I Want This! - Prada Sunglasses

If you know me, you know I love pretty much anything Prada - it's an illness.  I've been seeing these Prada Baroque sunglasses around and I'm in love. 


Check them out on Eva Mendes:

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Jenny on Pinterest

They are so much fun and so pretty.  Too bad they are $290 and that I've had to store any pair of sunglasses I own that cost more than $20 because the little one likes to break them (and any other pair of glasses within reach).  I'll be happy when this phase is over!

What do you all think - do you like them?

I Want This For Fall - Trend #5 Warm Neutrals

Here's the last trend in this week long series about what trends I am feeling for Fall!  This trend is not super specific, it's more about an overall color palette and feeling.  I know the buzz is all about color, color, color but I say put a pin in that until next Spring.  Or at least only use one major color in your outfit and ground it with the warm neutrals.  Use nature as your guide when mixing the neutrals (in fact look to nature as a guide whenever you are at a loss how to mix any colors), here are a couple of inspirational pictures:

Source: elizabethbunsen.tumblr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Source: sunsurfer.tumblr.com via Jenny on Pinterest

Now before you think this is a total gloomfest of a palette, it doesn't have to be.  Pick the warmer neutrals (camel, gold, muted yellows, charcoal grey, mustard, mahogany brown, etc) and steer clear of the cooler neutrals (think of colors that conjure images of snow and ice).  Mix and match and make it fun.  Here are some examples I put together:

Cardigans by J. Jill
Button Front Tops by MinkPink

Casual Jackets by The Limited
Shortsleeve Tops by Gap

Casual Pants by J.Crew
Longsleeve Tops by Soft Joie

Mid-length Skirts by J.Crew
Cardigans by Old Navy

Shortsleeve Tops by The Limited
Cardigans by Old Navy

You can mix and match any of the above with ease.  The best part of this trend is that you can use your black or brown accessories that you already have with any of the looks.  It doesn't get easier.  Have fun!

I hope you enjoyed this trend series and I appreciate you stopping by!  Here's to a fashionable Fall! 

Don't forget that the latest "new-to-me" recipe is up on my Facebook page!  Have a great weekend!

I Want This For Fall - Trend #4 Plaid Pants

Today we're going to tackle trend #4 in the week long series of trends - plaid pants!  Or maybe I should say - plaid pants?!  Yeah, some plaid pants are scary - the bright, huge plaids in particular - those can veer dangerously into "Herb Tarlek" territory (see below for more info on Herb), also see Tory Burch Fall 2011. I think the key with this trend it to keep the plaid very understated and simple in neutral colors.  Go for a small to mid-scale plaid especially if you don't want to emphasize your lower half (it can get tricky if you are pear-shaped, like myself).  And please don't mix plaids here, with a jacket, etc.  A little plaid goes a long way, unless you are aiming to look like a sofa or the previously mentioned Herb Tarlek.  My suggestion is to stick with a solid color on top.  Have fun!

Wide Leg Pants by Ann Taylor
Dress Pants by J.Crew

Wide Leg Pants by The Limited
Pants & Shorts by Tahari

Source: ebay.com via Jenny on Pinterest

And who is Herb Tarlek?  Well, shame on you for not knowing (just kidding).  Herb (he's the guy in the upper right hand side of the picture above) was a character on the 70's sitcom "WKRP in Cincinnati".  He sort of came to embody the slimy sales guy and wore the most garish (even for the 1970's) suits/ties/sportscoats.  Usually very loud plaids that clashed.  His clothes made the character, the costume designer was a genius.  Anyway, I have referenced him and Helen Roper from "Three's Company" a lot in my design career.  Those two characters are a great gauge for that fine line between kitschy and classy.  BTW, it's not always bad to be a Roper or Tarlek if done the right way! 

Here's the WKRP theme song - a song I can't get out of my head because I have to travel to Cincinnati quite frequently.  As soon as I step off the plane it's "Baby, if you've ever wondered..."  I'm sure my coworkers would love me for this - ha!


And a little snippet of the show (from the famous "turkey drop" episode):

I Want This For Fall - Trend #3 Capes

Today we'll tackle trend #3 in the week long series of what trends I think are important for Fall (check out #1 here and #2 here) - capes!  I'm all in with this trend because capes are comfy, timeless and great transition pieces!  And there are so many options from cardigan-like to coat-like so you have quite a few choices depending on how you want to wear them.  The cape trend comes and goes rather frequently, so if you want to invest in a cape that you can wear for years, make sure you focus on one in a shape and color that will be timeless!  Try for a midweight higher quality woven one in solid black, camel, grey or ivory.  Knits won't hold up year after year, unless it's a high quality cashmere or wool/wool blend which can get pricey.  If you are looking to just partake in this trend for the season then you can be a bit more adventurous with the color, print and go for the lower priced items.  Have fun!

Coats at Piperlime
Outerwear by Via Spiga

Raincoats & Trenchcoats by Asos
Outerwear by Lauren Ralph Lauren

Casual Jackets by Max Studio
Sweaters by New York & Co.

I Want This For Fall - Trend #2 Southwest Prints

Let's tackle trend #2 that you may want to partake in for Fall - Southwest and Southwest-inspired prints.  Again, like with snakeskin print, a little goes a long way.  I like the idea of wearing this trend as an accessory (scarves and the like) and tops/cardigans.  A bag or shoe in this print just won't stand the test of time to get your money's worth per wear.   I think this trend can encompass everything from straight-up Navajo prints to Ikat and Kilim (in certain colorations).  I prefer the Kilim/Ikat approach, because they tend to be a bit more understated.  But it's all about keeping it in your comfort zone and what version would best work with your wardrobe.  Have fun!

Casual Jackets at Boutique to You
Scarves & Wraps by DKNY

Shortsleeve Tops by Ella Moss
Cardigans by Warehouse

Day Dresses by Ella Moss
Cardigans by Just Female

I Want This For Fall - Trend #1 Snakeskin

Welcome to to the week long series about trends I feel are important for this fall.  I'm starting a day late, so I'll be hitting you with two trends today - stay tuned for the next post a bit later today.

The first trend I'm going to tackle is snakeskin print.  This trend was apparent in Prada's and Gucci's Fall 2011 collections.  If you didn't catch my imaginary conversation between Miucca Prada and Frida Giannini about said trend then go here.  Obviously that stuff is in stores now and since those collections showed in March of this year the trend has gained steam.  While Prada and Gucci focused on brightly colored snakeskin prints, I think the trend has evolved to a more natural palette.  Meaning, it's more how it appears in nature and therefore it makes it much easier to weave into your existing wardrobe.  I would treat it almost like a leopard print - a great accent that can go with most anything.  It's also like leopard in that it comes and goes in popularity (although with me, leopard is always on trend). 

A great way to incorporate this trend in your wardrobe is with accessories - shoes, bags, jewelry, etc.  That way it's not too overwhelming and doesn't cost an arm and leg.  I've assembled a few options in shoes, bags and jewelry all under $150.  If you keep the bag and shoe options clean and simple then they will stand the test of time and you can wear them now, then store them away when the trend feels tired, then pull them out again in a few seasons when it's hot again (and it will be).  Have fun!

Flats by Aldo
Flats by Gap

Pumps by Nine West
Platforms by Joan & David

Satchels by Ivanka Trump
Clutches by Melie Bianco

Bracelets by Kenneth Cole
Necklaces by Kenneth Cole

I want this! - Louboutin Croc-Sequined Platform Pump

Don't forget that I posted my new-to-me recipe of the week on my Facebook page - check it out here. 

I just saw these pumps and fell in L-O-V-E.  They are very reminiscent of these Louboutins I posted about early last year - but I think I adore these more.  Silver+Animal Pattern=Goodness!

Here's another view of them actually on the feet.

Source: thevoguediaries.com via Jenny on Pinterest

And to think that only just a few days ago I was thinking how tired I am of this particular shoe style - you know, the peep-toe, platform pump.  It's been around for a few years and while they are most certainly a classic, I'm ready for something new.  Although maybe just adding some pattern, texture and/or unique color to this style may just be the way to go to make it fresh!  Now if I can only scrounge up $1400 to drop on some shoes - ha!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and if you are interested Rachel Zoe will be on QVC tonight at 11pm and midnight, then tomorrow at 1pm and 6pm.   She'll be presenting her revamped line for QVC called Luxe Rachel Zoe.  Should be interesting...

Top image via Bergdorf Goodman

I Want This! - Missoni for Target (duh)

First, just to let you know that I have posted this week's new-to-me recipe on my Facebook page (and it was a grand slam in my house) - check it out!

Okay, I know I'm late to the game with my Missoni for Target post, but hey that's the way I roll right now.  Here are the items that I plan on making mine.  Now, I've been on a spending freeze as of late, but since I love Missoni so much and the stuff looks like it could be really outstanding, I've put some moola aside so I can splurge!  My wish list is as follows:

Yes, yes and yes to that cape/wrap!

This whole darn ensemble (but main focus on the tunic)!

The tote.

What about taking that robe and wearing it as a kimono with some jeans and a tank?  Me likey!

How gorgeous are these shoes?  They look money here, but we'll have to see in person if they are as fab.

Makeup bags - will be part of a Christmas gift idea for friends (shhhh).

These are for little girls, maybe can score a pair for my little one, if they come in her size.

Need some throw pillows - this would work perfectly!

Love the one on the left.  I'm hoping it's a large pillow.

A tray will most certainly be mine!

Ah, this is gorgeous!

Would love a frame...

And will certainly want one of these pictures (kind of digging the upper right purple one) - how amazing would all four of these look clustered together in a walk-in closet?  Oh, I miss my huge closet...

Okay, that's what I want.  Now we'll have to wait until 9/13 to actually see what I score.  Stay tuned!