Socks and Sandals. Who Knew?

At first, I was repulsed by the idea of pairing socks with sandals or heels. But now, I am really starting to dig the idea. This outfit, for example, is totally inspired for summer. Effortlessly chic.

Intricate Floral Details

I'll admit it, I am a girly-girl at heart. Anything floral with ruffles or intricate details makes my heart pitter-patter. Lately the fashion scene seems to be overflowing with all things floral, but I am particular to floral accents like those seen on Lea Michele, Rachel McAdams and Keira Knightly. My favorite is Lea's bold, graphic floral accent -- tulips are my favorite flower, so I may be a little biased. 

But that is not to say I'm not smitten with Rachel's strategically placed petals or Keira's blooming bustle. The petals on Rachel's dress add a little substance to her thin frame, drawing the eye to her extremely small waist. One may say that the explosion of posies on Keira's halter dress may be too much, but I love it! Which one do you favor?

Recycled Materials = Glam Wear

 

 

New York Fashion Week plays host to brilliant designers showcasing avantgarde clothing with chic silhouettes and must-have hues.Gary Harvey continued that tradition by showcasing his line of totally fabulous gowns made from recycled materials at the GreenShows. Above, you can see three of our favorite gowns from his collection.

A) This gown is made from old rugby shirts

B) Who says print news is dead? This gorgeous gown was constructed

     from 30 issues of Financial Times.

C) Wool scarves, 12 to be exact, were used to create this amazing dress.

The wonderful thing about these gowns is that you can do this, too! Collect old T-shirts, scarves, ties, jeans, or whatever you want to create a masterpiece for under $20! 

The Queen of Fashion

When I am in my sixties, this is EXACTLY what I want to look like. Helen Mirren is the epitome of style and grace. Ms. Mirren is totally rocking one of spring's hottest fashions: the Maxi Dress. Notice the sweetheart neckline, cinched waist and gorgeous flowing fabric. We LOVE how she paired the delicate, fluid Dolce & Gabanna gown with a hard-core biker jacket. The juxtaposition is fantasticlly delicious.

Try this look for yourself. Visit a local department store like Old Navy, the Gap or Ross to find a maxi dress and then peruse eBay or thrift shops for the perfect leather jacket. - Side note - I found the most amazing leather jacket in a Santa Monica thrift store for $3.00 and I wear it with everything! Keep those eyes peeled for leather!

It's all about proportions

Yes, yes, flare pants.

Before sprinting to snatch up this trendy denim item, do a little poking around in the basement or attic, you may be surprised what clothes your mother kept from her glory days. Advantage? You would totally rock true authentic 70's and it wouldn't cost you a thing.

Trend Watch: Chevron

Chevron is everywhere. We've seen the statement making pattern on the blogs and in the magazines and I"m not going to lie...I'm obsesed. I've even made a few pieces for my own home. Every time I see it complimenting a fantastically decorated room, I'm inspired:

Needless to say, I love that chevron is now showing up in fashion. The bold pattern packs just the right amount of punch for any outfit. Valentino's blush pink gown (far right) is by far my favorite. I love how the pattern starts small and increases in size near the bottom.

The stars pull off chevron quite nicely and I think you can, too. From swimwear to accessories to tops to skirts, you can add a POP to your day with a statement piece. You don't have to go super bold like Jessica Alba, try a simple bangle to start and transition to more bold pieces as you feel comfortable.

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Just Wiping the Drool from My Chin

Do any of you subscribe to Pinterest? It is an amazing source of inspiration. I just love scrolling through the pages and pages of photos, soaking in the gorgeous colors, patterns, shapes, scenes, etc. This morning, I have been drooling over a few items seen during my weekly scour of the site and almost had a sensory overload from too much chicness!

1) So chic. Simple red flats, dark cropped skinnies, tie belt, Asian collar neckline (LOVE) and the jacket, oh, the jacket. The color, the buttons, the cut, the cuffs. I am so in love.

2) I literally gasped when I saw this jacket. The collar is divine, the pattern… just, just, stunning (by Vivienne  Westwood)

3) The boat neck, the 50's house wife feel, the cutouts at the bottom. Sigh. 

4) J'adore! Seriously. Cottage-chic. I am totally in love and would probably sell my soul for these shoes. Yup. Totally. 

5) OK, so I hate the undershirt this model is wearing, but focus on the cardigan. The rich mustard, the buttons, the stitching and detail. If paired with the right blouse, this would be so urban chic. LOVE!

6) The rich orange may be extreme for some, but this spring's trends call for bright hues. I also love me a dress with pockets. The bow adds that touch of 50's glam. 

7) So you know my obsession with oxfords, but these, these take the cake. They have the masculine lines, but they are feminine, too with the more petite style. 

8) Isn't this hat totally glam? I love the romantic color and flowers.

Spring!

Buds are beginning to form on the trees, the sun is finally making its debut after a long, dreary winter and the temperature is finally rising. What do all of these fabulous signs mean? Spring, our dearest friend, is on her way. As we have seen on the runway throughout the various fashion weeks, spring 2011 is going to be totally fab!

With the chilling weather dissipating, I have found myself getting spring fever, which has almost pushed me to spend hundreds of dollars on a new spring wardrobe. I do not have hundreds of dollars, however, and I know I'm not alone. So, here are a few items to freshen up your existing spring wardrobe. 

A stylish trench

·         Spring, although my favorite season, can sometimes be unpredictable. A trench coat is the perfect springtime companion, as it is the ideal weight to keep you at a balanced temperature. Plus, trenches are totally timeless, so if you invest in one this season, you can definitely count on wearing it for many seasons to come. 

Springtime hues for makeup and clothing

·         When you think of spring colors, what comes to mind? For me, I think of the gorgeous yellows of the daffodils, the grass that has finally turned green and the bright pinks and oranges and the rich reds and purples of tulips and hyacinths. Well, these natural colors have translated to this spring's must-wear colors. 

A pair of skinny jeans

·         Oh the skinny jean. I must admit that I was not the biggest fan of skinny jeans for the longest time and refused to purchase a pair. I have since been converted and wear mine almost every day. I suggest you take the time to find a pair of skinnies that you feel sexy in. Yes, we know that finding and buying jeans is one of the most difficult  processes, but it will be totally worth it.

A night out, casual work-wear, Saturday lounging … you can wear skinny jeans several ways for spring.

Trend Watch: Pops of Turquoise

Turquoise is always a popular choice when thinking of adding a pop of color to your daily ensemble. And if you are adding just a dash of the beloved color, why not show it off in your bling? My favorite feature of turquoise is its versatility. It can be paired with a casual jean as seen by Michelle Trachtenberg or decked out for a fancy party like Blake Lively. I even think Nicky Hilton looks good, {gasp}its not often you'll hear me complimenting a Hilton...that's the power of turquoise I guess.

We're sure these lovely ladies dropped a pretty penny for their turquoise accents, but you don't have to. Many commonly-shopped stores carry the daring hue at reasonable prices.

My favorite piece is that rockin' ring from Forever 21. At a mere $5.80 it will easily add that pop you want without sucking your bank account dry.

Obessions: Christian Louboutin

A gorgeous pair of shoes walk by and I catch the tell-tale glimpse of a red sole; A pair of Christian Louboutin's just passed me. I try to wipe the coveting look of  off my face, but it just won't leave. I am obsessed with Christian Louboutin. Someday I would love, love, love to own a pair of his shoes. I don't see that day happening soon, but maybe if I hope and dream long enough...my wish will come true.

If I had to choose only one pair, I would go for the classic black pumps. They go with everything and look so elegant with any outfit. You may remember this particular pair on Sandra Bullock in The Proposal.

 But who am I kidding, I would sacrifice my right arm for these fuchsia or polka dot beauties as well.

The stars seem to {heart} CL as much as me. Especially Blake Lively, she never goes anywhere without a pair.

Dear Mr. Louboutin-
As one of your adoring fans, if you ever happen upon an extra pair of your fabulous shoes that need a good home, send them my way. I will love and take care for them always.

xxxxoxooxoxooxxoxoxo

Shabby Apple Dress Giveaway!

Head over to The How-To Gal to win one of these fabulous Shabby Apple dresses!

My favorite has to be Marseilles. Love the vintage feel and the faux wrap design. The popped collar doesn't hurt either. I think it would look gorgeous with red, yellow, or salmon accents!

Kim Kardashian and Louboutin

I don't know what it is about the Kardashians that I find interestingly revolting. I must admit that I do watch "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" and "Kim and Kourtney Take New York." Don't judge, I am a people watcher by trade, and they happen to be very interesting people. Maybe its that they are insanely wealthy, just because they are gorgeous that draws me in, the injustice of it all. Whatever it is, I love this outfit that Kim wore to the Dallas Galleria. The dress is actually quite modest with its higher scooped neck and caped sleeves, which is what makes it most appealing on this Kardashian. The lines and ruffles look almost vintage, but with an 80's twist I am digging. I also loved that she didn't pair this dress with the usual pink, turquoise or red, but opted for a simple gold necklace and bow-topped Louboutins, one of Kim's choice designers.

Combat Boots

Someone is monitoring my Web search browse history. I know it. I know they are. I have been obsessing over combat boots for months and now, they are totally hot.Well, I guess designers need to get their inspiration from somewhere. OK. I give in. I will volunteer to be their anonymous muse.

I just love the military inspired look. Whatever you pair these boots with – jeans, a dress, a skirt, capris or Harper’s rolled-up jeans – you instantly give that outfit the pop of “bam!” it so desperately needed.

We suggest scouring your local thrift stores, garage sales, the Army-Navy surplus stores, Amazon.com or eBay to find your perfect military boot.

Trend Watch: Cropped Skinnies

Cropped skinny jeans may have made their debut in Summer 2010, but I still love them. Pair them with a cute flat, sandal or heel and you're ready to hit any event. Looks like our favorite starts like Beyonce, January Jones and Sienna Miller agree:

 

But, you say, I have a closet full of regular skinny jeans and don't really want to drop the cash for a cropped pair. That's fine! To convert your current skinnies into the latest trend, tightly roll them up past your ankle like  Jessica Alba and Sarah Jessica Parker:

With either a cropped or rolled pair of skinnies, you'll be ready to rock this Spring and Summer's events like a movie star.

The Art of Saving

Being thrifty is both an art and a science, and although you may not be a fan of either subject, perfecting both for thrift's sake, is a necessity.

Take this outfit, for instance. You have heard me prattling on about my obsession for blazers lately, and so I wanted to base my thrifty look around a particular Tweed blazer I just scored from my local Savers Thrift Store. As you can see from the image below, my boots were the only things I wore with this outfit that were not found in a thrift store. But, even these boots, were a thrifty item, as I bought them for almost 70 percent off. I know, right?

Always, always, always watch for sales, even at your thrift stores. The blazer, dress shirt and blue skinny belt were all purchased on a Monday at Savers. Monday is a very special day, as select items are either $.99 or half off. Many thrift stores will even give you a coupon if you donate clothes. Do your homework, know when holiday or select-tag sales are, and you will SAVE!

Designer Spotlight: Jonathan Saunders

Paris Fashion week continues with Fall 2011 collections. I am a woman whose eye is immediately drawn towards color and pattern. Jonathan Saunders' Fall 2011 collection was one that incorporated both elements, making me stop and arrow through all 32 gorgeous images. The outfit pictured on the left has to be my favorite of Saunders' collection. The varied colors are so bold and dramatic, but because the pattern in the skirt, blazer and blouse are the same, the outfit just works. I love every piece in this collection. Love, love, love.

Designer Spotlight: Irina Shabayeva

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week: Fall 2011 is sadly over, but I'm smitten with Irina Shabayeva. You may remember Irina as the winner of Project Runway Season 6. I thought she was the clear winner then and it is apparent now that I was right. Her Fall 2011 line is full of structured pieces with floral cutouts. Be still my heart, I must have one of her jackets!

My ultimate favorite is the pairing of the blue skirt with gray floral top, followed closely by both of those fabulous cream jackets. Swoon.

Academy Awards: Tweed's Favorite Looks

From tailored suits to gorgeous jewelry, tasteful up-dos and, of course, the gowns, the Oscars gave us quite the array of “fashion eye candy” (As Harper so eloquently put it). From Natalie Portman to Melissa Leo and my three favorite gowns, it was interesting to see that many of the dresses boasted the same features: cap sleeves and Asian collars.

Here are my Oscar nominees for best dressed:

Cate Blanchett
OK. Cate’s dress caused a bit of a fashion stir. Cate Blanchett is one of those lucky women who can pull anything off, due to her porcelain skin, elegant body type and unmatched poise. Cate’s dress, designed by Givenchy, was a bit odd, but that is what I loved about it … well the front of it anyway. It was like pioneer woman meets science fiction meets Greek goddess. The front was amazing, yes, and this is why I fell in love with the dress. I must admit, however, when I saw the back and sides of the dress, I cringed a bit.

Annette Bening
There is nothing more attractive than a confident woman and Annette Bening was that woman on Oscar night. She just looked so beautiful in her gown, which was both age appropriate, but showed off her great body. The sleeves are adorable and so is the neckline. Bening glowed in this dress. Truly impeccable.

Scarlett Johansson
When Scarlett Johansson walked onto that Oscar stage, I admit that an audible gasp escaped my lips. I am not a fan of the actress, but tonight, she looked stunning. I was a bit disappointed in her hair, as it seemed to dress down the spectacular Dolce & Gabbana dress she was wearing. Looking past the hair, this dress was a showstopper. I loved the cutouts and rich magenta color. The back of the dress had to be my favorite, with the cutout fringed in elegant lace. This dress fit Johansson like a glove. She was utterly gorgeous. I also loved that she kept the jewelry minimal, simply sporting a pair of Ann Hu studs.

Academy Awards: Harper's Favorite Looks

The 2011 Academy Awards did not disappoint. Perhaps I didn't agree with all of the awards given, but let's face it...I mainly watch the Oscars for the fashion eye candy. And while in years past my favorite looks were those that were out-of-the-box and colorful, I felt myself leaning towards the more neutral, flirty and girly looks.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa
Perfectly age appropriate, yet stunningly beautiful. Love the heels.

 

Hilary Swank in Gucci Premiere

 First off, I would kill for Hilary Swank's bod. Secondly, this dress fits her so well and I love the mixture of the hard sparkle transitioning into the soft feather bottom. Absolutely stunning.

Halle Berry in Marchesa 

I think I must be partial to Marchesa, because Halle was another of my picks for best dressed. Again, I love the dress' soft pale color and flowy bottom. Perhaps only Halle and her perfect skin could pull off this particular color, but boy did she rock it.

Which look was your favorite?