Candyland, on your nails...yummy!

I have always proclaimed my undying devotion to Essie nail colors. OPI comes in a close second, but Essie takes the cake in my book! And for this winter, Essie's colors look like they should be toppings on the cake. Their new winter limited edition collection features three candy-coated colors that are so yummy looking, I could just eat them up! My personal fav, which I just had manicured on my nails today, Mint Candy Apple- a pastel green hue that resembles a mint chocolate candy bar. The woman in the salon chair next to me literally turned to me and said my nails were making her hungry, and reminded her of Christmas! How perfect is that?! A nail color that can conjure up that joyful feeling everyone gets around the holiday season. I know the holidays are coming when Starbucks comes out with their red cups, my town main road is decorated with lights and wreaths, and now; when my nails are lacquered up in candy-colored polish! Other tasty polish tints include: lollipop, a delish candy-apple red, and rock candy, a scrumptious bubble-gum pink. So get yourself in the holiday spirit, and head to your nearest salon/and or Essie retailer, or order yourself a set online at: http://www.essieshop.com/ and have yourself a happy manicured holiday!!

Oh, and by the way, these candy green and pink colors are a look for less option to Chanel's Jade Collection for fall (shown below) that took the runways this past February...(which everyone is dying over, and is impossible to get!). Thank you, Essie to the rescue!

Loving: The Tuxedo Inspired Jacket!

Tux is synonymous for lux..and chic, and glam, and sophisticated, polished..I could go on. A tailored tuxedo always dazzles, and it doesn't only have to be a look for men! The classic blazer has gotten a sharp update this season, introducing: the tux-inspired blazer! These penguin suit jackets have been popping up all over runways and in store this year, and I can't express how much I approve of this trending look. A tux jacket can be the perfect add-on to pull together a sizzling evening look...especially for the holidays! Try it with a pair of sequin leggings, a chic tank, a hot pair of pumps and a piece of statement jewelery, and you have the perfect holiday outfit that will most-certainly make you stand out.

Some of the runway editions can be a tad pricey..like the wonderful piece from Ralph Lauren Blue Label, the Black Tuxedo Jacket, retailing at $780.00, or the 3.1 Phillip Lim version at $525. If you can afford the runway look, go for it, you'll cherish it forever! But, if you're like most who can't justify that purchase right now, fear not..I found a fabulous selection of tuxedo jackets on piperlime.gap.com and topshop.com (of course)! Some of my best picks include: the Grossgrain Collar Tux Jacket from TopShop $60, the Mirta Single Button Tuxedo Jacket $298 and Ella Moss's short-sleeved version- the Shareen Jacket $155 both from Piperlime.

So whatever your budget, head to your nearest computer, H&M store (Viktor & Rolf makes a version for $99.99), and get yourself a tuxedo jacket. The slightly longer cut and tailored fit makes a flattering silhouette for every body-type, allowing you to step out in your menswear with feminine confidence and classic style! Simply, j'adore.

I am not all over the Overall Trend...

In a recent article from Style.com, the jumpsuit was told to "watch out", predicting that overalls will be a trend to watch out for this coming Spring. My belief is that the overall is that one that needs to watch its back, because I will try to single-handedly kill this trend for good. Overalls only belong on cute little kiddies, stuffed animals, farmers, and perhaps women who are expecting. But on the runway??? You've got to be kidding me! I was shocked to see these all-in-one jean jumper trounce down the catwalk at Ralph Lauren this fall. Mr. Lauren not only gave us the overall for day, but also offered a glammed-up version for night. All I have to say is that if I have to see overalls walking the streets both day and night...I may go nuts enough to even end up trying a pair myself. I have to admit, I have been this put-off by a trend before (the colored tight...which I looveee now; the UGG boot..which isn't so fashionable, but I live in them now during the cold seasons; and who can forget the boyfriend blazer...a wardrobe classic that I couldn't justify on myself until this year..). Obviously, my fashion sense may not be as forward-thinking as some of these design geniuses. So, feel free to call me out when you see me in a few months actually wearing a pair of overalls...I'll have to give it to you, since I've been wrong wrong wrong before! I mean, Jean Paul Gaultier himself has given a nod to this trend, telling style.com that he's, "always loved overalls because they're a uniform...And being true to myself, I love making something different out of them...". But maybe that's just why I can't justify them, they are a uniform...a railroad worker's uniform. I don't know, we'll just have to see if I can warm up to them by spring, will you be able to?!

Dear Santa, I want: 1. A giant cupcake on wheels

The 2009 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, 83rd in the company’s history, continues their long tradition of awe-inspiring luxury gifts. Each year Neiman Marcus comes out with their Christmas Book, which showcases some of the most over-the-top, extravagant gifts that money can buy. This year, despite the tough times, Neiman has put together another drool-worthy collection of to-die-for, only-in-your-dreams goodies.

On my wish list?: The adorable and delicious looking Customized Cupcake car! Yumm, i just want to eat it! Launched at Burning Man as a cooperative art project, the Cupcake Car reaches a top speed of 7 mph with its 24-volt electric motor. Super Sweet! I literally can picture myself jetting (okay..maybe strolling) around in this over sized dessert, like something straight out of a Strawberry Shortcake movie. However, this scenario only exists in my fictional, sugar plum fairy-filled dreams...The cost?..not so sweet. Price: $25,000

Looks like I'll be settling for my trusty American SUV to get me from A to B, and I'll continue to get my sugar fix at Billy's Bakery (best red velvet cupcakes evverr!!). But, still, j'adore this tasty little treat, a lot!

Take a glance through the rest of the 2009 NM Christmas Book!:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33239019/ns/today-today_fashion_and_beauty/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=1

NM 2008 Christmas Book:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27102526/ns/today-picture_stories/displaymode/1107/s/2/

NM 2007 Christmas Book:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21342113/displaymode/1107/s/2/framenumber/1/

Wear Vivienne Westwood...on your walls?

If you aren't familiar with fashion designer Vivienne Westwood's work...well shame on you, where have you been?! I understand it is nearly impossible to keep up with all of the amazing designers in this world...so maybe you'll recognize her more easily if I tell you this: One of her designs made an appearance in the smash hit "Sex and the City"...it debuted at a Vogue photo shoot...but let's just say it never made it down the ailse...Got it yet? If not, well I'll letcha know anyways :) Vivienne designed the wedding dress that SJP wore as Carrie Bradshaw, to her first attempt at wedding Mr. Big at the NYC Library. Absolutely stunning! My favorite part about the gown was the magnificent draping technique. I die!

And now you will die too, when I tell you that Dame Westwood and her designer beau, Andreas Kronthaler, have teamed up to create a line of hand-printed wallpaper for British wallpaper manufacturers Cole & Son, which launched September 27. The Cole & Son Vivienne Westwood Collection will include 12 different patterns, priced at about $55 per roll; making it an affordable accent to any living space that will be sure to make a statement.



Looking through the online slide show of the patterns, it was hard to chose a favorite, but one really jumped out at me; and that was the textured tartan patterned, exquisitely draped paper that looks more like a blanket than wall-decor (shown above). The drapery technique used is synonymous with Vivienne Westwoodʼs designs and is quintessentially British-copied from the skirt of a famous tartan wedding dress from the Autumn-Winter 93/94 Anglomania collection worn by Kate Moss

Vivienne Westwood is best known for her distinct and unmatched take on traditional British style and design. As a symbol of British avant-garde, her English Punk style began to gain attention when the famous punk band, The Sex Pistols, started sporting her designs. Her unique looks include elements such as safety pins, spiked dog collars, traditional Scottish tartan fabric, and her use of historical 17th and 18th century cloth cutting principles. All of these signature elements have been incorporated into the Cole & Son collection. "It is good when my ideas get carried over into other artistic media," Westwood said.

Featured will be a range of prints chosen from her previous runway collections. Squiggle is inspired from her iconic A/W 1981 Pirates collection, Vivienne’s Lace is a design based on her signature cut-out-lace S/S 2007 collection, and Shirting Stripe is meant to look like city gentleman's shirt. Other patterns include: Paper-jewelry, inspired by beautiful royal jewels; A Magnolia flower print, which she has used in her collections; an Elizabethan style insect design; and a Dogtooth, traditional British pattern.

Dame Westwood described the style of her collection as a "Bit of a clash", which most people would think of as a fashion-Don't. However, I believe that clashing can be smashing when it is expertly executed. There is no question that Vivienne has the raw talent required to pull off the such a daring looks, and she proved that in this Cole & Son collection.

I simply can not wait to literally drape my walls in Vivienne Westwood designs. If home is where the heart it, and I heart Vivienne Westwood...then this is just a match made in heaven! j'adore xo

Take a look at the entire collection at Cole & Son's official website!:

http://www.cole-and-son.com/collection_detail.asp?CollectionID=116

Fall Fashion Bible

Every February, designers send their collections for the following year's Autumn/Winter season down the runway. Editors, stylists, writers, bloggers, celebs and other style-savvy individuals scramble to stay on-top of all the eye-candy that is being thrown out every hour, for weeks, in multiple cities. It's overwhelming! What's a fashionista to do? How can we possibly have enough time in our lives to scan, evaluate, and assess the fall ready-to-wear duds, to decide which looks we will be striving to purchase or recreate in 6 months?!! Harper's Bazaar to the rescue! Long sigh of relief. ---

Now every style-junkie can put their little fashion-filled heads to rest until fall arrives, thanks to the Harper's Bazaar Runway Report special issue. Inside those glossy pages lie a perfectly concise and informative review of each designer Fall 2009 RTW collection, divided by city. So, for those of you who don't have the time during fashion week to take your own notes, HB has done it all for you; and more. Also included in the issue is a large section devoted to must-read editorials that break-down the beauty and fashion trends for the season, offering advice on what items you need to have now and how to style them fabulously.

Although I did manage to closely track and drool over, almost every piece that went down the catwalk this past winter, reading this magazine has brought the clothes to life in a new way that I would have never seen on my own. The editors at Harper's really know what they're talking about. So while I know Vogue's September Issue has been crowned the Queen of Fall Fashion reports, I think that this HB Runway Report is definitely her twin sister. Pick one up at your local magazine stand (and grab extras for your friends!). And even if you don't find it as helpful as I do, it's vibrant cover will still look great on your coffee table or nightstand!

One really cute sailor salute for Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton goes nautical for this next season. No, I do not mean that Marc Jacobs has designed a fabulous, and very popular, nautical-themed line for the upcoming LV resort collection (which would be equally exciting to moi, an east coast, anchor loving, Delta Gamma sailor chic). What I am saying is that Louis Vuitton is planning on joining with the World Sailing Team Association to pull together a international series of regattas, called the "The Louis Vuitton Series", of course. This regatta is intended to be a rival to the world's most famous yachting prize, The America's Cup. Over the course of 15 days, a total of 10 teams will set sail, and already confirmed locations: Nice, France; Hong Kong; Auckland and Newport, R.I (go New England!).

Now, there's a little dramatic history surrounding this event...isn't there always? The French luxury powerhouse used to be the major sponsor of The America's Cup, but that all came to a halt when LV terminated its 25 years of sponsorship during the Summer of 2007. The company cited their discontent for the new, more "mass-marketed" direction the competition seemed to be taking after it was taken over by Swiss holder Alinghi. And who can blame them? In my eyes, sailing embodies elegance and luxury, something that everyone in fashion knows absolutely can not be marketed to the masses..sorry :)

That might sound like some east coast snobbery (not like i'd know..); but let's be honest- I, Louis Vuitton, the rest of the sailing world, and all you Dee Gee's out there know that one of the most important mantras to stick to is- allwaayss keep it classy! And I plan to keep it classy with Louis Vuitton, as I will certainly make sure I navigate my way up to Newport, RI for this historical event. And rest assured-I will be head to toe in nautical duds-most probably provided solely by J.Crew I'm sure.

However, I must say- am bananas for LV Resort 2010 (see Out Of Control images below). Nautically naughty bustier dresses will most certainly have jaws dropping at the yacht-club. Season-proper safari jackets and wide-leg, light-weight trousers are absolute staples for resort. And my favorite part of dressing for resort? Adding accessories! The classic LV logo bag gets a sailor's touch. Bright red, yellow and blue bangles and belts add a fun, ready-for-play accent to a pre-spring wardrobe. My personal favs are the sky-high cork wedges and gold-sequined slouch boots and booties. All I have to say is...hot damn! j'adore.. Anchors Away!

Old, tired feet? Just Chuck em' out

Platforms, stilettos, boots, booties, sandals, flats, clogs, peep-toe heels, wedges.....wait..what was I talking out?..Oh ya, sneakers! (sorry, got a little caught up there). Sneakers are not usually high on a stylish girl's list of favorite footwear. But why not? They're comfortable, practical, and usually less expensive. Sure, most fashionable ladies have a great-looking pair of rubber soles, and I don't mean Hunter boots, to sport around and look cute while working our booties off. But I would never wear my Nike shox two feet outside the gym, like most men find acceptable (here a tip guys: it's not really). So what's a girl to do when she doesn't want to sacrifice style for comfort? Chuck on a pair of Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars

These shoes have been around forever, and have circulated the trendy crowd a few times over the years since they've hit the shelves. But actually, the all-star converse shoes were not particularly popular until American basketball player Chuck Taylor adopted them as his preferred shoe in 1923, and the label was soon changed to "Chuck Taylor All-Stars". I once had a pair of my very own in the 90's, during the whole grunge/punk-rock, Nirvana Kurt Cobain era...(remember when you'd color all over the side soles and tie them up with wacky colored shoe laces? We thought we were so cool..). But I soon traded them in for Uggs, flats, and heels upon entering high school, and the rest was history.

Trendy and influential, rock-oriented young hipsters have remained loyal to their chucks since the late 70's/early 80's punk and new wave eras. But most people not belonging to that group, like myself, have only come to appreciate the cool kicks recently. I first noticed that they may actually be alright again this summer when I spotted a stylish street walker in New York City wearing them, paired with a cute floral dress, black leggings, and an amazing leather saddle bag. She looked so pulled together and..girly..in Chucks?! I was sold, and went the next weekend to my nearest retailer to pick up a pair of my own. (this is the power of style watching on the streets of a big city-that's where all the great trends begin!).

The best thing about these sneaks are their versatility. Pair your chucks with skinny jeans, leggings, or shorts. Use them to make a dress more casual (Kristen Stuart wore them this way to the 2009 MTV Movie Awards!). There are also all sorts of newly updated designs, colors, and styles of the Chuck Taylor All-Star; which I recognize as stylish, but wouldn't ever sport. But if a more eccentric shoe does appeal to you, then Converse has something for you too! I, personally, am a new and lifelong devotee to my low-top, black Chuck Taylors. Completely j'adore and live in them, and I have a feeling you will too.


Visit this link and find which show appeals the most to your distinctive style!
http://www.converse.com/#/products/shoes/chucktaylor

Down on the Farm, in Chanel

And on that farm he had a...fashion show? Oh yes ya'll! Karl Lagerfeld went a little bit country for this Spring's presentation, setting his show in a grand, rustic barn in the middle of the Grand Palais. It was tribute to the farm-life, but don't be mistaken, his clothes were anything but simple and small-town. The Chanel classic tweed skirt suit, of course, made an appearance. Popular colors of the seasons, such as beige, ivory, and black kept it elegant. Red and blue flower patterned garments were so southern-belle sweet. Pretty, lady-like lace and sheer were combined with rough textures. A few models walked, not a horse, but a yummy looking male model around the barn dressed in something more hip; cool denim with a the staple white blouse and a great jacket. Also found clomping around in the hay; clogs! Some laced up like ballerina shoes, some embellished with flowers- I will definitely be picking up a pair of those for spring! A few gorgeous red-carpet options will undoubtedly be swept up by stylists like Rachel Zoe, and worn by some of our favorite celeb fashionistas. Don't have a red carpet event coming up? No prob-Chanel's cute and sexy little cocktail dresses will wow at any evening affair. And who came on down to the farm for a little ho down? None other than Lilly Allen, singing a country number to close out the show. Both the presentation and the clothes for this spring season left me Coco for Chanel.

FALL into the Gap

I hate jean shopping for two reasons: 1) no girl enjoys trying on a million pairs of pants when 99% of them inevitably won't fit correctly.. and 2) any pair I find that do happen to fit well and look great have a price tag that would set me back for a month's worth of food purchases. Now, I will be the first to say that a great pair of flattering jeans is a worthy investment because the use outlives the cost, and denim is a classic wardrobe staple. But, I don't believe it is necessary to break the bank to get a great fit and look. Well...okay, I did...until now! Thank you Gap for coming out with a new line of Premium denim called the 1969 collection. Gap used to be known for their denim years ago, but somehow got lost in a sea of khakis and basics for a while. However, that gap has now been closed. 1969 jeans come in a variety of styles, washes and cuts to fit whatever your need might be. Jeans are available in skinny leg, 2 types of boot leg, a straight leg, a curvy cut, a long and lean cut, and of course- a boyfriend jean.

For me, I needed a few pairs, so i was in luck when I found out that the price range starts at $59.50 and goes only to $69.50. So, in typical "i got a deal" woman mentality..I bought three pairs. But, I got my money's worth, given that those three pairs of pants totaled the equivalent to only one pair of designer jeans...and i didn't have to sacrifice style. I usually end up regretting buying lower-priced jeans, but not this time- these jeans actually made me regret ever paying more than $70. Who would've ever thought?! It's safe to say- j'adore Gap 1969 denim, and you should too.

oh, and ps- Ashlee Simpson wears 1969

Fall Lacquered Up

Can't afford a new Fall Wardrobe? Don't fret- i totally understand and can relate personally. Recessions and fashionistas do not get along well. But I have found the perfect pick-me-up that is just as satisfying and en vogue as a new season purchase, but avoids that major buyer's remorse. Instead of wearing Fall's hottest styles on your body, try wearing them on your nails! The solution: Essie's Fall Collection of nail polishes that take the colors of this Fall season off the runways and onto your beautifully manicured nails. Neon colors in Bright Tights and Pink Parka are undoubtedly inspired by Michael Kor's Fall 2009 RTW collection.

And even if you can't bring yourself to fork over the cash for that professional salon manicure you know you shouldn't get, good news!- Essie is available for purchase at http://www.essieshop.com/ or at a retail carrier near you (most salons that carry Essie also have it for sale). - So you can get your perfect manicure right at home, charge-free! Love it? Me too! j'adore

City of love

There is no doubt that Paris deserves it's title as the city of love for all romantics and lovers alike. But it also, for me, is the the major city of love-for fashion. Given that it's Paris Fashion Week right now, like many other girls and fashionistas, I am in big time love. Since before I've started my blog, there has been a lot going on and down the runways in Paris. I simply can not neglect the genius of these designers, i must dish on at least a few of my favorite collections from the past week. So here they are, my fav's of the Spring 2010 RTW:


Wednesday, 9/30 - Rochas - Marco Zanini wowed with his second collection for Rochas that completely embodied the style of a French woman outside the city. I so loved the spiced color scheme of paprika, saffron, lemon, and mint..wish a dash of aubergine and turquoise mixed in. His floral patterned pants, jackets and dresses are perfect and essential for spring dressing. And my favorite part of the collection? Again, appealing to the j.crew girl inside of me, I lust after the pretty little flowered belt that tied together almost every look in the collection. I'll have to find that look for less and share with you guys soon (I'm betting it will be at crew though)!

Thursday, 10/1 - Balenciaga - Nicolas Ghesquière went completely urban for this spring, portrayed a variety of looks that I know will turn into big trends showing up in retail stores all over this coming spring season. Some of these looks include: Sporty chic, Rock&Roll glam, Urban cool, sheer pieces, draping, fun graphics and brights. While urban chic is not quite my style, the brightly colored graphic dress pictured above is right up my alley (no pun intended).

Friday, 10/2 - Lanvin - I'd die to know what goes on in Alber Elbaz's head, because season after season he delivers not only the all familiar ruffled black pieces, but steps it up with something even more amazing than the last. This type of progression is exactly what went down on the runway, where each look outdid the last, leaving the audience dying to see the next model step out from the wings backstage. Color was introduced in shades of pink, red, nudes and neutrals that I love. His technique was OOC (zoe-ism for out of control), with beautiful draping, folding, wrapping and gathering. And the quilted coats, uh, j'adore!

Saturday, 10/3 - Viktor & Rolf - Okay, so it is no secret to you now that I love ruffles. Like, j'adore them mucho. Considering V&R had ruffles on almost every single look, either on the garment or an accessory, I die. The technique for shaping the tulle; straight up just cutting away at ball gowns. One gown's skirt literally looks like a shrub that was cut into with a chainsaw and a pair of sheers- so cool. Also, I liked the muted greys and blacks used as bases to pile on ruffles of peach, turquoise and lavender. Horsting and Snoeren's collection was a little over-the-top theatre, but I'd enjoy watching it again and again!

Sunday, 10/4 - Dries Van Noten - Prints were the main focus of DVN's Spring collection this year, and they certainly got my attention. His looks all borrowed from other ethnic styles all around the world. Beautifully eclectic pieces like Kimono inspired dresses, skirts resembling saris, Chinese embroidered pants, and African tribal prints send us on a grand-excursion around the world- all in a few minutes. Bon Voyage!