Suppose they all drive Saabs?

I really like Elie Saab's 2011 Winter Paris Fashion Week Collection. It's nothing too original or over the top, but that's sort of it's charm, no? I like glam gowns and will not apologize for that. It's a crying shame this show was after awards season. Try not to swoon, I dare you.


I love the glitter and the drama of this one. So many people hate on head-to-toe sparkle, but I think in certain instances, it is STUNNING. Haters to the left.



I feel like this dress was designed specifically for Amy Adams.



TREND SPOTTED. REMAIN CALM.
Check out the Elie Saab (red on the left) from 2011 Paris Fashion Week next to the Michael Kors (black on the right) from his 2011 New York Fashion Week collection. Time to grab some spray-on panty hose and strappy sandals ladies. The good news? You can wear whatever bra you want.

Chloé: I would do anything for love, but I won't do that.

I have previously been known for my love of all things hippy and bohemian, and lord knows I never shy away from sundress, so Chloé Autumn 2011 runway initially appealed to me.



I was even along for the ride with the snake skin (the skirt I will take asap)...



I would have rocked the hell out of this 20 pounds ago (and maybe now with enough back-up from spanx)...



But I draw the line at pleated baggy leather pants. Just no.

Cynthia Rowley - Mystery Resort Wear?

As I mentioned in my last post I found a sporty little Cynthia Rowley dress at TJ Maxx for $25. I have been trying to locate it online with no luck (boo, hiss)! Due to the detail on the bust seam I believe its 2010 Resort (also based on the "original price" listed on the tag of only $90). Anyway, I think it's cute and I love the color. Excuse these terrible photos. I do not currently have a real camera beyond my phone and webcam.

I need to take in the outside side seem just a touch to make it flatter my curves. I should be able to do it at home myself. I'm excited to have my very own Rowley and also to have a chance to yet again practice my at-home tailoring!

On the hanger it, admittedly, looks a touch shapeless.



I normally hate large exposed zippers, but for some reason I find this adorable. Think of the accessories?!



I need to take in about an inch in on the waist. Additionally, I'm thinking I could go pretty bold on the shoe. I'll make sure it get a few pictures at the Charity Auction I plan on wearing it to!


PS - OH YEAH, it has pockets!!

Shake your Bodhi

I keep scoring big time at TJ Maxx! My laptop bag crapped out on me so I actually needed a new one! Scene: Me at TJ Maxx. Realizing I'm holding a Bodhi Travel Collection bag worth around $300 to $400. Noticing I'll only be paying... drum roll... $89!

My macbook pro has never been happier.



Ahh, the smell of real leather.

I also scored a gorg bright blue Cynthia Rowley cocktail dress for $25. I'll post on it later, as I can't track down a picture. I think it's from Spring or Resort 2011 based on the bust seam, but I can't find it online anywhere! I'll snap a picture at home!

Also spotted: A Dooney and Burke tote handbag for $100. Almost nabbed it, but determined that while $100 is a STEAL, it's still $100 I shouldn't be spending on another handbag.

The most incomplete coverage you'll find all day.. er, month.

The last two months have passed in the blink of an eye! My classes at law school are kicking my butt with reading right now, not to mention all the community events I have been working on. I'm going nuts!

I have been keeping track of all the fashion happens, but haven't had time to put anything together. Between the Oscars, NY Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Weeks, the Kors opening in Paris and the Chanel dinner for Blake Lively (gag) it's been a busy few months in fashion. Below are four of my favorite events from all the fashion happenings:

First, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada Fall 2011 Collection. HOW DO YOU NOT LOVE THIS CRAZY LADY?! It's like an 8 year old got drunk on cold medicine and stared at her Lisa Frank folder too long - which is to say I love it.



Second, I have a thing for Michael Kors. Mainly, I love him. He manages to make fashion feel comfortable, attainable, and homey while still keeping it elegant and expensive feeling. It's like a $10,000 sofa in your log cabin. Below is but a sampling of the Fall 2011 awesomeness from New York Fashion week. I suggest checking out Tom & Lorenzo's post for more. Their blog is an addiction of mine. If not for them and their twitter feed I would have forgotten fashion week all together.



Third, Victor and Rolf Fall 2010, Paris Fashion Week. They are responsible for Natalie Portman's Golden Globes Rose dress, which makes more sense now that you see the collection. A number of the models had large white coats with collars. I seriously got nervous just looking at the pictures... Just keep seeing red face paint all over everything.



Fourth, Michael Kors (yep, back to him) opened a store in Paris. He has been gushing about it on twitter for days. Below is a picture he posted of the reception dinner. Jealous yet?

Here is the store. Let's go now.


So those are the four things that have got me most excited in the last weeks! Coming up next - A quick post about some amazing buys I found this week!

Oh My God. You. Guys.

My husband's car went ka-put last week and I become significantly more frugal with my spending as a result. I thought my designer bag plans were no more, or at least postponed greatly. I did not, however, spend the money I had already squirreled away. Fast forward to today at TJ Max. I found my leather raspberry Michael Kors for, get this, $99! Holy Cow!

It's not exactly like the tote I posted earlier (below). But I actually like the more narrow shape I found better.


My new bag is from the fall 2010 collection (I think). I believe the tote I pictured in my earlier post is from the same collection, only a different shape. After a little Macy's/Bloomingdales/Von Maur research I discovered these pieces and sizes are generally retailing for around $250! Which means I managed to save $150! Whoop!

My computer camera is making it look significantly more pink than it really is. Its truly a purpley raspberry.

(also note my new OPI nail color 'Barefoot in Barcelona' which I am in love with and pardon my hat hair day. Its snowing and the hat is cute - I promise!)

McQueen for a Queen

Michelle Obama wore Alexander McQueen to this years State Dinner! She is branching out and she looks fabulous! American royalty!

Show me your Globes.

The majority of fashion coverage I watched on the Golden Globes 2011 was mixed and leaning negative. I'm happy to say, however, that I pretty much liked everything I saw... with a few choice exceptions.

My Favorites:


Anne Hathaway in Armani, styled by Rachel Zoe. I think this is stunning. I love the volume in the shoulders and the bare back. It's dripping with Hollywood glam and it is fabulous. I want to grow up to be Anne Hathaway... although I may be older than her.


Amber Riley in Oliver Tolentino. I think she finally hired a stylist! She looks gorgeous. Its been said that fuller bodies can't carry head to toe sparkle. I think Amber proves that's not true.


Ethereal thy name is Dianna Agron in J. Mendel.


Catherine Zeta-Jones in Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2011. Can she even do wrong? CZJ just knows what works. Love the color and the texture.

Loved but with caution:


January Jones in Versace. Honestly, I thought I hated this until I saw her present. The movement sold me. On the runways it was a light royal blue, but I like the red. Still, though, it has my boobs concerned. Are her girls OK?


Christina Hendricks in Romona Keveza. To be fair to the nay-sayers, the ruffle does tend towards 1988 Dynasty. That said, however, j'adore. Love red on a redhead. Takes balls.


Claire Danes' Calvin Klein was totally backless, which provided the drama this outfit needed. Me likey.

Concerned but not angry:


Helena Bonham Carter in Vivienne Westwood. I think the best way to explain my (and many other fashion bloggers) reaction is that, she wants so badly to be on the top of every worst dressed list that I don't think she deserves the satisfaction.

Side note, she is simply beautiful under all that costume.
PS - I fucking love Vivienne Westwood.


Olivia Wilde's Marchesa gown was generally praised. I like sparkles as much as the next girl... but it's a little "prom", no?

There were some other interesting frocks (see Natalie Portman and Lea Michelle) but the above I found the most interesting.

God bless award shows.

The day has come.

I'm married and half a lawyer. My days of terrible Wet Seal and Target handbags should be behind me. I dream of handbags (seriously, see here). It is time to make this a realty. Next week I will have saved a humble sum to indulge in my first (real/legit) designer handbag that is, gasp, from a current collection. This, of course, means I have been searching and over thinking like crazy before making my decision. Lets play.

Rule One: It must be somewhat versatile and classic, because let's face it, I normally spend only $20 on a bag. This one needs to last awhile.

Rule Two: Designer. Yes, its shallow, but if I'm shelling out more than $100 for a purse people better know that I did. Personally, I love all things Michael Kors when it comes to clothing that fits like a dream. At the same time I have wanted a Coach bag since I was like 7.

Rule Three: Bonus points for leather.



MICHAEL by Michael Kors. It comes in more neutral colors, but I tend to love color. I have carrying purple and red bags for a year or so now. Plus it works with black and brown.


Coach. This satisfies all three rules. I could carry this bag for years.



Yep, its another Coach, and from their brand new Colette Collection. Swoon.

I want to touch and try on all of them. I'll post my new bag next week!

2010 : A reflection on a blur (and not the fun drunk kind).

Alright, I have been terrible at posting. However, I'm feeling accomplished today. Not because I have actually accomplished anything today (other than feeding myself and a load of laundry) but because of how much I have accomplished this year. In a totally narcissistic move, typical of my generation, I am going to express my all important feelings about the year. Here it goes...

I completed the first year of law school. Barely. I got my ass handed to me. My previously successful academic ventures were creative in nature. Law school? Not so creative. I was prepared for the hours of studying, but not for the loss of confidence and the rise of self doubt. I have been torn down and I assume I will be built back up. Congrats law school, goal achieved. January through April of 2010 were some of the most stressed, strained, and grumpy months of life thus far.

During that hell, I planned an earth friendly, DIY, 200 guest wedding. Did I mention it was 5 days after my last final? Smart planning.

With help, I handmade and personalized 100 wine bottles as centerpieces. I created programs, favors, and other assorted wedding crap out of recycled and reusable goods. Our wedding was a major undertaking, but it was perfect. It was exactly how my husband and I imagined it would be and always wished it could be. I loved my movie star gown and his pinstripes. 2010 will always go down as great year because of that day and that day alone.


Thinking of the wedding showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties that were thrown for us still make me tear up. When I think of how much work other people put in for us, I get misty. I can't help it. My friend, and made of honor, Frances put in so much time and effort. Her work made my wedding "events" just perfect. My mother also played a huge part in pulling off our wedding. I couldn't have done it without her. We are so loved, and damn, our friends can party. I am so grateful that they were a part of our year. Not only our wedding, but our life, would not be the same without them. We're so lucky.

After our glamorous wedding my husband and I left for Mexico. Our honeymoon was exactly what I imagined a honeymoon is supposed to be like: perfect, picturesque, and intoxicated. I'll keep the details to myself, but I think this picture helps sum it up...


Two days after the honeymoon, I was over my hair. I mean, OVER IT. At Dove Shannon Salon I had a great experience donating over 8.5(ish) inches of my hair to Locks of Love. A change like that is so refreshing. For me, it was symbolic of the end of the first year of law school and the wedding being over. New school year, new hair.



Four days after returning from our honeymoon (two days post-hair cut) I moved to Virginia for six weeks. Alone. I had the amazing opportunity to study at William & Mary at their summer legal technology program. Frances drove out there with me (note the trend of her being one of the greatest friends ever) and flew home. This road trip led to our first ever interstate accident! We lived (obviously) as the accident happened at like 30 mph. Dealing with the Kentucky police department proved to be more complicated than the accident itself, but moving on... living in Williamsburg was trip. I enjoyed being around that much history and living somewhere alone for the first time. Every morning I could hear the revolutionary soldiers march and children in three-point hats were everywhere. I went hiking where George Washington marched, learned to cook seafood, and mastered the great art of eating out alone. I made it out to Norfolk and Virginia beach too. There I visited the naval station that my dad flew into during his Navy days and saw the famous Neptune statue. Most importantly, I learned how to say Norfolk the proper way: "Naa-Fuck" (no joke).

I also made some great friends, like the lovely Lycelle pictured below. Here we are on the Jamestown ships in like 200% humidity.


My mother came out to Williamsburg to travel home with me. She indulged my love of the horse races and we stopped by Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. It was another historical highlight of my summer travels.


Another bright spot of 2010 was being a part of my friend Becky's wedding. She was an absolutely stunning bride. I cried like a little bitch when she came down the aisle. It was so awesome to be a part of a wedding I truly believed in. Their day was such a beautiful celebration of love... also, Becky is just funny. Case in point, this picture:


Since getting back from Virgina I have turned 25, been significantly more successful academically, went to a 30th birthday "prom", watched two friends welcome beautiful daughters into this world, and landed a gig as a law clerk at a state agency. I feel like I'm doing everything right, and I finally feel good about. 2010 was a challenging year, but all those challenges have reaped enormous rewards for me.

My 2011 Resolution: I don't need to be Wonder Woman. I have proven what I can do and what I am capable of. Now its time to keep on trucking but stop pushing, relax, and look around.

A week from today I'll be on a plane to Minnesota to go shopping at the biggest Mall of America with my best friend and our mothers. Clearly, life can't be too bad. Happy New Year!

Kourtney did a PETA ad? What? Khole?

Well, clearly she is auditioning to play the villain in the new Disney animated film: 101 German Shepherds and roughly 2 Quails.

Her brilliant take on the Cruella de Vil like role includes her being in a biker gang and a J.Lo video from 1997 - which explain the hat brim and the gloves. Duh people.

Florence + the girl crush

I have been waiting for the chance to talk about Florence Welch of Florence of the Machine and my intense girl and wardrobe crush on her. The woman has her own style and it is awesome. I'm working on this post for music blog, so I thought I would take a look at what Florence wears when she goes to a music festival. I mean, everyone talks about award shows and music videos, I want to see what she wears while enjoying some music.


At the Isle of Wight Festival 2010 Florence got slammed for this little outfit. While fringe jackets and John Lennon specs take me back to my dark experimental fashion days of high school, I think the girl is working it. The baby-doll dress, the bread box purse the bobby socks? All spot on adorable with out looking infantile. Without the questionable jacket and glasses she may have entered the “grown woman dressing like a 5 year old to be sexy” territory, and you can probably guess, I hate that territory. Playing with youthful looks – Hot. Pretending to “be a wittle girl” to pick up men – Gross.


Florence goes to Glastonbury in 2009, and me from 1995 falls madly in love. Its probably fair to say that this is Blossom, Courtney Love, and the first season of The Real World rolled up into one, but the bitch had me at the Ray Bans. I miss the textures of the 90s. Lace, sheer, beading, rubber, layering. There are so many textures and layers, its both over whelming and liberating in appearance. Florence wears this look well, and it is perfect for a music festival. Comfortable but flawless.

Photo by Simone Joyner/Getty Images Europe.
How many of you have a leopard print shorts suit? Yeah, me neither. This is at the Reading Festival on August 28, 2009 in Reading, England and the outfit is indeed quintessential British. The glasses aren’t working for me here and I could never wear a look like this. However, she makes this work. Somehow.

Last, I leave you with some clothing porn from MTVs write up of Florence for the 2010 VMAs.

Reliving her magazine moments

Apparently GaGa was all over her magazine moments at the VMAs - including her now infamous meat get-up.
Here she is on the cover of Vouge Japan:

And here she is at the end of the VMAs, accepting her award.



Her explanation was a bit weak - I think it was supposed to be a whole "I'm not justa piece of meat" metaphor. Honestly, I would have preferred, if when asked why she was wearing raw meat if she just would have said: "Because I'm Lady GaGa, that's why".

My favorite moment of hers was on a radio interview. She mentioned that sometimes she wakes up and feels insecure like any other 23 year old. To which I was annoyed, because HELLO honey, you ain't a normal 23 year old. She then went on to say then she isn't a normal 23 year old and says to herself - "Fuck it. I'm Lady GaGa."

Fuck it, I'm Lady GaGa she be her response to everything. Stick with that. It's the rockstar way to handle things.

Holy Gaga!

Its not shocking, but I'm watching the VMA pre-show. Holy Gaga. She is sporting the Alexander McQueen gown she wore in Vanity Fair, from his very last collection. She is escorted by military persons who have been discharged under Don't Ask Don't Tell. Swoon. Now, lets look at the dress:
From the VF shoot:

And here it is on MTV's "white carpet". She modified it brilliantly with a black crinoline underneath. She is sporting her regular McQueen heels - which God only knows how she walks in. Eat it up, and enjoy the show!