Fashion Trend: All About the Cape
October 14, 2010
The weather is slowly starting to cool- but not cold enough for those gorgeous layered coats just yet. In my search to keep comfortable against the breeze and keep a fashionable attire I have discovered the cape!
There are some gorgeous capes out there- and not your traditional blocking shape. With the right material and design you can create fabulous looks that are sure to gain attention. Because we are talking about a big space of fabric- keep sheer in mind. This one in particular is an oversized chiffon cardigan from STAR.MIMI on yesstyle.com and though directly on seems solid- with a little sunlight behind you your silhouette shines through as the wind keeps the fabric moving. I love it!
It is probably meant to be worn symmetrically but I like wearing it off the shoulder to give it more shape and interest. But that just means it is open to possibilities. Mix in some cool leggings or some long necklaces. Go at it and make it your own. I have my eye on same lace capes, too, with beautiful collars.
No more does a cape have to be a boring solid block of fabric. It’s gone inventive and is creating to die for styles.
I’m anxious for my next cape! Hopefully I can even find one with an oversized hood, I think that would be fabulous. It is so feminine and the volume of fabric is is sultry when done correctly. The cape has a personality for everyone- from sexy, chic, and feminine to cutsie adorable. You can even mix in a level of grunge to the matter.
How will you make the cape look your own?
Zac Posen For Target + Zahir Kill Heel From YesStyle
May 17, 2010
The amazing Zac Posen has been the latest fabulous designer to create a collection for TARGET; and a fabulous dress requires some fabulous heels. Fortunately, I found both the dress and the killer heels just in time. First, let’s take a look at the dress and then we will get into the shoes!
Ruffles, ruffles, and ruffles- oh my! I love the subtle contrast the navy color gives against the black, and the sheer shiny brilliance is purely a bonus. Fitted underneath and voluminous waist down, this is a stunning piece. When looking online, it seems this beautiful design also comes in an all red version. I wasn’t fortunate enough to find it in a store, but I still am all about the two tones seen here (Besides, I already have my red dress!).
Now, what I didn’t realize at first was that this is actually two pieces. Not a top and a bottom, but a full on dress with the decor being the second piece. The black fitted portion can be worn as a dress on its own, or it can be elaborated with the second piece, the ruffles, as seen in the photos above. I’m curious to play around with the ruffles to see how I can mix it with the rest of my wardrobe. They are too fabulous to be left alone!
Now, on to the shoes!
With a name like kill heel, you know I had to have them. Mwah. And they look the part. Elegant with a beautiful arch and subtle round toe- these shoes are a classic with a beautiful texture and feel. They dress up any outfit, or as in the case with this elaborate dress, make a perfect compliment. We all need a perfect pair of heels for “that special dress” and for me it’s the kill heel from Zahir. I’ve been looking at more shoes from Zahir after having fallen in love with these, they have a very runway look and feel to them without going overboard.
The bottom has a clever and very nice design of Zahir’s branding, but what’s interesting about it is that because the text is raised it gives you a great grip as you walk. This makes each step very powerful and comfortable. Design with function- love it.
*Sigh* Dress and shoe heaven, nominess. Even my fashion kitty, Aveline, approves, ha!
DALIA MACPHEE: Designer Dresses To Fall In Love With!
April 27, 2010
Yesterday morning I had the pleasure of modeling a dress for LA designer, Dalia Macphee. Beyond having such talent and a creative eye, she is wonderful and an absolute sweetheart. You can really see her passion in her work and in her presence.
Looking through her portfolio, it is easy to quickly fall in love with her designs. What I didn’t know was how amazing a price point she offers for these incredible styles. Watch the interview to find out more. I know I’ll be stopping by the department store and picking up a dress from her for my next special event. Colors, texture, and beautiful lines- everything I know I look for in a design, and now with a price without guilt. Even Hollywood actresses agree! These truly are red carpet designs.
DALIAONLINE.COM for more on Dalia and her designs.
Dreaming Of Elegant Silver Styles
April 18, 2010
(And An Elegant Side Braid…)
Spring is here and is filled with beautiful colors, pleasant pastels, pinks, nudes, and shimmers of silver. I like to play with the youthful attitude spring provides for us in our fashion by keeping looks simple, clean, and very fresh. This means in both our clothing items as well as our hair and make up.
Here I have kept the focus on two solid and bold colors: hot pink and silver. Everything else is natural, nude, and soft to build a pretty contrast without going over the top. Because the make up is so light and clean, save for the bold lipstick, I wanted to do something with my hair to break up the symmetry.
With a bubble style dress, tiered in this case, there is plenty of volume so I want to allow more for the feminine form through the limbs and neck, rather than the waist which is hidden. And so I swept all my hair to one side to make a simple and thick braid. When your hair is as thick as mine, you can also add some form by making a curve to rest on your shoulders.
The dress is from designer TIAN MU of YESSTYLE.com. I purchased this some time ago and am enjoying it now in the sunny weather. The shine is mesmerizing and I love how the tiers go slightly longer in the back. If you wanted to make it form fitted then all you need to do is add a belt and change up the style completely. Gotta love that in a dress!
You can view more styles from TIAN MU by clicking HERE.
Are you dreaming of silver this spring?
Pretty In Pink For Spring
April 2, 2010
Spring is here and pastels have returned to style. Nudes and light pink shades are especially very nice this season. My latest find is a very pink and girlie number that is… well, as girlie as it gets! With a beautiful mix of textures, layers, and even a beautiful pair of shoes to match- this is a spring feminine dream.
DRESS: SHY SHY Set-Sequined Tulle Camisole + Satin Tulle Hem Slipdress
SHOES: STYLE LINE Open-Toe Platform Stilettos
Both these pieces are available from YESSTYLE. The shoes are available in a few different colors, and as tempting as the classic black pumps are, I had to go for the pink and push the girlie factor with this whimsical dress.
Just look at all the elements going on here. Sequins, satin, a frilly skirt and mix of textured layers all come together with the single light pink color base. The shoes keep the color a solid look and add an extra girlie touch with a heart shaped charm. With girlie numbers like this, spring has a lot to offer us this year.
These shoes have a nice cushioned feel to them and the design is very playful. Color aside, check out the detail of this zipper design and heart shaped charm finish:
A classic high heeled peep-toe shoe gets a whole new look with a zipper accenting line and charm in the back. In any color, these shoes rock!
I actually have a few pink dresses and tops in the same shade and am looking forward to matching them with my new heels. But this dress takes the show, it’s just darling and perfect!
What colors are grabbing you this spring?
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!
Floral Dreams Of A Fashion Wonderland
December 20, 2009
I love the soft, delicate, and feminine charm of a floral theme especially when it comes to fashion. I think accessories have a lot of room for creativity and playfulness here. I know the first time I saw the incredibly gorgeous floral rings from Dior that this would be a theme I would keep close to.
Anything that resembles the thoughts of Wonderland holds a special place in my heart and within my style. Take for instance here with this beautiful bracelet from a boutique shop called “Nonno.”
A pearl, crystals, gold, pink shades, and a dainty chain all come together here for a lovely look. And the lady bug is bonus feature. Floral designs within the accessory world is not an uncommon theme. Though it may be winter now, spring is soon to follow with many new welcoming designs.
After a winter of many dark, rich, and decadent colors the softer pastel shades are soon to return. And with them, the many joys of spring as well.
Designs and inspirations are everywhere. And accessories are becoming more and more creative! I cannot wait to see what the new year brings. But for now, I’ll be enjoying the pieces I already have, the ones I have just recently been given (such as the ring above given to me by an amazing friend), and the floral designs of shoes, dresses, lace, and even household decor.
Yes, floral designs are everywhere. Even in our earrings as seen below, a favorite of mine from a set I found on YESSTYLE.com. They always have great styles and inspiring ideas for your wardrobe there. You can see more of these earrings, including the other mismatched piece to the set, which really makes me think of Alice In Wonderland here:
You’ll also find more inspirations of the floral fashion theme in the post listed above. It is a favorite of mine since there are so many ways to reinvent and style such looks. And the feel alone always brings a smile to my face.
