Summer Vacation

Via Design Crush

 Hello, loves! Just wanted to let you all know I will be out of town for the next week, taking a much needed summer vacation, so you may not see any posts from me over the next week. I will be sunning myself on the dock at our family's lake cabin, catching turtles and frogs with my niece and nephew, catching up on my reading, swimming, napping in a hammock, eating my dad's famous pancakes, and generally relaxing.

See all of you next week - I will be back with something beautiful for you to ogle in no time!

xoxo

Quote of the Day

Via Design Crush

Just remembering how true this is.

Fashion Inspiration: Lovely in Lace

Via Ivy and Aster

One of my favorite go-to looks for this summer is white lace. In fact, just last week I bought a cream lace and silk camisole that I can't get enough of. I could, quite literally, wear it every day. White lace is the perfect summer style statement - its laid back and sweet, light and airy, crisp and bohemian, and at the same time, its easy to add a little sass and a sexy spin to it for a date night or summer concert outdoors.

I am a big fan of the  white lace blazer - its a great way to change it up - how often do you see a blazer like this one? These are three lacey pieces that would be a great addition to any closet - a summery blazer, a tank and a shift dress.

Tank - Blue Life, Blazer - Leyendecker, Dress - Rory Beca, all via ShopBop

I am also loving the look of a white lace skirt - whether you dress it up with a button down, or make it more casual with a slouchy top, it looks fabulous. And with the right accessories, its not overly girly either.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Surlaliste, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Source Unknown, That Kind of Woman

 I can't decide which I love more - lace with a bright pop of color on the top or bottom, or lace paired with other neutral shades like army green and pale pink.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Man Repeller, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Source Unknown, Musings in Femininity

What do you think? Will you rock the lovely lace trend this summer?

xoxo

Jet Set Style: Travel Accessories and Must-Haves

Image via Lisa Golightly

With this extreme non-summer weather we've been having here in Seattle, I am ready to pack my bags and head for sunnier pastures. Dreaming of flying away has got me thinking about all the luxurious travel items and must-have accessories that one needs when leading a jet-set lifestyle.

When you're traveling, your outfit is key. I am a firm believer that the wrong outfit choice can make a long trip harder and more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Since I am always freezing on airplanes, I think a cozy wrap sweater, like this cashmere one from Donna Karan, is a must. Combine that with a scarf (also to stay warm), stretchy black jeans - to keep things looking clean and stylish, and a comfy pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and you're good to go. 

Sweater - Donna Karan, Jeans - Citizens of Humanity, Scarf - Yves Saint Laurent, Charm Bracelet - Juicy Couture, Shoes - Tom's

Next on the list of importance are all the essential beauty products you'll need to make sure you arrive at your destination looking impossibly fresh and stunning - not like you were just jostled on a plane for twelve hours.

Bobbi Brown's chubby stick will make cheeks look flushed and healthy, plus it comes in a nice small size. Touch up your eye-makeup that may smudge in-flight with the On the Spot Q-tips from i.d. that are already filled with makeup remover.

MAC provides travel size bottles that are perfect for shampoo and conditioner, and Frederic Fekkai makes his famous hairbrush in a mini size, too. The Laundress makes Crease Release spray that will get the wrinkles out of anything, and a featherweight travel-size hairdryer from T3 is a must. Always on the top of my packing list? My Clarisonic face brush - I literally, never leave home without it - their Mia model is a smaller, more travel friendly size.

Cheek Tint - Bobbi Brown, Makeup Remover Swabs - I.D., Travel Bottles - MAC, Hairbrush - Federic Fekkai, Face Cleansing Cloths - Philosophy, Crease Removal Spray - The Laundress, Hairdryer - T3, Travel Size Products - Philip B, Face Brush - Clarisonic, Cashmere Relaxation Set - Mus Segrete

Last but not least, you need the perfect bags and cases to carry all your belongings. I love the idea of having matching luggage, all perfectly coordinated, but that dream hasn't quite come true yet - and it may never - simply because there are too many beautiful bags, pouches and cases out there just waiting to be loved.

My dream carry-on? A Lous Vuitton Speedy - naturally. In my dream world, if I could get away with two carry-ons, I would also bring the Jimmy Choo shoe case to keep my most treasured stilettos safe and sound. And the new Mulberry nylon duffel bag would fold up into my suitcase perfectly - so I can have somewhere to pack my new "finds and treasures" on the way home.

For makeup and toiletry bags, Anya Hindmarch makes the cutest, most tongue-in-cheek designs. Her cases are labeled with phrases like "Girl Stuff" and "Lotions and Potions".

If you're traveling internationally, the gold standard in passport holders would have to be Smythson - I love the girly pink options! And don't forget your luggage tags to help identify your bags as they come down the shoot - these round ones from Neiman Marcus are my favorite for their fun sayings.

Leather Duffel Bag - Louis Vuitton, Suitcases - SteamLine, Luggage Tag - Tepper Jackson Collection, Black Faux-Crock Shoe Case - Jimmy Choo, Makeup Bags - Anya Hindmarch, Round Luggage Tags - Neiman Marcus, Passport Holder - Smythson, Duffle Bag - Mulberry

Now, if I only had that jet-set lifestyle...what are your travel essentials? I would love to hear!

Fall 2011 Couture Collections - Elie Saab

Images courtesy of Style.com

 A few weeks ago, Elie Saab unveiled his collection for Fall 2011 in Paris and if its possible, its even more stunning than the spring collection I covered here. The fall designs seem to carry on seamlessly from spring - loaded with beads, crystals and gowns with flowing layers and spot-on draping. These gowns are fit for a fairy princess - diaphanous and shimmering, sheer and sexy, while remaining lady like and elegant at the same time. The palette is also incredible - moving from pale icy blue to white, pink, mauve, brown and navy. Le sigh!

Loving the new long sleeve trend in evening gowns, like on the pale blue number in the third row above - one of my favorites. 

Looking at these runway shots, I also noticed that many of his gowns are backless this season - sexy chic!

There were even a few short dresses in the mix with cute little cap sleeves and flippy skirts.

I would wear every single gown in Elie Saab's fall line - something I am sure I say every single time he brings out a new collection. What can I say? The man just gets me. 

xoxo

Designer Spotlight: DSquared Resort Collection 2012

All Images via Style.com

A few weeks ago, the Resort 2012 collections made their appearances on the runways, and one of my favorites was DSquared. Full of bright, bold colors and infused with a lively Seventies spirit, the brothers behind this line have stolen my heart. There are neon colors, zebra prints, flared pants and jackets with incredibly chic cuts and lines. Plus, I love the stylish city shorts! Not to mention, it all looks so wearable...

I love the pink sheath dress and blue jacket - makes me feel like I could even wear that bright blue with that eye-popping yellow and actually pull it off!

Even the few looks that don't have bright colors incorporated into them, are so Seventies-chic with the aviators and tan jackets - the leather one on the right is so yummy!

What do you think? Are you as smitten as I am?

xoxo

Quote of the Day

Via Proper Topper

xoxo

Currently Coveting: Creative Jewelry

Image via The Glitter Guide

If there is a glitch in my shopping patterns, it would have to be buying jewelry. Since I tend to wear the same simple, classic pieces almost every day, and since I typically tend to like each piece of jewelry I have to mean something, I don't buy very much of it - costume or otherwise. 

Lately, I've been feeling a little differently though - realizing how much jewelry can change up an outfit or give it just that little added something it needs to be just right. I've been seeing a lot of fun, creative pieces lately that I would love to add to my burgeoning collection.

The first thing I have been drawn to recently are big cocktail rings. I get this affinity for bold, statement-making rings from my grandmother - she had a whole collection that I occasionally like to "borrow" from my mother's jewelery box. 

The cocktail rings I have been looking at recently, from Old Gold Boutique, are a little different - but that's what makes them a fun addition to your wardrobe. I DIE for the turquoise circus ring - it just makes me smile.

Rings from Old Gold Boutique

I also recently discovered designer India Hicks' creative pieces and fell in love with her "Initial" collection - I feel like you actually have to look at them for awhile before you realize what it is. Plus, the way she combines the letters make eye-catching geometrical patterns.

Jewelry by India Hicks

The final jewelry collection I have been drooling over also has some gorgeous initial pieces. I have been drooling over Lulu Frost's Plaza Collection for some time now, but I still need to make one of her pieces my very own. The "B" necklace is my personal favorite - but a necklace or a ring with my lucky number on it from her Code Collection might be a nice touch too.

Guess I am still picking pieces of jewelry that have some kind of meaning to them...old habits die hard!

Jewelry from Lulu Frost

xoxo

It's Electric: Cobalt Blue

Christian Louboutin heels and Alexander McQueen clutch

I think cobalt blue is such a dynamic color - I am so glad its one of the big color trends for fall - its such a bright pop of color for a season that is usually filled with neutrals, browns and muted color palettes. There was some variation of it on literally almost every single runway at the fall shows over the past few weeks...

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Stella McCartney, Rebecca Taylor, Karen Walker, Preen, Cynthia Rowley and Catherine Malandrino

If you plan on trying the bright hue, its a good idea to keep jewelry and accessories minimal. Simple gold or silver jewelry is perfect. If you're a little wary of wearing such an eye-popping color, try pairing a blouse in cobalt with cream or black slacks to keep things from becoming too overwhelming.

Cobalt is also a great choice for dressing up - I am loving the dresses like the Duchess of Cambridge's - definitely a bold look. Her sister Pippa's blue blazer is pretty fabulous too - so chic and classic paired with white jeans.

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Wayne Tippetts, Duchess Catherine in Erdem, Pippa Middleton in Zara, Kendi Everyday

So much pretty cobalt blue to go around...personally, I think the flats are the perfect choice for my fall wardrobe...

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Chair- Oasiq, Hexagon Compact- Swiss Lady, Bowl- Elsa Peretti for Tiffany, Nail Polish- Butter, Maxi Skirt- Rachel Roy, Ring- Andy Lifschutz, Patent Leather Flats- Zara, Flats- Tory Burch, Watch- Micahel Kors, Top- Leaves of Grass 

Are you going to add any cobalt blue to your fall wardrobe?

xoxo

Pretty Prints: Hammocks and High Tea

All images courtesy of: Hammocks and High Tea

I've known the name Hammocks and High Tea for awhile - having heard it around the style and design blogosphere - but didn't actually figure out how brilliant it is until just recently. Karen Young, the force behind this colorful textile line for the home, takes traditional, global textiles and gives them a modern use. Each piece is handcrafted using eco-friendly fibers and solvent free inks, and the prints and colors are so dynamic.

I love how Young takes such every-day practical items and makes them bright, bold and stylish. I'm already picturing her pillows on my couch and her table runner on my kitchen table. The new line of dop-kits are pretty enticing too - perfect for the fall and the tribal print trend.

Modern, organic and oh-so-pretty!

xoxo

Photo of the Day

Source: Practicing a Purpose

Because it just makes me smile. And its Marilyn.

Quote of the Day

Source: Matchbook Magazine

Yes, I do.

Look-books: Christian Louboutin, Prabal Gurung and J.Crew

One of my favorite new discoveries is the website, Fashion Gone Rouge - a site that collects the latest in look-book campaigns, editorials and runway photos. Its a great way to keep up with whats new from all kinds of designers - big names, small names, ready-to-wear and couture. This week I came across two amazing look-books from Christian Louboutin and Prabal Gurung for J.Crew (that's a mouthful of fashion right there) - check them out, they are absolutely stunning!

For their fall 2011 look-book, Christian Louboutin collaborated with Peter Lippmann for a series of images combining the label's fall-winter collection with portraits that were inspired by classic paintings - its such an original idea to combine fashion - its own form of artistry - and true masterpieces of art.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

Whistler's Mother with a Louboutin boot

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

They both seem to be looking so longingly at the shoes...seems about right.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

Each shoe is so perfectly coordinated to the look of each painting - you can almost imagine the ladies wearing them under their gowns.

Courtesy of Christian Louboutin

If I didn't know better, I would think that bag belongs in that picture.

Recently, CFDA winner Prabal Gurung got together with J.Crew to create a capsule collection - some of which are available on the J.Crew website now, and its simply amazing. The folds, ruffles, bows and piping are so well-proportioned and sculptural.

I have a crush on the pink top with the bow and black piping - not to mention the white suit. Not surprising he won a CFDA award!

Which look-book do you like better? 

xoxo

Red White and Blue: Happy Independence Day!

 I am so ready for the 4th of July to be here, already. One more day and then it's time for a three-day weekend, and I cannot wait for fireworks, hotdogs, hamburgers, and plenty of laughs with my friends and family. I've been perusing all things red white and blue on Pinterest all week, and just had to share my inspirations for Independence Day with you!

Heart Sparklers: Treats for Chicks, Voila Lighter: Collette, Dress: Milly, Scarf: Vintage Chanel, Striped Tote: Diane Von Furstenbrg, Red Sunglasses: Lacoste, Blue Sequin Vest: Isabel Marant, Heart Headband: Ban.Do, Red Clogs: Swedish Hasbeens, Fortune Cookie: Unknown, Lollipop: Unknown, Nail Polish: Essie       

I have my eye on that sequined vest from Isabel Marant - it is calling to me...loudly! And heart sparklers? There is nothing more perfect for me on the 4th of July than heart shaped sparklers.

Swimsuit: Aubin and Wills, Striped Tank: Splendid, Red Shorts: Current Elliott, Heart T-Shirt: A.P.C., American Flag Tank: TopShop, Striped Sweater: Diane Von Furstenberg, Lips Clutch: Lulu Guinness  

Because its Seattle and almost every 4th of July, ever, has been rainy and gray here, I would be wearing those faded red shorts with the Diane Von Furstenberg sweater - perfectly preppy and All-American.

And finally, if you need some more outfit inspiration for Monday, have a look at these lovely ladies who did red white and blue, so well. So well, its making me consider wearing this combination of colors on more than just the 4th of July!

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Atlantic Pacific, Sidewalk Ready, Love Maegan, Atlantic Pacific  

Are you going to be sporting red, white and blue on Monday? 

xoxo