eBay Thoughts...

I am not sure if this BR shift dress looks similar enough to the Carrie Bradshaw dress...hmmmm...to bid or not to bid...what does everyone think?

My New LOVE online...how can you say no?

The Site: Garance Dore

My new love for 2009...I have been to Paris twice, but I am still so in LOVE with all things Paris'.  This makes the love even more true.

Now, nothing can take the place of The Sartorialist...but, this is my new go to at least once a week---if not more:)

I love the art and street style the blogger captures and shares each day...I wonder if she sells her art anywhere...I would so have them on the cover of my many notebooks for sure:)

A divine dessert locale in Portland, Oregon I just found the last time I was in PO for the holidays

The drink I had was perfectly called Coco Chanel---I love it!  So, my signature:)  And, I think I was carrying my Chanel that night too:)  

Here are some pics from that night as well as a copy of the dessert menu:)  Oh, and the place is called: Pix patisserie:)

My Vintage Shoot-I had to share since I love vintage so much:)

The Price of Things to Come

I keep thinking if prices for luxury items can keep raising, like my Chanel sunglasses that I have had for over 4 years that used to cost around $100 are now over $200...is that because of demand, or just because they know they can do it?  Well, according to WSJ, there are some luxury brands that are putting the economy into consideration when marking the prices for fall 2009 and that is Badgley Mischka.  I doubt they are going to take away any of the detail in the garment, but just adjust the price for the customer which makes sense.  I hope other designers follow this new idea.

Check Out the Banana Republic Jewelry Sale-In Store

I looked online and only the regular price jewels were catching my eyes, like the bib necklace (that is a HUGE) trend this spring and summer featured here...maybe it was just the prices ranging from $19.99 to $39.99 in store that were making me excited...go and check out all of the sale pieces, the store I went to had two sections worth to look through!  And now the big wait to see if this beautiful piece drops before it is sold out..kind of the exciting way to shop...if it's meant to be I will get it:)

Isaac @ Liz is going to be such a good thing!

I know I already shared with everyone the skirt set I scored from my grandma over Christmas by Liz Claiborne and the vintage leather handbag I purchased at Buffalo about a month ago in the memory of the old...but, it's on with the new and from these images from Blogger Style Chyle I know we can expect nothing but the BEST!  I am soo excited to see the entire collection...

Perfect Timing

I am so glad I waited for the great deal of $34.99 for the Target Anya Hindmarch handbag that looks strikingly similar to Anya Hindmarch spring handbag collection that is sold on Net-a-Porter for $1350 not only because I saved so much money, but because according to Fashion Week Daily, the designer has received the title of "a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's New Year's Honours list in recognition of her contribution to the British fashion industry."  

So, if you haven't purchased a bag, hurry in to the store or check online and get a great steal!

Marie Claire Meets Nina Garcia in the New Year

I am LOVING all things Nina Garcia right now...after the first book, "The Little Black Book of Style," she had followed up in 2008 with her second book, "The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own."

I read through the book I received for Christmas from my mom on the trip from snowy Portland, OR to the warm Tucson, AZ and just gushed the whole way taking notes the entire time:)

I have to also add that I am LOVING Marie Claire more than ever now.  The January issue was my favorite January issue out of all of all of my fashion magazines.  All of the fashion spreads made me want to put together new looks in my closet that I hadn't thought of!

I have 3 FREE 1 year subscriptions to share with readers (from the AMAZING Shop it to Me gang!) that share what they are loving about Marie Claire right now!

Here are the notes I took in my Jori Labanda notebook with my new Cross pen:)  

Things I learned from Nina Garcia:

-Did you know: Missoni and Pucci were in the olympics?

-#52 Mad Money, always carry at least $50 in your wallet---for any crisis---i.e. the store only accepts cash--and ALWAYS replace--I can do that:)

-1 men's white shirt---has to be men's.  Purchase from anywhere---Brooks Brothers to Target.  For the new year, I need to get rid of my old white blouses that don't pop for a strong piece.

Songs that Nina Garcia referenced throughout book that are about fashion: (and, I downloaded onto my iPod right away.)

"Fashion" David Bowie

"Dress You Up" Madonna

"Rasberry Beret" Prince

"Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" Paul Simon

She also referenced movies I need to get on my que now too:)

"Grey Gardens"

"Love Story"

"They Won't Forget"

"Gilda"

"Barbella"

"Giant"

Insider/Historical Fashion Background:

-Instead of Safari jacket, say sahari-enne

-Instead of K-a-ki pronounce like khaki-with the hindi-urdu pronunciation-where the word derived from meaning earth-colored.

Mark your calendars for January 15th to check out the new, and improved Marie Claire website!

Lauren Conrad Resort

I know people must think I am crazy because I dig the LC line...but, she always seems to have the right stuff:)  For instance, in the new resort line, I LOVE the print that is used in a bodysuit, dress and skirt.  The site is still having a great sale with up to 70% off!

Fabulous Tips

The fabulous ladies of Fabulous on a Budget, share some great tips for making your wardrobe last longer.  My favorite is #2, just to wash your jeans every 3 wears...makes sense, I hate how my jeans fit right after I was them anyway:)  

It seems like all brands are trying to use the new year as a new way to get fashionista's to shop....but, as everyone I have spoken to is saying...the economy is not going to change overnight just because of Obama...even though we all wish it will...I don't think that we will feel a change in our economy for at least a year...if that...but, it's still interesting to see all of the labels marketing strategies.  

Bag Borrow or Steal: Finally: 5 resolutions you'll love to keep 

Dogeared: Ring in the New Year (For Free)  Offering a free ring with any purchase

Net-a-porter: Helps You Start the New Year with Style: 10 New Year's Resolutions---Now, these are things that I can follow:)

Forever 21: New Year's Resolution Style Tips!!!  I LOVE the site for 2009!  How to wear one item a billion ways this year;)

The New "It" Shoe That Lasts All Year Long

Women's

Men's

I had a fashion shoot today where I fell in LOVE with a pair of shoes like no other...they remind me of the Tod's I have been dreaming of for so long...that I heard some outlets actually have for $25, but since there are no outlets near by I have yet to score a pair:)  But, today I met my new shoe best friend, Minnetonka Moccasins that come in men and women's styles that are called: Kilty Driving Moc.  You can't beat the cost either!  Women's $39.95 and Men's $49.95!  You can buy online or at a store near you in the South West.  These can be worn with anything form a pair of jeans to a cute short skirt this summer.  For the winter, just throw in a sheepskin insert and you are warm and cozy and good to go.

New Year, New Changes for Isaac Mizrahi

I went to 3 Target stores the other day searching for the Anya Hindmarch bags which are on sale now and the Sigerson Morrison flats in the gold grommet (which I still haven't found), I realized that there were no Isaac racks in any of the stores...and NOTHING Isaac on the sale rack...my heart dropped when I realized there wasn't anything on the floor...but, something to keep in mind, there is eBay (which sellers may add more to the price), I saw some pieces with the tags still on them at Buffalo Exchange, and, he may be gone in the store (sadly), but he is still strong on target.com and you can get a lot of the styles you may have missed in the store at prices you can't say no to!  I would also try (which I haven't yet) checking out Goodwill.  When I was in New York, the Goodwill store had a lot of the pieces in the store with tags on them still...so, I am thinking that Target must have an agreement with Goodwill...

Isaac shares what he would love to do for the New Year...things change, so we just need to stay tune for what he will be up to...he is not going to let us down.

Spring Dreams with J. Crew

The styling here is perfect---print detail skirt, charm bracelet, funky tee and the double skinny belt.
Love the print on this skirt.
These are so Indian-inspired, I need these right now:)  But, I can wait for Shop it To Me to share the sale:)  Shop it To Me is everywhere right now!  Every fashion publication I am going through is referencing this fab fashion find so check it out this year to keep a look out for what you want at a great price in 2009.
This is just a great color for the print and I love the belt detail again.

J. Crew is beginning to get their spring line in and they are not one to let down.  I just loving being inspired by the fantastic styling that is done.  I am researching now to find out who the AMAZING stylist is for the photo shoots to get an interview and find out their inspiration.  

Just a Note...

I am LOVING the Kate Spade Facebook site!  I swear this company knows how to sell their brand!  I love the whole site---everything about it is perfect.  Become a fan today, it is worth it, they provide discounts for members to enjoy!

Fashion History for Fashionista's at the Touch of a Key

Fashionista's everywhere have searched for vintage VOGUE images on ebay or at second hand book stores and now they can put the search to rest because the Conde Nast Store has divine images to use in your walk in closet, office or anywhere else you want to display your love for fashion.  These are also great gifts for birthdays, holidays or just to celebrate your love for fashion with a fashionista friend. 

Fashion Photography

1950's Accessories Image--this reminds me of a Kate Spade ad today.  (Kate Spade is now sharing behind the scenes information about the brand...I love this brand!)

Fashion Images

Glamour May 1944

Vogue Fashion Illustration

A Splash of Color for Day---I love the long skirt and the stripe jacket.

No Matter Where You Are, It's Time to Cover Up

No matter where you live during the winter it is going to rain, it will be windy, or just "chilly."  There are a few cute ways to keep warm no matter where  you live.

The Pea Coat-a classic, cozy cover-up that will never go out of style.  You can change the look with button detail and colors ranging from navy to brown.

For layering, try a cropped jacket...with this you can add the gloves, the cashmere sweater, the long john top and scarf...you can go over the top with the warm layers since you are going cropped.

For cooler locations like California, Florida, and Arizona that don't see as much cool weather, the cardigan is a great piece to cover up with in the early and late hours of the day.

Blush featuring Dannii Minogue Part 1

I can't believe I missed this cosmetic competition, but that is what YouTube is for....Also, this was on Lifetime and I don't ever really watch that network...I thought I would start because Project Runway would be changing networks, but now it looks like they will be staying with Bravo...Bravo to that:) Also, Rachel Zoe is back again...can't wait for that!

Must-Have Fashion FIlm of 2009

I have never read this book---something I need to have done before February! Also, this trailer reminds me of Uptown Girls with Brittany Murphy.

Fashion Films for 2009

Check out this video: Patricia Field Invites YOU to a fashion trip of a lifetime!

Speaking of winning a trip to NYC for a fashion trip of a lifetime with Patricia Field, did you know that she has styled the following programs:

Cashmere Mafia

Ugly Betty

Dirty Sexy Money

Six Degrees

Just to name a few:)

Besides the movie, Confessions of a Shopaholic (Feb 13), there will also be the following fashion films that alll fashionista's should take note of:

He's Just Not That Into You (Feb 6)

Bride Wars (Jan 9th)  Candice Bergen is back again and looking better than ever...she is making waves in fashion films recently.

I can't wait to see the costumes in each of these films!