fashion: elie saab fall 2011

belts, draping, high slits.  ohhhh yessss.

~ flowy florals ~

~ bold & beautiful RED ~

 ~ head to toe shimmer ~

of course, due to my hectic work life, i am most drawn to the clean & crisp professional-wear showcased in this collection (kinda pathetic, i know) ~

 oh yes, i would looooove to rock these sharp outfits at work!

[all images via]

pretty pictures: aishwarya rai for vogue india

 

i may not know too much about this bollywood superstar, but i do know that she is drop dead gorgeous.  i've seen pictures of her elsewhere, and thought so, but this editorial reallyreally brings out her stunning good looks.  the hair, the makeup, the clothes, the strong poses, the... everything! 

definitely a look to emulate.

my fave shot:

red is definitely her color!

and what a beautiful gown . . .

from vogue india, feb 2011. incredible photography by marcin tyszka

images via justjared & red carpet fashion awards

etc: happy umbrella day!

once again i turn to mimi + meg's calendar for the day's obscure celebration!  ... and as you may have guessed from the title of this post, it's umbrella day!!  so how should we celebrate?  well, it's frigid and without prospect of rain over here in the Chicagoland, so actually using an umbrella is out of the question.  instead, i've [my very very first!] set on polyvore, based on the main item of an umbrella ~

 this first set is dedicated to my dear friend, J, who somehow still believes in love, even after getting her heart broken more times than anyone should.  through it all, she stays in the game, hopeful maybe one day someone will be different than all the rest.  so anyways, J is the kind of girl who would have this massive umbrella with hearts all over it.  because she would never let a little rain ruin her day... or date!

if i could, i would buy J the umbrella for umbrella day.  actually, if i could, i would buy her everything in this set.  hopefully she'll understand i'm on a bujay :)

i want: cute & quirky laptop case

 by kate spade.

website description: "add a dash of whimsy to your work life with our new laptop sleeve-cheery cherry red is the backdrop for a quirky keyboard print, while a vertical stripe gives the interior a playful pop that's sure to brighten your day."

agreed. 

 

need?

i think yes.

first discovered here.

pin up pretties: the big teese

dita von teese for madison magazine = definition of pin-up sexy.  almost demurely sexy... i mean, she makes just sitting still in a crew neck sweater tank look hot!  enviable.  take a look at some of the pictures [pretty incredible photography, too] ~

 & my fave pic:

i want that lovely dress.  & those shoes.  

& dita's legs & overall loveliness!

all images via -- click the link to see more pictures

celeb style: carrie underwood in edition by georges chakra

i completely love this look.  the bright red, the belted waist, the sheer top detail, the overall styling.... everything.

well done, carrie underwood, well done.

picture cred: red carpet fashion awards

p.s. this look was my vote for fashion critics BDOTW poll

design: eclectic bedroom

love:

- deep blue headboard and matching bench

- ...that looks incredible with the pop of red in the blanket & pillowcases

- built-bookcase

-....& books everywhere!

- fireplace in the bedroom

** awesome art over the fireplace**

yup, i definitely see myself in this lovely eclectic bedroom.

via

link love: 11.28.10

design/decor:
- metallic wallpaper: it's jewelry for your walls!
- some lovely rooms where yellow is the name of the game
- rooms where red is rad ~ i think the first room is a little overwhelming, but the red-themed organization in the 4th is kinda awesome!
- tory burch stores [although i wish chicago's pretty little store had been included!]
- love this funny "he said, she said" about eclectic design

fashion:
- an ode to wide-brimmed hats.  i can't pull it off personally, but i still love the look.
- i've read a lot of negative feedback [e.g. kaiser over at celebitchy]to natalie portman in a strapless floral dress at the AFI fest 2010 "black swan" closing night gala, but i personally love it.  it's relaxed, fun, & feminine... & still super classy.  [i'm so glad my fave blog red carpet fashion awards agrees. click the link to see the dress] 
- an ode to ballet inspired fashion
- in case you were wondering... stars sans stylists: what it really means
- i LOVE the boho-fem look of isabella marant. as the blogger the runway romantique describes her clothing soo perfectly: "her collections are always light-hearted, perfectly blending a style that suits lovers of bohemian and french chic."  yesssss.
- it's a sad day for sophie at diary of a young designer.  forever 21 ripped off her pretty headband :(  join in the boycott & show your support for indie designers!

photography:
- fabulous photo shoot highlighting golden fashion & doutzen kroes' beauty [even with an afro!]
- love this photo of gold sequins in the desert with the sun setting in the background
- photographer moises gonzáles recreates some of gustav klint's most famous paintings
- vogue covers from around the world this november

etc:
 - an ode to burberry plaid
- the hierarchy of candy
- adorable little girl's art gallery party
- cute & clever tie-pography
- rustic glam wedding photo shoot that will make your heart melt.  beautiful.
- super cool vintage magazine covers, including vanity fair & vogue

pretty picture: living with nature

welcome to the world of glamorous women, beautiful gowns, & breathtaking woods - a.k.a. the world as photographer rus anson imagines it.

my absolute fave photo [& gown!!]

i wish i knew who designed this beautiful & romantic red number...& that i could ever afford it...& that i had an occasion to wear it.... lots of wishes today!

props to amanda of lace & tea for introducing me to these photos.

see her post here.

design: red & blue dining room

love:

-huge windows...

-...with luxe looking deep grey curtains

- dark wood floors

- curved shape of room

- incredibly cool lighting [is this coral or tree inspired??  i see tree, but the color is more reminiscent of sea coral... just wondering your thoughts.]

** mix of sky blue & bright red/almost reddish orange.  looove. **

 elle decor via the desk of annie