DIY Fascinator

Like most gals I know - I love Kate Middleton's style and enjoyed every minute of the Royal Wedding earlier this year (as noted here). So naturally, the Duchess of Cambridge is my choice for a chic Halloween Costume.  I'm utilizing two of her key looks for my inspiration...

Engagement Announcement -photo from Brides

Kate attending a wedding wearing an ornately decorated Fascinator

I have the blue wrap dress, long brown lose curled wig, black classic heels, nude stockings, and to die for Sapphire ring (a faux  copy....but a girl can dream) - the only thing missing is the quintessentially British  fascinator cap to complete my ensemble.  I found this cute tutorial on Simple Simon and Company for a DIY Birdcage tutorial - check out my creation below...

Materials - hair clip, cardboard, batting, scissors, tulle, glue gun, grey felt, and feathers

My work area with trusty assistant George looking in!

Cardboard, Batting, and Felt

All wrapped up and hot glued together

Tulle and feathers added - voila!

 Stay tuned for pictures next week of the final costume - we are going to Ginny's 30th Birthday/Halloween Party Saturday night - this fascinator will be in full effect!  Now if I could only get Brian to dress as Prince William....

Elephant Belt - where are you?

LOVE this elephant belt from the Tibi Olivia Palermo photo shoot - have been searching the web trying to find the belt to no avail.  Any thoughts?

I found these two cute ones from Kate Spade - Pineapples and Kissing Frogs...but I've got a fever...and the only prescription is more elephants....

Apparently some are available on Ebay (see here)- but I have not been able to find something as cute as Olivia's....

Anthro-wedding

Today was the day stylish twenty something brides have been waiting for....the launch of BHLDN - Anthropologie's wedding website....

First impression - not really that impressed - the wedding gowns are too outlandish for my taste and the bridesmaid dresses are mostly bubble style, odd colors, and way too expensive ($200-$1600)...

I suppose they are finding their niche in the marketplace - the unique playful bride who would not be caught in a traditional gown...

I did enjoy the wedding pictures from yesteryear - how cute are these brides....

Now if forced to pick a dress from the new site - I would select this cute tea dress and lace bolero (demure touch for the service)...they would be perfect for a summer backyard wedding....

For shoes - I do not think I'll ever find a pair I loved as much as the beautiful sapphire blue Marc Jacobs pair I wore last March - see below....(LOVE them!)

 But...if I had to choose a pair from BHLDN...I'd go with these lime green kicks....those 4" heels may sink into the grass - but the pop of celery would add a whimsical punch of color to the cute tea dress...

It will be interesting to see how BHLDN matures - will they stick with their contemporary styles? Expand into more traditional gowns?   Will they follow JCrew's example and open a boutique?  Many brides may find it difficult to "Say Yes To The Dress" without ever seeing it in person.....

Palm Beach Princess

Lonny Magazine has a feature on Lilly Pulitzer this month - a very interesting read with lovely photos of the creative process....check it out here.

I was surprised to learn that all of the Lilly Pulitzer fabrics are oil paintings and drawings that are scanned into a computer and then printed on fabric and turned into garments - talk about wearable art!  The company has full time artists and all creations are made start to finish in King of Prussia, PA.

The brand was started by it's namesake - a young New York Socialite who eloped and moved to West Palm Beach at age 21 to start a juice stand in her husband's orange grove.  To cover up the juice stains she commissioned brightly patterned shift dresses - and Lily Pulitzer was born.

The brand really took off when one of Lilly's close friends from a CT boarding school, Jackie Kennedy, started sporting her adorable shift dresses....

The brand was sold in 1993 - but still keeps original preppy spirit - love some of their new looks and of course those gorgeous fun summer colors - wouldn't it be nice to escape this chilly 34 degree winter weather, throw on a shift dress and a pair of flip flops and head down to West Palm Beach?

Dream Job

I think my dream job may be concepting and building window displays for Anthropologie - Check out these spring 2011 beauties...

I love the conceptual sculptures they are able to achieve with the clothing and natural every day items like hangers, ribbon, and clothespins - truly beautiful.

STYLE

It is so important to remember that trends come and go - but finding your true style will lead to confidence, sophistication, and better shopping decisions....

I saw this quote from Lauren Hutton on JCrew today -I could not agree more....

I'm dope on the floor...and magic on the mic....

Now why would I ever.....Stop doing this?
When others making records.....That just don't hit
I've toured around the world......From London to the Bay
It's Hammer, go Hammer, M.C.Hammer, Yo Hammer.........
And the rest can go and play......Can't touch this


Think Katie Holmes was singing this when she slid into her Hammer (Harem) Pants for the JCrew Fall Ad Campaign?  (side note - Josh Dumal?!? - YES!)

What a weird trend to make a come back - but apparently many designers are enjoying some Hammer Time too....

Victor and Rolf

Marc Jacobs

Burberry

Yo, we outta here, can't touch this................

A few things I’m not “FALL” ing for….

After browsing the first fall clothes on JCrew, Anthro, and Bloomingdales – I'm a bit scared (come on - cargo pants?!?)….maybe this 90+ degree weather (today is the record setting 16th day in July over 90 degrees) is better than the frump-ville ensembles that are headed our way this Fall….let’s hope it’s just a preview and the real deal will be better looking….

On a more optimistic note - I do get a kick out of this Lady GaGa hair and pearls meets hipster nerdy glasses/plaid shirt combo from JCrew (esp those red nails - you know I love them!) and these fabulous boots from House of Harlow....who dosnt need a little fringe in their life?

Sabes que me encanta! XOXO Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is being shot in Paris!

Even though last season went from "must see" appointment viewing to..."when I get time" good thing I have a DVR status in the Hanna House - the fashion featured in these pictures makes me long for the fall return!  Pics are from people and i'm not obcessed 

How gorgeous is this dress?  Love the color and the chic hat - looks like she is ready for a trip to St Tropez!

As a reference point - Mary and I went to Paris a few years ago - looks like our travel wardrobe could use a touch of the Blair Waldorf and Serena van der Woodsen Parisian influence....C'est la vie