OFF THE SHOULDER

A girl can never have enough dresses, wouldn't you say? I've been known to stock up on them because you never know when a stylish invite will come your way.

Though black is my go-to color, I'm always on the hunt for something with a little extra something to help me feel extra pretty. After all, who wants to blend in with the crowd?

These off the shoulder Lepokorpi dresses are just the thing. They're casual enough for a night out on the town with girlfriends, but sophisticated enough for a cocktail party. Done and done!

FASHION RENDEZVOUS

I've decided that I've been cheating on fashion with furniture for too long. Slowing I find myself returning to that other love. From a perfectly tailored button-down flirting with a tease of lace...

To a peep show of skin reigned in by a strap of leather...

Hello, love. I've missed you.

*fashion by Katie Ermilio, shoes by Yves Saint Laurent

Channeling Your Inner Femme Fatale

Do you ever wish you could throw your hands up at the idea of designing for the sexes and go over the top, fabulously feminine, holding nothing back when it comes to your love for pink, silk, lace, or tulle? 

Even if only one room in the house, wouldn't it be nice to have your own 'girly hideaway'? The anti-man cave, where feeling feminine, relaxing, maybe reading a book, is your only worry?

Playing dress up for the day for no particular reason or occasion but simply because a happy girl is a beautiful girl. 

Of course a bed fit for a queen would be in order. And a pink, plush fainting sofa to collapse on at the end of the day? Even better!

Splurging on something opulent and gorgeous like these Bottega Veneta beauties? A girl can dream! We might not all have an awards show to attend, but your wedding? Definitely more realistic. I'd walk down the aisle in one of these in a heartbeat!

Nothing says feminine like a velvet canopy in a 'barely there' pink to come home to each night and catch your dreams!

Imagine the creative energy and inspiration you'd have working at a little desk like this. Somehow I think that gorgeous lavender taffeta silk drapery would make work a whole lot more enjoyable for me.  Cozying up in a soft coat of the same color on a crisp autumn day wouldn't hurt either. 

I'd love to throw 'girls night' at my place in a living room like this. Pinkish walls, glided furniture and accent places, and of course that chandelier all showcase the sophistication, intelligence and beauty of a woman with perfect articulation! 

Plus:

More girly inspiration in the form of the 'little blue box' here

My personal brush with Bottega here

*image via style.com, {this is glamorous}, House Beautiful, Vogue Living, Automatism

Desert Reference + Necklaces

These necklaces from Oak are totally working for me. Thank goodness the big necklace trend has stayed around as long as it has because I love it! I'm especially digging the southwest flare of these pieces. The desert reference is just perfect for summertime!

P.S. 3.1 Phillip Lim's S2009 RTW show is coming to mind...

*fashion images via style.com

Wednesday Romp Day

Aren't all the rompers we're seeing around lately just so adorable? They're a cute and easy trend to pull off and perfect for staying cool this summer. Can't wait to get my hands on one!

*via Urban Outfitters

Style 360º: Glam It Up!

Nothing says glam like a little sparkle! I’ll be honest, I have a few sequenced tops I bring out when the mood is right (bachelorette party in Vegas, dance marathon with the girls, vacation in Cancun…). But it does takes confidence to commit to the look. That's why I like pairing just one sparkly piece with an otherwise muted outfit. Or glamming up a special corner in the house, where you can go to feel fabulous.

*top to bottom, left to right: Bernardo flats, Bally jacket, Juicy Couture tank, Max Azria's LA home, all via Harper's Bazaar

Summer Lovin'

Summer seems to have arrived everywhere but Chicago this year. But that hasn't stopped me from daydreaming about summer dresses and swimsuits! Here are a few looks that caught my eye over at Frances May. I love the retro feel of the bikini, the open back of the striped dress, and the third outfit is just something I would so wear. Only, I'd pair it with a 4-in black stiletto of course :)

Hottie Shoes

Just have to say, Ashley Tinsdale's Paul & Joe Sister "Gypsie" shoes at the MTV Movie Awards last night were HOTTIE!

{Images via Just Jared}

Etsy Wishlist: The One Strap Everyday Bag by Ikabags

These one strap cotton bags by Ikabags are just perfect for long, laid back summer days. I can see myself throwing a towel and bottled water in one of these and heading to the beach. Or slung around me as I bike ride around town. I love the simple solids and stripes and their curvy shape!

Getting Familiar with Heidi Merrick

Heidi Merrick has been making the rounds in the blogosphere lately and her popularity is spreading like wild fire. The designer's collections are loaded with comfortable fabrics, feminine details, and sophisticated silhouettes. What's not to love?!

Mexican Designer, Global Fashion

I couldn't let Cinco de Mayo pass without posting something from Mexico! Lucky for me, right now all eyes are on Mexican fashion designer, Carla Fernandez and her beautiful woolen creations. Winner of the 2008 International Young Fashion Entrepreneur Award, Carla uses old-age Indian sewing techniques for her modern label, Taller Flora.

I love her use of rectangular fabric pieces, which honors the indigenous technique of tearing wool along the weave. Not only is Carla creating something modern and sexy, she is preserving the local touch. And that's beautiful!