Retro in Miami

I'm completely in love with this editorial for Vogue Brasil.  Andreea Diaconu's awe inspiring wardrobe is flawless. I'm especially in love with the second photo - I never thought I'd lust over crop top, but here I am, doing just that.

Vogue Welcomes Summer!

It's beginning to feel a lot like summer!   These amazing June Vogue covers encompass all the things we love most about the warmer months - bright colors, bikinis, and sparkly little dresses.  I'm headed off to the lake for a long weekend, here's hoping your'e able to celebrate the unofficial start of summer in a fun way as well!

Pretty Editorials

There aren't many things more zen than curling up with a magazine and a cup of tea.   My magazine obsession started at an early age, and for as long as I can remember, they have been my perfect little distraction - shorter than books, but still a slight escape from reality.  My current monthly reads include Vogue, InStyle, and Elle... But thanks to websites like Fashiongonerogue.com, I'm able to see editorials and fashion campaigns I wouldn't normally see.  Below are some of my favorite shots from some magazines I don't have the pleasure of reading on a monthly basis.

Olivia Palermo for Marie Claire Spain

Miranda Kerr for Harper's Bazaar US

Alexandra Tomlinson for Elle UK

Natalia Siodmiak for Elle Ukraine

A Getaway

My dream job would be styling editorials for fashion magazines.  Talk about an amazing way to tell stories.  The spread below is from July 2011's cover shoot for Vogue Turkey featuring Dree Hemmingway and Sebastian Faena and is the sort of shoot I'd like to think I'd style.  I love how the photos look like polaroids (complete with scribbled writing at the bottom).  It's obvious these two are on a bit of an adventure and it seems to me like they are in lust and simply seeing the world.    It's enough to make me want to go on my own sea-side getaway.

Paint by Numbers

I'm officially craving spring and summer attire.  Bright colors are always a go-to, and last year, I sadly didn't really partake in the color blocking trend that graced many of the Spring/Summer 2011 runways.   So when my little sissy Brooke suggested I write a blog on bold color combinations I was anxious to see what I missed out on.  And in all honesty, the more I searched, the more I fell in love with the color blocking trend.  Pairing unexpected hues together (think pink+red, kellygreen+fuschia, coral+tiffanyblue, anyneon+anyneon) can work amazingly well - it's just all about balance.  I also found that when done correctly, the trend can give off a great 60's feel.   This isn't a trend that everyone is about to go try, so for those who are hesitant, I broke colorblocking up into levels.

LEVEL 1 - Just a Splash

One of my favorite ways to brighten up an outfit is by carrying a bright purse or wearing bright shoes.  If the colors contrast enough, it's most certainly color-blocking, regardless of the small scale.  I love how in the robin's egg blue in the clutch below contrasts with the bright coral.   As you become more brave, add more color.  A good starting point is wearing a neutral dress and adding accessories that pop - just make sure accessories all different shades, and all bright.  

LEVEL 2 - Built In Pieces

Sometimes, it's easiest to leave the styling up to the experts.   Many people shy away from color, especially non-traditional combinations.  If you're hesitant to try this look, buy shoes, a bag or a shirt where the color blocking is already done for you.  This is a perfect way to get your toes wet without fully committing. The Topshop wedges below and the Chloe envelope clutch are both amazing examples.

LEVEL 3 - Keep Hues the SameThe main goal of color blocking is to notice, above all else, the color combinations.   People have been mixing bright, but related hues forever, and although it's not as shocking as some of the color blocking we see today, it's still a beautiful look.  Make sure shades are similar, and you'll be just fine.  The dusty coral and tiffany blue blouse are not at all unexpected together, but they're still visually pleasing. 

LEVEL 4 - Fully Commit to BrightsIf you need no convincing on this trend, here you go.  Pair colors that traditionally clash, but the key is to make sure they have the same intensity.  I'm loving the bright pink and bright red - they work together because they're equally vibrant.   In art class, they teach you that colors directly across the color wheel from each other compliment each other best.  Well, this is about doing just the opposite.  

 
LEVEL 5 - 60's Style & Extra ObviousWhen dresses or shirts are divided geometrically by color, you've gone as far as there is to go.  This is a trend that was big back int he 60's, and the uber obvious retro-look is so refreshing.  Below are looks from (l to r) Herve Leger, Stella McCartney, Diane Von Furstenberg, and BCBG.  The creative color combos and literal "blocking" are what we're seeing a lot of this year. 

Sparks Fly

How chic does Miss Swift look on the cover of February's Vogue?  Love the retro look she's rocking - and she's making me want bangs again, very badly.  So fun to see her grow up into such a beautiful woman.

 Images via Vogue.

Angel in the Park

Did we all have fun watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show last night?  I actually missed it due to my boyfriend's obsession with Sons of Anarchy, but it is DVR'd and I can't wait to watch it.  Alessandra Ambrosio is one of my favorite models, and of course she is most famous as her role as VS Angel.  But I am swooning over these shots of her in Vogue Brazil.  Accompanied by Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro, they might just be the most picturesque couple to ever be styled in a fashion editorial, don't you think?

Habla Espanol?

Model Clara Alonso is more than jaw-droppingly pretty.  She can style an outfit like no other.  Above is the perfect lil' ensemble for days that still have the warmth of a late autumn sun, but evening temps require a sweater.  I'm adoring how cream was paired with a delicate floral scarf and scarlette booties, hat, and bag.  I swoon for this.  Simply swoon.   Check out her site here.  I might be brushing up on my Spanish skills just so I can enjoy her blog.

Give A Go

Some trends I normally avoid, but might just be testing out thanks to some creative editorials.

Plum-hued lips are trend I've averted - until now.  A look that I once though looked slightly 90's/matronly,  looks fresh  and autumnal when paired with structured hair and feminine attire.

While smooth, sleek hair is generally the goal, I've found that I love adding a little texture and call me crazy, a little frizz (for lack of a better word).  I'm sick of the stick straight hair trends, and think it's time us ladies go for a more natural look.  

I've always despised socks with loafers or driving shoes.  But this photo has me second guessing myself.    The  white socks paired with crisp slacks and a reptile shoe is very cute indeed.

Yes, I'm aware that overalls are making a comeback.  Katie Holmes and Alexa Chung have been spotted in the denim disasters and I'm sorry, it's a trend I won't be trying.  However, these silk, refined overalls (I don't even really think they're overalls, they're more like a "pantsuit") are downright adorable.  I would try.