Merry Christmas

Have a fabulous and fashionable holiday!!

ugly sweaters

Weekly Trend

Fur

-DVF-

-Michael Kors-

I have been obsessed with faux furs for awhile now. they come in unique colors, shades and lengths.  whether you wear a coat, or vest in black or beige, fur will always add a sense of glamour to any outfit.

how do you personally incorporate fur into your every day wardrobe? 

Tuxedo Slipper

-mens inspired-

pulling inspiration from the past and molding ideas to make sense for the future, loafer inspired tuxedo slippers are on trend for the season to come. no matter the occasion, or where you are walking to, slip your feet into these luxe flats to accessorize any outfit. from animal print, to embellishments these flats will dress up any ensemble. originally used by the male gender for more elegant occasions, this menswear inspired trend was stolen to give women a more chic way of wearing flats.

-leopard loafers-

-sam edelman studs-

Galvin-ized Headwear

"My mission is to create unique handcrafted headwear, providing multiple expressions for the women who wear them"-Marie Galvin 

Based out of Boston, Marie Galvin started her venture creating one of a kind hats in 1998.  After her success in creating a Couture Collection of Hats, Marie was invited to be a Guest Speaker and exhibit hats at The Cincinnati Flower Show.   That same month Galvin was invited to co-produce and exhibit at Boston’s leading cutting edge Gallery, Gallery Soto.   Titled “Reversed, An Artistic View of Fashion”. 

  In August 2001, she won 1^st runner up in the Hat Designer of the Year competition held in London.   That Fall marked the debut of Galvin’s first of many Trunk Shows at Henri Bendels in New York City.

  

The September 2001 issue of Irish America Magazinefeatured Galvin as the cover story. October 2001 her hats were featured during a Fall Fashion Segment with Diane Sawyeron the Good Morning America show.    In February 2002, Patti Wilson, New York’s leading fashion stylist, invited Galvin to have her hats top off the Fall 2002 Heatherettes Collection during New York’s world famous Fashion Week.   In May 2002, The British Hat Magazine invited Galvin along with 5 other international hat designers to create an alternative version of the panama straw hat.

Now working in Boston's South End, Marie continues to create the most glamorous, feminine hats that even Kate Middleton would wear. Sneaking into her show was amazing! All the clothes were styled by Neiman Marcus showcasing the most amazing fall fashion to highlight her one of a kind hats.

http://www.galvinizedhats.com/

Inside the Tent

Boston Fashion Week

Inside the Tent

I had the opportunity to volunteer for Boston Fashion Week.  my job was backstage, dressing the models before they walked the runway. talk about an exciting yet stressful job. the energy inside the tent was amazing. not only did it give the inspiration and motivation to start my own collection to show next time but the information and first had experience was irreplaceable. these designers had the most amazing designs to walk the runway. i was not able to talk pictures backstage, but i had the opportunity to sneak into the last show of the night.  I saw the designer Marie Galvin whose collection was called Galvin-ized Headwear.  Her entire collection was the most amazing hats, and headbands, complete with fur, feathers and tulle. The garments were styled and provided by Neiman Marcus.  i was able to take photos of the show, next post will include a brief bio of the designer and her designs.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Fall 2011 Ready to Wear Collection

-panther print-

Marc Jacobs take on seventies-gone-forties fashion was to die for this season.  Menswear inspired suiting from plaid, and solid velvet, capes, fur and long skirts are the trends for the season.  This collection is just hitting stores now, which is right in time for the crisp weather and fall feeling that has already started.  Details from this collection include, giant fur collars, panthers everywhere, plaids, stripes in bold navy, orange and green, metallics, chevron printed dresses and skirts, leopards, and velvet suiting. This collection literally has it all, but I wouldn't expect anything less from Marc Jacobs.  This man is a true artist and a master of mixing colors and prints.  

-leopard print-

-deer print-

-chevron print-

Designer Profile

Erin Fetherston

Erin started her label in 2005 with a couture collection at the Paris Haute Couture Show that had a fairy tale quality to it. capturing the hearts of all girls, Erin made her name popular by designing whimsical party dresses that all girls want to wear. Erin's designs are feminine, romantic, and playful. 

Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear

 could light pink neutrals look more amazing?  her take on flirty suiting, feminine dresses, draping and tailoring is beyond. the best part of her collection is the price tags, this is her lower-price line, which makes me love her even more.

New Additions

yesterday i was in the mood to go shopping. i had a few things in mind that needed to be added to my fall wardrobe. i knew i was going to have to hunt, which required patience, which surprisingly i had ample amounts of.  i went to tjmaxx, the good one that has the designer runway portion housed in the center of the store. i came across amazing good pieces, having to narrow my choices took much heartache. everything i wanted from leifsdottir, elizabeth and james, joie, and robbi & nikki where at my finger tips, at a fraction of the cost. this place had it all i was literally on cloud 9. after scouring all the racks and spending an hour in the fitting room, i chose the two lucky pieces that were going to have new homes in my closet. 

Elizabeth & James

robbi & nikki

polka dots and feathers, how could one go wrong with these additions to their fall wardrobe. obviously staying away from black is never going to happen. i could not be happier with my new skirts.

Boston Fashion Week

who is volunteering for fashion week? Meeting is tonight at 6pm on boylston street.

fashion week september 23-30

Mens Fashion

recently accepting a management job in the men's department, i have had to shift my reading material to GQ magazine instead of Vogue and Elle which i have been accustomed to for my entire life.  i have been reading up on the latest mens styles, so i know just what to tell those trendy guys that walk into my department. for all you male readers, listen up. these are the styles and trends that will grab any girl's attention. my question is, why don't we ever see these trends on the guys? these outfits are so put together, trendy and look amazing. i'm thinking guys are just too afraid to step out of the realm of jeans and a tee. i dare you men to just try layering tees, hoodies and a blazer for one day and see the reaction from the women in your life.

Label Doll

i love the world of fashion, and everything it has to offer.  recently i have been introduced to a fabulous new website called Label Doll.  created by two fashionistas who i happen to have gone to high school with, this website is pure genius. this is a pay to bid auction site that offers the latest designer accessories for only pennies. yes, that right pennies! how these ladies came up with this idea, is beyond me, but i am obsessed.  tonight was the first night i gave this website a try.  the minutes were counting down, then seconds. my hands began sweating and i was getting excited for this bid to come to an end. unfortunately i lost, and ran out of bids, only making me want to continue bidding in the future in hopes of winning the   designer goods these ladies pick out. are you a label doll? be a smart fashionista and become a member to this amazing site and buy designer goods for pennies. 

Polka Dots

Elle Magazines fashion spread is covered with black and white polka dots.  i have always been into polka dots, bows and anything to make a simple outfit look a little more interesting.  going more modern for fall, a black and white polka dot ensemble is the way to go.  from jackets to pencil skirts and everything in between Marc Jacobs 2011 fall show had me drooling and wondering where I can find some polka dots.  if you are not the daring type, opt for hosiery or a fun shoe to incorporate those little dots into your wardrobe.  I for one cannot wait to make my head spin with dots of every size in jackets and skirts.  thank you Marc Jacobs for never disappointing me.

Sergio Rossi

RZ Fall 2011

it's not a secret how obsessed I am with the styling of Rachel Zoe.  she is a goddess in the fashion world and I would more than happily sell my soul to have just one minute with her.  not only can I not contain my excitement for season 4 of Rachel Zoe starting August 2nd, but her fall 2011 collection is to die for. i literally die looking at all the photos.  the styling in an all white room in a corner is perfection, showcasing her amazing creations, her look book could not be more on point.  her collection is reminiscent of the 70s with sharp tailoring, pantsuits with tuxedos, and draping to perfection.  her collection was picked up by most department stores including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and last but not least Nordstrom!  So thankful that the buying gods of designer collection at Nordstrom picked up her line. one of their smartest decisions in my eyes.

Bedazzlement

Is anyone else dying over Britney Spear's bedazzled daisy dukes? Not so interested in her  Femme Fatale Tour, because I cannot take my eyes off of her shorts.  I must buy a bedazzle machine and glamorize a pair of my cut off shorts for summer.  I am thinking July 4th weekend! What better way to kick off a weekend full of fireworks with the most amazing shorts in the entire world.  Even better, this is such an easy DIY project that costs little to nothing.  Ready to head to the craft store and pick myself up some colorful jewels as I speak.

Current Obsession

"the culprit"

the moment I walked into work and laid my eyes upon these bright fuchsia J Brand skinny jeans my heart started to palpate.  needing more color in my life as well as my wardrobe I knew these jeans were a must.  at $176.00 a pop I knew this wasn't a realistic dream and decided to take matters into my own hands.  by this I mean sprinting to the nearest Forever21 and H&M and scour the racks for any type of pink pant I could find in a 500 foot radius. sadly, after an entire break of shopping the mall for a colorful pair of denim, I walked back to work with a feeling of defeat. what is a girl to do? my obvious though was to check ebay for a miracle, only finding one pair at a buy it now price for $150. my last resort would be to wait patiently until they go on sale, but how it one supposed to keep up with the trends on a fixed income?

Shoes Galore

Neutrals

the summer shoe frenzy has started. time to get that pedicure and slip you feet into the newest sandal trends. my choice this season is to stick with the neutrals and add pops of color with your clothing, accessories and handbags. ideal to wear with any colorful dress or romper these neutrals will never go out of style. stock your closet with a variety of heels and flats. my favorite are these Jessica Simpson 'Taz' sandals. even with a 5" heel the platforms make it an easy shoe to wear from day to night and mix with any ensemble. time to pick out what I am wearing to work tomorrow.

My Ray of Sunshine

Classic Q-Hiller Hobo

my obsession with Marc by Marc Jacobs was brought to an all time high when I purchased my very own handbag.  nicknamed my little ray of sunshine, due to its bright yellow appearance and ability to put a smile on my face even on the cloudiest of days, this bag put a whole new meaning to the word color. known for wearing mostly black all year round, I opted for a bold, colorful and vibrant handbag to carry my possessions through the summer months. this bold color brings a new intensity to my ensembles and leaves me feeling inspired. who knew a Marc by Marc Jacobs handbag could do so many things!?

Whats in Your Handbag?

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses 

 Kate Spade necklace

 Clinique Happy Perfume

Blistex Lip Balm

 H2O

Marc by Marc Jacobs keychain & keys

Brahmin Leather Agenda

 Fuschia lipstick

Fuschia credit card holder

 Lancome cosmetics bag

Friends Forever

Nothing is more stylish and trendy than having an amazing group of girlfriends who you can count on.

There was once a time that our lives were intertwined, we did everything together and knew everything that was going on in each other's lives.  The college days, which in reality have been gone only for a year, but seem way too long ago.  Bottom line, I miss my friends.  After graduation, we went our separate ways, getting jobs in different cities, and living in different locations.  It has been hard to keep in touch with everyone consistently until four days ago, when my genius friend Erin decided to send all my friends a chain email.  This was the best idea I had ever heard of.  Between my 8 friends we have been emailing back and forth daily recapping on our weekends, dating lives, and fun stories that only your friends can appreciate.  I feel like I am close with my friends again and back in the loop of knowing what is going on in their lives, no matter the distance or time spent apart.  Looking forward to the daily email blasts girls, they are always entertaining!

 xoxo

Day 1

Day 1 of my sunny vacation in Florida turned out to be not so sunny and warm.  Obviously this was not going to stop me from sitting by the pool reading Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang, with a pina colada in my hand.  The first couple minutes were enjoyable until my whole body was covered in goosebumps and the wind kept blowing my towel off my chair.  I was not going to let the wind and rain clouds stop me from what I came here to do.  I bundled myself up in the hotel towels and with a smile on my face continued to read my book.  Enough was enough I was freezing cold and was done fighting with the wind to keep myself on the right page of my book.

I needed something to do indoors, and a pedicure seemed like the perfect idea.  I googled some places around the area found one 4 minutes away and set out in my rental car in the hopes of relaxing while I got my nails painted.  I walked into a dream.  This salon had the most unbelievable decor, a bar, and so much more.  I sat in my pedicure chair, put the settings on massage and dipped my feet into some hot bubbly water.  The girl came over with a menu and asked what I would like to drink.  Wine sounded delicious and the perfect way to relax.  This was heaven, why haven't I been to something like this before?  Who needs the sun when you can relax in this amazing spa salon? Not me!

Spring Heels

Christian Dior

It's that time ladies!! Head to your nearest nail salon treat yourself to a well deserved pedicure and slip your feet into spring's must have heels.  It is all about the platform, with heels made from cork, twine and wood you outfits will never have a dull moment and your legs will never look longer.  My upcoming vacation to the sunny state of Florida has my mind racing to everything spring and colorful because lets face it, we are all still wearing boots and covering ourselves in layers.  This has got to end!!!  Magazines, stores and websites have all been geared for the warm weather since Christmas time.  Spring cleaning and closet organization has gone underway.  I am surprised at the things I have found that will work perfectly with these spring trends.  But then again I always feel the need to buy something new.  My perfect solution is these Nine West espadrilles.  What better way to transition from winter boots to a spring peep toe espadrille bootie.  Sign me up, because I am obsessed!  And at $79 how can one really say no?

"The Rope"

Orange You Glad It's Spring

The first day of spring has come and gone so fast, we are left wondering what happened to the warmth and the sun.  Luckily the stores are jam packed with new spring merchandise I am forced to think color and prints even if the sun hasn't graced us with it's presence.  Orange seems to be the key color going forward and for me it is all about taking a trip on the wild side.  I am a black and white person, and never much dabbled in something with color.  Until I went to Zara that is.  Hanging there on a rack, beautifully merchandised with a striped navy and white top I found the skirt of my dreams, ...in bright orange!  I decided it was time to think big, wear bold and force myself into the unknown.  All I can think about is wearing this skirt with an amazing pair of wedges and a crisp white blouse and it hit me, why wait for the warm air? I am going to start wearing color now. This orange skirt looks perfect with black opaque tights, my over the knee dolce vita boots and a black top. Looking in the mirror I realize black doesn't always mean polished and professional. I can achieve this look with the brightest of colors.

Magazine Craze

Its that time of the month again!!...Magazine subscriptions are in the mail and I am full of excitement to get my hands on the March issues of Vogue & Elle.  Little did I realize this month Vogue decided to send me a novel. I am in my glory, it is the thickest issue I have laid my eyes upon and I am going to enjoy every minute of flipping through the most amazing editorials and articles all geared towards the fashion obsessed like myself. It has always been a dream of mine to work for a magazine, style photo shoots and create amazing spreads. The latest episode of gossip girl, where Blair lands an internship at W magazine sent me into a jealous rage. Something a nice glass of red wine can fix, while I dream about how I am going to get a glamorous job like Blair. Excited for next weeks episode!!

Color Me Happy

I think it is time to put these gloomy, grey, cold days behind us and focus on something more colorful and cheery. I am talking about bold colored lipstick, shimmery eyeshadows, blush in a range of different colors. What better way to put on a happy face during these cold winter months than with a new makeup. I tend to change up my makeup routine based on the seasons. This season I am embracing my pale skin, livening it up with Nars blush in orgasm and covering my eyes in neutral shimmery eyeshadows complete with black liner on the top and tons of eyelashes. Spring 2011 makeup trends include shimmery eyeshadows in purples, greens and blues, bold berry colored lips and cheeks. When keeping these trends in mind, I suggest trying only one at a time to avoid looking like you work at a circus.

Ballerina Trends

[balmain runway]

[hair trends]

Tutus and buns need not only be worn by ballerinas. The ballerina trend is predicted to be big for Spring 2011. From skirts made out of lace and tulle, ballerina flats becoming all the rage and a chic new way to wear your hair I couldn't be more excited for spring to arrive. I am becoming a fan of wearing my hair tied back in a high neat bun, it saves me some time in the morning and if Vogue says it is a trend then who am I to argue with the fashion gods. Learning the new trends from watching runway shows and getting inspiration from balmain's amazing presentation, I couldn't help myself when I saw a tulle ballerina skirt in black at target of all places. I am not one to spend a lot of money on trend pieces, but this skirt cost $4.24 and I couldn't say no, even if it is only worn once. I am excited to pair this inexpensive skirt with amazing jackets and blazers, bedazzle myself in jewelry and make this trend my own.

[today's outfit]