Back from Hiatus & Top Shop debut at Nordstrom!

Why hello there! I am officially back after a long blogging hiatus...I can't believe Fall is already here! Its been a busy Spring and Summer but luckily Fall fashion is in full swing and I am totally on board. Looking forward to covering some exciting fashion happenings and discoveries this season!

By chance, I was shopping at my local Nordstrom store this past weekend and was thrilled to find that the popular UK brand Top Shop was now being sold in select stores and online at Nordstrom! I remember spending an hour or two browsing around this trendy store while in SoHo in NY. At first I had the impression that Top Shop was just another Forever 21 or H&M, but what I discovered was that Top Shop appeals more to the young rebel with a punk rock taste with a pinch of sophistication. Top Shop is fully trend driven and is fast fashion that changes quickly. When browsing the collection at Nordstrom I saw plenty of peplum, studded tops and bottoms, leather detailing, faux fur, and chunky oversized Fall knits. I LOVED all of the looks, it was edgy and effortless, just pick up the right top and bottom and you would turn heads! The location in the Nordstrom store also was perfect, it definitely fit right in with the other stylish designer apparel they carry.

I ended up purchasing three items that I was very content with and of course, happy they had them available in my desired size. I was worried of a sellout, which was anticipated for many items but timing worked in my favor!

Studded knit tunic: $84
I saw this on the mannequin and on a sales associate and had to have! I bought this in a Size 2 since it ran very large. The tunic was comfy, oversized and medium weight and I loved the stud details on the shoulder. Would pair with leggings or tights and mid calf boots!

Pleated black dress: $50
I've always wanted a little black dress and have yet to own one...this may be an option! This dress was really adorable on. The pleated details was flirty and fun and the silhouette of the dress on looked very complimenting! I was picturing dressing this up or down with the scarf I bought below a tall boots or flats or dressing up with a nice pearl necklace.

Sweater Infinity Scarf $32
Another item I saw on the mannequin (those Nordstrom visuals sure draw me in) and LOVED the beautiful Burgundy color, its not a color you see very often. The scarf was super soft and the color looked great on me. I can see myself wearing this with multiple outfits. I must own over a dozen infinity scarves by now...but they've just become one of my essentials especially for Fall!

 

If you don't live near a Top Shop, I'd definitely recommend checking out the collection at your local Nordstrom (you can check Nordstrom online for which stores carry Top Shop and the collection is also offered online). I'd say the price point is higher than H&M and Zara...consider it fast fashion splurging! Shipping is also free online and Nordstrom's return policy is very flexible.

Happy Shopping and good night!

A Week of Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is a rising star. Hard to believe she was in Dawson's Creek years ago and now is an Academy Award nominated leading lady! Not only is Williams a strong actress but she also has great style. William's fashion sense can be described as quirky yet timeless and classic. All of her award show fashions are not overly trendy or modern but are simple and elegant. They have a vintage feel and are reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour (the short, pixie hair cut helps too)! Definitely always looking forward to seeing what Williams will be wearing on the red carpet.

Wearing a Coral Louis Vuitton dress at the 2012 Academy Awards. Love the peplum detail and softness of the dress and the tiny bow embellishment!

Wearing Chanel Haute Couture at the 2011 Academy Awards-again, soft colors and a simple silhouette

Wearing Chanel at the Critic Choice Movie Awards- classic white and black elegance

One of my favorites- wearing gorgeous Vera Wang at the at the 2006 Academy Awards

In Valentino at the SAG Awards- Love the simple cut and lace and the red!

In a Louis Vuitton suit at the Independent Spirit Awards. Quirky, yes? Not without the custom Catcher in the Rye clutch!

Wearing a beaded Prada dress- love the structure and texture of this dress

Pink Friday

I didn't get a chance to watch the Grammy's tonight but I did get a chance to browse through the red carpet looks and of course, I was not surprised to see my girl, Nicki Minaj wearing a bizarre outfit! Her grammy look can be described as a Little Red Riding hood cape with the head of Medusa embroidered in the center. To make things stranger, she also was accompanied by a man dressed as a Pope! Well...at least the cape was made by Versace!
I've always been intrigued by the outrageous yet creative styles of artists like Minaj and also Lady Gaga and Katy Perry. I'm always wondering what they will be wearing and I must admit that the result is quite exciting! While many can describe their style as simple "wacky," it definitely captures their musical persona and self identity. I love that these women dress the way they want to express themselves not only through their music but also in the fashion world.
Minaj's fun and animated style can be described as an eccentric party Barbie doll with splashes of color with that little pinch of shock factor and her signature pink lips. She loves to mix bright colors, fabrics and change up her many, many hair styles (blond to blue to rainbow to Marge Simpson inspired, you name it)! This women definitely loves to color block, which is a frequent trend I noticed in all of her outfits. Minaj always looks dressed for a different themed party with that extra flair.

2012 Grammy Awards

Fashion Week in NY

Back to Black

Amy Winehouse will always be remembered as having a troubled lifestyle that eventually led to tragedy at a young age, however her music and iconic fashion style will never fade. Winehouse's signature look included her famous beehive hair, sultry cat eye makeup, and 1960s fashion flair. Her style could be described as tattooed biker gang chic meets tarty "Mad Men" secretary. Winehouse's retro style and free spirit had a significant impact on the fashion industry. The beehive hairdo was even featured on models during a 2007 runway presented by Karl Lagerfeld.

Most recently, designer Jean Paul Gaultier paid tribute to Winehouse in this year's Paris Fashion Week. Gaultier stated: "Winehouse was true style icon. What she stands for, above all is uniqueness both in music and the way she dressed. She mixed a great many influences to create her style...it was joyous." Beehived haired models with beauty marks walked the runway with heavy eye makeup smoking cigarettes with mischief and attitude while sporting Winehouse inspired looks. Flaunting corsets, edgy 60's evening and secretary fashion, and haunting black designs and veils reflected the style of a true icon who will be missed.

Target Fashionista!

I was able to snag one dress this past Fall when Missoni came to Target (through buying on Ebay of course at a slightly higher price). I have always LOVED the exclusive collections from the designers that have collaborated with Target. I remember when it started with the GO International collection when Proenza Schouler first emerged in the fashion scene. I bought their signature bustier dress that is still one of my favorite dresses in my closet! I also loved the Tucker collection where I purchased a cute flirty and floral dress that I wore all Summer long. Definitely love the idea of buying designer clothing at more affordable prices.

Proenza Schouler Bustier Dress for Target

Tucker Dress for Target

Missoni Dress for Target

On February 5th the Jason Wu for Target collection will arrive! Wu first gained popularity and recognition after he designed Michelle Obama's breathtaking and elegant inaugural gown. Wu's collection for Target is inspired by "An American Girl in Paris." The designs whisper of a Parisian romance with modern yet classic pieces that are easy to add into to your current wardrobe. It also captures the Nautical stripe trend for Spring. The collection will feature feminine and romantic dresses, sleeveless and long sleeve sheer blouses, pleated skirts and cuffed shorts. There will also be a small line of accessories- look out for clutches, mini bags and scarves for Spring. 

See a sneak peek below! 

I may actually wake up early to hit my local store on the 5th...otherwise its back to bidding wars on Ebay that evening!

A Star is Born

I always love watching the Golden Globes & Oscars to see the gorgeous creations of some of today's most influential designers. Here are some of my favorites from this year's Golden Globe Awards:

Claire Danes looked sleek and chic in a J Mendel design. I love the cut outs on the front and back.

Emma Stone has fun style. This creation by Lanvin is elegant and flirty and the belt gives it an edgy touch!

A lot of fashion critics were torn on Michelle William's Jason Wu dress. Velvet is always great for a formal evening occasion and I thought she looked great in this unique piece. Its modest yet stylish.

I thought Charlize Theron looked stunning in her Dior Haute Couture gown. The dress flows beautifully and the extra ruching detail adds dramatic effect. This leading lady always knows how to dress for these types of occasions.

Sarah Hyland (who I swear looks like a teen Mila Kunis) looked pretty in a vintage Dolce & Gabbana dress.

Lastly, I loved Zac Posen's hot creation for Reese Withersoon. The bodice is sexy and flattering without being over the top. I absolutely love the silhouette of this dress... it looks flawless!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Last night I finally saw the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I saw the Swedish version last year and was definitely intrigued by the female lead, Lisbeth Salander. I love this character! She is an intelligent, dark and damaged anti-heroine who is a fighter and makes a bold fashion statement. Her outfits reflect her individuality and her need for survival in the dangerous world around her.  Her style can be described as dark and edgy urban street fashion with a touch of leather and grit. Slashed jeans and slouchy hoodies, fitted biker leather jackets, tribal style earrings and high top sneakers or leather boots are key pieces to her look.  In the film, a leather jacket is a signature piece to Lisbeth's wardrobe. The jacket serves functionality and Lisbeth is definitely very comfortable in it throughout many scenes.

Lisbeth was so inspiring that the costume designer of the film, Trish Summerville partnered with H&M and released a 30 piece collection! While the pieces may be a bit edgy and dark for my taste I can definitely see them being worn on the streets in the city during this season.

The inspiration:

Trish Summerville's collection for H&M:

Happy New Year! & 3 inspiring films

Happy 2012 to all!
I have been trying to motivate myself to start a blog since I graduated from college. I miss writing and the creativity and passion that goes behind it. On Dec 31 before midnight I made 5 New Years resolutions and one of them was to engage in activities that challenge my abilities....hence, a blog! With my thoughts in writing I am hoping to fill that gap that has been empty since I left college and started working full time in the corporate world. Ill think of it has a side project or hobby...something other than shopping and eating cupcakes!

2011 was the year of film for me. I could say in the beginning of the year that my favorite films were simply Bridesmaid and Black Swan, however I have seen 3 wonderful films that have inspired me both emotionally and fashionably. You may have never heard of these films since they only played in select theaters but I highly recommend!

1) Melancholia (directed by Lars Von Trier)
A beautiful film about the end of the world. The film centers on a mysterious planet that is heading towards earth and a bride and sister's relationship leading up to the collision. The film is split into 3 chapters: a beautiful wedding, the downward spiral of the bride's depression and the end of the world. What I found most intriguing about this film is despite the approach of doomsday (my idea is picturing people collecting all their valuables, eating their favorite meal, etc) is the most important value the characters take away is being able to understand each other emotionally down to the very last second. It made me realize that comprehending another person's feelings and vice versa is a value that we take for granted.

2) The Artist (directed by Michel Hazanavicius)

I have never seen a silent film before so The Artist was quite a surprise. The film takes place in 1927 Hollywood where a silent film star is in the spotlight until he meets a rising actress and the emergence of talkies taking over film. I loved the late 1920's glamour especially for the rising starlet in the film named "Peppy Miler."  The costumes captured the "flapper" look and jazz age that redefined the modern woman during this time into a a woman who danced provactively and went to jazz clubs, smoked cigarettes and dated more than 1 male and most importantly...embraced her freedom! Interesting to see how far films have come from being silent to having a full script read aloud. 

3) The Skin I Live In (directed by Pedro Almodavar)

When I initially saw the trailer for this film I had absolutely no idea what is was going to be about. The film is a bit dark with a brilliant and very handsome surgeon (Antonio Banderas- really?) performing a sex change on a young male, Vicente who he believed raped his daughter. Wait it gets better...he operates on him and has him closely resemble his dead wife who committed suicide. Talk about a spanish soap opera! The main thing I took away from this film was owning your sexual identity. Despite the sex change to Vicente, he never forgot who he was. He found ways to embrace his new body and frequently wore a nude colored bodysuit and dresses that were given as a gift to flatter his new body but in the end, you see that he still owns his identity and passions just as he did in the beginning of the film as a male.

That's a wrap!