Why Don't You...?

♥… cast thoughts of bad hair days to the wayside, and allow your luscious locks to fly freely in the cool breeze? Take heed of Kahlil Gibran’s words, dolls; “Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.”

♥…slip into the Shoshanna Daisy Garden Bikini you’ve been harboring in your dresser drawer and run through the sprinklers in your front yard?

♥…be Barbie? Darlings, Barbie is a gorgeous individual who can be anything she desires; therefore, emulate her. Allocate the use of dramatic fake lashes; slick on Lime Crime’s Countess Fluorescent Opaque Lipstick for that perfect pink pout; and wing your liner in a way that would make the Blonde Bombshell herself proud! Don’t forget the black pumps; I believe Louboutins are in order.

♥…find a sunny spot in your bedroom, kick off your Pelle Moda Yaritza Platform Wedge Sandals, and take a catnap in the middle of the afternoon?

♥…put on your Elizabeth and James Juliet Dress, take the hand of a cute boy, and spend the day at the fair? Fluffy pink cotton candy for dinner and multiple rides on the carousel are, of course, a necessity!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.

Tightwad Tuesday: Kate Spade Sara Bay Piper Shorts for a Steal

Please don’t take this the wrong way, dolls; it is not as if I have some sort of resentment towards denim – quite the opposite in fact. I am one of denim’s biggest advocates; falling in love with it in a multitude of formations – from rompers to minis, and everything in-between. Nevertheless, there are times in a girl’s life when denim just doesn’t cut it for a given occasion. Moments when we long for a subtle splash of sophistication that is cool and comfortable, yet embodies a pinch of posh which gives us a gussied-up glow in the most unfussy of fashions; and there is just one way to achieve this, kitty cats…via tailored shorts!

Say it with me now, my loves…tailored shorts are to the trouser family what Diane von Furstenberg’s wrap dresses are to the world of frilly frocks – a universally flattering design which give the wearer the opportunity to show off her gorgeous gams; whilst maintaining her chic, hoity-toity demeanor. But not any pair will do. A girl wants a piece that can make the transition from the boardwalk to the boardroom with effortless ease; Kate Spade’s Sara Bay Piper Shorts are capable of just this.

Highlighting a unique aesthetic described as a paper bag cut; the Sara Bay Piper Shorts are constructed out of a mix of silk and cotton in a shade aptly titled quicksand, and display a pleated detail and tie waist to give the wearer the vintage, Mad Men-inspired silhouette we all know and love. Yet despite the polished personality evident in each and every minute embellishment; the Sara Bay Piper Shorts are just as sprightly as they are swank, only serving to make them more covetable.

But I digress; darlings, it seems as if the term covetable is a code word of sorts for being completely out of one’s league – budget-wise, that is. And the svelte Sara, unfortunately, is. At $195.00 a pair, the saucy flap side pockets and signature Kate Spade corozo buttons are not characteristics that will soon be entering my budget-conscious closet. Sara’s less expensive look-alikes, however, are already on their way!

While crafted out of linen as opposed to a silk and cotton blend, at $34.50, Victoria’s Secret’s Beach Linen Belted Shorts are just as blissful as the Kate Spade creation their architecture mirrors; and come in a trio of tantalizing shades that will make your summer sizzle. The question is which to get…sandcastle, spicy red, or chocolate. Perhaps a teeny tiny splurge on all three is in order!

Are you having a tightwad moment darlings, or are you plagued with a craving to splurge?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Kate Spade and Victoria’s Secret for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.

Play It Again, Sam

♥Wild Wolves - Athlete
♥The Only Living Boy in New York - Simon & Garfunkel
♥I Felt Stupid - The Drums
♥The Waves - Princeton
♥Sweet Disposition - Temper Trap
♥Animal - Miike Snow
♥I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You - Black Kids
♥Do the Panic - Phantom Planet
♥Impossible - Shout Out Louds
♥Animal - Neon Trees
What song has left you with the urge to say Play It Again, Sam this week, my loves?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.

Style Secrets: Debra Goldstein & Olivia Baniuszewicz

Dolls, it is no surprise that, when seeking the perfect BFF, we expect the contenders to embody two very important prerequisites – the willingness to provide us with boy advice in the wee hours of the night when we are on the verge of tearing our lustrous locks directly out of our heads, or simply plagued with the urge to scream at the top of our lungs or punch a pillow out of frustration; and the ability to help us choose entire ensembles that will flatter our forms, accentuate our amazing physical qualities, and keep us looking fabulous regardless of the situation at hand. It is these two very elements which serve as the backbone to blissful bonds in the gal pal department. And I have found two individuals who possess both traits, and then some, in the form of Debra Goldstein and Olivia Baniuszewicz. Regardless of whether you’ve actually met them or not, Debra and Olivia are a twosome who will forever be your BFF’s. As the authors of the revolutionary book Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart, a pretty in pink dating guide that is incredibly indispensable if I do say so myself; Debra and Olivia are full of boy advice that they have no problem proffering at the drop of a hat. But their knowledge does not end with boys, and boys alone. While the techie side of dating is now a large part of their lives; both Debra and Olivia have extensive knowledge of the fashion world. Debra is the founder of Fern Estelle, a styling and personal shopping service, and Olivia is the former account executive for various fashion houses. Together, they have already provided us with the tools we need to break hearts; but now they’ve been so kind as to share a few of their secrets as well – of the style variety, that is! What is your number one style secret and why? DG: My number one style secret is no secret at all: Less is more. (Revolutionary, I know.) We've heard it a million times before because it's a trick that really works. When picking out an outfit, I start by choosing the one piece I want to highlight the most. Whether it's my favorite Miu Miu pumps, a colorful beaded necklace, or a cute new top; I make sure that the rest of my outfit blends, so that that one piece sticks out. The great thing about dressing this way is that you can make your wardrobe last a lot longer! When I get tired of wearing the same tops and dresses over and over, instead of running to the store to buy more, I just create a new look around a cool necklace or bag. Wearing a classic pair of jeans and a white t-shirt always works and never goes out of style. Add some fun costume jewelry you forgot about, or that cute hat you never wear, and you've got two new outfits that didn't cost a thing! What is your number one style secret and why? OB: My style secret is to mix mix mix! Check out things in your closet that are polar opposites, and that you would never think could go together, and explore the unknown. You may be surprised of how insanely awesome this mixed look could be. I sometimes will stare at my closet and play dress up with opposite looks. I geek out when I get a great mix and unveil a brand new outfit – but with the same stuff from my closet. I suppose the way I dress is the way I think. I don't dress all one designer because I don't think all one-way. My style, like my thoughts, is multi-dimensional. For example, I'll mix designer with H+M; old vintage earrings with a new dress; shiny patent leather shoes with matte skirt; bohemian sweater with classic pencil skirt; solid black dress with pop color shoes; complicated tangled chain necklaces with simple white mini dresses. So next time you feel like you have nothing to wear and need to go spend money on a new look, try mixing it up in your closet first. Today I think I’ll make like Debra and keep it low-key with a sparkly bib necklace paired with a slouchy KAIN Label Pocket Tee. Tomorrow, however, I’ll be heeding Olivia’s advice and mixing it up with DKNY’s pure DKNY Pleat Front Pants topped with Sauce’s playful Bear Tee. How will you be working Debra and Olivia’s style secrets into your wardrobe, kitty cats? Fashionably yours! Thanks to Micah Jesse and Debra Goldstein for the pictures. Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.

Smitten Saturday

♥I Think I LOFT You I’ll be honest with all of you, my loves, it was not at all my intention to fall completely head over heels in love with LOFT. In fact, up until a few weeks ago, I had not so much as been exposed to their stunning styles; and was utterly oblivious to their wares. That is, until I stumbled upon the Looks We Love section of their site and found myself coveting almost everything displayed before my CoverGirl LineExact Liquid Liner rimmed eyes.

Unlike so many shops which cater to one of two spectrums – chic or trendy – LOFT manages to bridge the gap between the two, creating magnificent mix-and-match pieces which are sophisticated yet unstuffy, making them adaptable to any and all situations you may find yourself in. Thus the reason I am so…smitten. The Pintuck Shirtdress is ideal for a Saturday stroll through the farmer’s market; but come Monday morning, top it with the military-inspired Sailcloth Trench and cinch in the waist with a Braided Jeans Belt for an office-ready look. Wear the Cross Strap Wedge with the City Essential Pencil Skirt with Feminine Detail to meet your new boyfriend’s parents tonight; tomorrow afternoon, don them with the Painter Lean Boyfriend Jeans for brunch with the girls. Versatile, glamorous, and utterly irresistible. Honestly, what more could you ask for? Tell me dolls, have you fallen in love with LOFT?

♥Fictitious Fashion Darlings, I know quite well that I am not the only individual guilty of such an indiscretion; so please, if you have even one smidgen of compassion within your OPI Party in My Cabana-painted fingertips (and I know that you do!), do not allow me to go on believing that no one else is committing the very same crime on a daily basis! Don’t play coy, my loves; you know exactly what I’m talking about. All of us long to come across as well-read individuals who indulge only in the classics; but let’s face it, there are times when a healthy dose of chick lit is precisely what the doctor ordered. Nevertheless, admitting so is oftentimes a lackluster event. Yes, we know we should be reading The Hound of the Baskervilles; but what are we really doing? Devouring Michael Tonello’s Bringing Home the Birkin or Kristen Kemp’s Breakfast At Bloomingdale’s, of course. Honestly though, who needs to know? Apparently, no one; at least according to Book City Jackets.

Fashioned to resemble the paper bag book covers we created as children in elementary school; Book City Jackets offer book covers constructed out of recycled kraft paper with the titles of classics such as Moby Dick emblazoned across the cover. Or you can get creative and cover the scandalous stories we all know and love with kitschy art-adorned pieces from the Artists collection. The beauty of it, of course, is that no matter what one you choose, your book du jour stays hidden from prying eyes. What are you reading, kitty cats? Or, more appropriately, what are you really reading?

♥My Cup Runneth Over Given the fact that I have been obsessed with Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland since I was a tiny tot, and am, at the moment, completely unenthused about my current jewelry storage options, I have decided that the best way to store my baubles is by tossing them into teacups sitting atop little saucers. Not any teacup will do, mind you. It is important that they are not only pretty, but that they literally effuse femininity. After all, some of my most treasured accessories will be residing in such amenities, therefore they must be spectacular.

I can already imagine my long chain necklaces draped haphazardly over the rim of the Wild Roses Bone China Tea Set; a piece whose print is a virtual throwback to the days of society women gathered in clusters within a tea parlor – hoop skirts spread out around them. My rings will certainly find themselves at home within the confines of the Morning Meadows Cup and Saucer, which boasts a delicate butterfly print so perfect for the springtime. And the gold-trimmed Ribbon Teacup and Saucer is an unbeatable new abode for my scant assortment of bracelets. Would a teacup work wonders for your jewelry collection, darlings?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to So about what I said… and LOFT for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway for your chance to win a Sterling Silver Trinity Ring with Pink Swarovski Crystals from Jewels of Denial.

Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway

Dolls, given the fact that the season of berry picking, sunshine, and pockets full of posies is upon us; I see no better way to pay tribute to the time of year dedicated to puddle jumping (courtesy of spur-of-the-moment rain storms), fun in the sun, and glamorous garden parties than via the incorporation of a bedazzling bauble perched upon your perkily-manicured finger. And that is precisely what one (1) of you lovely lambs has the chance to take home!

By now I’m sure you’re all aware of where this is going, darlings; but since I’m incapable of keeping good news to myself, I’m going to share it with all of you…Café Fashionista has teamed up with Jewels of Denial to bring one (1) lucky reader a Rose Swarovski Crystal Rolling Ring. A rolling ring, also known as a trinity ring, consists of three individual rings that are locked together through interlinking the bands so that each ring can still rotate freely amongst the others. Due to their design, all three rings must be worn together at the same time. And you know me when it comes to sparkly pretties…the more the merrier!

To Enter the Ring Around the Rosie Giveaway:

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 8, 2010 at midnight PST.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 8, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 8, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, one of them could be yours!), and announce the winners on Friday, April 9, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S., Canadian, and Australian residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Jewels of Denial for the picture.

Romancing Republic

Darlings, while I can’t exactly proclaim that I am paid for such expertise (though, obviously, I wish I could!); I have quite the knack for entering any store imaginable – of the style variety, that is – and emerging having found at least one blissful blouse, sassy skirt, tantalizing tank, or seductive pair of stilettos. My one design dilemma, however, comes in the form of dresses.

It is not that I don’t love dresses, mind you; rather, it is dresses which appear to dislike me. The ones I adore swallow my petite frame whole, transforming styles that looked stunning on the sales rack into billowing, boxy aesthetics reminiscent of oversized nightgowns or house dresses; whereas the ones which are less than stellar always manage to fit me to a T – much to my chagrin, of course. Needless to say, I imagine I won’t have the same problem with the eye-catching creations I’ve found at Republic.

Pages and pages of fabulous frocks hover right before your very eyes; each one more glamorous than the last. Crafted Lace Dresses similar to a style that Blair Waldorf would gladly don during a family dinner full of piercing gazes and snarky commentary; Denim Dungaree Dresses quite like that seen upon the lanky form of Alexa Chung; polka-dotted pretties proffering retro detailing and simply screaming to be paired with lace up espadrilles; and, my personal favorite, flirty florals like the Miso Daisy Dress ideal for an afternoon stroll in the park, lace-trimmed parasol held high overhead.

Love is in the air, kitty cats!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Republic for the picture.

Dial Like It's Going Out of Style!

Darlings do you recall those “around the world” activities our beloved second grade teachers thought up to help us learn more about different cultures? The ones wherein we would pack a precious stuffed animal away into a cardboard box, and send it off to a classroom in some far-off country, where it would spend a month or two with a different group of grabby second graders, before being returned to us along with a petite journal describing all of the overseas adventures experienced by the creature in question.

I remember those projects as if they were completed just yesterday; thus the reason I immediately thought of such elementary undertakings the moment I received the e-mail from Shira at WOM World/Nokia asking me if I would be so kind as to welcome the Nokia N97 Mini into my tech-savvy existence for two weeks to try out the fabulous phone known for its ability to combine style, communication, and technology into one pocket-sized package.

Despite the fact that my handbag is already home to a beloved BlackBerry and perky pink 16GB iPod Nano, not to mention more tubes of lip gloss than any sane person could possibly need, the offer of having the opportunity to try out such a fantastic new product was truly too great to refuse – therefore, I didn’t; and I could not be more pleased with my decision!

While Mini is not nearly as mini as her title led me to believe, her multifaceted characteristics more than make up for her size – which is, mind you, in no way bulky or cumbersome.

Harboring the ability to work as a touchscreen device a la the iPhone, or via a QWERTY keypad featuring a tilted screen that reduces the “glare” problem often encountered by the typical cell phone accessory which features a screen that lies flat; Mini is truly a magical gadget with a home screen that caters to your most frequented themes – a personalization that makes navigation to your favorite widgets (i.e. Facebook and e-mail) an absolute cinch!

But I digress; as a loyal BlackBerry user (I’ve yet to try the iPhone myself), I do find that navigating the World Wide Web with my BB is a far simpler and more enjoyable experience than with the Mini. Nevertheless, it is an adorable little device; and the fact that it retains the ability to cater to either preference of the user – be it QWERTY or touchscreen – is quite an appealing factor that would unquestionably play into one’s final decision before purchase.

Here’s a bit of advice, lovers…dial like it’s going out of style!

Tell me kitty cats, what type of phone do you call your own? Better yet, what type of phone do you wish you could call your own?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Mail2Web, GSM Arena, and Tech2 for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.

Guest Post at Sogni e Sorrisi!

Kitty cats, summertime is almost upon us; therefore, it is no surprise that we are all itching to jetset off to some glamorous locale where we can unwind, and - cliched as it may sound - shop 'til we drop! So where would Cafe Fashionista like to find her plane headed this summer? Flit on over to Sogni e Sorrisi, and check out my Guest Post Getaways Guest Blog Series: Erika of Cafe Fashionista to find out what I'll be doing, where I'll be staying, and what I'll be wearing on my dream getaway!


Fashionably yours!

Why Don't You...?

♥…lock eyes with a handsome stranger? Who knows, by this time next week you could be having a clandestine tête-à-tête at a chichi café with the cutie in question.

♥…perch a pretty tiara atop your head and scoot off to the corner store? Do not allow yourself to become flustered should someone question what you are the ruler of; simply give them a coquettish wink and proclaim…“my destiny!” It is, after all, the truth!

♥…save retail therapy for tomorrow and instead go berry picking? Discreetly stuff your mouth full of as many as you’d like, allowing the juices to stream down your face and stain your fingertips!

♥…dig out your old Baby-Sitters Club books, burrow under piles of blankets, and read them cover to cover via the illumination provided by a flashlight?

♥…play detective and solve your own fashion-inspired mystery? Investigate the bevy of Balmain booties at a blissful Beverly Hills boutique; examine the Erin Wasson X RVCA Give Me Rapture Sweater you’ve had your eye on for ages; sift through the selection of sass & bide stunners at the exclusive shop down the street. You’re not obligated to buy; but doing so would be the ultimate victory, Miss Super Sleuth!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.

Tightwad Tuesday: Paige Premium Denim Vermont Vest for Less

Dolls, please do not even begin to tell me that we have learned all of nothing from the Spring 2010 runways! Even if only a handful of shows were viewed by your kohl-lined peepers, you are aware of the fact that the catwalk was a virtual goldmine of denim served up via everyone from preppy Ralph Lauren to saucy Dolce & Gabbana; making one fashionable factor extremely clear…a wardrobe void of denim fit to see you through the sprightly spring straight through to the end of your romance-filled sultry summer is an absolute no-no of the worst possible kind!

Don’t get me wrong, my loves; I am not instructing you to cast off your non-denim accoutrements, or go completely in the opposite direction and drastically drape yourself in head to toe denim. Take my word for it, neither is a very good idea. The truth of the matter is every girl deserves a divine piece of denim in her wardrobe to add a pinch of pizzazz to anything in her closet which falls flat, yet retains the ability to be downright fabulous if only given a chance – from a flowy floral frock to a standard white tank. And no form of denim seems to be as capable of accomplishing all of the above, and then some, better than a vest. Specifically, Paige Premium’s Denim Vermont Vest.

Darlings a vest, especially those crafted out of denim, is a universally flattering item which juxtaposes between rugged grunge and refined glamour depending upon how you style it. Not one ounce of these factors is lost upon Paige Premium’s pretty.

Embellished with an ever so slightly rebellious fraying about the sleeves, and constructed out of a blend of caicos-colored cotton and spandex, the Denim Vermont Vest possesses all of the qualities of true denim; yet harbors the resilience of well-loved leggings used for afternoons spent luxuriously lounging around your humble abode. If only the price tag were as lavish as the design in question.

Yes dolls, I know, the $189.00 required to make the Denim Vermont Vest your own would keep you in true stunning splendor for the remainder of the year; yet the triple digit asking price has the potential to leave your struggling bank account hanging on by a thread – a worry you need not have with the AE Denim Vest.

For $29.95, American Eagle’s Paige Premium look-alike gives you the chance to make your denim dreams a reality, at a price that leaves you with some extra cash so you can indulge in a little fun in the sun!

Tell me, kittens…will you be a big spender and go for Paige Premium, or be thrifty and spring for American Eagle?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Revolve Clothing and AE for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.

Play It Again, Sam

♥The Gift of a Black Heart - Said the Whale
♥Make Her Mine - Mayer Hawthorne feat. Intuition
♥Miss Meredith - Kiss Kiss Kiss
♥Rules Don’t Stop - We Are Scientists
♥I Don’t Mind - Slumber Party
♥Airplanes - Local Natives
♥Under the Sheets - Ellie Goulding
♥In the Sun - She & Him
♥Standing Where You Left Me - Erik Hassle
♥Positively 4th Street - Bob Dylan
What song has left you with the urge to say Play It Again, Sam this week, my loves?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.

Style Secrets: Rachel Leigh

A girl never forgets her first designer purchase; remember that, dolls. See that well-coiffed fashionista skipping along the sidewalk, Chanel 2.55 dangling from her dainty wrist; or the skinny jeans wearing hipster whose feet are stuffed into classic black pumps, proudly displaying the signature cherry red sole synonymous with Christian Louboutin? Ask either how they obtained their decadent designer wares, and, without question, a brilliant tale recanting how these pretties came to be in their possession will come tumbling out of their lusciously lacquered lips. As for me, the name Rachel Leigh will forever stand out in my mind, for my very first designer purchase came courtesy of Ms. Leigh via her Romantic Headband.

Darlings, you know I’m not the biggest advocate of impulse buys; but that is precisely how the Romantic Headband came to be in my possession. All it took was one glance upon the delicate, winter white lace constructed headpiece, and I was instantly overwhelmed with whimsical musings of settings wherein such an accessory would stop people in their tracks; which ran the gamut of charming tea parties complete with bow-adorned gloves a la Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland to chic soirees held on Park Avenue involving handsome suitors, and the wardrobe of Cecily von Ziegesar’s Blair Waldorf. And thus, the purchase was made.

So of course I was thrilled to have the chance to discuss style with the lovely Rachel; because just as one never forgets her first designer purchase, it is absolutely impossible to allow the style secrets of the person behind such a gorgeous creation to escape one’s memory!

What is your number one style secret and why?
RL: My style secret is entirely about having confidence (understanding your personal style is part of this) and looking polished.

Regardless of weight or body type, it's about understanding and embracing who you are, dressing to accentuate your assets and conceal your weaknesses and more than anything, carrying yourself with confidence.

Whether your look is feminine, girly, edgy, or tomboy, looking polished is integral to having great style.

I rely on leggings and pants with a skinny-fit to keep myself looking and feeling polished on a daily basis. How do you keep yourself looking polished, darlings? And tell me…what was your first designer purchase?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Rachel Leigh for the picture.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.

Smitten Saturday

♥The Girl in Pearls Dolls, a time comes in every girls life when she must ditch diamonds – if only for a single evening – and replace them with the more classic, yet understated preppiness of the diamond of the deep sea…pearls. As someone who flocks to sparkly baubles like a moth to a flame, however, I find this a difficult task. Therefore, if one is expected to become the girl in pearls for any period of time, the pearls in question must be drop dead gorgeous and worthy of taking the place of sparkly bits that shimmer and glimmer in any situation.

Kenneth Jay Lane’s Nestled Pearl Necklace is a wondrous representation of a piece of frippery that does pearls justice by making them stand-out in the form of long, glistening layers; putting a sophisticated yet youthful spin on a classic. There’s no question that Free People’s Pearl & Chain Nested Necklace will make an unspeakable statement when paired with a luscious LBD. And really…what better way to stop people in their tracks, mouths agape, than by proudly displaying Free People’s Pearl Encrusted Gold Cuff around your wrist. Ready to transform yourself into the girl in pearls, darling?

♥Café Fashionista in Wonderland My love of fairytales has made it nearly impossible for me to entirely grow-up. Part of me will forever be stuck as a child awaiting all sorts of magic to take place in my bedroom once night falls, the curtains are drawn, and I am supposed to be drifting off to dreamland. If it wasn’t Wendy from Barrie’s Peter Pan, it was Alice from Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Her curiosity always intrigued me; but even more, I was quite envious of her time spent at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Despite the fact that I primarily drink coffee, I am in complete and utter adoration with all things influenced by tea – from parties to cups and everything else imaginable. Therefore I see it completely necessary for me to spend a day in Alice’s shoes – sans the White Rabbit, sadly – at Alice’s Tea Cup.

So the Queen of Hearts won’t be around to try her hand at beheading me, and the Cheshire Cat won’t be there to grin at me mischievously or tell me riddles; but the whimsy experienced at the Park Avenue palace complete with petit fours, crumpets, and a spread of other mouth-watering desserts is bound to make me feel like Café Fashionista in Wonderland. Care to fall down the rabbit hole with me, kittens?

♥DIY Darling It pains me to admit such a thing, but no matter how many times I attempt to perfect my own version of a style spotted on the runway, it ends up turning out less than fabulous. Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, photographs…any and all bits put forth to assist me in creating sheer splendor fall flat in my disastrous DIY endeavors. It has led me to believe that I am simply not cut out for crafting. I suppose my talent lies in putting pen to paper; not scissors to fabric or similar undertakings. But it’s hard to accept such an inartistic fate. I long to don frippery that has formed via my very own fingers; thus, I am relying on P.S. – I Made This… to help me channel the DIY darling lurking underneath my naïveté facade.

The Preppy Patch Necklace with just a few snips and a dab or two of glue seems the ideal way to add a little Blair Waldorf with just the tiniest hint of Jack Sparrow to my jewelry drawer. The Art Deco Headband, a homemade tiara-like hair accessory sporting the same type of romance and innocence as a Rachel Leigh original may be the simplest project due to the sheer fact that it requires nothing more than a glue gun. And a fabulous Rachel Zoe-inspired Faux Fur Vest is bound to keep me warm and looking wonderful through the fall and winter months. Ready to get in touch with your own DIY darling, loves?

What were you smitten with this week?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr and Free People for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway for your chance to win a fabulous retro/vintage apron from Christa Taylor.

Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway

Here’s to hoping that I’m not the only one who received a few styling tips from the likes of Beaver Cleaver’s beloved mother June during adolescence. Before the term fashionista had even been thought up, Mrs. Cleaver was displaying characteristics of a fabulous fashion maven via her never-ending supply of kitchen aprons; all of which made the transition from unfussy cooking uniform to stunning hostess attire with complete ease. It is this effortlessness alone which just goes to show that real fashionistas wear aprons; and now one (1) of you has the chance to make one your very own.

Café Fashionista has teamed up with Portland, Oregon designer Christa Taylor to bring one (1) of you fantastic foodies the apron pictured at right – a kitchen accessory that will make you look fabulous even when you’re in the midst of cooking up a storm (or simply sneaking a few spoonfuls of cake batter before popping your prize-winning dessert into the oven!).

To Enter the Real Fashionistas Wear Aprons Giveaway:

♥Visit Christa Taylor and choose your favorite item.

♥For one (1) entry, leave a comment on this post between now and Thursday, April 1, 2010 at midnight PST stating which Christa Taylor item is your favorite.

♥For two (2) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating which Christa Taylor item is your favorite between now and Thursday, April 1, 2010 at midnight PST with your Twitter URL.

♥For three (3) entries, become a follower of Café Fashionista on Blogger/Google Reader/Google Friend Connect/Twitter, and leave a comment on this post stating which Christa Taylor item is your favorite between now and Thursday, April 1, 2010 at midnight PST (if you are already a Café Fashionista follower, please say so in your comment).

I will randomly pick one (1) name out of a hat (who knows, it could be yours!), and announce the winner on Friday, April 2, 2010.

Good luck everyone!

This Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Christa Taylor for the picture.

Thrifty Thursday: Miu Miu Cork and Leather Wedge Sandals for Less

Darlings, regardless of what you may or may not have been told over the years, wedge sandals are not merely a maybe or might when it comes to footwear and the fashionista; au contraire, kitty cats, they are of the utmost importance to one’s burgeoning collection of shoes. As essential to one’s year-round wardrobe as dripping ice cream cones, or funnel cake piled high with powdered sugar are to a day at the county fair.

But I digress; to put it in simpler terms, wedge sandals are the footwear equivalent to the diamonds adored so much by Marilyn Monroe…a girls’ best friend. They proffer the same sort of height found within your sophisticated stilettos; yet retain a splash of effortless, bohemian elegance that your pumps simply don’t possess. And no pair compares to the fabulous free spirited finesse showcased upon Miu Miu’s Cork and Leather Wedge Sandals.

Crafted out of a mix of supple brown leather and an earthy cork sole; Miu Miu’s Cork and Leather Wedge Sandals contribute a down-to-earth, folksy aesthetic to your look du jour which invokes thoughts of sing-alongs hosted shore side around the flickering glow of a fire, lead by a scruffy boy strumming languidly upon an acoustic guitar.

But no, it is not just the frame of mind, or hippie era that the Cork and Leather Wedge Sandals transport you to the moment you slip them on; the true piece de resistance of their grooviness, I’ll have you know, lies within their ability to lengthen your legs courtesy of their rich, yet natural tones – a characteristic destined to make any girl jump for joy!

Sadly no jumping – or leaping, skipping, and any other sort of behavior exhibited when excitement is in full bloom – will be taking place. For, while absolutely mesmerizing in their design, the $650.00 price tag which comes attached to these wicked wedges leaves much to be desired. Luckily Rosegold’s Women’s Casey Wedge serves up the same sort of style as their high-end counterparts for a fraction of the price.

While not the cheapest form of footwear on the block; for $168.00, you can have Miu Miu good looks at Rosegold’s ravishing prices!

Your turn loves…will you be thrifty or suckered into putting on your spendthrift cap?


Fashionably yours!


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


Don't forget to enter The Seasonable Fashionista Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano’s French Women for All Seasons.

Why Don't You...?

♥…fill up on frosting? Everyone knows that the frosting is the best part of any dessert; therefore, accidentally-on-purpose forget the cake mix at the supermarket, and instead buy containers of cream cheese, caramel, and milk chocolate frosting. What to do next? Dig in, of course!

♥…write your autobiography? Darlings, there is absolutely no question in my mind that you are destined to be superstars in the very near future; get started on your memoirs early!

♥…spend the day chasing butterflies? Slip off your towering Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Luella Zip Wedge Sandals, top your luxurious locks with a pretty sunhat, and run freely through an open field after your newfound fluttering friends!

♥…search for the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow? Do beware of leprechauns, kitty cats; they’re rumored to be quite vicious!

♥…flashback to another era – in terms of style, that is? Go sixties mod a la Twiggy via spider lashes, and mini dresses. Play the role of twenties flapper with feathered headbands and fringed frocks. Allocate the use of faux fur vests and empire waist dresses to channel your inner seventies haute hippie. Or simply be a maniac by styling yourself in eighties-inspired off-the-shoulder tops and legwarmers. Dolls there are times when modern style is completely overrated – this is one of them!


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Cindy Whitehead for the picture.


Don't forget to enter The Seasonable Fashionista Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano’s French Women for All Seasons.

Tightwad Tuesday: Herve Leger Josephine One-Shoulder Foil Dress for Less

Kitty cats what is it that they say regarding the painless removal of band-aids – one should rip it off quickly, as opposed to slowly tearing it away from the skin, correct? If only removing thoughts of the bandage dress from one’s mind was as simple a task. But alas, so is not the case; and for good reason!

Darlings, the bandage dress is not something that should easily slip from one’s thoughts, as it is a style that every girl should have hanging in her closet, regardless of how often it is deemed appropriate to be trotted out to tantalize the senses of random passersby as you wow the world with your wardrobe during a daring girls’ night out or enchanting excursion complete with cute boy, a dozen red roses, and a candlelit dinner for two. Throw in a shimmering metallic hue, and there’s no question that you’re on the road to refined elegance in the fabulous frock department – case in point, Herve Leger’s Josephine One-Shoulder Foil Dress.

Try as you might, my loves, I truly cannot imagine unearthing a design which embodies the same sort of bliss proffered by the majestic Josephine, as she goes where no bodycon beauty has ever gone before.

Josephine does not feel relegated to sticking to just one seductive characteristic; quite the opposite in fact. Instead, she is constructed with thoughts of making the wearer feel as beautiful as she looks by not only hugging each and every curve to create a slinky silhouette; but by fulfilling the ultimate in come-hither techniques by allowing one’s shoulder to play peek-a-boo via the coquettish, toga-inspired aesthetic – a trait which ensures that you look like the glittering goddess we all know you to be. If only Josephine’s price tag were a little less influenced by the goddesses of yesteryear.

At $1,690.00 – now on sale for $844.99 – it is quite unlikely that we will have the chance to call Josephine our new BFF; nevertheless, we still have the chance to make her sleek style our own courtesy of the Metallic One-Shoulder Banded Dress from Express.

Only $79.50, Express’ elegant Metallic One-Shoulder Banded Dress is every bit as stunning as its high-end counterpart; with the added bonus of being priced just right for the beautiful bargain hunter!

Is today the day for you to please the big spender within; or will you play it cool and be thrifty?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Saks Fifth Avenue and Express for the pictures.


Don't forget to enter The Seasonable Fashionista Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano’s French Women for All Seasons.

Guest Post at The Embellished Life!

Believe it or not, my loves, dating and shoe shopping go hand in hand with one another. Think I'm joking, darlings? Wrong; I would never lie to you! Find out how to score the boy, the fabulous footwear, and a second date with the cutie in question in Beauty and the Feet, my Guest Post over at The Embellished Life. After all, it's impossible to find the perfect boy until you've snagged yourself the absolute perfect pair of shoes!


Fashionably yours!

Play It Again, Sam

♥As You Are - jj (Red Mitchell)
♥Lover I Don’t Have to Love - Bright Eyes
♥Ice Cream - The Sound of Arrows
♥Dancing With Tears In My Eyes - Ke$ha
♥Teardrops - The Xx
♥This Too Shall Pass - OK Go
♥Here We Go Again - Pixie Lott
♥Confetti - 1,2,3
♥Lost Things - A Fine Frenzy
♥Electric Feel - MGMT
What song has left you with the urge to say Play It Again, Sam this week, my loves?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Tumblr for the picture.


Don't forget to enter The Seasonable Fashionista Giveaway for your chance to win a copy of Mireille Guiliano’s French Women for All Seasons.