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.

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.

Monday Lust

No, no, no, I’m not lusting after Monday, but I did spend a good portion of my evening on Saturday falling in love with some of these amazing items.  My style is decidedly girly-chic with a dash of rock and roll and Audrey Hepburn mixed in.  No matter what your style is, I think you might find a piece here to lust after as well.  At the very least, it will lessen any case of the Mondays that you might have.  Enjoy!

1.  Net Ballerina Skirt from Lipsy.  $60 2. Leaf Clasp Waist Belt.  $29  3. Alexander McQueen Heart Peep Toe Pumps.  $835 $467.60   4.  Coach Madison ‘Juliane’ Tote.  $95/month  5. John Lewis Bow Leather Gloves.  $57   6.  Phosphorescence Bracelet. $42   7. Dolce & Gabbana dress.  $2,325 8.  Erickson Beamon Medieval Swarovski drop earrings.  $400.   9.  Charles by Charles David Fluster (in plum).  $125  10. MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Berkley – Large’ Clutch.  $195.

Bubbles and Bubbly {Video Recap}

If you’ve been keeping up with my escapades, you know that I returned to NYC for the second time in as many weeks. This time is was not to cover fashion, but to learn more about one of the things that enables me to take care of the clothing that I so thoughtfully invest in. Wisk and LaundryHE invited several of us social-media types to my adopted city to learn a bit about regular versus HE detergent.

Is this the part where I confess to you that I couldn’t even begin to guess the difference before Tuesday night? Now however, well, let’s just say you’re reading the random musings of a chick who is BUBBLE CERTIFIED. Oh yeah, no need to adjust your screen, you read that correctly.  The experts in effervescence gave me a major crash course in suds-ology.  I loved it.

All joking aside, I actually learned a lot about Wisk’s HE detergent at the event.  I heard the claims about HE creating fewer bubbles, and heard that too many suds can actually trap extra dirt and oils in your clothing and prevent them from getting clean — but it really clicked for the hands-on learner in me when I got to see it first hand.  I actually got to see the difference in the two detergents side by side, and had proof that HE got clothes just as clean with fewer suds, right there in my hands.

It was pretty cool.  I was kinda surprised at how much I learned!  Of course, I also learned all about Champagne from the sommelier who was on-hand.  Did you know that a good champagne should smell like toast or brioche?  Did you know that the better the champagne, the longer the taste will linger in your mouth?  Did you know that more pinhead-sized bubbles in your glass actually indicates a better champagne?  Now you do, and so do I!

Check out my video from the event below, and get an inside peek at the event.  You can also check out my Whrrl story for a better timeline.  Also, I wanted to let you know that you can enter to win a HE Washer and Dryer from Maytag and Wisk right now at LaundryHE.   Runners up will get a years supply of Wisk HE — so go check it out and enter!

Project Runway Party Video Recap!

My head is still spinning from covering Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and basically feeling like I had a full-time, real person’s job for roughly a week.  Don’t get me wrong, I loved every.single.second.  I am already making plans to return in February, to attend the final week in the tents at Bryant Park.  Not only did I have an amazing week at the tents, but I was fortunate to wrap up my week by covering the Project Runway Reception and Screening for Lifetime Moms.  I made the awesome video below for you, so you can feel like you were right there with me.

We were able to attend a reception at the Hearst Tower (where I totally had a “Confessions of a Shopaholic” moment when I was going up the escalator!) for Project Runway’s current season, after which we all piled into a lush executive theater to watch the 5th episode of this season!  You’ll find three of my favorite pictures below, but you can see all of my photos from the Project Runway Party in my Flickr stream.

These two were really, really nice!  I was originally standing to the left of both of them, and they insisted that I jump in the middle.   If you watched last week’s Project Runway, you saw Louise puncture her finger with the sewing machine — I asked her how she was doing, and she showed me that her fingers healed nicely.  She did share with me that she was so upset at the camera men when that happened, because there was one guy on each side of her, and both of them kept filming, neither of them made a move to help out.  Ahhh, the woes of reality TV.

Irina was the winner of the challenge in the Episode that we watched (where they used newspaper and she made that awesome coat with it!) and I had a great time chatting with her afterwards.  She was really nice — you can see her waving to me and my ubiquitous Flip Cam at the end of the video.

Then, of course, there was Althea Harper, whom I absoultely adored.  I talked to her mom for quite a while when Althea was on the red carpet being interviewed, and she and Althea both invited me to Althea’s Fashion Show the next night.  Unfortunately I coudln’t make it, but they were both so, so sweet – and I was really impressed with Althea in general.  We chatted about Tory Burch (I had just attended her show/presentation the day before), how it is to work for/with her, and about the fact that she designed what she was wearing.  She was so down to earth, it was like talking to an old friend!

I was so impressed with the entire cast of Project Runway Season 6 – they were all cheering each other on, supporting each other, applauding and squealing when Heidi told each of them that they were “safe”.  Watching that episode with them spoiled me, really, and just made me want to have a Project Runway party with all of them each week so that I could continue to feel the camradarie.

Think my mom will clap with me this week everytime we discover someone is “safe”?  It’s worth a try.

On the Catwalk for Victoria’s Secret!

Victoria’s Secret is looking for a few good…women.  Bikini-ready beach-bod types can apply to strut their stuff on the catwalk (it’s here where I’m *so* tempted to burst into song) in the annual televised Victoria’s Secret runway show. Starting October 1st, hopefuls can enter online or you can go to one of the casting calls in various cities.

Did I mention that you have to be between 18-30 (suddenly I feel way old at 27), 5′8″ in bare feet, and available to be in NYC for the entire month of November?  So yeah, not many requirements AT ALL.  Even so, if this is a fit for you, it could be a very cool opportunity to cross something off of that “list” of things you always wished you could do.

I say go for it!

Oh la la! Jean Paul Gaultier and Tar-jay!

Oooh, the fashion world is abuzz with speculation that Jean Paul Gaultier will be next in a line of well-established designers to collaborate with Target.  Word on the fashion street is that Gaultier is in talks with the mega corporation, and that his designs will follow in the footsteps of other designers like Anna Sui and Alexander McQueen!

Not since the release of the Jimmy Choo for H&M news has there been such hubub and excitement.  I suppose it’s the budget-conscious fashionistas (like myself) who are the ones celebrating.  Of course, that is assuming that Gaultier can make some fun designs that are not Lady Gaga-esque.

Because, you know, last time I wore head-to-toe lace…well…let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

How to Wear: Ruffles

Feminine and frilly is all the rage this fall so don’t be afraid to embellish your look with ruffles.  (And yes, I did indeed just say “all the rage”.  And then I used indeed.  See how I did that?)  This is an easy trend to pull off, but you should be careful that you don’t go for too much of a good thing.  If you have ruffles on your shoes, then skip the ruffled bag.  If you have a cute ruffled top, then skip the ruffled skirt.  You’re smart – you get the picture.

The key to rockin’ this trend is to KISS.  (Keep it simple, silly.)  (Ok, ok, the real phrase is Keep It Simple, Stupid – but frankly I didn’t think it was very nice to call you stupid.  You’re here, right?  Ten automatic smart points!) Pair a ruffled top with a tailored pant or a pencil skirt and simple shoes.  Think of it as your signature item.  If you wear fire engine red shoes, you’re going to keep the rest of the outfit and accessories simple, right?  The same goes for ruffles.

Check out some of these awesome ruffled and frilly looks for fall.  I’m especially in love with the Walter dress on the right – it has a cutout back with a simple tie, and it is just gorgeous.  Be on the lookout for it on Leighton Meester in the season premier of Gossip Girl on September 14th.  So, what do you think?  See anything that catches your eye or stikes your fancy?

Fashion Obsession: Free People

I was bopping around on the Free People site this morning, and fell head over heels in love with this dress.  I want it.  Bad. I need it, can’t live without it, gotta have it, MIGHT GO CRAZY IF I CAN’T BUY IT kinda want.  See what I mean?  It’s serious.

This is the Graphic Cutout Ponte Dress from Free People, and I’m in love with it’s classic, sexy shape, and surprising yet elegant back.  I love clothing that is undeniably sexy but that leaves a little to the imagination, and I think that this dress does that well.  Very well.  So well that I must have it.  Did I mention that part yet?

I will be so disappointed if I try it on and it doesn’t look right on me.  Maybe it’s better if I don’t buy it, because then it can never let me down.

Hm, has this turned into an entirely different discussion now?  I think it’s a possibility.

Famous Footwear {Giveaway CLOSED}

Did you know that two things most all women share is their love of shoes and ice cream? (I’m literally eating ice cream as I post this.  Shhh!  Don’t tell!)  Famous Footwear blends these two ingredients together on its site Make Today Unexpected, which gives us women the chance to discover our style and flavor in a most unexpected way.

I just went there, took a short quiz, and found out my personal flavor is “The Devil Wears Cheesecake.” It described me as “A glamorous trendsetter who isn’t shy about her love for the finer things.”  Perfect!

I’ve got an awesome chance for you to win a $100 gift card to Famous Footwear, and you’ll have the chance to discover your own flavor along the way.

Giveaway

Grand Prize

This week, Famous Footwear is awarding one lucky winner with a $100 gift card. Shoes anyone? (Be sure to check out the Fine Print below!)

Coupon

We wanted to make everyone a winner, so visit MakeTodayUnexpected.com and enter to receive $10.00 off your next purchase of $50.00 or more.

Entry Requirements

To enter for a chance to win the $100 Famous Footwear gift card, please do these four things (make sure you leave a separate comment for each of your entries).

Note: Entries that do not follow all of these requirements will not be considered.

1. Take the ‘Find Your Flavor’ quiz by clicking here. Leave a comment on this post with your flavor and e-mail address.
2. Become a fan of the Famous Footwear’s Make Today Unexpected Facebook Page. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-Today-Famous/112646406371?ref=ts)
3. Follow @maketodayfamous on Twitter.
4. Post these messages on Facebook and/or on Twitter and leave comments here, linking to your messages:

Join #gno 8/25 from 9-11 ET 2 chat shoes & ice cream w/ @famous_footwear & @maketodayfamous. RSVP: http://bit.ly/wsRrC PLS RT

Download Famous Footwear coupon 4 back-to-school/fall savings: http://bit.ly/fogQH PLS RT #gno

Extra Entries

You can earn up to two extra entries for this week’s giveaway. Leave an additional comment for each.

• Click here and become a Famous Footwear REWARDS club member (free).
• Post or tweet about something unexpected that has happened to make your day or week more positive on @maketodayfamous or on the Make Today Unexpected Facebook Page.

The Fine Print

Contest ends Sunday, August 30th.  No purchase necessary to enter. Famous Footwear and Mom It Forward employees, and giveaway hostesses are ineligible to participate. Entries that do not follow all of the entry requirements will not be considered.

Hollywood Intuition

Celebrities and smart Hollywood types know that Intuition is the place to shop to find the most up to date trends and styles.  Jaye Hersh, the founder and owner of this little gem, has released a collaboration with Target called Hollywood Intuition so that you can steal designer style for much, much less.  I was there recently and snatched up this awesome Purple Tote which I have since discovered works perfectly as an airplane carry-on or large purse.  It fits my MacBook and power cord with ease, with plenty of room left in the other pockets for a sweater, pair of flats, and my ID/wallet/phone.  It comes in green, black, and purple, but I think purple is one of the hottest colors you can buy, so go grab it while you can! (PS – it’s a total steal at only $29.99!)

Fall Trendspotting: Denim Leggings

Leggings are back for fall, but this time they are disguising themselves as our favorite wardrobe staple.  Or, perhaps it’s the reverse, and denim is trying to look like leggings.  Either way – this is a trend you won’t be able to miss – I’m already seeing them pop up everywhere.  I’ve gotta say, though — I’m not sure I like it.  Even if they are disguised as jeans, I’m just not sure leggings should be worn as pants.

That being said, I don’t think imposter denim is the worst thing to happen to fashion.  My tip to you, should you decide to try this trend, is to treat these as leggings and not as jeans. I’ve laid out a few ideas for ways you should and shouldn’t wear this style if you decide to try it.  

Do: tuck them into a pair of boots this fall, pair them with a fantastic pair of heels, wear longer tops and tunics with belts over them. 

Don’t: pair them with your Pumas, wear them with shorter shirts, select an acid-washed style that will make your legs look bigger than they actually are.  Heck, in my humble opinion, even size negative zero chicks should avoid the acid wash style.  Just sayin’.

If you want to try out a pair of jeggings (jeans+leggings=jeggings) – try this relatively safe option from Juicy Couture.  While it pains me to pay $88 bucks for a pair of leggings, I don’t think this is a style you can go the inexpensive route on.

So tell me, what do you think about this trend?!  Are you a friend or foe of jeggings?

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