Shoe Daze: Mirror Mirror

No, when I'm referring to mirrored shoes I am not speaking about the Lady GaGa-esque concept booties designed by Andreia Chaves a few years back. I'm talking about all of the fabulous sandals and shoes on the market that are cloaked in mirrored leather (silver being my metallic of choice), or that use mirror accents to take said shoe from regular to rockstar. 

1. Jenni Kayne, similar here 2. Pour La Victoire 3. Bottega Veneta 4. KARL 5. Dolce Vita 6.  Marc by Marc Jacobs 7. Stuart Weitzman 8. Boutique 9 9. Kors Michael Kors

Dolce Vita's smoking slippers are the apple of my eye at the moment when it comes to mirrored shoes; They hold a level of sophistication while still being a bit quirky. Pointed toe pumps in image reflecting materials are a feminine way to incorporate the tough girl trend (i.e. metal spikes) to your wardrobe. If being a mirror hog isn't your style, plenty of designers are creating footwear with mirrored details. I own a pair of the Boutique 9 gladiator sandals shown (but in nude), and I can't help but rejoice in having a surface to check my lipstick in every time I wear them. 

*Images via: Andreia Chaves, Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, Jenni Kayne

What I Want Now - Statement Earrings

1. Erickson Beamon   2.Shourouk   3. Bijoux Heart   4. Dannijo

Bold baubles are the key to turning any outfit from average to astonishing, and I have my eyes on more than a couple pairs of stylish costume stunners. Dangle drops adorned with eye-catching Swarvoski crystals and colorful sequins give feminine flair to a sleek black suit and add pizazz to a LBD. 

Erickson Beamon's Rear Window earrings are on the top of my wish list and I can see wearing them on a day of shopping with my girls to a dinner date. I'd style them like so..

Wish List Earrings- Erickson Beamon; Day- Shirt: Zoe Karssen; Handbag: Alexander Wang; Jeans: Current & Elliott; Shoes: Belle by Sigerson Morrison; Date- Leather tank: Mason by Michelle Mason; Skirt: Helmut Lang; Clutch: Anya Hindmarch; Booties: Diane von Furstenberg

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Bathing Beauties - Retro Swimwear Revival

Today, I have the pleasure of being a guest blogger on Leopard and Lavender while Kelli is away on vacation. Since Monday marks the unofficial start of summer here in the states, I decided to take a look at the bathing beauties of the past and the retro swimwear they have inspired this season. Below is a sneak peak, but you can see my entire post here

Printed bikini by Mara Hoffman, Leopard-print swimsuit by Dolce & Gabbana, Black Cage bikini by Topshop, Halterneck swimsuit by Norma Kamali

Don't forget to view my entire blog post here, and let me know if retro swimwear is a yay or nay for you this summer!

Gallary du Jour: Mark Shaw Fashion Photography

I'm crazy about vintage fashion photography, especially that of Mark Shaw. Best known for his family photos of the Kennedy's, Shaw also shot the European fashion collections for LIFE magazine during the 1950s and 1960s and was one of the first photographers to capture runway and backstage images in color. 

Recently, I was captivated by a large Mark Shaw photo from yesteryear of backstage at a Balenciaga runway show, which was in the Blogger's Closet room of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase. I'm set on getting a couple of these stunning images for my own home office, so now comes the hard part,  deciding which one! 

*Images via www.markshawphoto.com

Clutches for Combat

I know this isn't news to any of you...but fashion is fierce! Battle your way to the front of the line with clutches made for combat. No doubt that Alexander McQueen's knuckle clutches are the ultimate in bad-girl bags with Christian Louboutin's Marquise spike clutches following close behind.

 Chritian Louboutin Marquise spike clutch: here and here , Alexander McQueen knuckle box clutch: here and here

Even if you can't afford couture price tags, there's no reason to hit the streets unarmed. Studded handbags from designers such as Rebecca Minkoff will keep muggers at bay, and if they do come near CC Skye's wristlet clutch won't leave your side without a fight. The best made protection since pepper spray, I think it's only fair to yourself that you invest in your safety, wouldn't you agree? ;-)

From top left:Ruthie Davis, Rebecca Minkoff, Zara, CC Skye

*Images: Bergdorf Goodman, Net-a-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue, Ruthie Davis, Shopbop, Zappos, Zara

Interior Inspiration: Green Sofas Are For Lovers

While cruising Pinterest last night, I came across the lovely photos above and was instantly captured by the emerald green velvet sofas. The strong black elements and shades of gray and lavender give the rooms an aura of sophistication and romance. 

Colorful and nontraditional, green sofas combined with shades of blue create a calm yet eclectic interior. A strategic throw pillow in an unexpected pattern breaks up the ocean hues and transitions coastal chic to quirky in a flash. 

Looking to counter stark white walls with a punch of color? You could be ordinary and buy a bright lamp or even add art. Or, you could just sit down a beautifully designed olive sofa in the center of the room and call it a day. 

And last, but certainly not least, I'll leave you with my favorites of this series. Both designs were clearly done by someone who knows the interiors industry. Statement rugs, eye catching coffee tables and high style side chairs balance bring the sofas in to the designs rather than setting them apart. 

*Images via: Elle Decor, Belle au, Domino magazine, Emily Henderson, Sweet Home Style, My Marrakesh, various Pinterest sources

Workwear Wednesday: Shorts Suits

 Jenni Kayne, Rebecca Minkoff, Proenza Schouler, Jo-No Fui, Felipe Oliveira Baptsta

It's time for another Workwear Wednesday post, and this week I'm keeping it short;) The shorts suit trend was shown on countless runways and has been worn on the streets by some of the most fashion forward celebs and bloggers around. One disclaimer though, this look isn't for every office. Don't dare sporting any shorts above the knee unless you work in fashion or an equally creative and liberal field.

Kourtney Kardashian, Glamour.com gal, Layla of Chic Chef, Chiara of The Blonde Salad, Kate Ciepluch of Shopbop

Kourtney Kardashian and Layla of Chic Chef are wearing two of the most corporate worthy versions of the trend - keeping suit lines tailored, carrying structured totes, and topping off their looks with button up blouses. For a casual Friday kind of feel I adore the chambray suit rocked by a nameless beauty on Glamour.com and the flair of a fedora shown on Kate Ciepluch of Shopbop. Finally, if you have to get glammed up to work a door of a party or such,  a metallic ensemble (see Chiara of The Blonde Salad) allows you to fit in at the event while still maintaining a "don't f**k with me" attitude.  If you dare to bare - your legs that is - see below for some of my favorite shorts suits available online. 

Asos Collection, Juicy Couture, Robert Rodriguez, Asos Collection, Jenni Kayne

Runway images: Style Wear, Fab Sugar, Style.com; Real Way images:  Glamour, Chic Chef, The Blonde Salad, Harper's Bazaar; Your Way images: Asos, Net-a-Porter, Shopbop

Lunchtime Poll: Collars vs. Wedge Sneakers

Asos Collar and Ash Wedge Sneaker

In honor of Heathers, my favorite '80s movie of all time, it's time for a lunchtime poll. Which trend do you prefer/ think is more wearable; the detachable collar craze or wedge sneakers?

*Images via Asos

Let's Sail Away

It's another beautiful weekend in San Francisco. The perfect weather in fact to take a sail or make a secret escape. And what's a day on the bay without a new outfit?!

Nouveau Nautical: Eugenia Kim fedora, Kate Spade earrings, Alexander Wang top, J Brand jeans, Kate Spade handbag, Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes

Shipmate Chic: Gucci sunglasses, Alexander McQueen scarf, Joseph top, J.Crew shorts, Club Monaco tote, Orly Genger green bracelet, Asos gold bracelet, Rag & Bone sandals

All Decked Out: Lizzie Fortunato necklace, Pucci dress, Lanvin sweater, Alexis Bittar ring, Tory Burch clutch, Diane von Furstenberg wedges

What's your favorite style: Nouveau Nautical, Shipmate Chic or All Decked Out?

*Top Images: Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Korea, weheartit.com, Vogue UK; Clothing Images: Shopbop, Net-a-Porter, Zappos

Jewel Box: Take Me to the Moon

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Enchanting and feminine, I'm currently craving moonstone jewelry to play off this season's pastels. In many cultures moonstones are considered to have magical powers; not hard to believe given their mysterious play with light and soft shimmer which changes as they move. Popular 100 years ago during the Art Nouveau movement, jewelry designers are once again starting to embrace this complex gemstone and incorporate it into their designs both traditional and contemporary.  From encrusted rings to delicate drop earrings, moonstones make the perfect jewelry for a romantic warm summer evening. 

Inspiration Room: Eclectic Organic Dining

Image via Elle Decor: Veronica Beard's Hamptons Home designed by Chiqui and Nena Woolworth

Mother's day has always been an excellent excuse for brunch, which is the meal I thought of when I laid eyes on this eclectic and organic dining space. I originally saw this room on one of my favorite daily reads, Coco + Kelley, and was drawn to the fresh peach walls, Ikat pillows and stunning driftwood table. Even the place settings and flower arrangements make me want to gather with loved ones around a plate of bagels and lox. 

On an unrelated note, I could use your help harnessing the power of positive thoughts...

My beloved 8 year old Lhaso Apso mix, Chopper, is undergoing back surgery this morning for the 2nd time in 2 years. Words cannot express the stress and heartache I've felt ever since I noticed he wasn't walking right last weekend; I would gladly undergo surgery 1,000 times if it meant he didn't have to. Fluffy (as I call him) has been my greatest love since I brought him home one summer day in college. With that said please keep Chopper and his recovery in your thoughts and prayers.

Floral Fantasy

Spring is in full bloom and I can't stop pinning pictures of fantastical florals. Flowers in the hair is an editorial look I'm obsessing on, although I must say I think it better left on the pages then brought into everyday. There are plenty of lust worthy floral clothing items this season so that you can leave your head bee-bait free! Such as...

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Artistic and unexpected florals have my vote for trend pieces of choice. Floral jackets and blazers (see here) combine  strength with the unabashed feminine print that makes the wearer look like an instant fashion star. Drool worth item of day though is the new Proenza Schouler Ps1, perfect for the edgier fashionista who still wants to embrace the season.