Blake: Fashion's New IT Girl

In addition to all the to-die-for outfits Blake Lively sports on the show Gossip Girl, she is completely raising the bar for her in-person appearances. Here's Blake's spin on a traditional white top / black bottoms outfit: high-waisted satin tapered trousers (impossible to pull off -or keep ironed- without mile-long legs), mod looking summer sandals and a structured top that... well, even the gentlemen would appreciate.

Credit: Albert L. Ortega/PictureGroup

image / people.com

 

What do you think of Blake's look?

Fomato Cards

I visited a unique local gem downtown today and loved combing through all the special items in the store. The store is similar to Anthropologie where every piece had a story.  And, it was right next to a bowl filled with paper envelop styled wallets that I discovered a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind cards.

These cards from Fomato are so adorable, I had to share them here.

(the little guy is holding a boba drink)

Many of the cards have an equally colorful inside:

Front

Inside

Check them all out here at Fomato Cards.

J.Crew Desert Army

The J.Crew late summer/fall catalog arrived in the mail today and the theme for the spread was a desert army look.

My interest was piqued: the creative vision of J.Crew really astounded me.  How did a preppy-casual, semi-upscale brand translate their look into a desert adventure? I'd love to have been in that concepting meeting. Bold, bold move, Crew.

The overall cuts and shapes for the apparel were consistent with their current line (a-line skirts, lived-in shirts.. and of course, tons of layering). But, their new collection of handbags really stood out. The one above (Brompton Sachel) reminded me of a Speedy with shoulder straps. And this summer, I'm all about the shoulder straps.

I personally loved the Brompton purse because it offers a perfect blend of prepster geek with Cali casual.

Brompton Purse $278

(I'd wear it slightly higher than shown on the mannequin. ;)

Dallas High Bootie

Hm.  I can't make up my mind about these.  When I first saw them, I thought they were the worst idea: a bootie inspired by... a clog?

I love the studded trim, the casual pull-on and the inner cuff. And, the lifestyle shot for these boots, worn with casual girlie stockings, seem nostalgically simple and approachably feminine. The dreamer in me is almost sold... but then there's the clog.

What do you think? 

Dallas High Bootie by Tory Burch $395

Are these boots a go or no go?

Relative Value

Whoo.  Sorry for the long pause.  I've been working on an entry about the ingenious way the Nordstrom preview sale works, but I haven't gotten around to finishing it off.  It's full of business mumble jumble, so I'm not sure if it's something that is of interest to the readers of this blog.  But, let me know if it is and I'll try to finish it.  At this point, I'm thinking about abandoning all together since it's gotten much too long.


Anyway, I wanted to present the topic of "relativity" in this post. For example, if you've seen Inception, you may think that reality is... well, "relative". But, since this is more of a retail blog (or a long rolling wish-list), I thought it'd be appropriate to talk about relative value. 


A good example of something that's of relative value (for most people) is a handbag. Some women pay thousands for designer handbags while others enjoy distributing their income more equally. I guess my only vice would be handbags and potentially vacations -- but only when I'm ON vacation. I'm always "practical" right before I go and then I get so swept away while there that the locals can talk me into anything. What do you guys think?  What has relatively high value to you, but not others? 


Here's an interesting story form 2006 about a Canadian who traded his red paper clip for a house (took a few trades of course).  A great story on relative value.

Or, more recently, an American traded an old cell phone for a porche.  YES.  HE DID IT.

Nordstrom's Preview Annual Sale

Nordstroms Semi Annual Sale is coming around again again.  This year, Nordstrom sent out a preview of their sale through snail mail copies of their anniversary catalog.  This catalog is online -along with more than eighty additional pages- here.  Doors will open early this Friday to kick off the Anniversary sale and prices go back up on August 2nd.

Our favorite new styles are making their debut—and for a short time they're on sale!
Prices go up Monday, August 2.

View 86 extra pages in our expanded online catalog.
PREVIEW ANNIVERSARY SALE CATALOG
Shop special store hours July 16–18.
STORE LOCATIONS & HOURS

Nordstrom card holders also earn double points during this sale. There are some great pieces going on sale along with special edition beauty sets.  It's a great chance to pick up some coats and boots for fall -- of course you East coasters probably can't even begin to fathom Fall right now. :)

L'Occitane Candles

I've become slightly obsessed with aromatherapy and calming scents of spas.  Perhaps the stress is really getting to me, but I stopped by L'Occitane this weekend and picked up three scented candles.  Each candle was $23, admittedly very pricey compared to the usual Glade assortment at the grocer.

But, I had been so disappointed with the inability of "everyday" candles to fill the home that I had to give these a try.  So, I took the plunge. There was a special for "get a candle for $14 with $50 purchase"; so, I bought three: two in verbena (they're most popular scent - also comes in two seasonal twists) and one in rose.  The total was $60 pre-tax - yikes!


After unwrapping the new candles, they have already filled the room with the scent of sweet roses and verbena... without being lit.  I'm so delighted with these candles that I thought I'd share them here.  Ah, at-home spa~ yawn, now I'm in the mood for a nap.

(For some reason, my Mac took a reverse photo of my loot)

Below are the scents I picked up today
(If you already know which scent you love, I'd recommend picking them up at Amazon to skip the tax).

L'occitane Verbena Candle, $23

(My favorite "spa" scent.)

 

L'Occitane Rose Scented Candle
(It's almost too rosey and a little goes a long way.)

L'Occitane Honey and Lemon Sweet Candle, 3.5-Ounce Jar

Nice, but unavailable at the store today.


I'll make sure to update you on how they burn...

Jessica Alba Lookin' Fab in Paris

Jessica Alba is looking gorgeous in Paris.

Yesterday, she wore a floral Christian Dior dress for Dior's haute couture show.

 

 /image instyle.com

Today, she stuns in heavenly white for the Chanel haute couture show.

    

/img people.com

Balenciaga: Arena Giant Evelope

I hope you all had a happy Fourth!

My parents were in town and we had a great tour de vino up in Napa. And, I got to use my first Groupon purchase... though since my mom joined the "extended family club" of the vineyard, the tastings would have been free. But, hey, it's $15 for a four person tasting - I had to try.  Otherwise, a great Groupon experience overall. 

With that said, Barneys sent an announcement for the new Balenciaga colors for fall.  The colors are Seigle (deep cowboy shade of beige), Castagna (deep wine brown) and Bois de Rose (peachy nude), which you already know is my favorite color for fall.  But, they're all winners in my book.  

What I'm fanatic about are the new rose gold studs.  I've always adored the boldness of the large hardware, but was hesitant about how the flashy gold and silver would translate into daily wear.  Naturally, I'm smitten by these perfectly balanced vintage warm toned studs!

P.S. There is a slight difference in the hues between Barneys email and site. I've seen this shade in person and it's closer to the latter (lighter).

Are you loving the Arena Large Evelope?

Louis Vuitton: Cosmic Blossom

Louis Vuitton launched a new collection with Takashi Murakami called Cosmic Blossom, a "Colorful Collaboration" that comes in four colors - perfect pink, bright blue, pop purple and multico yellow.

Although I'm a fan of bright hues and Murakami's artistry, I'm not a fan of the collection.  I love LV's continued foray into keeping the brand young, but these collections seem like a force fit. On one end of the spectrum, LV signals stodgy old world luxury; on the other end, it wants to expand its market appeal and cater to the newer generation.

The teenybopper style and the four-digit price tag seem like a miss.  Maybe a spin-off brand would be more appropriate. 

Are you a fan of Cosmic Blossom?

Net-a-Porter Final Sale

Net-a-Porter is having their final reductions for their Sale.  It might be worth checking out in case you've been looking to get a high-ticket item for less... much less.

Hot shoes for the summer

from night-to-day

For walking to and around the office: pair your collar shirts and pencil skirts with these Chloe daisy flats.  For high-power drinks after work and a little flirting, switch into Jimmy Choo's zebra print stilettos with a dash of purple and sparkle to channel your inner bad girl... with a little edge.

 

Left:  Chloé Capretto leather ballerina flats / Was $495   Now $247.50

Right:  Jimmy Choo Nicci suede and leather pumps / Was $895   Now $447.50

Punch up your de facto summer outfit (tank top and shorts? check, check) with these mile-high platforms.  Old navy tanks and Target shorts never looked so good.

Left: Michael Kors Python and leather sandals / Was $995   Now $298.50

Right: Proenza Schouler Stitched leather sandals / Was $805   Now $563.50

Indoors or out, black sandals are always a must.  Check out in-the-sun fun sandals from Stella McCartney and vintage ladylike sandals from Mac Jacobs.  Both now for under $200.

 

Left:  Stella McCartney Faux leather and raffia sandals / Was $495   Now $198

Right: Marc by Marc Jacobs Ankle strap leather sandals / Was $370   Now $148




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