Dear Santa...this is all I want for Christmas

It's the holiday season, as a matter of fact it's Christmas Eve...and I am currently blogging. That's weird. I have also been surfing fashion blogs on the internet on this snowy holiday evening and look what I found. I am dying on the inside...this is so flippin beautiful. I want to be there...right now. I don't care about a white Christmas, just take me there, Santa.

Accessorize with your nails

Polish, polish, and more nail polish. Freshly painted nails just warm my heart and put a bounce in my step. How can that little bottle of color possess such great power? Who knows. What I do know is that I have had a recent obsession with nail polish....not like I have ever not had an obsession with nail polish. This fall, glitter and metallic polishes have come back in full swing. There are many gorgeous fall colors such as deep reds, burnt oranges and moss greens on the market along with a few other hot trends including camel and taupe shades and my personal favorite...drum roll, please.....metallic gunmetal. Oh yes, its fierce and its fabulous, yet it is a bit more refined than the basic creme black. I just can't get enough of it! My personal recommendation for a metallic gunmetal polish is China Glaze's Jitterbug. I also recently bought Hey Doll from their vintage vixen collection and I absolutely love it's brownish-mauve tone. One of the most exciting updates in my personal nail polish world is that this weekend I will be getting my very first manicure :) I can't believe it has taken me 'til the age of 17 to get my first manicure, but nonetheless it is going to be great! I am getting my nails done for my senior homecoming and I am planning on choosing a vibrant lavender to go with my royal blue attire. My accessories and shoes are black so I figured why not go for a fun color on the nails. Remember, interesting nail polish colors can serve as a unique accessory to any outfit. On a final note, here is an excellent nail polish blog that is full of great information...enjoy!
Here is the web address: http://www.alllacqueredup.com/page/2

Plumes of Red Licorice Ruffles

The fashion world is buzzing with excitement as NY Fashion Week continues this upcoming week. This is a year of new beginnings as Mercedes Benz Fashion Week is now being held in Lincoln Center, rather than the old location of Bryant Park. Designers are showcasing their creations for Spring 2011 and though fall has just begun, there is no shortage of sheer and skimpy pieces on the runway. After flipping through some pictures from the shows on Thursday and Friday I am already seeing some very apparent trends for next year. The sheer, flowy fabrics and minimalist looks are staying strong as they also persevered on this fall's runways. Many of the designers color palettes consist of creams and nudes with pops of refreshing color, which is also something we have seen on the runway in recent seasons. A trend that is faring well on the recent runways is the bohemian traveler look. Tribal prints, long skirts, safari inspired looks. It is all so exciting!

On a more detailed note, Christian Siriano presented his collection on Thursday and maintained the wow-factor that his clothing has always possessed. Incorporating many of the trends in a single collection, he managed to create a collection that was very wearable, yet unique. Being his flamboyant self, he also threw a few over-the-top looks in there too, one of my favorites being this red dress. How spectacular is this, seriously?! This piece better show up in one of Vogue or Elle's spreads this fall because I just can't get over how great it is. The color, the texture....I just want to curl up in a little ball and take a nap inside the ruffles of this dress! I will now leave you to feast your eyes on the gorgeousness of this museum-worthy dress.
'Til next time friends

Autumn is in the air

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but yes, I have been a complete fail when it comes to blogging recently. Summer is quickly coming to a close :( Then again, maybe it's not so bad because that means we get to go back to school to learn new things and see old friends, and best of all...we get to go back to school shopping :) I have gotten some new things recently that I can't wait to work into my wardrobe this fall! I am excited to get dressed every morning and actually have somewhere to go. Speaking of back to school, here are some trends for the fall 2010 season.
Fur: Real, fake, overstated, understated. Fur was seen all over the runways in many different forms. I understand that it is not realistic to think you are going to walk down the street in a full length fur coat, but you can still incorporate this trend into your wardrobe in small ways. Think accessories, such as small cross strap bags, clutches, or even a fur cowl to pair with your favorite knit sweater or feminine dress if you are feeling daring.
Military Inspiration: Release your inner drill sargent with army green fatigues and rugged backpacks and messenger bags. The simplest way to wear this trend is the new and fabulous skinny cargo pant. You can find them everywhere from Macy's to Saks and they are a great, versatile pant to have in your wardrobe. Another item to consider is a military inspired jacket. Try one in a knit material with a bit of shoulder padding and two nice, neat rows of buttons running up both sides of the front.
Minimalism: Clean cut and sleek as ever. Think Calvin Klein woman. Go for pieces with clean tailoring and no embellishment. Buy something in a neutral or nude tone and be a true minimalist, or try something in bold jewel tone or even metallic shade for a bit more pop. Remember that you can still steal the spotlight in a well cut, unique minimalist piece. Note: if you are a glam girl, this may not be the trend for you ;)
Sheer: Models on the runway exposed a lot of skin in the fall 2010 shows, as many designers exemplified the trend of incorporating lingerie into day wear. Go for a less scandy version of this trend by opting for shirts in sheer fabrics and layering them over a simple cami. By doing this, you can still look fashion forward without revealing too much skin.

Well friends, this is definitely not the whole lot of trends for fall, but it is a few to get you thinking and excited about the fall months to come. If I don't post again before your school starts, have a great first day of school! And I have to give a shout out to my well-loved, soon-to-be college freshman that are part of the blogging community and are all leaving soon :( I love you Molly, Dani, and Cecilie...you guys will be missed! Well, that's all for now folks. 'Til next time!

Online Shopping Heaven

I have recently discovered a slew of online shopping websites that offer designer goods for a fabulously discounted price. I have noticed numerous articles and youtube videos mentioning these websites so I am sensing that they will soon become the big craze in the online merchandise world. In order to access these websites you have to sign up, but the registration is very simple and they are free to join. note: you will need to give out your email address, but if you are really paranoid about giving out your full name you can just make it up or abbreviate it...that's what I did ;) These websites are filled with designer brands such as marc jacobs, tibi, juicy couture, seven for all mankind, D&G, and much more. They even have some room wares and the occasional beauty line such as tarte cosmetics. Now, the mention of these names may seem tantalizing, but I am sure you are also currently wondering how you could ever afford all this goodness. Well here is the beauty of these websites...everything they carry is discounted. That's right, all this designer deliciousness is now sitting at your fingertips just waiting to be bitten at. Another nice thing about these websites is that they cycle their merchandise every few days, so new brands are constantly appearing on the website. Whoever came up with this idea is simply genius...the Einstein of the the online shopping world.
Check out these websites:
ruelala.com
hautelook.com
gilt.com

Dior's Beautiful Blooms

I have been meaning to blog about this for a while now, so here I am, offering some slightly tardy, yet worthy recognition for the Christian Dior fall winter 2010/2011 Haute Couture show. This show is breathtakingly beautiful and every element is flawless. The dresses are like blossoming clouds of perfection, the makeup is to the t, the shoes are to die for, the set is immaculate, and the music beautifully rounds out the experience. What more can a person ask for?! The show begins with more wearable pieces, progresses to evening wear, and concludes with a few gowns that are indescribably amazing. It is awfully hard to choose favorites when almost every piece in the show makes you weak at the knees. John Galliano has showcased the mastery his art form yet again and I would love to share the blissful experience of watching this show with you all. Here are the URLs to watch it:
part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29zzJ1g3do0&feature=related
part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cQZtUEr_H8&feature=related
Enjoy!

Show Off That Pedicure!

Summer is in the air and warm weather means pedicure-baring sandals are taking center stage! Yes, it has been warm and sunny for quite some time now, but with the recent death of my favorite pair of gladiators, sandals have been on my mind. And guess what?! There are plenty of summer days left to enjoy so why not adorn your feet in the most spectacular of footwear. An added bonus is that most summer clothing and footwear is going on sale now because stores are starting to make room for their shipments of fall apparel (crazy, I know...summer has only just begun). For all you savvy shoppers out there, remember that after the 4th of July summer clothing and accessories will start hitting the sale racks, so this is the perfect time to replace that washed out bikini or worn out pair of wedges.

If you are in the market for a new pair of sandals, consider checking out the newest gladiators. They continue to be a trendy and functional footwear option. Gladiators are great to wear around town, at the beach, or even for a nicer event. For a dressier look try a metallic gladiator sandal with a small wedge and possibly even some bejeweled accents. Gladiators are great because their strappy nature makes them easy to walk in and they come in a range of styles so you can find them in a simple t-strap form or in a hot-off-the-runways, tons of detailing design. Release you inner Cleopatra and rock those gladiators!

Another hot style of footwear this summer is the wedge. Great for those summer evening outings or an afternoon of shopping downtown, wedges have the leg lengthening benefit of a heel, but without all the wobbling. Wedges are available in a wide range of heel heights and their sturdy base makes them a very practical option when looking for a heeled sandal. If you aren't ready to brave the wedge, try a colorful or embellished sandal for a summertime switch-up. A bold sandal can make an outfit shift from blah to beautiful, so be daring and try something new this summer! And what have you got to lose...they're all on sale now anyway ;)

Need....fresh air

I have finally returned from a week of thespian mayhem in Lincoln, Nebraska! It was a fun festival filled with workshops, shows, and costumed dances, but it is nice to be back in the routine of summer. We stayed at the University of Nebraska and I have gone to summer camps where I stayed in a dorm before, but this trip got me especially excited for college. It was so nice to be away and to experience new people and places! It made me realize how ready I am to get out of high school. I mean don't get me wrong, high school has been great, but I am ready to venture to new places and follow my dream. I especially loved being in a place where there was a diversity of people who all had different ways of dressing. It got me thinking about how blah high school is and how ready I am to experience something new. Even last night, I was at Target and I saw a college aged girl dressed like she was just pulled off the streets of NYC, working the edgy boyfriend look. Now, this is a rare occurrence to see at a place like Target in a stingy suburb, but it was such a breath of fresh air. I feel myself gasping for air in this stereotypical wealthy suburb where I reside...I need change!

Dress to Express

I have recently discovered the show Glee and I confess that I have spent a good number of hours watching every episode I could get my hands on this past week. I now understand why everyone was raving about it so much...it is genius television! The plot is enticing and there are plenty of plot twists to keep the viewer engaged, the characters have strong personalities that represent the widespread demographic of teens at a high school, and every episode is filled with catchy tunes sung in a new way...what is there not to love! One thing that I still fail to understand though, is why the latest Glee cast songs manage to consume nearly 85 of the top 100 spots on the itunes top 100 list. Wouldn't you rather just buy the original song?! Anyway, I am sure you are wondering why I am gushing over Glee on a fashion blog...what does any of this have to do with fashion???

Well, in episode 20, titled "theatricality", the theme of dressing to express yourself serves as the central message. This got me thinking about how fashion is such an excellent way to express yourself. Your outfits can fluctuate with your mood and no one is harmed by what you choose to wear in the morning. Most of us have a general style that we evoke through our apparel, but I think it is wrong for us to pinhole ourselves into one particular subgroup of dressing. Everyone is multifaceted and one's clothing should be given the opportunity to show that. Many people find that a simple pair of jeans and a t shirt are right for their lifestyle and that is completely fine, but for all you fashionistas out there remember that switching it up once in awhile isn't a bad thing. Dare to be different and show a new side of yourself. Your usual style may be "bohemian", but that doesn't mean you can't wear an oxford and khaki shorts for a more "preppy" look one day. You can even try mixing styles. I find that some of the most uniquely special outfits are created when you don't try to look a certain way. You simply select clothing and accessories based on what you are feeling. Life is fun, so live it to the fullest and allow your wardrobe to show the many great sides of you!

Random Rant

I feel in the mood to blog about randomness so here goes. My topic of discussion today is the little luxuries in life. I selected two in particular to comment on...those being the excitement of having freshly painted nails and the wonderful aroma of a just-mailed fashion magazine. I indulged in both of these last night, making for a spectacular Sunday evening. I painted my nails a bright pink color called "sugar-coated strawberry"...don't you just love that name?! I was debating between two colors in the target beauty aisle and made my decision based on the names of the polishes. This method is almost as fool proof as choosing a book because the cover art is beautiful ;) My home mani pedi was a success and I am now sporting some brightly colored nails that make me smile every time I look down at my hands. Don't you just love that feeling after you paint your nails and you can't stop staring at your beautiful hands?! The brand of polish that I used was Jessica custom nail color, which I highly recommend. It runs about $8 a bottle and its quality is on par with OPI. I actually find it better because it dries really quickly and the brush is great.

On to my second little luxury...fashion magazines. I have loved them from the start, but I recently gained a new appreciation for the aroma that they offer along with the scads of articles and pictures of fabulously clothed models. The smell of a fashion magazine is like none other. Most all come with a few perfume inserts that allow you to "sample" the perfume and when all the smells mix together you know you have a little treasure in your hands. The melting pot of scents becomes their mark of distinction. Newsweek doesn't do anything to stimulate my nose and National Geographic offers ink saturated pages that frankly give me a headache, therefore Vogue, Elle, W, and the many other fashion mags out there have won my vote in the "nice aroma" category...and in a slew of other categories, putting them at the top of my reading list. A quick beauty tip related to this topic: if you are ever out and about and smelling less that pleasant just pull open a perfume insert and rub the scented region across your wrist or the nape of your neck and voila...instant refresher! Perfume inserts are also a great way to test out new perfumes...you may be surprised at how the scent smells different once you apply it to your skin.

Well, I think this has been a sufficient rant and I quite enjoyed concocting this randomness. Always remember...a fashion mag a day keeps the blues away.

Free At Last!

School is out and a fun filled summer is just around the corner! There will be lots of relaxing in the sunshine with the newest issue of vogue and blogging on a more regular basis than I have previously ;) I can't wait for this summer...it is going to be so great! I am still drifting in that mental mode of pressure, finals, homework, and studying...UUUGGHHHH...I am sure my mind will soon find a better place to rest.

Speaking of summer, one of my favorite trends of this season is mixing nudes with brights. The contrast is so uplifting and fresh. I love the look of a very neutral, pale outfit with a simple bright accessory like a neon skinny belt or a wrist of brightly colored bangles. Try pairing a coral blouse with khaki shorts and nude flats for a classy look and amp it up for a fun night out with some shiny jewelry and a small metallic clutch. To properly pull off the nudes with brights look keep the basis of your outfit nude or a pale shade of pink and use small pops of bright color to make the outfit special. Neons are tempting but don't over do them and make sure you don't leave the house looking like you are dressed for an 80s party. Thinking of that has made me want to go rollerskating...well, rollerblading anyway...I will go for the more updated version :) My mind is wandering, can you tell? Summer has come, so let the good times roll! 'Til later my friends...

Soft as a tuft of cotton candy

What a bold new idea...wearing soft, draped pieces for a fiercely strong look. Designers such as Vera Wang and Thakoon have proven that this is not an impossible feat, though the concept may seem perplexing at first. After a fall 2009 season of strong shoulders and terminator inspired frocks, the spring 2010 runway shows have delivered a fresh outlook on the definition of fierce. But of course, once again the designers have created a completely new set of trends that clashes with those currently residing in my closet...great, fare warning to my wallet, this season may hurt a little. Whether simply staring at a gorgeous silky jumpsuit on your computer screen or actually forking over the money to purchase one, they are certainly a joy for one's pupils to behold. The softness of a beautifully draped gown is simply breathtaking. How the fabric folds over itself creating a cloud of ethereal beauty, like freshly spun cotton candy. And guess what, there's more...this soft and silky business doesn't end at draping. There are a multitude of beautiful flowing dresses and tops on the market that won't require you to forklift a wad of cash over to the salesman. For a fancy evening out, try a simple silky sheath belted with a thin, metallic belt and your favorite strappy pumps. For a day at the beach throw on a bandeau top, which by the way are really hot right now, and a loose fitting racer back tank to achieve that soft look. There are a variety of options that are nothing short of spectacular and always remember soft can be fierce. I will leave you with a sumptuous quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson...
"Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art."

Shop in the mens section...what?!

But seriously...try it! You may be surprised at what you find. With a bold mindset and the help of some feminine accessories, dressing with masculine inspiration can be a fabulously unique choice. The mens section offers scads of great apparel from blazers and over sized sweaters to bold striped rugby polos. Mens watches are also a great thing to check out...why buy a "boyfriend" watch from the womens watch department when you can simply borrow your boyfriend's watch? The mens section offers a variety of enticing apparel, but be cognizant of how you put your "man inspired" outfits together. A great way to keep your feminine silhouette is to belt an over sized polo or t shirt and pair it with leggings. If you are going for a mens blazer or sweater, wear it with some tight fitting skinny jeans or jeggings (jean leggings) to balance out the volume of the top. Another great way to maintian your femininity while rocking the manly apparel is to throw on your favorite pair of pearl earrings or diamond studs. I love the contrast between a large mens top and the daintiness of a girly earring. There are so many possibilities!

A great thing about working the man inspired look is that there is a low probability of another girl showing up with the same shirt. We all want to avoid that dreaded exchange of looks you share with the girl across the room who is wearing the same ruffled blouse. Darnit! You were so excited to wear the cute new top that you spent your birthday money on. Another point to be made, women have the advantage of being able to work the opposite genders look...if a guy showed up wearing a dress we would all be very quizzical...so embrace this freedom and work that over sized oxford...you know you want to ;)

I'm back!

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth, but junior year has managed to thoroughly consume my life. After a spring show and some serious AP tests, I am finally returning to late night virtual window shopping expeditions and the time I cherish with my fashion magazines :) But rather than rambling about my busy and exciting life I will write about the ever-enthralling world of fashion...after all, this is a fashion blog. So, a recent obsession of mine...the spring collection of shoes from Miu Miu. They are beautifully strong, yet feminine, and silky...and adorned with unexpected prints...and just oh so fabulous...and I really want a pair...and...the list goes on...(wow, I have a serious addiction to ellipses).

This masterpiece of Miu Miu brings me to another commentary. If you are looking for a great new accessory or shirt for spring, you can't go wrong with anything in the families of light pink, peach, and nude. They are my new favorite colors for spring and they are hot this year! Nude flats or pumps are an excellent addition to your shoe collection as they are oh so versatile, classy, and chic. There is a disclaimer though...make sure you chose a shade proper for your skin tone. Depending on how tan you are (or lack there of, like me) and what sort of undertones you have in your skin, some items will look great on you and some will look...well, simply put, terrible. If you have pink or red undertones and are a bit more light skinned, blushing nudes look great as they enhance your natural coloring. For more tan, olive-skinned people the options are much broader, but if you are tanned from a bottle, be aware of orange tones that accentuate your oompa loompa-ness (new word added to the Reed dictionary). I think that oompa loompas are a good note to end on...they are just so jolly and roly-poly (don't you just want to hug one?!).

Well, my friends, it feels good to be back...and don't worry, I will return soon :)

It always puts a smile on my face when style.com comes out with the new fashion shows :) Fall 2010 fashion week advances to Paris for the next few days, leaving me to quake in my shoes over what the Lanvin, Valentino and Chanel shows will be like. Having only seen a couple of the Milan shows and a slew of the New York shows, some strong trends are becoming apparent. This fall texture will be the new thing to note. The Prada show proved unique with it's ruffled busts and clashing rubber and knit ensembles. Giorgio Armani sent flowing velvet capes and colored furs down the runway, which brings me to another trend...furs galore. Colored Fur, fur skirts, and fur booties appeared on the runway, making a strong statement in the Michael Kors and Zac Posen collections. A third trend that stole the show was cocoon shapes. Calvin Klein exemplified this trend with strong neutrals and Jason Wu molded his models into soon-to-be butterflies, but with a more feminine flair.

I know this was an awfully short review of the fall 2010 collections but there will certainly be more to come, don't worry. I now must part with the keyboard, for my history textbook is calling my name.

ice upon my window

Every winter, the window in my bedroom grows ice crystals upon the glass. The formations created are indescribably beautiful and every day I come home to a new piece of mother nature's artwork. I have always been enthralled by the beauties of mother nature and yet again she has not ceased to amaze me. These crystals upon my window inspired me to put my pencil to paper and draw...a dominatrix ice princess. A sheer dress with a glittering crystal-like overlay, some sassy feathers around the hem, and a pair of don't-mess-with-me heels. All evoking the power of ice, in a modern way. Rather than rambling I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

Strike a balance

Ah the wonderful world of accessories. From a simple beret to a statement bib necklace, there is so much to choose from when accessorizing an outfit. Some like to pile on the accessories and others prefer to wear none. Here is my philosophy, "never leave the house without accessorizing and always strike a balance". Though it may be tempting to put on your favorite pair of hoop earrings, pile on the bangles, and grab a studded clutch as you run out the door, does it really all work with your outfit? The answer is probably no. Some outfits work when they are intentionally over-accessorized, but most do not. Consider how bold your clothes are and work from there.

Though I do not advocate too many accessories, I always find that adding a little something to an outfit can make it transform from a "cute outfit" to a "great outfit". If you are wearing a simple t-shirt and skinny jeans a colorful headband and bold boyfriend watch can add a little pizazz. How about throwing on a pair of sparkly tights with your favorite dress for a fun night out. There is so much you can do with accessories. Embrace their beauty but be wary of their power. Have fun accessorizing!

My first post

This is so exciting! I am finally starting the blog that I have been dreaming about for weeks on end. To feel the keys under my fingers brings this weird sense of freedom...the freedom to say anything and everything. Now that my brain has finally morphed back into shape after being squished by finals week I feel ready to take on the world! Well...maybe not quite yet...but soon :)

So, to the content of this blog. Style, fashion and everything beautiful. That is what I plan to write about because that is what I live for. I thrive on the beauty of a flowing Bottega Veneta gown, the excitement of seeing the spring ready-to-wear collections for the first time, the inspiration that I get from the crystal ice formations on my window. It's all so irresistible. Now, you may be asking "a plum blazer...what?!" Well here is the background on the name of my blog. The color of deep plum and the versality of a great blazer...these are a few of my favorite things (did you just get The Sound of Music stuck in your head??). I have forever and always loved the color plum. It is the midnight sky. Mysterious, yet intriguing. And the other half of the name...blazer. I have an obsession with blazers. They come in a great variety of cuts, colors and styles. They can be dressed up or down. They can work with your favorite pair of skinny jeans or a cute mini dress. What is not to love about the perfect blazer?! So in the end, I decided to merge these two fabulous things and make it the name of my style blog. After doing this I realized how wrong it was that I didn't have a plum blazer in my closet...

More to come my friends!