Apologies!

I hope you guys haven't forgotten about me, or thought I lost the inspiration to blog. A few weeks ago my laptop got a virus that blocks almost all my favorite sites, the worst being that it blocks me from accessing my own blog! This has made for an exacerbating couple of weeks, especially since I have so many things I've been dying to share with all of you. I'm getting help to try and eradicate the bug and as of tonight am back to using a loaner. I'm so excited to blog again -albeit slowly since the loaner is a 10 year old dinosaur. Thanks again for your patience!

Here's the abridged version of what I'm currently drooling over.

 The new Zara website shows what's new in store without giving us the ability to actually buy any of it online. Now that's what I call cruel, especially when the nearest store is an hour away. A glutton for punishment, I still find myself checking the site daily for new additions. I'm especially loving this two-tone dress. I can see it worn simply, as shown in the picture, or dressed up for winter with a statement necklace, knit tights and black a-line coat. Love! 

Ever since I spotted a chic San Franciscan sporting  sleek riding boots, skinny jeans and a Breton sweater, I've been on a manhunt to capture a similar look. The Evie high-heel boot by BR are the best I've found, not to mention incredibly comfortable. At $225, the price is a bit steep for me, but these are truly an investment piece. The only caveat is that they are huge in the calf! Boots never fit my chicken legs closely, but these would definitely need altering, which costs between $80-$90. I'll be patiently waiting for a sale!

I'm so glad statement necklaces are still in style. Although I do love a minimalist necklace on occasion, nothing elevates simple clothing better than a spotlight stealer like this Charlotte Russe necklace. I would love to pair this mixed metal necklace with a simple tee shirt and gasp, jeans!

I'm so happy to be back. Stay tuned for lots of new posts coming soon! 

The Style File

As I mentioned in my last post, this past week has been nothing short of chaotic. Even my computer charger decided to quit on me! So until the new charger gets here I'll be using a loaner laptop, aka a blank slate. You see, every time I find a look that I like online I save it to my style file. Given the excessive amount of time I spend admiring fashion, my archives have grown to be pretty massive! With no style file at my disposal this week I've searched for a few looks, both new and old, to share with you.

An older J. Crew look that I'd love to emulate. I have the red skirt. Just need the cognac mary janes, bronze belt and pink blouse! Hey, Rome wasn't built in a day.

Wouldn't you love to be this Anthropologie model? It's no surprise that I love something that incorporates both stripes and a bow. What is surprising is how well stripes, a typical warm weather staple, are transitioning into cold weather looks this year. Just pair the nautical look with heavier fabrics, and go! 

I can't thank Betty Draper, I mean Mad Men designer Janie Bryant, enough for bringing back the shirtdress. Anthropologie's Reed shirtdress is so figure flattering and I love the soft shades of the plaid. I missed the mark on this one since it's long since sold out, but I'm still keeping an eye out for a similarly appealing shirtdress. Pass the martini please!

I adore the ladylike direction of Louis Vuitton's Fall 2010 line. L.V.'s take on the ever so popular Mad Men look stands apart with the use of rich fabrics, like wool and leather, and a more subdued color palette.  An L.V. bag I can do without, but these looks I simply cannot!

Zooey Deschanel is about as darling as they come. Here she is posing for the late Domino magazine (RIP). Her crocheted sheath, bold cranberry tights, matching belt, and unexpected flats are so fresh, and so Zooey. And honestly, nobody should look as cute as she does with those bangs past the age of 5. How does she do it?

My main style paramour, Diane Kruger. Last spring, the actress was already mixing her prints (dots and plaid) and sporting over-the knee boots. Always a step ahead, fashion-forward Kruger still manages to make it all seem so effortless. 

P.S. I also have shoe boxes upon shoe boxes filled with style clippings. These style archives are far more tedious to go through, and take up a lot more space, but I can't part with them or the ridiculous stacks of magazines I've amassed just since living in my most current apartment. I think it's time for an intervention people, I really do.

A Few Fab Finds

Sorry for the nearly week-long hiatus! It has been quite a hectic over here and in the midst of all the madness I didn't find the time to blog, although I did somehow find the time to shop. I really can't overemphasize the therapeutic role shopping plays in my life, which is great for the psyche, hard on the wallet! Well without further adieu, here are a few things that made the cut this past week.

Circle the Globe Skirt/Anthropologie. Although the $68 price tag made me cringe, there are a million ways I already plan to wear this lovely skirt. Plus, if you've read previous posts of mine you may have noticed that I've been yearning for a full, ladylike skirt to add to my wardrobe this fall. 

See? I wore it just today! I paired it with a new striped H&M top ($17, which I plan to wear next with trouser jeans, and cognac boots...assuming I can find either of those things) This outfit kept me surprisingly cool in this crazy heat wave we've been having. P.S. The dress hanging behind me was ghastly on! Note to self: You are no longer 18! 

I've searched high and low for a piped cardigan after falling for this J Crew cardi. This find from Forever 21 originally retailed for $29, but I picked one up second hand on Ebay for $12! I can't wait to wear it with what else, a black pencil skirt. 

Pictures don't do this little guy justice. I'm a big fan of oversized purses, but to give my shoulder a rest I'm excited to adopt this petite cross body bag found at TJ Maxx for just $15. Stand out features are the extremely supple leather, small silver studs, perfect compartments, and of course the mustard shade. Can you tell I'm in love? 

I haven't actually bought this Gap bow belt yet. Even though a bow belt has held a steady spot on my WL (wish list), this one is a little too big.  Plus, I'm not sure if I can justify $20 for a belt, no matter how cute it is. What do you think? 

View from the fitting room

This week isn't going to be pretty, so on my lunch break today I ran over to the local T.J. Maxx to find a little pick me up. Retail therapy may not be the best habit/addiction, but it sure is reliable. Just my luck, I found a couple of great deals. I guess you can call me a Maxxinista (though I'm still not sure about that tag line).

I finally found some polka dots! This top cost me less than $20 and is 100% silk.

In a pencil skirt, naturally. :)

Please ignore my goofy expression. I left without this top but might sneak back to get it. It's hard to tell in the pictures, but it's actually a pretty mauve color covered with tiny gold studs. Thumbs up? Thumbs down?

The perfect $20 clutch. The dark red is ideal for both fall and winter, and the gold studs have just enough edge to break up my otherwise feminine wardrobe.

And polka dot lining? Sold!

Stopped by Nordstrom Rack after work and thought I found the PERFECT leopard pumps. Steve Madden, on sale for $49, but OH so painful. Alas....the hunt continues. 

Other recent trips to the fitting room...

I've long despised accordion pleats, but something about this Bebe dress makes me willing to embrace them. Sadly, I can't justify adding it to my wardrobe as we approach October, but boy is it cute!

This lovely Anthropologie dress has so much going for it. It is extremely flattering, and the deeper color palate make the florals perfectly suited for fall. I'll be waiting to find it on sale, or on Ebay.

Do you take pictures in the fitting room? As Cher said in Clueless, "I don't rely on mirrors, so I always take polaroids." Pictures often give me a truer sense of whether or not something flatters me Plus, even though I love solo shopping excursions, I always value a second opinion. Many of my friends are used to getting bombarded by picture texts as soon as I step foot in the mall. :)

Inspired by Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

As I mentioned in my last blog, Monique Lhuiller's Spring 2011 line really caught my attention. I'm so excited that feminine silhouettes are back! Lhuillier loves women and it shows, as all of her dresses truly flatter the female shape. Her know-how of the female form, coupled with a tendency towards skin flattering tones and gorgeous fabrics, like lace and organza, help make Lhuillier's Spring 2010 one to remember. Since her gowns aren't very practical for my current lifestyle and are definitely not within my price point, I searched for wallet friendly dresses with a similar feel. Fortunately, my favorite UK retailer, ASOS, has some great inspired by options. Though not identical, many of the dresses capture the designer's Garden of Eden concept.

Although it isn't green, the delicate lace and peekaboo sweetheart neckline of this ASOS frock, are reminiscent of Lhuillier's jade stunner.

The ASOS sheath shares the ruby shade, classic tailoring, and ruffle detail of Lhuillier's dress, all for less than $80!

Seeking Lhuillier's flirty ruffles? This strapless ASOS dress also comes in navy, just add a ribbon belt!

 Lhuillier's knack for making gorgeous white dresses isn't  surprising given the designers gorgeous wedding gown collection. All this ASOS dress needs is a lace shrug and gold skinny belt.

Since a feather cape is a bit out there for regular life, why not try a cute feather clutch instead?

I'm a girly girl, so watercolors and pastels are never far out of reach. Add a waist cinching ribbon belt in a corresponding hue, and it's no surprise both Lhuillier's dress and this ASOS option caught my eye.

Love the emerald tone and asymmetric neckline of this colorblock dress, not to mention the price tag under $200.

All that glimmers IS gold, especially when the dress also has a sexy figure flattering silhouette.

Could you see yourself wearing any of these dresses? What was your favorite Fashion Week collection?

Green with Gown Envy

Very shortly I'll be writing another post about Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2011 line, but for the time being I'd like to focus on just one of her many incredible gowns. Although the famed wedding dress designer named The Garden of Eden as the inspiration for her latest line, one of her gowns actually reminds me of one of my all-time favorite cinematic costumes. Keira Knightly's emerald dress in Atonement is almost as famous as the film itself, and I'd argue that no one has ever looked more ravishing in the color green than Ms. Knightly did. Although the lines and cuts of the dresses are quite different, their hue and impact both grab me in a similar way. Plus, it's just so rare that we see a truly beautiful green dress.

Keira Knightly, stunning as Cecilia Tallis in Atonement, wears a gown as symbolic to the storyline as it is gorgeous to look at.

A model at Monique Lhuillier's 2011 Spring show struts down the runway in an exquisitely rouched emerald gown. Is it just me or do her eyes even resemble Keira's?

Green is such a show stopper, wouldn't you agree? I'd love to see more celebs don it on the red carpet. For more information about the dress from Atonement, I recommend reading this comprehensive entry on Sunday Couture's page.

5 Finds Under $50

Does my wish list ever end? Nope! Unfortunately, the need for unexpected car repairs may put such frivolity on hold -at least temporarily. Oh well, at least I still have window shopping :) Here are my 5 finds under $50.

Purple was all over the runways during Fashion Week, and I can definitely see myself sporting this violet Lulus dress with a cardigan, textured tights and my go to T-strap maryjanes.

 

I can't get enough of the elongating effects of nude pumps and love the quirky details on these, not to mention the shockingly affordable price tag.

 Monique Lhullier's Spring 2011 line makes me yearn for sheer decolletage. This Fred Flare blouse fits the bill perfectly.

So much to love about this cardigan -the black/white color scheme, lace, and polka dots! I picture myself pairing it with a smart black pencil skirt and matching peep toe pumps.

I've practically worn my oversized Michael Kors watch to death. For a fresh spin on the look, I'd love to add this rose gold ASOS watch to the rotation. It doesn't hurt that its the same hue as Victoria Beckham's new Rolex -which incidentally inspired the Brian Atwood pumps used in her latest collection.