All Tied Up In Polka Dots
March 9, 2010
Polka dots add such a playful factor to fashion. In this case, the colors are of a classic black and white, but the texture and shape are what bring this lovely pattern to our attention. Just look at that puffed sleeve. The dots against the volume and shirred sleeve really pop out.
Here we have a blouse paired with a cinched waist skirt which then flares out, ready for dancing. Both items are from MISSRAINBOW of yesstyle.com. The looseness of this blouse is just asking for something to keep it together, whether it is a belt or high waist skirt as in this set.
Honestly, the front of the skirt is the tied portion you see pictured below, but I prefer to have the tied design in the back. The structure of the skirt gives you the flexibility to chose.
With the dots gaining so much of the attention, I thought the bow did best in the back as an extra detail. Now, perhaps pairing the skirt with another top it may be a different story. With a black fitted top the bow detail might be more fun in the front. It is all about flexibility of style and you definitely have that here.
When I look at the detail of this blouse and skirt combination it makes me think of a cupcake with sprinkles! Maybe it is just me but that is a fun little image I enjoy. The way the blouse gently swoops out and over the skirt is like the frosting. It really has a soft delicate texture to it as well.
The structure of both the blouse and the skirt individually offer a lot of variety on how you pair them. Add a black top (of any form) to this skirt and you have a classic little black dress look. And this top with its beautiful pattern looks whimsical with a skirt or even paired with some jeans or shorts. There are lots of ways to reinvent your wardrobe with a couple pieces like these.
Kimono Satin Sleeve Luxury
March 2, 2010
Those who know me well know that I love fashion that is bigger than life. The bigger the sunglasses, the bigger the watch- I love it and am there. And I love volume. All of course within a balance, but that is what makes fashion so great. So in this case with my latest find from designer Nabi on yesstyle.com- Gigantic sleeves? Oh, yes you better believe it.
Flower Print Kimono Sleeve Satin Dress From Nabi
The fabric flows feeling like silk against the skin and is covered in a bold black and white print. On such giant flowing sleeves such as these, you have an animated and bold look. This print with the volume of the sleeves gives a fresh style making you ready for any soiree. A belt has been designed to come through the middle without disrupting the sleeves, allowing them to move fully and show their gigantic form. The dress looks killer both with and without the belt; the belt just adds a slight bit more structure.
It is kinda like a mix between a kimono dress and butterfly wings, lol. I love this movement and the angles the sleeves form even when the dress is perfectly still. It is a statement piece that looks elegant on its own, ready for any event.
I also like how the length is kept short so you can really focus in on the sleeves. If it was long and full, the sleeves would just blend in unnoticed. Instead, this gives you a jagged edge on either side, which looks great when you are walking and the sleeves are in motion. Since they are thin they pick up the slightest breeze nicely, giving you animated volume in each step. Simply beautiful!
Nabi translates into “me” and “free” and is inspired by traditional and international fashion, bringing great new styles and welcoming prices. I like what has been done here with this dress as it is an instant statement piece. I have my eyes on a couple of other items from Nabi and look forward to seeing what else becomes available.
All About The Tulle Look
February 23, 2010
Tulle anybody? I am all about this look. This is a style purely focusing on the fabric; it moves, has natural layers which shift from smooth to ruffled, and is sheer with texture.
Very feminine in appearance alone, when this fabric is worn on its own in a manner like this tulle dress/skirt from FOXCiTY you can really see it take over. A belt will add a cinched waist to this look and give it a new feel, but honestly I like the fabric left alone to move on its own free will. It is gorgeous.
As usual, when something has an option to be worn as a dress or a skirt I tend to lean to the dress side of things first. I plan on wearing the item as a skirt hear in the near future (I even have a top picked out for it and everything) but for right now a dress it is!
Just look at how those layers from the slip underneath emphasize the tulle on top. It is sheer feminine beauty of a fabric!
On the top you can see some hints of ruffles which gives the tulle some extra layered movement. This design adds volume and texture while remaining very elegant and simple.
And because it is so feminine and dainty, I thought I would mix things up a bit and add some grunge factor with these boots from LA FRESHA.
A pair of dainty heels would make this dress ready for a nice party in an instant. But the rocker style boots give it more of an elegant, casual, and edgy factor that works well for regular things throughout the day. With the cool weather, add a coat and you have an elegant look with some attitude.
If you want to see more shoe styles from LA FRESHA you can click here to view them. I’m a fan of their style as well as comfort. They have some great heels to dress up any look.
I’m really liking the mix right now. With something so simple it truly is a classic. The black dress is all about form and how you chose to wear it. Whether it is fitted or voluminous it is a style of its own in how you decide to wear it.
Something like this could be worn differently and look like a completely different outfit each time. From a loose dress, to a long dainty skirt, to a dress with a fitted waist when accompanied by a belt. Enter in layers and accessories and your playing power increases even more. Not to mention the shoe factor.
Tulle is a lovely fabric with lots of opportunities. Are you all about the tulle look?
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?
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
I ♥ Lace: A Fashion Obsession, Part II
December 27, 2009
The beauty of lace is that there are so many ways to wear it: from accessories like hair decorations, gloves, purses and scarves to dresses and tights making an outfit truly stand out.
In my last lace obsessed post I was playing with the idea of lace tights to add more texture and style to your fashion. With the winter trend of thigh high boots, patten tights fit just right in creating a bold and sexy style.
Black is classic and elegant and works lovely with winter’s charm. Later on in the spring nude and white lace may add a soft but playful factor for us to look forward to. But back to the season at hand and how we can have fun with our style.
I have been experimenting with lace quite a lot lately- and not just how it can redesign shoes. Take for instance using lace as a layer and foundation for your existing wardrobe. A long sleeve laced top goes a long way when worn under the right dress or tank top. It is the perfect selection for updating your entire wardrobe, giving old pieces a new feel in an instant. If you want to take lace even further then consider a piece such as this lucky find: A Lace Trim Jumpsuit from TIAN MU.
What I like about this selection is that not only is it one-of-a-kind, it is also all once piece. Well, one piece save for the black tube top underneath. If you have a unique tank top you can play with the lines of the design even more. But this once piece with the casual shorts and lace collar, front, and sleeves creates a simple look that is not to be ignored.
Because it is a single piece it leaves plenty of room for accessories- from vests to belts to playful jewelry pieces. I like the outfit on its own honestly, but I also look forward to reinventing the look over and over again. I’ve been thinking of playing with belts, skinny to “wow” factor big, and different undergarments first. Maybe even a colorful long sleeve top underneath to add a new flair. There’s plenty of ideas available and this very unique outfit will have a different feel each time I wear it because of all these options.
TIAN MU has lots of other great styles which have caught my eye, many of them playing with lace in different ways, too. From baby doll dresses to leggings, there’s lots of great ideas and inspirations to be found.
Click Here to view more from Tian Mu and find some fashion inspirations (or obsessions!) of your own.
A Snowy White Fashion Look
December 5, 2009
With the crisp winter air now all around, I’ve been inspired to create a look that is soft, feminine, and a beautiful snowy white. After looking through my closet and making a couple of welcoming discoveries, I came up with just the right combination.
I first began by placing my hair in an elegant updo. I have many wraps within my wardrobe and knew I would be wearing one to protect my neck from the cold. Right now it is cool enough to be refreshing, and not the harsh bitter coolness that may come in the next day.
With my hair up I knew I wanted to wear a certain dress. This is a dress that was an unepected find. It was displayed at a window of a shop I had never seen while on the road traveling. The shop’s name I cannot recall, it just so happens to be one of those fate finding dresses for me. The material is a soft white and reminds me of a baby blanket, which is perfect for the cool temperatures.
With a white vintage fur wrapped around my neck, this soft blanket of a dress draped on I felt like a snow white princess of winter. I love the bright clean look of this brilliant white color, and all the mixes of textures involved.
Having a solid color all throughout on an outfit, and then multiple textures involved makes an outfit pop like nothing else. I love this style. Shape, volume, and texture when all in the same color is a beautiful fashion playground. Perhaps my absolute favorite one at that.
What is your favorite style to play with?
How Do You Wear Your Stripes?
November 3, 2009
Stripes can be tricky to wear as they can make a very bold statement. They can also very quickly go overboard! It is important to keep your colors and patterns in balance so that they compliment your overall look rather than make you look like the battlefield.
This is a cute dress from dodostyle that has a connected striped long sleeved top. It is all one complete piece- and well thought out at that. The sleeves have a slight bell shape at the end with some extra length to really add a nice balancing contrast. Horizontal stripes can make things appear wider, so the extra length goes a long way here to keep that from occurring. Same is true of the volume at the end, that shape adds a very pleasing contrast.
The shoes in this case are a subtle touch to balance out the top with the bottom. I normally don’t think of these straps as stripes, but when put into perspective with a piece like this, it works together very nicely.
The solid color of the black looks beautiful and whimsical against the vivid stripes. The shape of the black portion of this dress is very clean and simple with feminine lines. The bottom bubbles out in the same manner of the sleeves, making them look like they belong. It adds another dynamic into the volume- from fitted to bubbled, in a very complimentary style.
And did I mention cozy? I love sleeves that are longer than me, something about them makes me feel like a child all cuddled up. All of my dresses from Dodostyle are cozy like that. Not necessarily from the sleeves, but from the material. They all have very nice fits and make me feel like I’m wrapped in a blanket. Also, their styles are incredibly adorable! Yet another beauty from YES STYLE, every item I have ordered from them demands attention anywhere I go. It is how I wear my style, and in this piece, my stripes.
How do you wear your stripes?
Photoshoot: Elegant Dress + Photographer Of The Year Nominee, Tracy Tesmer
September 14, 2009
If you saw the Sneak Peak Elegant Dress post with photos by Tracy Tesmer, then here are the photos you’ve been waiting for.
Tracy is an amazing photographer and it is always an honor for me to work with her- I love this lady! Her personality and passion truly shines through in her work. But have a look and see for yourself, here with the photos from the shoot:
(And be sure to *vote* for Tracy Tesmer as photographer of the year on bludomain.com. Voting begins on September 18th so be sure to vote for her!
http://bludomain.com/blog.cfm is the link to vote. In the mean time you can view the interview with Tracy Tesmer here at: http://bludomain.com/blog.cfm?postID=565
You can find out more about Tracy Tesmer and see more of her portfolio on her blog at www.tracytesmer.com!
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
