I’m Like A Bird December 27, 2009

Fossil

My new favorite accessory is this bird necklace by Fossil.  (I found it at Dillards, they have amazing jewelry sales!)  I’m really into rose gold right now because it looks a little vintage-y and its a nice change from plain gold or silver.

I absolutely love Fossil jewelry.  It’s always sparkly, fresh, and the kind of pieces I picture myself wearing when I’m on a ranch in Arizona with the wind whipping my perfectly tousled curls while I pose with my perfectly bronzed skin and a white button down shirt, designer jeans, and cowboy boots.  (Way to go Fossil marketing!)

They’re the best “oh, I just threw this on, but it looks great, because I only own fashionable things” accessories.  And since I’m not going to be starring in any Abercrombie commericals anytime soon, I’m going to keep wearing my bird necklace.  It makes me feel free and beautiful and that’s exactly how a piece of jewelry should alwas make you feel.

Lucky Charms

I recently came across Page Sargisson’s beautiful jewelry.  Her creations range from lucky charms to wedding bands to mother of pearl casino chips, all in brushed gold, sterling silver, or oxidized silver.  You can find a unicorn charm with pink sapphires, necklaces and cuff links to mark a special day, a lucky number charm, and an assortment of other unique pieces.  She sprinkles her trinkets with diamonds, sapphires, and topaz to mix whimsy and fun with elegant style and design.

The Jet Setter

Coach Sydney Leather Dome Satchel

Liz Claiborne Jet Setter Satchel

I love Coach.  The only problem is, my paycheck doesn’t.  I was lusting after the Sydney Leather Dome Satchel, with its whopping price tag of $698, when I stumbled upon the Liz Claiborne Jet Setter Satchel.  It has a very similar style, complete with gold hardware, and has the same gray/ mushroom shade that is my new favorite neutral.  However, this price was much friendlier at $40.   The shopping math:  I saved $658!  I love my new bag, which is perfect for hauling my life to work, and also for schlepping through airports and on overnight trips with its shoulder strap.

Best of Martin + Osa

Martin and Osa Johnson

 

One of the more upscale American Eagle brands, Martin + Osa, is named for real life explorers Martin and Osa Johnson.  The couple from Kansas pioneered the safari in the early 1900’s and produced many books and films about their adventures, documenting the wilderness, wildlife, and tribal customs of remote Africa and the South Pacific.  The brand Martin & Osa has come a long way from the wilds of Africa, and is now a great place to find luxurious basics and sophisticated accessories.

 

 

 

 

Martin + Osa put a twist on the basics with stylish cuts and refined fabrics.  There’s no reason your everyday wardrobe can’t be a little special.  I’m into silk, flannel, and velvet for winter this year.

Velvet Blazer

Pleated Flannel Pant

Zipped Ponte Skinny Pant

Silk Pocket Tee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The selection of shoes and boots is always amazing, with the softest leather in the most current colors.  Martin & Osa carries Dolce Vita, which is one of my absolute favorite brands for boots.

Wiley Boot

Carter Strappy Heel

Suede Opium Bootie

Maiya Platform Pump

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin + Osa’s fantastic line of leather extends to the handbags and clutches.  Their accessories usually has a great mix of tough chains, metallic accents, and feminine details.  It’s also a great place to find really nice leather belts.

Metallic Clutch

Braided Layering Necklace

Tassel Pendant Necklace

Braided Mesh Necklace

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Martin + Osa is also a great place to find more sophisticated pieces when you are transitioning from your college wardrobe of sweats and t-shirts to a more professional look.  The cuts are very work appropriate, but still fun and special.  I found a navy pleated sheath dress from Martin + Osa a couple years ago that has been my go to outfit for anything ever since.  Happy hunting!

Noisettes December 26, 2009

You know those times when you get a song stuck in your head?  I kid you not, my friend Amy had O Christmas Tree stuck in her head for about two months one time.  But what about those times you get a song stuck in your head but you don’t really mind if it stays there?  That’s how I feel about the Noisettes songs Wild Young Hearts and Never Forget You.  The whole album has a happy, nostalgic, disco feel that makes you want to sing along.

Singer Shingai Shoniwa is fascinating to watch, with her outrageous hairstyles, and awesome sense of fashion.  Watching her dance barefoot in an old theater in a fringed flapper dress in the video for Never Forget You completely conveys the sense of youth and freedom in the song.  She can even pull off silver Doc Martins with a sheath dress and leather jacket.  It makes me want a pair of silver boots.  And a fringed dress.

The British band is best known for its rowdy live shows in London.  They’ve toured with Muse and Lady Gaga and have also performed Don’t Upset the Rhythm live on One Tree Hill.

They’re the kind of songs that make you think about your first love and your other happy memories.  Those are the thoughts that I’m happy to have stuck in my head.

Finding the Perfect Leather Jacket

Finding the perfect leather jacket is a fashion quest that can take years.  This is one classic staple that is versatile, sophisticated, and will never go out of style.  There are so many cuts, colors, styles, and lengths to choose from.  I am completely obsessed with the white Chanel leather jacket Anne Hathaway wore in Get Smart.  (Seriously, ask my friends.  I bring up this jacket ALL THE TIME.  They tease me  about it now.)  White can be worn with fur in the winter or over a sundress in the summer.  I love the asymmetrical zipper and the blazer collar underneath.  It’s absolutely perfect.

My favorite styles have a slim silhouette and a blazer-like cut, or fall into the moto jacket style.  The Balmain leather jackets are definitely at the top of my list.  I’m also intrigued by the leather hoodie.  I love hoodies, so the thought of combining a leather jacket with a hoodie seems like a logical choice for me.  Kristen Stewart has been spotted sporting a Juicy Couture leather hoodie, and I also love the one by Mike and Chris Maxwell.

Juicy Couture

Juicy Couture

Mike and Chris

Balmain

Best of Forever 21

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Another Reason to Love Abe Lincoln

My new favorite album is none other than Chester French, Love the Future.  Formed in Boston and named for Daniel Chester French, who designed the Lincoln Memorial, this stand out new group could be filed under pop, rock, alternative, hip hop, you name it.  Jacks of all trades (or genres), Chester French has collaborated with Asher Roth, and toured with Lady Gaga, Blink 182, and N.E.R.D.

They’ve also appeared in Vogue, as “Already Famous”, a “band you should already know”.  Fans of Weezer, Phoenix, Hot Hot Heat, Plain White T’s, and the Kooks will be spinning this record for a long time to come.  My favorite tracks are C’mon (On My Own), Bebe Buell, The Jimmy Choos, Neal, and Not Over You.

The two members, D.A. Wallach and Maxwell Drummey, cite British pop as an influence for their upbeat, unique sound that sounds a little retro.  Their fresh beats will put you in a good mood and keep you dancing.  And as if they weren’t cool enough, check out their free mixtape, Jacques Jams.  An entire album, filled with the likes of Lady Gaga, Wale, Pharrell Williams, Kardinal Offishall, and Solange Knowles.  http://chesterfrench.com/mixtape/

Bloom

I’ve been on the hunt for a baby pink lipstick ever since I saw The Veronicas video for Untouched.  After months of searching, I’ve found the perfect pink:  Bloom Lipstick in Princess (3rd from the left).  It’s the perfect shade of lilac-pink that is slightly reminiscent of the ’60s mod makeup looks.  Paired with a smoky eye, its a fresh take on a retro style.

I’ve had a love affair with Bloom’s Lip Balm in Orange since I was in high school.  The company hails from Australia (as do the The Veronicas) and boasts a full line of makeup (including mineral makeup) with gorgeous, natural colors and pretty packaging.  I wish Sephora would get with the program and start carrying Bloom, but for now I have to get my fix at Ulta.

Everyday Superhero