Fashion Day Wear Cute Find
August 20, 2008
I am doing my normal day to day TARGET shopping when something catches my eye. TARGET has a tendency to get a good response from me, but quite unusually I am finding it to be more and more in their clothing department.
Their designs have rapidly grown and improved through the years, and now stand up to anyone else. With new designers and spotlight designers they are doing wonderfully.
I’ve found some exceptionally fun pieces from the GO International Collections and will continue to look for more. Here is a top I just purchased and adore- the design is great with subtle twists on classic features. Slightly sheer- but not enough to cause any trouble, and decorated with well placed large buttons.
I like the sewn in belt, too- its a nice feature that really makes the top stand out. Casual yet sophisticated, it stands alone great or could compliment anything form simple to funky jewelry. I have some safari styled jewelry pieces I think would work the outfit great.
I like to wear my hair to the side on this one, in a neat little side swept braid. Simple and cute, and it doesn’t hide the collar which would otherwise be lost in all of my hair.
Yes, I think I will continue to peruse the TARGET clothing section much more often, as well as the designers they are attracting. Richard Chai has gotten my attention most recently. Definitely a name to know and follow. More on that latter.
Side Swept Beautiful Updo
August 19, 2008
A little something I did before leaving the house to run errands. It is a bit rainy outside, or at least threatening to be, and so when I wear it down it has the tendency to poof beyond control. I thought I would win this battle by pinning it back in a cute little design and avoid the hazards of the weather.
I did it quickly and so it is a bit messy, but I think it works rather well that way with this style. The “controlled mess” look. Some pins keep it in place and then I decided to top it off with a black bow. Just a little something more for that feminine touch.
My hair is so dark I don’t think you can really see it, but the shape adds nicely to the silhouette which is what I was really going for. Next time I will most likely use a piece that pops and stands out- ooh maybe a feather broach/hair pin would look nice… would definitely be one to do!
I like this since it looks nice and it smoothly transforms for an evening look- perfect for cocktails. Mmm, may have to have one now.
Much love! xx
Make Me Up In Golden Beauty
August 19, 2008
I am feeling a bit gold today, it is such a radiant and rich look. Doesn’t take too much which is nice- subtle touches of the right hues in the right places is all.
I had been in a lingerie fashion show where the theme was wild animals. I was assigned the leopard (much to my pleasing) and simply loved the make up Morgan, the make up artist, had created.
Above and beside are photos of her work (it was a late show and some champagne and enjoying the evening afterwards makes one a bit tired- even so I think the make up held up quite alright).
Anyway, remembering this look, I allowed it to inspire one of my own. Though the side bronze is quite beautiful and great for show- it is a bit much for day to day.
So Instead I thought to make it softer with some bronzed gold coloring just covering the lids and underlining below. Gives it a bit of a bold pop- but then a soft finish so it works for the day.
For the lips I used a favorite of mine- a gold lipstick that is slightly sheer and more than anything gives a complimenting golden shimmer to the natural lip color. The make-up I use is Guerlain, they have some wonderful bronzes and golds that work beautifully together.
I love a little gold indulgence. Much love.
Lovely Little Bites Of Yumminess
August 18, 2008
Alright, So I have been out of town over the weekend and naturally somehow everything in the fridge has either vanished or is on its last breath. I’m hungry and it is pouring rain outside- I’m stuck with what I have for now.
Some things have not even been in there that long- honestly it seems to happen every time we travel no matter how short or long the time. Oh well, this trip was a bit of a late notice so we did not have much time to prepare the house before leaving. Normally I time out the food to run out just in time- that way I can purchase fresh new groceries upon returning without any waste.
Okay, As I have no intention of hauling groceries in the pouring rain… I need a snack to keep me happy in the meantime. My options which are left in the house are:
About a pound of gruyere cheese, Some (not a lot of) spinach, garlic, butter, and some cherries that may have a little life in them yet- we will see. Also, there is the tiniest bit of goat cheese left.
In the pantry there isn’t much, only thing I could really recover or use is a box of the Honey Butter Ritz Crackers (pretty yummy actually, they’ll do in a pinch any day).
Well, cheese and crackers are lovely on their own, but I need a bit more than that right now. I sautéed what was left of the spinach with the garlic and butter. A piece of Gruyere cheese and spoon of spinach on a cracker and it turns out to be quite the lovely treat! I repeat the process for as many as I am able to make and I must say I am quite satisfied for the moment. It will make the grocery visit a much smoother one.
What a lovely surprise- it is something I will actually repeat even when fully stocked with food. It doesn’t really need anything else to it, and the presentation is simple and quite nice.
Hmm.. those cherries are tempting, may go quite pretty with the goat cheese. The honey butter Ritz cracker tends to be a bit sweeter and would compliment it well. We’ll see how daring I am feeling. If anything, I’ll get some more once the rain lets up.
Here’s to more funny and delicious unexpected finds!
Flirtatious French Martini Madness
August 17, 2008
The little taste of chambord from my Kir Royal has left me with a curious craving for more. What better way than in another delightful drink of choice- the French Martini.
Now, this one is a bit more tropical and thus a playful and fun drink (and far different from the sophisticated simplicity of the Kir Royal). Ingredients are few and simple- lillet blanc, pineapple juice, and chambord. The pineapple definitely adds that tropical value, and the chambord sweetens the deal beautifully.
I have seen the drink as a French Cosmo as well- and you can really play it up as much as you want to. For me, simple is best and divine.
A little twist and playfulness is always fun though- and this drink delivers it just right.
Much love, xx
Glamorous New Looking Dress Sleeves
August 14, 2008
I love it when a simple dress has just one distinct creative uniqueness that redefines the whole look. That is exactly what this dress is.
The sleeves are sequined and slightly puffed- then tighter around the arm- except unlike traditional puffed sleeves this one has revealing cut outs that are incredibly glamorous.
Everything else about the dress is subtle and simple- complimenting the sleeve design perfectly. It has the popping wow factor while flawlessly transitioning into sophistication.
I found it in this little Japanese Boutique called “Nonno” where the offer only two or three of each dress at the most. All clothing items are uniquely one of a kind- such a treasure, so long as you are there before it is gone. I’ll show you more unbelievably fun designs from them soon, too.
As for this particular dress- it has inspired me to find more of the same. Maybe not all in dress formats- how cute would a puffed open sleeve be on a white cashmere top (maybe some silver or gold jewel embelishment) and with khaki shorts?
Or any other style of garment for that matter. I want to see more of it. This is a trend I can really enjoy.
Twenty Bottles By Two People In Less Than 15 Minutes
August 13, 2008
Oh you heard it correctly; last night my Fiance and I stumbled into quite the surprise- no to mention unimaginable find.
We actually went to the grocery for a bottle of wine (we had plans to meet with some friends for a drink later that evening). Little did we know at that very moment they were setting up a wine closeout like never before. I like this particular grocery for their selection- their wine steward has an excellent taste and presents a fine selection that competes with shops many times their size. Wow, oh my head this closeout.
Bottles were marked down at half price, and then marked down an additional half price. We purchased three bottles of Conundrum ($30.00) for only $9.00 a bottle. I love to try new wines and this is definitely the opportunity and way to do it.
Some we knew we liked (such as the Kim Crawford, Conundrum, and Groth) and others we knew we liked other varietals from their vineyards and were curious to try others by them- and with these prices it was impossible to pass up. There were some great French wines I have been curious to try as well that were included in the close out, a white Bordeaux among them. Pinot Noir is a favorite of ours and so we purchased some new selections to taste as well.
Oh, here’s a kicker.. when you purchase six bottles (even with the close out) you receive an additional 10% off. Even more enticing to purchase more wine.
The Wine Steward was of great assistance, too- she liked many of the same wines we did and gave us some great recommendations of what to try next. There is so much here I am not quite sure where to start!
Needless to say, there will be some tasting notes posted as I do.
We bought a couple doubles (one bottle is being chilled and not pictured)
Because Who Doesn’t Love Champagne
August 12, 2008
I love the bubbly, and the Veuve Clicquot is certainly one of my favorites. I would drink it all the time when out and about at night in Miami, not to mention at home as well.
I have Veuve on my mind and a bottle being chilled. Mmm… I love it on its own as a toast to… simply having it or me- who honestly needs an excuse? It is something I like to enjoy for the sake of enjoying. And the Veuve Clicquot Rose is especially special.
Although creating an occasion is always just as delightful.
Marlene Dietrich had it right- and I like to follow in her example on the subject. One of her favorite meals was:
hot dogs and champagne
I LOVE it- simply marvelous.
And that is just it, too- you make it marvelous. And no judgment or false snobbery- it is all about finding what you like and embracing it.
Who cares what other people think? We all have our own tastes. Certainly there are rules to abide but with in those rules are so many possibilities for creativity and uniqueness. Make it your own and make it Glamorous.
Nails That Bark, Too?
August 11, 2008
Little addition to the Purring Snowy Nails post; I just returned from a dentist appointment (lovely, I know). And the assistant loved my nails- calling them “Dalmatian Spots.”
I love it- never would have thought of it on my own, but they definitely can go that way, especially with the bigger black spots I had accidentally made. I like it even more.
So there you are puppy lovers- a little bark and bite to your fashion. Some puppy love!
If you don’t know what I am referring to on the purring post- check out the last one and of course the one that started it all (meow) found in the nails category 
xx
Bombshell Beauty
