Day and Night...Night and Day

I'm a firm believer that clothes can be worn anytime, any occasion. Lately I have been challenging myself to find new ways to wear my more sparkly clothes, those that I save for a celebratory night out with friends.

As you can probably see from recent posts, I'm for all things sequin. I love this skirt and how effortless it looks with a solid toned down sweater. Exactly what I want to wear all of Fall... and especially now with the cooler weather we are having!

This skirt sealed the deal for me! The outfit has the perfect color combination, nude with a bold counterpart, plenty of texture, and ruffles worth of sass! Ixnay on the jewelry. Let all the attention be drawn down to the skirt (or as 3oh!3 says..."and talk with your hips!").

What can a blazer not go with? One of my investment pieces this season is going to be a well tailored blazer...color to be determined. The perfect dose of exactly how I want to be perceived for/during business meetings but still has a soft, approachable, feminine feeling.

In love with these sequin Miu Miu shoes. A little intrigued to try and DIY my own pair but we'll see!!!! Either way dying to wear this with a pair of boyfriend jeans I DIYed a few months ago with a white off the shoulder over sized shirt and a navy cummerbund!

Two for One

Chloe Sevigny's second collection for Opening Ceremony has been revealed. All parts of the collection have exuberant benefits. Sevigny designed the collection with the idea of a shared closet/wardrobe in mind. Menswear inspired collection meant to by worn by both men and women. Half the price and double the clothes, YES PLEASE! The collection is inspired from Depeche Mode's Dave Gahan, New York's own St. Marks Place punks, and her father's New England Bass Weejuns. I couldn't be more pleased with the A/W collection. Chloe, thank you for being sensitive to the recessionista!

all images from Opening Ceremony

Denim Therapy

A couple of years ago I found out about a company that repairs denim via Daily Candy. All of my denim, specifically jean problems had been solved. At $7 per inch to save my favorite pants just seemed too good to be true. I was recently reintroduced to the company through a friend that works for the company. Denim Therapy is providing services that people have been dying for for years. I no longer have to throw away denim due to holes from extreme wear and tear. I've since learned my lesson and have invested in multiple pairs of pieces but Denim Therapy's services now insure that I'll hold onto my denim second skin for even longer. Their services expand beyond just patching up torn denim. Need new stitching, hems, or zippers, they are your go to people. I couldn't be more pleased with the end result. They have resurrected ole' faithful and given me a couple more years of wear!

Put Your Head On My Shoulder

I'm tired of wearing my heart on my sleeve! I've decided to be a little more logical and stick with head games!!! A few months ago I saw the Ashish zebra sweater and thought it was witty and adorable. It took me back to my preschool days when my mother cleverly styled me in sweaters that had the same kind of carnal details. I've shared my admiration for the zebra top with friends and find that I'm quickly mocked for liking such childish things. Regardless, I'm still firmly rooted in the glorification of this piece. Did a little research today and found a few more pieces following the same trend.

Ashish Zebra sweater from A/W 09 collection

Raccoon T-shirt by William Rast

Manish Arora A/W 09 collection

Manish Arora A/W 09 collection

Jean-Charles Castelbajac A/W 09 collection

Run This Town Fashion

I saw the new Jay-Z video ft. Rihanna and Kanye, Run This Town and I'm officially obsessed. Kudos and felicitations to the stylist for the video...KILLED IT. The style of the video reminds me of Che Guevara meets urban street. The video was completely blacked out from hoodies, to sunglasses, bandannas, hats... you name it! I can't stop thinking about the Che inspired beret with netting. At first the beret seemed like such an unlikely accessory for the style of the video, but it stands out that much more. It has inspired in Becky and me a few DIY projects to incorporate tulle veils with urban street wear (all to be revealed soon)!

Every look was so well styled and executed to the nth detail! Rihanna's look with the sequin top and bullet trim knocked me to the ground and then kicked me a few times when I tried to get up! HOLY COW! Immediately after seeing the video I was at my computer and phone trying to figure out a way to get my hands on anything that would resemble the same ammunition. Within five minutes I was directed to a store in Soho called Weapon Specialist (thanks victor). They specialize in faux weaponry for the film and theater industry...and soon to sell to the fashion/DIY industry!

Jay-Z's Martin Margiela shoes for the video. I'm lusting and filled with envy!

I'm dying!!!!!

Che has never looked so good!

Fall is for Phillip Lim

Fall Fall Fall Fall.. With the heat wave this past week all I can think about is the cooling weather that is to come. I can't get enough of all things from Phillip Lim's fall collection. It's the perfect combination of shine, glitz, and glamour paired with the perfect daytime casual counterparts. I saw the black leather skirt in this month's issue of Marie Claire and have already begun to style looks around it. I'm lusting for the skirt today to pair with a reworked men's plaid button down shirt and denim vest. I'm a huge advocate for fur! Last Christmas I received my first fur in the form of a vest a la Jenny Kane and have since been yearning for more. I want them in all different shapes, sizes, colors. Love this look paired with a completely black palette. The black satin trousers with the navy long sleeve top is gorgeous. Would love to have this outfit for a birthday dinner with friends. This look would have been a perfect premier outfit for my friend Morgan tonight in Central Park. All things sequin are in my wish list for the coming season. Paired with the slouchy men's wear inspired trousers just makes complete sense. The coat is to die for. I love that you have the option of shortening the length. It also lends itself to showing more of the fabulosity that is going on under the coat just by unzipping the bottom portion. GENIUS!!!!

Peacock Head Dress

Found this picture late last night and shed a tear for how amazing this hat is. Becky looked at me, ran into the living room, and came back with rolls of peacock feathers. I haven't had a chance today to start the new DIY project but it is happening tonight!!! Not sure how I'm going to make the base for the feathers. Maybe a skull cap or headband?!?! I have every intention to wear it this weekend and will take pictures once assembled.

Shop With The Experts

About a week ago I found this new website called Style Q that is moving fashion into a virtual shopping network connecting fashion addicts to the creative brains behind celebrity looks. The website is marketed at becoming the new daily fashion destination to find and shop your favorite celebrity looks via their stylist. The stylist share the inspiration for the look, give advice about styling, and how to achieve it. You can buy items from each look whether its from a new show, episode, or red carpet event on the site. The site has an ever growing roster of stylist with client lists like pop culture news anchors, reality stars, and NY society women. The site is sure that you'll find a stylist that knows the personality, body type, and overall vibe of the celebrity you somewhat embody...or want to embody!!!! Check out the website and the current stylist spotlight on Monica Rose.

Have a stylist or style icon in mind that you're anxious to know more about??? Shoot them an email at stylists@styleq.com

Men's Styling: Magician and Musician

First off, excuse my hack job at photo shop!!! A couple of weeks ago I worked with Eric on a few shoots with magician Joshua Jay and musician Zach Williams. Lately I have been doing a lot more men's styling. I've started to learn all the options available to men, ways to accessorize and highlight attributes just by paying close attention to detail.

Who are some of your favorite men's designers? Who's style can you not get enough of?

All photos by Eric Ryan Anderson

Early Bird Shopping At H&M

My sleeping schedule is all sorts of messed up right now. So in my insomniatic state last night I decided to check out the H&M website. I rarely visit the site since shopping is limited. I scanned through their online magazine and fell in love with pretty much the entire fall collection. I attempted to narrow it down to some of my favorites, many of which seem to be inspired by Balmain...one of my favorite collections!

1: Crazy for this dress and the styling. I would love this dress, but I might have to pass this one to Ms. Becky! She would kill this look and I can only imagine the incredible shoes from her closet that she would pair with it. I'm itching for her to wear it with either her Loubitan purple leather ankle booties, or her Loubitan black suede thigh high boots (***hint hint***)

2: I took a break from tweed the last couple of seasons and I'm going to have to incorporate more of it this time around. This is as close to a suit as I get... Tweed jacket with matching retro-ish shorts. LOVE. I want to incorporate denim into this look...Maybe put a denim jacket underneath the tweed, or conjure up some denim trim in the form of cuffs to peek out of the sleeves!

3: All about texture here, and who doesn't long for luxurious velvet every once in a while. The shoulder detail again is exactly what I'm into.

4: Shine Shine Shine Shine On!!! What's cooler or more versatile then a sequin cardigan. Jeans, solid t-shirt, belted...not belted. This lends itself to unlimited options. Dying to pair this with the leggings from look no. 6.

5: The simplest silhouette gets a boost of fabulosity with a bold nondescript pattern. No accessories needed.

6: I don't think I can make it through another Fall/Winter in basic black leggings or tights. I love that these have some kind of detail and interest. Aside from my leather jacket, this can be another key "leather" piece to have for the season. Might have to get a couple pairs of these!

7: I don't think I can put into words what it is that I enjoy most about this dress. I just need to own this ASAP.

8: If I'm honest with myself I could probably DIY these jeans but someone else has already done all that work for me and I want to indulge in their handy work! Usually I'm not one for extremely distressed denim but this is more in line with something I would like. A little contradictory but... :) The top will be something I DIY. Trying to decide if I should use appliques, studs, beads (OH MY) for the shoulder detail.

I can only imagine how incredible the entire H&M showroom is. I'm not quite the early bird when it comes to shopping before I can actually wear but I can't miss out on any of these pieces. So for the next two months they will just have to hang nicely in my closet! And occasionally come out when I need to restyle my closet or want to play dress up!

Geek Chic Meets Hipster Trend

A couple of weeks ago, when it was a sweltering 90 degrees outside, my friends and I decided to stay cool and go see a matinee showing of 500 Days of Summer. Loved the movie!!!...fell in love with Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and quickly took notice of his geekish, hipster look. Sweater vests, skinny ties, slim cut suits....

A friend sent me a link to the video below...Who wants to learn this with me and perform it at Becky's 90's prom party!?!?!?!

PANTing...

It's ALMOST impossible for me to think that in a few months I will be bundling up again to accommodate the weather, but I can't lie! I LOVE Fall and the cold. Aside from it being a pain to check a coat, and losing half of the cuteness factor under the coat (that is changing this season thanks to my talented mother) I'm looking forward to layering and adding some pieces with fantastical details to my wardrobe.

The marching band and military trend is something that I've been trying to figure out how to incorporate more of but in a fresh and unique way. Uhhh these pants by Bec & Bridge are genius! Love the side detail on the thigh and at the ankle. I think it is even better that they are monotone!

I found these LNA leggings on a new website the other day while doing some research. I debated all last season on purchasing the American Apparel leggings with the side zipper and then second guessed myself on a pair of back seam tights (I know, hesitation gets you nowhere)! This is the perfect combo of the two. The leggings have a 26 inch zipper, pairs perfectly with black booties, over sized sunglasses and sequin cardigan optional!

Unconventional Accessories

The last few days I have been on a DIY jewelry/accessory binge. Leave me alone in an apartment with tons of resources and my brain and hands just start formulating stylish goodness out of nowhere! (I hope to post a few more pictures of this weekends creations soon)! I'm desperate for fall weather to arrive so I've started to plan out my fall wardrobe and flip through February's fashion week folder on my computer... A compilation of looks and items that inspire me, that I want replicate, and that I can't stop thinking about.

The necklaces and feather pieces that were shown as part of Lanvin's fall show are incredible! I love the idea of making jewelry out of things you find at the hardware store. Light fixtures, light bulbs, door hinges accentuated with pearls and other precious gems is just stupid cool! I know they won't have the same extreme chicness as the real deal, but I'm challenging myself to DIY my own hardware baubles.

All pictures: Lanvin Fall/Winter 2009 courtesy of Style.com

This weekend I made a necklace/earring piece and people thought I had headphones in and ignoring the conversation around me (not exactly what I was going for)!!! I stumbled upon these headphones that were shown at Lagerfeld's Fall 09 show and I'm totally buggin'!!! I'm usually not a fan of headphones that go around the head and/or behind the ear (I don't want to mess up the hair) but for these I will make many an exception! Faux piercings, pyramid studs, gadgets and gizmos a plenty, I couldn't ask for anything more amazing. I have no idea if these headphones were even produced but now I'm impatient and over zealous to DIY my own!

All pictures: Karl Lagerfeld Fall/Winter 09 courtesy of Style.com

Woodstock 40th Anniversary

Sketch by Prabal Gurung

A few of my friends are lucky enough to be at the 40th Anniversary celebration for the infamous event (jealous)! Their trip got me thinking about all the things I wear and love that are inspired by the hippie movement. I've always loved bright colors, bold patterns, and easy silhouettes. I'm dying for bell bottoms to come back...I'm so anxious that last fall I bought a pair of extreme flared jeans at Gap!

Festival goer at Lollapalooza

Natasha Khan (currently attempting to recreate her head piece for a concert tonight)!

Hippie Enthusiast Mary Kate Olsen

Updated Hippie Chic Nicole Richie

Peace.Love.Happiness.

DIY: 3 Finger Ring

I spent this afternoon in a group chat on Gmail with my five roommates from college. We are spread out along the East coast (NYC, Nashville TN, Knoxville TN, Greenville SC, and Goldsboro NC) and it is hard for us to all catch up at one time so today was a treat! During the mindless banter and life updates I found this little gold piece sitting on Becky's desk. I was playing around with it and realized it would make the perfect ring! I took a piece of gold wire and TADA...

Love the new ring!!!!!

What I Want Now...Inspired by Alexa Chung

My eye is picking up on all things that are in the same vain as Alexa Chung.  I've been so inspired by her style and now I'm trying to combine and balance it with the style of Kate Lanphear.  This combo should make for a chic spin on conventional dressing for my fall wardrobe!

The first piece that I found are these See by CHLOE boots.  A little Dr. Martin but elevated to a whole new level of chicness!  I would love to pair these with a sequin mini skirt and some shredded tights.  Another alternative would be with  a pair of skinny grey jeans and a reworked flannel button down shirt. And if/when I had the opportunity I would copy one of Lagerfeld's ad campaigns and wear a flowing chiffon gown with the boots (***sigh***).  

I am in LOVE with this Ashish sweater.  The shoulder detail is out of control and the way that the sequins have been positioned and dispersed  is perfection. This would be the perfect holiday ensemble with my white tulle skirt and great for a chilly night out with a pair of heavily distressed grey skinny jeans and Kensiegirl purple suede cutout-peep toe shoes (no picture yet, they aren't available until October at Macy's)!  AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!!!!

It Girl: Alexa Chung

It has literally been years since I've watched MTv...when they really played music videos instead of their campy reality shows. I think the last time I saw a segment with a VJ, it was when Downtown Julie Brown was hosting. And apparently she has been resurrected in new host Alexa Chung. The 25 year old British model and TV personality comes from across the pond with a tomboyish style that mixes Chanel with H&M. I absolutely love her style. She doesn't fuss with a lot of accessories and her look never seems contrived or over worked.

I love Chung's interpretation of tomboyish style. It is a look that I can get very used to and one that has inspired a few new pieces for my wardrobe.

Hunter Quest

I spent 5 days in Brooklin, Maine staring at the most beautiful scenery and soaking up the sun. I was sprawled in the grass and closed my eyes for a few minutes and all I could see was green...HUNTER GREEN! It could have been from all the gazing at the pine trees but none the less it's all I could think about and exactly what I want for a fresh manicure.

Any ideas or suggestions on a brand that has a dark, deep hunter green color? Desperate to find... for now and the fall!

Mustache Madness

My friends and I have a weird semi-obsession with the adhesive mustaches you buy in packs of six. Hang out with us long enough and someone is bound to pull one out of their pocket/purse/vest/wallet at any point in the night. I heard someone a couple months ago mention getting a tattoo of a mustache on the outside index finger so you can hold it to your nose as a joke. While I'm not that committed to being a bearded dragon, I found some humorous and stylish alternatives...that can also be a quick and easy DIY project!

This necklace is from an incredible New York based jewelry designer, Digby and Iona. I was introduced to them by Becky. I love their sense of humor, style, and creative interpretation. You can also check them out at the Young Designers Market.

I think these are just too cute! They are from a company called Jack Spade, and currently on sale for $65 but I think these are one of the easiest DIY projects on my list right now! I'll save the extra $50 for a new pair of shoes possibly! Love these gloves though, such an adorable idea to bring some humor to any fall wardrobe.