A Few of My Favorite Things...

Sorry for the hit and miss posts over the past few months. Things have been really busy with my job lately and then I got super sick. Thankfully I'm finally feeling better though! Part of my New Year resolutions are to do better with my blogs (I have 2). So hopefully time will permit me to keep that resolution and post more faithfully here on Viva La Fashion.

I absolutely love Lucky magazine. It's the one magazine I have a subscription for (although my other favorite is InStyle). For those of you not lucky enough to have this month's Lucky, I thought I'd share my top 10 favorite items from the issue.




Favorite Item # 1:






Emily Blunt looks lovely in this Zuhair Murad gown with Ina Soltani coat. Winter white never looked so sleek and glam! I think this sparkly ivory dress is perfect for parties- classy and chic yet a gorgeous contrast to the scores of women who think that formal wear automatically means a little black dress.















Favorite Item # 2:

I love this unusual Spanish galleon ship ring from Flotsam and Jetsam. Designed by a welder trained in the old fashioned art of silversmithing, it's part of a collection called The Armada available on the Flotsam and Jetsam of New York website for $160. "Flotsam and Jetsam speaks of the spoils cast over board and washed ashore, sculptural narratives whose stories invoke the desperate journeys of abandoned souls that dared to step aboard and sail into the realms of monsters, sudden squalls and shallow shoals." It's like having a piece of Cpt. Jack Sparrow's jewelry right on your finger.







Favorite Item # 3:



This gray bulky cardigan from Armani Exchange makes me want to:

a) find a rich boyfriend who has a winter house in Cape Cod

b) curl up and read a good book in front of a fireplace

c) be young, blonde and beautiful like the girl in this picture

d) all of the above

Hmmm.... let me think.









Favorite Item # 4:

How beautiful is this chiffon clutch from Sondra Roberts??? The delicate silver chain and blush color are the perfect compliments to it's feminine, delicate rose design.











Favorite Item # 5:





This adorable cashmere blend, sweater dress from Kate Spade is adorable and versatile. Wear it with the optional belt to give yourself more curves. The navy and white pattern is demure and traditional but play up the sexy secretary look with a pop of color in your accessories.










Favorite Item # 6:




The stylish platform heels from Nine West come in 3 different colors/designs, but my favorite is this rich plum shade in suede. Perfect for fall and winter, they are available at zappos.com for only $62! That's almost $30 cheaper than the price listed on the Nine West website.











Favorite Item # 7:

I absolutely love this giant crystal necklace from Adia Kibur! Made for women who aren't afraid of large jewelry, this beautifully crafted necklace comes in neon pink and neon green. For those of you who love the style but want it in a more subdued color, it also comes in clear and black. A bit futuristic and edgy, this is the statement necklace of all times.









Favorite Item # 8:


I'm not sure why but I'm officially in love with this simple, solid-toned scarf from Echo. The waffle-weave like pattern and rich gold color make me think of crisp fall days, but it's light enough to wear year round. Available at echodesign.com for $38.

















Favorite Item # 9:






Preppy staples like these duck boots from Lands End never go out of style. Wear them with jeans or a feminine skirt and top it off with a thick jacket and plaid scarf.

















Favorite Item # 10:



Love this girl, love this makeup, love this shirt, love these accessories, but I especially love this skirt!!! As you can tell from this picture, this wool-blend skirt from Milly could easily transition into spring when paired with this breezy, nautical shirt, but I think this gorgeous skirt with gold-button detailing on the front is the perfect skirt for winter. Too often, winter clothes can feel bulky and unfeminine but this tailored mini would look great with tights and a fitted sweater. Try darker, ribbed tights for a more conservative look or bright, jewel-toned tights for a more modern look.

Just Fade Away!

Hello blogland! I have been having major computer problems lately!!! Thankfully though, everything is finally working again and I'm able to blog once more! (big sigh of relief from all 4 of my followers! lol)

On to fashion... one of my favorite looks for this fall and winter are outfits made up of shades of one color. Looking at a magazines last week, I saw a great outfit with different shades of gray from head to toe! Even though the whole outfit was gray, the variety of tones of the color made the outfits look so luxurious and rich!

Try this look out yourself! It is super easy to throw it together with basic pieces you have in your closet. When done in neutral colors like gray, black, and brown- this look is modern and sleek.

The only thing to watch out for? When doing an outfit with shades of black, make sure to use different materials (leather, cotton, silk, etc). If you use similar materials (like only cotton) in shades of black, the outfit can just come off looking faded and old. Whatever color you use though, differing materials are sure to create a nice visual interest and add to the luxe look!

If the solid color outfits are not for you, try "fading" into colors. For example, use blacks with grays, browns with olive greens, camel colors with beige, etc.


Here are a few outfits to show you the potentials of mixing shades this fall and winter! Enjoy!!!

Thank you, H&M!

As most of you are already in love with H&M, you will not be surprised to find their fall and winter line to be right on trend and extremely affordable! Here are just two examples from the latest fall/winter lines of 2 well-known designers. As you can see, H&M provides a completely affordable alternative to keep you in style!

First off we have the ever lovely Marc Jacobs! Standing in formation with the military trend, he has an olive green parka trimmed in coyote fur. Here's hoping not many coyotes will be sacrificed to fashion, as only a handful of people can actually afford the $598.00 coat! For those of us actually on a budget, we can go for this nearly identical, coyote-free parka from H&M for only $39.95. Hmmmmm... decisions, decisions. "I'll take the coat without the dead animal on the collar, thank you!"



Secondly, we have this look from the Dries Van Noten Fall/Winter 2010 Collection. As much as I searched, I couldn't actually find a price for this outfit. Know what that means??? It means only insanely wealthy people that don't have to worry about money can afford it. So for all you normal people, try a similar look from H&M. This sleeveless, trench style dress is only $39.95! Look in your closet for pieces you may already have to complete the look- a sleeveless shirt, straight leg trousers, and a pair of pumps. Finish with sunglasses and lots of attitude!




Who says looking good has to cost a fortune??? Happy Shopping!!!

STYLE SPOTTER - Jewel Toned Peacoats

I love facebook. I really do! Just now, I was sitting here on my computer, looking through pictures of the various people on my friends list (half of whom I don't even know). When all of a sudden... I saw IT!!! It was love at first sight! *sigh*

Right now you may be scratching your head and wondering what in the world I'm talking about, but have no fear! Most people can't ever follow my excited ramblings. Especially when it comes to 3 things that I passionately love: Johnny Depp, music, and clothes! So pay close attention and try to follow my insane string of chatter because I have officially fallen in love!

For those of you who know me, you know I love cold weather and winter coats! Is there anything as snuggly, warm and comforting as a thick, wool coat on a cold winter day??? I think not! Unless you also have a caramel latte in your hand as well. In the past, my wardrobe has always been well-stocked with coats and jackets. Despite my love of bold colors though, my practical side has always reigned supremed and dictated that I buy a winter coat in practical, versatile colors. Black, gray, navy, houndstooth... blah, blah, blah.

But hidden away in facebook picture land was a beautiful, orange peacoat with brown bottons. Chic and elegant, fun and funky. Thus started my newest obsession... jewel toned peacoats!

Who says winter coats have to be dark? Why can't they be bright and bold and add color to an otherwise colorless season? A solid, bold color can easily do as your newest neutral coat!

Here are a few examples of where to find the standard peacoat in this fresh new look. Go bold and stand out from the crowd with these rich colors! If you don't see a color you like below, make sure to click the link and check out the additional colors available.

CHEAP - St. John's Bay Cashmere Blend Peacoat in Fierce Blue, $89.99



CHEAPER - Old Navy Wool blend Peacoat in Golden Gate, $59.50


EVEN CHEAPER - Mossimo Supply Co. Peacoat in Purple, $39.99


CHEAPEST - French Terry Peacoat in Red, $18.00

Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Elements & Where to Find Them

For those of you addicted to fashion reality shows like I am, then perhaps you too are a fan of Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. Whether you are a fan of Time Gunn himself doesn't matter, he undoubtedly has a classic sense of style that can be applied to the closets of every woman in America! If you haven't seen the show, Tim takes fashion-challenged woman and helps get their style back with a wardrobe makeover. Whether remaking old clothes or buying new ones, Tim helps the women find the silhouettes that work for their body type and the clothes that work for their life. The wardrobes vary week to week, but one thing that never changes is Tim's list of 10 essential items that every woman should have in her closet. I'll include the list below AND I'll tell you where to find these pieces at the best price!!! Just click on the links below to view the pieces from the list.

In order for everyone to easily find these pieces, I used only the mainstream shopping chains and department stores. Every item is extremely well priced and well-suited for almost every body-type.

So.... drumroll please!!! Here is the list of Tim Gunn's 10 Essential Elements!


1.Basic Black Dress - To keep this dress versatile and flattering on any shape, find something knee-length (or slightly above the knee for petite woman) with a simple style.

Merona Sleeveless Dress - $20


2.Trench Coat - Any color or length is acceptable. Just shoot for a tailored fit that flatters your body type!

Merona Water Repellent Trench - $49.99


3.Dress Pants - Although it doesn't say black, this is probably what you want to look for. Black is flattering on all figures and extremely versatile. It doesn't have to be solid though- try a small pattern! Other neutral colors work well though- like gray, brown or navy.

Docker Metro Trouser Pant - $34.99


4.Classic Shirt - A classic, white blouse is a must-have for any closet! More important than color though, is the classic, tailored fit.

Worthington French-Cuff Blouse - $17.99


5.Jeans - Make sure to find the shape and fit that is right for your body. Most women look best in a medium-rise, straight leg jean in a darker wash.

Levi's Straight Leg - $44


6.Any Occasion Top - This is the top that looks great at work with a jacket or sweater but easily transitions into evening when worn alone. To stretch your budget and get more use out of the top, find something that will go with pants, skirts, AND jeans.

Apt 9 Ruffled Top - $21.99


7.Skirt - For business, pencil skirts can be great and versatile. However, the most flattering fit for the average woman tends to be a classic A-line shape.

Madison Embellished A-Line Skirt - $20.39


8.Day Dress - The casualization of America has nearly axed dresses from daytime use but maintain your femininity with a casual dress during the day. During cool weather, simply through on a great jacket to transition this dress from summer to fall!

Merona Faux Wrap Dress - $17.48


9.Jacket - Jackets should be fitted and well-tailored to your body. Not too tight, but not too loose. Shop around to find the best jacket for your body. When you find it, you will see that jackets are one of the most flattering pieces a woman can have in her wardrobe!

Sonoma Life + Style Corduroy Jacket - $24.99


10.Sweatsuit Alternative - Ban the sweats! Unless you're working out, exercise clothes are not acceptable attire for going out in public. Try a soft cargo pant with a comfy top.

Route 66 Layered Top - $14.99
Sonoma Life + Style Cargo Pants - $23.99


BONUS: One Indulgent Trendy Item - It can be any item you want and as trendy as you want it! Whether it's a gorgeous top, a fashion-forward skirt or just that military-inspired winter coat you desperately need, indulge in that great piece you want.


IN STORES NOW. VISIT HM.COM TO SEE MORE.
H&M Wool Coal - $79.95

So that's the list, ladies! When buying these pieces, you should look for decent quality. After all, these are staple pieces that will be an essential part of your wardrobe. That doesn't mean you have to spend a fortune though! Try some of the pieces I showed above or search for bargains at your local stores.

A great way to find good deals is with online shopping. Generally you find more items online and at cheaper prices than in the actual store. Plus, most places like Target, Walmart, Kohls and JCPenney allow you to return/exchange any items you purchased online to your local store! I recently bought a ton of stuff from Target and I returned everything that didn't fit right to my local Target store- hassle-free!

Happy Shopping!

Extending Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

With the current economic situation, everyone could use a little break! Here's a quick tip for extending your wardrobe from summer to fall, thus extending your budget as well!

Everyone has basic summer t-shirts that can be layered under jackets and sweaters, but what about your favorite summer dress? How can you continue to wear it throughout the fall? Simple! By choosing a summer dress with slightly darker colors, you can easily take it from season to season with a few accessory changes.

Take a look at these two outfits based off an adorable summer dress from Lulu*s.

First we start with the basis of the outfit. This airy dress is a dark brown material with beige, purple and dark turquoise accents. To use it in summer, pair it with some flat, thong sandals in brown with beautiful chunky turquoise stones. Add a turquoise and brown necklace and earrings. Try jewelry with shades of turquoise in order to avoide being too "matchy". Cinch in the waist and bring out the colors of the dress by adding a multi-colored woven belt. Add a pair of light tan and beige sunglasses for a hint of glam. Then top off the boho-chic look with a fringed, tan bag with gold hardware.




To transition this dress into the fall season, add a cropped olive military jacket with gold buttons and knee-high boots with a military touch such as these buckles. The beautiful, distressed brown leather keeps the boots from being too goth and instead hints at a well-used riding boot. Avoid too chunky of a bottom and heel or else it will be too out of place with this soft dress. Keep it girly and soften the boots and military jacket, by adding a glam gold belt and feminine accessories like these pink and gold earrings and pink purse.



So before hitting the stores in search of new clothes for fall, just check your closet! You may be surprised to find things that can be easily transitioned from season to season by a few simple changes such as jackets and jewelry!

The Versatility of Denim

There is perhaps no other item in the closet that is as versatile as denim! Whether it be a great pair of jeans, a denim jacket, or a denim pencil skirt, they are equally versatile and easy to dress up or down!

Because you will most likely wear denim more than anything else, I recommend going for a good, quality piece. Although I'm all about a bargain, there are certain pieces that should be bought for quality's sake. Denim is definitely one of those pieces! When buying quality denim though, make sure to get something not too trendy that will quickly go out of style. When buying jeans for example, go for a dark wash, straight leg. The dark wash is easily transitioned from day to evening. Look at these two pairs of jeans- one is darker and more versatile. The other is trendy, but can only be used for a few basic looks.



Below are a few examples on the versatilty of denim. I started with a basic pair of jeans (you could use a skirt instead if you wanted) and designed 3 different outfits- one for class, one for work, and one for evening. Have a look and let me know what you think!

The first outfit is for the trendy college student. Starting with a pair of straight leg jeans from Levi's, add a tuxedo style blouse with black buttons and a black belt. The cap-sleeves keep the shirt from being too masculine. Add bulky red jewelry and shoes (here I used a fabulous pair of red heels, but they can easily be substituted for red flats or another pair of comfy shoes). Throw on a pair of big black glasses to keep your glam look as you walk from class to class. The outfit is completed with a great red purse with black details that is large enough to use as your school bag as well- throw in your laptop, a notebook, this beautiul black agenda and you will be ready for class!



For a cute, collegiate-type work outfit, start with the same basic pair of jeans from Levi's. Add a white camisole and this adorable gray, elbow-length blazer. It manages to be tailored and feminine, but still have the vibe of a boyfriend blazer. Add a splash of color with these great, yellow kitten-heels and yellow earrings. Pair it with a fabulous navy blue bag and blue belt. Tie it all together with this long, silk scarf in gray, white, yellow and blue. For those of us that wear glasses, top it off with a pair of cute, modern gray frames.



To take your jeans into evening (say for a girls night out or a date), pair it with a loose, geometric print top, such as this beautiful blue tunic-style shirt.
Get that hourglass figure with this modern, two buckle black leather belt. To dress up the jeans even further, add bold black accessories- chandelier earrings in solid black, a black clutch, and several heavy, black bangles. To complete this look for a fun evening out, add these fierce, black leather, platform heels with silver detailing.

Bargain Pieces

Hello everyone! (those of you who might actually be reading my little blog that is!) Sorry I haven't posted anything lately but I have been quite busy and things are just now starting to get settled back into a semi-normal routine. Hopefully I will have more time to post now.

Just a quick post for now...

My cousin Katie is down here in Mexico at the moment to visit me. She's 18 and has her own adorable sense of style. Both of us love clothes and both of us love a bargain! Yesterday, she wore this adorable outfit so I thought I would share it with you. The dress was $5 from Belks, the sweater is from the Gap and the adorable boots she has on were a gift from her wonderful (and fashion-inclined) parents! I picked the boots up for them on the Texas border and they are a fabulous quality brand that I happened to find for an amazing price! Here is how it came together...



We went out last night to meet some friends for dinner, and yet again we both wore bargain pieces. She with another cute sun dress for under $10 and layered necklaces and I wore a vintage dress. This dress is a French label from the 1960's that I found in Goodwill for $4! When I got it home and found the label online, the dresses in similar patterns and from that year go from $200-$350! Not bad considering I only put out $4 at Goodwill! :) Should have taken a picture head to toe, but I didn't! Here is a pic with part of the dress showing. It is a knee-length shift dress done in a sheer rayon-ish material. The neck ties at the top but I left it undone and opted for some long brown, leather and gold necklaces, brown belt and gold sandals. Total outfit was under $20! Here is the one picture we did manage to get last night but it's not the best- we had gotten drenched from the insanely heavy rain (thank you hurricane!). This was after dinner when the rains had stopped and we were only half-drenched. :)



I would love to see some of your own bargain pieces that you wear with pride! All posts welcome. :)

Happy Shopping!

-Amy

Favorite Item of the Week - Sonoma life + style T-Shirts From Kohls

I love Kohls. Perhaps not as much as my mother, who seems to be obsessed with their sales racks. However, I fully admit that I am equally obsessed with their Sonama life + style t-shirts. It's not just any t-shirt mind you- it is the softest, best-fitting, non-fading t-shirt available to mankind! Well that could be a slight exaggeration considering I haven't actually tried on every t-shirt available to mankind, but I do know it is the best t-shirt I have ever owned. Every season (be it fall or spring) I invest in my new line of Sonoma tees and buy one in every color. A bit over the top I know, but well worth it. They are my staple buy of the season!

They are amazingly affordable (regular price around $12, but always available on sale or with a coupon. they are normally well under $10) Last week I bought all the new summer colors for $6.99 and in the fall I usually buy the long sleeved ones for $8.99.

Why am I in love with these specific t-shirts? Well...
1- they don't cling (I hate clingy clothes!!!)
2- they don't fade.
3- they don't stretch.
4- they are the perfect length! (they work great with skirts, pants, or whatever you like wearing)
5 - they are versatile
6 - they wash well
7 - they're really flattering
8- they're available in v-neck, round neck, etc
9 - they're also available in really adorable colors for summer and have a variety of prints as well (beach scenes, etc)
10- they're really comfy!

So, are you convinced yet? If not, buy just one and you will soon find out... Sonoma life + style t-shirts from Kohls are the best t-shirts you will find this summer.

One of the best things about a nice t-shirt is that you can wear it so many different ways. Here I've put together a 5 examples all using the basic black tee from Sonama.



This outfit shows how a basic black tee can be dressed up with a cute, flouncy skirt and summery accessories!
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If you like more of an athletic look, try pairing your tee with some knee length, cuffed shorts and gray hooded vest. The flowy vest and pink accessories keep the outift from being too boyish and add a playful touch.
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You can't go wrong with black and white. It's summery, classy and chic! For a splash of color and style, add accesories in a bold, summer color- red, yellow, fuschia, orange, green, etc. I love these red accessories... especially this tangle of gorgeous necklaces inspired by Alice in Wonderland!
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You can throw together a quick outfit with a long skirt and a few metallic accessories. It's boho but chic!
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The t-shirts are also great for layering as they are the type of cotton that doesn't cling to other fabrics. They lay very smoothly and don't bunch up underneath jackets or other layers. For summer, I love bright pops of color! Actually I love bright colors all year long. :) These lime colored accessories looks so beautiful against this rich blue jacket. The peacock feather earrings serve to tie it all in together.
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Copy and paste this link if you want to check out these t-shirts. They are available on sale in stores and online.

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/womens/brandswomen/sonoma/tops/PRD~561309/SONOMA+life+++style+Tee.jsp

Great Spring Color for All Skin Types- Orange!

(click on picture above to enlarge)

I used to hate all things orange (well exept the fruit that is). Under the "about me" section on facebook, somewhere after I proclaim my love for Caramel Lattes from Starbucks and tacky jewelry, I wrote that I hate the color orange. Not sure what it ever did to me except remind me of that horrible orange carpet people decorated their houses with back in the 70's. However, the fact remained that I hated orange- peach was okay. So was coral. But orange? Bleck! However, these vibrant, gorgeous shades of orange hane changed my mind for this spring's wardrobe musts. Besides being bright and summery, it is hands down one of the most universally flattering shades on any skin/hair color! If you don't believe me, try it out! If one shade of orange doesn't look quite right, try a few more until you ifnd the perfect shade for your skin tone. You will be surprised (as I was!) The color works out to be a bit Indian, slightly tropical, somewhat retro, but yet very modern.

And if you don't believe me on the flattering aspect of the color, check out how great orange looks on the varied skin/hair tones of these gorgeous women!