Inspiration: The New Look

In 1947 Christian Dior felt that after many years of economic and emotional hardship, women needed to feel like women again.  After years of sharp-shouldered, knee-length suits, Dior introduced softer shoulders, a nipped in waist and billowing skirts... overall the emphasis being on creating an hourglass silhouette.  Carmel Snow, the editor of Harper's Bazaar is famously quoted, "It's quite a revelation dear Christian.  Your dresses have such a new look."  A very important moment in fashion history.

This past June Raf Simons (best known for his gorgeous Jil Sander designs) debuted his first collection as the Artistic Director for the House of Dior.  I fell in love with the simplicity and freshness of this couture collection.  A reminder that one does not need to mix patterns, wear outrageous shoes or don an eclectic ensemble of tough vs feminine to look chic.

I felt that this collection was very inspiring as we start to plan our new Fall looks...

Simple, chic with some fun twists to keep it new... I love this new look for Dior.

                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                        - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google.com, nymag.com.

Outfit Idea: Sweet & Sassy

Around this time every year, the heat starts to get me.  I find myself going through my cooler weather clothes and daydreaming about cool breezes and 50 degree temps.  I don't know why I torture myself...  We still have many very hot and humid days left this summer, so I would be much better off incorporating some of my long lost friends into looks that I can wear now versus coming up with ideas for October.

I have been missing my very best friends... my blue suede shoes.  In the height of summer, I just don't  have a need for them.  It's all about flip flops all of the time.  Therefore, I decided putting together a summer look for night out would be just what I needed.  

Since I'm daydreaming, I am going to include this beauty from J. Crew that I have been crushing on for several months... the Flower Lattice Necklace.  

I love all of the colors used in this necklace.  The use of the cobalt blue and the turquoise gave me an idea... teal and cobalt blue.  I have a sneaking suspicion that this will be big this fall.  I found this Diesel tank (on sale).  A good canvas for the necklace...

Now for a pair of cute shorts... lace shorts are a style that I have wanted to purchase, just never did.  These Sam & Lavi Addison Lace Shorts at Madewell would be perfect!

Perfect!  Just need a bag...  since this ensemble is all about color, why not?  My favorite "go to" clutch just happens to come in pink.  The Clare Vivier Fold Over Clutch...

Now I just need to buy it...

                                           - Allison

*Photos courtesy of jcrew.com, madewell.com, shopbop.com and ssense.com.

Sample Sale: The Brazilian Stylings of Osklen

It is once again time to strap on those sneakers and make your way to 97 Wooster St (Soho) for a sample sale that must not be missed.  This is where you will find Osklen holding a killer sale for men and women's clothing and accessories.  The best news - these pieces can be purchased for up to 70% off their original price.  So, as I said before, this is a sample sale that can't be missed!

Osklen is a lifestyle brand featuring the casual, cool stylings of the Brazilian surf culture.  Oskar Metsavaht's designs are laid back and perfect for those lazy days of summer.  You know what I mean...  when you just want to look fabulous without lifting a finger.  And, not only do you get an exceptional deal, you also gain pieces that will take you right into Fall with a little bit of layering.

The sample sale is being held at the Osklen flagship store in Soho (mentioned above).  The store is located at 97 Wooster St, NY 10012.  The sale is going on now through Wednesday, August 1st.  Monday-Saturday the hours are 11-8pm and on Sunday, they are open 12-7pm.  For more details you can give the store a ring at 212.219.8250.

It's time - go, run, sprint to Osklen's sample sale.  I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Just to warm you up, here are some pieces on sale now...

                                               - Allison

*Photos courtesy of osklen.com.

Fab Find: The Perfect Lipstain

One of my most favorite things about the summer are those perfect days spent at the pool or beach, followed by a quick turnaround for a fun night out. I love throwing on a cute dress, a great pair of earrings, attempting the "been at the beach all day wavy hair"' and the fact that all I need to apply to my sun kissed skin is a great mascara and a bright lipstick (well, at least in a perfect world!).

However, to make this night out flawless, the right lipstick is key. I realized this not too long ago when heading to a party one Saturday afternoon. I quickly grabbed my "go to" pink lipstick in a rush. I never really had a chance to check myself out in the mirror until I visited the restroom a while later.  I was horrified. I looked so garish. At that moment it dawned on me that (just like your clothing), you must lighten your lipstick weight in warmer months.

I can't say that this is entirely a new concept. It is more or less about the fact that I have never been been able to find anything that is worth raving about. You have no idea how many abandoned glosses, stains, chubby sticks, etc that are inhabiting multiple old makeup bags in my closet because nothing ever works. I always buy into the advertisements... long-lasting, moisturizing, lightweight. They never live up to the hype.

Cut to two weeks ago, I was on a trip to CVS for some random errand. As I entered the store, I almost ran smack into some massive advertisement for Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.  The colors looked very bright (even for me!), and I hesitated... I honestly felt like I was too old to try this.  Eventually I decided to give it a whirl.  It was only $9.

So, it was one of my best purchase's to date.  It looks like a chubby crayon and is self-sharpening.  It is a lightweight gel formula that does not wear off.  It is moisturizing in the sense that it won't dry your lips out, but it does not take the place of a lip balm.  The best part - it truly is a stain.  You don't look like you have lipstick caked on, but still have color.  It is fantastic!  For those who know me, you know that I honestly believe that everyone looks better with a little lip color.  It is very important!

There are 12 shades.  Some are brighter, others are more neutral.  There is definitely a color for everyone.  I am the happy owner of a pink and a red, and I would like to try a couple of other colors.  Why not?  Summer is the perfect time to experiment.


                                                                                                                            - Allison

*Photos courtesy of revlon.com.

Outfit Idea: A Weekend at the Cape

I live for our weekend getaways to Cape Cod in the summer.  There is nothing quite like the sense of peace that I find at the Cape.  I love the cool Cape breeze, the picturesque views and, of course, it is the perfect place to let my inner prep shine.

Long days on the beach, sailing, the Kennedy's... it couldn't be more stereotypical, right?!  And, I love it!  Packing for the Cape is always very fun.  I love putting together new combo's that just don't seem quite right at home.  Although, packing can be somewhat challenging due to the crazy Cape weather (rain one minute, sun the next, a cool fog rolling in an hour later), I have learned that layering is the key.

This past weekend I tested myself.  I put together a weekend wardrobe to get me through 3 days and 3 nights.  However, I cannot plan every outfit because i like to have options.  Therefore, I pack several separate pieces that can be endlessly mix and matched.  I stuck to a navy, white and chartreuse color theme, and it proved to be very successful!

1. Cotton Dress - does double duty - out to dinner one night, on the boat the next day.
2. Denim Shirt - worn with shorts or pants, also great as an extra layer over my swimsuit.
3. Shorts - worn day or night depending on the temp.
4. Essential White Pants - can be worn with anything.
5. Lightweight Scarf - wear it over my suit or on a chilly evening.
6. Essential White Tank - perfect canvas for my statement necklace or over my suit.
7. Open Weave Sweater - a much needed layering piece.
8 Statement Necklace - the perfect finishing touch.
9. Sequin Tank - a fun piece for an adult night out.
10. Aviators - my sunnies of choice for the Cape (until my hubby crushed them at the beach).
12. Swimsuit - duh!
13. Hat - a must have for the beach.

The only items not included in my pic... a denim jacket, neutral sandals and the essential flip flop.  That's it.  Done and done.

 As I sit here with the breeze blowing through my hair, I am starting to think that these pieces will work well for five nights too.  They better.  My three night weekend just turned into five...

                                                                                                                         - Allison

Currently Coveting: The Perfect LBD

We all know that the number one must have for every woman is the LBD (little black dress).  However, I think it is safe to say that many of us have been unable to find that perfect dress.  We all know how crazed we can get when we feel like we have nothing to wear, hence the need for the LBD to throw on in a moment's notice.

As we start to prep for the annual fall transition, it is time to purchase the most important piece of your wardrobe.  And, I have just the one for you... Diane Von Furstenberg's Gabi Dress.  I don't think there is a more perfect dress to take you from day to night. It will look fabulous on many different body types as well as a variety of ages.  It is not too revealing, not too tight, there is ruching to help camouflage the tummy, the neckline is perfect to display a necklace, showcase some statement earrings or an armful of bracelets.  Wear it with pointy toe pumps, sexy sandals or a pair of chic bootie/shoeties.

If there were ever a dress worthy of an investment, I believe that this is the one.

                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                     - Allison

*Photos courtesy of dvf.com.

Outfit Idea: Wear now, Wear later

Maxi dresses and I... we're like peanut butter & jelly.  Inseparable.  When it comes to a style that is versatile, chic and elegant, I immediately think of the maxi.  Not just for dressing up, they are a great "go to" for everyday as well.

Lately, I have begun to think about transitioning into fall (hard to believe, right!), but it will be here before you know it.  This has led me to debating which are the best styles to purchase now to get the most bang for my buck (i.e. wear now, wear later).  After much deliberation, I have put the maxi at the top of my list.

With that being said, there are obviously some maxis that are not conducive for transition while others are perfect.  This also depends on your lifestyle.  I decided to google some images for layering maxis and found several to use for inspiration...  Whether you are working in the city or carting kids around in your suburban all day, there is a style for you.

My ideal wardrobe would be a closet full of gorgeous floor grazing maxis.  However, that is not always the best choice for mobility or layering.  And, there are many beautiful maxis out there, so it makes these decisions all very difficult.  

My advice is to start simple.  As always, you should start with the basics and build from there... therefore, no fuss dresses are the best way to start.  I found a fab Rachel Pally dress at Shopbop that was styled for a "wear now, wear later" story.  Love, love, love these looks.  It is great for inspiration.

This is perfect for a night out.

This is a great look for the weekend.

And, for the Fall... love!

Plus, maxis are much more comfy than jeans!

                                                                                                                                  - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google and shopbop.com.

Fab Find: Eat Your Heart Out, Baby!

I have been thinking a lot lately about getting back to basics.  Not getting carried away with wacky wardrobe choices and getting the simple chic pieces that can be mixed and matched to my heart's content.  Graphic tee's were always a piece of my basic wardrobe until J. Crew stopped making all of their cute "graphic" tee's.  Since then I have been at a loss.  I feel as though there is a big hole in my wardrobe that I can't seem to fill...

When you find yourself in a "what to wear" nightmare, the graphic tee is the perfect fallback item.  They look good with a skirt, shorts, ankle-length pants or a great pair of jeans, heels and a blazer.  A look for all ages, but beware when purchasing.  Let's just say that the tee I would buy is probably not the tee that my mom (aka Mimi) should be buying.  Go with your gut on this decision.

So, back to my point... It must have been fate.  As I was contemplating this graphic tee situation, in pops an email for Rachel Roy's new graphic tee bar (under her RRR label)... my prayers have been answered!  Cute tee's, reasonable prices and a great fabrication (modal/tencel lyocell).  There is also a contest for coming up with new tee ideas... you could win a $250 gift card if you are feeling creative!  

Anywho, The London 2012 Union Jack Tee is my fave!  It would be super cute with so many things in my closet... hmmm...

                                                                                                             - Allison

*Photo courtesy of rachelroy.com.

Outfit Idea: Dreaming of Chartreuse

I have a bit of an obsession (okay, I have many obsessions), but this one is more dire.  I would say it is on par with my love of blue suede shoes, which equates to a fairly serious problem.  Now that you literally dying with anticipation, I will share it with you... I am a chartreuseaholic.

I can't help myself.  I always find myself drawn to this color... it doesn't matter where, and Pinterest is not helping!

I love it for parties...

I love it in kitchens...

I love it for shoes (although this is more of the green version - I prefer more yellow)...

I love it in fashion... 

And, I love it on me.

You can just imagine my delight when I found that J. Crew's Bubble Necklace was available in a "lemon lime".  I can't wait to wear this many different ways, but my most favorite is keeping it simple with white.

                                       - Allison

*Photos courtesy of pinterest.com.