Ruffles Galore

The layered ruffle pattern that I have been in love with since I saw it on those adorable Louboutin pumps is making it's appearance everywhere. I am seeing it on all shoe styles and labels. Every time I turn around I see those cute little ruffles grace another stiletto or miniskirt. Check out these Louboutin impersonators for just 25 bucks at LuLu's.com. I think ruffles are evolving into a fall must have.

Photo courtesy of LuLu's.com

New NYC Landmark!

Next time I am back in the big apple, I am making a visit to the  new Topshop store that opened up back in April in the SoHo district. It is the first Topshop store in the United States and boy did it make a statement! First of all, it is not like you can miss this four story, 60,000 square foot monument located on Broadway. Secondly, Kate Moss stopped by the opening  in order to promote her personal designs to be sold in the megastore. If the New York store is anything like the British phenomenon the supermodel's collection will be hard to come by. I read that her collection sold out in 3 minutes at the Topshop in England! Maybe I will be lucky? I, also, read that there are plans to expand the franchise to over a dozen cities in the United States. I can only hope that they put at-least one store in the south!

P.S. I saw some divine shoes online. I even saw a style similar to Christian Louboutin's Dillian pump, which I have blogged about on more than one occasion (haha). The only difference is the price tag!

Video Tour of the NYC Store

The Circus Is Back In Town!

One of my favorite stores, Forever 21, is launching a new "in-house" collection called Twist. Every month the new label's designers will introduce a new limited time collection. The first collection Cirque 21 has just hit Forever 21 stores exclusively. It showcases a circus and vintage style theme characterized by cropped jackets and pouffy dresses. And, you can't beat the prices! Most pieces average around 20 bucks. I love that my favorite store is expanding to new and trendier ideas! Everyone better get shopping because next month Twist will launch a different themed collection. Until then you might want to get in touch with your inner circus. 

Cirque 21 New Line

Photo courtesy of Forever 21

Add These To The List!

I found a new website that provides you access to all the latest fashion items. When you visit net-a-porter.com, you are just a click away from owning any of the most recent clothes, shoes, or bags to hit the runway. I have to say it makes shopping a little too convenient and I mean that in a good way! This is one of the best online couture fashion retailers I have seen in awhile. All of the best designers like Jimmy Choo, Chloe, Miu Miu, and Lanvin are found in a one stop shopping experience. I wish I could take part in this shopping excursion. However, my visa will not allow such a thing! Nevertheless, for anyone who can afford these goods, it is a great site to visit. I will just window shop for now. 

I discovered these two stunning pairs of heels during my window shopping excursion:

Jimmy Choo "Karina" Christian Louboutin "Ronda Dina"

Love them!

Photos courtesy of net-a-porter.com

Vuitton With An Edge

I love the new image of Louis Vuitton with Marc Jacobs as the new "head honcho." The ensembles are edgier, giving the label a more modern look. I was flipping through the thumbnail images when I came across the outfit Leighton Meester wore to the Met Costume Ball. The looks are definitely more risque for the this upcoming fall season. I would have never matched up Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton but it provides for a surprisingly killer concoction. 

Louis Vuitton Fall 09 RTW Collection

Best Fall Shoes

Absolutely in love with these shoes! They were strutted up and down the runway for Roland Mouret's fall 09 collection. So feminine and flirty!

Photo courtesy of NY Mag

Siriano's Less Is More Strategy

If you know me, then you know I love Project Runway. One of my favorite designers from the show is the fabulous Christian Siriano. Why do I love him so much?! He is one of few that understands less is more. I am a huge fan of his simple and clean lines that make up his stunning collections. Case in point, his fall collection. He never underestimates the power of a strong but limited color palate. I noticed immediately that he focuses on only a couple key colors with each look having very slight variations. Maybe some might find these boring. However, to use one of Tim Gunn's more famous lines, it makes for a more "cohesive look."  All together, the most memorable part of the collection was the expert use of strong hues (love brown!). I am always a fan.

One of my favorite looks from the fall collection:

Photo courtesy of NY Mag

Swimsuits Come in 3s

I have never been a huge swimsuit buyer. I have around 3 that I bought awhile ago. I guess swimsuits just can't come close to shoes but, nevertheless, I randomly was in the mood to go shopping for them. I don't like spending a lot of money on swimsuits so I just hit up Target. Boy was I lucky! I found some really cute and inexpensive suits (a black, pink, and teal one to be exact!). I even bought one with leopard print, which is definitely going outside my comfort zone. But, they were just 30 bucks per suit. I didn't think that was too bad for someone who does not want to spend a lot of money. Living at the beach, there are temptations to spend a lot more at surf shops but I feel there is no need to splurge on this particular item. It just goes to show you don't have to pay a lot for fashion. Don't underestimate Target (haha)!

Paris Fashion Week

I have been a little behind on the couture shows that debuted in Paris about a week ago but I haven't hooked up internet in my new place so now is all I have! Nevertheless, it only takes one word to sum up Paris Fashion Week....lace. It was everywhere! I predict lace will make a comeback for fall now that house hold names such as Elie Saab, Christian Lacroix, Alexis Mabille, and Givenchy incorpated lace into their couture lines. I've never been a huge fan of lace but I can see it's appeal especially to French Romanticists, which is exactly what I thought of when I saw pictures of their new designs. One common thread I noticed for all the looks is the rich pallete of colors and a strong focus on feminimity.

The show I thought stood out the most was Elie Saab. Many of her all white designs caused a giggle among fashionistas. However, she dared to be different more than the other designers. In my opinion, couture is all about trying new things and breaking rules. Who made the rule of no white for fall? Since when do we have to trade in our bright colors and whites for deep blues and dull grays? It's so cliché. Saab's clean lines and feministic tone justified her bold decision to go white. Personally, I love it.

Here were a few of my favorites from Saab:

Photos courtesy of style.com

What I'm Watching

I have recently discovered a new show that I think I will be seriously addicted to. I watch very few shows regularly these days but I have found a good one for all those Gossip Girl fans out there. Bravo launched a new reality series that depicts the lives of the Manhanntan elite entitled NYC Prep. Cameras follow the daily events and dramatic story plots that make up the lives of a select group of prep school kids stirring up trouble in the big city. It reminded me a great deal of Gossip Girl but I think it is better because these are real teens living these lives. I love it! I like it so much I feel like I know them and the season has just started. I recommend checking it out. It airs Tuesday nights on Bravo. This is one dose of reality you should definitely consider.

Long time, no talk...

Sorry it has been awhile since I have blogged. I have been going through some major transitions that have kept me a busy girl. Moving can be pretty time consuming. Plus, I don't have internet hooked up yet so it makes it hard to keep connected (haha). The fun thing is that I have been going down memory lane through old Vogue magazines and clothes that I still have not managed to part with throughout the years. However, I have been defintely keeping up on my mag reading and will be ready to comment here soon! Not to mention, all the shows that having been going on in Paris!!! Stay tuned...

Media and Fashion Unite

I found this article on Twitter and it really caught my eye. LA Times blogger, Booth Moore, highlighted a huge collaboration between the world of media and fashion with the new merchandiser in town, Bravo TV. Usually, if you saw a cute accessory from your favorite show, that cable network would direct you to a site where you could purchase that item. Not now! Bravo is the first network to eliminate the middle man. Now, networks are retailers. Like Moore, I noticed this on the Project Runway spinoff, The Fashion Show, where the winning designs were ordered and bought right off bravotv.com. I thought, "Now isn't that convenient." I don't know why someone never thought of this before. It is a genius idea and I'm stoked that Bravo, one of my favorite networks, was the first to do it!

Click here to read the LA Times article

Madonna for Louis Vuitton

I am a little behind on this one but better late than never!

The luxurious power house, Louis Vuitton, made a huge statement for spring with their ad campaign showcasing the legend herself, Madonna. It was definitely a tough get but I think it paid off and will continue to do so. She has the trim physique to showcase any fashion label and the world acclaim to get attention for it. Pretty much anything with her name on it sells! I think it was a smart decision for head designer, Marc Jacobs, to choose the singing phenomenon to be the face of the spring line. I love Madonna, who is in her 50's, as a top pick when there is so much hype about youth in today's reality. I mean what 18 year old can lift their leg like this..




If you haven't already, check out the spread. It embodies a new and fresh direction for the brand yet makes perfect sense; a legend on stage meets a legend on the runway.


Behind the Scenes Video of the Photo Shoot

Photo provided by stylist.com