Brocade

I’m loving the rich yet edgy look of brocade that I’ve seen lately, everywhere from Balmain to H&M, on Clemence Poesy and in October’s Marie Claire.  And I’m not the only one.  According to Who What Wear, this "glitzy trend" owes its glory "to a number of intriguing sartorial influences." 

"At Balmain, Christophe Decarnin embraced formerly stuffy brocades and jacquards that would typically feel at home in a room at Versailles and infused them with renewed joie de vivre… The high-voltage look not only radiates a dangerously provocative sex appeal, but it is also texturally stunning and complex. The same electrifying use of mixed materials was also favored at Roberto Cavalli…” – Who What Wear

Marie Claire October 2010 via Fashion Gone Rogue

Roberto Cavalli, Rochas

Isabel Marant, Balmain

Made in Minnesota

This past weekend, while out shopping with my little sister in St. Paul, I had the pleasure of visiting an eclectic woman's boutique named A. Michele.  Filled with fun and fashionable clothing, beautiful accessories, and funky decor, I was instantly impressed with the Minnesota store.  I've always considered my little sister to be the most fashionable in our family, so I was not at all surprised this is one of her favorite local stores. 

Though my sister's taste is more hippie chic compared to my "city classic" style, there is something for everyone at A. Michele.  I especially loved the necklaces made by local designer Tracy Bennett.  Her line, Scout Vintage, is made entirely of recycled, vintage materials that she re-fashions into beautiful, edgy creations.

If you are ever in St. Paul, stop by A. Michele and check out their wonderful shopping selections, including Scout Vintage!

A. Michele
1591 Selby Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104
651.917.6966

Cozy Up in Chunky Sweaters

This season, winter climes call for comfy knits, terrific tweeds, and rugged shearlings. Cozy up in chunky sweaters a la the November 2010 Harper's Bazaar.

Harper's Bazaar Nov. 2010, via Fashion Gone Rogue

Vince, Dex

Line Knit, Juicy Couture

Getting Ready for NYC

It's been a few days since I posted, as I spent the weekend in Omaha, Nebraska for a college friend's wedding and in St. Paul, Minnesota visiting my little sister.  I'll have a post up in a couple days on the great boutiques my sister shared with me, but for now, I'm happy to be back in DC and am gearing up for the fashion:district event on Thursday and NYC on Friday for my 25th birthday!

Image via the Always Gentleman

Image via the Always Gentleman

Image via Darling Heart

H&M

Theory

Sequin Dressing

"Glitzy sequins give a glamorous edge to day looks, eveningwear and accessories. Whether you’re headed to a weekend in Vegas or just painting the local town red, these sequin pieces are sure to make any outfit sparkle." - Elle.com

Elle November 2010

Blake Lively, Street Style, Nicole Richie

Alice + Olivia, Vince, Issa

You're Invited: fashion:district

 
Marta and I will be at this event, toasting to my 25th birthday at midnight!

Pumpkin Inspired

This past weekend, I joined a group of friends to carve Halloween pumpkins, drink champagne and enjoy a beautiful fall day (see mine below).  It's a tradition that has always been one of my favorites - I've carved a Halloween pumpkin every year for as long as I can remember.  Back then, of course, there was no champagne.  Instead, my parents would cover our table with newspaper, give us a marker to draw our design, and help us cut out messy pumpkin faces with kitchen knives.  I still refuse to use fancy stencils or tools, but in case you pride yourself on a perfect pumpkin, here are some Martha Stewart approved tips.

Image via Enjoy Yourself

From left, Max & Chloe Ring, Halston Dress

Image via Patterson Maker, and MY pumpkin!

For orange-colored clothing from the Spring 2011 runways, see one of my favorite previous posts: Orange Crush.

Tied Up

Sometimes, I swear, a simple scarf can pull an entire outfit together.

"An arsenal of attention-worthy accents will make an easy job of livening up my everyday wool coat and practical UGG boots." - Amie, Shopbop

Image via RDuJour, Scarf available at Anthropologie

Scarf available at White and Warren, Image via Peace Love Sarcasm

Here are some more options from Fab Sugar.

Bright Pink Thank You

I just wanted to quickly thank everyone who turned out for and helped with last week's Bright Pink event.  The fundraiser was a great success and it was wonderful to get the word out about the work Bright Pink is doing to support women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.  I was truly touched by everyone involved and feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Photography by Cliffords Photography.  More photos from the event available here.
Cupcakes by Hey Love.

Monday Magic

"And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." - Roald Dahl

Photos from the Sept. 2010 Latin America Vogue, via Dustjacket Attic.

Birthday Wish

From left, Emilio Pucci, Image via Seaside Love

What's the next best thing to running off to Paris in a gorgeous gown for your birthday?  Stealing away to NYC with your best friends.  Time to find a dress.

From left, Halston Heritage, Pencey

Lady In Red

“Various trends consistently emerge out of  any given fashion week, but when it’s based around a specific color—and one as bold as scarlet red—it’s  like there’s something in the air.  Designers as diverse as Ricardo Tisci at Givenchy and Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli at Valentino to the minds behind Margiela exhibited bold red outfits, mostly monochromatic, that made you step back and say ‘Wow, what a statement.’

“…Maybe they knew this season’s lady wanted to stand out amongst the sea of last season’s neutral palette. Or maybe it’s about that move back toward a timeless look– because nothing’s more classic than a lady in red.” – Elle.com

Image via Dustjacket Attic

Claudia Schiffer, in YSL, Elizabeth Hurley, in Badgley Mischka, and January Jones, in Valentino

Image via StyleBakery.com

From left, BB Dakota, Herve Leger, Diane von Furstenberg

Unexpected Pairing

"Sometimes the best part about fashion is pairing unexpected styles together." - Shop It To Me

For more leopard, read previous posts: Loving Leopard and Leopard Again

Window Shopping: Asos

Asos recently launched their e-commerce site for the US - which means online shopping just got that much more fun.  Fab Sugar posted their favorite pieces, and after a few hours of browsing, I've come up with mine.  This could be trouble.



Faux Fur Leopard Coat, Heeled Shoe Boot

Suede Court Shoes, Wool Peg Pant

Chino Pants, Slouch Pocket Pants