Sunday, July 18, 2010

the purrfect pair.

Currently lusting after cat-eyed sunglasses. I'm pretty sure I have to have a pair. I mean, protecting your eyes is totally vital....especially in this blazing hot LA sun. And doing it in style is of utmost importance, right?

Kate Moss....love the whole look. Need the glasses. :) ----->



I'm over the moon for this particular shape. Having been hopelessly devoted to my aviators for ages, it's a bit of a reach to go for another style but change is what nourishes growth. So, me making this investment is really for my own good. You know, to become a more fully formed adult. Also, I just really want them.



<----Sexy Scarlett. Cat-eyed Chic.


I'm pretty sure there's a pair for every face shape...I've taken the liberty of scouring the web and finding a couple of my favorite pairs. If you're like me and find this look particularly to die for, shop this look!











Feminine, chic, classic....Meow!!

Love to Love You!
xx

Friday, July 16, 2010

underneath it all...

We've heard it a million times...the right bra can make or break an outfit. So by now, women across the globe have gone in and gotten fitted (or at least I hope!) and have t-shirt bras a-plenty. And if you don't, I highly recommend Nordstrom, they're pretty amazing and are currently have they're massive anniversary sale to boot! Back to the point...modern women need a bit more than just a great t-shirt bra to navigate this crazy world.


So my number 5 item in the things women should absolutely have in their wardrobe is a sexy set of lingerie!


Ok...so you don't have to be Heidi Klum, and it doesn't need to be an 11 million dollar set of bra and panties. But finding the right set can make you feel just as sexy as she looks here. And that's the idea. Underneath it all, you should look and feel sexy, confident and like a strong beautiful woman. Sometimes a really beautiful set of bra/panties/underwear/pants/knickers can really do the trick!
(I know people can be picky about how the refer to their unmentionables!)

This essential is all about fit and comfort. So, as I said, if you haven't been sized for a bra that is definitely the first step. It's a quick and painless procedure and can really change the way your entire wardrobe looks.


When shopping this look, go for a bra you love. Where there are beautiful bras, matching panties are sure to follow.  Do you need a set that matches? I say, yes! If you're the only one seeing it, a lot of people are seeing it, or you've got that one special someone...there's something about a matching set of bra/panties that's sexy. And it's something that women get to have, it's our thing! Embrace your femininity and take a walk on the girly side.

Kate Moss. Very Sexy.



Shop This Look!



Some of my favorite brands are Elle Macpherson Intimates & Wacoal...both are really comfortable and beautiful at the same time.


Confidence is beautiful. Looking great and feeling great go hand in hand. A really beautiful set of lingerie will most certainly lead you down this path!

Love to Love You!
xx

After the break are some shopping options for racier sets, fuller figured options, etc. 
Victoria Beckham. Getting it right again.
(Sexy Spice)

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Biker Babes!

Cool chicks and biker babes have been in on my number 4 closet essential for, like, ever.  Although you don't need to own a Harley to get in on this next wardrobe essential....just throw it over a flirty frock or jeans and a tee and you're good to go. Getting better with time and in mostly cuts that are timeless, number 4 is a black leather jacket...

<---------Sandy showed us her moves in a sexy all black ensemble in Grease....Love that red silk lining.  Pretty intense.

I was just passing by my local Urban Outfitters recently and I saw the huge "SALE" signs posted all over the windows. I mean....it was fully on my way to my mailbox. A completely justified stop. Right when I walked in the door there was an amazing little sale rack with about five leather jackets, all on SUPER sale, $9.99! (Note, on ShopStyle it's not marked down quite as far, but still a steal!)

Shop this Look...



A great leather jacket can be suitable for plenty of occasions. Right now we're in a pretty serious heat wave so the thought of wearing much of anything is kind of dreadful. But in general, this item will be a staple in your wardrobe. Remember that maxi dress I said you should buy? Yep, these go together. Even the right combo of wrap dress and leather jacket can work!

My absolute favorite that I've found online is by Nicole Richie's Winter Kate.
Shop that one here...



I love a motorcycle style for a fashionista with an edge. This jacket isn't quite as versatile as a clean cut jacket a la Winter Kate. If you're looking for something with a little more flare a great mid point is a bomber jacket. It's got some detail but will still last trends and seasons. And there's SO many cute ones, like mine from urban ;)

Shop for leather jackets at ShopStyle




And for the fashionista going out on a bit more of a limb, here's some of my picks for ultra cool leather jackets that are a little more styled than the standard staple!




A leather jacket will instantly add an element of cool to your outfit and in black, it can still be your staple "black jacket" that stylists always say women should have. I just say, if you should have an item why not make it be cool?
<----Kate Moss.  Decidedly Cool.

I love my animal friendly faux versions, but the real leather ones are lovely and while they are a bit pricier remember that they're investments into your wardrobe. Worn leather just looks better with time! Do you kind of maybe need this item? Is it a wardrobe essential? In the words of Sandy....Tell me about it, Stud.... ;)

Star Style for Inspiration after the Break babies!

Love to Love You!!
xx



Wednesday, July 14, 2010

that's a WRAP!

Flipping through this month's Cosmo with the true princess of pop....it's Britney Bitch!...on the cover.  I got to an article called "fun fearless fashion" which features a page called "Kick Ass New Trends." So...I loved this entire article. Just one thing, on the "Kick Ass" page Cosmo is suggesting that the wrap dress is "stale" and the new fresh approach to your go-to dress is a strapless. And I have to say, I couldn't disagree more. Which brings me to item number 3 in your closet essentials: Wrap Dress!


The wrap dress has been a chic piece in women's wardrobes for decades. Diane Von Furstenburg kind of changed women's lives (not to be dramatic!) when she brought the wrap dress on the scene in the 70's. And this isn't a style that has a necessarily retro feel. It certainly doesn't need to be designer, vintage, or vintage designer (although those are pretty killer).


Shop DVF Wrap Dresses...



Every modern fashionista should definitely have a wrap dress of some sort in her wardrobe. They are flattering, chic, comfortable and despite what Cosmo is saying this month ;) always in style. Some pieces are timeless and this is definitely one of those. I gravitate towards the long sleeved versions, but the sleeveless are pretty swoonworthy too.




Another thing worth noting here...if you're still missing that perfect little black dress, this could really fit the bill. A black wrap dress (of the right length, say just above the knee), can go great with flats & heels and will take you day to night! Obviously, completely necessary for every woman.

A few black wrap dresses for the fashionista looking to get more bang for her buck!



Ok ladies...again if you're looking for some styling inspiration, I've added some celebs working it out in this look after the break. Check it out, get to shopping and on my number 3 essential....that's a wrap!


Love to Love you...
xx

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

to the MAX!


Lists telling you what your wardrobe should always have never seem to leave out the little black dress.  The LBD is completely a staple in a woman's wardrobe, I fully agree with this. But what about the OTHER LBD? The LONG black dress?? Which brings us to my second item lovelies...a black maxi dress!


<------Heidi Klum. Perfect. Obv.

I love a great maxi dress. Comfort, ease, and sex appeal are all a part of the allure to this next item I think is absolutely essential in the modern woman's closet.  The right cut and fabric can easily go from day to night. I personally like to go for a maxi dress with flats...but some are best with heels (especially for you shorter girlies)

Shop this look!




Now while this look takes some trouble shooting, I think there's definitely something out there for everyone! And once you find the ideal black maxi dress, they're perfectly addictive. So I say, if you like the style, go for it and grab one in a great print too. But if you're only going to get one, black is best. It's the most versatile. Just remember, a printed maxi can do wonders and you'll wear it more than you might think!

Here are a few of my faves, you can find them at Shop Style!





The maxi dress is a gold mine. If you're feeling bloated (gasp!), maybe don't feel like shaving your legs (whoops), but still want to feel sexy and chic...the maxi dress is your bff. If you are headed to a pool party and need something cool and effortless to throw over your suit, this item is there by your side. Garden wedding with nondescript attire? Awkward weather? Just having one of "those" days? The maxi dress will always come in and swoop with the save! The key is finding the right silhouette and style.  (Miranda Kerr. Looking Stunning. My Point Exactly.) --->

After that, it's up to you to EXCESSORISE appropriately! Bangles, hoop earrings, cocktail rings...these things are all appropriate with the right dress. Just have fun, be comfortable and be you! The right LBD (Long Black Dress) is a key in any modern woman's wardrobe. After the break are some great examples of stars strutting their stuff in maxi dresses of all styles and colors. 

Check out Young Fabulous & Broke, Splendid & Rachel Pally for some of my faves. Forever 21 has some great ones too for the fashionista on a budget!

Go ahead ladies, dress it up to the max!
Love to Love you!
xx

Monday, July 12, 2010

in the nude!



I think every woman should have a few essential items in her closet.  This week every night I'll post one item I think is essential. This ain't your momma's list y'all. OK, well my mom and I chatted and her list was pretty close to mine but I have an especially up to date mom. ;) With that said, here we go! 


Tonight my first item starts where many outfits begin, the shoes! I've built many an outfit around a great pair of shoes. I think a key pair is the nude heel....Whatever "Nude" means for your skin tone. If you're going with just one pair, go with a classic shape but I am pretty over the moon for the variations you typically see in other colors as well. Check out the shopping section below to get a good range of nude heel options!



Ready? Set? Start Shoping! (powered by Shop Style of course!)


Often these "every woman should have" lists say the essential shoe should be a black heel patent if you're going wild. And while I absolutely think a great black high heel is a quality addition to every closet, I think I'm safe in saying that many women by this point have this item. I've been surprised to find, however, that SO many women don't have a nude shoe.  
The benefits of a great nude heel are pretty overwhelming. 
1. Unless you're going wild with the sunless tanner...don't go wild with the sunless tanner.....your skin tone will stay the same (even within a few shades) so the heels will work their magic no matter what. 
2. Men love legs. This is not rocket science. Women's legs have an innate sex appeal because they're feminine in a way that men's just aren't. They're one part of the body that don't age and always look womanly and beautiful. Therefore, a nude heel drawing attention to them? Obviously a good thing. Sexy legs.....
 (image: illustrating a point, legs for days! super hot. also, for male audience viewing pleasure. list continues below.)
3. They make your legs look miles long. Slimming? Yes. Attention grabbing? Yes. Ask Gisele how having incredibly to-die-for long legs is working out for her, and I'm pretty sure she's not going to complain. Those of us not in that same supermodel boat can certainly fake it with a great pair of flattering 5 inch heels!
4. They're classic. I think it's safe to say neutrals that go with a vast majority of items in your closet (at least, the things in your closet that also have any longevity).  If you find a great pair, take care of them and they will certainly last seasons and trends.
5. I think I've made my case.  

OK babies, that's my first item for you! Check out the photo inspiration from celebs on the red carpet and on the go after the break.  Be sure to check out the blog every night this week for a new item I think is essential for every fashionista! 

LOVE you lovers....
xx