Hollywood's Hottest Good Luck Charm: Otrera Scarves

Scarves are a fashion accessory that crosses all seasons, especially when they are made of silk. When in doubt, I throw on a scarf and voila, instant chic! Hollywood fashionistas are known for finding the most fabulous, up-and-coming accessories, and that is why we always look to them when trying to discover the latest trends. Lately, starlets can not get enough of their Otrera scarves, designed by Elle Sakellis.

Otrera by Elle Sakellis is rooted deeply in Greek tradition, and Elle looked to her Greek heritage for inspiration . She named her fabulous accessory brand after the mysterious Greek warrior goddess known for her astounding beauty and strength. Her evil eye scarf was created after admiring a display of Evil Eyes ahnging in a small Mykonian tourist shop. Recently, Elle has also come out with a line of hamsa print scarves, which is also a symbol that has been thought to protet people from jealous glares and enemies since the ancient times.

A-listers such as Alicia Keys, Rachel Ray, Paris Hilton, and Maggie Gyllenhaal are all huge fans of this growing trend, and have been seen sporting their good luck charms all over. Just think, all of these big-earners have each experience an enormous amount of success in 2009...could it be Otrera's luck? Hmmm...

Not only are Elle's scarves chic looking, they area also extremely luxurious to the touch. Each piece has hand-sewn glass evil eye charms at the ends, providing protection from evil all day long. Made of 100% silk chiffon, these wraps make a high-class statement, but at a less-than high-end price. At only $198.00, you too can have your very own Otrera original. I for one can't wait to get my hands on one of each design...I just have to decide on which color (turquoise is so classic Greek!).

Wear your Otrera scarf and you too will be surrounded by good karma and positive energy in 2010! And, oh yah, Elle designs exquisite jewelry as well...that's for another post...check out her site and spread the good luck this year!

http://www.otrera.com/

Follow on Twitter: @OtreraByElle

Lacquer Up Your Laptop

I don't know about you all, but I am practically attached to my laptop. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't open my baby Dell up for at least a few moments, even on vacay. Our laptops are not only the mother ships to our whole lives, personal and professional, but they are also accessories that can tell a lot about who we are. Less tech-savvy individuals usually carry around dinosaur looking machines, artsy folks tend towards trendy and modern Macs, and many average Joe's opt for a basic Dell or HP portable comp. So, if our computers are accessories, why not treat them with the same careful selection as we do our other accessories; ties, shades, handbags, footwear? I must admit, I notice how others accessorize and tend to mildly judge their personality based on how they do so. I chose a purple skin for my Dell laptop, which doesn't make a huge statement, but it shows a little bit of my girlie personality.

Now, Dell has announced that they will be coming out with a whole new line of laptop skins that are much more eye-catching than a simple color coated cover. The computer co. has partnered up with one of my favorite nail polish brands, O.P.I., and have fused technology and fashion, producing a line of fab laptop skins modeled after 26 of their best-selling polishes. Shades include: 'I'm Not Really a Waitress', 'Strawberry Margarita', and 'Kyoto Pearl'. The collection will be available as part of the Dell Design Studio and can be used on all Inspirations Mini, Inspiration, and Studio (that's mine!) laptop models.

These brightly polished skins will be sold in stores sometime later this year internationally, and are currently only available to US customers. I am heading to the Dell site as soon as I publish this post...wonder what shade reps me best...'Rosy Future'...?? Type on, in style hopefully!

Link to the Dell Design Studio, O.P.I.: http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/design_studio/en/us/design_studio

Fierce High Heeled Fabulosity

Who's definitely NOT a hot, tranny mess? Cristian Siriano! He is definition of fabulosity, and I can not get enough of him!! He has been all over the radar since his project runway win, when he became the youngest winner ever. His famous phrases have been coined, reused, and reused again by everyone, everywhere. Cristian has truly become a part of our pop culture, and he is here to stay for a while for sure!! My best friend informed me, thankfully, that he would be appearing on Oprah Winfrey today, and I stopped everything to plop myself in front of the tube and soak it all in. He is just adorable, to-die-for, I want to be his best friend (but would be scared he'd judge my style harshly, because he'll definitely tell you like it is!!). The personality we all love and know was shining through every minute of the interview/appearance as he energetically spoke with Oprah, and put on quite a fun show. He also showed off a selection of his Spring 2010 collection, soooo fierce!!!

And the shoes..uhh..my favorite part of every look!! (His shoes are amazing-he has a line out for Payless, with handbags as well, that I've been meaning to get out and purchase...1 in every style..). Extremely beautiful and original, the main attracting feature of his shoe is the conversely curved heel and over-exaggerated platform. I immediately thought of Nicholas Kirkwood's highly-photographed Fall 2009 shoe signature collection (j'adore). I'm a sucker for sequins, so I naturally loved the marble-print heels with the sequined ankle straps and the faint cut-outs in the material. Sequins also adorn the edge of the peep-toe, offering a perfect balance to the look. 2nd on my list of favs: the fantastic blue, dye-printed satin ankle-bootie peep-toe heel with an elastic cinch at the ankle. Love love love, want! I wish I had the $$$ to be able to strut my fierce self around in this dazzling footwear...Thank the lord for trending celeb lines for less..I'll be heading to payless first chance I get!!

Christian Siriano graced us with his presence and personality to boot on Project Runway years ago, he's given us fashion-forward designs season-after-season, and there is no doubt that he will continue to wow his adoring fan followers with CS originals for many years to come. I can't wait to head of to Borders to pick up a copy of his new book, Fierce Style-and you better also!! Christian=fabulosity, and j'adodre j'adore!!

Visit his website to view his fab collections and shop online: http://www.christianvsiriano.com/

and visit: http://www.payless.com/ and Payless Stores to shop the Christian Siriano for Payless line.

Instant Gratification

midnight crystal ring $45.00

http://www.jcrew.com/

solid anklets 3-pack $24.50 (on trend with the neon!)

http://www.jcrew.com/

jewled feather headband $39.50
http://www.jcrew.com/


(Yay! Here, I found a version of the Rochas flower belt for less!!)
Bouquet sash belt $35.00
http://www.jcrew.com/




Duchess ston bracelet $75.00
http://www.jcrew.com/


Polyantha hair pin $15.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/

Pickstiched Change Purses $18.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/







Sweetest Hive Earings &28.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/









Pond Lily scarf $68.00
http://www.anthropologie.com/









Ranuncula Necklace $42.00

http://www.anthropologie.com/



As a self-confessed shop-a-holic, j'adore instant gratification a lot. I mean, isn't that what shopping is? You feel down, you "have nothing to wear", so you go shopping, find the perfect item(s) to cheer you up, and..ta-da! Instantly gratified. These days though, achieving instant gratification has become more and more difficult...recession blues. So lately I've been very good about not listening to the little Rebecca Bloomwood (from Confessions of a Shop-a-holic) inside my head. I've...drum roll please....been saving my money. And just like a woman on a strict diet is allowed a square of dark chocolate from time-to-time..so am I. So on my "cheat days", I head to either Anthropologie or my trusty J.Crew so get a small bite of gratification. Both shops have the ultimate selection of little goodies that won't ruin your shopping diet, but will be equally as satisfying as a major splurge. So head to your nearest store, or shop online (I live on their sites!) at http://www.jcew.com/ and http://www.anthropologie.com/ . Oh, and sign up for their mail catalogs, they will give you the best outfit ideas!