Black Quilted Elegance
February 15, 2010
There is nothing like the beauty of a classic black quilted bag. I’ll admit I go weak in the knees for an elegantly styled quilted bag, most anything quilted like leather furniture for that matter, and when it is done right the results are gorgeous. My latest bag is a classic design in a perfect size.
Not overpowering big, not obnoxiously small: it is just perfect and carries all my needed items without changing the design. If you have ever tried loading up a bag and found it sunk or frustrating to carry with the weight unbalanced, then you know what I mean. It is a nice solid shape that is elegant and simple.
The details are subtle marks of gold, from a clean and simple designed clasp to the chain woven in leather that keeps the bag together. Usually when I see the sides open as they are here, it is a concern of mine. But fortunately that is only in design; functionality comes in with an unseen zipper keeping all your contents closed. Love it.
This particular design is from STYLEKELLY of yesstyle.com. Ever since it arrived it quickly became my daily bag as it matches with anything and makes all outfits look fabulous. I will still switch on occasion when I want a colorful bag or something a bit more out of the ordinary to change things up, but when time is an issue I don’t have to worry about it. This one works lovely every time. Now that I know I like this designer’s style I am going to start looking into more bags. You know how it is, you can never have too many… well, fill in the blank, lol.
At the very least you can never go wrong with too many of the classics; they are timeless, glamorous, elegant, and beautiful!
Want the bag?
This specific one is gone from STYLEKELLY, but another identical bag is available through YES STYLE right now. If it is not, visit and search for “quilted” under bags and find some more inspiration! I know I am.
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?
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 
Oversized Sleeve Luxury With The “Dolman” Sleeve
September 19, 2009
One of my fashion weaknesses is an obsession over unique sleeves, especially when it comes from Asian design. I love the oversized, way too long, angled, over-the-top, just fabulous sleeve. Even when it is a single strap- if it has a nice line, I’m all over it!
And this is my lastest favorite, so unique and elegant in movement (not to mention, absolutely cozy as can be). It has that slightly sheer factor which adds a nice touch for showing off the true silhouette through the massive volume. This is a dress that demands the spotlight.
I seriously heart this dress…. love it! This top is from Beccgirl which can be found on yesstyle.com’s site. The style of this particular piece is called the “Dolman Sleeve Oversized Top”. There are lots of other options that feature the “dolman” sleeve as well, which is when the sleeve is long on the sides and back, but smooth and small at the front. The sleeve is an extention of the dress which makes for a voluminous shape.
The shape is haute and the options are many. Right now I am wearing them with some beige shorts which you cannot really see (I wanted the top/dress to stand out on its own) but it would also look very darling with some leggings or skinny jeans.
The “dolman” sleeve- it’s one to remember and seak out for a very unique and glamorous style.
Sneak Peak: Elegant Gown & Photo Shoot w/Tracy Tesmer
August 30, 2009
This afternoon I had the pleasure of shooting with the amazing Tracy Tesmer of Tracy Tesmer Photography, I love this lady!
And we decided to select an elegant gown for the occasion. This dress is always fun- silky in texture and just moves so beautifully (we will have to wait to see the other photos return from the lab since they were taken in medium format). Just wait till those photos are released- they will give you a greater look into the dress and even more of the perspective from Tracy’s talent.
This dress is just so rich, and the lighting is to die for. The details on my golden clutch is just so dreamy, too. Yum!
I never can remember where I originally found this dress- it was one of those unexpected finds in a boutique, that I do remember. It was on clearance and buried, nearly forgotten. A small fragment of the dress stuck out and caught my eye. I knew I had to have it. Such a perfect design, and a very lucky find.
The brand, I have no idea. It had no name, perhaps why it was buried in a clearance section to begin with. But a dress this elegant doesn’t need one. It speaks for itself.
More photos to come soon… so keep checking in ;D
Fit-To-Kill Loving A White Rabbit Accessory
August 17, 2009
With a name like “fit-to-kill” how can you not instantly fall in love? The theme of this design is very Alice in Wonderland which strikes a lot of points from me- I’ll admit I’m mad about such styles.
This post may be a little bit mean since it turns out I was the lucky one to order the very last set of these (yes, it’s too late now) but I still love them enough to share the style idea with you. Something about miss matched earrings appeals to me. A theme keeps them together, almost like a story, but the fact that they are different is beautiful.
With this set- one side is a pretty white rabbit while the other holds dainty flowers.
In case you couldn’t tell from my hat and updo, I’m feeling especially girlie this afternoon. I have my days where I go all out for no other reason than just going all out. I love it.
The earrings are very much like from a fairy tale, also bonus points. There was another pair that I think may be available still that I had my eye on- it is a four piece set so you can mix and match to your pleasing. The signature piece (what would be like the bunny in this set) is a deer, and it comes with a pearl, mushroom, or butterfly to pair with on the other side. I’m still considering it- here’s their sneak peak from the site:
They even have an actual fairy tale set directly out of Cinderella- with choices of a crown, crystal, glass shoe, and carriage to choose from. Very adorable.
It is all very unique and makes a feminine, but darling statement. Pretty fabulous! You can look for more items from Fit-To-Kill by searching on Yes Style.
Fashion With A Little Birdie On Each Ear
August 16, 2009
I’ve been shopping and lately I’ve had an eye for earrings. I generally like to play with something elegant and different- something with its own character and story that dances between feminine sophistication and the playful imagination of childhood. I’ve found two such sets in the past couple days, here is the first set.
These earrings are from Yes Style, and last I checked still available for sale on their site. The other pair of earrings I’ll be sharing with you tomorrow sold out the moment I purchased them- I feel lucky to have gotten the last pair, they are darling!
Back to these earrings, though. Timothy calls them my “twitter” earrings, but to me they remind me of designer Alex Monroe’s style. I like the combination of loop and chain with the extra charm found in the stars. It gives a feel of daintiness and movement in a very simple piece. Beautifully designed.
This particular set is inexpensive, too- just under twenty dollars. If you do a search from Yes Style for “my little thing” and look through their earrings you will find them (and maybe some other fun unique accessories while you are there). I love these, they are so light and pretty.
Just wait till you see my other pair, though. It’s like right out of Alice In Wonderland, which is very ideal for me. Speak with you soon!
xx
Fabulous, Elegant, & Twisted Into A Knot: Necklace
July 23, 2009
I love a unique accessory, and this one takes the cake. My best friend returned from Italy with this insane gem as a gift for me- wow do I ever love it. It’s been a favorite toy of mine for some time now and I wanted to share it with you!
Seriously- if you come across one let me know because I would love a collection of these, they’re just too much fun. Speak with you soon- enjoy the video.
xx
Bombshell Kitten
Shoes From Philosophy: A Nature Theme
July 8, 2009
I love a shoe with a theme, one that’s playful but not obnoxious. These are some of my favorite shoes to this day, I have had them for years and my fascination with them has yet to go away. They are elegant and dazzling, not to mention inspiring!
They are Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti high heels. I couldn’t begin to tell you their exact age, but I do know I have had them for years. I keep them with great care, in their bag, nice and protected until their next appearance. These shoes liven up any outfit and look so adorable with a spring dress. I am thinking my Adela Smocked dress will be just the perfect match with these.
The details go very far in this pair- the stitching of the leaves, the color of the vine and how long it wraps- finished off by another leaf at each end. A gorgeous flower decorates one side of each shoe for a soft and feminine look. It’s almost like a fairy tale.
These are the shoes I bring out whenever I want to make it an extra cheery day or to celebrate a very special occasion (even if it is one I make up just for the shoes). They are such a unique pair.
I constantly seek shoes of this style- “insane” without over doing any one theme or design. It works together completely. At most, I’ll occasionally wear my pink nail polish that matches the shoe exactly! It looks darling in the spring time. But in the other months, like summer- I’ll wear a darker color to contrast and give it a bit more attitude.
Oh, shoes, I heart you!
I Heart Target’s GO International Collection: Gorgeous New Dress!
July 2, 2009
Target continues to give me more reasons to keep visiting, and the fact that my style can grow without spending a fortune is a lovely treat. Many of their new styles look so rich and elegant you would never imagine the tag attached to them, and it doesn’t matter. As long as you look and feel pretty and fabulous then that is all that matters.
I discovered this dress the other day and wow, what a find. I’ll be posting some pictures up here too so you can see the detail-(my camera died on me! Must wait for it to charge) but in the meantime I was able to put up a video so you can get a feel of this glamorous dress!
The material feels like heaven, so light and silky, and moves beautifully with every step. This is something I look for in my clothes. Design plays a lot into how a dress will fit, look, move, and feel. And this one performs beautifully.
Enjoy the video for now, I’ll see if I can update with photos later
Nailene Gives Nails A New Look And Style
June 30, 2009
Having lovely nails is a necessity at all times- whether we are wearing nail polish or not. I know I prefer to have no nail polish over chipped nail polish at any time. Bad nails will ruin any fabulous look in an instant.
I am very grateful to have now discovered Nailene- not only are their products inexpensive but they are for the fashionista on the go. With fabulous press-on nails in beautiful designs, they also have many options for adding your own personal style into the mix. Like for instance, my new favorite toy:
This is the “French Tip Pen” and it comes in two colors- black or white. The beauty of this is how it makes applying a smooth line simple and quick. But do be aware that like anything else it takes some practice with your non dominant hand since it does act like a pen. I know I’ve gotten so used to a brush it took me a moment- but honestly by the second nail I forgot all about it and fell in love once again.
You could actually fill in the entire nail, too, if you wanted. I am going to explore the options available with this incredible tool- polka dots, little designs, stripes- oh so much to explore! A brush cannot give you that kind of flexibility or control. It applies smoothly with no glopping- just clean and beautiful.
Another luxury I have found out about this pen throughout the week is that as my nails do begin to chip, touching up takes seconds! It mixes in flawlessly and I can just fill in to missing pieces without anyone being the wiser. Love it.
If control is an issue for you they also offer these stickers you can put in place to provide a clean line. Just put them into place, swipe away with this nail polish pen- and you have a gorgeous look waiting for you.
The strips are great if you need them, though honestly I like to freehand it as I feel pretty comfortable and in control. It is especially nice, however, when you are in a hurry and don’t want to worry about it. There’s no excuse for bad nails, even on the rush.
I think I may use the stickers for playing with designs- placing them one over the other or next to each other for strips and zig zags. I’ll show you as I experiment and see what comes up.
They have so many fun options to play with, whether you are in a hurry or you have the time to really dress your nails up. I’ve been playing with some of their stickers they also offer- everything from little gems to pretty designs- just place them on the nail, layer a clear coat to keep it clean and in place, and you are done. I’ll give you a sneak peak at some of what I’ve done so far- but much more is to come soon.
Speak with you soon- if you start experimenting with your own ideas be sure to share them, I would love to see them!
Cigars, Fashion, & Style- But Of Course!
June 28, 2009
I love cigars, and when something unique like this limited edition box from La Flor Dominicana comes up- I am very excited! With art design by Ruben Toledo for the bands and cigar box, this duo is a magnificent piece worth looking into.
I was enjoying a cigar at my favorite cigar shop when the owner, Kenny, came up to me and showed me this beautiful box of cigars. It is the El Museo Limited Edition Box and can only be found from elite tobacconists and select department shops. Only 2000 boxes are to be produced with a retail price of $600, so once they’ve sold out that will be the end of this particular cigar’s production- and the box will remain a collectors piece forever.
Kenny has this lovely box available in his shop, and it is beautiful to look at and tempting to taste- but for the occasion it was created for, it is to be sold as a complete set with all profits donated to El Museo del Barrio.
La Flor Dominicana produce world class cigars of which I am very fond of. And to see a fine cigar paired up with a beautiful design for a great cause is grand. I must say, I would love to indulge in one- it is oh so tempting to discover the flavors of this unique cigar.
The designer, Ruben Toledo, was born in Havana, Cuba in 1961. He is a painter, sculptor and illustrator. His wife, a fashion designer, Isabel Toledo was also drawn to the project. For the two of them it was a project of personal meaning from their own history, and one they were very happy to be a part of.
So there you have it, loves- cigars, fashion, and style!
For more information about this project or the box design, visit Cigar Aficionado or El Museo.
