Statement Pieces

I've been looking to add statement pieces into my jewelry box lately. I love bold pieces that you don't see every day. Over the summer I wandered into a few lovely shops in Richmond, VA and picked up my favorite necklace:

Also, just last week I purchased this new ring from Tiffany's. I love the size and texture of it, especially when its worn with more traditional pieces:

Jackets with an Edge

Punk is going to be big this spring. I am really liking the jackets from the Balmain spring collection. I love just love the studs and detailing. I'd opt to dress them down, with some J-brand black leggings and flats but the styling of the show was a lot of fun.

Photo Credit: Elle.com

Headbands

I blame Gossip Girl for the headband craze. They started simple and have escalated to crazy. I don't look twice at headbands that take over entire rooms anyway. But, I saw 2 unfortunate headbands on the Subway last weekend...

She looks like she has an extra set of ears. Metallic ones...

Just not my favorite.

Also, spotted in NYC: A butterfly clip. I couldn't help but smile about my previous post.

The Land of Dolce and Gabbana, Dishy Men and More Delicious Carbs Than I Should Ever Consume.

I was seriously procrastinating writing a piece for my current magazine gig so I decided to “research” all that was needed to prepare for my 5 month stay in Italy at the start of next year. Reading through visa information, descriptions of the supposed culture clash (even though I think I’ll do quite fine with delicious food and wine, art, and general wonderfulness that the country will throw my way) and then finally packing suggestions, even though I am nowhere close to that point I read through them anyway. Then, I stumbled across something seriously disturbing. And I quote:

“We recommend bringing only 2 pairs of shoes.”

…Um, WHAT?!

Now that is just ridiculous. Sending anyone to ITALY, the fashion Mecca, with 2 pairs of shoes is just terrible guidance. Even for those granola types, they’d need at least 2 pairs of TIVAS one for tromping around, one for back up, and some cold weather shoes (because I don’t think socks and tivas will cut it, it will be winter after all). That’s 1,2, oh no 3.

Then there are the rest of us: Cute boots of different colors and lengths, heels, flats and sandals for spring. All essential. That doesn’t even include my metallic oxfords or shower flip flops. And I don’t even feel like I’m being terribly materialistic here. Part of me thought this was merely a ploy to force us to spend our money supporting the fashion industry in Italy. But it got worse…

“Remember not to buy too much. You will have to fit it in the same suitcases you arrived with.”

No shopping in Italy? Who are these people, and what have I gotten myself into? Forget learning how to write about food and wine and studying fashion, shopping is the real reason behind this life choice to move to a country where I cannot utter one word past “Gucci” in the native language.

If I can’t communicate, I better at least look the part. It’s a good thing I am looking at these rules more as guidelines. Otherwise I’d be in serious trouble.

Coco

I don’t think anyone can ever grow tired of Chanel. Even thought the looks are consistent always recognizable, black and white, lots of tweed, great accessories, the shows are never dull. Take a look at the Spring 2011 collection. Per usual, I love.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

One of my biggest pet peeves is silly dressing for football games. It really drives me crazy. I love fashion and want to spend my life working in the industry but it has no place in football stadiums. None whatsoever, and I think it’s time that someone address this phenomenon.

The first fashion error committed at football games is the “feminine” jersey. Jessica Simpson attempted to make this one cute when sporting her pink and white Romo jersey up in the box while supporting her bf. You either support your team with the proper jersey or you don’t. No need for pink and rhinestones. This is football, after all.

This is getting picky, but I also have zero tolerance for personalized jerseys. You’re not on the team—no need to pretend. I suppose this isn’t a fashion mistake as much as disrespecting the game but I figured I should go ahead and throw that in here anyway.

Then there are the women who seem to be confused about where they are spending their afternoon. No ladies, you are not heading to the club. PLEASE take off the strappy prom shoes and switch that tight dress for some jeans. Sometimes I feel like they took their walk of shame right to the stadium and started tailgating. Again, satin dresses don’t mix with beer and bbqs.

Random Happenings (In My Choos)

1.) I stumbled across one of the most fabulous pair of shoes I have ever seen yesterday:

I am quite literally, obsessed. That’s all.

2.) After purchasing the grey draped BCBG dress I blogged about last August I have worn it twice and it has been borrowed a few times as well. All with the same result: Zero Pitt stains despite steamy rooms, dance parties and general shenanigans. Cheers to you BCBG.

3.) And finally. I just purchased a dress from Revolve Clothing that I am incredibly excited about. I love long sleeves for fall and nothing is better than a LBD, right?

Henri Bendel

I'm really liking these Henri Bendel clutches right now. I just love the zipper detailing:

Magazine Addiction

I feel like I am single handedly keeping the magazine industry alive. I have a serious weakness and can never resist buying the glossy covers when I’m checking out at the grocery store. Some people get distracted by chocolate or candy—not me. Sometimes I get home to unpack my milk and eggs only to find the newest issue of Marie Claire tucked in my eco-friendly reusable bag without even realizing that I bought it. Seriously. Most people blame their coffee addictions for an extra $14 a week, or $784 a year. It’s not caffeine that dents my wallet; it’s fashion. And that’s before even considering the actual clothes and jewelry I buy.

How can you resist this?

I know the answer is to subscribe, rather than paying $5 per magazine, per month. But I can never seem to get over the fact that I’m never in the same place and will miss out on 4 issues a year (or have to constantly battle with changing addresses, trust me when I tell you it’s not as easy as you might think).

The other day someone asked me which magazines I read: Marie Claire, Elle, Vogue, Glamour, Cosmo consistently and then the occasional Harpers, Teen Vogue, and W. I attempted to calculate the how much I spend on magazine. The results weren’t so pretty. It’ll pain me to post my estimate.

If nothing else, my own foolish spending might guarantee that my dream jobs still exist in a few years… At least I’m doing my part?