Alice in Wonderland {Spring Inspiration}

There’s something about the story of Alice in Wonderland that we all seem to relate to and love. The new Tim Burton movie looks amazing.  I am very much looking forward to seeing his edgy interpretation on the children’s classic, but more excited to see the costumes. I mean come on…I’m all about the clothes! The promotion photos are so whimsical and the colors are amazing.  It’s hard not to create a look inspired by this movie.  Below are a few of my “Wonderland” choices. Shall we head down the rabbit hole?

Since becoming a mom I tend to wear a lot more flats than I ever did before.  There are so many cute, edgy & fun flats it’s hard not to fall in love.  These Lanvin ballerina flats {$580} have just the right amount of pom-pom embellishment to offer a feminine accent.  Besides the fact that these are the most comfortable flats you will ever own, I know since I own a few pairs, they are something you could see Alice in, running around Wonderland!

Check out Diesel’s Tye Dye Printed Over-Body handbag {$77} for spring. It’s not too big and not too small…wait that sounds like another children’s classic! The colors are amazing and will be a perfect accent to your spring wardrobe.

ASOS’ Voile Bubble Hem Dress {$59} is perfect for you next wedding or high tea.  You will be sure to impress at your next event. This dress is the perfect mix of whimsical and classy at the same time.

Looking for a fun, colorful print dress, then try Diane von Furstenberg’s Beach Tabalah kaftan {$220}.  It’s such a versatile dress as you can wear it to the beach as a cover up or pair with strappy heels for dinner with the girls.  This dress reminds me of the backdrop of Wonderland…seems like all of the colors are here in the dress.

This nail polish from OPI called Mad as a Hatter {$15} reminds me of sparkly, glitter confetti.  Wear to your next tea party and it will be sure to be a “party” to remember. This nail polish is apart of an Alice inspired four-color collection.

Steve Madden’s Toppazz Platform Pumps {$67} are a perfect mix of elegant and sexy. I love the ribbon detail, which manages to be feminine and not too “cute.”

Ruffles come to mind when I think of Alice in Wonderland. J. Crew’s Silk Frances cami {$70} looks as if it should be part of the Wonderland wardrobe. This piece can be worn by itself with boyfriend jeans for a causal every look. Add a pair of black cigarette pants and peep toe shoes for evening and you are cocktail party ready.

Nudes are a big trend for the upcoming spring season.  Check out ASOS’ Structured One Shoulder Top {$55} as a must add to your wardrobe this season. The structured shoulder reminds me of the necklines of the Queen’s dresses.

How can we talk about Alice in Wonderland without hearts? I love Moschino Cheap And Chic, Lurex-knit heart dress {$525}.  Something about it just makes you want to scream “Off with their heads.”

Even if one isn’t a huge fan of the edgy, ok maybe acid-trip tale this next skirt will put a smile on your face.  I love the large dots on this ASOS tailored tulip skirt {$43}, which manages to be fun and not school-girl cute!

This Zimmerman silk-satin skirt {$290} is Alice all grown up! The ruffles, color and the way it moves screams sophistication.

The 2010 Fashion Oscars

Did you watch the Oscars last night?  You know that I did.  It has even come to a point where I jot down notes in a notebook about which looks I love/don’t love so that I can find photos and information on it after.  I also write down my initial thoughts and impressions, as they make excellent fodder for a post like this one.  So, now that I’ve told you all of my secrets – here is a quick rundown of what I loved in my very own version of the Oscars – Fashion-style.

THE NOMINEES FOR THE 2010 CHIC SHOPPER CHICK FASHION OSCARS ARE:

I loved both of these looks – Queen Latifah has never looked better in an elegant lavender Marchesa gown with a sparkly twist, and Sandra Bullock was simply glowing in this golden confection of a dress (also by Marchesa).  I especially loved Sandra’s pink pouty lips and old Hollywood glamour style hair.

Two more nominees that made it solidly onto the “Best Dressed” list?  Markiska Hargitay in a sweeping Vera Wang dress, and Demi Moore in a blush-colored tiered Atelier Versace.  Both of them were simply stunning.

Rounding up the nominee list we have Rachel McAdams, for her sweeping, delicate Elie Saab Couture dress that just screamed spring.  I am especially fond of the sweetheart neckline, and that she chose to leave her collarbone bare.  And then, of course, we have Kate Winslet, who played it safe, but still looked stunning in this sleek YSL number that she accessorized with a 2.5 million dollar yellow diamond from Tiffany and Co.

Without further ado, the runner up for the 2010 Chic Shopper Chick Fashion Oscar is…

…A red-lipped Cameron Diaz in a billowing Oscar de la Renta gown that can only be described as show-stopping.  Diaz dropped her usual easy-going beach style in favor of something much more couture, and I, for one, was thrilled to see it.

Well, here we go.

It’s time.

Ladies and … well, ladies.  The moment we’ve all been waiting for.  The  2010 Fashion Oscar goes to…

Anna Kendrick who was nominated for her role in “Up In The Air”.  She stole the show in this delicate chiffon gown by Elie Saab – I especially loved that the gown was off-the-shoulders and not just strapless.  A perfect choice for her petite frame and age – this dress wins my 2010 Fashion Oscar.  Nice pick Anna!  Call me so that I can get you your award!

What were your favorites?

Swimsuit & Cover-Ups for 2010 Spring/Summer

Nothing says summer more than swimwear.  I know I’m not the only one ready for winter to be over.  I thought it only appropriate that we talk about swimwear this week to help us know that warm, sunny days are ahead!

When it comes to swimwear I have two ways of thinking…I love solid colored suits that you can accent with accessories or a brightly colored suit that needs nothing else.  It all depends on the mood.

Victoria’s Secret Racerback Bikini, $84

The rich plum color and silver hard wear on the bottoms makes it an instant chic swimsuit.  This would be a great suit for enjoying poolside with your friends. The great thing about this suit is that it is sold as separates so you can make sure to get a great fit for your body.

Spanx Triangle Top One Piece, $198

We fell in love with Spanx for helping us all achieve a smooth look underneath our clothes. Panty lines are now a thing of the past. So it was just a matter of time before Spanx would design their take on the one-thing women are most anxious about, swimsuits. Debuting this season I’m sure swimsuit shopping will be less stressful for some with the new arrival of Spanx swimsuits.

Trina Turk, Vintage Print Bikini, $158

This vintage print bikini looks like the one wearing it should be lounging on a white sand beach in the Caribbean.  I love the bright colors in the suit, which will look amazing next to tan skin.  String bottoms are great because they can be adjusted to fit properly so you don’t get the indents in the side of your hips that we all hate!

J. Crew French Sailor Tie Front Bikini, $90

The navy and white strips of this suit is such a classic look. There is something very Coco Chanel at the beach about this suit. This suit is sold as separates so you can be sure to get the best fit for your body. Accent this look with some red accessories to make this simple but classic suit pop.

Carmen Marc Valvo Suit, $132

For those not looking to bare all in a bikini, invest in a tankini. This one is chic and elegant and can be paired with white linen pants to take you straight from the pool to dinner. I love the simple detail of the gold hardware and asymmetrical strap.

Diane Von Furstenberg Ganza Silk-Chiffon Maxi Dress, $360

This dress will add instant sunshine to your wardrobe. This print is based off of Andy Warhol’s daisy print for an extra coolness factor. Pair with flat gladiator sandals for an effortless chic look.

Jets by Jessika Allen, Tiered Jersey Jumpsuit, $215

This might be my favorite cover-up this season. I am in love with the color and overall look of this jumpsuit.  It can easily be changed from casual to elegant evening-wear by adding some strappy metallic sandals, a great clutch and some fun gold jewelry. This will have to be one that finds it’s way into my summer wardrobe this year.

Warm sunny days are just around the corner! Happy swimsuit shopping.

Geek Chic: Glam Up Your Gadgets

There comes a point in every woman’s life when she is handed the ultimate gadget or newest piece of technology and she smiles from ear to ear.  Then, in the next moment, she stops and wonders to herself what in the world she can possibly do to make it look chic.  Let’s face it, the gadget in itself may be cool, but the ways of toting it around are limited, at least if you’d like to have some sort of style.  And, while black never goes out of style, that plain black laptop bag just isn’t cutting it for you anymore.  Take a look at some of my chic geek girl gadget finds that will have all of your friends drooling!

Spring 2010 Trends that will Last through Fall

In some places people are still trying to utilize their spring wardrobe but winter is making it a challenge.  The clothes seen at New York Fashion Week for Fall 2010 this past week seemed more appropriate for the weather most of the country seems to be experiencing than the spring trends that are waiting to be worn. Not to fret, spring will soon be upon us.

The great thing is that you will get extra milage out of some of the upcoming spring trends, as we saw them repeating themselves on the Fall 2010 runways. Not only good for your favorite trends but fabulous for your wallet!

Bold Prints

This spring, bold prints will be a big trend and we will continue to see them for Fall 2010.  Choose a print that you love since you know you can transfer it into your fall wardrobe as well. Not feeling like you can pull off a bold print? Then choose one item of clothing, such as a skirt and pair with all black to tone-down the print.

Belts

Belts will continue to be a popular accessory one can play with for the upcoming fall season. On the spring runways we saw belts over brightly colored cardigans and at the waists of dresses. We will continue to see these usages for fall, as well belts layered over outerwear. I personally love this look,  as it’s a chic way to show your figure while keeping warm this fall.

Shorts

This spring, shorts are the new pants. For spring it seems the shorter, the better.  If you are past your prime of short, shorts invest in a longer tailored pair. These will be perfect for fall, as we saw them paired with tights on 3.1 Phillip Lim’s runway.

Ruffles

Romance is what first comes to mind when one thinks of ruffles. They will be a big trend for spring, as we saw them in many different forms. We continue to see them for fall in darker hues than the nudes and pastel colors we saw for spring. If you invest in a springtime nude version of this trend, pair with dark tights or blazers to transition them into fall.

Pamella Roland Fall 2010 Collection – Chic. European. Classy.

I’m not ashamed to admit it.  I fell in love last season when I was at the tents.  There was a designer who had barely made it onto my radar, but for some reason I attended her show.  And I fell in love.

Pamella Roland.

If you’re my friend on facebook or you follow me on twitter, this is a song that you know the lyrics to already.  But I don’t care.  Since it’s my favorite song, I’m singing it anyway.  Roland quite literally took the industry by storm when she released her first collection at age 42 – instantly winning over critics and gaining a huge celebrity following.  Her red carpet looks are to. die. for.  Yes my friends, when I die please make sure I’m wearing Pamella Roland.

Her fall 2010 collection was inspired by Venetian Glamour, and I was inspired as well.  Inspired to go out and buy it all.  True story.  Ah, the fashion writer’s dilemma.  The collection was extensive, from chunky, colorful knits, regal purple gowns that were dripping with sophistication, and fresh takes on the wool shift dress.  The evening gowns, always a favorite of mine (I blame the Princess complex), were nothing short of stunning.  Roland sent a final piece down the runway – a bridal gown – which was simply a perfect, airy confection that seemed to float down the runway.

I threw a few photos that I took from my seat during the show into the graphic above, but if you really want a good feel for the show, check out the video below courtesy of IMG.  Some of the best 3:40 of your day, I promise.

Swoon with me in the comments, please.

4 Dresses That I Need. Now.

I have this website that I love, and because I love it, I try my darnedest to stay away from it.  My wallet appreciates it.  However, I was just browsing and I thought “hmmm, maybe I should throw up a quick post about these dresses that I love” because I have a dress-obsession.  I love my denim, but give me a skirt or a dress, and I am like a kid in a candy store.  I live in dresses!

So sometimes I surf the internet for hours, or scour the stores, and can’t find something that catches my fancy.  Since I’ve discovered ModCloth, things have changed.  By the way, I have absolutely no relationship with ModCloth (though I wish I did) apart from the fact that they have made lots of money off of me.  I just like it.

Anyway.  I have my own dress code and wear what I want when I want to.  Usually I’m what most people would consider “overdressed”.  I don’t really care.  Here are 4 dresses that I would wear for no special occasion.  All from ModCloth.

The first one makes me wish I was teaching again, the second one makes me dream of spring with footless leggings, gladiator sandals, and a long necklace, the third one reminds me of my Sorority days, and the last one makes me want to to be in a boat with the love of my life on a Venice Canal.  This is why I buy clothing.  Every single piece I buy tells me a story – one that I know or want to know.  Inspiration to dress – I truly think everyone should have it.

What inspires you?

Recreating Jade Frampton’s Chic Look {2010 Fall Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week}

I have been devouring the pictures and videos coming straight from the New York Fashion Week tents this past week.  As I’m sure with the rest of you, I can’t wait to hear all about Erika’s Fashion Week adventures.

Some of you may not know, but I love to people watch. Sit me down on a bench and I could be content for hours just watching people walk by!  I get inspired seeing how people translate looks to make them their own. People watching during Fashion Week with all the uber-stylish people is even that much more inspirational.

I loved the look ELLE’s Market Editor, Jade Frampton, pulled together. Not only did she address the outside elements of winter cold and snow, but managed to look effortlessly chic in multiple layers. Her look is easy to recreate.

Begin the look with ASOS’ pleat detail tulip skirt {$45} and a GAP long sleeved white t-shirt {$16.50}.  Layer a T by Alexander Wang striped tank dress on top {$110}.  Add Banana Republic’s black classic belt {$49.50} at the waist for definition. Step into a pair of black flat boots like these Tori boots from Ciao Bella {$99}. For the final layer add a classic trench coat.  Try ASOS’ Gap Linda Trench {$139}. Add a scarf at the neck to complete the look and stay warm! Have some fun and play with printed scarves to add your own flair to this classic look.

Have a styling question you need answered?  Comment or tweet me your question and I will feature it on my next “Questions for a Stylist” column. Have a fabulous week!

Fashion For Haiti

Hello fashion darlings.  I’m sorry I’ve been MIA but I’m so thankful that you’ve had our resident stylist Jennifer to keep you company.  Isn’t she doing an amazing job??? (Check out her article all about Spring Fashion!)  I have been on a whirlwind traveling tour lately, I’m not sure I’ve slept in my own bed but 1 night in the past 2.5 weeks.  Currently I’m in NYC covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week for Lifetime – a fashionista’s haven!

More on my coverage of this week in a bit, as well as my amazing trip to Disney with the Hanes Comfort Crew – but for now I wanted to quickly share something that caught my eye yesterday – all about what designers and the fashion industry are doing to provide help to Haiti.  This video explains it all:

I love that the designers are all wearing their t-shirt in their own unique way in the video.  The cool part is that you can buy one of these very fashionable t-shirts AND do something great at the same time.  The t-shirt will be on sale at Zappos beginning February 16th for only $25, with $16 of every purchase donated to the Haiti Relief Fund!

Designers and celebs are also doing their part – Kenneth Cole has donated a Westside Holiday billboard promoting the shirt and Beyonce is the official face of the Fashion for Haiti initiative.  What will you do?

Spring 2010 Trends: Must Haves Under $100

Hello my fashion darlings!! I am so excited to be the new girl here and to talk with you weekly about my favorite topics, fashion and style.  Check back each Wednesday for a new fashion related article.  I would love any input about what you would like to see each week.  I plan to do a monthly fashion Q & A, where your fashion and styling questions are answered along with other styling articles.  Please email me your comments and questions. Feel free to stop by and visit me during the week at my site, Red Sole Diary…I love visitors.

Q:  What is the must have article of clothing (not shoes) for spring under $100?

A:  There were a lot of trends that came down the Spring 2010 runways. Below are just a few to incorporate into your closet this spring.

Various versions of the jumpsuit were seen walking down the spring runways, from the relaxed glamour at Lanvin to loose and flowy at Roberto Cavalli.  Be sure to check out ASOS’ ruffled, one-shoulder jumpsuit ($34) to create a new spin on evening-wear. You’ll be stylishly chic at your next cocktail party.  For a more casual look, try Victoria’s Secret floral printed silk jumpsuit ($88) as floral prints are a must this season. Add a great pair of gold flat sandals and you are pool-party ready.

While we saw a lot of wide-legged pants on the spring runways, skinny-legged pants are still hot. Denim leggings are the cool girl’s jean of choice this season. Pair Ann Taylor’s denim leggings in dark wash ($88) with a white “boyfriend” t-shirt and your fitted blazer from last season to be the most stylish mom running errands.  To mimic Balmain’s military-inspired spring runway looks, pair Blank black denim stretch jeans ($78) with an Aqua military jacket ($88). It will truly be the look for less.

Shorts are the new pants this season. From quilted leather shorts seen in Alexander Wang’s show to the gold lamé harem shorts on Phillip Lim’s runway there is something for everyone. Add a pair of Victoria’s Secret belted linen shorts ($34.50) to your wardrobe this season. Pair with a lingerie inspired camisole, which is another hot trend for spring, and finally complete the look with last season’s boyfriend blazer.

Q:  What is a must have accessory under $50?

A:  Bold statement necklaces continue to be popular for the upcoming spring season. We saw everything from a full bib necklace at Vera Wang to bold pendants at Bottega Veneta. Color was everywhere on the spring runways so have fun with your accessories. Add Anthropologie’s double torsade necklace ($28) for a fresh look this season.  If you are looking for a bit more edge, check out Express’ bib necklace in a bold citrine color ($39.50).

See you next week!

The Post Where I Discuss Lingerie. (Sorry, Dad.)

If you’ve read anything that I’ve written, especially over the past year, you know that I love fashion and style.  I love getting dressed up, feeling confident in what I’m wearing and how I’m wearing it, and helping other women to feel the same way.  My mantra is that “no one can take their eyes off of a confident woman.”

Think I’m wrong?  Try thinking back to a woman in the past that you’ve known or were acquainted with whom everyone just thought was AMAZING.  Breathtaking.  Incredibly beautiful/fabulous/fantastic, etc.  People fawned all over this woman.  Maybe you did too.  But then, one day you stepped back and thought:  um, she’s really not that pretty.  Or maybe even that fabulous or fantastic.  I was drinking the Kool-Aid! What’s up with that?

Oh c’mon, it’s just me, don’t pretend like you don’t know what I’m talking about.

Do you know what her secret is?  That woman that we’re talking about?  I do.

Confidence.

Of course, confidence comes from a number of sources, but why not take all of the help that you can get?  Here’s my little piece of advice  — I think that physical confidence starts with what you have on underneath.  (A quick aside to my family members:  I’m about to start talking about my personal lingerie philosophy.  I won’t be offended if you click over to something a little less personal, now.  Oooh, look – here’s my “About” page!)

So let’s set this up, shall we?

In two weeks I will be emceeing a Mardi Gras Ball here in New Orleans.  I plan on wearing this drop dead gorgeous strapless BCBG ball gown that has been in my closet for a while, but has yet to see the light of day (or the glow of night).  I will be on stage in front of the entire Krewe as well as about a thousand of their guests.  I will be the one who reveals the identity of the King and Queen, as well as the rest of the court (for those not familiar with Mardi Gras season, this is a highly anticipated moment).  I will be, quite literally, in the spotlight on stage for a solid hour.

Raise your hand if you think I could probably use a little extra confidence during that hour?

Right.

No doubt the dress will help.  The dramatic makeup will help.  Telling myself that I’m not going to trip on my way up the steps will help (please, oh please cross your fingers for me on the night of January 23rd).  But um, wearing a dingy old pair of cotton panties and any ol’ bra is totally not going to help.  I’ll spare you the details, but it’s safe to say that what’s going to be underneath is a matching set.  And it’s not old and dingy.  It’s sexy, and I feel good in it.

There’s the key – I FEEL GOOD IN IT.

Lingerie is not about sex.  I don’t wear it because I anticipate someone seeing it later.  I wear it because it makes me feel good, because it’s like I have my own little secret underneath my clothes and I like the way that makes me feel.  I stand up a little straighter, and hold my head a little higher.

Now, I’m not saying that dropping a fortune at La Perla or Victoria’s Secret is going to be an instant confidence builder and it’s certainly not going to turn you into one of those supermodels in the ads.  I’m also not saying that awesome lingerie is the only way to feel good about yourself, physically.  But, you know what?  It’s a start.  A great start.

We’ve all got to start somewhere.

More Bubbles and Bubbly Fun

So remember how, back in October, Wisk HE brought me to my second home, New York City, for a little bubbles and bubbly shindig?  I had a blast with some amazing people and learned all about bubbles- when you need them, when you don’t.

So, today I’m on Google, searching for pictures of myself and my friend Katja for this way cool NYC Tweetup that we’re hosting on January 13th at the Roger Smith Hotel, and I come across this photo!

And I’m all … awwww … what a CUTE photo!

But then…then I came across this video.  And I’m giggling like a madwoman because here I am, looking like a total goober throughout the entire thing, and I didn’t even know it existed.

And, because I love you, my readers, I thought I would share my gooberness with you.  I’m especially fond of the 14 second mark, where I make a quick appearance just to drawl “bubbles”.  Tee hee!

By the way – my dress is from one of my favorite online stores – ModCloth, and the shoes are Steve Madden.  The crazy mad scientist lab coat was courtesy of Wisk HE.  I especially love that Nichelle from StyleMom immediately cinched hers up with a belt.  Only someone that fashionable could make a lab coat look good.  I’m just sayin’.

Update Your Winter Wardrobe (AKA – Look Christy, You’re Internet Famous!)

I have awesome friends.  I’m not sure why, but they keep coming back for more.  They put up with my fickle phone skills and know-it-all personality for reasons I have yet to determine.  Of course, this makes them all the more awesome.  When my longtime friend Christy told me at brunch the other day that she was going shopping to update her wardrobe for the cool winter season, my ears perked up.  Ok, it was more like OMG CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE PICTURES FOR ME SO THAT I CAN WRITE ABOUT THAT?!  Because honestly, who doesn’t want to update their wardrobe for each season?  I know I do.  Also on the honest front?  Who is really prepared to drop thousands of dollars to do it each time?  Right.

Christy (who is a Junior Mass Comm major at Louisiana State University) updated her current look with just a few additional pieces that she found at Forever 21 and Target.  She did the entire thing for under $300.  Check out her new looks.

Black long sleeve shirt with ruffles–Forever 21–$19.80
Red skirt with Black belt–Forever 21–$10.50

Tights–Target–$5.00
I think Christy hit it out of the park with this look.  She paired the shirt, skirt, and tights with a pair of Chinese Laundry Black Boots that she already owned.  The boots cost her $110 when they were new, but she has now worn them two winter seasons in a row.  That, my friends, is called an investment.

My friend the little lumberjack.  Isn’t she adorable?  In all seriousness, plaid is back.  I’m not sure how I feel about it, but it’s back, it’s a fact, so Christy is keeping it real and fashionable with this look.

Flannel shirt–Forever 21–$19.80
Blue Skinny Jeans–Urban Outfitters–$35 on sale
Tan Boots–Charlotte Russe–$41

Rawr! Again, Christy is rocking the skirt with tights and her Chinese Laundry boots, but this is a totally different look (great for nights when she has a lot of partying studying to do!).

Plain black long sleeve shirt–Target–$9.00
Zebra skirt–Target–$16.99
Tights–Target–$5.00
Headband–Target–$9.99
Bangles–Forever 21–$4.99 for a 3-pk

This is one of my favorite looks on Christy – love the green sweater with her complexion, and I love that she went with brown boots instead of black.

Green and Grey sweater–Forever 21–$13.50
Grey Cami underneath–Target–$8.99
Blue Skinny Jeans–same as above from Urban Outfitters
Tan Boots–same as above from Charlotte Russe

Her last look is all about the coat, which I think is great since so many people will see your coat long before they see anything underneath it.  She let her coat do the talking, and paired it with all-black underneath.  My only suggestion for this outfit would be to consider cinching the waistline with a skinny belt to pull it all together.  Since the coat isn’t uber-fitted, it would help to give her more shape.  She paired this coat with the same black long sleeve shirt from Target, and Chinese Laundry Boots.

A-line Black and White Coat–Forever 21–$44.50

Black skinny jeans/feel like tights–Forever 21–$24.80

* * *

There ya have it – some really inexpensive ways to put together a few new looks, with a huge thank you to my friend Christy, who never ceases to provide me with entertainment (and friendship, I might add).

Want to be featured on Chic Shopper Chick?  Send me some pictures of your favorite looks and I will do my best to post them!

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