It's Christmas in April!

As you all know I've recently joined the ranks of Stella and Dot stylists and as a result I've got a TON of amazing jewelry whizzing my way. I was hoping to have a package waiting for me when I got home from work tonight, but alas, my jewelry has not yet arrived. However, there was a box from Spiegel waiting at my door and I ripped it open the second I walked in the door. What was in it? Well, you may remember I pre-ordered one of Christian Siriano's designs from his exclusive line for Spiegel. I ordered it nearly two months ago, but I didn't tell you exactly which piece I got.

There were a few pieces that I really liked, but one stuck out more than any other and even though Christian has said this is an "evening wear" line, I thought it would be a great dress for work as well as a night out. As soon as I opened the box and saw the fabulous fabric, I simply HAD to put it on. And even though it was faintly sprinkling outside, I simply HAD to run outside and snap a photo to show all of you:

How fabulous is this dress? This silhouette is incredibly flattering- the slim skirt, defined waist, and cowl neck would work on literally any body type. The flutter sleeves and ruffle down the front of the skirt add a touch of gentle femininity, keeping the overall effect soft. With that much animal print, it could be easy to look a little too va-va-voom, but with the ruffle and flutter sleeves, the whole look is softened. The dress is made with a super light-weight fabric with a lot of stretch to it, making it super comfortable. It looks great with flats for work (like my brown suede boots pictured above), but it will look even more amazing with a pair of killer heels for a night out with friends or even a date! And as you can see (also from the picture above), it looks great with my new Audrey Cluster Bracelet from Stella and Dot! I'm looking forward to styling it with some of  the new jewelry coming from S&D, too! 

I wish I'd saved a photo from the website so you could see the details in the dress a little better, because the entire line is sold out and no longer available. I'm glad I snatched this dress up when I could! 

And I still have more packages from Stella and Dot to look forward to this week- it's like Christmas in April! 

Check back soon to see the other deliveries I'll be getting this week!

Christian Siriano for Speigel

You all know about my obsession with former Project Runway contestant Christian Siriano. And if you haven't been living in a bubble, you have probably heard about the line of evening wear he did for Spiegel. If you haven't heard about it yet, consider this your own personal press release. Anyway, the line isn't available until April, but all the pieces can be pre-ordered.

Can you guess which one is going to be whisking its way to my door as soon as the collection is released next month? Take a look at what's available here and then pop back to the blog to leave a comment and tell me which one you think I had to have.

And if there's one that YOU simply had to have, you can bet I want to hear about it!

Finally, take a look at how adorable Christian is in his appearance on The View:



Love him! (Also, weren't those shoes on the model to DIE for? I need.

Favorite Trend: Tie-neck Blouse

Vintage and retro styles have made a comeback like you wouldn't believe. Shoe clips and gloves are two all-the-rage accessories that are incredibly hot right now. 50's and 60's silhouettes were all over the runways a couple of months ago, so we know we'll be seeing them for a while. One vintage/retro trend that I am thrilled to see come back is the tie-neck blouse. When done the right way, it can be a really fabulous look. When done the wrong way, you can end up looking like your grandmother (which may or may not be a bad thing, I suppose). Here are some tie-neck blouses that I think are fabulous:

MNG by Mango Tie-Neck Blouse, JC Penney, $29.94

Michael Kors Camel Cotton Voile Tie-Neck Blouse, Bluefly.com, $245.99

Malinda Silk Tie-Neck Blouse, Ashro, $24.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs Merlot Floral Tie-Neck Blouse, Bluefly.com, $149.00

Sleeveless Silk Charmeuse Tie-Neck Blouse, Spiegel, $59-64

As you can see, this style of blouse is available in a variety of colors, fabrics, prints, and price points. I like this type of blouse because it is a great layering piece. A simple cardigan or blazer can really pull a look together and help this unstructured style have a bit more shape to it. Do you love the idea of this kind of blouse, but you aren't quite sure how to create a look around one? Here are some outfit ideas to get you inspired: 

RetroGlam by Rtboo featuring a pencil skirt

I love this look- it's very sophisticated and has the retro-glam vibe while still feeling fresh and modern. The muted tones of the outfit make it appropriate for this time of year as well. Top it off with a dark overcoat and wear it to a chic dinner party or even out to a swank bar with the girls. 

Not-so-basic Basic by Rtboo featuring oval jewelry

I love this "Not-so-basic Basic" outfit. It's a perfect all-day outfit- and yet SO much cuter than just a t-shirt and jeans. This top and the accessories create an outfit that makes a fun, quirky statement. Who says you have to look boring when you go to the grocery store anyway? I love the boldness of the red top, and the structure of the frame bag- it's just such a sweet overall look. Add the oversize cocktail ring and the animal-print shoes and the outfit suddenly has just a touch of edge that helps balance it all out. 

Monochromatic Miss by Rtboo featuring a crepe skirt

I love this monochromatic outfit- in fact, I love a well-done monochromatic anything- a well-designed room, an outfit, even artwork or advertising. I think when it is well-done, it can be sophisticated, but fun. It is a bold endeavor, wearing these bright shades of coral and red, but so fun, too! However, if you're not quite ready for such a bold color statement, try the same concept in a neutral: 

Monochromatic 2 by Rtboo featuring pumps shoes

Now, aside from look #2, most of these are pretty dressy looks, but that's not to say all tie-neck blouse looks need to be dressy. This layered version is effortless and simply lovely: 

Layered and Lovely by Rtboo featuring knit tops

I hope by now you're starting to get a knack for putting together an outfit with a tie-neck blouse. They really are versatile and incredibly feminine. And just because I used mostly slim silhouettes like pencil skirts and fitted jeans, doesn't mean that a full or a-line skirt or a wide-leg trouser wouldn't work just as well. It's all in the mix and how you put the pieces together to create a flattering silhouette for YOUR body. So why not try this fabulous trend? You just might like it! 

Crochet Chic

Do you ever find yourself in summer, putting on a cute strapless or spaghetti strap sundress and for whatever reason, you wish there was just a little more coverage? It may be a modesty thing, or maybe you just prefer a layered look, even in summer. Unfortunately, in 80 degree, humid weather, a cardigan- even the lightest cotton or jersey type- is too much.

Whatever the situation or reason for needing another light-weight layer, I have the solution for you. And it's actually quite a popular trend right now: crochet. Yup. Bet you never thought you'd hear that word in a sentence without"grandma" right nearby. Well, the thing about crochet, is that when it's done with a delicate pattern and light-weight yarn, it's actually almost like lace. Very cool, chic lace. Next time you're shopping, grab a cardi, shrug or vest in a cool, open crochet pattern and you'll find you've made a great investment. Because although you may be purchasing it for summer, you'll find that it will be a great layering piece for all four seasons. Stick with a neutral color and you can't go wrong.

A few options:

Crochet Vest, Victoria's Secret, $29.99 (Sale price)

Oversize Crochet Vest, Free People, $81 (Sale price)

Crochet Shrug Cardigan, JC Penney, $24.99 (Sale price)

Lacey Crochet Cardigan, Spiegel, $20 (Sale price)

I actually think the final option from Spiegel would be a great top layer if you had a more formal event to go to. I hate trying to find a top layer that is dressy. I've never been a fan of wraps and pashminas- I think they tend to look matronly and awkward most of the time. This long, lacey crochet cardigan is a great alternative.

So what do you think? Would you wear a crochet piece? What about learning to crochet and making one yourself? I've been a pretty decent knitter for a few years now, but crochet has always baffled me. Maybe I'll give it another shot one of these days.