Jenny's Open Closet

The Best of Pre-fall 2012

2012-01-12T18:24:00.001-05:00

Pre-fall collections are usually short, but not always sweet. Most aren't real impressive compared to the bigger shows that follow in the spring, remaining boring and monotonous. However, a few inventive collections come along here and there. These are often overlooked but bring new ideas to keep the fashion industry inspired until fashion week comes.

Alice + Olivia

For the bohemian in Paris, plenty of florals and maxi-skirts to take on the glamorous street style. With red lipstick, a beret, and platform boots, each piece is fit for an afternoon sipping café at Les Deux Magots and shopping down Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Chanel

An inspiration we don't see often, the Kaiser drew his collection from the clothes of Bombay. Jewels and pearls weren't used sparingly and neither were metallics! But all this glitz was balanced with lady-like tweed and lace or minimalistic solids.

Dsquared

One part rockabilly bad-girl and one part Mad Men siren, this collection gives a girl all the button-downs and sweaters she needs. Throw in a velvet tuxedo jacket, laser cut LBD, and a pair of librarian specs and she's set for any casual weekend look or classy work outfit.

Erdem

Florals are reinterpreted every season, but Erdem's more literal prints are pure precision. Appearing more spring than fall, the vibrant colors pop next to strategically placed black pieces. With simple silhouettes, the clothes lend the power to the blossoms that adorn them.

J. Mendel

The marriage of fur and evening wear has been resurrected from the 1950s and given a modern day twist. A vintage inspired gown was paired with a small fur scarf, while bigger fur pieces were dressed down with trousers. A fur-effect was even seen on a formal gown with tiered tulle.

VPL

These clothes echoed the masterpieces one might see at a modern art museum. The terms you may remember from your last art class--contrast, minimalism, asymmetry, gradient--come to mind when looking at these simple shapes and neutrals. Together, each basic piece makes up a brush stroke of the larger picture.

(all photo credits: style.com)

Spring Awakening at the Beginning of Winter

2012-01-06T14:11:00.000-05:00

Today I woke up to the first bit of snow that I've seen for a while. I've been back home on break for almost a month now and there have only been a couple light snowfalls. I'm not a fan of the snow and in fact, a thin covering of white on Christmas is all I need. Meanwhile, I go to work at PacSun and there's something wrong about bringing spring shipment out while the snow is just beginning to accumulate. Companies bring on the upcoming season as if the current one slid right under their noses, but I guess they're just trying to keep up with fashion week! While pastels and florals are prematurely replacing knits and earth tones at work, I start my online shopping right on time! No sooner than when I see the first notification in my inbox of the Victoria's Secret semi-annual sale do I race to their site to browse bathing suits and sweaters...for hours! It's a really bad addiction, I know! But last year it ended in one of my favorite purchases to date--my cosmic monokini! How can I possibly pass up great deals on bikinis that I'd been eyeing all summer? The only downside is that I have an entire winter to wait out before I can wear them!

In light of embracing the arrival of spring while snow will still be falling for months, Matthew Williamson's Spring 2012 collection is a little bit of sunshine and what I'm looking forward to come April. Until then, I'll be dreaming of escaping the dreary cold while in the Caribbean wearing his sea-green and orange caftan with Japanese flowers and a pair of Charlotte Olympia tie-dyed platforms.

(photo credits: style.com)

(photo credit: butterhotshoes.com)

Mani-festo

2012-01-01T23:20:00.001-05:00

When I think of ringing in the New Year the first thing that comes to my mind is sparkle. I didn't have any big party to attend this year, so unfortunately a sequined dress did not go on my list of recent purchases. A glittery manicure, however, was a fun way for me to add a little dazzle. Plus I'll be wearing it longer than the one night stand I would've had with the sparkly dress of my dreams. Designer inspired manicures are gaining popularity and I turned to Jen Kao's Fall 2011 nails for a new idea. I used three different colors--deep blue, multi-colored glitter, and gold polishes. I love the unique look I created and now I can't stop dreaming up possible nail designs for my next manicures! The gold tips from Yigal Azrouel, the two-tones of Jen Kao's latest collection...maybe I'll even recreate the candy stripes at Nanette Lepore's spring show.

Snow Man of My Dreams - Nicole by OPI

Gold Coin - Revlon

Saved by the Blue - Wet n Wild

Christmas Time

2011-12-26T12:56:00.000-05:00

12-24-11

sweater - Victoria's Secret / leggings - Forever 21/ heels - Next

12-25-11

sweater dress - Victoria's Secret/ tights - Cynthia Rowley/ ankle boots - Not Rated

Cross Everyone Off Your Christmas List

2011-12-13T15:56:00.001-05:00

I have over half of the people on my Christmas shopping list crossed off, but there are still a few I'm a bit stuck on. Living in Boston has definitely given me more options for finding gifts, but sometimes there can be too many. At times, I have little trouble finding what I'm looking for, but at others I feel like I'll never be able to weed out enough to find the perfect gift. One thing I've learned from this year's shopping is that return policies can be a determining factor. Some stores will let you return an item for a cash refund and others will only give you a store credit. Don't wait until the cashier is presenting your bags to find out the store's return policy!

One mistake people often make when gift shopping is going into a store expecting the right gift to find them. A better approach is to understand the kind of person you're shopping for and to have at least two items to be on the lookout for. An open mind is necessary as well. Sometimes the gift that you stumble upon may be a better decision than what you had planned. You always want the gift you choose to embody the personality of whoever you're buying for--it's more personal than a gift that could be given to anyone. A gift card is great when you're in a rut, but unless you're buying one for a shopaholic, it doesn't say much about the person recieving it. I've put together some types of friends you may be buying for this year and a few ideas to get you started. Plus, every gift is under $50, so it will help if you're in a money jam.

The Booze Babe

This friend loves a good party but she keeps things classy. A simple gesture to her favorite pastime with a cocktail ring or recipe book is sure to be a hit.

The Cocktail Party Set by Philosophy - $18 - Sephora // Cut Out Dress with Chain Neck - $44.54 - ASOS // Little Pink Book of Cocktails by Madeline Teachett - $9.95 - Amazon // Vintage Cocktail Ring - $9.49 - Arden B

The Health Nut

She’s all about staying fit so keep her motivation going with a present that will encourage her to stay on track, like a water bottle or yoga pants.

Bootcut Yoga Pant - $39.50 - Victoria's Secret // Bliss FatGirlSlim Treatment Kit - $38 - Sephora // CamelBak Groove Portable Filtration Bottle - $24.99 - Bed, Bath & Beyond // Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six-Pack - $8.19 - Amazon

The Bookworm

This friend likes to cozy up with a good read. She probably has a book collection the size of Barnes & Noble so get her something to complement it, like coffee or a warm scarf.

Ribbed Slipper Sock - $9.50 - Victoria's Secret // Library Books Mug - $20 - Kate Spade // Frenchi Marled Infinity Scarf - $22 - Nordstrom // Breakfast Blend Coffee - $11.95 - Starbucks

The Stylista

She probably likes to pick out her own clothes, but there are plenty of fashion-forward things you can get her. Any fierce accessories like cheetah print shoes or a metal cuff will look great with her daring wardrobe.

Charlotte Ronson Masquerade Collection - $29 - Sephora // 6-Row Textured Cuff - $48 - Nordstrom // The Rise of Fashion and Lessons Learned at Bergdorf Goodman - $26.60 - Amazon // Suede Leopard Bootie - $24.99 - Charlotte Russe

The Travel Star

She’s been all around the world so you can guess that there’s nothing more original that what she’s accumulated. Get her a gift that will ease her next trip like a passport wallet or travel size body care set.

100% Gift Set - $29.75 - Aveda // Cris Notti Sleep Mask - $21 - Bliss // The Travel Book - $15 - Amazon // Passport Wallet - $48 - Melissa Tan on Etsy

The Music Maven

This friend is always listening to the latest music, so it would be hard to keep up with her favorite artist. Instead of buying her an album or concert tickets, reflect her eclectic flair with neon nail polish or 45-record coasters.

Neon Nail Polish (3-pack) - $15 - American Apparel // 45 Records Coasters - $12.45 - Amazon // 2011 Ink'd Gold Earphones - $19.99 - Skullcandy // Nylon Magazine Subscription - $19.95 per yr.- Nylon

The Little Princess

You want to make the little girls in your life feel sophisticated without taking away playfulness. A trendy metallic sweater is sure to make her feel special while some cupcake flavored floss is fun and may actually encourage her to take care of her teeth!

Cupcake Floss - $6 - Urban Outfitters // Pearl & Fabric Bow Necklace - $10.50 - Charlotte Russe // Girls Cotton-Wool Cable Gloves - $24.99 - Ralph Lauren // Metallic Sweater - $19.95 - H&M

Hairspiration - Gossip Girl

2011-12-04T22:28:00.000-05:00

Gossip Girl has always been one of the most fashion-forward shows on tv and in it's fifth season it's still a strong style influence. What I love about this season in particular is the hairstyling by Jennifer Johnson. The styles have evolved from the school-girl look of pin-straight hair and headbands to elegant updos and intricate braiding. The characters have grown up, defined their individual styles away from school uniforms, and their hair has become more sophisticated. The styles look relaxed and effortless yet are unique and hard to duplicate. I've tried...no such luck! If I could have Johnson as my personal stylist, I would never have a bad hair day again!

(photo credits: cwtv.com)

Christmas Wishlists

2011-11-26T23:20:00.003-05:00

I never grew up believing in Santa Claus, but every year I still compile a wishlist right when the Christmas season begins! Since I can remember, I've always taken my time to make an organized, pretty, and detailed list. I rate the items I want most, give all the specifics (price, size, color), and include lots of pictures. I recently began included stocking stuffer ideas and the pjs I want for my family's tradition of getting pajamas on Christmas Eve. Sure, I sort of go a little overboard, but my siblings and I have loved making these lists since the days we would sift through Toys R Us and American Girl catalogs. It's just one more thing that gets me in the mood for the holidays and a good way to exchange gift ideas with everyone else. Here are some things I'm wishing for this year...

Christmas 2011 Wishlist by fashionistagal1

tights - Kings of Leon documentary - chocolate - gift cards - Victoria's Secret sweaters -

magazines - perfume - Patriots boxers/tee set

Inspiration Equals Motivation

2011-11-15T00:41:00.000-05:00

Everyone needs some inspiration to get back on track! It's hard being in college and maintaining a blog...unfortunately, my blog has been the thing that I've put on the back burner since life has been busy recently. Yet, I still plan on getting back to regular posting. This blog has been such a great way to express myself and in a way it's a part of me, so I can't give it up! Keep checking back for more posts...I'm making it a goal to post at least 1-2 times a week from now on. If all goes well, I might increase my posts after a while.

My Halloween Costume!

2011-11-03T00:43:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to show you my Halloween costume! I was a lion! I used a tutorial by From Head to Toe to do my make-up, teased my hair a bit (it's naturally pretty big so it didn't need much), wore a dress my cousin Maddie lent me, and made a tail out of an orange boa. Pretty simple and fuss-free...I was just determined to be a lion this year because I've wanted to be one since I was little. Maddie dressed up as a Christmas elf...didn't she look cute? I hope everyone had a fantastic Halloween!

PS-I've been super busy and haven't been able to post lately...but keep visiting because I plan on getting better at it! haha I still have a lot of ideas for posts and once I have a little spare time I'll be able to post at least twice a week.

Ciao for now!

Boston Fashion Week SS 2012

2011-10-14T01:49:00.001-04:00

I've been posting recently about the designers' collections that I had the privilege of seeing at Boston Fashion Week this season, but I also want to give some highlights of my experience. I've never been to a fashion week before, so this was an amazing opportunity and I thank the designers that let me attend their shows and the friends (and of course my uncle) who accommodated me. Boston Fashion Week gets bigger every season, so it's exciting to take part in something that is growing so rapidly. I really hope more and more individuals become aware of it and that the city's interest in fashion continues to widen.

Saturday, September 24th - Mike & Ton was my first fashion show...ever! I didn't know much about fashion week and I didn't know anyone when I arrived at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, but luckily I met Amanda of The Catwalker who was also covering BFW for the first time! The shows were incredible and I was awestruck by the entire experience--there is something about seeing gorgeous clothes walking down the runway to the beat of blasting music that gives me goosebumps!

Amanda and I at the Mike & Ton and Michael de Paulo shows.

Thursday, September 29th - Almost a week later, I headed back to the Tent with my uncle Kurt to watch the Avni and Jeff Lahens shows. I met some of his friends that he has known since his Boston days and we went to the Rising Design Fashion Show at the Liberty Hotel afterwards. The Liberty was originally a jailhouse that has been remodeled into a posh hotel and now hosts parties in its chic lobby. The show there was wasn't a typical fashion show. It was more of a party with a fashion show happening in the middle of it. Models ascended up the escalator and posed on tables around the room, while party-goers munched on appetizers and sipped drinks from the hotel restaurant, Clink. After a night dressed-up and out on the town, my uncle and I finished with a midnight meal in Chinatown. It was definately one of the best nights I've had in Boston!

Sitting at the Avni show with my uncle.

We got front show seats!

Before the Jeff Lahens show with my uncle and his friends Cindy and Rob.

Outside the Liberty Hotel.

Rob and I at the Rising Design Fashion Show/Party.

My uncle and I at the show.

One of the looks during the fashion show.

Bouncers escorted each model to their next posing station.

Me in front of one of the old jail cells.

Our late-night dinner in Chinatown.

Trying jellyfish for the first time!

Boston Fashion Week SS 2012 - Mike & Ton and Michael de Paulo

2011-10-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

(courtesy of Russ Mezikofsky for mike&ton)

Michael de Paulo was behind the designs of two shows in the same night this Boston Fashion Week. He collaborated with Tonya Mezrich for Mike & Ton, a unique line that is sleek and wearable, plus he created his couture collection. Both collections were very different. Mike & Ton's was a line-up of day-to-night separates and asymmetric dresses, while the Michael de Paulo collection consisted of elegant gowns inspired by the French Rivera.

The metallics, silk, and wool used in the Mike & Ton show combined with structured sleeves and draped bodices made every look stunning, yet relatable to the audience. The thought in everyone's mind was that each look could have effortlessly walked off the runway and straight onto the streets of Boston. With one glance around the room, it was apparent that every woman there was thinking, “Wow, that’s so me!” or “I could definitely see myself wearing that!” as the outfits walked by. The showstopper of the collection was a tri-color pocket dress with blue and orange color-blocking, two colors that dominated the show.

The Michael de Paulo show began with a harp solo, followed by a white satin and chiffon cocktail dress that set the mood of elegance and sophistication. Each gown had exquisite detailing and bold coloring. My favorite was the blue pleated ball gown that was one-shouldered and adorned with a chiffon flower on the strap. With so many different styles, there was a dress for every woman, whether she likes a simple evening dress or a decorative princess gown.

Boston Fashion Week SS 2012 - Jeff Lahens

2011-10-03T00:50:00.001-04:00

The Jeff Lahens show was a compilation of looks from Uniform Boston, Ball and Buck, Drinkwater's Cambridge, and Bobby from Boston. It was all about a man's original style and gave males the spotlight in a female dominated fashion week. Looks ranged from lumber jack to dapper businessman and touched upon everything in between. One of the most memorable pieces was a sportswear jacket with the Boston Bruins logo, earning a wild stream of applause. Not only did the clothing impress, but the models were hot too! They worked the runway with attitude, charm, and...good looks of course! Watch out Boston! We may see a menswear exclusive fashion week in the near future!

Boston Fashion Week SS 2012 - Avni

2011-09-30T06:35:00.005-04:00

Last night, Avni Trivedi presented a gorgeous collection titled "Midsummer Night's Dream." Her designs were exactly what I would want to wear on a hot summer's day! She layered, gathered, and draped pastel and forest colored silk to create airy pieces that brought to mind fairy dust and dew drops. Each look had names like, Lemongrass, Meadow Nymph, Buttercup, and Violet Sprite. I thought the cropped pants with satin criss-cross detailing were great laid-back pieces and the finale dress, a silk one-shoulder gown with a crystal studded train, was beautiful.

Her garments were made of fabrics that are 100% naturally dyed with herbs and flowers, wholesomely carrying out her woodland theme and taking it to an eco-friendly realm beyond the runway. The colors and patterns she used were earthy and feminine...a perfect fit for spring! Trivedi used spectacular tie-dying that was original, yet organic and subtle. I also loved the hairstyling! This summer, I tried to be creative with my hair, trying different braids and such, but these styles were so divinely intricate!

Simon G Collection

2011-09-23T19:45:00.003-04:00

(Promotional Blog Post)

I was recently introduced to Kranich's Jewelers. They carry several designers and have jewelry for every occasion. One collection I really like is Simon G. They use a lot of gold (which is my favorite metal) and diamonds with really graceful shapes. Here are some of my favorite pieces...

Two Tone Simon G Diamond Fashion Earrings

Stunning Simon G Diamond Leaf Fashion Ring

Simon G Emerald Cut Yellow Diamond Ring

Be sure to visit the Kranich's Jewelers website and check out the Simon G collection!

Fashion's Night Out 2011 in Boston

2011-09-09T18:11:00.002-04:00

I finally made it to Fashion's Night Out! I've wanted to go since the event first started but never have been able to until I moved to Boston for school. My full goal won't be over until I can go in NYC but it was still fun in Boston. Even though there weren't any celebrities, there were plenty of sweepstakes, free food, photo opts, and music. I didn't get a chance to go everywhere but I went to DKNY, Ugg, Kate Spade, H&M, and Marc Jacobs, among others. I honestly didn't buy much because I spent a lot on a previous shopping trip last week. Out of all the happenings, these were my favorites...

Best Charity - Marc Jacobs

A percent of every purchase made was donated to the Young Partners of Boston Ballet.

Best Freebie - Kate Spade

Cute little flower pins were all around the store for shoppers to take.

Best DJ - H&M

The beats totally set the mood for the night, mixing contemporary and older songs with techno.

I danced in the middle of the store several times!

Best Treats - Nanette Lepore

At the counter there was a tray of petite cupcakes with a whole lot of icing and sprinkles!

Best Photos - Ugg

Outside of the store they set up a free photo booth.

Check out the pictures with my friend, Jackie, below!

Here's my FNO outfit:

Boston Wardrobe Inspiration

2011-09-04T18:36:00.127-04:00

I've finally moved in at Emerson and have been meaning to post my latest inspiration since I've been here. I was absolutely smitten with Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall 2011 collection, and loved that it was a mixture of rock n’ roll meets 1970’s vintage. It being only her second clothing collection, she did a marvelous job translating the vibe of her handbags into ready-to-wear pieces. One of my favorite aspects of her show was the outerwear that incorporated luxurious furs, smooth leathers, and metallic twill. I am also a huge fan of her diverse dress silhouettes, from bellowing chiffon to fitted jersey; I could see myself living in all of them! Here are the looks from her collection and things I would hope to do while wearing them.

Braving the first snow on Boylston St.

Interviewing a student for the Berkeley Beacon.

Sushi at Oishii.

Going to a performance at the Cutler Majestic Theater.

Hitting the books with an espresso at the Thinking Cup.

Going for a late fall walk in the Boston Common.

Working on the latest issue of em magazine.

Shopping on Newbury Street.

Ordering take out and renting a movie with friends.

Vintage shopping trip at Poor Little Rich Girl.

Auditioning for the Musical Theater Society.

18 and up night at the Gypsy Bar.

Date night at No. 9 Park.

Researching for a paper at the Iwasaki Library.

Browsing for Shakespeare at Commonwealth Books.

Seeing The Hundred in the Hands at the House of Blues.

Lounging in my room, writing a paper or reading Vogue.

Walking to my Americans in Paris literature class.

Walking to Mike's Pastry for cheesecake.

Trip to the Barbara Krakow Gallery.

Running errands around campus.

Covering the shows at Boston Fashion week.

Shopping for vintage jewelry at Twentieth Century Limited.

Celebrating Fashion's Night Out around town.

Watching an Emerson quidditch game.

Relaxing at Starbucks to write a blog post.

Attending a Fashion Society event.

Seeing an exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts.

Shopping for a party dress at AllSaints.

Work study at Emerson's costume shop.

Going to a Boston Fashion Week gala.

Gold, Leather Accessories, and Navy

2011-08-25T11:44:00.000-04:00

Lately, I haven’t been able to keep gold out of my wardrobe! It’s what I typically wear for jewelry, whenever I find a gold piece of clothing I always seem to pick it over something else, and it’s my current nail color. For my birthday last Sunday, I went on a shopping spree at TJMaxx where I got a leather Cynthia Rowley purse (of course the hardware’s gold) and a complementing gold Michael Kors wallet. I also got a pair of Franco Sarto suede, wedge boots and Michael Kors suede, loafer flats, both of which have gold accents. Needless to say, I’m in love with gold (and leather)! This realization prompted me to do a themed photoshoot, incorporating navy pieces that I think look great with gold.

Greek fisherman’s hat; Express top; PacSun denim leggings; Cynthia Rowley handbag; gold pumps.

Vintage gold dress; Michael Kors wallet; Tahari wedge sandals.

J.Crew cardigan; Charlotte Russe dress; Michael Kors loafers.

Vintage dress; Franco Sarto wedge boots.

Gold vintage jacket; navy Victoria’s Secret Top; PacSun denim leggings; Kelsi Dagger gladiator sandals.

J.Crew cardigan; Aeropostale halter; Forever 21 shorts; vintage lucite handbag; Charlotte Russe heels.

Smashion Interview

2011-08-22T17:30:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to announce that Smashion.com has featured me on their site in an interview that was just published today! I hope you will take the time to read it and check out their site as well. And to all their readers who have just discovered my blog via said interview, welcome! I really hope you enjoy all my posts and I look forward to gaining new readers! Check back frequently and make sure to follow me on Blogger, Twitter, Bloglovin, Lookbook, and Facebook!

Read the Interview!

A New Favorite Swimsuit

2011-08-15T19:49:00.001-04:00

[Promotional Blog Post]

When I received this Sunseeker Australia swimsuit from LingeriePlease I was excited to wear it to the beach on my family's annual day trip to Maine. The suit fits perfectly and, unlike a lot of bikinis that you have to fumble with to keep in place, the top has no-slip rubber edges inside so even while I was boogie-boarding it didn't fall down once! I love the pattern and colors of this suit and it's now among my top favorites in my swimwear collection! Be sure to take a look at all that LingeriePlease has to offer--lingerie, bras, underwear, bra accessories, shapewear, swimwear, and self-tanning products--quite a lot for just one website!

Sunseeker Woodstock Bandeau Bikini - $63.48

Sunseeker Woodstock Hipster Pant - $44.24

Missoni for Target

2011-08-12T18:45:00.001-04:00

I haven't ridden a bike for years, but this one makes me want to again! I am so excited to see the entire collection that Missoni has created for Target, as is everyone else I'm sure. I love the idea of dressing up mundane everyday objects with iconic Missoni prints. Until its launch on September 13th, here are the sneak preview pictures. The rainboots, throw pillows, coffee cups, and scarves are among my must-haves!

(photo credits: fashionista.com)

So Many Magazines...So Little Time!

2011-08-08T18:43:00.000-04:00

Catching up on my summer issues!

My Big Bang Theory

2011-08-07T12:08:00.001-04:00

I've recently come to the conclusion that I need to spice up my hair for fall! For the past year I've actually been very satisfied with my low-maintenance, naturally-textured hair and I really love it the way it is. However, I'm beginning to think it needs a little revamping, especially for back-to-school season. Plus, I am in desperate need of a trim for my split-ends! Although I have thought of going with a drastic change like cutting off several inches, I don't think I can part with my length just yet! I like being able to let my hair air-dry into my natural curls/waves, so I don't want anything I'd have to blow-dry or straighten everyday. I've decided that getting bangs would be a great route! It's something a little less extreme than getting a new style all together and they wouldn't be as hard to maintain either. For hair-spiration I seem to look to Emma Stone quite often. One reason is probably because her facial features are similar to mine (round nose, freckles, squinty eyes) so I figure that if a hairstyle looks good on her it'll do the same for me! I really love the side-swept bangs that she's sported most often and I think they would be a good basis for my new 'do. I'll post pics as soon as I hit the salon!

A Midsummer Night's Dream

2011-08-05T23:27:00.001-04:00

Summer is halfway through! Every other year of my life I wouldn't be saying this with such an upbeat fervor, however this is the first summer I've wanted to be over! Don't get me wrong...I love swimming, the hot weather, week-long trips, and sleeping in...but there's nothing more I'm looking forward to than starting a new phase of my life at college! I've been doing everything I can to prepare for move-in day, including going through my whole wardrobe to figure out what I'm bringing with me (the hardest part being my shoe collection). I've done most of my shopping but I'm still looking around for a laptop. I'm so excited that it seems college is all I can think of! However, sometimes I realize that I should just step back and enjoy the relaxing summer I have because it won't be around forever. Here are some summery things I'll be dreaming of tonight...

Elie Saab's visionary Fall 2011 Couture collection.

Chanel's latest and greatest nail hue.

A breathtaking ocean view from a white-washed beach house.

A design for the engagement ring I'll have someday.

A bookcase full of fashion history and designer biographies.

Kissing a frog so I can turn him into a pair of these Lanvin wedges.

Minimalistic necklaces with a touch of dazzling stones.

Eating tiramisu in Rome.

New ways to style my hair for the summer heat.

My plans for the future.

Sweet dreams!

TightsPlease

2011-08-01T01:02:00.001-04:00

[Promotional Blog Post]

I received these funky tights in the mail a little while ago and have been meaning to post about them sooner, however it's been a fairly busy summer for me so far. But anyway, tightsplease.com is a really cool online store where you can find any style of hosiery you fancy! This pair of Pamela Mann Freesia tights struck me because of its unique floral print and vibrant colors. Putting them on, they are so comfortable that they felt like a second skin on my legs! The only thing was that they didn't fit quite right in the feet so I cut those parts off, turning them into footless tights...which works out perfectly so I can show off my summer pedicure!

Pamela Mann Freesia Tights - $13.12

Make sure to check out their website and take a look at some of my favorites below!

Pretty Polly Fashion Tights Range Opaque/ Lace Tights Overlay

$13.06

Levante Love Seams Tights

$26.28

Wolford Sousan Tights

$45.98

Pretty Polly Lace Tights

$13.96

Adventures in Unconventional Sewing Part I

2011-07-20T01:27:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I get a picture in my head of a specific dress that I want, but no matter how many hours I spend searching for it, I can't seem to find the perfect fit. Enter fabric, thread, sewing machine, and a few hours of my time. I am by no means an expert seamstress and this was the first time I've really sewn on my own. In fact, I hate conventional sewing...absolutely hate it! All the technicalities of following a pattern bore me to death and I usually end up skipping ahead due to my impatience. When I was little I would ask my mom if I could help her with her current sewing project, but by the first ten minutes of reading the pattern instructions I would lose interest. Most sewing projects I've done before have either ended up half-finished or finished for me by someone else, so when I was faced with a prom dress dilemma this spring I decided to get a fresh start on my sewing experience.

As a senior this year, I knew I wanted to go to the junior prom, but I also knew that I couldn't afford an extravagant dress since I had already gotten one for my own junior prom last year. I looked around for cheap dresses at stores like Charlotte Russe but with that comes the possibility of someone else wearing a duplicate of a widely produced dress sold in thousands of stores across the country. Plus, I couldn't get this amazing dress from Nasty Gal out of my head. I knew I wanted something unique, edgy, and affordable so there was only one other option...making my own!

I sketched up exactly how I wanted my dream dress to look during a boring day in Americana--comfortable to dance in, subtly sexy, figure-flattering, and in club-worthy metallic. I not only wanted something unique, but something I could see myself in months from now at a party in Boston.

Some magazine clippings, my drawing, and a fabric swatch as my inspiration.

After my design was finished it was time to collect all my supplies and get started. In the beginning I wanted a gold lamé fabric, but after finding out that lamé was extremely hard to track down, I found a dark green fabric with a hint of gold shimmer that was better. I had to do some more improvising when I couldn't find a pattern I could work off of. Instead, I saved more money by making my own! I laid out large sheets of paper and traced a strapless dress I already had for a base. I then altered it to my design and measured everything to ensure that it would fit.

Creating a relative pattern for my dress.

Then came putting the pieces together! From the start I didn't want anything to be too complicated so I came up with my way of risk-taking, no-regrets, dive-right-in sewing! I just stitched the places I thought should be sewn and went from there. If I made a mistake I adjusted whatever I had to. Around ten hours later, it had gone from a few lines on paper to a wearable dress!

My friend Rose and I went to the prom together...girls' night out!

I'm really glad I ended up making my dress for prom this year. I always love making things I can wear and it felt really good to put effort into something that I could be proud of. I also think that this sewing experiment made me discover another way to express myself and take risks. Making bold moves such as cutting fabric without a very scientific pattern and sewing away even if I wasn't sure how the end product was going to come out also made me more confident in my sewing skills. Doing things your own way can be rewarding in so many ways and I hope that I've inspired at least one person to try it. Whether you make your own necklace or rip a tee to look like a runway creation, sometimes it's what you can make with your hands that is more special than what money can buy!

To be continued...