fashion blab: hips, lips, and whole lot of amy in between ...

My lunch breaks generally consist of blogging, pinning, g-chatting, etc.. This week, however, they have generally been focused on the showcasing of all that is Spring 2012 Couture. All have been fabulous. All have been lust-worthy. However, the one that has stood out most in my mind is Jean Paul Gaultier. Amy Winehouse anyone? The fantastical collection was all hips, lips, hair, and in true Amy Winehouse fashion, fabulously 20's inspired. While I may not be able to envision myself donning most of this collection, I am still in love. A great tribute indeed, and nonetheless, spot on.

Images from Style.com 

me blab: where did the weekend go?

fashion blab: springtime sorbet

I have a serious affinity for ice cold goodness, which most refer to as "ice cream," 

particularly, sorbet. 

I love it so much, I would even wear it! Well, not exactly, but close. I generally have no desire to convert foods into fashion, because, let's face it, that is a bit odd. No offense is intended for those that do; I just don't.

However, it comes to no surprise to me that designers such as Calvin Klein, Chloe and  Phillip Lim took a scoop of inspiration from some of my favorite sorbet flavors. Spring 2012 is to be filled with, among many other things, a pretty and soft varietal of colors...

Chloe Spring 2012 RTW (images from Style.com)

Calvin Klein Spring 2012 RTW (images from Style.com)

3.1 Phillip Lim (images from Style.com)

Carolina Herrera Spring 2012 RTW (images from Style.com)

Ice Cream image from here

fashion blab: black, black, and more black

A coworker recently asked my why I always looks as though I am in mourning. Insulted? I was not. Probably because I am fully aware of my near obsession with the wonderful color of black. Just one obsession, among many obsessions, but an obsession nonetheless. In fact, I think my style-mind is on auto-pilot because without any active quest I have inadvertently drenched my closet with shades of black. So much so, that I have recently struggled with finding a mere blouse in a light or bright color. Well, that I currently like, at least. I just cannot help it! It is such a perfect template, a forgiving color, day time, night time, and everything in between.

Therefore, I have made a new resolution.... I vow to allow color into my wardrobe, or at least try. (Hence, my previous post.) This may be a resolution that many may "psshh" or cackle at, but in the truest sense of myself, I simply just don't care.

(see evidence below)

fashion blab: a sunny day in january

Skirt: Splendid (purchased here). Top: Billabong. Sunglasses: Kate Spade (available here). Watch: Michael Kors (purchased here). Bracelet & Rings: David Yurman. Bamboo Bracelet: (similar here). Stone Ring: Vita New York. Necklaces: Unknown

fashion blab: strides to stripe

There is an ol' tale about a lonely zebra who attempted to hide it's stripes in order to fit it, or something like that, and in some ways I can empathize with that zebra. For those who know me personally, I am sure you aware of my affinity for stripes. Somewhat similar to the Zebra, I have actually had to make a conscious effort to limit the amount in my home and closet because, well, it would likely be frightening had I not. I am not sure if it is their effortless uniformity, or their juxtaposition between light and dark, or the fact that they seem to "match" with just about everything... who knows! Simply said, I just love them and I will hide my stripes no more!

To hell with my previous efforts to reduce the stripes in my life! I am in the market for some lovely, striped accessories and here are a few of my most favorite stripes I have seen around town recently...

Muze Oversized Stripped Clutch (found here)

Kate Spade Academy Stripe Larissa (found here)

Guiseppe Zanotti (found here)

Brian Atwood (found here)

Jimmp Choo scarf (found here)

me blab: where did the weekend go?

I guess I should preface this post with the fact that these images represent an entire week in images, instead of just one weekend. I have been on vacation since the eve of Christmas Eve and have had an absolute blast. Our adventure began with travelling between families for the Holidays, then off to Santa Barbara, followed by Palm Desert and then back down south for New Years Eve. It is safe to say that this past week has been FULL of amazing meals, tasty cocktails, great weather, and, of course, friends and family. Unfortunately, I am back to reality. Fortunately, I have tons of pictures to reminisce over!

Baby cactus.

Cocktails at The Marquee in Santa Barbara.

New leopard Via Spiga coat for christmas.

White Mink slippers for the youngest member of our family.

Roasting Chestnuts... not.

Beer goggles - stocking stuffer.

SB coast.

Reminiscing at our old stomping grounds.

Graffiti

Wine/Beer tasting at Corks n' Crowns in Santa Barbara.

NYE breakfast at The Porch in Newport Beach.

NYE kiss*

party blab: Mad Men Holiday Party

Every year my family throws a fabulously themed Holiday party for our closet friends and family. Since our theme has been stuck on repeat for half of a decade, we decided to freshen things up with a brand new theme... Mad Men! This theme was only fitting for my nostalgic and recently, vintage-minded family.

Our first stop toward fulfilling this theme was at Elsewhere Vintage in Downtown Orange. A few 60's shift and 50's cocktail dresses later, it was on to invitations. We decided to use a a gray backing and a vintage looking font with mod-ish design paper and silver embossing as accents. Next up, the menu, which featured swedish meatballs, a varietal of seafood cocktails,  rumaki, green jello-mold, stuffed mushrooms, trifles and more. Once complete, my great-grandparent's cocktail glasses were dusted, the silver tinsel tree was displayed and more than enough Lucky Strike cigarettes were scattered throughout the party. Guests sipped on Old Fashions, Dirty Martini's, and Manhattans while discussing the evening's revival of the beehive, exchanging gifts, and simply enjoying the presence of friends and family.

In the true spirit of my family, this event was even more over the top and fun then I could have even imagined...

Hair by: Christina Smallwood. Dress: Marc by Marc Jacobs. Vintage dresses: Elsewhere Vintage.