Happy Weekend, Announcements and Various Couture Fall 2010

First of all I hope you all have a great weekend.  I've made my week a little miserable by spending too much energy obsessing thinking about our "still-on-the-market-after-17- months" house.  It's making me nuts people, I'm ready to feel settled.  I must build a bridge and get over it.

As for August and the blog, I'm going to cut down to one post a day for the month.  I'm giving myself a little break from two posts a day so I can enjoy the end of Summer (plus August is a little slow in Fashion-land, sort of the calm before the September fashion show storms).  I'm also going to try out a new series next Wednesday called "Uniform Dressing".  Basically it's going to address the issue of having a sort of "uniform" that you may go to time and time again.  I'm so guilty of this, you don't even know.  My husband makes fun of me - pants and t-shirt, pants and t-shirt.  And it's gotten out of hand since becoming a Mom.  So it's for me and you - LOL!  It's not about abandoning the "uniform", but more about embracing it.  Come back on Wednesday and see what I mean.   I'm also working on a new mission statement since I've moved away from the blog's original concept, more on that in a couple of weeks.

Okay, back to it.  To finish up my week-long Fall 2010 Couture roundup, I'm going to cover a couple of additional shows that I just liked a few looks from.  First up, the super detailed Givenchy:

No one will look past you wearing one of these showstoppers!

And finally Valentino, where everything was super-duper short and sassy - nice!

Images via Style.com

The "it" list, July 30, 2010

Hooray for Friday! The "it" list is back with a great round up of all sorts of goodies on the web... be sure to visit all these lovelies blogs for tons of inspiration this weekend!

• sweetie pie pumpkin noodle visits some of THE most fabulous boutiques and shops in Mill Valley and takes us along for the ride. She also hunts down amazing chandeliers along her way. Don't miss this goodness!
• merci blah blah rounds up tons of gorgeous drape-style dresses from all over the interwebs. And not just once... but twice. Um, I'll take one of each!
• good life for less gives us the highlights of her recent trip to Forever 21... these shoes were definitely a great find!
• a spot of whimsy forks over a delicious dose of Mad Men style and photos. I swoon, just swoon for that show!
• penguins gift is giving away a Stella & Dot bracelet for the little ladies in your life. So cute!
• style your life puts together a casual outfit featuring an unexpected item - a pencil skirt. I just love this look - so chic!
• spry on the wall gives us a practical and affordable version of this amazing outfit from Isaac Mizrahi's Spring 2010 line.
• the hillside home just bought a new house and is planning, planning, planning. SO FUN! Join her as they start picking out colors, finishes, etc. I just love the adventure of a new house!
• john's journal outlines a simple but fantastic looking diy roman shade project. You will absolutely want to try this. It turned out amazing!
• elena's custom designs makes a custom pillow out of a scarf/handkerchief. I just LOVE this idea!
• really cute stuff is featuring their "family style" notecards... a great gift for friends or teachers or just to have for yourself for thank you notes or notes to teachers. I love these ideas!
• good look for less is offering wardrobe consults at half price through the end of today... hurry and snag yours before they go back to full price for fall!

Have a great weekend... interested in learning more about the "it" list? Email goodlifeforless @ gmail.com !

Elie Saab Couture Fall 2010

Elie Saab always knocks it out of the park with plenty of "coming-to-a-red-carpet-soon" dresses.  For sure this collection totally covered that and more.  I'll let the images of my favorite looks speak for themselves - gorgeous!  It's just a darn shame I have no place to wear (or can afford *ahem*) any of these numbers.

Images via Style.com

My Take: Isaac Mizrahi Spring 2010

Back to the archives again, I love revisiting a season and seeing what still works and seems fresh!  I must say that this isn't a groundbreaking look, but it's one that's timeless and honestly Isaac's Spring 2010 collection was fabulous (my post here).  Away we go:

Button Front Tops by J.Crew
Earrings at Kohl's

Runway image via WWD

Christian Dior Couture Fall 2010

Ah, Dior Couture shows are always my favorites and so beautiful, naturally this one was no different.  Maybe not as strong as some previous seasons (here, here and here) but it still was beautiful.  Obviously, it's inspired by flowers and floral arrangements (plastic wrapped heads anyone? No thanks!).  Anyway, here are my favorite looks and details (pay attention to the outstanding use of color - nice!):

Images via Style.com

My Take: Tori Spelling

This "my take" is a sort of special dedication to the super adorable Kristin from the BonBon Rose Girls who actually got to meet Tori at a book signing last week.  It was funny because I read her post and a couple of days later saw this photo of Tori in an outfit I wanted to try and recreate.  And not just because of Tori (though I do love her), but because of how simple, fun and chic it is, and hello?  Yellow - again!  It's like I'm trying to brainwash everyone with yellow, I swear I'm not!

Shortsleeve Tops by Nygard Collection
Hobos by Deux Lux

Tori image via Day Old News

Chanel Couture Fall 2010

Okay, here's the deal with this collection for me - my first thought upon viewing it as a whole was "frumpy" - I'm talking most of the skirt/dress lengths, the scrunchy ankle boots, the odd proportions, etc.  If it makes a tall, rail thin model look like a frump then God help the rest of us (not that Kaiser Karl is begging moi to wear Chanel, mind you).  That being said, I don't dislike all of it and I most certainly don't want to take away from the amazing detail and construction, it is the Couture after all.  The following are what I found most interesting:

Images via Style.com

My Take: Olivia Palermo (I know, I know...)

I agree, girlfriend needs a total attitude adjustment on "The City".  But, she does dress well and is always perfectly coifed and made up (which of course given her seemingly unlimited funds and time, she darn well should).  So let's just concentrate on the outfit and not the person wearing it - LOL!

I picked this look because it's easy to relate to, I mean I can totally see myself running errands and chasing after my toddler dressed like this.  It's a more pulled together version of yoga pants and grey t-shirt.  I approached it two different ways.  The first way is with the slouchier pants like she's wearing, works better for those of us who don't worry so much about our hips (that would not be me - ha!).  I would love to indulge in these sort of pants, but I'm not sure my borderline pear shape would make them work for me.  Times like this you hit the dressing room hard with lots of options.

Casual Pants by Suoli
Flats by Old Navy

This next option has a more tailored pant keeping the same proportion.  I gave it a slouchier shirt to keep the relaxed feel of the outfit.  Love the bag in this version!

Tees by Forever 21
Flats by Old Navy

Olivia Polermo image via Rikshaw Design blog

Armani Prive Fall 2010

Simply beautiful, lots of brown and very businesslike (maybe a bit too businesslike for Couture, but it was glam enough to work).  Luxurious suits and dresses, by far my favorite Armani collection - Prive or RTW - in a long time.  Please do enjoy my favorite looks:

Images via Style.com