Stylen

January 31, 2011

Bright Colors and Bold Prints

DVF blouse, Chanel sunglasses, Banana Republic skirt, Hue reversible tights, DVF heels
All this snow and cold weather is depressing so I figure adding color to my wardrobe and getting a head start on spring shopping is a guaranteed way to cheer up.  I found this colorful floral DVF blouse hidden on the sale rack at Saks and it's perfect because bold prints and bright colors are two trends I am really looking forward to embracing this spring and summer.

We had a great weekend but as usual it went by entirely too fast.  On Saturday I spent most of the day in my pajamas and baked some delicious treats with Ariyana.  And then Aneesh and I had dinner with our friends to celebrate their recent engagement.  Yesterday we promised Ariyana we would take her out wherever she wanted and she insisted on going back to the Museum of Fine Arts. We also had brunch with some friends at Stella, one of our favorite restaurants in Boston. Stella was participating in the Super Hungry Brunch, an annual event where top restaurants around town donate their time, food, and services to the benefit of the Greater Boston Food Bank. We had a prix fixe brunch and 100% of the proceeds went directly to the Food Bank.




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January 28, 2011

Go Ahead And Indulge


Last weekend after I got my hair styled for the party,  Ariyana got to indulge and experience her first style session by CityBlow.  She was so patient and loved the entire process.

I always look forward to the weekends because I have time to enjoy some of life's little indulgences like relaxing with a hot steam after a long workout,  sipping on a glass of red wine with my favorite cheese (ComtĂ© reserve), or just catching up with my DVR'd shows over a nice hot chai latte.

What will you be indulging in this weekend?


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January 27, 2011

Getaways

Traveling has been a passion of mine ever since I was little.  It all started when I was 8 years old and my parents put me on a plane by myself to visit family in London.  I love exploring new places but I also enjoy going back and visiting some of our favorite destinations.  And with all the snow we are having in Boston this winter I am definitely ready for a vacation right now!

I hope you will head over to Connie's lovely blog Sogni e Sorrisi today and check out my guest post on my favorite travel getaway.  Here you will find my favorite places to dine, vacation essentials, and a few of my packing tips.

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January 26, 2011

All Wrapped Up

Yesterday's post was about designing your home based on ideas from your wardrobe and I am clearly a huge fan of the idea.  With the help from Phoebe we decided to take my kitchen table and have it wrapped in linen fabric.  There was nothing wrong with my old kitchen table I purchased a few years ago from Crate and Barrel,  but I thought the set was too "matchy matchy." I love the new look of the linen wrapped table because it is brighter and more stylish.  I had a similar linen wrap done with my office furniture and once I finish accessorizing I'll post some before and after pictures.
Before
After: the table is wrapped in linen and finished off with a couple of layers of high gloss


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January 25, 2011

Fashion Meets Interior Design

Phoebe is a good friend of mine and she has helped me with so many interior design projects in my home. She is also very stylish and I am pretty sure one of the reasons we get along so well is because we both have a weakness for beautiful handbags.  

Every month Phoebe features a Design Lab over at her website Lovejoy Designs. This month in Your Closet's Working Overtime, Phoebe explains how you can use your closet as a useful resource when designing your home.  And best of all Phoebe gives us great examples of how she has used colors in her own home based on favorite items from her wardrobe.
Theory vintage jacket, Urban Outfitters Circa 2000 silk snake skin scarf, J.Crew cashmere sweater, Hermes belt, J Brand leggings, Madewell boots,  and Mulberry Edie bag

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January 24, 2011

Time Out Boston: A Closet Case Featuring style'n

We had such an amazing time at the Dance Party Saturday and I can't wait to share pictures of the event with you.  In the meantime here is a picture of my dancing shoes.  I scored these DVF Zia heels at 50% off and even though they are really high, they were surprisingly comfortable and perfect for dancing.

Also remember last week when I mentioned I was cleaning my closet for an upcoming feature?  I had the wonderful opportunity to be featured in Time Out Boston for a series they do called A Closet Case.  Here you will get a peek into my closet, some of my favorite places to shop,  as well my top 7 wardrobe essentials.

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January 21, 2011

A Walk In The Park

I was excited when this custom illustration of Ariyana and me arrived on my doorstep this week.  It was drawn by the lovely and talented Sara Bentley of Purses, Pastries, Etc.  I am such a huge fan of Sara's illustrations and I adore her fashion-obsessed cartoon character Cassandra Carmen.  I think Sara did a fabulous job capturing my style in this drawing.  Now if only I could get my hands on this (sold out) Mulberry Neely Bag in Nude!

I have also been a bit under the weather the past two days and I hope I will feel better for all the fun weekend festivities.  I am so excited to see all our family and friends tomorrow at Ariyana's bollywood dance birthday party.  And it's also my parent's anniversary so we have so much to celebrate and be thankful for this weekend.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend too!

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January 19, 2011

Tips on Vintage Shopping: Rachael from It's Simple Love

Hello everyone-Today we have Rachael from It's Simple Love sharing her tips on vintage shopping. I asked Rachael to guest post on this topic because I would love to learn more about vintage shopping and because she truly is an expert on this topic.  Have you checked out her adorable items on Etsy at Ande Monster Vintage


First off, thank you Naina for asking me to guest post!  I am Rachael from It's Simple Love and I am pleased to be sharing about vintage shopping, A.K.A. "thrifting".  I am crazy about vintage clothing and I am excited to share a bit on what I love.  I have always shopped for vintage clothing since my childhood.  My mom sparked the interest in me first by taking me to thrift stores when I was young.  I loved wearing vintage cowgirl boots and I loved vintage floral dresses.  I have always been a dress-lover.  To this day, it is my favorite thing vintage item to buy and that's the first place I go to when I shop vintage, the dress section.  I opened a shop up last year because I wanted to share my love for vintage clothing.  You can find my shop, Ande Monster Vintage, on etsy.

So, here are some quick and easy tips on shopping vintage:

Where do you find a good vintage shop?
1.The best way?  Word of mouth.  Ask around. 
2. I use the site The Thrift Shopper. It will give you a list of thrift stores in your area and a rating of each one just by entering in your zip code.  I highly suggest using it.  I use it every time I visit another city.  I love thrifting in every town I visit.
3.You can always go to national thrift stores like Deseret Industries, Savers, The Salvation Army, Thrift Town, or Goodwill.  
4. Yard sales and estate sales are also excellent places to find vintage clothing.  You can find yard and estate sale listings in your local newspaper or on craigslist.


Quick Tips on Finding "The Good Stuff":
1. Take your time.  Thrift stores typically have racks and racks of clothing so make sure you have the time to go through the racks thoroughly.  Think of it as a treasure hunt.
2. You win some you lose some. Some days I come out with 3-4 dresses that I am in LOVE with.  Other days I come home with none.  Don't be too depressed if you don't find anything.  Typically thrift stores get thousands of donations every day.  Which leads me to my next tip...
3. Go often. I go a few times a week because I know the good stuff does not stay for long and the inventory on the floor rotates fast.  Go regularly.
4. Get a schedule.  I go to one thrift store on a regular basis and I know what time they put out new items.  
5. Make friends with the employees.  I go thrift stores often enough that I get to know the employees.  This helps when I find an item that is slightly damaged the employees often times mark them down for me.  I have also had employees "save" items just for me.  Not because I ask them but they see an item, think of me, and show me when I go in.  I love it!  
6. Be picky! Hold the same standards you have for your clothing today.  Make sure it fits you and it's flattering (unless your savvy with a sewing machine and can make alterations). Look for holes or stains. Ask yourself "am I really going to make use of this?" but be imaginative and don't be scared to try something new!  
7. ALWAYS try it on.  Always always always make time to try it on.  It may turn out better than expected.  Or it could turn out absolutely hideous.  Try it on and find out before taking it home.


How do you tell if it is vintage?
1. Know your history.  Knowing the history of fabrics and textiles will help you "date" your clothing.  Knowing the styles of a particular decade will also help you date the garment of clothing.  (Examples: 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's)
2. The zipper. Before the 1950's most garments did not use zippers. If you find the garment has a metal zipper it is most likely from the 1950's-1960's. If the zipper is nylon then it will be post 1960's.  
3. Check the hem. How the garment was made usually tells a lot about it.  If it has a handmade look to it, even if it has a tag, this is a good sign it is vintage.  It was more common to make your own clothes in years past.  Typically speaking, vintage clothing was better made; " built to last".
4. Check the label.  The label often will tell the circa  date of the article of clothing.  Look at the font of the label and the brand itself.  You can look up the label and garment style when you get home and often find the year of the garment and some history. Labels may also have some wear or fade to them.  
5. Washing instructions.  Washing instructions generally were not added to garments until the 1970's.  If the garment has washing instructions, it was most likely made after 1970.

Thank You.
I hope these little tips help you find the vintage clothing you have always been looking for! If you are not one to search thrift stores, there are plenty of vintage shops online and on the streets.  Don't be afraid to shop and wear vintage.  All styles come back! Whether we embrace them or disgrace them.  Find excellent vintage stores on Etsy.  And don't be afraid to say hello on my blog It's Simple Love.
Chao!

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January 18, 2011

Black and Blue

Welcome back to the work week. This is going to be a busy week as we prepare to host both of our families next weekend for Ariyana's birthday celebration.  The past couple of years we had low key celebrations for Ariyana's birthday at home but this year for her 3rd birthday we are throwing a dance party with our family and friends.   Ariyana is really into Bollywood music so we thought it would be fun to have an evening dance party at a local studio where parents and kids can all just put on their dancing shoes and have some fun. 
F21 sunglasses,  Miguel Ases earrings, Banana Republic blazer, Bordeaux ruffle blouse (Anthropologie), Citizens of Humanity Avedon slick skinny jean leggings, Stuart Weitzman 50/50 over the knee boots, The Sak Pax leather crossbody handbag  

I wore this black and blue outfit Sunday to a birthday party and out shopping in Boston. I love the combination of black and navy and I thought a blue inspired outfit was perfect for the "Baby Blues" guest post I am doing over at Expecting Chic today as well. 

I am also obsessed with this new convertible handbag I got from The Sak.  After seeing the lovely one my sister has (here) I wanted one too.
 This bag can be worn folded over as a crossbody bag or over one shoulder.
 The straps can be removed and the bag doubles up as a good sized clutch.
And it can be worn as a messenger style crossbody bag.

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January 17, 2011

Reboot

I was so tired of seeing my boots all laying on top of each other and getting bent so as part of my wardrobe organization this past weekend I re organized my boots.  I inserted a water or wine bottle into each boot and lined them up in my closet.  Not only do the boots look better but hopefully this will help them retain their shape and luster longer.  I suppose the boots would also last longer if I would just take the time to clean and polish them every once in a while too.

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January 14, 2011

Preview of Spring 2011 Collections

Happy Friday everyone. Since I have been talking about Spring fashion all week I thought I would wrap up the week with a sneak peek at the gorgeous Spring 2011 collection at Dress.  Click here to view and shop the latest arrivals.

I am so looking forward to the weekend even though it will be busy.  Here's a few of the things I have planned.  Thank goodness it's a 3 day weekend right?

1. Make homemade pizza with Ariyana
2. Go to core fusion class at Exhale
3. Get my hair styled by CityBlow
4. Clean my closet in preparation for an exciting feature I was asked to do (stay tuned)
5. Meet up with friends for dinner Saturday
6. Watch the Golden Globes Sunday and drool over the gorgeous dresses
7. Spend the day with Ariyana on Monday to celebrate her 3rd birthday

What do you have planned for the weekend?

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January 13, 2011

A Little Retrospective

From 50's cat eye to 70's round sunglasses, we will be seeing all types of retro sunglasses this Spring.

Cat eye


Edgy color shades 

John Lennon
(photo credit)
Oversized
(photo credit)
Retro round
(photo credit)
When I was home over the Christmas holidays I found these pictures of my mom in her round oversized sunglasses from the early 1970's.  I like to describe them as her "Jackie O meets John Lennon" sunglasses.

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January 12, 2011

Denim Trend 2011: Flare and Wide Leg Jeans

Flared jeans and trousers are going to be a Spring 2011 trend  and I must say I  absolutely adore these flare and wide leg looks from the New York Fashion Week Runway.

 (click here, here, and here to see how I wear mine)
(image credit)
(image credit)

 I also love these looks from the Gap 2011 Spring/Summer Advertising Campaign.


And here are some great options if you're looking to widen your denim collection in 2011.

Wide Leg Trouser Jeans  (high rise and flared)
Gap
Wide Leg Trouser Jeans
7 for All Mankind Georgia Jeans

High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Citizens of Humanity Hutton Jeans
Boot Cut Jeans
J.Crew boot cut jean in dance off wash

 A little bit of flare
AG Farah

A lot of flare
7 for All Mankind Bell Bottoms
I am a fan of wide leg jeans and look forward to wearing them more often. Will you be embracing the flared and wide leg trend this year?

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