Stripes for Spring!

image credit: urbanoutfitters.com 

There's a whole slew of trends this Spring that I just cannot wait to sport. So let me begin with the first one - stripes! We all know stripes can be a scary thing, but they don't need to be. They're a fun way to spruce up an outfit. You can wear stripes from head to toe by sporting a long maxi or just add a striped scarf to a little black dress. And it's not just about horizontal stripes. There's going to be an influx of vertical! This might come as a relief to those of us who believe horizontal stripes make them look on the bigger side. So get out there and shop for those stripes - black ones, white ones, colored ones, vertical ones!

image credit: dvf.com 

Creativity: It's A Family Thing

With winter still lingering around, wouldn't you want to get your hands on these stylish, hand-made goodies? They're made by my creative cousin, Meredith and boy does she know how to crochet! Can you believe she taught herself? Well, not entirely. She had a little help from her mom, but figured most of what she knows on her own. As a graduate student, she doesn't have much free time, but making these keeps her...sane? If you want one of your own, let me know! 

The King's Speech

photo credit: www.frocktalk.com 

Last night I saw The King's Speech and I was wowed by the awesome costumes. Helena Bonham Carter not only rocked her roll as the queen, but rocked her outfits with style and class. Perhaps it was because she had a little help from costume designer, Jenny Beavan. From what I've read, Ms. Beavan faced a lot of challenges when preparing for this movie including time and money. It's only a guess, but those are pretty important components when finding the perfect costumes for a movie, right? With the small budget for this film, Ms. Beavan did one hell of a job recreating the time period through the outfits the actors wore. Coats, furs, hats oh my! And the long layered pearls! I would die and go to heaven if these pieces were to magically appear in my closet.

We shall see if Ms. Beavan wins the oscar! She's got my vote!

Taking Risks

In light of the Golden Globe awards that are currently taking place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, let's take a look at the fashion. My focus is not on the best or worst dressed, but rather those fearless woman who decided to take a fashion risk. Two actresses who challenged the fashion gods on the red carpet were Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Wilde.

Image credit: www.popeater.com 

Can't decide what shoes to wear? Wear two different shoes! Ms. Carter is a genius and not only because she's wearing two different colored shoes - she's wearing Vivienne Westwood. You go, Helena! 

Image Credit: www.theinsider.com 

I LOVE this combo. Go big or go home is an understatement for Olivia Wilde's dress and shoe combo. If I were going to a party as big as the Golden Globes, I would be wearing a dress this big. Oh, and her shoes are absolutely amazing. 

And the winner goes to....

Back to the show! 

To Infinity and Beyond!

If you are a dear follower of mine, you should know by now that I am a lover of leopard. And if you are not, well I am. So when I got this Henri Bendel leopard infinity scarf for my birthday, you could imagine how excited I was to add it to my wardrobe. Not only is it my favorite print, but it's 100% cashmere. Winter, bring it on! Whoever came up with the idea of the infinity scarf is kind of a genius. 

There is one thing I must share with you about leopard, even though I love it dearly. If you're going to rock it, make sure not to over do it! There is no need to dress head-to-toe in it. Just pick one leopard item.  Whether it is a scarf, shoes, or a top own the leopard, but keep the rest of your outfit simple. Stay away from other prints and patterns so your leopard pops or roars - whatever you prefer. 

Now, I must go pick out some outfits to go with my new scarf! 

I think I've died...

...and gone to heaven! My dear friend, Lindsey, sent me a link to this weird European website. I clicked on it and let out a gasp. I. Have. To. Have. These! If these don't qualify as pure amazingness in shoe world, I have no idea what does. 

Just imagine if the lipstick really worked! 

Ode to Coco

"I don't do fashion, I am fashion."

Straight from the goddess of fashion herself, Coco Chanel knew a thing or two about looking good. Her signature style made her an icon among the fashionistas of both her time and throughout history. She is known throughout the world for her ability to transform the ordinary in to extraordinary. She is fashion.

So why is Chanel so meaningful to me? I shall tell you. I grew up smelling Chanel No. 5 on a daily basis. My mother, who passed away over twelve years ago, would spray it on herself morning, noon, and night. My mother was the perfume and the perfume was her. She would never leave the house without it and everyone knew when she walked in the room. Like myself, my mother had a passion for fashion...hmm maybe that's where I got it from? I'll tell you about the times I would play dress up in her closet another day.

As you can see from above, the perfume wasn't the only Chanel goodness my mother loved. Sadly, I can't remember her wearing the scarf all that much, but I'll consider myself lucky for having ownership of the magnificent piece of silk.

Both Coco Chanel and my mother were influential people in their own ways. One introduced the little black dress and one helped me become the person I am today. So who has influenced you?