Dress Like a Princess, Spend Like a Commoner

For as much as Kate loves Will, I've noticed a few other things that have really caught her fancy.  Among them, tights, boots, blazers, and a great cocktail dress.  Kate has a style that is contemporary and accessible.  She knows her shape, colors, and what works best for a life in the limelight.

She favors deep v-necklines, which I suspect will become less deep after the "I do", cinched waists, and fabric details.

Want the Kate look for less?  Try these on for size.

Like any good Brit, Kate often dons the trench coat, but like any savvy shopper we'll forgo the Burberry for a chic coat for less than $200.

Casual about Town, Top Row: Macks Trench Coat via French Connection, English Rose Kimono Blouse via Anthropologie, Broome Street Jeans via Kate Spade, Calvin Klein Metallic Scarf, Heeled Stretch Boots via Boden.

Kate is often photographed in dresses, like the one in the original engagement photos, the highlight and accentuate her slender waist.  Expect to see more dresses and conservative style in her new role.  She also isn't afraid to shop off the rack - we should be no different!

Dress for the Occasion, Middle Row: BCBGMaxAzria Ruched Jersey Dress via Bluefly, Tahari ASL Sheath Dress via Bluefly, Contrast Tank Sundress via White House/Black Market, Cole Haan Opaque Tights via Zappos, Michael Michael Kors Flex Low Pump via Zappos,  ASOS SUGAR Bow Court Shoe via Asos.

Will and Kate got engaged while on Safari in Africa, and I am sure they will honeymoon somewhere fabulous.  Whenever they get the chance for some R & R, expect more dresses and chic, simple resortwear.

Princess on Holiday, Bottom Row: Free People Tiered Lace Dress via Nordstrom,  Crisp Chambray Blazer via Anthropologie, Off White Anglaise Bikini via TopShop, Sapphire and Diamond Ring via Ice.com, Melin T-Strap Pump via Nordstrom

Setting the Stage

Normally I think of home decorating and collecting furniture as sort of a piecemeal process; you pick up great pieces when and where you can.  The process is organic as you sort of figure out what works in your space, and what doesn't.

Or, you can do what I did this weekend and stage an entire house in a matter of hours, with the help of our good old friend, the Internet.  I had the chance to stage to coordinate the staging (furniture/accessories) of a newly remodeled DC row home.

This was a great exercise in design, but it's also provided some great tips for anyone setting out to make their first home, especially those with a limited budget.  

In the bathroom: have fun!  The entire concept for both bathrooms came from the towels.  Towels (from World Market) are a really affordable way to add personality in a small space.  Then, because I am like this, I matched the wastebasket and soap to the towels - that is clearly not mandatory. 

Here's a tip: in designing for staging and open houses, or for any high trafficked guest bathroom, skip the soft white floor rug.  I went with gray, it will be more durable underfoot.

In the living room I went with the bold choice of a light colored sofa.  In theory it is safe for a staging house, or a house without kids or pets (like ours, in real life!), but what you forget about is the times when the furniture needs to be moved by movers, and not with your tender loving care from house to house.  No worries, this sofa (also from World Market) is completely slip covered to allow for ease when changing styles, or hiding spills.

In the kitchen allow yourself to make a statement.  For me it was these cute little stacked coffee cups (World Market), that inspired the rest of the color palette and semi-retro aesthetic. 

I had a few challenges: make it affordable, make it fabulous, and make it livable. I am not an interior designer, but I learned a few tricks along the way, that were worth sharing.  

If you're in home set-up mode here were my favorite places to search and shop: 

• World Market,  great for accessories and unusual items, textiles, that sofa!
• Pier 1, great for vases, candles, kitchen kitsch
• Target, great for lamps, rugs, bedding, affordable accent furniture
• JCPenney, great sales on large furniture, rugs, dining
• Wal-Mart, great for lamps, affordable accent furniture, bedding
• Crate & Barrel, great sales on dishes, table linens
• Amazon, great for price checking
• Overstock, great for price checking, rugs

Shop till you drop - and save

I'll be working this weekend, but if you're not, and you find yourself at the mall - don't miss out on these great gear up for spring sales:

Great time to stock up on the "in today, out tomorrow" trendy styles for Spring

Nine West

Still lots of cute pieces up to 50% off and good to transition into a slow coming Spring at J. Crew, plus free shipping over $100.

Fall into the Gap (and Banana Republic and Old Navy) Give and Get is Here!: Enjoy 30% off from March 17-20 at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy plus we'll make a 5% donation to a non-profit.

Also, take 15% off when you buy one pair of jeans, 25% off when you buy two or more pairs at Bloomingdale's Denim Days 

Have a fashionable weekend - see you Monday!

Kiss me, I'm Stylish!

Emeralds have favor with today's leading ladies and have for long before (and presumably after) St. Patrick's day.  The richness of emerald stones complement the complexion of today's hottest stars. 

Most famously first seen on Angelina Jolie at the Oscars in 2009:

Angelina Jolie in Lorraine Schwartz via InStyle

They have since graced red head Julianne Moore at the Golden Globes in 2010

Julianne Moore in Bulgari via InStyle

And, a very blond Reese Witherspoon at the Oscars in 2011

Reese Witherspoon in Neil Lane via InStyle

These looks get their movie-star sized wattage from the simplicity of the design: a stud and a drop, and the mega-size.  In this case, (and with jewelry isn't it often the case?), bigger is better.

So, perhaps you don't have velvet rope access to Neil Lane - here are some looks for less:

Go Green, From L-R: Noumea Emerald Pierced Earrings at Swarovski, Courtney Lee Collection Emerald Brittany Earrings at Max & Chloe, Lata K Illusion Green Onyx Long Earrings at Max & Chloe, Nicky Hilton Sterling Silver Bullet Earrings with CZ and Green Enamel at Endless.com, Diana Warner Emerald-Cut Crystal-Drop Earrings at Max & Chloe

Dress for Success (for Less)

You probably know by now that I looove spring/summer.  I love warm weather, flip flops, big hair and sunglasses (yes Summer means big hair for me).  But, then I stumble a little bit.  You see, I am not really, truly a dress girl...

I love looking at dresses; gowns, cocktail dresses and sweet sundresses, but, I don't really own too many.  I am a jeans girl.  In DC, and frankly in most places during the heat of summer, skinny jeans can be well stifling.  

So, here were the rules: fun dresses that could be worn to brunch, a game, dinner, or just out and about, nothing black and nothing over $100.  

Fashion tip: when exploring a fashion category or color you're less than confident about, start slow and inexpensive.

More ECI...

See Row 1 for work; row 2 for social hour; row 3 for running around.

Okay Spring, I'm ready - where are you?

Red Carpet Inspiration: Jewels

Again, I loved Gwyneth Paltrow's dress, hair and jewels. 

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein via InStyle

I thought she radiated.  In fact when watching the pre-show with my sister I kept noting the man/intern/earring showcaser who relentlessly adjusted Paltrow's hair to show off these:

Louis Vuitton Earring via People.com

Those earrings are to die for, and I am fairly certain the originals fall under the category of "would kill your bank account".  But all hope is not lost. The idea behind the earring is a cluster of multicolor stones in an organic shape (not specifically round or square).

Here are my top picks for the look for much, much less:

From L - R: Rachel Leigh Nico Shooting Star Cluster Earrings at Charm & Chain; Gas Bijoux Faux Turquoise and Quartz Gold Plated Cluster Earringsat Ylang23; Wing Studs at Top Shop; Sorrelli "Wild Meadow" Earrings at Endless; Oscar de la Renta Multi Stone Drop Earrings at Net-A-Porter

Favorite Looks from Spring 2011 Fashion Week, for Less

In September I featured my favorite looks from the Spring 2011 Fashion Shows, and now that Spring 2011 is almost upon us, it is time to revisit those inspiring looks.

I have taken my stand out favorites from September and searched the Internet to find affordable and wearable version inspired by the real thing.

Marc Jacobs - Spring 2011 was like the most glamorous, 70's inspired, color infused show. 

This look is completely wearable, and probably could be assembled with items you already own, but if not...

Carolina Herrera - Spring 2011 was a favorite of mine, and while I don't have the need for an evening gown currently, one can't help but be inspired by the painterly details of this beautiful dress.

Carolina Herrera - Spring 2011

This look is admittedly DIY but if done right it's a major wow.  And again, I think the larger aesthetic point here is painterly details in a black and white color palette.

Oscar de la Renta - Spring 2011 was for the ladies who lunch set.  The important rules to follow here are texture: tweed and silks and colors within the same color family.

Oscar de la Renta - Spring 2011

With such a ladylike and refined shape and staples, you can really go bold with the color and have fun playing with spring's best and boldest hues.

Ralph Lauren - Spring 2011, this show was Rancher Fabulous if there is such a thing.  It is certainly difficult to imagine wearing beaded cocktail dresses on the farm, but somehow Ralph Lauren, as the master of Americana pulls it off.

Ralph Lauren - Spring 2011

To attempt the same look, on a budget start here:

Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2011, know for red-carpet worthy evening gowns, it was fun to see Monique Lhuillier play with different shapes and pieces, and I really liked the belted, sophisticated look of the high waisted trousers and refined bustier top.

Monique Lhuillier - Spring 2011

To build this look on a budget, you can assemble pieces that are completely wearable in a variety of ways. 

 What trends are you most excited for?

SAG Awards Red Carpet for Less

I mentioned that I thought the SAG Awards, in terms of grandness of attire, is sort of like High School Homecoming.  That is said with no disrespect to the Homecoming Queen - it's just that the Homecoming Queen is not a bride on her wedding day, and so the SAG Awards is not the Oscars.

Anyway, because it's like the little sister there is a sense of attainability.  Let's explore, shall we?

More Nicole Miller...

I raved about Sarah Hyland's youthful twist on orange (cute pun!) and the strapless gown from Nicole Miller does the trick for $355

Loved Natalie's chic mom-to-be white gown.  This look is easily recreated with the Vanilla Strapless Gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal and the addition of some sparkly pins and brooches.

Lea Michelle and Tina Fey's straight from the runway Oscar de la Renta were a little difficult to recreate on a budget but I think we're pretty close with a gold infused Sue Wong gown ($488) and the Nika gown (for a budget busting $788).

My favorite, in the category of "I would rock this anytime" was Julie Bowen's pantsuit jumper.  She admitted it was risky, but she neglected to mention it would be a cinch to recreate.  Halter jumpsuit from TopShop ($90) and sparkly pins and you're red carpet, or disco ready.

Shop Happy!

Fashion, to boot

This weekend I saw this great NY style retrospective on the "new way" women are standing, walking and posing and the shoe that is leading the way.

New York Times

The ankle boot (bootie) is taking over for the knee high (or higher) boot and in the process is highlighting a woman's long leg, or making a shorter leg look longer, or as Bill Cunningham says, more like a ballerina or a showgirl.  

The best part of this pictorial is that the personal style of the "street models" are all so unique.  They are uptown, or downtown, bare legged, black tights, or tattered stockings and they are all chic and like themselves.  They also look like they might have to find a bathroom... now - but even that beats the bowlegged look of a few years ago!

In any case, we are  not here to talk about stance, or posture, we're here to talk about shoes!

Here are my favorite booties for under $100, under $250, and the sky's the limit!  

More Wet Seal...

Happy Shopping and stand proud!

Couples in Costume

Halloween is just four days away!  Oh you didn't get a costume yet?  Maybe you forgot that Halloween is always on October 31, maybe you got busy, maybe you just couldn't decide what you wanted to be this year.

It is too late to order something online, and all that is left in the stores is a witch's hat and a sexy nurse's outfit - boring!  If you and your love are dressing up this year for Halloween here are five easy to execute on a budget ideas.  The couple that dresses together stays together!

All of these costume ideas are built off of items that you probably already own, and every piece is less than $30.00, and able to be worn again - score!

Since it is "Wedding Wednesday" we had to start with a Vegas Bride and Groom.  This costume just screams wedded bliss on the fly, and this time what happens in Vegas comes home with you.

Tees at Kohl's
Hair Accessories by Forever 21

 What couple is more recognizable than Brad and Angelina?  You and your beau can pull from your own wardrobe, lots of gray and black, but these accessories put it own the top.  If you're baby-free don't forget the Brangelina babydoll.

Hats by Old Navy
Gloves & Scarves by Topman

Maybe you and your beau are complete opposites, but together you're the perfect match.  Just like Danny and Sandy.  Layer on the black, add some Grease, and get dancing!

Tees by Gap
Brushes & Combs by Swissco

Are you ready to go back in time?  All the way back to Bedrock?  This costume is a bit more DIY; take the togas you made in college and grab your Sharpie marker to make up the perfect Fred and Wilma.

Pillowcases & Shams by Bed Bath & Beyond
Necklaces by Old Navy

Or, go for glamour as the ultimate glamour girl with her ultimate boy toy: Barbie and Ken.  Load on the color and the 80's makeup to become the Queen and King of Pink.

Polos by Sean John
Pumps by Forever 21

Happy Halloween!

Inspiration via France

A few weeks ago The Sartorialist featured what he called the "Shoe of the Season"; the Valentino Studded Kitten Heel.  He wasn't kidding.  

Photo via The Sartorialist

They are ladylike with an edge.  The studded detail elevates the feminine kitten heel and pointed toe without going over board.  I love the idea of wearing them with trousers for day, and then when the day turns to night, it's surprise.

Not surprisingly this pair is a little out of reach, but there is a lot of more affordable options that is inspired by the Valentinos.  If you set out in search of a similar style you'll want to focus in on the more feminine shaped shoes with a slim heel and delicate straps.  The look is more lady with an edge, than biker chick or rock and roll roadie.

Boots by Killah
Flats by Candela

Happy Shopping, make this fall fabulous!

Finding the Wild Side

I am having a bit of an animal moment.  I don't know where it came from, but lately I am gravitating towards animal prints of every variety; leopard, cheetah, tiger, zebra.  Wild animals on footwear and accessories are often on the prowl in South Florida, but spotting animal print in DC is like hunting endangered animals - as in the occurrence is rare.  There is a fine line between eye catching and over the top, let's see what we can find...

Ralph Lauren Leopard Hair-Calf Peep Toe Pump

Jeffrey Campbell Kammie Ballet Flat

Vince Camuto Rues2

I love the idea of the leopard shoes.  You know I'm all about the classic aesthetic, and I think these all would work great as a surprise accessory with a slim, straight leg jean in a dark wash, or a black shift dress.  They add a kicky pop to any outfit that's a little playful, a lot of fun, and still classically cool.  

I'm still hunting for animal inspired home pieces too, so look out for that in a future post!

The Look for Less: Leather & Lace

At London Fashion Week, Sarah Jessica Parker attended the Burberry Prorsum show in pieces from the Resort 2011 collection.  I loved her look, a ladylike take on leather and lace. 


Sarah Jessica Parker paired these two items:

Burberry Prorsum Leather Jacket via My Theresa

Burberry Prorsum Lace Dress via Saks Fifth Avenue

For this look:

Sarah Jessica Parker at London Fashion Week via Huffington Post

The jacket and dress are both available for purchase online.  What I love about this look is that it is completely accessible and wearable for any shape figure, and in any color.  The lace skirt (in Parker's case a dress) is a great piece to repurpose over and over again, and the classic leather jacket is a great day to night wardrobe essential. 


In this pairing the toughness of the jacket elevates the lace skirt and together the look is neither too hard or too soft, but a playful mix that it great to wear as we transition between the seasons. 

Inspiration can be found anywhere, and often for much, much less!