Shoesday Tuesday- Jelly Flats for Amy

While on the cape a couple of weekends ago, my friend Amy found dozens of tiny little jelly fish washed up on the shore. Using a child's beach spade, she diligently scooped each one up and helped them all back into the ocean. And while I'm sure many of them ended up washed up on the shore again, I think we were all proud of Amy for trying to save the jellies.

For me, the only kind of jellies I care to have in my life are these:

Melissa Campana Jelly Ballet Flats, Saks Fifth Avenue, $80

I'm not saying I wish the baby jellies an ill will, but I'd rather focus on the retro trend of jelly shoes. After all, the jellies at the beach can sting you! These ones just make your feet look pretty. 

Shoesday Tuesday- Leopard, Cheetah, and Zebra, Oh, My!

I've always been a fan of pops of animal print- it's so much easier to incorporate a little bit of a bold print into an outfit than to try to wear it all-over. These shoes are perfect for exactly that! They're also perfect for spring and summer, so why not try a pop of leopard, cheetah or zebra today?

A Shoo In Shoe, Modcloth, $67.99 

Tory Burch Leopard Print Patent Ballet Flats, Saks Fifth Avenue, $235

Betsey Johnson Eloise Sandals in Cheetah, DSW, $99.95

Strappy Cheetah Print Sandals, Go Jane, $18.70

Prada Zebra-print Calf Hair Sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue, $895

Do you wear a lot of animal print in your outfits? If not, would you consider adding a pop of print at your feet? Tweet your opinion on this look and don't forget the hashtag #ShoesdayTuesday

Wiggle Week: Find Your Own Wiggle Dress

After a mere three days into "Wiggle Week 2011," I can tell you're all salivating over the idea of getting one for yourself. Fortunately, for you, I've done the legwork  and found plenty of fabulous ones already in a variety of colors and price points. And I do believe there's a wiggle dress here for everyone- I've covered the most vintage look all the way to a modern version of the silhouette.

50's Wiggle Pencil Dress, Starlets and Harlets, $64.95

Ripple of Excitement Dress, Mocloth, $134.99

Grand Tour Dress, Modcloth, $159.99

Candied Cranberries Dress, Modcloth, $147.99

Bordeaux V-Neck Dress, Venus, $39

Sleeveless Dress, Venus, $44

Cotton Ribbed Turtleneck Sweater Dress, Victoria's Secret, $39

Stop Staring Park Avenue Dress, Daddy O's, $99.95

One-Shoulder Flutter-Sleeve Sheath, Neiman Marcus, $270

Avenger Sheath Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, $345

Honestly, if there isn't a dress pictured above that appeals to you, then you just might not have a soul. Kidding... 

No, really... you might not. 

Forget blondes- it's the red heads who have the most fun

Or at least look the most stunning on the cover of a magazine (or two):

While just about everyone the world over is raving about Joanie's cover of British GQ, I'm more of a fan of her look on the cover of Health Magazine:

I like that it's a more natural look. The GQ one is so stylized, not to mention completely designed with men's preferences in mind. The Health cover is not only stunning, but Christina's look is one most women would be thrilled to achieve. I also appreciate that a woman with real curves is all over the media these days. Sometimes the fashion magazines talk about Beyonce or J.Lo as being "real women" because of their curves. As if.

The Health magazine cover is also a good lesson for all you women out there who may have doubted the amazing qualities of the wrap dress. Many many moons ago, I wrote a post about DVF's invention and its virtues. They hold true, still. And if you're interested in the Health magazine interview, you can find it here. And if you're interested in some of my other favorite Christina Hendricks/Joan Holloway (Harris) looks, enjoy:

(My fave!!! Love love love the asymmetrical hemline)

And since there's just too much to focus on for fashion for all of YOU, I've decided to finish this post with fabulous wrap dresses a la the Health Magazine cover for you AND fabulous fitted sheath dresses a la Joan Holloway. Enjoy!

Aqua Zebra-Print Wrap Dress, JCPenney, $34

Short-sleeve Wrap Dress, Target, $39.99

BCBGeneration Wrap Dress, Zappos, $78

Maggy London Ruched Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $78.90

Black Halo Shannon Sheath Dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, $390

Knit Tweed Sheath Dress, Ann Taylor, $148

Have a great Sunday, everyone!

Accessories Anonymous: Gold Hoops

There are some things that every woman should have in her closet: a tailored trench coat, a little black dress, the right jeans for your body, to name a few. These staples, or investment pieces are items that should last for years, that are classic enough to pass the test of time, and well-made enough to handle the wear and tear over the years. It's okay to spend a little more on a classic investment piece because of how much use it will get.

Lately I've been thinking about getting a pair of nice, gold hoop earrings. Real ones. Gold hoop earrings are never out of style and they are the perfect finish to so many looks. They are versatile and sophisticated and worth the investment. But what hoops to get? How big should the hoop be? Narrow and dainty, or heavy and wide? It depends- the size and style of your hoops should match your own personal style. If you typically wear bold, loud clothing and accessories, then your hoops will probably work best in your wardrobe if they are on the larger side. And of course if the opposite is true and you tend to wear more basic, neutral clothing, then go with a more understated set of hoops. No matter what your personal style, I guarantee there is a set of hoops out there for you.

Some hoops are so versatile, they would work for nearly anyone or any outfit. These from Saks are that type. They are small, but well-made. They make a nice statement without being over the top.

Charles Garnier 18K 1 1/2-inch Gold Hoop Earrings, Saks Fifth Avenue, $275

The same style is also avaiable slightly larger:

Charles Garnier 18K 2 inch Gold Hoop Earrings, Saks Fifthe Avenue, $345

And if you prefer, an even larger version:

Large 3-inch 14K Gold Hoops, Heavenly Treasures, $298

Some people prefer a hoop that is small in diameter, but is a little more substantial in terms of the shape. In that case, these next few pairs of hoops might be for you:

14K Gold Polished Swirl Hoop Earrings, Macy's, $120

14K Gold Hoop Earrings, Amazon, $374.50

Honestly, hoops are so classic and versatile, there are literally millions to choose from. Find a pair that works for you and rock 'em!

DVF

Way bay in the beginning stages of this blog... who am I kidding- I'm STILL in the beginning stages! But seriously, way back when I first started this blog, I wrote about Diane von Furstenberg's amazing creation: the wrap dress. She's still making stunning wrap dresses, even to this day, but DVF is not limited to that one (amazing) style. She has an incredible knack for designing dresses that are oh-so flattering on a woman's body, not to mention super feminine and fun. Some of my faves:

Tie waist shirt dress, Neiman Marcus, $195 (on sale!)

Estovan print silk dress, Saks Fift Avenue, $325

Two-tone printed poplin shirt dress, Neiman Marcus, $325

I'm not necessarily an advocate of purchasing designer brands just for the sake of it, in fact, you all know that I frequently try to find the "look for less." My personal budget doesn't allow for oodles of DVF dresses (*sigh* someday, maybe), but if you can afford to shop high end, I recommend you do it for one reason: high end means high quality. The cut, the fabric, the construction- all of these will be of exceptional quality. If you're shopping for something trendy that will likely be out of fashion in a month or two, then obviously it seems silly to make an investment of $300-$400, but if you are purchasing a classic piece that you will wear for years, then it's not so silly anymore. Consider how many times you will wear an individual piece. Let's say over the next 3 years (not a very long time) you wear the tie-waist shirt dress pictured at the top ten different times (which is not very many times for a 3 year span). The cost-per-wear is now only $19.50! When shopping for investment pieces, I recommend you consider the cost-per-wear, as opposed to just the number on the price tag.

So if you had the means, which designer would you choose to indulge in? For me, it's DVF all the way- her clothing works for my body type. Leave a comment and let me know! I'm always curious as to who your favorite designers are.

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway this week. Click here to be taken to that post.

First Day of Spring and Film Fashion Found!

I have a couple more "Bouche Originals" to show you all, but when it came time to get my act together and take some pictures, I was faced with a difficult decision.

Option #1: Take out the camera, put on the clothes and snap the photos.
Option #2: Drive to Rita's Italian Ice for the annual free water ice, then sit and eat it.

Based on the fact that this post shows no photos of new Bouche Originals, I think you know which one I went for.

I'm now sitting on the couch, watching "The Devil Wears Prada" and feeling good about my choice. And the movie has reminded me of a website my BFF told me about a while ago. Film Fashion Found is a site dedicated to telling you who designed the amazing clothes in movies such as The Devil Wears Prada, Sex and the City, Twilight, 27 Dresses and many, many others (even including classics like Breakfast at Tiffany's) and showing you how to recreate your favorites looks from those movies. They also offer examples of clothes currently available by the designers featured in the various movies. It's a fabuous way to spend an afternoon, especially if you're looking for a some great fashion inspiration.

On another note- don't you just LOVE the character of Miranda Priestly? I love so much about her- the way she dismisses her staff by saying oh-so-quietly, "That's all" and how she tosses her coats onto the desk when she walks into the office and of course her clothes! But I digress...

When you have a moment, check out the website above and then leave me a comment to tell me what you think about it! And check back soon for pictures of my latest creations. I swear, I'm not going to have to shop at all for spring and summer this year- I've got so many "new" dresses and skirts that (mostly) cost a fraction of what I would have paid in a store and what makes them even better is that they're all one of a kind. I have a lot of fun making them, too. You're all probably sick of looking at the same silhouette over and over again, but when I find something that works for me, I stick with it! Until then, enjoy these gorgeous treasures that are just as fabulous as the pieces seen on Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada or on Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City Movie (all available via Saks Fifth Avenue):

Carlos Falchi East/West Python Tote, $1,995.00

Alexander McQueen Eagle Sketchy Chiffon Scarf, $475.00

Dior Bonnie Stamped Croc Wedge Sandals, $1,150.00

Chloe Ginkgo Sunglasses, $150-$330

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

St. Paddy's Day Fashion

You know, green isn't the only Irish color out there. In fact, wearing green indicates you practice Catholicism, while orange is indicative of a Protestant background (at least that's what Google tells me). Apparently the three stripes of the Irish represent the two religions and the white is the "hope" that the two will find peace together. So they say. Any Irish out there who know anything more specific? Leave a comment! Today, I'll celebrate all three colors in my picks:

Christian Louboutin Peep-toe Pumps, Saks Fifth Avenue, $745

Crossover Plus Size Dress, OneStopPlus, $69.99

Short Sleeve Wrap Shirt, Banana Republic, $59.50

Lacquered Heart Earrings, Forever 21, $3.80

Drawstring Tote, New York & Company, $27.96

Coil Chip Bracelet, Ann Taylor Loft, $29.50

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Shoesday Tuesday- Wish List

Based on my typical posts, those of you who don't know me personally probably think my taste is a little overdone. While it certainly can be and I sometimes walk out of the house in what Tim Gunn refers to as "a lot of look," I also appreciate the beauty of simple things. Simple, clean lines with a classic or completely new and different approach take my breath away as much if not more than the intricate, complicated designs of other pieces. All of the shoes featured today are beautiful because of their simplicity. Whether traditional in styling, or out-of-the-box, they are all gorgoues. And as this is a "wish list" I have paid no attention to price.

Dolce & Gabbana Cut-out Booties, $230

Chie Mihara Two-tone Mary Jane Pumps, $350

Brian Atwood Side Snap Ankle Boots, $765

Valentino Glamorous Bow Pumps, $695

So there you have it- four beautiful, but simple and elegant shoes. Can you guess which ones are my favorite? The Valentino's of course! What about you? If money was no object, which pair would you buy? Leave a comment and tell me!