Category Archives: STYLE

The Other Side of Fashion Week

September 23, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

tommy ton fashion week

As many of you know, we are in the thick of Fashion Week.  New York was two weeks ago, London was last week,  Milan is right now, and Paris is just around the corner.  As much as I’m dying over all the new spring designs, I’m even more head-over-heels in love with the pre- and post-show street style that has become a whole other component of Fashion Week these last few seasons.

Though there are tons of street photographers around town, Tommy Ton, Style.com‘s resident street style photographer, really focuses on the beautiful colors and overstated accessories that run wild outside the tents.  His photos are out-of-this-world gorgeous.

Scrolling through Style.com‘s images, I love seeing how trends are incorporated in the real world, from the leopard prints to the olive greens to those amazing neon nails.  These are some of my favorites:

Tommy ton fashion week

tommy ton fashion week

tommy ton fashion week

tommy ton fashion week

tommy ton fashion week

tommy ton fashion week

For more amazing images from the Spring 2011 shows (courtesy of Tommy Ton), go to Style.com.  They post new photos daily!

[Images via Style.com]

I Love Pretty Things

September 19, 2010

Filed Under : EAT - INTERIORS - STYLE

Design*Sponge image

Lately, I’ve been spending all of my free time scrolling through visually-inspiring blogs.  And by that, I mean blogs that focus primarily on beautiful, whimsical images and exquisite photography.  I swear, I could stare at pretty photos all day long.  They have become my number 1 source for inspiration, whether it be getting dressed in the morning, thinking of new recipes, or virtually decorating an apartment.

Below are some of my favorite visually-inspiring blogs, ranging from street style, food, design, and hybrids (a little of everything…fashion/food/decor/crafts).

::STREET STYLE::
GARANCE DORE
HANNELI
JAK & JIL
VANESSA JACKMAN

::FOOD::
SPARKLING INK
SMITTEN KITCHEN
CANNELLE ET VANILLE

SUNDAY SUPPERS

::DESIGN::
DESIGN*SPONGE
DECOR8
APARTMENT THERAPY
LONNY MAGAZINE
RUE MAGAZINE

::HYBRIDS::
LOVELY MORNING
BECAUSE IM ADDICTED
COCO + KELLEY
CREATURE COMFORTS
EAT DRINK CHIC
LACE & TEA
WIT & DELIGHT
THIS IS GLAMOROUS

What are your favorite blogs to find inspiration?

P.S. If you are wondering why I didn’t include any fashion-centric and/or personal style blogs, it’s because my list of favorites is far too long and I just couldn’t cut it down! That’s a whole other blog post altogether.

[Image via design*sponge]

xo, Alexa

September 13, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Alexa Chung for Madewell

I’ve been waiting ever so patiently (8 months to be exact) for Alexa Chung’s Madewell collection to arrive and when it did, I was positively giddy.  Though it launched online September 9th, it didn’t actually hit stores until the 11th and I made sure to be at Madewell’s Century City location exactly when it opened (ok, 5 mins late).  Unlike my usual experiences with collaborations (ahem, Target and H&M), Madewell was FULLY stocked and well prepared for the influx of Alexa-lovers, including yours truly.

Every piece in the collection looks like it actually came from Alexa’s closet.  The fabrics and colors embody that ladylike and graceful charm from decades past.  Silks and velvets.  Polka dots and peter pan collars.  High-waisted jeans and flowing skirts.

I told myself I could buy only ONE thing.  That’s all I could afford, thanks a lot Alexa.  So I chose the Annie Blouse.  But then a certain special someone (who not only drove me to Madewell at 8:30am but then sat patiently while I tried on 3 dozen pieces of clothing) bought me the Betty Tea Dress!  He makes me smile.  And now my life is complete.

P.S. I also got a FREE (!) Alexa Chung for Madewell pencil pouch, ribbon, and handwritten (ok, photocopied) note from Alexa!  Best day ever.

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Alexa Chung for Madewell

Dream Combo: Gamine Girl

September 8, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

Boots and over-the-knee socks

I love combining the ultra-feminine with the ultra-masculine and what better way to showcase this love than in my “Dream Combo” series (oh did I mention I’m sharing my dream combos on the regular?).

These Madewell Aberdeen Two-Toned Boots are like Wall Street meets sexy British rocker (swoon).   Sophisticated yet totally cool.  Menswear at it’s finest.  On the other hand, these Madewell Over-the-Knee socks exude that girly, school uniform vibe that’s become an essential fall trend this year (hello pleated skirts and button-up blouses).

Together, the two are the definition of gamine – a girl with boyish charm.  Ahh, I love! I would pair them with fitted wool shorts and a loose-fitting blouse.  Maybe even a belted shirtdress.  Heart you, Madewell.

[Images via Madewell]

Dream Combo: casual leather

August 30, 2010

Filed Under : STYLE

I love when two seemingly dissimilar and unique items combine together to create something kinda perfect.  Like balsamic vinegar and strawberries, for example.  On the surface, their opposing flavors seem like they’d clash.  But then you splash a little balsamic over a bowl of sliced strawberries and before you know it, you’ve eaten an entire pint and you’re not sure what day it is.

Moral of the story: I love clashing combos.  Especially when I can wear those combos.  Good transition right??

Basically, I live in slouchy, pocket tees and desperately need to break my habit of pairing them with jeans, jeans, and more jeans.  Why not mix in a leather skirt, like this Topshop Leather A-line Skirt?  It’s equal parts chic and sexy.  Tucking a slouchy gray tee, like this T by Alexander Wang number, into the skirt instantly gives it a casual cool vibe, making it a perfect transition tool from summer to fall.  Leathah was everywhere on the fall runways, non?