DOUBLE TAKE

I'd never wear this, but there's something I love about it. Perhaps it's the way it reminds me of Bailey's bathroom...with all that whimsy and fun!

*fashion: unknown; interiors: Emily Anderson for Rue Magazine

KATIE ERMILIO: FALL 2011 COLLECTION

I've been in love with Katie Ermilio's fashion line ever since meeting Katie when we featured her home in Rue Magazine. And her Fall 2011 Collection only confirms my admiration and undying love for her work.

For me, this collection is all about gorgeous lines, unexpected moments of sexiness, structural perfection, and understated elegance. So happy to see Katie's star keep rising!

WISHLIST

The perfect carry-all made with soft leather in a killer color.

And a pair of naughty-but-nice heels to kick off the summer.

*purse and shoes by Andrea Morelli

PAINT IT PINK

With the turn of spring bringing warmer days and carefree nights...

Why not add an extra dose of color to your life? Nothing says "I'm ready to play" like a hot pink lip.

*images via Millos Blog and The Glitter Guide

HOODIE KIND OF DAY

Some days, especially Mondays, you just want to be left alone. To bask in a bit of anonymity and not be bothered.

Can you think of a chicer way to hide? Neither can I.

*images via Vanessa Jackman and We Are the Rhoads for Rue Magazine

NEW BLOG CRUSH: IMPETUOUS STYLE

When it comes to style, I've got a lot of people fooled in the fashion department. I'm much more of an interiors gals, which comes to me instinctually, and look to gals like Andrea of Impetuous Style for a little help with the wardrobe.

Fellow San Franciscan, Andrea's style is unlike anything else I've seen out there. It's completely her own and reminds me of the stuff you see on the high streets of Tokyo.

While I'm much more conservative when it comes to color and structural pieces of clothing, I'm feeling very inspired by Andrea's pops of neon and could totally see myself rocking these shoes with the all black.

For fashion, who inspires you?

THE GOLDEN GLOBES: RED CARPET RUNDOWN

Award season is amidst us and that means fashion fashion fashion! How many of you watch the award shows just to see who's wearing what? (Moi!) There's something so indulgent about seeing the most beautiful people on the planet walk down a red carpet in couture.

Hands down Emma Stone and Claire Danes, both in Calvin Klein Collection, get my vote for best dressed at the 2011 Golden Globes. Apart from the irresistibly delicious sherbet colors, the minimalist look packs a strong punch against flashy Hollywood. A simple clutch or cuff is all the accessorizing these gals need!

Long sleeved beauties. Angelina and Anne, in Atelier Versace and Armani Prive respectively, gleamed with star power on the red carpet. More than anyone, these two truly dressed the movie star part. Only a select (tall and slender) few could ever pull off dresses like these.

You can never go wrong with black. I am guilty of wearing it far too often, but what can I say, it always looks stunning, dramatic, and powerful. Eva's Zac Posen mermaid gown is equal parts classy and sexy, while Piper's Oscar de la Renta oozes of sophisticated innocence with a modest cut and playful bow.

Red bombshells. Highlighting all her curvy assets, Sofia is absolutely show stopping in this red Vera Wang. January, on the other hand, received a bit of criticism for revealing a little too much in her in Versace, but I have to say, the fringe won me over and I quite love it.

Who gets your vote for best dressed?

OLYMPIA LE-TAN: HANDMADE WITH LOVE IN FRANCE

I love literature and I love fashion, so the two together make perfect sense ;)

How clever are these Olympia Le-Tan evening clutches conceptualized around the literary classics, like Lolita, Moby Dick, and more? What do you think? Would you don one of these to your next gala or ball?

JIL SANDER ON THE EYE

While in Venice earlier this month, I was on a mad hunt for the perfect pair of new glasses.

I must have popped into about ten eyewear stores, and with each one I visited, Jil Sander frames kept calling my name. I'm loving the fantastic line of new colors (believe it or not, 'honey' was my pick!) and flattering, big frames.

On a side note - those Stylish Italians always seem to be about one year ahead of us when it comes to trends. If only I could do all my shopping in Italy!

Delinquent Bride

A black wedding dress. Could you ever do it?

Personally, I could. There's something so spectacular and ironic about a departure from an age old tradition as ravishing as this to show your confidence and free will on your wedding day.

Mysterious, sexy, thought provoking, and bold - this is the quintessence of what fashion is.

Simply put, this stunning Vera Wang has me absolutely transfixed.

*photography by Jose Villa for Once Wed

Outfits Like This Make Me Swoon

I think I just found my fall uniform...

The black belted coat, the woven leather handbag, the vintage-inspired shoes! Absolute fall fashion perfection in my book. Head over to Cole Haan to get the look!

P.S. Did you notice how perfectly coordinated the red and green of the building tie in with the hues of the same colors in the bag and shoes? That is the genius of a talented art director, my friends. These things don't happen by accident!

Possibilities in NYC

Do you know what I love about life? That anything is possible! And no city captures the spirit of possibility like New York City!

Lately, I've been pondering what life in the Big Apple would be like. You see, I'm the type of girl who can't stay in one place for too long...

My curiosity for new people and places is much too big. My appetite for life is insatiable. My desire to be stretched and challenged is never ending. And my love for exploration is inescapable.

But perhaps what I love even more than the thought of NYC is the freedom that comes with knowing the sky's the limit when we begin to dream...

*images via my dear friend Sarah

Classy & Fabulous

Two of my all time favorite style icons are Rachel Bilson and Kate Bosworth. I admire their natural beauty, easy elegance, and classy approach to fashion.

Red is a current favorite fashion color of mine. It's bold and confident, alluring and glamorous. Everything I aspire to be.

But red is best pared down with more sobering colors and pieces, just as these two ladies do. Rachel with her black blazer and casual stripes and Kate with her choice to forgo jewelry. After all, elegance is refusal.

I'd love to know. Who are your style icons?

*images via Design Love Fest

Happy Weekend....I'm Europe Bound!

By the time you read this I'll probably be up and away and headed to Europe for vacation!!! I'm so excited as Europe is my absolute favorite part of the world. Ever since my first trip to the continent at the age of eleven, there have been many trips back and a lifelong love affair with its charm and magic. This time around I'm headed to Moscow for a wedding that's sure to be a lavish and stylish affair!!

And of course, if you're going to travel allllll the way to the other side of the world, there's only one natural thing to do... Tag on another country while you're at it!! So before Moscow, a little jaunt to the South of France for some relaxing along the Mediterranean.

While I'm gone, I have a stellar group of guest bloggers lined up to keep you company, so I hope you'll stop by and say hello.

Have a great weekend! xo, Crystal

*images via Kelley Moore and Dress Design Decor

Peter Som for Sferra Fine Linens

Yet another wonderful collaboration where fashion meets interiors is upon us. Sferra Fine Linens just announced a partnership with Peter Som, fashion extraordinaire! The use of only the finest materials and exquisite detailing found in both powerhouses is sure to be a match made in heaven. The full collection is expected to hit stores January 2011, so for now, let's take a look at Som's Spring 2010 collection and wet our appetite for what's to come!

Sophisticated and alluring, Som's fashions ooze with elegance and style.

Something a little more young helps bring out the fun and flirty in us all.

These masterful pairings of patterns and details are pure visual genius...

I don't know about you, but I can't wait!

Little Black Dress

As a girl, I know you can never have enough LBDs. They're always in style and there's always a last minute occasion to pop up when you're glad you have one.

So, as I build my own LBD collection, I'd like to know what your go-to style is and your favorite shop for finding these fantastic little dresses!

*images via Fashion Gone Rogue

2009: Going Out In Style!

This year marked a lot for me. Lots of personal growth, self discovery, and change. It challenged me to really listen to myself and understand my heart. And for that, I am grateful.

Whether you're ringing in the new year with a big night out or cozying up in the comfort of your own living room, let's go out in style...

...and by style I mean the inner kind. True style is all about knowing who you are from the inside out. It's about being confident in your choices and secure with what makes you unique.

Glitz and glam and sparkles and sequins are always fun. But the most beautiful statement piece of all is a strong sense of self! As we say goodbye to 2009 and welcome 2010, let's remember to cloak ourselves in it!

Happy New Year my dears! I'll be back tomorrow with a special "2009 End of the Year Wrap Up!" I hope you'll join me.

*images courtesy of Vogue via Moodboard

Sparkles + Late Nights in...Seattle!

Happy Friday, lovelies! I'm especially excited about this one because next week I'm treating myself to a week-long vacation in Seattle!! It's where I grew up and the place I still call home. I can't wait to be back in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

The week's events are already booked with sparkly outfits and late nights! On the list is dinner with Cassandra, Erin, and Sarah, a stylish wedding, girls night out, coffee and lunch dates, and a slumber party with high school friends! And of course, a shopping marathon and some quality time with the BFF.

I've also got some pretty exciting stuff planned for the week here on the blog! When I took a poll on twitter to find out what you'd most want to know about your favorite bloggers, the answer was unanimous: To see the inside of their homes! So, I'm bringing you sneak peeks into 5 fabulous ladies' homes for the entire week! You won't want to miss this one (these are ladies I'm sure you already read)!

xoxo Crystal

*images via julia.