Three on Thursday

First of all, I can't believe it is already Thursday!  This week is flying by.  I was out of the classroom yesterday for what turned out to be an amazing training day.  And now it's Thursday.  Crazy!
Today I thought I would bring you three of my current favorites/obsessions.

First up is my current favorite lip product by Pixi.  Have you tried this yet?  I got a sample of the coral color in a past Birchbox, and I am in love with how creamy it goes on.  The coral is a beautiful shade, but it has a really strong punch to it, so I use it sparingly.  The nude, which is the one pictured, really has no color at all.  It isn't as nourishing as the coral for some reason, but I still love it.  Bonus- doesn't the packaging remind you of Lauduree?!
Second up are these fingerless gloves by Ralph Lauren.  These need to get into my life right now because I am in love. These, my friends, are what we call leopard perfection.
Last up is something that has been on my wish list for a long, long time- Tieks.  I do not own a pair of these foldable flats, but I intend to, one way or another!  Just about every review I have read raves about how comfortable they are, and how easy to wear.  I want a pair.  Or two or five.  My fingers are crossed to win a gift card in their current contest.
You can also win a trip, but frankly, I just want the shoes!
Here's the link if you'd like a chance to win a $200 Tieks gift card and a trip to some tropical island:
http://tieks.com/tieksxterranea?ref=a34q4
You may be wondering why I would be sharing the link for a contest that I want to win.  It's not generosity, people; I get an extra entry for each person who enters off that link! Just kidding. But I would be happy for you if you won.  I promise                
 

Always Classic: Ralph Lauren

When I think of timeless style and design I think of Ralph Lauren.  When you take a look at the spaces he has created over the past 35 years, it can be difficult to tell which ones are more current and which are older.  Lauren began his career in 1967 with the design of men's neckties.  He broadened to a full menswear line along with a women's line.  After that he turned to interior design.  Everything he did was a success (he even knew Cary Grant, and this fact alone makes him okay with me).  I absolutely love his interior creations.  They are always a great mix of opulence, British Colonial flare and American rusticism.  They are also cozy and intimate; which makes me think of Fall.

niagaranovice.blogspot.com

designsavvyofnj.blogspot.com

housebeautiful.com

saffronmarigold.com

contentathome.com

hauteindoorcouture.blogspot.com

stylebeat.blogspot.com

ralphlaurenhome.com

decorology.blogspot.com

lairdmackintosh.com

Ralph Lauren is so inspiring to me.  I hope he lives forever.

Have a wonderful weekend, and smile--It's Fall!

What I'm Loving: Plaid

The Cat and I were at the mall a little while ago when she came up to me with a plaid shirt straight out of my high school days and asked if she could try it on.  She then proceeded to tell me that she had this vision of an outfit in her head, and had been wanting to recreate it for some time now- it involves an edgy tank, torn jeans, and a plaid shirt tied at the waist.  When she tried it on and showed me, I mentioned that it looked cute; it was a little nineties-grunge.  She grinned and informed me that was exactly the look she was going for.

It always amazes me how even kids can be so up on fashion.  Had she seen this trend in the magazines or on tv?  No- she had been watching older episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Netflix, among other nineties television gems, and had decided that was a look worth updating.  I know she hadn't seen it anywhere recently, because when I later showed her a new magazine touting the plaid nineties grunge look to be in for fall, she was ecstatic that she had put together an outfit, on her own, that was quite reminiscent of the spread that I showed her.

My kid is awesome.

So is plaid, and I'm glad it's back in for fall.  I love a good plaid in the classic style, as it just screams fall, but I also like that this fall's plaids are a little more edgy and fun.

image via

See?!  Such a classic!

image via

In the past, I've belted white shirts, blue shirts, and chambray shirts over dresses; I love the idea of belting an over-sized plaid shirt over a simple dress.  I think this would be an easy way to play up the plaid trend.

Buy it here- Revolve Clothing

I love the gold studs on the pockets- such a fun update!  Plus, I love pairing plaid shirts with more structured pencil skirts (my Banana Republic one is still MIA, but will hopefully get here soon).  

Ralph Lauren jacket- view it here

I love this look.  I love the jacket, which is Ralph Lauren, I love the shoes, I love the scarf... Oh, how I love that scarf!

Ralph Lauren

I am pretty sure I need this oil cloth jacket in my closet. It would go with everything, and the plaid lining is perfect.

Ralph Lauren Plaid Poncho

There was a time when I didn't like this type of poncho. I just wasn't really a fan. It's kind of odd, since I have always loved swing coats, capes, and capelets, and they are really similar to this style, but I was just never really on board with the whole poncho thing. But I recently purchased one (it just looked so comfy!) and now apparently I am totally on board, because I would love to add this to my wardrobe as well.
I hope you are enjoying your weekend!  Happy Sunday.

Running Errands

Running Errands by desertgirls featuring ralph lauren

GUESS blue jeans / UGG Australia slipper / Tory Burch handbag / Kate Spade glasses / Ralph Lauren /

Today I am linking up with Long Distance Loving for Friday's Fancies, and the subject is weekend wear. More specifically, we were tasked with creating an outfit for running errands. Lately, this kind of outfit has been my uniform outside of work. I love my lightly distressed skinny jeans, a split tab collared top. (See the one below? I bought one just like it, in black, at TJ Maxx a while back. And then when I found them at Marshall's, I got one in blue. And green. Oh, and white, like the one in the picture).

buy it here

Anyhoo.  I wore my white one to work yesterday, and then went home and changed into my black one after I somehow managed to get a spot on the pocket right before the Cat and I had to leave to go to a seminar.  I'm thinking the green one might be feeling left out; I'd better be sure to wear it this weekend while I do my running around.  If I ever make it out of bed, that is.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Chances Are

Yesterday one of my students gave me a little back to school gift- the eighties movie Chances Are, starring Cybill Shepherd and Robert Downey Jr.

image via

Perhaps you're thinking that that is a rather random gift.  The thing is, the student happens to be my nephew, and his mom, my sister, knew that I had been wanting to watch this movie with the Cat.  So that is how we spent our Friday night, after a kind of impromptu belt test at the karate studio for the Cat and a dinner with my Dad.  We went home and watched this movie that I had grown up watching on KTLA, channel 5.  For being a movie of the eighties, there are some pretty fabulous wardrobe pieces.  Some of the outfits are pretty horrible in their awful eighties' eightiesness, but that doesn't take away from the good ones.  The look of the whole movie is just pretty.  Cybil Shepherd is gorgeous in it, especially in the black dress she wears to an event hosted by the Smithsonian.  

Sorry for the poor picture quality; I couldn't find any pictures that really showcased the dress.  My favorite part is the skirt; when she is standing still, it looks like an ordinary silhouette, but when she moves, you can see that is is more special than that; it does not have a solid black skirt, but rather a sheer overlay with perhaps a ribbon or embroidered detail.  The skirt portion of the dress is pretty fabulous.  It makes me want to find a fancy event to go to so I can get all dressed up in this exact same dress.  

This is most decidedly not the same dress; I know that it is not even close.
How gorgeous is it, though?!
Elie Saab

So beautiful!
Ralph Lauren

So far this is the closest one to the movie dress.
Carmen Marc Valvo

I threw this one in because one, that is a peplum jacket and it
just goes to show you that fashion is always evolving while revolving
(peplum is still having such a moment, yet the bulky shoulder pads
are gone.  Thank God!).  Two- I LOVE that bag.  It is timeless perfection in
my favorite color leather.

So here is what I leave you with: go watch the movie Chances Are.  Is it life changing?  No.  Is it philosophical and deep?  No.  But it's a good movie!  Have a great weekend!

~Lori

Ralph Lauren Fall 2012 and "Downton Abbey"

via Fergie and Fife
Like many I am a fan of Downton Abbey and I can't wait for season 3!  It is obvious that the fashion and design world has been inspired by this show as well.  The fall runway is full of Downton inspired fabulousness (in particular, Ralph Lauren) Take a look!

via about

via style at home

via celebrity dress 4 less

via time entertainment

via Pilar Rossi
Gold and black, satin, velvet and jewels. 

via tv guide

via Forbes

via oh gorgeous baby

via Pilar Rossi

Another huge trend is the jeweled collars.  I will do a "vindicated" post on this look soon.

via digital spy

via fashion pro
Menswear styles with newsboy and bucket hats are big too.  Also pops of jewel tones such as fushia and emerald are key to keeping these looks fresh.

Accessories that compliment the look this season.  From Ralph Lauren.

via style bistro

via bagpoor
Black and gold is huge for fall, and here is the most gorgeous Lady Bag in black and gold.  I would love this!

This season everything is evocative and Lux.  It is ladylike, classic, and embellished.  Glamorous.

via Pilar Rossi

Fall fashion is my favorite and this year I am obsessed!  I will be copycatting for sure.   

Olympic Fashion

This summer's Olympics are set to be the most stylish ever.  Ralph Lauren is designing Olympic Village and Closing Ceremony looks for Team USA, Armani is designing outfits for Team Italy, and Stella McCartney will be designing for Team Great Britain.  Maybe they'll create a new category of medals for the 2012 Summer Olympics.  I wonder which designer would take home the gold?!

image via InStyle

Georgio Armani for Team Italy
He went with white and midnight blue rather than the traditional Italian colors
of red, white, and green.  I guess you can't blame Armani for shying away from
Christmas in July!
According to InStyle, each competing athlete will receive Armani luggage packed
with about 50 pieces created by the designer.
image via InStyle

Stella McCartney told the BBC that, "You shouldn't have to sacrifice style
for sport."  She has partnered with Adidas to create a modern take on the
British flag for the athletes.
image via InStyle

Ralph Lauren will ensure that our own athletes will look their best come game
time.  He kept the traditional colors of red, white, and blue, but in typical Ralph
Lauren style, he used navy blue.  You can purchase pieces from the collection at
Ralphlauren.com.
image via InStyle

~Lori