Obsess: Mara Hoffman

I LOVE MARA HOFFMAN.  Her cuts are extremely flattering for my figure and the patterns are bonkers.  I know that the patterns  might be more than some can handle, especially looking at her creations on the hanger, but I urge you to TRY THEM ON.  Once you have on that gorgeous Mara Hoffman dress, you probably won't want to take it off and you'll feel the magic of her glorious design take hold of your hand control as you place that credit card down on the counter for the lovely cashier.  The price tag on these designs is not low, but it's no out of control either.  For a funky special occasion like, say, a birthday (Princess Birthday, even), her designs are perfect.  Here are a few of my favorites:

This is from a past season, but I remember trying this vest dress on and being absolutely in love with it.  I'll file this one under regret because this dress should be in my closet now

I haven't been able to find this online anywhere, but if any of you find it, please tell me where I can go to buy it!

Embroidered Bustier Dress

This gorgeous dress was worn by Rihanna in one of her recent music videos

Ogle: Animal Handbags

I'm sure we've all seen the gloriously sparkly Judith Leiber animal clutches (after her debut in Sex and the City years ago), but so many other versions of animal handbags have surfaced since then.

The Giles Deacon Triceratops Bag 

Mandy Coon Ginny Bunny Bag

This is my all time favorite Judith Leiber animal clutch

So adorable and perfect, but totally nuts.

Ogle: Dara Ettinger

Remember when your teacher introduced you to geods in the 8th grade?  Well Dara Ettinger wants to remind you of how pretty they are.  I was in a store recently in NYC and I saw these earrings from afar and was drawn to how sparkly they were.  I came up close and her jewelry is stunning, but when am I going to wear a giant, monster geod ring?  I don't have a place in my life for this, but I do think that they are beautiful statement pieces.  Here are some gorgeous examples:

 

So pretty, rainbow style ring

 

Nice earlobe sparklers

Price-wise, they aren't really ogle-worthy, but if you want something that's a little more out-there, try out some glittery rocks from Dara Ettinger .

SO OWNED! Eyelash extensions continued

On a rainy and gross Friday, I headed over to a small shop on the second floor to have my eyelash extension appointment.  I have to say that I'm always skeptical of nail/beauty salons that are on the second floor, but I was wrong about this place.  I went to JJ Eyelashes in Manhattan and in the matter of 1.5 hours, I had a beautiful set of bambi-like swooshing eyelashes!  See!

Naturally, my lashes are okay, but look at how long and lush they are after!  They did an amazing job and it was completely painless (since I fell asleep almost immediately...consider it like real beauty sleep!).  I woke up from my nap and voila!  I'd recommend this to anyone gearing up for a big event/wedding.  It's been about 3 days since I got them and they are still in tiptop shape.  No signs of missing lashes to date.

OWN: Eyelash Extensions!

I've seen tons of gorgeous women around the City and now I've discovered just one of their many secrets to being so pretty- eyelash extensions.

I'll be trying it out tonight!  Stay tuned for some updates on how well it comes out.

Ogle: Glitter pumps? Really?

I love the fact that living in New York, you can wear whatever you want and feel comfortable.  I think that's how the trend of glitter pumps was born.  I do think that they are fun type of shoe to look at, but something about them just seems too Do-It-Yourself to me...here are some of the more high end ones that I've seen...

 These are from Giuseppe Zanotti

Miu Miu

And even Jimmy Choo (though I think that this is much  better and more subtle option)

All in all, I get why people are drawn to this trend.  It kind of reminds me a little of the Dorothy Ruby Red Slippers but in a much cooler and more adult way.  Not porn start style, but it could be border line here.  I'll ogle this trend from a distance but I probably won't dabble.  If you're looking for some cheaper options, there are plenty of options- check out ShopStyle for an huge selection.

Own: Steven Alan = Spring Frolicking clothes

I've never really been a huge fan of Steven Alan, but I recently came upon the Spring Lookbook and just fell in love with how effortlessly comfortable and pretty their Spring Collection was.  Here are a few highlights:

Featuring the Carla hat and Sophia Dress

Ryder Top, Mercer Pant, and Jillian hat

 

The very coveted Tristan Dress

I do find that a lot of the collection feels very "J.Crew" esque, but I think that there's a little something extra with the Steven Alan collection.  It's so unpretentious and calming to look at.  I want to have it all and go roll around in Central Park!  I think I can see the sun today...if my eyes aren't deceiving me.  I've wanted it to be warm so badly!  I've sworn off wearing stockings anymore.  It's APRIL already- come on!  

As soon as that Tristan dress hits the store, I'm all over it.

OBSESS: FINN

I've always been a fan of smaller jewelry brands because of how innovative and cool they are.  Don't get me wrong- I think that there's something fundamentally alluring about Kate Moss in David Yurman, but I feel that as jewelry designers get more mainstream, they start to design into a template.  There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm always in search of something unique.  I love fun and funky jewelry that still feels delicate custom.  To that point, I've discovered that I have a deep and passionate love for Finn.  Recently, you've probably spotted it all over Gwyneth Paltrow or at Barneys, but here are my definite loves:

From Finnjewelry.com, I love how the diamond is off center on this necklace 

And of course there's the obligatory bunny item that I've just fallen head-over-heels for at Barneys...

Many sites have already featured these little rings as replacements for traditional wedding bands and I totally agree!  They are so whimsical and fun.  It's nice to have something so traditional be a little out-of-the-box (all available at Barneys.

There are so many more amazing pieces in the Finn Collections that I can't possibly showcase all the things I'm obsessed with, but definitely check out their site.  They also have a Facebook fan page and a blog that gets updated frequently.  When they start to be more widely distributed (if ever!  Though I would still appreciate them just as much if they stayed small), this might move from the "obsess" file into the "own" file.  At their current prices, they are a little on the high end...if they ever have a sample sale, I'll fight tooth and nail to get there!

OBSESS: Classic with a Twist from Carven

I'm left wondering if spring will ever arrive in New York so that I can wear all my warm weather delectables again...but in the spirit of dreaming, everything I've seen from Carven is a DREAM.  I WANT IT ALL.  The line this season seems to be about ruching, flouncy skirts and classic sexy with a twist.  See some of my favs here at net-a-porter.

Gorgeous wool crepe skirt

Adorably perfect party dress (and it's open-backed!)

Awesome 3rd date dress

Clearly, this is just a small sample of the Carven collection, but I think it's beautifully lady-like with a classy and sexy flair.  If I had an extra $700-$1,000 that party dress would be mine for my birthday outfit.  IN LOVE.