6 Fall Essentials

Here's a nice list of 6 things I want before school starts!
(You can click any of the products on the first two collages for more info!)

1. Candy Colored J Crew Sweaters -- Ranging in Price from $50 to $158

 

Doesn't J Crew have the best cardies? But they're so expensive! My goal is just to get a cashmere blend one at a reasonable price. I wear a lot of color all year round, so a bright color is a must!

2. Heels from Urban Outfitters -- Price $48

Urban Shoes by Esanchez4536 featuring Kimchi Blue shoes

Kimchi Blue Wingtip Heel
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com
More Kimchi Blue shoes »

UrbanOutfitters.com > UO Suede Pump
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com
More pumps »

UrbanOutfitters.com > Women's Shoes
$48 - urbanoutfitters.com
More shoes »

I know when people say "I need" that it sounds silly. You don't need things like shoes or a bag, but I think I actually do need these shoes! I had a similar black and white pair, but the heel is beyond repair. I had to put them out to pasture, so now I need a replacement. I saw these black and white, wingtip, t-strap heels from Urban, which are pretty similar. Sold.

I also need brightly colored pumps in yellow or green. Yeah, I need them!

3. Rugby Ralph Lauren Oxford -- Preferably in pale purple or yellow

I plan on picking one of these up from Rugby on sale for (hopefully) about $30. I got my last oxford in a size up to get the "boyfriend" shirt vibe. I've steered clear from getting an actual menswear style shirt, (a no, no for petite girls, unless the shirt is worn as a dress) but going a size or two up works just as well for a relaxed vibe!

4. Brightly Colored Hooded Trench

 Eddie bauer grey Nisqually trench, green Michael Kors trench, blue Michael Kors trench from bluefly.com

It rains a lot in NYC. Actually it rains frequently in the north east, in general. It's pretty much just the southwest where it is absolutely dry as a bone. As a native southwesterner, I am no good with rain. I need a good umbrella and a serious trench (waterproof + a hood) to keep me dry! I found some decently stylish options. I think I might go for the blue one! It's moderately priced at $98, has a hood, and is a bright color!

5. Faux Fur Leopard Scarf

This is a must for winter. All I am picturing is my normal, bland winter coats + a cozy faux leopard scarf. I found a few examples here, but I'm going to turn to Ebay for this purchase.


6. School Bag

Clockwise from top: Cambridge Satchel Company bags in various colors,  Gap coated canvas tote, grey Mimo wool bag from ebags.com

The new school year always begs for a new bag. I usually go for a tote, but I'm open to a messenger style this year.

I'll look at Target before I commit to anything. I've actually purchased two or three bags from Target for less than $20 that have lasted the whole year.

What are you planning on buying for Fall/Winter?

Emily

Outtakes

I did a few shoots to feature my embellished tee from H+M in the best way for the Teen Vogue contest on Chictopia. These next three photos are outtakes, but I thought that I would share them anyway...

Wearing: My H+M tee, a blazer from Walmart (from the Miley Cyrus and Max Azria line), an H+M scarf, jeggings from Loft, and shoes from Conway. You can't really see my bracelet, but that's from Forever 21 (isn't all great, cheap jewelry from F21?)

Here are the photos I actually chose for the contest. You can check out my entry, if you like by clicking on the link.

I don't quite understand Chictopia.com yet (chic points, rewards, etc...), but I'll keep using it and trying to learn... If you have any tips, please comment!

Wearing: same items on top, but with a vintage lion belt, BCBG jeans, vintage Gucci clutch, and Steve Madden cap toe pumps...

Have a good one and thanks for stopping by!

Emily

New Year, New Shades

I'll admit that I am pretty excited a new trend in sunglasses finally came along. Sure, we all flirted with aviators and other styles last year, but the frame with staying power was, of course, the Ray Ban Wayfarer.

I actually tribute the entire trend to none other than Sienna Miller in (I think...) 2008:

 I remember seeing press photos of her and immediately loging on to  the Forever 21 website to buy a pair of red imitation Wayfarers. The next few weeks every fashionable celeb and some people I knew had them. The red ones. So being the crafty thing that I am, I got some in a bone color.

The trend was non-ceasing. Even Twilight hunk Robert Pattinson wore them in the movie.

2008 AND 2009 came and went. Ray Bans abounded. And then I saw these...

...on the Prada F/W 2010 runways and I knew change was coming! Enter the Cateye!

I'm sure the Ray Ban trend hasn't seen its final days, but I was more than excited to see such a cool, glamorous, Mad Men-esque  trend come about. Now the cateye is something I can get excited about!

What do you think? Still rocking the Ray Bans or are you looking to update your eyewear with some cateyes? Perhaps another style?

Happy Monday!

Emily

PS. My glasses are both from F21. Why? They're cheap and after sitting on and squashing some truly gorgeous Marc Jacobs sunglasses I have sworn off expensive sunglasses until I can afford several back-ups (aka a long time).

Friday's Photo 1

I've decided to do a weekly post called Friday's Photo. Friday and Saturday are the slowest days for blog readership, so I thought it would be in the interest of time to post a really quick photo on one of those days. That way you can click on it, look at, close the page, and be on your merry way to do whatever it is you like to do on the weekends!

Here's the first photo. I love this. Every time I see this photo I just gush. It's so glamorous!

John Travolta and the late Princess Diana in a Victor Edelstein gown.

That was a quick post, right? Have a good weekend!

Emily

*If you don't already follow Stylish Distractions and you'd like to just click here.

A Better Blog?

I stumbled upon this IFB article about how this 31 day challenge blog and workbook can help to improve your blog. I'm definitely taking some of the tips!

Did you see the 6 Great Reads post I did? Well that's part of the "create a list post" challenge . I've also completed Day 4 by interlinking posts and Day 10 by cleaning up my side bar! I'm sure if you have a blog, that you've probably already completed Day 19 by responding to blog comments and Day 8 by commenting on a new blog (mine, perhaps?).

This is a great resource for bloggers. I hope that if you haven't seen it before, you'll contemplate a few of the Problogger tips... Also, a new 31 day challenge group for women bloggers is starting on July 19, if you're interested.

I couldn't hurt, right?

Let me know your experiences with this or if you plan to try it out.

Emily

Featured on... IFB

I got into IFB's Links à la Mode this week! Check out my link here and be sure to look at all the other links! There's some really interesting content on the couture shows!

*To see more great links by Stylish Distractions click here to follow.

Links à la Mode: The IFB Weekly Roundup : July 15th

0 Comments 15 July 2010

Couture Today: An Exploration

Edited by: Ann Colville Somma of Holier than Now
Couture: clothes painstakingly custom-made from the finest materials; alternatively, something Juicy – or even Filthy. It’s hard not to chafe at the degradation of the term, which is technically reserved for members of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture (houses that create made-to-order pieces for private clients, amongst other criteria). Looking at creations recently sent down the runways, it’s sad to think artisanal techniques like hand beading may not survive in a world of rhinestoned terry sweatsuits.
But in fact, the handmade movement is ever gaining steam with the support of many bloggers. “Couture” may be associated with impossibly high prices, but in your own hands it’s an affordable way to obtain one-of-a-kind style. This week, review Couture Week round ups from The Well-Appointed Catwalk, La Chanelfile and more – then become your own private client, with tips from Fashion Butter, The Fashion Planner, and Twitch Vintage.

Links à la Mode: July 15th

• Blackdog Finds: A complete thrifted outfit for under $10
• Consumerism Killed My Soul: Color (and lack thereof) on the Valentino runway
• Dedicated Follower of Fashion: The future of fashion is here
• Dramatis Personae: TsuruBride’s amazing handmade animal clutches
• Eco-Fashionista: Re-fabbing a vintage Mugler find
• Fashion Butter: The cheater’s way to sew a new dress
• grechen blogs: fashion blogger bashing is everyone’s favorite sport lately…why do fashion bloggers make such easy targets?
• Handmade and Fabulous: A handmade label’s take on summer trends
• Holier than Now: Fans of Couture Week (wink)
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Why Fashion Bloggers Should Invest in Problogger
• La Chanelfile: Astrology and Haute Couture
• MoMo Mod: Modest Beauty: Meet Miriam
• Stylish Distractions: 6 great reads for aspiring fashionistas
• Stylish Thought: Great tips for channeling your masculine side
• Sugar and Spice: Building a capsule wardrobe
• Sweet Fancy Treat: Wardrobe inspiration from Florence + The Machine
• The Fashion Planner: Rhinestone bracelet D.I.Y.
• The Very Subjective: The Couture Thing: fashion critics vs. couture
• The Well-Appointed Catwalk: Highlights from Couture Week
• Twitch Vintage: Can you turn a bridesmaid dress into something chic?

Blog Bash

I am participating in the:







It's easy to join! (Click on the icon for more information.) Put think link in your blog, get on the site, and answer these questions (it's a great catch-up for your readers). Here goes my entry!

1.) Why do you blog?

I was always interested in reading fashion blogs, but I hadn't visited one that really captivated me until  last year. I saw a spread in Vogue (July 2009) featuring Jane and Judy Aldridge of Sea of Shoes and Atlantis Home and visited their sites. I loved their photos and their styling. I caught the blog bug! Shortly after, I moved to NYC for school. I was feeling so inspired by the clothes and I was shopping more. My style was evolving and I needed a way to document it. Finally, after Christmas, I just decided to go for it and I've loved blogging and growing my site ever since!

2.) What do you blog about?
  
I blog about fashion, runway shows, trends, shopping, and my own personal style. I like to involve readers, ask questions, and do DIYS. My motto is to share what I'm doing, wearing, and eating (and sometimes watching...).

3.) What do you find to be the biggest reward you get from blogging?

I really love sharing opinions and connecting with others who like fashion and style as much as I do. I love the constant inspiration that comes from looking at other blog/sites and how I translate that inspiration into my own blog and style.

4.) How long have you been blogging?

About six months, but I've been really focused on it over the past three months...

 5.) Let's hear the story behind your blog title! :)

I really wanted something sort of inspiring, magical (I know that sounds weird...) and interesting. I wanted to captivate a reader first with the title and then with my content. At the same time, I wanted to be clear that this is fashion/style blog. It took a few tries, but I love my blog title!

Where Are You Going?

I posted this photo on my other blog, but I really love it. So it MUST be posted here, too.

From Vogue Mexico. Not sure when exactly, but I want to go where Naomi is going!

Emily

Stylish Distractions Abound

Just a few lovely (fashion) photos to end my Monday...

1950s Vogue shoot

A photo from Tommy Ton and Style.com

I love these pink pants. Tommy Ton loves color as much as I do!

Jane of Sea of Shoes shoe closet... No words.

Emily

6 Great Reads

I'm really going to get into gear and start doing some reading before school starts again. Career related, fashion related, and some fun stuff...

Here's my reading list:

I Love Your Style 

by Amanda Brooks

I've read this a few times but Amanda Brooks is definitely a style icon to me. She compiled some of the best photos, stories, and tips into her book. The book is more about defining a style, but I look to it for inspiration about my own style and its evolution. Oh, and the pictures! I love the pictures in here!

The Thoughtful Dresser: The Art of Adornment, the Pleasures of Shopping, and Why Clothes Matter by Linda Grant

This is a nonfiction book about how fashion and clothes really do matter and how they have an influence on culture and society. Definitely a fresh perspective on fashion! The book is preceded by a blog of the same name. Check that out here.

Backwards in High Heels: The Impossible Art of Being Female

by Tania Kindersley and Sarah Vine

This book houses a group of short stories about being a female. I love other perspectives on the odd, cruel, miserable, amazing, and always fabulous experience of being a woman. Who doesn't like to read a book and think, "Yeah, totally. That's me in a nutshell!"

If You Have to Cry, Go Outside: And Other Things Your Mother Never Told You by Kelly Cutrone and Meredith Bryan

I'm dying to read this book. If you've ever seen Kelly Cutrone on The Hills, The City, or Kell on Earth (her own show), you'll know why. She steals every show she's on and she is fantastic. Honest, brutal, talented, and she really knows what she's talking about, be it the fashion industry, PR, or life in general. She also has the "slap in the face" kind of honesty that I envy!

How to Win Friends and Influence People  

by Dale Carnegie

My dean actually recommended this book. It's sort of known as a classic for any workplace scenario and for networking in general. I even think some lessons in this book will apply to blogging, so it seems relevant... And hopefully it will just instantly make me outgoing, a great public speaker, a leader, and help my blog. Probably not, but I'm reading it anyway...

The Teen Vogue Handbook

I'll also plan to re-read parts of this book. It really does have some valuable tips on working in many areas of the fashion industry. Personally, I stick to the chapters on being a magazine editor.

Are you planning on doing some summer reading, too?

Happy Monday!

Emily

*Thanks for stopping by! I would love a follow, which you can do here.  <3

Birthday Cake and an Outfit

It was my sister's birthday on Tuesday, so I made her a birthday cake before heading out for dinner.

This is what I wore. I went pretty casual with this outfit and apparently I decided to wear a lot of grey...

The scarf is vintage. My top is from American Eagle (below is a detail shot). The teeny tiny denim skirt is BCBG and the shoes are from Conway in NYC. You can't really see my sun glasses but they're cateye glasses from Forever 21.

If you've ever read my blog, you'll recognize this scarf. I wear it pretty often because, though it's printed, it has the feel of a neutral. It seems to look good with everything. I tied it in a funny little bow.

The scarf has gold threads running through it (another reason I love this scarf), which went along nicely with the beading on my top.

Here's the cake I made. It's chocolate cake with almond icing. We're not an icing family so the icing isn't extremely sweet and it's really easy to make. I just whipped (literally) up some Dream Whip whipped cream and added Solo brand almond filing to taste.

YUM!

In case you were wondering, the flowers are fake, fake, fake. I made the arrangement. It's a pretty one, so I'm glad you guys could see it!

Have a great weekend!

Emily

All that Glitters is Gold - A DIY

I did a post recently about a DIY blog and after collecting the supplies I decided to attempt one of the DIYs that I featured on my blog. The DIY was to make a pair of earrings out of rope and rhinestones. I've seen a few similarly nautical themed pieces of jewelry in stores, so I thought that I would save money and have fun making them. It was also pretty simple!

All you need is (shown clockwise): fishhook ear wires, 8mm cord hooks, rhinestone trim (about a half yard), and rope trim (I used a yard of a medium thickness gold rope).

On a side note: the cost of all the supply was about $12! The rhinestones made up $6 of the total.

All of the supply was found at my local hobby store.

Steps:

1. I made a few knots near the end of one side of the rope. I didn't want the earrings to be too large or dangly, so I only made a few knots. Be sure to allow space in between each knot, so that you can complete step 2.

2. Weave the rhinestones into the rope.

3. Then trim the rhinestones.

4. Super glue the ends of the rhinestones to the rope base.

5. Attach the cord end hooks to the ear wires.
6. Fit the ends of the rope into the hooks. Super glue them in and let them dry.

7. Pair the earrings with cool accessories and nautical themed top and prepare to get some complements on your handiwork!

I also made a bracelet with the same supply, but I added glue on clasps as bracelet connectors. I only wish the connectors were gold instead of silver!

Steps:
1. Cut the cord in half and double it around wrist (just to get a general measurement of how long it should be).
2. Twist the rhinestones around the cord.
3. Glue the cord and rhinestones together in four or five places, so that they will stay together.
4. I cut the cord into two strands, but left one of the cords longer so I could knot it in order to fasten it (this will cover the silver connectors). I glued the fasteners on the shorter cord ends to attach them. (See below) I'm sure there is a better way to do this, but my way served its purpose...

It looks rough here, but I left tape on the ends of the rope... Why? Another note: Each time you cut the rope you should put tape on the place you want to cut so that the rope doesn't fray!

The end result is definitely cute! I'm wearing these ASAP! I hope you'll try these DIYs! They're too easy! I hope the directions were easy enough to follow...

 Emily