Leopard Is A Girl's Best Friend

I imagine that when most people think of Marilyn Monroe from the movie Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, an image of her in that bubblegum pink gown and covered in diamonds is what comes to mind.  Strangely, I think of her in another outfit: a stunning navy dress with a leopard stole and muff ... and covered in diamonds.  There is something so striking and luxe about the spotted fir against the dark blue.

A big fashion trend I see this fall is the use of leopard print.  I'm generally a pretty plain and simple girl when it comes to prints and textures, but I can't help it - I'm falling in love with leopard!


Upon perusing fashion magazines and style websites, I've been seeing the likes of Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz sporting some lovely leopard ballet flats.  They look great with jeans and add an instant touch of class to any outfit.  

Reese Witherspoon and Cameron Diaz.

Elle McPherson

Katherine Heigl

So I bought some.  Now, mine aren't exactly Louboutins or the Tory Burch pair that Katherine Heigl wears, but I think they are just as nice looking and I didn't pay nearly as much.  I got mine at Target for $24.99, they are calf hair and feature a beautiful scalloped detail around the edge.

Ah, aren't they adorable?  They look great with both my trouser style and skinny jeans.

Generally I would say that I am a heels kind of a girl, but these babies make me feel foxy when I wear them.  And they are far more convenient for walking my kids to school in the early morning.

Anthropological Dig

Sure it's still summer, but that doesn't stop me from thinking about fall!  There is something about mid-August that has me dreaming of autumn style and cooler days.  Plus, Anthropologie keeps sending me their beautiful and drool worthy catalogs, filled with pages of stunning photos and high end goodness.

Just one glance at their gemstone colored flats and stylized loafers and I am hooked!  I think I would like just about every pair of heels in the book, not to mention the structured skirts and charming cardigans.

These are my favorites!  I am particularly drawn to the "Aim High Heels" and at nearly $400 a pair, I probably won't ever own them, but a girl can still window shop can't she?

I can already imagine the outfits I can assemble with these shoes.  And can I just say, I am SO glad to see that heeled loafers are making a comeback!?  I had a pair in the mid-90s and thought they were the greatest thing.  I admit that there are a few other looks from that decade that I am hoping will come back: sleeveless turtlenecks, anyone?

Stay tuned for some more finds on my "Anthopological Dig".  In the meantime, what is inspiring you?

What I Wore - Edgefield Wedding

Being a graphic designer and stay-at-home-mom, my life's adventures mostly consist of font selection and potty training; so having a night out on the town or going to a fabulous wedding are cause for big excitement.  A reason to dress up comes very infrequently for me but oh how I love to plan a special outfit; taking care to think about the venue, the color scheme, and the little extra details - and the recent wedding at McMenamins Edgefield allowed me to do just that.

First, I thought about my skin.  I always think of the end of May as ushering in summertime, so I decided that even if the skies were gray, I would have a lovely glow and therefore got a spray tan.  I had never had one before.  There are all kinds of things one must do before getting one done: exfoliate, wear no makeup, pull hair up and out of the way, have clear polish on nails, wear loose clothing, and not shower or get wet for a minimum of five hours.  It feels strange to stand there in the buff while someone sprays you cold bronzer.  I'm pretty sure I freaked my kids out a little when they saw how dark I was, but thankfully the bronzer washed off in the shower revealing a developed tan underneath.  I looked good, felt good, and couldn't help but laugh every time I saw that I had an even tan where the sun don't shine (if you catch my drift).  Knowing I wouldn't have the help of a professional to do my hair and makeup for this wedding, I kept it simple with a sleek ponytail and makeup that focused on bringing out my eyes.

Here I am with my best accessory of all: my husband!  I chose a blue tie for him to wear with his black suit so that we complimented each other without looking too "matchy matchy".

Hair/Makeup

Eyes: golden shimmer with a hint of teal on the lower lash line; black liner

Cheeks: pink cream blush and powder bronzer

Lips: L'Oreal Color Juice in Berry Burst

Nails: O.P.I. in Pearl of Wisdom

Outfit

Party Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Jersey/Taffeta in navy
Shoes: L.A.M.B. Laken Sandals in nude
Earrings: diamond studs - a Mother's Day gift from my husband

Necklace: Macy's multi-layered beaded chains with pink and gold enamel flowers

Then came the dress.  I wanted to wear some color this time since I wore that LBD at the last wedding.  I was hoping for something fun, that could be danced in, and had a youthful vibe.  I found a navy blue number that was just the ticket.  With a pleated jersey halter with a taffeta party skirt, this dress moved well, was very comfortable, and even had pockets!  I pair the dress with some nude sandals I bought months ago and a delicate Chanel-inspired chain necklace and voila ... instant glamour!  

And it all made this small-town mom from Oregon feel fancy.

What I Wore - Silverleaf Wedding

I am not a celebrity.  I know, I know, hard to believe right?  Going to glamorous parties and special events is not a part of my every day life.  I've never walked the red carpet or been featured in a fashion magazine.  So when I get dressed up for a formal occasion, I want to document the rare ensemble.  In recent months, my friend Anna did a blog post entitled What I Wore that described her everyday "momiform", and I was intrigued!  So, I thought I would steal that idea and feature what I wore to a wedding in Arizona.

Hair/Makeup

Eyes: smokey eye in plum tones with individual false lashes

Cheeks: powder bronzer

Lips: L'Oreal Color Juice in Berry Burst

Nails: O.P.I. in Black Cherry Chutney

Outfit

Cocktail Dress: BCBGMaxAzria Beaded Silk Charmeuse in black
Shoes: Style & Co. Gathered Beaded Satin Peep Toe Pumps in black
Earrings: Macy's acrylic beaded drops

The overall look I was going for was young and fresh (as much as possible at age 35), without looking like I was going to prom.  With it being a pretty fancy wedding, I wanted to look sophisticated but be comfortable enough to dance and move around.  When I saw this dress I knew I had a winner!  I gravitate toward garments that are simple but chic, and usually black.  This rounded halter neckline, with its delicate beading, jumped out at me as being Audrey Hepburn-ish, and the shorter hemline showed off my legs.  Paired with black satin heels and sparkly drop earrings, I felt quite pretty that evening.

The makeup was professionally done, as was the hair (there's no way I could have done that myself!).  I wanted a smokey eye, but since I was wearing black I opted for a softer shade - plum.  The plum tones made my hazel green eyes pop, I did my own lip gloss in a pale glossy pink, and (not so skillfully) did my own nails in a dark purple/black hue.  My hair was curled with a 1" barrel curling iron, pinned up off to one side in the back where loose tendrils fell around my face, and it was all hair sprayed within an inch of its life.  I mean my hair did NOT move or fall flat or anything!  It was all definitely worth the money and time in the makeup chair.  You know, I could really use an entourage to keep me lookin' good all the time!  

But then, these special occasions wouldn't be that special if I always dressed like this, now would they?

Fashionably Late

Yeah, I know that the Oscars were over a week ago.  But with all that has been going on in my life I just haven't been able to take the time to comment on all award fashions!  So, I may be late ... but at least I'm fashionably late.

I've decided to just focus on the looks that I liked.  Truthfully I didn't think anyone looked too horrific.

This girl is only fourteen years old and she was nominated for an Academy Award.  While Hailee Steinfeld may have given a riveting performance in True Grit (from what I hear), she definitely gets my vote for her Oscar style.  She was dressed like a lady and stayed appropriate for her age.  She's fresh and the pearly pink Marchesa gown compliments her skin tone.  And while I am tired of young Hollywood starlets constantly being said they are like a young Audrey Hepburn {eyes rolling}, I feel that this dress looks like something that would have graced the legend's wardrobe.

Some people may not "get" this dress.  It is fashion forward and not the traditional glamour gown.  I, however, get it.  The color combination is interesting.  It pulls me in and my eyes dance all over the intricate beading and structure.  Would I wear this dress?  Probably not, but then I am not Cate Blanchett.  I think she is the only one who can pull off this Givency creation with confidence and poise.

What can I say about Michelle Williams?  I never watched Dawson's Creek and I don't believe I have ever seen one of her films.  But ... she looked pretty at the Oscars!  Her Mia Farrow pixie haircut and polished makeup was beautiful with her stunning Chanel Couture gown.  Can you imagine how much work went into creating this dress?  Mmm, someday when I am nominated for an Academy Award (ha!) I will definitely choose to wear Chanel.

I've always loved Barbie.  And on the red carpet I saw her!  Reese Witherspoon evokes the classic version of the doll with her simple silhouette and flipped hair and I think it is gorgeous.  The emerald jewelry was a nice touch too.

Mila Kunis may be most known for her days on That 70s Show and most recently for Black Swan, but in my mind I know her for when she showed up looking like a goddess on the red carpet.  I'm not sure if this Elie Saab dress is considered to be lavender or lilac, but it is stunning on this girl!

Ah, Miss Portman.  I have always been a fan.  You have an elegance that is inspiring.  No, I haven't seen your film Black Swan (and probably won't ever), but I cheered for you as you received your Oscar for Best Actress.  And if I could I would have given you an award for your ensemble that night.  Your Rodarte gown draped beautifully over your baby bump and the color looks like it was invented just for you.  Bravo!

So there you have it, my picks for the 2011 Oscars.  What will next year bring?  I hope a lot of inspiring designs ... oh and some good films too!

Gettin' Glam

The main reason for our recent trip to Arizona was for a wedding.  It was a great time of seeing aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and siblings.  It was also the perfect excuse to get glammed up and all fancified!

Here are a few glamor shots to show you what I mean:

Since my daughter was a flower girl in the wedding, we had her hair professionally done.  She made a few faces of boredom and discomfort, but ultimately she was thrilled to be fussed over.

Sitting still in a chair for twenty minutes paid off!  She's like my own little Shirley Temple!

I'm pretty sure I am going to frame this and hang it on my wall.  Gorgeousness!

Although this one is pretty stunning too.

I have to put this on my wall as well.  He's so dashing and cool.  My son wasn't in the wedding, but since his cousins were ring bearers wearing tuxedos, we got him a penguin suit too.

 

He's already a heart breaker!

Okay, so I had to add this photo.  There are rare occasions where I get truly dressed up.  And since I had my hair and makeup professionally done, documenting this rare event was a must!

And here I am with my dapper husband.  It was fun helping him choose his ensemble.

Now ... if I can only wrestle us up some tickets to the Oscars ... I'm pretty sure we could handle such an event!

A Little Va Va To My Voom!

Normally, I am a simple girl.  I like my clothes to fit well, my shoes to be comfortable, and my hair and makeup to be ladylike.  But since I am headed for sunny Scottsdale in a month, I decided it was time to kick off my sensible black shoes and take a walk on the wild side!

Behold my new swanky heels:

These babies are high ... very high.  The taupe suede and mahogany python print embossed leather slither up the tops of my feet, and fasten in two places around my ankles.  The gold detailing makes me feel like a million bucks, while the sales price and free shipping from endless.com have kept me from spending a million bucks.

Worn with jeans or a structured skirt, I can see that these will get a lot of use.  In my current city, the weather gets warm and spring is but a few months away.

A little dark polish (like Lincoln Park After Dark by O.P.I) and I'll be ready to strut my stuff on the hot pavement of Arizona.  And while I may be a simple girl from Oregon, I'm pretty sure that with these sandals I'll blend right in!

Not Just A Famous Guitarist

Check out my new shoes!

I bought these babies online at endless.com where I received them in two days and didn't pay a dime in shipping costs.  Do I feel glamorous in them?  Yes.  Do they make me stand up straight and walk with confidence?  Yes.  Do they hurt?  Yes!!  But I'm working on breaking them in.  I chose these periwinkle peep-toe pumps for a rehearsal dinner that's in February, so I figure I have some time to walk in them and to make sure I don't look like an idiot doing so.

These are from Carlos Santana's shoe line for women ... who would have thought that he is not just a famous guitarist?!

Window Shopping

What can I say?  Living in a town where a good shopping experience is scarce, I must "window shop" online sites for retail therapy.  Today, I'm focusing on Mod Cloth.  So many cute things, not enough fundage for it all.

 

 The bow.  The two-tone red.  The vintage look ... yes I'll take a pair of these thank you very much!

I think I could wear this skirt with just about anything.  Some might think gray is a dull or lifeless color, but my eye goes right for the things that are simple, elegant, and a good staple to my wardrobe.

This "Meyer Lemon Dress" was named perfectly.  It is sweet, citrusy, and fresh!

LOVE!  No explaination necessary.

What styles are you into this Fall?

Waiting to Shine

Isn't buying school supplies and school clothes so much fun?  Gosh, I wish I was headed back to school just to buy some new jeans and a pair of shoes (or two ... or three).  We are still about three weeks until the first day of school, and in the meantime these shoes are waiting patiently in my daughter's closet for that first day so that they can finally be allowed to sparkle and shine.

Oh what bedazzled tootsies she will have!

Retail Therapy

Shopping online is fun.  I feel so good when I get a good deal on some super cute duds!  In the last few days I have been told about some great places to look for beautiful clothes and awesome sales.

ModCloth.com

If you are like me and appreciate a vintage look, then you MUST check out this site!  There are so many retro dresses that look like they came out of Mad Men or The Notebook.  Their shoes are certainly worth a gander as well, but apparently you must buy quickly if you like something because they get snatched up pretty fast!

 Yes.

 

Yes.

I like what you've done here.

I'll take a pair of these.

ShopItToMe.com

Can't afford a personal shopper?  How does free sound, because at this site you enter in your information (i.e. sizes, designer preferences, etc.) and every morning you can receive an e-mail with the best deals and sales on the web!  I've been doing this for a few days and it is fun to see a message in my inbox with my favorite clothes for me to peruse.   So far I haven't purchased anything, but I am considering this:

This Free People sequined tank is $41.00 at BlueFly.com.  Obviously to be worn with a cami underneath, I thought it might be fun for a party with a pencil skirt or under a cardigan in the Fall.  What do you think, should I or shouldn't I?

Now, this leather heel dress sandal is by BCBGeneration and it is on sale at Endless.com for only $49.72 with free 2-day shipping.  While I like the color, style and price of this shoe, THAT platform heel is absolutely terrifying to me!  I'm somewhat of a klutz and can only imagine what would happen if I wobbled around in them.  Still, it's a good deal if you are brave enough.

Now, if I only had endless funds to do all this shopping with ...

Blog Fodder

It's been a while since I have done a "blog fodder" post (or post things that are completely unrelated to each other).  Okay, here we go ...

On a Whim

It may seem strange to get into a baking kick in the middle of summer, but hey that's me ... strange! Yesterday I felt like baking cupcakes.  With whipped cream frosting.  And fresh berries on top.  And I didn't stop there, I added lemon zest and juice as well as a healthy helping of poppy seeds into the batter.  The result was d-licious, however quite dense because evidently I forgot to put in the baking powder. {hand slapping my forehead}

The only thing better than raspberries and whipped cream is raspberries and whipped cream on a cupcake!

Forget "The Food Network"

For the longest time The Food Network reigned supreme when it came to cooking shows.  But now there is the Cooking Channel which I LOVE!  I think what I like about it is that there isn't as much cheesy phrases and hand gestures involved like on the Food Network (hello, Rachel Ray) and there is more variety in the types of food being cooked.  For example, I love French Food at Home where the host Laura Calder makes simple bistro classics that I actually would want to eat (except maybe for the oysters and fish dishes).  Another great show is Rachel Allen: BAKE! which has me dying to make a Swiss Roll or a Toffee Pudding Cake like you wouldn't believe.  Perhaps this new channel can be attributed to my sudden urge to bake, hmm.

Stark Raving Mod

I rarely plan ahead what I am going to wear when I get up in the morning, and that's why I am fascinated by the way my look came together today.  Since it was hot and a bit balmy outside, I opted for my black & white graphic print tunic.  And I set my hair in velcro rollers and then pulled it back, creating a 'do reminiscent of the 1960s.  I felt like a cross between Twiggy and Audrey Hepburn (though I am not nearly as skinny as they were) and had to document my ensemble.  I even turned it black & white to capture the era.

I probably need some more accessories like chunky earrings, but I was lazy and wore no jewelry today.  But if I am being true to Ms. Hepburn, the simpler the better.

Thou Shalt Not Covet ... Unless It's Chanel

It's time to talk fashion! Oh how I love the way I feel in a well put together outfit. Admittedly, my everyday attire consists of jeans, boots and a sweater of some sort considering my full-time mom position. But that doesn't stop me from donning the occasional skirt and pair of heels to church.

I have been doing a little online shopping in anticipation of a couple of weddings I will be attending next year (I know, it seems a little early to be looking but, seriously, I don't have much else going on). The first wedding will be in the Scottsdale, Arizona area and I don't feel that I can just show up in my Sunday best. I've been looking at Bluefly.com and perusing the designer labels for inspiration. Then I found this:


Isn't this Yoana Baraschi dress gorgeous!? It totally looks like something I would wear: it's black with contrasting details and looks very elegant for an outdoor wedding. I'd be able to chase after my little ones without having to hike up the top or pull down the hem. Perfect. Well, except that there is only one size left, a 4, which I doubt I could zip up. So, the search continues ...

I don't know what inspired me to look on the EspritShop.com website but I found this little number, which I am seriously considering:


I adore the multiple patterns and the smokey gray color. I had no idea that Esprit produced such lovely clothes; I mostly remember this label from the '80s. All you girls out there who carried your books to junior high in an E S P R I T bag, can I get an amen!? I had two of them.

And, after trying on a few slinky black dresses at a local boutique, I thought one of them would look great with a simple sequined bolero shrug. My online retail therapy brought me to this:
Ah Chanel ... you are so pretty! You sparkle with such grace ... such elegance. But your pricey price tag is a bit out of reach for me. So, I will just admire (and maybe covet a little) and be on the lookout for something of similar beauty.

Who knows, the way my search is going maybe the United Colors of Benetton will have just the thing ...

Goth or Glam? Blonde or Brunette?

Who is this glamorous redhead, you ask? Why, it's me! Don't worry, I haven't done anything drastic with my look; I've just been playing around with the InStyle Virtual Makeover and they have improved it since the last time I used it.

It is so much fun to try on not only different hairstyles, but different makeup too! In fact, I discovered that I look good in green eyeshadow, it brings out the green in my hazel eyes. I have been able to see what I would look like with blue eyes (it's actually kind of creepy looking on me) and I also realized that jet black hair is NOT the shade for me:

Yikes!

And much to my surprise, I kind of like the way I look in certain shades of blonde. I never thought that I could pull off blonde, and while I will never go plantinum, I do sort of like this Jennifer Aniston look:

But, ultimately I am a brunette and proud of it. I do need to change something up about my look. Perhaps I will do some caramel highlights for the Spring/Summer seasons. And since I am growing my hair out, there is the looming question: bangs or no bangs?

Maybe Ms. Bullock's 'do is the answer.

There is a lot more to play around with on the makeover tool. I recommend it to anyone who wants a change ... or who has a lot of free time.

And The Winner Is ...

My husband joked around on Sunday, saying that he was an "Oscars widower". It was kind of true as I settled down for an evening of glitz, glamour, awards and knitting. Truthfully I don't care that much about who wins Best Director or Best Sound Mixing, and I am grateful for a DVR so that I can skip through all of the acceptance speeches. I want to see the fashion!

The Good: looks that I loved

Can I just say ... STUNNING! Sandra Bullock was hands down THE winner of the night when she accepted her Best Actress award wearing this amazing dress. It's like she thought about what she would look like if she received a statue and was perfection from head to toe. Some criticized the shade of lipstick she wore but I think it was an accessory and completed the look.

Wowee! I think this is the first time that I saw Cameron Diaz looking like a timeless woman at the Oscars. Her hair was so pretty and I am drawn in by the two-tone crystals on her gown.

The Bad: looks that I really didn't love

Oh my. Oh dear. Okay, I understand that this dress was probably Haute Couture, an art piece. But the only good things about it that I can say is that the color looked good on Charlize Theron, as did the silhouette. I don't think I even need to address the two cinnamon buns she is wearing on her chest.

Hmmm ... where do I start? Well, I actually like the color combination and sort of appreciate the design of the front of the dress minus the weird strap across the neck. Other than that the look is all wrong. What is up with that hair Sarah Jessica Parker? Blech!

I have mixed feelings about putting this dress in "The Bad" category. It's actually not that bad, but to me it looks like a bridesmaid dress. From the waist up Kate Winslet is gorgeous and that necklace is to die for. But the skirt is just ugly with the greige colored satin and dated pleating. Pretty hair though.

The "Meh": looks that left me feeling indifferent

The skirt of this dress is so dreamy. It makes me think of a Disney princess. I wasn't too excited about the stiff bodice, the weird bracelet and the color on Amanda Seyfried; but other than that it was a pretty look.

I like this dress. The silhouette and the color are nice. But like the person wearing it, it is a little on the boring side. I guess I think of Kristen Stewart as more tomboyish, so she seems out of place in the high fashion gown. I think more jewelry would have greatly perked up this ensemble.

From the waist down this look excited me - what a gorgeous skirt! From the waist up I think the bustier didn't fit Miley Cyrus and her hair looked matronly. A darker lip would have been nice too.

Over all, I thought the gowns on the Red Carpet were lovely this year. I don't feel as let down as I did in 2009 and even if I didn't see any of the nominated Best Picture movies (except for Disney's Up). It was a great night at the Oscars!