Dreaming Of Silver Links
January 31, 2010
There is something dreamy about a bunch of silver strands and links elegantly combined, especially when it comes to necklaces. My normal accomplishment of such a look is by cleverly combining necklaces of various lentgths together, making sure the end result is elegant and bold but never a mess. Every now and then you find a piece that on it’s own accomplishes the look beautifully. This piece from Truffles Co. is just on case!
The combination of links and strands with a decorated piece bringing the links together, gently hanging down at an angle depending on how it is worn, works beautifully.
The miss match of link sizes with collected strands and a decorative piece with beads makes for a unique and fashionable look. Worn alone is fantastic, but it also gives you the opportunity to mix another piece into this already elaborate setup. The entire piece is designed quite long, in fact it is long enough to be worn as a belt (it is not unusual for me to find link styled belts and wear them as a necklace, lol).
The way I like to wear this style is by having half of the necklace show in the front, and have the other half decorate the back. This works great with dresses or tops that scoop in the front and the back. It can really dress up the look.
I like to wear it where half of each design is showing for a different kind of look. You could certainly wear it where each uniformed style shows from one view- one in the front and one in the back, keeping the decoration resting on the shoulder. But I like the dynamic of the mix.
Another possibility I am playing with is mixing it up as a choker or or very elaborate bracelet. With the length and change of styles there are many opportunities to explore.
I love playing around with shapes and textures, especially when they are in the same color scheme. Elaborate earrings are another fun area you see the trend in, most commonly with chandelier type earrings. I like earrings that are unique and miss matched; having the same theme so you can tell they belong together. When earrings resemble each other but have different lengths, I think that, too, is a fun style with a lot of opportunities. Take for instance this set that also plays into the links feel. This find is another item from Truffles Co. available on yesstyle.com.
Anyone can miss match a pair of earrings, but getting them to feel like a part of the same set is where it gets interesting. They either have to have been designed that way or play as a part of a theme. They have to look like they belong.
This piece from yesstyle.com does that well. You have all the same elements presented only slightly different, giving it a very unique and bold look. I love it. And it has the links and strands that I have been craving in my fashion.
What fashion cravings have you been having?
A Night Of Wonderland At The Theatre
January 22, 2010
I must first begin this entry by stating how lucky and grateful I am. My hunny is the most amazing man in the world, and always filled with surprises. Last night was not only a treat but also a complete surprise!
I had no idea of the plans he made. Only as we were leaving for a cigar event did he mention I should consider a nice dress since we “may have other places to be” this evening. Wow, I love this man. So without the slightest idea of what would be going on, I dressed up in a favorite of mine: a floral pink dress from BCBG. I paired the dress with my suede GIVENCHY shoes of the same color, put on some pearls and I was ready to go.
We attended a lovely cigar event, socialized and enjoyed our time until suddenly it was apparently time to leave. We left the event early and made our way into town. At this point I still didn’t have the slightest idea where we were going, and I loved that. I didn’t want to even try to guess, I was just enjoying the experience. There’s nothing like the feeling of siting back, relaxing, and just observing every moment as you make the journey to what you know will be a great and welcoming surprise. You know it will be good, you just don’t know what it will be.
Finally we parked and walked our way through downtown. Again, still at this point I haven’t an answer to our evening, just that it is a fabulous one. We make our way to the steps of the theatre and I see the banner posted above, “Wonderland.”
Now, if you know me by now you know that Alice In Wonderland is my all time favorite tale. I love the writings of Lewis Carroll, and I absolutely adore going out to the theatre. Ballets, operas, the symphony, plays, you name it I adore it. What a delightful surprise.
Now this isn’t the traditional story, more of a modern styled performance and take. I am very traditional but I can appreciate new perspectives and it was an entertaining night. The seats were wonderful, the performers were fantastic, and the costume design was gorgeous.
This is the first version of the production and I am very happy to have been able to see it so early. Changes are made as shows continue in later productions as they decide what works and what needs to be transformed. I didn’t even know there was a production of Wonderland being made or that it was being played in our city. My hunny made an amazing surprise for me with this, what a perfect evening! I am still tickled about it. Yay!
Best unbirthday present ever 
Another Marvelous Birthday
January 18, 2010
January 17th is my birthday, and this was a marvelous one! Growing up I have always loved dressing up and making every little simple event of the day an occasion. Even something as simple as putting things away in the house while dressed up in a gorgeous outfit is that much more fabulous.
This year I wore a favorite dress of mine, one I have posted about in the past for the same occasion, lol, and enjoyed a rather relaxed day. I don’t often wear the same dress for an occasion, but I couldn’t help myself as this dress just makes me feel fabulous and felt perfect for the day even now. Part of it is remembering the old while bringing it into the now for creating more great memories.
This year my birthday actually began with a fabulous event the evening before, which ran all the way into the beginning of my birthday- love it! So at midnight I was surrounded by friends welcoming in the grand new day. Later on, after having some sleep and getting ready for the day ahead, I was surprised by my hunny with these BEAUTIFUL flowers you see pictured below. I love them!
And for lunch- burgers, in a beautiful dress. Seriously, messy comfort food (delicious by the way) in an elaborate dress rocks. It just does.
After that it was time for a cigar fit for the occasion, an AVO Companero, and then a night filled with libations! Birthday cakes are overrated when you have a beautifully crafted cocktail in hand. I started with a Ramos Gin Fizz which consists of gin, egg whites, cream, lime, and orange blossom water. It couldn’t have been more perfect! Talk about a birthday drink in a glass, it was smooth and heavenly.
Since my birthday unexpectedly started with celebrations the night before, I decided to continue some of that celebration into today. After all, why not? ;D
With plans for a nice dinner in the next few days, I thought I would enjoy today with a very nice cigar; one that I find quite ideal in balance and flavor. It is what I adore in a cigar, just perfect and rounded out the occasion. Also, the band matches my nails perfectly… a stylish extra.
It’s funny how when you don’t make plans for your birthday, somehow they can just magically happen on their own. It was a day, well a few days, of relaxation and pure enjoyment. I hope your birthdays are marvelous, stylish, and memorable ones, too! I know I am feeling very grateful and blessed.
For me, a great birthday comes from being with those you love while treating yourself to the luxuries you enjoy most in life, which for me means dressing up, enjoying a fine meal, a special drink, and a great cigar. What are the must-do luxuries for you?
Lace Takes A Walk On The Wild Side
January 8, 2010
Lace can be such a delicate and dainty material that gives you a feminine attitude in your style. But then there’s the other side of lace’s personality: the wild one!
With a pair of patterned stirrups tights like the ones pictured above, the word that comes to mind is FIERCE. There is an animal print quality in this pattern that when combined with the texture of lace is absolutely stunning. There’s nothing dainty about this lace, it’s all about the bold killer style approach.
This particular pair is from designer MELISSA found on YESSTYLE.com and is the perfect element for creating a daring look. This is style that stands out from far away, absolutely lovely.
I’ve been getting into leggings and tights more than ever before since I’ve discovered so many interesting and unique styles. I think it is great how a strong design on the legs makes your existing shoe and dress collection take a whole new dimension. Everything is new again, and always exciting.
If you are looking for more creative styles to expand your closet with, do a search for “leggings” within YESSTYLE’s site and I think you will find some fun ideas and inspirations. A walk on the wild side never felt so fabulous!
Rodarte + Target: Lace In Love
January 7, 2010
The ever so lovely and fabulous designs of RODARTE have made an appearance as TARGET’s latest designer collection, and I think this one has been the best so far. The designs created for this collection truly feel as though they are a part of the main collection, looking rich and elegant.
Delicate fabrics with lots of beautiful texture in brilliant colors look as though they could melt in your arms, some being bright and bold and others being soft and light. The mixtures of lace, sheer designs, and ribbons galore create a feminine look truly worthy of the runway.
I was fortunate enough to find two looks available in my size. One of which I will share with you here now, and the other as soon as it warms up enough for me to enjoy wearing it (but I’ll give you a sneak peak at the end of this post).
This is a beautiful and classic black dress from RODARTE for TARGET:
Look at that beautiful lace on such a classic feminine design. The bow adds shine and brings the collar together in a very pretty manner. This dress is perfect. I love it!
I don’t know if the pictures show it enough, but the skirt portion of the dress has a great amount of volume that just subtly flairs out adding more texture and a more pronounced silhouette.
I’ve wanted to wear the dress out since I left the store, but where to go in such a beautiful design? I like to make my own occasions, so I decided I would get all dressed up for… dun dun dun, an afternoon out with burgers, coffee, and cigars! Ha ha ha, I love dressing up for the simple occasions in life. Somehow a burger is much more fun when you’re wearing RODARTE. It was a nom nom combination.
If you haven’t hit your local TARGET yet, I would highly recommend going soon if it isn’t already too late. These designer collections disappear quickly, and once they are gone that’s it.
Oh, and here is a super sneak peak of my other find! I’ll just give you the color and texture of it for now
The Little Black Dress Gets A Touch Of Gold
January 3, 2010
Oh the little black dress. It comes in a variety of shapes and silhouettes, always bringing instant elegance and femininity. For this winter season, I was fortunate to find a ‘little black dress’ that would keep me warm and stylish (not always the easiest combination!).
From designer brand “AliceGoHome” found on YESSTYLE.com, this fashion find is also a steal at only $22.50. This design brings a beautiful winter charm to the traditional little black dress. Want to see more? You can view it directly by clicking here. Love it!
Let me go ahead and state how rare it is that I will wear a turtleneck. With my long dark hair, the last thing I need is for my neck to vanish completely. But it is cool outside and this dress has such gorgeous lines it is impossible to resist. I do love a challenge, and so I dove into my jewelry box to search for something that would embellish this feature while keeping within the elegance of the look.
Wow, this just goes to show how much an accessory can change a piece of clothing. This golden plate of a necklace is very bold and glamorous, yet when paired with such a sleek and clean design it creates a beautiful balance. The shape around the neck enhances the lines that would have otherwise have been lost within my hair.
Now, if you have a lighter shade of hair or a short haircut- then this dress would look just as dynamic without the accessories. My best option outside of the accessory is to do an updo (which I certainly will), but with the cool weather right now I want my hair down to keep me warm. And I do love to accessorize so this became quite the treat!
Back to the dress, because truly this dress is the star. A nice solid color goes such a long way when the right lines are in play. Just look at this dress- beautiful clean lines, form fitted with long sleeves, a long neck, and a short ruffled lace finish to keep the balance right. When there is a lot going on up top, I like to keep it short and simple on the bottom. This is a great example of a combination of this thinking-
The top half has the most fabric, but with clean and smooth base (no designs, patterns, or rich textures). Because there is so much facbric up top, the bottom portion is short to balance it. Since it is smooth and clean up top, this allows room on the bottom portion for textures and volume.
This is one of my fashion rules. You never want too much all over- it looks like a mess. It is all about balance. The lines, porportions, colors, and textures must all be balanced just right.
