Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Jayma Mays in Glee (Episode 1.04: Preggers)

This episode was very light on Emma appearances, but she make a major impression in this pale blue Swallow's Twitter Cardigan by Moth (from Anthropologie) with leaf appliques, coral pencil skirt, J.Crew ladybug yellow bracelet, and a triple-stack of gold and gemstone rings.
She scrubs down the bleachers for her secret crush, looking totally adorable in her red Marc by Marc Jacobs wool felt coat with gold buttons. She also wears a black pencil skirt, pale pink bow-trimmed silk blouse, and an open-knit pom-pom topped beret.

Laura Lombardi Jewelry 24kt Gold Quartz Necklace

Daily Candy recently featured the tough glam jewelry of Laura Lombardi, including these quartz stones dipped in 24kt gold on vintage brass chains. I love that these necklaces are both statement pieces and something you could wear every day--a rare combination. Check out the necklaces pictured and more on her Etsy shop. Laura's jewelry is also available at Bess & Loie, 1015 West Lake Street, between Carpenter and Morgan Streets (312-226-2247 or bessandloie.com) and Habit, 1951 West Division Street, at Damen Avenue (773-342-0093 or habitchicago.com).

Nicely Done: Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson arrived at Dolce & Gabbana’s make-up launch in the designer's floral print cap sleeve blouse and coral linen skirt, accented with Le Vian rose gold studs and yellow peep toes. Her softly waved hair and bright lips play up the Mad Men vibe, and it's a nice look for Scarlett's curvy frame.

J.Crew Shirred Wool Skirt

I bought this J.Crew shirred wool skirt in black as a lark during the recent 20% off promotion, and it's great in person! I'd like to get another color when it goes on sale, since I think it's priced a touch too high right now. It's admittedly a casual style--my work has a relaxed dress code, but I don't know if it would be appropriate for more formal office settings. It's incredibly comfortable and looks great as styled on J.Crew with a tucked in top and a longer open cardigan... though I'm wearing mine with tights and heels, not socks and flats.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Monday, September 28, 2009

Gilt Groupe Sales

I have been shopping like a maniac, so I have to stay off Gilt this week even though Kiki de Montparnasse lingerie is swoonworthy. If you need an invitation, click here to join.

Monday, September 28: Moschino Jewelry & Watches, Sergio Rossi Women's, Sydney Evan Jewelry, Moschino Signature

Tuesday, September 29: Yohji Yamamoto, Sofia Cashmere Scarves, Mary Norton, Maurice, Lacroix Watches Women's

Wednesday, September 30: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Giambattista Valli, Anzie Jewelry, Rodial

Thursday, October 1: Portolano, Tucker , Emanuel Ungaro, Tara Jewelry

Friday, October 2: Seven For All Mankind, Kiki de Montparnasse, Jewelry from Mary Louise Designs, Page Sargisson and Susan Hanover, Kara Ross Jewelry

Sunday, October 4: C’N’C Costume National Handbags

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.02: The Freshman)

New school, new headband--Queen B slides on her latest crown, a Paige Gamble white matte python medium-width headband. She travels in style with the heir Bass, and Blair is fashionably attired for her first day at NYU in a Victoria Beckham Carmontelle cashmere-blend dress dress (shown here in gray) with Slane & Slane 16 Strand Alexandria Clasp bracelet. The necklace is available at Neiman Marcus, and it's gorgeous. The clasp can be engraved... maybe Blair's has a message from Chuck. She completes the ensemble with white heels, strand of pearls, a diamond round domed brooch, and snakeskin tote.
Check out her dorm room--complete with chandelier!Hoping to sway the NYU-ers to her obvious fabulousness, B throws a sushi party with impeccable decorations.
However, the kids are lame. B wears a purple Victoria Beckham Briseux silk mini dress for a dorm room showdown with Georgina and attempts to establish her Queen title with a Paige Gamble stingray headband that coordinates perfectly.
B confronts evil roommate Georgina in a coral Catherine Malandrino blouse, floral skirt, and Marc by Marc Jacobs Saffron clutch with bow optic. She's also wearing some awesome glitter platform peep-toe slingbacks and a braided silk headband.
Dan agrees to escort B to Georgina's rooftop party (?) but removes her cute yellow headband and chucks it down the stairs. Harsh, Dan--headbands aren't the problem.
These yellow Milly shorts have a cute button detail that echoes the closures on last year's coats. Blair pairs them with the Diane von Furstenberg Alcott top in the large yellow bloomsbury check pattern. Look at the guys in the middle still checking her out!
Oh, B--despite her cute outfit (love the ostrich envelope clutch and black beaded necklace)--she still feels awkward at the party.
When a classic Blair Waldorf scheme doesn't work out, she leaves alone.
Commiserating with Serena, Blair sports a Co-operative Designs sweater dress and pink Elizabeth and James heels. She plunks down herNancy Gonzalez so casually on the Met steps... I love it. Her necklace is the Henri Bendel signature chain necklace and her side-swept braid is casually chic.
Unsure of her standing, Blair heads to Chuck's place. He kisses her silver-cuffed hand, and they fall asleep together.

Target Order

There's nothing like a good Target order. This Merona Collection black/gray crosshatch ruffle shirtdress looks a little bit like something a mean German teacher would wear in the stock picture, but I swear it's cuter in real life. I folded the collar down to hold it open in a v-neck shape and switched out the cloth belt for a skinny black patent leather one from Club Monaco. The Merona Collection runs more true to actual size than the very vanity-sized Merona line, and it hits me right at the knees.
I wanted to get free shipping, so I also added in this $8 Mossimo Black ebony draped skirt. The front part is truly just folded over the other side, so it separates a little when I walk. I added a little cluster of interior stitches to hold it together, and it's a nice easy piece for more casual work days. I'll pair it with a blouse and one of my old-school sweater vests, plus patterned tights for a bit of a kick.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Martin Grant Rose Coat with Structured Neck

I saw this lovely fuchsia coat at Barneys and it is incredibly stunning in person. It's a cool $1,995 but looks every penny. Martin Grant is a low-key designer who worked for years as a bespoke tailor, and his namesake line is beautifully simple with classic shapes and quality fabrics. I'm partial to timeless style, and this works 50 years ago, now, and probably will look great 50 years from now. If I were a rich girl...

Oscar de la Renta One-Shoulder Colorblock Gown

The coloring of this lovely bordeaux, gold, and deep violet dress reminds me of a gown worn by a fairytale heroine, but the pleated bodice and one-shoulder detailing are sexy, modern touches. Wouldn't it be a dream to sweep into a black-tie event wearing this? Granted, it retails for $4,390, but given that there's only one size remaining, there must be some wish-fulfillment happening for some very lucky ladies. You can check out the gown in action in a neat little video on the Neiman Marcus site--it's even better when the skirt swooshes into the light.

J.Mendel Fall 2007

This photo from a Fall 2007 J. Mendel fashion show makes me want to be a blonde. It's so impossibly chic--I could see Grace Kelly or Betty Draper wearing this outfit while looking askance at passersby.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Louis Vuitton Mon Monogram

Louis Vuitton is now offering monograming in a variety of color choices on their classic bags. I'm not sure I'd take in my Speedy for the treatment, but it's a neat touch that would work especially well on one of the larger Keep-Alls for travel.

J.Crew Order

Dear J.Crew, I am getting really spoiled by all your 20% off coupon codes. I almost want to beg you to go back to your ridiculous pricing, but...

Exhibit A: Deco shirred skirt. I'm pretty much obsessed with this skirt. It has a relaxed vibe, comfy fit, and front pockets. I've already worn it with a black oxford and platform sandals, but would also like to try it as pictured here with a slouchy white blouse. It's getting cold here, so I'll add in a black boyfriend blazer, tights, and flat boots. I already had this skirt in solid black--review coming soon!--so I threw the solid shirred wool version in heather carbon and deep aubergine into this order, even though there is a questionable styling choice on the site. (Neon socks with oxford lace-ups? No go, JC.)
Exhibit B: Studded skinny headband. Okay, so this was still kind of ridiculous for a thin headband, but it's difficult to find one with style that is still work appropriate. I like that this one mixes the sweetness of a schoolgirl headband with the toughness of metal studs. The gold is a soft color and accessories like this one are perfect for perking up basics on the weekends.
Exhibit C: Jackie cardigan in antique stone. This cardigan is a J.Crew classic--I have about seven--and this color was an experiment for me. I don't have any neutrals like this, but the styling on the site one me over, and I thought it was worth a try with the ivory Victoria cami from last year and dark jeans. I also managed to combine the 20% off with a J.Crew sweater promotion, so I got it for a steal. Love that.
Exhibit D: Merino evening primrose cardigan. Really, I can't rationalize this at all, since I have a sick number of cardigans but this one is mostly purple and is so pretty, so I don't think I can be held responsible for my actions. I'll probably wear it either halfway buttoned or open as a jacket over an olive green silk tee.
Exhibit E: Tiny-buds perfect shirt. I've been loving these slightly oversized oxfords, and this was on sale and pictured with the shirred skirt. I'll wear it under my Jackie in light peri with skinny jeans and pale gold flats. The material on this shirt is great--it's not sheer, but is still silky and soft.
Exhibit F: Tiered crystal libretto necklace. I have been thinking about this necklace for awhile and--okay, I'll admit it--wore it around my apartment with my pajamas the other night. It makes me feel like I'm playing dress-up and I'm not sure how I'll style it, but I love the idea of the ties. You can cinch it tightly to wear as a traditional necklace, or tie it at the ends of the ribbon so that the black shows.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Marc Jacobs Patchwork Zip Clutch

You know how sometimes you plan and plan for a purchase, and then you have it and never reach for it? And then other times, you make a total impulse buy and then it's so useful that you don't know how you ever lived without it? During last year's epic Saks sale, a friend called me from Beverly Hills:

Me: Hello?
Friend: I have a $46 Marc Jacobs Collection zip clutch in my hand. Do you want it?
Me: YESSS!

$46, readers, for this cherry tart patchwork lovely. Since it was a bargain, I actually get more use out of it, since I don't feel the need to be overprotective of it. It goes with everything, and clutching the red hot leather in my hand always lifts my mood for a night out with the girls.

Majorica Pearl CZ Earrings

I wore these Majorica pearl/CZ earrings on my wedding day and still find myself reaching for them frequently. They're subtle but still have a little sparkle, which I always love. I admit that I was really tempted to type out some pun on "bling bling!" right there, but I'm resisting. Anyway, Majorica does the best low-cost fancy pearls around and I highly recommend them. I'd love to find another variation without the CZs, maybe three pearls in a row for a more casual look.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Barse Semiprecious Stone Necklace

I came across this Barse semiprecious stone necklace in blue lace agate in a hunt for a less expensive version of the pear-shaped gemstone necklaces that Anna Wintour wears throughout The September Issue. The irregular shape and coloring of the stones lend the necklace a casual elegance, and it would be lovely to define the collar of a crewneck or peeking out under a blouse.

Calvin Klein Parma

Apparently these CK Parma sandals were all the rage last summer, but I just discovered them. They have a 4.5" heel but thanks to a thicker heel and hefty platform, they are actually comfortable--not "for high heels" comfortable, but seriously, actually comfortable. I am a taxi girl when it high heels, but I decided to test these out and trucked it to work, out to lunch, and to happy hour in these bad boys. My tootsies were fine and the shoes attract a lot of second looks. I wore mine with a skirt, but I'm definitely going to wear them with jeans for more casual nights out with the girls.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Jayma Mays in Glee (Episode 1.03: Acafellas)

Emma is gardening in her office when Will stops by for a chat. She is adorably attired for the occasion in a knit tulip print sweater, white blouse, coral pencil skirt, and pearl sweater guard.
At the Acafellas' first performance, Emma is enhralled by Will's considerable talents. She gasps in pleasure in a J.Crew yellow cardigan and yellow ladybug necklace with a lilac-printed blouse.
Emma is a vision in sherbet in all J.Crew, with a silk tie-neck tank, featherweight cotton v-neck cardigan, and bow-front pencil skirt. Her jeweled bracelet echoes the colors in her ensemble, and she finishes the look with her ever-present slim gold watch.
Emma stops by the Glee Club carwash in a black-and-white look. She sports a Juicy Couture apple-print skirt with a coral skinny belt, and tops off the outfit with a white blouse, Diane von Furstenberg Georgian cardigan, and pearl-drop earrings.
Everyone's favorite guidance counselor sits pretty in the audience for the Acafellas performance in a short-sleeve lemon yellow jacket and a white floral brooch.
She looks lovely with a smile, doesn't she?

Reem Acra Wedding Dress

From Town & Country: Only flowery language will do when it comes to describing how you look in Reem Acra’s tulle gown adorned with organza petals and crystals (by special order). Siegelson aquamarine and diamond earrings ($295,000); Leviev diamond ring (ring on request). On the groom: Canali suit ($1,895), shirt ($280) and tie ($135).

Or in my words: Pretty!

Nicely Done: Blake Lively

Blake Lively has a fab real girl body, and I like her relaxed attitude. I saved this picture in early August, and while the tight white skirt is definitely a summer item, the striped shirt and bold necklace (check out the oversized links woven with the chains) are seasonless. The look could easily be reinterpreted with skinny pants or trouser jeans.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Retro Sport Red Wings Tee

I'm currently living in Blackhawks territory, but my loyalty will always be to the Red Wings. Most sports tees are weirdly big and constructed with thick, rough cotton, but this Retro Sport tee is thin and soft, with the classic Red Wings logo. I'm planning to rock it at the RW/BH match-up with a black cardigan cinched with a studded belt, jeans, and tall black boots. Step off, haters.

Acquire It: Forever 21 Pretty Posies Necklace

Forever 21 Pretty Posies Necklace, $10.80 at Forever 21

Admire It: Kate Spade Daisy Bib Necklace

Kate Spade Daisy Bib necklace, $216.90 (originally $325) at Nordstrom

Monday, September 21, 2009

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.01: Reversals of Fortune)

Queen B makes quite the entrance in the Gossip Girl season three premiere as she stalks in to confront boyfriend (!) Chuck Bass. She's wearing a sweet Alice+Olivia Terry halter dress with a bold yellow belt that I own--it's short and flirty with a tulle underskirt. I wish we could see the shoes that Eric Daman paired with it.
Blair goes shopping with Serena in a Burberry Prorsum belted brocade dress in an elegant gold, silver and black pattern with a collar, button front, belted waist and patch pockets.She wears the outfit for another sort of shopping trip with Chuck, and the dress is set off by a L.A.M.B. Darjeeling Leather Orissa clutch, Alexis Bittar jeweled magnolia brooch in warm grey, and Michel Perry 9169 white tumbled leather and navy patent lace-up booties.
For a polo match with the Bass heir, B sports a Walter mint chiffon ruffle cutout back dress and her Tiffany key necklace , accented with a jaunty Louise Green pink hat.
Check out the back on that dress--fairly daring for Blair.
Finally, Blair takes off the hat and meets Chuck at his apartment, where they agree to stop the cheating boyfriend/jealous girlfriend game...
...and begin another one. "Waiter! My glass is dirty!" Check out Chuck's tuxedo--hilarious.