Thursday Candy

Nude leather ... peep toe... fabulous and fiercesome crystal and silver stud embellishments ...







Your dirty you wants to meet your innocent you. The dirty you loves the brushed silver cone studs. The innocent you has to have rhinestones. Attached to a suede or leather peep toe pump, you are now the perfect combination...



With a leopard print interior...? A shoe that doubles as a weapon? I bet they hurt so good...




"Lorissa" by Sam Edleman ... ridding the world of ugly shoes one pair at a time.


xo L

images via www.samedelman.com

What's Haute for Spring

I couldn't be more excited about the arrival of March 20th 2010. And what is so special about March 20th you ask? Well it is the first day of Spring! If you live on the east coast you know that this winter didn't kick into effect until February, when we were brutally hit with foot after foot of snow. Horrible!

So its only appropriate that I divulge into my top 5 Spring must haves!



5. Socks (knee-high, over-the-knee and thigh-high)

Hemlines will be creeping up shorter, but with chilly mornings and evenings still lingering these are not only fashionable but essential. The best part about investing in a few pairs is that they will still be appropriate come Fall.



4. Rompers and Jumpsuits

Every so often, one-piece styles of clothing have a revival. This trend started up again recently in early 2009 with bodysuits and leotards, and is now in full force towards jumpsuits, playsuits and rompers. I am still undecided about how they look on me but I won't rule them out just yet. Especially after seeing Nicole Richie in the one below. The belt is the magic touch and defines her waistline. Perfect! They won't be for everyone, but they will offer more options than you'd think.



3. Feathers

Spring's flirty new plume-trimmed trend pretty much guarantees a fun night out and a least ten screeches of “OMG, where did you get that?!” IMPORTANT: keep it simple! The feathers should be the most theatrical part of your outfit. Stay away from heavy jewelry. Only true peacocks can pull off those types of dramatics.





(Headband by Bebe)

2. Sparkle and Shine

Embellishment continues to climb the fashion charts with glitter, sequins, beading, and crystals. Even the most basic T-shirt is upgraded to total decadence this season. The best part about this trend? You can also do it yourself!



(Skirt by LaROK - I own this skirt and I LOVELOVE it!)



(Christian Louboutin Glitter Peep Toe Pumps)


1. Wedges

How excited are you that wedges are back?! This is my number one for a reason! With lots of legs this season, women are going to need a shoe that helps shape the legs and butt while still being walkable. This is the shoe! They're easy to move around in, or even run around in for that matter.




(Espadrilles by Valentino)



(Cynthia Vincent "Luella" wedge. Bought them!)

What are your Spring must haves?

xo L

Love.Wear.Return

If you are an avid fashion magazine reader, like myself, you know all you're really paying for are the ads. (In my opinion, the ads are the best part, who doesn't love looking at 6 foot blondes in the best the fashion world has to offer?)

Anyway, one of the ads in the March InStyle was for Rent the Runway. I'll let them explain in their own words.

What if your closet was big enough to hold all the latest runway trends? What if, just for a night, you could experiment a little - say, try a one-shoulder dress in a deep, sexy red? What if that dress you saw in Vogue, the one with the stratospheric price tag, was suddenly affordable? What if you had an entire rack lined with styles that were perfect for any special occasion, another filled with cheeky ’80s redux? And what if you had a team of stylists to constantly update everything and offer tips about what size to wear and how to accessorize?

Hello reality. Rent the Runway does exactly that. It lets you rent all the new looks of the season, by all the latest designers... at a fraction of the price. You know that black tie wedding you're going to in a month? The one where you can't find anything appropriate to wear to something labeled "black tie?" But you saw Elizabeth Banks wearing this at the Oscars last night and that would qualify as the perfect black tie dress? RTR can help with that.

Or maybe your birthday, bachlorette party, or just a hot date with the office smoke-show is coming up and you are in need of this dress that shows off all your assets? RTR can help with that.

The basics of how it works?

1. Browse their site.
2. Pick the dress (or dresses!) you're drooling over and add them to your cart.
3. Pick the date it has to be at your doorstep (and it will be there).
4. Pick your sizes. Yes you get TWO sizes for the price of one. (Because who knows if you're going to be a 2 or a 4 that day.)
5. After your event, shove the items back into your pre-paid envelope and send it on its way. No need for dry cleaning, they take care of it.

Of course there are catches. Like don't send back your Mandee's dress in place of their Herve Leger. (duh?) And items trashed beyond recognition will have to be paid for. But all and all, what a great service. I will be hitting it up for some very special events coming up in my life! If anyone uses it before I do, let me know what you think!

xo L

visit Rent the Runway here.

Eternal Fashion Perfection

I may be the luckiest girl in the United States to be able to score not only one but TWO pairs of what could be the hottest wedge booties designed in one month. (here is a sneak peak at one). Without further ado, please meet my new babies. They go by the name FENDI.

Forgive the terrible picture/no styled outfit to go with them but I had to give the sneak preview. I pretty much tackled the UPS man when he rang the doorbell... may cause an awkward vibe for future deliveries. Happy Friday!!

xo L

50 and Fabulous

You know who she is. 6'0"... 100lbs ... size 4 ... 39"/19"/33" (in real life measurements) designer dream house, pink Corvette/Ferrari ... and a hot boyfriend/husband/pool boy/married lover (depending on his outfit and your mood) that is always clean-shaven and never talks back. But as of late, Barbie has even more reason to make you green with envy. Ken is out.

So who's in? I'll give you a few hints. He's French. His intricately sculpted footwear adorns the likes of socialites, A-list celebrities, and a very fabulous jersey girl. Think sky high stiletto heels and signature red soles. Still don't know?? That would be one Christian Louboutin. You lucky bitch.

Christian Louboutin made over our beloved Barbie girl not once, but twice with one on the way. Don't get this confused with Malibu Barbie. Louboutin Barbie is not your average girl... one outfit, a pair of shoes and a hair brush? Oh no no. Louboutin Barbie is a BAMF.

2009 was the year of "Cat-Burglar" Barbie. Barbie was styled as a red head with green eyes, and decked out in a black catsuit and Louboutin's "Differa" sandals. She came with three other Louboutin styles: "Miss" ankle boots, "Claudia" peep-toes, and "Altameche" knee-high boots. Her presentation? A brown designer style box that mimics the designer's actual retail displays. Also included are copies of Christian and Barbie's travel journal. Did I mention this "limited edition" Barbie was so limited that it sold out in ONE day? $150 for Louboutins is a ridiculous steal... even if they only fit your pinky toe.

2010 marks Barbie's 50th anniversary and "Dolly Forever," will hit in March. This time she is dressed to navigate the urban jungle. The second doll in the series is styled in a Safari theme dress with lace up front, gold chain link belt, pink sunglasses, and thigh high fringe boots with Louboutin's signature red soles. Three additional pairs of shoes are included with the miniature shoe boxes and cloth shoe bag. Side note fact: the "VIP" waiting list to get your paws on one of these collectables is filled up with more spots than dolls being made.

The "Anemone" Barbie's (my favorite) pictures leaked on the Internet and is due in May.

...and FYI - all of the Louboutin's included with Barbie come in actual human sizes... with actual human price tags of course...

"Forever" Pink Fringe Boots

I wonder if Ty Pennington is available to make over the dream house?

xo L

Each doll retails for $150 net-a-porter.com

Christian Louboutin "Forever" Pink Fringe Boot $1,575 neimanmarcus.com

What a Tulle!

When I was younger I joined Ballet. Not because I wanted to dance, but because I wanted to wear a tutu. I should have known then that clothes would dictate the rest of my life.

I never got into Ballet; I wasn't even a good dancer. It was my social hour. Just an excuse to talk to the many girls in the lesson, distracting everyone from the instructor. Most of my Ballet days were spent getting lectured, then being forced to sit facing the mirror as "punishment." Ha. If only she knew it was more time for me to spend admiring my tutu.

Eventually I gave up Ballet when I realized I didn't need an excuse to wear my tutu. So wear it I did. To school, to church, to friend's houses... to the dentist. Eventually the tutu was ripped and tattered beyond repair, and laid to rest where all retired clothes go (im not really sure where that is considering i cant part with anything clothing wise).

You can imagine my excitement (and nostalgia) now that tulle is making a comeback. It has been showing up everywhere... including Fashion Week 2010!

{Christian Siriano, as seen on Friday at New York Fashion Week}

{J Mendel, price upon request, (800) J-Mendel for stores} (In LURVE with this piece)

{Valentino, $795, neimanmarcus.com}

{LaROK "Punk Party" Skirt, $218, shopbop.com}

Most of the styles have a modern twist to a classic fabric. The pieces can be dressed up or down. I'm not saying you should wear this to the office (I'm not saying don't either FYI) as most of the pieces have a more special occasion/night out feel.

I will definitely be adding a few of these selections to my wardrobe. I also am creating something for myself out of this enjoyable fabric which I am hopeful about (pictures/details to come). I ordered the LaROK skirt last week and I'll keep you posted on how it looks...and the memories it brings back.

xo L

Second-hand Treasure

Having a major daily love affair with fashion (when I say love affair... I mean literally sleeping with my clothes) has expanded my closet in ways I never dreamed of. My collection can now be found in the drawers of my night table, under my bed, in my bed, in my car... taking over closets that aren't mine...

Living at home while convenient, has become uncomfortably tight. Which, as of late, has me browsing new options. I often wonder how my new place will look; I imagine my fashion books sprawled out on the mahogany coffee table... fresh flowers in eclectic vases aligning the granite kitchen counter...beautiful chic furnishings - get the picture?

Storage and closet space for me will be the deal maker or breaker. No walk in - no thank you. But where to find this dream place (and how to afford it!) is the big question.

I have no doubt that I will find it, love it, and make it my own. I have a taste for antiques, so the furnishings I inherited from my late grandmother will help get me started and give my place a history. One piece of history that I have recently fallen in love with are antique cocktail trays. Not just any cocktail tray, spefically - ones made by Hermes or Chanel.

They are hand-painted, old, and gorgeous. Hunting one down has proven to be an obsession; and due to my persistance I recently got a hold of someone who does have one of these beauties for sale!! Don't tell him, but he pretty much can name the price and I will bite. The trays also come with stands (original if you're lucky) so they can double as a chic side table as well.

I won't disclose any more information as to where I have been looking, I don't want any competition! But too cute not to share.

xo L

WHITE HOT

Designer spring 2010 creations are out and on pre-order, reminding the fashionable that a new season is (slowly) approaching. And I'm getting ready to start introducing white back into my wardrobe. As the fashion etiquette rules go, white bottoms and footwear can ONLY grace everyday life from Memorial Day through Labor day. But for social rebels such as myself, the first hint of heat is a good enough excuse.

Wearing white denim almost always requires pairing with a bold, statement-making top (and nude underwear!!) think patterns and bright colors. I have YET to see a white outfit done that makes me take a second look ... until now, a la Ashley Tisdale.

The Tiz looks stunning in an (get this) ALL white outfit. Usually wearing all white is a NO-NO. One tends to look: 1. washed out, 2. mistaken for a P Diddy white party reject, 3. missing from your bridal shower, 4. on lunch break from the lab at your job as a scientist.

Miraculously, Ashley avoided looking like any of the horrors mentioned above, and pulled off the best I have seen for an all white ensemble. She got it spot-on by adding a hint of color with a different take on bold pieces - the bronze beads and snake pattern heels. LOVELOVE the way the shoes are the "pop" piece to the outfit, versus just a traditional brightly colored or patterned top.

Personally, I would change out the bronze beads for a much more dramatic necklace and earrings similar in color and style, considering snake print goes with practically anything.

But props Tiz, great outfit and inspiration, and I'm glad you went back to being a blonde.


xo L
Adriano Goldschmied is my new favorite for premium denim http://www.agdenim.com/

Borrowing from the Boys

Nothing is fashion is new anymore; the idea of menswear for women originated on the runway in the 1960s when Yves Saint Laurent debuted "Le Smoking" pantsuit. Instant.Fashion.Staple. Lately I have seen the trend reemerging and was eager to hop on the "boyfriend" fashion wagon.

There are two ways you can effectively pull of this style: 1. raid the man in your life's closet or 2. pick up a boy inspired piece made for women. I am lucky to be able to get a little of both.

To avoid appearing too androgynous (or being mistaken for a cross dresser) be sure to balance the menswear pieces with something feminine: a tuxedo jacket over an evening gown, or boyfriend jeans with a soft camisole top.





That leaves the burning question... What about completing the look? Wearing an over sized jacket may be OK... shuffling along in an over sized shoe is not. The language of masculine shoes can be confusing (and somewhat boring!!). Let me calm your fears and introduce you to my favorite style of unisex shoes: Brogues.

Brogues traditionally are laced, made from heavy leather, and have some soft of toe-cap decoration (think traveling salesman). As of late, these Oxford style shoes are everywhere; from the runway, to the red carpet, to walking past you at the grocery store (guilty!). Brogues are newly updated with styles that scream YUM instead of YAWN. But this can be a tricky trend.


That being said, here are two simple celebrity inspired outfits mixing menswear pieces with a feminine touch.


On Sienna Miller: I felt that this outfit was a perfect example of pairing Brogues with a flirty and feminine piece (skirt). Her handbag also makes a bold statement against an otherwise very safe color scheme.


On Megan Fox: I have a very love hate relationship with Megan Fox. Mostly hate. But due to the fact that this outfit is both sexy and comfortable it had to be featured. I love how the boyfriend jeans are slung low on her hips and cuffed at the bottom. Cuffing the pantlegs not only allows her to show off her wedges, but also her ankles, which give a more feminine appeal. Pairing with a low cut tank top takes it to a sexier level.

After all ... boys will be boys, but occasionally girls may want to be one of the guys too.

xo L

Featured Pictures:
YSL "Le Smoking" tuxedo suit 1966
Christian Louboutin "Freddy" Studded Lace Ups $995 www.christianlouboutin.com

What's In A Name?

You’re nobody, it seems, unless you can be worn. Actresses, rappers, pop singers, athletes … just a few of the many that have lent their names to handbags, shoes, apparel, fragrances, hair extensions, accessories, condoms … yes condoms. If you’re not aware, specifically I’m referring to the “Magic Stick” Lifestyles brand a la 50 Cent. Is there anything that would indicate to anyone that 50 Cent is a reliable source for birth control?

Anyway, it takes more than a well known name to sell to the hardened New Yorker (Lindsay Lohan leggings anyone?? I think not) it actually takes talent and originality to catch any kind of appeal. This is not the left coast. For example, Nicole Richie recently did a jewelry line for Bebe. I like Nicole Richie, but am I really going to pay $35 more for a metal ring, solely because it was “designed” by her and bears her daughters name on it? I think we know the answer. It may seem easy, being that clothes and accessories are sold everywhere. One may see Ralph Lauren, but not truly understand how Ralph Lauren worked over 30 years to build up that business.

An exception is Elizabeth and James, a line of high-end clothing designed by MaryKate and Ashley Olsen and sold at Neiman Marcus and Saks. If you know me I am not one to give credit unless it is due, in fact the Olsen twins actually freak me out a little bit. Admit it, after Full House they became kind of creepy. But after a quick browse in Neiman, I found myself interested in the “Jessica” dress before I knew who or what the label was. The Elizabeth and James style is contemporary; very uptown and downtown, with both extremes of masculine and feminine pieces. I think the part that really impresses me is that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen have knowledge in every aspect of the design process, from fabric to pricing. Not to mention they actually wear their pieces in their everyday lives; not just for press coverage/marketing. Imagine that.

So props to you MK & Ash. I plan to own a piece of Elizabeth and James… as soon as I get approved for that AMEX. If you shop at Neiman you know what I’m talking about.

xo L

Dress: Elizabeth and James "Jessica" Dress $365 www.shopbop.com