Wine Tasting

Summer to Fall

This was such a fun photo shoot to do. My idea came from the old saying of never wearing white after Labor Day. It's one of those rules that some stick to religiously and others say rules are meant to be broken. I never liked the rule per say. Yes, bright whites do look best in the summer sun, but who says you cannot take your bright summer whites and transform them into Fall appropriate pieces? There came there inspiration to take my LC Lauren Conrad white lace dress and carry it from a Summer style into a Fall. A few key accessory changes and the look was updated. As for that old rule about Labor Day, I saw wear your whites year round. A creamier winter white looks absolutely divine during the colder months and ever so chic.

1. The first look is the bright Summer white with red shoes, a gold bag, and a pink stone necklace.
2. My update for Fall look one incorporates an LC Lauren Conrad wine colored blazer. Next, a brown bow bag, a red rhine stone necklace and purple sparkly heels.
3. The update for Fall look two incorporates the same wine colored blazer, only this time I added leopard heels from LC's line and a leopard purse from Mark. Leopard is one of those neutral prints I adore. My favorite of all the animal prints. 

Here we have some of the accessories used from the photo shoot.

A close up of the two necklaces worn. The pink summer style is a replica of Jackie Kennedy's and the red rhine stone heart is from my mother's collection. The pearl earrings in the title photo were used in all the shots. They are also from my mom.

One of the Boys

Menswear inspired fashion is everywhere and quite a classic at that. Kathrine Hepburn started the idea of women being able to wear what men wear and gasp, back in the 1930s that simply meant wearing pants or trousers. While my style is feminine and romantic, a great way to add some menswear inspiration is through accessories, or adding one detail like the blue button down shirt I have on. For this outfit I wanted to keep the proportions at 50/50. My buckle stacked heels, briefcase style bag, and blue button down shirt are inspired by the boys while my pleated floral skirt, pearl necklace, and pearl earrings are quint essentially feminine. I like the balance between the two styles and think it makes a refreshing outfit with lovely classic pieces.

Twirling Tulle

Fabulous Fabric

One fabric I love year round is tulle. I could simply wear this fabric forever and never tire of it. In essence, tulle has a whimsical and romantic quality to it. Its what ballerina skirts are made of and the choice fabric for wedding dresses and princess ball gowns everywhere. This LC Lauren Conrad dress not only combines tulle and lace together, but comes in the prettiest shade of blue there is. Not quite green enough for mint and not quite powdery enough for baby blue, this falls somewhere in between the two creating a wonderfully beautiful palette. Notice the collar too, this dress has always been one of my favorites from LC's line and continues to be one of my choice dresses to wear for any event. I wore my mint green metallic cap toe heels from Zara to complete the look.

The jewelery for this outfit consisted of an aqua marine and gold bracelet of my mother's, along with a sapphire and gold necklace also belonging to her.  I've been wearing this necklace almost every day since my everyday necklace, the gold heart Justin gave me, broke along the chain. It's currently being fixed, but I needed another one to wear in the mean time. The earrings, not visible here, are also from my mother; gold hearts with pink enamel along the one edge.

Chelsea likes to watch me take my photos. While photographing the dress, Chelsea watched from the front porch of which I was standing right in front of. How cute does my baby look?! I couldn't help buy snap a quick picture of her as she gazed out of the door.

Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Summer to Fall

Before you know it Autumn is going to be here. While I'm a little more than sad to see Summer leave, I do have a special soft spot in my heart for Fall. I love the idea of the cool crisp air, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice latte's, warm sunshine filled afternoons, apple cider donuts, warm cozy sweaters, the list goes on. Possibly another reason I love Fall so much is because of the feeling of new beginnings it conjures up. Spring is the season of rebirth, but Autumn is when the new school year begins, and with that means new school supplies, new clothes, new friends mingling with the old, new classes, basically a fresh new start for the academic year ahead. Whatever the reason may be, Fall will inevitably arrive and with that means a wardrobe change from breezy effortless styles to a more cozier bundled up one. The in between faze can be tricky seeing as how the weather is still warm, but has those crisp moments in the mornings and evenings. With the weather still being warm, the simple change I like to make is to incorporate darker shades into your clothing for the transition period. The dress I choose from Modcloth still feels summery with its large floral print, but also has a toned down feeling with the darker blue background.

This photo is a fun one. I like incorporating movement into some of my images whether it be twirling my skirt or dress, jumping in the air, or simply swishing my hair around. It's important not to have a static feel of just standing there. What is funny about this jump is I did not know what to do with my hands at the time. Looks like I am about to catch a football!

Seaworthy

Sail Away

My nautical love has been going strong all Summer long and has no end in sight. As August heads into September, and we are all reminded that Autumn is approaching with the cool night air (it's been as low as 50 in the Northeast!) transitioning your clothing is now becoming required. Something as simple as a light blazer will do the trick. A cardigan will work as well, but blazers have a polished feel to them that a cardigan cannot match. This blue and white stripped dress, with gold accented jewelry, feels fresh and breezy for Summer. To combat the cooler night air, simply slip into a similarly styled blazer, this one from Banana Republic with subtle blue and white stripes, to keep you warm and perfectly polished as you make those Summer nights to remember.

Jewelry completes an outfit and can either make you feel dressed to the nines or subtly shimmering with key pieces placed here and there. Whatever your jewelry style may be, it goes without saying that these gems have an impact. I always use jewelry that is personal to me. Rarely do I ever wear something that was bought just because I thought it was pretty. There is always a story or a memory attached to mine. Here, the pin on the blazer belonged to my mom along with the anchor earrings, which I've been wearing all summer long. The necklace I received as a gift because of the nautical feel to it.

Lace Details

Simple Weekend Outfit

This is the kind of summery weekend outfit that I love. It's simply, chic, and effortless. The basic peach tee is spruced up with a lace sleeve from Charming Charlies. The adorable green skirt from Modcloth comes with pink and blue Hydrangea details and feels feminine. The color blocked heels from DSW, still a trend going strong, mix perfectly into the outfit with colors of purple, yellow, and pink. This outfit is great in either Spring or Summer and has that flirty fun feeling to it.

The Top 20 Stylish Movies of all Time

Let's be honest, when it comes to clothing style, its the silver screen that we collectively look to for inspiration. I myself have been heavily influenced by the greats revealing their style genius for all of the world to see while glittering upon the movie screen. Both of my prom dresses were influenced by Grace Kelly in two of her three Hitchcock films, "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief." I was so inspired by Faye Dunaway's character in "The Thomas Crown Affair," that I started to wear plum eye shadow for a good period of time, including my senior pictures. As a whole, my own style evolved from the screen goddesses of yester-year. Do you own a little black dress in your closet, because if you do,  (if not then you absolutely need to go get one!) you can thank Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's" for that. For all of you gents out there, how about the ever popular grey suit? That goes to Cary Grant in North By Northwest. Styles and trends were born with the fabulous actors gracing the silver screen and will continue to do so for as long as fashion and movies are around. Below is a list I created of the top stylish movies of all time. Note, not fashion, but style. The two are different beyond measure. Yves Saint Laurent said it best, "fashion fades, style is eternal."

Listed are number 20 all the way through number 1, which is a movie that not only has great style, but also some of the best actors that have ever lived, not to mention the best director. Be inspired and enjoy!

20. The Godfather Part II (1974)

Yes, there were three Godfather movies, but this one shines above the rest with the stunning three piece suits and ascots worn by Al Pacino.

19. Designing Woman (1957)

Lauren Bacall really delights in this comedy as a high society clothing designer with her chic 1950s clothing and her dreamy feminine apartment with white trimmings in gold and splashes of pastel color throughout. Helen Rose created the costumes for the movie with Lauren going through 30 clothing changes, all perfectly coordinated of course.

18. A Single Man (2009)

Tom Ford, famous menswear designer, directed this stylish movie and created looks for the characters with the help of Arianne Phillips. Quint essential 1960s silhouettes, and that pink cigarette, take the audience back to the swinging decade.

18. American Gigalo (1980)

Two words, Giorgio Armani. He was just starting out at the time and was chosen to do the wardrobe for the movie. Trench coats and the chic business casual attire set the pace for the 1980s mens look.

16. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

The film, filled with the likes of Chanel, Calvin Klein, and Yigal Azrouel, splashed onto the big screen showing the audience the inner workings of a high fashion magazine while dazzling the eye with contemporary and classic styles all the employees wore. Mostly Chanel by the way, which, needs no further reasoning.

15. Clueless (1995)

No film had a bigger impact on 90s teen styles more than Clueless. Knee socks, simple spaghetti strapped dresses, and white collarless shirts became the cool style to have.

14. Casablanca (1942)

Orry Kelly created the costumes for the film. Let's just say white jackets come to mind when thinking of this movie. Humphrey in his white dinner jacket and Ingrid Bergman in her white skirt suit.

13. The Awful Truth (1937)

As soon as Irene Dunne enters through the door with her white fur coat engulfing her petite frame, you simply cannot take your eyes off of her. Robert Kollach created the perfect picture of 1930s glamour style from silky evening gowns with nipped in waists to topcoats and tux's.

12. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Adrian Adolph Greenberg created the glamour and goddess, independence and self-possession style themes throughout the movie. The highlight is a floor-length white silk gown with Art Deco inspired gold sequin beading across the sleeves and bodice. The embellishment recalls Greek key motifs, a visual reference to the untouchable goddess theme that underpins Tracy’s character. The sleek silhouette draws from popular 30’s styles, with a nipped-in waist and tapered sleeves with extended, fitted cuffs. Understated and sophisticated, the dress exudes aristocratic old money and modern independence.

11. Dr. No (1962)

The first Bond film to launch the franchise, Sean Connery's James Bond embraced his signature brand of sportswear in a palette of pale blues and navy, as well as his black tuxedo. Costume designer Tessa Welborn created the look which still is carried out today.

10. North by Northwest (1959)

An interesting note to this movie is the input both stars, Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint, had in picking out their wardrobe. Hitch disliked the costumes MGM picked out for Saint, so he took her to Bergdorf Goodmans for a shopping spree. Grant had direct input  with Kilgour in London, to specially create the silver-gray, slim-cut, ventless suit he is seen to wear mostly in the film. The suit which GQ rated as the best suit in film history.

9. Sex and the City (2008)

Patricia Field, who also worked on the tv show, mixed high fashion with low in creative ways, instructed us that an outfit starts with the shoes, and that flower pins are really cool. Two labels that lead the pack in the movie, none other than Manolo Blahnik and Chanel.

8. Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961)

Audrey Hepburn wore the little black dress and the rest, as they say, is history.

7. Skyfall (2012)

Tom Ford's suits were front and center in the 50th anniversary movie of the Bond franchise. Jany Temime wanted to create a slightly different feel for Bond in the cut of the suit and the way they fit Daniel Craigs body, but also have the same look since it is such an iconic character.

6. The Great Gatsby (2013)

Catherine Martin worked along side the likes of Prada and Brooks Brothers and put the Great in Gatsby. She won the 2014 Academy Award for her work in the film. 1920s glitz and glamour, vibrant and full of energy, feathers and diamonds, tailored suits and tuxes, all make up the feel of excess for the style. Tiffany & Co supplied the never ending jewels.

5. The Women (1939)

A movie about men and fashion, with no men in sight. Adrian Adolph Greenberg created the look for each woman in the film, even going as far as to have a fashion show sequence in color apart from the rest of the black and white film. Smart tailored suits, country chic, frills and bows, and gaudy gowns make up the look for this classic.

4. Funny Face (1957)

Audrey Hepburn. Need I say more? Costume designers Edith Head and Hubert de Givenchy were Academy Award nominated for their work which featured monochromatic ensembles paired with striking Parisian gowns.

3. Vertigo (1958)

Edith Head created one of her most talked about looks for this movie, the white full length coat Kim Novak wears. The clothes represent each characters identity, specifically Judy/Madeleine. Judy wears the sophisticated frocks, while Madeleine, her "other half" wears unflattering pieces. Scottie's obsession in recreating Judy, makes Madeleine change her entire look and wardrobe to appear as Judy. The famous gray suit, though Kim was against it, represents modesty and Hitchcock was insistent about having it in the movie.

2. The Thomas Crown Affair (1968)

Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway shine on celluloid with debonair 3 piece Gatsby-esque suits and sexy skirt suit outfits, mini dresses, and incredible hats. Why do we not wear hats anymore?? Theadora Van Runkle created more than 29 costume changes for the leads, giving them each a distinct look they would carry with them for the rest of their lives.

1. Rear Window (1954)

Costume designer Edith Head and Grace Kelly make for one dynamic duo in this masterpiece of suspense and style. Grace's elegant 1950s wardrobe is timeless and effortlessly chic inspiring countless numbers of celebrities today. With her pearl necklaces, and "straight off the Paris plane," her style is of class and wealth. The black, deep v neck dress, with white frothy chiffon, is arguably one of the most famous of the 50s decade. Her other looks of a black chiffon dress, celery green skirt suit with a silky halter top, exquisite silk negligee, printed day dress with a nipped waist, and her final mens wear inspired watermelon colored shirt, jeans, and Gene Kelly type loafers, complete one of the most perfect and elegant wardrobes in film history.

Photo credit: IMDB.com

Shop Your Own Closet

Budget Babe

I think it would be safe to say most women love to go shopping. There's something about getting a new item that gives a little thrill. While I'm all for that and enjoy it to no end, I want to challenge you to do something that most probably have never thought of, shop your own closet. With the economy the way it is, all of us could benefit from saving an extra penny here and there for the future. As you can see from the picture to the left, my closet is pretty jam packed as it it. Mind you, this is just my Spring and Summer wardrobe. I have to admit, when I took the challenge myself to peruse through my own closet, I found some items I had forgotten even existed. Finding these "new items" was pretty exciting and felt good, just like a shopping trip would. So for the next week challenge yourself to shop your own closet and be amazed at what you might find.

Brooching the subject

Hair Brooch

This star burst brooch is a replica of one Jackie Kennedy had. I got the idea of using it after seeing some of her own pictures with a brooch in her hair at some of the famous Kennedy White House state dinners. It's a unique idea to try and why not??

Here, Jackie wears a sun burst brooch in her coiffed hair. Image source:  https://onlyjewels.wordpress.com/tag/jackie-kennedy/.

Mellow Yellow

Perfectly Paired

As you already know, I am a sucker for anything remotely nautical looking and this outfit fits right into that category. The creamy yellow top with lace detailing at the collar is from Lauren Conrad's line at Kohls as well as the blue and white stripped circle skirt. Both are light weight and the perfect summer pairs. To cap off the look, no pun intended, I wore my white vintage hat and blue and white shoes from Modcloth. The gold earrings and bracelet are from the Jackie Kennedy collection. I could wear this look all summer and never tire of it.

Summer Time Stripes

Beach Wear Approved

This quit essential summer outfit from Modcloth has it all. Seersucker, nautical stripes, and blue and green coloring all bring to mind an easy breezy beautiful summer day. I bought this dress last year for my families annual trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and I could not be more pleased with it. I added on a cream colored belt to cinch in my waist (always important to do!), a summery white hat, and of course wedges for walking around the boardwalk and not falling through the slats. Heels have their place, and I adore them dearly, but they are not appropriate for walking on a boardwalk, unless you want to fall through of course.

This shows the dolphin ring I have on. It was my mother's and possibly even bought down in Rehoboth Beach. She loved dolphins and would always be so excited to see them jumping in the air. It's the perfect compliment to any beach or summery outfit.

Ballerina Ball

Ballerina Fairy Tale

“Coco Chanel was always doing things with ballet, so it is a tradition clashing fashion and ballet”

— Carine Roitfeld

This had to be one of my favorite outfits to photograph. I felt like a ballerina and fairy princess all rolled into one. Believe me, there were many twirling moments that occurred. I kept my hair up in a big loose ballerina bun accented by a pearl headband. The glittery gold shoes are another recent addition to my collection. I fell in love with the Enzo Angiolini brand since they fit so well and look stylish, while also being comfortable to walk in. Jewelry wise I wanted to keep it simple. My usual necklace and bracelet (the necklace a gift from Justin and the tennis bracelet from my mom) with pink earrings and an additional pink rhinestone bracelet. The dress was a gift from Justin for my most recent birthday.

Here is a close up of the shoes from a photo I took on Memorial Day

Casual Chic

The Kate Middleton

For anyone who knows me, it is no secret how much I admire Kate Middleton. The effect she has had on fashion is undeniable and I could not agree more that her style will leave a lasting mark for generations to come. After her successful trip down under with husband William and their adorable baby boy George, she is back in England doing what she does best. A recent outing with George had Kate wearing her quint essential casual outfit. The Kate Middleton outfit is classic, simple, and forever chic. To break it down, a stripped top, blue blazer, skinny jeans, and either wedges or boat shoes, though typically she wears wedges with the outfit. These are staple items that every woman should already have in her closet. Not to mention how great they are for summer with the nautical theme!

To keep with the great Kate, I wore my replica engagement ring and matching earring set. The ring was first given to Diana by Prince Charles. After her untimely death, William got the ring, and eventually presented it to Kate while proposing. I also have on a light house pin my mother had, which perfectly blends the nautical theme together. 

styleite.com

Demure Dame

Basic Black

Ah, vintage clothing. Vintage anything really. This outfit of basic black and pearls could be taken right out of the 1950s. I love wearing my vintage hats out in public. I always get compliments and people saying how refreshing it is to see something so different from the norm. One woman told me that everyone looks so similar these days and that, though vintage, my look seems new and invigorating. I could not help but think of the famous phrase, everything old is new again. I could not agree more.

The hair style was really quite east to make. First gather your hair into a low pony tail. Then, take the tail and make a hole right above the elastic band for the tail to go through. Keep repeating the process until you have the desired length and twist into the sides of your hair. Finally, roll up the remainder of the tail and pin into the hair.

“I like old movies, screwball comedies, vintage clothes, and basically I’m an old-fashioned girl. ”

— Zooey Deschanel

Nifty Nautical

One thing I simply cannot get enough of in summer is nautical fashion. Whether it's stripes, anchors, sailboats or whales, I can never get my fill of the wonderfully classic style. The colors of red, white and blue (how patriotic!) always feel fresh and have such a timeless feel to them. Some nautical fashions also incorporate black and gray into the picture. As soon as the warmer weather hits, I immediately pull all of my nautical clothes out of their storage and start piecing together my outfits. From dresses to t-shirts, this style can fit any age and style you wish. This dress comprises of the ever popular blue and white stripe with a rope textured belt. The red and gold chained bag is elegant and stays true to the nautical feel. The hat, vintage of course!, fits right in with its navy blue color. The shoes, I cannot say enough how in love I am with this pair, are a bright retro red with red jewels on them. After my recent visit to Cape Cod, I feel even more attuned with all things nautical. Truly a summer staple that always delights. Ships Ahoy!

Dress Modcloth, Bag Bag Banana Republic, Hat vintage, Shoes DSW, Ring Jacquline Kennedy reproduction

I purchased this ring up in Hyannis on Cape Cod. It is a reproduction of a sapphire ring Jacqueline Kennedy owned. She purchased the ring on a summer trip to Europe in the 1970s. Round simulated sapphires sparkle at the center of this 24K gold-plated ring. Two rows of clear and dark blue Swarovski crystals form a stunning circular pattern.

““Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.””

— Mark Twain

“ We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back from whence we came.”

— John F. Kennedy

Blush in Bloom

Lovely Lace

Recently I've been getting into vintage hats. I adore the delicate pink flowers on this one. It feels so feminine and fresh for Spring and Summer. To compliment the look I chose a blush lace dress with a vintage beaded clutch from my grandmother. The beading has little pink flowers on it. The broach is also vintage with pink rhinestones and a gold finish. I wanted the shoes to be more modern with the height and decided on a pair of nude color ones so they would blend in with the outfit. Notice the tips of the heels have little rhinestones on them. I wore this outfit to my friends baby shower since she is having a little girl, I can't wait to meet you little Madison!, and also, this would be perfect for a lunch date with friends or for some afternoon tea.

Vintage Blue

Blue and blush, need I say more? I've always had a certain love affair with this combination of colors. My mom even decorated our house in shades of blue and rose. The navy background of the dress lets the subtle blue and blush tones of the roses stand out, yet blend in perfectly together. The shoes I have on even color coordinate to the dress with their navy background and pink polka dots. The icy blue of the purse makes a nice neutral shade to stand against the dress and the jewelry all blends together beautifully with shades of gold and pink in them. What I really love about the outfit is the vintage look and modern feel it has. It's a balancing act between how much skin is showing really. The dress allows for a flippy skirt because the arm length is three quarters long.

Dress LC Lauren Conrad, Heels Payless, Bag TJMaxx, Scarf Vintage.

A classic way to add polish to your handbag is to simply tie a scarf around the handles or chains. Voila! Instant sophistication.

I've always had a soft spot for this pair of shoes. The peep toe, ruffled bow, and pink polka dots against a navy background are reminiscent of the 1950s, yet have the heel height to bring them into the now. Simply adore them.

Birds of a Feather

Peacock Feathers and Mint Mirages

This simple Spring outfit contains three of my favorite things. One being peacock feathers, the other two being the colors mint and blush. It's a color combo that never fails for me. The shirt is from LC Lauren Conrad and the skirt from Forever 21. I piled on blue and green jewelry, especially the peacock necklace, which also happens to come from Forever 21. My favorite accessory here, the Steve Madden purse from TJ Maxx, blends in so perfectly with the outfit. Its blush tone and flower applique make it the epitome spring time carry all. The outfit feels fresh and feminine, plus has the luxury of being lightweight making it a great transition piece into the warmer summer months ahead. On a quick side note, the peacock naturally replaces its feathers annually, making it a symbol of renewal, which also co-indices with the symbolism of Spring being a renewal of the earth.

C'est Magnifique

We'll Always Have Paris

Ah, Paris, the one place that just by saying its name brings upon images of romance and style. Humphrey Bogart telling Ingrid Bergman "we'll always have Paris," the memory of a happier time for the doomed couple. By the way, my favorite movie has always been Casablanca. There seems to be a certain chicness to French styling that no one else has. It exudes elegance without even trying. The classic black and white stripes bring an effortless cool to this outfit, while the red shoes, bag, and lip add a nice pop of color. The black midi skirt ties the look together and practically makes you want to twirl around in it all day. A black hat finishes the look by adding mystery, something every French woman seems to have. Jouir!

The Cat's Meow

Puurfect

This puurfect outfit embraces a simple black monochromatic look with the pencil skirt and shirt. The top's stripped layering effect is built into it from Modcloth. Next, add on some lovely leopard accessories and voila! a new outfit is born. This look will never go out of style. The ever chic black and white combo combined with any animal print defies the changing trends and lends a hand to the meaning of timeless.

The heels are from LC Lauren Conrad and the clutch comes from Target. In my opinion, these heels really pack a one two punch and are effortless to walk in!