fall for satchels

 

I am loving all bags right now but definitely feeling the satchel for fall - I talked about satchels here for summer bags but they are making the transition to the colder weather and these rich brown and stunning black bags would be amazing to have in my wardrobe.  I honestly need another nice bag like I need a whole in my head but it is fun to look and thought I would share in case anyone is needing a new fall handbag.

1. Rebecca Minkoff - Covet Leather Satchel $395.00

2. Cole Haan - Deconstructed Brooke Satchel $398.00

3. Dooney & Bourke - Florentine Vachetta Leather Satchel $378.00

4. See by Chloe - Carmen Satchel $495.00

5. Patricia Nash - Trento Satchel $288.00

6. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Classic Q Fran Small Satchel $428.00

7. Halogen - 2-tone Leather Satchel $168.00

8. Fossil - Vintage Reissue Satchel $188.00

2011 MTV Video Music Awards

 

(Beyonce in Lanvin)

 Overall I must say I was beyond underwhelmed with the fashion at this years MTV Video Music Award.  In total the event just does not seem nearly as exciting as it used to in the early 2000's.  Maybe I am just getting old but it's just not the same.  Either way there were a few fashion looks worth noting but I think everyone can agree that Beyonce stole the show in a stunning Lanvin gown, it looks flawless on her and she looked gorgeous for the announcement of her pregnancy.

 

(Zoe Saldana in Barbara Bui)

 

(Kelly Rowland in Falguni & Shane Peacock)

 

 

(Louise Roe in Tibi)

look of the week - summer perfection

 

(Pippa Middleton in Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent)

I have been a big fan of Pippa Middleton's style ever since she made her grand debut at the Royal Wedding back in April.  She finds a way to look classic all of the time while also finding great and stylish pieces.  She makes fashion look easy and most importantly she proves that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to look good by shopping at places like Zara.  This outfit only solidifies that, the ease of the maxi dress and crop jacket fit right in with her style and I seriously hope to copy the outfit before the summer is out. 

look of the week - sparkle and shine

 

(Diane Kruger in Elie Saab)

I am loving all things Elie Saab this week including this look from Diane Kruger.  I really love Diane's style and she always looks put together, classic and chic.  This dress is very greek goddess and I hope that on a red carpet in the future she will wear one of the princess dresses from Elie's 2011 Fall Couture collection because they would look beautiful on her for sure. 

collections - elie saab fall 2011 couture

 

 You can always count on Elie Saab to deliver an explosion of pretty on the runway.  I love every single dress that they put out and this collection only deepens my secret desire to be a princess when I grow up.  So beautiful!

 

 

change of a dress - part 2

(Anthropologie Bocagrande Dress)

On Friday I mentioned that my friend Alicia was looking for some accessory and shoe ideas for the extremely cute dress above from Anthropologie that she is wearing to an upcoming wedding.  My first option was heavily based on 70's style so I thought I would put together something a little more classic as the second option.  Put your vote for option #1 or #2 in comments to help Alicia decide!  

 

 (Aldo Capecoral Shoe)

 

 (Anthropologie Glint Skinny Belt)

 

 (Dorothy Perkins Jade Metal Bangle)

 

(Monsoon Woven Hard Clutch)

change of a dress - part 1

 

(Anthropologie Bocagrande Dress)

 My friend Alicia has a wedding coming up in a few weeks and chose the above dress (which is so cute!) from Anthropologie to wear for the event, but she asked about outfitting the dress with accessories and most specifically shoes.  Of course I was happy to do some digging as there is nothing I love more than shopping for outfits.  I thought I would make it a two-part blog and give the first option today and the second option on Monday.

The first option is a bit funkier and is heavy on the 70's influence but once I saw these gold platform heels from Jeffrey Campbell I just couldn't help myself.  I love the idea of the gold arm band and multi-tonal clutch that would complement the orange in the dress perfectly.  Let me know your thoughts in comments, would you wear this outfit?

 

 (Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Platform Sandal)

 

 (Asos Leaf Arm Cuff)

 

 (Asos Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch)

look of the week - retro dotted

 

(Olivia Wilde in Gucci)

This look has been getting a lot of heat around the internet but I can't help but love it.  The combination of the polka dots, sheer sleeves and contrast bow have me in a modern 1950's fashion dreamland.  The red lips and nails seal the deal for me and I think this was a spot on look for Olivia who always looks stunning.  What do you think, do you love it or hate it? 

fashion fails

 

(Zooey Deschanel with a massive collar fail)

 I like to try and stay positive about fashion on my blog but every once in a while I see some looks that just demand to be talked about.  I am a huge believer in wearing what makes you happy and what you are most comfortable in but at the same time I think you can easily do that without being a fashion fail.  Here are a few looks that we can all learn from, what do you think, are these fashion fails?

 

(Ashley Olsen with an oversized denim + oversize denim = fail outfit)

 

(Emmy Rossum with a tri-color fail)

(Anne Hathaway with a total outfit fail)

collections - givenchy fall 2011 couture

 

The exceptional detailing on these pieces from Givenchy Fall 2011 Couture collection absolutely stuns me and I love that they stuck with a white/natural palette to let the work speak for itself.  Between the beading, draping, lace and cutout details this collection is living up to it's couture genre.  My favorite on all of the dresses is the back of them and the way they are cut to give the body a beautiful shape, that and the super awesome long fringe purse in the pictures above and below, that was enough to sell me on the collection alone.

 

 

 

 

 

 

inspiration of the moment

(White Pleat Dresses with stockings overlooking Los Angeles)

My style inspiration has been all over the board lately, I am blaming it on my newly found love of tumblr and the amount of random fashion that is strewn all over the place.  Anyhow, here are a few things currently driving my passion for fashion.  

What is igniting your style these days?  Let me know via twitter, facebook or tumblr!

 

(YSL Cage Heels via The Cherry Blossom Girl)

 

(Kate Moss in a Silver Mini Dress and black tights)

 

(Gold jewelry inspiration from my new favorite tumblr 90's Runway) 

(Super sexy Christian Louboutins)

 

(Miranda Kerr in a gorgeous red lace dress)

easy.classic.professional

Shopping for work clothes is always difficult and even more frustrating is spending your money on boring black professional items that you only wear to work.  I like the idea of finding items that can be worn both for work and for play and also that are easy to mix and match so you don't have to spend a ton of money.  Some must have work items are a good pair of black pants, a good black skirt (pencil, flair, a-line, whatever works for your body), a classic white button down blouse, a blazer and some basic flat or kitten heel shoes.

With this combination you can add fun blouses or accessories to make additional outfits.  For example with the items above you could make 6 different outfits alone.  Add in a few more tops and a dress and you would have a good start to your professional wardrobe.  When shopping keep in mind fit and function, make sure you love the clothes you are buying and that they are versatile and you will be all set!

Topshop - Coral Triple Peter Pan Collar Top $55.00
H&M - Pencil Skirt £12.99
Topshop - Paper Bag Wide Leg Trousers $50.00
Topshop - White Cotton Scallop Shirt $50.00
Asos - Steal Pointed Kitten Heel Slingbacks $29.31
H&M - Blush Linen Blazer £14.99
BP - Frankie Flat $59.95

look of the week - mad for mila

I love this simple and easy yet polished look from Mila Kunis.  The styling of the look from the floral Cacharel Dress to the blue Chanel clutch and the white Elie Saab T-strap pumps all fits together perfectly.  It would be a perfect outfit to copy for a bridal shower, Sunday brunch or any other fun event for which you want to feel comfortable while still fashionable.

free people fall 2011

I have been loving this summer and dressing for the warmer weather, that is until the fall Free People catalog arrived today and my thoughts were overtaken with tights and sweaters and jackets.  I am by no means ready for the temperature to start dropping but it was fun to start thinking about fall fashion and outfits and I can't wait to incorporate some of these items into my wardrobe.

collections - jean paul gaultier fall 2011 couture

I am totally infatuated with this couture collection from Jean Paul Gaultier, it is everything I think a couture show should be and the high fashion of it just makes me smile.  I am obsessed with the trench coat/dress above and even after staring at it for a week cannot figure out the material or construction, it is a truly beautiful piece.  Along with the magenta connected gloves below and the odd hair pieces this collection stands out among many in my eyes.

tumbled

Ok so I am officially giving tumblr a whirl, I feel like there are 18 different places I am supposed to be updating and having trouble with the ones I already have but I like the idea of an overflow from my blog to post random quotes, thoughts and pictures that I find that wouldn't make the blog.  Anyhow find me at thefashionlily.tumblr.com and follow me there for bonus fashion inspiration and thoughts!