it all seems like Yesterday, not far away

What I'm Wearing
* Black and white striped sweater courtesy of Jigsaw London... and I am in love.
* Vintage denim Wrangler button down from fabulous Etsy shop 86 Vinta... seen here with a jersey maxi dress
* Shocking pink coated J Brand jeans ... seen once here
* Green flower pin is old... I can't remember where it's from. Maybe GAP?
* Gerard Yosca turquoise earrings from a GILT sale. seen here
* Vintage sunglasses {itching for some new sunglasses actually}
* Jean Michel-Cazabat buckle boots
* Salvatore Ferragamo bag... though the hobo style bag has been absent lately from fashion, it went so well with the boots I thought I'd dust it off especially for this outfit.

* Title: lyrics from Madonna - La Isla Bonita

Sigh... I'm swamped lately. I know I shouldn't complain but I can't wait to just have some free time to lounge around with the husband and watch movies and maybe even leave the house more than just to grab coffee & pick up necessities. For some reason I have May in mind as the golden month where I'll finally have some time off. I'm in the process of shooting models {and friends who are willing to model for me} for my book. It's still a year away from being bound and published but I'm in the thick of it at the moment. The thing about blogging is, it's a very short-term {and daily} accomplishment -- meaning, I know how long a post will take, how long a DIY will take, how long a photo shoot will take, time spent editing photos, etc., and by the end of each and every day {just after midnight most days} I have a finished product. I hit publish and then I go to bed thinking about what I'll do for the following day. A book, on the other hand, is a seemingly endless project. I write and I write and I write and I'm still not finished. I don't really see a light at the end of the tunnel just yet but I still trudge toward it. Again, I'm not complaining, not for one second... I guess I'm just really looking hard for that light right now and not seeing so much as a flicker.

Happy Leap Day!

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Wedding Clutches and Bridal Bags

Last week I received an email from a reader {Jeneec} who is getting married and looking for the perfect little wedding clutch or bridal bag to carry her essentials in on her big day. I sent her a few links to some gorgeous vintage bags but thought maybe a few of you may be interested as well. So I've scoured the internet for the prettiest little clutches and bridal bags from traditional to not-so-traditional and in various price ranges so there's something for everyone. But don't forget, DIYing a little bag {like this but in white, ivory, pale pinks or blues} is always a great option and sure to make for the most unique and special of them all. So if you're a crafty, DIY bride, grab all your bridesmaids and have a little bridal bag party!




The Beautiful Usual Suspects

* Edie Parker ~ Flavia Geo Clutch $1095
* Extended Bow Clutch $24
* La Regale Crystal Clutch $266
* Satin Framed Clutch Bag $20
* Sondra Roberts Pleated Satin Clutch Bag $118
* Menbur Jeweled ~ Satin Clutch $62 ~ ~ DIY this with vintage earrings!
* Puffed Satin Bridal Purse $40
* Whiting & Davis Dimple Mesh Framed Clutch $158
* Embellished Clutch Bag w/ Handle $30






Make it your "Something Blue"

* Top Choice Blue Sequin Clutch $10
* Matthew Williamson ~ Embellished Satin Clutch $901 on sale!
* Maddalena Marconi ~ Blue Satin Clutch Bag with Embellishment $185
* Aldo blue beaded clutch $35
* Judith Leiber ~ Crystal Air Stream Clutch $1495
* Lord & Taylor ~ Blue Satin Clutch with rhinestone ornament $150






Champaign & Blushing Brides...

* Prada ~ East/West Frame Clutch $795 but I may like this one better!
* Sondra Roberts Pink Pearl Box Clutch $158 {also in white pearls}
* Satin Clutch Bag $39
* Pleated Box Handbag $45
* Betsey Johnson ~ larger Pearl Chain Bag $128
* Gathered Clutch $30
* Valentino ~ Satin Blow Clutch $845






Traditional Ivory Satin and Beadwork

* Rose Clutch ~ Satin Ivory Evening Handbag $19
* J. Furmani Beautiful ~ Beaded Clutch $34
* Ivory Satin Roses clutch bag $40
* Drawstring Bridal Bag $32
* Beaded Clutch Bag $72
* Nordstrom Ruffle Chiffon Frame Clutch $78






Match Your Wedding Colors & Bridesmaids

* Tiffany ~ Tangerine Satin "Holly" Clutch Bag $595
* Asos ~ Johnny Loves Rosie Purple Frame Clutch Bag With Bow $47
* Tiffany ~ Lime Satin "Holly" Clutch Bag $595
* Magid 6787 Clutch $50
* Inge Christopher Olivia Peacock Silk Clutch $78
* Tiffany ~ Tiffany Blue Satin "Holly" Clutch Bag $595
* La Regale 24742 Clutch $34





Go all Out!

* Judith Leiber ~ Corazon Crystal Heart Minaudiere $2995
* Judith Leiber ~ Limited ed. Disco Ball Minaudiere bag $2695
* Judith Leiber ~ Crystal Carousel Minaudiere $6195
* Judith Leiber ~ Pink Heart 'n Soul Crystal Novelty Minaudiere $2195

If you're not sticking to a budget, now's your chance to {literally} get your hands on a fabulous novelty Judith Leiber bag.





* Feather Bag ~ by Sherri Weese Designs *

* Blue Satin Flower Clutch in top/first photo *

There are so many amazing options it's really difficult to narrow them down and I haven't even included any vintage bags which for me, is the first place I'd look. If you're searching, definitely go to Etsy and Ebay with search terms such as "vintage beaded clutch bags", "vintage wedding bags", "vintage beaded clutch", "vintage clutches" and if you're looking for a specific color, include that in your search as well.

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Their Breath Fades with the Light

What I'm Wearing
* Pink drop waist dress by Eryn Brinie... seen here w/ a white blazer and here w/ a blouse over.
* Gray crochet dress layered over by White and Warren... seen here over a navy dress with peter pan collar
* Vintage Ungaro mint peplum jacket with HUGE sleeves and large flaps in the front which I tuck uner... I love this jacket. Last seen here with my J Brand lovestory jeans but also seen here with a black mini & a ridiculous tan and here with jeans... all paired with these shoes. I can't seem to wear this jacket without also wearing these shoes. They're just such a perfect match.
* Vintage gold belt and bag which I pinned my DIY French Flower Pouf onto the front of, vintage leaf pin, D&G watch, leather and gold wrap bracelet, Kendra Scott Aqua Fan Drop Earrings, various rings
* Chloe "Belladone" gray and gold sunglasses
* Velvet Angels mint and gold platform wedges.

* Hair: I curled it, then rolled it, then pinned it. I didn't intend on it, but it came out so pretty... there are probably already tutorials for it because it's so easy but I'll do one for you if you like ;)

* Title: lyrics from Church ~ Under the Milky Way 1988. I love this song and I love the cover by Sia as well. It's a gorgeous song.


A monumental EPIC photo overload today... mostly due to the extra photos I had to include of my hair. I love how the soft curls draped in the front then continued into the twist, keeping their curl.

I wasn't really aware of it until I started editing the photos, that I combined so many 2012 Spring trends into this outfit all at once. I was originally just going for "pastels" but my vintage minty jacket is a peplum and the gray crocheted dress layered over the pink drop waist is reminiscent of all the lacy looks that walked down the Spring runways, especially Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana. So an accidental Spring trend overload... and accidental wedding hair... all wrapped up in a really very feminine outfit {which, by the way, the husband loved of course}. But mostly though, I felt like a cupcake ;)

Happy Monday!

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Happy Heels! Colorful Shoes for Spring

From pasty pastels to bold brights, suedes, patents, silks, wedges and spikes, colorful shoes are everywhere right now... BECAUSE IT'S ALMOST SPRINGTIME! So, for obvious reasons, here are some of my favorites. From high-end designer to downright cheap, let your toes out of their socks and boots {unless they're chalky pink Docs} and let them sing!


* from top: left to right

* MANOLO BLAHNIK ~ Strittina pink t-strap sandal $755
* POUR LA VICTOIRE ~ coral red Mai wedge $205
* JESSICA SIMPSON ~ open toe Wish pump $99


* BETSEY JOHNSON ~ yellow Mixxy wedge $129
* LUICHINY ~ hot pink Say IT wedge pump $129
* ALDO ~ orange and magenta Antonio platform pump $110


* ELIZABETH and JAMES ~ purple Sly platform sandals $325
* ACNE ~ blue and green Alice silk platform pumps $530
* GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI ~ color-block patent-leather sandals $695


* YSL ~ pink Shield loafer pump $1695
* TOMS ~ classic crochet slip on $58
* COLE HAAN ~ Alisa oxford $178


* FOREVER 21 ~ lace up green tennis shoes $12.50
* TOPSHOP ~ minty peep toe platforms $124
* MATIKO ~ pink and aqua Erin wedge sandal $205


* DR. MARTENS ~ pink 8 eye boot $ 120
* SEE BY CHLOE ~ pastel color block wedges $340

Happy Friday Lovecats!

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Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

What I'm Wearing
* Royal blue pencil skirt is Eva Franco {sizes run a little big, I should have sized down one}
* Grassy green blouse by Miguelina from GILT ages ago. Last seen here.
* Vintage orange cropped jacket... which yes, like an asshole, I'm wearing over my shoulders. I can't help it, it just works so nicely for photos, and it was rather warm, but still, it's uselessly illogical for reality as it does not stay on my shoulders. ever.
* Vintage Saks Fifth Ave striped clutch. Was my mom's I think.
* Belt is deep brown crocodile... and thrifted with no brand.
* Leslie Danzis pink chain necklace and AV Max navy Python Pattern Bangle both from GILT
* Kenneth Cole white leather watch
* Gucci vintage stripe sunglasses
* Manolo Blahnik pink Mary Janes

* Title: lyrics from Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road


I decided to pair just about every bold hued item of clothing I had in my closet together into one look. And it was BOLD... but definitely wearable. I think the key with mixing so many colors is making sure they are all of the same intensity, or same general area of the color wheel, so to speak. I originally had a bright yellow belt on, which I preferred to this one, however, the larger, darker choice was much more flattering. Looking back at the photos though, I almost wish I would have matched my bag to my belt, or at least chosen a darker over the white. Though I love that the stripes pick up almost all of the colors in the ensemble, the white background is a bit much and worked better with the yellow belt. Overall though, it was a fun look and reminded me a little {well a lot} of Joan from Mad Men. Speaking of Mad Men... the new season is so close I can feel it! Who else is ridiculously excited for its return?

Happy Thursday!

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Chanel's Camellias ~ Flowers In Bloom

"The camellia, a flower of stark simplicity and pure white, could not fail to charm Mademoiselle Chanel. It formed part of her private world: [in her apartment] scattered on Coromandel screens, it also appears in chandeliers or in bouquets with rock-crystal.

Prior to being the flower associated with demimondaines or dandies, the camellia symbolized purity and longevity in Asia. Gabrielle [Coco] Chanel made it a symbol of her designs, featuring it here and there in every item of a woman’s wardrobe." ~ quoted from Chanel News












Chanel Brooches from the Cruise 2011/2012 Collection

* 1. black and white satin camellia brooch
* 2. pink tweed & lacquered fabric bouquet brooch
* 3. blue lacquered tweed brooch
* 4. black and white and navy - silk & lacquered fabric camellia bouquet brooch
* 5. lambskin camellia brooch with signature gold petal

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Embellished Collar DIY...

Collars and embellished collars have been making their rounds on the internet and blogs for the past couple of years now. I think we can point our fingers at Miu Miu and their pretty kitty & swallow collars for starting the trend. But because I thought I saw so many refashioned collars and collar necklaces floating around, I purposely did not do a DIY for one. You know I don't like to be a copycat. Apparently however, a Look 4 Less reader was on the hunt for a DIY embellished collar and couldn't find any that suited her. So I offered a hand and thought I'd give it my own spin using faux pearls, vintage rhinestone earrings & buttons, as well as vintage aurora borealis beads from an old broken necklace {as I did for my encrusted V-neck DIY}. Rather than cluttering up the entire collar though, I created a pretty visual pattern that begins on one side and ends on the other.

*NOTE* Once embellished, your shirt will have to be dry-cleaned or carefully hand-washed and hung dry. It's the price you pay for fashion OR you can also choose to remove your collar entirely from the rest of the blouse and wear it as a necklace of sorts, pairing it with any outfit you like.

Here's What You'll Need...

* A blouse with a nice collar. Mine is blush/pink that I found at a thrift shop, with a nice sturdy collar that will keep its shape even with the weight of the embellishments. You can see me wearing it here in 2010 with under the collar necklaces.

* Faux pearls in 2-3 sizes. I also used a craft strand to save a little time. Rhinestone buttons, beads, earrings... whatever you like really, that you can hand-stitch on.

* Needle/Thread/Scissors

Steps...

* First, visually lay out your largest pearls or precious findings. Other than the vintage rhinestone earrings dangling from the ends, I chose not to match the two sides. Carefully hand stitch each into place {but not onto your shirt below}.



* Using medium sized pearls or beads, begin filling in the spaces in between. Then with the smallest beads or pearls, filling in the even smaller spaces.



* Adding large, medium, and small beads, pearls, and rhinestones gives it depth and texture.



* Continue overlapping and filling in the blanks until you have a finished look you are pleased with.


*NOTE* Mine has a "dipped" feeling which I really love... but you may choose to embellish just the tips, just the edges, sporadically overall, or clustered entirely. You can also choose to add chains, studs, sequins, or even just cover your collar in an already-embellished ribbon. It's up to you ;)

Voila!

Have Fun!

Find all my DIYs here!

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