Afternoon Refreshment

Even though summer is just now coming to a close, it's getting hotter and hotter in New York as Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week reaches the half-way point. I can no longer deny myself of looking at Spring 2011 fashions during the summer of 2010. I know I should be dreaming about furs and tweeds for the upcoming winter!! But you can't help but feel warm sun rays and hear birdies chirping as you look at these pictures.

A little spring eye candy for you courtesy of ADAM, Alexander Wang and Lela Rose...

Alexander Wang

ADAM

Lela Rose

ADAM

ADAM

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

ADAM

Alexander Wang

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

Lela Rose

Even though we are transitioning into cooler weather, it's nice to see which trends are translating into the next season. It can really help determine how much of an investment you should make in certain looks or silhouettes. From these three shows, we can tell that utilitarianism, 70s glam and ladylike properness are here to stay. So go ahead and get that sequined top! Or buy lace-up booties! From the looks of things at Lincoln Center, you'll be just as hot this winter as you will be next spring.

Celebrity Doppelganger: Olivia Palermo

Anyone who watches "The City" must be thinking, "What is SHE doing here?" But, girls, the truth is that Olivia Palermo has an undeniable sense of style and great taste. Her fashion sense is so fabulous that even her Elle boss Joe Zee can't see firing her despite her personal and professional tiffs with well-establish public relations director Erin Kaplan.

For my own entertainment and curiosity, I've decided that this work week I'm going to channel Olivia Palermo's personal style for five days. Because, let's be honest, the girl CAN DRESS. I love her Park Avenue polish mixed with a hint of effortlessness. Olivia certainly has access to designer labels but she also loves to mix high-end luxe with affordable lines like Topshop.

For my first day in Palermo land, I'm starting off simple. Her casual look above is chock full of basics- a white tee, neutral jacket and all-American straight leg jeans. But the fun pop of color at her feet and chunky necklace are enough to elevate this look out of bland and into fab.

Here is my meek attempt. Disclaimer: I, in no way, believe I look like Olivia Palermo nor am I trying to become her. I am simply attempting to recreate her looks with my own wardrobe and self! (And this was early in the morning...)

And I'm laughing at myself for being so nerdy, but here goes!

Olivia-inspired look:

J. Crew ivory tee

Diesel leather jacket (my sis's)

Joe's Starlet jeans

Marc by Marc Jacobs sling backs

Wade's Design's citrine necklace

So that was my first try. Hopefully I'll get better (looking) as the week goes on! See if you can translate some of these looks with your closet. Or have a laugh on me!

Let the Gossip Begin!

That's right, Upper East-Siders. Shove that Veuve in your Chanel bag! Tell your driver to step on it! It's time to gather in the Adler-adorned penthouse apartments of Manhattan and relish the evening that is the return of Gossip Girl!

Monday night tv will finally be revived! Thank God! Or shall I say, Merci Mon Dieu? This season of Gossip Girl commences with Clemence (Poesy, that is), Blair, Serena and Chuck all in none other Paris. Oh la la!

GG hit a bit of a lag in the story line last year, as far as I'm concerned. But I still faithfully watched the chicest show on tv for none other than the fashion. This year's season already looks more interesting with several episodes taking place in the City of Lights and new (sassy) characters.

Here are a few still photos from The CW to get you more excited than a Park Avenue Princess at a Louboutin's sale in Barney's.

Ah! I can't wait to see what happens in Paris! I love the nod to Parisian chic with edgy yet polished outfits. I'm sure as the season goes on, we'll see Blair in more and more ladylike looks while Serena will go the more edgy-glam route. Who cares what happens between Serena and Nate when she's wearing sequined jackets and silk pants?!

Here are a few goodies from previous seasons, just to jog your Gossip Girl style file...

Vive la glam!

XOXO

Orange You Glad It's Fall?

Charlotte Ronson Fall 2010 look featuring a rust colored pleated maxi skirt.

Last month, I noted that while shopping in Dallas, I saw a heck of a lot of orange. Now that I'm out of the stores and the weather is starting to cool, I'm noticing it all over my favorite shopping sites. In a color palette of cool grays, olive greens and black, the warm punches of salmon, rust and coral are really eye-catching. It's a bit of a nod to the wild, wild West (thank you Dad for making me watch "The Outlaw Josey Wales" last weekend) but it works as a bright accent among these neutral, toned down colors. Check out these fall pieces certain to pack a punch.

Rachel Pally Bianca Dress in Clove from Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Simone Suede Booties on Prism Heel in Brick from Shopbop

Julien MacDonald Dress from Net-A-Porter

Halston Heritage Shirred Long Dress in Lipstick from Shopbop

Stella McCartney Rollneck Wool Sweater from Net-A-Porter

Joie Chateau Sandwashed Dress in Clay from Shopbop

To reach your chic peak with orange tones for fall, keep the rest of the color palette neutral. As you see in the Charlotte Ronson runway look, olive green is an unexpected yet impeccable partner with orange but gray and nude tones are also pretty with the warm hue. Be careful of adding too much black next to oranges similar to the Stella McCartney sweater or you'll look like a walking advertisement for Halloween.

And if my hunches about next spring's trends are right, we're going to see fresh takes on western-wear looks. These orange pieces will still be refreshingly relevant against ivories and whites and will appear lighter when separated from the drab colors of fall.

Orange you glad it's fashionable??

Septenvy

I am loving Tory Burch's fall look as published in the New York Post! The photo appeared alongside a Q and A about her Fashion's Night Out event coming up on September 10.

In this shot, Tory is really embodying my desired look for fall- dark skinny pants, an interesting top, a polished and structured jacket, a fun accessory and, overall, effortless and chic!

The missing link for me in this photo is the classic tweed jacket. From what I can tell, Tory is wearing the Petula Metallic Tweed Jacket. This khaki version is available now from Nordstrom and the Tory Burch website. Personally, I prefer the colorful blue to the khaki but that all depends on how much color you like to wear and your skin tone. (Plus, the Nordstrom styling of this jacket is waaayyy more buttoned-up old lady than Tory's youthful, relaxed version!)

So here's to September for its Fashion's Night Out, fall transition, football and host of birthdays for two of the most important people in my life- my mom and my beau!

Mad for Mod: 60s Influence on Dressing and Decorating

Fashion magazines have been feverishly covering this fall's ladylike dressing trend. While most of these styles steal from the 50s, I can't help but notice some of the 60s references in fashion as well. (Apparently Stacey London feels the same way as she was on the Today Show this morning covering the exact same trend!) Call it the Mad Men phenomenon, but, lately, allusions to this decade seems to appear in everything from decorating to dressing.

Check out this Kate Spade look from Neiman Marcus...

The leopard chubbie reminds me of my mom's fur from the early 70s that she passed down to me last Christmas. One of the best surprises ever! And the shift dress is a quintessential mod look.

If Kate Spade's look became a room, I believe it would look a little something like this one...

This room was decorated recently by a student in design school, but those small 60s references are still there- industrial materials, the pedestal table, and the ever-present avocado green! Patterned carpets were also huge, although many of them showcased a more geometric print.

Spade did another shift dress for Fall, this one embellished with colorful jewels along the neckline and pockets.

The shift would fit right into the living room below not only because of its amethyst huge but also because of the gilded, shiny accents. Add in a velvet covered couch in chartreuse...you can't get more mod than that!

Speaking of chartreuse, Kate Spade's next prim cardigan and pencil skirt look is a spot on derivative from the 1960s working woman's wardrobe. Can't you see career girl Peggy wearing something like this in Mad Men?

This polished look could transform into the room below. Again, there are several chartreuse/avocado green accents around the room and geometric shapes to be found all over. Of course, this room is one of the more modern rooms of those showcased in this post.

Finally, the other queen of ladylike dressing, Lela Rose, presented an updated look for the modern-day mod lover.

This dress looks like the new and improved version of this vintage style...

And the fashion embodiment of this amazing 1960s David Hicks' room...

With these vintage looks made modern, it's obvious that ladylike dressing doesn't have to be all buttoned up. Prim and proper doesn't have to mean boring and frumpy. Take a cue from these free-spirited looks and spice up your wardrobe with a sense of humor and a nod to mod.

From Me to You: Iomoi

Address Label in Black Stripes

No, I don't know the Richards. But I can gather that they have excellent taste! I have been meaning to bring up my latest paper goods and home accessories obsession for a while now.

I first read about the chic and unique Iomoi retailer a year or so ago when Real Simple showcased their calling cards in a feature on stationery. The graphic patterns and bright colors were eye-catching and fun. They made boring old business cards a thing of the past! Plus, I am always sticking my personalized name cards on gifts. These were like the grown-up version of that, and also perfect for handing out at networking events! (No gift needed.) Keep in mind with all of the very playful options, you should consider the level of sophistication you want the receiver of said card to gather.

Coakley Cay Pattern Chocolate Calling Card

If you take a look at the easily navigable Iomoi site, you'll see that they offer not only a wide range of products but also a vast array of cheerful patterns, colors, monogram and personalization options! Lucite letter holders for stylishly organizing mail? You got it. Paper coasters printed with your name to set out at parties? Check. A gilded monkey butler's tray? Hey- I said they have a wide range of products, didn't I??

So today I just picked a few of my favorite things. Personalized classics with a twist don't come cheap, so my brain is prioritizing its Iomoi desires. Iomoi's melamine plates are so much fun though. Wouldn't the party monkeys below be a hoot for a summertime cookout? (I swear those monkeys are wearing Tory Burch tunics.)

Custom Melamine Plate in Party Monkeys

Their lucite trays are also elegant, functional and funky. I'd love to place one on my dresser as a chic landing pad for perfume bottles and earrings. But an ottoman tray would be fashionable and functional in a den.

Iomoi also creates the most festive ice buckets I've ever seen! Who knew chilling pinot grigio could be so exciting?!

The cool cats at Iomoi have really thought of everything...

Ling Matches

Maybe personalized plates and ice buckets are not for you. They do offer a level of extravegance that may not be feasible right now. But certainly personalized address labels could be of more practical use. I did a lot of looking and have decided that I NEED these address labels featuring the blue Ling elephant. Matching stationery is also available. Hmmmm...

My personal favorite (I think!)- Ling Address Label

Ling Stationery

This post doesn't even do Iomoi justice. Their products are classic yet modern with a bit of preppy and a dash of bold.

I'll be sure to send you my calling card in case you have any questions...