Passion for Fashion

My fashion manifesto, loosely inspired by Elizabeth Barrett Browning's

poem of "How Much Do I Love Thee..."

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. 

I love thee to the dizzy platform height.  

My fur in reach, when feeling out of sight

I do it for the Spring trends that I crave, 

I love thee hot as scarlet sequins' blaze 

In a vintage YSL, and don't forget some J. Mendel.

I love thee fierce as black jumpsuits at night, 

As much as my feather skirt takes flight.

I love thee camel Burrberry trench, 

Miss Dior Cherie upon my wrist I drench, 

I'll wear elaborate Dior lace shorts, 

And my Jacob watch adorned in quartz.

I love thee Lanvin, it steals my breathe,

I love thee fashion til my death! 

Sheer Genius

As I wander around the archives of my most favorite website (Style.com) and refresh myself on Spring RTW 2011 I always look for trends I would love to duplicate.  Now most looks of designers like John Galliano, Marc Jacobs, and Valentino are simply unattainable for a poor college sap like myself, however I can take away the essence that their looks achieve.  Now Sheer is here.  It's EVERYWHERE from Pre-fall 2011 to every single runway of Spring RTW 2011 has a sheer element to it, and it makes so much sense considering the versatile fabric is honestly the superhero of all fabrics, IT CAN DO ANYTHING! What is better then an article of clothing that has chameleon like qualities && can transform from one look to another so flawlessly.  NOTHING. Sheer elements can be Feminine when paired with lace, Sexy with an exposed bra or leopard sheer print or charming with a sheer polka dot.  It can be in a neon pink for Spring or sultry slate gray for Winter.  It's a SHEER thing that Sheer is here, and not going anywhere.  Let's hit the pics... Honestly there is a lot, just couldn't help myself.

{ H2T amaze! Blumarine }

{ Gorge Lily Lattice Dress in Wine $58 @ Shopnastygal.com }
Mark my words, this WILL be mine!

{ Top 10 dress of all time. If only I had the money, DARN YOU MARCHESA }

{ Adam Sequin Embellished Silk Top $695 }
chump change

{ Louis Vuitton SP RTW 11 }

{ Okay you caught me, this is from the Dior archives and yes I HAVE already posted this picture, but can you even deny it? answer: NO! }

{ I GASPED IN DELIGHT when I saw this dress.  Others did the exact opposite}
Sorry i'm not sorry Emilio De La Morena dress 

{ Kate Spade lovely navy polka dot sheer heels $298 }
I would wear these to my Sunday high tea at the Ritz in a heartbeat!

{ Nude sheer to me is the greatest of all, it is so delicate and sexy all at the same time }
You outdid yourself Chloe

{ She actually got something right?! Herve Leger dress I die over, Megan Fox is another story }

{ So editorial }

{ Pair a blush pink sheer ankle length dress with a fur throw for a boho look }

{ Not quite ready to jump into sheer, baby steps my friend.  Try something like this lacey purple sheer sock }

{ Dior Electric Purple Sheer ruffle frock...amazing to the tenth degree }

{ Elie Saab SP RTW 11 }
NBD just my Tuesday afternoon frock.

Neurotic Neon

If you know anything about me at all you would know that I LOVE neon! And currently while mid missouri is in a sea of white, I simply can't help myself from seeing neon.  Now sometimes translates as cheap or even sleezy (as seen on the Jersey Shore).  However neon doesn't just mean neon shutter shades for $5 at Urban Outfitters, neon is being done by some of fashion's highly respected houses, the company being Lanvin, Givenchy, Oscar De La Renta && more! 

Now I like a bold, dramatic neon head to toe looks as much as the next girl but if you are just about to begin your relationship with neon I recommend baby steps. Start with one neon piece && build around it.  When you are wearing a bright colored shirt or bright pants, it is best to pair it with a neutral color.  Feeling bold? Well the next step would be to pair a hot pink blazer with a bright orange short, but break it up with a white blouse && your favorite nude pumps. Good luck to you belles && may fashion be with you on your neon journey. Now let's hit the pics...

{  ADORE bright blue with this red shoe, would be on another level with a red lip! Costume National SP2011 }

{ Adia Kibur $68 at Shopbop }

{ So young, So talented && SO NEON! Jennifer Lawrence in Oscar De La Renta at SAGS } 

{ Marni $590 }

{ JACQUARD && NEON!?! foget about it! Herve Leger your for the small price of $1,450 }

{ Nixon $86.20 at asos.com }

{ Jimmy Choo on another level, ONLY $550 at net-a-porter.com }

{ SJP in Versace, one of my favorite dresses of all time }

{ Givenchy }

{ Not ready for a neon piece? Experiment with neon nails! Just a hint of color for any outfit! Just make sure to do a base coat because let me tell you from experience most neon polishes will stain your nails otherwise }

{ Now here is something I want to play with, a great orange lip with just a hint of mascara && hair for days, i die }

Venturing into Vintage

I have recently been finding myself perusing through vintage sections of my favorite websites like Modcloth.com, Americanapparel.net && net-a-porter.com, from there I even ventured into bona-fide vintage websites like LAvintage.  Now I have a few vintage experiences under my belt that include but are not limited to finds such as my Prada boots, Dior chemise && Ralph Lauren belt, yet I am hungry for more.  I think as I venture into the world of the unknown universe that is vintage I will most definitely follow [the golden rule of RZ], "Remember is to mix your vintage finds with contemporary picks. No head-to-toe vintage." Which means a current cocktail dress with vintage jewels, or retro boho frock with relaxed hair and a spakin' new messenger bag. The world is my vintage oyster...PIC TIME!

{ 1980's Christian Dior Couture Blouse www.sieliansvintageapparel.com }

{ theglamourai.com in vintage YSL sunnies }

{ Vintage Light Show top @ modcloth.com for $35 }

{ 1960's Vintage Pucci }

{ 1970's Vintage Chanel Jacket }

{ Shut it down! Van Cleef necklace from the archives }

{ Vintage Chloe }

{ Hermes retro red blazaaa! My fave, sorry i'm not sorry }

{ Vintage Jimmy Choo @ www.net-a-porter.com for a mere $1,050 }

{ THE QUEEN OF VINTAGE }

Rules are Meant to be Broken

Don't wear white after labor day, Match your shoes and purse, you can't mix prints....blah blah blah! Throw out what you THINK you know in terms of fashion rules. [Mixing && Matching ] is in and matchy matchy is out! After all rules are meant to be broken, right? Let's hit the pics...

{ House of Harlow rings $100 @ Revolve Clothing }

The days of the verboten mix of gold and silver accessories are gone! Jewelers like David Yurman seamlessly incorporate gold and silver into their designs, and who doesn't love the classic Cartier Trinity ring with its combination of three different colors of gold? Start off by pairing gold and silver bangles or wearing a chunky stainless watch with gold details. Ready to get a bit bolder?  Wear hoop earrings that don't match your rings, or layer necklaces in different colors and textures.

Wearing head-to-toe black or brown can look harsh and evoke the formality of a stodgy uniform. Mixing black and brown adds an instant softness. One of the best ways to give visual interest to an otherwise monochromatic look is with accessories. Wear a brown pump with a black suit, a black bag with a brown coat, a chocolate belt with charcoal slacks. It's an unexpected twist that works for men and women alike.

{ Cable knit sweater with a cocktail dress...yes please thesartorialist.com}

{ Floral frock with a casual striped coat, LOVES IT! }

I love mixing high and low! Wear a flirty dress and swap strappy sandals for Converse tennis shoes. OR pair casual cashmere with silk or sass up a basic black dress with brightly colored tights. It's a more playful way of going about your day and because it's so unexpected, it looks fun and sophisticated all at the same time.

With a new wave of denim in different weights, cuts and shades, you can mix and match to create a fresh look. Balance and contrast will help you avoid looking like you're drowning in a sea of denim. Pair a sleek denim pencil skirt with a denim jacket in a heavier weight or an inky tailored jacket with jeans in a lighter shade. Get creative and stay comfortable -- just remember the ultimate denim do: Vary the color and weight of fabric on top and bottom. Just please try to avoid this...