Walk. Jog. Run. Sprint.

     I think all of us fashionistas can admit that we are always (and I use that term lightly) trending, in style, keeping up with the Jones (or Kardashian's), so to speak.  Having said all that, it is only natural for us to be "trending" while working out, right?  Women spend all this time contemplating their appearance for their various different roles they play in life.  Such as working, socializing, exercising and some even when their little fashion minds are dreaming.  Some are a little too concerned about their appearance and for all the wrong reasons, but I am not addressing those women right now.  I'm crediting those whose minds solely generate their appearances on the love of fashion itself.  

     Now, back to the part where I discussed exercising.  Exercise, that eight letter word that most people dread to participate in and that others spring from the sheets and start their day off with.  As I got to thinking about my blog for the day, I was pondering about athletic fashion.  I know there is a huge market out there for those few people (although, the urge for exercise is growing) who love to workout and look fashionable.  There is no reason to be held back from being trendy even when you have sweat dripping down your face (but, women don't sweat, they glisten).  My point of the day is that you can be fashionable when and where ever you please.  There is yet to be a law on clothing and until that day arrives, embrace it!

All of these articles of athletic clothing come from Lululemon Athletica, one of my favorite athletic wear companies.  

Work out for me!

Ciao, 

Annie

BCBG Max Azria Pre-Fall 2013!

     And they are out, the pre-fall 2013 collections are finished and we are moving our way into the future.  Max and Lubov Azria's pre-fall collection was full of soft romantic fabrics that resemble the twenties, thirties and even bits of the forties.  The Azria's traveled to Istanbul, Turkey this past September and they were taken away by the stunning scenery.  The cobblestone streets, the temples, the famous Hagia Sophia and the beauty of the Turkish capital.  The temples are famous for their stunning mosaic tiles that lavishly decorate the amazing architecture.  You can see how the clothing mirrors the Turkish style through the chiffon sleeve jumpsuits, the palazzo pants, the longer lengthen skirts and the inspired mosaic tile prints.  The fur and leather accents give this romantic look a bit of a modern edge twist, which everyone needs now a days  The soft colors with a hint of bright here and there is a great way to spice things up yet, keep that classy and sophisticated aroma in the air.  I can't believe we are already onto pre-fall 2013.  What a beautiful and elegant start coming from BCBG Max Azria.

What country do you get your inspiration from?

Ciao, 

Annie

Ambassador Anna Wintour?

     As rumors do, they have been circulating like wild fire, and the latest fashion rumor is that Anna Wintour could potentially become the Ambassador of London?  Hold on world and just wait one minute, is this real?  Although she has been keeping quiet about it, that hasn't stopped the rumors from continuing.  Ambassador Louis Susman's roll is up and it is time for the President to begin his search for a replacement ambassador to withhold the position.  Miss Wintour has donated tens and thousands of dollars towards the Obama election campaign and has been a close follower of President Obama.
     As most of you know, Anna Wintour is UK-born and has been the editor of the US Vogue for over two decades.  With the glistening contact book that Anna Wintour has, I'm not surprised that she is being considered for the enormous job of being an ambassador.  Although there are no personal announcements that are going to be made anytime soon, in regards to the future ambassador to London, we know that the 62-year-old Miss Wintour is being considered.
     If this change were to occur, Wintour would be greatly missed by US Vogue and all of it's readers.   I'm not sure if there is any type of replacement for her, she does her job better than anyone could.  This accessible, smart and bright woman has carried US Vogue and has transformed it into the wonderful masterpiece it is.  If she were to go, she will be greatly missed.

A woman with many talents!

Ciao, 

Annie

Pajama-rama!

     Pajama-inspired clothing has been in style for a few seasons now.  Hell, why not wear your pajamas in public?  Well, pajama-like clothing.  It's comfortable, super cute and looks fabulous.  In fact, instead of wearing a stuffy stiff suit, this easy just-out-of-bed look seems to be the attire of choice.  Just look at the celebrities they are big adapters of the pajama trend.  Red carpets tend to be a common occurrence for these stars and every once in a while it must be nice to throw on the soft silky outfit and hit the carpet.  

     Whether you prefer the full look from head to toe or just the top and bottom singly, they are such easy styles to pull off.  These looks are far too stylish to be hidden between the sheets, the evening wear option sounds much more seductive to me.  Who would have thought we would be pushing for the elegant pajama pant and the dress down double breasted slouchy satin top?  It's happened, so go on out there and show off your PJ's.  But, please exchange your slippers for heels!

   

Snuggle up!

Ciao, 

Annie

A New Face For Balenciaga Perfume!

     Balenciaga has brought on the starlet from The Twilight Series, Kristen Stewart.  She is currently their new face for their fragrance, Florabotanica.  Stewart says that the imagery of this fragrance is one of a girl sifting through a garden, gorgeous but intoxicating.  Flowers in gardens can be sweet and soft along with poisonous and dangerous.  The fragrance is meant to be worn by women who are mysterious and daring.  I think Kristen Stewart is a perfect face for this scent because she is trendy, edgy and generally plays mysterious characters.  Go out and test it and tell me what you think!

Smells devine!

Ciao, 

Annie

Keeping Your Fingers Warm & Fancy!

     Do you ever go outside to get in your car and you notice the frost that has softly coated the door handle?  Then you get in the car and put your hands on the freezing cold steering wheel?  Nothing solves this problem like leather/pleather gloves.  They are the driving (and walking, for that matter) savior!  As the tight fabric snugs next to each individual finger somehow it creates such warmth to the hands.  I've noticed that designers are getting fancier and fancier with their driving gloves.  As you can see below there are bright colors, studded additions, woven fabric, chain and fur accents, and they are even extending past your elbows now.  Quite a change from the original black or brown sleek leather look.  But, it's good we have moved on to bigger, better and more dramatic things.  This is a winter accessory that can add a bit more fuss to your outfits.  I would advise you all to go out there and get your gloves before your phalanges start getting chilly.

Bottega Veneta

Causse Gantier

Haider Ackermann

Valentino

Burberry

Causse Gantier

Miu Miu

Fingers need some snuggling too!

Ciao,

Annie

Rings Rings Rings!

     A band of metal or other substantial material that adorns the finger as an ornament is called a ring.  Well, rings have surely come into their place as the years have gone on.  Of course there is your typical engagement ring, wedding band and claddagh ring, but I'm not talking about that.

     I would like to introduce to you the world of ring selection!  The big, the bad and the fabulous!   As we have seen in magazines and on celebrities, rings are only getting bigger and more intricate.  Lets start with the full-finger rings, the ones that act as a skeletal piece of jewelry that crawls up each digit in chic articulated sections.   Now, for the upper-finger rings the ones that creep up the finger to the intermediate and distal phalanges (above the knuckles).  I was trying to be fancy, for once!  And a drumroll please, for the newest hybrid ring, two bands that are joined by a system of delicate chains to the lower and upper sectionals of your finger.  And, of course there is the classic single ring that is so large you almost need someone to hold your hand all night to keep it from falling off your wrist, but we are used to seeing those by now.  

     We have developed this sense of obsession with stacking jewels and this shows no sign of slowing down or coming to an end, and that's all the more reason to put a ring or five on.  Let's keep the the trophy and continue with the trends.

Anelise Michelson

Plukka

YSL

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters

Forever 21

If you like it then you better put a ring on it!

Ciao, 

Annie

     

The Stress Of Halloween!

     The holiday where 'women get away with wearing absolutely nothing and don't get arrested for indecent exposure' is just rounding the corner.  If you are a women and you still dress up for Halloween then you definitely get the "oh shit, what am I going to be" jitters.  Generally, it happens a week before you need your costume, when you have already missed the 3-7 business day shipping window.  And you are screwed.  If you think I am currently describing myself...you are right!  But, if you are creative like me then have no fear.
     First stop, your childhood dress up trunk.  For those of you who still have one, I am sure that you can find tons of basics.  A tutu, witch hat, cowboy hat, old brides made dresses, perhaps even some fairy wings.  Now, pick a basic and decided on a costume.  Here is how I made four costumes just from my dress up trunk.  Of course, I had to go out to the local Wal-Mart or JoAnn Fabrics to pick up a few odds and ends, but it was cheap and easy.

Tinkerbell

     Tinkerbell, the classic All-American fairy.  It doesn't get much simpler than this.  All you need is a pair of wings, a green dress (a green tank top and a tutu), a pair of wings, and a wand.  You can get your wings at Wal-Mart or any Halloween store.  The wand can be made out of a stick that you spray paint dark green.  The dress can come from Forever 21 and you can cut the hem in a zig zag shape.  If you decided to use a tutu instead then all you need to do is dig through your tank tops and find a green one!  It's so simple.  To top it off, literally, put a cute little sock bun right on top of your head.  Some glitter to toss at your friends and voila! 

Cowgirl

     You don't have to look as Pinup as this chick here, but a cowgirl is another easy costume to pull off. Go to your summer collection and grab your Daisy Duke denim shorts.  Any flannel shirt tied at the waist, will due.  A cowboy hat and some nice cowboy boots to complete the look.  Pretty easy, right?

Bumble Bee

     If you feel like buzzing around on Halloween a bumblebee will be a nice fit for you.  All you will need is some black and yellow striped tights, a black leotard, a yellow tutu and some black and yellow wings.  If you have a black headband you get make the antennas out of pipe cleaners and add some yellow pompom balls at the end.  A simple way to add stripes to the costume is to get silk ribbon and let it hang off the tutu, the more stripes the better.  Be creative with this one.  

Witch

     Although many would say I could have gone dressed as my everyday self I thought I needed to play up the part a little more.  A tight black dress with a mini broom and my childhood witch hat did the trick.  Some tight knee high boots and dark black makeup, I looked just like the Wicked Witch of the West!  

     There are so many more costumes that you can create if you just dig through your closet and your old dress up trunk.  Don't go to those Halloween stores and spend $100 on some costume you are going to spill beer on and wear once.  Sometimes taking a trip to your local thrift store might spark some great ideas as well.  Use your imagination.  After all, it's Halloween, you can be whatever you want!

Spook ya later!

Ciao, 

Annie

Bergdorf Turns One Hundred & Eleven!

     Last night at the Plaza Hotel things got a little wild as many celebrated the 111th Anniversary of the fabulous, Bergdorf Goodman.  This was the first time since 1951 that Bergdorf's has decided to mark and celebrate it's birthday.  They must have all been in desperate need to get their party on, huh?  This was a year of firsts for Bergdorf's.  Over 100 designers designed pieces to make up an exclusive anniversary collection, a documentary film was created and there was a book constructed in its honor.      There is only one Bergdorf Goodman in the world and it just so happens to be the summit of style, inspiration and service since 1901.
     As I was meandering about the city I came to the corner of 5th & 58th and there it was.  The shining beautiful stone structured building wrapped in an oversized lavender ribbon, with iconic vintage Bergdorf silhouette's printed all over it, that surrounded the entire building.  We are all aware that Bergdorf's is known for it's window displays.  If you didn't know that, now you do and make sure you don't forget it!  The current theme was recently unveiled and is sporting an 111th Anniversary theme.  These windows are portraying the history of Bergdorf's, the history of fashion, a representation of the building and more secrets and surprises.  The celebration is a continuous theme throughout the store as well.  The attention to detail that you see in these windows is magnifying.  If you are nearby it is worth checking out!  But for now I have posted them so you can use your imagination and picture the 3D version of these eccentric art creations.

     These windows kind of portray that "if you wear these articles of clothing you can run the world" type thing.  I mean common, there is a little bit of everything going on here.  Embracing of our societies current printed fabric obsession, the culmination of every air transportation craft known to man hovering over what looks like three fashion forward giants strutting down 5th Ave., renderings of the original Bergdorf's and well everything else that is packed into these chaotically fabulous windows.  Call me crazy, but I would love to be one of those mannequins looking out at the world to see the reactions and count the number of finger prints that cumulate on the windows as they stare in awe.  

One city, one store, one experience!

Ciao, 

Annie