Elyse's Elaborate Jewels

Oh how I love finding "hidden gems" among jewelery designers.... although, my latest find is not-so-hidden as she is now blooming right among the buzz of stand-out jewelry designers stemming from the sweet city of Chicago. Allow me to introduce the creative & oh-so talented jewelry designer Elyse Vieni. While we have not yet met in person, we have exchanged quite a few of emails and she is just as lovely as the jewels she creates! Once you see her designs, you will be as shocked as I was to hear that she is  self-taught... umm, can I please discover some kind of crazy-good hidden talent I have?! When I asked Elyse to tell me a bit about her self and her unique designs, she provided the following (totally inspiring) tid bit about how she was discovered: " I was in NYC and I knocked on the door of the wardrobe stylist’s trailer from Ugly Betty, where they were filming the last three episodes of the show. And I literally held up my best pieces of jewelry and asked them if they would let me in to give me a chance to show them my work.  The next thing I knew they featured 8 pieces of my jewelry on the last 3 episodes of Ugly Betty. The following day Patricia Field’s emailed me and informed me that she had styled America Ferrera in one of my bracelets for her movie premier of “Our Family Wedding”.
..... the result of sheer determination and confidence in one's work.... love this. On that note, behold Elyse's wonderful designs that will leave you wanting your very. own. piece....

 How amazing are each and every one of these pieces?!! Elyse also has a selection of simpler, delicate  pieces of which I opted to purchase (eh hem, for starters...)

TO PURCHASE ELYSE'S DESIGNS, VISIT HER WEBSITE: http://www.elysemarievieni.com/

ps happy leap day! xxo- A-





Trend #3: Fancy Pants

After a weeklong hiatus (an ironically busy week seeing as I was on winter break....thank you Summit) I am back in full force, ready to report The Neiman Marcus List yet again.  For trend #3, I am elated to share with you my favorite "fancy pants" from around the fashion world...

Fancy Pants (as defined by NM): Colors and patterns are a hit below the belt

Now this is a trend I can sink my teeth (or feet??) into.  I feel that a good stand-out pair of trousers, skinnies, etc. go a long way and can give any outfit that coveted WOW factor.  I am so loving the bold spectrum (from pastels to candy hues) and array of prints (tribal, floral, polka-dot and the ever-popular stripe).  I, myself, own several pair of fancy pants: Rachel Rachel Roy bird print drawstrings (see collage below), kelly green skinny trousers (a la J. Crew), and even the newly resurfaced silk pajama pant.  I have to say, they have completed some of my proudest style moments...

Because these pieces create so much noise on bottom, it's important to stick with basics on top.  Think leather jackets, structured blazers, simple white/black Ts, (as always) silk camis, or even try the ever-elegant kimono-sleeve jacket.  And, for bonus points: never forget that statement necklaces, sky-high stilettos, and giant clutches can carry you that extra mile.  Below are some of my top picks....

$1-$200

Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Palm Tree Cottom Fleece Track Pants, Zoe Karssen, $180, net-a-porter.com; Tree Print Wide Leg Trousers, Topshop, $90; Printed Trousers, Lucca Couture, $64, piperlime.com; Wyndell Striped Shorts, Theory, $200; Bergdorf Goodman; Classic Chino in yellow, Topshop, $59; Printed Trousers, Zara, $80; Vegan Faux Leather Skinny Pants, Blank Denim, $88, piperlime; Crochet Shorts, Zara, $50; Wide Leg Printed Pants, Hive & Honey, $49, piperlime; Silky Print Trousers, Silence & Noise, $59, Urban Outfitters; Bird Print Skinny Drawstring Pants, Rachel Rachel Roy, $99, Macy's; Geek Peg Leg Pants in red, Kasil, $118, piperlime; Graphic Print Leggings, Staring at Stars, $39, Urban Outfitters; Cotton Nico Shorts, Kate Spade New York, $198, Saks

Favorite: Rachel Rachel Roy Bird Pants- I am proud to say that I recently purchased these lovely, whimsical trousers and not only are they ultra-comfy, they are unbelievably cute to boot.  Bird-print anything just kills me...

$201-$400

L to R, T to B: Hair Printed Cotton-Voile Harem Pants, Etoile Isabel Marant, $340, net-a-porter.com; Tribal Pants, Clover Canyon, $202, Nordstrom; Printed Wide Leg Pants, Alice & Olivia, $297, Saks; Polka-Dot Cropped Trouser, Robert Rodriguez, $295, Saks; Cheetah Cotton Stretch Sateen Shorts, Tibi, $230, piperlime; Essential Silk Pant in pink, Tibi, $334, piperlime; Evelyn Trousers, Elizabeth and James, $365, shopbop.com; Silk Tapered Pants, Tucker, $320, net-a-porter; Baby Ruthie Flower Pants, Marc by Marc Jabobs, $298, piperlime; Jeanie Pants, Heidi Merrick, $325, shopbop; Dickie Pants in red, Milly, $235, piperlime; Evelyn Trouser, Elizabeth and James, $365, piperlime; Tapered Silk-Satin Pants, Girl. By Band of Outsiders (unbelievable designer, keep your eyes peeled for more!!!), $275, net-a-porter; Floral Silk Wide Leg Pants, Charlotte Ronson, $225, shopbop

Favorites: Marc by MJ Baby Ruthie Pants and Tucker Silk Tapered Pants

$401+

L to R, T to B: Tuck Front Pants (yellow), Willow, $495, shopbop; Pleated Wide Leg Trouser, Doo.Ri, $1,025, shopbop;  Fidji Washed Georgette Drawstring Pants, Isabel Marant, $655, net-a-porter; Cameo Pant, Tibi, $525, Bergdorf Goodman; Floral Print Pants, Gucci, $695, Saks; Tribal Print Crop Pants, Donna Karan, $995, shopbop; Cotton Gabardine Rio Print Pants, Pucci, $795, Saks; Mosaic Lace Shorts, Behnaz Sarafpour, $795, Saks; Silk Shorts, Zero + Maria Cornjejo, $495, Saks; Trial Low Waist Flare Pant, DSQUARED2, $795, shopbop; Barton Silk-Crepe Flared Pants (orange), Ralph Lauren Collection, $1,700, net-a-porter; Cropped Cotton Silk Pants, Thakoon, $990, Saks; Snake Print Silk-Satin Pants, Roberto Cavalli, $1,045, net-a-porter; Pointelle Wave Pants, M Missoni, $495, shopbop; Eli Skinny Crop Leather Pants, Rachel Zoe, $895, shopbop

Favorite: Isabel Marant Drawstring Pants (love the bright pink with the off-white silk jacket) and Rachel Zoe skinny leather pants (a perfect transition piece to get ready for spring)

Enjoy!

M

roll it out

.... let's go ahead and recap the red carpet looks from last night, shall we? I personally find the Oscar's to be a bit boring at times, however, the fashion beautifulness that strolls down that bright red carpet is enough to tune me in. It seemed to me that the colors that flashed in front of the cameras were on constant  repeat: red, black, nude red, black, nude, ....annnd repeat. Let me begin by saying who I was not a fan of: Angelina, oh Angelina: I could not handle the awkward way in which she kept protruding her right leg out through her thigh-high slit. While I am actually a huge fan of slits, their crazy-cool effect lies within the unintentional and unpredictable reveal of the slit- for example: a gust of wind or step forward may do just the trick to reveal a surprise hint of edgy to a long black maxi skirt. She was clearly wanting everyone in the world to notice her right leg all. night. long. I'm not a fan of Ang in case you couldn't sense that by now. Before I mention my next not-so-fav look, keep in mind, "I still really like her as a person..." Emma Stone: I am sure there were a few gasps right then. I didn't necessarily dislike her look. but I didn't love it as much as everyone else seemed to. I am just not a fan of bows- and that Giambattista Valli Haute Couture number took bows to the utmost extreme. Still adore her though. And let's go ahead and address the obvious: Jlo- the dress was gorg (as everything she puts on is) yet predictable for her...BUT seriously, I know I wasn't the only one (as enthusiastically confirmed by the males viewing the show with me) to notice her total wardrobe malfunction. There are OODLES of products out there to prevent such a "slip"....

Sooo, who left me seriously swooning over their looks?? 
Allow me introduce you to my  fashion fairy tale.....

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen; Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture; Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford.

My two favorites from the night were revealed at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party:

Diane Kruger in Calvin Klein

Kate Bosworth in Prabal Gurung WON.MY.HEART.

 **Moral of this fashion tale: Always go with Prabal Gurung. **

THE END.

Two Old Hippies

First of all....how insanely cool is the name of this store? I didn't even need to think of a witty post title, they nailed that beautifully. Let me welcome you to what I so boldly refer to as one of the coolest stores I have ever entered. Located in the Gulch area of Nashville, this store is pretty new (opened in September) and a must-visit while in the city. The unreal decor and clothing/jewelry displays alone are cool enough to make the trip to the store. Upon entering the doorway, it was love at first sight. M was there- she felt the love radiating from me- and knew it was a total "me" store. Two Old Hippies brings a new refined meaning to the term "boho-chic." They bring this term alive to per-fec-shun.  I get goosebumps just thinking about it- can you tell now that I was indeed in love?! I scored a handful of awesome rings-one made from guitar strings (amaze) and two new purses- one a small white studded  shoulder bag and the other, a ridiculously cool dark green leather fringe shoulder bag with a chain strap (this will be all over my future outfit posts, I'm sure of it).  As a bonus, the leather purse was totally reasonable, enough said.  Aside from the completely rad (this word was definitely necessary) selection of clothing (Lauren Moshi), jewelry, and accessories this store has to offer, they also double up as a guitar store....oh, and did I mention there's a full-on stage in the back where they bring in performers, AND serve cocktails??!! Umm, yeah, so I was saying....R-A-D. Don't believe me? See for yourself below. Or better yet, head to Nashville and get the real-deal experience. It's totally worth it, and Nash is pretty cool to visit while you're there ;) Happy Friday and hello weekend. xx-A-

ps. Nashville not on your future destination list? Buy some of the goods on their site: http://www.twooldhippies.com/

rock & rollin'

Hopefully this post meets you with a great big beauuutiful grin- as that's how I am usually feeling on Thursdays. Just one.more.day....until Friday, whew! Somehow these short weeks end up feeling longer than normal weeks, and I am not quite sure why. Anywho, as promised, I have two more posts to share from my trip to Nashville last weekend (sigh, wish I was there...although, I am looking quite forward to a weekend in OTR). Two new  super hot spots to check out and that makes me just as excited as visiting a different city, for reals. Instead of rambling and jambling along (as I could honestly do for quite some time), I am going to share my mini collages displaying my outfits-of-the-day(well, night) while in Nash. Hope y'all enjoy!!! (I just had to do that) xxxox-A-

ps. how hard did Mere's post rock yesterday? Wait till you see her outfit from Sat night....bam.

top & tights: (from) /Urban Outfitters/;  mini skirt and bandeau: /American Apparel/

 wrist full o' rowdiness: /dannijo/, /bijouterie/, /yurman/, /wanderlust+co/

A   dress:/American Apparel/; circle scarf: /American Apparel/; tights: /Urban Outfitters/, shoes: /Vince Camuto/;

       mini white purse: /Two Old Hippies/;  headband (ADORE) /Two Old Hippies/

** headband was sold as a wrap bracelet- totally worked as boho-chic headband- I advice giving this a try!

 M   jacket: /Winter Kate/; tank: /Helmut Lang/; faux leather leggings: /American Apparel/;

       shoes: /Christian  Louboutin; clutch: /Foley and Corinna/, necklace: /Two Old Hippies/

 



Trend #2: Tickled...

...Pink!

I will be the first to admit that pink, light or bright, has never been my favorite color, especially when it comes to my wardrobe.  Sporadically, it will find its way in in the form of bubble gum colored Manolo Blahnik stilettos, a Sachin + Babi silk necklace, or an Anglomania fuschia t-shirt dress.  However, this is pretty much where it begins and ends.

Whatever  my personal distaste for the color, I must acknowledge the fact that, right now, pink is literally everywhere!  Whether on the Neiman Marcus List or all across the catwalk, I cannot escape it.  Even on my recent (and thoroughly enjoyable) trip to Nashville, it covered the racks and shelves of countless stores: Nordstrom, Anthrolpologie, BCBG, and all of my favorite local boutiques.  Thus, I must remember the old, cliched saying "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em."

After combing the racks and surfing the fashion net, I have come across some truly amazing pink pieces.  I have to say, I'm not disappointed with the selection, and am chomping at the bit to get my hands on a few of those elegantly conspicuous, Dayglo fuschia items.  And as routine goes, I have attached pictures, price points, and shopping destinations for some of my very favorites.

So, at the end of the day I think I'll join 'em....and who knows, maybe the next time you see me I'll be doused in color!

Neiman Marcus: "Pinks: We're tickled by their return."

Pink $1-$200

Top to Bottom, Lft to Rt: Stiletto Skinny Jeans, Current/Elliott, $174, shopbop.com; Novato Slingback, Sam Edelman, $100, Piperlime; Plastic Aviators, Marc by MJ, $98, Piperlime; Nova Cocoon Mini Dress, Riller & Fount, $154, shopbop; Trudeau Wedge Sandals, Jeffrey Campbell, $115, shopbop; Peter Pan Blouse, Pim+Larkin, $59, Piperlime; Agate Solid Cuff, Charles Albert, $180, shopbop; Draped Pleated Skirt, 3 Dots, $132, shopbop; Italian Leather Skinny Belt, J. Crew, $40; Susu Bag, Wayuu Taya Foundation, $175, shopbop; Brigitte Oversized Lipstick Sweater, Wildfox Couture, $108, Saks; Turn Lock Leather Cuff, Marc by MJ, $88, Saks; Curve Hem Tank, Topshop, $20; Retro-Inspired Full Rim Sunglasses in Fuschia, Karen Walker, $180, Saks; Racer Back Cami (I own 2 in off-white and LOVE THEM), Tibi, $158, shopbop/Saks; Archer Sandal, DV by Dolce Vita, $69, Piperlime; Pretty Woman Dot iPad Sleeve, Kate Spade, $50, katespade.com; Monochrome Watch in Pink, Toy Watch, $195, Saks; Boyfriend Blazer, Silence & Noise, $78, Urban Outfitters

Favorite(s): Jeffrey Campbell Wedge- Perfect with white skinnies or linen dress!  And, the short heel means that you can go the distance (at least further than in those 5" guys that I love so dearly)

Karen Walker Retro Sunglasses- These are too perfect for a trip to the beach...love the vintage vibe

Pink $201-$500

Top to bottom, lft to rt: Sanford Dress, KAIN, $225, shopbop; Florence Top Handle Bag, Kate Spade, $448, Saks; Magenta Draped Hammered Satin Dress, Acne, $280, net-a-porter.com; Organza Car Coat,  Robert Rodriguez, $495, shopbop; Becky Silk Jacket, Rebecca Minkoff, $348, Piperlime; Fredrique Snake-Print Leather Pumps, B by Brian Atwood, $326, Saks; To the Limit Top, Camilla and Marc, $390, shopbop; Neon Mini Harper Bag, DVF, $295, dvf.com;  Leather Neon Clutch, Christopher Kane, $530 (OOPS AGAIN!); Stingray Print Patent Leather Ballet Flat, Ferragamo, $450, Saks; Pleated Pants, Jenni Kayne, $375, shopbop; Shina Sleeveless Dress, DVF, $385, dvf.com/shopbop; The Blouse, Tucker, $294, shopbop

Favorite(s): KAIN Sanford Dress- My favorite shade of pink...would be insane with a leather jacket and super-high booties

Pink $501 +

Top to bottom, lft to rt: Hutchinson Blazer, Preen, $1,700, shopbop; No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Sequins, J. Crew, $695; Snake Effect Leather Brogues, Miu Miu, $510, Bergdorf Goodman; Menage a Trois Trench, DSQUARED2, $1,190, shopbop; Dropped-waist Crepe Dress, Miu Miu, $1,650, net-a-porter.com; Overlap Dress, Jenni Kayne, $650, shopbop; Tamara One-Shoulder Gown, Robert Rodriguez, $895, shopbop; Two Tone Twill Blazer (and pants), Pucci, $1,990, net-a-porter.com; Lace Bow Silk Top, Miu Miu, $590, net-a-porter; Cashmere Open-Back Dress, Ralph Lauren Black Label, $798, Saks; Paraty Medium Leather Tote, Chloe, 1,895, Saks

Favorite(s): Miu Miu Snake Brogues- These are just unbelievable!  Try them with black cigarette pants and a simple boyfriend white blouse.  Make sure to add a feminine accessory to balance the menswear style!

Enjoy!
M

city breakout-- Nash love

Just arrived home today from a  most l o v e l y  weekend in one of my favorite cities- Nashville, I heart you so much. The boy and I headed down there Friday afternoon and spent the long weekend enjoying fabulous food, great company, ah-mazing shopping, delish cocktails, and of course, got a nice dose of some good ol' authentic country music.  As a wonderful bonus to the weekend, I was able to spend some time with my co-bloggin' gal and her man on Saturday- shopping happened (of course) as well as a fun lil' double dinner date. All in all, the weekend was filled with much needed fun & relaxation. This week's posts will cover Nashville happenings from outfit posts to my-new-most-favorite-store-in the- entire- world (M & I completely stumbled upon this marvelous new spot, and I was instantly filled with COMPLETE bliss). Here's a sneak peek of what's to come on the blog in the (short-yes!) week ahead. Check back in with us, fun things to be shared! xx -A-

red {hot} pop

My favorite way to instantly accessorize in a crazy-good way is to add a bright pop of color on your lips. All it takes is (literally) two swipes, a splash of audacity and voila...your look has just acquired an eye-catching element. Those who know me are fully aware of my obsession and thus continual committment to this cosmetic trend. I am rarely (never) spotted out and about on the weekend without a ridiculously bright lip shade....during the work week is a different story. Since I began sporting this look via bright bright red shades, I have realized that it becomes quite difficult to "move on" to another shade...(committment issues/overly committed)... and to go lighter or (GASP) nude... just ain't happenin' here. I tried pink last weekend- happened to lose the new lipstick the night I bought it- and have decided, it was simply not meant to be. If bold lips is just not your thing, I am a huge fan of what a pop of red (& each and every bold color)  anywhere in the head-to-toe look can do- glorious wonders, that's what. It's really quite magical. xx -A-

My go-to for INSTA-GLAM...
        CHANEL: {Rouge Allure & Coco colors} EXCESSIVE, LOVER, & CAMBON
        LAURA MERCIER: SUNRISE

TOP ROW: NYFW FALL 2012 models sporting the red hot lip.
BOTTOM ROW:Yves Saint Laurent /Neiman Marcus/, Reed Krakoff  /Saks/,
Christian Louboutin /Neiman Marcus/,  Marc Jacobs /Saks/ 

The LIST

Yes ladies, it's about that time: one of the most EXCITING and HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED (can't you see my enthusiasm manifested in the caps??) pieces of mail a fashion-freak can receive: the Neiman Marcus Book.  After paging through this season's sizable, and might I add, heavy piece of artistic inventory, I became inspired.  Tucked inside was "The List," a beautifully succinct catalogue of the heaviest-hitting trends for S/S 2012.  Cue the brain lightbulb...what a fabulous idea for a series of posts!

For the next month and a half or so (there are 9 trends, so I may double up), I would like to showcase each item on The List by taking a look at what's out there in the retail world.  As always, I will bring in a few pictures from my own collection (some of which will, of course, include pieces handed down to me from my impressively stylish mother).  Pricing, designer, and where to buy will also be included, so that my most dedicated followers ;) can have a go without much grunt work involved!

And now to the debut of The List, I would like to introduce......the ever-popular.....classically timeless (redundant? Eh...)....can-never-have-too-many......clutch.


"The Clutch: Get Your Hands on the Bag of Choice"



The clutch is one of my greatest fashion obsessions, an item that can give an otherwise simple or understated outfit that Wow! factor.  Although I have to say that some of my favorites are classic black patent, or a neutral camel or cognac leather, I also tend to gravitate to the ones that really stand out!  Think bold colors (i.e. jewel tones, candy hues, or day-glow), lots of sequins, and even punk-rock hardware.  If you're someone like me who tends to shy away from bright colors or conspicuous details when it comes to clothing, take a risk with your accessories.  And, start with a bold clutch!

Some favorites from my own wardrobe...

Hint: YSL Navy Patent Clutch at bottom left, $475, Comes in many colors and the price is right!

See Net-a-Porter.com: YSL Clutch

Now, let's take a look at what's out there in the retail world...

Clutch: $1-$200

Left to Right: Pink Folded Suede Clutch, Topshop ($64, also comes in blue); Harlow Metal-Plate Envelope Clutch, BCBG, bcbg.com ($128); Oversized Striped Clutch, Muze, Nordstrom ($148); Val Clutch, House of Harlow, shopbop.com ($195); Reversible Envelope Clutch, Trouve, Nordstrom ($138); Large Printed Clutch, Curatorial for Urban Renewal, Urban Outfitters ($24, more colors available); Lemon Meringue Pie Yellow Clutch, lulus.com ($37); Large Leather Carry-All Pouch, American Apparel ($56, every color you can think of available, also in suede); Medium Carry-All, American Apparel ($46, same colors); Embroidered Zipper Pouch, 12th Street by Cynthia Vincent, Nordstrom ($108); Maya Colorblock Clutch, Banana Republic ($90); Lilly Pleated Clutch, Danielle Nicole, Piperlime ($78); Hot Streak Clutch, Anthropologie ($148); Sardinia Basket Clutch, Felix Rey, shopbop.com (140)

Favorite: Large Printed Clutch from Urban Outfitters- Tribal is huge this year!  Pair this with a flowy dress and gladiator sandals!  

P.S. I own the Large Carry-all from American Apparel, and it's definitely worth it!  Try tying a silk scarf to the zipper to add some flair!

Clutch: $201-$500

Left to Right: Circle Leather Clutch, Jil Sander, net-a-porter.com ($360); Nixie Clutch, Be & D, shopbop ($248); Tonda Printed Haircalf Convertible Clutch, DVF, dvf.com ($495); New York Charm Travel Magazine Clutch, Kate Spade, Nordstrom ($298); Colorblock Leather Envelope, Chloe, net-a-porter.com ($450); Maryanne Wood Minaudiere, Nordstrom ($495); Diane Clutch, Theodora & Callum, shopbop ($398); The Clutch Sequined Bag, The Bag Snob for DKNY, net-a-porter ($265); Stella Faux Croc Skin Envelope Clutch, RAVEN raven kauffman couture, Saks ($450); 31 Minute Clutch, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saks ($450)

Favorite: 31 Minute Clutch by Phillip Lim- The perfect LBC (Little Black Clutch)

Clutch: $500 Plus

Left to Right: Valorie Glitter Clutch, Anya Hindmarch, shopbop ($550, more colors available); Pom Pom Embellished Suede Clutch, Matthew Williamson, net-a-porter ($1,325); Studded Intrecciato Leather Clutch, Bottega Veneta, Barney's ($1,780); Two-Tone Sequin Clutch, Miu Miu, net-a-porter ($995); Printed Satin De-Manta Clutch, A. McQueen, Saks ($525); Classic Skull Leopard Haircalf Clutch, McQueen, Saks ($1,450); Rossum Woven Leather Clutch, Anya Hindmarch, net-a-porter ($550); Woven Leather Flap Clutch, Burberry Prorsum, Saks ($1,295); YSL Large Denim Clutch, YSL, Saks ($695)

Favorite: Anya Hindmarch Glitter clutch-  Comes in other amazing, bold colors.  What a statement piece!  I love the idea of it with white skinnies and a silk cami.  Let this guy do the talking, please...

Enjoy!  And, happy shopping!!!

M

share.love.always.

Happy Valentines Day! I want to personally take this chance to thank anyone and everyone who has taken the time to view this blog. While this is only a few months old, the blog has become a pretty big piece of my life- lots of time, consideration, & true passion goes into each post! With that, this process has brought back a missing piece to me, which is my love for fashion, while reminding me of something I have forgotten how much I love, writing, and has introduced me to WONDERFUL new things as well. And for that I am grateful- and for all those who have encouraged me, I am even more grateful. I am so in love with my ridiculously amazing fiance, my beautiful friends, my loving family, and everyone that shows a bit of love by reading what I have to share! LOVE is a beautiful thing and should always, always be shared. xx-A-