I Heart You Belt, Truly! Sneak Peak:
June 10, 2009
How absolutely cute-as-can-be is this belt? I love it, and such a simple clever design, too. It is a cinched waist design that adds a unique touch to any outfit.
It came as a part of a dress ensemble, but I know I will be using this belt in my other outfits as well. I will be showing you the dress it was intended for, one of the many treasures I have found from yesstyle. This place is fabulous, I get more use out of the accessories I have discovered from then than any others I already have, truly. And their dresses are always a conversation piece wherever I go.
I am going to the ballet tomorrow and looking forward to a marvelous evening. I’ll be having dinner and cocktails with the girls, followed by a beautiful performance, and then well let the evening go wherever it wants to. It is sounding wonderful and I have just the dress in mind for the occasion!
But I will be showing it to you later! I’ll be ready with my camera tomorrow with many lovely stories and styles to unfold.
Many beautiful and interesting fashion styles and delicious cocktails will be posted in the days to come-you are going to love these. I cannot wait for you to see them!
Until then, I leave you with a sneak peak with this *adorable* heart belt. So fun- ciao!
A Lovely Summer Look From Zara
June 9, 2009
It has been so sunny and beautiful lately that I was inspired to bring out an old favorite. I love the simple details of this dress, from the thin straps, to the shape and lines, and even just how wonderful it feels.
You can get a better feel of this look for yourself from the video posted here on the site- I’ve also added a necklace that I found some time ago at a boutique shop in Miami. I love how it has a delicate feel with the gold leaves and drops so deep. It adds another contrast against the lines of the dress that I think brings the look even more together.
The shoes are my Vince Camuto Veronica heels which I do love to wear any chance I get, they are gorgeous and fun! But I’m sure you know that by now from my previous posts on them- a very lovely find.
Speak with you soon! xx
Sneak Peak Into Style:
June 2, 2009
Alright, I normally wouldn’t do this but I am so excited I cannot help it! I was doing some shopping late last night and when I found these gems, I had to order them right away. My last purchase from this place completely impressed me and was beyond my expectations, so I am especially excited about this one!
First, I am only going to give you a glimpse of the shoes, this is my first shoe purchase with them and I will give you the honest details once they arrive. But check out these killer heels- haute.
I am in love with them already, and they were just what I was looking for. Everything about these killer heels is perfect and will definitely bring a bold and stylish statement to any outfit- any. Oh, I cannot wait to play with them!
Next! What actually brought me to browsing through the styles last night was this next selection. I love versatility in an item and seek it out in my wardrobe. Remember my vest on top of a vest? This next look is open to so many options it will be reinvented over and over again. Just look and see here below.
This dress is from Adela and is also found on YesStyle, along with all the selections featured in this post. I already have one dress from the Adela line and it is absolutely adorable, chic, and elegant. I’ll be showing it to you soon, too. What I remember especially about them is how beautiful the fabric was, it was nicely designed and very comfortable. So when I saw this dress, the smocked convertible chiffon pictured above, I was very excited.
It looks like a simple and elegant dress, right? But it doesn’t stop there, it is actually listed as a “skirt” and here is why:
See the double strand on the black dress- when it is left as a single long strand it becomes a very fashionable skirt, perfect for layers. Now, I wouldn’t wear it with a print t-shirt as pictured on the right, but I like the possibilities open- for instance maybe a button up short sleeve puffed shirt. I *do* very much like the flowy blouse with a matching vest though. What a sleek and simple look.
The dress, or “Smocked Convertible Chiffon Skirt”, comes in four colors to chose from, I chose the beige/cream one because I think I’ll personally get more use out of it. (I have so many black dresses as is, I think this color will stand out more in my closet with more variations to mix with).
Alright, these are my latest purchases that I am so excited about I had to tell you about them before they even arrive. You can be sure there will be a follow up post when they do! I’m feeling very confident about these gems.
All of these styles are from here if you would like to take a look for yourself- there is literally something for everyone. I love it. Also, you cannot beat the price.
Coming To You From The Future In Style
June 1, 2009
Every time I wear this dress I think, “the future” especially since Timothy has officially labled it the “I come from the future dress” ha ha. With a silver shine, shiny black belt, and unique collar- it definitely has a look and feel all to its own.
I found this fun little number some time ago at forever 21, and I still love wearing it now. It was the only thing like it at the time, and even now I still don’t see to many similar styles running around. I like having a look to myself, and this one is a fun one.
What I like about the dress, aside from the beautiful silver color, is the shape and design. I love how it has giant sleeves, a unique collar which can be closed or left open, a cinched waist that reveals the feminine form, and then builds up volume in the bottom of the dress. Volume and shape are things I love to play with in my fashion.
My silver heels passed away in an unfortunate rainy evening in South Beach, so until I find another I decided to wear my Michael Kors Grey bootie heels. Black pumps I think would also look lovely, but I felt like wearing my grays today. Ah, shoes.
For my hair, just a simple french twist with a clean puff on top. I added a headband for a final touch, it is there to look cute and has no other purpose in this instance! Timothy like’s to call this my “ballerina hair” which I can also agree with. I like the look, and it is elegant and comfortable at the same time. Lovely.
A Pretty Print For The Shirt-Dress Look
May 27, 2009
Ah, the shirt dress- I admit I have a long, white, otherwise men’s shirt formed into a dress with the help of a belt. But there is so much more possible with the design; take for instance this fabulous print shirt dress, complete with bow and exotic collar.
I discovered this find at TARGET some time ago, and bought the two prints that stood out to me the most. One is pictured here, more unique and different with color and design. The other is your traditional white shirtdress, but with navy pinstripes and a bow like this one.
I like how it has a unique collar to it, too- I have it buttoned up to show the full potential this look offers. It can also remain unbuttoned for a more traditional standard look, but I am enjoying the puffed stylish look today. I definitely wear both, it gives my wardrobe more variety.
The bow is the same way- and I love bows. With the collar up, I wanted to keep the symmetrical feel alive and so I have the bow centered. Normally if the collar were down, I would have the bow off to the side at an angle. It really does change the feel of the dress, funny how the details can do that.
The rich color and print on this dress makes it pop, so I like to keep my accessories simple. Not much is needed here- I am wearing some simple and adorable silver earrings and a collection of silver bangles across my wrist.
I am sporting the pigtails today, it lets me show off the collar of the dress and have the cute look the pig tails provide at the same time. I usually do an updo with this dress, but with the natural curls and waves I’ve been getting from my hair since I saw my stylist earlier this week, I wanted to keep them present. So the pigtails are doing just the thing for me today.
So here’s a new way to spice up the shirt dress look and keep it interesting and feminine! Gotta love the new ideas and inspirations.
A Fabulous And “Flipped-Out” Do
May 21, 2009
This is my latest creation in hairstyle updos, and I must admit I am loving it even far more than expected! The idea came to me in an instant and I wasted no time getting to the results.
It is an elegant, chic, bold and definitely “flipped-out” do-and surprisingly simple and quick to do. I cannot wait to experiment further with it as there are so many options available. My hair is long, but there are still great possibilities for those with medium length hair as well. It works.
I’ll be featuring the step by step illustration of how to do this magnificent do in my next month’s issue of “The Pretty Society Exclusive Newsletter“- along with other great insights on food, beauty, wine, and more. I like to keep things interesting, and this will be a special issue to love.
I’ve been enjoying this look all day, and it has been holding well. From running errands to even sitting by the pool for bit this afternoon- I’ve been able to go from one place and outfit to another without the slightest hesitation. And the glamor is very present and strong with this look- it feels so fabulous!
I am calling it the “flipped-out do” because it is based off a technique I reveal in my BombshellBeauty Grand Collection. This one takes the technique to a whole new level, and the results are simply marvelous. I’ll be showing you variations you can do with the look as well in the next Newsletter edition of The Pretty Society- so be on the look for it for those of you who are signed up!
If you aren’t signed up yet and want in on the details, visit http://tinyurl.com/exclusive-newsletter for more.
Champagne Eyes With A Touch Of Smoke
May 17, 2009
Because sometimes I like just a hint of smoke on my eyes and I adore the color champagne. This particular “champagne” is from smashbox, I love how it has the right amount of shimmer in balance with the color making for a lovely smooth look.
The smoke is subtle- strongest on the ends and fading towards the center for a soft and delicate look. And I add just a soft stroke beneath the eyes to bring the bold lines together. I love this look for the day as full on smokey eyes can be so intense. With this look, it has just the right amount that can even continue on into the evening.
I used three shades in this one, the “champagne” and and shadow colors from smashbox and a third bronze-medium brown/tan shade to blend the two together. I kept things simple because I think a little bit goes a long way. The shadow and champagne are so contrasting that not much is needed.
It is an elegant and chic look that can be worn for any occasion and feels fabulous on.
Does Your Dress Have Wings?
May 7, 2009
A dress with wings- and yet subtle and elegant still. I love the way this dress moves and feels- so beautifully silky and delicate. The design is simple but unique, and a discovery found unexpectidly at an all too common place, too-
TARGET, yet again another beautiful discovery!
The straps have a subtle and elegant detail to them as well which I love- simple twists making it a modern and lovely design.
Now, as much as I adore this design there is an image that will not vanish from my mind since I heard it- when I first purchased this dress and went to wear it out, my fiancee made a certain comment that horrified me. For those who dislike bugs as much as me, you may not wish to continue to read this line… but he dared to call it a ‘cockroach’ dress!
I was disgusted and horrified when he first said it, especially since I could then see it too! But you know what, despise the horrors of that description, I still love the dress (and deteste the bug). It is a comfortable and elegant dress and so be it if it resembles the insect… the insect wished it was this luxurious!
So here it is, my dress with wings.
1920′s Vintage Wedding Dress Find
May 5, 2009
Here it is, finally- my 1920′s wedding dress discovery! And did I mention the price tag on this little gem- I couldn’t even believe it when I heard it.
We were visiting our great friends in Seattle, having an amazing weekend, when us girls decided to go shopping out on Whidbey Island while the boys stayed home and went over some business. The last time we were here, we discovered a beautiful little antique shop where I found these gorgeous jewelry sets for an amazing price as well. Back to this visit though-
Of all the amazing items I found on this visit and have shared with you, this one is exceptional. We all admired this delicate wedding dress sitting gracefully on in the window, dreaming and not daring to consider the price. It looked so elegant with such a story to tell. The tag on it was resting at the top very high, and we could only just slightly see the number three written on it. If that was the start of the price or the item number, we couldn’t tell. As we were leaving we casually asked the attendant the price of the dress, to which he answered $39.99.
I didn’t know what to do at first, honestly. My mind was wowed.
So after a little walking and thinking I decided to at least give the dress a try on while my mind continued to absorb the concept.
This dress fit me in every way possible- you could even see how delicately it had been altered for a custom fit. The buttons are small metal ones (which I left unbuttoned for these photos as they are difficult to close by yourself, with assistance it is a simple task though) and some eye hooks.
Even the clasp at the end of the sleeves fit me perfectly. This was incredible, how unusual to find a dress of this style and condition, at this price, and fit like a custom made dress.
Incredible. The dress is beautiful as it is and definitely a look of the 1920′s- I am planning on giving it a modern twist that will remain classic and elegant. The sleeves will be going- they are a bit much for me. I think some antique lace continued just over the shoulder would make a very sleek and elegant look.
The front, too can be altered a bit- removing some of the rosettes and bringing the line a bit lower, this will be something I will have to play and experiment with. Over all I don’t want to do too much to this dress, but I think some simple well thought alterations and touches will blend some modern elegance into the feel (and make it my own).
The back is gorgeous, too- with a very long and graceful train.
With a little cleaning, pressing, and alterations this dress will have a complete turn around. I am very much looking forward to it! A slip will also need to be created with antique lace at the bottom so that heels can be worn with the dress. Little things!
Oh, it also came with a veil, the headband can be used but the material will have to be replaced as it is old and tattered. I may eliminate it completely, I haven’t quite decided yet- opinions? It may be a bit much!
So here you are- the original before photo shots of my $40 wedding dress find, I still don’t know what I think of this amazing find- or that it is real. But here it is!
