What Goes Around

While packing up everything in my bathroom to move recently, I uncovered a drawer full of headbands-striped ones, solid ones, plaid ones, printed ones...I guess I became obsessed with them when watching Gossip Girl a few years ago and my collection got a little OOC.  I'll admit, some of them with big flowers and bows are more fitting for younger girls, so I gave away most of those to my nieces.  But,  I kept the rest, so I'm determined to bring headbands back!  Sure, one could argue that they never really went away, but for me they did, so I'm making it a personal mission to start wearing them again (and I hope you will decide to do the same).

In the outfit below, I'm channeling my inner Cher Horowitz, in a subtle way.  I matched my headband to my sweater with a preppy collared shirt underneath.  I've had this headband for awhile and can't remember where I got it.  Any of these printed headbands would be cute for work or weekend.  The gold one is more ethereal and Greek goddess.

Me in a J.Crew sweater, Banana Republic pants, Francesca's necklace, Bendel's bracelets, Gianni Bini shoes
1. Anthropologie 'Patterned Headband Trio' 2. Jennifer Behr 'Eos Headband'

all images from Google.com

Cher certainly rocked her headbands in Clueless but the Queen of Headbands will always be Blair Waldorf, who wore her's as if they were crowns.  Most of her memorable ones were designed by Jennifer Behr.

all images from Google.com

I'm seeing a lot of headband options in stores now to fit any personality.  With all the different styles and colors, I think headbands are a great way to show some personality and have a little fun with fashion.

1. /Salvatore Ferragamo 'Thick Headband with Bow' (Bloomingdales) 2. Eugenia Kim 'Miki Black Leather Bow Headband' (shopbop.com) 3. Lelet NY 'Bow & Chain Headband' (shopbop.com) 4. Jennifer Behr 'Rosita Head Wrap' 5. Deepa Gurnani 'Crystal Detail Headband' (shopbop.com)

Will you be wearing headbands anytime soon?

My Fall Wish List

There are certain things I wish for all the time, like Victoria's Secret model-like hair and world peace, but when fall comes around, I find myself wishing for a lot more things.  That's probably because it is my fave season and the best time for shopping.  Here's just a few things topping my Fall Wish List.

First, a new handbag.  Ok, this is on my list year-round, but I've been carrying the same 2 bags in rotation for the past couple of years and it's time to add a new one into the mix.  I'm really into gray right now, and also a structured silhouette like a satchel.  

1. Prada Saffiano 'Shoulder-Strap Bowler Bag' (Neiman Marcus) 2. Reed Krakoff 'Boxer Tote Bag' (Saks Fifth Avenue)
3. Henri Bendel 'West 57th Satchel' (Henri Bendel) 4. Burberry 'Small Bridle House Check Tote Bag' (Burberry)

Also on my list- anything leather.  I like the full-on toughness of a Moto jacket, but I would also enjoy these softer pieces with leather accents.

1. Tory Burch 'Daphne Leather Jacket' (Nordstrom) 2. Chaus 'Collarless Quilted Faux Leather Jacket' (Nordstrom)

1. J. Crew Collection 'Leather and Tweed Pencil Skirt (J.Crew)  2. Zara top (Zara)
3. Madewell 'Leather-trim Peplum Top' (Madewell)

Booties booties booties rockin everywhere this season, and I would wear these brown ones to work all the time.  Actually every height of boot is in, so I've selected ankle, mid-calf, knee-height and over the knee pairs that I would like to see in my closet.

1. Frye 'Celia Boot' (Nordstrom)  2. Vintage Shoe Co. 'Veronica Boot' (Nordstrom)
3. Tory Burch 'Sabe Bootie' (Tory Burch)  4. Chinese Laundry 'Spring Street Boot' (Nordstrom)

Here's some other random items, just for fun.  A comfy sweatshirt to throw on anytime, oxfords to wear with skinnies, and a cute pony tail holder.

1. Henri Bendel 'Debutante Pony' (Henri Bendel)  2. Not Rated 'Jiselle Oxford' (DSW)
3. Madewell 'Bien Fait Sweatshirt' (Madewell)

What's on your Fall Wish List?

Emmy Awards- Best and Worst Dressed

Fiiiinally a red carpet that interests me!  It's been so long since the Oscars, and the VMA and Teen Choice Awards just weren't worth my time.  So here we are at the Emmy's!  Honestly, I don't watch a lot of the shows that were nominated this year, but I watched the awards nonetheless.  I would like to know when they will start having awards shows for reality tv.  Kardashians for the win every single time.

Ok, now to a Kardashian free red carpet- my Best Dressed list.  I love how elegant yet fashion-forward Kate, Rose and Taylor look.  Julia and Malin look polished and beautiful also.  This may be the first (and last) time Jewel has been on my best dressed list, but I thought she looked great.

Kate Mara in J. Mendel, Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein Collection, Taylor Schilling in Thakoon

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Monique Lhuillier, Malin Ackerman in Marchesa, Jewel in Tony Ward

Just as we saw during awards season this year, the black and white trend continues.  My absolute favorite was Morgan Saylor.  She looked so chic, yet still young and fun.

Elisabeth Moss in Andrew Gn, Morgan Saylor in Honor, Julianna Margulies in Reed Krakoff

The ladies below were sizzling in these red hot numbers.  Of course, Sofia Vergara- another awards show, another mermaid dress and huge earrings.  But hey, whatever works.  I hope my body looks as good as Christine's when I am her age (or even by the time I'm 30).

Christine Baranski, Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang, Carla Gugino in Georges Chakra

We saw in all of the September issues that cobalt blue would be huge for fall, so it was no surprise to see so much of it on the red carpet.  I don't know who Rocsi Diaz is or why she was there, but she wowed me, and her gown was the best of the blues.

Edie Falco in Escada, Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren, Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez, Rocsi Diaz in Michael Costello

Ok, now the worst trend of the night- the sheer skirts.  I actually think I would have liked all of these gowns if they weren't see through at the bottom.  I do like all of these looks from the waist up.

Julianne Hough in Jenny Packham, Leslie Mann in J. Mendel, Lena Headey in Alessandra Rich

 All of the looks below are Worst Dressed nominees, but Paula Abdul probably takes the cake.  There are no words, so I'll just move on.  I hate the fabric of Emily's dress, and I think that whole silhouette is overdone.  I don't know who Kristin is either, but since she wore chevron on a red carpet, I really don't care to find out.

Paula Abdul, Emily Deschanel in Houghton, Kristin Connolly in Nicholas Oakwell

 Why does Carrie do this to me? She has a great body and could wear anything, but instead she wore a bad prom dress.  Kerry's dress was just confusing to me- too much going on.  The bottom of Alyson's dress looked like curtains, and I get that Zosia is kind of quirky, but the dress was just fugly.

Carrie Underwood in Romona Keveza, Kerry Washington in Marchesa, Alyson Hannigan in Marchesa, Zosia Mamet in Honor

 Worst fit ever on a red carpet goes to Amanda's dress.  PS, my bangs don't look like her's, do they? I hope not.  Zooey's dress was too matronly, Lena's dress was too much fabric and that hair and makeup is scary.  Jessica looks like she forgot to shave her chest and arm hair.

Amanda Peete in Erdem, Zooey Deschanel in J. Mendel, Lena Dunham in Prada, Jessica Lange in Escada

What were your most and least favorite looks of the night?

What's Your Favorite Color, Baby?

Any true UK fan would know to answer that question with a big "Blue and White!"  Now that football season is in full swing, it's a good time to stock up on apparel in your fave team's colors and pick out some game day outfits.  When I was in college, we wore jean skirts and UK t-shirts with Rainbow flip-flops to football games.  Luckily, nowadays it's all about wearing the team colors in a chic way.  You can still stay true to your own style while representing your team.

In the words of Jay-Z, you should know I bleed blue, but I ain't a Crip though.  No, I was just born into a family of Wildcat faithfuls.  Naturally, I like to surround myself with other UK fans (or at least people who look good in blue).

How cute are my family and friends?!

I love to have blue and white accessories to mix and match with different outfits.  I'm kind of obsessed with the chain-link necklace.

T: Gap 'Color Block-Stripe Infinity Scarf', Zara 'Plaid Scarf'
B: 'Irena Necklace' (shopsosie.com), 'Lifesaver Links Necklace' (baublebar.com), 'Sapphire Spike Collar' (baublebar.com)

The pieces below can be dressed up or down, worn with shorts or jeans, or layered with other pieces during cooler weather.

TL: Zara 'Jacquard Blouse', BL: Joie 'Frenchie B. Silk Top' (Nordstrom)
C: 'Sona Dress' (shopsosie.com)
TR: 'Stadium Street Solid Top' (Francesca's), BR: Zara 'Draped Cardigan'

TL: 'Clodia Striped Sweater' (shopsosie.com), Forever21 'Breton Striped Tee'
B: DKNYC '3/4 Sleeve Color Block Blouse' (Bloomingdales), Club Monaco 'Briar Top', Gap 'Printed Boyfriend Shirt'

 Here's a few casual shirts I would wear with jeans or leggings.  Oh, and finally, there's the cutest little UK fan ever!

L: Victoria's Secret 'UK Raw Half-Zip Pullover', TR: UK Striped Pullover (agapparel.com)

Summer, Kind of Wonderful

I must say, this summer has kind of been a blur.  It's like I blinked and it was over.  Luckily, I got to finish it off with a week-long beach vacation.  Here are a few of my looks from the past week.


TL: Shelly tee. Gap shorts
BL: Taylor dress
C: Naked Zebra romper, Coach shoes
TR: Mango tank, Gap shorts
BR: Everly dress




I haven't had much time to write this summer, but here's a little wrap-up of my fave looks from the past few months.

Allison Williams in Valentino, Blake Lively in Burberry Prorsum, Sienna Miller in Dolce & Gabbana
Rosie Huntington- Whiteley in Gerard Darel, Mollie King, Vanessa Hudgens in Catherine Malandrino



Reese Witherspoon, Olivia Palermo, Alessandra Ambrosio, Kourtney Kardashian





Selena Gomez in Atelier Versace, Julianne Hough in Halston Heritage skirt and Bec & Bridge top, Miranda Kerr in Gucci
Rachel Bilson in Oscar de la Renta, Sandra Bullock in Emilio Pucci, Lily Collins in Cushnie et Ochs



Where the Heart Is

I've heard all of the sayings--home is where your mom is, home is where your husband is, etc., etc., but I believe the oldest saying rings true- home is where your heart is.  In that sense, I have many different homes, but just one actual house.  My husband and I decided a few weeks ago to purchase a new house and sell our current one.  We sold our current house in one day, to the first person that looked at it, without it even being on the market or having a for sale sign in the yard.  What can I say, I learned from the best real estate agent (my dad).  We are excited about the new house but are starting to get sentimental about leaving and having a limited number of days left in the current house.  This house is special to us, as it is the first house we lived in together and the only home that Monaco has ever known.  I took pictures of every room so I could capture everything as it is now before we start packing, and now I'm deciding what to donate, sell, or keep to take to the new house.  Looking around, I realized that my favorite things in this house are not the newest or most expensive things, but the ones that have the most meaning.  I love pieces that are old and have a story behind it, or that once belonged to a loved one.

My husband's grandmother was an amazing artist, among many other talents.  She gave us this painting a few years ago.  Several other family members have similar versions of this painting or another painting by her of some sort.

This frame holds pictures of our nieces and nephew.  It was a gift from them, and I love that it captured each of their different personalities and cuteness.  Our new house is just down the street from them, and we hope they will be frequent visitors.

I got the bookshelf below second-hand at a neat store in BG called Steamboat Salvage.  I kinda just put some picture frames and wedding gifts in here but in the new house I will spruce it up a bit.

These curtains don't have a story at all, they are totally from Pier1, but I just love them and will definitely find a place for them in the new house.  There's greens, blues, yellows, and reds in here so it should be easy to match a room with.  

The three prints below are impressive for two reasons- one, they were sent to my husband's grandmother from India during World War II, and two, look how straight my husband hung them.  Pretty amazing.
Yeah, for some reason I have an elephant theme going in this house, as you can see with this little guy hanging out in the kitchen.  Oh, and there's a lovely dog crate that hasn't been used in at least 3 years.

This mirror hanging in the foyer also belonged to my husband's grandmother. 

This piece belonged to my beloved grandmother.  It was in her foyer with a mirror hung on the wall above it, but I use it as a nightstand in my guest room.  One of the legs is barely hanging on, but I'll keep it forever because it reminds me of her.

 What are some 'things' in your house that you could never part with?

Fashion Icon: Kate Hudson

One of my favorite people to watch on the red carpet is the beautiful Kate Hudson.  She is always so glowy and happy.  She's been on the scene for awhile now but I love how her look has evolved over the years, but still stays true to her California girl roots.  Kate always looks perfectly styled (by Rachel Zoe), but never overdone.  She can pull off anything, from sexy bombshell to demure to pretty and cute.  She does what a true fashion icon does- leaves us wanting more and wondering what she will do next.

Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Antonio Berardi, Pucci

My favorite Kate Hudson role is Penny Lane in Almost Famous.  In fact, I love this line from the movie so much that I have it as one of my fave quotes on my Facebook page.

Speaking of Almost Famous, just as Russell Hammond says he is "a golden god," Kate is a golden goddess in these red carpet looks.

T:  Stella McCartney, Atelier Versace
B: Versace, Dior, Atelier Versace

While she is fabulous in white and in gold, she is also truly radiant in red.

Prabal Gurung, Valentino, Stella McCartney

Ok, let's face it, the woman looks gorge in every color.

Reem Acra, Ann Taylor, Diane Von Furstenberg

Her style isn't limited to just gowns, though.  She can also rock a suit better than most men I know.

Alexander McQueen, Michael Kors, Gucci

As much as I love her red carpet looks, I also like to see how she switches it up for her everyday looks and appearances.  How cool does she look in these street looks?  She looks strong, confident and laid back at the same time.

L: Michael Kors, R: Barbara Bui

all images from Google

In Living Color

My friends know that I usually steer clear of bold colors and I'll admit that only about 25% of my clothes are in hues other than white, black, gray, navy and beige, but since there's not much left of summer I'm trying to wear all of the bright colorful stuff that I do have while I still can.  Also, FYI, this is a great time to take advantage of end of season sales.

TL: Francesca's 'Santiago Knit Dress' (Francesca's)
BL: Joie 'Devitri Silk Shirt' (Nordstrom)
C: me in a Voll top (Bluetique)
TR: BB Dakota 'Helaine Pleated Top' (shopruche.com)
BR: Banana Republic 'Camden-Fit Floral Ankle Pant' (Banana Republic)

L: Nanette Lepore 'Bogatell Dress' (nanettelepore.com)
TR: Rachel Zoe 'Jonah Colorblock Dress' (shopbop.com)
BR: Gap 'Printed Split Neck Tunic Dress' (Gap)

L: Alice + Trixie 'Scout Print Silk Shirt Dress' (Nordstrom)
C: Zara 'Printed Pencil Skirt' (Zara)
R: I. Madeline 'Jewel Print Dress' (piperlime.com)

I love the Kate Spade motto that says to 'live colorfully.'  Sometimes it's easier said than done, but I'm trying to remember to do something every day that helps me live by this mantra.  No, I'm not going to try to bring back neon warm-up suits, but instead try do little things like take a different route on my evening walk, try a new restaurant, or make an extra effort to connect to a friend.  What do you do to add color to your world?

A Midsummer Night's Dream

I awoke this morning to the smell of cinnamon rolls and mimosas.  I got out of bed, walked into the living room and saw 3 orange boxes tied with brown ribbons.  "Hermes!" I shrieked with excitement.  Smiling, I pulled out a scarf, belt and Birkin bag out of the boxes.  My husband entered the room and asked me if I liked my presents.  Then he reminded me to go get ready, as we were leaving for Capri in less than an hour.

L: Olivia Palermo carrying an Hermes Birkin bag (image from Google)
TR: Hermes Cordages Vintage Silk Twill Scarf (hermes.com)
BR: Nicky Hilton wearing an Hermes belt (image from Google)

I watched my closet rack rotate, then pushed stop on the remote control as my favorite DVF wrap dress came into view.  I put it on and stared into my jewelry case.  I decided on a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels necklace, Cartier watch, and Tiffany earrings.  I closed the case, looked in the mirror and then opened the case again.  I had almost forgotten my Harry Winston engagement ring!  Finally, I slipped on a pair of Ferragamo bow flats and called for my butler to come get my luggage.  

L: Diane von Furstenberg 'New Julian Two' Wrap Dress (Bloomingdales)
R: Salvatore Ferragamo 'Varina' Patent Ballet Flat (Neiman Marcus)

 

TL: Tiffany 'Solitaire Diamond Earrings' (Tiffany & Co.)
TR: Cartier Tank Watch (image from Google)
BL: Van Cleef & Arpels 'Alhambra Long Necklace' (vancleefarpels.com)
BR: Harry Winston diamond ring (image from Google)

Being the genius dog that he is, Monaco ran right inside his Louis Vuitton carrier.  I didn't have time to change purses, so I had to take the Hermes Kelly bag that I had already been carrying.  

TL: Miranda Kerr carrying Louis Vuitton luggage and dog carrier
BL: Nicky Hilton carrying an Hermes Kelly bag
R: some poor guy carrying LV luggage for Joan Collins
images from Google 

My husband drove us in his Porsche to the airport, looking like a modern day Dylan McKay.  Since it was a convertible, I tied my new scarf around my head and put on my Chanel oversized sunnies.  We boarded our private jet and popped open a bottle of Dom.  I soon drifted off into a deep sleep and when I woke up...Crap! I'm in Kentucky again! Oh well, a girl can dream, right? 

L: Jackie O wearing an Hermes Scarf
TR: Chanel 'CH5232Q 5013F' Sunglasses (shadestation.co.uk)
BR: Jackie O in Chanel sunglasses
images from Pinterest and Google

I love fantasizing about iconic fashion pieces that I long to be a part of my collection.  Surely I'm not the only one who does this...what are the items on your lust list?