I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Brow Bar Sunglasses

Maybe it's this cold weather that won't quit, or my love of vintage looks but I can't stop obsessing over sunglasses with a brow bar. I've spotted them on a few fashionistas, while checking out fashion week street style and can't stop thinking about owning a pair. The vintage styles are great but I especially like the modern take on this trend. I am 100% sure that I will own a pair of these sunnies by the time warm weather hits. I already have quite a large collection of sunglasses, but nothing with a brow bar. I'd love to add a designer pair (the Dior pair below center) but a more economical pair will likely make their way to my collection. Since these are definitely trend shades and not a classic style, bargain options will be my picks. As luck would have it, I even found a look for less version of the Dior pair!

Clockwise from top left -   1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

I may have squealed a little inside when I saw these white sunnies with blue lenses and a gold bar. They just look like summer to me. At $14.95 (plus free shipping) they are a great bargain. The severe cat eye of this pair by Quay is statement making. Round and blue, I may have had a pair like this in the 80's. I'm a sucker for mirrored shades and this pink and orange version is cool. The clear frames on this pair look sophisticated. The mirror lenses on this tortoise shell pair give them a little extra oomph. Green, combined with the unique brow bar of this pair from Asos make them stand out from the pack. The black and blue pair from Steve Madden lean more toward classic. 

I fell hard for this pair (center) by Dior, but at $505, they are quite a bit more than I'm willing to pay. As luck would have it, I found this pair when searching.  They are a great look for less, at $12.99! I've already added them to my shopping cart. Can you guess which one below is the Dior pair and which is the look for less? Hard to tell isn't it?

Dior left, Look for less right

 Obsession satisfied! What are you obsessed with for spring?

Inspiration - Fall Denim Styling

I've always been a jeans girl. I love denim and I'm loving that it's not just for casual wear anymore. I love dressing up denim and making it look sophisticated. I spent some time over the weekend, looking for lots of denim inspiration. I found some great options to style a the fall trends I told you about last week, this time with denim.

 

Cape and Denim

Denim and Fur (I prefer faux.)

I have to confess, I might love this red fur coat more than I love the whole look but isn't it fantastic?!

Denim and Leopard

Denim and a Wrap Coat



 

A few more for inspiration...

Denim, Booties, and a Skull

Denim and Tweed

Moment of Lust - Vince Brigham Booties

In my mind, the Vince Brigham booties, are the perfect addition to my fall wardrobe. I am obsessed. My bank account however, is laughing at me. They are great shoes and I love them but let's face it, they're trendy. My philosophy is never to pay full price or the amount of a car payment on a trend item. I want that money to be well spent. If I'm spending that much, I must be able to wear it for years to come. Of course that doesn't ease my desire for a pair of black peep toe booties. I knew there were some great alternatives out there.

Vince Brigham Booties

Chinese Laundry Bizarre Booties

Breckelles BE37 Booties

The Chinese Laundry booties are a good alternative. They are leather and have a great heel. They also have an ankle strap, which is part of what I love about the Vince pair. At $350 less than my lust pair, they are a great option. The Breckelles are the bargain option. They aren't leather but they do have the full wrap look of the Vince pair. I'm definitely leaning toward the Chinese Laundry pair but I'm still looking.

In the Navy

Navy items were all over the fall runway shows and it's easy to see why. It's a flattering color for all skin tones, it's a neutral (just like black) and is a fun a versatile color. I did a little virtual shopping and selected some great navy items. Most of them are under $100. There are even accessory options in navy. Try replacing your favorite black item with one in navy. I'm betting you'll be sold.

Click on any item above for buying information.

 

Sweatshirts are a great seasonal trend. These two in navy, from Old Navy also add sequins and a graphics to the basic sweatshirt. Bold necklaces and earrings are great ways to incorporate the navy trend. By adding some pretty black lace, this basic blouse goes from blah to wow. A classic blazer with white trim can go from weekend to office. This great dress is more interesting in navy and the bottom ruffle is fun. Jacquard print takes this basic navy pants and ups the chic factor. Navy suede pumps are versatile and pretty with a scalloped edge. The pointed toe on these basic loafers makes them more flattering. A quilted vest with a fur collar can take you into winter. Gold buttons and trim are great accents for this classic navy coat. Teal trim is a modern accent on this pretty navy tote.

Do you have your eye on any chic navy items for fall?



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My Favorite Fall 2013 Trends - Punk

You know a trend is going to be hot when Chanel shows it on their runway. One of my favorite Fall 2013 trends is punk. Some are calling it grunge but in my opinion, when you add spikes, studs or saftey pins, it's punk. The key to a trend is making it work for you. Is a studded jacket out of your comfort zone? Try a studded clutch instead. A ripped safety pin t-shirt not you? Try ripped jeans. If the punk trend still isn't you, don't worry there are plenty of others to try.

Punk Chanel Style

There are lots of ways to wear the punk trend.  Shoes, jewelry, jackets, shirt, and even jeans. Here are just a few ways I would wear the punk trend.

Click on the photos for buying info.

One of my favorite things about this trend is the amazing DIY options.  Instead of buying a pair of distressed jeans, create your own from an old pair or buy a pair at the thrift store for distressing. This blog has a good tutorial. Turn an old t-shirt punk by adding a few cuts and some safety pins. For just a couple dollars you can have an on great t-shirt to wear with your favorite leather jacket. Want to add some studs or spikes?  You can buy them here or here and add some punk to a jacket, a collar or even a cell phone cover. Even create your own safety pin necklace. Looking undone or self-made is part of the toughness that is punk.

If you're lacking inspiration, check out these photos of 80's London street style and music icons Wendy O'Williams, Siouxsie Sioux and Sid Vicious, as well as fashion designer and icon Vivienne Westwood.

 

Even the Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrated punk's influence on fashion with an exhibit this summer titled Punk: Chaos to Couture.

They are in VOGUE

Hi, my name is Deb and I love Birkenstocks ("HI DEB!). Luckily now I don't need a support group to unburden myself. According to VOGUE DAILY (July 29), Birkenstock sandals are back in. For me, they were never out.  Many fashion girls will cringe at this admission because they lump Birkenstocks in with Crocs and Uggs. My two trusty pairs are styles that are no longer available made in silver and purple python. They are my go to weekend shoes. I've walked many miles in them. I've walked beaches, shopping malls, outdoor concerts, tourist sites, even the streets and bars of Key West. The arch support is great for my RA (rheumatoid arthritis). I can wear them all day long. Heidi Klum created a line for Birkenstock. It wasn't until Céline showed a fur lined versions in their Spring 2013 show that the fashion world embraced these sandals.

My favorite pair.

I also own these.

The silver pair above is my go to pair. They fit my feet perfectly and go with everything. I don't have a shot of the purple python pair but I will try to remember to post a shot of them on instagram. The crushed velvet clogs are the pair I wear least but I love the rhinestone buckle and velvet. Somehow , in my warped mind, that helps the horrible shape.

Fashion girls and celebrities are wearing Birkentstocks. Eva Chen, the new editor-in-chief of Lucky Magazine, loves Birks.

 

Celebs and fashion girls seem to favor black and in some cases silver or white. The styles they are wearing are Arizona, Gizeh, and Monterey.



Click above for buying information.

They aren't the suede hippie shoes that you remember. They come in fresh colors, metallics, and patent leather. For me they are comfortable flat shoe alternative. I always select pairs with something special. If you're looking for more than just basic black, QVC has some fun styles. If you're looking for bargains (prices range, $80 - $120), Birkenstock Express has the answer.



Click the photos above for buying information.

 

Birkenstocks, do you love them or hate them?

NOTE: This post is a nod to all of my Birkenstock loving friends. You know who you are, KP, SP, AL, LL, and many more. :)

Trend - Kitten Heels

Kitten heels were declared a spring trend but they are definitely flowing over into fall.  I may be in the minority in my love of kitten heels but I know I'm in good company. Marc Jacobs showed them for his line and for Louis Vuitton. It just so happens that his long time muse, Sofia Coppola is a fan of low heels. Many stylish women, including First Lady Michelle Obama, First Lady of France Carla Bruni, Alexa Chung, Mary Kate Olsen and even Princess Kate. Michelle Obama was even photographed by Annie Leibovitz for Vogue wearing kitten heels.

I LOVE high heels but unfortunately for me, my battle with Rhuematoid Arthritis makes them difficult to wear.  I favor lower heels, wedges and flats, on a daily basis. I'd planned to wear high heels on my wedding day but {msL} asked me to wear lower heels so that I wouldn't tower over her. I gladly obliged when I found a pair of Manolo Blahniks for a steal. It's great to see that they are making a comback. I'd wear them anyway (popular or not) but I'm happy because that means a better selection. Here are just a few styles I love (affordable and not so affordable).

Click the photos above for buying details.

What do you think of kitten heels?


photo credits: Vogue, AP, AP, Rex, wireIMAGE, wireIMAGE

Trends - Spring Pastels

The warm weather we are having in DC this week is making me yearn for lots of fun new spring ensembles. Nothing says spring to me more than the pastel trend that is everywhere right now. Maybe it's the memory of getting a new dress for Easter or the fun candies that always filled our house this time of year. This weekend I'll have to go through my spring and summer clothes to pull out a few on my fun pastel items.  Pastels are an easy trend to wear no matter your coloring or body type.  The colors are popping up in clothes and accessories.  You can incorporate a little or a lot of spring pastel color into your outfits.  Try mixing and matching colors or pair one items with a pastel print.  Don't want to go all out? Try a neutral all over and add accessories. Here are a few items I'm loving right now.

I'm going to sport a few of these items with the new mint shades that I created!

How are you going to wear the pastel trend?

Wear the Trend - Orange You Lovely!

A month or so ago, Pantone issued their Spring 2012 fashion trend colors. The top color is Pantone color 17-1463, Tangerine Tango.  I love me some orange, whether it's peach, tangerine, salmon, or coral. Any color that has those orangey hues works for me.  I know you all don't feel that way but I'm here to tell you that anyone can rock orange. Even if you don't want to wear a top, pants or skirt in orange, you can incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Essie polish in Too Too Hot (no longer available)

Beach outfit, including orangey tank

There are so many easy way to incorporate orange into your wardrobe. If you aren't ready for a full outfit, you can try accessories like a bag or shoes. Try just one piece like a simple tee, even a cardigan.

Orange You Lovely by realgirlrunway featuring collezio watches

You can even go for orange lips, if you have the skin tone or orange nails.

Mary Kay Lip Color - Nourishine Lip Gloss in Mango Tango and Creme Lipstick in Sunny Citrus

Essie polish in Meet Me at Sunset

No matter what you chose, have fun with it!! You can wear the trend. Just make it work for you.

I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Vintage Inspired Glasses

Luckily for most of my life I've had good eyesight. It wasn't until I started working on computers daily that I began wearing glasses often.  Then as I got older, I've had to have glasses for reading. Growing up, I always wanted to be cool or what I thought at the time was cool.  I wouldn't have thought that the glasses I'm obesessed with and loving today were cool (back then).  You know the ones, the black wayfarer style synonymous with guys wearing pocket protectors. My dad had a pair back in the 50's and 60's, when he was an engineering major.  I can't help it, I love them. I'm obsessed! I found a great pair of reading glasses at Loehmann's but I need a pair in my own prescription.

Even celebs have gotten on the the bandwagon.




I'm sure I can find any number of frames at a local optician. In the interest of doing good with my purchases, I'm planning to try Warby Parker.  Their glasses are affordable, at only $95 per pair. They will even send five pairs to try on at home for free!  The best part of Warby Parket is that for each pair of glasses purchased, they donate a pair to someone in need. Their vintage inspired frames are fantastic! 

Here are a few of my favorites...


Crosby

 

Fillmore

Winston

Once I get my prescription, I'm headed right over to the Warby Parker website to order my glasses to try on at home.  What do you think? Would you wear this style or pass?



Note: I wasn't compensated by Warby Parker. I just love their glasses and their mission.

Trends I'd Like to Try

There are so many trends that grace runways and fashion magazines. I pass on many of them because they are just not for me. There are some that I just can't get out of my head and really want to try. Here are a few that are inspiring me right now.

Full Leather Skirt

I love the idea of a full leather skirt. The midi version would look better on me than the mini version. 

Rachel Comey

Louis Vuitton

Feather Hair Extensions

Clip in, temporary feather hair extensions would be a fun way to liven up an outfit.

Bold Lips

All summer I've been wearing bright pink and coral lips. During the 90's I loved wine colored lips.  I'd love to find a new sophisticated shade of burgundy for fall.