Inspired by Black Swan

This past weekend we attended the cutest Ballet birthday party for London, one of Ariyana's best friends at preschool. (London's mom Anna is also Ariyana's preschool teacher)  The party was so much fun and I loved all the sweet and simple decorations Anna made.  And I guess I must be inspired by Black Swan because it completely slipped my mind to dress Ariyana in a cute pink dress and instead I picked out a black leopard print outfit. Oops! Well at least the ballet instructor was wearing black too.

The red velvet cake was delicious and the kids enjoyed their mini cupcakes too

Ariyana gave London a beaded necklace from Stella and Dot for her birthday. And for some reason Ariyana would not let go of the Nutcracker in her hand.

Anna made laminated place settings and these hats for the children

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Inspired by Black Swan

All Lacquered Up

Last weekend we spent time with my family in Charlotte relaxing and drinking wine on the patio, blowing bubbles with Ariyana, eating out a sushi/burger bar called Cowfish, and meeting up with old and new friends.  My sister, sister in law, and I also treated ourselves to gel manicures.

This weekend will be less eventful as I hope to catch up with a few things around the house, watch a few DVR'd shows and the Oscars, and pack for my work trip to LA next week. I hope you have a lovely and relaxing weekend!




OPI Axxium Gel Lacquer
Sister in law (left)- Russian Navy
Sister (right)-Private Jet
and I got Black Onyx

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All Lacquered Up

Pleats + Lace

Last weekend we went to Charlotte, NC to visit my family and it was so nice to spend quality time with everyone, especially my four month old nephew.  I am always so grateful and appreciative of the time we all spend together.

One of the highlights from my trip was having a cup of coffee with the fabulous photographer and blogger Kelly (from Style Attic).  Even though Kelly and I had never met before I felt like I already knew her.  Kelly's blog was one of the first ones I came across when I started my blog and her photography is so inspiring to me.  Her blog posts are consistently creative, authentic, and best of all she always tells a story through her photos. Kelly is truly a genuine and beautiful person and she clearly has a natural flair for fashion photography.  If you get a chance do head over to Style Attic to check out some of the additional pictures Kelly took during our mini photo shoot.
 

 BCBG blouse, Sparkle and Fade pleated chiffon miniskirt, Aldo heels, clutch and bangle-gifts from my mom from her recent trip to India)

All images above taken by Kelly from Style Attic

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Pleats + Lace

Style'n In The Kitchen

With spring right around the corner I just started the process of adding new items to my wardrobe and what a great excuse to add new colorful gadgets and tools to the kitchen too right? I already added a colorful handbag to my wardrobe and now I have my eye on these stylish and bright items for the kitchen.

Superior Servers

"Colori" mini prep knives 

Index Chopping Board

Latte Bowls

Elevate Utensils

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Style'n In The Kitchen

Jewelry Organization

The items I wear most often or items I haven't had time to put away are kept on a tray with my perfumes

Since my closet was featured on Time Out Boston I have received a few questions about how I organize my jewelry.  Here's how I organize the pieces I wear most often.

I keep my watches on my dresser so I can access them easily

All my necklaces are hanging in my wardrobe on a tie rack. Hanging them this way prevents them from getting tangled up.

I use clear plastic trays to separate my earrings, rings, and bangles

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Jewelry Organization

Spring 2011 Trend: Colorful Handbags

After spending a few days in the sun I feel inspired by bright bold colors.  And when I think about my must have items for the spring a colorful bag is definitely high on my list. I  especially love structured bags and top handle satchels. 

1.Totally Turnlock Lil Shifty Marc by Marc Jacobs $358
2.Alexa  Mulberry $ 1,150
3.Essex Scout  Kate Spade $395
4.Gia Satchel Michael Kors  $695
5.Robinson Satchel Tory Burch $550
6.M.A.B. Mini with new strap Rebecca Minkoff $495

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Spring 2011 Trend: Colorful Handbags

Guest Post: Top 5 Must Have Items for Spring

Hi everyone-I am still on vacation so today's guest post is by my friend Dana Marshall, an Accessory Buyer at Rue La La.

Rue La La is a private sale, online company that sells everything from that can fill your closet, jewelry box, or can help you decorate your home. We travel to NYC frequently to find the best deals on the latest trends and bring them to you at a discounted price. This past week I was in the city during Fashion Week and was able to identify the most current and most wanted looks of the season.  If you are not a member of Rue La La yet, here is how to avoid being on the wait list. Cut and paste this link into your browser: RueLaLa.com/invite/dvmarshall   

My Top 5 Must Have Items for Spring

  
1. Nude pumps: Nude shoes are a must have this season...pumps, sling backs, peep toes or platforms. Whatever style you chose you can be sure they will go with everything in your closet.

Stuart Weitzman "Platswoon" Pumps

2. Shirt dress: A relaxed look that you can dress up or down depending on your mood. Great for the office or a casual dinner date with friends. I have this dress...it's a personal favorite.

Diane von Furstenberg Sliced Shirt Dress

3. Wrap bracelets: I  love Chan Luu wrap bracelets. Beautiful craftsmanship, great style, and a unique look! This one comes in many styles and colors and gold is everywhere this season. A great accessory to any outfit.

Chan Luu Gold Vermeil Wrap Bracelet on Leather Brown

4. Envelope bag: This snake embossed envelope bag is a hot style this season and this particular bag won't break the bank (which we love!) It can be used as a clutch or has a drop-in chain so can also be used as a shoulder bag.

Rampage 'Juliet' Snake Embossed Faux Leather Envelope Clutch

5. A Classic Trench Coat: A timeless trench coat is a spring must have. Classic beige, bold reds, and even polka dots are on trend.  The A-line shape and belted waist is a very flattering look on all body types.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Nicole Double-Breasted Belted Trench Coat

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Guest Post: Top 5 Must Have Items for Spring

Valentines Day

I hope your Valentine's Day is sweet

carefree and relaxing

and filled with lots of love, laughter, and style (of course!)

Naina-Kimchi Blue blouse, Old Navy scarf,  J Brand jean leggings, Tory Burch sandals, Banana Republic sunglasses

Ariyana-Old Navy dress, Gap jean jacket, and Kenneth Cole flats

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Valentines Day

Style Inspiration: Bollywood

Katrina Kaif (photo credit)

Happy Friday everyone! I am so excited to be heading to Florida for a mini vacation.  Lately I have felt a little zapped of energy and creativity so I hope that a little break from the routine and cold weather will help me feel refreshed and recharged.

And speaking of vacations, my mom is on vacation in India enjoying some warm weather and of course shopping too.  She asked me to give her styles and colors for sari's and outfits I want. So I have been browsing outfits on the Internet for inspiration and checking out the latest styles over at one of my favorite blogs, Bollywood Style Diaries.  Being Indian-American I appreciate Indian fashion and I enjoy wearing sari's and Indian outfits. (here and here) I also love getting personal style and fashion inspiration from Indian actresses, designers, and models.  I thought I would share with you a few outfits that have caught my attention.

Katrina Kaif (photo credit)

Katrina Kaif (photo credit)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan (photo credit)

Aishwarya and Abhishek Bachchan (photo credit)

Deepika Padukone (photo credit)

Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan (photo credit)

Sonam Kapoor (photo credit)

Karisma and Kareena Kapoor (photo credit)

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Style Inspiration: Bollywood

Reader Request: What to Wear With Tall High Heel Boots

Occasionally I get emails from style'n readers who are looking for style advice and I am always so humbled and inspired by these requests. Sirena, a personal trainer and health and nutrition blogger (The Naked Dish), contacted me because she bought these new high heel tall brown boots and wanted some ideas about what to wear with them.  Below are some of the style tips I suggested to Sirena and since she lives here in Boston I thought it would be nice to meet up and take a picture of the outfit we styled. I like high heel boots (here) and if they are worn right they elongate the legs and give a sleek and sexy look.

Style'n tips: What to wear with tall high heel boots

1. Skinny Jeans, especially a dark wash or black ones. I love the look paired with a belted cardigan or a billowy silk blouse.
 

2. Short skirts including mini's and knee length.  I like to make sure the skirt length is shorter than the top of the boot so you can see the boots. For some people 1 inch above the boot works, and for others they look best when the skirt just hits above the boot. Also, skirts that stop 3-4 inches above the boot work well.

3. Long skirts, full or narrow, that cover the top of the boot.

4. Casual everyday long and short dresses. Follow the same basic principles with short and long skirts.

5. A high heel pointy-toed high heel boot with business suits gives a professional and classy look. (but  do do not tuck pants in the boots for this look!)

What do you wear with your high heeled boots?

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Reader Request: What to Wear With Tall High Heel Boots

Valentines Day Favorites: Etsy

1. Set of 2 sterling silver matching mother/daughter rings Boo Boo Art LLC $35
2. Red Love paperie a garland of handcut hearts Paper Polaroid $38
3. Solid Heart Rubber Stamp norajane $2.30
4. Handmade red convertible clutch with strap bonecalinda $70
5. 60s Bombshell Red Shift Dress andemonster $30
6. ILY cards-set of six JSGD $10

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Valentines Day Favorites: Etsy

Girls Day In: Valentines Day Cookies

I love Girls Day Out which usually consists of shopping and afternoons at the spa but on Saturday my sister Rachna, Ariyana, and I decided we needed a Girls Day In.   We hung out all day and baked cookies from scratch (my first time) and spent quality time with each other.  We made these cookies and used this icing.

 the dough all ready to go into the refrigerator

While waiting for the dough to harden in the fridge Rachna and Ariyana passed the time playing peekaboo

A package I ordered arrived while we were making the cookies so we got creative with the tissue paper

more uses for the tissue paper

Ariyana taking her frustrations out with the bubble wrap

the dough is finally ready

I was going to package the cookies in cute bags and have Ariyana take them to school but we had a small Superbowl get together at our place and we ended up eating all of them.

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Girls Day In: Valentines Day Cookies