Book Review - "Born to Be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far" by Brad Goreski (#9 - 2019)

Born to Be Brad: My Life and Style, So Far by Brad Goreski

I've loved Brad ever since the first season of "The Rachel Zoe Project" so I decided to pick this book up when I saw it.  It was a very enjoyable read, I loved finding out how he got to where he is now.  He's frank and honest about his childhood and his issues with addiction.  I really liked him more after reading this and he just seems like a nice person.  I would totally recommend this book!

Book Review - "Always Pack a Party Dress" by Amanda Brooks (#1 - 2019)

Always Pack a Party Dress by Amanda Brooks

This is a beautiful book full of lovely pictures.  That being said, it was not my favorite fashion memoir out there.  Interesting, yes, but kind of underwhelming.  Just a collection of stories about how Amanda Brooks came into the fashion business (*spoiler alert* - coming from an incredibly privileged background helps a lot!).  Nothing I do, or have ever done/experienced, could relate to anything she talked about.  Being invited to the Met Ball and fretting over wardrobe is not something 99.999% of us can empathize with.  So I would just skip this one.  There are much better memoirs out there!

Book Review - "Alexander McQueen: Blood Beneath the Skin" by Andrew Wilson (#25 - 2016)

Alexander McQueen: Blood Beneath the Skin by Andrew Wilson

I always seem to read (or re-read) a McQueen book (and watch endless McQueen videos on YouTube) between Christmas and New Years.  Always.  I love him, I love his work, I love his shows, I hate he's gone.  This book may be my favorite biography of him, it went into a lot of depth and there was a lot of information that I wasn't previously aware of.  It's a hard read at times because of his troubled soul but following his journey is so fascinating.  You didn't want it to end in a way because you know what was coming.  I highly recommend this book.  It's a must read for any McQueen fan!

Here are the McQueen books I own and love: 

Alexander McQueen: The Life and the Legacy by Judith Watt (link to my review)

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

Love Looks Not with the Eyes: Thirteen Years with Lee Alexander McQueen

Weekend Sales Roundup for 11/5 & 11/6/2016

Since it's getting close to the holiday season and it's so hard to keep up with the deluge of emails, notifications, etc about what sales are going on and when, I'm going to attempt to do a round up every weekend.  I'll even pop in for one day notifications/surprise sales/etc.  Hopefully it will be a help.  Some will be affiliate links, but I'm not just going to post something because it's affiliate linked, I'm going to post every sale that I think you will be interested in.  So let's get started with what is going on this weekend:

Mark and Graham - 20% off your order and free shipping. Ends 11/7/2016  Use code: MGTURNS4  (a great place to find personalized bags, gifts and accessories) I think I might pick up this tray for my bestie.  See site for additional details.

Neiman Marcus - New arrivals on sale, up to 30% off (ends online 11/5/2016 11:59 pm CT) See site for details.

Neiman Marcus Last Call - Up to 50% off plus an extra 10% off everything, including clearance. Use code: EXTRA10 Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

Butter London - All November long they are giving you a mystery gift (valued at over $100) with any $100+ online purchase use code: NOVEMBER100 at checkout. I LOVE this eyeliner pencil. See site for additional details.

Serena & Lily - Up to 25% off all lighting, prices as marked. Ends 11/7/2016. See site for details.

Theory - Men's sample sale, up to 70% off online 3 days only. See site for details.

Flight 001 - Friends and Family sale, 30% off full price items, use code: F1FRIENDSNFAM Ends 11/8/2016. See site for details.

Gap - Friends and Family sale, 40% off everything and free shipping. Use code: FFSALE Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

Gap Factory - Friends and Family sale, 40% off everything and free shipping. Use code: FFSALE Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

West Elm - Flash sale (posted 11/5/2016 not sure when it ends) on Mongolian fur pillows. See site for details.

Lands' End - Friends and Family sale 40% off. Ends 11/9/216 Use Promotional Code: FRIENDSHIP and Pin: 1451. See site for details.

IT Cosmetics - Friends and Family sale 25% off any $30 order and free shipping. Use code ITFRIENDS Ends 11/5/2016 See site for details.

Kate Spade - additional 30% off sale items use code: CHEERS Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

Sur la table - Friends and Family sale, 20% off use code: FRIENDS2016 Ends 11/11/2016. See site for details.

Anthropologie - 20% off dresses use code WINWIN (limited time, not sure when it ends). See site for details.

Jack Spade - additional 30% off sale items use code: BETTER Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

Under Armour - 25% off select UA Tech and UA Fleece and free standard shipping.  Not sure when it ends. See site for details.

Vera Bradley - 30% off select patterns. Prices as marked. See site for details.

BaubleBar - 40 hour event, up to 40% off 40 pieces for only 40 hours. Prices as marked. Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

Lulu Frost - Sample sale, up to 70% off select items, all sample sale items are final sale. See site for details.

Nordstrom - Fall clearance event, save up to 40% off select items, ends 11/13/2016. See site for details.

Land of Nod - 20% off kids playhouses. Ends 11/7/2016 See site for details.

J.Crew Factory - 35% off everything. Use code: THISISFUN Ends 11/7/2016 See site for details.

Tea Collection - 20% off special occasion styles and free shipping. Use code: CELEBRATION Ends 11/6/2016  See site for details.

Preschool Prep Co. -  is having a 50% off everything and free shipping special right now (not sure when it ends). We used pretty much all the Preschool Prep DVD's and they are so great.  See site for details 

Paper Source - Holiday preview sale - 20% off everything use code: SPREADCHEER Ends 11/6/2016. See site for details.

Book Review - "A Passion for Fashion" by Nick Verreos (#15 - 2016)

Disclosure: I received a .pdf copy of this book from the publisher for review. I only accept copies of books for review that look like something I would normally buy or check out at library.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Passion for Fashion:  Achieving Your Fashion Dreams One Thread at a Time by Nick Verreos

I honestly didn't really know what to expect when I was approached to review this book.  I remembered Nick from Project Runway season 2 and I liked him a lot (I also remembered he was one of Lauren Conrad's instructors at FIDM during The Hills - yes, I do remember the most random things).  I assumed this was more about his journey into fashion, etc.  While that was partially true, most of this book was a sort of instruction manual about how to get into the industry.  Which was really a pleasant surprise.  I mean, I wish I had had this book when I was in my fashion classes during my college years.  He talks about how to create a croquis, technically draw garments (complete with detailed illustrations), and various portfolio guidelines (which as a textile designer I can totally use, thanks Nick!).  Honestly, you can tell he's a really good teacher, I learned so much.  Now my fashion instruction was limited and mainly concentrated on very technical/manufacturing courses, so I didn't do any illustration or draping, etc.  But I will say he stressed the importance of patternmaking and patternmakers.  This is 100% true.  Now I sucked at patternmaking, but it is well known in the industry that if you are a good patternmaker you can pretty much write your own check.  And he really stresses that sometimes you may not have the "glamorous" job, but you can learn the most from something that you never thought you would be doing.  He gives practical, useful and spot on advice for getting your foot in the door and beyond.  I would encourage anyone who is interested in a career in fashion (or if you know of anyone interested in fashion) to pick this book up pronto!  It's one of the best blueprints for getting on a path to a job in the fashion industry I've ever read!  I hope he writes another book on the business side, he touches on it here, but I think he would be ideal to write a "fashion business" book.

In the meantime, please check out his website and excellent YouTube channel with great instructional videos (that I've been watching).  Here he is talking about the book:

Book Review - "Elsa Schiaparelli: A Biography" by Meryle Secrest (#13 - 2016)

Elsa Schiaparelli: A Biography by Meryle Secrest

This was a very comprehensive and extremely interesting look into the life of famed Couturier Elsa Schiaparelli.  From her somewhat isolated childhood in Rome, a failed first marriage to a conman, to her rise as a star in the Paris fashion scene.  She was tough, she was resourceful, she befriended artists and other interesting people who inspired her work.  Unfortunately, she often gets lost in the Dior/Chanel cult of personalities, but trust me her work was so important and her creativity should not be overlooked.  Her fabric innovations, the way she designed pieces to be worn in different ways, zippers and statement buttons and lots of embellishment, her designs were distinct and lots of fun.  The book has lots of pictures which really help (especially if you are unfamiliar with her work).  She wasn't an open book and it was really hard to get a firm handle on exactly who she was.  However, if you are interested in fashion history at all pick this up!

A couple of side notes, Marisa Berenson (actress/model) and Berry Berenson (photographer who was married to actor Anthony Perkins and who sadly died on 9/11) are her granddaughters.  Also, here is the link to the Christie's 2014 sale that Marisa had of her grandmother's belongings.  The label does live on, showing Couture collections now designed by Bertrand Guyon.  I absolutely LOVE what he is doing there, it's modern and still pays tribute to the legend.  One more thing, I really wish they would have made dust jacket's background her signature Schiap "shocking" pink instead of the blush pink. ;)

Book Review - "My Journey" by Donna Karan (#10 - 2016)

My Journey by Donna Karan

I'm a HUGE Donna Karan fan (have been since day 1, oh yes, I remember when she showed her first collection), so I was eager to pick this one up.  Memoirs/biographies are sometimes a double edged sword.  On one side you are excited to find out more about the person and how they work/live and on the other side you are afraid that you might not like them and/or might not live up to your expectations of them.  There was a little of the latter in this book.  I loved finding out what inspires her and how she got her start but the way she treated and handled her first husband was appalling.  She's quite the character and honestly she would drive me nuts with all the mediums, psychics, retreats, etc. what she calls her "woo woos".  She is self-aware enough to admit that her late husband and daughter roll their eyes at that stuff too.  I most enjoyed the way she outlined how her business started and how it grew.  She really was doing stuff that was so groundbreaking, it's hard to describe it if you didn't live during that time, but she truly created clothes that were both feminine, easy and comfortable yet structured and powerful.  Her fabrics really played into that, I owned a pair of dress shorts by her (obtained at a major discount) that held their shape, moved with you, and I wore them until the fabric literally fell apart.  She knew how to cut a garment, how to drape, she knew what flattered a woman's body.  This is what is sorely missed now that she's not involved with the company.  I 'm not sure we will ever see someone like her again, which is very sad for me.  I know, you are thinking, but we see stuff like what she was doing everywhere now.  Yes and no.  We are seeing the "look" but we are not seeing the fit, the drape, the chic layers that all work together, the mindfulness of what women need.  Overall this book is totally worth your time if you are interested in Donna Karan or fashion history.  

Book Review - "Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible" by Tim Gunn (#30 - 2015)

Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible: The Fascinating History of Everything in Your Closet by Tim Gunn

I love reading anything about the history of fashion/apparel/textiles, so this was right up my alley.  Tim covers various articles of clothing and footwear with their history and how these items evolved to where they are today.  I knew some of the history (especially denim) but some other things were fascinating (like the suit).  Now, as much as I love Tim, it does get a little boring in places because this is a sort of history book.  But if you ever wanted to know the reason we wear what we wear, or how some articles of clothing came to be, then I recommend this book for sure.  

Spring 2015 Trend - Unfinished Edges

My Picks - Pre-Fall 2015

It's that time again, designers are presenting their Pre-Fall 2015 collections and as always, I'm pinning my favorite looks on my Pre-Fall 2015 Pinterest board (updating as the shows post).  Head over and check it out!

Pre-Fall 2015

My Picks - Roland Mouret for Banana Republic

Another high end designer collaboration just came out today and it looks fantastic - Roland Mouret for Banana Republic!  Chic, timeless pieces that you can dress up or down - if I were still working in an office I would snap a few of these up because they are perfect for work wear.  I have a feeling this collection will go quickly.  Here are my picks:

Vee Dress

Two-Button blazer

High-Waisted Pencil Skirt

Poplin Tee (I may have to make this one mine!)

Lace Yolk Dress - this has a very Victoria Beckham Collection vibe too!

Check out the rest of the collection here!

Fall 2014 Trend - Southwest and Greek Key-Like Motifs

Images via Style.com

My Take - Louise Roe

1. Tinley Road top / 2. Nanette Lepore pants / 3. ASOS leather clutch / 

4. DKNY pumps

1. Alfani top / 2. Banana Republic pants / 3. Derek Lam crossbody / 

4. Cole Haan shoes

Top picture via kurtgeiger.com

What I Bought - May 2014

Here's what I bought this month:

1. L'Oreal Mousse Absolue - $14.99

2. Captain America tee - $12.99

3. Michael Kors shorts - $14.99 (thrifted)

4. Gap boyfriend shorts - $12.99 (thrifted)

5. Gap boyfriend shorts - $12.99 (thrifted)

6. White Stag tunic - $8.99 (thrifted)

7. Old Navy shorts - $5.99 (thrifted)

Total = $83.93

- $55.95 (thrift store credit used)

Total spent out of pocket - $27.98

Go forth and shop responsibly!

I'm linking up with Budgeting Bloggers over at Franish!

Fall 2014 Trend - Dynamic Prints/Patterns

Another Fall 2014 trend, dynamic prints/patterns.  Patterns so bold they appear to move.  These are not for wallflowers or the faint of heart.  When you wear one of these be prepared for heads to turn!

See previous Fall 2014 trend picks here, here, here and here.

Images via Style.com

Fall 2014 Trend - Plaid

Plaid is sticking around, no matter if it's a tartan, check or even a windowpane.
In case you missed them, the color trends for Fall are here, here and here.

Images via Style.com

Fall 2014 Trend - White

Another Fall 2014 color trend (see previous here and here).  Pretty basic, but winter white head to toe is the way to go!

Images via Style.com

Fall 2014 Trend - Rich Greens

Another Fall 2014 trend!  Green!  Rich, luxurious, vibrant greens.

All images via Style.com

Color Combination - Mint & Grey

Are we still into mint (the color not the flavor - ha)?  I thought I was kind of over it until I saw these jeans.  Now I'm reconsidering my stance.  The color looks especially fresh when combined with a little grey.

1. Topshop / 2. Fossil  / 3. Mavi jeans / 4. Nike

5. Steve Madden / 6. BaubleBar

Have a great weekend!!

Linking up with Lena and Rachel for Passion for Fashion!

Monochromatic Monday - Hunter Green

1. Ann Taylor top - $35 (on sale)

2. Topshop necklace - $35

3. Loft lace trim top - $30

4. Fossil belt - $34

5. Alexis Bittar necklace - $45 (to rent)

6. Sam Edelman d'Orsay pumps - $100

7. French Connection - $98

8. Super Blonde pants - $98

9. J.Crew skirt - $98

10. Sole Society pumps - $69.95

Oh and one more thing, I didn't even watch the SAG Awards, but I did see the red carpet and let's just begin and end the Best Dressed list with Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci. Perfection!

Image via Style.com

Linking up with BonBon Rose Girls, Momtrends and Glamamom for Monday Mingle!