Powered by Blogger.
Showing posts with label international shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label international shopping. Show all posts

Fashionspiration: Necklush and Blazers

Friday, July 22, 2011

My dears, I have been craving some Necklush ever since I first saw it on Etsy a few years back...what took me so long to get one? Je ne sais pas, mais, je l'adore absolument!! I love that it is fabric jewelry that does not look like a craft project. I also love that it is a fun way to jazz up your outfit, for work or otherwise, whilst still remaining appropriate. 


Here is my Office to Happy Hour look that I just love. First of all I have gained a not-so-slight obsession with rompers, they are the perfect one stop shop. So add a skinny belt and some fun accessories and I am hooked. The blazer provides the perfect professional spin, and for those of you that cannot try shorts at work and still remain employed try to pair a skirt over it, it can be your secret skort!

Romper: Promod (France)
Belt: Express
Necklush: PacSun
Flats: Steve Madden
Sunnies: Liz Claiborne 
Watch: Betsey Johnson

So let your necklush be the only 
lush at happy hour this week. 
You bring the fabulous!

Fashionspiration: Summer White

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

As much as I love color, I do love white! Summer white is such a refreshing shade to walk down 5th Ave in. It is so clean and ready for the best rooftop picnic you can find! Here I paired simple, but well made pieces together for a more modern sleek shape reminiscent of the minimalistic 90s with some fun jewelry to top off the ensemble....I certainly can't go completely unadorned!


Ruched Tank: Vivienne Tam
White Skinny Jeans: Camaieu
Teal Jewel Heels: Marc Jacobs
Necklace and Jeweled Bracelet: Erickson Beamon

How do you wear Summer White?

Guest Blogger: Shopping Down Under... the Aussie Way

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Since my blog is officially in travel mode this week I thought I would keep the trend going with another fabulous guest blogger post to bring you the best how-to shopping from around the globe! Next stop? Australia with the amazing Sam of The Curvy Girl's DiaryThat's right we're going down under for this shopping excursion!

Dressing up Down Under…

Whenever I talk to any of my friends overseas or visitors that I run into, fashion is not something that they mention when they think of Australia. It’s all beaches and backpacking, but thanks to the fab The Embellished Life, I get to introduce you to some amazing designers that are making their mark all over the world... and send you all into an Aussie fashion lovefest.

1. One teaspoon 
Location: Sydney 
This local Sydney designer has been making major headway over the past few years. Her surfer/skater approach to clothing has somehow managed to be tied in with an effortless glam that just screams chic. The designs of one teaspoons founder Jamie Blakely have been attracting major overseas interest and for all you spunks in the US I know it is available online at planetblue.com definitely worth a major look.

2. Sass and Bide 
Location: Sydney
Definitely one of my all times favorite’s designers ever! Their dresses are just showstoppers and their jeans just scream laid back vibe meets totally glam. They are a must-have brand among the celebrity-set, the world over, and their accessory range is equally to die for. I would spend my last pennies in this shop! Enough said!

3. Dogstar 
Location: Brisbane
Down Under Website: http://dogstar.com.au/
Think Audrey Hepburn meets Judy jetsen in the best way possible, classic tailoring mixed with some totally off the cuff, deconstructed design makes this label a must-have and a staple in Aussie wardrobes. Their wide leg pants have cult status over here and something I couldn’t live without.

Bryon bay markets 
Location: Bryon bay
I’m a total market goer, and these markets provide some of the best shopping in this country for up and coming designers and great accessories. It was here that I developed my love of spell designs. Some of the most unique accessories you will ever see and amazing leather work, not to mention their feather headpieces... I literally wanted to walk down the aisle in one! This is just one of the awesome names to come out of these markets and to top it all off, it's 5 minutes away from the most amazing beaches you will ever see.

There is so much I could share with you I didn’t even mention we have entire suburbs dedicated to vintage shopping but that’s a story for another time or you could hop a plane and discover it all for yourself just holler if you need a shopping buddy!

To catch more of Sam hop on over to thecurvygirlsdiary.blogspot.com 
and follow her Aussie adventures!
You can also follow along on Bloglovin!

Guest Blogger: London Shopping from BritGirlBondi

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

With all the Spring in the air, it is certainly the time when we are all thinking of shopping! And what could be better than traveling and shopping? So I have a guest blogger for you today to bring you the know how of the Brits! Here is some London Shopping pointers straight from the expert BritGirlBondi.

So straight from Notting Hill, Helen of BritGirlBondi...

So, Vintage.

There is a lot of blah around Vintage at the moment. I don’t know what it is like in your town, but London ?! Let’s just say this is a bandwagon everyone (including me, I must say) has jumped on. There is “Vintage” everywhere. Got an old T-shirt?! Vintage. Some 1990’s Topshop?! Vintage. What I’m here to do is it say STOP! Say no to bad vintage.

Because, Mon amis, there is so much GOOD STUFF OUT THERE! And here I am, thanks to the lovely Jessica, to tell you where to find it.

I think, like many people, what I love about vintage clothing is the real history around the items that you wear. I love it when you buy a bag and find a dry cleaning ticket from the 60’s. I love it when you buy a military coat and it has Dieppe the French soldier’s name written into the lining.

I lived in London for the last 8 years; Shoreditch, Oval, Clapham, Dulwich, Hackney….. the list goes on. I now live in Sydney, and trust me, if you are lucky enough to be in London then do go on this fabulous trail because I believe there is no place like it for treasure hunting in the world!

1. Spitalfields Antiques
Address: Brushfield and Commercial Street
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East



Thursdays at Spitalfields is home to the wondrous antique market. Now, I hear you cry, this is not vintage. On the contrary, I think this is the very best of vintage. Old military wares, scarves, postcards, furniture….. When I move back to the UK the first thing I will buy is a 1800’s Union Jack Flag to frame to hang next to some vintage suitcases filled with books.


2. Absolute Vintage
Address: 15 Hanbury Street
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East




Just around the corner from Spitalfields market is the Topshop of vintage. Seriously, anything you need, you can get here. It was voted one of the 100 best stores in the world, and I would have to agree, it’s pretty awesome! It is slightly overpriced, but if you are need of a vintage hit, like NOW, this place makes it so easy it’s unreal. Weirdly though, the website is rather pants, so no great pics to be shared. Luckily I have this picture of this dress I once got this awesome dress from AV…. for $60. Wow wow wow!


3. Sunday Upmarket
Address: The Old Truman Brewery, Ely’s Yard
Nearest Tube: Liverpool Street/Aldgate East




There are many reasons I love Sunday Upmarket. Firstly is because I used to have a stall here, where I basically just put my wardrobe on sale before I moved to Sydney . What I love about this place is because many of the stalls are casual (especially on the higher levels…), there is a huge buzz and excitement about the place. People bring their dogs in, and have their friends to their stalls like it’s a social gathering (Well, I did anyway, see pics below of me and stall friends!). There is a specific vintage section to the market on the upper levels, but don’t let that distract you from the rest of the market, especially the cheaper stalls at the bottom!
Oh, and get your money out before you get there, then go for a curry on the famous Brick Lane after!


4. Rokit
Address: 42 Shelton Street
Nearest Tube: Covent Garden/Leicester Square
Online at: rokit.co.uk



I’m listing this place, basically, because it was the place that started the whole Vintage thing off in London , and started my obsession when I was only a wee 18 year London student. This place has a great central location, right in the midst of Covent Garden . What I always found Rokit best at was the Denim; rows and rows of skirts, jeans, and jackets all very well size labelled means its great for an organisation freak like me. Also I knew the staff in there at one point, they are so darned friendly. They really live and breathe what they do.


5. Portobello Road
Address: Portobello Road
Nearest Tube: Notting Hill gate



{all photo rights to respective stores, EuropeCloseup and Helen Buchan at BritGirlBondi}

I am quite unfamiliar with Portobello Road , as I must say its rather prim compared to my get down and dirty approach to shopping. Also, I find it a bit cluttered with food stalls, and the usual trappings of a tourist destination. However, the small stores around Portobello are just gorgeous, and, if you are feeling lazy, you can just pop online to pretaportobello.com/shop/vintage.aspx. So you can have the real Portobello experience, minus the tourists, at home with a cup of tea and a biscuit. Mmmmm.


So now you know where to go….. I’ll let you in on some top tips:  

  1. Haggle at stalls, you’ll always get a bit of money off if you are just super nice, or buy a few items.
  2. If you like a stall, compliment it! It means a lot to the stall holder, they’ve been up since 5am making it beautiful, just for you. And you’ll probably get a discount. And if you want to take a photo, ask first.
  3. Remember that most stall holders get their items from EBay. So if you can be patient, or know what you want, take the gamble.
  4. Remember that Vintage is NOT NEW! Instead of worry about what is wrong with the item, think about how nice the history of it is. I promise you it will make you appreciate it much more!
  5. If you can, travel for the Vintage….. the fur and old military ware of the Parisian Markets of Cliagncourt is to die for (excuse the pun on both accounts…) and apparently South America is amazing (all the old school Americana …).

I cannot wait to visit London again now that I have the local's perspec on shopping! I'll just have to really save up...that British Pound really doesn't mess around! 

Be sure to follow Helen's adventures now that she's in the land down under on her blog BritGirlBondi and on Twitter @Helen_Buchan !!

UK Inspiration Topshop Style

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

I love living in New York for one main reason (among many) it has EVERYTHING! When running errands last week around SoHo I stopped in the hip UK store Topshop...you know...to see what all the fuss was about. I must say I was pleased. Although not everything was quite my style, there were plenty of pieces, staple and flair, that I loved and wanted immediately for Spring...if it ever comes!

                                         

Any UK Style Inspiration 

to fit your Topshop fancy?




Brazilian Chic & Giveaway

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

I personally have yet to travel to South America. This land of food, fun, and innate sexiness is definitely on my list of places to visit though. While venturing the Christmas markets in NYC this past holiday, I stumbled upon a wonderful artisan in Bryant Park whose collection swept me away to the wild alluring culture of Brazil...and I couldn't wait to tell you about her my darlings.


In 2010, Daniela launched her eponymous accessories collection featuring beautifully designed pieces that are handmade in Brazil and in the United States. She utilizes leather, gold-plated brass, and faux fur in her cutting-edge accessory designs.  This rosette cut cuff bracelet was what blew me away! The back clasp is magnetic and the inside of the leather is vibrant red! Its details like that, that make me drool!


Founded in 2008 by Daniela Zagnolli, BrazilianDecor.com is the ultimate destination for all things Brazilian to beautify your home and body.  
We are dedicated to bringing the beauty of Brazil to you.  Our mission is to create a unique shopping experience for our customers by offering creative, distinctive, and eco-friendly Brazilian home products and fashion to enhance your lifestyle. Our exquisite products celebrate the vibrant colors, textures, and shapes that characterize the Brazilian culture and yet meet today’s style. Our established partnerships with many of Brazil's leading brand-name companies and local artisans enable us to offer our customers high-end imported products and beautiful works of art at affordable prices.

Many of our products are handcrafted from the finest natural materials, and each item is individually inspected to ensure the highest quality. The artisans we work with use only the natural materials available in the Brazilian environment to produce their unique pieces. Our corporate objective is to offer online shoppers with a "taste of Brazil" by offering certain products that are a representation of the Brazilian lifestyle and culture.

And good news for you Embellishers! Daniela is offering a giveaway for these fabulous earrings!
These Golden Grass Earrings have quite a background, and you know how I can't pass up things that are unique...

{this photo thanks to Brazilian Decor}


The grass that these lovelies are comprised of is only found in a few areas in Brazil and can only be harvested once a year! This grass is coveted for its uncanny ability to imitate gold thread... who needs Rumpelstiltskin when you have Brazil mes cheries! And the best part is since these pieces are hand crafted, no two pieces are exactly the same! LOVE IT!


So to win a pair of these for yourself simply...


1) Visit Brazilian Decor and tell me your favorite piece. (comment below)
2) Tweet or Facebook this Giveaway {@EmbellishedBlog @BrazilianDecor} (leave URL in comment) 
3) Become a fan of Embellished and Brazilian Decor on Facebook (comment below)
4) Be a follower of The Embellished Life! (comment below)


Giveaway ends Friday at Midnight EST

Boa Sorte My Darlings! 
{Good Luck in Portugese}

Fashionspiration: Working Girl

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Here's an outfit post for those needing some inspration in the office for these frigid winter months. It can be daunting to put together a look that is professional...and warm. 
 Try a feminine touch on menswear with a scarf knotted like a necktie. Pinning it to the side with an antique brooch gives you some sass and paired with biker gloves gives you just enough power to be the woman in charge. 

Long Sleeve Tee...Camaieu (France)
Suit Vest...Express
Scarf...Dolce & Gabbana
Brooch...Grandma's :)
Pleated long skirt... Express
Scrunch boots... Steve Madden
Half Gloves... Bag Shop (Sweden)
Studded Watch... Betsey Johnson

Beauty & the Feet

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Mes Cheries, as you know I am visiting home for the week and soaking up the Southern Sun! I thought while I'm gone this would be the perfect time to invite my favorite blogger to guest blog on The Embellished Life. Erika of Cafe Fashionista daily posts lovely inspiration on fashion, music, and fun with compelling writing that leaves you pondering the gift of life. I hope you enjoy her as much as I do, please begin the habit of visiting her blog, it is fabulous and will never disappoint.


Dolls it is common knowledge that many of us, if not all, were raised upon a steady stream of fairytales. We were barraged with “Once Upon A Times” before we could even talk; force-fed “Happily Ever Afters” the moment we started toddling about the house garbed only in bulky diapers; and by the time we were old enough to play dress-up we had already been completely overwhelmed with the notion of being swept away by a Handsome Prince trotting along on a winter white Stallion.

*photo compliments of Tumblr - jemappelle*

It was not until adolescence, when we began navigating the playing field for ourselves, that we were coerced into coming to the realization that, like the perfect pair of shoes, the Handsome Prince was not so easily attainable. Nevertheless, for the fashion-forward fair maiden, giving up is not an option!

Like the princess on a quest for a paradisiacal pair of pumps, who must spend hours upon hours searching for sublimity; the damsel in distress must succumb to kissing loads of frogs before she is finally swept off her feet by Prince Charming. It is a commonality which goes to show that shopping for shoes and love is a daunting duo which works hand in hand with one another. Therefore, to accomplish full satisfaction in both departments, you must first fulfill the requirements for one, and the other will fall fashionably into place.

Darlings you’ve already unearthed a promising boy; now it’s time to find a favorable form of footwear to take your impending date from blasé to blissful, and ensure a second!

*photo compliments of We Heart It*

1) Destiny Wears Combat Boots – Kitty cats, before you undertake the task of shopping for a shoe that wows your Boy Wonder, it is of the utmost importance that you at least learn what activity your date will entail so as to ensure that you select a pair that is par for the course.

Now, unlike we of the fairer, genteel gender, who contemplate and plan for weeks upon weeks before an expected event; boys fly by the seat of their pants. Many are indecisive to an almost obnoxious point, waiting until the day-of to determine how they will be wining and dining you. For this reason alone, nailing down your plans may be synonymous with prying teeth; but for the sake of your sanity and fashionable finesse, do find out ahead of time. After all, you most certainly do not want to find yourself the wearer of stilettos when you should have been styled in combat boots!

*thanks Shannon Nicole Smith Photography*

2) It’s All About Me – Sue Grafton once said, “If high heels were so wonderful, men would be wearing them.” Nothing could be more true. Men are quite capable of admitting that they adore the way one’s hips sway and swivel when they’re accoutered in high heels; yet many, if not all, are unaware of the skill, and strength such shoes require of the wearer – not to mention the pain that we endure after long hours of having our tantalizing tootsies stuffed into such a style! Thus, only wear high heels if it’s what YOU want to do.

While shoes have the ability to create confidence, they are not the sole telltale factor in whether or not you will be overwhelmed by such a feeling. Confidence radiates from within, only being boosted ever so slightly by the inclusion of heels. Remember, my loves, there may be two of you on this particular date, but when selecting your shoe du jour, it’s all about you!

*Thanks Tumblr - allthatshoes*

3) A Compromise for Comfort – Let’s be honest here kittens, Alice in Wonderland pulled off her tumble down the rabbit hole with complete adorableness; and though we may say that, should we trip and fall, or merely stumble, in front of a cute boy, we have enough courage to shake it off and be on our merry way…once it actually happens to us, however, that fearlessness goes straight out the window!

Don’t deny it, first dates are nerve-wracking events. Though we may be loathe to admit it to ourselves or anyone else, we are plagued with jitters that leave us unsteady in our minds and on our feet; therefore, it is essential to take such notions into consideration to achieve complete success.

You may feel blissfully comfortable strutting around in your Rock & Republic Alayna Chain Pumps when shopping with the girls, but when out with a potential mate, an individual whom you are trying to make a lasting impression upon, you may find yourself tripping up, and overcome with embarrassment. Compromise your typical style by allocating the use of wedges or chunky heels in place of stilettos (designs that will not make you forsake height!) to guarantee both peace of mind, and complete comfort!

*photo compliments of Tumblr*

4) Walk the Talk – First dates are a prime time for individuals to rest on their laurels, and rely upon small talk, or menial observances to break the ice between both parties; thus, accomplish two things at once by selecting a style that doubles as a conversation starter.

Darlings, it’s a known fact that boys are oblivious to a handful of things – specifically the not-so-subtle hints we drop for them quite frequently much to no avail; but trust me when I say that even the most bewildered of boys is incapable of not noticing the influx of fringe adorning Joie’s Rock Steady Fringe Suede Booties, or the slightly ostentatious crystals speckling Ash’s Cult Studded Motorcycle Boots.

Just think of it this way, lovers…the boy may not stick around, but your fabulous choice of footwear chosen specifically for the occasion will forever stick by your side – or, rather, on your feet! Like Carrie Bradshaw once said, “The fact is, sometimes it’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes. That’s why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.”

*Thanks for the photo Tumblr - jemappelle*

Happy dating and shopping, darlings!

Fashionably yours!

Erika


And don't forget to hop on over to

Cafe Fashionista

for more where this came from!

How Milan kicks off the Decade

Thursday, March 4, 2010

From its leaning towers to romantic gondola rides Italy is certainly a country filled with beauty that I hope to one day see first hand. Last week it was also decked out in even more extravagance which paraded down the sacred sleek runways of Milan. Enjoy Autumn the way the Italians do it mes cheries!


Texture.
This Luisa Beccaria sweater makes me want to immediately hop on a flight to a romantic chalet in the Alps and sit by the fire sipping hot cocoa and looking out at the range! Its the perfect example of luxe comfort.

Salvatore Ferragamo hit the nail on the head for this fall. I've been loving the leather short suits that started popping up on the runways since last year, but this one grabs the huge leather trend and adds varied textures for a very visually pleasing palette.

Fur.
Alberta Ferretti has brought into her line one of the daintiest things from the Victorian fashion, the muff like lining of fur on the wool coats. How elegant?

I am swooning over this ENTIRE outfit. Maurizio Percoraro has created a gorgeous rendition of the cozy fur vests I fell in love with last year and added the turbans that I can't wait to start wearing...once I find one that I love (that I can afford).

I really love fur, I love how it always makes you look and feel luxurious. Although, I don't mind fake fur it must look nice, nothing kills a look worse than RoadKill looking fur. This is the reason I prefer vintage fur, its giving that animal decades and decades of wear. The fur industry is a sad place, but what's done is done and I feel there is no reason to kill new animals when there are tons and tons of gorgeous fur coats just waiting to be worn again.

Detailing.
I watch award shows for one reason only, the gowns! And this, Alberta Ferretti reminds me of a gorgeous Best Dressed List dress. Not a single stitch overlooked, it can keep you mesmerized forever.

Ok, so as much as I love my Southern roots (and I even own my own adorable cowgirl hat) I must admit I am not the biggest fan of Stetsons. But setting that fact aside, Moschino has creating such a great piece here. From the color palette to the way the structured stripes deteriorate into a lost world of enveloping ruffles. The only conclusion is to don this ensemble and immediately strut down the street with the biggest smile on your face!

I can't vouch for how "cheap" this Moschino Cheap + Chic suit really is, but I can say "WOW!" Its the best marriage of Carrie Bradshaw's closet meets Miranda Hobbes' that I ever saw! I want to get a job in fashion and then wear this to the office haha!

Velvet.
I couldn't help but smirk just a little over the Scandinavian Trouser/Eskimo Ugg Boot Combo, but after I was finished I couldn't stop drooling over this D&G jacket vest set! Velvet has been done in many ways the past couple of weeks, but I think this is by far my favorite. So Jane Austen meets Modern Milan.

Giorgio Armani created a wonderful Grown Up Barbie look this season. I think this skirt would look great with a great many pieces I already own. I'd love the chance to play around pairing it with infinite looks!

Shoulders.
You can try to deny all you want but shoulder pads are back, and with a vengeance. My plan, is to make the best of it, and I think Bottega Veneta is a good place start with that optimistic thought process.
Etro has taken quite a unique turn on the ever so popular kimono inspiration..I love the final product.
And it must be said, if you will ever get me in shoulder pads, an asymmetric show stopping number like the one above or this Giorgio Armani will be the way to do it! It's a way to play up the proportions that this trend calls for while still remaining a dainty rather than a ravishing football player.

Peek A Boo.
A very fun weekend suit Gucci has made here. Serious yet seductive.

This type of neckline has been all over the runways this season, but Versus was the one that won my heart and I had to feature. Its half Little Princess, half Sexy Maven and I love the fine line it creates between the two.

I thought this flyaway Bluemarine look was quite fun. It reminds me of the dresses I played with as a little girl, when you were always a princess and your whole world was a Candy Land of castles and pretty things!


What are your favorites darlings?