Inspiration Quotidienne

D'Orsay Heels

2012-07-26T11:32:00.002-04:00

According to ModCloth, the d'Orsay-style heel is "a woman's shoe style in which the vamp of the shoe is cut away, revealing the arch of the foot." Keeping in line with my time in Paris this week, I thought I'd feature a French-designed shoe. They were invented at the turn of the 19th century, and were sometimes seen as scandalous for showing a bit of the foot. I think they're absolutely adorable, and add a bit of classy French flair to any outfit.

1. Crimson and Bow-ver Heel, $48, ModCloth.
2. Sharelle, $28, Caparros, Piperlime.
3. De Blossom Renee Lace and Rhinestone Peep Toe Sandal in Silver Satin, $35, Target.

Paris Trend: Orange Skinny Jeans

2012-07-23T16:05:00.003-04:00

This week I'm in Paris, and one of the most overwhelming trends there that I've seen so far are orange skinny jeans. Other skinny jean colors that are also popular include bubblegum pink, red, light yellow, and bright blue, but orange, scarlet, and coral are the most popular colors. Luckily I brought my pair, so I fit right in! Even if you're not in Paris at the moment, this look is fashionable everywhere right now, so I highly recommend it. Wear it with a plain shirt in a neutral color like black or white with bright accessories, or wear a shirt with a similar color orange in the pattern to play it down.

1. Orange Belt Loop Skinny Leg Neon Style Jean Pants, $25, Ami Clubwear.
2. Pants in Coral, $25, H&M.
3. Quiksilver Echo Beats Coral Jeans, $49, Lulu's.

Fashion Quotes

2012-07-16T14:16:00.002-04:00

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same."

"Fashion is made to become unfashionable."

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

-- Coco Chanel, French fashion designer

"I think the idea of mixing luxury and mass-market fashion is very modern - wearing head-to-toe designer has become a bit passe. It's a new era in fashion - there are no rules. It's all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together."

"British fashion is self-confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas whilst drawing in British heritage."

"Clothes and jewelry should be startling, individual. When you see a woman in my clothes, you want to know more about them. To me, that is what distinguishes good designers from bad designers."

-- Alexander McQueen, British fashion designer

"I really like to be able to have variety and to try different things - that's the beauty of fashion."

"Daily life shouldn't be a fashion show all the time."

"You know how you're supposed to choose between playing up your eyes or your lips? I always chose lips. I love the drama."

-- Leighton Meester, American actress and singer

Cameo Jewelry

2012-07-12T12:48:00.002-04:00

Cameo jewelry isn't extremely popular, but I think it's a very chic way to add some subtle vintage style into your everyday wear. To me they evoke the Victorian era of style, which I love when mixed with contemporary pieces. Show off the earrings above with a fishtail braid. Drape the necklace below over a band t-shirt with a skirt. The gold earrings below would look so cool if you have a bob haircut. If you happen to have some other Victorian-inspired pieces, take it a step further by wearing a piece of cameo jewelry. If you don't have any pieces inspired by the era but still want to epitomize that, then wear colors that they wore often back then, like cream, burgundy, or pale pink.

1. So Glad You Cameo Earrings, $12, ModCloth.
2. Cameo Pendant Locket, $23, Tinley Road, Piperlime.
3. Cameo Drop Earrings - Gold Tone, $15, Target.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2012-07-10T12:14:00.000-04:00

Since watching The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly for the first time, I've felt really inspired by western-style pieces. I like taking one piece, for example something like the boots below, and mixing that with pieces that don't look western at all. Or if you don't mind taking it completely in that direction, you could wear something like that tank below and wear it with jean cut-off shorts and cowboy boots, maybe with a fringed brown shirt underneath if you're that bold.

1. Printed Chambray Button-Front Tank, $17, Lamb and Flag.
2. West Light Brown Harness Mid Calf Cowgirl Boots, $34, Soda, Lulu's.

Babydoll Dresses

2012-07-09T16:04:00.003-04:00

Babydoll dresses are defined in the fashion industry to be dresses with empire waists and A-line skirts. They haven't been as popular lately with waistlines falling to accentuate the waist, but these dresses can be just as flattering and classic-looking. Like my article on A-line skirts last week, these dresses have the kind of slimming skirt shape that skims over your thighs to hide them. This type of dress is also awesome because of its empire waist cut, working to hide your stomach. And, as the name implies, babydoll dresses are very cute and sweet-looking, hinting at innocence. You can play up that concept by wearing dresses like the Old Navy and H&M ones I've chosen here, or select a more grown-up shape like in the Piperlime one. Either way, if you like the flattering cut but dislike the connotation, these dresses are easy to toughen up with some great accessories. Bucked ankle boots are great with shorter hemlines, or pick out summery leather wedges for longer hemlines.

1. Women's Smocked Jersey Tube Dress in Imperial Jade, $15, Old Navy.
2. Ruffle Belted Dress in Rust, $49, Ya Los Angeles, Piperlime.
3. Dress in Beige/Patterned, $13, H&M.

Emma Stone

2012-07-06T12:44:00.001-04:00

In the video above, Ellen DeGeneres interviews Emma and touches on a point that I completely agree with: Emma Stone is very down-to-earth. I love that she's 23 years old and has the privilege to play Gwen Stacy in The Amazing Spider-man, and play her well. If you haven't seen that movie yet, by the way, you should. So much better than the Tobey Maguire version from 2002! Anyways, if you're looking for a great young actress to be a role model, Emma Stone is fantastic. She's also famous for her work in The Help, Easy A, Zombieland, and Crazy, Stupid, Love. I love her different fashion taste as well. Take a look.

A-Line Skirts

2012-07-03T15:42:00.004-04:00

The reason why A-line skirts are so classic and popular is because they're flattering on any shape. They are called "A-line" because they nip in at the top and flare out at the bottom, just like the letter A. They're so forgiving because, let's face it, what girl doesn't want a small waist? Even if you don't have that, this gives the illusion. For larger women, pick a skirt that hits right at the smallest part of your waist and belt it. These skirts are also fantastic because if you're self-conscious about your thighs, depending on the skirt length you choose, they hide those pretty well too. Oh, and did I mention that they've been around forever? The styles of the dresses popular in the 1930s through the 1950s often used A-lines, because during that time period curvy girls with small waists were prized.

1. Juniors Belted Skirt in Navy/Blue Dot, $18, Xhilaration, target.com
2. Blue Floral Print Back Tie Pleated Waist Skirt, $16, amiclubwear.com
3. Essential Circle Skirt in Peach/White, $16, forever21.com

Lace

2012-01-30T16:30:00.003-05:00

Lace is a really pretty and really girly way to vamp up an outfit. Actually, there are ways to make it girly, vampy, or both. I picked out some pieces today that are in warm colors and subtle places, because these are an easy way to bring lace into an outfit and look classy.

1. Leaf Flower Lace Tee in Red Leaf Flower, $38, americanapparel.net
2. Lace Box Clutch, $35, flirtcatalog.com
3. Divine Melon Dress, $45, modcloth.com

Cobalt

2012-01-29T12:08:00.001-05:00

This jewel-tone blue is so flattering on every skin tone. It can be found in a range from more teal to more purple, so you can even narrow it down to flatter your specific skin tone. It's also a color that is gorgeous year-round, so if you like it, I would highly recommend stocking up.

1. Cute And Kissable One Shoulder Blue Dress, $32, lulus.com
2. Women's Enamel Chain-Stretch Bracelet in Blue Eye, $10, oldnavy.gap.com
3. Crochet Neck Knit Tee in Cobalt, $44, piperlime.gap.com

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

2012-01-28T21:38:00.001-05:00

This incredibly funny, amazing, stylistically gorgeous film was made in 1969 and stars Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and Katharine Ross. It's my absolute favorite western of all time, and I recommend it to anyone, even (or especially) those who don't like westerns. It's anything but stereotypical. It's also hilarious.

1. Fancy Dinner Dress, $85, modcloth.com

2. Roll Tab Sleeve Linen Shirt, $90, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, shop.nordstrom.com

Interiors

2012-01-28T21:31:00.000-05:00

Interiors is a Woody Allen-directed film from 1978 that's one of his most depressing and serious movies. I found it to be very thought-provoking and intellectual, but at the same time a bit too dark for me to want to watch it again in the near future. The women in this film are very strong characters with very distinct and interesting senses of style, but what remains constant in their clothing are the neutral tones in 70s shapes and styles.

1. Cotton Spandex Jersey Long Sleeve Turtleneck in Nude, $30, americanapparel.net
2. Sheer Cardigan Sweater, $20, forever21.com

Green Bags

2012-01-26T09:50:00.005-05:00

Green is such a great color. It reminds us of spring and summer and can be both a bright color and a basic. For winter, these qualities are great. A green bag can be especially cute when it's a cross-body purse, so that you can layer it over your favorite pea coat with maybe a green or blue scarf to match the purse.

1. Bag in Green, $25, hm.com
2. Square Root Green Handbag, $39, lulus.com
3. Green Crossbody, $20, Xhilaration, target.com

Striped Sweaters

2012-01-25T18:31:00.001-05:00

What's great about striped sweaters is that they're warm and you can dress them around basics. They're so great for layering in the winter over t-shirts and under coats, and you can usually transfer them to spring and autumn wear, too.

1. Striped Crewneck Sweater, $50, gap.com
2. Women's Cropped Short-Sleeve Sweater in Purple Stripe, $23, oldnavy.gap.com
3. Striped Cardigan in Coral, $44, Ya Los Angeles, piperlime.gap.com

Vintage-Inspired Skirts

2012-01-22T12:54:00.002-05:00

A great way to look sleek and chic this season is to wear a sweet-looking vintage-inspired skirt. If it's too cold in your area to wear the skirt as is, you can always wear tights and boots with it and both look cute and be warm! For winter skirts, try to pick ones with heavier fabrics. This green velvet skirt is probably pretty warm, and the other two have overlapping pleats which will also help keep the warmth in.

1. Stretch Velvet Skirt in Green, $38, americanapparel.net
2. Slate Blue Pleated Detail Chiffon Mini Skirt, $31, amiclubwear.com
3. Pleated Nautical Skirt, $20, forever21.com

X-Men: First Class

2011-08-16T13:41:00.001-04:00

X-Men: First Class (2011) was pretty disappointing, honestly, but if you're a big fan of X-Men, or just Marvel in general, you should probably go see it. I preferred the also-recent Wolverine, if we're looking at X-Men movies, so maybe this should be the one that you skip.

1. Canvas Trench Coat in Butterscotch, $50, oldnavy.gap.com
2. Elizabeth Dress, $395, Rachel Zoe, piperlime.gap.com

Hot Pink Blush

2011-08-12T14:55:00.000-04:00

Blush in the summer is pretty fun, since it spices up your face. If you pick hot pink blush, use it sparingly and just enough that you can see the color, but it doesn't overpower your face. If you use it right, though, it looks gorgeous and totally brightens up your entire face.

1. TEN Natural Cheek Stain, $30, Tarte, sephora.com
2. Studio Blush in Pink Passion, $3, eyeslipsface.com

Trim Trousers

2011-07-23T22:30:00.000-04:00

"Trim trousers" sounds like a fun, British term for the way I see this look: skinny pants rolled up to just above the ankle. They come in all kinds of colors and styles. Unfortunately for me, the look is not very flattering on short women, but if you're tall and slim, you're in luck. This look makes your legs look even longer and thinner, with the extra bonus of making you look very chic.

1. The Junip Pant, $68, RVCA, karmaloop.com
2. Volcom Pistol Medium Wash Jeggings, $50, lulus.com
3. Inez Cropped Cotton Pants, $175, J Brand, net-a-porter.com
4. "Empowered" Ankle Leg Pants, $191, CJ by Cookie Johnson, shop.nordstrom.com

Scenes From A Mall

2011-07-21T17:13:00.000-04:00

Scenes From A Mall (1991) is a Woody Allen movie also starring Bette Midler. It's pretty good, an interesting relationship drama between two people that have been married a long time that spend the day at the mall together. Recommended for anyone who likes Woody Allen movies or relationship dramas.

1. Large Stud Earrings With Pave White Diamond, $2,200, jenniferfisherjewelry.com
2. Nantucket Shawl in Turquoise With Lime Piping, $110, juliecollection.com

Daytime Sheer

2011-07-18T14:40:00.000-04:00

Sheer clothing doesn't always have to be a nighttime thing. It also can be a work look, as long as you keep it tasteful. It's also a pretty nice look for summer, and as long as you make it obviously daytime, it looks great.

1. Gauzy Racerback Tunic Sweater Tank Top in Angora, $25, calvinklein.com
2. Fringe Lace Poncho, $20, forever21.com
3. Dress in Powder Beige, $35, hm.com
4. Leaf Net Tights in Black, $18, hue.com

Anything Else

2011-07-16T10:44:00.000-04:00

Anything Else (2003) is a pretty good Woody Allen movie where he actually advises someone, as like a father figure. It gets to be pretty funny when you realize how stupid the characters are, and on purpose. It's a neat love story.

1. "Madrilene" Tissue Linen Full Skirt, $60, Lauren by Ralph Lauren, bloomingdales.com
2. Vadio Shoe, $99, Jessica Simpson, buckle.com

Mixed Media

2011-07-15T10:42:00.000-04:00

When you wear accessories that have more than one texture, or fabric, or just media in general, it makes them much more interesting. They can work on their own to accessorize your outfit, or combined with other, more subtle accessories.

1. Fashion Drop Earring Pair Gold Tone Oval/Turquoise, $15, store.americanapparel.net
2. Hurakan Bracelet, $178, anthropologie.com
3. Leather& Stripe Waist Belt, $34, asos.com
4. Straw Fedora in Natural, $45, bananarepublic.gap.com

Smokey and the Bandit

2011-07-14T10:49:00.000-04:00

Smokey and the Bandit (1977) is one of my favorite comedies of all time, starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, and the ever-hilarious Jackie Gleason. It's such a perfect movie, and I've even heard it called the "quintessential American film." Anyone and everyone should go see it.

1. Audrey Emerald Cut Cognac Topaz Studs, $200, karaackerman.bigcartel.com
2. Boyfriend Button Down in Black, $118, 525america.com

Tough Cookie

2011-07-12T11:52:00.000-04:00

To me, the idea of looking like a tough cookie means feminine shapes but with tough-looking details or colors, something gothic or menswear-ish. This look can be really fun if you play it up right, so just have fun with it.

1. Bowline Top, $70, vineyardvines.com
2. Black Striped Thigh Highs in Royal, $10, welovecolors.com
3. Double Finger Gothic Starburst Ring, $3500, jenniferfisherjewelry.com
4. Sabrina Black, $350, tulestemarket.com

Sleeper

2011-07-06T11:14:00.000-04:00

Sleeper (1973) is an early Woody Allen film, starring him and Diane Keaton, and it's really funny. It's about Woody Allen's character, who was cryogenically frozen and woke up in the future under an oppressive government. It's quite hilarious. So today I picked out some futuristic-looking pieces.

1. Strutwedge in Strawberry Aniline, $167, stuartweitzman.com
2. Anita Pleated Suit Shorts, $196, tuckerwebshop.com