Make Your Marc

Just some bright and punchy Marc by Marc Jacobs pieces from the Net-A-Porter sale.

Fiona faille dress, $180


Peep toe pump, $261


Flap patent clutch, $108

The Fashion Meester

While many choose to focus on Blake Lively, I often find myself attracted to Leighton Meester's fashion choices. Recently, like Blake's they've taken somewhat of a negative turn, so I'm going to try my best to play stylist for Leighton and get her on the right track.

The theme for tonight is gold and black. My inspiration for this outfit and the center of it is this drop dead gorgeous Vera Wang top. Doesn't it look like it could be a Grecian sculpture or something? While I've usually equated Vera Wang with more classic styles, this piece is an example of how something can be both classic and fashionable.


I would pair this with a totally plain high-waisted black skirt. Unlike usual fashionistas, I wouldn't have Leighton tuck in this shirt, because that would completely ruin the structural way the fabric is draped. The reason I'd have her wear a high-waisted skirt is to make sure that the outfit looks almost like a dress. The left side (right to us looking at it) of the top is relatively high, so a high waisted skirt would ensure that no skin is shown.


As for shoes, I would deviate away from the traditional uberfierce-studded-huge platform-strappy-intense shoes and go for these gold studded Pedro Garcia pumps. The studs add some edge and make the shoe not a typical Louboutin (not that there's anything wrong with that, we just want something with more pizazz). But, the shoe isn't over-the-top, which directs all attention to the beautiful shirt.


I would then add this Bottega Veneta clutch in black. It's black, so it doesn't really draw much attention, but it's still unbelievably classy. The textured fabric keeps it interesting and deviates from a typical black clutch, but the gold clasp and black colour make it sync with the outfit.


As for jewelry, I'd go for a statement ring on one hand and a gold cuff on the other. Simple and stylish, but not too gaudy.



This Net-A-Porter styling shot is pretty similar to what I've got, so it will give you a vague idea of what the outfit would look like as a whole. Ironically, I picked out that clutch before I saw the picture (honest!), but the picture makes me love that choice even more. Just keep in mind that the shoes I picked are really different!

A Lively Return

Many people have noticed Blake Lively's "I'm too hot to care" attitude towards sartorial matters. I have, and while I don't blame her for trying to carry off the "effortless" look, I think that it would benefit her as well as those who admire her if she tried to be a tad bit more fashion forward with her ensembles. I am in no way degrading her current look, and I think she looks gorgeous as is. However, if I were Blake's stylist...

First, I'd ease slowly into the prospects of fashion forward design. Blake usually goes with no-mess styles, so I wouldn't try to pull anything crazy. She seems to enjoy the neutral palette, just like myself, so I'd start her off with an outfit that echoes that set of hues.

First, this simple tiered/pleated skirt from Bamford is reminiscent of the bandage-style outfits that have become so popular lately. This is something that Blake would probably wear right now, with a plain top and some heels.


I'd pair it with this Celine top, whose structural details are right on trend. The top itself would be very flattering, as well as moving Blake in a fashion-forward direction.


I'd then go with a killer pair of heels, like these Emanuel Ungaro whoppers. They're not in a crazy colour, but the strappy detail would draw attention to Blake's gorgeous set of gams. It's great because she's one of the few people who could pull off such a crazy and high-strapped set of shoes.


Finally, I'd top it off with a jewel coloured clutch. The petal detail is slightly reminiscent of the flowy wave details on the grey top. Plus, the purple tone adds a punch of colour without becoming the focus on the outfit.


What do you guys think? Too dull? Not Blake's type?

Two Ends of the Spectrum

So these two ideas (in one post) are totally unrelated, but I didn't feel like each item merited its own post, so here you go!

First, with all the buzz about the Teen Choice Awards, I've always wondered about the style of really young girls. Now I know we're not supposed to be encouraging people of a young age to get too involved in Hollywood, but with people like Dakota Fanning taking over many young roles, it's time to look at her fashion statements too. I always feel bad when people critique Dakota's fashion. First of all she's probably using a stylist, and second of all it's pretty hard to make style statements when you're that young. So Dakota, if you're listening...here's a dress idea for you:

Fendi Tulle Tunic Dress, $865

It's covered up enough to be appropriate for your age, and yet it still has little details that make it stand out.

This dress was from Net-A-Porter, so we're going to whiz through the fashion price spectrum and head over to Twelve by Twelve, where I spotted the short-sleeved sweater of my dreams. It's got enough character that it's not just a typical sweater, it's in a neutral colour, it has belt details (which I have been all over lately), and...it's $29.00! In Chicago this huge new Forever 21 opened on the Magnificent Mile (I'm not sure whether Forever 21 should really be on the Magnificent Mile, but I will admit I've been to the store -- I usually remedy my worries by only shopping the Twelve by Twelve section), and they stock Twelve by Twelve pieces, so I'm definitely going to give it a try there. My only worry is that it's too sheer, but I suppose I could always wear a black slip underneath.


Unfortunately, this piece of clothing isn't quite as Dakota Fanning-friendly.

Fanciful Footwear from Net-A-Porter

When I buy designer shoes, I always try to go for shoes that stand out and that require a second glance, but at the same time go with many things and will not go out of style in the next two hours. So, if you guys are looking for some footwear of your own that satisfies these criteria I'd suggest you take a look at the Net-A-Porter shoe sales. It might be out of a lot of peoples' budgets, and a lot of shoes are only available in one or two sizes, but the "thrill of the hunt" is a lot of fun for me...and so very rewarding when I find a pair of lovely designer shoes to adorn my feet.

I know Juicy Couture doesn't really qualify as "designer," but they've come out with some pretty cute things lately. Usually, if you go for things like shift dresses and stay away from things that...are made of velour, you should be okay. These lovely little bow flats go with lots of things, and they're pretty and girly enough to be worn in spring. Plus, they're on sale for $105.


I am in absolute love with these Burberry flats -- the colour is gorgeous, the stud details are cool without being crazy, and it's on sale! Too bad most of the world agreed, since these are only available in sizes 9.5 and 10. But if you happen to be one of those sized I would go straight over to Net-A-Porter and snap these lovelies up, because it's a piece of Burberry for only $197.50.


This pair of shoes highlights what I said earlier about a pair of designer shoes that is wearable and not too crazy, but still merits a second look. These Miu Miu heels might not be that wearable, but come on...they're gorgeous. And they're only $197.50! What more could you ask for.


These pink Fendi flats are kind of like a more subtle Tory Burch flat. I'm not going to lie, I don't mind a little bit of labeling as long as it's not over the top. I like these because they have a little Fendi logo that's visible, but they're also a lovely pair of pink flats that would add some instant spring into a beige-y wardrobe like mine. They're a little bit pricier, at $220.50, but still not bad for Fendi.


Finally, I'm sure you all have seen these Marc by Marc Jacobs mouse flats somewhere, but I'm featuring them anyway. Why? Well, because these flats are the epitome of what I said earlier about what I look for in a pair of designer shoes. They're flats in grey and black, so that makes them very wearable. They're Marc by Marc Jacobs, which is the holy grail of cute flats. And, the adorable mouse detailing isn't crazy but it definitely merits a second glance. And yeah, I guess $227.50 isn't that momentous a sale, but if you're into cute flats these shoes could very well be worth it.

Jewels on Sale

Something that I try to do when I'm keeping my budget steady (usually at the end of a month) is only spending a limited amount on accessories. During a time when I'm trying to be really tight with money (and I don't have the self-control to save up for things I really want) I'll look through everything in my wardrobe and try to rework it, and then think up of things that could make outfits different. One of the ways I like to satisfy my hunger for retail therapy without breaking the bank is a nice piece of jewelry. It's best not to be too matchy-matchy with jewelry, which makes it all the better because I can use my new...say, blue necklace with my green top, my pink skirt, my yellow scarf, and everything in between. Remember those Etsy earrings I posted about? I expected to be using the silver ones almost 24/7, because they matched my silver heart necklace that I wear every day, but instead the silver ones have hardly been used and I find myself reaching for the pink and red ones all the time. So anyway, in honor of my love of jewelry, here are a few discount jewelry finds for you to spice up your own wardrobe.

If you're into the chain trend, Bluefly has a couple of pieces that will help bring the look into your wardrobe. My personal favourite out of these pieces is the black chain bracelet, just because it's practical and wearable but it still adds a little bit of edge to ordinarily girly outfits.

First, there's a simple gold chain necklace that's fairly chunky but can be worn with a cardigan or a simple tank top for maximum impact. It's from A. V. Max and on sale for $36.00.


As I mentioned before, there's a black chain bracelet (which was really in a little while back -- I want to say Nicole Richie wore something like it but I really don't remember). I also put up the white chain version, though for some reason the black one is more "edgy" to me and the white one is borderline tacky. But don't let that deter you -- I'm a firm believer in "to each his own."



Remember the whole trend of kitschy watch necklaces? It was all started by the Marc Jacobs fruit watch pendants, which are on sale at Net-A-Porter for $90. So if you don't really care much about trends coming in and out, and you need a new watch, this isn't a bad choice. Yeah, $90 is a bit high for a watch, but it is Marc Jacobs and it is fun and funky without being over-the-top.