Ruffled Delight

This Zara dress is one of my personal favorites. On its own it's romantic and delicate, ideal for a summer's day. Ruffles are quite fun to experiment with because of their playful personality. I think when you add the right jacket to the mix ruffles prove they're more than just a frilll. I'll show you two jackets I usually pick when I'm in the mood to slip on this dress. 

I wore this jacquard Marc Jacobs jacket over my ruffle dress to work one day. This look was given the thumbs-up by my fashionista colleagues. The contrast of a conservative jacket with the femininity of the ruffles was a success. Who says you can't look professional, yet fun? 

I like mixing both feminine and masculine pieces. In this outfit, the ruffles are subtle when paired with this Phillip Lim leather jacket. It's nice to stroll around Georgetown on a nice breezy evening wearing this. It'd be a good choice for a concert as well. 

And here are a couple lovely ruffle dresses for your viewing/purchasing enjoyment . . . 

Phillip Lim has been my #1 designer the last few years. I'm still insanely jealous that one of my friends had the opportunity to meet him at a NYC party last year. Lucky boy. I was in love with his latest spring collection, especially fond of the dress pictured below. I found a dress over at Anthropologie that I think is similar, and can be yours and mine for less than $100. . .  

Spend: Phillip Lim spring 09 

Save:  Anthropologie frock 

Can't you just imagine walking barefoot along the beach in this little number? The braided straps and the tiered ruffles are such sweet details. How could anyone resist this beach girl? 

Fortuny Bunting

Is this the most amazing and fabulous idea ever? It looks like they used bits and pieces of Fortuny fabric to make the most elegant bunting ever created! I so need to make one of these for parties. I found this via one of my favorite UK blogs Designers' Block. One could use any gorgeous fabric scraps, but of course I need to use vintage Fortuny. Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to eBay I go.

My Ballerina Fantasy & Teen Vogue

I started ballet at the age of five and have never gotten over my complete and utter adoration of black, pink, and tulle. I almost collapsed seeing the Monique Lhuillier dress on Emma Watson in the August issue of Teen Vogue. It may be just me, but although I am hardly a teenager, my favorite fashion magazine by far is Teen Vogue. I love its mix of high and low end, vintage and modern, and fun and fearless use of jewelry and head wear. Perhaps it's because their aesthetic is closer to the five year old ballerina in me. Below are some more wonderful dresses by Monique Lhuillier that definitely speak to me. Also read these previous posts on channeling your inner ballerina.

(Photos courtesy of Teen Vogue and style.com)

Emma Watson and teeny house bunny

When I saw this feathered headpiece on Emma Watson in the August issue of Teen Vogue I had to find it. It turns out these amazing headpieces and headbands are a line called teeny house bunny and are sold in Henri Bendel and right online on Etsy! They are created by three very up and coming designers who scout vintage stores and flea markets for chains, charms, and fabric to add to their reclaimed, wearable works of art. I adore the mix of vintage and modern. Run, do not walk-these are $45 and $5o.

(Photo courtesy of Teen Vogue)

Let the Light In

 

Muleh is one of my favorite boutiques in D.C.  I wish there were more unique stores like this around the city. I can easily spend hours looking at everything with an appreciative eye. If you're in the market for modern asian furniture, this is the place to visit. Not only do they sell stunning light fixtures, chairs, sofas, beds, and dining room tables, they carry luxurious fashion labels. You'll find names like Phillip Lim (my favorite), A Common Thread, and Rozae Nichols. This store is very expensive, but worth the price. I'm particularly drawn to these light fixtures. The texture of these creations is absolutely exquisite. Their edginess and beauty would spruce up a living room or bedroom instantly. 

Papering the Powder Room

What if someone told you that you could approximate the look of incredibly expensive wallpaper that runs about $1800 a roll for under $40? The powder room above was done by the very talented interior designer Joe Nye by gluing plates from Taschen's The Complete Costume History by Auguste Racinet. This has just been re-released in a 25th anniversary edition at a wonderful price. Nye got the idea from Steven Gambrel who had used Albertus Seba's Cabinet of Natural Curiosities to paper a powder room. Taschen's 25th anniversary edition of this can be pre-ordered now. I love the idea of doing a Chinoiserie version using one of my favorite books Chinoiseries by Bernd H. Dams and Andrew Zega. I also like Nye's use of the footed tray, Famille Rose lamp, and Diptyque candle. Nye said that he thinks it looks as good as $1,800 a roll de Gournay paper. I personally love the idea. 

(Photo courtesy of House Beautiful)

Innovative Times

My current obsession as you may have noticed is fall fashion. The shapes, the colors, the details, the fierceness, and the creativity have reeled me in. Designers are going to extremes, they're going for drama at its best. In these economic times testing the fashion waters by being daring is a step in the right direction. Women are dressing to feel good about themselves, to bring some pep back into their step. Never underestimate the power a brilliant shoe or a classic handbag can bring you. Nowadays, fashion is about exuding strength yet maintaining your femininity. I think more than ever women's fashion is a combination of futuristic ideas, nostalgia for the past, and bold choices. 

editorial courtesy of Vogue July 09