Red Valentino Spring 2011 Collection

I am head over heels in love with the REDValentino spring collection and the look-book too, for that matter. The looks are fresh and classic, romantic and feminine. Check out all of the fabulous, playful looks!

Are these not the most beautiful, girly looks you have ever seen? I love how they are matched with super tall wedge espadrilles in patent leather colors. And that coat is an outfit in itself!

There are a lot of dresses in this collection - from floral prints to sequins and lace. I would love to wear the blue floral print dress all summer long, and the gold sequined number? A fabulous version of one of his gowns I've seen Cameron Diaz wear on the red carpet. The blue accents in the collection are heavenly - specifically the ruffled jacket that ties in the middle - its so elegant and slimming. I also love the crochet suit - I imagine wearing it to a high tea or ladies luncheon. These three dresses are probably my favorite pieces in the collection. I love the empire waists and the gentle ruffles around the arms and neck. They are so soft and girly - I want to wear this collection all summer long. xoxo

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Image Source Unknown

I don't know what the weather is like where you live, but here in Seattle, its raining, its pouring. The other day, someone mentioned to me that it was apparently the wettest March we've had in a few years. Siiiiiigh. The days of rain and clouds leave me longing for just a glimpse of the sun, but since I've probably got a little while to go before that happens here in Seattle, why not focus on the cute rainy weather attire available and of good use, this time of year?

First things first, even if you aren't properly attired for a downpour, you can stay dry with a cute umbrella. They say true Seattleites don't use umbrellas, but as a life-long resident, I will attest to this being completely false. But my thought is, if you're going to carry an umbrella, why not make it fun and interesting instead of boring old black? Here are some of my favorites...

Keep things bright and colorful on a gray day with the rainbow umbrella from Uncommon Goods, or take a whimsical turn with the birdcage umbrella from Lulu Guinness. A Burberry umbrella is always a classic choice and keeps basic black from being boring, and the polka dot option from Barney's signals a fun-loving kind of gal. My personal favorite is the Rain Rain Go Away clear umbrella from Felix Ray - how adorable is that? And finally, wish away the gray skies with blue skies under your umbrella from Uncommon Goods.

Next up, you're going to need a good pair of rain boots for stomping in the puddles this spring, so check these out:

Hunter rain boots are my absolute all-time favorite galoshes. These classic Wellie's, originally designed to be worn by the British Army during World War I, have become all the rage recently. For a fancy rain boot option, try the Jimmy Choo crocodile print Hunter boots - a fabulous combination of style and utility. The classic tall Hunter's are the ones I have in my closet, but I would love to add another pair in this bright purple color. Finally, go for an embellished look with the Regent Grosvenor pair with gold buttons and embossed black rubber.

How cute are these red and black high heeled rain boots from Kate Spade? Preppy chic! Gray days call for bright clothing and accessory choices to beat the blues, which is one of the reasons I love this Chooka yellow-polka-dot pair. Or, choose something with a little bit of a rocker edge with these studded Burberry rain boots.

But, if I had to choose one pair of rain boots for this spring season, it would be these Festival short Wellington's from Hunter. The bright color, the rocker feel - they are fabulous!

Finally, lets pick out some must-have trench coats to keep dry when the rain drops begin to fall.

Naturally, the go-to, top of the line trench coat is Burberry. I love the classic choices in black and tan twill. They are so classic, so refined, so elegant and so ladylike. What's not to love? This pale pink anorak from Emma Cook is another great choice to give you a fashionable forecast on a rainy day.

If you like to keep it interesting, why not opt for a leopard print trench like this one from Alice and Olivia? Or a sleek bright red choice with a flower embellishment from Lanvin - oh, and by the way, I will take one of each, please.

But the ultimate trench for me this spring has got to be this bright pink one from, of course, Burberry. Want it. Need it. Have to have it.

Happy spring showers everyone!

xoxo

Spring Trends

The spring trends are beginning to hit the shelves, and they're heavy on Seventies style this year. From wide-leg and flared jeans to platform wedges and maxi skirts and dresses, hippie-chic is back! Imagine Bianca Jagger at Studio 54 in a silky maxi dress with kimono sleeves, or Ali McGraw with over-sized sunglasses, a large-brimmed brown felt hat and high-rise, wide-leg jeans - you can make it glamorous or boho, and be perfectly on trend with the styles that came down the runways a few months ago.

Here are some of my picks for spring...the ones I want to add to my closet...pronto. First and foremost, the maxi-dress!

Left to Right: Rory Beca, Winter Kate and Bec & Bridge, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

Bold patterns and bright colors are popular in maxi dresses this season, and I am totally on board. At first, I didn't think I could pull off a maxi dress, but its all about getting one with the right fit. The length should just brush the tops of your toes if you're going super long. I love the empire waist and bright pattern on the Rory Beca dress, and would accessorize the Bec & Bridge dress with a wide leather belt.

Left to Right: Free People and Mink Pink, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

I love the boho-chic feel of a floral maxi dress too - and these designs are especially charming and fun, with short hem in front and the long hem in the back. Flowy and girly!

Left to Right: Under Ligne by Doo.Ri and Rachel Pally, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

If you aren't super confident that the maxi-dress is for you, an option is to go simple and clean with a jersey dress in one color. This cream one from Rachel Pally has a gorgeous Grecian-goddess feel to it - imagine how amazing it would look against bronzed skin and turquoise accents!

Right in line with the maxi dress, is the maxi skirt - another of my favorite picks for spring this year.

From Left to Right: Tory Burch, Ella Moss and Haute Hippie, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

I love the boho feel of this Tory Burch skirt - paired with a simple white tank and gold jewelry, it would be stunning! The pretty pink melon skirt from Haute Hippie would be easy to dress up with its flared bottom and silky texture.

Left to Right: Ella Moss. DaftBird, Ella Moss and James Perse, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

Or, go simple and clean with one of these designs. They look so comfortable and easy to throw on, I could imagine wearing one every single day. The basic colors would provide for endless mixing and matching.

Of course, with all of these skirts, a girl is going to need some shoes...flat sandals to keep it casual and platform wedges (the taller the better, I say!) to dress it up, here are some of my favorites.

Left to Right: Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Belle by Sigerson Morrison, images courtesy of net-a-porter.com.

Kors by Michael Kors and Sergio Rossi, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

In true Seventies form, the clog is also back this season. While I am not a fan of a regular clog, the new wedge and high-heel, sling-back versions have me drooling!

Tory Burch and See by Chloe, images courtesy of www.shopbop.com.

Don't forget to accessorize your look with pieces like big over-sized sunglasses, colorful Pucci-like scarves, big cocktail rings, long delicate necklaces and perhaps a suede bag or unstructured tote.

Left to Right: Yves Saint Laurent cork wedges, Vanessa Bruno tote, Missoni wedges, Meli Melo bucket bag, images courtesy of www.net-a-porter.com.

Those are just some of my Seventies-inspired picks for spring - trust me, there is more to come! 

xoxo

Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture Collection

Elie Saab's 2011 Spring collection debuted recently, and I think I'm in love. It was a parade of tulle, organza, shimmer, flowers and grosgrain ribbon in the trendiest shades of the season - nudes, pale creams and whites, lavender and rose gold. Its rare that I see an entire couture collection and love nearly every piece that is sent down the runway, but Elie Saab definitely created something magical with this group of red-carpet worthy dresses.

All images from www.style.com

Have you ever seen such lovely, feminine designs that manage to be ultra-girly but sexy at the same time? In the words of the incomparable Rachel Zoe, I. Die.

All images from www.style.com

I dream of someday having an event where I could wear a dress like one of these. The man is a genius, I tell you!

All images from www.style.com

The lavender dress literally sends shivers down my spine. I will take one of each of these dresses, please. Totally appropriate to wear to work on my laptop at Starbucks in the middle of the week - right? xoxo

Dreaming of Spring...

The snow is falling outside, and I am already dreaming of spring - warm days, sunny weather and bright colors. I am so excited to wear some of the bright bold colors in style for Spring 2011. Check out some of my favorite swoon-worthy picks for the season on the horizon...get here faster spring! On second thought, in order to stock my closet with the picks I want for spring, its going to require saving some moolah. I guess I can wait a little bit longer....;)

Oh the wondrous color of it all! 

Left to Right, top to bottom: Kate Spade flats, Paul and Joe drawstring dress, Matthew Williamson dress, Chloe tank, Gucci sandals, Kate Spade sandals, Pucci skirt, Brian Atwood heels, Paul and Joe dress, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace, all from www.net-a-porter.com

Christian Louboutin Spring 2011 Collection

 

Some days, you just need something pretty to look at. Today is one of those days for me. So, lets all just take a moment to appreciate and enjoy the pure beauty that is Christian Louboutin's Spring 2011 shoe collection. Don't forget to wipe the drool off your keyboard when you're done ogling the shoes. 

Yes, please, I would like one of each. Thank you so much for asking. xoxo

Pantone Spring 2011 Color Palette

The Pantone color palette for Spring 2011 came out recently, and as expected, I love every single color on it.  

Each season, Pantone brings the world the latest and most important color trends – used in design, fashion and more. This year’s color palette is inspired by exotic destinations like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey, using both warm and cool tones to balance one another in complimentary hues.

Coral Rose is a sophisticated orange with a bright, spicy feel to it, and Beeswax is a warm honeyed yellow – both of which look great paired with Regatta.

The romantic, fanciful color of Lavender goes great with Beeswax and Coral Rose, making a unique color pairing that is perfectly balanced, and the alluring color of Blue Curacao is a goregous tropical hue that complements both Honeysuckle and Coral Rose. 

Peapod is my personal favorite for its fresh yellow-green color and the “nude hues” – Silver Peony, Silver Cloud and Deep Russett, go with just about everything in the palette, grounding the bright colors and providing an ethereal feel.


Finally, let’s not forget Honeysuckle – the official color of Spring 2011. Bright and flirtatious, this feel-good hue is playful and perfect for escaping the winter blues!

Left to Right: Issa dress, YSL scarf, Juicy Couture dress, Mulberry bag, Marc Jacobs bracelet, all from www.net-a-porter.com

 And simply because I love blue in every shade, some inspiration based on Regatta, the most lovely blue!

Left to Right: Tibi dress, ALC skirt, Tibi dress, Bottega Veneta dress, all from www.net-a-porter.com

Oh, and one last thing, when I saw these Pantone themed Visa cards, I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I need them. Or maybe just one. Lavender, I think. I die.