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.

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

5 Buzz-worth beauty trends for fall 09

1. Dark eyebrow: Christian Dior, Marni (above) Spring 2010 runways

With Fall 2009 runway, we actually saw more of the bleached eyebrow trend. I am not a fan..that is so not normal or beautiful in my eyes. So, I am promoting beginning the dark, bold, and somewhat furry (if you're super confident!) eyebrow trend early, this fall!

Head to my go-to website for all things beauty, sephora.com, to get your tips and tool to bring your brows to life! : http://www.sephora.com/browse/section.jhtml?categoryId=C13530


2. Blackberry lips: Jason Wu fall 2009 (below) on model Chanel Iman


Celebs like Rihanna have been showing their darker side lately, wearing the new dark lip trend. The blackberry lip is the equivalent to a very dark red nail polish; not quite black, but bordering that line closely. The look that was seen on the runway at Jason Wu back in February has now found a way to become very wearable, and accessible to consumers. Opt for a less-bold, plum shade, or if you're daring, go for a rich dark berry. Either way, you'll be making a fierce statement!

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Va Va Violet (at your local drugstores)Nars Lipstick in Fast Ride (http://www.sephora.com/)

3. Under eye accents: Chanel fall 2009

Something I loved about the Fall 2009 Chanel RTW show, almost as much as the amazing clothes, was the make-up. Green nails (also on trend for this fall season) and bejeweled eyelashes made a huge statement. False eyelashes have already grown in popularity, especially among celebs, so why not add a little pop with some pretty decorations? Your eyes will be the center of attention, guaranteed!

Shu Uemura False Eyelashes: http://bit.ly/2C7uRC

Shu Uemura Eyelash Adhesive: http://bit.ly/1qH5Hi



4. Bouffants and pompadours: Zac Posen fall 2009 (below)

The look at Zac Poson was "Gothic Glam", a mix between the red carpet glamourista and Helena Bonham Carter’s corpse bride. This trend showed up big time on the runways in February for the Fall 2009 RTW shoes. Multiple designers sent their models down the catwalk sporting this classic but fierce hair style, including Marc Jacobs, Moschino, Fendi and Louis Vuitton.

Find out how you can recreate this do in your own home. It's complicated looking, but super easy if you follow these steps by makeup artist Lucia Pieroni:
http://www.allure.com/beauty/blogs/reporter/2009/02/gothic-drama-at-zac-posen.html

And add a headband to give it an extra touch! Try this Serpentine Shimmer Headband from Anthropologie $32.00: http://bit.ly/2G3egB

5. Matte Nails: Essie

One of my favorite parts of having a manicure is that glossy, luster effect that a perfectly lacquered nail polish delivers. However, I have recently found out that i can feel just as polished, without the glistening top coat. A revolution in nails; Essie just came out with their matte nail polish, which can be applied over any nail polish color to make it appear smooth and, well..matte. To my surprise, the look is extremely clean and chic. j'adore. You must try!

Available at the official Essie website http://www.essieshop.com/matteaboutyou.php , or at a retailer near you.

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!

Off Runway inspirations

Many of the most highly successful and respected designers get their inspirations from observing what innovative people are wearing and what is happening in the culture on the street. Of course, most fashion designers are creative geniuses with minds that work very differently than the average person's. This is precisely why designers, like Galliano, McQueen, or Marc Jacobs are able to look at ordinary things and see a masterpiece, while we probably look at the very same thing everyday without notice or consideration. I am just constantly amazed with the creative talent of these artists...without words. However, you too can find your own inspiration from the street, or from nature, if you just simply put yourself in that frame of mind- to actually stop what's going on in your busy world, and notice what is around you for a sweet second.

Tommy Ton, the photographer from the uber popular blog JakAndJil, was asked by Style.com to document the street styles being worn outside the Ready-to-wear shows in New York, Milan, London and Paris. He put together a montage of amazing and inspiring photos that he had snapped of just ordinary people showing their true style, off the runway. The way that some of these people pieced together the most unlikely items to create a completely harmonious and to die for look is out of this world, bananas...j'adore. This photo blog definitely inspired me to start making more of an effort to think outside of my little box a bit more, and create a style that is uniquely mine. So go ahead, browse through Tommy's pictures, you'll gain a whole new appreciation for street style (and it might blow your mind a little)!

http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/stylenotes/Spring_2010_RTW_Street_Style/

Also, check out the blog JakAndJil, the must go-to for all things stylish on the street (and add it to your favorites for sure!)

http://jakandjil.com/blog/

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

The breast kind of support..charitable shopping

October is official Breast Cancer Awareness Month and there are a million different ways that everyone can get involved to help spread awareness and fight for a cure to a disease that effects both men and women all around the world. According to The American Cancer Society's most recent estimate for breast cancer in the United States for 2009, about 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women. Current statistics state that every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and one woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. Much progress is being made in understanding the disease, but we still do not have a cure. Luckily, tons of companies have designed signature items for breast cancer awareness month, and have agreed to donate a portion of their proceeds to the cause. Great news consumers! You can do your shopping and do good at the same time! double yay. So take a look at some of these adorably charitable items and make a very worthy, generous purchase. Be a breast friend, support the cause to finding a cure for breast cancer!

(and check out the official Breast Cancer Site to find out more information and how else you can help out).

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=2

Polaroid CZA-10011: PoGo Instant Mobile Printer -$49.99

A donation of $10 will be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) for every Instant Mobile Printer sold.

http://www.polaroid.com/bcrf.php

OPI Pink of Hearts - Exclusive Nail Lacquer for Breast Cancer Aware month 2009-$8.50

OPI will donate $25,000 to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure; and $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.

http://www.opi.com/

Tory Burch- COLIN Vest- $295.00

During October, 15% of the proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

http://www.toryburch.com/toryburch/browse/productDetail.jsp?icProduct=23091573&icSort=&icCategory=cat70004

SIGG Pink water bottle for Breast Cancer- ~$24.00 USD

About 1.5 USD per item sold goes to Breast Cancer Campaign to fun independent research into breast cancer, its diagnosis, and treatment.

http://hautenature.blogspot.com/2007/05/sigg-water-bottle-for-breast-cancer.html

Pink New Balance 993 Training Shoes- $149.99

Yearly New Balance contributes 15% of wholesale sales from the Lace Up for the Cure® Apparel & Footwear Collection, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 up to a maximum of $1 million, to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/newbalanceWR993KMC.htm

Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Fragrance -(at Sephora) $90

The 3.4 oz Cashmere Mist Eau de Parfum Spray has a pink ribbon to support Breast Cancer Research. Donna Karan Cosmetics will donate a percentage of the proceeds to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

http://sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P223806&categoryId=B70

Clarisonic Skincare Brush from Sephora $195.00

With every Pink purchase, Clarisonic will make a donation to help the fight against breast cancer.

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P211002&categoryId=C15188&shouldPaginate=true

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!