Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Royal Wedding 2011



Kate Middleton is a vision in McQueen. She arrived at Westminster Abbey Friday afternoon wearing a sophisticated long-sleeved wedding dress with a Chantilly lace applique bodice, satin pleated skirt and a nine-foot train designed by Sarah Burton of the late Alexander McQueen.The dress seamlessly combined British tradition with McQueen’s signatures and Middleton’s own conservative, classic style.Her perfect bridal look was completed with a full veil, a cartier tiara borrowed from the Queen and a bouquet of assorted dainty white flowers. Kate's look was classic, elegant, timeless and beautiful all wrapped into one. 

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter Inspiration



I just love the originality of this Easter inspired cake. Located in Washington D.C. Maggie Austin Cake offers a fresh take on exclusively custom cake and cookie designs. I absolutely love both the creativity and simplicity of this design. Check out the Maggie Austin Cake portfolio to see many other mazing couture cakes. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Easter! Enjoy this weekend with family and good friends. 

Monday, March 21, 2011

Love Japan


Last Friday Tory Burch appeared on The View where she showcased pieces from her new collection as well as announced her "Japan Relief T-Shirt." 100% of the net proceeds from every T-shirt sold from now until September 15, 2011 will go directly to the American Red Cross in support of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami relief efforts. T-shirts are now available at ToryBurch.com

Friday, March 18, 2011

Almost Black

Almost black nail polish is very cool because you usually have to look twice to catch the true color. Pictured here is one of my new faves- Suzi Skis the Pyrenees by OPI. It is from OPI's Spain collection which includes two other colors, a dark green and dark eggplant. I actually got my nails done in this color yesterday and it's kind of a dark charcoal or smokey blue/gray.

I am always looking for a new dark color to wear but can't seem to get away from the deep reds or purples. I love this shade and am excited that I found it, even if it is almost summer and most of my color choices from now on will probably be much lighter. What are your favorite shades? I am always looking for new amazing polishes!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Get Creative with a Crockenbush



Get creative at your next event with a Crockenbush. The crockenbush is a dessert tower made of doughnut-like cream puffs or macarons drizzled with liquid sugar. This classic French cake is not only delicious but very trendy and cool as well. Substitute a crockenbush for a traditional wedding or even birthday cake. 

The above was featured on The Knot-your complete guide to wedding planning, wedding ideas, wedding dresses, wedding engagement and much more. 

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Blake Lively: Hollywood "It" Girl and Fashion Icon


Last Wednesday Gossip Girl star Blake Lively attended a dinner hosted by Chanel where she was introduced as the new face of their Mademoiselle handbag ad campaign. Wearing a white Chanel minidress the 23-year-old actress seemed in disbelief that she was the focal point of the room. “I was just having a conversation and I looked down and saw ‘Chanel: Dinner in Honor of Blake Lively’ ” she said, pointing to her menu. “It’s crazy.” Blake was handpicked for the Chanel campaign by the  house's designer Karl Lagerfeld. Apparently, Lagerfeld and Lively intend to replicate the New York introduction dinner during Paris Fashion Week at Coco Chanel's former home on the Rue Cambon.

Blake Lively has come a long way since her days on daytime TV soaps when her wardrobe consisted mostly of jeans and tank tops. After appearing in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and landing her role of socialite Serena van der Woodsen on the CW's Gossip Girl, it was a quick ascension to the top, especially in the fashion world. Blake is famously known for not having a stylist. She feels that having someone else dress her would be like them interpreting who she is and the truth is she says, "people don't really know me." As the youngest of five children, Blake credits her mother as the one who helped her to shape her fashion sensibilities. Her mother was a model, so she was always exposed to beautiful clothes. Blake Lively claims that confidence is the key to making an outfit work, even if critics don't approve, as long as she is being herself, she loves it. 

Her killer confidence may also be the reason that Blake was recently named the worlds most desirable woman by Askmen.com. She beat out celebrities such as actress Mila Kunis and Sofia Vergara, as well as supermodels Selita Ebanks and Miranda Kerr who all finished in the top five. Designer Christian Louboutin himself has also fallen in love with all things Blake. He recently released a shoe he specifically named after the actress. Talk about making your mark in the fashion world. "The Blake" will be available in the US and UK this month and will retail at about 635 British pounds (which is about 1035 US dollars) better start saving now! 
I guess it's a mix between her sophisticated style and sexy air of confidence that makes Blake the total package. “You can say she’s a California blonde, but she is very sophisticated and that’s a rare combo," says designer Michael Kors. I think it's easy to see why Blake Lively has quickly become one of Hollywood's newest "It" girls.  She is simply what stylish women around the world all want to look like, and who can blame them. Watch Blake on Gossip Girl which airs on the CW every Monday at 9 p.m Eastern. 



Real Housewives of Orange County Returning Tonight


Tonight the first ladies of Bravo are back. The Real Housewives of Orange County are returning for their 6th season. Is anyone else as excited about this as I am? Of course veteran Vicki Gunvalson will be returning this season, along with fellow blondes Tamra Barney, Gretchen Rossi and Alexis Bellino and tonight we will also be introduced to two new castmates. New OC cast members include Peggy Tanous, a 41-year-old former model and current stay-at-home mom and Fernanda Rocha, a 34-year-old lesbian fitness instructor. There are also rumors of fan favorite OC housewife Lauri Waring reappearing this season (we can only hope!) It sounds to me like this season could get interesting, and judging from the trailors recently released by Bravo, I think I may be onto something. I can't wait to see all the drama the ladies have in store for us this season- we all know Tamra and Gretchen in the same room is usually the perfect recipe for diaster!

Friday, March 4, 2011

To Die For Celebrity Closets

I think it is safe to say that nearly every girl in America has fallen madly in love with Carrie Bradshaw's closet. She has the closet that most of us only dream of someday having. Here is a look at some of my absolute favorite celebrity closet spaces. These celebrities are out to prove that when it comes to a home for their killer wardrobe and designer shoes...size really does matter! 

Check out these closets... They are MAJOR!


Christina Aguilera has not one, but two closets of this caliber. "Everything on my shoe wall is grouped by designer- Louboutin, McQueen, YSL- all in their own little family," says Aguilera. 


Here is a peak inside Mariah Carey's expansive climate controlled closet in her 12,000 square foot Manhattan triplex. The closet space was designed to resemble Louis Vuitton luggage. This diva claims to have over 1,000 pairs of shoes. Mariah's shoe collection is beyond!


Take a look at heiress Nicky Hilton's extremely organized, couture filled walk-in closet. Luckily for Nicky her designer shoe collection is not often raided by friends or family because of her 10.5 shoe size!


Welcome to Fergie's little piece of heaven. Hottie husband Josh Duhmel has nicknamed this space "Fergieland."


Oprah's closet is the picture of perfection. I don't think I could ever keep anything so organized. 


Looking through her closet Desperate Housewive's star Eva Longoria calls her favorite Christian Louboutin espadrille wedges "a beautiful pain." She sprained her ankle while wearing them in Paris. The price to pay for being fabulous I guess.


Olivia Wilde recently transformed the guest room and sitting room of her Venice, California home into a walk-in closet and refined work space. It makes the perfect home for her many red carpet gowns and favorite shoes.


Referred to as "Barbie's Dream House" by co-star Vanessa Hudgens, Disney Star Ashley Tisdale's closet occupies two rooms of her four bedroom house. Ashley organizes her closet by item (pants, top, etc.) and even groups denim by wash and hue. Like her character in High School Musical states, "I need a little fabulous, is that so wrong?"


Now if this isn't every girls fantasy, I don't know what is. Miley Cyrus has the most fabulous shoe closet and dressing room I have ever seen! Miley says she wanted it to be very girlie and fashiony, like a boutique.

Could you imagine having any of these as your closet? Seriously...TO DIE FOR! Talk about motivation. To see more on each of these amazing closets check out InStyle. Which celebrity closet is your favorite?

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Pretty Little Liars Inspired Fashion

Pretty Little Liars is televisions hottest new drama. It airs every Monday at 8 on ABC Family. Each week PLL is packed full of mystery, scandal and fashion. The show is about four former best friends who are reunited in their efforts to hide dirty secrets of the past. The clan must band together against an unknown foe who is seemingly out to destroy them. 


One of the many things I love about the show is that each of the girls has their own unique style. Here are some ideas on how to get the look of your favorite Pretty Little Liar. 

(Click on each of the looks to see details)


Hanna Marin: The girliest of the group. Although she is definitely a queen bee, she also has a softer side to her look. Her ensembles often include ruffles, floral prints, fitted blazers, heels and feminine accessories. The more glamorous the better! 




Spencer Hastings: The epitome of the classic prep. Her style reflects her family's upscale, county club lifestyle. Bring on the cardigans, oxfords, blazers and button downs. Spencer always looks perfectly put together. 




Aria Montgomery: One part bohemian love child and one part rocker chick. Not only do we love Aria because of her sizzling hot secret romance with her teacher, but also because of her super edgy yet chic style. She tends to favor a cute dress with a leather jacket, tights and boots. 




Emily Fields: As an athlete Emily just likes to be comfortable. Her style is sporty yet fun. She loves t-shirts, stripes, cargo and sneakers. She has the perfect casual look. 



Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Picture Perfect

Another outfit I love. The shoes are my next must have. Check out where to get each item below




Picture Perfect by hclark317 featuring embossed handbags

Goodbye Winter

Today is March 1st and although it has been 80 degrees in Florida all winter, it is time for everyone else to start replacing their sweaters and scarves with tanks and cute shades. 

Striped top
$35 - delias.com

Sportmax Code denim jean
138 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Leifsdottir platform shoes
$328 - leifsdottir.com

Dorothy Perkins handles handbag
69 GBP - dorothyperkins.com

Vintage looking jewelry
$9.99 - modcloth.com

Victoria Beckham butterfly sunglass
$525 - net-a-porter.com

Monday, February 28, 2011

Mini Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

These mini chocolate raspberry cupcakes from Java Cupcake look and sound delicious! I love to bake and cook, but for some reason I have never tried making cupcakes from scratch, I'm usually more of a Funfetti kind of girl. Anyhow, I am excited to give it a go and see how they turn out. Here is the recipe in case anyone else wants to try them. 


Mini Moist Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes


Ingredients:
Makes 36 minis and 12 regular cupcakes
½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla
2 eggs at room temperature
1  ¾ cup all purpose flour
¾ cup cocoa powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup boiling water
Fresh raspberries (enough for each cupcake) 

Directions: Preheat oven to 300 degrees.  Line pans with foil or paper liners.
1. Mix oil, sugars, cream and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each.
3. Beat on medium for about 2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl.
4. Sift dry ingredients together.
5. Sift them again.  Make sure all the flour and cocoa are thoroughly combined and all clumps are gone and   the mixture is very fine.
6. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in three parts, scraping the sides of the bowl and thoroughly mixing after each.
7. Beat for about 2 minutes on medium-high speed.
8. Add the boiling water and mix until just blended.  DO NOT BE ALARMED, mixture will be thin.
9. Fill cupcake liners no more than 1/2 full.
10. Add a raspberry to the center of each cup, push in until almost covered.
11. Bake 8 minutes, rotate pan 180 degrees, and bake an additional 2-3 minutes.
12. Do not over bake! Cupcakes will be done when there are air bubbles in the center and it springs back to the touch.
13. Leave in the pan 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.


Vanilla Buttercream
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 lb bag of confectioners’ sugar, sifted
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 tbsp corn syrup
1. In an electric mixer on medium-high, cream butter until smooth.
2. Mix the vanilla and cream together in a measuring cup and set aside.
3. Add sifted sugar 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth after each cup.  Between each cup of sugar, add the cream/vanilla, beginning and ending with sugar.
4. Slowly pour in corn syrup and mix well.
5. Add more cream, if necessary, to obtain desired consistency.
5. Beat on high for 5 minutes.

You can also view Java Cupcakes blog Cupcakes Take the Cake for more recipe and cupcake ideas 

Enjoy!

Sunday, February 27, 2011

In Love With This Outfit

T by Alexander Wang asymmetric top
$128 - lagarconne.com

Jean
259 EUR - unger-fashion.com

Christian louboutin shoes
550 GBP - brownsfashion.com

TopShop black tote bag
$125 - topshop.com

Betsey Johnson bow jewelry
$65 - betseyjohnson.com

Alex and Chloe pyramid jewelry
$180 - alexandchloe.com

Saturday, February 26, 2011

For Our Fabulous Little Friends

FabDog, Inc. was created with one simple goal in mind: to produce the most fabulous pet accessories, and in my opinion, they do just that. From American classics to punk, prep, luxe and rasta, Fabdog has the perfect collection for any style pet.

Personally, I love the Fab Prep collection. My favorites are the lime crab embroidery and the alligator embroidery collars. They will go perfectly with my long hair Chihuahua Riley's preppy polos.

Fabdog also sells super cute raincoats, toys, bowls and an adorable fraternity style hoodie, which displays the greek letters spelling out D-O-G. No matter what style you and your dog are into and whatever the occcasion, Fabdog features the perfect look.

Have some fun with it, your pup deserves to look just as fabulous as you do!

Friday, February 25, 2011

A Chocoholics Dream

Last week I literally thought I had died and gone to heaven. I walked into Dylan's Candy Bar in New York City and was surrounded by an overwhelming array of sweets. While oogling over the world's largest gummy bear (I'm not kidding, it was $40.00 and weighed like 5 lbs) I spotted my latest obsession- an enormous chocolate fountain.

Although we all love traditional chocolate fondue, chocolate fountains take a fun new twist on dousing treats into delicious chocolate. These are great for any party or event as both adults and kids alike will be excited by the idea of mouth-watering flowing chocolate. The fountain makes an excellent centerpiece and can be complimented by any assortment of sweet or savory snacks to be used as dippers.

If you aren't crazy about the idea of featuring a chocolate fountain at your next party, consider giving one as a gift. Trust me, it's every chocoholics dream! I'm not sure yet what I will be celebrating, but I will definitely find some way to feature a chocolate fountain at my next get together. How could anyone resist a little pure chocolate indulgence?