When In Doubt...

Just pile more clothes on!!!!!!

I keep coming across this old editorial and can't get enough of it! I love the 70's style, colors, accessories, and of course the colorful furs!

Raquel Zimmermann by Craig Davis

Styled by Edward Enninful

Fashion Rocks September 2007

Cargo + Ruffles + Leather...

I'm looking for more hassle free no fuss ways to put together new looks. Nothing ground breaking, just easy go-to ensembles that embody work functionality, transition for a Saturday brunch/stroll, or low key night out with friends. Once again, while going through my daily blog reads, I found this perfection in an ensemble...

Slim cargo pants+ white ruffled top+ black inky leather jacket... Again, nothing ground breaking, but incredibly poised with laid back swagger!

{style copycat}

The Perfect Look...

You've probably noticed this about me by now...When I like something, I start to borderline obsess about it in every way possible. It could be the best thing about me or my immortal down fall! While browsing the other morning I came across this ensemble and fell in love with every component. I can't let go of the leopard boots, exactly what I'm craving now! The slim cork colored pants are divine. I have a similar wide leg pair, but I don't think I can get the nerve to permanently alter them. The little details up top really give this look its pizazz. I love that you don't see a shirt underneath the chunky cardigan. Nope, instead you just see a peak of an animal print scarf. The beady belt and simple tortoise shell bracelet are the quintessential accessories. The fact that the look isn't overworked or over accessorized make the look work...well more than work, this look is a total knockout.

"The Claw Is Our Master"...

If you've watched Karen Robinovitz's segment on Style Like U, then you've been introduced to this gritty, glamorous, and fabulous pair of ear knockers. It took a little digging to get more details on this unique bedazzlement but the dirt has been found! The designer, Emily Miranda , was born in New Jersey, educated at RISD, resides in Brooklyn, and makes delectable jewelry AND confectionery concoctions.

The earrings:: alligator claws, 24K gold leaf, rhinestones, shells, pyrite, and herk diamonds...Oh you know, just all the good things in life! Expect 4-6 weeks for them to be completed by production-each pair is one of a kind and will run you $500. Karen, thank you for bringing this art into my life and hopefully into my lobes!

What are some of the craziest items you've encountered?!?!

Fur The Moment...

Hello long lost friends. I feel as though I have terribly neglected you lately, but work and traveling home for Christmas have kept me away from the keyboard... I can't lie though, it's a been a nice little break not to be permanently glued to a monitor. And in my absence, I acquired yet another fur to add to my arsenal. So without further adieu, I introduce to you, my new 70's fox fur coat!!!!

I'm crazy about the new jacket. I have been longing for a jacket like this for a while so when I unwrapped it on the sun drenched mid 60 degree morning, I was elated. It's not exactly fur wearing weather here in Texas, but that hasn't stopped me from parading around the house and down the drive way in it. Back in my Brooklyn apartment, it will be nestled in the fur closet along side its predecessors!!!! In our apartment there is consistent babble and clamor not only over the fur closet, but about the hunt for the perfect fur blanket or comforter. This morning I was clicking through my daily blog roll and came across this spread of these decadent and luxurious sleeping quarters.

{all images song of style}

Oh to dream...I can only imagine how warm and bundled these blankets must be. Maybe next Christmas one of these will find their way underneath the tree!!! I hope everyone had a good holiday. Check back soon to see more detailed images of my new jacket! :)

The Maximalist:: Karen Robinovitz....

I couldn't love this Style Like U segment any more!!!!!! Karen, you look fabulous!!!!!!! and have inspired me to create my own red/leopard moment. Congratulations!, again, the segment is stunning!!!!

Karen Robinovitz from StyleLikeU.com from Stylelikeu on Vimeo.

And you can check out me wearing Karen's feather vest here! :)

A Turban For Every Occasion...

During some down time at work this week I curled up on the couch and flipped through the Avendon Fashion book. Every page captured a beautiful moment, simplicity, and a taste level that has been unmatched. Of course when I stumbled upon a picture of a woman and her turban, I knew it was meant to be. I think I starred at the page for a solid 5-7 minutes examining ever fold and pleat. It was beautiful, one of my favorite images to date.

{Avendon Fashion}

After my swoonfest with Avendon's turban lady, I was desperate to find more to add to my own collection. I ended up on the ASOS site and low and behold hit the jackpot. An assortment of turbans at more than affordable price points.

Black Knit Turban::Exactly what I've been "needing" for the chilly weather to wear on a daily basis. So money!!!!

$24.14

Embellished Knit Turban:: A pop of color and a touch of sparkle!

$34.48

Feather Embellished Turban:: I can't keep my eyes off of this! Definitely a New Years Eve accessory!

$62.06

Chanel Pre Fall:: Those Pants Are Jazz....

You've already heard my vow to pants this winter, so "two legged friends "are always on my mind. Jeans will suffice for just about any day of the week, but I always need a change up here and there. So in my attempt to throw a pants party daily, I'm constantly doing research and scouring for new styles, fabrications, etc... You get my drift. When I saw the Chanel pre fall collection, it was like I entered a secret world created by Karl just for me :)

Velvet harem-ish pants, prints, sequins... just really and truly a dream come true. As I clicked from look to look, my heart began to melt. The image of decadent Bohemia, exactly what I've been longing for.

What Pre Fall collections are you pining over?!

Cookie Decorating Contest...

I'm fortunate enough to live in Brooklyn with two lovely roommates and a neighborhood bustling with a handful of our friends. An intentional location in order to live and do life together. Since proximity is in our favor, Monday nights we all eat dinner together...family style. We rotate who is in charge of hosting and cooking. Last night we had our holiday dinner, which included a cooking decorating competition and white elephant gift exchange.

Here are the cookie submissions...

-Texas

-The Pope

-Anderson's Christmas Tree

-Santa "off duty"

-Chinae's Christmas tree

-Jupiter

-Duckie

-Turban Tina

My cookie was of course wearing a turban... I couldn't resist!

And the cookie winners were Chinae (2nd) with her Christmas tree, Jon (1st) with Jupiter, and me (3rd) with turban Tina.

Oh Jupiter... Jon LOVES Jupiter!

Stylist Spotlight:: Yahaira Familia...

I love the stories that an editorial can tell. The imagery, the pain, the hysteria, uncontainable bliss, confusion, zeal...How a single image or collection of images can evoke such emotional responses through the marrying of clothes, hair, make up, lighting, setting, etc. It's what I love most about styling. Recently I was introduced to stylist Yahaira Familia and her recent editorial for The National Dubai. Yahaira is a NYC based stylist who works for a variety of clients including W, Vogue, Zink, and Elle magazine. Below are images from her recent editorial, but please check out her website for more of her inspiring work.

editorial:: Blue Belle

publication:: The National Dubai

photographer:: Silja Magg

stylist:: Yahaira Familia

If The Shoe Fits...

When it comes to heels, it is rare that you'll find me trekking about the city in any pair that doesn't have a wedge or platform. I've found a place of comfort and stability in shoes that support my always on the go life style and keep me from whining and complaining. However, when I saw these little diddies, I couldn't resist. The combination of colors and the mixture of textures were too good to pass up. And lets not overlook the more than reasonable $35 price tag. I was shopping in H&M with my mom about a month ago when I stumbled upon them. It appeared that they had just received a new shipment of the shoes and my size was available (which never happens)!

My friend Des was over one day and snapped this pic of them on the top of my book shelf perched on recent issues of Japan and China Vogue. After seeing her snap of my kicks, it makes me want to wear than more than usual! So bring it holiday season and you cobble stone streets!

And The Oscar Goes To...

I've always loved Oscar de la Renta...

1: He's Dominican like me :)

2: He can dress a woman beautifully, effortlessly, and with ease.

When I saw his Pre-Fall 2011 collection, well accessorized with fur, I knew this would be one collection I had to highlight. Draped in various colors of warm and cozy goodness and styled in an understandable, no bells and whistles, but all the while in a cool way. The collection immediately caught my attention and had me longing for the next runway look.

This coat looks so incredibly warm..."like living in a polar bear" as my roommate puts it. The colors are exquisite with a lady like demeanor.

These couldn't be more my style! Leather, fur, and red lips it works for running around during the day at work and translates perfectly for a night out or weekend excursions.

I'm a sucker for anything sparkly done in an uber chic way. This made me melt! I love anything lame. The two tones, the wide leg pants, and a bold lip... UNCLE!

Head Cold...

Right before Thanksgiving I fell into a hair dilemma...which happens every 8 weeks like clock work. I want to continue keeping the top long but was more than anxious for a change up. The night before Thanksgiving I got off work early and decided to treat myself to a manicure. Before I could make it to the nail salon, I was marching into the hair salon with a vague idea of what I wanted and desperation for something new. I remember talking to the stylist but was unsure of any of the words that were coming out of my mouth. I was seated in the chair and out came the clippers (exactly what I wanted). In just three minutes half the hair on the left side of my head was gone and I was thrilled! As she was dusting off the trimmed hair from my shoulder, I took one last look in the mirror and suggested we do the same treatment to the right side. So I walked out with both sides of my head shaved down to the skin!

This was the first image that I sent to my mother, who fortunately for me, totally understands my crazy impulsive decisions and always likes the newest hair cut better than the last.

It's taken a bit to figure out different ways to style it (and to remember to bring a hat with me daily), but I love it! It's already grown out a bit and these days I'm channeling Jerry Lee Lewis' hair (I've expressed my love for him here and here).

My friends were surprised but know what to expect from me at this point... but I realized that I often times even surprise myself!

Pre Fall 2011 Kick Off...

With the snow flurries this morning, it's hard to wrap my head around the idea that designers are beginning to turn out their Pre-Fall 2011 collections. I'm longing for these looks and the warmer crisp weather that coincides.

I've never seen or met a fur that I didn't like. Loving this one paired with wide leg pants and milk chocolate gloves! Delicious on all accounts!

{style.com}

Rag & Bone always shows pieces that are, bottom line, cool with a touch of sex appeal in a understandable and desirable way. I couldn't love this long skirt enough with the sky high slit any more. So good!

{style.com}

Coco Canal's Gift Guide...

Hello Friday! And the end of the gift guide post week (don't worry I'm sure you'll continue to find gift ideas here and at Colors of Honey, DeSmitten, and Undeclared Panache). Today's gift guide was curated by yours truly! I'm not going to lie, this was a bit of a task for me. Narrowing down a wish list to the 10 things I think are "most necessary" was quite the challenge, but a lot of fun to put together as well. I tried to keep others in mind and come up with items to give...not just receive! So, here you go, enjoy, and leave a comment with your own gift guide ideas!

{click image to zoom}

1:: I recently moved into a new apartment and we signed up for a land line, old school it will be with this Hamburger Phone $28

2:: An oversize Alexander McQueen Scarf to tie as a turban...a la June Ambrose! I can't live without a turban these days! $260

3:: There is no exception for an incredible Zebra Cowhide Rug, no substitution will do. $2,250

4:: An incredible coffee table book about an inspiring soul, Alexander McQueen:: Genius of a Generation. $19

5:: What better way to find inspiration than visiting a museum. So enjoy a year membership to the Moma. $75 (individual)

6:: I've realized I can't live without a Jiffy ESteam any longer, a wardrobe necessity. $79

7:: Easier than waiting for my friend to run to the ATM, Iphone Credit Card Reader! Free for device but you pay $.15/swipe and lose a percentage of the charge.

8:: I'm a coffee addict in the best way possible, Bodum French Press and Double Wall Mug. $29.95/each

9:: For your man: A new, updated Ernest Alexander Plaid Wax. $160 If you want to treat him right, you can purchase the dopp kit (various colors available) that comes complete with supplies and essentials.

10:: For good: I've introduced you to the non profit I'm a part of, Alegria, and now you can purchase some of the kids artwork and bracelets to support the children's community and the artist we send to Lima, Peru. Purchase an Alegria bracelet for $20 and the proceeds go to fund supplies for the kids and their community. If you're interested please email me for details.

Gift Guide:: Colors of Honey...

Today's gift guide was put together by Kirby from Colors of Honey. I've known Kirby for about 5 years, we interned together at Lela Rose and she was my first New York City roommate. We shared many nights hunched over in laughter, sharing a glass of wine, and embarking on home decor DIY projects. She's a talented designer, dancing queen, and soon to be Mrs!!! Have fun checking out her guide today, you're sure to find a plethora of goodies for yourself or for a loved one!

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1. Eiffel Tower Pillow 2. Remember Bow Ring 3. Canon Rebel Digital camera 4. The Jinger Bow ear warmer

5. My Family! 6. EmersonMade Dress & Shoes 7. Zumi 8mm style camcorder 8. Cake Stand

9. Custom Address Stamp 10. Coach Kristin hobo bag

Gift Guide:: Undeclared Panache...

We've arrived at day two!!!!! Today's gift guide was curated by Lauren from Undeclared Panache. I met Lauren not long after I moved to the city. We are like minded in our love for a good flea market and DIY projects, just to start. I'm always inspired by Lauren and her blog and covet her bicycle and puppy (she lives the dream)! Enjoy her treats and goodies!

{click image to zoom}

I would love the perfect desk lamp to sew, read and internet-shop by.

1. Home Goods - http://www.pbteen.com/products/shine-on-task-lamp/?pkey=cside-table-bedroom-lamps

I've been wanting a delicate, but bold, art deco, black onyx ring, maybe Santa will bring one this year..

2. Accessory - http://www.etsy.com/listing/21204436/art-deco-10k-gold-onyx-diamond-pinkie?ref=sr_gallery_36&ga_search_query=black+onyx+ring&ga_search_type=vintage&ga_page=&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=vintage

I figure if I put a classic bag on my list this year, maybe I'll get it by my 30th birthday.

3. Big Ticket Item - http://www.gucci.com/us/styles/251809A7M0T1000# or vintagehttp://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-GUCCI-blondie-type-BKL-leather-handbag-FREE-shp-/290495595968?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item43a2e305c0

Only recently I have started investing in beautiful coffee-table books, this is a beautiful book of my absolute place in the world...

4. Under $50 - http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-Capri-Pamela-Fiori/dp/2759404064/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1290113624&sr=1-1

I love getting a glimpse inside other people's inspirational houses.

5. Inspirational - http://www.shopassouline.com/9782759404711.html

This is just beautiful, chic and versatile.

6. Fashion - http://www.singer22.com/nrj14.html

This is kind of anti-technology, but I love the nostalgic feel of Polaroids

7. Technology or technology related - http://store.polaroid.com/products/0/354634/Instant_Camera

In my next apt I would love a Mad Men style bar. These bar accessories are perfectly Donald Draper.

8. Kitchen/dish - http://www.westelm.com/products/wood-bar-accessories-e426/?pkey=cbar-accessories

Every grown-up should have personalized stationary,

9. open http://iomoi.stores.yahoo.net/napaafternoon.html

Because I've been inspired by my turban-wearing friend :)

10. open - http://www.modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Accessories/Hats+Scarves/In+the+Gardens+Turban?utm_medium=CJaffiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&utm_source=CJ

Gift Guide:: DeSmitten

It's officially the holiday season which means, you are probably starting to think about gifts to give and receive. So in honor of the shopping conundrum this week is dedicated to Gift Guides thought up by some of my favorite fellow bloggers. Lets start with my dear friend Christina of Desmitten. I've known her for pretty much my entire New York life. She has impeccable style and taste so take note of some of her favorite finds!

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1. House your organic flowers in this geo Vase by Rosenthal $85

2. Add sparkle to any outfit wearing one or more of these Stackable Bangles by Satomi Kawakits $150 - $280

3. Make your look pop with these Poppy Suede Pumps by Isabel Marant $620

4. For under $50 your eyes can be the life of the holiday party! Try Bobby Brown Eye Palette $45

5. Give whimsical inspiration all year-long with Lula Magazine 1 year Subscription $77

6. Wear this Peterpan Collar Open Back Dress from Asos for a classic feminine look. $65.51

7. You will never have to pass up fabulous furniture at the flea market if you have a Zip Car Membership, for New Yorkers, roughly $85

8. Pick your shape and size to Personalize a Vintage Inspired Tray $90-$250

9. Perfect to wear with princess sleeve coats, Long Diane Von Furstenberg Gloves $200

10. Learn about the woman who discovered Alexander McQueen and Sophie Dahl, from her husband's perspective. Blow by Blow: The Story of Isabella Blow

Garrison Shoot...

About a month ago I headed up to Garrison, NY to do a photo shoot with some friends. I have been anxiously awaiting to see the final images. So here are a couple to peek your interest...

These were my favorite shoes that I pulled...black and white rabbit fur boots!!!!

Originally I was going to make a skirt out of bubble wrap but with the help from my assistant we opted for a bustle instead. Better than the original idea.

The shoes again, I wasn't lying when I said they were my favorite.

This might be my favorite outfit from the day. It was a super last minute thought and I wasn't sure how it would come out on camera. Francine worked the look like no other and made me fall in love with the ensemble even more.