Hello, four day weekend. How long I've waited for you. Well, not that long since I have three papers and a midterm to work out before Monday, but it's the thought that counts. To get me in a happier place, I put together some pretty things. It always does the trick.
YARNZ Butterfly Mosaic Scarf, $170 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Stripley Mid City Tote, $495 at shopbop.com: I need this scarf in my life. It's seven feet long, all cashmere, and covered in tiny butterflies. Butterflies! Ah. So cute. I want to wear it with a white tee and some plain jeans. There's something so snuggly and cozy about big cashmere scarves. And they're super handy for traveling, because they can double as blankets on long flights. I have the plain, brown version of this bag, and I love it to death. The textured black version, however, is calling to me. It's a little more urban and punky, which works so well with the basic shape, but since it's a neutral color, it works with everything.
Elizabeth & James Holiday Skirt, $245 at shopbop.com, Sandro Rancon Silk and Tulle Dress, $395 at net-a-porter.com: This skirt is so flouncy and holiday-ish! I love that it looks a bit like a modern crinoline, and then you have the black hue and the leather waistband to add some modern edge. I'd pair it with a lightly embellished white tank and some costume jewelry. Doesn't this dress scream holiday party? The ruffled, swiss dot skirt is so festive and party appropriate, the white silk top is flattering and very wintery, and the bit of sparkle at the waist makes it so perfect for going out. You could really do this and some black heels and be done.
Markus Lupfer Sinner Shirt, $185 at net-a-porter.com, and Sequin Spell Shirt, $265 at net-a-porter.com: I will freely admit that these shirts are way overpriced, but at the same time I still totally love them. And the words are embroidered, which helps justify it a little bit. Kinda. This sinner shirt also has a counterpart that's white and says 'saint,' but I think it's mildly obnoxious to walk around with that across your chest, whereas this is just mildly hilarious. I'd wear it to the coffee shop or on errands, with a pair of boots, straight-leg dark jeans, and some big sunglasses. This Sequin Spell shirt reminds me of the "I put a spell on you" song from Hocus Pocus (LOVE IT). It's just so funny and unexpectedly charming, no? Plus, I love me some daytime sequins.
Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.
I'm in a very shoppy mood today. I've bookmarked about 20 things to buy (problem), and so I'm getting some of them out of my system by blogging them. Woohoo.
Jeffrey Campbell Mariel Wedge Sandals, $117.60 on sale at shopbop.com, Porter Grey Bow Back Dress, $410 at shopbop.com: I'm torn between thinking that these shoes are heinous or adorable. Since the weekend is over for me, I'm feeling generous and going with adorable. The leopard print certainly makes a statement, but the simple, clean lines of the wedges keep it from being over the top. I'd pair these with bare legs and a floaty sundress, or a pair of straight leg, dark wash jeans. You want to do something simple below the waist to keep from looking too cluttered and over the top--let the shoes be the main focus. The back of this Porter Grey dress is possibly the cutest thing ever. I love that the bows look like oversized bow ties, and that the exposed skin tempers all the cuteness, but I especially love that the front is completely plain and high-necked.
Theory Gretchen Leather Miniskirt, $595 at shopbop.com, Hunter Regent Boots, $150 at zappos.com: Something about the idea of a leather miniskirt just gets me. It's a refreshing alternative to the leather jacket, and while it's a little on the bad-ass side on its own, you could style it to make it wearable and girly. I'd pair it with a slightly drapey, pale pink v-neck and a pair of wedges in a fun color, like coral or emerald green. Plus, the ribbed waistband makes it actually comfy. How hot are these Hunters? How did I not notice them before??? I love the contoured lines, the diagonal cut of the top, and the high-gloss finish. These aren't your average frumpy wellies. These are sexy and fashion forward and might actually make rainy days bearable (if such a thing is possible).
Leopard Print Pashmina, $19.99 at ebay.com: Okay, so I already have a leopard print scarf, but it's a heavy purple and metallic silver one, which is totally adorable but not as wearable as I'd like. I really want a light, pashmina-esque leopard print scarf in neutral colors, and when all the ones on Shopbop were $200+, I turned to eBay. Love, love, love eBay. $20 for this awesome pashmina? Yes, please. This plus a white neck, jeans, and boots = totally easy but totally hot weekend outfit.
Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, zappos.com, ebay.com.
I love long weekends. You guys really don't even know. I'm sitting on the couch right now watching some FIFA, drinking sweet tea, and blogging. Life is bueno. Maybe later I'll gym and get some froyo, and then stalk the mailbox until my Netflix (His Girl Friday, love me some Cary Grant) arrives. I'm such a crazy party animal, I know. Here's what's on my mind this lazy Friday morning:
Deborah Lippmann Polish in Bad Romance: This polish won me over with the Lady Gaga name. The fact that it's a gorgeous polish with a black jelly base and magenta hexagonal sequins/glitter is just the cherry on top. It's the perfect going out polish because it looks like just another vampy polish from far away, but when you get up close it's all 'BAM TAKE THAT I'M SPARKLY.' Because if nail polish talked it would clearly be in all caps and narrated like a comic book.
Elizabeth & James Dolores Haunted Floral Dress, $365 at shopbop.com, Madewell LY Archive Tall Boots, $298 at shopbop.com: This dress is so jaunty in a '40s/'50s housewife sort of way! The grey/black color palette keeps the florals from being too cutesy, and all that pleated chiffon just screams summer. I'm not gonna lie, I actually really want this. It's such a unique dress that you could also get a ton of wear out of. I'd style it with a thin, dark brown leather belt, a pair of summery leather wedges, and a pendant necklace with a pop of color. These Madewell boots might be the best copy cats of a pair of riding boots that isn't really a pair of riding boots that I've ever seen. If any of y'all are really into the equestrian trend and want a pair of authentic looking riding boots in sumptuous leather, these would do the trick nicely.
Venomous Villians for MAC, Smashbox Master's Class: Ultimate Eyes in Hazel, $59 at sephora.com: Finally, some more pics of MAC's Venomous Villians collection! I do still feel like they've copped out with the packaging. It reminds me of the Hello Kitty packaging, but with even less effort because at least those had some glitter thrown into the black. My favorite is the Maleficent packaging. The Dr. Facilier one is just creepy, the Evil Queen looks a little cheap, but Cruella looks pretty good. Unrelated, but has anyone tried these Smashbox Master Class kits? They seem like a good value; here you get liners in plum and dark grey (almost a $40 value), mascara, primer, luminizing powder, and an eyeshadow quad (that's a $30 value right there). It's certainly a good deal for just under $60, and I love the purple/grey color combo.
Topshop: Broderie Print Corset Dress, $70 at topshop.com, Patsy Tassel Wedges, $270 at topshop.com, Leopard Print Scarf, $32 at topshop.com: When I was looking for sundresses about a month ago, I kept checking Topshop (because they are queen of the floral sundress), and they didn't have any! And now they have like five. Ugh. This bustier-topped, cream/floral sundress is my favorite. The print is very English Rose, but the lingerie details and zipper add a nice bit of edge. Is it weird that I really like these shoes? They combine so many trends: platforms, wood heels, clogs, oxfords (with those fab tassels), and have a bit of a '70s vibe that seems so perfect to pair with a floaty sundress. You could always take off the tassels to change it up, too. Topshop makes such great accessories. My go-to way to spice up an outfit is a leopard scarf, but weirdly enough I don't have one in actual leopards colors. This version looks both big and lightweight (my fave scarf attributes), and have a nice leopard print that's not too flashy.
Lucy Griffiths from BBC's Robin Hood: I think I've mentioned this once before but I'm a huge closet fan of BBC's recently canceled series, Robin Hood (except for how they, ahem, resolved the plot. Not gonna spoil it, but seriously, seriously bad choices). Of course when I watch anything I focus on hair and makeup and clothes, because that's how my brain works, and I absolutely adore Lucy Griffiths, who plays Marian in the series. Partially because we have similar body types (OMG curves), and partially because she has the purdiest hair and makeup. Her skin is always crazy dewy without looking greasy--how??!--she always has just the right amount of liner, and her hair...omg. Usually it's in these deep brown waves that are so fab, but towards the end of the series she went a little lighter. Still a deep brown, but a little more sunkissed and tousled. I'm not gonna lie, this may have been my inspiration for dying my hair a little lighter for the summer. If someone could just transplant that onto my head, I'd be good to go.
Nikki Reed in Marchesa, Bryce Dallas Howard in vintage Dior: So here are the red carpet pics from the recent premiere of Eclipse (comes out next week, wootwoot). Twilight premieres always bring out interesting red carpet choices. Nikki Reed may look a little like an Ice Capades dancer, but she also looks kind of fab, no? She's pulling it off nicely, and I think it could be really easy to let that many sequins and feathers become cheesy. Bryce Dallas Howard has my absolute favorite look of the evening (love how they're putting her in the movie and pretending that no one will notice that she's not the OTHER red headed evil vampire). Vintage Dior? Come on. Yellow can be tricky with red hair, but she is absolutely glowing! That dress fits her, it looks unique and vintage, but not dated, and she's accessorized it perfectly.
Kristen Stewart in Elie Saab, Ashley Green in Alexis Mabille: I don't like to use the word hate. But I hate this dress on Kristen Stewart. It looks like a hairy, oversized sweater that the cat tore a sleeve off of. It doesn't flatter her, it doesn't seem modern or young, and it definitely doesn't seem appropriate for a premiere. As for Ashley Green, oy ve. We all know she has a great body. I'm sure she knows she has a great body. So I'm confused as to why she's wearing a towel. Or a big grey bed sheet. Either way, it's not a dress.
Emma Watson: It's hard not to hate Emma Watson for being so darn gorgeous all the time, but girl can't help it. I simply love the idea of pairing that Louis Vuitton corset top with a pair of jean cutoffs. It makes it very daytime appropriate, but still sexy and edgy, a little baroque meets Daisy Duke. The model boyfriend also doesn't hurt.
Burberry Fall 2010 Campaign: Speaking of Emma Watson, it seems like she's taking a little break from Burberry. But that ad is still GORGEOUS. I love the casting, and what I really, really love are those shearling jackets. Omnomnom. I want, especially that middle one. It has all the edge of a motorcycle jacket, with all the practicality of a shearling jacket. And that dramatic collar...le sigh.
Tilo Ombre Scarf, $85 at shopbop.com, Jill Stuart Mona Dress, $348 at shopbop.com, Rebecca Taylor Strapless Dress, $326 at shopbop.com: I know what you're thinking. $85 for a pink scarf? Heck no. But there is a method to the madness, I promise. That scarf is a thin wool, AKA the best scarf material ever. It looks light and summery, but it will keep you as warm as the temperature demands, and it'll do that without heaviness or extra volume. This Jill Stuart is all sweet and girly from the front (aside from the deep, DEEP cleavage), but in the back it's very much va-va-voom sexy. It's a very flattering hue and shape, it balances feminine and sexy, and you could really wear it all year round. I know this Rebecca Taylor dress is a crazy, crazy print...but I kind of love it. It's a little hippie on acid trip, but with a thick, brown leather belt and a cute cardigan, you could tone it down just enough to make it wearable.
Image Sources:
Eclipse Premier: glamour.com, Emma Watson: fabsugar.com, Burberry campaign: fabsugar.com, Tilo scarf: shopbop.com, Jill Stuart dress: shopbop.com, Rebecca Taylor dress: shopbop.com.
First weekday back in SoCal, and it's been gloomy and overcast all day. It's warmer back in Boston than it is in LA right now. Oh, the sick irony. That means that I spend tomorrow traipsing around in the rain looking for jobs again (someone, please hire me. Anybody! Really!) and probably spending more time shopping than job hunting, so I'll let you guys know how that goes.
Chanel Resort 2010: On a happier note, photos from the Resort collections have trickled into Style.com. These are my two favorite looks from the Chanel Resort colleciton. In this first look, I love how the white/pale pink/black from the boucle print have been reinterpreted into those geometrically patterned stripes. It's a modern take on a Chanel classic, and it really is timeless. As for this second dress, who doesn't want to float around St. Tropez barefoot wearing that? Answer: people without souls, that's who. It's pure, romantic loveliness.
Dior Resort 2010: Dior's Resort collection was less beachy relaxation and more "essence of Dior" in less than 60 looks. Lots of aristocratic French chic with a little Marie Antoinette and a little Barbie thrown in for good measure. This first dress just seems so inherently French to me (it has to be the stripes and the little bow), the cut is so flattering, and it's the sort of piece that you could transition really easy between seasons. I think this gown would look stunning on the red carpet. It's an unusual hue, but the cut is so classic and chic that it still works.
All J. Crew: Torque Moto Cardigan, $118 at jcrew.com, Anchor Ball Necklace, $65 at jcrew.com, Embroidered Ikat Pencil Skirt, $128 at jcrew.com: Oh, J. Crew, why do you do this to me? Just as I go on a spending freeze (that will hopefully not be lifted until I actually get a summer job), you go and come out with a motorcycle-inspired sweater, and a tassel necklace, and an ikat pencil skirt. I die for motorcycle sweaters. They have all the edge of moto jackets, but all the coziness of your favorite sweater, and that gold hardware contrasts so perfectly with the navy hue of the sweater. I'm always a sucker for tassel necklaces, and when you add a giant crystal bead into the mix, it goes to a whole new level of glam, boho-chic that would work equally well at the office and at a weekend brunch. Ikat is one of my favorite patterns, and pencil skirts are one of my favorite pieces, so together they just equal LOVE, especially since the ikat print is all pixellated and broken up, which makes it unexpectedly modern.
Kate Beckinsale in Gucci Premiere, Camilla Belle in Gucci: It seems like Gucci is the label of choice at Cannes this year, and I'm starting to understand why. I love the irony of Kate Beckinsale's gown (she's wrapped up like a present, haha), and that despite that irony it's still an elegant, flattering dress that manages to be both sweet and modern at the same time. Camilla Belle hits it out of the part--when does she not?--in this sequined mini dress. I like that she keep her accessories simple and monochromatic to really let the sequins shine. She just looks so fresh and yet so glamourous at the same time. A+
Nordstrom 'Eyelash' Cashmere Wrap, $78 at nordstrom.com, Tarnish Floral Scarf, $48 at nordstrom.com: I stopped by my local Nordstroms today, and while meandering around the first floor, I realized something. Nordstrom's has really cute accessories. Like really, really cute accessories. There were tons of Gossip Girl headbands, skinny menswear-ish belts, and fantastic, colorfully printed scarves. Two of my favorites were the Eyelash scarf, which is a really lightweight, 100% cashmere scarf that comes in fun colors, and these Tarnish floral scarves. The Eyelash scarf is one of those totally practical staple pieces that you reach for again and again, and the floral print on these Tarnish scarves is just so CUTE. I love that it's not the typical floral, that it has a sketchy, almost aggressive quality to it that's somewhat refreshing.
Image Sources:
J. Crew: sweater: jcrew.com, skirt: jcrew.com, necklace: jcrew.com, Chanel resort: style.com, Dior resort: style.com, Cannes photos: glamour.com, Nordstrom cashmere scarf: nordstrom.com, Tarnish scarf: nordstrom.com.
I think dressing for the plane is one of the hardest wardrobe-related things to do. You really, really want to be comfy, you need an outfit that's easy to layer around based on the temperature of the plane, and you want to look cute (because you never know who you'll end up sitting next to). Everyone wants to slap on some sweats and Uggs and call it a day, but since this is a fashion blog, I have other solutions! I think there has to be a way to be chic and comfortable on a plane, and I'm determined to find it.
KAIN Label Pocket Tee, $84 at shopbop.com, Juicy Couture 5 Pocket Denim Leggings, $98 at shopbop.com: You don't want to get all trendy and fashion-forward on a flight, because there won't be anyone to appreciate it and trendy usually doesn't mean easy to travel in. Instead, start off your outfit with clean basics: a slouchy tee and denim leggings. The denim leggings are a great alternative to sweats or regular leggings because they actually look like real jeans, but they feel like cozy leggings. They're a really simple way to fake being more dressed up than you actually are. I like this KAIN tee because the boyfriend silhouette contrasts nicely with the slim lines of the denim leggings, and falls gracefully over any potential tummy problem areas. The lilac hue adds a nice of pop color that's cheerful on a long flight, but isn't so bright that you'll start hating your ensemble halfway over the Atlantic.
Autumn Cashmere Drape Cardigan Sweater in Black, $382 at ronherman.com, J. Crew Cashmere Zip-front Hoodie in Heather Grey, $188 at jcrew.com: I'd throw on a neutral, drapey cardigan or hoodie on over the jeggings and tee. The open cardigan works because, again, its volume contrasts with the slimness of the denim leggings. Open cardigans are especially fab for plans because you can wrap them around you like a blanket (which eliminates the need for a creepy airplane blanket), and the cashmere fabric will keep you warm without being heavy or bulky. I love this cashmere hoodie. I mean, it's a cashmere hoodie. How much more glamorous for traveling can you get? It adds a bit of a street-savvy edge to the pretty purple tee, and you can put the hood up and take a little nap.
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Berkeley Snake Tote, $495 at shopbop.com, YARNZ Pearls & Cross Scarf, $165 at shopbop.com, Tory Burch Boho Suede Shearling Buckle Boots in Charcoal Melange, $125 down from $250 at shopbop.com: Don't even bother with cute little handbags on the plane. It's not worth it. If you're like me and you want to take your laptop, your magazines, some snacks, your iPod, etc, etc, on the plane with you, then you need a roomy tote bag. However, those totes can often end up looking like gym bags, so I'd go for something in a neutral leather. It's a versatile piece that you'll be able to use over and over again, and the snake print ties in with the grey of the hoodie and the boots, but still keeps things interesting (and it's the perfect size for all your entertainment). Scarves are an essential for plane flights, because they can double as light blankets and are the easiest way to layer/de-layer depending on temperature changes. I wanted a neutral scarf to let the purple shirt continue to be the focal point, but this pearl/cross print adds a little more visual interest and some edge without stealing the show. I like that it takes you a while to figure out what's going on with the scarf, but in an interesting way, not a weird way (if that makes any sense). Plus, since the print looks a lot like a necklace, it eliinates the need for jewelry, making that trip through security a lot easier. Did I mention that this scarf is cashmere? As for shoes, I usually choose some sort of boot just because my feet always get so cold. That said, I don't want to resort for Uggs. They always end up looking so clunky, and so many other people are wearing them. These Tory Burch shearling boots come in a sophisticated range of colors--I chose the grey because it ties in with the bag and again, lets the purple shirt shine--and the little details, like the stitching around the sole, the leather at the heel, and the buckle make these boots special.
Kings & Queens Body Butter in Sultan of Granada, $15 at beauty.com, Cetaphil Moisturzing Cream, $11.49 at drugstore.com, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15, $22.50 at sephora.com: Airplanes are notorious for sucking any semblance of moisture out of your skin. To look fresh as a daisy when you land, you need to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize the entire flight. For your body, I love Kings & Queens. They're made by the same company as Korres, with the same dedication to all natural ingredients, but at a much more palatable price point. I think Sultan of Granada, a subtle lemon blossom scent, would be great for the plane because it's light and refreshing, but won't overwhelm everyone around you. To keep the skin on your face happy, I recommend this Cetaphil cream. It's extremely moisturizing and a little heavy, but it won't break you out and it absorbs nicely, without leaving your skin greasy. The tub is too big to take on board, so what I like to do is take a plastic contact lens case and fill the deposits with moisturizer. It won't ever leak, and it's easy to refill. This Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment will keep your lips from getting chapped and dry while you're in the air. From what I've seen, even though it's pricey everyone seems to think it's worth the price, and again, the soft lemony scent is summery and light.
Image Sources:
KAIN label tee: shopbop.com, Juicy Couture leggings: shopbop.com, Autumn Cashmere sweater: ronherman.com, J. Crew hoodie: jcrew.com, Cynthia Vincent bag: shopbop.com, YARNZ scarf: shopbop.com, Tory Burch boots: shopbop.com, Kings & Queens body butter: beauty.com, Cetaphil lotion: drugstore.com, Fresh lip balm: sephora.com.
