*Fashion: Harpers Bazaar Editorial

Recently, I saw some amazing snapshots of the march issue about 'exotic jewelry' in Harpers Bazaar.

We all know that the jewelry trend of 2009 is 'statement jewelry' (view my first blog post about 'oversized jewelry')

But for this summer it's especially the exotic-inspired who are the major accessories trend for 2009.

The pieces in this issue are amazing, using layerings of bangles and clusters of cocktail rings.

We saw a variation of colors and unconventional materials such as wood, ceramics, plastic, leather, sea shell beads, and different kinds of stonegems.

*Tell me what you think of this issue pictures*

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

www.trendnista.com

www.harpersbazaar.com

Halfway to warm weather

I really wanted to wear a dress, but it was still rainy and crummy here, so I compromised a little bit.

I took this dress from ModCloth...

And paired it with skinny black jeans from Delia's and a little sweater from Free People


The headband is from Anthropologie and the shoes are Betsey Johnson.

I can't wait for it to get warm so I can just wear the dress and sandals.

*Runway: Narciso Rodriguez

Narciso Rodriguez put himself firmly on the fashion map in 1996 when he designed a simple bias-cut wedding dress for Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and a year later Rodriguez launched his signature collection. His talent for intricate garment structuring soon became evident.

Narciso Rodriguez's Spring Summer 2009 collection had his usual colours: black, white, ivory and nude. But this time, with a lot of attitude. His selection of fabrics - a luxurious mix of silks – leave no doubt that he's a real pro. The collection is really up-to-date, with pieces like the short bandage dresses.

But it's Narciso's detailing work - zippers, beading and embroidering - that is always a showstopper.

Here some snapshots of the amazing pieces from the show:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

www.narcisorodriguez.com

www.style.com

www.elle.com

If only I had the $$

In my life I've never spent more than $200 on a pair of shoes. The closest I came was $198 on a pair of knee-high, brown leather lace-up boots from Anthropologie. It was a steal considering leather shoes there usually get up past $300.

Anyway, the shoes that might make me break the $200 mark are these beauties from Free People:

They're by Dolce Vita and are selling for $248. And I want to wear them with every outfit I own.

In the meantime, I might splurge Dolce Vita's lesser version, which are $128 at Urban Outfitters.
Here are some cheaper versions, though they don't look nearly as good.



Aldo for $90.
















Bakers for $89.95

















And the cheapest version - $29.80 at Forever 21
















I do a lot of research before I buy something. But I still love the expensive ones the most, I think it's the wedge that's not really a wedge.

*Trend: Military Jackets

The fashion runways are also throwing around their military might, with officer uniformed coats and Russian or Napoleon military inspired jackets.

From brass buttons to braiding to shoulder epaulettes, everything is possible!

Think metal buttons and stick to colours like navy, grey and even red.

This jacket replaced the blazer and the denim jacket on the runways this spring and even this fall.

So invest in a good piece, like the hot jackets of Balmain, who are definitely my favourite at the moment:

Balmain Crystal-Embellished canvas jacket

WILLOW white linen military jacket

Balmain Leather military jacket

Top Shop Military Jacket

Phillip Lim Military Jacket

Balmain Military Denim Jacket

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

www.balmain.com

http://www..net-a-porter.com/

http://www.handbag.com/

http://www.vogue.com/

*Trend: Strappy shoes

We noticed the “strapped in” trend last fall on the runways, which really picked up steam this Spring season.

And you must be honest, why not invest in a timeless but still sexy set that you'll wear from Spring 2009 till Fall 2010, and maybe even longer?

Just make a difference by wearing strappy shoes in warm, dark colours.

I've selected a couple pieces as a guideline:

Fendi Strappy Patent Heels

Sigerson Morrison strapped leather sandals

Jimmy Choo Seattle strappy sandals.

Bottega Veneta tricolor strappy sandals

Jill Sander Asymmetric leather sandals

Marc Jacobs Heart Shape wedge sandals

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

www.net-a-porter.com

www.style.com

www.vogue.com

*Fashion: One shoulder dresses

Want to spice up your wardrobe this Spring?

Give it the bold shoulder with asymmetric necklines and sexy one-shoulder dresses.
Runways were awash with sassy one-shoulder styles, from Lanvin’s many bold, colorful pieces in everything to Alexander McQueen’s short sharp shapes.

One shoulder dressing is subtly sexy.

The diagonal line narrows across the upper body and the look is seductive without being slutty.

Following many runway trends, the single shoulder-baring dress is flying off the retail shelves.

Here I've selected my favourites:

Christopher Kane scalloped detail dress

Kova & T Archer one shoulder dress

Calvin Klein Medea Assymetric one shoulder dress

Christian Lacroix Asymetric slim dress

Hervé Léger Melanie Bandage dress

Azarro Fougere Mini dress

Marchesa one shoulder long dress

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sources:

www.shopstyle.com

http://www.net-a-porter.com/

http://www.halston.com/

ww.calvinklein.com

To complete the summer look

I need a big floppy hat and some retro style sunglasses.

Urban OutfittersAmerican Eagle

I bought a pair of sunglasses that looked like these, but they were so big on my face I had to return them. However, I love the shape and the tortoise shell color.

LBJ

The weather is a'changin'

The weather is finally turning nice here in New Jersey so I'm getting in the mood for beaches and swimming and funnel cakes. And I want all of that while I'm wearing this lovely suit



I love the retro fit and the color would look great against tanned skin.
In the meantime, this is what I wore yesterday because it was still chilly out.





These are possibly my favorite shoes. They have a low heel so I can walk but they look so amazing with the chain and the bright blue.

Leather jacket - H&M, Sweater - BCBG Max Azaria, Shirt - Banana Republic, Suspenders - Hot Topic, Jeans - Delia's, Shoes - Urban Outfitters