Currently Crushing. Stella McCartney Julienne Dress.

Stella McCartney SS13 Look 2

Stella McCartney hit it out of the park with this one. I mean, is this not the most amazing dress? The whole thing is definitely my cup of tea. It’s orange, a little sexy, has mesh panels, an open back…what more can a girl ask for?

I need it.

 The Julienne dress is Look 2 from the Stella McCartney Spring/Summer 2013 runway collection. I love the whole styling of the look–the shoes are Stella’s Valerie Plexi Wedges in Nude. Even the makeup compliments the dress, the bright aqua liner on the lower lash line is a subtle, yet fun contrast to the orange of the dress.

Julienne is a satin micro-plisse with superfine pleats (you have to zoom to see). The colorblock contour reveals a sheer mesh panel.

Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing chose this dress as one of his top picks of the season. ”I love Stella McCartney’s ORANGE dress from her runway in Paris so much, I made it my Spring Art of Fashion® pick!” — Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing

Shout out to New York Magazine’s online blog The Cut for posting this dress in their “To Consider” feature. Definitely considered a new favorite!

Stella McCartney SS13 Look 2 Makeup

Stella McCartney Julienne back

#PrayforBoston

prayforboston

My heart goes out to all who are affected by the bombing at the Boston Marathon today. It makes me feel some kind of way that someone would plan and plot an attack like this. The images from the scene are full of sadness and filled with the weight of pain. When I saw the CNN alert on the bombing, I just felt like my life, my job is so insignificant. It’s one of those things that puts life into perspective. I don’t know anyone in Boston, let alone anyone who would be running a marathon but I feel a deep sorrow for everyone impacted, even the families of the victims, first responders, doctors and staff at all of the hospitals.

The frequency of these tragedies is beyond sad.

If nothing else, pray for Boston.

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27

Want List. Victoria Beckham Denim.

Victoria Beckham Denim
Add these Victoria Beckham high-waist flare jeans to my ‘Want’ list. Inspired by none other than VB herself while out with baby Harper in LA over Easter, I’m convinced that a pair of these would be a great addition to my denim stack. She is the best at modeling her own collection (and making me want everything she makes/wears). If I could find these on sale, that would be amazing. A high-waisted super flare jean is a must to give the illusion of long legs and works well when worn with your tallest wedges. Sometimes it’s just easier to wear jeans when going out on Saturday nights and this silhouette is sexy, yet different from what everyone else is wearing. I even love the back pocket detail, so simple but true to the Victoria Beckham branding.
VBflarejeansback
victoria-beckham-high waist flares
Saving my pennies!
Get a pair here or here.

Inspired. I’m Every Woman.

Chaka Khan - Chaka

The other morning as I was getting ready for my work day, grooving to an R&B playlist on my Songza app, Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” blared from my iPhone. While I’ve heard this song countless times, it was my first time seeing the album art for the song. “I’m Every Woman” was released on Chaka Khan’s debut album ‘Chaka’ in 1978. I just love the whole vibe that the album cover gives. Chaka just looks so 70′s flawless. The red maxi dress, floppy hat, big hair, gold pendant necklace are just so fabulous and eternally chic. Chaka’s emotion on the cover is so exuberant and I love it.

The Clash.

I happened to fall in love with a pair of shoes today. I guess you could say that shoes are my “thing”, but then clothes and handbags would be my “thing” too. Once I saw these Sergio Rossi wedges I instantly had to have them, well if I had an extra $1,300 lying around.

Meet ‘Clash’, a geometric pattern wedge from the Radical Pattern story in the Sergio Rossi Spring/Summer 2013 collection.

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sergiorossi.clash2

I love the classic color palette of yellow, black, and white. But what makes it fun is the hammered brass on the back heel that adds another dimension. A cute wedge is crucial for the spring and this one can dress up an outfit of boyfriend jeans and a worn in tee so easily. You can see the silhouette of a pump in the heel which is a nice twist. Pairing this wedge with a sexy black dress or jumpsuit would be a fun option for date night. Lots of ways to wear this wedge, definitely wishing I could add it to my closet. (even though room for a new pair of shoes is non-existent)

If you want to add ‘Clash’ to your closet, get them here.

Two Reflections Into One.

I’ve been anxiously awaiting Justin Timberlake’s comeback to music and he did not disappoint. My new favorite song is “Mirrors” off JT’s new album “The 20/20 Experience”. The whole album has hits but I can play this song on repeat and not get tired of it.  ”Mirrors” is a beautifully well-written song that conveys a feeling by telling a story and this song does it in a unique way.

I heard that the video was cool and I finally sat down to watch it.

The video is a tribute to Justin’s grandparents, Sadie and her late husband William who passed at the end of this past December. The video was a surprise to Sadie, she didn’t know before watching it for the first time that it was about the love between her and her husband who were married for 63 years. ’Justin didn’t tell me he was doing it (making the video), it was a surprise. He said, “you have to see this video, just you sit down and watch it.” I was moved by it, it brings tears to my eyes. It’s a lovely tribute to us.’

As the video directed by Floria Sigismondi unfolds, we see a widow going through a box of belongings that traces her history with her lover. The ups and downs are chronicled through their teenage years, wedding, and growing old together. The video takes us on an emotional journey but the importance of love is sincerely felt throughout.

JT & Grandparents

Justin and his grandparents in 2006.

We don’t see Justin until the song breaks to the extended version. The part where Justin catches the ring from the generational love story is what Sadie loved most. She said: ‘I like the way he catches my wedding ring, like he’s the husband now. He’s making a great husband. I am close to Justin and it’s a lovely, beautiful thing to have done. That’s how he is.’ For the rest of the video we get to see the classic JT dance moves that we all fell in love with back in the *NSYNC days. I’m obsessed with the song, love the video. Justin thinks outside the box, I can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.

Does “Mirrors” move you?

New Threads for Minnie Mouse.

Disneyland Paris is celebrating their 20th anniversary! Well, the actual anniversary was in 2012 but they’ve extended the celebration through September of this year. To mark the start of the extended celebration, the park had a ‘Designers of Dreams’ runway show to showcase Disney character costumes re-imagined by top European designers. Nine designers took up the challenge to re-create runway looks especially for Disney characters.

Minnie - Disneyland Paris

Lanvin’s Creative Director Alber Elbaz created a custom-look for Minnie Mouse inspired by a runway look from the Fall 2012 collection (this one).

Hat designer Philip Treacy designed a Peter Pan inspired topper.

philip-treacy-peter-pan-hat

German designer Michalsky dreamed up a new gown for Cinderella.

michalsky-cinderella

Hopefully Minnie gets to wear her Lanvin dress for other special occasions. Her red-and-white polka dots are classic but this update from Alber Elbaz is really fun. Too bad Mickey didn’t get a new tux. Check out behind-the-scenes videos of the runway show and the making of the Lanvin dress. Here and here.

Minnie in Lanvin.

Last week’s beauty haul.

Got lots of goodies last week. So excited to try everything!

BeautyHaul1

Clinique:
CC Cream
Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Lavish Lilac
Even Better Skin Tone Corrector
A Different Nail Enamel for Sensitive Skins (aka Clinique’s new nail polish, launching April 25)

BeautyHaulClinique

Orly:
Nail Lacquer, Rage (cute rosegold color)

Laura Mercier:
Neiman Marcus *exclusive* Custom Artist Portfolio (get it here)
a limited edition set that features:
-3 Well Custom Compact with Eye Color Duets in Calla Lily/Sable, Bakelite/Chambord, & Sandstone/Black Plum
-Faux Lash Mascara (love this!)
-Caviar Stick Eye Color in Amethyst
-Creme Cheek Color in Rose Tulle
-Lip Glace in Duchess

And…

Caviar Stick Eye Color in the 8 new shades
(Rosegold, Orchid, Sugarfrost, Mint Snow, Sandglow, Grey Pearl, Pink Opal)
Creme Eyeliners & Angled Eyeliner Brush

BeautyHaulLM

Phew, that took a lot to get it all out, so much fun for a girl to have! First on my list to try was the new Creme Eyeliners from Laura Mercier. I’m definitely a fan and the Angled Eyeliner Brush makes for super easy application. I wish the brush was a bit thicker but it’s still a great tool to have. Excited to test out my new nail polish from both Clinique and Orly. My favorite item is probably the Custom Artist Portfolio. It makes traveling with makeup super easy and the removable pouches (magnetic too) are great for quick trips and day-to-day.
Can’t wait to play!

Link LOVE Monday.

I love searching the internet for new & interesting things.
There’s so much out there so why not share?

Link Love Monday 3.18.13

Maggy Frances.
new designer of a super cute line of colorful separates.

The Cut.
Q&A with Andre Leon Talley on his book of LBD’s.

Jordi Labanda
blog of fashion illustrator Jordi Labanda.

Bow Down by Beyonce.
new track by Queen B. thoughts?

Cover Girl: Michelle Obama, Vogue April 2013.

Michelle Obama Vogue April 2013

Our First Lady, Michelle Obama has landed her second cover of Vogue. For round two she dons a blue shift dress by Reed Krakoff who has been one of her recent favorites. She wore custom looks by the designer for events during the President’s second inauguration. The FLOTUS wore pink Jason Wu for the first cover, another go-to designer for her. Shot by Annie Leibovitz, we see Michelle Obama with her newly cut bangs and frames her face with Kimberly McDonald earrings. The article spoke to how the First Family is leading by example and how the Obama’s are inspiring America.

michelle-obama article image

The article penned by Jonathan Van Meter covers a variety of topics from the Obama’s parenting philosophy, details on the dynamic between Barack and Michelle, and  some of the issues facing the President. Considering that Michelle is on the cover and how her fashion choices have captured a nation, I was a little surprised to read the article and find the focus mainly on the President. Vogue is a fashion publication, that does expose readers to a diverse range of topics, but there were only a couple of sentences towards the end of the article on fashion as it relates to the First Lady. I will say that the part of the article that included Hillary Clinton threw me for a loop, not sure how that was related to Barack and Michelle. Overall, I enjoyed reading the article, I love seeing positive people take a prominent position in the world.

Can’t wait to see more from the spread. Michelle looks so sleek in the Michael Kors Pre-Fall sweater and skirt.

michelle-obama-vogueapril2013-mk sweater and skirt

Apparently Barack Obama is a fan of the Black Eyed Peas. Annie Leibovitz played some tunes in the background during the photo shoot and commented that he loved their song “Where Is the Love?”. And shout out to the Vogue March cover girl Beyoncé, the President compliments his wife in a way that us young people can relate to: “Michelle’s like Beyoncé in that song,” says the president. “ ‘Let me upgrade ya!’ She upgraded me.”

Read the whole article over at Vogue.com and go get a copy!