Fashion Week Roundup: Day 1&2

Happy NY Fashion Week. Ready to Wear has begun, and it's all about relaxed, 70's, fur and flowy. Some were more feminine than others, and I appreciate the rawness and edgy feel of the more suited/day looks. Mixed prints were popular and volume was a big hit. I fell in love with the polkadot tights, sheer lace tops and thick, furry jackets. It seems as though everyone is getting groovy. In even bigger news, designers are streaming their shows live on Style.com. It's almost like you're there watching the show from a front row seat, but you can show up in your pajamas! Jill Stuart showed at 11am, Alexander Wang will show at 5pm and Altuzurra at 8pm. Here are a few of my favorite Fall 11' looks from Peter Som, Cynthia Rowley, Rebecca Taylor, Rebecca Minkoff, Christian Siriano and Jason Wu (my top star). There are many other designers that have showed since Thursday, but these are favorites. Check out the slideshows to see for yourself!

xx

pictures from style.com

What to Wear...to Work edition

So we've finished college ladies. The always trusty delta t-shirt, Nike shorts and Rainbows are definitely a no go in the real world. For some of us, we have found more relaxed environments and a creative take on workwear is acceptable. When a dear friend suggested a post be dedicated to career clothes, a (very excited) light came on. Although it is nice for some people to dress corporate everyday, I prefer to bend the rules and add some sparkle. (however; I know a very snazzy Loft goer that works corporate like it's her job ha) When working in a creative atmosphere in, say, LA, one must unfortunately take a page from Lauren Conrad. She keeps it minimal and to the point with adding subtle color here and there. I really enjoy her feminine take, but some ladies aren't into that. Selena Gomez (yes, shes like 12, but I like her style) Kate Bosworth and Rachel Bilson are all great LA ladies to gain inspiration from. I would suggest a multitude of layering Tshirts, skinny jeans/pants (or a style that fits your body type), a strong button-down oxford or two, comfy flats and lace up gladiator esque shoes, bold accessories, and major sunglasses. Throw in a designer looking bag, a fierce attitude and loads of organic lattes/smoothies, and you have a bright future ahead of you! When I think LA, I think of slightly edgy but carefree at the same time. Here are a few of my would-be essentials.

-A little white dress can make up for a little black one. Very spring and very perfect to dress up and down- day to night.
-A strong handbag is a must, but we cant always drop $$$ so, try this site. Fakes are so gross, but a no name black satchel doesn't break the rules. It's not quite Proenza Schouler, but we can pretend, right?
-A patterned skirt can add some flavor to your day, and mix prints! Go bold, but just enough for people to notice.
-A tuxedo oxford adds some personality to black skinnies or a full skirt. For laid back weekends, add cut off shorts.
-A strong, but classic flat will keep you grounded throughout the day, and then for events or drinks throw on an open toe lace up stacked heel.
-A skinny pant says career woman, but it can be relaxed with a plain white T and a bold necklace.
-Once summer comes, try dressed up shorts and a blazer for a 'its 90 degrees, but I'm still chic' vibe
-Layer tanks, then dress them up with a black maxi skirt
-While running errands and stopping at Starbucks, wear these, and the paparazzi will be following you

Stick to affordable stores for basics of course, but for splurges on sale try theoutnet.com . Sign up for everyday sales for huge savings at gilt.com, hautelook.com and ruelala.com. To get sort-of-the-same outfits, but on a budget, try Frugal Fashionista and search for celebs. A new LA favorite of mine is also mikkatmarket.com. Everything is produced and modeled by the owner, Kat Kim. Obsessed with laid back feel and slashed up sweatshirt! This is a lot of black, but add your own special pieces to brighten things up.
Now, go on, make your mark and please don't forget to put me on the guest lists.

xx

photos from urbanoutfitters.com, topshop.com, revolveclothing.com, asos.com, jcrew.com, nordstrom.com, mikkatmarket.com

Top Knot(ch)

It all started around 1992 when ballet class was actually starting to teach us something and became less of a day care. Tutus, tights and buns weren't always a must, but I usually preferred the look (because I always wanted to dress up, even at an early age). The bun was a staple, so much so that I started to hate it, but after this summer I'm back in love. I never really tried to rock a top knot, at least in public, just because I thought it was for models and other insanely gorgeous tall ladies. Cue London and every hipster girl was doing it. I now do a top knot on the regular, and I especially appreciate them on 2nd day wash days like today (you know where you wash your hair, then the next day just shower and not shampoo because your blowout still looks good). I found some random ladies with exceptional top knots and I thought I should share. However; 1st place top knot status goes to Cannon Hodge, Bergdorf's tweeter phenom 20 something that keeps my days filled with fashion inspiration. Tied with Cannon in 1st place with best top knot is Oscar de's twitter gal, Erika Bearman. This woman is perfection.
Find out more about their tweets and just maybe you'll get a snap shot of their amazing top knots, too.

Street style, real life top knot
Spring 2010 runway top knots
Nicole Richie's knot with bangs
Gillian Zinser's red carpet hair knot
My second day top knot complete with Gap pajama sweater!

xx

Love Her Look

I have loved Miss Rachel Bilson since her OC days, and I have also lusted after her wardrobe for years. She's a petite girl, just like myself, and I felt just terrible for herwhen she was robbed by the "bling ring". E reported that all of her vintage shoes (she's a size 5 1/2 like me, too) were stolen, and that alone can literally break a girl's heart. She doesn't make loads of movies, but when she does, she's exceptionally good. I admire her sense of mixing vintage with right now, her soft color palette and, of course, her ombre hair. Her classic Ray Bans and trusty Chanel are perfect with her honeysuckle Vanessa Bruno jacket. Flawless.

xx

photo from The Vogue Diaries

blizzard

While watching the news and online coverage of all the major snow hitting our friends up north, I wondered what I would be wearing to keep the Eskimo look to a minimum. After catching up on The Sartorialist, this lovely from Milan caught my eye. Now, this is how one stays warm.

xx

picture from The Sartorialist

Shoe Sale

So, I've voiced my opinion about 'take-pictures-of-myself' blogs, and I'm not the biggest fan; however, I am going to try and be more interactive. People close to me know my love for all things style, and they know when I find amazing things on sale I'm even happier. Right before Christmas I stopped into a local shoe store that sales left over men and womens shoes from shows, stores or they're just samples that were never sold. I have come across some MAJOR treasures over the past few years, including Marc Jacobs flats and heels, Kate Spades and loads of more contemporary brands like bcbg. This previous little trip paid off because I found Stuart Weitzmans from the upcoming spring season that I had been eyeing when Gywneth covered InStyle last month. The Open Shut Lace-Up Ankle Boots are still currently on Saks.com, but I snagged mine for a mere $39. It's like they gave them away! They are a 6.5, which is a size up from my usual, but who could pass these up? I picked up shoe inserts while shopping that day as well, so they fit perfect (almost). No need to spend $395 for shoes if you're a smart shopper. A post featuring my latest purchase, Jimmy Choos, will come soon

xx

photo from saks.com

the best of times, the worst of times

Another Sunday night in January, another awards show. The SAGs always seem to be very special for the actors since they vote in each other for the wins. This is definitely not the Oscars, so everyone seems to "dress down" a bit. There were still some major wins, and the losses were at a minimum. While emerald was hot at the GGs, white was everywhere at the SAGs; however, I wasn't crazy about many of them. Oscar de la Renta was the designer of the night, and the younger starlets were really brightening things up! Hot pinks and burnt oranges were popular hues, too. Here are my YES's and NO's, in no particular order (except for my first three because they are indeed my best dresses.

Mila Kunis was effortlessly gorgeous with relaxed curls in Alexander McQueen. Remember Michelle Obama's poppy printed dress last week? This is another lovely chiffon version.

Lea Michele was one of Oscar de's hits and I love a belted sheath. Her hair was also very relaxed and easy.

Eva Longoria will probably get a lot of flack for this, and even though she is showing more skin than usual, I enjoy it. I am also feeling her metallic silver clutch. Ms. Longoria was in Georges Hobeika Spring 2011 couture.

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci had me perplexed at first, then I came around and loved the added chunky Fred Leighton necklace along the lace. Very feminine and bold.

Tina Fey shocked everyone in such an amazing gown. Once again Oscar de la Renta. The red lace is absolutely perfect with her brunette hair. Such a step up from last year's award season!

Julie Bowen has come out of nowhere and amazed me each time she has shown up on the red carpet. She too will be getting flack for wearing a pants suit, but the Malandrino is daring and sophisticated.

Claire Daines dazzled in Louis Vuitton. Once again, a belted dress, and I'm in love. The print is beautiful, but I'm not a fan of her hot pink lip.

The less than sparkling actresses (losers) of the night were Miriska in Isaac Mizrahi. She also needs a belt, or maybe a different dress. Amy Poeler usually looks nice, but she was too dressed down for an award show. Her dress is even no-name online. Lastly, Angie Harmon was just too hungry for attention in her feathered Monique Lhuillier. Maybe next time ladies.

xx

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