Heart Hardy

The internet is a-buzz with anticipation for the latest installment of footwear from the collaborative efforts of Pierre Hardy and Gap since the powers that be released some teaser photographs mere days ago. The affordable collection has the same sexy yet tough spirit of Hardy's own line and is slated for release at Gap stores in mid-September.

How to wear these new styles? First comes the big decision - which style to purchase. I think I am leaning to the shearling ankle boots. I'd love to tuck a slim pant or jean into them or wear them with thick tights and skirts to add a little edge to a more feminine ensemble.

The thick-strapped platform sandal more your style? A pair of wide leg pants that reveal just a touch of toe and heel, allowing the calm, wear-with-everything hue of the shoe to peek out would be an ideal pairing. I also think a dress or skirt with a curvaceous, ladylike silhouette would be a pleasing match.

Which pair do you want to take home? How would you style these dreamy offerings?


Photo courtesy of Nitro:licious.

Chic of the Week

Who: Actress Claire Danes.

What: A strapless, floor-length gown by Zac Posen paired with a gold minaudiere.

When: Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

Where: The Cinema Society and Brooks Brothers screening of Adam (starring her adorable fiancee, Hugh Dancy).

Why: Danes has made many a Chic of the Week appearance, thanks to her clean and simple, yet slightly daring approach to dressing. If the cut is interesting, usually we are talking solid colors and minimal accessories. If she opts for a print, the ensemble often stays somewhat demure or uncomplicated. The hair and makeup always achieve that perfectly imperfect imbalance that is always a home run. This red carpet appearance is no different. Smoky, yet not overpowering makeup and slightly mussy hair make a wonderful counterpoint to the clean lines of this Zac gown. The goddess-esque gilded wreath around the dress's waist is a lovely touch and keeps the dress from appearing too austere.

Photo courtesy of GossipCenter.

[Belated] Chic of the Week

Who: Actress and [former] fashion darling, Sienna Miller.

What: White shirt, trousers and shoes from Loewe's Spring 2009 collection.

When: Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

Where: Aboard the HMS Belfast in London for the London photocall of GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

Why: So, I'm not unique. A few years ago I was obsessed with Sienna Miller. Wanted to look like her, dress like her - the works. My boyfriend says I look like her (well the way he puts it is more along the lines of "you look like that actress, you know...the one I think you look like"). I think he's crazy, but it obviously flatters me to no end. Anyway, I feel like Sienna had a really quick climb and then took a tumble. We all got a little tired of her, she made some bad and/or blah style steps...I'm not sure which came first. But I feel like the girl we fell in love with is steadily coming back. Yes, that Vogue interview was kind of awkward, but she seemed kind of charming and I feel like she's made some brilliant choices while promoting her new action flick. This Loewe ensemble is the perfect move. Daring, but not too much so. Cool, but not cloying. Fits nicely, is totally occasion-appropriate (nautical but not too twee) and best of all, the shooooooes. Lovely. And lord knows I love anything having to do with red lipstick right about now. Keep it up, Miller, keep it up.

Photo courtesy of InStyle UK.

Chic of the Week

Who: Up-and-comer Amber Heard.

What:A Fall 09 top and skirt by Alexander Wang cinched with a wide 3.1 Phillip Lim belt and Chloe bow heels.

When: Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Where: Cosmopolitan's Fun Fearless Female Dinner at the W in Los Angeles.

Why: This is a great way for this actress on the rise to help make a name for herself - looking great and showing a unique sense of style always seems to do the trick. The bleach blond/red lips combo is so fall and the chunky belt really adds a sense of weight and solidity to the open weave ensemble. Moreover, I actually think I might like the way Miss Heard put this look together a little more than the way it was sent down on the runway - a little more feminine, a little simpler. Kudos, lady!


Photos courtesy of Popbee and Style.com.

La vie en jaune

There is just something so fantastic and cheerful about Alix's most recent photoshoot on The Cherry Blossom Girl. I just feel so full of joy after looking at these beautiful, colorful photos.

Read the post and view more pictures here.

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Let's Hear it for the Boy

I'm so inspired by this. Yes, it is a men's look, but so many elements are so right and so applicable to us ladies. I love the idea of a simple gray top and pants paired with this frayed brown blazer, brown leather belt, tucked just so, and weathered brown clutch. Don't forget the gold accessories - a classic watch like this or a charm bracelet or simple gold ring would do.

My mind is racing figuring out how I'd translate this look, with pieces taken from my own closet and also how I'd recreate this look for you, my dear readers. It's finally started to get hot here, so I can't really wrap my mind around a blazer, but a lightweight cardigan for when the air conditioner is on full blast sounds about right. Add a slouchy gray tee with equally slouchy tapered trousers to round out the clothing portion of this ensemble. For accessories, try this incredible briefcase-inspired clutch, Marni-esque platform sandals and a great gold watch, styled after a classic men's style. Et voila, a his and hers style look in classic somber shades done in summer-appropriate cuts and fabrications. How would you interpret this inspirational getup?

Clockwise from top left: Melina Drapey Cardigan, now $34.50 (available at dELiA's); T by Alexander Wang Mini Pocket Muscle Tee, $78 (available at La Garconne); Alexis Hudson Cortina Clutch, now $175 (available at Pink Mascara); Premium Tapered Leg Trousers, $80 (available at Topshop); BCBGirls Edmund Sandal, now $64.90 (available at Nordstrom); DKNY Women's Gold Ion-Plated Chronograph Bracelet Watch, $185 (available at Macy's).

Photo courtesy of Jak & Jil.

Oh, yes please.

Strictly Multi Buckle Shoe, $135 (available at Topshop).

Chic of the Week

Who: Hermione Granger...err...Emma Watson.

What: A pale nude dress with sheer and black overlay by Christopher Kane (Fall 2009) with Charlotte Olympia black and gold platforms.

When: Wednesday, July 08, 2009.

Where: At the David Letterman Show in New York to promote the latest installment in the Harry Potter series.

Why: The petite actress has quickly become an undeniable style maven, displaying these superb sartorial tastes on her current whirlwind tour promoting her upcoming film. From vintage Ossie Clark to current Proenza Schouler, the actress has been looking sharp, stylish and cutting age, while still age appropriate - keeping her hair and makeup simple and youthful does the trick. This dress manages to be both enviably cool and on-trend, while still sort of sweet and tasteful. Emma, let's maybe do a wardrobe swap. Just call me. Hope you love H&M!



Photo courtesy of Grazia/WireImage.

Gucci Ago

Remember this collection? Tom Ford for Gucci Spring 1996. BRILLIANT. The lace, the vibrant colors juxtaposed with sexily severe black, the sandals, the patterns, the burnout velvet...insane.


Those pants on the right - the pink and orange striped numbers - I actually got those when the collection came out. And still have them. I also had an orange cashmere shell that went with them, but don't know where it went. Which is a total bummer. But I adore these crazy pants and finding them again on Mario Testino's incredible website was totally a nerdy, exciting moment for me!

Photo courtesy of Mariotestino.com.

Pretty Philosophical

You can't turn a page without reading about one thing or another labeled as "eco-chic" or "green." The Green Issue. Green Fashion. Carbon Footprints. It's everywhere. It sometimes gives me the same feeling the Spice Girls did - loved that they were getting the message of "girl power" out there, but not sure if the sentiment or motives were genuine. What I'm saying is that I'm so thrilled people are starting to "go green," but it often seems like perhaps a company or writer is just jumping on a trend or relying on a gimmick.

Not so, Alex and Ani. You really get the feeling that designer Carolyn Rafaelian really is dedicated to doing right by the planet, simply focusing on making something beautiful that helps keep the earth beautiful. Her environmentally conscious, handcrafted designs are made from recycled metals, turning the proverbial lemons into lemonade. The line consists of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings and hair accessories which are favored by eco-minded celebs like Cameron Diaz as well as editors from InStyle and ELLE to OK! and Us. Clenching my endorsement? Pretty much all designs ring in at under $100, with those going over that still remaining under the very easy to swallow $200 mark.

Here are some of my favorite offerings -

Clockwise from top left: Eagle Cuff, $128; Rounded Edge Cross Expandable Wire Ring, $56; Love Expandable Wire Bangle Set, $168; Cabana Wood Earrings, $78 (all available at Alex and Ani).

Peacock Feather Earrings, $118.

From top: Quill Feather Hoops, $68; Halo Endless Cross Neckace, $98; Snake Expandable Wire Bangle, $158.

25Park

Clockwise from top left: David Lerner Latex Matte Leggings, $78; Karta Lotus Land Dress, $312; Gryphon The Sequin Mini, $240; Kain Pocket Tank, $77 (all available at 25Park).

Right before heading out of town for the holiday weekend, I happened upon the fabulous online retailer, 25Park. The boutique carries a diverse group of labels including Kain, Mike & Chris, Elizabeth and James, Loeffler Randall, Brian Reyes, Vena Cava, Nina Ricci, Willow, Gryphon, Devi Kroell, Ports 1961, Calpyso, Tracy Feith, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Maria Pinto, Yigal Azrouel, Larsen Gray, Thread Social, Behnaz Sarafpour, Antik Batik, Michael Kors, Marchesa, Giuseppe Zanotti and Missoni. In addition to its highly covetable offerings, 25Park also focuses on great services and perks - VIP Rewards (spend to save), VIP Dressing (25Park will come to you - just email themfor more information and to find out about availability) and Personal Shopping (need advice on a look for a particular event or for updating your wardrobe? A stylist will provide expert tips and suggestions).

Making my picks for this post was like a fashion blogger's Sophie's Choice - there are just so many wonderful things to choose from. It's an incredibly well-edited selection, really creatively and thoughtfully chosen. The vibe of the merchandise is an interesting, somehow-it-works mixed bag: luxe hippie meets on-trend chick with a dash of edge and a pinch of femininity thrown in. 25Park also offers kiddie clothing and accessories, for the very chic, very cool bambino (moreover, the store supports the R Baby Foundation, which fights against infant mortality).

As you have probably gathered from the laundry list provided above, the store definitely carries labels that take off at the $800 mark and go up, up, up from there. So my mission was to navigate the site for mostly under $300. Here are my finds.

Clockwise from top left: By Malene Birger Trici Necklace, $160; Missoni Stripe Scarf, now $205; Antik Batik Langoa Flat Sandal, $200.

Kettle Black Flannel Pirate Dress, $135, in red and blue.

Clockwise from left: AKA New York Batik Dress, $288; Loeffler Randall Full Skirt, $198; Ishii Basket Weave Blouse, $238.

Haleh Sequin Dress, $285; By Malene Birger Jiva Necklace, $285.

Shoe Giving

TOMS, dedicated to the concept of 'One for One' (giving one pair of shoes to a child in need for every one pair of shoes you purchase), is hosting a major sample sale this weekend. Saturday to be exact. So, those of you in the Santa Monica area, mark your calendars now! Doing good things, saving money and listening to live music? That sounds like quite the Saturday to me.

[Slightly Belated...Sorry I'm on Vacation and Schedule Posts is Apparently Not Working] Chic of the Week

Who: French actress, Marion Cotillard.

What: A knee-length deep red dress by Vivienne Westwood, an oversized black Stella McCartney clutch and funky Christian Dior shoes.

When: Monday, June 29, 2009.

Where: The UK premiere of Public Enemies, in London.

Why: The latest stop in her whirlwind premiere tour for her upcoming gangster flick with Johnny Depp (shot minutes away from yours truly's apartment), Mlle. Cotillard has made another very well shod step. So far, she's gone girly in a pastel Dior and elegant and modern in Elie Saab and now looks sultry and a bit edgy in Viv Westwood. This has been the perfect trifecta. I love the how slightly avant garde coif and interesting accessories make a cool counterpoint to this siren red dress.








Photo courtesy of Bastardly.

Go go, Coco

Photo courtesy of CocoRochaFan.

Rad Plaid

APC Madras is now on sale in stores and on their website. Click here to visit the sale right now.

Gorgeous Gorjana

Clockwise from top left: Serenity Earrings, $65; Aster Studs, $120; Blossom Hoops, $115; Lotus Earrings, $85; Clyde Earrings, $120.

I'm always on the lookout for new jewelry labels, well at least new to me. New feelings, new aesthetics. I was so pleased to come across the serene, natural designs by Gorjana. The Yugoslavian-born designer was relocated to Canada and then the US at an early age, where she was discovered as a model in her teens. With her husband by her side, the designer Gorjana launched her jewelry line in 2004.

Loved the world over, the label has worked closely with numerous charities as well as many celebrities - the likes of Sophia Bush, Lindsay Lohan, Mandy Moore, Cindy Crawford and Claire Danes have all sported the designer's wares. Magazines like InStyle, Lucky, Marie Claire and WWD have also taken notice since the label's inception.

I love the handmade feeling each piece has, sort of natural and imperfect. Intricately cut circles, lotus shapes and other abstractions form the line as well as more recognizable shapes from nature like feathers, birds and stars. Emphasis is also placed on texture: hammered styles, faceted elements and raised details.

Here are some favorites.

All jewelry available at Gorjana.

Glacier Ring, $145.

From left: Oxford Charm Necklace, $155; Star Wrap, $185; Olive Necklace, $145.

Fringe Bangle, $58 and Kensington Cuff, $145.