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 

Fortuny and Isabelle de Borchgrave for Caspari

Caspari, in collaboration with Fortuny and Isabelle de Borchgrave, has created this stunning collection of products for the table. Even those of you who insist on cloth napkins will be smitten by their cocktail napkins, guest towels, lacquerware, napkin rings, and place card holders. There are some gorgeous things! Check out the entire collection.

The Shape of Things

The H&M fall 2009 look book for women has me wishing fall was already here. H&M is certainly drawing much deserved buzz these days. Just a few days ago it was announced that Jimmy Choo is collaborating with H&M to design shoes, bags, and clothing this fall. My interest has suddenly peaked with the many exciting plans H&M has in store for us. I just wish New York and Los Angeles weren't the only stores in the U.S. that you can get your hands on such trendy pieces. I think these wonderful collaborations and looks should be more accessible for H&M fanatics. 

I'm absolutely captivated by the women's look book. It's such an innovative and daring statement for fall. These outfits are full of volume and shape. I'm smitten with the large coats, the baggy pants, the voluminous shoulders, and the clever use of layering. Women can brave chilly temperatures in these dramatic ensembles and still manage to look sexy and alluring. This year fall fashion will prove that fitted is not the only way to attract intrigue. 

photos courtesy of coutorture.com

My Preppy Princess

Izzy's birthday is right around the corner and what she keeps asking for is this Ralph Lauren Big Pony Mesh Polo in pink, her favorite color. Here she is last Halloween winning first prize for Most Glamorous Dog at the Hotel Monaco attired in her Chanel coat, camellia pin and Louis Vuitton handbag. Her prize was dinner for two at one of the nicest restaurants in Old Town Alexandria-my husband and I went and brought her a doggie bag! What do you think? Wouldn't she be too cute? But why didn't they pop the collars on these? 

Luxury for Under $10

One of my favorite luxury items is a travel tin by Seda France. I have posted before about how I adore their candles. I never travel without one of these. They make a hotel room smell like home and smell incredibly wonderful. They are also perfect for the office, powder room, any small room, and make a perfect hostess gift. With its gold embossed tin, hand-poured premium ingredients, and 12-24 hour burn time, this is luxury at a great price! Luxurious touches like these need not cost a lot.

Florence Claridge

Before I close the book on hats at Ascot, I must mention the hats of Florence Claridge. She has been attending Ascot for 25 years, and each year her hats are stunning in every sense of the word. If you notice the DS on this year's wonderful yellow hat, it stands for David Shilling, who many including me consider to be the finest milliner in the world. He said in an interview, "I'm the best hatmaker there is. I don't know whether it is a good thing or not." His sculptural and architectural hats are one of a kind works of arts, appearing in museums around the world. He started designing hats for his mother Gertrude Shilling at the age of 12. Her appearances at Ascot were an institution until her death in 1999. Here is a sampling of the breathtaking hats of Florence Claridge. I read in an interview she gave that drinking champagne is quite difficult in one of these hats. I'll drink a glass in her honor. Well done!

Happy Father's Day

(Photo courtesy of Rodney Smith)

Royal Ascot 2009

I thought everyone might enjoy some lovely hats from this week's Ascot races. In the Royal Enclosure, ladies are required to wear appropriate formal day dress and must wear a hat or substantial fascinator. Gentleman must be attired in black or gray morning dress including waistcoat and top hat.

(Photos courtesy of Telegraph.co.uk)

Unacceptable at Ascot

The Royal Enclosure at Ascot has a strict dress code. The official website even has photos of acceptable and unacceptable attire. Can you guess in each photo what the possible infraction was?

The answer is that the headwear or fascinators above are not "substantial" enough. As for the dresses, off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps, and dresses with a strap of less than one inch are unacceptable. Violators are asked to leave the Royal Enclosure and are relieved of their Royal Enclosure badge. Oh the horror!

Resort Wear Cool

It's really very fun looking through the resort 2010 runway shows. I'm inspired by many looks from some of my favorite designers. Resort wear pleases me. The designs are casual and relaxed yet innovative and stylish. It gives me plenty of ideas for putting together looks of my own. These days I'm all about experimenting. I love the idea of pairing a blazer with a long flowing dress as shown at Max Azria. Or going for a more dramatic look and layering as featured at YSL. 

 

Louis Vuitton

Yves Saint Laurent 

Giambattista Valli

3.1 Phillip Lim 

Max Azria 

photos courtesy of style.com

Pencils

I think that in decorating your home, and in life in general, it is the attention to detail that makes all the difference. What about a bouquet of pencils for your desk? My favorite online stationers Iomoi has the mother lode of pencils in every color imaginable. Put them in a beautiful little container like a silver mint julep cup, a marbled paper pencil holder, or an especially pretty coffee mug. The lovely vignette above is by Ruthie Sommers. Make the ordinary extraordinary.

shoegasm

"The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun." Carrie Bradshaw.  

Here are a few of my very own special single girl shoes. 

Cary Grant, Richard Gere, Robert Redford

What do Cary Grant, Richard Gere, and Robert Redford all have in common besides the obvious? The answer is Green Irish Tweed cologne by Creed. This is a plea, as Father's Day approaches, to buy the Dad in your life a bottle of this and throw out that horrible drugstore or department store stuff he wears. With the way most men smell, I don't know how they became fathers! Green Irish Tweed was created for Cary Grant and was his signature scent. It is incredibly elegant, with notes of mysore, sandalwood, ambergis, violet leaves, French verbena, and Florentine iris. It has been the favorite scent of the world's most elegant, sophisticated, powerful, and gorgeous men since its creation. Does your man wear a scent you love? I'd love to hear-if not, this is a wonderful choice.

California Girls

I discovered an amazing hairspray by Fekkai called Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves. It's only available for a limited time and is undoubtedly the best hair product I've ever had the pleasure of using. It creates the most beautiful waves that will make you feel like the ultimate beach babe even if you've been too busy working instead. If you're lucky to catch a few waves this summer, an added benefit is the UV shield. I have many friends who swear by Fekkai and absolutely love this product. The only complaint I've heard is that some find the scent of coconut a little overpowering. There is a noticeable smell, but I find it pleasant and refreshing, and am reminded of the beach. I need to stock up and buy a few bottles before it's too late. It does a great job at controlling frizz, a battle I fight during summertime. I use a spritz or two and run my fingers through dry hair creating loose tousled waves. I usually lack the skills at styling my own hair and am impressed that my hair can look fabulous with one simple product. The texture of my curly hair is enhanced and it provides just the right amount of volume. My hair is healthy, shiny, and beach chic 'til day's end. You can buy this product at Neiman Marcus or Sephora. 

photos courtesy of harpersbazaar.com and sephora.com 

Stylish Flowers

I received an email yesterday thanking me for a comment I made on another blog about Grant Gibson's stunningly beautiful peony photographs. I discovered that the email was from one of the principals of Sophie Dahy Designs who create these gorgeous flower arrangements. What I love about these arrangements is that not only are the flowers lovely, they choose exquisite containers, many of which are my beloved blue and white Chinese porcelain. I love silk flowers, and have wonderful arrangements by Diane James as well as ones I have created myself. Diane James is carried in such stores as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus and has been featured in House Beautiful. I believe Sophie Dahy Designs, the collaboration of a former high-end buyer and an interior designer, is destined to become the word in luxury silk flower arrangements along with Diane James.  I love fresh flowers for their scent and beauty of course. But I love the look of flowers all over my house and enjoy the silk ones as much. Don't be a fresh flower snob-the two can peacefully coexist in the most beautifully decorated homes.

Big Love

Mr. Big aka Chris Noth becomes Mr. Mom in the July issue of Harper's Bazaar. In this photo spread the Sex & the City hunk grapples with the challenges of parenthood. His wife is played by actress Milla Jovovich, a powerful businesswoman too wrapped up in her career. Can this gorgeous but dysfunctional family survive? I love the 5th picture down of dad wearing scuba gear while changing the son's diaper. It's so adorably clueless. I'll say one thing, even though mom looks like an ice queen, she sure knows how to style it up. I love the way she accessorizes her navy turtleneck with silver jewelry. Could this photo shoot be hinting at the sequel to Sex & the City? Are children in the future for Carrie and Mr. Big? 

Thank You Judy!

A friend with great style and taste gave me this stunning flower arrangement yesterday as a thank you for some design advice. Not only are the flowers gorgeous and my favorite colors, I love the way they tied french ribbon around the glass vase. It is beautiful both front and back. Thanks Judy. This is so stylish and chic and so appreciated.

Bar Carts

I love to walk in to someone's home and see a lovely bar all set up. Something about it seems very welcoming and gracious. Choices for how you set it up abound. A beautiful lacquer or silver tray sitting on your kitchen counter is an easy and economical choice. An antique table or cabinet is a wonderful choice of course. What about taking an armoire or cabinet and painting the inside a glossy red or coral pink? My favorite of all is a beautiful bar cart, which is what I have. There is something so Hollywood glam about it. I once read an interior designer say they didn't care for the bar cart, because they were always afraid the host would roll it away! The last photo is a stunning bar cart on sale at a fabulous price at Restoration Hardware. Also check out this previous post of mine on two other gorgeous bar carts. In case you are curious, the bar above is in the home of Miles Redd.

Such Great Heights

I love all the dangerously high booties I've been eyeing for fall. I consider myself brave for wearing 4 sometimes 5 inch heels but I admit these show-stoppers intimidate me. They're a bit too high, yet they continue to seduce me with their curves and personality. The Christian Louboutin's are to die for. They may just be the sexiest Victorian-esque booties I've ever laid my eyes on. One detail I love is how the black lace bootie is accessorized with black lace tights. That's exactly my kind of thinking. 

Alejandro Ingelmo 

Donna Karan

Christian Dior 

Balenciaga 

Christian Louboutin for 3.1 Phillip Lim

photos courtesy of style.com 

Calligraphic Art-Cy Twombly

It seems that every design blog has done a post on chalkboard paint and how to use it in your home. Ideas have ranged from the obvious walls to your refrigerator, placemats, and even eggs. I am a huge fan of Cy Twombly and his calligraphic art. His work is a favorite of mine and I love seeing it at the National Gallery of Art every time I am there. I even did a huge canvas for my living room that is my version of a Cy Twombly that has been featured on a couple blogs using a gold paint pen on a white canvas. I especially love this Twombly piece above. It occurred to me how fun it would be to buy a large canvas, paint it with chalkboard paint, and try my own Twombly with chalk. Why not try your own? You can change it or redo it anytime you want. People have asked me this before, but these need not be quotes or real words-just random free form scribbled letters strung together-don't over think it-just let your hand and the chalk go. Twombly's calligraphic works are primarily pencil or crayon scribbled on paper or canvas. The Art Institute of Chicago has an exhibition of Twombly, one of our greatest living American artists, in its new Modern Wing, now through September 13th. 

Etsy Fun

If you've visited Etsy then you know how truly addictive it is. I can easily spend hours looking at vintage inspired clothing, headbands, ruffles, lingerie, etc. The talent and creativity of these designers amazes me. I want to share with you a few of my favorite designers and finds. My expensive taste means these delicious discoveries are being filed under my Etsy wish list...

{KatherinaAndreeva}

black & pink victorian inspired 

{jenniferloiselle}

quirky and charming headbands

{Hopeless}

luxurious vintage inspired lingerie

{ouma}

Carrie Bradshaw-esque tutus

{sarahseven}

dreamy and romantic dresses 

{bonzie}

beautifully crafted boleros and headpieces

The Skirted Roundtable

If you are a design junkie and/or blogging addict, run, do not walk, to The Skirted Roundtable where you will find fun, frank, and fabulous advice on it all. Hosted by three savvy, smart, seasoned, and sophisticated design bloggers-Joni of Cote de Texas,  Megan of Beach Bungalow 8, and Linda of ::Surroundings, their weekly more or less podcasts are full of wisdom on all things related to blogging and design. But don't think they agree on design rules or blogging strategy because they often don't. If you remember the skirted table debate of 2008, to which their name pays homage, and who could forget it, you'll want to listen in to these lively and informative debates. What they have are great instincts and an entertaining style that will have you wanting more. Whether you are a design professional or a design aficionado, a new or veteran blogger, you will learn from each podcast. Be sure to add The Skirted Roundtable to your blogroll-you'll thank me. 

Bow Wow

I am a sucker for bows, but not just any bow. My love goes out to cartoonish oversized bows. Minnie Mouse would be excited over the big bow turbans featured at the Diane Von Furstenberg resort 2010 runway show. My mom, Beth of Style Redux, has more confidence than I do when it comes to donning wonderful hat and hair accessories. She does it with the greatest of ease. You've all seen her hat collection. Maybe if hair accessories became more of an everyday trend like ripped boyfriend jeans then I'd sport huge hair bows left and right. Headband sales have soared thanks in large part to Upper East Side's Blair Waldorf of Gossip Girl, but people still need time to warm up to the idea of bigger accessories. At least I'm hoping. You may agree that these bows look darling on the runway, but wonder if you'd ever step out into the world wearing one... 

Aside from a fancy soiree or party, where else can you don such a fantastic accessory? I'd love to someday spot a woman walking around Georgetown with a big black bow atop her head. Her hair would be pulled back and she'd wear black oval rimmed sunglasses. She completely owns her look and doesn't see the point in holding back. Her confidence is alluring. This is how trends catch on. You see someone on the street, in a restaurant, on a blog with a refreshing and unique look. Suddenly you're intrigued by a new fashion trend, perhaps one you never imagined yourself being drawn to. 

With a little bit of investigating I've found a few delectable headbands that are-- a. oversized, b. amazing!, and c. affordable. But first, take a peek at some pretty looks from DVF's latest show. 

DVF Resort 2010 

Visit Hopelessly Devoted at etsy. This bow is made from Dupion silk and comes in a variety of colors. Tres chic! 

Helene Berman fluorescent headband

ASOS Bow 

Chapeau Claudette Big Butterfly Bow

Chapeau Claudette Graphic Floral Bow

Fine Summer Dining

Continuing with our summer theme having shown you gorgeous sunglasses, swimwear, and the ultimate beach car, here is the be all and end all of summer silverware. I saw these at Barneys in New York and they are stunning! Perfect for fine summer dining be it your home, balcony, deck, patio, tailgate, the beach, poolside or picnic. Featured everywhere from Oprah to Elle, it would be blasphemy to call these plastic. Based on traditional silverware patterns, they are made in Italy from very strong and durable recycled plastic. They are dishwasher safe. These are available online at Barneys New York, Vivre, and Fitzsu. I am deciding between the coral pink and the black for myself. I also love the pink chopsticks!

Get Your Swim On

These swimsuits by Norma Kamali dare you to take them for a dip. These ultra feminine, sexy pieces will turn the heads of a few gorgeous sun-kissed men. So go ahead and lounge pool side while you sip a mojito and flip through the most recent issue of Vogue. All the while playing the part of a sophisticated bathing beauty.                                                

Philippe Starck Ghost Car

As a long time fan of Philippe Starck and his iconic creations like the Louis Ghost chair, I read with fascination the article on him in this past Sunday's New York Times Magazine. I have not been able to stop thinking of his amazing vintage beach car. The car, a Fiat Shellette, was once owned by soprano Maria Callas. With its elegant, sleek, understated lines, and wicker seats, it has to be the most beautiful summer beach car ever. 

Anthropologie Wallpaper

I am a big fan of all things Anthropologie, and their wallpaper is no exception. Their selection is sophisticated, modern, and very unique. These would work beautifully in a small area like a foyer, the inside of a closet, a powder room, a vestibule, or a hallway. They would also be wonderful on one wall or framed as panels.

Marni Inspired

I must confess I have an obsession with Marni jewelry. It all began the first time I visited the Marni store in SoHo a couple years ago. Since then I have followed and drooled over Marni earrings, bangles, and necklaces from one runway show to the next. I recommend checking out the Marni fall 2009 collection if you haven't already done so. The necklaces are glamorous and oversized. It's great to see that statement necklaces are an ongoing trend. 

Over at Anthropologie I found three great pieces that have Marni written all over them. They could easily be mistaken for the real thing, but for only a fraction of the price. I'd be proud to add any of these eye catchers to my wardrobe. In fact, I felt inspired to share with you jewelry from fabulous Marni runway shows that are similar in concept and design. 

Holding Sway Earrings 

Piece # 1 

Marni spring 2009 

Daylily Bangle

Piece # 2 

Marni fall 2008 

Marni spring 2009 

Fluidity Necklace

Piece # 3 

Marni spring 2009 

(photos courtesy of style.com and anthropologie.com) 

Fifi Lapin

Even with my Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton bunny ears, I will never be as stylish as Fifi Lapin! Follow Fifi on her blog as she grapples with the age old question "What shall I wear today?"

Easy Breezy Style

Turqoise Kimberly dress 

Yesterday afternoon in Georgetown, D.C. I noticed several stylish ladies wearing the exact same dress. They all looked comfortably chic. I had one of those fashion moments where I thought to myself, "Should I know about this dress?" Even a preteen pointed out to her mother, "Look! She's wearing that dress!" Clearly I was out of the loop on this one. I learned that the lovely little frock is by Calypso. Its simplicity makes it beautiful and ideal for the warm weather. I must admit these pictures don't do the dress justice. The silk is gorgeous and the braided neckline turns you into a Greek goddess. It's a perfect dress to pack when you're ready to hit the beach for the weekend. If you're looking to show off your sexy shape this dress looks terrific belted. I love that it comes in a long version too. And it has pockets! 

Andromeda Kimberly dress

Kimberly Madras 

Kimberly Long

Lapin Update

I am so excited to report that Marc Jacobs will be coming out with the bunny ears this fall for us mortals. The somewhat modified version will come in black silk only, in a headband style, with smaller ears. No price has been announced. Here we see the original version on the June 2009 cover of Russian Vogue with Natalia Vodianova. I would start searching eBay for vintage oversized pearl hatpins to complete the look.