Traveling in Style: Hotel Missoni, Kuwait

I got bit hard by the travel bug recently. Well, actually, scratch that. I got bit a while ago - its just been kicked into high gear recently. Maybe its my reluctance to give up the carefree feeling of summer and avoid the coming winter doldrums here in Seattle, but I'm more than ready to jet off to some far away locale.

It doesn't help that I happen to be addicted to the weekly updates from Tablet - home to a collection featuring some of the most gorgeous boutique hotels in the world. Last week, they featured the new Hotel Missoni in Kuwait City, Kuwait. And I died. So. Amazing.

Images courtesy of Hotel Missoni

The iconic Italian fashion house has put together a hotel that is insanely bright, glossy, and luxurious. In true Missoni style, there are plenty of crazy prints and patterns, and vibrant color schemes in every room -  not to mention fabulous modern chic furniture and fixtures.

Check out the bathroom style - even the complimentary products are fashionable and colorful. It looks like absolutely everything was carefully designed down to the last detail.

Have you ever seen a hotel with the much color and personality? Loving the crazy colored stripes especially!

And then there's my favorite room - the suites look beyond incredible. I am always wowed by how Missoni manages to put so many colors and prints together into their designs and not have it look like a messy, clashing jumble.

Now, who's coming with me?

xoxo

Currently Coveting: Style and Fashion Books

Via Style At Home

I am the epitome of a bibliophile - I should not be trusted in a bookstore with a credit card - I could quite possibly buy the entire place out in one afternoon, and I have a stack of books waiting to be read on my nightstand that is only growing taller by the day. 

My latest obsession is beautiful style, design and fashion books - especially the big glossy ones I could artfully arrange on my coffee table. If I could own an entire collection and display it in my home, I would - I can only imagine the inspiration to be found in those pages, and the gorgeous images there would be to ogle. I think its time to start building my collection...

 

Prada, Louis and Ford...oh my!

What are you favorite style books? Anything I should add to my list?

xoxo

Jet Set Style: Travel Accessories and Must-Haves

Image via Lisa Golightly

With this extreme non-summer weather we've been having here in Seattle, I am ready to pack my bags and head for sunnier pastures. Dreaming of flying away has got me thinking about all the luxurious travel items and must-have accessories that one needs when leading a jet-set lifestyle.

When you're traveling, your outfit is key. I am a firm believer that the wrong outfit choice can make a long trip harder and more uncomfortable than it needs to be. Since I am always freezing on airplanes, I think a cozy wrap sweater, like this cashmere one from Donna Karan, is a must. Combine that with a scarf (also to stay warm), stretchy black jeans - to keep things looking clean and stylish, and a comfy pair of shoes that are easy to slip on and off, and you're good to go. 

Sweater - Donna Karan, Jeans - Citizens of Humanity, Scarf - Yves Saint Laurent, Charm Bracelet - Juicy Couture, Shoes - Tom's

Next on the list of importance are all the essential beauty products you'll need to make sure you arrive at your destination looking impossibly fresh and stunning - not like you were just jostled on a plane for twelve hours.

Bobbi Brown's chubby stick will make cheeks look flushed and healthy, plus it comes in a nice small size. Touch up your eye-makeup that may smudge in-flight with the On the Spot Q-tips from i.d. that are already filled with makeup remover.

MAC provides travel size bottles that are perfect for shampoo and conditioner, and Frederic Fekkai makes his famous hairbrush in a mini size, too. The Laundress makes Crease Release spray that will get the wrinkles out of anything, and a featherweight travel-size hairdryer from T3 is a must. Always on the top of my packing list? My Clarisonic face brush - I literally, never leave home without it - their Mia model is a smaller, more travel friendly size.

Cheek Tint - Bobbi Brown, Makeup Remover Swabs - I.D., Travel Bottles - MAC, Hairbrush - Federic Fekkai, Face Cleansing Cloths - Philosophy, Crease Removal Spray - The Laundress, Hairdryer - T3, Travel Size Products - Philip B, Face Brush - Clarisonic, Cashmere Relaxation Set - Mus Segrete

Last but not least, you need the perfect bags and cases to carry all your belongings. I love the idea of having matching luggage, all perfectly coordinated, but that dream hasn't quite come true yet - and it may never - simply because there are too many beautiful bags, pouches and cases out there just waiting to be loved.

My dream carry-on? A Lous Vuitton Speedy - naturally. In my dream world, if I could get away with two carry-ons, I would also bring the Jimmy Choo shoe case to keep my most treasured stilettos safe and sound. And the new Mulberry nylon duffel bag would fold up into my suitcase perfectly - so I can have somewhere to pack my new "finds and treasures" on the way home.

For makeup and toiletry bags, Anya Hindmarch makes the cutest, most tongue-in-cheek designs. Her cases are labeled with phrases like "Girl Stuff" and "Lotions and Potions".

If you're traveling internationally, the gold standard in passport holders would have to be Smythson - I love the girly pink options! And don't forget your luggage tags to help identify your bags as they come down the shoot - these round ones from Neiman Marcus are my favorite for their fun sayings.

Leather Duffel Bag - Louis Vuitton, Suitcases - SteamLine, Luggage Tag - Tepper Jackson Collection, Black Faux-Crock Shoe Case - Jimmy Choo, Makeup Bags - Anya Hindmarch, Round Luggage Tags - Neiman Marcus, Passport Holder - Smythson, Duffle Bag - Mulberry

Now, if I only had that jet-set lifestyle...what are your travel essentials? I would love to hear!

Summer Essentials

Summer is here...well, in most places it's arrived already- in Seattle, its still on its way. As bitter as it makes me to wake up and see rain or gray skies in June, at least it gives me more time to prepare for summer and shop for all those summer essentials that one just must have for the warmer months. I've rounded up some of my summer favorites below, check them out!

Essie Summer Nail Colors, Emilio Pucci Beach Towel, K.Jacques St Tropez Sandals, Smith's Rose Lip Balm, Nars 'Cap Ferrat' Eyeshadow Trio, Beach Star Cover Up, Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair

Summer calls for perfectly pedicured toes, and to that end, I am in love with the summer color palette from Essie - I just bought the Jamaican Me Crazy shade at Target! Also needed for summer -  a stylish beach towel for laying by the pool or the ocean - the graphic prints from Pucci are eye-catching and fun. As pink is my favorite color, I will also need some hot pink sandals - and don't forget the lip balm to keep lips from getting chapped in the sun. Summer is also a great time to try brighter and bolder colors on your eyes - this palette from Nars would look great against summer skin and kick a date on a warm summer night, up a notch. Finally, since I tend to air dry my slightly frizzy hair more in the summer, I am going to need something to keep it smooth - can't wait to try the Smooth Sailing option from Federic Fekkai!

Jonathan Adler Totes, Gucci Aviator Sunglasses, Cara Accessories bangles, Rag and Bone Fedora, K Jacques St Tropez Sandals, Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray, Rebecca Minkoff Pouch, Melissa Odabash and Bronzette Swimsuits

These cute totes from Jonathan Adler are brand new and are a colorful and playful way to tote your fashion magazines to and from the beach or pool. I am partial to the Acapulco design! I don't normally wear jewelry to the beach, but I would definitely stack up these colored stone bangles come evening time with a little white dress. If you can't get to the ocean, you can at least fake 'day at the ocean' hair with the texturizing Surf Spray from Bumble and Bumble. The Rebecca Minkoff pouch is the perfect size to fill with lip balm, sunscreen, and a few other makeup essentials, and toss in your tote for the day. Finally, these two swimsuits are my favorite of the season - I am big into the bandeau tops at the moment - no tan lines on top. Don't you love that purple color?

Anya Hindmarch Tote, Tocca Sunscreen Wipes, Bobbi Brown Beach Oil, Clarins 'After Sun' Lotion, Marc by Marc Jacobs iPad Case

 Couldn't you just see taking this Anya Hindmarch tote aboard a sailboat for an afternoon of fun in the sun? I can! Let's not forget the most essential summer item of all - sunscreen. I hate the mess of applying sunscreen, but I am going to give these SPF 30 towelettes from Tocca a try this summer. Luckily, I love the scent of suntan lotion - it reminds of being a kid, of summers at the lake with my family and so many happy memories - I would slather this body oil on in the evenings just to smell like suntan lotion still - after a day in the sun! I am also a huge fan of the After Sun lotion from Clarins - extra moisture and conditioning to make your tan last as long as possible. Last but not least, a pretty purple case for my (imaginary) iPad that I dream of taking to the beach with me...someday!

What are your summer must-haves?

xoxo

Designer Spotlight: Katie Ermilio

It's official: we've got a crush on Katie Ermilio and every single piece in her Fall/Winter 2011 collection. And Ms. Ermilio comes with quite the style pedigree - she is the granddaughter of Grace Kelley's personal clothier. Its a pedigree and history that you can see in nearly every piece in her collection - some of them, we swear we could see Grace Kelley herself, wearing.

Katie has been making her own clothes since she was twelve, and has had a lifelong education learning tailoring and textiles from her father - a bespoke menswear designer - which only reinforces what we already knew: this girl knows what she's doing.

Her designs are structured and feminine, classic and clearly, tailored to perfection.

 I adore her bright, vibrant color choices and flirty short dresses. And if only I had a place to wear that hot pink ball gown!

 This dress is a wonderful combination of retro styling in its silhouette, with a touch of the modern thrown in with the sheer fabric panel in back. I would spin around in this dress like a little girl, were it mine.

 Fantastic wide leg, high-waist trousers that recall Katherine Hepburn and another seemingly simple dress with an intricate surprise in the back - Katie Ermilio has won me over.

 Romantic designs, no? I do believe my favorite piece in the entire collection is that cream sheath dress with the criss-cross straps and bow in the back.

Loving the ladylike ruffles and pleats!

 Aren't her designs simply charming?

Take note, she's definitely an up and coming designer to watch out for!

xoxo

The Little White Dress

 My latest obsession is the Little White Dress. Forget the Little Black Dress - right now, its all about the LWD. Whether you're pairing it with flats and a fedora this summer, or black tights and wedges this fall, its an incredibly versatile piece to have in your closet - and with all the options and styles out there right now, you could even have more than one option. Besides, what looks better with sun-kissed skin than a crisp, fresh white dress?

Emerson Made and The Sartorialist

Dress it up with heels or down with flats, the LWD makes it look like getting dressed was easy, breezy and effortless - doesn't it just give off a cool, laid-back, free-spirited vibe?

Shopbop - Nanette Lepore, A.L.C., Tibi, Velvet, Torn by Ronny Kobo and Dallin Chase.

Truly, I could fine a place to wear each of these dresses. The floaty and romantic Nanette Lepore would be perfect for a bridal shower. The minimalist short-sleeve number from A.L.C. would be just right for a day at the office, and the hot little one-shoulder dress from Torn by Ronny Kobo would be the perfect thing to wear dancing on a summer night with the girls. If only wishes came true...

Sources Unknown

I love that each of these lovely ladies paired her LWD with a great jacket - it really makes the outfit, don't you think? A cropped black leather jacket to make it a little tougher, a little more rock-n-roll, a green military jacket to keep it casual, or a tan leather jacket for a more bohemian feel.

Sources Unknown, Rachel Bilson

And as if the white dress options above weren't enough to captivate your mind, here are a few more gems!

Shopbop - Rachel Pally, Free People, Patterson J Kincaid and Alice and Olivia

A Little Black Dress will never go out of style, but this summer, its taking a back seat to the LWD in all its forms and styles. Which one would you pick?

I will take one of each please, thank you.

xoxo

Neons and Neutrals

Rachel Bilson

One of the biggest trends we've seen for this spring and summer is bright, neon colors - for me, its like a flashback to growing-up, with all the hot pinks, neon yellows, electric blues and citrus oranges. As a fan of pink in any shade, I have been wanting to add neon hot pink flashes to my wardrobe ever since I first saw them grace the runways, months ago.

The question with bright neon colors is often, how to wear shades that eye-scorchingly bright. The answer: with neutrals. Pick one piece in your favorite electric hue, and build the rest of the outfit around it - in black, white, tan, nude, anything subdued. One neon accessory is often more than enough to punch up an outfit and avoid looking like an extra in a 90's music video - plus the neon colors just look so good with neutral shades - its like they were meant to be.

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Streetfsn Blog, Christopher Kane heels, polka-dot Marni wallet, Clare Vivier pouch, Lanvin heels, Meredith Wendell straw bag.

 The Christopher Kane heels are a perfect example of how far just a little neon can go - that small green piping draws the eye in and makes the shoes stand out. Neon details on a straw or woven bag for summer are a pretty perfect combination, as well.

Caroline's Mode and Elle

It's hard to see, but I love the way the girl on the right incorporated just a tiny hint of neon into her look with the skinny belt. That citrus yellow-green color looks fantastic with the camel jacket. 

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Fashion Squad, Marc by Marc Jacobs tassel bag, Kate Spade flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs tote

Now that girl has the minimalistic look down - spiced up with a bit of color in that bright bag, and she is perfectly on trend for the season.

Harper's Bazaar, Tumblr and Aubrey RD

Don't the neutrals just make the neon color pop even brighter and bolder? They are the perfect accompaniment to these electrifying hues for spring and summer. 

Stacks of Bracelets and Over-sized Clutches

Source: www.cupcakesandcashmere.com

 In the past few weeks, I have noticed two trends popping up all over the place - everywhere I look - and I am, naturally, all about both of them. The first is over-sized clutches, which appeal to me largely because I like to carry my life around in my purses and that is never quite possible with a dainty little clutch. Some of these over-sized beauties could fit an entire change of clothes in them - another idea that greatly appeals to me.

The second trend is stacks of bracelets, worn all together, working their way up to the elbows! I like the idea of pairing jewelry of all different styles - leather cuffs, chunky watches, matching bangles and delicate chains - all together. Mixing silver with gold, adding splashes of color - its a wonderful way to spice up your jewelry collection and look, and even the most refined and elegant pieces can look fabulously bohemian and hip when stacked together on an arm.

The funniest part of researching this trend was that when I started pulling together all of the inspiring images and looks - I realized almost all the photographs include the two trends - together. Girls carrying giant clutches with loads of bracelets on their arms. This just let me know I was on the right track with this trend! Check it out...

Top to Bottom: MiuMiu Fall 2011 Runway Show, Blue Celine Clutch, Envelope Clutches from Asos

The gold frame Miu Miu clutch is so charming - like a blown up version of its smaller self, I would carry this any day of the year. I also like the simple, clean lines of the blue Celine clutch - just a pouch, really, with no frills. But what a great color! And of course, who doesn't love an envelope clutch? This ladylike choice, re-imagined by Asos, comes in some fabulously eye-popping shades and would make a perfect choice for toting to work in place of a briefcase!

Top to Bottom: Black and Brown Rebecca Minkoff clutches from ShopBop, Jil Sander floral clutch.

Loving the classic options from Rebecca Minkoff - I am already picturing carrying them around wearing little white gloves. Jil Sander's floral clutch is so bold and bright, its practically the only accessory you would need for any outfit.

Left to Right: MiuMiu Fall 2011 Runway and Atlantic Pacific

There is that Miu Miu bag again, in black. It's okay that I have both, right? On the right, great style and inspiration from the lovely lady behind the Atlantic Pacific blog - and a peek at the trend combination I mentioned before - notice the shiny set of gold bracelets on her arm?!

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Marni clutch from Net-a-Porter, American Apparel clutch, Miu Miu clutch from Net-a-Porter, and Clare Vivier clutch.

 More enchanting options - my personal favorites are the simplest ones from American Apparel (hooray for an affordable option!) and Clare Vivier. Although that very chic Marni one is also calling my name...

And now, the bracelets...I can't even tell you how much I adore this look. And the fact that there are more over-sized clutches to ogle in each image!

Top to Bottom: TheGlitterGuide and SterlingStyle

I have been thinking about getting a big, round-faced, chunky, men's gold watch for some time now. I really like the way it looks to combine the watch between bracelets and bangles.

Top to Bottom, Left to Right: Kenneth Jay Lane bracelet from Net-a-Porter, Amrita Singh bangles from Pink Mascara, Philippe Audibert cuff from Net-a-Porter, Nixon Small Player watch from Net-a-Porter, Nixon watch from Wink NYC, Archer bracelet from Giles and Brother

Loving these Nixon wathces - I feel like the black one has a great 80's vibe to it - I would rock that timepiece all day long! Wouldn't all of these together look dynamite?

Top to Bottom: Sara White and The Vault Files

I think mixing and matching gold and silver can totally be done - old style rules be damned! Adding in a few leather pieces give it a rocker-chic feel too.

Top to bottom, Left to right: Kate Spade from Nordstrom, Lee Angel from Net-a-Porter, Giles and Brother from Net-a-Porter, Isharya bangles from Net-a-Porter, Dannijo Harlow bracelet from Net-a-Porter, Hive and Honey leather cuff from Piper Lime

More fun bracelet choices - it was hard to just pick one image from Kate Spade - I am in love with her entire candy colored collection.

Top to Bottom: Lilie Blog and The Vault Files

What do you think? Do you love this over-sized clutch trend as much as I do? What about wearing stacks of bracelets all at once? I plan on adding both to my fashion repertoire as soon as possible.

xoxo

2011 Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet

Last night was the annual Met Ball in New York City - otherwise known as the Costume Institute Gala. Every year there is a theme, and this year, it understandably was a dedication (and accompanying exhibit at the Met) to the late Alexander McQueen. Everyone in the glitterati attends the Costume Institute Gala - from top models and designers to movie stars, sports figures, singers, rappers, celebrities and high society. It's also one of the only events during the year where you can expect to see some truly over-the-top outfits on most of the attendees.

Well, not this year. With a dedication to McQueen (the King of over-the-top fashion), I expected to see a lot of McQueen and a lot of drama on the red carpet. Instead, I saw a lot of nude, beige, and muted pastel colors. I saw a lot of simple, strapless column dresses. And I saw a lot of attendees playing it safe. Overall, I was a little underwhelmed with the fashion choices at this year's Gala, but it was still one of the best nights in fashion!


The Queen of Fashion was naturally, in attendance, but I have to say, I don't think I have ever seen her make a worse style choice...and it pains me to say that because she is wearing Chanel. Still, this is not good, people. Not. Good.

All image from Dimitrios Kambouris or Getty Images, via www.nymag.com

Chanel's head designer, Karl Lagerfeld was also in attendance, with his current muse, Blake Lively on his arm (she's also starring in his current print campaign). And for the first time since she arrived on the scene, I have to say, I don't like her ensemble. It appears to be some kind of strange cross between a sari and a mermaid costume...fabulous hair though! Fail number two, Chanel.

Here are three ladies that went all out in over-the-top Alexander McQueen - although there were a few other guys in his designs as well. Aren't his creations stunning? They are anything but typical, and sometimes not even entirely wearable, but they are definitely works of art and costuming.

Naomi Campbell, Anna Dello Russo and Daphne Guinness

Stella McCartney outfitted a few ladies for the event, and I love each one. Gwyneth's dress especially took my breath away - gilded loveliness, and even Kate Hudson, pregnant as can be, looked radiant in her Stella gown. Rihanna's dress manages to be both sexy and still classy - but I could do without the long red braid.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Rihanna, Kate Hudson

Micahel Kors dressed a few of the young Hollywood starlets, and these two were my favorite. Emma Roberts looks all grown up but still age appropriate in this simple cut-out gown, but Brooklyn Decker's dress is my favorite of the night. Hot pink with long sleeves and simple lines? Yes, please! Its such a bright, bold color but it looks so elegant. Michael Kors always does simple elegance perfectly.

Emma Roberts and Brooklyn Decker

There were a lot of gold dresses on the red carpet, and I fell head over heels in love with almost all of them - here are some of my favorites...

Bar Raefeli's dress is a stunning combination of gold and blue beading and gems and I love the turquoise earrings that were paired with it - you don't often see such a bold dress matched with such a bold earring with such a different kind of style to it.

Bar Rafaeli

Elizabeth Banks is one of my other top picks for the night. The whole package is just perfect. The Veronica Lake hair, the bright orange (right on trend) lip, and her gold sequined Tommy Hilfiger dress that makes her look like an Oscar statue. Loves!

And let's not forget the models - Angela Lindvall and Karlie Kloss are giving some serious face in their golden goddess gowns. I love the darker hues of their gowns - it feels fabulously 70's glamour-chic to me.

Angela Lindvall and Karlie Kloss

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen and Ashley Greene in Donna Karan also went gilded, but in a softer way, with blushing nude tones and lots of sparkle.

Sarah Jessica Parker and Ashley Greene

Gowns seemed to go one of two ways - blushy nudes and pastels or dark blues, purples and black. Amy Poehler in J.Mendel looked like a different version of her usual red carpet-self, rocking big hair and super dramatic eyes, but she looked great and it was fun to see her take a risk.

Amy Poehler

Evan Rachel Wood also went for a deep hue in eggplant, with her gown from Gucci. She looks flawless and its a great color on her.

Evan Rachel Wood

Christina Ricci also went dark - but for me, it was boderline too dark - her look almost comes off as costume-y over the top gothic, but the impeccable design of the dress and unique lace paneling by Zac Posen, not to mention the gorgeous fluted bottom, make it just dramatic enough.

Zac Posen and Christina Ricci

A few ladies stepped outside the box with their dress choices for Gala,  wearing unique colors, dress designs, prints and even makeup.

Tom Brady and Gisele looked ridiculously H-O-T, as always. It was nice to see a spot of bright red on the carpet, too, and the train on that Alexander McQueen dress is simply amazing. It's a lot of dress, but she wears it well!

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen

Emma Stone was another favorite of mine, in her unique dress from Alber Elbaz for Lanvin. Big florals can be hard to pull of without looking like a couch, but this dress does it - perhaps because of the muted grays and black and white palette. I love that the only color is the pop of hot pink on her lips.

Emma Stone

I was blown away when I found out that Ginnifer Goodwin's dress was from Top Shop. I love the draping and the cut outs, and again, the long sleeves. Dresses with long sleeves are on the top of my list right now. Her necklace and eyeshadow, also in shades of green, manage to come off not looking too matchy-matchy either, which is an impressive feat!

Ginnifer Goodwin

And finally, we come to the last dress - Isabel Lucas in Louis Vuitton. I adore the melon color of this dress, the myriad of pleats, and the unique top. Her jewelry - most notably, the headpiece, is perfectly over the top for a Gala honoring Alexander McQueen and yet, it manages to fit the Grecian feel of the gown.

Isabel Lucas

What do you think of some of the fashion choices for the Gala this year? Which one is your favorite? I'm sticking with Michael Kors' hot pink number. Get in my closet!

xoxo