A Charmed Life

I was perusing the magazine section at Wal-Mart this morning, trying to pass time, when lo and behold I stumbled across Victoria, which is possibly the most quaint, adorable, vintage magazine on the planet. The cover photo (teacups!) alone dragged me in, but the content inside kept my attention. Especially one very beautiful piece of jewelry that I can't stop thinking about...the All My Love Bracelet from Sweet Romance. Now, before I go on, I will admit that I have a passion for charm bracelets. In fact, they possess the power to make me weak in the knees. But that is not why this particular bracelet piqued my interest. No, that has to do more with the fact that it's absolutely gorgeous! The pearls. The crystals. The pink. The brassy, antique finish. The hearts. The hidden snake. And, my personal favorite...the love letter - which reminds me fully of the Limited-Edition Juicy Couture Love Letter Charm that I have been coveting for, oh, only the last three months. There's just something about this particular charm bracelet that makes me want to whip out my credit card, a la the precocious Eloise, and shout the magic words..."Charge it please!"


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Babygirl Boutique for the picture.

The Demise of Domino

It has taken me days to finally come to terms with the fact that my beloved Domino magazine is no more. Domino was like the Vogue of the decorating world. It was the place to go whenever you needed the solution to your design woes; and now it's gone. With a cover girl like Zooey Deschanel on the February 2009 issue, I never would have thought it possible. It seemed like the magazine would be around forever; yet here we are discussing its demise. Could this be the beginning of the end to glossies as we know it? Will we soon be unable to flip through our favorite monthlies while lying in bed? Will we no longer have the privilege of jumping for joy when we open the mailbox and find our favorite magazines peeking out at us, just waiting to be read? Say it isn't so!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Zooey Deschanel Web for the picture.

GaGa Over Pearls

I've always adored pearls, but Lady GaGa's vintage pearl-adorned blazer has given me a whole new respect for them. It's as if she replaced the 80's shoulder pad with strands and strands of perfection. She may be known for wearing tights in place of actual pants, but this jacket more than makes up for it.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Perez Hilton for the picture.

The Tight Stuff

I stopped wearing tights years ago; around the same time I tossed out my unfashionable clogs, and destroyed all evidence of ever having owned, let alone worn, Birkenstock sandals. But the new crocheted/lacy look tights that I keep seeing is enough to make me want to go out and buy a pair. They have the ability to dress up a mini or dress down a business suit; yet still possess the ability to add a different dimension to just about anything in your closet.

Urban Outfitters Two Tone Diamond Crochet Tights, $14.

Jonathan Aston Circular Printed Tights, $7.50.

Forever 21 Jolene Mesh Tights, $6.80.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters for the picture.

Let's Give Them Something to Talk About

Ever since The Pink Tutu posted the above picture, I have become obsessed with conversation hearts. Not to eat, of course, but to decorate with. There's something so elementary adorable, and incredibly sweet about enlisting the help of conversation hearts to brighten up a room. With their pastel colors, and quaint little messages, they're absolutely impossible to resist. And Kohl's has some of the cutest offerings. From mugs to wreaths, and even a little conversation heart tree. They'll never top cupcakes, but...I think I'm in love.










Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Pink Tutu and Kohl's for the pictures.

The Lady in Lace

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Erin Fetherston, Alice + Olivia. I tend to keep up with all of their new designs; whereas I’ve often overlooked Diane von Furstenberg’s creations. Not anymore. Since seeing her Spring 2009 Ready to Wear Collection I have fallen head over heels for the designer. The flirty lacy frocks are what did it for me. There’s something so mod yet ethereal, 70’s yet classic, hippie yet chic about them. If I were one of those girls who sat around daydreaming about her future wedding this would be my dream dress.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Style for the picture.

Tutu-rific!

Being obsessed with tutus and ballerinas is like an unwritten rule for pre-adolescent girls. I remember wearing my pale pink one over jeans, with sweatshirts, and even paired with my beloved lavender-colored, fringe-adorned cowboy boots. When I dropped out of ballet lessons years ago, I packed my tutu away, but I never forgot about it. In fact, there have been times when I’ve attempted to pair it with different outfits – with disastrous results, of course. Luckily, Alice + Olivia have come to save the day. With their fluttery, dance-inspired dresses, I now have the ability to fulfill my tutu-inspired dreams, and dance the night away in classic, ballerina style!





























Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Shopbop and Just My Cup of Tea for the pictures.

My Boyfriend's Back

Boyfriend cardigans. Boyfriend jeans. Boyfriend vests. Boyfriend tees. Boyfriend sweaters. With all of the fashion's popping up with the name "boyfriend" in the title, I've come to one very important conclusion...females have gotten the short end of the stick - our boyfriend's have better clothes in their closets than we do.

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Polyvore for the picture.

Latte Love

I can't say whether it's the gloomy weather, my current coffee craving, or the fact that I'm contemplating curling up with Espresso Shot, the latest installment in Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery Series, but this morning I have found myself completely enamored with latte art. Or, more specifically, latte art you can wear.


Over the past few weeks, charlieccbb has become one of my absolute favorite Etsy artists and sellers. The way that she crafts her coffee inspired rings, necklaces, and even earrings is just so completely quaint and charming. It's like the perfect jolt to any coffee lover's wardrobe!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Amazon and Etsy for the pictures.

Sassy Specs

"Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses."
Dorothy Parker

I'm not sure who the indomitable Dorothy Parker was referring to in her world-famous quote, but it certainly wasn't Zooey Deschanel.
As the face of Oliver Peoples' Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaign, the oft-times bow-adorned She + Him songstress has proven that glasses are - to put it bluntly - hot. The ad campaign itself is pretty amazing as well. I absolutely adore the gritty, undercover, old-time noir feel of each of the photographs. Not to mention the Breakfast at Tiffany's inspired taxi shot. The poses are so lifelike it's almost as if Zooey was being stalked by overaggressive paparazzi. I love it.


If Oliver Peoples didn't charge so much for their glasses ($450 is way too much to spend when you're on a college student's budget), I could definitely see myself buying a pair - or ten.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Bag Lady for the pictures.

Boho Belle

The wide-brimmed hat. The fringe-adorned poncho. The oversized bag. I feel as if I've backtracked to the 1970's. Penny Lane, the legendary band-aid from Almost Famous, would be proud. As would the beautiful Brigitte Bardot, who favored hats similar to this one.

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to StyleSightings for the picture.

Keep the Cocktail, Just Give Me the Ring

Brightly colored nail polish used to do the trick, but now I'm looking for something bigger, bolder, and more chic to adorn my hands. I'm looking for...cocktail rings.

There's something so elegant about cocktail rings that I can't help but feel positively giddy at the mere thought of them. I want to wear one on each of my ten fingers. I want to wear them with black elbow length evening gloves a la Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. I want to pair them with everything in my closet. I want to...oh, let's cut to the chase; I want - scratch that, I need - cocktail rings with every fiber of my being. Cocktail rings are the epitome of - dare I say it - bling. These are just a few of my favorites.

emitations Mindy's Black Widow Spider Ring, $135.

Kenneth Jay Lane Coral Cocktail Ring, $105.

Urban Outfitters Oval Antique Ring, $20.

Banana Republic Pave Ring, $19.99.

Fred Flare Golden Blossom Dazzle Ring, $16.

Forever 21 Oval & Heart Rhinestone Ring, $5.80.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Net-A-Porter and emitations for the pictures.

Pink Puddles

Rain is on the horizon and all I can think about is curling up in bed with a good mystery. Browsing through thrift stores for vintage accessories. Baking cupcakes just for the fun of it. Watching a chick flick movie marathon. Dancing to guilty-pleasure pop music in my pajamas. Taking a catnap. Building a fort out of sheets and pillowcases and hibernating inside along with a lifetime worth of fashion magazines.

All of these things sound luxurious and craveworthy; yet so does skipping through the rain in a cupcake-pink raincoat.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Photobucket for the picture.

Crowning Glory

Once upon a time in a land far, far away, there lived a beautiful, golden-haired princess who spent her days prancing in the palace gardens alongside her snow white unicorn...

Okay, okay. As much as we'd all love to be princesses with unicorns to call our own, the only way it will ever happen is if a prince comes along and asks for our hand in marriage. But I can't help but feel like a princess, complete with crown, when I see those headbands that rest around your forehead as opposed to upon your head.

Part chic, part rock star, part bohemian. These little jewels seem to add a little glimmer and glitz to even the drabbest of outfits. Yet as much as I adore them, I can't help but find myself scared to even try one on for size.

At times they seem Rambo-like; others, they appear ethereal. But the thought of wearing one in everyday life seems kin to wearing bowling shoes on the street - totally taboo!

Is this a trend for the layman, or a celebrities-only accessory? Can you, your best friend, or even the lady down the street rock one while window shopping; or is it exclusive to Peaches Geldof, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan, Mischa Barton, Mary-Kate Olsen and the like?

Thoughts please!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Time Inc. for the picture.

I "Heart" Ronson

Despite Samantha Ronson’s constant appearances in the weekly tabloids regarding her nights out on the town with Lindsay Lohan, my love for her twin sister – Charlotte Ronson’s – sweet, yet sophisticated designs has never faded. And now I have an entirely new reason to fall in love with Charlotte Ronson all over again: her sassy style is set to hit J.C. Penney stores the week of February 9 in the form of I “Heart” Ronson. The looks are affordable (ranging from $15 for layering tees to $65 for dresses and jackets) yet trendy; perfect for mixing and matching; and, to top it off, I love them all!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to New York Magazine for the pictures.

A Victorian Love Affair

I realize that during the Victorian Era women were forced to suffer in petticoats and corsets, but just the sight of these Victorian Ankle Boots from Fred Flare conjures up visions of old time New York City. Edith Wharton. Carriage rides in Central Park. Wide-brimmed hats. The Age of Innocence. Lace gloves. Floor-sweeping ball gowns. Afternoon strolls along Fifth Avenue. Even that Pirates of the Caribbean moment when Keira Knightley takes a tumble off of that tall building and lands in the watery depths below - the result of a fainting spell caused by a too-tight corset. I can't help but want to slip them on and let my imagination run wild.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fred Flare for the picture.

Birds of a Feather

I'll admit that when I first spotted those feathered headbands and peacock hairclips I thought that they were a bit outrageous. Since then I've had a change of heart.

There's something so 1920's flapper girl/Daisy Buchanan about the feathered accessories; just looking at them makes me want to drape myself in short sequined skirts, bob my hair, slip on my dancing shoes, and move.

My only predicament is choosing a color. Do you buy the blue/green/purple peacock style that will surely show up in your hair; or do you stick with the brown dappled design that will blend in a bit more, but still make a statement? Or maybe I should make a compromise and settle for the navy blue offering. It's subtle yet adds an undeniably beautiful pop of color.

Is it wrong that I'm longing for all three? Should I simply turn away from this purchase and set my sights on something new, or opt for the old-time favorite - eeny meeny miny moe - to help me make my decision? And, if I do take the plunge and make this - albeit minor - investment, do you think that I could wear it to work? Sure, I get away with wearing skinny jeans, brightly colored scarves, leopard print ballerina flats, and trendy jewelry to work; but would feather-adorned hair be pushing the envelope when it comes to office attire?

Oh, but all that aside, in the words of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory's Veruca Salt, "I want it now!"


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Urban Outfitters for the picture.

Cozy Knits and Log Cabins

I'm kind of in love with Seventeen Magazine's February 2009 "Cabin Fever" fashion spread. Toss in some snow, a furry kitty cat or two, a fireplace, and some hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and whipped cream, and it's my own personal winter dream come true.









Fashionably yours!

Black and Blue

Everything about Lindsay Ellingson in this picture is sophisticated, yet effortlessly beautiful. The pose, the outfit, the colors, the tousled hairstyle, even the location: the streets of Paris.
J'adore.
Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Teen Vogue for the picture.

Sunshine Days

It's only Friday afternoon and already my Gossip Girl Weekend is doomed. How on earth can one possibly plan to curl up in flannel pajamas and thick slipper socks, with non-stop mugs of tea in hand, when the forecasters are predicting that it's going to be in the 70's all weekend? Staying inside and watching DVD's is not an option when you have weather like that. The high 70's means strolling in the park, eating ice cream, going window shopping. It does not mean having Gossip Girl marathons. Is there any way that, just this once, there could be sleet, snow, or just a few rain showers throughout the day? Anything to make my Gossip Girl Weekend a success!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Weather.com for the picture.

Gossip Girl Weekend

In honor of my last few days of freedom before the Spring 2009 semester starts, I'm going to do something that I've been planning on doing since September - watch the entire first season of Gossip Girl on DVD. It will be my first ever Gossip Girl Weekend.

I will don no shoes, and cast aside my patent leather handbag for two days, trading these beloved items for flannel pajamas, thick slipper socks, and the remote control. I already have enough Candy Cane Lane, Gingerbread Spice, and Nutcracker Sweet tea on hand to last me a lifetime. There's only one thing left to do...choose sides - Team Blair or Team Serena.

I think I know where I stand. Where do you stand?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Photobucket for the picture.

To Sock or Not to Sock, That Is the Question

I know, I know, I have spent a lot of time talking about shoes lately, but this is something that I need to address immediately. After this, I will attempt to refrain from shoe talk – at least for a few days, or a new pair of fancy footwear catches my eye. Until then…

I am wearing leopard print ballerina flats today. My absolute favorite ballerina flats in the world. Of course, I am wearing them with no socks, and I left the house when it was 40* outside. Albeit, it is now in the mid-70’s, but it was freezing this morning. Which is how this conversation came up, I suppose.

I was asked, “You’re not wearing socks?”

To this I replied, “Who would wear socks with ballerina flats?”

Which was answered with a curt, “Why not?”

To which I stated matter of factly, “Because that would be ugly. Ballerina flats are not meant to be worn with socks.”

But now I’m wondering…can ballerina flats be worn with socks? Do they look cute if paired with socks, or just worn with bare feet?


Personally, I see ballerina flats as something that should be worn au natural. If you’re not tucking stocking clad feet in them, then sock free is the way to be. Though now that I think of it, certain socks may do the trick. For instance, those adorable little white socks with the ruffles on them (like the ones pictured at left). Those would be so totally Blair Waldorf if worn with ballerina flats. At the same time, if worn with jeans, or pants of any kind, the ruffles would be…invisible, and the sweet, Lolita-like vibe would be gone. At that point, I think it would just look kind of weird. Besides, sometimes you have to suffer for fashion. And when it comes to ballerina flats, I'm more than willing to suffer.

What’s your take on it? Should ballerina flats be worn with or without socks? How do you wear your ballerina flats?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to All Pretty Things, Women's Fashion Love to Know, and Primp and Prettify for the pictures.

Shoetopia

I should have known when I became obsessed with shoeboxes back in the third grade that I was developing a problem. I never could have fathomed that it would turn into a full-blown addiction.

I just counted the shoes in my closet. There are 42 pairs in all. This includes:

-15 pairs of boots
-7 pairs of Converse
-2 pairs of flip flops (these shouldn’t count as I was forced to get them – I don’t even like flip flops)
-2 pairs of Adidas tennis shoes
-2 pairs of mary-janes
-14 pairs of ballerina flats

It’s quite an impressive collection; if not slightly excessive. Besides, shoes are a necessity. What am I supposed to do…walk around barefoot? And when you truly think about it, many of these shoes are duplicates, so they should count as one. For instance, I have:

-3 pairs of leopard print ballerina flats
-4 pairs of metallic ballerina flats
-3 pairs of white ballerina flats
-2 pairs of black ballerina flats
-2 pairs of beige ballerina flats
-2 pairs of white boots
-1 pair of vegetarian Doc Martens
-4 pairs of tan boots
-1 pair of dark brown boots
-3 pairs of boots with pom poms
-2 pairs of boots with fringes
-1 pair of rain boots
-1 pair of pink boots
-2 pairs of black mary-janes
-3 pairs of white Converse
-1 pair of pink Converse
-1 pair of black Converse
-1 pair of green Converse
-1 pair of beige Converse
-1 pair of white flip flops
-1 pair of black flip flops
-2 pairs of white Adidas tennis shoes

If I were to consolidate my number of shoes (42) by style and color, I would really only have…22 pairs, which is much more reasonable. Plus, I get a decent amount of wear out of most – or all – of these. In fact, I’m planning on wearing my leopard print ballerina flats tomorrow. I just have one question…do you think the print would clash with that of my beloved Fred Flare Bedford Ave. Scarf?

How many pairs of shoes do you have lurking in your closet? Come on, be honest…I won’t tell.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to ABC News for the picture.

A Walk on the Wild Side

"My weakness is wearing too much leopard print."
Jackie Collins

Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fashion Talk for the Everyday Woman for the picture.

Blue Crush

As if I didn't love Zooey Deschanel enough already - her music, her clothes, her film roles (she was awesome in Bridge to Terabithia, adorable in Elf, and Academy Award-worthy in Almost Famous), her hair, her make-up, her endless assortment of perky ballerina flats - now she has to come along and make me even more envious of her in the February 2009 issue of Domino Magazine. Answer me this...is it even possible to love someone because of how they've decorated their humble abode? I didn't think so; but Zooey has proven me wrong. It's cool. It's eclectic. It's...blue!







And if the pictures don't do it for you. Maybe Zooey's thoughts will. My favorite quote from the story was:

"It's like a present to myself to have a room solely devoted to creative endeavors."

I kind of get what she means. I have a room solely devoted to creative endeavors, as well - my closet.

Do you have a room made solely for your burgeoning creative side?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Domino Magazine for the pictures.

Pretty in Pink

I am the farthest thing from a Juicy girl, but I am absolutely smitten with the new ‘Daydreamer’ Heart Medallion Bag. Perhaps it’s the color – who wouldn’t love pink? Or maybe it has something to do with the big floppy bow. Or the oversized gold medallion. Or the pastel, nautical, preppy vibe it gives off. Perhaps it’s a combination of all four. No matter the reason, it’s absolutely...breathtaking. And it’s out just in time for Valentine’s Day. Which is the perfect excuse to pick one up; after all, what female in their right mind could possibly survive adolescence or young adulthood without a pink handbag in their closet?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Juicy Couture for the picture.

Yummy Accessories Almost Good Enough to Eat!

I have a confession to make...I am a diehard Food Network fan, and have been known to spend countless hours watching my favorite chefs - Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, Ina Garten, Sandra Lee, even Bobby Flay - whip up delicious meals in no time flat. So having the ability to mix two things I love (fashion and food) together truly makes me squeal; and some of my favorite online retailers make it as easy as pie (no pun intended) to do so with their eclectic assortment of foodie fashion accessories that would make any food-loving fashionista salivate. These are just a few of my absolute favorites.

"Peanut, peanut butter and jelly..." I've been singing that song since my kindergarten days when my big hairbows dominated the playground, but even now I love to make - and eat - peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Who doesn't? What I love even more, however, are these unbelievably cute smiley PB+J earrings. The rosy cheeks. The smiley faces. I'm telling you right now that if I were able to wear anything less than 14K gold without having an allergic reaction, these adorable little earrings would be perched upon my lobes this very second!

If there's one piece of jewelry I find hard to resist, it's charm bracelets. Which is why this Cupcake Charm Bracelet is nothing less than craveworthy. The intricate details that make each of the ten featured cupcakes different, and the pink (pink!) swarovski crystal drop charms that adorn the sterling silver chain are darling. It's so lifelike that I can almost smell the scent of vanilla wafting up to me from the kitchen.

I have used the same black wallet adorned with colorful flowers for over five years. During this time, it has become like a trusty old friend to me; but I can't help but feel that I would cast it aside for this cute, yet oh-so clever buttered toast wallet should the opportunity arise. The realistic pat of butter detail is tantalizing to my toast-loving senses. Imagine the look on your friend's faces if you pulled this little gem out of your purse. Absolutely priceless.

I'm one of those rare people who count candy corn as one of their favorite sweets - even when it's not Halloween. Which is why these Glass Candy Corn Earrings have become one of my favorite new finds. In fact, I'm getting hungry just looking at them!



French fries are a calorie-laden addiction that I try to avoid at all costs; but I simply cannot avoid this cuter than cute french fry coin purse. The felt structure gives it a DIY feel, but the authentic design instantly puts thoughts of hot, greasy, salted fries in my mind. Love it, want it, gotta have it.




The colored sprinkles. The light as air pink frosting. The double layers. This slice of cake pouch would do Marie Antoinette herself proud. In fact, I can already hear my loose change jingling away in this sweet accessory!

Other people have pencil holders full of rubber bands, paperclips, and other office supplies sitting on their desks at work. Me? I have a pink metal pail full of miniature Tootsie Pops on hand for those moments when I need a sugar rush. But I certainly wouldn't need those Tootsie Pops if I had these Lollipop Earrings in my presence. The rainbow colored swirls and tiny white beaded sticks would provide me with enough of a sugar rush to last a lifetime!

Let's get this straight, I am not a taco eater. I'm much more comfortable chowing down on a bowl of cold cereal, or noshing on fruit. But this taco belle cosmetics pouch has made me a taco lover for life. I can honestly say that my Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Mango Madness would be comfortable callng this pouch home. Now if only the little face came adorned with eyelashes.


As a coffee-addicted, cafe loving girl, I can fully appreciate the frothy goodness that this Mini Latte Coffee Cup Ring possesses. Just looking at it has put me in the mood for a caffeine jolt. Stat!

So...which yummy accessory is your favorite?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Fred Flare, Shana Logic, and Etsy for the pictures.