Just. Love. Fashion.

Handbags Double As Baby Bags

2014-03-23T14:56:00.003-05:00

So let me start out this post with a blanket statement... No, I am not pregnant. But with so many of my friends with little tikes and babes on the way, it sure has got me thinking about style as a mom. Take the diaper bag, for example. It's very practical and a must-have but not always the most on trend option. Looking for practicality and style all in one? Try these designer handbag options that easily double as a baby bag. What makes these bags pass the test? 1) A liner that will protect from spills,2) durable fabrics/leather that will withstand everyday use and 3) a cross body strap option to easy transportation. Welcome to stylish motherhood!

Handbags Double As Baby Bags by courtneyafoster

Elie Saab 2014 Fall RTW

2014-03-03T21:49:00.002-06:00

Elie Saab definitely tops my list as one of the best designers to hit the runway. His designs embody everything that is feminine, elegant and glam ... and always have sparkle. I was pleasantly surprised by his 2014 fall collection which debuted in the beautiful city of Paris. It still captures the essence of Elie Saab but with an edge and depth that is rich, alluring and absolutely elegant.

2014 Oscar Best Dressed

2014-03-02T22:44:00.001-06:00

2014 Oscar Best Dressed by courtneyafoster on Polyvore

Olivia Wilde
usmagazine.com

Lupita Nyong'o
usmagazine.com

Naomi Watts
usmagazine.com

Charlize Theron
usmagazine.com

Jennifer Lawrence
usmagazine.com

Kate Hudson - Red Carpet 24/7 - Us Weekly
usmagazine.com

Rose Noir

2014-03-02T22:29:00.001-06:00

Rose Noir by courtneyafoster featuring tom ford glasses

Top
revolveclothing.com

Alexander McQueen pull on pencil skirt
net-a-porter.com

Bony Levy 18k bangle bracelet
nordstrom.com

Larkspur & Hawk blue earrings
$2,760 - liberty.co.uk

Itsy Bitsy sterling silver midi ring
kohls.com

Tom ford glasses
bergdorfgoodman.com

Morning in Paris

2013-11-18T06:37:00.001-06:00

Morning in Paris by courtneyafoster featuring a leather motorcycle jacket

White tee
etsy.com

Yves Saint Laurent coat
mytheresa.com

Yves Saint Laurent leather motorcycle jacket
farfetch.com

Chloé white coat
farfetch.com

Yves Saint Laurent mini skirt
$2,650 - harrods.com

Chloé high heel leather boots
bloomingdales.com

Lanvin high heel shoes
barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent zipper purse
neimanmarcus.com

Yves Saint Laurent pink purse
farfetch.com

Sarah Chloe initial jewelry
neimanmarcus.com

The Row etched glasses
neimanmarcus.com

Chloé perfume fragrance
bloomingdales.com

Fabulous Fur.

2013-11-17T18:26:00.000-06:00

With the colder temps rolling in, I am keeping warm any way I can. Blankets in everyone room of my house, check. Hats, mittens and scarves at easy access, check. Candles lit as soon as I walk in the door, check. Also, as I do most weekends, I got lost in Pinterest. And as I review my last pins from the weekend, furs dominate. Clearly this must be another strategy, the more furs you pin, the warmer you will be. Anyway, here are a few of my favorites fur looks.

Don't forget to follow me on Pinterest!

Stylishly yours,

Courtney

Weekend Chic

2013-11-11T21:24:00.001-06:00

Weekend Chic by courtneyafoster featuring a gray fedora hat

J Crew sweater
jcrew.com

Current/Elliott low rise jeans
$415 - shopmrsh.com

Matiko black military boots
nastygal.com

Yves Saint Laurent gray fedora hat
net-a-porter.com

Black + Navy

2013-11-10T20:30:00.001-06:00

Black + Navy by courtneyafoster featuring black handbags

Alexander McQueen jacket
alexandermcqueen.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors studded moto jacket
farfetch.com

Joie clothing
intermixonline.com

Rag & Bone high heel boots
ssense.com

Pour La Victoire navy shoes
heels.com

Alexander McQueen black handbag
shopsavannahs.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors navy purse
cusp.com

Best Looks On the Emmys Red Carpet

2013-09-22T21:58:00.003-05:00

As the Emmys come to a close and I write this post, I have two conclusions. 1) Neil Patrick Harris really can do no wrong. 2) Red carpet fashion was sadly underwhelming. While there were a few great moments that kept me looking for more, it was a very basic, risk-adverse, and dare I say boring, red carpet event. Oh well, there's always the Oscars! Here's some of the best fashion of the night. Clearly, I was feeling the whites and nudes with a splash of sassy red. Gosh, do I love that Sophia Vergara.

Taylor Schilling in Thakoon

Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein Collection

Claire Danes in Armani

Julie Bowen in Zac Posen

Kerry Washington in Marchesa

Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang

Favorite Spots to Shop

2013-08-11T22:10:00.000-05:00

People often ask me where I shop. When asked, it's like they assume I have to have all these hidden secrets and boutiques that I shop where no one else can go. But that's far from the truth. I shop everywhere you do, from Zara to Nordstrom to Target. But there are a few other less obvious stores that I love and adore. Here are just a few!

1. Intermix - While this one isn't so hidden it's incredible and very notable. Every time I visit my sis in Chicago, we hit up Armitage in Lincoln Park and make a must-stop at Intermix.

Notable brands: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Missoni, Vince, Elizabeth and James, Chloe.

2. Bluebird - With two locations in the Minneapolis area, this store is makes my heart skip a beat. It has the perfect blend of high-end and low-end apparel. I can pick up a J Brand leather dress or a Bobi t-shirt.

Notable brands: J Brand, Bailey 44, Equipment, BB Dakota.

3. Piperlime in NYC - I am ob-sessed with their one and only store location in Soho in NYC. It is the perfectly curated collection of apparel. It's impossible to walk out of the store without a few items.

Notable brands: BLANKNYC, Ella Moss, Hive & Honey, Rachel Zoe, Rag & Bone, Tucker

4. Oak + Fort - While spending a couple days in Vancouver this past March, I came across this store, Oak + Fort. Upon looking through the windows, I almost didn't go in because I was certain that I would have to pay at least $800 for a top. Thankfully I went in anyway, and wow, was I blown away by quality and price. It's a brand of its own but only has stores in Canada. Thankfully you can purchase online from the U.S.

5. June Resale - Another Minneapolis gem that I just love. It's a consignment shop but only accepts that best. I've snagged a Valentino chain belt for $75, Burberry pumps for $100 and a Michael Kors skirt for $70. Condition is near mint and prices are incredible. A must-stop when you are in the area.

Notable brands: Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Miu Miu, Michael Kors

Stunning in Silver

2013-06-17T21:19:00.002-05:00

I have been a longtime fan of the color gold, whether that's in jewelry or accents found on handbags, shirts and shoes. But as of recent I've had a newfound love for all things silver. I'm finding it to be refreshing, interesting and still playful. Plus it works year-round so it's a great investment! Love when I can find excuses that justifies my shopping habits. :-)

In Love with Lanvin

2013-06-12T21:59:00.000-05:00

Lanvin (pronounced lon-van) has captured my attention since I can remember. The delicate details and feminine accents on Lanvin apparel, handbags, shoes and jewelry are what dreams are made of. To keep us interested and intrigued, the Resort 2014 collection takes Lanvin in a slightly different direction. The collection is vibrant in color and embellishments but a bit mysterious with the dark shadow photography. Ironically I find that these shadows actually enhance the ornate design. Intentional? I think so. Brilliant? Absolutely.

Midriff Madness

2013-06-09T21:20:00.004-05:00

I remember my middle school days, trying to sneak out of the house in a midriff top (or as we called them back in the day, "belly shirts"). The never-fail option was wearing a sweatshirt over my belly shirt and then taking that off once I got to my location, whether that was Summer Fest, the mall or a friend's party.

Well, midriff tops are back and they are more chic than ever. If you are up for trying this daring look, here are a few ways to strut your tight abs:

Loosey goosey: Try a loose, cotton midriff for a casual look on the weekend, perhaps while heading to the grocery store.

Fit and flattering: Take it up a notch with a form-fitting midriff top that doesn't leave anything to the imagination. You may want to hit up the gym or do a few crunches beforehand! At least I will.

High-waisted: This may be my favorite look. Pair high-wasted pants or skirt with a midriff top. Very chic and 1970s glam.

Blooming Hairpieces

2013-05-28T21:39:00.000-05:00

Lilacs, Cranberry trees blossom and peonies, oh my! Tis the season for the best smelling flowers around. I LOVE this time of the year, especially when I go for a run and see and smell the fresh flowers with every few strides. And what better way to celebrate floral beauty than by wearing them?! Floral hairpieces definitely aren't for the everyday occasion, but perhaps if you are going to a wedding or somewhere tropical, they can really take an ordinary look and make it extraordinary.

Five Looks To Try This Week

2013-05-20T07:15:00.000-05:00

Now that warm weather is finally here (to stay!), it may be time to try out some of the latest spring and summer trends. And if you are like me, a little visual inspiration is always helpful to get the creative fashion juices flowing. Here are just a few looks that I'm planning to try out this week and you may want to try as well!

1. A pink lip matched with an equally bright color (this one is a stretch for this neutral-loving girl, but I think I'm up for the challenge!)

2. Global-inspired patterns

3. Spring tweed

4. White, head-to-toe

5. Gingham

Black + White

2013-05-19T14:36:00.003-05:00

This summer and fall, I will be wearing a lot of black and white. Not only because I am obsessed with neutrals but lucky for me, it's THE look of the year. Check out Harper's Bazaar's Black and White Summer Style photo shoot for a little inspiration...

Marc Jacobs

Prada

Hermes

Fendi

Salvatore Ferragamo

Style Icon: Miroslava Duma

2013-04-07T22:38:00.000-05:00

One look at Miroslava and you ask, "who is that girl?" Her tiny silhouette (5 feet tall) and unmatched style of blending sophistication with eclectic pieces has heads turning and has taken the fashion world by storm.

A little about this 28-year-old Russian fashionista:

She began her fashion career as aneditor at Marie Claire (Russia) and then later founder the fashion news website, Buro 24/7.
Now, she is a freelancer writer for publications such as OK Magazine (Russia) and Glamour (Russia). You will find her at nearly every coveted fashion show in frocks from Chanel, Miu Miu Proenza Schouler, Marni and Chloe.
She's a mom of a 2 year old son.
Her fashion icons are Katherine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Marilyn Monroe.

Spring Trend: Leather

2013-03-31T21:50:00.001-05:00

It was all over the runway - leather is no longer just for cold, dark days! With warmer weather, it's showing up in skirts, dresses, shorts, peplum tops and of course jackets. The best part about this trend is that basically any color goes, too. Think red, rose quartz, blue and cognac. So go ahead, bring a little sass into spring!

Charlotte Ronson

Fendi

J. Mendel

DKNY

Tibi

Isabel Marant

Milan Fashion Week: Serious Street Style

2013-02-27T07:21:00.002-06:00

The Making of a Chanel Couture Gown

2013-02-12T20:36:00.000-06:00

Ever wonder why couture clothing is so expensive? You may want to check out this video. Behold the making of a Chanel gown...

Wu Wows Again at NYFW

2013-02-10T10:04:00.000-06:00

My obsession with Jason Wu - who gained his right to fame after dressing Michelle Obama, now twice, in her inauguration dresses - continues to grow after his show at NYFW. He demonstrated that he's not just pretty dresses, but he can blow structure and a bit of edge out of the water, while still making it look feminine and beautiful. LOVE.

Elie Saab Couture Spring 2013

2013-01-28T21:34:00.002-06:00

Every fashion week season I eagerly anticipate Elie Saab's runway show because every time I am left in awe. Of course her Paris show was no different. Her crazy attention to detail and time-consuming designs bring her fairytale, ladylike aesthetic to life again and again. Welcome to a land far, far away...

Chanel Shoulders on Paris Runway

2013-01-22T23:08:00.000-06:00

As strange as it sounds, I've always loved a good shoulder. Whether it's broad, level shoulders on men or delicate shoulders on women, I think the shoulder is an underrated sexy part of the body. And so when I saw Karl Lagerfield's latest creation on the Paris runway, I couldn't help but notice the emphasis on highlighting the shoulder, in his usual creative and eclectic self of course.

Best of the Night: Golden Globes

2013-01-13T22:08:00.000-06:00

Let the award season begin! I snuggled in for the evening on my houndstooth Ethan Allen sofa and watch the red carpet closely. From Emily Blunt to Jennifer Lawrence to Kristin Wiig, the Golden Globes red carpet did not disappoint. Stunning and sophisticated gowns graced the carpet, with red and white as the hot colors of the night and cutouts still going strong. Below are some of my top fashion moments of the evening.

Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute

Kristin Wig in Michael Kors

Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors

Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy

Anne Hathaway in Chanel

Kerry Washington in Miu Miu

Ben Affleck in pure hottness

My 2012 Best-Dressed List

2012-12-29T19:56:00.000-06:00

Bring out the "Best 2012" lists! This past year was a year of many memorable fashion moments. For me, fashion moments include looks that inspire me to evolve my fashion aesthetic. This may mean pushing me a bit out of my comfort zone but enjoying the thrill of trying something new ... or it may mean evolving my current style with a slight twist. Either way, here are some style icons that made a serious fashion statement in 2012. Cheers to more fantastic fashion in 2013!

Rose Byrne

Miroslava Durna

Emma Stone

Kristen Stewart

Gwyneth Paltrow

Kate Middleton

Miranda Kerr