Friday, March 30, 2012

Feeling Punchy

A pop of pink and a slice of orange make for quite a punchy spring and summer! Whether you prefer these brights on your person or on your sofa, there's no denying the cheerfulness of a good dose of color.

4- Quadrille Kazak Fabric Swatch

*Bonus! That Trina Turk swimsuit is on sale now! 

Wishing you all a weekend full of warm weather fun.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Treasure Chest: Part II

Hello, lovelies! I hope you all had great weekends. Welcome to a new week and, in the spirit of rebirth, newness and spring, I'd like to share an organization tale with you.

You may recall a post long ago about my dreams of jewelry organization in a far away land. On Saturday, I was finally able to realize this dream. I'm certainly not as glamly organized as fairy style godmother Mrs. Rachel Zoe but I've found a way to crawl my way out of this tower of terror...

 My mish-mash of earrings, rings and bracelets on a good day.

BEFORE:

All of my jewelry, except for my necklaces, literally sat on top of my grandmother's hand-me-down chest of drawers. The tangled mess of necklaces hung on my closet door. (Warning: The pictures below share a mess. Please do not judge.)



AFTER finding my Prince Charming...aka an antique jewelry armoire. Should we call him Prince Armoire-ing?? (I know, BOOOO!!!):

You can actually see the gorgeous antique wood and my treasured photographs! And my jewelry has actually been compartmentalized and organized...







All necklaces are visible and safe from tangled twists! 

 

Except for the few that were too big and bulky to hang in the cabinet.


This newly organized bliss comes courtesy of my latest flea market find. Thank goodness for great secondhand pieces, sellers who bargain and friends who will shop by your side! (And I'm digging the scalloped drawer hardware.)


 Now this special piece holding special pieces (cough...cough...costume jewelry) sits in a somewhat more glamorous corner of my room, guarded by the portrait of a queen...even if the royal name derives from the Miss Rocky Mount Pageant circa 1970-something!


 Should any other dames be on the hunt for the same, there are good options at Pier 1- some mirrored and some wooden- and World Market. (WM had some very similar to mine and at decent prices too.)

And all the treasures in all the land lived happily ever after.

The End.

Friday, March 23, 2012

Vacation in One-Piece

It's Friday! Let's all pretend we're going on vacation this weekend. (If you really are going on vacation, then I'm jealous.) Today, our daydreams whisk us away to the tropical island of St. Barth's. 

Here's what you'll need...

8- Sunscreen 

What's the best part of daydream vacations? It's gotta be the cheap air fare. 

Happy weekend to you!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Spring in Your Step

Spring has sprung, y'all! Happy first day of the new season to you.  

Now that warm weather has officially settled in, it's ON...the espadrilles, I mean.


The sturdy wedge makes a comfortable and- dare I say- more practical alternative to the stiletto. In fact, a local podiatrist recently recommended wedges as the safer option for ladies' feet due to the stress heels put on the ball of the foot. He also claimed that wearing a cheaper shoe had the potential to do more damage to one's foot later in life. So, girls, investing in a good shoe is more that just money spent on style- it's an investment in your health!

But, for now, who needs a pedicure?? It's definitely on my to-do list this weekend. After that, I'll start saving for my expensive shoe habit. 

Monday, March 19, 2012

Chartreuse & Stripes & Everything Nice

As college co-eds become women of the workforce and twenty-somethings approach their thirties, there comes a point where ladylike dressing is not just accepted but EXPECTED. 

I've found that as the 3-0 approacheth I have more functions that require ladies-who-lunch attire. Dwindling are the days when I could buy a silky halter top and expect to wear it with a skirt to cocktails, with jeans for the bar and with shorts for bachelorette weekends. (The BAR? Remember that place?)

But dressing conservatively and in a ladylike way doesn't have to mean snoozeville. Behold the holy grail for my wardrobe- the neon silk chiffon wrap skirt. Last summer, I happened upon this Lela Rose skirt at Vermillion in Raleigh. I knew I could wear it for an upcoming bridesmaids' luncheon (a la the look below and center) but I never expected to have so many other options with such an intense piece of clothing. It's knee length and fairly basic in cut but bright, bold and fun in personality. 


From left to right:

J. Crew Striped Tee + skirt + Tory Burch Julianne Wedge = Easy Sophistication for Post- Work Meeting (Cocktails Optional)
J. Crew Blythe Blouse + skirt + Ann Taylor Patent Pump = Bridal Shower Bliss
J. Crew Factory Chambray Top + skirt + Tory Burch Julianne Wedge (again) = Girlie Party Festive

This chartreuse piece has given me a lot of options. Here are some more in case you're pondering this purchase. Don't be afraid to wear these pieces with more than just white, grey and solids...

From the reasonably priced:




To the super nice:




Please don't take this post as a complaint about aging or anything whiny like that. And don't get me wrong, if you've got it, flaunt it! But when ladylike dressing calls, it's nice to have a little unexpected yet appropriate ammo in your closet.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Luck of the Irish?

I recently realized that there might be a little somethin' to being a redhead around St. Patrick's Day...my luck has skyrocketed in the last 24 hours and resulted in a wonderfully unbelievable start to this Scots-Irish girl's weekend. 

Here's the scoop:
A few weeks ago, Monkee's of Wilmington started a fab new blog and announced that if you became a follower, you were automatically entered to win a $300 gift certificate to their store. The big winner would be announced from the pool of followers on March 15. Naturally, I followed their blog immediately. Local fashion updates from one of Wilmington's premiere women's stores? Check. The opportunity to win a truly generous prize? Bonus!



Imagine my delight when I received the news that I was that lucky winner!!! And so on to the bright and beautiful Monkee's at Lumina Station I ventured last night for the Diane von Furstenberg trunk show where gorgeous colors, DVF's signature prints and the optimism of summertime met me, not to mention Monkee's friendly staff!












The lovely ladies last night sipped champagne, listened to the DJ, enjoyed catered apps and most importantly SHOPPED! 

It was not easy for me to narrow down my favorite pieces BUT I found a particular adoration for these...














All of the Monkee's girls looked ab fab but owner DeeDee Shaw looked particularly amazing in this piece. 


The DVF trunk show continues at Monkee's through Saturday. Should you not be able to attend, don't worry- a whole host of gorgeous goods will meet you there anytime, including pieces by Nanette Lepore, Tibi, Milly, Tory Burch and Kate Spade, just to name a few.


And, as for my $300 gift card, the DVF Imamu top has officially brightened my closet and I have credit to spare!


PS- it has a red stripe on the back. Love an unexpected twist. (And, yes, I'm wearing it right now.)


So when Monkee's boasts that you might need a bigger closet, it's the truth. And now to plan for tomorrow's fun St. Patrick's Day...and maybe one more special find from Monkee's like that DVF green dress.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Get Shorty

Those of us in the South are due for one long, hot summer this year. Winter feels more like Spring so one can only assume we'll springboard into summer in about a month or so...and STAY there. 

With sweltering temps and high humidity just around the corner, shorts are sure to become a girl's best friend. You may flashback to your unflattering pair of chinos or cut-offs straight outta the country. But 2012's stylish options give a girl the opportunity to sport shorts on more than just the boardwalk. Whether worn for girls' nights out (I'll take the patterned A.L.C. version) or paired with flats and a blazer for work, shorts aren't just for your down time anymore.


I've already selected my favorites. What about you? If you don't usually wear shorts, will you convert this year?

Now off to do about one hundred million thousand lunges and get a spray tan!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Weekend Look

The weekend is near! I'm so excited!! My sweet sissy and her Superman of a husband are driving six hours to hang out with us this weekend and we cannot wait!

Usually, this blog is devoted to fashion- and dreamy, high end lusts at that- but in honor of reality and athleticism, I hope you'll appreciate what I actually plan to wear this weekend. 


My aforementioned sister and my brother-in-law are the super active healthy type. Sis turned me on to Lululemon a few years back but only officially did I fully convert. Have you given their pieces a whirl? 

Let me also embarrassingly report that on a recent (attempt to) run with both big dogs of mine, the dogs pulled me down to the ground and DRAGGED me through the grass, over a sidewalk and into the middle of the street. It hurt like hell. However, those Lululemon pants are still as good as new. Three cheers for durability!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

High Fashion at Low Cost

As previously reported here, Marni X H&M drops today. Some stores hosted a sneak preview late last night and I read that all items at a store in NYC sold out in 14 minutes. Is that a record? (No, Missoni for Target has got to hold that one.)

As not previously reported, Marni X H&M is only being sent to about 14 stores in major cities only. Sadly for me and all my NC-livin' pals, the closest we'll get to these goodies is DC or Atlanta. 

However, a Paris Fashion Week street style photo has recently emerged fanning my flames of Marni desire. Russian model Elena Perminova was spotted in head to toe Marni X H&M and looking like a million books. Would you have ever expected (most of) these pieces to cost under $100?

via FabSugar 

Elena wears the Patent Leather Sweater Jacket for $200, men's buttondown shirt for $40 and Silk Shorts for $50. I happen to loooove that jacket.

via Vogue.com

 The accessories here really make the outfit for me. Her earrings and both necklaces are also Marni X H&M. The earrings cost $20, yellow necklace is $50 and white flower necklace available for $40. 

All totaled, Elena sports a Paris Fashion Week-worthy look for $400! I doubt most of front row fashionistas could beat that sticker price.

I popped into the H&M in Raleigh recently (secretly hoping they'd have some Marni pieces available early. Hey, a girl can dream.) and found two great spring staples that I'm excited to sport soon, tweed shorts and an Equipment-esque buttondown blouse for $29.95 a piece. The shorts are half of a shorts suit but I decided to leave the tweed jacket behind.

via H&M

via H&M

If you get lucky and find yourself some Marni X H&M pieces today, PLEASE let me know. I'll also give you $40 for a necklace. ;)

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

More from Vermillion's Play on Proportion

On Friday, you may have seen the first post on the Vermillion Spring Fashion Show. My photos looked "artistic" at best but you, dear readers, deserve to see these fabulous looks in all their glory. Today, I'm excited to present you with Vermillion's own pictures shot by photographer Nick Pironio. 

Feast your eyes on the gorgeous glamour, bold colors, interesting cuts and high fashion that draws so many darlings to Vermillion...

Celine blouse & pant
Loeffler Randall shoe
Anya Hindmarch clutch

The Row blazer & skirt
Bernardo sandals
Anya Hindmarch handbag
rag & bone hat

 Pucci bathing suit
Nili Lotan top
Anya Hindmarch handbag
rag & bone hat
Bernardo sandal
Kelly Wearstler necklace

Yigal Azrouel jacket
Balenciaga top
T by Alexander Wang pants
Balenciaga shoe
Yarbie bangles

Nili Lotan blazer and t-shirt
Rachel Zoe skirt
rag & bone boots

 10 Crosby jacket & top
Rachel Zoe jean
Balenciag handbag

 Veronica Beard blazer
Celine top
3.1 Phillip Lim shorts
Balenciaga handbag
Loeffler Randall shoes

 
Carven blazer
The Row pant and top
Lela Rose necklace 
Celine shoe

Tory Burch blouse
Lela Rose pant
Lizzie Fortunato choker
Anndra Neen necklace
Anya Hindmarch handbag

10 Crosby blazer
The Row blouse
rag & bone jean
Kelly Wearstler necklace
Celine handbag
Balenciaga shoe

Rachel Zoe suit
10 Crosby blouse
Iradj earrings
Anya Hindmarch clutch

A.L.C. top
Jason Wu skirt
Celine shoe
Anya Hindmarch clutch
Balenciaga cuff

Lela Rose Fall 2012 dress
Celine shoe
Anya Hindmarch clutch

 Lela Rose dress
Iradj necklace
Loeffler Randall shoes

 Jason Wu gown

 Yigal Azrouel gown

 Zac Posen dress
Celine shoe
Diana Broussard necklace

 Jason Wu dress
Iradj earrings
Celine shoe
Anya Hindmarch clutch

all photos by Nick Pironio courtesy of Vermillion

Such a fun show!! Do you have a favorite look? I'm not even sure where to begin on mine...I ADORED the chartreuse A.L.C. top with the electric blue Jason Wu peplum skirt. I also had a deep attraction to the red Yigal Azrouel gown and that leather vest. Striped blazer? Yes, please. Striped Balenciaga top? But of course! The Row's white skirt with a navy stripe? I CAN'T HANDLE IT! 

The accessories in the Vermillion show also cannot be beat. I was not familiar with Iradj before but I LOVE those earrings in the last look. I also had to go home with something and made a clear lucite Diana Broussard necklace mine all mine. An Anya Hindmarch clutch remains on my list.

And these shots don't even show you the other fabulous items hanging on the racks...I feel I did you an injustice by not photographing every beautiful piece that was there.

Should you find yourself curious about anything, though, contact the fantastic gals at Vermillion in Raleigh. But don't wait too long- fabulosity like this doesn't stick around!