She got a Passion for Fashion

The other day I was asked a question that threw me for a bit of a loop - "What's with you and fashion?"  The person asking (obvi straight, male) didn't understand how I could be so interested - interested enough that I took time to write mini -papers (aka blog articles) on the subject without so much as any monetary compensation.  I was dumbfounded.  How can he not get it?   Since that question I've mulled over the things that I love most about clothes, shopping and the industry as a whole.  The more I think about it the deeper I fall in love.  It's a million little things - little things that spark something inside me - and the only way I know how to show my appreciation is by writing this blog.  Below,  I've tried to put into words why myself, and millions of others, are so keen on fashion.

• It's that feeling when you walk out of your favorite department store, with a new parcel tucked under your arm, knowing you bought something you truly love. Love so much, you hope to give it to your future daughter someday.
• It's trying on a dress the looks like nothing on a hanger, and being mesmerized with the draping, the cinching, the texture, the fabric once it's on your body. 
• It's curling up with the latest issue of Vogue and a glass of wine of getting lost in the parties, the trends, and the lifestyles of those who understand what it is I'm talking about ;)
• It's visiting a flee market and digging around for hours until you find that item that speaks to you.  It might be an old necklace that's showing it's age - but beautifully so.  Who wore it?  Where has it been?  How old is it?  It's amazing to me that fashion can cross generation gaps the way it does.  
• It's watching a runway show and being amazed at how it can completely encapsulate a feeling or mood using colors, fabrics, different shapes.  It truly is art.  
• It's the way your favorite pair of shoes never get put away in your closet, because they're just too pretty to not look at on a daily basis.  
• It's going out for a night on the town and feeling good (I mean, really good) because that new dress you bought is hugging you in all the right places.  
• It's the way that your clothes can communicate who you are to someone you have yet to meet.  
• It's looking back at photos of Brigitte Bardot and Jean Shrimpton and seeing the way their style is replicated today.  
• It's that moment, when you're in Saks, and your eyes fall on the perfect Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, or an immaculate, white Chloe blouse and it's true love.  In the pit of your stomach, you can feel it.  And that, I can't really explain.  

Image via Google

The Prettiest Dresses of the Year

Chanel Iman and Tom Ford

If there is one formal event I could go to, it'd be the Met Gala.  Starlets show up in the absolute prettiest dresses and this year is no exception.  As I sit on my couch, perusing Vogue.com, I'm blown away by the dresses stars have chosen this year.  They're so artful and unique and, I'm just drooling.

Nina Dobrev in Donna Karan

Leslie Mann in Naeem Khan 

Diane Kruger in Prada

Caroline Trentini in Olivier Theyskens

Guilty Pleasures

Below are some of my favorite indulgences.  Whether it's a sweet treat or sinfully soft cashmere scarf, it's good to pamper yourself every once in a while.  What are your favorite guilty pleasures? 

Macarons are today's "it" sweet (like cupcakes were a few years back).  And I must admit, I understand the appeal.  So pretty, so delicious, and if you've ever been to Laduree, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Pretty little undergarnments are my favorite splurge. This set from Elle MacPherson intimates are equal parts sweet and sexy and I've been eyeing them for a while.   

It's finally farmer's market time here in Iowa!  And I couldn't be more excited because this means bouquets of fresh flowers.  Nothing spruces up a room like a little arrangment of sweet-smelling flowers.

One thing I love to inulge in are pretty scarves. I'm willing to dish out a little extra dough for amazing fabrics.  Lately I've been eyeing the White + Warren cahsmere travel scarves.  Classically elegant. 

Jo Malone products are wonderfully frangrant.  I love their body cream and wear it instead of perfume.  Also, putting it on before bed leaves your sheets smelling amazing.   

 

Cinco de Derby

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One heck of a weekend


Enjoy, lovies!

Flutter-kini

Summer is rapidly approaching.  My first lake trip is about two weeks away (!), which means I'm all about stocking up on summer wardrobe essentials.  One thing I'm dying to find is a fluttery little bikini like the ones posted below.  I think they're so pretty and add a little extra volume where girls like me (ahem, flat-chested girls that is) need it most.  They're also a nice alternative to the oh-so popular fringed bikini tops we are seeing all over the place.   

  

 Image 1, Image 2  

Whiter Than White

This time of year, the fresher the look the better.  And let's be honest - there aren't many things more crisp than white.   In my opinion, nothing looks more chic than this pearly-hue and I noticed yesterday that I had pinned many all white looks.  From outfits to home decor, I'm definitely feeling the all white as of late.  

All images via my Pinterest. 

Since Soft is Good

I'm not much into brand loyalty - especially when it comes to clothes.    I buy what speaks to me - a good fit, great color, and pure need of an item are generally what sparks my shopping trips.  However, there is one brand that I am drawn to time and time again and that is Soft Joie.  Their pieces are insanely comfy (as the name suggests) and always have a great fit, so even though you feel like you're in sweats, you look chic and put together.  For my trip to Mexico I was on the hunt for comfy summer dresses.  Their Bond dress (see it below) was exactly what I was looking for.  It was light and comfy, but had enough structure that it was perfect for a night of clubbing, dressed up with a colorful, beaded necklace.   Below are some other favorites I would love getting my hands on.



Ulani top and Bond dress



Aven top and Nia top

Wilcox B dress and Gwendolyn pants

Shop all these looks here.