Dress Up

Houndstooth is a pattern that I always relate to being on a very well dressed and classy older woman. On a garment, it can easily be overpowering and take over the whole look. This dress for the dress of the week is one that neither reminds me of an older woman or is overpowering. With the houndstooth being separated and spread throughout the dress, as well as being in a bright red and shorter cut, this dress is one that while it still feels classic, feels more modern and young as well. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

I've always been really interested in work spaces. Everyone has their own individual style that works best for them in a workspace with everything from organization methods to color schemes. For me, since I hope to one day work in a creative space, having a lot of room for inspirational photos and bulletin boards to pin them all on, is ideal. In this image, I love how the clean color scheme of gray, white, and some purples, allow for all of the images to take the focus. With more rustic details like the shelving cabinet and trash can, these little elements can also help to make the space less stark.

Is there a specific way that you like your workspace to be laid out?

photo

Person of Interest: Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson is one of those actresses that really maintain a style that is effortlessly perfect and fairly simple, but never boring. Her look is very recognizable, in that she is often seen in well-fitting pieces--often in solids-- such as pants, skirts, and simple dresses, and for pairing her ankle boots with more feminine pieces for an ideal contrast. While often seen in jeans and t-shirts or sweaters, she wears them with a way that combines undone with thought out, and always pairs them with amazing accessories--Philip Lim being a favorite. Rachel's style is one that I love. While she is mostly a fairly casual person, with simple pieces that are always spot-on, she shows that you don't have to "dress up" everyday to end up with an end product this right.

Who are some of your favorite POI? Is Rachel Bilson also one of your favorite stylish celebrities?

Photos: 1

Tuesday Shoesday

Have you ever seen a shoe that just makes you happy? When I first saw this pair of Kate Spade pumps this summer, they made me feel just that. From their polka dots, trimming, and perfect bow, this pair of shoes is one that would be a great feminine compliment to any outfit. With little details like textured dots and a shape that is bound to look lovely on, these shoes are bound to be on my "lust list" for quite a while. Kate Spade has done it yet again. 

What kind of shoes make you happy? Any favorite shoe designers or style?

A to Z: Design

It seems obvious, but when you think about it, there are so many different types of design in the field. From packaging design, interior, and of course, fashion, design is something that constantly changes the way that we buy, interact with, and view the products around us. 

Packaging Design-

As consumers, one of the first ways that we come in contact with a product is through sight and how the product looks and appeals to us. Personally, I know that when I find myself in a pharmacy or grocery store, the products with interesting packaging design or logo is the one that I will usually prefer.  These wine bottles have a series of sunglasses that not only make an appealing look, but also are interesting in that when held up sideways across your face, it appears as if you are wearing the glasses, as well...not that you would do that. 

Interior Design-

Interior design is something that I have grown to really be fond of the past few years. How you choose to decorate your space is something that is so personal to each person and can really be a way to showcase your individual style. The image above is one that I really love for an interior space, as I absolutely love a gallery wall anywhere. Gallery walls appear to be extremely thought out and intricate, but I find that they look best when the owner of the space decides to arrange random compositions of art that they find special. Also, the neutral palette with the pops of the natural green of the plants provides a fresh look to an otherwise almost monochromatic space. 

Brand Design-

In a business, it is important that there is a sense of consistency throughout. When everything from business cards, headers on documents, and even certain colors are kept at constant, it is easier for the customers to be able to remember the company and to relate to it when seeing these things. I think that these business cards are great. While still in the typical rectangular format of a business card, this company utilized the shape to their advantage to display what their company is in a creative, unique, and aesthetically pleasing--while still simple--way. 

While clearly there are many more areas of design than only packaging, interior, and brand design, these are areas that I don't often focus much on, but am interested in and really make a difference when it comes to design in general and of forming ideas for companies in the future.

What are some of your favorite fields of design?

links via: 1, 2, 3, 4

Dress Up

{via}

Okay, so this week's Dress Up post is a little more of a party dress than something that you would wear on the regular, but can we take a minute and admire this alice + olivia piece? As you know, I am a sucker for anything with a bit of leopard, and it is almost always the perfect accent look to an outfit. When I saw this dress, I fell in love. Everything about it works down to the small details, like the slight curve of the neck-line and the fact that it is long sleeved. This is the perfect dress for a special occasion, in that every part of it has a special feel that there is a lot put into it--the leopard pattern is made from black sequins to form the spots, and there is a sheer open scoop panel in the back that while not a new concept, feels fresh and unique for this design. With cooler weather beginning to appear, a dress like this is spot-on for any special soiree that would find its' way onto your calendar. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

{via}

Black and white is a classic combination that can almost always do no wrong. Whether applied to clothing, photography, or in this case interior design, it always manages to look polished and amazing. This photograph is from a Manhattan dining room and kitchen featured in the September 2012 issue of Lonny Magazine. Designed by Lilly Bunn Weekes, the black and white is bold enough that it makes a statement and is the feature of the room, but by being applied to the backsplash of the appliances, is not overwhelming for such a common space of the home. 

Would you decorate a room in black and white, or are you a die-hard color fanatic?

Person of Interest: Taylor Tomasi Hill

Do you know anyone who is always so put-together and complete in the most effortless looking way? Well, though I don't know her, Taylor Tomasi Hill is just that. Previously Marie Claire's style and accessories editor and more recently the artistic director of Moda Operandi, this Dallas native and Pratt graduate (for Industrial Design) switches up her style often, but is known for her love of chunky necklaces, and her signature (and secretive) flaming red locks. Everything she wears always manages to appear as if it was made for her, and the way that she styles each look is always pure perfection.

Do you covet Taylor's style? Who have been some of your favorite POI's?

photos: 1,2,3, 4 

Tuesday Shoesday

Although cap-toe shoes have been lust after since Chanel introduced her first pair of shoes in this style in 1957, today they can be see nearly anywhere and in varieties from over-the-knee to flats and everywhere in between. Today's shoe of the week is the J. Crew "Etta". Not only is this pump amazing in that it is covered in celebration-worthy gold with a ladylike camel cap, but, with a thicker heel, you'll be actually able to dance in them, as well. And, if you are in the mood to get really crafty, Refinery29 has a DIY on how to cap-toe any shoe to your desire. 

How would you wear this cap-toe look? I think "Etta" would look amazing toned down with a pair of relaxed jeans, basic t-shirt, and bold statement jewelry to top it off. What are your ideas?

A to Z: Calligraphy

For a good amount of time now, I have been loving anything and everything calligraphy related. The way that the type looks so hand-made and intricate is something that is really aesthetically appealing. The term "calligraphy" comes from Greek words that translate to "beauty writing"and is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner". (Mediavilla 1996:18) I have found myself lately looking up calligraphy tutorials on-line and trying to replicate the delicate curves and combination of thick and thin lines that make up the final design. Let me tell you, it is definitely more difficult than it appears. So, for now, here are some of my favorite designs that I have been seeing.

{A way to add detail to a traditional Thank You note}

{Hand addressing by Ladyfingers Letterpress}

{Or just amazing doodles}

Have you ever had an interest in calligraphy or typography of any kind? Some of my favorites are always ones with the higher amount of ribbons. What about you?

* New York script from Sugar Paper, Los Angeles *

Dress Up

{This week's pick}

While there is a slight nip in the air here in Upstate NY now, it is not quite the time to bring out those heavier coats and durable boots. When it comes to sweaters, I am every bit their biggest fan. However, in the form of a dress, the outfit is not only complete, but also has that same built-in comfort factor that a sweater brings, as well. This week's pick is a 10 Crosby Derek Lam sweater dress that has sections of the sleeve blocked in black leather. While this dress is on the pricier side, it's luxe leather detailing and combination of harder elements brought to a classic piece, it is a style and design that certainly ranks high on my list.

Home Improvement

{via}

Outdoor soirees have always been some of my favorite settings for being with friends. I love the way that being outside can make even the most formal of events a bit relaxed, and on a beautiful day, nothing is prettier than a blue sky as the backdrop. For these kind of events, rustic style furniture with dressier accents always makes for a great combination that is bound to bring plenty of compliments to the hostess. In the photograph above, the hanging lantern garland is a fun and practical way to light up the setting as the sky gets darker through the course of the meal, and is an easy way to create more of a setting, instead of just the act of being outside. Though the weather keeps transitioning here from warm to cold on basically a day-to-day basis, I will have to fit in as many outdoor gatherings as possible. However, I know that once I return to Texas, heat is a constant, and these gatherings will be, as well. 

Person of Interest: Jenna Lyons

This week's POI is someone that I have admired for a while not only for her incredible style abilities, but for her creativity in her positions as J. Crew's Executive Creative Director and President, as well. Basically, it is hard to come in contact with a person who hasn't looked at Jenna and her style and thought how genius she can be for her experimentation in combining pieces that generally wouldn't be paired together and instead, doing so and making them fabulous (hot pink evening skirt and denim jacket, I'm talking to you). She is known for always adding a casual element to an outfit and follows by the idea that there has to be a certain level of imperfection to any outfit. Often, that piece that at first seems to contradict an outfit entirely can be the component that makes it most complete and stylish.

Do you have a style maven that you adore? Which of the looks above is your favorite?

Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

{Tuesday's Pick}

Okay, so maybe I've been adding a sweater to my wardrobe for only the past few days, but that little addition brings up quite the excitement for me. Fall is my favorite season to dress for. I love the chunky knits that you can pile over silky dresses or pair with skirts, and that slight rosy color that finds itself onto your cheeks from the bite in the now cooler air. Aside from beginning the transition into layering again, the search for the perfect pair of fall/winter boots is always one to look forward to. This Tuesday's pick is by TEN20. While I have been seeing plenty of spikes on the caps and heels of every style of shoe or boot, I had yet to see spikes on the sides. The classic shape and height make it the ideal style to pair with anything from skinny fitted pants to juxtaposing it more with a flawy skirt and those lovable sweaters. While from the front or back they appear to be just another fabulous black boot, as soon as you turn your feet, the spikes will show that they are anything but. 

The pink pair is amazing, too! 

A to Z : B for Beauty

{photos via Style.com}

As this is the second post in our Monday lineup, in the middle of fashion week, there is no doubt that the "B" in our A to Z would focus in on the latest beauty trends being seen for Spring '13. Previously having been involved with J. Crew as the Head of Womenswear and Accessories Design until last year, this Spring 2013 presentation was Marissa Webb's first at launching her much anticipated collection. With the J. Crew aesthetic still seen throughout, in the mix of feminine touches with more tomboyish ones, the beauty details held the same qualities, as well. The hair and makeup was executed in that way that is so effortlessly elegant, but difficult to actually achieve perfectly with ease. Slightly tousled ponytails, clean faces, and bright lips, were the perfect combination to balance out the collection while certainly being complimentary instead of distracting. 

Dress Up

{Dress of the Week}

I am a huge fan of anything and everything floral. I love the way that they can be applied to any type or style of garment and manage to have a fresh and feminine feel to them. Now that spring and summer seasons have passed, I have been looking into pieces that manage to still incorporate that fresh and floral look into more cooler month options. This dress from Asos is one that I feel can work well for nearly any seasons depending on how you style it. With it's slightly longer length and sleeves and darker background and petals--instead of pastels-- this is a style that I will be on the look for in the months to come. And, with little details like the buttons around the waist, it has just as much charm as is pretty.

What are all of you up to this weekend? I am headed to NYC today, and, though it's only been a month since I left, I am so ready to get back.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

{Pick of the Week}

When I was younger, stuffy floral wallpaper lined my closet walls. Since then, I equated wallpaper to being something that old ladies were fond of to decorate as an alternative to paint. However, recently I have become a woman obsessed. As an obvious lover of patterns and prints, wallpaper is just another way to add them into my life. With so many variations from simple and demure, to more funky and playful, wallpaper is a great way to add personality to wall in a way that paint cannot. Anthropologie sells some of my favorite options for interesting and ornate wallpapers. Here are two of my favorites: 1 and 2. Pricey? Yes. But, hey, a girl can dream...right?

What are your thoughts towards wallpaper? Would you ever use it?

Person of Interest: Diane Kruger

{Photos via: 1, 2, 3, and 4}

This week's P.O.I is Diane Kruger. Being a little too obsessed with National Treasure when I was younger introduced me to this German actress and former model, and my infatuation with her incredible sense of style has continued ever since. Her ability to constantly switch up her choices in wardrobe from a red YSL gown with a plunging neckline, to mixing patterns in a 10 Crosby Derek Lam skirt worn over one of their dresses, is definitely note-worthy. And, it doesn't hurt that her beau is none other than Mr. Pacey Witter from Dawson's Creek.

Who are some of your favorite People of Interest?

Tuesday Shoesday

{Tuesday Pick}

When I think of pieces of clothing and shoes that I particularly like to wear for school (and everyday, too), oxfords and loafers are definitely some of the favorites. Shoes like oxfords have that classic "schoolboy" style to them, and manage to make even the most feminine of outfits have an added bit of charm that makes the whole look perfectly unexpected. This pair from Solestruck, an amazing shoe website, is great in that it's tan and black sections make it neutral, while the cobalt sole stands out in a way that is not overwhelming and can add interest to an outfit in the simplest of ways.

What are some of your favorite shoe styles for school?

A to Z: Artists

{Yangyang Pan}

Originally, I was planning on focusing on one specific artist to kick off the first A to Z installation of the new lineup. However, as I was perusing through some of my favorite artists, I realized that it was difficult to try to figure which one to feature. In art, I love colors, pieces that have a sense of whimsy and interest, and am particularly fond of illustrations and type, as well. As different as all of these qualities can seem from each other, this is why today you will see an array of some of my favorites that fill these different qualities. 

{Marcel Dzama}

{Chad Wys}

{Santiago Salvador}

Do you have any favorite artists? How did you come across them? I've come across them through school and (surprisingly) Pinterest. 

I hope everyone is having a lovely Labor Day, also!