Shocker Of The Century: Pittsburgh Declared One of The Worst Dressed Cities in America

A friend passed along a recent GQ article to me, ranking the worst dressed cities in America. Naturally Pittsburgh was ranked quite highly on the list, frankly not high enough. Coming in at a cool #3, Pittsburgh represents jerseys (and not even pretty ones at that), poorly cut blue jeans and a variety of over sized, puffy and dark cold weather garments.

Of course, the steel city deserves its spot but the list has to be taken with a grain of salt. Manhattan found its way in the top five and more shockingly San Francisco in the top ten. Everything about San Francisco is perfect and pretty much should never be criticized, even if we do tend to rock the Northfaces a bit too frequently…

Apple of my Eye

Anddddddddd we’re back.

I’m officially finished slaving to the fashion gods and now it’s time for more important things likemaking fun of people’s terrible outfits passing along all of my fashion thoughts on to you!

On my mind right now? Fruit! Nothing says summer like a delicious bite of watermelon, or perhaps an even more delicious watermelon martini.

Check out these fruit inspired products:

This is an apple carrier. Yes you read me correctly. Not a purse, not a clutch but an apple carrier. So necessary! Created by none other than Hermes, retailing for a mere $365.

And now for a slightly more realistic option. Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Take a Seat

There is nothing that pains me more than throwing away (recycling) magazines. All of the blood, sweat and tears that go into the glossies shouldn’t just be abandoned because each photograph has been admired and word read. I’ve been known to transport magazines on international flights because I simply cannot leave them behind, seriously. Magazines are heavy, take up a ton of space and add to the clutter factor in any room. I am starting to drown in back issues…And then I stumbled upon this from Apartment Living! How fabulous!

Giddy Up

A few weeks ago I got my wasp on and attended my first ever Polo Match. It was one of the most amazing spectacles I’ve ever witnessed… hats, pastels and more Ralph Lauren than I ever thought possible. I dressed the part and wore a sweet heart pastel yellow maxi dress from French Connection, paired with Anne Taylor chunky necklace. Oh, and the event was sponsored by Veuve Clicquot. Cheers!

H&M Gets Fancy

The latest designer to swing through H&M is none other than Donatella Versace! She’s going to design both men and women’s pieces as well as accessories.

Look for her collection to hits stores in November.

Fashion Gets (Environmentally) Friendly

I shopped around Gap Body a few days ago (excellent sale, woo!) and was very pleasantly surprised when I checked out and was offered a receipt via e-mail. Before this, I thought only Apple stores offered this service but it turns out the fashion world is catching on.

Which is amazing for so many reasons. Can you imagine a world without obnoxious little white receipts floating around everywhere? Not having to rip apart your apartment and searching for a receipt to return that heinous blouse (what were we thinking?) all while reducing our environmental footprint. Lovely.

Hot or Hot Mess: Platform Sandals

We’ve been seeing these featured in magazines and promoted in stores for a few months, but now that the weather has gotten better I’ve spotted a bunch of platform sandals buzzing around town. I’m not entirely convinced either way. At times I can’t help but think they look a bit funny.

How I Met Your Mother Has Taught Her Nothing

Gap's City Flats

I have spent longer than I probably should discussing terrible shoe choices. There are so many options to fight the terrible looks I outlined that day. And it has become even easier yet; introducing the Gap City Flats.

I got these as a present in December. They come in a variety of different colors and can fold up quite small. There’s nothing that freaks me out more than girls walking barefoot home after a long night out. Just slip these little guys into your purse and wear cushy shoes in the a.m. instead of heels. And of course, they are a lovely alternative to the suit and sneakers combination.

Buy them here

Talking Shop

It was literally a dream come true. I have waited for this day since I first started caring about red-soled heels, mixing navy and black, and sample sales. I visited the fabulous British clothing shop once in London when I was little, but yesterday I finally spent time in the NYC location

Topshop! Shopping online just doesn’t do you justice.

Best of all? A 20% storewide discount. I bought three dresses. A fancy black for a night on the town, a casual white for sticky days in terrible NYC humidity. And here’s the last one!

In the Red

I’ve been on the hunt for a LRD, little red dress, for what feels like forever. I can’t seem to find that perfect one. Dreams of Rosso Valentino gowns leave ordinary gowns seeming extra luck luster.

Angelina is looking red hot here:

A Mile in His Shoes

There’s a museum in Florence that tends to get overlooked but is by far the most glamorous and fun one in town. I can’t think of anything better than beautiful shoes. I certainly can’t think of anything better than examining elegant and famous footwear for a few hours. Best of all, there are no large tour groups threatening your life if you even think about moving just one step closer to The Birth of Venus. So drop the other shoe, if you will, and complete your next trip to Florence with a museum that puts fashion and business into perspective.

The Museo Salvatore Ferragamo is the only museum in the world dedicated to one designer and his fabulous shoes. And rightfully so, Salvatore began making shoes at the tender age of nine years old and never stopped. Born in the south of Italy in 1898, Salvatore was one of the designers who would help Italian fashion rise to what it is today. Forget the Uffizi and the Academia; this is my kind of museum.

The museum opened in 1995 to display and commemorate over forty years of Ferragamo shoes. The Museum’s collection is based on over ten thousand shoes, as if that weren’t every girl’s dream, which were all created by Ferragamo. The museum displays worn shoes, donated shoes, new shoes and everything in between. Most crucially, the museum rotates the shoes through and changes the exhibitions at least twice a year, so there is always something new and fun to see in the museum.

I took more photos in that museum then I did the duration of my time in Italy (4 months). I have priorities. Sadly, I found out photography wasn’t allowed after I made it through, so I decided I better not post them. But I found some others. The first is the shoe from the Drew Barrymore Film: Ever after. It's currently on display in the museum.

All Wrapped Up

I’ve been getting really into turban wraps and other headscarves lately. They seem to be very difficult to pull off well—but doable! I think when attempting to style a Turban or headscarf, simple is best. These ones have caught my eye lately:

All In Good Time

I wore my favorite watch yesterday, I had forgotten about it for a bit! I purchased it about two years ago at Thread. Thread is a traveling “market” that features several independent designers and artisans. I stumbled into Fort Mason in San Francisco and made several good finds, including this watch.

I met Jacqui Chazen Owner of Jacqui Chazen designs and immediatley fell in love with her funky watches. Leather bands, rather than tradional straps, bury the face of the watch; her watches are some of the most unique pieces I've seen. She allows her customers to match any face with any band. I got two bands, one practical black and one not so practical teal. Her watches have been featured in several magazines, worn by a few celebs, and are gaining a lot of national attention. I'm glad I rocked mine again!

Simply Breathtaking

Sarah Burton did a tremendous job. Although I wasn't into the wedding craziness, I couldn't resist posting this photo.

Fashion Is Pain

And in my case, hunger pains. Two weeks ago, I was traveling around the south of Italy and visited the Amalfi coast one day. I was shopping around the seaside town without intending to buy anything (at times, my own naivety shocks me). I left a majority of my money and all of my credit cards at home—it’s better to be safe than sorry in Italy. Because I wasn’t going to buy anything, right?

Wrong. I spotted this beauty and couldn’t live without it. It was actually very affordable but I had to empty my wallet to purchase it (and in doing so, saw my lunch, dinner and snack money for the 8 hour bus ride home vanish). But I love it and perhaps it looks better on a slightly more slender finger??

Is It Spring? Or Am I Crazy?

The funny thing about Italians is that they dress for the calendar, not the weather.

As soon as I arrived to Italy I was overwhelmed by the thousands and thousands of puffy, shiny, jackets I spotted. Everywhere, in every color, with all sorts of variations. Some with fur, some with extra shine, some that had a bit of length. But they were all shiny and puffy. No question. (I’m sure they will arrive to the US sometime soon). They look like this:

I expected these jackets to disappear when spring arrived to Florence. Last week I was actually boiling in my shorts and blouse, only to be surrounded by Italians, still rocking these jackets. It’s spring, it’s not summer so the Italians just can’t peel off the layers quite yet… Crazy.

These Toms Are Made For Walking

I used to write off Toms. Of course, I could get on board with it's awesome cause but I thought all you'd need was some neon colored Ray Bans and a fedora to complete the hipster identity. I found them rather funny (ie terrible) looking.

But before I left for my time in Italy I buckled; I was desperate for a pair of shoes to hike, sight see, and generally travel around in. But of course, I had no desire to look silly. I bought some comfy Toms (still wasn't totally ok with the purchase) but figured I may as well do some good with a questionable fashion choice.

Sometime during tromping around the ruins of Pompeii, biking through Barcelona, hiking in Cinque Terre and climbing along the coast of Ireland the Toms grew on me. I never got a blister (this is a miracle for me). While they'll certainly be left in Europe they hold a special place for me. And most importantly, I think it's possible to assemble a travel ready ensemble that goes quite well with Toms.

Fashion Fairs

Florence holds a fashion fair once person season. Designers come to fairs in Milan, Florence, Paris and other locations to select textile, knit wear, and yarn for their future collections. I did not know until recently how cute these events were. Each fair has a theme and a corresponding trend area and novelty section that make yarn look absolutely incredible. In 2005 it was all about yarn "treats" cotton candy, sweets and other fake yummies. Who knew yarn could be so temping?

Longer Skirts

I am becoming obsessed. I shop around online and in stores and all I want are long skirts. So chic and flattering on all figures. It's becoming an issue...

Here are some beauties from shopbop:

Gossip, Girl

I was disappointed with Blake Lively’s Chanel advertisements. I love her and her style and thought her beauty could only result in a wonderful ad campaign. Rather lackluster, don’t’ you think?

Yo, Adrian!

I am back from vacation and fresh with lots of thoughts for you. Right now this is on my mind:

Ah yes, Sylvestor Stallone has announced he is creating his very own fashion line. The “Rocky Inspired” men’s ready to wear collection will include shirts, denim, outerwear and even underwear. He already has plans to expand his unborn label with a fragrance and a variety of active wear goods.

I wonder why he wants to design… because he can’t sing or dance?

New Petitions

Franca Sozzani (Editor In Chief of Vogue Italy) has started a petition against “pro anorexic” websites. She began here statement discussing the trend of blaming skinny models for eating disorders and then launched into her new theory. After reading reports on the affects of facebook on the youth, she reports that the more time young women and men spend on the social media site the more they tend to suffer from anorexia and other eating disorders.

Read her full statement here

Gaga for good

It’s safe to say that Lady Gaga’s fashion always makes a statement:

Exhibit A, the meat dress:

Exhibit B, it's not easy being green:

And of course there are countless other interesting outfits. Love her or hate her, you have to approve of her bracelets she created to help victims in Japan. After 48 hours the bracelet had already raised $250,000

Buy Your Bracelet Here

"costcouture"

Forget the huge tubs of red vines, never ending cartons of cup of noodle, and those delicious free samples…Costco has something else in store for shoppers.

A collection of wedding dresses!

It may not be the most glamorous way to shop for the big day (at least you can purchase a case of champagne at the same time!) but the gowns are seriously reduced.

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

This collection just makes me smile. The styling of the show is fun, crazy, and in my opinion, goes well with the original and funky clothes. While the collection contained a variety of different textiles, colors, and silhouettes the interesting styling pulled all of the looks together into one collection. It reminds us not to take fashion too seriously.

Photo Credit: Elle.com

Cute Little Clutch

Definitely would not be a practical purchase, but it makes me really happy. And I want it:

This Kate Spade Clutch is $125. She also makes a few other cute clutches (that look like books!).

A little more eurostyle

I was out the other night and saw a guy rocking a seriously embellished sweater. Honestly, he was getting so much attention from the ladies because of it... It seemed like every girl he walked by couldn't help but reach out and just touch the sweater to grasp it's texture. Some of us were more discreet than others though.

Well, I was discreet until I decided it was far too good of a photo opportunity to pass up. He happily obliged though. I kind of like it... we're both donning embellished tops.

Gucci Shows Off Fun Colors In Milan

I couldn't help but smile when I looked at Gucci's fall RTW collection. I love the colors; and the collection effortlessly combined the usual Gucci sexy (and revealing!) outfits with happy colors and femininity.

Photo credit: Elle.com