Tuesday, September 15, 2009

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.
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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!

Thursday, September 10, 2009

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!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

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...