Chic & Cheerful

Fashion. Design. Life. Etc.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Loveliest Look.

Image via getty.
     Oh Gwyneth. I will admit, I've gone off my beloved GP a bit since the phrase "consciously uncoupling" entered the world's lexicon, but I will always give my girl credit where credit is due. Gwynnie's excels at the minimalist look better than anyone, and this week was no exception. She is rocking her very own collaboration with Monique Lhuillier for Goop and I am digging it. Both the navy skirt and white crop top are available for purchase on her website. I am also loving the pop of red in the form of her clutch and her lip color. Nice one, Gwyn!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

On My Mind.

Image via anitakojewelry Instagram.
     I am forever in awe of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's incredible style. I find it quite rare these days that anyone's style translates so beautifully across both the street and red carpet, and yet Rosie always looks completely like herself no matter the venue. Lately I've found myself completely enamored with the accessories she's sporting in this shot- the Anita Ko jewelry is to die for- particularly that diamond collar! I am on the hunt for something in my price range and I won't rest until I find it. I am also coveting her gold sunglasses which I THINK are by Oliver Peoples. LOVE.
   
Image via neimanmarcus.com
     One of my necessary luxuries is nail polish. Expensive nail polish. The addiction began several years ago with a single bottle of Chanel's "Black Satin" and has since spiraled into a black hole of addiction. Countless nail polishes later, I was introduced to Tom Ford's luxe line of colors and I haven't looked back. I didn't really think there was anywhere to go from there but then this... Christian Louboutin has released a line of nail polishes and they are SWISH. Each bottle is 8 inches tall and the polish itself takes weeks and weeks to make. According to his website, 2 coats of his polish is akin to 20 from any other brand. I am dying to get my hands on a few shades to see if it lives up to the hype.
Image via glamour.com
     I will admit I have never seen any of "The Hunger Games" films, nor have I read the books, but I like everyone else, am completely smitten with Jennifer Lawrence. Her makeup for the premiere of "Mockingjay Part 1" is gorgeous! I am particularly loving her lip color and on a quest to figure out what it is. Given that she is a Dior spokesperson, it is highly likely it is something by Dior...
Image via neimanmarcus.com
     My Eddie Borgo obsession continues with this fabulous toggle bracelet. This pave version in gold is exclusive to Neiman Marcus, but it can be purchases in several different color ways elsewhere, as well as sans jewels. I LOVE it.



Jenna.

Image via getty.
     Solange Knowles had some definite competition in terms of dressing for her wedding this past weekend. J. Crew. genius Jenna Lyons brought it. Between the plain white tee, the feather skirt, the fur coat and the leopard clutch, I am in awe. Jenna has the same talent as Kate Moss in that she is entirely able to take pieces- both widely recognized and obscure and make them look as if they were made solely for her. Amazing.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Santa Baby.

Image via neimanmarcus.com
     The holiday season is fast approaching, and for once I think I just about have everyone on my list sorted out. All gifts have either been purchased or bookmarked for purchase, and now I finally have time to figure out what I'd like to receive for the holidays. High up on my list is an Eddie Borgo bracelet. I love everything about his jewelry and am already the happy owner of a pair of rose gold pave pyramid earrings, so naturally I need a few more pieces to compliment them! Spoiler alert- I already know that this absolutely stunning rose gold pyramid stud bracelet will be awaiting me under the Christmas tree. (Thanks mom!)
Image via wsj.com
     Betty Halbreich was easily my favorite part of the documentary "Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorf's." For those that aren't aware, Betty has been a personal stylist with Bergdorf's since the 1970's and continues to dress some pretty powerful people today. Lena Dunham is even working on a television show based on her experiences. She recently released her autobiography and I've been dying to get my hands on a copy in order to see if her acerbic wit has translated to the written page.

Image via jcrew.com
     My favorite place in the world to purchase scarves is hands down, J. Crew. No one does it better for such an amazing price point. I LOVE this Italian Brushed Scarf in lavender mist- it looks so cozy! This is absolutely at the top of my wish list.

Image via dailymail.co.uk
     For years I've enjoyed reading The Edit on Net-a-porter.com, so I was absolutely beside myself when I found out they would be publishing 6 issues a year under the masthead Porter. A subscription to what has easily become my favorite magazine is kind of a no brainer- they offer 63% off the cover price, and they publish special covers for subscribers like the insanely gorgeous one of Christy Turlington, shown above.
Image via shopbop,com
     Lastly, I am full on obsessed with this Nyos lariat necklace from Elizabeth and James. I love it. I've coveted this since the summertime and was bummed not to receive it for my birthday, but there's always Christmas right? Fingers crossed! If Santa Clause slipped any of these treats under my Christmas tree, I'd be one happy camper!


Solange.

Image via vogue.com
     With my sister newly engaged, I definitely have weddings on the brain. We've been trading ideas back and forth by phone and text since her fiance slid the ring on her finger. One thing that surprised me slightly is that she plans on wearing a very simple and elegant dress to her ceremony, foregoing the crazily embellished, multi-layered cupcake dresses I have become accustomed to seeing. I hoping simplicity becomes a more popular trend concerning wedding gowns, and after seeing Solange Knowles' simple Humberto Leon for Kenzo dress, I hope all future brides will take note.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Fancy Versus Frugal.

Image via zapposcouture.com
     I fully admit to having champagne tastes on a beer budget. Sometimes that even extends to champagne tastes on a bottled water budget. The point is, as a former personal shopper, I pride myself on my talent to shop around for both the best prices, and for comparable items. I fell madly in love with these Elizabeth and James Compass Rose Stud earrings many months ago, but at $195 I wasn't exactly rushing out to get them, despite the urge. (If you are so inclined, you can do so HERE.) So when I stumbled on Lauren Conrad's Starburst Stud Earrings from her LC Lauren Conrad line for Kohl's, I was a happy camper. Why? Take a look...
Image via kohls.com
     They're practically identical! Albeit, for the $9.60 they'll set you back, you won't be getting white topaz like the Elizabeth and James version, but you WILL be getting the exact same look for a tiny fraction of the price. I love these! And they'll keep my earlobes nice and warm until I can upgrade to the Elizabeth and James pair. You can purchase your own set HERE.


Friday, November 14, 2014

Loveliest Look.

Image via Getty Images.
     Keira, Keira, Keira. Why she wears anything other than Chanel Haute Couture at all times is beyond me. (Not the most practical or financially viable choice, I am well aware.) She always manages to make these intricate, exquisite garments appear both entirely classic and completely modern. She wears them with an ease and a casual edge that is just magic. Perhaps that why this is the second time in a row she's been my pick for Loveliest Look. Don't stop with the Chanel Keira. Please.

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Grace.


Happy birthday to a fellow Philadelphia native, Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco,
AKA Grace Kelly.
Today would have been her 85th birthday.

Things That Sparkle.

     Typically when a designer capsule collection is announced in partnership with a chain store, I go through a wave of emotions. Elation often leads to excitement, leads to anticipation, leads to disappointment once I view said collaborations in person. However... there is always an exception to the rule. One of my favorite jewelry designers Alexis Bittar, has created a small collection of tools for Sephora, and they are gorgeous! I've been a fan of Alexis Bittar for many years, and as a former personal stylist, I've adorned many a client in his beautiful, unique, American made (in Brooklyn!) baubles. I love that he's taken his natural aesthetic and translated everyday items into things that sparkle. The main piece of the collection is this exquisite makeup brush set, consisting of 5 gold and crystal encrusted brushes, and a sleek display stand. The set will set you back $175, but with tools this pretty, your makeup application will be far from boring.
     This powder brush and accompanying travel roll is perfect for a girl on the go in need of frequent touch-ups. This set will cost you $58.
     My favorite piece from the collection is this clamshell shaped compact. I have been searching high and low for a glamorous mirror to store in my handbag, and I have most certainly found a winner. This beauty will set you back $42. Run, don't walk to your nearest Sephora to check out these fabulous finds! Oh, and I've heard whispers that there are credits to the Alexis Bittar website in each package... Enjoy!