Day of Ogles: Bags, bags and more BAGS!

Just in an Ogling mood today.  So many bags out there to be wowed by right now.  I know that those two sentences were not really sentences but this bags are making me go GAH GAH.  Take a look below at a few of the ones I found to be particularly wonderful from Barneys.

After seeing the runway show this for AW 2012, I definitely have my eye out for more L'Wren Scott.  This L'Wren Scott Eel Pouchette is so classy and delicate.  Perfect for spring if you want a dainty accessory that will top off your ladylike attire.

I'm loving the pink in this Marc Jacobs Colorblock Violet Bag.  It reminds me a little of Neapolitan Ice cream.  When I was little, I called it Napolean ice cream for the longest time... 

I hate that everyone has the PS1 bag now.  Not that I don't still love it, but I think that Proenza Schouler has such an awesome suite of bags and people just bypass all the others to get to the PS1.  For example this Proenza Schouler Small Book Bag probably gets overlooked all the time, but it's so classic and cute.  I see you, Book Bag- you're not overlooked by me!

Oh my oh my oh my what a minty fresh DREAAAAAAAAAMMM!  This Chloe Madeleine Tote is amazing.  I'll Ogle it right along side those YSL Minty Pumps.

Simple, classy, and Lanvin.  Love this Lanvin Miss Sartorial Leather Tote.  If I had a million dollars (which actually isn't much nowadays...sadly), I would use this as a laptop bag.  Yes, yes I would.

Drool away!  Don't be ashamed.  I won't judge you.

Ogled: Oscars 2012, Mes Favorites

I know, I know- there are so many sites out there doing their favorites from the Show last night that I hate to jump on the bandwagon and do it, too, but there were some celebs that just looked so stunning that I had to post them.  HAD TO.

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford- I liked this better without the cape originally, but after a little thought, I realized that the Oscars are really about dramatics and glamour and without the cape, this would've been just another white dress.  All together, it is quite beautiful and unique.

Kristen Wiig in J.Mendel- I am LOVING the nudies!  After having seen Heidi Klum at the Golden Globes with the nude and turquoise, I've just fallen in love with the look.  I love Kristen's dark hair contrasted with this dress.  It makes it look so much more rich and keeps her from appearing washed out.

Penelope Cruz in Armani Prive- Classic Penelope.  DRAMZ!  I love it.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture- her fair skin and dark hair make her so Lady Mary-ish!  I love her in the white.  It makes her skin appear a little more flush.

There are some celebs whose dresses I loved, but they just don't make my favorites list because they are just WAY too thin.  Without a doubt, Angelina Jolie, Rose Byrne, and Julianna Rancic all need to eat 20 sandwiches a piece.  They were so horrifically thin that everything I saw them, I felt like I was looking at skin over a skeleton and nothing more.  Girls, you need some meat on those bones!  You've lost all the curves that make you womanly.  Think about how beautiful Angie would have been with overflowing bosoms in that Versace dress (ha!  I did say "bosom"- what's it to you?) or Rose if she had a little rump sticking out of the back of that gorgeous Vivienne Westwood gown.  Sigh*  it's such a terrible shame that girls get reduced to that.  Don't forget to eat.  Please. 

OGLE: YSL is MINTY FRESH

I've been a subscriber to Daily Candy since I moved to NYC 6 years ago.  I remember people telling me that it was the go-to mailer for sample sales, weekend activity ideas, and store openings, but since then, Daily Candy has evolved into something so much bigger.  Not only does it still provide me with a laundry list of sales I wish I could go to if only I had an unlimited supply of time and money, but it gives me deals to some of my favorite stores and inspiration to continue writing this blog.

While waiting for Taco Night to be set up for dinner last night, my friend...let's call her Party Cat, and I were browsing an email that DC had sent over outlining Spring's hottest accessories- one of those accessories was an amazing YSL shoe.  DC made me realize by showing me this shoe, that up until now, I've been totally forgetful of one very lovely color...MINT.

Now to show you the shoes that brought mint back to life for me.  They are SO AWESOME.  The mint color is so prance-y and happy-looking.

I'd been so distracted by the fluoros that have overrun every store out there that I had forgotten about the love affair I had started to Mint last spring when I happily donned Essie's Mint Candy Apple.  Now I'll definitely have to do that color again!  

How awesome is the color?!  While these shoes are probably going to priced well out of my affordable range, nothing says I can't stare at them for hours on end.  Let the staring begin now.

Own: Grown-Up Spring Break Travel Bag

AHHH Just two more weeks until my much anticipated grown-up Spring Break trip out to Nicaragua!!  When I was in college, Spring Break was all about going out, drinking, partying, dancing on table tops, making eyes at boys and sleeping in only to do it all again the next night.  Now that I've...um...matured?...Spring Break is all about experiencing true relaxation Nirvana.  I want to sit under a tree in a hammock somewhere and nap after an incredible afternoon of gorging myself on local delectables on a boat.  Is that too much to ask?  We'll find out!

Since I was a wee child traveling with my parents to New York, I was always told I couldn't bring everything I wanted when we traveled.  No, I couldn't bring all five of my favorite stuffed animals, I had to choose two.  Little did I know at that age that it was training me to pack- how much to pack and what to pack when I traveled.  Thanks Mom and Dad!  All those times that Beary, Fluffers and Booboo got left behind were for a greater good.  I see it now.

So, all that being said, I plan to only be packing my favorite bikinis, cover ups and some dancing shoes for my trip.  That means I should be able to fit everything into a duffle bag and not have to check any luggage! Woop woop!

Now, we need to address the duffle bag that I've had for years now.  Remember Vera Bradley?  Well if you grew up in the south, of course you do, but if you didn't, let me introduce you to the wonderful world of regrettable, non-durable fabric duffle bags.  The pattern that I had?  This one:

The lovely Seaport Navy pattern.  The duffle bag was gifted to me by my dad when I was a freshman in college. What was once shiny and new is now old and dirty.  The cotton fabric just doesn't hold up well for travel and is in no way waterproof (DUH) so it's time for an upgrade.  I don't need something that's waterproof or super durable, per say, but MAN do I need something that is updated.  I've totally outgrown this oddly cult-like southern prep thing that (which included but was not limited to Ralph Lauren Polos, khaki shorts, Rainbows and Croakies) and I want something that feels more like it's mine!  Something simplier...like one of these?

I really dig this simple military-ish style.  It's kind of vintage without trying too hard.  This one is by Alternative.

While kind of utilitarian, I find myself really drawn to this simple L.L. Bean one.  It's classic and probably very durable.

This mint green is mezzzzmerizing from Herschel Supply Co! 

It also comes in a very cute red.

What do you think?  I know they aren't that exciting, but hey, you need what you need, right?  Well, maybe need isn't the right word...but you know what I mean. :)

Fashion Week Ogle: L'Wren Scott, Full of Sass!

When I go through images of all the shows from Fashion Week, I sometimes find that some of the collections blur together (like Theysken's Theory, Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang...I love their designs but somehow they all end up feeling similar).

A show that really stood out to me was L'Wren Scott this season.  While many shoes were challenging the shape of clothes on the body, L'Wren Scott is keeping it real with fitted styles tapering at the waist. Lots of shows seemed to feature just one or two main colors in their collections, but L'Wren Scott blew. it. out.  Her show was fillllllled with awesome color- pinks, whites, yellows reds, purples...!

The colors and the rejuvenation of the ladylike silhouette were so in charge!  I'm not usually one to rock too many of the demur, ladylike styles, but L'Wren Scott's show was so inspiring that I might have to adopt some of these styles into my wardrobe.  Check out my favorites here:

It's so Gatsby-esque!  I love the last three looks here- the bright lace, the dramatic glitter, and the front slit.  All so glamorous and perfectly shocking in all the right ways for the runway.  See the whole collection here on NYMag.com.

Fashion Week Ogle: Zero + Maria Cornejo

I have always loved Zero + Maria Cornejo and this Fall 2012 show was just a reminder as to why I loved the designs to much.  The shapes that she creates in her designers are so unique and fun to wear.  I think of her clothes as comfortable and easy, though they appear to be so much more than that.  Her Fall 2012 Show was no exception.  It was filled with flowy colors, muted ones paired with loud ones, and sharp shapes paired with a slightly baggy and casual silhouette.  It reminds me a little bit of origami...anyway, here are my favs from the show:

I love the dress with the huge slit.  I think that slits are so sexy and so under-used!  I know, I know..."but what if the wind blows wrong and the world gets a peek at my hoo ha?"  Well, my friend, that's a risk I'm willing to take.  Chances are I'll have on a really cute pair of undies anyway (thanks to my obsession).

Such an awesome and tough spin on being ladylike!  Love it.  Here's hoping that last look with the high neck jacket somehow miraculously makes it to a sample sale...See the whole collection here on NYMag.com.

Own: Baby I need a new bag! Emily Cho has what I want!

Fashion blogs all over the web are updating feverishly as we speak!  There's no way I can keep up with them!  I've seen so many inspiring photos that I want to write about, but my friends, there just simply isn't enough time in the day.  

I will take out time to write about this one picture though:

This oversized clutch caught my eye immediately as I scrolled through my Pinterest feed.  

Why, you ask? Well, the sheer size of this bag me wonder if it was really a clutch at all.  Upon further inspection, I confirmed to myself that yes, yes it is a clutch- an awesomely huge one.  I love it!  

But then something hit me..."I've seen this bag before...WHERE HAVE I SEEN IT??"  It's that feeling you get when you know the name of that band from the early 90s and it's just on the tip of your tongue, but just can't quite spit it out.  I started scouring all the fashion blogs that I follow and after a quick jaunt through my blog reading history and some smart keyword searches, I FOUND IT.  On Myfashdiary.  These bags are by Emily Cho!  See my favorites below:

the blues and purples in this floral clutch are so dreamy

I also love this yellow one.  It reminds me a little of a fortune cookie.  tee hee. 

This one.  This one. This one.  Yes this one.

They are a bit on the pricier side (I think around $450-$700), but these would be categorized in my timeless fashion pile.  Quasi-investments.  They are simple shapes that have been around for a while, especially the ladylike style of the orange bag.  The clutches come in medium and oversized and I think both are great though I would probably choose the medium version (I'm a shorty).  Anyway, Emily Cho has an online shop, so check it out!  

As a side note, the designer's name actually isn't Emily Cho.  The brand name comes from a combo of the designers names: EMILY Gellis and SJ CHO.  Read more about the duo here.

Fashion Week Olges: Pinterest

Fashion Week is so chocked full of amazing fashions.  While I respect all fashions out there (you see some weird stuff in NY, but hey, props if those people are willing to strut it out in public), there are still times when I see collections on the runway and only like one or two pieces.  Since I don't like the whole collection, I usually won't write a blog post about it, but I don't want those Ogles to go wasted!  Find all the one-off Ogle-able Runway looks here-  Follow me on Pinterest!

Want a sneak peek?  Here are some of the amazing things in there:

Preen AW 2012

TSE AW 2012

For more, follow me!

UPDATE!!! Own: That Valentine's Day Dress

Want to know what outfit I have planned for my romantic Valentine's Day dinner? 

TADAH!  Thank you Asos.com :)

Fashion Week OGLE: Derek Lam: Flowery and Tough, but still Silky Smooth

I keep thinking that there's going to be a time that I'm going to get tired of seeing leather in the fall, but at this point, I don't think that's going to happen any time soon.  Derek Lam's show at New York Fashion Week- the looks, the use of leather, the patterns, the flow- AAHHH awesome.

I love that leather isn't overused- it looks great with the dainty, floral patterned shirt that gets it's structure from the hints of black that stand out.  It's amazingly tough as sleeveless top with a simple skirt.  

The patterned suit remind me a little of traditional Asian fashion.  I love the black and white floral pattern with strong collar.  As much as the patterning was in the show, I feel like it had a really nice progression back to the sleek and simple style that I'm used to seeing from Derek Lam.  I love the white dress with black cap sleeeeeeeves.  So dreamy and excellent for a daring bride...!  By the end of the show, the skirts were flowing.  See for yourself:

See the full show here at Style.com.  More to come!  I love Fashion Week!

Fashion Week OBSESS: Mara Hoffman Fall 2012

I've already written about how awesome I think Mara Hoffman is, but recently I've been loving her stuff more than ever- especially here uniquely patterned bikinis (you know, since I'm planning for my warm weather vaca!).

Well Fashion Week Fall 2012 is alive and buzzing in NYC and of course I took to the web to find out Mara Hoffman had walking down the runway. Her designs continue to be so full of color and inspiring. They make me want to get dressed and leave the comfort of my blacks and greys and blacks again.

She's found a way to remove all the campiness from the boho look andake it feel chic and authentic.

I llllooooovvvvee it!

Does it make me wish that next fall would get here faster? Maybe. Yes, maybe.  All the pics are from Style.com so go there if you want to see the full collection.

Obsess: If you love the Quirky, You'll Love Kristin Lora

If you guys have been reading, you already know that I love animals.  If you are new to my blog, welcome to you and FYI, I love animals.

Anyway, now that we have that out of the way, I can share with you my awesome find.  While browsing my new favorite timed sale site, Fab.com, I discovered this amazing jewelry designer, Kristin Lora.  Why was I drawn to her stuff?  Well, I'll let the jewelry speak for itself:

Want more?  She has more!  Visit her site.  So cool and weird the most lovely way.  These pieces that are sure to start a conversation.  Enjoy and Happy Friday!!

Beauty OWN: BB cream?! What's that?

Ever since I was little, I remember my mom telling me that I should put on a hat or wear sunscreen on my face. Did I ever listen?  Of course not.  Not until I started to realize that the sun was putting little freckles all over my cheeks.  Sun, I love you, but I'm not a fan of the freckles so shove off and stop doing that to my pretty little cheeks!  They aren't severe enough that I feel the need to go to a dermatologist for removal, I do cover them up with some makeup because I hate when they are exposed.  Nothing heavy, but something.

I'll be the first to admit that I know next to nothing about beauty products (except lipsticks- pink, red and wine is all I need).  I wish I knew more.  Luckily, there's Youtube- the site that teaches people who don't like to read!  I was watching a barrage of beauty videos when I came to one that talked about BB cream.  What the heck is a BB cream?

Well, that question was motivation enough for me to stroll to my neighborhood Sephora and check out what I was missing.  And wow.  I've really been missing out!

 

Apparently, BB cream stands of "beauty balm" or "blemish balm" - but what I don't understand is why people still use regular foundation if BB cream exist!  Here are the benefits that BB creams have:

1) SPF

2) Age Defense

3) Blemish Correction

4) Primes skin

5) Medium Coverage

And what does a foundation really offer?  Coverage only, right?  I mean, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think I'm right.

Anyway, Cristal at Sephora was nice enough to walk me through the ones that they have, but the one that she let me take home and test was Smashbox BB cream.  

It's AWESOME.  it goes on smooth.  It's no heavy at all.  AND it covers a little more than the tinted moisturizer so I don't have to use as much concealer.  

For years, I've been married to Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer, but now that I've tried this BB cream, I'm totally hooked.  I have ordered a BB cream by Korean makeup brand Lioele which apparently has sunspot healing power!  We'll see how that turns out...Stay tuned!  If' not, Smashbox, I'm coming for you.  Wait for me...!

UPDATE : Obsess: How Should I Smell??

UPDATE!!

I settled on Miss Dior Cherie and couldn't be happier.  See you later Flowerbomb.


My go-to fragrance has been Viktor & Rolf's Flowerbomb for years now.  Probably for the last 7 years.  Wow- ha, I didn't realize it had really been that many years!  It smells like a flowery bakery and the bottle is shaped like a grenade (super awesome):

Anyway, I'm in a different place in my life now and I want to change it up.  There are so many different fragrances out there and making the choice to commit to another fragrance for another handful of years is really overwhelming.

When you walk through a department store, the fragrance people are always up in your face tossing up samples and you're never really sure what it is that you're smelling or what it's going to smell like on you.  And I don't know how much time I want to spend "trying on" perfumes, but there are definitely a few fragrances that I've had in the consideration set for a while, so maybe here's where I'll start:

Bond No. 9 makes luxurious fragrances that are complicated yet subtle.  The one that I have found most tantalizing is Bond No. 9 Saks.  It smells like a huge bouquet of gardenias which reminds me of a bush of gardenias that I had in front of my house growing up.

I remember smelling this fragrance only twice ever- once in a Saks and once in a Cusp, but Creed Spring Flower is amazing.  It's not too heavy and not too citrus-y.

Miss Dior Cherie is one that discovered in a magazine!  The fragrance was also light and not overpowering, but more like a burst of sunlight in the morning when it's cold outside.  Crisp, but not smelling like apples.

Do any of you dabble in these fragrances?  If so, what's your opinion?  Do you have a favorite that I should consider??  Lead me to the path of fragrance nirvana!!

Obsess: These Dainty, Strappy Heels

Was there a winter in NY this year?  I kind of don't think so...it's been unseasonably warm for days and days in a row now and I'm starting to think that Winter decided to spare us this year...which is great because I've been DYING to get my feet into some dainty, strappy heels!

The past few springs and summers, I've seen a lot of chunky heels and thick straps and I'm over it.  I want something delicate and chic this year.  I want geometric patterns and fluoros!  Give me that!  Well, I think these strappy chausseures (en francais- les shoes) get me a little closer to what I want.

So, it all started when I spotted this image on tumblr (here's my tumblr...just FYI):

The ones in the image above are by Tony Bianco- an Australian shoe designer that has yet to land in the US and does NOT deliver outside of Autralia and New Zealand.  AHHH!  Please come here and bring these Karissa heels with you.  That is all.  Thank you.  Anyway, not to fear- here are a ton of options out there for strappies lovers like myself. 

Since we in the US aren't fortunate enough to have access to those perfectly demure strappies, we'll have to settle for these.  And by settle, I mean obsess over, in hopes that they land in our closets by some crazy act of unicorn magic.

However, if you don't believe in unicorn magic (there are some skeptics), these aren't totally out of price range...DARE I say they're affordable?  No, that's not the right word at all...but, eh, you know what I mean.  Anyway, to the shoes!

While these aren't totally what I meant when I was talking about strappy heels, these are definitely still ones that I think fit the bill.  Also, they are laced around the edges with what's that I see?  FLUORO.  Yes.  Instantly going gaga for these Christopher Kane heels.

Pierre Hardy was the first time I ever committed to a strappy heeled sandal.   It was the Summer 2011 Collection (I remember it like it was yesterday...) and as soon as I put them on, I knew they were going to have a permanent home in my home.  These crystallized Pierre Hardy Heels are a step up from what I bought that summer and I'm in love all over again.  Put me in these and leather shift dress and I'm good to go.

I know we're Obsesing, but I just had to post these Ogle-ables- and by these, I mean, THESE Giuseppe Zanotti Heels.  Ahh, the dreamboat of the strappies.  Every strappy wants to be like THESE.   **faints**

Do you have some strappies that I didn't see while scouring my favorite sites for shoes?  Let me know!  Why?

1) I love to discover new shopping sites and really, new things in general.  I recently discovered Trendland.net which is awesome.  Check it out!

2) By no stretch of the imagination do I know all the best and coolest online stores.  I'm trying to build up my arsenal so that when that BFF of mine asks me where to buy a white fluffy, bedazlled skirt made from unrefined alpaca wool, I'll somehow know where to send her/him (hey, I don't discriminate).

Voila!  Merci!  And a good day to you.