Hello, Sunshine

Looking through my closet the other day, I realized I only had one item in the yellow section, a tank top that now has spots of vegetable soup on it that splattered when I opened the can.  So, I've started the search for some nice, cheery yellow things to add to my life this summer. 

We don't see yellow on the red carpet very often, but I did notice a few yellow dresses in Cannes pictures last week.  I love to see it when it is done right.  One could argue that this is a hard color to wear, but I believe everyone can pull off some shade of it.  Fair skinned people may want to wear lighter shades, while bold shades look better on medium and dark toned skin.

Alessandra Ambrosio, Kate Mara, Olivia Palermo

The structured dresses below would be perfect for summer work days, while the more relaxed styles would be great for easy, breezy weekend looks.

L: Zara 'Dress with Structured Shoulders' (Zara)
C: Topshop 'Poppy' Pleated Midi Dress (Nordstrom)
R: Susana Monaco 'Odilia' dress (shopbop.com)

L: Tobi 'X-back Skater Dress' (tobi.com)
R: Victoria's Secret 'Fit-and-Flare Dress' (victoriassecret.com)

L: Rachel Roy 'Scallop Dress' (piperlime.com)
C: Zara 'Two-Tone Combination Dress' (Zara)
R: Parker 'Lucia' dress (shopbop.com)

Yellow tops pair well with shorts or jeans for a casual look, or just add a statement necklace to dress it up a bit.

L: me in a Gap tank, Loft shorts, Michelle D shoes
T: Parker 'Dita' top (Nordstrom)
C: J.Crew Factory 'Draped Linen Top' (J.Crew Factory)
B: Limited 'Zipper Back Tee' (Limited)

Skirts, shorts, or pants of this hue match with white shirts,  but I would also try them with a chambray button down.

L: ASOS 'Midi Skirt with Stitch Waist Detail' (us.asos.com)
T: Kate Spade 'Striped Barry Skirt' (Kate Spade)
B: French Connection 'Mimosa Mist Shorts' (us.asos.com)

L: Wit & Wisdom 'Colored Denim Skinny Jeans' (Nordstrom)
R: Alice + Olivia 'Stacey' pant (shopbop.com)

If you don't want a full-on yellow experience, there are plenty of shoes and accessories that can add a touch of color to your outfit.

TL: Nine West 'Wiston' sandal (piperlime.com)
TC: Lucky Brand 'Kyndra' sandal (Nordstrom)
TR: Coach 'Coco' sandal (Coach)

TL: Kate Spade 'Charlotte Street Small Sloane' bag (Kate Spade)
BL: MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Jet-Set Small Travel Tote' (Nordstrom)
TR: Lulu's 'A League of Their Stone Yellow Necklace' (lulus.com)
CR: Burberry 'Bridle House Check Clutch Bag' (us.burberry.com)
BR: Henri Bendel 'The Spence 5 Wrap Bracelet' (Henri Bendel)

Cannes 2013: Best and Worst Dressed

It finally feels like Summer, and I'm daydreaming of sunbathing on Roberto Cavalli's yacht.  The Cannes Film Festival just wrapped up and it's such an exciting time for fashion since there are multiple premieres and parties.  I like to see how the same stars switch things up for different events.  Nicole Kidman was on the jury this year and shined every time she stepped out.  I'm not a huge fan of her's and I know people always joke about how her face doesn't move, but I do think she is statuesque and had some great looks this past week in France.

Nicole Kidman in L'Wren Scott, Marchesa, Dior, and Dior

There were rumors swirling that this Valentino gown she wore was the one that Anne Hathaway was originally supposed to wear to the Oscars, but didn't because it was too similar to Amanda Seyfried's Alexander McQueen gown.  The Valentino reps shut down those rumors, but either way, Nicole looked classic and quite exquisite. 

Nicole Kidman in Valentino

Black and white was a huge trend on the Cannes red carpet, seen on multiple stars of every age group.  I like black and white best when it's done in minimalist color blocks.

Emma Watson in Chanel, Carey Mulligan in Vionnet, Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Lana del Ray in vintage

Below are some more of my favorite looks from the last week.

Stacy Keibler in Zac Posen, Olivia Palermo in Roberto Cavalli, Freido Pinto in Sanchita Aijampur, and Irina Shayk in Elie Saab

Zoe Saldana in Valentino, Kylie Minogue in Roberto Cavalli, Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Unlike at the awards shows, models are everywhere in Cannes.  They have the unfair advantage of looking amazing in almost everything, and these were a few of my fave model looks.

Alessandra Ambrosio in Roberto Cavalli, Erin Heatherton in Roberto Cavalli, Cara Delivingne in Burberry Prorsum

These tea-length dresses were playful and proper at the same time. 

Isla Fisher and Naomi Watts, both in Dolce & Gabbana

I always anticipate Jessica Chastain's fashion choices and I've missed her since awards season.  She totally nailed it in three completely different looks.

Jessica Chastain in Saint Laurent, Versace Collection, and Givenchy Couture

For every great look in Cannes, there were a hundred bad ones.  Here's some that I thought were the worst.

Paris Hilton in Falguni, Goldie Hawn in Halston Heritage, Joan Smalls in Givenchy, Heidi Klum in Marchesa

Paz Vega in Stephane Rolland Couture, Jessica Biel in Marchesa, Marion Cotillard in Dior

I cannot stress enough the importance of dressing for your body type, and here are two prime examples of failing at this.  Octavia looked amazing in her red Tadashi dress above, but this dropped waistline cuts her off and is very unflattering (plus where are her arms?).  Eva has an amazing body but she is short, and poor tailoring and that wrestling champion belt do not help elongate her petite frame.

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji, Eva Longoria in Atelier Versace.

Below are a few more disappointing choices, including Sharon Stone. Her white dress was killer from the front, but was quite literally killer from the back.   Why would anyone add a snake to a red carpet gown?

Sharon Stone in Roberto Cavalli, Florence Welch in Miu Miu, Milla Jovovich in Valentino Couture

Speaking of killing, Justin Timberlake killed it all week long, one look after another.  He reminded me of David Beckham- handsome, cool, and lots of swag. 

Bonus pics: my sister and I in Cannes circa 2005 (I think).  We went in March, so the festival wasn't going on yet and it was too cool for the beach, but it was still a beautiful place to visit.
 

Bienvenidos a Miami

I love a good long weekend getaway (especially at the beach), but it always takes me about a week to recover from it.  I truly believe in catching up on sleep and I haven't been able to do that yet, but this trip was totally worth it.  This was a girls trip and we decided to stay at the historic Eden Roc in Miami Beach.  This hotel was recently featured on Kourtney and Kim Take Miami, but honestly that is not why we stayed here ;)  The beaches were beautiful and the ocean was a perfect temp.  It was hot during the day and warm at night, and my hair didn't even get very frizzy.   

Scott Disick at Eden Roc

Mason Disick, Kourtney Kardashian and Kim Kardashian at Eden Roc

I didn't take very many pics on this trip, but here's a few things I wore. 

L: Forever21 dress
C: Echo design coverup, Tory Burch tote, Forever21 hat, Old Navy sandals
R: Seventh Day dress (modcloth), H&M necklace, Steve Madden shoes

When I got to the hotel, the zipper was stuck on my suitcase and I was plotting how I was going to cut into it and have to go look for a new suitcase to take my stuff home in.  Luckily, the crisis was averted when my sister was able to get the zipper back on track!  Sisters are always there when you need them. :)

I really indulged in some great food (and wine) while in Miami.  There's some amazing restaurants and the other girls trusted me with making our reservations for dinner at Hakkasan and Scarpetta (both at the Fontainebleau) and at Cecconi's at Soho Beach House.  I think everyone was pleased with my decisions.  I tried so many things I had never had before, but my most adventurous move was trying my first cortadito, a Cuban espresso.  I never have any caffeine ever, and now I know the effect it has on me. Whoa.  I was awake for about 40 hours straight!  Probably not going to have another one of those at midnight ever again but I could definitely use a couple of shots of that every morning.  If anyone knows where I can get a cortadito in Bowling Green, KY please let me know!


my cortadito at Scarpetta



Personal Style 2

Here's another quick post of outfits I've taken pics of recently.  The weather here has been a crazy mix of cold and hot and then cold again so I've still been dressing pretty warm.  Speaking of warm, I'll be heading to the beach later this week...no sightseeing, just fun in the sun with my friends and I cannot wait.  Stay tuned for a fun Miami outfits post! 

L: Loft sweater, Limited pants, Tory Burch shoes
C: J.Crew tank and cardigan, Banana Republic pants, Gianni Bini shoes
R:  pink rose top (Century21), Banana Republic pants, TB shoes

 

L: Gap sweater, Gap jeans, Express scarf, Tory Burch flats
R: Old Navy dress, Forever21 scarf, Style & Co. boots (Macy's)

 

L: Everly dress (Bluetique), madden girl shoes
C: Blue Rain top (Francesca's), Express pants, TB shoes
R: H&M dress, TB shoes



Mourning Missoni

Sad day in the fashion world, as designer Ottavio Missoni died at his home in Italy, at the age of 92.  He and his wife Rosita founded the famous Missoni fashion house in the 1950's.  The brand escalated in popularity in the 1970's, becoming well known for their zigzag patterns (not the tacky huge chevron print found in every store today) and patchwork patterns.  The brand is the definition of boho chic and is often seen on celebs like Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie.

me, Nicole Richie, Rachel Zoe

Here are some recent looks from the M Missoni (a little more affordable) women's line.

L: Diamond-Stripe Colorblock Dress
C: Puckered Wave Stripe Dress
R: Two-Tone Wave-Stripe Cardigan and Space-Dye Tank Dress
all available at Bergdorf Goodman

Ottavio's children and grandchildren now run the family business, which has expanded into Home Decor (Missoni Home) and luxury hotels (Hotel Missoni).  The most famous member of the family is granddaughter Margherita, who is the brand ambassador, modeling in campaigns and representing the brand at fashion events.

L: Margherita Missoni with her grandparents
R: Margherita Missoni

TL, BL, TR: images from Hotel Missoni Kuwait
BR: bedding from Missoni Home

Earlier this year, a plane carrying Ottavio's son Vittorio and a few others went missing off the coast of Venezuela.  Parts of the plane have been discovered but no bodies have been found.  Tragic, I know, but I have no doubt that this family will be able to continue to uphold their place as one of the world's top fashion houses.  Their brand is timeless and iconic, and I know we will be seeing more from the Missoni's for many years to come.


Let's take a minute to honor the memory of Ottavio Missoni by admiring these ads featuring Kate Moss and  Gisele Bunchen.  So major.

May Flowers

I'm terrible at keeping plants alive, so the only place flowers bloom around my house is in my closet.  Floral prints are so hot right now and can literally be found on every piece of clothing possible.  I love a fun print so I'm happy to be able to break out these items this season.

TL:  Yumi Kim 'Lizzie Silk Floral Blouse' (Bloomingdales)
BL: Parker 'Chip Top' (ShopBop.com)
C: me in a Zara top, Express pants, Apricot Lane necklace
TR: Forever21 'Semi Sheer Floral Top' (Forever21)
BR: Daniel Rainn 'Sheer Floral Blouse' (Bloomingdales)

I have some floral print blouses and dresses, but haven't ventured into floral print pants or skirts yet.  I think they are both cute and can be dressed up with heels and a blazer or down with flats and a tee shirt.

TL: 7 for All Mankind 'The Skinny in Midnight Floral' jeans (Bloomingdales)
BL: J. Crew Factory 'Printed Pencil Skirt' (J. Crew Factory)
C: Zara 'Cropped Floral Trousers' (Zara)
TR: Loft 'Lush Floral Print' shorts (Loft)
BR: Zara 'Floral Print Pencil Skirt' (Zara)



Jessica Alba, Kristin Cavallari, Olivia Palermo

One of my favorite floral print moments is Blair Waldorf's Alice + Olivia dress that she wears on Gossip Girl.  It's a quintessential Blair-style dress that epitomizes summer in the Hamptons. Here's an updated, similar version by the same designer.

L: Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf in Alice + Olivia 'Garden Party Dress'
R: Alice + Olivia 'Brittlyn Floral Halter Dress' (ShopBop.com)


Floral print dresses are easy to wear and make a statement when paired with very minimal accessories and a neutral shoe.

TL: Everly 'Wetherly Shirt Dress' (ShopSosie.com)
BL: Francesca's 'Zilker Park Floral Shift Dress' (Francesca's)
C: me in a Sugar Reef dress (Dorothy Perkins)
TR: ABS by Allen Schwartz 'Watercolor Floral Dress' (Bloomingdales)
BR: Topshop 'Modern Vintage Shift Dress' (Nordstrom)

 

L: Anthropologie 'Pressed Flora Shift Dress' (Anthropologie)
C: Anthropologie 'Meadowsweep Wrap Dress' (anthropologie.com)
R: Madewell 'Dionne Sleeveless Dress' (ShopBop.com)



Selena Gomez, Eva Mendes, Rihanna






Throwing Shade

"Sunglasses are like eyeshadow; They make everything look younger and pretty." --Karl Lagerfeld

Mr. Lagerfeld speaks the truth and I couldn't agree more with his statement on sunglasses.  Sunnies are the finishing touch to every outfit.  Plus, they cover up most of my face, which works out great when I'm not wearing any makeup.  I stash about 6 pairs of sunglasses in the console of my car and keep 2 pairs in my purse.  My collection ranges from Forever21, American Eagle, and Old Navy to Dolce & Gabbana, Calvin Klein and Tory Burch.  I think everyone should have at least a couple of really nice pairs and then some cheapies to throw on in the car or at the lake.  I haven't bought an expensive pair in awhile, so I've been looking for a new pair to invest in.  The cateye shape is everything right now and I'm desperately wanting a pair of black Tom Fords.  There are different styles of cateye, from subtle to very exaggerated.


TL: Kourtney Kardashian in Tom Ford
BL: Olivia Palermo in Tom Ford
TR: Tom Ford
CR: Tom Ford
BR: Burberry

Probably one of the most universally flattering types of frames for all face shapes is the aviator.  Sometimes when so many people have something, it makes me not want it, so I never bought the Ray-Ban Aviators when they became popular.  However, I did buy a cheap similar pair last year and ended up loving them, so maybe I'll reconsider the Ray-Ban's after all.

Clockwise from Top Right: Minka Kelly, me, Jennifer Aniston, Miranda Kerr

 I love the retro vibe of white sunglasses.  They look really fresh, fun and chic.

L: Grace Kelly
TR: Gucci
BR: Coach

Tory Burch is always a good choice, as her silhouettes are simple and classic.  I'm a label lover so I like when the designer brands have logo's or names on the sides.  So I have this pair that has orange T's on the side and I can't tell you how many people ask me if those stand for University of Tennessee or the Tennessee Titans...and they're serious.  My response is always the same, "You're joking, right?" In my head I'm giving them a big Cher Horowitz "as if!"

Top: Tory Burch
BL: Jessica Chastain in TB
BR: me in TB

I like both rounded and squared shapes that are a little oversized.  There's just too many pairs to choose from!  Bring on the sunshine.

L: Prada
TR: Burberry
BR: Prada



TL: Tom Ford
BL: Coach
R: Tory Burch