moodboard

In Her Closet: Rodarte for Target Leopard Dress

Leopard Lace Dress: Rodarte for Target
Vintage Black Boots: Ebay
Black Socks: Thank you Mr.M
Hermes Collier de Chien: 2009 Christmas Present
Black Pearl Nail Polish: Chanel

Yesterday was my birthday, and I spent the day thrifting and eating. For dinner we went to my favorite restaurant, which is a small gorgeous space that sources their ingredients locally. I love delicious food, but in a relaxed setting where you can laugh and feel cozy. They even brought out my slice of molten chocolate cake with a candle in it, so nice.

After some debate I decided to wear my Rodarte for Target leopard print dress. I love this dress, but it has some issues. It fits tight where it should be loose, and puffs out where it should go in. It's also made of stiff lace that doesn't want to flex and the dyes have run together in places and look green (which oddly l like). There are adorable bows down the back, though you need an extra hand to button them up. I think someone dubbed this the lover dress on TheFashionSpot because you need one so you can wear the dress;)

Detail Shot:

Yikes at the blow up shot of my thigh, but I wanted to show you the color of Chanel's Black Pearl nail polish. It is my new favorite, and may be back up bottle worthy. I think they did a really good job of mirroring the enigmatic color of a black Tahitian pearl.

Pre-Fall 2011: Chanel Paris-Byzance Show

I haven't had a chance to delve into all of the pre-fall images yet, but as always Chanel caught my eye. The shimmering gold theme lends itself perfectly as inspiration for what you might want to wear on New Year's Eve. You could easily recreate the updo by pinning a vintage bracelet or necklace into your hair.

What are you gals going to wear? For the first time we don't have any set plans. We might just stay cozy at home, watching the countdown on tv while eating lots of delicious cheese. Though I love to dress up, and I have several contenders in the closet hoping to have a night out. 

I know the main focus is the clothing but I'm enamored with the hand painted rugs. Though I would love to to add Karl's diaphanous dresses and jeweled sandals to my closet.

 

I love the mosaic detailing on the clothing, it reminds me of a Klimt painting.

 

Images via Vogue.com and Chanel.com

 

Stylish Girl: Valerie Boster on Vogue.com

I somehow missed Valerie Boster in Vogue's Five Days, Five Looks, One Girl column. They used to be tricky to find but they are all now located under their Fashion section. Vogue.com also seems to be moving away from the "I took this picture in my bathroom" to a more magazine worthy editorial style.

Valerie is wearing that Isabel Marant coat, with its sexy splash of pink around the neck. Sigh. She also showcases a covetable collection of jewelry and an absolutely gorgeous textured Hermes bag. Who knows if all of these pieces actually reside in her closet, but I like the styling none the less.

Images: Vogue.com

I Collect: Chanel Nail Polish

1. Black Satin 2. Black Pearl 3. Rose Satin 4. Jade 5. Nouvelle Vague 6. Riva

I have a lot of mini collections that I thought I would start posting on the blog. I'll start with my newest collection, Chanel nail polish, since Santa added to it on Christmas morning.

If you have a collection you want to share drop me an email with jpeg images no bigger than 600 pixel width. If it fits the blog I'll share it in this column.

Tory Burch Swan Wedge Sandals

Though I wish they had a wood bottom, Tory Burch's Swan wedges are on my wish list for spring. It looks like I'm on to a spring theme as I'm still pining for the Miu Miu Swan dress(and many other pieces in that collection) as well.

 

In Her Home: Porta Portese Flea Market (Rome) & Other Finds

Before we left for Rome I did a little(okay a lot)of research on where I wanted to shop. Recent reviews on Porta Portese, the largest flea market in Rome, have been negative and cautionary about aggressive pickpocketers.

We were going to explore the neighborhood of Trastevere, so we decided to stop by since the flea market was close to that area. I went in without any expectations, which was great because the reviews were correct. Most of the antique dealers have been replaced by vendors selling cheaply made goods or second hand clothing.

After going down aisle after aisle of the exact same stalls, I came across one selling old linens for 50€ a piece. I dove in with about six other women and found three vintage duvets. My favorite is the early 70's periwinkle one with the Art Nouveau trim. I was thinking it might make a good table cloth but maybe I'll have a daybed or twin bed to fit it on one day. I think the pink and green one may be a bit older, as the fabric is softer and the print looks like it is from the 40's or 50's.

I've also been doing some shopping back in the good old US. I was excited to find this vintage dish while thrifting yesterday because it reminds me of an Eva Zeisel piece.

To say I'm having a pink moment would be putting it lightly. I'm currently obsessing over shades of nude, neon, candy and rosy pink. The bottom rug was picked up at the Zara Home store in Rome. Thank you Mr.M for hauling that thing back to the hotel room and to the airport.

The bath mat is from the Target Rachel Ashwell Simply Shabby Chic collection. I'm not sure when we are going to use it but I loved that the criss cross pattern looks a little like a Moroccan Beni Ourain rug. I also bought the rhinestone shower rings from the same collection, though I'm sure every darn one will fall out the moment I hang them up;) 

Lastly, I found these two vintage lanterns several weeks ago at the thrift store. I think the linen fabric used to be red, but has faded to a delicious rosy pink after likely being left outside. 

Sorry this is such a jumble of a post, and not styled in the best way, but I'm getting ready to go out of town to see my family for Christmas. So excited!

 

 

 

Look of the Day: Mary-Kate Olsen with Umbrella

That umbrella is so over the top and I love it.

Image: People.com  

 

End of December Wish List: Burberry & Chanel

I love my 1960's cheetah print coat, but I could always make room in my closet for Burberry's version- Net-A-Porter, $3,595. I'm always on the lookout for white dresses, and this Richard Chai dress with a high low hem is perfect-Lagarconne, $345. While I still love OPI nailpolish, Chanel has become quite a favorite. The newest shade, Black Pearl, matches those of he Tahitian variety. I'm also hooked on the moody, shimmering shades of Ombres Perlees de Chanel-Chanel, $23-$65. The Elizabeth and James Sawyer wedges remind me a little of the Balenciagas that Taylor Tomasi wore during Spring 2011 fashion week. Net-A-Porter, $365. To finish off my want list a feather necklace with just the right price point-Forever 21, $7.80. 

Wishlist: The Row, Tibi, and YSL

 

The Row is meeting all my minimalist, yet luxe wants. The perfect little silk dress, which I wish was about $500 cheaper. Even doing my cost per wear formula won't crunch the numbers to my debit card's liking.

I'm also crushing on their Celeste silk top,because I have a weird thing for apron style clothing. Seeing this top reminded me that I have an old jumper from The Limited that I need to dig out. 

Every time I see bloggers Pret A Porter P and Res Pulchrae wearing their YSL leopard scarves I bump it to the top of my want list. This version is pretty perfect. 

The Topshop Five Buckle corset belt reminds me very much of that Ann Demeulemeester multi-strap bustier. For those that have read this blog for some time(thank you!), you understand why I love Alexandre Birman's python heels.

Lastly, I'm really loving the silhouette of Tibi's silk kaftan. It looks like it would float around you like air, and I would love a version without sparkles to wear during the summer.

 

Editorial Inspiration: Artisanal Style from House Beautiful

We just found out we have to move from our apartment again, which was a month to month rental while we searched for a house to buy. We're discussing the option of signing a year lease for our next apartment, because not having a permanent home for the last couple of years is really starting to wear on me. I'm sure the minute we sign the lease the house of dreams will pop up, but I'm willing to risk it at this point.

With this change comes an excitement about interior decorating again, and I'm already gathering together inspiration folders for our next home. Dark, light, pattern and shine has always been my guiding theme, and I'm hoping I find some things in Rome and Florence to add to my mixture.

This home belonging to Roman Alonso, the creative director of Commune, has so many things I'm drawn to right now. The first room, in all its bohemian glory, hits all the right spots with a sheepskin rug, patterned pillows, and rosy pink picture(still obsessing over this color).

I also really enjoyed his interview, which you can find in the magazine or online, along with more images. 

I love this quote:

"My philosophy is: Live with it and love it to death because we don't know how long we're going to be here."

 Images: Moodboard Photography: Amy Neunsinger Magazine: House Beautiful