Bling Fest

It's been a while since I have done a daily bling post - been busy, busy, busy with my day job this winter and just exhausted at night. Such is life I suppose, and no real excuse, but for my loyal BBB readers craving some bling - this post's for you!

I thought I'd break down some of my favorite pieces for Spring - so check it!

These Hexagon Hoops are the perfect compliment to any 70s inspired, wide legged denim look. Good job, Kim Kardashian, we are loving your Belle Noel jewelry line including these gorgeous simple hoops for only $20 at Singer22.com

The original "celeb-socialite-jewelry designer", Nicole Richie, never disappoints with House of Harlow. Her aztec pieces for Spring/Summer 2011 feature a lot of turquoise and black - I'd wear this pendent on a fresh all white look.

Two things I love? Bright colors and wrap bracelets you can pile up your wrist. This Tory Burch piece embodies both with a girly flair. Perfect for the office, Sunday brunch , a tennis match - whatever!

Did I mention I love neons? Tory Burch is certainly bringing the fun with this other lust-worthy piece from her Spring line. Bright pink, yellow and turqouise beading and rubber knot "charms" makes this necklace unique, fresh and a perfect bathing suit compliment!

Fashionably Yours,

H

Spring Shoe Trend: Espadrilles

It's no surprise with the resurgence of the 1970s trends for Spring, that Espadrilles are making a huge comeback. These perfect compliments to your wide leg jeans and draped maxi-dresses are a Spring/Summer 2011 must-have. A beachy, hippie compliment to any look.

DVF is making some of my favorite "drilles" (as I like to call them) for the season in variations of nudes and brights. Wear a bright pair of drilles with a neutral look or contrasting color and compliment a nude pair with an all white look. Check out all my favorite picks of the season below:

(From Left to Right Clockwise: Pour La Victoire, DVF, Rosegold, Madison Harding - all at ShopBop)

Fashionably Yours,

H

Scarf Lust

Girls, I have scarf lust. I often stop at the DKNY next to my office for lunch. And by lunch I mean actually picking up lunch. A little know midtown Manhattan fact is that the Madison Avenue DKNY store has an awesome salad and sandwich counter on the 2nd floor! Everything is healthy, fresh and yummy. The downside? The wait! Sometimes you have to wait up to 20 minutes for your lunch since its so crowded and everything is made fresh. While waiting they stream the Spring 2011 Fashion Show video behind the counter and a shop-a-holic like me is inevitably tempted. I think the real secret of their salads is the subliminal shopping message that they are feeding you!

Anyway, this LONG story is because I am officially obsessed with the scarfs as seen (over and over again as I wait) on the Spring 11 Spring runway and all through the store. I am specifically obsessed with their floral print scarf that comes in a rainbow of chic Spring variations - black, nude, turquoise and orange. There are about a billion ways you can wear it but my fave way is tied around the neck like a chocker - as seen on the runway of course.

I also love it around the neck hankerchef style. See below in parachute (the variation I think I need) ...

So with so many variations to wear (not to mention as a head wrap - totally would rock it on the beach that way) why wouldn't I scoop it right up? Its $95. For a scarf. Less than Hermes or Pucci for sure, but still seems pricey for DKNY. I feel my obsession will end up getting the best of me (esp. since the store is so conveniently located next to my work place) but my question for you is, is $100 too much for a trendy, one-season scarf?

Fashionably Yours,

H

Daily Bling - March 15, 2011

Seventies style is all the rage for Spring/Summer 2011 and I couldn't be more excited for this fresh (re)take on fashion. With so many seasons of neutrals, darks, and skinny 80s inspired jeans, I am excited for a brighter, more tailored take on Spring. That said, I can't shake my "rock chic" favorite look thats been such a staple the last few seasons which is why I love this "rock' take on a 70s classic style!

Today's Daily Bling, brought to you by Alice & Olivia, is the Sequin Hobo bag. And whats more 70s than a hobo and glitter? I'm picturing this oversized, extra long hobo with a flared pair of high-waisted jeans, and a bright pink silk blouse. Layer on some silver bangles and add some platform open toe-pumps and you've got your self the perfect Spring-to-Winter transition look!

You can scoop up the Alice & Olivia Sequin Hobo on Shopbop! Its currently on-sale for just under $350.

Fashionably Yours,
H

Red Carpet to Real Life: Mila Kunis Oscar 2011

If you are looking for an ultra-feminine, pretty look that has just a hint of sex appeal, take inspiration from the gorgeous Mila Kunis in Elie Saab at this year's Oscars. Mila wore a lace and chiffon gown that was all about playing up the female charms. The lavender color was refreshing and effortless on the red carpet and simple dazzling details - an earring and single bangle - pulled it all together. A python clutch brought a modern, young vibe to the overall classy look.

To get this look for an event this Spring (thinking a beach wedding, bridal/baby shower or graduation), look for a dress in an effortless chiffon or lace fabric - the thiner and softer the material the better! This dress should let you wear it, rather than it wearing you - get what I'm saying? We like this J. Crew chiffon tiered dress - the color is just right and the chiffon has a light and airy quality. The low v-neck line and empire-like waist also mimics Mila's silloutte in an appropriate way!

Accessorize with crystal jewelry that has a feminine and heirloom quality and add just a touch of python for the edge - we love these "dressy" flip flops and crystal jewelry from Banana Republic!

Lovely in Lavender Breakdown:

- J. Crew Bridal Chiffon Sadie Dress in Soft Lavender

- Banana Republic Jewelry

- Banana Republic Markie Stitched Thong Sandal

Fashionably Yours,

H

Red Carpet to Real Life: Mandy Moore

It's no doubt the Oscar looks set trends for the season but how many real woman actually get to wear a ball gown in their daily lives? (besides for the random black tie wedding every year or so...) That said, I wanted to start a new series on BBB that will help you translate the top trends from the red carpet to your real life.

I'm deconstructing my favorite looks from the Oscars and showing you how to translate these looks into daily life looks for Spring.

In the first "edition" of runway to real life I'm breaking down one of my top three looks at the Oscar's - Mandy Moore in Monique Lhullier - and showing you how to get the look with J. Crew's new Spring line!

Mandy's look was all about modern vintage. Taking timeless sillouttes from the late 50s/60s and updating them with sparkle and glamour! To get this look we recommend looking for timeless casual wear items - a skinny cropped khaki (ala Audrey Hepburn), ballet flats and a feminine crew neck tee. The bling comes in with this shimmering "metallic gold" top, oversized crystal earrings and a pave and gold open link bracelet. Metallic flats bring a little more dazzle to the overall look.

The Breakdown:

All Available at J.Crew.com

- Shimmerveil Tee in Light Bronze

- Classic Cafe Capri Pant in British Khaki

- Twisted Flower Button Earrings

- Mini Pave Link Bracelet

- Lula Jacquered Ballet Flats in Gold

Fashionably Yours,

H

Oscar Fashion Round-Up

What did you guys think of last night's Oscars? As much as I love Anne Hathaway and James Franco, the show was a giant snooze! The Oscar broadcast is usually not the most exciting in general, but something was really lacking this year. Maybe it was the lack of production numbers Or the fact that James Franco looked like I had no idea what he was doing up there? Either way, I found it hard to get through.

On the the fashion note, I think there were some hits and some misses. I don't think that "Hollywood Glamour" you expect from the Oscar red carpet was really brought this year, although nobody really looked terrible. My biggest disappointment was the lack of jewelry. No statement necklaces, small little earrings and just a bangle or two was pretty much it. So sad for a jewelry lover like me!

Okay, so on to my picks. Pastel's ruled the carpet (do we spot a trend for Spring?) and we are absolutely loving them!

1) Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Congrats Mila! You made it on my favorite looks list for each award show this season and definitely are my #1 pick for Oscars Best Dressed!! Mila literally rocked out award season and there literally isn't a look I wouldn't wear that she sported this season. This Elie Saab gown is no exception. I still literally can't get over how sexy yet feminine the lavender lace and chiffon gown is! Her dainty Neil Lane diamond and platinum earrings, bangle and cocktail ring gave made it ultra feminine. The nude python clutch gave it a modern edge. She is young after all!

2) Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Hailee is one to watch! While I am personally campaigning for her to be named the rough around the edges Katniss Everdeen in the forthcoming Hunger Games movie, I can't deny her absolute glamour and poise throughout all of award season! Her custom Marchesa creation (she actually helped design it) is perfectly age appropriate and just ethereal and gorgeous. She looks like the perfect little ballerina princess doesn't she? The adorable headband and topknot hairdo work perfectly with the ultra femme blush-colored dress. A heart shaped Fred Leighton ring and silver clutch with bow detailing make it young and fun!

3. Mandy Moore in Monique Lhullier

Our third pick, Mandy Moore, is quite a surprise because I really don't ever like her looks on the red carpet! I was pleasantly surprised with her Globes look and even more excited about her Oscars look! This nude and embellished Monique Lhullier gown has a vintage vibe (reminds me of something a glam Betty Draper would wear) and is really quite feminine and flirty. I am a sucker for the embellishments. The dress is almost an optical illusion (doesn't the top almost look painted on?) but it works! Oversized 10-carat Chopard pave diamond earrings and orange-red lips give this look a 1960s vibe thats just perf!

My honorable mentions, Halle Berry and Natalie Portman , also looked gorgeous. But I want to know - who had your favorite look?

Fashionably Yours,

H