I'm Not a Player, I Just Crush A Lot

Photo: BoyMeetsFashion.com

I am crushing so hard on these shoes that it's causing actual, physical pain.  It's hard to describe - something between first-love heartache and other-side-of-the-world homesickness.  I went to the doctor but he told me there's only one cure.  And it's not more cowbell.  It's these glorious shoes by British designer Roksanda Ilincic, which instantly became the most tweeted-about shoe collection at London Fashion Week for Spring '13.  The good news? They're part of the ALDO RISE collection coming to ALDO this spring so they'll be affordable. Trouble is, they won't be available for another few months.   Gutted, as the Brits say :( Dyyying...

Will keep you posted as soon as I hear more.  Until then, my fellow long-suffering footwear fetishists, there's always Downton Abbey season 3?

Let's Dance

Image courtesy Vogue

Originally posted in The CLOSET

No matter how routiney or predictable we become, there's something about the end of the year that inspires us to believe; We believe we can get out of that massive rut, that we can tranform into that person we've always wanted to become, that we can change for the better. After a week-long binge-fest, I've already made some mental resolutions that I hope to keep, though I know that every year, sometime around January 13th, I'll likely slip back into at least a few old habits.

Regardless, a girl can always dream - and in my laid-back holiday state, as I lie here happily ensonced on my couch, watching piles of movies with my kids and trying to muster up the effort to hit the toboggan hill, I've already dreamt up some stellar New Year's Eve outfits. I figure by the time the 31st rolls around, I'll be very ready to toss aside my well-worn pajama pants and get back into my heels to kick in the brand new year. Here's to wishing and hoping and for all of us, a truly wonderful 2013.

xo sarah

 

Fête Set

Originally posted in The Fashion Scoop

Lately, I've been acting a lot more mature, and I don't mean this in a good coming-of-age way.  I'm talking terrifyingly predictable - ie. work all day, make dinner, eat dinner, give kids a bath, stories, bedtime, then we put on a pot of water for tea (Twinings which, for the record, we did way before Fifty Shades of Grey), then work some more, then crash. Zzzzz.  It's not that I don't like being a mom, because I love it.  And I'm not saying I don't like to work, because I really do.  It's just that nothing good can possibly come of the constant routininess of it all, especially when endless piles of laundry are involved. 

What I mean, is that I'm beyond ready to bust it. I'm ready to eat, drink and be embarassingly merry.  I'm ready to sparkle my way into a snowbank somewhere and just chill out there for a minute, then get back up and shuffle my way to the next party. I'm actually even ready to feel tired the next day - in a good way. 

I've got a rocking holiday wardrobe all planned out (which I wholeheartedly encourage you to try on for size btw) should any tempting invites come my way. You hosting?

x

Michael Kors Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Open Blazer, $30, Dynamite; 2. Draped Gown, $129.99, Laura; 3. Studded Loafer, $50, ALDO; 4. Faux-Fur Scarf, $70, Le Château; 5. Gemstone Clutch, $40, Le Château 

Photo: WhoWhatWear.com

1. Necklace, $18, American Eagle; 2. Leopard Bag, $25, American Eagle; 3. Flared Skirt, $40, American Eagle; 5. Patent-Toe Pumps, $42, ALDO; 6. Denim Shirt, $45, American Eagle

Emilio Pucci Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Chiffon Blouse, $35, Smart Set; 2. Tuxedo Pant, $39.90, Dynamite; 3. Studded Clutch, $40, ALDO; 4. Pointy-Toed Pump, $90, ALDO; 5. Snake Bracelet, $12, ALDO

Derek Lam Fall 2012 - photo: style.com

1. Skull Necklace, $12, ALDO; 2. Bouclé Blazer, $120, Laura; 3. Lurex Scarf, $28, Laura; 4. Studded Hi-Top, $120, Le Château; 5. Wide Leg Pant, $60, Laura 

Neutral Territory

Closet filled to the brim with basics? Get inspired by these 3 street style looks to help you raise your winter whites, greys and blacks to an oh-so-chic new level. Let it snow!  (did I just say that out loud?)

Originally posted in The LOOK 

10 Ways to Get Your Glitter On

Photo courtesy RW&CO.

Though I've spent most of my week in a Kit-Kat-induced candy coma, I'm now ready to face November, full steam ahead.  It's amazing how the end of Hallowe'en always marks a seismic shift of focus;  where we turn our attention away from costumes and candy and suddenly start to think about the holidays.  It might be almost 2 full months away but it's always amazing how quickly the season arrives.  I've already gotten 3 holiday-related emails about everything from gift exchanges to shopping trips to Christmas wish lists for my kids.  And though I haven't received a party invite quite yet, I know that that's just around the bend, too.  

If it's acceptable to embrace sequins and shine in any season, this is it.  And though you might not fancy yourself a 'sparkly' kind of girl, there are so many ways to get your glitter on.  Read on for 10 chic ways to do it without looking like a Vegas showgirl (heaven forbid):

1. ADD BLING WITH A RING

Sometimes, all it takes is just a little sparkle, be it a ring, necklace or earrings to define a look.  'Tis the season to have fun so try something you wouldn't normally wear (ie. go bigger/bolder/shinier than usual). PS - Don't be afraid to wear sparkly extras in the day - it's way less expected and therefore, so much more interesting, than just busting them out at night.

Jewel-Encrusted Bow Ring, $15, ALDO

2.  BE A DAMSEL IN THIS DRESS

For a holiday fête, it's nice to stand out from a crowd of little black dresses.  Go for the gold with a blouson top dress.  This dress has a chic, sleek silhouette which lets the sparkly detail speak for itself.

Sequin Blouson Cocktail Dress, $240, Le Château

3.  GET NOSTALGIC

This season makes us all a little nostalgic for the good old days.  Channel 1920's Gatsby-era glam with this black and silver cobweb embellished stunner, then finish it off with t-strap heels and a cute clutch to look like Daisy Buchanan and her well-heeled friends.

Beaded Chiffon Cocktail Dress, $169.95, Le Château

4.  BLAZE THE TRAIL

Sure, you could ward off the chill with your standby black or navy blazer but really, isn't it time to shake things up a bit.  This blazer is guaranteed (seriously) to invite envious stares and endless streams of, "Where did you get that?"  Since this piece is such a high-fashion standout, keep the rest of your outfit streamlined and simple.  Try it with all white underneath (see pic at top), taiored black trousers, or even a white cami, pale distressed jeans and pointy-toed pumps. Love! 

Metallic Sequined Blazer, $150, RW&CO. (in stores mid-November)

5.  SPARKLE SOFTLY

This ultra-feminine t-shirt dress is a subtle stunner.  The pale pink and relaxed silhouette provide a perfect contrast to the sparkly detailing.  Wear this with a camel or off-white coat to look like a total goddess.

Pastel Sequined Mini Dress, $98, RW&CO. (in stores now)

6. LEAVE IT ON THE FLOOR

This one-shoulder maxi dress is a figure-flattering genius;  its well-placed pleats and gathers brilliantly conceal your tummy while the sparkly detail at the shoulder draws all of the attention up to your face.  

One-Shoulder Draped Gown, $139.99, Laura

7. COLLAR-ME, MAYBE?

In case you haven't heard, the Peter Pan collar necklace is the It piece of the season.  Wear it over any simple knit to add instant shine to an otherwise basic outfit.  The open rose design on this particular version is perfectly pretty (and blissfully inexpensive) for a fun holiday cocktail party. 

Peter Pan Necklace, $16.50, Bootlegger

8. SKIRT THE ISSUE

If you love your legs and can't wait to show them off, nothing beats a sequined mini.  I love the unexpected combo of a sparkly mini with a great chunky knit and refined, ladylike pumps.  If you can't bear the thought of going bare-legged in the cold, pair the mini with opaque black tights and an oversized grey sweater and pumps for a party or booties for a more casual look.

Sequined Mini, $68, RW&CO. (in stores this week)

9. YOU GLOW, GIRL

This limited-edition spritz-on highlighter is a must for party season. The smart atomiser releases a fine shimmery powder to highlight the face, body and hair so you'll glow from head to toe.

The Sparkler All Over Shimmer in Enchanting Gold, $24, The Body Shop

10. GET A LEG UP

Looking for a way to reinvent last year's little black dress?  These stunning ankle-wrap sandals are your holiday 2012 answer.  What makes them such a brilliant buy?  The mixed metallic bands at the top means you'll be able to pair these with your silver and gold accessories all season long. 

Suede Ankle-Wrap Pumps, $110, ALDO