Save The Date: December 19

 

Can you guess which store will be selling this rad look?  When you figure it out, you might pee your pants in excitement.

via nitrolicious

So Pretty It Hurts: Juliette Hogan

I think it's apparent why Juliette Hogan named her Winter 2010 collection, "So Pretty It Hurts".  Honestly, I know a couple of people who would do illegal things for these pieces.

Full collection here.

Earring in the Holidays

I recently visited Pipa for the first time after many warranted recommendations.  The spanish-influenced tapas not only lived up to my expectations, but the place ultimately won me over because of the ambiance.  They probably could've served plain old pizza and I would've been just as smitten for those chandeliers!  Now that I'm gearing up for some serious holiday dress-up, I can't wait to find me a sweet pair of earrings, totally inspired by those sparkling beauties hanging from the ceiling.

earrings by Erickson Beamon, photo by New York Magazine

Kiss of Red

I was debating whether or not to wear red lips today...and I think these two just made my mind up for me.

photos jak+jil

Girls Gone Wild

Honestly, if you want a girl to buy a dress, just put a baby leopard in the photo.

Inspiration: Nicolette Camille

Hello, beautiful! I can't get over how breathtaking Nicolette Camille's designs are. Just when I think that I've looked enough, I decide that I need about 20 more glances. I'm taking floral design classes of my own here in the city...and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't want my arrangements to look like these. Each one of her portfolio photos reminds me of a very important rule to live by: be put together, but look effortless.

photos

The Cat's Meow!

If any of you watch Boardwalk Empire, I'm sure you can agree that mostly all the women on the show are super glam, even pre-Nucky Margaret Schroeder.  You can argue that it may be their hair-do's, or maybe the fabulous 20s clothing, but I think it's the way they speak.  Just imagine saying the cutest things like "get a wiggle on", "swell", or "the bee's knees".  A happy day in an instant!

photos

Smooches for Fall

 

^ Proenza Schouler Exclusive PS1 Wallet
# Miu Miu Plaid Flannel Bag

Confetti System is Just Gorg

Smitten is an understatement about how I feel about Confetti System's studio feature on The Selby.

Bright Lights, Big City

How dreamy are these airplane view maps of NYC, LA, and San Francisco!  I love the dense patches...that means that there's a lot of ruckus going on.  Can you guess which city is which?

via 20x200, Aaron Straup Cope

A. OK by Oak

Thinking that this pretty turban will need to be in my wardrobe...like right now.

Half Way There

We're half way to the weekend. Skip down the street, hum your favorite tune, and eat an extra frosted cupcake today!

photo via the sartorialist

The Shopbop $100 giftcard winner is...Nicole and her pretty Frye boots!

Always A Classy Gal

How stinkin' cute is Olivia Palermo with her short, straight hair? She. Is. Always. On. Top. Of. Her. Game.

photo by wayne tippetts / street style aesthetic

Alice+Olivia x Shopbop Fall 2010 G-G-G-Giveaway!

In honor of Alice+Olivia's MBFW show today, I thought, "hey, why don't we do a sweet GIVEAWAY"!?  We're slowly inching towards fall and my favorite Shopbop picks are making me want to snuggle up in front of my computer wrapped in my faux fur jacket.  This time of year gets me more than ready for soft, elegant, glittery, golden, and yummy fall things.  What fall things are you wishing for right now?

From top left: + Chris Faux Fur Vest, # Izzy Cascade Cardigan with Fur Collar, % Luiza Embellished Jacket, ^ Sequin Mini Skirt (P.S. it's 50% off! See more Alice+Olivia on sale)

Since my wallet has sent me powerful signals that I've done my fair share of fall shopping within the past month, I'd like to extend the chance for all of YOU to win a $100 Shopbop gift card.  In order to enter, all you have to do is:

1. Leave a comment telling me the one thing you're most excited to wear for fall (note: it doesn't have to be new or trendy--it could be your mom's old leather backpack or your boyfriend's giant sweatshirt!).

2. Make sure I have a way of contacting you!  Be sure that your profile isn't blocked, or if it is, email me your email (easy as pie).

3. BIG BONUS BALLOT (not required for entry): RETWEET and link back to this post.

Official Rules.  There aren't many.
Winner will be chosen at random on September 23, 2010 at 9 PM EDT.  One entry per person unless you participate in the "big bonus ballot"!  Sorry, Pennsylvania bloggers are not permitted to enter.

P.S. I didn't feature any Alice+Olivia dresses, BUT the $100 gift card could come in pretty handy for this dainty one!

Vogue September 2010 editorial photos via fashionindie

Is Vogue Nippon for Real?

How many things could one editorial possibly have? Pow-wow feathers, giant cape, sky-high blue pumps, and a bike basket! Very well-played.

via tfs; photographed by Tommy Ton and styled by Aurora Sansone

Rock Steady

Naughty by nature.
My rock obsession is not going away.

via see saw designs

The Tomboy Touch

Oh, hi, bow ties and baseball tees.

$ Paper Poplin Workshirt, + Burnout Baseball Tee, # Buffalo Check Boy Shirt, all the pretty clothes via j.crew

Tiny Fashion Designer

I just read that out there, in this crazy world, there is a 10 year-old fashion designer sewing up stuff for her and her bffs, plus she's got her own business.  You heard right...TEN.  Whoever feels like a slacker raise your hand!

via Yahoo! Green

Carson Burnham's Bed and Bath

I'm going crazy over the splashy prints and everywhere color in these two rooms which are so typical of Betsy Burnham's designs.  I think you'll agree that Carson's mama is a design/layering genius.

Design by Betsy Burnham, via Decor Demon

The White Dress, By Calvin Klein

Confederacy is selling Cher's white Calvin Klein dress (minus the sheer jacket).  Someone pinch me.

via InStyle

The Replacements

On Saturday, I took a little break from NYC and headed to Annapolis for a friend's annual raft-tie.  It was an amazing day of sun and sand bar fun, but my prettiest, perfectly white bikini was rudely ruined by the south river muck.  Do you know how hard it is to find a great bathing suit?  On the hunt and steering clear of white...

Transverse Bikini and Rosy Bikini from Anthropologie

Peep Show

You had me at hello.

Cookbooks

I am such a sucker for recipes.  My usual go-to places are epicurious, Giada, and my mom's beat up Pillsbury Complete Book of Baking.  But, for a change of scenery, I scooped up I Know How to Cook--the recipes are clean with just a tiny bit of French...not to mention that the cover illustration is gorgeous.  Oui!

What are your favorite cookbooks?

photo via word of mouth

Fancy Feast

{42nd Street view, blooming onions in the making, mini sliders from Brickyard Gastropub}

Anyone make it out to the Ninth Ave. International Food Festival here in NYC?  I am still stuffed--15 blocks of street food goodness.  Some Honorable Mentions go to the Potato and Cheese Pierogies from Millie's and the Fig and Mascarpone in Phyllo from Brickyard Gastropub.  I was only able to snap a couple of pics because, of course, I was too busy feasting!  How cute are those baby burgers?

Happy Monday!

Bombshell

It's been a week and I'm still so smitten over this dress.  Utter, utter gorgeousness, ridiculousness, and legginess.  I might've made up words.

Chloe Sevigny in custom Proenza Schouler, 2010 Met Gala

The BIG Chill

On Sunday, I on-demanded The Big Chill which was Thom Filicia's inspiration for his 2009 showhouse that was part of Designer Visions: Cinema Style.  I remember going completely nuts over this house because of the comfortable, colorful living areas, not really knowing the story behind the madness. Now, I can fully appreciate where he was coming from!  The whole movie concentrated on college friends coming together--chatting about life and love in a gorgeous, Victorian home in Michigan. Granted, their friend's death was the reason for the coming together, but that's another talk on another blog.

I'd say that along with the sarcasm and throwback Nike sneakers, the best part of the movie was the well-compiled Motownish soundtrack:

Thom, thanks for the inspiration to watch the movie that inspired your inspirational showhouse.  Did I mention that I'm really inspired right now?

photos via IMDb

*

Dear Blog,

I'm so sorry for neglecting you.  Be back soon with lots of love.

Xo,
Val

Coachella Looks

Oh, just some old friends borrowing my clothes.  Kate and Whitney, I expect those things back very soon.

P.S. You know I love festival season.

photos via milk and mode

Hello, Friday

Friday, what took you so long!  Any good plans this weekend?  I'm heading to the Yankees game tonight and some sort of adventure on Saturday that I haven't quite decided on yet.  Bodies exhibit?  Farmers market?  It will be a last minute decision!  And, with that being said, I leave you with a tiny list of links that have kept me smiling this week:

...and just when I thought Pendleton was out of my league.

Wins the prize for the prettiest apartment!

Moroccan inspiration doesn't get much better than this.

Mark your calendars: Eugenia Kim for Target starts this Sunday!

Pretty, whacky plates.

On my hair-do to-do list.

Steven Alan, I can't get enough of you.

Enjoy! xo

photo via studded hearts

Bimba y Lola!

Just a couple of delightfully, pretty favorite finds from Bimba y Lola.  I couldn't resist the straw, rope, and random metallic bow! :)

Mr. Selby, I'm Ready for My Close-up

I'm dying--please look at Refinery 29's clever guide to getting Todd Selby to pay a tiny visit to your crib.  I love that one of the criteria is "do you have a phobia of clutter?"  Thankfully, I do not.

photo via the selby

Clog Crush

Over a year ago, I snatched up a pair of tapestry-like Miu Miu clogs for a ridiculously cheap price that I can't even say out loud on the internet.  The down side of that purchase is that I forced myself to think that I could fit in a pair of shoes that seem to be a half size too small.  Since I can't bear the thought of bloody, blistered feet, I decided to search for a pair of clogs that I can sport regularly and comfortably this spring.  I had the bottom pair in mind after seeing them here and here, but when visiting the Swedish Hasbeens site, the top booties instantly won me over...and over.

Mondays Matter

Well, back to Monday!  In case you didn't know, Yankees home-opener is tomorrow.  Taxes are due on Thursday.  And, yes, it's National Library Week.  Go nuts.

Things to tackle this week:
- Balance my checkbook.  I may be the only person keeping the personal check business alive.
- Start/catch up on The Pacific.  I keep hearing RAVE reviews and feel like I'm missing out.
- Finish Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.  I'm an embarrassment to all HP fans out there because this was on my last to-do list.

What's on your to-do list this week?  xo


photo credit source unknown (please email me if you know!)