Necklace – Aly Knows Best

Lanvin Does “Real People”

For Lanvin’s new Fall line, the Parisians made a bold choice to use “real people” to model their luxe line. Among the chosen ones include bloggers, stylists, wardrobe consultants, photographers, designers and dancers. Read about all the “real people” models here. Above, I chose some of my favorite photographs from this extremely refreshing (and glamorous) shoot. To see people being acknowledged in pictures for their accomplishments instead of just what they look like is like a gust of fresh air in an otherwise extremely stagnant and un-diverse industry. Hopefully this bold move made by Lanvin, will help other brands do a similar campaign. Bravo Lanvin!

Dream On: What I Want For Summer

This week I scored a summer job at Gap in my local mall and realized that I will soon be able to purchase many things I have been lusting over for the season. Working at Gap means I get discounts at Gap (duh), Old Navy, Banana Republic and Piperlime (sometimes). After hearing this news I knew it was time to start picking out what I want from those stores (and more).

Above is a jumbled collage of what I believe I NEED:

The top is an alternative to the average structured peplum from Anthropologie that is gorgeous on and moves really gracefully. I desperately need a new pair of sunglasses and love this classic pair by Super. Jeffrey Campbell never ceases to impress me, I don’t know any girl who wouldn’t want a closet full of his outrageously fierce shoes. All available at Nastygal. I’m especially loving bright bags and belts, pictured here is a bag from the new Tina Turk Collection at Banana and a bright belt from Gap. The iPhone 4s case is one of the many patterns available at J. Crew. The simple striped dress is a Gap find. The necklace is a fabulous piece by Vanessa Mooney (love everything she does). Finally I saved, BEST FOR LAST: Rebecca Minkoff handbags. I really really LOVE her new summer collection (where the pink bag is from). My goal is to own a whole collection of her M.A.C.S and MINI M.A.C.S 😉 Oh and the inset is a classic VOGUE cover that I feel embodies my idea of summer living to a T.

Tokyo Chic

This week my best friend hopped on a airplane to Japan from San Francisco (a 14 hour flight) to play in a music festival. Helping her decide on outfits to pack inspired me to create my own “Tokyo chic” look. As you all probably already know, Tokyo (in my opinion) is the capital of daring fashionistas. Women (and men) there are willing to take huge fashion risks and they have helped me conjure the courage to make my own. I know that not everyone in Tokyo dresses in outrageous attire all the time but it’s fun to be creative with fashion as well as take risks!

Above, I created a look that amps up my usual fairly simplistic attire. Many of these pieces transition into day/night as well as into many different outfits. For example: pairing the denim vest with a sundress and boots on a warm day instantly adds a new edge to a cute dress. Another option would be take the cobalt pants and pair them with a tiny tank, a blazer and killer heels for a perfect going out look. Go ahead be fearless!

Items: 1. H&M cat eye sunnies $9.95, 2. Markus Lupfer Kapow! sweater $475, 3. Raw edge denim vest $30, 4. Rag & Bone skinnies $200, 5. Marc Jacobs watch $200, 6. Polka dot scarf $22, 7. Hello Kitty necklace $16.50, 8. Marc Jacobs bag $438, 9. Explode slipper $40.

Crazy for Carrie

I recently stumbled on this photo and quote by Carrie Bradshaw of HBO’s Sex and the City (aka my fave show of all time). Since I’m such a nerd, I knew that this photo in particular is from an episode in one of the final seasons of the show where Bradshaw travels to Paris for a boyfriend. This stunt was very out of character for her, so I decided to put together a collage of things that ARE in Bradshaw’s character. These pieces are all something I believe the costume designer for the show (Patricia Field) would choose for Carrie. Carrie Bradshaw embodies the ability to be free and not fall to social norms when it comes to her everyday dress. I know I am going to start taking more of a “Carrie approach” when styling myself and I encourage you all to do the same! Oh! and don’t forget to top it off with a great pair of Manolo Blahnik’s!

Items: 1. Emilio Pucci strapless gown $2,695, 2. Sondra Roberts beaded clutch $198, 3. Lucky Brand feather ring $35, 4. Marc Jacobs pleated satin dress $1,500, 5. Sunshower bib necklace $188, 6. J. Crew polka-dot capri $120, 7. Manolo Blahnik swan heels $1,295, 8. Sex and the City: The Complete Series $165.