Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I'd Give You My Purse But I Won't Ruin My Alaia

I'm not going to lie, the first time I heard of Alaia was when Cher was held up in a parking lot and the guy asked her to kneel down so he can make his escape.  The fear wasn't in having just lost her purse or getting held up at gunpoint, but in getting the Alaia dress dirty.  Yes, I'm referring to the cult classic movie "Clueless" which many of you have seen a million times.  I remember watching this movie with my sister on VHS tape (yes, those did exist!) back to back on numerous occasions. 

Azzedine Alaia was born in Tunisia then moved to Paris after graduation.  He worked for Christian Dior then Guy Laroche.  In the 70s he opened his atelier where he dressed the world's IT women privately.  In the mid-90s, he became reclusive after the death of his twin sister; then entered a partnership in 2000 with the Prada group; but successfully bought back his house and brand name from Prada in 2007.  To this day, he continues to focus on clothes and only holds fashion shows when he has something to show.  For 2011, he showed his fall collection to a select group of editors about a week after Paris fashion week.  He stays true to his ideals and passion for design - truly an inspiration to all.


Photos courtesy of fashionista.com; blogue.us; kci.or.jp; theblayreport.com; onthisdayinfashion.com;hauteworld.blogspot.com.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

I'm Missing You...

I'm Missing You...


It's one of those days when you think you're over it but you're really not.  Try as I might, I still have my moments; and each time it occurs, I keep reminding myself of the good things to come.  Things happen for a reason and whether the outcome is good or bad, I know that these are just learning moments.  It does get easier each day and I have come to learn that digressing is part of healing.  So go ahead - miss that someone, miss that something...

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Holmes & Yang: The Tuexedo Maxi and Valextra

The duo behind Holmes & Yang - Katie Holmes and Jeanne Yang are busily promoting their line at Barneys with a series of trunk shows in Dallas, Chicago, NYC and Beverly Hills.  One of the pieces in the collection that I'm totally loving is the Tuxedo Maxi dress.  I love the versatility as it can be worn for day and night and the empire waist is sure to flatter any figure.  

Tuxedo Maxi Dress is available at Barneys for $1,275.

Photo courtesy of barneys.com


Another thing to get excited about is the partnership between Valextra - an ultra luxe Italian leather goods company - and Holmes & Yang.  The must-have two different colorways handbag was recently unveiled in NYC.  The style is simple and chic with a very sophisticated look.  The classic details that Valextra is known for combined with the Holmes & Yang aesthetic is a perfect combination.  Of course, the IT bag, exclusively available at Barneys, is priced at $3,950.

Photo courtesy of vogue.com

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Ode to Green (and Blue)

Ode to Green (and Blue)

Inspiration for the day is the color green - it's St Patrick's Day after all! 

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Long Live Vintage

Rose ruffle blouse
$148 - anthropologie.com

Rag Bone cropped sweater
$275 - shopbird.com

Siwy flare jeans
$206 - singer22.com

Wedge heels
$100 - zara.com

Platform wedge sandal
$154 - irregularchoice.com

Zara Terez leather handbag
$456 - endless.com

Heidi Mottram oversized clutch
$378 - boutique1.com

FOSSIL leather bag
11 GBP - johnlewis.com

Alex and Ani vintage bracelet
$168 - couturecandy.com

Marni bracelet
$205 - taigan.com

Gay Boyer vintage necklace
$155 - maxandchloe.com

Kirsty Kirkpatrick stud earring
10 GBP - hannahzakari.co.uk

Hoop earring
$95 - alexisbittar.com

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Love Life

Love Life

I'm also "Singing the Blooms" in this ModCloth Dress which was my inspiration for the day.  I love girly, whimsical dresses and mixing it with edgier, unique accessories.  I just love this Natasha Russian Doll Ring - makes me want to go to Russia and actually get myself one of those nesting dolls.   

Monday, March 14, 2011

Toddler Birthday Party on a Farmstead

My son just had his 3rd birthday party at a farmstead.  The kids got to experience what a classroom looked like in the 1800s, they also got to feed chickens, pick apples, beat a rug, and washed washcloths and let them hang dry on a line with clothespin.  What a great experience! On top of that, we had beautiful weather in the Big D.  Do you have any fun birthday themes and ideas?
















Thursday, March 10, 2011

Renovated Holy Houses...What Do You Think?

I'm loving this fresh new take on a wholesome abode.  Zecc Architects based in The Netherlands renovated an old church into a home.  The ceilings, arches, and stained glass windows make the place into a chic retreat exuding a cool loft feel with the white walls of the Guggenheim. 


Photos courtesy of http://www.zecc.nl/

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Color Inspiration: Blue

Blue has always been my favorite color.  It's just one of those colors that look great on anything and anyone.  From navy blue to baby blue, you're sure to find a shade that fits your mood and style.  You can brighten it up by mixing in a complementary color like orange or yellow.  For a more polished look, some opt for a monochromatic scheme.

Photo from www.architectsforlife.com
Photo from interiordesigning-tips.blogspot.com


Here are my favorite pieces in blue:


Louisa Settee from Anthropologie, $2,498
Photo from www.anthropologie.com





Mosaic Vase by Ioan Nemtoi, $895

Photo by www.glassbygary.com



Friday, March 4, 2011

A Bit of Whimsy in Every Way

My inspiration for the day is pastel-colored things.  The lighter hues just uplifts my mood and brings a bit of whimsy to my day.  The lace top and shorts from Stella McCartney is just adorable and chic!  It combines the two trends for spring/summer - lace and pastel.  Here is Dries Van Noten's thoughts on his pastel shoe collection: “I always try to go further with my taste, to educate it and play with colors.  So this time we played with pastel colors which is not very easy because sometimes it’s too sweet and too peachy, and we need it to be more bright and more acid; it was a very interesting game!  But I think next season in our garden we’ll plant some pastel flowers, why not?”

Photos courtesy of http://www.acupcakeblog.com/; http://www.stellamccartney.com/; http://www.recapturedcharm.com/; http://www.textileglobal.com/; and http://www.mulberry.com/.

The Tillie Tote from Mulberry in nude makes the perfect handbag this season - functional with a delicate flair.  And of course, style does not begin and end with your wardrobe.  Go ahead and whip up some yummy cupcakes in your season-inspired kitchen.  Make style part of your lifestyle!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Inspirational Butterfly Bombe Chest

I am loving this MacKenzie-Childs Butterfly Large Chest.  It's the perfect accent furniture for any room.  Each chest is individually handcrafted which makes each piece unique.  It's a statement furniture that becomes the focal point of any room, yet it's so versatile that you can draw a color scheme and style from this piece. 

www.mackenzie-childs.com for $4,950