SEQUINS!

I absolutely adore sequins. If I could wear them everyday, I totally would! Maybe if I moved to L.A. it would be slightly more appropriate...hmmm. Interesting thought. Anyways, sequins CAN be worn during the day in teaspoonfuls, and of course at night in cupfuls!!!

This Matthew Williamson dress is so incredibly gorgeous!! The dip-dye effect is utterly cool and slightly hippie, which is def my style. But it also enable this dress to be styled in completely different ways. It can go the boho route by adding some earthly sandals and leather cuffs, or it can go rocker glam by adding edgy booties and maybe some chain-like accessories. The colors of the dress are in perfect sync with the arrival of Fall.
I know, I know, another dress, but I just can't resist!! Paul & Joe created the epitome of a sequin dress. Classic gold (and silver? maybe it's just the light?) makes this the ultimate New Year's Eve party ensemble or....just a great stand-out for a fancy event. Adding a thick belt would give the dress a little more definition and a little break from the shininess.
To continue my love for Rachel Zoe and all she wears....here she has on a great sequin jacket. Black sequins are slightly more subtle but give off just enough flash. I need a jacket like this NOW! Obivously she knows how to style it perfectly by keeping everything else simple and has great juxtaposition with her flowy top.

Wish List

The other day I went on a little shopping excursion with my roommates. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, yet I found SOOO many cute things! I suppose that's usually how it happens...you go in looking for nothing and find everything...and when you go in looking for everything you find nothing!! Since I do not have a disposable income and probably should be saving more money to pay for a little thing called college tuition, I could not buy all that I wanted. So I decided to post the things that are next on my wish list...

A'Gaci just opened in Chi-town and I was very pleasantly surprised with its selection! Some pieces were a little too teen and others were a little on the skank side, but I did go into the fitting room with six pieces...which is a lot for me. The first thing I want to get from there next time is this brown belted bomber jacket. I thought the jacket in black looked a little cheap looking, but this brown one looks perfectly distressed and not too fake. AND it will go with everything...casual with jeans or edgy with a cute dress.
I don't know if I've been watching too much Rachel Zoe Project or what, but I'm obsessed with fur right now. Now, I'm not as crazy fur-licious as Rach (yeah...I'm gonna call her Rach) but I think I could rock a fur vest. And this looks exactly like what I've been envisioning...thank you WhoWhatWear for bringing this to my attention! Even better it's from H&M!!! And the little tie belt gives a little shape to the furry-ness.

The next purchase I NEED to make is a pair of black heeled boots. The more I look around for a pair that has the right type of heel and the right height boot shaft, the more I keep coming back to this pair from J.Crew. I believe I have already posted this pair, but I will do it again because my love for them is that great!
I know there is more...so to be continued...

LOFT-y Dreaming

So recently I have been seeing various ads in magazines and have walked past a few (apparently former Ann Taylor Loft) Loft stores, and have seen some amazing changes. It appeared that the store was undergoing some style improvements, but I hadn't paid much attention to it. Ann Taylor loft was more a store that my mom shopped at (...she's a pretty stylish gal). Then the other morning, Stacy London from What Not to Wear was on the WGN Morning News. She is working with Loft to help promote the redefined look of the store. The result: success!! I've checked out the website and there SO many super cute items. And since I should probably start investing in some slightly more sophisticated work attire, here are my fave items:

So much can be done with dress! It can be dressed up for work, or dressed down for running errands on the weekend! The scoopneck is flattering for everyone, as well as, the gathered waist. Throw on some tights and boots and the look is complete. Add a belt for more interest...or pile on the accessories to really make simple dress your own. A staple piece that easily transitions from day-to-night with the right accessories.

This plaid dress, again, is so versatile. It fits close to the body to show off your curves, and the small ruffle down the front just adds enough extra detail. So if you're in an overheated office, the dress still looks polished on its own!


This bomber jacket is uber-cute too!! It adds the right amount of edge to any outfit. If you're daring enough, wear it to work. I mean, you can take it off so what harm would it do?...even in a conservative office. It would look great running around town, or as extra warmth for a night out.
Loft also has some great details a lot of their tops. This blouse is fairly basic but the ruffle cascading down the front adds a softer touch. It also makes it way more interesting on its own...interesting is ALWAYS better than boring!

Slouchy sweaters are another of my faves and makes the aforementioned plaid dress look sooo comfy-cozy! Worn over the structured dress adds some great juxtaposition to a work look, but would work equally as well thrown on for the weekend with a pair of worn-in jeans.

I Heart Brad

The Rachel Zoe Project is def my favorite show on tv right now! More than I love Rachel herself, I love love love Brad. He is too cute for words! Everything that comes out his mouth is hilar, and he never takes himself too seriously, which is probably why Tay gets so annoyed with him.
*image
Last night's episode was excellent. It contained all the elements that a great episode should possess. There was Rachel's shoot for Marie Claire, which I think showed all of us viewers a slightly different side of her. Obvs we know that she is very controlling of her wardrobe, but the insecurity she let out, shows us that she is a real woman. She doesn't like photographs and doesn't know how to model, and was didn't want to mess up. If there was ever a doubt, which I'm pretty sure there wasn't, she is a stylist through and through. Rachel relies on her best gay pals to get her through a rough (if you can call getting your hair and makeup done by a pro and then wearing gorg clothes and smiling for the camera, rough) day...just like all us normal folks.

Then there was Taylor, whining again how she is the only one to ever do "real" work. And more complaining how she is not challenged. Get over it Taylor...you're on tv, working for Rachel Zoe. What more could you want?!

I must admit my fave part of the whole episode was when the model, Natalia..?, came in for a party outfit. First, Brad again is just too funny. He was def a model in another life. Second, the Herve Leger dress and those killer heels were A-MAZING! I wish I could wear that look...or had somewhere to wear it to!

The drama of the night was capped off with Rachel trying to find an appropriate dress for the salon opening of her friends. This was slightly annoying...I understand the press is going to berate you for being too skinny but deal with it!! Eat something then! But I'm mostly glad that she didn't wear that red...Halston? I can't remember...dress. Great the 80s are coming back, but that was just too much. The magenta-ish sparkly number she chose was MUCH better!

White after Labor Day...Totally Do-able!

It seems on every fashion-related program on TV or segment on a news show has fashion experts debunking common fashion "myths." One of the major myths or Not-to-do rules is the "no white after labor day" rule. White can definitely be worn any day of the year, and I have been thinking how fresh white jeans can be going into the fall.

Wearing white jeans with a paisley print boho-type top would help white jeans make the transition from summer sun to fall leaves. Wearing a pair of knee-high brown leather boots also freshens up the white jeans for fall. This pair from J.Crew would be absolutely perf! They add a little equestrian flair, that is not too overwhelming.

A slouchy sweater...whether a pullover or cardigan...over a skinny pair of whites is necessary for the autumn chill. Try this shawl cardigan from Gap. Ohh and with the boots...to die!

Current Obsession...

Recently, I bought this skirt at Forever 21...and I am absolutely in love with it. Obviously I should be since I purchased it, but everytime I open up my closet I have to look at it or touch it. I just like it that much! Since I am in rocker phase right now, it def fits in that style. I daydream of different tops that will soften the zippers and leather, or the perfect shoes that will finish off the look. The only thing I am unsure of is where to actually my newfound favorite skirt!! Do I wear to dinner? Do I wear it going out at night? On a date? I guess I need to figure out the appropriate situations to wear my new edgy look...

More than this skirt being cute, it is super comfy! The "faux" leather is really soft and seems to sewn together well. And it actually has some knit shorts sewn in underneath, since the skirt is pretty short, the shorts add some security! And the best part of it all...is the price! Only $17.80...gotta love it!

Oh Rachel Zoe...

As I was perusing various blogs and web publications as I do on days when I am not doing much...oh wait, I mean when I'm not doing what I should be doing...I came across this article re-capping the Rachel Zoe Project from last night. And I have to say, it is spot on! Everything I read from The Cut is typically hilar and is like the writers are reading my mind!! And this article about RZP is no different. They noticed all the silly antics of Brad and Taylor and the almost gut-bustingly funny quotes that comes out of the mouths of Rach and her team. I am soooo happy that the caught the "needy Nellie" line that Rachel used to describe Rodg! By far one of my favorite quotes! And is it wrong that I am kinda in love with all of that line of faux fur? While most of those pieces seem pretty ridiculous for everyday life or an everyday person, they especially embody the essence of Rachel Zoe...and that's cool.

So check out this article about last night's ep...

In love with...Giuliana and Bill

Giuliana Rancic has long been my favorite E! News host. Since she was Giuliana DePandi and co-hosted with Patrick Stinson way back in the day, I thought she was funny and didn't make me feel bad for wanting to watch entertainment news stories rather than the "real" news. So when I first heard that her and husband, Bill--native Chicagoan, were filming their own reality series I was super super excited.

Giuliana and Bill are the couple that I hope one day to be like. They are very much in love, but definitely know how to tease each other. I just hope that their marriage doesn't go the way of almost every other married couple that film their life!

Second episode of PR...slightly disappointing...?

Of course I am once again a little behind on revealing my thoughts about the latest episode, but better late than never, right? While I think the maternity challenge for the contestants on the second episode of Project Runway was mildly interesting, there was still something a little off. I can't quite put my finger on it though. Maybe there just aren't enough wild personalities? There isn't anyone like Santino, whose dead-on impressions of Tim Gunn made me giggle; or no one like Chris March, whose could create these extravagant costumes while seemingly asleep. Or maybe it's just that the designers aren't creating anything that makes me contemplate their concept or immediately fall in love with their design.

Here are some designs that stick out in my mind...

Epperson's jumpsuit. I think just that word jumpsuit says it all! I mean, come on, a jumpsuit for a pregnant woman?? And in some sort of creamy white, no less!! It does have a little "high fashion" in it, I think, but in real life I don't think any pregnant woman would really parade around town in it.

Althea's long gown...I must admit I really liked. But upon closer inspection, the bust area looks not quite finished as it could be. And could Althea really not add an extra row of that ribbon to cover up her model a little more? Other than that, color choice was excellent and it did look really comfortable.

...and the winner. Shirin's little cocktail dress was definitely cute and the gathering under the bust line was very original. She deserved the winner spot, but it was still a little plain. I guess that's why she put that lining in the coat...which we couldn't even see.

*all pics from NY Mag

I'm hoping and praying that next week's episode delivers some sort of drama that will remind me of the days on Bravo. (And I purposefully did not mention Malvin's "egg-mother-hen" disaster.)

New Seasons...New Style

With the arrival of the season and series premieres of our favorite (and hopefully soon-to-be favorite) shows fast-approaching, I can't help but notice how so many new shows are upping the ante in terms of fashion. And I mean fashion...not just well-fitting clothes or semi-stylish wardrobes...the new crop of television entertainment promises visual satisfaction and aspirational desires.

We all know that Sex and the City was the entrepreneur of flaunting fabulous clothes. That show paved the way for fashionistas and tv producers alike to not only admire fashion, but to actually wear it, use it, and LOVE it. Gossip Girl has a similar effect with the wardrobes of each character...they have almost become a character in and of themselves. Viewers are always on the lookout for Blair's next headband, or Serena's effortless combos of boho chic and rocker edge.

A whole slew of new series look to be taking similar approaches in the fashion department and the CW is definitely at the top of its game, giving female viewers want they want gorgeous clothes and hot guys.

One of the new shows, The Beautiful Life, surrounds the "strenuous" lives of models. Obviously a show about fashion models is going to give us a good dose of fabulousity. And these pics seem to prove it. And of course anything with Elle MacPherson provides some sort of guarantee...right?

The updated Melrose Place looks to full of lush sets...and lushes in general. The new installment of the old series of the same name has a wonderful cast of characters that span from up-and-coming Katie Cassidy to the (in)famous Ashlee Simpson-Wentz to some returning actors from the original series. These photos are hopefully showing us that wardrobe is going to be working overtime for us ;)








Even though 90210 is a "dramedy" mostly about teens dealing with their not-so-high-school problems, their fashion choices are evolving nicely as the season progresses.









And yet another CW show, One Tree Hill, has fast become a show I look to for style inspiration as well as pure entertainment. After the writers had the GENIUS idea to age the characters four years for the start of the season two years ago, the characters also suddenly got fashion sense! Although it does seem silly that Brooke and Haley are constantly wearing heels around the small town of Tree Hill, they do look pretty damn cute. And sometimes Brooke's outfits seem a little too sexy or "big city", even if she is a high-end fashion designer and high-powered businesswoman. However, all in all, their clothes were simply amazing last season and I am hoping and wishing that they will continue to be so for the start of the next!

So obivously this is not a picture of some great fashion moment...but it was tooooo good to resist! I'm so excited that Robert Buckley has joined the cast of OTH. Enjoy :)

all pics from The CW

The Return of Project Runway

Last night, I eagerly awaited the start of the new season of one of my all-time favorite shows. Now I wouldn't say that I was disappointed, but the new contestants didn't thrill me and all that crying seemed a little calculated. I mean...ok Johnny...you had a drug addiction...you're clean now...that is a rough ordeal...but do you really need to cry about it and think that you need to drop out before you even completed your first challenge?? If you were trying to air-time then...you are brilliant because it worked, but you dress doesn't stand out in my mind so next time maybe a little designing is in order and not so much teary drama?



There were three designers that stick out in my mind from last night's show. Obivously the winner, Christopher, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED his dress. Michael Kors hit it right on the button when he said it was both "edgy and cute." I believe Heidi was the one to say that his "soft" color looked a little dirty, but I liked it! The "dirty" color contributed nicely to the overly look and lends the ruffles a tougher vibe. I see Christopher doing great things as the season progresses.

Mitchell, although very, very close to being eliminated has great potential. His initial design left something to be longed for and after having to rework the entire dress...he was left with a muu-muu. Obviously he deserved to be in the bottom two, yet there was a certain je ne sais quoi about it. In a way, I think the 'reworked' dress was fresh and different, and in agreement with the judges I am very intrigued by what's to come.

The third designer I'm drawn to is Carol Hannah, the blond Southerner. Her self-described "pixie" type dresses that were shown in her bio were too cute! And the detail on her challenge dress was gorg! Although I have a feeling most of her designs will be very similar, I already love her aesthetic and hopes she sticks around for most of the season!

Bibs are NOT for Babies

Now I'm not a huge necklace person...but am starting to delve into that arena a little bit...so when I came across these necklaces in the latest issue of issue, I thought "how perfect!" Bib necklaces really suit me because I tend to wear more simple tops and then accessorize with bangles and cocktail rings. So now instead of bracelets, I think I may wear these gorgeous pieces of art. Bib necklaces offer lots of bling and is a statement-making item. I can't wait to wear one with just a plain tank and shorts!!

Top two from Lucky and bottom from Forever21.

Loving Off-the-Shoulder Tops

There is something just so inherently cool and sexy about off-the-shoulder tops. It gives off the air of "I don't really care my shirt is is falling off" or "it's not hot enough for a tank top so I'll just let one shoulder breathe." I think these kinds of shirts are at their best when it's a plain, solid color and then accessorized. The great thing about them too is that they can be super casual or dressed up when tucked into a great sequin mini....yeah, that would look awesome :)

I love this one from American Apparel! It's affordable and fits all my requirements. Solid color. Check. Long enough to be tucked. Check. And sleeves to make it appropiate for almost any occasion. Check!

What lies underneath the gorgeous facade of a gossip girl...or boy

Gossip Girl is def one of my ALL-TIME favorite tv shows. I read the books as a pre-teen and was fascinated with the seemingly glamorous lives of these high-schoolers. Shopping at Bendel's or Barney's after school and purchasing thousands of dollars worth of designer clothing is every girl's dream. And when the show came out, it satisfied my craving and more. Each actor is cast perfectly for each character and now I can't even think of anyone playing the conniving Chuck more perfectly than Ed Westwick...or anyone better suited for the deceitful and love-torn Blair Waldorf better than Leighton Meester. The one character that truly intrigues me is Nate Archibald played by the stunningly handsome Chace Crawford. He is always surprising audiences with his good moral character and sincere intentions. I wanted to share with everyone a paper I wrote for my Social Appearances in Marketing class. I try to explain that market segmentation is at work as a fashion mechanism in the show specifically pertaining to Nate Archibald. I was going to re-work it here, but I think it is just too good to leave anything out! Enjoy!

The TV show, Gossip Girl, starring an ensemble cast is the perfect example of how market segmentation can showcase different types of personalities within one social environment. Creating segmentation from a group of teenagers attending the same high school with mutual friends gives marketers the chance to appeal to all people watching the show. Chace Crawford’s character, Nate Archibald, exemplifies the ‘graphic body’ commonly associated with the superhero Superman. Superman was known for his contoured blue and red suit with large ‘S’ logo displayed prominently across his chest. While Nate’s image is not as clearly noted, he does have a distinct style that seemingly, at first glance, encapsulates his entire identity.
Nate Archibald is the epitome of preppy. His daily wardrobe consists of crisp Oxford shirts, form-fitting v-neck sweaters, and flat-front khakis. This “preppy” image lends itself to many stereotypes that signify who Nate should be according to the social constructs of the upper class. Born into a family of wealth and status in the Upper East Side of New York City, Nate’s appearance is an important reflection of that position in society. A person that dresses in the preppy style is typically considered to have intelligence, wealth, high social status, impeccable manners and etiquette. His entire identity should be summed up in those five qualities; however, the perception by others that Nate has those traits come with implications.
This graphic body that personifies him contrastingly de-personifies him. Any person in the world can dress in the same manner Nate does. His style is not limited to people of the upper class. Stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister provide an array of polos, button-downs, and khaki pants that are essential to the preppy look and accessible to the common consumer. Each brand also adorns many of its clothing items with a logo or symbol that identifies the brand. By wearing clothing that is easily identified, it is taking away from a person’s individuality. The person wearing that clothing is noticed not for their style, but for the image of the brand he or she is wearing.
The stereotypes of the preppy image come with more ramifications than depersonalization and loss of individuality. Nate has to decipher if “preppy” is his real self or if it is his ideal self. As the season progresses, Nate encounters many difficult family situations. His father is accused of embezzlement, subsequently leading Mr. Archibald to run away from New York and his family. Because of this, Nate begins to question who he is. Nate was raised to believe that the aforementioned qualities of “preppiness” were innate to his person. But he becomes very wary that those qualities do not add up to him as a whole. His prep image was something he was raised to be, yet his unhappiness leads him to understand that it is his ideal self. That image is what he feels he should maintain since it is what his parents want him to be; it is “ideal.” As the show continues, Nate is trying to find his real self. Does his real self belong in the socially elite world of the Upper East Side or does his real self belong to an independent, young man that can make his own decisions? The graphic body is a dangerous superhero body to be connected with since the outward visual perception may not be what is actually inside.
Nate is the quintessential character for marketers to base their product offerings. Many teenagers who are watching the show are going through the same issues as Nate. While most probably are not dealing with fathers who have committed felony crimes, teens are trying to find who they are. They are trying to find their “real self.” Marketers can capitalize on Nate’s moments of indecisiveness by promoting items and services that can help young people achieve what Nate has and gain insights into their own lives in the same ways that Nate does.
Nate’s situation can also be applied in a global perspective. In every culture, people go through the same physical, bodily changes. Babies grow into toddlers into small children into teenagers into adults; and with those changes also come emotional changes. The morphing of the mind from a child-like innocence to an adult vision of the real world makes Nate appealing to viewers of the show around the world. Each viewer is going through or has gone through this transformation. He or she can sympathize with Nate or disagree with Nate’s actions, but ultimately the viewer is identifying with the character’s search for his real self; the self that can fully describe and personify him.

Don't Call It a Hand-Me Down....

To go along with my love for vintage jewelry...two of my fave fave favorite pieces of jewelry came from my great-grandma. She was a great lover of turquoise (I think almost every accessory she owned had some sort of turquoise in it)! After she died, I was lucky enough to inherit two of her rings. I am immediately drawn to anything bright and/or flashy, so these rings fit the bill exactly. I love that these rings have a little meaning beyond that I-just-purchased-them-at-a-store. I wear them everyday and usually receive compliments whenever I have them on...thanks great-grandma! You had awesome taste!

Accessories can truly help define you as a person and I encourage everyone to find that accessory that you just absolutely adore and want to put on everyday. The simplest, most casual outfit can look instantly pulled together with a little something extra around your neck or dangling from your wrists.

Polyvore: Representative of Real-life Fashion?

One of the most fantastic new-ish websites is Polyvore. By letting users create "sets" (which are basically collages of his or her fave items of clothing and/or accessories) Polyvore has opened a huge double-door of inspiration. The users on Polyvore can be anyone....middle-school girls obsessed with glitter....high school girls longing for the end of adolescence and the beginning of new adventures....stay-at-home moms letting out their creative energies....and even seasoned fashion designers are all taking part.
we don't always want what's right by fashiongeek™ featuring True Religion

This collage I think represents the very essence that makes Polyvore so cool. The clothes pictured are easily accessible almost anywhere and can be purchased at any price point. The Chanel bag is obvs not accessible to everyone yet is something everyone dreams of owning one day, but also there is the small image of a Harry Potter book thrown in there too--an everyperson.

So check out Polyvore! Not even just for the trends...but see what's trendy outside of the "fashion world."

Peace. Love. Tie-Dye

With the 40th anniversary of Woodstock this year everyone seems to have tie-dye on the mind. Myself included, I LOVE the hippie style. But I have def loved tie-dye for more than just this year. Peace signs....swirls of color have been popping up everywhere and everyone should embrace it! It represents a lifestyle of carefreeness, happiness, and an "I-don't-really-care-what-anyone-else-thinks" attitude that defines me! So Happy Anniversary to the Woodstock Fest because I'm sooo glad it's back!

This tie-dye skirt from elleuk.com is a great way to incorporate the trend into your wardrobe. The classic cut of the skirt makes the tie-dye seem not so "hippie." LOVE IT! WANT IT!

Really Into NEON Right Now

I don't know what it is about all the super-bright super-funky neon colors right now, but I can't get enough! Normally I'm not a huge color girl but I'm fairly certain this Essie nail polish in Punchy Pink changed my life. The second I sweeped this candy pink on my nails I felt different, somehow emboldened by this brightness radiating from my nails. And then of I course I had to buy the rest of the Essie's Neon Collection.

More than just nail polish I'm totes loving neon clothing. PacSun has some great tanks in loud, neon colors. They are such a statement you don't need a ton of accessories, but if you do get some great chunky necklaces and punk out your look! Neon and the Rocker Chick look I think pair very nicely together...and I can't help but love Taylor Momsen's new punk-rock style!

*GlamBamm
She may only be 15, but she def knows how to rock the neon and rocker chick styles. Admiration...

OBSESSION: Antique and Vintage Jewelry

When I hear the word vintage or antique, I immediately look around and find its origin. I love (almost) anything that can be considered vintage or antique. Whatever item it may be MUST have a special story behind it or traveled a long and arduous journey!
These pieces are from PastEra. It is definitely a site I have been drooling over recently. From Victorian to Art Deco, this Houston-based site has it all. Everything piece is absolutely GORG! I want everything. Now I just need someone to buy it for me....

Must give some love to my favorite blog...

coco+kelley is my must-read. everyone has something or someone they always read and look to for advice and for me that is Cassandra at coco+kelley. Everything she does is just...the coolest. There is no other word for me to describe. I obivously aspire to be her. The pics and images she finds are always top-notch!

Check her out: http://www.cocokelley.blogspot.com/

My Favorite Magazine in the Whole World!

Lucky Magazine...is the greatest magazine on the planet!

I don't care who says Vogue is the Fashion Bible...Lucky definitely is my inspiration, my everything. It shows me the hottest trends, what's right for my body, my budget. And more than just fashion, it offers beauty advice as well. JACKPOT!

Aqua and Tangerine...unlikely combo?...I think not

Aqua and Tangerine is my new fave color combo. It completely epitomizes summer...yet I think translates nicely into fall as well.


These table settings are simple and gorgeous and could be used for any type of party or gathering!

This clay bead (I think?) uses the color combo awesomely too. I just can't get enough!!

*zuda gay