Stella in Wonderland

So many designers this season looked to Tim Burton's take on Alice in Wonderland for inspiration, and so we saw an array of whimsical fairytale looks on the Spring 2010 runways (Chanel, Rodarte, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs...). Recently, Stella McCartney has announced that she too will be jumping down the rabbit hole, launching a her jewelry line of Wonderland inspired pieces. Expected are designs consisting of rabbits, Mad Hatter's hats, hearts, and spades. These charms are made from Plexiglass and Swarovski crystals, a very fun and playful take on costume jewelry. WWD revealed that the jewels will be available in black, sheer pink, and brown.

This theme seems very fitting for Stella, since she always has a sort of fanciful and playful look to her designs...and even her Fall 2009 ad campaign resembled something out of the Disney movie Bambi-like a fantasy world. This limited edition collection will come just in time for the hot new 3D movie release, in theatres this March, and will be sold in her boutiques next month. I can't wait to get a look at this magical collection...I'm just mad for Stella McCartney!

Take A Walk In The Desert

What does one wear to look stylist while trouncing around in the desert sands? Well, J.Crew, of course! My recent obsession has been the Suede MacAlister boots by J.Crew. These are not a new fashion, they've been around since my parents were teens...the 60's? Anyways, the day I brought them home, a few weeks ago, my dad laughed and said how he had worn those all the time when he was a kid (and, not to mention probably only paid $20 for them). It's funny how trends come full circle like that, but in such a new way, with such a new twist. This time, J.Crew has brought back these sand-stompers for a slightly higher price of $135...but I promise you, they're well worth it!

Paired with colorful ankle tight/socks and a dressier pencil skirt, black toothpick jeans, or even a day dress. This look is the essence of "borrowing from the boys", which is something the crew always does so very well...and these shoes are actually made for men, (so buy at least one size below your normal size (I'm a Women's 7 .5 or an 8 and I bought a Men's size 6, and they still have a little room).

Another cool take on the MacAlister desert boot style is their Sahara suede ankle boots, which are very Chloe, who I just love love love! They have a 3" heel, made of the softest suede, with lace-up detailing and a fold over top. They seem super comfortable, but are a tad pricey for $225. But, they are so chic and incredibly wearable (with a girlie, flowy dress for Spring..adorable!). I simply can't get enough of this trend, it's hot hot hot!

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

Be Naturally Thin In 2010: The Skinny Girl Dish

"I'm just naturally thin," is probably a phrase you've heard before...you know, those annoyingly thin girls who swear on their own mothers that they "eat whatever they want" and "don't exercise much at all". Most of the time when I hear someone say that they don't diet, I assume they're lying and are secretly running home and jogging 10 miles on the treadmill and surviving on nothing but fruit and water. However, what if I told you that this idea of being "naturally thin" really does exist? Furthermore, what if I said that achieving a thin body is actually attainable and practically painless? Well, let me introduce you to a fabulous woman who I am sure you are already more than familiar with: Bethenny Frankel, star of the hit Bravo series, The Real Housewives of New York.

Bethenny is a fast-talking, energetic, tiny and stylish natural food chef who has made a big name for herself in the past few years. Her wit, humor, and wisdom won the hearts of America when she was first runner-up on the NBC show, "The Apprentice: Martha Stuart", and later as a non-wife on the hit Bravo RHWNY series. A self-proclaimed "health foodie", Bethenny has become the spokeswoman for many health food brands, and has launched her own health food brand called Skinny Girl. Her Skinny Girl Margarita is a huge sensation with skinny-girls all over the world, containing only 100 calories and all the flavor of the real deal.

I first realized that being naturally thin was a realistic goal, when I blew through Bethenny's first book, Naturally Thin: Unleash Your Skinnygirl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting. I have always thrived to live a healthy lifestyle, but quietly sacrificed my desired and a lot of good flavor in order to achieve my smaller frame. After reading Naturally Thin, I threw out my old dieting and over-exercising ways, and traded it in for a new, more free lifestyle; one that focuses on keeping proportions down, eating in moderation, indulging responsibly, and living like the Europeans do, care-free, pretty much...And it worked! I am happier than ever, and have said cyyyaaa to dieting. It's a fabulous feeling!

So, I am so excited to dive into Bethenny's new book, The Skinny Girl Dish: Easy Recipes for Your Naturally Thin Life, so that I can be sure to keep my new healthy eating habits on track for 2010 (and keep with one of my NY resolutions...get in the kitchen more often!). The book includes helpful and insightful tips on how to end the anxiety you experience over what and how to eat when you have to cook, for yourself or for your family. No more standing in front of the fridge staring at odds and ends wondering how to make a meal, only to end up resorting to ordering a greasy pizza from the nearest place that delivers quickly. I'll be sure to keep you posted on what I think about the new read, but so that you don't have to wait to hear it from me, head to your local bookstore and pick up a copy yourself!!!

(check out Bethenny's website at: http://www.bethenny.com/ )

...and stay tuned for the new season of TRHWNY coming soon on BravoTV!

Like This Look: Lingerie

One of the first trends of the season that I have embraced fully for 2010, is the lingerie look. Boudoir dressing crossing over and onto the streets has become a huge hit on major runways and in retailers across the country. The look involves putting lingerie touches on an otherwise, more covered up outfit. For example, pairing a lacy bra under a sheer, tulle blouse, paired with a great pair of trousers and finished off with a chic boyfriend blazer. The idea of mixing the uber masculine with the ultra feminine works very well with this smashing trend. No one wants to see you in full-on bedroom attire, however, a little "peek-a-boo" of undergarment here and there is just the perfect touch to achieve a devilish but sophisticated look.

Louis Vuitton

I first fell for lingerie as everyday apparel after watching it strut down the catwalk during Louis Vuitton's Fall 2009 RTW show. Jacobs paired a sexy black lace bra with an over sized, brilliantly tailored black blazer, and a tiered mini with hot but sweet ribbon lace-up boots. It made me want to wear nothing but a bra under my blazer some day...when or if I ever get up the courage...

Rodarte for Target

I first purchased the look two weeks ago, the day that Rodarte launched it's line for Target. I literally sprang to the computer and ordered up almost every item in the collection. There are tons of lingerie inspired, lacy, girlie tulle and satin numbers to choose from. My favorite is the dress pictured below, which I snatched up in a spicy yellow. It is just so flirty and fun, and looks like a million bucks! Everyone was shocked when I told them it was from Target. Definitely Target's best collaboration yet (u must buy some, if there's anything left...).

Take a look at some of my other favorite lingerie looks of the season, they may inspire you to do some boudoir crossing of your own!

Givenchy

Richard Nicoll

Stella McCartney

2010: New Year, New Beginings

Happy New Year!!! I can't believe yet another year has flown by (cliche to say, i know...but this has been a milestone year for me...). This time last year I was packing up my room in Fairfield, CT, headed back to Oxford, Ohio to finish up my Senior Year at Miami University. Since then, I've graduated, spent a whole summer trying to find myself...but mostly goofing around; jet-setting to Chicago, vacationing in North Carolina, and savoring what will most likely be the last summer of true freedom in my beachy hometown. I've been fortunate enough to find two amazing part-time jobs; one involving writing, and one involving fashion (doesn't get much better!); which have been keeping me very satisfied, up-to-date, and busy! The Holiday season came and went, and I flew out to Chicago once again, to ring in the New Year with college friends, taking on the windy city in true fashion like always! Chi-town was a site to see, so full of youth, style, energy, and possibility...it was very hard to say fare-well. Nonetheless, I found comfort in the fact that I would be coming back to the East Coast, where I can take my fresh start to a New Year, and find my new path for 2010!

It has been only 4 months since I've started the blog, although it seems like much longer...I started writing with no real reason or expectation that anyone would want to read it...I simply knew that I loved fashion, I had a lot of free time, and I might as well try to share my passion with whomever would possibly stumble across it and who'd be willing to listen. What I found in the process is a deep passion for something else: writing. Writing is something that I loved to do when I was in grade school...but, because of the endless and arduous papers that were forced upon me during my years of higher education, I seemed to have lost that love somewhere along the way. My posts began very lengthy and quite frequent, but have recently dwindled off until becoming completely non-existent...I've been negligent. Granted, I have gotten two part-time jobs since October, which have been quite time-consuming. However, I am a person who believes that there is always a way to find at least some time in the day to accomplish what you need to, or want to...no matter what!

Therefore, as part of my long list of New Year's Resolutions (yes, I've become one of those people..the resolution-makers I used to hate...so sue me) which I have scribbled down on two sheets of flashy neon poster board, number 3 reads: "Blog AT LEAST once a day". And, so, there it is; my dedication to myself as a writer/blogger/fashionista, and to you all as readers/friends/critics, to deliver a minimum of one write-up per day, throughout all of 2010. I know I can do it, because as I am typing this up, I am becoming filled with excitement at the challenge. After all, writing about all things fashion is without a doubt exactly what I love to do.

So, you all, stay tuned until tomorrow, for my first official post of the new year...stay chic, stay fabulous. Happy 2010!

xoxo

j'adore