking at the price and letting out a sigh, I book marked the site thinking maybe I'd spring for, until I wandered into Gap...

I have always had a hatred for the Gap when I was younger, but I went in recently with a change of heart and found their staple items to be adorable.  Their V-necks were nicely priced and beyond soft and their sweaters were simple yet chic.  As I was skimming the racks I stumbled upon a charcoal version of the Alpaca sweater for $60!  Needless to say I was more than ecstatic.   Here was a wool sweater that felt like cotton for almost $60 less than J Crew's.  A bargain to say the least.  Throw the sweater over a tank and let it flow or belt it to polish it up and show your figure.  The Gap long wool sweater takes the cake, but that does not mean J Crew is nixed, but just set aside for times of splurging.    

Button Downs and Leather pants

photo from KateMossFashion.com

With the rise of 50s womanly chic, it seems that grunge has taken a backseat to cinched waists and full skirts.  But who says you have to compromise your motorcycle jackets and zipper pants?  Kate Moss is doing both.  Without the blue button down, she's sporting an all black ensemble.  Black tank, black leather zipper pants, and edgy boots.  In my mind black is always in style and goes with anything, but with the button down effortlessly thrown over the black shirt it gives the outfit more flair and polishes it up a little without being actually lady-like.  Being a fan of more relaxed, men's wear "esk" clothes, I completely dig this look.  In addition to the pop of blue going on up top, Kate also has a pop of leopard on her arm, incorporating what is said to be one of the most popular trends, animal prints.  I just think it's always nice to add a pattern.  Would you combine button downs and leather pants?   

Love affair with A Vintage Affair

A Vintage Affair is on my reading list this summer and so far I am hopelessly in love.  I bought the book when I was in Barnes and Noble.  I was walking to the check out, magazines in tow, and saw this book on a table all its own.  I see the title and immediately pick it up and read the inside cover.  Vintage was all I needed to know.  The 30% off label was simply gravy!  Goodbye magazines, hello new summer read.  

The book is about Phoebe, who ends her career in the auction business to open a vintage store in London.  It is clear that Phoebe wants to revamp her life, but the reason for her life-changing career move in unveiled throughout the book.  I am only on page 120 so we'll see where this book takes me, but as of now I am enthralled that I ditched the magazines and went for this book.  And I do love my fashion magazines.


A Vintage Affair is a fashion guru's dream.  On the inside of the cover it reads what a strange power there is in clothing.  Vintage, I feel, has even more power because there is a personal story behind every piece of clothing and in A Vintage Affair you get to hear the stories behind the gowns and the get a peak into the lives of those who own them next.  I'll keep you updated as I read on through!

My San Fran Find

Picture from jeweliany.com

One of the things I absolutely fell in love with when I went to San Francisco, besides the city itself, was the vibe of the city.  NYC will always be my home city, but San Fran had this chill, relaxed, yet such chic vibe.  Picture Soho with zero humidity and sweaters all year round.  Perfection in my eyes. 

I did frequent many, many stores on my trip, but the most memorable store was the blues JEAN BAR.  This store is the perfect way to buy jeans.  It is literally a bar, minus the cocktails of course.  You arrive and all the jeans are behind a counter and you tell the sales associate what you are looking for: wash, color, size, brand, ext.  I told her I wanted a light wash, something good for summer, and she gathered twenty pairs of jeans for me!  I was ecstatic to say the least.

Personally, I find jean shopping intimidating.  What brand do I want, what store should I go to, how tight is too tight?  This store eliminated all that anxiety, as well as those muffin tops us girls know too well!  I believe muffin tops are the result of two causes; jeans that are too small or selecting the type of style that is wrong for your body.  Due to my large child-bearing hips I know that Paige Jeans sit perfectly on my hips without the squeeze affect and I know I have to be careful with what styles I choose from Joe’s Jeans.  I told the sales associate my size, but she could gage what brand and size would fit best.  Unfortunately the blues JEAN BAR is only as east as Chicago, but Soho might be there new home in the next couple years so keep your eyes peeled.  Until then I guess I’ll just have to go back to San Fran, which in my eyes is not so bad :)! 

Coco for Chanel

Picture from fordmodels.tumblr.com

Picture from Huffingtonpost.com

If you know me at all, you know I die for Chanel.  Chanel is my favorite designer and always will be.  I love masculine inspired woman’s wear, but at the same time I am female and love playful clothes as well.  Chanel combines the clean lines of a sexy, structured blazer with couture dresses that literally give me a fashion orgasm.  So I thought it was only appropriate that I christen my blog with Chanel.

I recently watched the 2010/2011 Fall/Winter Haute Couture fashion shows and in the words of Rachel Zoe, I died.  For those who criticize haute couture for not being wearable enough, take a look at this show.

Before I even begin with the couture, I do have to point out the hair.  I love the windblown, wispy affect and it’s perfect for fall/winter time.   I love tucking half my hair into my coat or sweater.  It’s easy and the little wisps in the front remind the world there is a female underneath all that bundled up fabric.  Now that Karl Lagerfeld has confirmed this look I am even more excited for my winter sweaters and jackets!

I love love love mixing men’s wear and woman’s wear and creating an “oxy moron outfit” as I like to call it.  If you look at the blue ensemble picture you can see exactly what I mean.  The tweed, cropped jacket is structured and is paired with the girlish skirt.  All business on top and party on the bottom.  Love it.  Check out more of the Chanel fashion show at chanel.com and tell me your favorite look.