Dress Up

When the feather trend was beginning and designers began to incorporate them into their designs more and more, aside from this collection, I wasn't so sure. However, when I saw this week's dress of the week, I was more intrigued. I love the way that the black feathers create such an interesting texture to the sleek dress, and their movement adds a whole other component. And, with the holidays coming up in the next few weeks, this is the little black dress that is perfect for a party or special occasion outing. Aside from the feathers, the velvet sweetheart bodice with a slight plunge and illusion neckline add a bit of interest, as well. 

How do you feel about feathers? 

Home Improvement

Following earlier this week's post on Winter Whites in fashion, I felt that they are just as comfortable and cozy when applied to homes. Although light colored furnishings are hard to keep clean, when in colors like Ivory, Light Greys, and Taupes, they provide a similar simple elegance to a room that is as perfectly simple the way it is, or is also an ideal base for accent colors such as the green and yellow plants and candles in the image above.

How do you like your Winter Whites? Rooms or fashion?

Person of Interest: Natalie Joos

This week's POI is Belgian beauty is Natalie Joos. After various positions such as studio manager for photographer Craig Mcdean, Joos branched to starting a career as a casting director. The roll of a casting director is one that is not often thought of, but is extremely important. According to her from a Fashionista interview, being a casting director is an "easy fun job, and you don't need any kind of education or training for it. The only thing you need is good taste and an eye for relevant beauty."Always a lover for prints and color, Joos is also an expert at combining and experimenting with prints, patterns, and textures. Her style is one that is always spot-on, looks effortless and amazing, and consistently leaves me wondering how to emulate my own style to the likes of hers.

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

{here are a few similar styles}

Yes, I know that it is colder and there has been snow in parts of the East Coast in the past few days, but these CROON loafers definitely an amazing shoe for any self-acclaimed "glitter fiend." While some may prefer for their loafers, or any shoe in general, to be in neutral colors to best work with all of their outfits, others may enjoy the opposite idea of a perfect contrast. These loafers would be just that. With their bright salmon-y pink and turquoise tassels and heel tab, as well as the abundance of glitter on the body of the shoe, these are an incredible pair of statement-making shoes that are guaranteed to make any ensemble complete. 

A to Z: Ivory

With the first sight of snow flurries today, and being on "I" for our A to Z features, what perfect timing to discuss a favorite of mine--winter whites. While there are still traditionalists that remain true to the "no white after Labor Day" rule, I find that winter whites can often be just as comforting and cozy as their warmer colored counterparts. In the cold and often dreary months here, in seas of black puff coats and snow boots, these creamy shades also provide an ideal base to add to wintery colors. Personally, I love chunky cream colored sweaters. And, when paired with navy, forest or army green, or burgundy's, I often find that these colors work best. Below are some ladies that have left me feeling inspired about incorporating winter whites into my winter wardrobe this new season.

{mixing a chunky fisherman-syle pullover with a delicate pleated maxi in a brighter white}

{A classic cream-colored toggle coat with warmer toned khaki pants}

{An example from Michael Kors in combining colors (orange pants) and textures (furry scarf) with the cream sweater}

{For more formal occasions, winter white works as well even if you are not attending a wedding. This Lyn Devon all-out cream color-scheme works well by providing a contrast in textures and the fit of the garments.}

Dress Up

Last week, I was in the fashion section of the library picking up research for a project. I noticed that for every book I would pick up for the assignment, I would be just as infatuated with the hundred others that surrounded it. So, when I finally narrowed it down to a few books for my assignment, I couldn't help but resist checking out piece on one of my favorites from this post-- on Christian Dior. This week, the dress is one that is most likely never going to find itself in my closet. This Fall 2012 RTW from Christian Dior, though in a bold choice of pink, is not at all intrusive. The way that the pleats fall softly and create a whispy effect, and the high necked intricate top with long sleeves are all qualities about it that are what make this dress amazing aside from the color. Often to me, a Dior piece is the epitome of femininity and poise, and this dress is nothing short of.

Home Improvement

While mint green is one of my favorite colors, I would never think of using it in an interior space such as the one in the photo above. When I think of living rooms and fireplaces, I often don't think of pastel and cooler colors. However, with the high ceilings, intricate molding, abundance of knick knacks seen in the fireplace, pillows on the couch, and plates and bowls spread throughout, the mint is just as inviting and comfortable as any other color would be. And, it has a sense of uniqueness and freshness that would not often be found.

What do you think? Would you ever use a pastel color for your living room?