Friday, May 13, 2011

Item of the Day: A Quaint and Charming Straw Hat


Subtler than your conventional Kentucky Derby hat, this one just exudes sophistication.

What: Edmund Straw Trilby Hat from Reiss

Cost: $70.00

The Clincher: I’ll be the first to admit that I am not one for hats. Not only are they too much hassle (and can lead to horrible hat hair), but I definitely don’t have the right face shape for one. Nonetheless, ever since the royal wedding, hats with huge toppers have been on my radar. In love with all things British (and Kate Middleton’s impeccable style!), I found this straw hat adorned with black flowers to be chic (think Chanel), sophisticated, worldly, and effortless. Whereas some hats scream, “look at me!” this one does nothing of the sort.

For those with a classic style, this straw hat is a must. Wear it with a classy black maxi dress or a Breton stripe tee and shorts for maximum perfection.Add in a cardigan or smart blazer and you're all set!

Item of the Day: Feminine, Flirty, and Floral…It’s a Tunic!

A year-round wardrobe staple that never gets old.

What: Rebecca Taylor Pom Pom Tunic Dress


Cost: $365.00


The Clincher: It’s all in the details! Classic pleats, sweet side ties and a vibrant palette of orange posies make all the difference. Not only is this tunic dress spot on when it comes to prevalent runway trends (floral extravaganza!), but it is also superb for spring/summer weather. Cut above the knee and made of silk (so nice!), what could be comfier!


Endless styling possibilities: Wear it with gladiators, open toe pumps, or wedges (your choice!), throw on a classic cardi, pair it with some jeggings, or tuck it into a high-waisted skirt. As for the rainy days, I’m sure that it would look fab underneath a trench. Can’t stand the transition into winter? Make it foolproof by adding a strand of pearls and some lacy tights for a look of pure sophistication. Tres Chic!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Item of the Day: Fruity Hued Demi Bags

An oh-so perfectly shaped demi bag guaranteed to lift any girl’s spirits.

What: Kate Spade Essex Scout


Cost: $395.00 and $295.00 (smaller size)


The Clincher: Love at first glance. Ever since I saw the ad campaign featuring Kate Spade’s celebrity ambassador, Bryce Dallas, back in January, I’ve been eyeing these brightly colored bags. With spring in full swing and summer lurking around the corner, it’s the quintessential time to start adding bold surges of color to your wardrobe. Get it fast, however, pink seems to already be out of stock!


Whether nestled on one shoulder or worn as a cross-body bag, they will certainly add oomph to any outfit.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Item of the Day: Brilliant Brogues

A feminine take on the traditional menswear inspired brogue.

What: Pippa Brogue from BHLDN

Cost:
$280.00

The Clincher: Always a fan of oxfords and brogues, I find this pair by Something Bleu absolutely stunning. Dazzling with sparkles, what is there not to love? With silk chiffon laces, these are the equivalent of Cinderella’s glass slippers. Perfect for any modern day princess looking for her Prince Charming…or just in need of a killer shoe!

Pair with an ethereal white dress or a snazzy black blazer ensemble for the ultimate statement.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!



"Oh Christmas Tree...Rockefeller Plaza (12/04/2010)...never forget the spirit of the season..."

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Five Things I Love This Week


Galleria Marlena Wool Cloche
A cloche that captures the best of old Hollywood glamour. I must say that I have never been one for hats – hat hair is the last thing I need. This Kate Spade cloche, however, makes me want to give hats another chance. Undeniably chic in classic black, it will carry me through the chilliest days and be a fantastic investment.

My favorite part:
The cloche is so retro; it looks as though it came straight from a 1920’s Edward Hopper painting. And of course the bow…you can’t forget the bow. Tres chic!


Oasis Toggle Coat
I think that it is safe to say that winter fashion can become very monotonous. After endless days of wearing the same knitted scarf and neutral colored coat, we all need a little something to look forward to. This toggle coat by Oasis just may be our solution. In a vibrant shade of red, it brings an instant pop of color and is super cute. Whether pairing it with an off-white scarf, a cloche hat, or plaid wool skirt and tights, it will be the foundation for a beautiful ensemble. Goodbye gloomy days!

My favorite part:
The cute black toggles! I’m definitely willing to trade in the traditional buttons for some toggles.


Suno Fitted Bodice Mini
Move over black LBD, this Suno mini dress proves that traditional can sometimes be passé. I don’t even know where to begin with this dress. From the colorful palette and zany print to the girly silhouette, what is there not to love?
Tip: Keep the accessories to a minimum and let the dress be the statement.

My Favorite Part: The psychedelic colors and print exude a level of energy and excitement that many dresses lack. Suno stays true to their designs by creating clothing inspired by the “sights, sounds, and sensations observed abroad.” Thank you Suno!


Marc by Marc Jacobs Zip-Pull Brass Studs
Give it to Marc Jacobs to come up with an accessory so innovative, quirky, and contemporary. With these earrings, Jacobs demonstrates that it is good to be different. Instead of diamond studs and hanging chandelier earrings, why not try on some zippers! Just think of the compliments you will get…
Bottom line: In gold or silver, they are super conventional and can be paired with virtually any outfit.

My Favorite Part: They are zip-pulls! Who ever thought that zip-pulls could be this chic and wearable?


Sonia Rykiel Sweaters in Fair Isle and Stripe Prints
Saving the best for last, here are two Sonia Rykiel sweaters that I cannot get enough of. Effortless, playful, and charming, both are brimming with character. Rykiel’s fresh take of the fair isle print is marvelous, I love how she throws in stripes for an element of surprise and keeps the color palette soft with pastel hues. The multicolored striped sweater, just as alluring, will look divine when paired with a satin black skirt, tights, and pumps…think Blair Waldorf. For an already luxe sweater, the black bow with sparkling stones is the perfect finishing touch.

My Favorite Part: Everything! Rykiel’s use of color is spot on in conveying two contrastingly different moods. While the fair isle sweater is sweet, the striped one is mature and sophisticated. Wear them to class or a formal soiree and flawlessly transition into winter.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Fall Perfection: Taking Style Cues from Rachel and Selena


After a summer of sweltering temperatures, autumn weather is finally creeping upon us. As the changing leaves and shortened days signal for cooler conditions, we know what that means…new wardrobes and revamped styles! Although I am sad to put away my summer sandals, lightweight blouses, and short floral skirts, I cannot wait to layer my chunky knit sweaters with plaid button downs and pair my denim shorts with colored tights. So much to look forward to! After seeing these two looks worn by Rachel Bilson and Selena Gomez, I am more than ready for fall.

Rachel Bilson, always a style icon, looks effortlessly chic and sophisticated in her eclectic animal print scarf, structured black jacket, and high-heeled booties. Bilson’s signature quilted Chanel bag is the perfect finishing touch to her classy, laid back look.

Selena Gomez, also effortless and casual, opts for a solid sergeant green scarf, camel military style jacket, striped tee, and practical brown ankle boots for walking. I especially like the camel color of her jacket, which is very in this season.

To achieve either of these looks you need:

A printed or solid scarf – Animal print, floral, and gingham are just a few great options to choose from. The wilder the print, the more personality your outfit will have.


Diane von Furstenberg’s printed leopard scarf is girly, eclectic, and quintessential in creating an effortless fall look.

As Selena proves, solid colored scarves make just as worthy a statement as printed ones. Complement a plain scarf with a printed top for a more compelling ensemble.


Sometimes a pop of color is all you need to a make a statement. Love Quotes has a lovely wrap scarf in a vivid shade of red that screams “look at me!”

A jacket – To maintain an effortless look, select a jacket that is relatively basic – you don’t want it to outshine the rest of your outfit. An essential jacket is one sans sequins, ruffles, studs…you get the idea. With this look the options are endless.

Something to think about: a long heavy knit cardigan is a great alternative if your style is bohemian.


A polished blazer such as the one above by Madewell looks superb with the right scarf and accessories. The midnight blue shade is perfect for fall and looks great when contrasted with a lighter colored top. Black, army green, beige, and gray are all suitable colors for fall jackets.



Juicy Couture’s military jacket would look ideal when worn with an off-white, black, or brown scarf. The military inspired buttons and zippered pockets are distinct but not overly so. Add a long tank and high-heeled suede ankle boots to elongate your torso and maximize your height.

And of course boots – As with any outfit, selecting the correct shoe is crucial. Lucky for us, however, there are so many to choose from: platform booties, riding boots, and ankle boots are a few viable options.

Styling Tip: Do NOT pair this look with outdated Ugg boots! (You want to look effortless, not frumpy). Do try a pair of suede or leather oxfords for a flair of sophistication.



Madewell’s brown leather biker boots convey an understated level of toughness that complements longer length jackets. I love how these boots are tough without the studs and hardware found on a typical black biker boot.
Best part: Not only are these books flat and super practical for walking across campus in but they look great when paired with dark skinny leg jeans.


Peep toe booties such as this gray suede pair by Elizabeth and James look best when paired with black knee high tights and cuffed jeans.

To finish off the look, throw on your favorite skinny or straight leg jeans and add some simple accessories. A touch of gold in the form of a few skinny bangles, rings, or hooped earrings could never hurt. Remember, I am merely offering suggestions on how to create an effortless look, there are so many ways to make this look your own.

Now that you know the basic components, happy fall styling!

Photos Source: JustJared.com