Glitter, sequins and lace, oh my!

Hello dolls! I hope you had a terrific Thursday! I have arrived in sunny Florida and am loving it already! Yes, my flight mess got all worked out and I made my way to the Sunshine state tonight!! I had forgotten how much I loved this place. While I am obviously thrilled to get a little beach time in this weekend, I am even more excited about seeing family I haven't seen in far too long. This will be my first visit with my grandmother, cousin and my godson in 4 years!! Way too long. I still can't believe my little Jonah is 8 years old now. I hope I still recognize him! 

To begin, I would like to say congratulations to the fabulous Jessica from Style Obsession for being the winner of the In Fashion giveaway!! I hope she will enjoy the book as much as I have so far! Thank you to everyone who participated. I appreciate all of you SO much. Stay tuned for more fun giveaways to come!

Well my loves, the season of twinkle and shine is fast approaching once again, and you know what that means? Holiday dress shopping time! With the abundance of party invitations sure to be flooding your mailboxes in the coming days, you will inevitably find yourself in a very familiar position: standing in front of your closet frantically searching for the perfect party dress with that certain je ne sais quo that will impress that cutie from HR, or turn your slightly snobby cousin green with envy.  Rather than stressing yourself out playing the classic game of "I have nothing to wear", why not start planning a magnifique wardrobe selection now, in order to ensure your spot at the top of this year's "best dressed" list! Holiday parties of any kind are the perfect excuse to go wild with metallics and sparkle to make yourself even more of a knockout than you already are on a daily basis.So eschew simplicity and minimalism for a night and bedeck yourselves in shimmer kittens!

For a family gathering, sophisticated comfort is essential. Try pairing a cowl neck sweater dress or tunic in a rich purple or plum color (one of the fall's hottest colors) with a pretty pair of lace tights and classic flats. Add in a playful waist-cinching belt to define your shape,a gold satiny clutch and some fun metallic earrings and rings to really shine. Loose curls half up, half down would be the perfect finishing touch to this glam/casual look. Your family will think you are the definition of chic, which of course you are! This is a great way to try the metallic trend in a small dosage, if you aren't quite sure you are ready for the more daring full-on frock of shimmer. 

In the working world the holiday season brings with it a myriad of pseudo mandatory (if you know what's good for ya) work soirees. These get-togethers could potentially be the most difficult to dress for, as you try to achieve a standout look, while remaining professionally appropriate. A silver hue dress is an on-trend selection, as we saw many gracing the runways as part of designers modern metallic designs. This divine DVF wrap dress perfectly balances sexy with coverage, making it a great choice for any holiday work function, if you can swing the price tag. I am actually dying to own it myself!! Accessorize with your favorite pair of black strappy heels, evening clutch, cocktail rings and dangly earrings (essential if you style your up like the model) for an effortlessly coiffed look. I personally would go with a shorter, statement necklace with this dress (rather than the longer version pictured on model), but I certainly don't doubt the styling team at DVF, so go with your personal preference there. Show up to any work party this season in a similar ensemble and you will no doubt make a top-notch impression!

Cocktail parties with friends are simply a given this time of year, and for this occasion I don't think you can ever go wrong with a LBD! These days there are so many styles to choose from in order to make your LBD reflect your shining personality, but one of my personal favorite party options is a one shouldered LBD. They are utterly sexy and chic all at the same time! And when discussing glitter and sparkle, I couldn't miss an opportunity to once again drool over one of my current shoe cravings: the phenomenal Steve Madden Caryssa gold glitter pumps! I die :) The beauty of working with a LBD is the freedom you have when it comes to your accessories! Just have fun with metallic jewelry here! I threw in a lace clutch to incorporate another great holiday season trend, but you really can go a lot of ways with this one! When mixing with tes amis, anything goes  really so don't fret over too many "rules" for friend-hosted cocktail parties!

*Sorry about the distortion on this dress. I had to import it to polyvore* I would be totally remiss if I didn't present an ensemble for the mecca of all holiday parties: New Years Eve! I have to say, it is one of my all time favorite nights to get dressed for! I am actually showing you the dress that I am planning to wear this year, but I bought it online so we will have to see how it fits and all. But I think it encompasses a lot of what a great NYE dress should be: sexy, sparkly and slightly embellished. To achieve the embellished look, you can also choose a dress with a statement bow. I would personally recommend going all out on the shine for this particular occasion, whether it be with a sequined number or just a shimmery frock like this. You can go for metallics here or one of the season's hot colors, like purple. I actually like that the model here kept her hair fairly low maintenance, because I think the attention should be on your dress and not your hair. Play up the shine of your dress with sparkly shoes, and then keep the rest of your accessories rather muted. I really like the pearl theme here, but you certainly don't have to go that classic. Just make sure your accessories aren't so wild that they are competing with your dress for attention.

 Darlings, what are your holiday party plans so far? Have any outfits lined up yet? Do you enjoy playing with glitter, sequins and lace this time of year??

Bisous!

Classic with a twist

Bonsoir divas! I hope you are all having a fantastic week! If you are anything like me, you are already thinking about your weekend plans, and daydreaming about the fabulousness to come. If all goes right for me (a little flight drama to work out) I will be living it up this weekend in sunny Florida for a quick vacation to the Keys and a visit with the grandparents!! I haven't seen my grandmother in 4 years, so it will be really nice to see her again! Plus, our house is literally on the beach, which means I can hopefully soak up the last little bit of color until spring. Just when I thought I was done with my tanks, shorts and sundresses, along comes a trip to Florida- not that I am complaining :) Since I haven't even started to pack yet, (yikes) I am going to keep this post short and get straight to the outfit photos. 

As much as I adore color (especially pink) and the instant spice it adds to an outfit, I never get tired of a classic black and white combo. Add in a fun pattern or funky shape (like this layered skirt and the ruched sleeves) and I am sold! Blouse: BCBG; Skirt: Boutique in London (forgot name); Tights: Topshop; Booties: Steve Madden; Watch: Micheal Kors, Necklace: Lavender Cottage; Rest of jewelry: Gifted or borrowed.

My college roommate and I actually both bought this skirt when we studied abroad. I had left Paris to visit her in London for the weekend and we found a very pink boutique in Camden Market (rather rare) and I, of course, insisted on popping in. The sweetheart that she is indulged my obsession, and we both wound up leaving with this fun skirt!

Now that I finally fixed the previously uncomfortable lining of these booties, I totally love them! They are rapidly becoming my go-to black heels, although everyone seems to question my sanity when  I wear them. I'm sure you all will understand :)

I've made it well known that my goal for this season is to diversify my look, so to add a little oomph to my classic look, I paired it with my new H&M aviator shearling bomber jacket. It is definitely not a style I usually wear, and I LOVE it. It is an easy way to add a little edge to my girly vibe. Plus, it is sooo warm.

This jacket is definitely going to be a staple piece in my wardrobe this year!

Back of the shirt. My mom and I actually found this shirt at the Williamsburg outlets a month ago when we went down to visit my brother. I loved that it gave me an opportunity to experiment with the sheer trend, without feeling too exposed.

I think I really am addicted to shoes!

And I say the higher the better!

And before I go try and figure out how to pack three days worth of clothes (and shoes!) plus my laptop into a carry-on, I wanted to show you the necklace I am wearing, a bit closer up. It was a gift from the terrific etsy shop, Lavender Cottage when I won  Belle de Couture's giveaway a few weeks ago and I am totally in love with this sweet piece. The light always seems to catch it just right and I adore how it shines. It is a nice size too- not a statement necklace, but not too tiny either. 

Everything was first-class about this necklace, right down to the adorable packaging it arrived in. And I am a total sucker for packing!!

So dolls, what is on your weekend agenda? Any vacation plans, or upcoming trips you are excited about? Try out any "out of the comfort zone" outfits lately? Don't forget to enter my In Fashion giveaway before midnight Wednesday. The winner will be announced Thursday!

Bisous!

Cuddle up kittens

One of the undeniably fabulous things about the colder weather is wrapping up in chunky layers and cuddling up on the couch-hopefully with a cuddle buddy :). And I think we can all agree that one of this season's hottest things to be wrapped in is fur-whether faux or real. While in the fashion world, real is almost always better I personally prefer to fake it when it comes to fur. Lucky for the furry-friendly fashionista there are many, many amazing options for us to don and look terrificly elegant. The luxurious softness and wallet friendly price tag are the candles on top. I've been scouring the web to score one of these beauties, and I haven't made any decisons quite yet, but these are some of my favorites:

If this was not sold out on every site I have come across, it would be in my closet!!! Oh the sadness.

I thought about picking up a vest like this in Paris, but the only ones they had were made of rabbit and I just couldn't do that.

I really love this one! It is so simple but great and could easily be used to dress any outfit up or down.

Mmm this one is just fur-i-licious!!

What do you ladies think of fur? Are you loving it as this seasons it outerwear? Do you favor vests or jackets?

Continuing to show support for breast cancer awareness. Shirt and skirt: H&M, Wedges: Steve Madden, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Earrings, bracelets and ring: Personal Accents, Ring: Grandmother's vintage

Finally tried out one of my new Essie's! Nails: Merino Cool. I never would choose a color like this typically but I LOVE it. It is a really beautiful shade. Can't wait to try the others :)

I have to admit I have such a weakness for Charlotte Russe jewelry. They have a huge selction at a great price.

New wedges. I had been looking for a pair that was just a simple black pair, and this was the chosen pair.

So I made a very exciting purchase this week that I can't wait to get and share with you!! Hopefully it will come soon because I feel  like a little kid on christmas eve waiting for this package to arrive! Ok beauties, have a fabulous weekend!!
Bisous!

Pretty in pink

Hello bellas! Oh the joy of working two jobs and not hoping into bed until 3 am.... and yet I am still blogging. Guess that makes me crazy! Well I apologize, but I am going to keep this short for now since my eyes are fighting to stay open, and who knows what I might write in this sleep-deprived state! :) I will leave you with just my outfit pictures for now, but check back tomorrow afternoon for an updated post! Every Wednesday in October is show your pink support day at my office, which naturally I love for many reasons, so of course I had to join the cause! Not that it was a hardship since I am obsessed with pink anyways. Ok ladies, good night and good luck!


(P.S. I was doing sooo well on no shoe buying... until today)

In honor of yesterday's tribute to scarves, I had to show you one of my personal favorites! Shirt: H&M Paris, Dress: BCBG, Scarf: Paris, Leggings: Paris, Boots: Madden Girl, Watch: White House Black Market, Rings: Charlotte Russe, Grandmother's vintage collection, Earrings: gifted.

One of my favorite purchases from Paris, and I got it from a street vendor for 3 euros!

Even sporting my breast cancer awareness watch! I know it is a little hard to see but the ring on my pinky is one of my absolute faves! It is one of my grandmother's vintage rings and she gave it to my mother the day I was born, because it was my birth stone. I love wearing sentimental pieces and this one is beautiful to boot. Unfortunately my fingers are larger than my grandmother's so it only fits my pinky. But I still wear it!

Yes, I know this has nothing to do with clothes, but how cute are these breast cancer awareness cookies?? I couldn't resist them in the caf. today! I still haven't eaten them, but I have no doubt they will be as delicious as they are adorable!

Bisous!

Lacquer up dolls!

Hi loves! I realized this weekend just how much blogging has come to mean to me when I really missed all of my blog friends and reading about what was going on in your fabulous lives! It was a lovely weekend with my brother though, which is always good. The weather was absolutely perfect for a sports-filled weekend, and that is exactly what we had! I always enjoy a good dose of baseball, particularly when my brother is pitching GREAT, but I had forgotten how much fun a live college football game can be! And of course watching your team win as the underdog just adds so much joy to the outing.

Taking our picture with the superstar! Getting the whole family together is always such a blessing, since it doesn't happen often anymore. My mom and I are such shrimps next to them! I am actually the shortest of the bunch, but I was on higher ground.

I have mentioned a few times that my biggest fashion goal this season is to diversify my look and not be afraid to try new styles. Well, I feel that I have been making progress with my clothing choices every day, but I am still in a major beauty routine rut. I am so quick to stick to them same look day in and day out with makeup, hair and nails. I have always been a fan of the natural look, and it is quite easy to do when in a rush in the morning. But with plenty of incredible beauty products, hairstyles and nail trends out there, it is a faux-pas for any fashionista to eschew creativity for simplicity all the time. With the s/s 2011 shows indicating that muted beauty trends will be traded in for bright and wild, now is the perfect time to get more comfortable with new looks.So I hereby declare to branch out my entire look from head to toe.

So excited to try out this perfect fall collection! I have been rather obsessed with it for awhile now, so I was thrilled to finally get my hands on these beauties! Now, I just need to get them on my fingers!

As a girl who tends to be averse to change, I am aware that I will need to ease myself in on this full beauty regimen overhaul, so focusing on one thing at a time is the best way to go. Changing nail polish colors may seem like such a basic, and fun, way to spice up any beauty lull but as the girl who continuously reaches for the same shade of pink year-round, even this is a step in the right direction. But with wonderful colors such as the Essie Fall 2010 collection now easily within reach change has never looked so good! Now, my biggest dilemma is which of these gems to lacquer up with first. I'm thinking merino cool or sew psyched first.

How fun is this??

Refinery 29 is definitely one of my must-reads every day and it was perfect timing when they happened to have a fantastic article the other day on spring nail trends. This one is just too cute! I think I prefer the look of a moon at bottom or top, but not both. I can't wait to try it out. Might need professional help on this one, though.

Does this take anyone else back to middle school years?? In those days, it seemed that the more you had on your nails the better. Thank goodness for the return to minimalism.

I just adore fall! The perfect breezes, the leaves changing, chai lattes, the CLOTHES!! Everything about the season is magnificent and Friday was one of those perfect days where you needed at least a light layer. I bought this vest last year, a little too late in the season and I have been itching to wear it ever since.  Long sleeve tee: H&M Paris, Vest: Hautelook.com, Jeans: Levis, Boots: Steven by Steve Madden, Belt: thrifted, Bag: handbag heaven, Jewelry: Amrita Singh, from Gilt.

So the place my mom stayed for the weekend in Williamsburg was gorgeous and the lighting was great when we got there, so went a little crazy on pics!

I am totally in love with this necklace right now. Kind've wishing I had ended up buying the matching ring for the set, but c'est la vie!

And to finish the weekend off, a little peek at my current lust-list obsession:

I am just crazy for this Just Cavalli multi silk printed dress!! I adore the pattern, and like how there is a little mixing of pattern working. It is majorly marked down on Rue La La and they aren't sold out in my size yet, but.... I don't know!

What was on your agenda this weekend lovely ladies? Ever been in a beauty rut? How did you get out? Any nail trends you can't wait to rock? Should I be bad and get this wonder of a dress, or admire from afar??

Bisous!

(Nail images courtesy of refinery29 and dress image courtesy of Rue La La)

Love, love, love

Salut loves! How was your weekend? Fabulous, I hope! I was lucky enough to spend Saturday with my fantastic college babies who make me feel so old! But, I love them to death and feel like a kid on christmas morning every time I get to see them!! I still have yet to spend a full weekend at home since August (crazy, I know) but every trip has been totally worth it. Next up: visiting the best little brother for family weekend and watching him do his thang on the baseball diamond. Can't wait! What did you beauties have on your agenda this weekend?

Well, that stubborn summer I was pouting over last week seems to have exited over night. Today could have been perfect considering it was in the low 70's, but the torrential downpour made it hard to fully enjoy the cool, crisp autumnal weather. However, it made it fully acceptable to break out the leggings and boots! I do not believe in the leggings as pants trend, but I am a huge fan of leggings with dresses/tunics paired with boots. Love, love, love! They are more comfortable and less mom-ish than panty hose, in my opinion, but they have a similar effect of making an outfit a little more appropriate for the work place. The combination of today's outfit and the delicious nonfat chai latte that was my afternoon pick me up finally made me feel like like my favorite season, fall, is finally here!

When I first got this dress I wasn't so sure about it, because I have never been much of an orange fan. But the fun pattern  had won my heart so I gave into a new color and I have never regretted it. Like I said, I am all about branching out this fall, whether it be with a new color palette or trying new trends that I have previously stayed away from. Dress: Kohl's, Tank: White House Black Market, Leggings: H&M Paris, Boots: Kohl's, Purse: Vintage Louis Vuitton (more on that later), Jewelry: Borrowed from mom and cousin, Headband: Charlotte Russe

Always been a sucker for Blair Waldorf-esque headbands :)

Notice something new... :)

I never thought I would have gotten so much wear out of these boots, but they treated me very well last season, and I look forward to another wonderful fall with my original boots!

Lucky for me, my sweet cousin who moved in last January has great style and lets me borrow her jewelry. Thanks cuz :) Finally got the nails polished as well. Still obsessed with purple, but went for a glittery shade this time.

In order to combat the blues that could accompany this gray, rainy day I have been occupying myself with thoughts of things I am loving right now, which I am happy to say is a long list. I won't bore you with all of it, but thought I would share some of my favorite things right now, and yes, the sound of music lyrics are definitely running through my head.

Rain drops on roses and whiskers on kittens... Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes. Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes. Silver white winters that melt into springs. These are a few of my favorite things...

 

 1. Ok, how could my new vintage Louis not be on my LOVE list?? I am completely in love with this baby and how the vintage colors go with sooo many outfits! Thanks to the fabulous Gina of Gina Marie Vintage I am the proud owner of my first vintage piece! If you are in the market for anything vintage, from dresses to coats to accessories, Gina's boutique is a must-see. She lists the condition of her items with total honesty, ships purchases very quickly and emails you personally to ensure you are pleased with your vintage accoutrement. Though this is my first purchase from Gina, I would definitely recommend her and would do business again with her!

2. You have probably figured out by now that I adore Audrey Hepburn, so you can imagine how thrilled I was to come home and find this darling poster propped on my bed tonight! My sweet cousin came across this gem while she was at Michaels today and kindly bought it as a surprise for me :) Could she be any  more wonderful? Audrey Hepburn, surprise gifts and the best little cousin a girl could ask for are obviously on the love list!!

3. When I got home from my travels this weekend I was pleasantly surprised to see these two large pumpkins sitting on our porch. Only my fantastic mother could have known how badly I was ready for fall. Funny enough, I had picked up the baby pumpkin on the way home, so we now have a cute little pumpkin family to announce the arrival of fall to any of our neighbors who may be doubtful. Can't wait to decorate these guys with my cousin soon!!

4. As a self-diagnosed shoe-a-holic, shoes are a given in my list of loves and these pink Betsey Johnson cuties, on sale at Rue La La are testing every ounce of my willpower. But, I am determined to be good, thus I am sharing this deal with you ladies but not scooping them up myself.

5. Ok, is it just me or has Gossip Girl really stepped it up with the fashion this season?? Every episode is filled with beautiful ensembles for me to drool over!! I showed you two of my favorite outfits from tonight's show last week, but Blair's sparkly attire for Fashion's Night Out was divine as well! I adored Serena's flowy and sexy dress as well! Bravo Eric Daman, bravo.

6. Last, but not least, is you my darling blogging beauties!! So far my journey with this blog has been an absolute blast and hearing from you is such a joy! I look forward to reading your delightful posts every day, and learning more about you is great fun. Please let me continue to hear from you because it makes my day!! And don't forget to become a follower of my blog! I promise I will return the favor :) Sleep well dearies!!

Bisous!

(Images from ruelala.com and cwtv.com)

Shoevention Time

Bonjour babes! J'espère que vous êtes bien. Ok sorry I was feeling international today after reading about various European fashion weeks and reminiscing on all my lovely study abroad memories. Ohhh college how I miss you! Isn't it funny how we are in such a rush to grow up as youngsters, and then when we get there we want nothing more than to go back to to those idyllic days? Although, big girl clothes are so much more fun, right ladies!  On that note, I have come to a serious realization. After stopping by my beloved Bloomies Outlet yesterday on my way home, I have made the gut-wrenchingly hard decision that I must stage a shoe-vention for myself. Yes, ladies, the time has come to admit that I have gone from harmless shoe lover to full-fledged shoe-a-holic! And what prompted this revelation you ask? Well, when the darling cashier who was so kindly ringing up my latest addition (gorgeous black open-toed lace-up booties, which will be featured on tonight's outfit picture!) said, "Oh hey! Back so soon after the Badgley Mischka shoes?" I had to mentally snap myself out of the shoe fairytale I had eagerly been a character in for the past month. Could there have been a bigger reality slap?? I mean let's face it, if cashiers are recognizing me by my shoe purchases, I am probably purchasing too often!! So in order to satisfy my unavoidable craving I will instead focus on blogging about the beauties I am salivating over, rather than adding them to my already stuffed shoe rack. Since I know I will not be able to quit cold turkey, I will allow myself to make a well-considered purchase every so often (length of time undetermined as of yet) in order to stave off total sprees. Hopefully this attack strategy will be successful! 

I have had these steve madden lace-up wedge booties bookmarked on my computer for weeks now! I like how they have a bit of an oxford look, a trend I have never been brave enough to try, but still remain very feminine. I'm also totally obsessed with wedges right now.

Ok who wouldn't want these incredibly fun Jeffrey Campbell cheetah wedges?? I think an animal print accessory is a must for every fashionista this fall because it is such an easy way to add a bit of edge to your style.

Refinery 29 had a great post on Tuesday about all the fabulous shoe collaborations that graced the fashion week runways, and this extremely affordable Aldo for Julian Louie collab is one of my favorites. It has a bit of a Jeffrey Campbell vibe to it and the ikat-patterns are an added bonus! I think the first one in the second row is my favorite. The last one in the second row is classically beautiful as well. No release date on this line yet.

I have a major addiction to anything that glitters, thus I find these shoes divine!! I almost bought them in NYC when Steve Madden was having a 30% off store-wide sale, but I decided to be "practical" because I thought they might get messed up easily. I have been kicking myself in the butt, with non-glittery shoes I might add, ever since.

This outfit has always kind of reminded me of the pink dress Carrie wore towards the beginning of the Sex and the City movie. Dress: Calvin Klein, Belt: Paris, Shoes: BCBG, jewelry: borrowed from cousin

The shoes that started the shoe-vention :)

 

Ok ladies, what have you been craving lately? Have you ever had a shopping reality-slap moment? Have you staged an intervention for yourself? Am I totally crazy?? Don't answer that one :) 

Also, If you like what you are reading here, I would love for you to become a follower!

Bisous!

(All images from bloomingdales.com and shopstyle.com)