Forever Frugal Friday

 

i finally found my chambray/denim shirt!  i have been on the hunt for some time now and am happy to report that i found one for under $20 two weekends ago and have already worn it three times!  i paired it out one saturday night with a fitted black skirt, and then wore it to work two separate times with different black skirts.  best news...i received numerous compliments on it and had to share it with y'all. 

 

please note the shirt is a MILLION times better than the picture here.  trust.

 

i also spied these three gorgeous finds and am thinking one (or more) should make it home with me this week.  i was leaning towards the mint high-low lace trimmed top originally but the more i look at the mint metallic polka dot button up and after reading love, lipstick and pearls post on fall trends i think i may get that instead.  and of course i still really want a faux leather skirt.

 

what fall trend are you looking forward to most? 

 

Red Carpet Rundown ~ Emmy's 2012

i'm back from jury duty!  nothing makes you more grateful to return to work than a day of jury duty. blech.

 

the emmy's came and went and overall i found myself rather bored with the award show.  i wasn't bored however, by the fashion!  i loved the bright colors, daring necklines and body hugging dresses. 

 

below are my winners and my one major loser of the night.

 

(all photos here)

 

i loved the abundence of sweetheart necklines that appeared on the red carpet.  whether it was zooey's beautiful periwinkle reem acra dress, padma's incredible fiery orange monique lhuillier or julianne hough's george hobeika mermaid gown the laides have never looked prettier!  i am still not 100% sure but i think, padma was my favorite look of the night.

 

 

another ever present guest on the red carpet were some plunging necklines.  kat dennings really wowed me in her j mendel gown - i mean she looks just gorgeous!  while i still don't know who moreno baccarin is, she definitely made me take notice in this basil soda gown.  the color, the neckline the bodice, just incredible.  and then came miss heidi klum, either a hit or miss often in my book was most definitely a hit in this seafoam gown that left little to the imagination. 

 

i am always a sucker for glimmer, shimmer and gold on the red carpet.  i mean talk about the event to sport all of those trends.  kerry washington is always flawless and this vivienne westwood did not disappoint.  when guilana interviewed her she was just radiant and oh so lovely.  my shocker of the evening...edie falco in stella mccartney.  the girl has never looked better and the gold belt just made her look so tiny!  i just think lucy liu is about the cutest and i loved her mirrored, metal versace gown which must have been so heavy to wear on her little frame.  when she presented on stage she looked like liquid metal and i loved it!

 

i didn't have too many absolute hate looks for the night but i did feel real bad for lena dunham and whomever let her walk out the door in this prada number...

 

i literally cringed at the screen when i saw her in this as i makes her look so big and dumpy.  i mean the dress does NOTHING for her figure and for such a bright star and her first emmy debut, this look just really failed big time for me.  here's hoping she speaks to a stylist stat (might i recommend brad goreski) and wows us all on the golden globes red carpet!

Carmen Marc Valvo & Christian Siriano Spring 2013 RTW Collections

with fashion week all wrapped up, i thought i would share a few more of my favorite collections. up first...

 

carmen marc valvo

 

 

i am definitely biased towards this collections as the entire collection focused in on cinched waists.  i have always been blessed with a small waist and it is my favorite feature to emphasize in my wardrobe choices. 

 

carmen marc valvo did an incredible job with all the collection from the colors, to the textures and of course the signature tie at the waist.  i think that middle white dress would make a stunning wedding gown and i am really hoping to see someone sport the far right design at the emmy's or any award show for that matter.

 

ever since he was on project runway and introduced the world to a whole new level of "fierce", christian siriano has not disappointed me once with his fashion collections.  in fact, he continues to stun and amaze me with his ingenuity and creativity.

 

let's just agree that the man knows how to create a show stopping gown.  the middle dress reminds me of a dress i would have put on my barbie growing up and i think just about any girl would love to wear for one day in their life. 

 

i especially loved this collection and his use of watercolors and lightness.  so feminine, so pretty and so perfect in every single way!  project runway definitely got it right with this talented winner!

NYFW - Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013 RTW Collection

i am very much behind in my spring 2103 rtw collections, but took a minute today to check out a few designers and have to say that monique lhuillier knocked it out of the park. 

 

her name has always been synonymous with wedding gowns and red carpet appearance but this collection is a beautiful blend of all things gorgeous!

her bold prints blended so beautiful together and really flatter a woman's body.

 

her bold jewel tones brights and glittery gold and black had my eyes all aglow. 

and not to disappoint her gowns were sheer genius - literally. 

 

i loved her use of colors, textures and patterns!  she did not disappoint and left me with a whole new vision of monique lhuillier. 

 

what have your favorite collections been so far?  keep checking back here as i hope to share some more of my fave shows in the next few days!  any i should look at immediately?

 

and can i just say out loud that one day i will attend nyfw?

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Rebecca Minkoff

remember back in junior high, when all your friends had something cool and you just wanted to fit in and buy it too regardless of how silly the trend was (cross color t-shirts anyone)?

well my friends i have major friend purchase envy and it is all due to one girl...rebecca minkoff.

not only does it seem like she is always having a fun time (fun to follow on instagram), but she is always giving shout outs to her "minkettes" and i think it is just about the cutest thing i have seen in a long while. 

and the best part about rebecca minkoff is her use of color, style and playfulness in her designs.  i am definitely lacking a signature rebecca minkoff piece.  my awesome iphone cover was stolen (along with my awesome iphone) and now i am yearning for something new, not only to fit in with my fabulous friends but because i too want to be a minkette!

i currently have the my treasures pouch in my shopping cart but also want to purchase the omfg pouch in persimmon because it brings a huge smile to my face.  the kahel leather jacket is straight up gorgeous and would look quite lovely with the mac stud clutch.  and for that wedding september first, i would be ever so happy to be caught in the claudia dress.  and i am still crossing my fingers i can give my passport another stamp and carry it in this leopard print passport wallet.

are you lucky enough to be a minkette?  what's your fave rebecca minkoff item? 

mark my words - i will be a minkette soon enough!

What to Wear - Colorado Wedding

b and i are off to a wedding in colorado in a few weeks and i am complete stumped on what to wear. 

i figured now would be the best time to try out rent the runway since i have been dying to try it for some time now.  below are my three favorite choices, all under $75, would you be so kind to help a girl out with your opinion?

bcbg my soulmate dress - love the color, love the tulle trim and the sweetheart neckline.  but is too bridesmaid-y?

tibi's bond girl dress - love the pleated skirt and the sweetheart bodice - been eyeing this puppy for many events.  too much for a summer wedding?

shoshanna's optical bustier dress - the color is unique and i love the pattern and fit.  plus pockets never hurt anyone!  but is it a bit on the boring side?

but then i peeped over at nordies and noticed this parker strapless silk dress i've been crushing on is on sale - and i could own it and wear it again! 

the colors are my fave and i like the pattern at the bottom - fun and unique.  but is it a little too crayola crayon-y? 

i reach out to you my lovely ybb readers to help me decide what to wear to this wedding.  i am going to be meeting new friends and girlfriends and want to look spectacular.  i've been working out hard at the gym and want to show off the results i have achieved while mingling and having some fun. 

xoxo

Girl Crush ~ Rachel McAdams

a few weeks back when we were in canada, we were playing, "name a famous celebrity from canada" and surprisingly we came up with quite a few. 

my favorite of the few is of course ryan gosling who happens to have a deep connection with my other favorite and current girl crush rachel mcadams!

the girl is seriously the girl next door gorgeous.

her makeup and hair on the red carpet are almost always flawless and what i love most about her makeup is that her sister is her makeup artist!  talk about keeping it in the family!  rachel always has a dewy glow and looks amazing.  when trying to find ideal makeup, rachel is always one i look to first for inspiration.

not to sound like a creeper, but can we talk about her eyes.  such a pretty color and so full of expression.  i think part of what makes her such a great actress is her portrayal of emotions through her eyes.  they are captivating and expressive and i love it!

the girl has a bangin' bod.  it's toned and not too skinny and she really dresses for her figure.  whether she is sporting clinging and plunging white or shining in see through red marchesa.  the girl always kills it on the red carpet.

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i love her transformation from sweet, sexy girl next door into sexy, mysterious vixen in her editorials.  high fashion clothes, glamorous hair, and a cat eye.  she screams hollywood royalty.

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some fun facts about rachel that will make you love her even more:

*she born in the same hospital and her ex-boyfriend ryan gosling (luckiest girl alive)

*she's allergic to horses (i'm allergic to rabbits)

*use to work at mcdonald's

*turned down a chance to appear in vanity fair's hollywood issue when she found out it was a nude session

*woody allen wrote the part of inez (owen wilson's wife) specifically for her

*gosling has described her as "one of the great loves of my life" (luckiest girl alive)

seriously could she be any cuter or more likable?  i love her movies.  i love her style.  i love her attitude.  girl crush much? 

Desperately Seeking Sully ~ Sensational Stripes

this past weekend in whistler i tried on the lululemon stride jacket above and fell instantly in love.  not much of an impulsive shopper, i thought it best to wait and pickup in the states.  dumb move.  it is no longer available and if i want to make it mine i have to buy it on ebay.  tear.

also, i am loving this topshop giant pansy stripe bodycon dress which was in 3 magazines i read over the weekend.  don't worry...sold out as well.  mother trucker. 

those two sold out striped goodies got me in an all things stripe mood and has me thinking i shouldn't delay in purchasing the stripes below.

diagonal stripe 4 / skipper beach duffle / stripe bandeau bikini top / striped cotton dress

I'm Lovin' It

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just finished breaking bad season two on friday...eagerly awaiting the arrival of disc one of season three.  i love that walt. 

oh yeah, and don draper's back...what's not to love about that? 

zou bisou bisou

i had a little time to wander around third street before easter brunch, and happened upon these amazing steve madden studlyy flats that i just cannot stop thinking about.  in fact, just typing that sentence out reminds me of how sad i am not that i do not own them...just may have to fix that problem...

um, anyone been in the gap recently?  i want every single item they are currently carrying.  if the third street store wasn't out of my size in this dot sateen dress you can guarantee i would be the proud owner of it. 

seriously people.  get into the gap.  every single thing is awesome and lustworthy. 

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in an effort to stay paleo, healthy and energized i stumbled upon these bars by go raw and am smitten.  i have not tried the live granola bar, but all of the other four and while some are better than others, they are truly all tasty and fulfilling.  my faves are the banana bread flax bar and the spirulina energy bar. 

l.a. residents...they are currently on sale for $0.99 at ralphs...go stock up!

i have been on the hunt for the more affordable version of this look for a few weeks now and surprisingly have had zero luck.  i love these two simple pieces together really leave an elegant and yet casual look.  i also just may have to splurge on the pieces to get my dream look.

a few years back i bought the h&m version of these tuleste market rosette earrings for less than $5 and wore the shit out of them.  i received compliments almost every time i wore them and was sad to retire them after b told me they were looking very tarnished and not so nice. 

i miss them so very much and would have bought every single pair in the store if h&m carried them still, but alas they do not.  instead, i may just need to hunker down and buy the original inspiration for my knockoffs which are way prettier and actually very affordable. 

what are you currently lovin'???

I'm Loving' It

The new Starbucks "Very Berry Hibiscus" Refresher is muy bueno!  I was very hesitant to try this coffee drink that tastes nothing like coffee, but let me just tell you it is so delish.  A grande drink only has 70 calories and it contains freeze-dried berries as well.  Once I finish my beverages, I fill my cup of with water and enjoy my "spa" water at my desk.  If you are lucky enough to have them sampling it at your local Sbux, make sure you give it a try. 

Also loving the Hunger Games Triology.  I am on the final book of the series and trying to find any excuse to read it.   

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This bright, cheery and a little bit nautical look from Atlantic-Pacific.  I mean let's be honest, all of her outfits are lust-worthy but this one just screams glamorous fun in the sun.

Even though I am perfectly content and still loving my Yellow KitchenAid Mixer, I fell in love at first sight with this KitchenAid Artisan Susan G. Komen Stand Mixer in Raspberry Ice.  Not only would it be a brilliantly bold addition to any kitchen, but with the purchase of this mixer you are also contributing to the Susan G. Komen Cook for the Cure®’s efforts to cure breast cancer. 

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This ring and grey nail polish combo.  Whenever I see this photo I instantly want to run to the nearest beauty supply and pick up a bottle of grey polish (preferably chinchilly).  Grey, yellow, turquoise and a little bit of gold...possibly new bedroom color scheme? 

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Visits from friends and babies that include dinners at garlic ball heaven C&O Trattoria in Venice. 

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Holding sweet little buddy Raleigh while soaking up rays, sipping some wine at Sip in Malibu and reminiscing with friends.  This past weekend Coffey and Cabe flew down from Seattle so that many of us could meet little Raleigh as well as the handsome Easton.  It was a weekend of making the best of roadblocks and rules and fully of laughter and smiles.  So much fun!

I'm Lovin' It

Last week I was ever so luckily invited to attend the private shopping event at Christian Louboutin store on Robertson by my gf Kristina (in the gorgeous coral number).  Unfortunately I was unable to do any shopping at all, but I did get to meet and be photographed with the amazing Brad Goreski! 

He couldn't have been any cute in person, and can we just say that he is as nice as can be.  He was sweet enough to answer a few questions I had, such as when will your show begin taping (soon), where will it be filmed (LA, NYC, all over) and what channel could we watch all the goodness (Bravo - SWEET).  I wished him the best of luck and then threw back a glass of Veuve to celebrate.  When I left he was waiting for valet and he actually waved and said goodbye to me and wished me luck. 

I am officially even more in love with him than before!

This Asos Boxy Flat Lock Clutch.  I want to wear it with white denim and a bright colored tank and some amazing wedges.  Love the bright pink and gold details.

I know we all love Atlantic Pacific's fashion choices, but this ensemble had me absolutely drooling on my keyboard at the straight up fabulous-ness of it.  Adding to my must purchase for summer necessities - blue and white gingham button up. 

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This weekend marks my girl Christy's 30th, and as a graduate of Wazzu, we don't know how to celebrate a little bit...only a lot of bit.  I have a feeling stuffing our purses/pockets with these napkins isn't the worst idea ever...

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Now that I am able to eat chocolate again, I find myself surprised that I haven't been gorging myself on any and everything chocolate.  That was until I tried my coworkers dark chocolate covered edamame and find that I am constantly wanting to sneak into the snack cupboard to grab another handful.  Dangerously good.

B.  He makes me smile, laugh and happy.  It's a pretty amazing feeling that I feel blessed to experience.

2011 MET Ball Fashion

The MET Ball was last night and while there were some gorgeous dresses, I wasn't overly impressed with any of the fashion choices sadly.  In fact, I feel there were more poor fashion choices then good ones.  But in an effort to keep things positive, let's focus on the winners from last night...

Sheer Nice Seeing You

Although I tend to appreciate the bright and bold dresses over the neutrals the combination of sheer fabric, and sparkle is always dynamic as these lovely ladies displayed to all.

all photos{via}

Ashley Greene was flawless in Donna Karan

The always incredible Diane Kruger threw a little drama to her sheerness in Jason Wu.

Although I am not loving her new red locks (i mean she is still drop dead - duh) I am loving every single thing about this Chanel Haute Couture gown.  She looks like a goddess!

Brilliant & Bold

Michael Kors has me crushing again with his neon pink designs, this time on Brooklyn Decker who is radiant in the simple gown.

My favorite look head to toe goes to Miss Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop.  The color is amazing and her accessorizing spot on.  Perfection.

I have thought Liv Tyler was drop dead gorgeous since the Crazy video and some 17 years later she is even more beautiful and I love lightness and springy feeling of this Givenchy Haute Couture gown.

Am I the only one who is loving Gwyenth recent reemergence into the spotlight?  I mean I know she has always been a fix in the fashion world, but the girl just keeps getting better with age and her fashion choices.  For example, clearly winning in this Stella McCartney gown. 

What in the World???

was Freida Pinto thinking when she selected this Chanel Haute Couture gown?  I mean I know she was thinking, it's CHANEL, but....

was Fergie trying to replicate the much loved royal wedding look of long sleeve lace?  If so, she should leave it to the Duchess of Cambridge to own that look because she looks like a hot mess in this Marchesa gown.

Mary Kate, we get it.  Your are a bohemian queen, but this vintage Givenchy is too big and a bohemian mess. 

Hey Rashida, you are a little late to prom.  I would have killed for this Stella McCartney dress for my prom in 1998.  However I am sure the attendees for prom 2011 will expect to see their mothers or chaperone's in this gown instead. 

What were your thoughts on the MET Ball?  Any looks that you were head over heels for?  Any that you found revolting?