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fantasy friday: my kind of christmas card.

December 17, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 3 Comments

Christmas cards. Some people love ‘em, some people hate ‘em.

Personally, I like for the Christmas cards I receive to include a photo. Regular cards do nothing for me. Yes, I get it that the thought is nice, but let’s face it – no one keeps them. They’re usually thrown right in the trash once the new year rolls in. Unless, that is, there’s a photo. The photo usually hangs around longer, maybe on your fridge, maybe in your office – for us, the photos sit on the bar area on our kitchen counter for months to come.

That’s right – I like Christmas cards with photos. Family photos are totally cool in my book, and further – I think they are pretty imperative if you have growing children. What’s not super-cool in my book? When a couple has their photo taken for a Christmas card. Believe me – I’m just as vain as the next person, and there’s nothing more I love than a great photo of Daniel and I…but the thought of us sending out a Christmas card capturing one of our precious moments – and believe me, there are plenty of them – makes me gag.

So, I suppose I don’t need to tell you not to hold your breath for one of those this year. I’ll be saving that for the day we have a beautiful family of our own – because in my book, that’s something worth showing off. And when that day arrives, I’d love to do something over-the-top like the portrait the Kardashian’s had taken this year. I love that they switch up the theme each year, and I am particularly smitten with the dramatic vibe of this super-glam edition. I love the solemn faces, and of course – I’m positively dying over the fashion. I mean, just look at little Mason – I die.

I’m also dying to know what YOU think about Christmas cards. Are you into the photos, or would you rather go without altogether? Are you obsessing over this glam-ed out photo op from the Karsdashian clan, or is it a little too haute for the holidays?

fantasy friday: victoria beckham fall 2010.

October 22, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion, Obsessed with 5 Comments

I think if I were a fashion designer, my clothes would look like those designed by my number one style icon.

And it’s not just because I find her to be the chicest, most glamorous woman ever to exist. It’s really about the clothes. They’re everything I could ever ask for. Perfectly simple and sleek, with just the right combination of classicism and edge.

We’re all familiar with her masterfully-created sheath dresses that give a new meaning to the word body-con, but this season she really kicked it up a notch. She took that impeccable fit and construction she does so well and added to it the most interesting twists and drapes. Of course, I loved her use of the color of the color of the season {it’s red, in case you’ve been hiding in a hole somewhere} and I was equally mesmerized by the addition of sparkles and shine to the line.

There’s no doubt she knows how to style a collection, but this one has to be one of my personal favorites. The shoes are everything. And I’m feeling those round sunnies in a very big way.

Does it get any sexier, classier, more eternally beautiful? Not in my book.

gray for days.

August 30, 2010 in Fabulously Simple, Fashion with 4 Comments

Simple can be stunning.

{I think I’ve mentioned this before, no?}

This all-gray ensemble worn by Dree Hemingway sums it up pretty perfectly. I love the idea of pairing a simple cotton tee with a drapey skirt in the same color – not to be outdone by a fabulous pair of neutral shoes. We all know by now that I usually find neutrals to be the chicest choice, and going all-out monochromatic only takes it one step further.

I’m sure many of us are familiar with this particular gray tee from American Apparel. I love the super soft fabric, and I have several of them in both the tee as shown and the v-neck style. This outfit really demonstrates how versatile a tee can be. She actually designed the skirt she’s wearing – I’m impressed – but I did find this version which looks incredibly similar. She also rocked the Loubies, of course, which I love – but you can always find great neutral pumps from sources like Aldo (my personal favorite) or Steve Madden for a much lower price tag.

As far as the bag goes, a black Balenciaga satchel works for any occasion, and she proves that point – but I wouldn’t mind seeing a pop of color here. I think an animal-print would be especially beautiful, and keeping the bag somewhat within the neutral category does solidify the theme she’s working right now.

I also love how she kept her jewelry totally minimal, as well as her hair and makeup. She looks like she could roll right out of bed looking like this – and I think that’s about as sexy as it gets.

What do you think, dolls? Does this type of look do it for you, or do you need a little more to get you going?

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fantasy friday: american chic meets italian glam.

July 30, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 1 Comment

Right now, Neiman Marcus is hosting a super cool contest.

You are given a number of {fabulous} items to choose from, and you must put together a look that represents your passion for fashion.

Sounds like my kind of party.

Unfortunately for me, a very old and dear friend of mine has already entered, and I wouldn’t feel right about stealing her thunder – as without her, I wouldn’t have even known about it. That, and I honestly don’t know if I could have picked a better sampling of pieces.

I am particularly smittten/in love/full-blown obsessed with the animal-print chiffon gown by Blumarine.

Feather skirt? Duh.

I’m not even into skulls, but for some reason I feel like I need this outrageous McQueen clutch.

Okay – so I’m pretty much obsessed with everything. It’s a perfect mix of ultra-chic basics and totally on-trend investments. Even moreso, I love her approach. She’s inspired by the effortlessly glam women of Italy, and gold + animal-prints – as long as it’s done right. Amen to that. She’s going for American meets European chic, glam meets a bit of edge, and most importantly – pieces that blend seamlessly with what’s already in your wardrobe.

Please click here to see Chrystal’s collection and vote!

fantasy friday: the birkin bag.

July 23, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 6 Comments

The Birkin bag.

I used to think the idea of spending $10,000+ on a handbag was, in a word, ridiculous.

I mean, think of all the other things you could use that money for. Donations to a charity you love, for instance. Can’t we buy beautiful, designer bags at a lower price point and have some money leftover to do some kind of greater good?

It all sounds good in theory. And I’ll be the first to admit, I can’t imagine spending this kind of money on anything accessory-related at this point in my life, or maybe ever. Still, I can’t deny that the bag is all-sorts-of-amazing. It’s the epitome of luxury, but the inherent style isn’t flashy – the lines are simple and classic, and it will never go out of style.

I guess the way I’ve started to look at it, is that the bag isn’t just an accessory. It’s art. I’m not so much into art, that you hang on your wall, per se. It’s pretty and beautiful and nice to look at, sure, but I don’t know artists by name or anything like that.

The names are I know are Hermès. Louis Vuitton. Bottega Veneta. Chanel. Those are my artists.

The Birkin is not an accessory, it’s art. It’s like a diamond; something you can admire for years, take great care of and eventually pass along to your children and grandchildren.

Just ask my beloved Vicky B. She has over 100 of them.

Now that’s what I call an art collection.

Yes, for most of us it’s still a Fantasy. And a ridiculous one, at that. But what’s one to do when you have more money than you know what to do with? It’s my guess that our favorite power couple has given many more millions to charity than the cool $2 mil that Vic spent on her Birkins. So when this is the case, I say yes to the Birkin – it is, after all, an investment.

Only much more chic, than say, a portfolio of stock.

Images courtesy of Daily Mail UK

What do YOU think of the Birkin? Is it over-the-top excessive, or does it have its place in the closet of someone with infinite amounts of money?

fantasy friday: the ultimate LBD.

June 25, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 3 Comments

We all know the value of the perfect little black dress in any girl’s wardrobe – but what about the perfect little {bandage} dress?

When we’re talking Hervé Léger, we can have them both.

By now, the bandage trend has made its mark on the fashion world. You see it pretty much everywhere, at every price point, in every color, and on every type of clothing – whether it be a dress, a skirt, a top, or even a handbag. The original Hervé Léger dresses were actually created in the 80s, and made their comeback in recent years under the fashion house of Max Azria. Celebrities have been huge supporters; Hervé Léger has become a constant on the red carpet, and you can see why – the look is extreme body-conscious at its best, and undeniably sexy.

Though I’m partial to any iconic piece in black, Max Azria is doing some amazing things with the line. Below are some of my favorite little {bandage} dresses, currently being sold at Neiman Marcus.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I WANT.NEED.HAVE.TO.HAVE.

In black, s’il vous plaît – because as obsessed as I am with the Engineered Batik Halter Bandage Dress pictured above, if I’m going to drop $1000+ on a dress, I’m going classic.

And who doesn’t want a LBD that goes both ways?

the look for less: st. tropez style.

June 9, 2010 in Fashion, Look for Less with 3 Comments

When I received this image in an email from Style.com, I couldn’t help but slightly obsess over this woman’s perfectly chic understated elegance. Her name is Agnès, and she is a French TV presenter.

And guess where she is, pretties?

That’s right – our favorite dream vacay spot – St. Tropez.

So naturally, I thought this was a perfect follow-up to last week’s Fantasy Friday. Because let’s face it – most of us aren’t in any position to be purchasing any pieces from that collection of perfection by the great Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton. Yes, this particular outfit is absolutely toned down from last week’s stunners, but that’s exactly what I love about it. I am a huge proponent of neutrals, and I think wearing them together instantly makes you look put together and gives even a casual ensemble like this a hit of glamour.

It’s also a perfect palette on which to add all of those super-bright nail polishes and lipsticks of summer. I would love to give this look a dose of coral lipstick (read about my favorite one *ever* purchased during my last trip drugstoring). And just imagine the shoe potential here…

Now, Mademoiselle Agnès’ look is definitely upwards of $2,000 – while our Look for Less comes in at under $300. The leather shorts were the only semi-pricey item – and that’s because they’re real leather. Believe me, $198 for leather shorts is still a hefty discount – most of them started at around $500. I’m dying for a pair, but I’ll likely have to leave my online-shopping comfort zone to do it – they look like an item that requires a try-on.

{white ruffled blouse} / Shown: Arden B $44 / More: Banana Republic $69, LOFT $44

{black leather shorts} / Shown: Kitson $198 / More: ASOS $93

{straw tote with neutral detailing} Shown: Newport News $24 / More: Endless $57, Kitson $98

{aviators} Shown: ASOS $16 / More: Marc by Marc Jacobs $98, Endless $70

fantasy friday: marchesa fall 2010.

May 14, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 23 Comments

When I saw the photos of Blake Lively in this blue Marchesa number at the Met Gala last week, I was immediately forced to see what else {the oh-so-chic} Georgina Chapman had been busy designing.

Marchesa is absolutely my number one choice when it comes to showstopping ensembles and gowns. I’ve never met a piece I wasn’t 100% in love with, and the dresses are always my favorite among any event or awards show. Everything Marchesa is grand, grand, grand – and always a work of art. The craftsmanship is sheer perfection, and the designs are anything but ordinary. I’m always *in love* with the all of the fanciful details – the feathers, the outrageous ruffling, and the most intricate beading.

You want to make a statement? Marchesa is the only way to go, dolls.

Below are {some of} my top picks among the Fall 2010 Collection. I think the first dress masterpiece is my favorite – black and white is always chic, but this showcases the classic pairing in such a fresh, never-been-seen-before way. I also included the shot of the blue dress Blake wore so that you could see it on the model. I personally think the always stunning Ms. Lively wears it better, but that may be because I’m unfairly obsessed with her – I have a very close friend who I swear is her twin, and seeing Blake always makes me think of her. And just take a look at the black and white number – I am not a tattoo person by any means, but that is artwork, darlings.

“We’re women designing for women. We know how they feel in a beautiful dress. That’s our focus right now.”

—Georgina Chapman

{Images via New York Magazine}

fantasy friday: white party.

May 7, 2010 in Fantasy Friday, Fashion with 9 Comments

I think it is safe to say that summer is officially here. When I first stepped outside in the beginning of the week, I could feel the heat hit me like a blanket – and sure enough, temperatures have been blasting into the nineties everyday since.

You only have a couple of options when the weather gets like this.

Ice-cold summer cocktails (margarita or spiked lemonade, anyone?) and fabulous white everything.

{alexander wang lattice bobble oversized sweater}

{jimmy choo cecile woven-leather bag}

{jil sander edison blazer}

{yves saint laurent perforated cassandre cotton scarf}

{azzaro hermana silk playsuit}

{fendi wood strappy platform sandals}

{see by chloé wool and linen-blend shorts}

{chloé leather-trimmed metal aviators}

In my book white is always trés chic, and these pieces just epitomize that – can you just imagine that Alexander Wang sweater thrown over a bikini as the sun starts to set? And that playsuit – I’m cooling down already just looking at it – looks absolutely perfect for pretty much any event; it could easily be dressed up or down.

Which ones do you want.need.have.to.have?

the POSHest.

April 19, 2010 in Fashion, Obsessed with 11 Comments

In honor of her 36th birthday this past weekend, I thought I’d take the opportunity to tell you how full-on obsessed I am with Victoria Beckham.

{I’m actually a little weirded out that I haven’t told you yet}

Where do I even begin? She is literally just THE most stylish person I know. Period. (Well, I don’t know her know her, but I’d like to. I was actually talking to Daniel about this the other day and he fully agreed that she would totally be my friend – if she knew I existed, that is.) She’s all about simplicity, elegance, and perfectly-tailored clothing. She knows how to work a trend into her look and still look utterly classic – which is a rarity, these days. Not to mention she’s also the type of girl that doesn’t mind matching her shoes to her handbag every now and then. I’m into that.

I absolutely adore *everything* about her, so – let’s also discuss her hair. I love it. She pulls off anything, although I must say, I am partial to her with shorter hair rather than long. I think my favorite look is when it was a tiny bit longer than it is now, like this. There are days when I am SO.OVER. the upkeep of long hair and highlights, and I very seriously consider this super-sleek bob – but it only lasts about as long as it takes me to discuss it with Daniel, who promptly tells me there is a time for me to have hair above the shoulders – and that’s when I’m over 60.

I kid, I kid. {Well, kinda. He actually did say that – but I know deep-down that if I *really* wanted to do it, he’d support me. Right, baby?}

On another note, I’m also obsessed with Victoria because of her persona. Yes, she’s been known not to smile for the camera. And a lot of people find that obnoxious/rude/downright insolent – but I happen to like it. I watched a special on her once and she totally admitted that she does it, and it’s quite on purpose – it’s her “thing.” It’s kind of a joke in her family, she will watch herself on TV with her children and they will all be like, “There’s Mummy, what does Mummy look like?” And then do a stern face, all joking and laughing about it. I’m not sure why I like it, I guess it amuses me – and I like that she is just herself.

Take it or leave it. Love that.

{It may or may not have something to do with the fact that I’ve been told from time to time to “smile more – you have such a pretty smile” and the like – which I may or may not have found to be annoying. It’s like, sometimes you don’t feel like smiling at a strange man as you’re walking through the grocery store – and it doesn’t have to mean you’re a bitch. Sometimes you just want to smile on your own terms, you know? I feel you, Posh.}

So – basically, it’s like this: she’s got more style, confidence, and swagger than most could ever imagine. She’s the designer of {arguably} one of the most amazing couture collections launched in years, has two beautiful children, oh – and her husband’s not too bad, either. And do we even need to mention the Spice Girls? So, yeah. I think it’s fair to say that the woman can smile whenever she feels like it, thankyouverymuch.