I’ve Been Gone…

 

Damn Straight (Skinny or Boot) They Weren’t…

 

Hmm, best headline ever?

BEST IDEA EVER?

I’m actually surprised that someone hasn’t thought of this sooner… God knows there is a demand for such a thing! Levi’s has just announced its CURVE ID “line” (or whatever)… and let me just say I’m impressed.

I’m also intrigued, for a few reasons:

1. These jeans are effing cute, and I want some.

2. We all know, fit is everything.

3. I’m not sure if I am in the first or second category… perhaps a mix of the two?

I planning a trip to the Levi’s store as we speak.

I think I should exercise my inalienable rights and get to trying some of these babies on… ♥

Attention Curvy Ladies…

[Thanks to my fabulous friend Leah for calling this to my attention!]

… there is a plus-size line out there that has got it goin’ ON. No, really.

Welcome to the land of Carmakoma.

Of course, leave it to those enviably progressive Danes to put together a plus line that is at the same time trendy and timeless…

And they’ve got everything: from dresses to tops, to accessories… leggings, coats… oooh!

The coats. I think their coats/outerwear are among the line’s finest accomplishments; because let’s face it, a plus size coat poses many challenges (ps: whether you like it or not, fall is right around the corner…) but Carmakoma definitely gets it right.

The aesthetic is very Danish in that the lines are clean, the colors heavy on the black, white and gray (no complaints here!) and the cuts are smart…

The prices are in Euro speak and so are the sizes, but they will ship to the US (although there is a fee, so be aware)…

Meh, it’s about time you figured out that pesky European sizing anyway…

Somewhere, right now… Lane Bryant is weeping. ♥

Ladylike Lux

Boyyyyy do I love a good dainty bag with a cross-body strap.

And right now, so does just about everyone else…

They’re currently the hottest item to have and you can find them everywhere, at all price points.

Now, if I had my druthers, I’d go with this gorgeous Lauren Merkin Diana Embossed Leather Serpent Clutch (with a name like “serpent” it’s GOT to be good)…  

But considering I usually don’t get my druthers, and that my budget (yeah, this bag is $228.00 and it’s 9.5 x 5”… so yeah), I’ll have to go for a more reasonably-priced piece…

Why… much like this one by La Regale via Endless (my go-to for affordable, trendy bags!), which goes for a much more realistic $60.00, and believe me, it’s no wallflower.

This bag is actually, despite the price, beaded satin with satin lining as well, and also boasts the ever-dainty “kiss-lock closure”… love that.

I like the idea of pairing ladylike luxury up with a loose boyfriend short and slub tee. I also like the idea of pairing these purses up with a LBD and some taupe nail polish…

Something tells me places like Forever 21 and H & M are stocked up on these babies too… I think I have to quote myself when I say, go ahead girls… get your modern-day Mad Men on. ♥

Two Trends in One, Oh My

[white + metallic]

Well, I guess… technically, this is dress is not white, but rather “stone”, if we go by the online description, but I still believe it to qualify as a contributor to this summer’s whole “white hot!” trend. White is the new black, dontcha know?

Anyhoo, not only does this gorgeous “Rare Metallic Wave Stripe Bandeau Dress” from Asos have that going for it, it also boasts a fair share of metallic trim… and we all know that metallic is THE thing right now, especially in dress-form.

Actually, that’s how I found this…

I was looking for a budget-friendly metallic dress (I did end up finding one at H&M—surprise!) and low and behold, this beautiful baby fell into my lap.

You can imagine my delight. ♥

Coming to Terms with Leopard

I’ve always had this “thing” with leopard.

That “thing” basically being… it has never really been, well, my thing.

Nothing really against it or against those who live and die by it (well, maybe a teeny bit, teee), but you know. To each their own.

I have no real explanation for this… it’s just that for me, personally, when I wear something bearing a leopard print… I just… I feel a little too much of the My Cousin Vinny vibe running through my veins… but again. That’s just me (and for the record: I friggn’ LOVE that movie).

That being said, the time has rolled back around: leopard is back. And for fall, especially.

Perhaps it’s time to reassess. So, I thought: Why not give leopard another shot? At the very least, in accessory or bag form! I’ve pondered leopard bracelets (well, cuffs), scarves… bags.

But then, I caught a glimpse of this photo of Whitney Port in a leopard-print mini (I know, I KNOW!) chicly perfectly paired with a striped top, and I thought… I CAN DO THIS!

Why yes, yes, I can… I can wear a leopard mini skirt rendered casual, just like this. And no one will dare call me Jersey. That’s right.

See this lovely that I’m eyeing to the right… ? Mmhmm, this is going to become a reality, people…

So… yeah. Thank you, Whitney Port.

Thank you for expanding my horizons, and consequently, allowing me to come to terms with leopard… I think we’re cool now. ♥

Obsessed With Chloé, Obsessed With Camel

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with Hannah McGibbon of Chloé.

OBSESSED.

I love that woman. I secretly want to be that woman.

Have you seen Chloé’s Fall/Winter 2010 collection?

Oh maaaannnn, it brought me to my KNEES with all of its lux, soft… head-to-toe camel looks.

You know… the color camel… at its FINEST. It’s the whole gentle-feminine-yet-composed-comfortable- yet-so-timelessly-chic-it-kills-you, look. You know. That one?

Add in a splash of red or black and you are 100 percent good to go for this fall.

I really love how color, any color actually, instantly pops when paired up against camel.

The contrast is always perfect…

However, since I’m certainly not affording full-on Chloé ensembles any time soon, I thought I’d start looking for something I can actually buy…

… and came across this cute lil number from American Apparel.

For only $32.00.

Score!

Hey, it’s no Chloé… but for now, it’ll have to do…

A subtle, yet heart-felt, made-in-America-ode to one of my favorite fashion minds. ♥

It’s Time. It’s Time for Tribal

If you haven’t yet added a touch-o-tribal to your summer wardrobe this summer, well… it’s time…

And if you’re not sure quite how… might I recommend a lovely accessory such as this one? It’s called the Rio Bracelet and it’s by designer Julie Rofman. And I love it. Not sure if I can afford it yet (read: no), but I’m certainly inspired by what it has to offer… !

Psst: it’ll be easy as a pie to find a knock-off of this baby… easy as a pie.

Obviously, the copycat won’t have the color and craftsmanship of this gorgeous piece, but it’ll still give off the same effect…

You know, I thought about doing the whole tribal sandal thing… and there are certainly some affordable options out there (I saw a really cute pair at Old Navy, actually), but there’s something about a tribal accessory that is a little bit more fun and focused…

The other option would be this necklace from Urban… which is by far more affordable and just as useful when it comes to sprucing up a casual summer ensemble… it just depends on what look you’re going for…

Gosh, I’d love either one of these paired up with one of this summer’s white-hot dresses… or with skinnies and a slub tee.

Statement pieces, yet they are so versatile. Love it when that happens. ♥

Liberté, Égalité… !

$86.00 @ Pixie Market

That’s right, it’s BASTILLE DAY, my lovelies! For those of you who aren’t familiar, educate yourselves… 

Let’s be honest, what would L.E.Défilé be without ripping off two thirds of the French Revolution’s battle cry… ?

She would be less of woman, that’s what she would be…

So, in order to celebrate liberty, equality, fraternity, and, yes, THE RUNWAY and its loyal army of followers, I propose to you an amazing red, white, and blue patriotic piece or ensemble, why, just like this one!

Best part? It doubles as an American ode as well! Win!

 Égalité indeed… ♥

Beauty Pause: Liquid Lipstick!

[Don’t you dare call it a gloss!]

Okay, so I’m officially obsessed with the brand Korres.

Those of you who know me, know I definitely go bonkers for natural or “green” beauty, and not only does this Greek brand have that going for it, every single one of their products I have purchased I’ve absolutely loved (try their body butter, it’s the best stuff ever invented).

So naturally, when I heard about this new product… this antioxidant-infused formula that goes on like a gloss but looks like lipstick… well. You can imagine how excited I became. Oh yes.

I have tried a few of Korres’s other lip products and I have been pleased with them all… and the fact that they are all-natural, paraben and sulfate-free, and usually sunscreen infused (the Greeks, they know their SPF, although this one is not, rats)… well, that just about covers everything as far as I’m concerned…

This “lipstick” incorporates organic acai palm pulp oil (whatever that is, but sounds like it means business), other natural fruit extracts, and protects against free radicals.

Did I also mention that the available colors look divine? As some of you well know, fall is all decked out in splashes of red, and I’ve been looking for a nice, red lip gloss lately… something a bit more carefree than your matte, run-of-the-mill red lipstick…

I think I’ve found just the one.