11/11/11

Source: polyvore.com via Jenny on Pinterest

This day is pretty cool because:

A - it only comes around once every 100 years
B - it's Veteran's Day
C - it's my Birthday!!!

My super awesome hubby surprised me with an iPad and I'm so excited!  I'm so behind tech-wise that the only "app" I am familiar with is Appalachian State University - ha!  So I'm ready to dive and and be amazed.  The only downside is that my girl is sick and feverish, so we will be very low key on this epic day.  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

My Five - Fendi Spring 2012

A lovely, ladylike collection from Fendi.  A whole bevy of rounded bags made an appearance too - structured, yet casual at the same time.  Will we have another "it" bag in the mix? (see my pick below)  Also, remember that Karl Lagerfeld designs the clothing - how he keeps it all separate, I will never know (well, yes I do, he has great design teams!).  Here are my picks:

My pick for "it" bag!

Images via Vogue.com

Change is Afoot...

You know how sometimes you just "feel" something is brewing?  Well I've been feeling like a shake up in the footwear area is on the horizon.  Nothing major, just a bit of a backlash against all of the sky-high platforms, a return to a sleeker silhouette.  Remember the time when Manolo Blahnik ruled the shoe roost?  In my opinion he has the most beautiful heel shape on his classic pumps - not too curvy, not too straight - his are the gold standard.  His pumps are timeless...

Pumps by Manolo Blahnik

And ever since I saw Prada's 2012 Resort collection, that non-platform, classic pump shape has been front and center in my mind.  I think the time has come for their return!  You can't beat their versatility, practicality and just plain overall chicness.  Heaven knows we all can't afford our own Blahniks, so I put together some great under $100 options. 

Pumps by Vince Camuto
Pumps by Nine West

From previous experience Nine West makes some great pumps like this in an array of colors and textures. 

What do you think?  Is this non-platform shoe shape a refreshing change?  Do tell!

My Five - Louis Vuitton Spring 2012

A very pastel, white, daisy eyelet sort of collection.  Every shoe was had a silver, pointy tip (again silver shoes are apparently going to be THE thing - so start hunting now).  Here are my picks, enjoy!

There were a lot of these razor sharp croc jackets/blazers.  These are outstanding and scream "Price Available Upon Request"!

A lot of the clothes towards the end of the presentation had these large flower sequins(?) on them that veered dangerously into making one look like the floor of a bathtub/shower from the 60's - 70's.  Did those non-slip flower stickers help at all?  From what I remember it just made the bathtub that much harder to clean.

Images via Vogue.com

My Five - Donna Karan Spring 2012

A collection inspired by Haiti where Donna has been spending a lot of time.  Lots of prints and a way more graphic feel than DK usually feels, which was refreshing.  She can still deliver ladylike and tailored in a very fun way.  I had to pick more than five, enjoy!

Images via Vogue.com

Friend Friday - Books O' Plenty!

Wow, it's been a long time since I've participated in Katy of Modly Chic's Friend Friday posts.  This week's topic is all about books and since I love to read and also love to hear what everyone else is reading, I thought I'd add my two cents.

The book I'm currently reading/perusing is actually a giveaway win from Elle Sees (pop over and check out her fab blog chock full of good stuff)!  It's Design*Sponge at Home, by Grace Bonney.  So far so good, it's got a ton of information.

Thanks again, Elle!

Since I usually blog about what I'm reading after I finish a book, regular readers already know what I've read recently.  Instead I'll touch on some books that I adore and would recommend:

Geek Love, by Katherine Dunn a novel about a family of carnival "freaks".  It's disturbing, upsetting, at times repulsive and heartbreaking.  Yet you absolutely can't put the book down because the characters are so vivid and amazing.  My husband actually lent the book to me when we were dating, otherwise I might never have read it.  Totally worth your time, it's hard to forget.

Any of Louise Rennison's Confessions of Georgia Nicolson series (I think there are 8 or 10 books in all).  These are for young adults (aka - teen girls) but I enjoyed them immensely. Georgia is a 14 year old English girl who has a 3 year old sister, crazy cat and wacky parents.  The books are written like a diary (sort of a teen Bridget Jones, but I think funnier).  These books are a zip to read and laugh out loud funny between her antics and lingo.  I have every one and each one is perfection.



The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant is a novel voiced by Jacob's daughter Dinah (from the Book of Genesis in the Bible).  It's a fascinating glimpse of how life was for women in ancient times.  Love this book!

Bombshell:  The Life and Death of Jean Harlow, by David Stenn.  Pretty much the biography to read if you want to know all about the life and untimely death of Jean Harlow.  It's fascinating.  To think she died at 26 is mind boggling.

Let me know if you decide to read any of these (or if you have read any of them and what you thought about them).  Don't forget to head over to Modly Chic and check out what everyone else is reading! 

Have a great weekend!!

My Five - Gucci Spring 2012

This collection was full of shine and glitz, or it seemed to be.  Gucci bucked the silver trend by showing lots of gold.  The bevy of fun, fringy cocktail dresses at the end was outstanding!  Here are my picks:

Images via Vogue.com