Inspired by: Love Over Scotland/Plaid

Alright y'all, so I'm still in Hawaii.  I've been doing a lot of beach reading, and I wanted to do a post about one of my current favorite series.  It's called 44 Scotland Street, by Alexander McCall Smith, and it's adorable.  There are the kinds of beach reads are like candy bars--yummy, but you know they're trash, and there are the kinds of beach reads that are more like a red velvet cupcake, still little and cute, but a bit more sophisticated.  This is the latter.  These books are short, easy reads, very light hearted and sweet, but they're really well written and unique.  They center around the lifes of a group of people who all, at one point, lived in an apartment building in Scotland.  There's a precocious six year old and a 60 year old female anthropology, and everything in between, so there's something for everyone.

Love Over Scotland and The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith: Here are two of the books in the series.  Yeah, one of the is called The Unbearable Lightness of Scones.  If that doesn't make you smile, the Grinch is missing you over in Whoville.

Anyways, the point of all this was that all that talk of Scotland was making me start to crave plaid (I know, I'm on a Hawaiian beach, and all I want is plaid and scones.  I'm crazy).  I picked out a few plaid pieces, and I really tried to go beyond the usual plaid boyfriend button-up and find some more unique pieces.

Joie Plaid Somalia Dress, $228 at revolveclothing.com, Joie Yarn Plaid Vanette Tank, $74 at revolveclothing.com: Taking the usual boyfriend flannel and turning it into a dress is a fun take on wearing your boyfriend's shirt in a public appropriate sort of way.  The belt is included, and adds a much needed emphasis to your waist.  This tank might be my favorite piece.  It's loose and drapey, very Alexander Wang, but the faded plaid adds a casual, countryish vibe to it.  The row of buttons down the front feminizes it just enough.  I'd pair it with some straight leg jeans and statement necklace.

J. Crew Tomboy Plaid Shirt, $72 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Wool and Cotton Plaid Scarf, $54 at jcrew.com: So I did one button-up, just to show that if you do it in a different, girlier color palette it doesn't have to scream 1995 grunge.  The white/gray/pink color palette is fun and feminine, and adds a really interesting twist to the usually boyish look.  This scarf has the same color palette, and it's equally gorgeous.  I love light wool scarves--they're really light and airy, but at the same time when it gets cold, they'll keep you super warm.  The muted colors make it the ideal complement to a lot of different looks, but I think I'd wear it with a pair of dark wash jeans, some knee-high leather boots, and a plain white v-neck.

McQ Wool Cable-Knit Biker Jacket, $365 at net-a-porter.com, Crumpet Checked Cashmere Cardigan, $695 at net-a-porter.com: Okay, so this first sweater isn't plaid, but to be fair, in the books they talk a lot about Fair Isle/heavily knitted sweaters, and this reminded me of those, but a fab modern version.  The cable knit definitely screams old school/my grandma knitted this for me, but the biker jacket cut and big zipper add a much needed badass quotient for something that's really comfy, but still makes a statement.  The cut of this Crumpet sweater is perfect.  It has all the ease of a cardigan with all the oomph of a motorcycle jacket, and it's so easy to wear.  The blown-up checks are a fun riff on plaid, and the black and white color combo is so graphic and fun, and a great contrast to the loose shape of the sweater.  And yeah, it's $700, but...it's cashmere?  It's like having baby kittens hug you all day.

Images from:
tesco.com, alexandermccallsmith.co.uk, revolveclothing.com, revolveclothing.com, jcrew.com, jcrew.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.

Confession: I Like Men's Cologne. Also Polo.

It's been documented that I like guy's cologne.  Sometimes I feel like perfume can just get too sweet and too strong, and I want something clean and crisp and fresh, and a lot of times that ends up being cologne.  I've never actually had them go 'manly' on me, they tend to react differently with your skin chemistry, so even though it's meant for a guy, it'll still smell a little girly. 

The king of all colognes is Ralph Lauren.  They make Double Black, which was officially my favorite cologne of all time, but they just released a set of Big Pony colognes.  Um first: I LOVE PONIES.  I have a pony.  And Ralph Lauren is using actual polo players for models and promoting polo as a sport, which involves PONIES, so overall it's pony love.  And second, they actually sound like they smell sort of awesome.  I haven't actually tried them yet, but it's first thing on my errand list, believe me.  Anyways, there are four colognes in this little collection, each one with a different attitude.

But first, here's the current Ralph Lauren Polo model.  Who actually plays polo.  His name is Nacho.  Um, Nacho is hawt.  That is all.

 Big Pony #1, $50 at sephora.com, Big Pony #2, $50 at sephora.com: So #1 is the 'athletic' one, and it has lime, grapefruit and mandarin.  I think this one might be my favorite.  It sounds brisk and tropical, the perfect combination of sweet and crisp, and so perfect for those hot days when you want something fruity, but not too sweet.  #2 is the 'seductive' one, with dark chocolate and musk.  I can totally see myself wearing this on a rainy day.  It's like the perfume equivalent of a big, cozy cashmere sweater, sweet, sexy, and natural.  Omigosh, and with a cup of black tea and a good book too--I die.

Big Pony #3, $50 at sephora.com, Big Pony #4, $50 at sephora.com: #3 is 'adventurous' with  mint and ginger.  This is probably my least favorite, just because I really don't like the idea of smelling like mint, and the idea of combining mint and ginger.  It just seems a little odd to me, but I'm sure it would smell great on someone.   This last one is #4, or the 'stylish' one, with orange and kyarawood.  I like how one of them is 'stylish.'  It seems hilariously out of place/probably code for metro.  I have no clue in the slightest what kyarawood is or what it smells like, but I'm thinking oranges and wood sounds yummy.  Did I mention how much I like these bottles?  It might be the rugby-esque numbers and the ponies, but they're really calling to me.

Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection Coffret, $45 at sephora.com: And just in case you're as indecisive as I am, you can get this adorable set of mini bottles of all four colognes.  You don't save a ton of money product wise, as each of these is .5 ounces and the full bottle is 2.5 ounces, so you're getting 2 ounces of product for five dollars less than the full sized 2.5 ounce bottle.  Yay math.  But how cute would that row of bottles look on your dresser?  SO CUTE.

Images from:
nationalpost.com, sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com, sephora.com.

You Know What Friday Means...

WEEKEND!!!  If you can't tell, I'm excited.  I have a day off!  Sadly, not a regular occurrence.  Now, I'm sure y'all like to celebrate said marvelous weekend time multiple ways, but why not head to the beach like Aitor Ocio, Spanish football player?

Is this post just an excuse for me to post shirtless pics of said footballer?  Maybe.  But I also wanted to share this adorable swimsuit I stumbled across on Shopbop the other day:


Jo de Mer Cindy Maillot, $117.50 down from $235 at shopbop.com: I've always been a die hard bikini fan, but there's something about maillots that's been catching my attention.  I think they might be even sexier than bikinis, because there's something to be said about keeping a little to the imagination.  And who doesn't want the opportunity to camouflage any semblance of a stomach? The grommets add a nice bit of edge to the basic black, and the cut is just so perfect--flattering on any bust size, skimming perfectly over hips.  Did I mention it's on sale?

Image Sources:
Aitor: elcorreo.com, Jo de Mer maillot: shopbop.com.

My New Fave Website

I'm in serious World Cup withdrawal.  Please tell me I'm not the only one, guys.  I liked the structure it gave my June.  Every other day there was an exciting game full of hot guys who like to run around shirtless to watch.  Does it get better than that?  I think not.  I don't really watch sports on a regular basis, so I got really into it.  Also, my favorite team of all time won, so that's always a plus.  :)

Anyways to help enable my soccer addiction, I stumbled across Kickette, a European blog dedicated entirely to European soccer players and their hotness.  IT'S LIKE THEY CAN READ MY MIND.  So I'm just gonna post a few pics from there, and then I promise the soccer drooling is over.  Promise.  I really hope I can promise.  Oh dear.  Just look at the pictures.


Drunk and happy Spanish soccer players.  Oh, and shirtless Iker Casillas.  DROOL.

If those abs don't convert you to futbol, I don't know what to tell you.  Except that you might need to get your vision checked.


PS: I'm officially loving this multiple posts in one day thing.  Makes dealing with pictures SO picture easier.  But if y'all hate it, please let me know.


Image Sources:
all from kickette.com.

Red Carpet at the ESPYS

I'm gonna be honest, I've never watched the ESPYS.  I think they're an awards show for sports?  Which makes no sense to me at all, but an excuse to have a red carpet and ogle hot athletes is, well, an excuse to have a red carpet and ogle hot athletes, so here's some of that.


January Jones in Versace, Marissa Miller in Alexander Wang: I love seeing January Jones outside of Mad Men, because I feel like she makes a real effort to be much edgier and more modern (well, duh) than Betty Draper.  I like how she's taken the same haircut she has on the show and given it a messy twist.  The red lipstick stands out perfectly against that stark white, almost tennis-inspired white dress.  It's summery, it's of the moment, and it's chic.  Me like.  I just wish she'd done a cuter shoe.  Marissa Miller is really surprising me with her awesome red carpet choices recently.  Girl looks fab in Alexander Wang!  I love that it's not a typical red carpet dress, and that it manages to be really sexy without being so fitted.

Ashley Green in Versace, Amber Rose in Natalia Romano: Oh, Ashley Green.  I feel like she's clearly gorgeous, but just can't dress herself.  That high-necked halter was really chic...in 2004.  Actually, if it had a different neckline I could totally love this dress and it's '80s minimalism.  I would love to know why all these girls are basically wearing the same shoes, too.  Apparently Amber Rose is still famous (you never know), and wearing ridiculous things in public.  I don't even have anything to say about this.  It's festive?  It looks like party napkins stapled together?  It looks like it's simultaneously molting and shrinking?  Okay, I lied, I have a lot to say.

And requisite Landon Donovan pic: Just because I miss the World Cup, and, um, he's hot.  So there.

Image Sources:
Red carpet pics: glamour.com, Landon Donovan: kickette.com.

The Octopus is Always Right. And Shoppings.

Girls (and boys, I guess?), I totally failed on Friday.  I worked 10 AM-10 PM, came home, sat down with my computer, and fell asleep.  Fail.  I totally meant to blog on Saturday, and then I got distracted by the World Cup and all the Spanish man love.  Speaking of that, um, MY FAVORITEST TEAM IN THE WORLD JUST WON THE WORLD CUP WOOOOOOOOT.  May have teared up a little when the entire Spanish team (led by my future boyfriend/the Spanish goalie, Casillas) started bawling on the field.  Love.  So of course I had to buy a Spanish World Cup hoodie.  If only it was that simple.  I found some cuter ones than the one I posted before--love eBay.


Koalatee Spain World Cup Hoodie, $26 at ebay.com: So I ended up getting the navy blue one, which says something about World Champions and the Red Fury, and is generally adorable.  Why not the red one, you ask?  Well.

Top_Corner_Designs Spain World Cup Football Hoodie, about $25 at ebay.com: Because I actually bought this one in burgundy (stop light red = not so flattering on my pink English/German/Scottish skin).  And then accidentally had it shipped to school.  In Boston.  Where if it isn't lost (unlikely) I won't see it till September.  Clearly I'm a winner.  UGHHH.  Now I have two WC hoodies.  Also, both of these sites have sweatshirts for all the other teams if Spain isn't your thing.  Now I just need a shirt with a picture of Paul the Octopus.

Forever 21 Blue Bird Tank, about $15: In non-soccer related news, I found the cutest tank at Forever 21.  Of course it's not on their website (I feel like their online and in-store stock aren't even related), but it was about $15 and is a total dupe of this Joie tank that I've been craving, complete with the tiny pocket.  The print has tiny eagles or some similar looking bird, and it's a vibrant navy.  I've been wanting a silk(ish) tank for a while now because there's something so summery and breezy about them, but they're also so easy to wear.  I'll pair this my little grey J. Crew shorts, a high-waisted short, or straight leg jeans and my Frye equestrian boots.  It even looks cute with a belt!

Of course, I have to follow up that affordable find with ridiculously expensive things that I want.


YSL Leopard-print Wool and Silk Scarf, $495 at net-a-porter.com, Falke Lunelle 8 Peacock Stay Up Tights, $49 at shopbop.com, Falke Pure Matte 50 Thigh High Tights, $49 at shopbop.com: $500 for a wool-silk scarf?  Crazy.  I realize this.  But it's a black and grey leopard print with fringe!  And it's huge!  And if I had the money I would totally justify it, I'm not gonna lie.  It's the perfect way to work a little leopard print sexiness into your daily wardrobe.  Speaking of sexiness, thigh highs.  Cute or skanky?  I think if worn in a non-Taylor Momsen way (i.e., as actual pants) they could be cute.  Wear them as tights with a slightly sheer or shortish dress, so that there's just the occasional peek of their thigh high-ness, and I think they could really work!  Especially the peacock feather embroidered ones.  Gorgeous.

Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture: And for a parting shot of gorgeousness, here's some of the Elie Saab couture show, inspired by an Italian theater called 'the phoenix' (in Italian, of course).  That gown on the left is very '80s Versace glam, the middle dress is the chicest kaftan I've ever seen, and the dress on the right is pure Christopher Kane.  They're all lovely, but that first one belongs on my body.  Just look at that thigh high slit!  Hot damn.

Image Sources:
Elie Saab couture: style.com, YSL scarf: net-a-porter.com, Fale thigh-highs: shopbop.com, shopbop.com, Espana hoodies: ebay.com, ebay.com.

How To: Dress for Coachella

So Blogger changed it's interface, which is kind of making me want to set my Macbook on fire right now.  If this post looks awkward, that's why.  Aaaanyways, I thought I'd do a post on what I'd wear to Coachella, since that's coming up, but it also applies to music festivals in general.  This is basically the one place where it's okay to dress like a hipster (even though I'm not a huge fan of that, but whatever). 

Rachel Pally Picnic Dress, $216 at shopbop.com, Splendid Racer Back Layer Dress, $148 at shopbop.com, J Brand Selvage Shorts, $163 at shopbop.com: This post is ridiculously out of order, and I'm sorry about that, but it literally took me an hour to get any sort of layout down.  Dresses are a really good option for events like these because they enable you to look adorable and fun, but they're also instant outfits that are very easy to wear.  There are a couple ways you can go with dresses.  Either go for something that's a big visual statement, like this Rachel Pally dress, or something softer and more romantic/summery, like this Splendid dress.  The Rachel Pally dress works on its own, and would be adorable with a bikini top underneath, and the Splendid dress has this gorgeous, ethereal vibe.  I'd wear it with the wide, brown leather belt below, just to add a masculine contrast and to cinch the dress at the middle for a more flattering shape.  If you don't do dresses, I'd go for a pair of jean shorts.  Yes, they're cliche, but they work.  They're light, but sturdy, and easy to walk around/dance party in.  I like these J Brand shorts because they don't look like those hipster, ripped up Levis shorts that everyone wears, and the cuff gives them a bit of polish.

291 Peace Birds Pocket Swing Tee, $93 at shopbop.com, Sperry Top-Sider Bahama 2-Eye, $54.95 at zappos.com, Forever 21 Antique Studded Twist Belt, $7.80 at forever21.com: With the jean shorts I'd do a flowy tank, like this one or the one below.  The tension between the soft lines of the tank and structured lines of the shorts works very well, and the tank will keep you nice and cool.  This one is really cute, in a really cliched hippie kind of way (I'm a sucker for a peace sign).  In the shoe department, I'd recommend close-toed shoes, just to keep your feet intact throughout the day.  You could always do Converse, but I think Top-Siders are a chicer, more interesting alternative.  Plus, if you're going hipster-ish with the rest of your outfit, then adding a bit of prep in on your feet will help balance things out.  This is the sort of belt I'd wear with the Splendid dress (sorry it's not up there, I really can't get these pictures to cooperate).

 








Lucca Couture Chiffon Tiered Dress, $58 at urbanoutfitters.com, Forever 21 Bonjour Forever Tote, $14.80 at forever21.com, Kimchi Blue Silk Ruffle Placket Top, $54 at urbanoutfitters.com, Ecote Deux Tone Twist Sandals, $28 at urbanoutfitters.com: I can't get that top and dress next to each other for the life of me.  GAH.  Whatever.  I love the idea of this dress.  It really looks like a separate tank and skirt, which makes it look like you put a lot more effort into your outfit than you actuall did, and the fluffy, tiered skirt contrasts really nicely with the slim top.  It has a really hippie-chic vibe that I'd love to see at Coachella.  I think the top would be a cute, dressier option to go with a pair of jean shorts.  It looks basic and unassuming, but it has a lot of very intricate, romantic detail, and would juxtapose perfectly with the utilitarian, boyish nature of the shorts.  As far as bags go, don't bring a nice one.  It'll just die.  Bring a roomy tote with a zipper on top (so nothing falls out or gets stolen).  This Forever 21 bag is cheap and adorable.  You won't be ashamed to be toting it around, and if it gets lost or ruined you won't be too disappointed.  Shoes are a little more complicated.  I'd recommend something like the Sperrys above, just because your feet will probably get trampled.  However, if you're really attached to the idea of wearing sandals, do something like these Ecote sandals.  The braided detail is unexpected and nautical-chic, and they're a refreshing alternative to the usual gladiator sandals or flip flops.

Forever 21 Floral Floppy Sun Hat, $10.80 at forever21.com, Forever 21 Western Chandelier Earrings, $5.80 at forever21.com, Forever 21 Elephant Love Necklace, $4.80 at forever21.com: Floppy hats are basically the best thing ever when it comes to music festivals.  Just think about it.  You get to throw something on your head that says instant chic, pretend your hair looks awesome even if it doesn't, and hide your face from the sun.  All at the same time.  If there's anytime that you're going to wear hippie-dippie hipster earrings, do it now.  I really like these.  They have the glamour of chandelier earrings, but with a little bit of a Western flair that makes them really interesting.  Plus, even if your hair's down, they instantly give you the regal-ness of a updo.  That said, I don't think this is the time to go crazy with the jewelry.  If you're doing the crazy earrings, maybe do a cute little necklace and that's it.  I picked the elephant necklace because that's my school mascot, and it's adorable in a really quirky sort of way.
 

I'm trying out these Amazon link things.  They let me do less typing, so I kind of already love them.  I don't like a music festival is the best place to try out your newest makeup look.  You'll probably end up wearing sunglasses most of the time and then sweating off whatever makeup you're wearing anyways.  One must is sunscreen.  It is going to be hot and sunny and sweaty, and if you're anything like me, you will end up red as a tomato.  I'm really into these stick sunscreens--they're super easy to apply, and require minimal rubbing in, and since it's a kid's formula, it won't irritate your skin or sting your eyes.  Speaking of eyes, if I was going to play up one facial feature with makeup for this, it would be eyes.  Eyeliner and mascara generally stay put even in challenging situations.  I love this Max Factor mascara (sadly discontinued), because it really is waterproof, and it layers so well.  I'd line the eyes with Urban Decay's pencil in Zero.  It's a very deep black that doesn't budge, even on your waterline.  Do a couple coats of mascara and smudge some of the liner around your eyes, and you're good to go.













Image Sources:
Rachel Pally dress: shopbop.com, Splendid dress: shopbop.com, J Brand shorts: shopbop.com, 291 tank: shopbop.com, Sperry Top-Siders: zappos.com, Forever 21 belt: forever21.com, Urban Outfitters dress: urbanoutfitters.com, Forever 21 tote: forever21.com, Urban Outfitters top: urbanoutfitters.com, Urban Outfitters sandals: urbanoutfitters.com, Forever 21 necklace: forever21.com, Forever 21 hat: forever21.com, Forever 21 earrings: forever21.com.

London Fashion Week Round-up #1

London Fashion Week is still going strong--it's like every time I check style.com there are 20 new shows up. At least the economy is forcing most shows to be a bit shorter, or I would honestly be losing my mind. Which I may have done already. djhsd;fljh;ldsjh;sldhj.

Matthew Williamson, Julien Macdonald, Julien Macdonald: All I have to say is: pretty. Matthew Williamson proves once again that long-sleeved shirts under little party dresses actually has momentum as a trend, and it can look pretty darn chic. It would be a really great way to winterize summer dresses (!), and the furry circle scarf ties into that perfectly. Julien Macdonald's show was absolutely full of lovely this season. That white coat reminds me of the fur-trimmed coats at the Marc Jacobs show, but with a knitwear twist. I love the combination of the oversized knit and the glam fur trim, all done in winter white. Who wouldn't want to bundle up in that? It's an outfit all in itself. And don't even get me started on his lingerie-inspired gowns. He takes the half-gown silhouette that we've seen before (namely at Balmain and Dior), but makes it look soft and romantic. The play between nude and black (navy?) is stunning, and the way those sleeves seamlessly frame her shoulders is just ridiculous. It's polished, it's chic, it's organic, and it's modern. Love.


Clements Ribeiro, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, Topshop Unique: There's something so quirky, '70s cat lady about this Clements Ribeiro look, and yet I totally love it. The cutout floral print on that cardigan is absolutely drool-worthy. The mustard color definitely ties into the '70s trend, and it's a great way to do a versatile statement piece. I'm not usually a huge Vivienne Westwood fan, but this look is so well-styled (although I could do without the tights). The fitted, floral dress with its play on sheerness and the flowing, striped jacket work so well together--the cuts and silhouettes play off each other perfectly, and the since the florals are clearly the dominant print and the color palette is muted, it doesn't clash or look overwhelming. Topshop Unique really stepped it up this year. Their vision of these almost feral, savage British country girls was really compelling, and touched on a ton of trends we've been seeing both this season and last. First off, the adorable hats totally made the outfits. So quirky. But what I really love is that coat. The toggle coat is very Ali McGraw in Love Story (very '70s), but the addition of the almost wild looking shearling gives it an uncontrolled, carefree vibe that really livens up the classic cut.


Mark Fast, Mary Katrantzou, Kinder Aggugini: Mark Fast is always reliable for open knit, elastic dresses. And he definitely delivered on that promise (although not much else). I like his dresses as a casual alternative to an Herve Leger bandage dress. They're a little edgier and a little more nonchalant than polished, but I think you could get a ton of wear out of them by layering different colored tank dresses underneath. The print on this Mary Katrantzou dress is so awesome. I can see a neckruff, a cup, jewelry, stripes, and a ton more that I can't identify. The trompe l'oeil effect is really witty, and I love the combination of the old school items in her print with the modern cut. Last but not least, the Kinder Aggugini dress. It looks like a simple, ballerina meets peasant girl dress, but the minute pleating and fuzzy texture of that top layer take it into a more modern, offbeat place. It stands on its own really well, but I also think it could be accessorized/layered up for a fun going-out look, or dressed down for a casual, but chic, daytime ensemble.


According to weather.com we're going to have rain/snow (aka SLUSH aka KILL ME) for the next 8 days. EIGHT DAYS. GAH. So I wanted to look extra adorable today to make up for the fact that I'll be living in a raincoat and rain boots for the next week. I'm starting to wear through all my jeans--literally--so I pulled out a floral dress I got for $5 at a flea market, threw on some tights, a Coach belt, and my Frye boots, and topped it all off with an Alexander Wang for Gap blazer. I like the contrast between the lightness of the dress and the heavier accessories, and the menswearish blazers adds a balancing, masculine element and works nicely as a coat/trench hybrid thing.


Juicy Couture Fleece Double Breasted Blazer, $148 at shopbop.com, Madewell Georgette Flutter Dress, $135 at shopbop.com, Frye Melissa Button Boots in Cognac, $298 at shopbop.com: For a similar look, I'd start with this double breasted Juicy Couture blazer. Since it's fleece, it'll actually be warm and comfy, the grey is a refreshing alternative to black or khaki, and the double breasted cut works really well when paired with girlier pieces. This dress is the perfect romantic counterpoint to the mens officewear blazer, and I love the contrast between the weights of the two fabrics--the thickness of the blazer and the light, flowing fabric of the dress. The boots add a lovely earthy element to the outfit, and the warm brown is a nice contrast to the coolness of the grey.


Image Sources:
Matthew Williamson: style.com, Julien Macdonald: style.com, Clements Ribeiro: style.com, Vivienne Westwood Red Label: style.com, Topshop Unique: style.com, Mark Fast: style.com, Mary Katrantzou: style.com, Kinder Aggugini: style.com, Madewell dress: shopbop.com, Juicy Couture jacket: shopbop.com, Frye boots: shopbop.com.