A Shoe or Two

Spring 2013 Looks to Love (Part II)

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 07:02:00 +0000

Oscar de la Renta

Graphic black on petal pink + cocktail shape + fuchsia hair streaks (!)

While I'd love to gush about nearly all of the spring shows, some ensembles just captivated me. Really, it's the little details that render the looks stunning overall. Here are the rest of the outfits that are still on my mind a week and a half after the closing of the runways.

Mara Hoffman

Drop-waist + Hawaiian influence + sheer fabric

Michael Kors

Unexpected midriff + rugby stripes + eye-popping shadow

Prabal Gurung

Pearly gray + ruffled bunches + front-crossed straps + translucency

Diane von Furstenberg

Caftan cut + all-out sparkles + pinky-nude shade + red sandals

Ralph Lauren

Bohemian beaded tank + peasant skirt + ornamental necklace + tasseled purse

Tommy Hilfiger

Voluminous maxi + marigold yellow + clean white trim

Sass & Bide

Laser-cut leafy pattern + all white + silky blouse + oxford shoes

Acne

Muscle tee + rough straps + floaty lavender draping + formidable closed-toe sandals

Temperley London

Tissue-thin material + cornflower blue + symmetrical floral + long sleeves

Jonathan Saunders

Cosmically shiny pencil skirt + understated beige tee

Calvin Klein Collection

Optically intriguing netting + simple black/white + tried-and-true silhouette

Mulberry

Head-to-toe Easter egg green + boyfriend fit pants + soft moto jacket

Burberry Prorsum

Shimmering lace + iconic trench + chartreuse bag

Erdem

3D floral + diaphanous texture + matching gloves + crazy-tall silver platforms

Alberta Ferretti

Mermaid shape + regal teals + strategically placed lace + watercolor-like pattern

Salvatore Ferragamo

Sharp tailoring + all black + peep-toe boots + fishnet tank + sleek hair

Marni

Rosy cheeks + mod whites + modest cut + contemporary checkers

Christian Dior

Dramatic eye makeup + pulled back hair + tea-length + saturated colors + uncomplicated neck scarf

Giambattista Valli

Happy yellow + 3/4 sleeves + beaded embroidery + mirrored pumps + flash of skin

Carven

Layered collar + shrunken sweater + gray lace + (yet another) flash of skin

All photos via style.com

xo Heidi

Spring 2013 Looks to Love

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 04:23:00 +0000

Band of Outsiders

Camo green + tailored suit + laced sandals

Although the spring runways have closed and the four major fashion weeks (NYC, London, Milan, and Paris) have come to an end, I have a lot of catching up to do in terms of posting about the events. And while I was a little heartbroken to see such an absence of color on the catwalks compared to last spring's abundance of pastels and neons, I can't be too forlorn--there are still countless looks I've fallen in love with. Here's the start of them...

Balenciaga

Red + knotted texture + delicate necklace

Bottega Veneta

Tattered sequin stripes + netted cardigan + butterfly belt

Chanel

Classic tweed + bold purple

Chloe

Metallic ruby heels + dainty straps

Dennis Basso

Ethereal lace + ivory + cord belt

Altuzarra

Wrapped scarf dress + gold tassels + sandal boots

Badgley Mischka

Sultry cut + silver accents + peachy pink hue

DKNY

Caramel leather + black contouring + deep side part

Jason Wu

Unapologetic lace/leather combo + red lips

Marchesa

Dove gray + Sari-inspired design + asymmetrical midriff cutout

Jill Stuart

Impossibly silky sheen + salmon pink + burnt orange + deep crimson + middle part

Zac Posen

Strong gems + inverted sweetheart neckline + pointy pleats

Proenza Schouler

Bright lime + netted leather + ring zipper + chunky black sandals + thick choker

Reem Acra

Ball gown + spiny metallic embroidery + wash of hot pink

All photos via style.com

xo Heidi

An Autumn Return

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 04:36:00 +0000

[Shining sun & changing leaves]

After allowing myself many weeks (8 to be exact) of transition/settling-into-my-new-place time, I'm back! It's been way too long, so in a meager attempt to make up for lost time, here are some things making me happy right now.

P.S. It's facelift time. A Shoe or Two will be undergoing some notable changes in the near future, and I'll be sure to keep you updated. And as always, thanks for reading!

[Fall's ubiquitous Baroque presence (via Tommy Ton)]

[Latest trailer obsession: Silver Linings Playbook]

[My roommate's new bunny named Foof, naturally (photo courtesy of the talented Marissa)]

[Jason Wu's star-spangled confection on the Spring 2013 runway]

Photo credits- style.com

xo Heidi

What Dreams Are Made Of

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 19:34:00 +0000

One of my favorite gowns of all time:

Elie Saab Spring 2011 Couture (also worn by Mila Kunis at the Academy Awards)

Oftentimes I've dreamt of clothes. In my deepest slumber, my mind's self will be awestruck and wandering around a certain sartorial Eden that brims with clothing: skirts, blouses, jewelry, handbags, coats, and dresses. And the garments are always so fantastic that I suffer a slight ache of heart when I wake up and realize that what I experienced wasn't reality. But maybe that's the thing about dreams: their unattainability, their splendor, their so-close-but-so-far facet, these are what make one want to fall asleep in the first place. And really, that's the thing about clothes too--the over-the-top whimsy of some couture pieces just wouldn't have such draw if they weren't so otherworldly and inaccessible. That said, I still believe that it's just about every girl's fantasy to wear that "dream dress," and that at least once in her all-too-real, terrestrial existence, every girl should get to do just that. At least this is what I tell myself when I'm rudely awoken from my silk-chiffon-filled reveries.

Here are just a few gowns I've come across that seem to have been woven with dream threads and dream needles:

[Silky texture + shiny tassel + scooping neckline + subtle floral print]

[All-out sparkle + bateau neckline + elbow-length sleeves]

[Scarlet red + volume + ruffles]

[Plunging neckline + lavender + pleats + gold hardware]

[Watercolor + translucency + gems]

[Intricate beadwork + starburst jewels + sweetheart neckline]

[Powder pink + high/low hemline + whimsical flow]

[Crazily chained and jeweled neckline/sleeves + babydoll structure]

[Diaphanousness + shimmery leaves + faux sweetheart neckline]

[Jeweled buttons + prim ribbon + tiny ruffles + jeweled embroidery]

[Grape + relaxed movement + plumed hemline (+ Diane Kruger)]

[Beaded, sparkling lace + waistline flower + vintage-y, spaghetti-strapped neckline]

[Big, soft flow + dropped back + off-white/purple contrast]

xo Heidi

Smoking Permitted

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Sat, 04 Aug 2012 17:00:00 +0000

There are very few things in life actually worth dying for, but sometimes danger and its magnetic appeal can cloud one's better judgment. Enter the smoking slipper. With a name evoking ideas of forbidden action and a structure uniquely suited for pairing with anything from skinny jeans to full-on Hugh-Hefner-esque robes, this season's proverbial "bad boy" of shoes is alluring in the most satisfying way--the wearer reaps the best of both worlds, as these flats are safe enough to wear without fear of falling but just perplexing enough to feel that rush of bending the rules. Now that makes them a clear, cloudless choice if you ask me.

From top and clockwise: Miu Miu Embroidered Satin-covered Leather Loafers, Lanvin Bow-Embellished Patent-Leather Loafers, RESTRICTED Gloria Loafer, Steve Madden All-Over Stud Loafer, Steve Madden Elton Leopard Loafer, Jimmy Choo Wheel Glitter-finished Leather Loafers, Charles Philip Eula Marble Print Flats, Marc by Marc Jacobs Sequined Leather Loafers

xo Heidi

Bits & Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 17:00:00 +0000

[My new jewelry keeper: a plastic toy giraffe that I painted gold]

As the end of summer approaches, I'm feeling rather ambivalent about what's to come. I'll be moving into a new apartment soon, a process that typically entails exciting planning, decorating, and (housewarming) partying, but this fall means a whole new--and full!--semester of classes. While I can't help but brood over the unknown--will I pass? will I fail? will I die from sleep deprivation?--I'm also positive that these next few months will be memorable if not some of the best yet. It's the final year of college for many of my friends, and although times are a changin', it's the little things, like randomly finding the china pattern I grew up eating off of in a thrift store, or simple mantras of perseverance, that keep me afloat. Those and my incredible friends and family, that is. I hope you view the transition of seasons as a time for positive change and growth as well!

[The beginnings of my Fall 2012 inspiration board]

[A card I got years ago that I keep taped to my mirror for easy viewing]

[Leftover blackberries from a coffeecake I spontaneously baked]

[UW-Madison's Library Mall at sunrise]

[Finding new uses for a vintage brooch]

[Urban Outfitters right before the summer sale's rush]

[I knew I recognized these thrift store plates...I fed off of them as a kid!]

xo Heidi

South Pull

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 03:10:00 +0000

[Post-dinner stroll in a tiny downtown]

This past weekend I got to road-trip down to Tennessee to visit one of my best friends, and needless to say, good times ensued. When we--myself, my Tennessee bud, and the 3 other friends I traveled with--weren't goofing off as we typically do, we were dancing in country-music-filled dive bars, bobbing in one of the state's many pristine lakes, and lounging around while taking in the Olympic games. As if all that weren't enough to make me want to return next summer, a southern chain restaurant called Zaxby's served us up some birthday cake shakes that I still just can't get off my mind. Until next year, my $10 Target cowboy hat.

[My friend's adorable (albeit rambunctious) puppy Brady]

[On the road in Tennessee]

[My friend driving...and wearing a Snuggie]

[Tubing on the lake]

[The Smoky Mountains & green grass]

[Hoarding apple cinnamon jelly from a restaurant--I've never seen it up north!]

[Hat love on the dashboard]

xo Heidi

ParLUSH-vous Francais?

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

[Chloe's always drinking, but, hey, at least she does it with a classy glass.]

A few months ago, I became a fan of ABC's "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23." I enjoy the show for many reasons (one of which is James Van Der Beek's goofy turn as himself), but most of all because of main character Chloe's sharp tongue, shocking opinions, and (contrastingly) chic style. And because of that dang awesome Eiffel Tower wine glass she's always sipping out of. Lord knows what's in the cup--it's probably vodka considering her affinity for the liquor--but that glass is so ubiquitous on the show that it should be listed in the credits. So obviously you can imagine how elated I was to stumble across the identical model on zgallerie.com. Now, for $40 for a set of four (or ten bucks a pop for you math underachievers), I too can swear often, prance around naked, and get hammered in the daytime. Because this Parisian-cool goblet's elegance will make all of that okay. Right?

xo Heidi

Pout About It

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 05:00:00 +0000

[Gettin' lippy: Models at (clockwise from top left) Gucci, Bottega Veneta, YSL, and Rochas boasted major attitude without saying a word.]

My favorite beauty trend for the fall: giving some serious lip. The girls at several fashion powerhouses exhibited their trendsetting potentials with darkly bold lips in shades ranging from black cherry (Rochas) to bordeaux (YSL) to borderline black (Bottega Veneta). And it doesn't matter how comfortable you are experimenting with your look--the lip's intensity can run from subtle to severe depending on how many layers of product you apply and the kind of product you use (a gloss, a balm, a stain, or a lipstick).

So come September, trade in your basic, fancy-night-red tube of lipstick for something a bit inkier, a little more femme fatale edgy. Just start your primping by creating a simple canvas--forego blush and eyeliner and stick to a simple swipe of mascara and some highlighter in the corners of your eyes. Choose your shade of dangerous red-black, remember to blot (read: you don't want lipstick on your teeth), and don't be surprised if people stand up a little straighter when you walk by. Eyes will be drawn to your lips, after all, a pretty sexy spot if you ask me.

I'M LOVING:

1. YSL Vernis A Levres Glossy Stain in No. 2 Brun Glace, $32, sephora.com// 2. Tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip Stain in Moody, $24, sephora.com// 3. Benefit Cosmetics Eye Bright, $20, sephora.com// 4. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blackcherry, $4.99, target.com// 5. NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Volga, $25, sephora.com// 6. L'Oreal Colour Riche Le Gloss in Plum Rush, $5.99, target.com

xo Heidi

What Lies Beneath

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 23:39:00 +0000

You know how wearing a great pair of underwear can make you feel about 10 times better/hotter/more like one of those loose girls on a television drama (they always take off their clothing unannounced yet seem to be prepared in clean, matching lingerie)? Well, if you're shaking your head to yourself right now, I feel pretty awkward, almost as awkward as I did while putting together this collage of undies in the library. I focus best in there, okay?

Anyway, regardless of whether or not you've experienced the power of exceptional undergarments, I'm going to share with you my love of Aerie's Vintage Lace Tanga. These babies fit true to size and oh-so comfortably, and I love how soft and thin their lace is. And as a girl who just can't get into thongs--well, I can get into them, but I cannot stay in them for more than a couple hours--the tanga shape, having more coverage than a bikini but less granny-pantyish coverage than a boyshort or, well, granny panties, is perfect. The dozens of colors they come in is merely the cherry on top of their nylon and spandex cake. Oh yeah, and they're typically 5 for $25, a deal in itself, but right now they're only $3.99 a piece. So go buy like 60. Alright, maybe not that many. I mean, you probably don't have to do an impromptu strip-down anytime soon as you aren't a cast member of "Revenge" or "Gossip Girl."

xo Heidi

P.S. How uncomfortable did you feel opening this page only to find scroll upon scroll of underwear? I'm starting to regret that library session.

Maxwell Street Days

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 22:41:00 +0000

[Remember this beaut?]

ATTENTION, all shoppers, cheapos, and people who get strange highs off of scoring things on sale (better than hard drugs, I suppose)! If you are going to be in the Madison area this weekend or if you're just looking for something to do to (and willing to take a roadtrip in the name of fashion), I highly recommend checking out State Street's Maxwell Street Days. Urban Outfitters is only one of the many stores on the capital's prominent street that is featuring unbelievable deals. An example of what kind of deals? I just snatched up the above dress for a cool $20. And it used to be $129. Oh yeah, and I managed to get a blouse, sweater, and 2 tees, each for only five bucks. Needless to say, you won't see Urban knock their prices down so low anywhere else.

So come experience the City of Beer and Cheese this weekend. Then again, if you are one of those who suffers (or benefits?) from sale-induced intoxication, you may be able to skip out on the beer altogether.

Details here!

xo Heidi

Designer Partiality

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 03:55:00 +0000

Kirsten Dunst Loves Rodarte

Even celebs play favorites, at least when it comes to choosing which costly creations to wear. And why shouldn't they? No one does sleek utilitarian better than Givenchy, just as Carolina Herrara's ladylike whimsy stands unparalleled. Here are a few more examples of just how much some stars love their prefered designers--and just how much the very designs love them (Rooney and her fits-like-a-glove white cocktail dress, anyone?).

Rooney Mara Loves Givenchy

Dianna Agron Loves Carolina Herrara

Carey Mulligan Loves Prada

Emma Stone Loves Lanvin

So ladies, what designer would you break the bank for?

While this is obviously the toughest decision I have had and will have to ever make, if I had to narrow my love of all things out of my price range down to five designers, they'd be Valentino, Dior, Elie Saab, Oscar de la Renta, and Marchesa. But let's pray I'll never have to make such a heart-wrenching compromise.

Left to Right: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2012 RTW, Elie Saab Fall 2012 Haute Couture, Valentino Fall 2012 RTW, Marchesa Fall 2012 RTW, Dior Spring 2012 RTW

Photos via instyle.com and style.com

xo Heidi

Inspired By...

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 23:15:00 +0000

...Stacy and Linda (Jennifer Jason Leigh and Phoebe Cates)

in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, circa 1982

What do high-waisted jeans and boxy sweaters and pleated pants all have in common? Oh, just the fact that the mentions of each would have made me cringe a mere two years ago. And the fact that each is on my fall shopping list. But that's the funny thing about fashion; as worn-out as this sounds, it always repeats itself. And that may be why old movies are such rich inspiration for a wardrobe and surprisingly fresh motivators before a shopping trip.

So go watch Fast Times, witness the classic shenanigans, soak up the style, and buy yourself some "mom" jeans. Strangely, you'll probably look cooler than you have in a while (but don't tell Mom). Besides, I'm not sure about you, but now the thought of super lowrider jeans, the ones I wore in 2005, makes me ill--they'll create a muffin top without fail!--and I'd much prefer a pair with a higher rise. But that's not to say I'll be fornicating in baseball dugouts anytime soon. Come on, Stacy. Clean it up.

Hawaiian Print Shirt, asos.com

Striped Sweater, nastygal.com

Vest, urbanoutfitters.com

Hair Feather, asos.com

Leggings, gap.com

High-waisted Jeans, topshop.com

Pleated Shorts, americanapparel.net

xo Heidi

Frozen Hot Chocolate

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 02:45:00 +0000

Well, we're here, people. Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer. I'm not sure about you, but I don't do hot and sticky, and I definitely don't do perspiration--my ideal room temperature is 65 degrees. So while I'd love to be in the great outdoors, July's mugginess locks me inside, plops me in front of the television, and lulls me into an E!-induced daze. And as I stare out the window at the picture-perfect weather, I can't help but long for the sweater-perfect weather. The apple-pie-perfect weather. The can-see-your-breath-perfect weather. The hot-chocolate-perfect weather.

Well, unfortunately Mother Nature is determined to make me sweat (literally) for another 2 months. But to help me keep my cool until September, the fall beverage of choice has been treated to a summer-suited makeover, and since it's easier than ever to whip up, I didn't even have to step into my oven/car to go buy the ingredients. Hey, melted concealer with a smudge of running mascara is a hard look for any girl to pull off.

xo Heidi

Ribbon Finish

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:36:00 +0000

Lately I've been taking cues from little girls everywhere when it comes to styling my hair. No, I haven't resorted to pinning back my strands with butterfly clips--and I definitely said bye to the infamous crimper when I hit fifth grade. Instead I'm drawn to ribbons, the quintessentially girly trim, to tie off a pony or weave through a braid. But don't fret: the result is more femme and forward than doll-toting toddler thanks to the ribbons' sleek shades of black, gray, and navy. I'll save the lace and powder pink for a baby shower.

xo Heidi

A Madison Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 23:00:00 +0000

[A sunset over Lake Mendota at Memorial Union Terrace]

Summers in Madison, Wisconsin, are nothing if not serene. While the nightlife remains somewhat bustling, it doesn't nearly compare to that of the school year. With most students back home for the season, the campus slows down, and focus shifts from meetings and parties to the littler things, the details easily overlooked during the rest of the year. The clean urbanity of Capitol Square, the strange social order of the ducks on the lake, and the enticing smell of food trucks outside the bookstore serve as the icing on the cake of Monday night movies on the terrace and weekly trips to happy hour. Although I have no idea where in the world (literally and figuratively) I will be in a couple years, I'm certain that my laid-back summer in Madison will be cherished no matter what continent I'm on--even if I find myself dwelling in a Parisian apartment. Hey, I can dream.

[Night stroll near the Capitol]

[First cosmo ever at Paisan's happy hour]

[A duck drying off on a hot afternoon]

[The (in)famous Union pitcher]

xo Heidi

Collar ID: The Sequel

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 21:12:00 +0000

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

While I almost cringe as I admit this, I'm already wishing for fall (just a little bit). Before all you hot weather lovers scoff and roll your eyes, know that it isn't exactly the end of sunshine and its accompanying laid-back atmosphere that I look forward to--actually I'm really going to miss the whole t-shirt and shorts get-up I rely on daily--but the innovative fall fashion. And the trend I'm most excited for this season is the reemergence of collars. I loved them in December, and I love them now.

The quaint flaps are essentially details, but undoubtedly mighty ones. Especially now, these mere trimmings have the power to transform a bland outfit into an unparalleled one. They can render an ethereal one more structured and a casual one more polished. But I'm most of all impressed by the scholarly, almost collegiate, air they possess. Because when you make as many stupid jokes and silly comments as I do, you require at least a hint of visual class to pull you from lowbrow to highbrow.

Images via instyle.com

xo Heidi

Little Stripes

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Zebra Crossing Scarf, $24, fredflare.com

There's something to be said about those tiny plastic animals I played with as a child. Everything from their smell to their texture switches on a remembering light in my head, and merely picking up one sends me back to an age of extensive journeys to imaginary realms, a place where time seemed to stand still. Too bad it didn't truly stand still, though, because here I am, halfway through college, being hurriedly catapulted into the adult world. The Barbies and Beanie Babies that were once at my fingertips have been suddenly replaced by coffees and a laptop. Needless to say, I'm long overdue for a trip to the zoo. So thank you, Fred Flare, for making the Zebra Crossing Scarf available to all of us speedily aging kids. With one sheer garment, you've enabled a breezy summer evening to become oh-so much more: a trip down memory lane and a quirky-cool reminder to slow down and smell the zebras.

xo Heidi

A Bejeweled Burden

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:30:00 +0000

[The sore neck is worth it. A look this bold delivers both mass and magnificence.]
Images via style.com

Land, ho! Are those newly discovered territories or...really big gems? The ladies at Lanvin took on a weighty task for the fall shows and strung on jewels that exercised their earlobes and necks, but not without reaping the benefits. (And each sashayed down the runway as if donning delicate chains, not decadently monstrous pendants.) Art deco-y and baroque, monumental rubies, emeralds, and sapphires brought already luxe fur-encased and glove-bedecked outfits to extravagant new peaks, domains so chic you may want to explore them yourself. Play into this over-the-top lavishness by wearing a pair of earrings and a necklace that match, and juxtapose the chunkiness with a sleek yet relaxed blowout. Et voila! Black-tie (or bar time) ready.

SOME GLEAMING FINDS:

1. V-Lace Necklace, $26, baublebar.com// 2. Ranita Drops, $68, anthropologie.com// 3. Ranjana Khan Bronze Necklace, $49, thelimited.com// 4. Serpentine Drops, $172, baublebar.com// 5. ASOS Floral Rhinestone Y Necklace, $33.14, asos.com// 6. Rhinestones and Spikes Bib Necklace, $12.97, charmingcharlie.com

xo Heidi

Around the World in 10 Ways

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:32:00 +0000

TOKYO, in Rochas

Leave it to Hollywood sweetheart Emma Stone to blow your travel pictures out of the water. Over the last couple weeks, the leading lady has been globe-trotting to promote her latest flick, The Amazing Spiderman. And let's just say (since these pictures speak volumes) that she hasn't let her busy schedule affect her flawless wardrobe. From her burgundy velvet number in Japan, to her sleek beaded jumpsuit in London, to her dramatic (and to-die-for) gown a la femme fatale in Paris, Stone's been on a streak so stylish that her ensembles alone make any girl rush to buy pre-sale tickets for the Spidey movie. A streak so stylish that onlookers must forget that there are other actors in the film as well. A streak so stylish that one wonders how Emma was able to stay within the 50-pound luggage limit at the airport. Oh, the perks of being a starlet.

SEOUL, in Jennifer Meyer and Brian Atwood

MOSCOW, in Lanvin

SEOUL, in Fendi

MOSCOW, in Emilio Pucci

LONDON, in Elie Saab

PARIS, in Gucci

BERLIN, in Andrew Gn

MADRID, in Dolce & Gabbana

ROME, in Bottega Veneta

All photos via instyle.com

xo Heidi

Case of the Blues

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Essie's Bikini So Teeny, $8, essie.com

While I'm a sucker for any red mani (the affinity ranges from bright cherry red all the way to vampy brownish crimson), something about the summer, perhaps its abundance of sunlight and the resulting way the world looks more vibrant, urges me to paint my nails unexpected colors. And although neons have hogged spots as the season's go-to nail polish hues, their brazenness that I once loved has grown boring--call me desensitized by brights.

My new cool drink of water? Essie's Bikini So Teeny. The name makes my stomach drop (please don't make me put one of those on right now!), but the sweet cornflower-y, periwinkle-y shade is nothing less than soothing. While the polish sacrifices no playfulness, I imagine that this little bottle of blue may be the next most tranquil thing after a lounge by the pool. Then again, the polish doesn't require any sticky sunscreen, so Essie just might win this one.

xo Heidi

Hair Rut: Summer Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 22:32:00 +0000

[Relaxed twist + bun]

While summer hairstyles should never look fussy (especially ones for daytime), it's all too true that the heat is extra hard to beat when my hair's not up. Long locks worn down essentially act as a scarf or thick hat, absorbing heat and sweat. Add in humidity and strands sticking to my face, and I'm already wishing fall were here. And while everyone can toss together a typical ponytail or braid, to me, the basics grow boring by the time July rolls around, and I'm left wondering why I haven't just chopped off my hair already. Here are some looks that have (thankfully) kept me from taking that jump, as they're both refreshingly chic, and well, physically refreshing.

[Tight and messy knot + black bobby pin accents]

[All up + retro bang twist]

[Loose French braid (held together by hairspray and a hidden bobby)]

[Textured pony + hair-wrapped elastic]

[Middle part + wavy texture + thick twists]

[Smooth strands + a sock bun (you can find instructions on how to create one all over the net)]

[Baseball cap + loose knot]

[Sleek + super twisted pony]

[Bouffant in front + bouncy in back]

[Long strands in front + loosely tied pony + delicate headband]

[...or DO cut it all off: the universally flattering "lob" or long bob]

xo Heidi

Bits & Pieces

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 20:41:00 +0000

[Macchiato & cappuccino]

While days spent lounging at home in Illinois with my family and dog are undeniably cherished, there are few better feelings than the one that comes with exploring independently. I plan to pass time this summer by trying cuisine from local Madison restaurants, hiking everywhere from the city's upscale Capitol area to its more naturally gorgeous settings, and taking advantage of hot days with plenty of fruit and ice cream. So far, since getting here, I've been able to tackle a pile of magazines I've been putting off reading for the last few months, and I even took the time to bake a cake (even though it collapsed in the oven and ended up being a fail of an endeavor). But aside from a culinary slip-up, I have a good feeling about the next few months, and I hope that everyone else is diving into their summers with as much buoyancy and serenity as I am!

[A little piece of paradise in Madison discovered on a hike]

[A key lime coconut cake indulgence (not the failed confection obviously) -- recipe here]

[A new place to stow shades (remember this little guy?)]

[A healthy sweet treat: fresh strawberries]

[Creamy coconut sorbet...from Costco!]

[The 2 youngest members of my family and recent high school grads]

xo Heidi

Mon Ami Gabi

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 03:48:00 +0000

[The menu whose very sight makes my mouth water]

Although the past week has been overwhelmingly busy for me (I just moved back to Madison for the summer and apologize for my absence...but I'm ready to post regularly again!), I was fortunate enough to have a relaxing dinner with my family a couple weeks ago in honor of my sister's high school graduation. A student of four years of high school French (like me), my sister decided upon Mon Ami Gabi when asked where she wanted to dine. With only 5 locations across the country--2 of which are in Illinois--the French eatery boasts dishes gourmet enough for the adventurous eater but large enough for the hearty one. And since my favorite steak (the melts-in-your-mouth-thin Steak Classique) is served up there, I had no qualms about her pick.

[Steak Classique & frites (a.k.a. The Best Thing Ever)]

[The authentic-looking and Parisian casual dining area]

[Full bar & fancy waiters]

[A baguette, of course]

[My sister's roasted chicken & frites]

[Housemade Country Pate]

[Baked Goat Cheese]

[Giant bottles & a mini Eiffel Tower]

[...and even more bottles around the entrance]

xo Heidi

Cannes I Go Next Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Heidi) — Thu, 31 May 2012 19:09:00 +0000

Some of the best looks emerge in the idyllic south of France every spring (Rachel McAdams's red Marchesa stunner, Elizabeth Olsen's head-to-toe homage to the flapper, Natalie Portman's white, structured confection), and this year's Festival de Cannes was no exception. With the help of designers like Dior and Calvin Klein, stars such as Marion Cotillard, Diane Kruger, and Jessica Chastain exhibited the annual fest's perennial penchant for all things summery and chic. And it appears that the #1 rule of Cannes is to dress to the nines but look utterly unperturbed doing so. Still one to gush over the mere idea of wearing lipstick and an $80 dress, it's no wonder I haven't received my invitation yet.

Still on my mind...

Marion Cotillard's gleaming golden belt and lemon heels

Jessica Chastain's neon coral

Kirsten Dunst's soft blue pleats

Naomi Watts's nude minimalism

Paz Vega's ankle-grazing tea length

Freida Pinto's pastel peplum and jeweled camo print

Salma Hayek's navy, sequins, and, er...cleavage

Marion's voluminous bun (wrapped in diamonds, no less)

Jessica's earring bouquets

...and her simple twists

The ubiquitous high slit (on Freida Pinto & Shailene Woodley)

Freida's retro, chevron two-piecer

Kristen Stewart's printed pants

And of course, everything Diane Kruger wore...

Lace-up + pleats

Seafoam + one-shoulder

Leather + studs

All-out glam + Old Hollywood hair

Lace + purple bloom

Embroidery + peplum (+ straight-off-the-runway Chanel)

Bold print + pointy toes

Feathers + killer heels

Checks + volume

Just chillin' (this is what she looks like just chillin', in case you were wondering)

All images via fabsugar.com.au and instyle.com

xo Heidi