As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts......

So.. Mumford and Sons is a band I am semi-obsessed with currently. Between their raw, poetic, heart wrenching lyrics, banjo playing, and strong English roots, they are irresistible to me. Now, what does this have to do with fashion? Nothing really.. and yet... to me, fashion is a creative expression, just like music. I connect the two instantly together, which is partly because visualization is now a HUGE part of music (living in the age of MTV) and also since I am so passionate about both, mixing them together is natural. So, to understand better.. scenario: you are listening to an amazing song, while the music is flowing through your headphones you begin to play out the song in your mind. You assimilate it, then connect it with a scene. FOR EXAMPLE: California Girls always has me picturing an insanE beach party, everyone clad in cute bikinis, board shorts, v-neck t-shirts, denim skirts ect. (you get the picture). Now, with Mumford and Sons, I always picture them singing in a 1950s British factory in working men attire. (newsboy caps and all! ) Now, much to my surprise, (I thought I was just being stereotypical) when I looked up the real fellas, their look wasn't horribly different. Lots of vests, fedoras/newsboys, plaid, and simple brown cords (as you can see by the picture above). Their look gave me the inspiration to mimic the good-ol-boys folkie style into a female, fall must-have ensemble! So, throw on these inspired pieces as you run into a field of flowers in slow motion blaring Little Lion Man (it would be very indie) as I try to insert something clever... (p.s. - i would 1,000,000% wear this.. to die for!)


The Mumford and Sons Look:
Madewell Top - Silk Romance Blouse - $92

Tory Burch Tammy Leather Short - $450 (chain belt included!)

DKNY Hosiery Over-the-Knee Socks - $15

Alloy Marlane Over-the-Knee Boot in Forest Green Suede - $46.90

Alloy Tweed Military Coat - $91.92

Mossimo for Target Newsboy Felt Hat in Wine - $14.99 (steal!)

Changing and Defining Personal Style: Style Labels

With a recent chop-chop, snip-snip (and I'm talking about my hair people!).. my perspective on my own personal style has changed drastically. Now, be this because I'm an incredibly indecisive soul or my new do has truly inspired me, I now feel the intense need to be EVEN MORE edgy! (if that is possible..) Now I'm not talking My Chemical Romance, brood in the dark, multiple chains hanging from my pants, black lipstick edgy... but definitely something more! I want to wear lace, leather, over-sized ripped t-shirts, holed tights, and leopard print leggings! And most, most, most of all.. I want to wear my hair up in a faux-hawk.. how bad-ass is that? (I want to be Keira Knightley's character from Domino with this hair!) Now, are all these Debbie Harry ideas me? Then again, who am I style wise? How would one describe my style? I've always considered myself an eclectic. I dress in what I love, which is so scattered out in the world of styles, that I fit nowhere. HOWEVER, I am now on a quest to find out! Will this change from week to week, heck yes, I mean, my style changes daily. But, putting a temporary label, which I call a style label, on what statement I want to project, may help me buy less (which I'm doing a darn stinkin' good job at) and focus on pieces more! I suggest this to everyone who needs help in the shopping process. If you feel overwhelmed, focus on what is you. NOT what's in style, what grabs your eye, or what is the most expensive... buy what YOU want. AND ask the most important question, "Will I ever wear this?" That is a key, vital step in finding your own personal style identity. So, currently, my label for style would be girly greaser girl. Now, when I shop, instead of picking up every gorgeous thing I see, (and, lets face it, buying it) I can look for a FEW super fabulous items that fit into my style label! I think this strategy can save everyone both time and money, plus, it is a great way to find clothing that really defines you! Tell me what your style label is, as I try to insert something clever.....

Love it, Hate it : Mixed Prints

Based on the collections from Rag & Bone, Alexander Mcqueen, and Prada.. it's clear prints are here, no need to rehear or disappear!! Mixin' and matchin', switchin' and ditchin'.. mixed prints are all about the fun and pop (as you can see by my language) so you know I'm already loving it! However, I consider myself somewhat of a style risk-taker.. and I can see how this look may be a flop to others. Purely out of curiously, I would love to hear what you readers think about the art of mismatching! Is mixing in your future, or do you want to keep it cohesive.. I may give it a go as I try to insert something clever...

Going GAGA!!

Holy mini people outfits Batman!! How adorable are these ensembles which were on display at Baby Gap today??!! The striped cardi? The buttoned henley? The half moto-jacket? The Justin-Bobby hat? The PLAID!? I mean geez... I wish more grown men dressed like this! I used to adore little girls clothes FAR BEYOND little fellas, but I must say, these looks took the cake!!

TGIF! Dream Outfit

Yes, fashion lovers, the weekend is finally here, and on Fridays, I always find myself daydreaming about fabulous clothes and all the exciting places I could wear them! So, amidst my insane fantasies, I figured I could show you guys my perfect partying outfit that, in my opinion, is utterly to die for! As you may know, I am a HUGE fan of mixing the feminine and edgy together, and if I were to attend a fancy event this evening, this is my hands down choice for a fabulous look! The dress, Tulle Tours en L'Air Dress from ModCloth, is so simply elegant, I fell in love with the softness the first time I lay my fashion eye on it! However, instead of mixing it with a girly flat or lovely heels, I felt like the look needs a little danger, a little me! So I turned to Charles David's fold-over lace ups leather "Olivers"! (I'm picturing heaven right now!) Mix it with some black tights, faux (maybe even real!) Holly Golightly diamond studs, and a killer up-do, and I have got one smexy getup! But, looking outside my window, I see that the weather is a little shotty today.. so, to block mother natures fury (while still looking spiffy) I would add the Burberry Prorsum double breasted silk lace trench (for a price that is so outrageous.. I really shouldn't share). Let me know if you would rock a similar ensemble, as I try to insert something clever...

Look of the Day!

I'm kinda iN LoVe with this picture, which is of Rob Pat and Kris Stew from the December 2009 issue of Harper's Bazaar.... for SO many reasons, but the main being the sick styling! Robert, looking perfect as always, wearing all Dior Homme and Kristen wearing a Dior skirt and dress and my FAVORITE part of the outfit, her pumps.. which are Cesare Paciotti! absolutely STUNNING! As I'm pondering how jealous I am of Kristen for her man and her heels.. I'll try to insert something clever....

Look of the Day!

OH GOD! THANK YOU! A LIME GREEN shrunken moto jacket from Burberry Prorsum's Spring 2011 Ready-To-Wear Collection..... i love it (and so did Sara Jessica!) Couldn't find a picture of the beauty because it just hit the runway yesterday.. but check out the video and enjoy ALL of the patent, python and studs.. also check out the incredible (8 inch.. yes.. 8 inch) heels!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n51LNPrBOIU

LIGHTBULB!! .. I need your input.

So... this morning I'm trying to think of ways to make my infamous fur (shag) coat look less Julia Roberts cira 1990.. and while I was watching a Ke$iha video (not a good start) I saw she was wearing a fur coat with some kind of embellishment on the shoulder? And then it HIT me... How freckin' fabulous would my InsAnEly ridiculous coat look with a chain Epaulette on the shoulder?!? It's very Brandon Flower's.. and I'm kinda loving it. (maybe I'll even add some feathers!) The idea in my head is something like a combination of the pictures shown below.. but more black and maybe even add a broach? Let me know your thoughts....

Look of the Day!

Given that the season finale airs tonight (The Rachel Zoe Project - Bravo 10PM).. I must pay homage to my gorgeous Rachel Zoe! Came across this picture randomly, and fell head-over- heals for the outfit.. she is rocking a Grecian dress.. D.I.E... with gold earrings, cuff and platforms -obvi- combo!! Draping fabric is always mah-jor ... in fact, it's so me, I think I own I dress sorta similar... you be the judge as I try to insert something clever (p.s. - some lingo may have been borrowed from Rachel's daily Zoe Report.. :) gotta love it)

Team Bella's Style! Pt. 1 - The Utility Jacket

So... this morning, while I was enjoying a hot cup-o-joe and Evan's company (my little brother).. we both decided this crisp, fall morning deserved a little Twilight! For those who don't know (I'm sure very few don't).. we are a family obsessed. We practically breathe Twilight. Every midnight premier, (40-something..... umm scratch that, 30-something mom in tow to scream "Sex on a stick!") celeb autograph signing, we even play the board game (PROUD owners of Twilight Scene It.. which we are all rather embarrassingly good at!). Myself, well, I read the books in rotation, and I've seen the movies more times than I can count (to be honest.. 4 times in the past two weeks). Needless to say, to others it's sad how much we love it.. but to us, not only is it a bonding experience, but it's also an irresistible habit we don't plan on braking! So, back to the story, while we were watching Edward's feverish confessional scene followed by some tree action ("you don't know how long I've waited for you".. gets me every time!) Evan turns to me and asks "why don't you blog about Twilight?" I attempted quick response, but realized, WHY THE HELL hadn't I blogged about Twilight?!?! I knew this needed to be fixed immediately.. so here I am.. let's talk about some Twilight fashion! I figured, with the overload of sparkling amazingness that is The Twilight Saga, the posts should be in a series divided by movie, character, and trend.. I know, a lot! So, let's get started at the beginning with Twilight and the main female character, Bella Swan! For those of you (shame on ya!) Twilight virgins, Bella is your normal, clumsy, timid 17 year old who bases her style on convenience (I mean shoot! She's running with vampires for heaven's sake!) So, when leaving her hot hometown of Phoenix, Bella also had to ditch the sleeveless, white eyelet lace blouse :/ HOWEVER upon arriving to Forks she picks up the heavy, heavy, HeAvY outerwear (and a hottie boscotie vampire!) luckily for her, utility jackets are VERY in this season (someone inform Charlie!).Now, if you were a cheat, and I mean A TOTAL CHEAT, you could get Bella's look from BB Dakota (The Bella Jacket in Lake Blue by Jack BB Dakota shown in several of the movies scenes including the meadow and ballet studio .. still available at karmaloop.com) but where is the fun in that? (plus- you don't want to look like a total stalker.. we have to maintain some sense of normal in the public eye :) So, I say mimic Bella's baggy yet beautiful jackets with the Vince Resin coated utility jacket $595 or the Vince Cotton utility jacket $389, both available at Nordstrom. Now, I would pair either of these jackets with a sexy, brown belt (possibly leopard worn around the waist or hips), deep purple printed blouse, high waisted mini, lace tights, and leather booties.. it's not very Bella... but it's very me with elements of Bella! Whatever way you choose to wear it, it will be stylishly Twilight.. Edward won't be able to resist you!!

“Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn.” - Gore Vidal

Fashion is like a religion.. just when I think all is lost, and I have no faith in what I preach and do.. something shows up, and bam, I know it's real. Today it was this quote. Earlier, my friend Hannah told me that despite her lack of interest in fashion, she still reads my blog (sssshhh! it's a secret) and that got me thinking....just because Hannah doesn't know all the fashion lingo, read all the magazines, and dress from (lets face it) the insanity expensive high end retailers, doesn't make her any less fashionable. Then, I was catching up on Project Runway, and contestant Andy was working on (what to me) was a ridiculously awesome (besides the poor tailoring in the crouch and booty area, but that can be fixed) pair of Asian-inspired cropped pants, and the judges DESTROYED them. Sure, the challenge was PARTLY American Sportswear, but hell, Jackie O was a risk taker in a time where what women wore really didn't even matter! Sure, in New York and LA and Milan there are snooty fashion gurus.. but is that really how ALL fashion lovers are? Pretentious and shallow and ... excuse my French, bitchy! To me, style is funky, hip, modern, big and bold.. but does that mean that it is the same for everyone else? And then I read the quote above.. and realized, style is about YOU, style is about the individual.. if someone wants to wear an insane pair of pants.. AWESOME! Ok, you or I may not be into wearing them.. but kudos to those who can!! Sure, they may not be on the cover of magazines or “best dressed” at their school, but they're still fabulous.. trust me!) :) Below is an outfit I dedicated just to Hannah, whose casual style is worthy of applause because she is who she is :) and gosh darn it.. I love it. Contemplate over THAT fashion haters as I try to insert something clever......

Disney's Perry the Platypus Novelty T-shirt -$19-$23, Orange White and Green Friendship braclet - $3.99, Gray Top Zip Hoodie - $28, Levi's Superlow 524 Skinny Jeans - painters - all pieces from Hot Topic, Tyler Ramsey Woman's Handpainted - $68 -TOMS

Look of the Day!

It's all about colorful prints and tribal jewelry for designer Holly Fulton's Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection shown today!... tons of full skirts, 1960's mod dresses, and chic handbags, here is ONE of my favorite looks! (lOvE the handbag!!)

Inspiration in Audrey.

Audrey Hepburn ... where do I begin? Actress, humanitarian, my favorite.. and to say she was a fashion icon would be an understatement.. she is the epitamy. I think Givenchy, Givenchy, Givenchy.. I think of the dancing scene in Funny Face, where ballet flats and cropped skinny pants were changed forever.. I think of the extravagant-ness that was the My Fair Lady.. and of course, who can forget about the little black dress in Breakfast At Tiffany's? However, that is just the basics in Audrey's fashion timeline, and I am currently obsessed with an overlooked era of Audrey, her mod period. The pixie haircut, structured coats, and the winged eyeliner.. (which I stole) all of it made Audrey as chic and 60's as Twiggy! The funky style really hits home in one of my favorite movies, How To Steal A Million. With all of the looks designed by, who other, than Givenchy, Audrey looks perfect, as always. Here are some of my favorite looks (what I wouldn't do for that lace mask!)

You know what I love about fashion....

I love the innovation. Fashion is unafraid and uninhibited. It knows no bounds and has no limits. My favorite things you ask? Well, the gorgeous, crazy, wild things that would make Holly Housewife gasp in disbelief. I like being rebellious in my style.. I like to push the boundaries. This morning I was looking at the latest shoes at Saks 5th, and what I saw was INCREDIBLE! Would you ever see woman around Pickerington wearing these creations.. probably not.. but wouldn't it be amazing if you did? I know it's fashion when I can imagine the jealousy, discomfort, disapproval, and (what usually happens in my case) memorization that occurs when looking at such abstract art!! A few pieces of the killer foot wear that I saw include the Belle by Sigerson Morrison Over-The-Knee Wedge Boots, Bottega Veneta Scalloped Suede Ankle Boots, Christian Louboutin's Maralena Crystal-Covered Mesh Peep-Toe Pumps and Miss Fast 120 Ankle Boots (all shown above). Lose your mind and get inspired as I try to insert something clever.

Look of the Day!!

If I had this outfit.. I would rock it right now!! Very Gwen.. very Gwen. From Rag & Bone's Fall 2010 Ready-To-Wear Collection.. their first runway collection for women :)

Going Out!!

Kinda in love with this outfit... haha plaid dress, vintage purple belt, coil bracelet, my leather jacket, and tights (of course!).. ready for a night on the town!!


P.S. - Had to take ANOTHER pic of my favorite part of the outfit!! God, I love this bracelet!

J'adore Gossip...

Holy season opener!! I CAN'T believe that Gossip Girl is already back on, and fashionably, blowing my mind! Lets face it, this show is our generation's Sex and the City, and I would watch it just to see all the trend-able clothes. The fact that they opened in Paris made me SUPER giddy because I knew what amazing fashion the producers would stuff into the 60 minutes! My two favorite outfits that both the girlys were rocking are shown above, and I can definitely see how the looks will transcend into fall wardrobes (including my own). The big statement piece that the first episode brought would have to be Sirenna's sexy and luxe Suno wide-leg pants! High waisted 70's flares seem to be a huggge fashion do this season, but maybe substituted with a denim. Also in the picture, Blair is dressed in gorgeous Oscar De La Renta (who is one of my favorites, so I had to give him credit for this chiffon!). The other picture really screams quintessential Paris fashion, and Sirenna has once again stolen my heart! My FAVORITE look of the whole episode (and possibly the whole season) was the George Chakra Swarovski Cage Corset Dress! Absolutely stunning. And the best part? The way it's played down to just a casual dress with the Rag and Bone razor coat, See by Chloe Cherry mini bag, and the Yestadt Milinery 76 trombones hat. Blair's outfit is equally a stunner, my favorite part being her Christian Louboutin Quepi Reci platforms! Gossip Girl... can't wait for another season of the most fashionable preps on cable! Keep wow-ing me as I attempt to insert something clever!

Designer Profile: Alice + Olivia

It all started with a pair of striped bell bottoms...

and from that, founder and designer, Stacy Bendet, or "Stacypants" (photographed above), created the empire titled Alice + Olivia. The quest for a great pair of pants and creation of said pants (the bell bottoms!), took her from website designer to fashion designer! And from those pants, grew a complete line, featuring embellished t-shirts, sweaters, dresses, and so much more! The clothing became so popular, that she is one of the most talked about designers in the Big Apple to this day! Her immense talent on dressing the fashionable woman has got her quite the celebrity following, including Angelina Jolie, Blake Lively, Dakota Fanning, Sara Jessica Parker, and Taylor Swift to name a few! She has even decided to branch out into accessories by creating a jewelery and scarves line rumored to be released in 2011. I ADORE her clothes simply for the fact that they are completely focused on the contemporary woman. She always comes out with fresh, exciting, and gorgeous clothing that all could look amazing in at anytime! Her Resort 2011 collection is utterly to die for, it's like Jackie O meets neon, and her base collection is PERFECT everyday wear! A few of my favorite things featured on the Alice + Olivia website (http://shop.aliceandolivia.com/) are the Alandora faux fur shawl collar jacket, the luiza embellished moto jacket (sooooo Rachel Zoe!), and the sequin slouchy shorts! Which piece is your favorite? Check it out while I try to insert something clever!

Take that Saks! (I still love you)....

As I was perusing my Sacs 5th Avenue catalog, I came across I rather adorable scarf from Burberry. It was a cashmere/merino wool oversized leaf green check scarf and it was rolling in at about 500 big ones.... my initial thought was sadness.. but then it dawned on me that I had seen a similar scarf before. In fact, I owned a similar scarf!! Two of my best friends, the fabulous Cait and Cay twins, had taken a gorgeous Mediterranean cruise this summer and visited all the hot spots.. South of France, Greece, Italy.. and along with a rather cute pint-sized donkey key chain, they also gave me a hand-sewn scarf straight from the streets! While the scarf is not an exact replica, it is pretty darn close to me, and I have definitely labeled it as my steal of the day! So, you soon may see me sporting this one-of-a-kind scarf with a 3 quarter length sleeve purple t (which i happen to own, ironically) and a pair of hip-huggin' jeans! While I soak in the thought of 500 dollars well saved.. I'll try to insert something clever.

So Far So Great..

Have you ever listened to someones voice and felt like you've had an epiphany? Well, that may possibly have just occurred after my ears were graced by the We the Kings collaboration with Demi Lovato, I mean DAMN, that girl has got Haley William's lungs! So, naturally, after I fell madly in love with the song, I got my butt over to youtube to check out the music video. Another WTF moment... who is this girl? One minute I'm watching her on the Princess Camp whatever dancing next to the celibate triplets, and the next minute she is looking drop dead gorgeous in a sexy blazer and mini shorts... not to mention, her hair looks fantastic! (Side note- why I want to grow out my hair - on the off chance that We the Kings knocks on my door asking me to appear in one of their music videos, it's possible, I can have a fabulous flipping mane like Demi!) Her personal style has grown from mouseketeer to full blown hard-edge rocker.. and i'm freckin' loving it! Feathered fedoras, destroyed jeans (which are a tricky thing to pull off), and die-able leather booties all gussy up this young starlet's wardrobe (while keeping it classy, might I add... cough *miley* cough *cyrus*) It's time to jump the off the crazy train (Disney empire) and join the norms! I'll be looking up where she got those tights (shown below) while I try to insert clever..

The Dazzling Oxfords...

Is there such a thing as "too dressy" for an afternoon of reading at the Ohio State University oval.. or any University, in fact, where there is the possibility of hunkable, shirtless guys tossing around a Frisbee? I didn't think so either... but the homestead disagreed. Originally I was planning plaid flannel buttoned to the top with a pearls and chains necklace (one of my favorite combos) and a high waisted mini.. much more sensible... but when i got the opportunity to wear the Vera Wang shorts (the Kholes line of course!) I couldn't pass it up! To jazz up the ensemble I went with a forest green, braided at the collar Gap blouse and Vera tights and shoes :) Forever 21 provided the jewelery, with owl studs and a bow headband! Cute right? .. my family's nuts. But anywho, after my dressy-butt had wonderful tour of the pristine and b-e-a-utiful OSU campus with the lovely Shauna Marie (future student and heartthrob), I HAD to see if my funnel neck coat was in at Urban Outfitters. However, to my dismay, there was no sign of any winter clothing and I was ready to leave, deeply saddened. But, right when I was about to loose all hope.. I meandered my way to the sales section (fully aware that I was there to look not touch) and saw the most adorable pair of BDG oxfords.. for, get this, $19.90! In a normal situation, they would be mine, right then and there. However, with the eye infuriated at me, I walked away hoping that I could return one day with money to buy the suckers! Here they are, in all their glory, the dazzling oxfords (don't they make you want to dance around like Gene Kelly!)

Oh My Coat....

When I think of Burberry, I picture their classic quilted jackets and celebrity packed ad campaigns. However, with the Fall 2010 Burberry collection Prorsum, shown at London fashion week in February, I have a whole new perspective on Burberry's clothing. The collection was inspired by old photographs of aviator jackets that Christopher Bailey, the creative director of the line, came across when digging through the Burberry archives. The collection is full of military trenches, funnel neck pea coats (which as you know I ADORE!), and zip-waist tailored jackets that capture everything I was looking for in outerwear this fall season! If I had a few thousand lying around.. I know where I would spend it... :) Above are my absolute two favorite pieces, the curly shearling flying jacket and cadet wool felt coat.. drool over the gorgeousness as a attempt to insert something clever...

My Fall Jacket 2010?...

It will be mine... MINE! muahaha

B:SCOTT Funnel Neck Coat - Urban Outfitters

I find funnel necks on coats to be ridiculously sexy, despite the fact that even more is covered up! I feel a very 1960's vibe, but also an equestrian/outdoorsy feel as well, but that may be from the olive color. Well, if I do end up getting it, at least I know there will be no need for a scarf!

I just died for....

Kicking it off, I thought I should post about a fabulous-ass person who feels very "right now" as they say. Mr. Brad Goreski is someone whose style and personality I just can't get enough of! Along with being completely adorable, fashion aid to the goddess Rachel Zoe, and proud sporter of the man shorts, Brad's fashion is able to embody the clean-cut, intellectual, chicness of a queen, while still being appealing to the heterosexual male. From the retro glasses to the signature bow tie, his style is form fitting and utterly put together. I love the look of the "extreme prep", and Brad takes it to the next level. Tops I adore to see him in include the vertically striped lettered cardigan, argiled sweater, and he always looks good in a DSquared blazer. Some of the bottoms are the eye-poppin' man shorts, slim jeans, and tailored capri pants. If you want to "copy-cat" this look I would check out Pharrell Williams' line Billionare Boys Club or the pioneer in prep himself, Ralph Lauren.

Brad, my way :)



HUGO 'Enderson X' Trim Fit Dress Shirt - $95


Express Flannel Suit Jacket - $228


Levi's Red Tab '511 Skinny Jeans - $54

Vane by Sebago Tuxedo II Dockside Boat Shoe - $110

Molly Rodgers Remington Bow Tie - $29

Giorgio Armani Basket Weave Silk & Wool Scarf - $335