Tuesday, September 29, 2009

I want it, and I want it delivered!!!

I. AM. OBSESSED. WITH. THIS. DRESS!! Seriously, I want it soooo bad! New Years anyone?

I love sequins, and I love feathers, combine them and I'm committed for life. Just thought I'd share it with you all too!

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Wear with it:

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Friday, September 25, 2009

Boutique Critique

While on the topic of boots, I couldn't pass up a post about my favorite shoe store in Atlanta! Opening its doors in May 2009, Jedal has proven worthy of its prime location in Phipps Plaza. Born out of one woman's love for shoes, Jedal is located on the 2nd floor, above Tiffany's and gives passer-byers a peak of Jedal's savory footwear through windows that make up the walls of the store.

Inside, the store is modern chic, with black carpet, a modern chandelier type fixture, and white leather chairs. And OH the shoes! Lining the walls are some of the most glorious, perfectly crafted shoes that I have ever laid eyes on. Don't expect to find these shoes elsewhere in Atlanta, either. Owner Jennifer Danelli visits Milan often for the shoe fashion shows, and selects styles that she knows won't easily be found.

Speaking of Jennifer, she is often found at the store, teetering around in a pair of Jedal's newest shoes. A sweet, bubbly personality, Jennifer is happy to do whatever she can to help her customers. She has also begun a collaboration with Marco Massetti, Italian shoe designer, creating a shoe line called Jedal by Marco Massetti. Detail is the key word in these designs: ornate swarovski crystals, poems, and custom words make up the collection. The shoes almost resemble jewelry more than footwear.

And the price doesn't come cheap, all of the shoes in the store are designer heels, and come with a hefty price tag. But, as I once told Jennifer, these are shoes that actually LOOK like they cost as much as the price tag says, a rare find these days. Don't take it from me, see for yourself, and be sure to check out Jedal's website, and stop by their store next time you're in Atlanta. I promise, it's worth your while, even if you have no plans of buying shoes.

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Jennifer has also provided me with some insider's information regarding footwear for Spring/Summer 2010. Here is what Jennifer had to say:

We are still in Milan, just finished the shoe show here to buy for next sumer. I'll give you a little special information to about the trends next summer, to go with your boot blog. Next summer is all about boots too! But they are open short boots. One that I see everywhere is almost like a flip flop mixed with a boot. It looks like a flip flop at the bottom but then is closed at the top and goes up the leg like a boot. Really fun totally new! So buy short open boots now that you can wear into next summer. In the winter wear them with tights and in the summer wear them open toed!

Thanks for the great advice Jennifer! Get a head start on this style by clicking here!

Mark your calander for Oct 21. That is Jedal's Roberto Cavalli Trunk Show!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tantalizing Trend #3: Boots

The hint of crispness in the air, the gradual turning of leaves, football games. . . .all of this can only mean one thing: boot season! Although I am sad to see summer go, there is something nostalgic about pulling on that first pair of fall boots. 

A staple for fall, boots have never seen so many variations before. From sandal boots to thigh high boots, they come in all sizes, shapes, colors and embellishments. Ditch your shoes this season for a pair of boots, which this season, go with any ensemble. 


boots

Boot Dictionary

With so many choices this season, how do you keep them strait? This Boot Dictionary and Guide will help you decide which pair is best for you!

Shootie: New for 2009, the shootie is a cross between a shoe and a boot. Spice up an outfit that you would typically wear a pump or sandal with. 

Bootie: Brought onto the fashion scene fall of 2007, the bootie is very similar to an ankle boot, but doesn't cover the ankle. Wear these with dresses to give a pretty frock a fashionable edge. 

Ankle Boot: A boot that covers only the ankle, new styles have embelishments such as ruffles and flowers. Pair with rolled up boyfriend jeans for casual chic ease. 

Slouch Boot: The slouch boot can be any height, and is made of a soft suede or leather, allowing it to casually slouch around the leg. Dress down an outfit, and make it look effortless with this choice. 

Riding Boot: Just as the name suggests, the riding boot is made (or at least resembles) for riding horses. This equestrian inspired boot is a perfect solution for a weekend shopping trip, or casual night out. 

Over-the-Knee/Thigh Boot: My favorite boot for fall, the over-the-knee (OTK)/thigh boot comes in a few variations. The boots can either be fitted, or loose around the leg. The OTK variation covers the leg up to just above the knee. 

The thigh high version comes all the way up to the thigh. Wear these with dresses, or over jeans. When selecting a thigh boot use discretion, and lean towards a suede, round toe boot in a neutral color to avoid looking like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. For a more conservative look, pair thigh boots with a pencil skirt or knee-length dress. 

Fold-over boot: The fold-over boot folds typically at the top near the knee. Newer versions such as the Balmain boot pictured above fold completely in half . 

Convertible Boot: Recessionista's watch out! Convertible boots give you two boots in one, some fold over while some can slouch down. Others, like my favorite by Colin Stuart, unzip at the ankle to make two totally separate boots. 




Monday, September 21, 2009

{not so} Secret Indulgences

It is well known that my all time favorite designer is Christian Louboutin, with his perfectly sculpted heels finished with a signature red sole. My love affair began five years ago, on a trip to Paris, where I spent several weeks canvassing the city for Louboutin's allusive flagship store. Located on a tiny side street in the 7th arrondissement, the modestly sized store offers a large selection of Louboutin's finest creations. 

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Christian Louboutin Flagship Store: 19 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, 75001 Paris 

Several years earlier I had already developed a love affair with another Parisian native, Ladurée. Since it's beginning in 1862, Ladurée has grown from a small bakery, to a tea salon, and finally into the prestigious restaurant and tea salon that it is today. In addition to a bustling location on the Champs-Elysées, Ladurée has 7 other locations across Paris, London, Switzerland and Tokyo. Most know Ladurée for their delectible pastries, most notably, the macaroon. 

laduree

Now, these two Parisian powerhouses have joined forces to create a limited addition box collection of macaroons, designed by Christian Louboutin. Inside the boxes, pastry chef Philippe Andrieu offers up a macaroon with Mediterranean flavors of fig and date. The macaroon top is black, and the bottom is, of course, red. . .just like Louboutin's coveted high heels. 

Louboutin Laduree
Available from September 11, collect all three designs and sizes. Starting at £9.80 for a box of six. Oh, and don't forget to pick one up for me!
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Thursday, September 17, 2009

More Leather Love

One of my favorite ways to wear leather this season is to mix it with girly, romantic pieces. The contrast of feminine with edgy gives leather an unexpected twist, which really plays up an outfit! Experiment with different textures, layers and colors to change the vibe that the leather gives off.



Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Tantalizing Trend #2: Leather

Channel your inner biker babe this fall by sneaking a few pieces of leather into your wardrobe. Leather pants, jackets, and even dresses, are popping up in a variety of stores. For those animal lovers, there is even a variety of very well executed faux leather - not to be confused with the not so fondly named, pleather. Express clothing has aptly named their line of faux leather: (minus the) leather.

Whatever your preference is, there is something available for everyone's taste. For the less adventurous, work a leather pencil skirt, worn leather jacket, or knit and leather sweater into your wardrobe.

Take leather to the next level by donning a metallic leather mini, or a leather jacket complete with studs, zippers and chains. Experiment with mixing different textures and elements to create a truly interesting ensemble that is sure to turn a few heads.

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

Anna Sui and Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl

Tomorrow marks the launch of Anna Sui's newest Gossip Girl-inspired line in collaboration with Target. In total there are 19 looks in the collection - all inspired by one of the four leading ladies in Gossip Girl: Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa.

BLAIR

blair

The daughter of a successful fashion designer, Blair Waldorf is a classic Upper East Sider. She is a romantic at heart and idealizes classic women such as Audrey Hepburn. She always steps out in style, in a well planned out, perfectly pressed ensemble. Emulate her style with classic, romantic pieces in luxurious fabrics.


SERENA

Serena

Serena van der Woodsen is the girl who's effortless style leaves her looking fashionable, undeniably sexy, yet still understated. Contrary to Blair's perfectly planned outfits, Serena looks as if she puts very little thought into her clothing, yet still manages to look fabulous at all times. Capture her style with eclectic pieces that are mixed with some classic elements.

JENNY
Jenny

Young Jenny Humphrey is an aspiring fashion designer, who, unlike Blair and Serena, must use creativity, instead of money when dressing. Although Jenny is still coming into her own, she mixes young, girls pieces with contrasting rough clothing to give her look a rocker edge. Follow in her footsteps with flowing dresses, paired with leather boots are a leather jacket.

VANESSA
Vanessa


Vanessa Abrams finds herself un-willingly thrown into the lives of the others. Friends with Dan Humphry (Jennys brother and Serena's ex-boyfriend), Vanessa is an aspiring artist who has her own unique style. Fashion is probably not at the top of Vanessa's list of importance, so she tends to stick with earth tones and mixing feminine pieces with casual menswear.


This launch comes just in time for the season premier of season 3 of Gossip Girl; which is Monday, September 14 at 8/9c. I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the premier, and to see what happens now that Blair and Serena have finally graduated.

If you are like me, you may be hesitant to watch a TV show that is based around New York's teenage prep-school kids. However, I highly recommend you pick up Season 1; chances are you will find yourself addicted by the end of scene 1. Gossip Girl is also an excellent source of fashion eye candy, and four very diverse styles.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Tantalizing Trend #1: SEQUINS!

Oh how I adore sequins! For Fall, luster, shine and glitz are on the menu, and sequins are the main course. Dazzling the runways, sequins show up on everything from shoes to coats and everything in-between.

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If you fit into the more conservative sector, a sequin embellished cardigan or sparsely sequined top may be the best fit for you. Accessories also offer up and quick, easy a less over-the-top way to work this trend into an everyday wardrobe.

For those with a little more gusto, slip into a full sequin dress for evening, or even a sequin skirt for day. Dress it down with a casual tee or chunky knit sweater for a simple, thrown together kind of look.

Now, the all out fashionista will find even more excitement in sequins this season. I for one am dieing to snatch up a pair of black sequin leggings! The options are endless with the bountiful sequin options, and I am quite afraid that by the end of this season, my closet may begin to look a bit like a costume room for cirque-du-soleil: but I have to admit that I am okay with that.

A general rule with this sparkling trend is to approach with care. If unsure how to wear it right, stick with black or metallic sequins, and not brightly colored rainbow ones. This will keep your look chic and sophisticated, instead of product of the 80's. Finally, remember to experiment with adding a variety of textures such as velvet, leather and wool to your ensemble.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Sequins, Leather and Boots, Oh My!


For the first time in quite a while, I am completely in love with the seasons trends. Heavily inspired by the 80's, Fall/Winter 09 trends are all about textures and detailing.

Shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons in fashion in a long time, this season has a wide variety of trends making their way to the runway. From skinny pants, to trouser style, to 40's inspired, to 80's harlequin pants - there is something for everyone this season. It is all about playing with fashion, mixing prints, patterns and textures, and making a bold statement with clothing.

Below are some of the top trends for Fall, which I will expand upon as the season continues to progress. As with any trend, mix these in with the current classic pieces in your wardrobe to keep your ensemble from looking like a costume.

1. Sequins! A fantastic way to add some glitz and glamour to any wardrobe, expect to see sequins everywhere for Fall.

2. Leather - After spending much of last Fall searching for the perfect pair of leather pants, I am so glad to see that leather is at the fore-front of fashion this season.

3. Boots - Ankle boots, knee boots, and my favorite, thigh-high boots are the shoe of choice this season.

4. Boyfriend Wear - Last Fall we saw the boyfriend cardigan, Spring brought the boyfriend blazer, and now we include the boyfriend jean to round out the list of fashionable boyfriend wear.

5. One Shoulder - Exposed shoulders were all over the runway, and they are a great way to add some sex appeal to an understated outfit.

6. Strong Shoulders - Blazers, shirts and dresses are showing more than your average shoulder pads, a fall back to the 80's, shoulders are getting wider this season.

7. Ruffles - Back for another season, ruffles are making their way into bags, shoes and coats for Fall.

8. Jumpsuits - A controversial trend, I'll let you in on some chic jumpsuits that you're sure to fall in love with.

9. Detailed Tights - Textures, embellishment and colors give tights a make-over this season, and add instant pizazz to the plainest of outfits.

10. Velvet - An ultra luxurious fabric, velvet adds another texture to the list this Fall.

11. Fur - Fur vests, jackets and detailing were all over Fall runways. Protect the animals and opt for faux fur instead of the real deal.

12. Statement Coats - Coats aren't just for keeping warm - use them to make a statement with shapes and detailing.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Oh Blog, How I Have Missed You

I have a confession. . .I have been a bad blogger. I let my poor little blog fall to the wayside, while focusing on a larger project.

In May I took a position as the Fashion Editor for EF Magazine, an online Atlanta based fashion magazine. Not only was the magazine Atlanta based, but it had a strictly Atlanta focus. Every person, boutique and designer featured in the magazine was local to Atlanta, which was a nice change from the many Atlanta fashion magazines who lack the strict Atlanta focus.



With a team consisting of a wonderful editor, bookings editor, and graphic coordinator - we were able to grow the magazine to over 100 pages of fabulous-ness. Unfortunately, the magazine industry is currently an unsteady one, and the owners put the project on hold for now.

Having just wrapped up the September issue, I am now moving on to more exciting endeavors, and will keep you all updated as I go.

In the meantime, I am back to my blog in full force, and could not possibly be more excited about the upcoming season of flashy fall fashion!