Time to Enjoy the Weekend!

It's Bananas

Rachel Zoe, the trendsetting stylist to the stars, is launching her own moderately priced accessory line this fall with QVC. Expect lots of shiny baubles, handbags, sunglasses and faux-fur outerwear priced from $30 to $150. Mimic the looks of some of her A-list celebrity clients such as Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson and Jennifer Garner with her budget conscious line. I know I'm excited to see how her obsession with the 60's and 70's will translate through her collection. Zoe is set to unveil her collection live at New York's Fashion Week with QVC. I'm sure the consciences will be...well, "I die!"

Sparkles Are a Girl's Best Friend

Who doesn't love a little bling? This fabulous gem-encrusted tote from Valentino will add just the right amount of pizazz to your fall wardrobe. It's perfect with a sleek all-black ensemble or the classic white t-shirt and jean combo. This luminous tote will have people stopping in their tracks to figure out who's that girl!

Valentino Kaleido Gem-Embellished Tote, $2,995

A-tten-tion!

Command fashion authority in Tory Burch's leather military jacket this season. The jacket has a super-luxe military edge complete with brass buttons and double-breasted detail. Whether you pair with denim or throw on over a LBD, you're sure to be a leader of the fashion brigade in this jacket.

Tory Burch William Leather Jacket, $995

Happy Feet

Looking to add a feminine touch to your wardrobe without the extra lace and ruffles? These heels are an understated way to achieve just that and have your name written all over them. The bonus is the shiny glitter on the soles to add a little sparkle when you feel like kicking up your heels. Leave it to Rene Caovilla to deliver demure and spicy in the same shoe. When I saw these it was love at first sight!



Rene Caovilla, Plisse Chiffon Platform, $1040

Chain Links...Not Just for Fences

My obsession this week is chains...the pretty and edgy ones connected to killer purses. This season has my head spinning and my heart racing with excitement from the amazing selections of chain link purses by some of my favorite designers. Chanel is always the classic choice, but there are so many others to chose from this fall. There's something about a chain link purse...you get your sweet and spicy all rolled into one. Oh it's good to be a girl!



Clockwise from Top Left:

Emilio Pucci, Denim Shoulder Bag, $1295

BR Monogrammed Miniature Bag, $95

Balenciaga, Veau Luna Pouchette, $1325

Marc Jacobs, The Single Quilted Shoulder Bag, $550

Christian Louboutin, Sweet Charity Large Felt Bag, $1495

Fall Must Haves

Just wanted to thank the SITs girls for featuring me today. Welcome to all of those who are new to my site. Hope you enjoy.

Must Have List for Fall 2009

Nothing like the changing seasons to get excited about updating your closet. Below are a few of my must haves for the upcoming fall season to help inspire you until the September issues hit your mailbox!

Leopard Print Blouse

Animal prints are everywhere this season, but they’ve managed to live in my closest for some time now. I’ve never met an animal print I didn’t like. I love this blouse because it has just enough sass but when paired with jeans or a pencil skirt it won’t make you look like you’re channeling Catwoman.

D&G Leopard Print Blouse, $415

Rational Buy

Black Blazer

There are many versions to the blazer this season. But there’s one that really has my eye…a fitted blazer rocking exaggerated shoulders. It has my name written all over it. Throw it over a delicate floral print dress to add a little edge to your outfit.

D&G Peak Lapel Blazer, $695

Rational Buy

Sequin Skirt

Looking to liven up your wardrobe…just add sequins. There’s no need to be afraid of looking like a disco ball if done properly. Pair with opaque black stockings, flat boots, white tissue t-shirt and a fitted jean jacket and you’ll have mastered the casual-modern look.

Haute Hippie Mini Skirt, $295

Rational Buy

Over-the-Knee Boots

As soon as I saw these at Barney’s a few months ago it was love at first sight. There are so many ways to wear them, where to start? Throw on with leggings and an over-sized sweater that’s belted at the waist and you’re all set for Saturday brunch. You’re sure to be the one everyone is checking out wishing they could have your style.

Chloe Over the Knee Boot, $1,195

Rational Buy

Red Bag

Red…it’s not just for Valentine’s Day this year. It’s the easiest way to add some spice to your closet. I love this bag from Balenciaga. Not only is it the perfect color, but it has a bit of hardware to give it a touch of roughness.

Balenciaga Work Handbag, $1595

Rational Buy

Rodarte on Target this Holiday Season

Looks like it's going to be a good Christmas this year. Rodarte, the darlings of the fashion industry, unveiled their 55-piece Target collaboration in a preview to editors yesterday. Lacy slip dresses, denim jackets, tulle skirts and a killer black dress are what we have to look forward to this holiday season from the collaboration. Hitting stores December 20th, the collection will retail for under $80...yep, you read correctly.


When asked to describe the collection for WWD, Joshua Thomas, a Target spokesman said, “It’s very feminine, yet very modern. The collection incorporates a rich mix of patterns and fabrications and everything from sequins and bows to faux fur. The key with Rodarte is layering.”

It may be a stretch trying to imagine translating the hand-wrought designs of Rodarte into mass market designs, but if anyone is up to the challenge Target has found its match. 

First it was Jimmy Choo, who announced their collaboration with H&M and now Rodarte?  Here's to a happy holiday season.  

(PC -top photo: WWD Staff, right photo: Marcio Madeira Fall '09 Rodarte Runway) 

Seeing Red

You have a bold personality, and this season's color has your name written all over it. Red is the hot trend for the 2009 Fall Season.  It's sure to add the perfect amount of spice to your wardrobe, not that you necessarily need any help in that arena!  

Lust

Looking to channel your inner Jackie this season? Well Gucci has taken the guess work out for you and has updated one of their classic handbags. Pair with a simple grey sheath dress and hot pair of leopard heels and you are ready to go. Somewhere Jackie would be smiling down!

New Jackie Shoulder Bag, Gucci, $3100

Must

Tory Burch is known for blending timeless and classic designs with a modern twist. While her collection can be found on the set of Gossip Girls and socialites alike, she makes the perfect understated wardrobe for everyday moms. Looking to add some "red" spice to your wardrobe without seeing red in your bank account? The new "Utility" bag in Tory Burch's collection is your answer.

Utility Leather Hobo, Tory Burch, $450

Runway to Reality

Clockwise from top left:

Pre-Shrunken Leather Biker Jacket, Preen Line, $645

Black Tissue Turtleneck, J.Crew, $39.50

Skinny Black Patent Leather Belt, J.Crew, $32.50

Opaque Black Tights, American Eagle, $12.50

Zipper Trimmed Skirt, Forever 21, $15.80

Black Ankle Boot, Michael Antonio Macey, $60

Haute Cuisine, Julie & Julia

The mystic of France is hard to ignore. How do Frenchwomen stay so thin while consuming cheese, red meat, chocolate and wine? How do they dress so chic while making it appear to be so effort-less? And why do the French get to be the only ones to call their bubbles Champagne?

For all you Francophiles, the much anticipated Julie & Julia starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams opens in theaters today. While it may be light on the haute couture, it is sure to deliver on "haute cuisine." The film is based upon two best-selling memoirs, Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen, by Julie Powell and My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud'Homme. The film is about two women who live parallel lives both on the quest to uncover their hidden passions. Through perseverance, laughter, passion and a lot of butter both women find anything is possible in each of their lives.

Here's hoping your theater has French pastries or at least some baguette et fromage because popcorn and soda just doesn't seem an appropriate snack for this film! Bon Appetit!

Photos courtesy of Sony Pictures

Red Shoes

Today loves, you are in for a treat...we have a guest writer!  I've swapped blogs today with my friend Amy at The Bee Dot. We met through the The Classy Closet. Be sure to pop over to her blog to read my post as well! And PLEASE leave Amy a little comment love on her post here.

(photo courtesy of Christie Jane’s Flickr photostream)

 

 

Yesterday was a pretty rough day. Lots of things went awry.

 

On the way into the daycare, my two-year-old forgot he was wearing big boy pants now. We had to run, dripping, as fast as we could to the bathroom. But the running wasn’t so bad, because I was running in my brand new red patent leather spike heels.

 

When I got to work, there was a group of semi-hygienic bikers lounging on the sofas in the lobby. Everyone else was eyeballing them as if a cinema-worthy shootout was about to go down. Not me. I turned on my strut and made sure they saw my shiny leather. They were definitely entertained.

 

I got to my office and started gearing myself up for a fight. I knew I was going to have to confront a co-worker about a project deadline she had missed. The conversation started, took a bad turn, and I began to back down, as I often do. Then I looked down and spied my five inches of power. I stood my ground in my red shoes.

 

My red shoes and I spent the rest of the afternoon flirting, power lunching, and generally blazing our way through everything the day threw at us. We even caught all the green lights on the way home.

 

Look, I hate blatant materialism. I abhor people who acquire just for the sake of acquiring. I’m fine with lust and greed being deadly sins. But I think everyone needs a little something that makes them feel special or powerful. Something to think about or gaze upon that gives them a secret thrill. Something to save for, splurge on, or treat themselves to on a regular basis. Whether it’s a designer sofa or a creamy lipstick or a pair of perfectly-neutral Louboutins or an expensive set of cookware, its draw is uncontrollable.

 

Everyone needs a pair of red shoes.

 

What’s your “red shoe?” What item makes you feel confident, special or happy?

Bridal Eco-Chic

Amazing fiancé...check

Dazzling sparkler on left hand...check

Breathtaking wedding location on-hold...check

"The" Wedding dress...where to start?

The last one is an easy one to check off your to-do list thanks to Encore Bridal, a consignment and resale bridal eBoutique.  Specializing in gently used bridal dresses, as well as offering new and sample couture at unbelievable pricing...there's something for every bride and budget. 

Wondering how to buy a dress online not knowing how it will fit? Encore Bridal offers virtual styling to ensure brides get "The Dress" of their dreams. Having extensive experience working with multiple designers and an intimate knowledge of each gown in a well-edited inventory, Encore Bridal will deliver a gown sure to express each bride's unique and individual style. 

Green is the color of choice at Encore Bridal...being good to your wallet and the environment at the same time.  Encore Bridal is dedicated to using green business practices which include donating to Carbonfund.org.  In addition, a portion of every sale is donated to non-profit organizations supporting cervical cancer research and education.

Who says you can't have your dress and tiara too, all while being eco-chic?

Live in the Los Angeles area?  Visit Encore Bridal's Manhattan Beach showroom:

3215 Highland Ave.

(At 33rd Street)

Manhattan Beach, CA

310-545-1409

Encore Bridal Website

Hours:

Second & Last Sundays of each month 

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. (no appointments necessary)

Appointments only rest of the month

Upcoming Events:

Check out Encore Bridal's Veil and Accessories Trunk Show at the Manhattan Beach Showroom August 28th - 30th. For more information visit:
Encore Bridal Events

Natural Beauty

Dewy, blemish-free skin...reality or just another trick of professional airbrushing? Yes it is a reality thanks to REN Skincare, no need to pinch yourself. REN has created skincare as it should be. They use the latest high-tech bio actives that leave your skin healthy and beautiful. The best thing is the line is free from unfriendly synthetic ingredients, using only 100% natural and clean indredients. For the "green" in all of us...REN donates a minimum of 2.5% of its profits to campaigns for a better environment. Not only will your skin reap the benefits of using the skincare line but so will the environment...all in the name of beauty! Speaking from first-hand knowledge it's is one of the most gentle skincare lines for sensitive skin and is absolutely delicious to use.

REN Skincare Website

Shiny, Happy Hair

You see those girls...you know the ones.  The ones with the perfect, shiny hair and wonder "how did they get so lucky to have hair like that?" One word, Moroccanoil!  It's one of the secret weapons celebrity stylists use to keep their A-list clients looking amazing on the red carpets.  In addition to creating silky, smooth hair the smell of Moroccanoil is amazing.  Just an extra bonus for the lucky one who gets to be that close later!

Moroccanoil contains Argan oil grown from trees in the southwest of Morocco.  The oil, which is found in the seeds of lush fruits much like olives, has been termed "liquid gold" by many of its devotees.  Once you have beautiful, shiny, smooth hair...it's hard to go back.  Rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, Moroccan women have used Argan oil for centuries providing nourishing benefits for their hair and scalps.  

Moroccanoil Website

Wordless Wednesday

As if you needed one more reason to heart Christian Louboutin...but if you do here it is!

Christian Louboutin Platform Pumps, $930 To pre-order, visit: website

Flavor of Summer

Summertime...it's all about cool drinks, leisurely lunches with the girls, and sundresses. Dinner can quickly become an after-thought. Slaving away in a hot kitchen just does not scream summertime!

Here's a quick and easy recipe to prepare for dinner. It's so delicious no one will know you were out enjoying your summer day.

Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Basil

1 pkg. pappardelle pasta
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 T olive oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes
3 T fresh basil, chopped
pinch of red pepper flakes

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Prepare pasta according to package.

Heat olive oil and garlic over medium-low heat in a large skillet pan until the garlic is lightly browned. Add cherry tomatoes to skillet and cook until they start to breakdown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add drained pasta to skillet to mix with tomato mixture. Place pasta on large platter and sprinkle with fresh basil. Finally, add pinch of red pepper flakes to your taste.

We'll Always Have Paris

Besides being the city of love and having the most amazing food ever, Paris will have yet one more thing to boast about. It is now home to the largest shoe department in the world. On Wednesday, Galeries Lafayette unveiled the 34,500 square foot shoe department at its Boulevard Haussmann location. This new space makes the 8,500 square foot shoe salon at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York seem like a small boutique in comparison.

Known for their impeccable style around the world, it's no coincidence that Frenchwomen would have access to the world's largest shoe department in their backyard. With an average of six pairs of shoes purchased each year, Frenchwomen are the largest consumers of shoes in Europe according to Galeries Lafayette. They admit to being shoe collectors, with 17% owning more than twenty pairs of shoes. When one is a shoe collector, a small thing like price won't get in the way of owning a "must-have" pair of shoes as 75% of Frenchwomen will agree.

The shoe department will carry 150 designers with 75 being exclusive to Galeries Lafayette. In addition to shoes and more shoes, there will be additional services offered to make one's shopping experience more enjoyable. While relaxing in a lounge-like atmosphere, one can try on their shoes in a private fitting room. Should one chip their polish while trying on shoes, pedicure treatments are a step away. Personal shopping and artisan cobbler services are just a few more perks that are offered.

Pâté, croissant de chocolate, Eiffle Tower at night and now the largest shoe department in the world...J'adore Paris!

Galeries Lafayette
40 Boulevard Haussmann, Paris
website

Summertime...Oh What Fun!

It's summertime in Manhattan Beach and that means AVP is coming to town. Professional volleyball players, swimsuits and sunscreen are the must-haves this weekend at the 2009 AVP Crocs Slam Bud Light Manhattan Beach Open.

Sitting right on the beach with the ocean as the backdrop, there is fun to be had for the whole family. For the shopper, take a walk around the sponsor booths and check out the latest AVP gear. This year marks the debut of the AVP Dancers, ex-Laker and NFL football cheerleaders, to get the crowd excited. For those that remember the "good-old" days there will be a six-on-six "legends" match. The main attraction is of course on center court. Will John Hayden and Sean Scott hold onto their number 1 ranking...it remains to be seen. Whatever the outcome, it is sure to be a fun-filled weekend at the beach. This is how we live in Southern California!

For more information and to purchase tickets:
AVP website

Christian Louboutin's 2009 Fall Collection...a Perfect Fit

Looks like Christmas is coming early this year. Christian Louboutin's 2009 fall collection is amazing! There truly is something for everyone or for your ever changing moods. Choosing just one pair will be near impossible.

Satisfy that inner 80's edge with leather and metal. These will get you behind the velvet ropes with an all-access pass in no time. Air guitar will never have looked so good.
Very Prive Peep-Toe Pumps, $995 website


These are candy for the feet. With lace, exposed zippers and metal studs these can fit your sweet or spicy attitude. Nothing like satisfying that urge...of shopping for shoes!
Candy Lace & Patent Spike Pumps, $835 website

If your inner retro girl wants to make an appearance these are a must have in your closet this fall. Nothing says retro like sleek, ladylike pumps. Ingrid Bergman would be so proud.
Lady Page Velvet Bow Pump, $995 website

The splurge that will have you noticed from across the room. These are not for the wallflowers, so purchase accordingly. Nothing like having sparkly, shining shoes on your feet to get the conversation started.
Jeweled Platform Slingback, $2830 website