Chanel + Brooches

So a recent trip to The Beauty File led me to Chanel News. Love.

This all-things-Chanel site is intriguing. While happily browsing, I came across these beautiful backstage photos of Chanel's Fall/Winter 2011 show. What caught my eye most were the brooches the models were wearing. Not just on their clothes, but in their hair.

Have a look...

It inspired me to search around for a few great brooches. Here's what I came up with:

Kenneth Jay Lane

Net-a-Porter, $240

Forever21, $6.80

Valentino

Net-a-Porter, $450

Lanvin

Net-a-Porter, $440

I'm feeling inspired to try this look out. When I do, I'll be sure to post pics.

What do you think? Would you try it out too?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Chanel News, Net-a-Porter, Forever21)

The Wardrobe Report

So recently, I was in Bloomingdale's {under the guise of picking up some "much needed" makeup} and was happily distracted over to the contemporary section. Unbeknownst to me, Bloomies was having a HUGE sale {Yipee!!}. While browsing the racks and racks of clothes, I came across this amazing little playsuit. So cute & comfy. Well, I could not believe my eyes & had to do a serious double take when I looked at the tag. The price?

Wait for it...

$8.67!!!!

Yep, you got it. Just a mere 9 bucks! So you know I HAD to have it.

After holding back tears of joy in the dressing room, I skipped my way out to the counter to pay.

With the weather warming up some days here in South Fla, I thought it'd be fun to pull it out. I ended up pairing it with a leather belt I have from Theory and my all -time FAV work boots that I seem to be wearing with everything. {Trust me, you WILL see these again later.}

And to top it all off, I grabbed my favorite, favorite, favorite earrings that I snagged from my Mom years ago. She wore these beautiful little filigree numbers when I was little - so to me they're true vintage. They're fabulous, they have sentimental value, and I LOVE!

See how happy I am below?! {$9 bucks -I. Mean.}

So I realize we're currently experiencing the 'storm of the century' in most of the USA right now, but there's no harm in planning ahead, right? I also realize that this little gem I found smashed between 2 gorgeous dresses, will probably be near impossible to find, but you can still 'Get The Look' with these pieces I found below.

Unbelievably, Forever21 has an almost exact replica of my beloved work boots. {Worth a try} And yes, the shorts options are pricey, but as the weather warms up and spring arrives, I'm confident there'll be many options in stores, boutiques, and amazing flea markets everywhere.

Hope this inspires you to dig deep and be open-minded when making purchases. There's sweet little surprises all around.

Happy-Daydreaming-About-Spring!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via ME!)

(Clothing Clockwise from top left: Top, Netaporter, Earrings, Forever21; Tank, Netaporter; Shorts, Netaporter; Boots, Forever21; Boots, Topshop; Shorts, Netaporter; Belt, Topshop)

I'm Thinking About...

...Zebras!...

So cute, right? Well, I'm actually thinking about zebra prints. Something about those graphic black & white {or even better - tan} stripes makes it all so interesting. Although the trench above in this beautiful photo is really quite lovely, the look head-to-toe may not be the most desired.

Instead, I've pulled a few options that will give you the look in a more subtle, but all the more stunning, kind of way.

Sonya Rykiel dress. Love!

Diane Von Furstenburg dress.

Alice by Temperley tank.

Emilio Pucci dress. Gorgeous.

Let these pieces move you to take inspiration from these adorable animals. Add the look into your spring wardrobe or visit your local zoo when the weather warms up in your area.

Happy shopping. Happy watching!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via here, here, & Net-a-Porter)

Just the right amount of...

Pomegranate + Ice

The icy almost 'nothingness' of this room is beautiful. Clean, light, and pretty. Then there's just the right amount of this gorgeous pomegranate color. So simple and then - whoa! - the couch draws your eye right to it. This piece perfectly positioned under the white window is quite stunning.

Because fashion is very often on my mind, I started thinking: 'what would an outfit inspired by this room look like?' I've done that before, like here, and here, but I'm so taken by this ethereal space that I feel compelled to do it again.

The look would have to be just as clean, simple, elegant and striking as the room. Here's what I came up with:

Gorgeous. {Loooove Lanvin!!}

Ok, so I'll admit that all of the covet-worthy pieces above are rather pricey and probably a bit out of working girl's range {or student or most anybody else}, but we all want to be smashing, right? And we must, so I've put together a few more *ahem* less-fantasy pieces you can try if you desire to 'Get This Look'.

Earrings, Topshop, $18

Wire Cuff, Topshop, $28

Dress, Topshop, $68 {*Woot Woot*}

Clutch, Bloomingdale's, $105

Badgley Mischka Heel, Bloomingdales, $245

Inspiration of fabulousness comes from all around, you see. Be inspired to think outside the box and take on a new look. Tell me what you come up with. I'll be right here waiting to chat ;-) ...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Coco Kelley, Net-a-Porter, Topshop, Bloomingdales)

Got Me Seeing {RED}!

You have to admit, everything about this photo is captivating. The girl. The pony{tail}. The amazing jewelry. The belt. The shoulders. And of course, the bold RED. I really do love it all. It's so bold & avante garde, yet pretty at the same time. Well I seem to be seeing a lot of this look around lately. I think it'd be kinda fun to play around with it a little. 'Tis' The Season' after all, so red is the order of the day.

This Alexander McQueen genius-ness is a perfect representation of the look. If the rather pricey tag; however, doesn't fit into the budget {$7,640.00. YIKES}, perhaps we can get the look for less while still maintaining the genius of it all. Let's see...

...Try these pieces on for size...

Clockwise from top left: Dannijo Necklace {GORGE}, Net-A-Porter; Red Dress, Modcloth; Forever21 Necklace; Forever21 Hairpiece {for belt}; All Dressed Up Bow Belt, Net-A-Porter; and Forever21 Broach {again for belt}.

Ok, so they're NOT Alexander McQueen, but these pieces prove that the look is still achievable. Think of it as an uber fashionable DIY. All the look, a mere fraction of the price! DONE!

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images Via Chris Nicholls, Netapoter, Forever21, Modcloth)

Be Inspired!...

...By Pretty Habitats...

I love to see how other people live. Uptown, downtown, spacious, or cozy. The possibilities are endless. It may not be too surprising based on a few previous posts that I also love to let the rooms I find be my wardrobe inspiration from time to time.

This is how I drew inspiration from the texture and color palette of the room above to help make the selections below. One look at this beautiful space and I thought about dressing myself in a bit of tough, but glamourous luxury for day...

{Preen Fur Vest $800}

{Markus Lupfer Tee, $75}

{Balmain Leather Cargo Pants, $1,370}

{Alaia Chain Link Stilettos, $1,555}

{Topshop Fabric Earrings, $15}

{Topshop Cocktail Ring, $18}

...Like as much as I do?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via Coco Kelley, Net-A-Porter, Topshop)

Military Glamour

It's no secret that military is a huge trend with the fashion-set right now and will continue to be so into fall. Likewise, it's no secret that nothing in fashion is ever presented in a 'usual is as usual does' kind of way. These pieces are excellent examples of that truth.

I am absolutely insane for this Alice + Olivia dress!! I think everything about it is sheer perfection and I must, must, must have it. The pieces below are also strong statements of how military does glamour...

Burberry Prorsum Jacket

Brian Atwood Booties

3.1 Phillip Lim Bib Necklace

I hereby command you to think seriously about the newest spin on this trend. After all, a girl can never have enough strength, power and glitz in her life. Now raise your right hand and tell the truth - don't you love too?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

(*All pieces available at Net-A-Porter)

Pretty, Pretty, Pretty!...

...That's the perfect word to describe these stunning interiors I recently found on Dress Design Decor's lovely site. Admittedly, there's alot going on, but I'm captivated by it all. (Can we say Gor.Ge.Ous!) It's the navy/purple/neutral color combo. The brilliant mix of textures. The lush velvet. The metallic. All of that adds up to one yummy piece of eye candy.

Gazing at these images led me to dream of what a mini-wardrobe inspired by this luxe palette would look like...

...And view # 2...

I happen to love the unexpected mix of color. Tell me, what do you think?

Love or not so much?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Interiors via Dress Design Decor, all apparel & accessories via net-a-porter)