Another Year, A New Collection

First of all, happy birthday to my lovely sister Christen! If I had the money I would buy you everything in this post. Since I don’t have the funds, you will have to settle for the thought being what counts.

Now on to business…

Big news, people! J.Crew’s newest collection arrived online yesterday afternoon! They did pretty good this go-around. Here are a few of my picks. 

This Sequin Glitterglass Tank is too much. I love it. It is the most expensive item on my list but it might just be an investment piece.  Sequins were a big hit this season on the runway and this is the perfect way to incorporate it into an everyday wardrobe without being too over the top. Okay, fine. Some may view a sequin top as a little much. We will have to agree to disagree.

Ahh. The Silk Taffeta Belted Short in wild blackberry. Heaven. I am a big fan of unique shorts. Dress them up, dress them down, they are definitely a go-to in my wardrobe.  I am obsessed with wearing them with tights just like this model.

I am pretty obsessed with this Silk Ruffle Cascade Jacket, also in wild blackberry. Note: Puh-lease do not wear it with the short above! Disaster.

The Wool Twill Addison Trouser is oh-so-chic. There is nothing more classic than a winter white trouser. To spice it up, I would wear it with the sequin tank. The only way J.Crew can improve these slacks is by carrying them in petite. That would be ideal.   

Love the Wool Felt Cloche, especially in this shore pink color. It is so lovely. It looks like it walked straight out of the 1940s, and we all know how “in” the 1940s look is right now.

Like any true Southern girl, I love pearls. Combine them with crystals and you have a winner in my book.

As I finish this post of loveliness, I am going to leave you with the image of this pretty shoe. Silk satin and a feather? What more could a girl ask for?

* All images via J.Crew.com

A Sunny Day in Fashion

* Image by Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene via Style.com
It truly is a sunny day in fashion when one of my favorite designing duos announce a much anticipated addition to one of their labels. According to InStyle.com the Olsen sisters are going to be launching an eyewear collection for The Row.  I have to confess, I love the Olsen twins. When I was seven I loved them and their stretchy shorts and hair clips and I love them now with their oversized shades and Venti cups. Hopefully, their new collection will not disappoint. In light of this recent development, here are a few of my favorite “sunnies”. I'm sure by the time their collection drops next spring, I will be able to add a few of their designs to my list of favorites. 

* Image via Chanel.com 

Chanel round sunglasses have been on my wish list for I don’t know how long. I don’t look good in white frames but black frames with white arms are the perfect compromise. Once I get a job I definitely will invest in a pair.

* Image via NeimanMarcus.com

My first pair of designer sunglasses were Prada. Now, they are all scratched and I can barely see out of them. But, I still wear them when I feel the need to channel my inner celebutant and hide from the world.  I love the combination of the tortoise shell and the skinny arm on this pair. It feels very 1960s. 

* Image via SunglassHut.com

The classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer. They are just really cool. I like them in black but the tortoise shell is also another one of my faves.

* Image via SunglassHut.com

The true Ray-Ban classic, the aviator.  Everyone needs aviators. There are so many brands at so many different price points--there is no excuse for not owning a pair. My boyfriend bought them for me for my birthday a few years ago and they have scarcely left the bridge of my nose since.

* Image via AldoShoes.com

I have been asked to start introducing more budget-friendly selections to my posts and here is one that I definitely think is a catch. Aldo has great sunglasses at such irresistible prices (hello, $7.98!) without sacrificing style. Their Tangri sunnies are really great. The oversized frame is one of my favorite looks and the splash of color that the arms provide is unexpected. It’s always good to keep people on their toes!

Date Night

My apologies for this delayed blog post. The past couple days have been pretty crazy by all accounts. But after a relaxing Saturday, the boyfriend is taking me out on a date night. He lives an hour-and-a-half away so we don’t see each other as often as we might like. Because of our “out of town relationship”, as I like to call it, date night does not call for any run-of-the-mill outfit. No, no indeed. I spend at least an hour picking out what I am going to wear not including the hour prep time. In my ideal world – sans recession and lack of job—this is what I would be wearing tonight. A bit of flirty, a splash of sexy, and a whole lot of classic wardrobe staples that can be mixed-matched and paired with so many other things that I have had in my closet for years.

P.s. Net-a-porter was my one stop shop as you will see. I always have and always will love Net-a-Porter.
 

I built this look starting with this Chloe Asymmetric Silk Blouse.  I love how flirty it is while not being blatantly sexy. I have always loved the look of an exposed shoulder especially paired with a juxtaposing covered arm.

These D&G Dolce & Gabbanna wide leg jeans are perfect with this blouse. Net-a-porter recommended wearing the blouse tucked into a high-waist jean.  I’m not completely thrilled with the way high-waist pants look or feel on me so I am going to stick to what I feel comfortable in, which is something that I think is really important when picking any outfit.

I love putting a tall pump under a wide-leg jean because it instantly lengthens the leg. These Valentino Couture Patent Leather Pumps in red are the splash of color that this look needs. Red was one of the hottest looks on the runway during the fall season so I highly recommend breaking it out in any way that feels right for you.

For the jewelry portion of this look I wanted a long chain necklace to sit over the top—just make sure it doesn’t catch on the silk, DISASTER!! I love the Missoni Multi-Chain Gold Plated Necklace. I think it gives the top an edge.

I love these Anita Ko 18-Karat Gold Diamond Pyramid Studs because I didn’t want anything that would try and compete with the necklace but they still hold their own. I’m not really into big earrings so it is always my impulse to go big with the necklace or bracelet and subtler on the ear.

This Alex Monroe Love Ring is perfect for a date. Especially when love is in the air.

This bag. I can’t express words. Die. Bananas. I don’t know, Rachel Zoe might be the only one who can articulate. It is the Lanvin Happy Sac Partage Leather Bag and it’s perfect with this look and is my finishing touch to the perfect date night ensemble. 

* All images via Net-a-porter.com

Draped in Lovely

*Image via neimanmarcus.com

I received an email this morning that the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was now available. As I virtually flipped through it, I came upon this delightful image. My parents are renovating their study/library and I am hoping something like this is the result. If so, I will stand on the ladder wearing a similarly inspired creation with endless draping (I am thinking something like the Reem Acra look below), donning red lips, and hope a photographer just happens to catch me in such a candid moment.

* Image via reemacra.com

Adventures with Anthropologie

I spend most of my free time shopping whether online, on foot, or in catalogue. Note: shopping does not necessarily mean buying. A couple years ago I vowed to no longer buy anything that I didn’t absolutely die for. Therefore, my closet has dwindled to staples that will last me for many years to come. The unfortunate side is that the items I crave are a bit more expensive than the trendier pieces that will probably be out of style quicker than you can swipe your credit card. Alas, a good investment piece is sure to pay you back in full with the amount of wear it can receive as apposed to, what I like to call, disposable clothes. Last weekend’s shopping exploits took me to Anthropologie, one of my favorite places to pick up unique--but classic--dresses and layering pieces (jackets, cardigans, capes, etc.). Naturally, I fell in love with a dress in a classic silhouette and fabric that I couldn’t believe I didn’t already own.

* Image via Anthropologie.com www.anthropologie.com

It was the Mariner Dress in all its seersucker glory. I LOVE seersucker. Not to mention the top of the dress is navy silk with a ruffle that goes all the way around the top and is complete with a bow in the back. So, basically this dress has an abundance of my favorite things: seersucker, navy, a ruffle, silk, and a bow. I mean, what else could a girl ask for? She could ask for a lower price. Unfortunately the dress was a little bit pricey for what I would be looking to spend on such an item. I have a hard time justifying that purchase when I won’t really be wearing it for more than a couple weeks before I have to retire it to the depths of my closet until spring has sprung again. I do love it though so if it goes on sale perhaps it will find its way to my shopping bag.

* Image via Anthropologie.com

My girlfriend Lauren who is also my shopping partner in crime has a recent interest in boleros thanks to her favorite stylist to the stars and mine, Rachel Zoe. I came across this Glinting Gossamer Bolero on Anthropologie’s Web site and am pretty sure that it “needs to have a moment”.  Delight.

New Nanette

What better way to start a weekend than to receive an email from Neiman Marcus touting one of my favorite designer’s fall collection? Yes, if you read the “about me” section on my first post you might realize I am talking about Nanette Lepore. I love, love, love her dresses. It all began in March when I bought one of her frocks for my sister’s rehearsal dinner. I haven’t looked back since. Here are a few of my current faves from her fall collection.

* Image via neimanmarcus.com 

The Café Sheath Dress caught me by surprise one day when I was browsing through my local Neiman Marcus. The pattern grabbed me right away and when I went over to feel the pure silk fabric it was like my hand had died and gone to heaven.  The structure of the dress nips and tucks in all the right places to make it work wonders on nearly every body type. Last of all, I finally found a mini dress that could actually be called such on my petite self. Of course, this is something to keep in mind if you are slightly taller than the average girl—Mary, take note!

* Image via neimanmarcus.com 

I love the flowy look of Nanette Lepore’s Fire Dress. I think it is perfect for work if you aren’t too tall, a dinner date, or Sunday brunch. I would definitely wear it with tights and a platform of some sort. I think it would look divine with my newest obsession: Chanel Vamp nail polish.

* Image via neimanmarcus.com

The designer’s Dreamboat Pleated-Front Dress is so sweet. First of all, I can never resist a bow. Classic black and white is perfect for any season but the merino wool fabric is certainly ideal for fall. I would wear this like the model (whoever styled these models is on my wave length) with tights and ankle booties. When it starts to get a little chillier, I would throw one of those oh-so-chic motorcycle jackets across my shoulders.

* Image via neimanmarcus.com

Now, I know I may be getting a little ahead of myself but I think this is the quintessential New Year’s Eve dress. It has two elements that are pretty much absolute musts for the holiday: sequins and feathers. This year, instead of doning a goofy hat and boa choose Nanette Lepore’s Disco Dress and I assure you, it will be a hit. Sequins are back en vogue and this dress makes me want to leap for joy. I would wear this with black tights and a black suede bootie. For jewelry, I would keep it minimal. Maybe just an earring and a cocktail ring. 

To see Nanette Lepore’s collection at Neiman Marcus click HERE.

Happy Friday!

Falling for Fall

Today being the first day of October is very exciting for me. It means the first full month of my favorite season. Before I know it, there will be trick-or-treaters at the door, a Thanksgiving grocery list long enough to reach Alaska, and the first “happy holidays” of the season. I can’t wait! Here are my must-haves for this fall.

* Image via starbucks.com

A Grande Non-Fat Pumpkin Spice Latte. It really puts me in the shopping spirit.

 

* Image by Marcio Madeira via Style.com

I feel like this fall needs be a total fur moment.  This Dolce and Gabbana fur with the ribbon around the waist is beyond. I need it like I need air to breath. Ferosh. I am also loving the 40s trend that the fashion world is buzzing about that is all over this look but more on that in an upcoming post.

* Image via nordstrom.com

I died the day these wonderful Elizabeth and James "Lola" ruffle booties found their way to my computer screen. I think my health would seriously be in jeopardy if I ever had the opportunity to hold them, let alone slip one on my foot (size five and half in case you are feeling charitable).

* Image via katespade.com 

I’m really feeling a polished handbag right now. This Kate Spade Boerum Hill Mikkel is perfect because it can hold everything I need without getting all slouchy and bent out of shape (pun intended). I think I would love this bag just a little bit more if it was in red but the Dijon color is quite lovely too.

Merry fall and happy shopping!