Person of Interest: Sarah Jessica Parker

In the spirit of an iconic Disney favorite, Hocus Pocus, and since it is Halloween tonight, Mrs. Sarah Jessica Parker is our Person of Interest for the day. While her real-life style is much different than that of Carrie Bradshaw--or Sarah Sanderson for that matter--it is still one that I envy and admire. Seemingly a fan of easy shapes and not big on prints, she wears pieces that always seem in-style and timeless at the same time. With a megawatt smile and a perfect middle-part, Sarah Jessica Parker proves that her real-life style is just as stellar as her famed and fashionable character.

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Tuesday Shoesday

In counting down the days until I head home for Thanksgiving break,  my excitement over re-uniting with the shoes that I left in my closet began to build. I purchased this pair of Sam Edelman "Taryn" heels over the summer and, though I only wore them once, I am absolutely in love with them. Wearing a pair of light colored shoes always feels special to me because I have to be extra cautious not to dirty them. I love the ivory suede and the pattern that looks like a type of scalloped edge skin. Aside from the  obviously lovely shape, I am interested specifically in the shape of the heel every time. The way that it sort of flares out and gets wider towards the bottom is a style that definitely drew my attention and makes it feel as if your wearing something other than just another pair of heels. 

For everyone headed home for Thanksgiving soon, what are some pieces that you are excited to be re-united with?

A to Z: Haute Couture

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture

While many boutiques and brands refer to themselves and their products as 'couture', actual classification of couture garments and fashion houses is much more in-depth than fashion lovers may assume. Typically, haute couture is made-to-measure and of the finest materials by the most skilled seamstresses and tailors. In order for fashion houses to be honored with the title of haute couture, it must first be inspected by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris in Paris, France. Some fashion houses that currently hold the title of haute couture are Christian Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, Eli Saab, Valentino etc. Here are some of my personal favorites.

Valentino Fall 2012 Couture 

Elie Saab Fall 2009 Couture

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture

All photos from Style.com

Dress Up

Being so pale, I used to shy away from garments in white or black, and would gravitate towards brighter colors. Recently, though, I have enjoyed wearing solid black or white pieces, and have found ways through accessories and makeup (lipstick, anyone?) that will no longer cause me to blend into my clothes. While white is typically not a shade for the cooler seasons, this Madewell dress is hard to resist (even seen by the fact that it is currently sold out). With it's sweetheart neckline, sheer panel and long sleeves, it is the perfect combination of sweet and simple, but with the cut and the feel, make it one of those dresses that I would pull out to wear again and again. 

Home Improvement

Back home, we have a two-way fireplace that goes through the dining room and into the family room. When I was younger, I remember sitting on the bench in front of the fireplace and roasting marshmallows to make s'mores and watching as my dad would add wooden logs to the fire as I watched the flames grow and the embers burn from the other side. Though it isn't cold enough yet for snuggling in front of the heat, that is one of the memories from home that I love. These cozy and sweater-like cushions and mugs filled with coffee in tea in light cream and tans makes me excited for those cold weathered nights where even just watching the fire in the fireplace will keep you warm.

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Person of Interest: Jane Keltner de Valle

This week's Person of Interest is Jane Keltner de Valle. As a fashion news director for TeenVogue, she has said that since working there, she has added much more color, print, and combinations of high and lo pieces to her wardrobe. I like to think that Jane and I are similar in a way. She dislikes wearing pants and so do I, and it seems that her signature are fit-and-flare skirts with tucked in blouses and button-downs. Mrs. Keltner de Valle always appears extremely put together and complete. She has a dream wardrobe for a job in fashion that is all it should be--stylish, thoughtful, and professional, while still clearly showing her personality and own sense of style. Is anyone else in love with that cobalt blue skirt on the far right above? Me too.

What do you think of Jane's style? 

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

Arson Flame Western Boots

When Isabel Marant's fall 2012 collection showed last spring, I knew that its Southwestern filled show with details such as laser-cut suede, button-downs and dresses with embroidered yokes, and skinny leather pants was going to be a favorite. While the clothes were obviously amazing, the shoes held just as much of my interest and perfectly complimented each garment. This week's pair of shoes, though Topshop instead of Marant, mimic the similar western toe cutout detailing, but at a much more reasonable price. Not that I'll stop dreaming of the originals. With the shoe being mostly velvet, it provides a unique look and feel that is perfect for fall and winter aside from the usual leather ankle boot and is an effortless way to incorporate the Southwestern trend.

A to Z: Glitter

While glittered garments used to be brought out for strictly holiday celebratory events, more recently they have been being incorporated into ensembles that are worn for everyday average events as a way to add pizazz. With glitters, sequins, and sparkles, aside from all-out party dresses, I love when they are applied in an unconventional manner-- a glittered skirt with a t-shirt, glittered heels with jeans, or a sweatshirt with glittered sections. Putting on something glittered, whether for a formal occasion or just for a class, is an easy way to make what you have on just a little more special than it was before.

Would you mix glittered pieces with more casual ones? Here are some of my favorite ways to add glitter to everyday outfits. Which are your favorites?

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Dress Up

In my pattern making class we were just assigned our final project so that we can begin to gather ideas and inspiration surrounding the Victorian and Edwardian styles. In the 1860's sleeves began to showcase wider sleeves, and higher necklines with lace, and this week's Nasty Gal dress reminds me of a modern version of just that. One of my favorite styles of dresses are short in length but with long sleeves. I love the way that these sleeves are sheer and sort of blouse at the wrist and comes across as a rare vintage find that has been updated for a girl of today.

What parts of the Victorian/Edwardian era inspires you the most? I love how feminine and intricately crafted each of them are. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

When I was in elementary school, my parents built my sister and myself a bubblegum pink playhouse in our backyard. For me, this playhouse was a space of my own that I loved to be in and was special because of all of the work put into it from the two-way stable style door, the little porch, and the little steps that I would hop over in the grass to get to. However, my favorite part was the chalkboard wall. Of course, being younger, I thought it was amazing that I could draw all over these walls whatever I wanted, and that it could easily be changed, as well. Years later, we no longer have the playhouse, but my love for these chalkboard walls still remain. I love the way that they can add a sense of character and playfulness to an otherwise ordinary space, and the fact that they can be so personal to each owner. Whether you write your grocery lists on them in the kitchen, display inspirational quotes in intricate lettering, or put up in a family room for free drawing, they create a homey quality that definitely reminds me of a great and special place.

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Person of Interest: Jane Birkin

Whether you are fashion obsessed or fascinated with celebrities, you are probably aware of the famed Birkin bag. However, many are unaware with the incredible Jane, the woman who inspired and carried this bag herself. The long-legged, blunt banged actress and singer was famous in the sixties was known for her iconic fashion sense, as well. A fan of turtlenecks, mini-skirts, denim, and t-shirts, she wore everything in an effortless way that always had a fresh and basic feel in the best way. While it wasn't until the eighties that the actual Birkin bag was created from her expressing her need for a nice weekend bag on the plane to Jean-Louis Dumas, chief exec of Hermes, her sense of incredible style without the bag was long before that.

What do you think of Jane's style?

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Tuesday Shoesday

Now that the weather has begun to follow the fact that the season changed in the past few weeks, all I have on my mind are boots. From decorative zippers, western detailing and embroidery, and cap-toes and heels, boots are great not only for the warmth factor, but that there are so many more ways to incorporate them into our wardrobes. Though we have featured cap-toes before, I think I'm diggin' these guys in every way. While most boots during the colder seasons are either black or brown, these, in a combination of pewter and silver, make a stylish statement in a fairly simple way that definitely works amazingly.

What are your favorite kinds of boots for fall or winter? Do you prefer the cap-toe style in a boot or pump?

A to Z: Family

One of my new favorite parts about October is family weekend. While most of the time that I am at school, the fact that I'm not with family is not really an issue. I am surrounded by a large amount of assignments, projects, daily deadlines and groups of friends. However, being from Texas and going to school in upstate New York, it is much harder for me to go home and visit than it is for friends from Pennsylvania, NYC, or Massachusetts. When my dad, sister, and mom came up this pack weekend, I made sure to get all work done the previous week, and we enjoyed a very fall themed time going apple picking, sharing Pumpkin Spice Lattes and buying a few too many sweaters.

Dress Up

I love dresses with a surprise factor to them. However, with pieces that are so special and memorable, I have found that they are usually the pieces that we don't wear as often in order to try and really make their surprise factor...a surprise. This dress by ADDISON is one that while it has a surprise factor of the  marigold center, it can be zipped or unzipped to create different shapes, colors, and looks for the piece overall. One dress, many looks. 

Do you have any of those special "limited wear" dresses?

 I hope everyone has a great weekend. My family is here for Parent's Weekend and tomorrow we're going apple picking.

Home Improvement

My love for bright colors is not one that goes unnoticed. However, sometimes, in a room full of colors from wall paint, furniture, artwork, and so on, the brilliance of the colors on their own can become lost. The dining room in the image above, though, does just the opposite. By having a neutral and otherwise fairly stark looking home aside from the dining room set and the lamp at the top of the stairs, the brightness and amazing hues of cherry reds and persian rose, are able to really shine and be appreciated.

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Person of Interest: Emma Roberts

Emma Roberts's style is one that I feel doesn't attract as much attention as it should. While her hair alone is a cut that I admire, her clothing style is one that I envy, as well. Full of relatively simple and easy shapes and lines, Emma's look always appears spot-on in an effortless manner.  While typically clad in neutral (black, white, grey) or muted (greens, burgundies, and navy) colors, her looks never appear dull. Casually, she seems to favor slim fitting pants paired with favorite boots of any kind or heels, and easy tops. For dressier occasions, she usually opts for dresses. And, though petite in stature, her floor grazing frocks never overpower her frame and always look stunning.

What do you think of Emma Roberts as the Person of Interest? Are there any style savvy ladies you would like to see featured as the POI on Wednesdays?

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4

Tuesday Shoesday

Okay, so these boots are kind of amazing, right? Since it's finally fall, and boots are starting to make their ways out of our closets and onto our feet, the yearly admiration of new styles being paraded around is in full swing. This pair from Opening Ceremony is definitely a pair to be admired in so many ways. From their obviously incredible polka dotted pattern, to the little zipper tassel, they would be perfect paired with chunky sweater dresses or coated denim.

A to Z: Entertaining

Happy October, everyone! Though it may seem early to think about it, October technically kicks off the holiday season starting with Halloween at the end of the month. So, what better "E" topic for our A to Z series than the topic of entertaining? 

Here are some of the key essentials that I feel are a must for entertaining family or friends:

1. Fun Decorations- To me, any event can be amazing with the help of a little decoration. From streamers and garlands, fun place settings, or themed adornment, a setting can instantly be transformed into anything.

2. Food + Drink- When I have friends over, I like to find simple ways that can make even the most ordinary of things something to enjoy. Little bottles of water with candy striped red and white paper straws are so simple, but feel fun just by taking them out of their usual containers. And, everything miniature is always popular at get-togethers. By filling glasses with a little milk and topping them off with some chocolate chip cookies, dessert is not only something that tastes great, but is displayed in a unique and different way, too

3. Music- Whether you're a playlist master or Pandora person, great music can help to establish the event or can even work in with a theme (if there is one). I like when there is some background music going on, but definitely make sure that your guests can still hear each other when they're talking. Their voices shouldn't be competing with the music. 

4. Dress- While obviously not every party has a dress code, I always like to make sure to dress in a party style when attending. For me, any excuse to get a little dressed up is worth it. So, whether you wear a party dress and heels or a more casual approach, make sure that you show appreciation to your host(ess) by putting in a little effort, as they did to host you.

Happy first day of October, everyone and I hope that whatever events are in your near future you have a blast!

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5