Fall 2011 trend: the bow blouse

(Marc by Marc Jacobs/Nordstrom)

Who else is on the fence with the bow blouse trend? I really feel like you have to be right on for this look or it just comes off horribly.



(Juicy Couture/Bloomingdales)

I am busty, not big persay (32DD), but pretty full. Since I have a lingerie background, I have done my gathering of well-fitting undergarments. For some people, this sizing issue can completely make a trend piece look horrible on them. It just does not work. For me, it is having something around my neck for several hours. I just do not like it. Its like a silky scarf, getting fearfully close to the beverage at my desk or draping over my keyboard keys. As if my hair was down.


(Diane von Furstenberg/Nordstrom)

Unless I am wearing a work outfit, heels, hose (of whatever sort), pencil skirt, ballet bun - the bow blouse just does not work. I feel a bit contrived pairing it with a pair of skinny jeans and stilettos. I think I look like a joke. Probably just a proportion thing.



(Alice + Olivia/Neiman-Marcus)

This all being said, maybe my impression will change since now it is a trend. This whole time, I have been wearing vintage bow blouses and these new bold colors may do just the trick. I would love one in a subtle pattern and another in maybe a deep rich jewel tone like a teal... Or both (see below).


(Gucci/Net-a-porter)

I currently own some vintage silk ones from Doncaster, Carlisle, Worth and Juliana Collezione. They have not been worn in a while, and it was fun wearing them in a law office as they were a fun pick-me-up to the regularity of suits and oxfords. Who knows when I will pull them out!



(Robert Rodriguez/Neiman-Marcus)

What do you think of this trend? Did you wear these in their various revivals in the 70s, 80s and hold on to them? Are you hoping to purchase a few pieces for this season?

Fall 2011 trend: animal-print shoes

One of the things I enjoy most is to put on a fun outfit, drive to my local Nordstrom and with a lemonade in hand (I do not drink coffee. This includes lattes!), peruse the regularly-changing displays of merchandise.

One of the best departments in our small, but pretty well-balanced Nordstrom is the shoe department. The selection is laughable compared to the Tysons Corner store, natch, but it is good enough to keep on trend throughout the seasons.

One display caught my eye, and it was animal prints for fall. This one display had a trend I am shyly toeing the line over. I like the look a lot, but can I really wear something enough to make it worth being in my wardrobe? And which style of shoe should I invest in, anyway? A woman cannot go wrong with an animal-print flat done right in pony hair, but some heels - as you shall see, really can be horrid. BUT, to each their own!


"Iris" by Via Spiga. Pony hair in animal-print with black patent leather trim and heel. If I was a dainty size 7.5 or less, I would get this shoe. Really cute but only if you never danced pointe. At least that is how I feel about it.


"Allie" by Halogen (Nordstrom brand). Suede black wedge with animal-print. If you want to go budget and trend, this shoe may work for you. But I honestly think it looks too cheap. The suede heel is a dramatic contrast from the rest of the shoe and not necessarily in a good way.


"Odessa" by Via Spiga. Animal-print in pony hair with black leather buckle, with silver hardware, over the toe. Barely a heel at all. You'd probably want to slip something in to support your arches with this one!


"Lyla" by Sam Edleman. Animal-print in pony hair. Wood heel. Ankle strap is brown leather with silver hardware. Anyone else feel like this one is ruined by the strap??


"Stringtie" by Stuart Weitzman. A classic ballet flat. Black leather trim and at toe, on a animal-print pony hair flat. This one is on my wishlist.


"Pipespy" by Stuart Weitzman. A very understated (other than pattern) peep-toe stiletto. Animal-print pony hair, wrapped leather heel. The heel is about four inches, otherwise I would be considering this one. Maybe I'll stick with a flat.


"Briar" by Dolce Vita. Black bow at back by ankle. Dark cheetah animal-print. Black leather-wrapped heel. I feel like this shoe has too much going on, but know I will be seeing it around Richmond because, hey, this look fits with a certain niche market of trying-too-hards that live around here.


Which of these shoes is your favorite?
What animal print trend are you embracing for fall?

Wedding Inspiration: Getaway Cars

Did you use a special car for your getaway? Would you love to have one for your special day?

I think it would be nice to have a fun getaway car. Heck, have a chauffeur take you to your hotel, then the airport the next day as you depart for your honeymoon! Then you can just relax relax and, relax!

It's the Little Things...

Beautiful roses from M... "just because".

Aren't those the best kind of flowers? These are so fragrant and lush, like garden roses.

LOVE

"Stand by Me"

Another awesome wedding video by Josh Gooden, wedding photographer and videographer. Such a sweet, understated video - the epitome of Chesapeake, VA culture!

Tac & Katie // Wedding | Deltaville, Virginia from Josh Gooden on Vimeo.

I wish all of my family was able to travel. There is no doubt in my mind that M & I would have had a OBX or Chesapeake Bay wedding! So sweet.

After all these years...

Yeah, I still think J.T.T. is totally adorable/handsome/etc. I really did cover my wall with him. Maybe two walls.... In a 13 year-old infatuated sort of way. However, I NEVER joined the fan club. Bummer.

Does that make me a weirdo?