Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Take Me to... Funkytown





Here's a look that's a little more funky, a little more leopard and perfect for walking around the Village in (or hailing a cab like Ms. Lively)

The first sign of a chill in the air and I go boot crazy. I just love boots, always have! I saw these on Blake Lively and fell in love. I looked far and wide for them, yet found them at Marshall's of all places.

Dress: Forever 21
Leggings: No Boundaries for Walmart
Boots: Chinese Laundry

The September Issue


I FINALLY saw The September Issue last weekend, when it was featured on A&E. I meant to see this movie when it first came out, but I never got around to it. For fashion lovers, this movie is a must!

I thought it would focus heavily on Anna Wintour, which it did. But the star of this film was the amazing and talented Grace Coddington, Vogue's Creative Queen. (that should be her title). Amazing woman and stunning to boot. She was a former model in her youth and retired from modeling after surviving a car accident. She styles the models for the breathtaking pictorials and her vision and creativity are second to none.

Of course, Anna Wintour was very intense, but also fascinating to watch. She is villanized in the media, but all I saw was a no nonsense, hard-working woman. (Still I don't know if I could work for her).

If you're like me and didn't catch this movie when it first came out, check when they're replaying it on A&E. The best scene was Andre Leon Talley's tennis session and his Louis Vuitton "tennis" accessories because you really can't place tennis without an LV towel around your neck.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Welcome to Wine Country

My husband and I recently visited a local wine vineyard...




It was sunny and beautiful out, so my husband and I went to a wine vineyard for the first time. I wore a really basic outfit complete with sneakers! At wineries I figured there's grass and soil, so I didn't want to ruin cute shoes. I also wasn't sure what to wear so I dressed for it almost the same way I would dress for a day in the park. Jeans, a tee and sneakers! But there's a way to "pretty" up that combination to make it look dressier.

I chose teal blue just in case I spilled some wine (I didn't!) and I went for a monochromatic look. Trouser jeans camouflaged my black sneakers. If you ever have to do some major walking, that's a trick I use often...wear wide leg jeans that can cover most of your not-always-glam walking shoes. I was going to wear ballet flats, but I knew I shouldn't and I'm glad I didn't.

A cotton Forever 21 fitted tee shirt with ruffle details, my Steve Madden stud purse and shades complete this jeans, tee and sneakers combo that I wore in wine country.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Hooray for Bollywood




I love taking fashion cues from other cultures. Here's a top that has a definite Indian vibe. I paired it with a braided leather belt, my favorite blue jeans and platform wedges.

Tunic: Adrienne Vittadini
Belt: Ann Taylor Loft
Jeans: Gap
Wedges: Montego Bay

Here are some options for tunics...



And here's the famous dance Jai Ho dance scene at the end of Slumdog Millionaire!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Photo Flashback: A Dream Fulfilled


I'd like to share a Photo Flashback that means a whole lot to me!  

I always wanted to take dance as a child, but I wasn't able to. So during college, I went for it. Most of the girls in my classes took dance at an early age, whereas I just danced around in my room with my sister. It was easy to feel intimidated or not good enough, but I knew I had to follow this dream so I did. Eventually, I worked my way up to the choreographer class. Learning to dance seemed so out of reach, so being able to sit in the crowd to watch my dancers perform was even better and something I thought I would never do. Looking back, I see that God was helping me to dream even bigger.

It's never to late to follow a dream and it's never to late to do what makes you happy!

Of course, all things here lead back to one of my favorite topics...fashion! Here's a picture from my one of my first dance shows. Can you pick me out? This was for a program called Children's Dance Theater. We performed for children at local elementary schools. It was a blast! I featured my earlier crazy leotard outfit in a previous post that was...yikes! But, fashion-wise, this was a costume I actually liked. The flouncy skirt, the flower in my hair, all so much fun.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Sweater Weather


Today was the first day of fall, but it felt more like summer. What's a girl to do during these transitional months? Just keep an open front, knit sweater on hand for when it gets cooler at night and you're good to go!

Sweater: Forever 21
Blouse: Nicole by Nicole Miller
Shorts: Chip N Pepper
Sandals: Classified

To recreate my look...




And here's some cute options for just sweaters...


Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A Reason to Wear Leopard

Sam Edelman at ShopStyle

I just bought these amazing shoes since I'm always looking for a reason to wear leopard! These are Sam Edelman wedges. Love. They're still available, online but sizes are limited. I added those below and other leopard Sam Edelman options.




Monday, September 20, 2010

Grecian Formula


This is a grecian styled, wrap dress. I wear a lot of bright colors so it's nice to keep it simple sometimes with a more subdued color palette. I was going to switch up the belt that came with it for a gold belt, but instead I added gold accessories with the shoes and bracelet.

Dress: Forever 21
Bracelet: Gifted (mom)
Shoes: Steve Madden

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Fashion is for Everyone

Emme
(plus size model extraordinaire)

I have been trying to stay informed on the doings of Fashion Week. Recently, I read about the first plus sized fashion show and I have to say...it's about time! Every woman has the right to look and feel beautiful.

The gorgeous plus size model Emme was in attendance. From the over 35 model show She's Got the Look, to this fashion show, I love that the fashion world is slowly starting to embrace all women, all ages and all sizes!

Share your thoughts...What's the one aspect of the fashion world that you would love to see change?

Saturday, September 18, 2010

A Little More New York

I majored in journalism during college and I always wanted to incorporate photography into my writing. I  wanted to be a photojournalist like Larry Appleton from Perfect Strangers. Ever see that show? (There I go showing my age again) Remember when he waited for hours all cramped up on a building to get a shot of a church? So funny! Here are shots from the cutting room floor that didn't make it into the "A night in New York City" post. But I decided to post them, since you can never have too much New York City!


Ironic that I am stuck in traffic, but check out the movement on that billboard! 
I wish I could flip over all of this traffic too. 



A fire escape isn't necessarily thought of as a beautiful, but in a strange way it is. 






The shot is blurred, but with the fast NYC cabs it fits.  

The energy of NYC has always inspired me to be creative in fashion, writing, you name it!
What places inspire you the most and encourage you to take your personal style to the next level? 
Is it a beach setting, city life or the country?

Friday, September 17, 2010

Mad About Sequins


One last sequin look for now! This look is a little Mad Men influenced. I was initially going to wear this skirt with a simple black top. But I like the everyday look of this white top because sequins need casual "dancing partners" to feel modern and not overly done.

Shirt: New York and Company
Skirt: Express
Shoes: Nine West
Bracelet: Kohl's

Jewelry Spotlight: Swan Necklace


I spotted this darling on the show "Flipping Out". Jeff Lewis' sister-in-law, who happens to be work for him, wore this cute swan necklace. I instantly recognized the swan as the Swarovski trademark and went online to check it out. It's small and understated and very chic.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

The Latina Zoeinator

By now, you know that I talk about Rachel Zoe ad nauseum, but what can I say...she's funny and fabulous.
On the last episode, there was a hysterical actress imitating her and she called her character the "Zoeinator". So I decided to put together a Zoe inspired look myself.


These are all items that I do use in my wardrobe, although I usually don't wear them all together like this!

And here's the link to an article I wrote with tips on how to dress like Rachel Zoe...

http://www.ehow.com/how_4522686_dress-like-rachel-zoe.html

(Check out my catalog of how to articles covering fashion, food and other fun topics!)



Hat: Old Navy
Wig: Ebay
Tee: Poof!
Vest: New York and Company
Jeans: Express
Handbag: Arcadia
Ring: Forever 21
Bracelet: Gifted from mom

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Fallin' for Furstenberg


It's fall (unofficially) and it's cool outside. But since I love dresses, I decided to wear my DVF wrap dress. I like the print because it reminds me of autumn and the changing leaves!

Dress: Diane Von Furstenberg
Bag: Louis Vuitton
Shoes: Mossimo for Target

Monday, September 13, 2010

Glitter in the Air


I styled my tank into more of a daytime look. On the mannequin it was styled with a black, tweed blazer and a necklace. The sequins act as "jewelry" so I skipped the necklace, but I thought I'd add some color with a blue tweed jacket. These are my favorite trouser jeans. I am a denim girl all the way. I love jeans. And can't forget my comfy flats. Switch to heels and lose the jacket for an easy evening look!

Tank: Apt. 9
Jacket: Forever 21
Jeans: Express Editor Trouser Jeans
Ballet Flats: Aerosoles

Sunday, September 12, 2010

He Knows I Like Sparkle

Apt. 9 at ShopStyle

My husband and I went shopping at a new place today in Queens. There was a Century 21, TJ Maxx, Kohl's and other stores.  We went into Kohl's and he actually spotted this cute tank on a mannequin. It was styled nicely under a wool blazer. I love that most of it is an unassuming gray tank and then pow! There's sequins!

We looked around and couldn't find it, so I asked the saleswoman if I could have the one on the mannequin. If you haven't done this, try it! I have done this in Macy's also and if it's the last item in your size, most salespeople will even help you get it off. But you can't be embarrassed to strip a mannequin.

She did say yes and helped me get if off and even dropped her walkie talkie in the process and we both laughed. Very nice lady. I quickly dressed the mannequin with just the blazer since small children were starting to stare. Very funny, but in the end I got the top. I will post a future picture with a full outfit, but I wanted to share how cute it was and the story of course.

If you like sparkle like I do, it is available at kohls.com in sizes medium and large.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Back to School Haul


This week was the start of a new school year for many kids. My niece officially started first grade! But, do you really have to go back to school to get caught up in back to school shopping? I graduated from college a while ago, so I have no business calling this a back to school haul, but I will anyway!

Here's what I bought at TJ Maxx:

Steve Madden cross body bag. The rose detail reminds me of a Valentino bag so I had to get it.
Cauble and Gauge cowl neck sweater. An absolute steal.
Jessica Simpson hat. This is a wool hat better suited for winter, buy early and save I always say. (Love that bow). And it's a great pop of color for cold days too.
Swarovski crystal hair clips. I wasn't sure if I should get these, but I think they'll come in handy with the process of attempting to grow out my hair. And I loved the shades of pink and purple. Two colors I adore.

Here are some items inspired by this haul. (Or check out TJ Maxx for more of the exact items I posted). Happy back to school shopping everyone!


Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Black with a Pop


"There's nothing more chic than when you wear black with a pop of bright color."
-Rachel Zoe 


Aside: I was looking over this entry last night while watching the RZ project (I like to fashion multi-task) and she said the above quote during the Armani fashion show. How cool..maybe she'd like my dress?  I'd like to think that Rachel is my fashion conscience. There was a lot of black and red during the Armani show, so I may be on to something here. What a crazy coincidence though! Although the sight of Brad and Johnny Weir strutting in high heels kind of made me forget Armani, Milan, pops of color, the whole deal  (Sorry to ramble on, but new RZ Project episodes do that to me...fashion overload).

Here's the story on the dress: I am a budget shopper, this is true. But sometimes it's fun to splurge on a dress. I scored this dress at the Lord and Taylor Clearance Center nearby. That store had major deals.
Sadly, it closed...I feel some tears coming on.

Back to the dress, I still didn't really splurge and only paid what would have been just the tax full price. I don't know...either it was my lucky day, I am drawn to bargains or I'm just really cheap.

But that being said, I would buy another David Meister dress for full price. This dress is actually listed as a size four which is so not my size! Especially in less expensive dresses. That's why I like this dress too. It tells me lies, tells me sweet little lies.

Here are some more David Meisters for your consideration...



Monday, September 6, 2010

A night in New York City


Date night with my husband tonight and we're in for Italian food in NYC followed by singing at my favorite karaoke spot. I paired a sequined jacket with distressed jeans for contrast.

Sequined jacket: Thrifted
Jeans: NY & Co.
T Shirt: Gap
Clutch: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Nine West




 I brought my harmonicas and can't forget the disco ball in my car, ready to party! 


 Beautiful NYC skyline

Z100 graffiti/billboard


Flower that came with my dinner. I couldn't eat it, so I wore it in my hair.




On my my way home, Goodnight NYC!