Girl...LOOSEN UP!

First and foremost, I don't want to come across as narcissistic by posting pictures of myself.  However, I've been asked to do this for years by so many people {including the hubby}.  Although I enjoy styling others outfits or their homes, those that know me know that I hate pictures of myself. But this year I've reached the age, where I'm starting to say to myself "if not now, when?  I might never get a chance again and regret it later..." I also wanted to show how to put together some effortless outfits from some of my boutique finds {posted here}. So, here's one style option:

There's nothing more classic than a crisp tailored white shirt/blouse. I feel it gives trousers and skirts a polished look. It feels very feminine, especially with the ruffle detail at the collar. I'm never afraid of mixing an old classic with current trends...giving it my own twist.

More options to come....

What I'm wearing

* White-tie-ruffle-collar shirt and black Rayon/spandex Gap skirt with side zipper.

* Three-strands bronze faceted necklace by Bijoux
* Bronze gold shoes by Steve Madden
* Leopard belt (shown here).
* Sunglasses from Ulta.

 ~There are two kinds of people in the world. The ones that go after what they want and everybody else.~

Designs That Inspire Me....

I am most inspired by beautiful design. I always experience healing and joy perusing different design & fashion Magazines. Being surrounded by beautiful people or things inspire my creative mind and sharpens my vision. Here are some of them:

Kerri Russell's Dining room

Use of mirror makes a space appear larger

Chocolate Brown creates warmth...

Zebra-Liscious - very exotic.

Kerri Russell's Living - Courtesy of Elle

A well-designed room should always have a natural element in it...

Inspiration is defined as: "A stimulation or arousal of the mind and feelings to special or unusual activity and creativity, or someone/something that causes this state.... When feeling unmotivated - surround yourself with what triggers that happiness in you. Enjoy!

One of a kind...

What was meant to be a day of browsing turned out to be yet another day of scoring some good fashionable items at my local boutiques. I've never been a mall girl. For some reason I've always found it to be too generic, crowded, stuffy and uninspiring. I love to be unique and different, so shopping at boutiques has always been a way for me to develop and explore my creativity by putting one of a kind ensembles together that is bound to have people asking "where did you get that?"  {This always puts a smile on my face:} - confirming that my creative mind once again, didn't lead me astray.

On this outing, I scored two pair of Steve Madden shoes, two belts, a small leather animal print belt, a braided metallic multi-colored suede belt, and a cool Joan Rivers yellow/blue/mauve crystal gold bangle bracelet. 

 

When it comes to style, if you want to have a field day getting a fashion fix all your own, I suggest checking your local boutiques.  Boutiques specialize in hand made one of-a-kind items that will make you definitely stand out as different (in a chic way). Yes, at times some boutique finds can be a bit pricey, but there are times you can find some great deals. Especially when it's time to change the seasonal items.

I'll be putting together some new get-ups from these new fashion finds. Will post them soon!

~ "Fashion is about expressing yourself." Happy boutique'in;) ~



 

Gaga for shoes!!

I am so EXCITED to see a lot of platform shoes and booties struting the runways this year. Although I stay true to what I feel good in and works for my personal style, I'm still glad to see that I'll be back in style with my old platform & booties that I didn't chuck when they phased out of style seasons ago. I think they're timeless. They're easy to walk in, they make you feel taller (especially, if you're vertically challenged as I am), and they add that jazzy funky look! If you're always in heels like me, they're very practical, because they're not tough to walk in all day as the platform gives you support and complete balance.

The ferrari of shoes! - I went into an epileptic shock when I saw this Versace shoe.

 

Great Ankle boot to wear with trouser - YUM!

Topshop Pioneer Suede Booties

I also want to acknowledge some of my friends that'll say: "I WOULD BREAK MY NECK IN THEM THINGS!" It's true that not all trends are created equal or a good fit for everyone - even if it's the LATEST from the runway.

I have found some women who can't handle the height of platform shoes are more apt to give wedges a chance. Understandably so, since wedges are often made of cork which make them more comfortable than typical platform shoes with heels and they also give some height.

Beyond The Rack Redkiss Shoe Collection or can also be found on Ebay

Do you want to change your mood? Put your favorite pair of  high heels on!

Fashion & Design Go Hand in Hand

Ok, I thought I was the only one who kept a fashion calendar, but I recently saw this new show FASHION HUNTERS, and the store manager said that "she's always kept a fashion calendar." I love fashion and design sooo much, I find myself with binders and notebooks of image collages of my favorite fashion, design styles and quotes that inspire me.  When I'm feeling low, I look at them for motivation and a pick me up as a cup of coffee would do for most. Fashion and design are about what makes you feel good from inside out.

Especially now more than ever, I find myself looking almost on a daily basis for a little pick me up... as I've been affected by the economic downturn. I've been on the prowl looking for the right gig. I would love something either in fashion or interior design since that is my passion - these things not only bring out my potential, but fuel my soul. I'm obsessed with this new show right now {Fashion Hunters show}. It reminds me of when I used to be an assistant manager/window dresser at a high-end consignment boutique called "Chez Suzanne" in Syosset, NY where we consigned many haute couture including some of the clothes from the cast of "Dawson's Creek". {Remember that show? Where are our simple girl next door Katie Holmes made her way into our homes and most likely into Tom Cruise's heart;}. I had so much fun at that job! The best part was trying on the fashionable well-made clothes and shoes throughout the day.

They say, put your desires out there and you never know how far it can reach. Well, here it is. I'm putting it out there. Let's see what happens. Hoping for the best!

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In the meantime, here are some of my favorite home fashion picks this week from my design hunting:

West Elm Sofa & Glass Chandelier

An electrifying blue indeed! Love it!

A Carrara find. Great accent

  

Goodbye, minimal makeup - Hello, MAC Cosmetics Glam!

I usually do not wear make up except for loose powder to keep the shine away, but today after attending a trendy Posh MAC Cosmetics Event at Town Center in Las Vegas and receving a free MAC-over session for their new fall colors, I am a new MAC convert!

The Event featured their new fall colors showcasing the variety of hues they have. The many options allow for creativity, limited only by your imagination.

  

On my Design and Fashion blog, I often talk about how important accessories are to add that finishing touch to make an outfit stand out, but now, I must say, a well-prepared face adds beauty and sophistication to your look.

I think I represent the average woman's face {as opposed to a recognized model for MAC makeup}. Granted, it was not a complete make-over package with hair & fashion but, you can note using some of MAC’s fall 2011 color collection, I think the make up application came out good. This fall it seems like it's all about a polished smoky/cat-eye warm look. 

  

Take a look at my fall picks of M.A.C's fall 2011 color collection :

  

Make-up done by:Araceli & Michelle at the Town Square Las Vegas, NV locale.

Make-up Choice:
Studio fix powder plus foundation helps create a flawless finish, while the sheertone shimmer blush in plum foolery defines the cheekbones in a very glistening way. Meanwhile the M.A.C zoom lash lengthens and volumizes the eyelashes for a dramatic opening of the eye effect. Complete the look with M.A.C pro longerwear lipgloss in show me!
 

If you're inspired, please let me know by commenting on the blog. Thanks:)

Fashion Week Fake Out

Whilst feeling bummed about missing NY Fashion Week this year, I bandaged my saddened heart with a trip to the Wynn Hotel's glitzy stores of everything exotic and glamorous while in Las Vegas. The shop displays are just exquitisitely attractive. It's like being at fashion week constantly.

                         Credit: Wynn Hotel ~ Las Vegas, NV

Talk about upgrading an ensemble with the power of Haute Couture Jewelry. I love glamour and these pieces sure will make any woman feel like a celebrity. These beautiful glittery jewelry collections sure will make an outfit scream "GLAMOROUS!"
These blingy pieces are chic and can amp up any outfit. These collections sure add something exotic to their display box.

The ladies I see wearing these exquisite pieces: Kelly Ripa, Sara Jessica Parker (a.k.a SJP), Victoria Beckam (a.k.a Posh Spice) Blake Lively.

Credit: Wynn Hotel ~ Las Vegas, NV

Last Year Fashion Week Moment interviews:

Kardashians' 2010 Fashion Display - Soho, NY

MEMORIES...THAT'S WHAT INSPIRES!

Vacationing is a way to spend time reflecting while gathering fresh impressions. The world is very open and we're wandering through it. Don't wander blindly. Take time to smell the roses and explore, there's so much to see and learn about other cultures. Images and other languages nourish our imagination whether we realize it or not. Why not look through the window of the world and explore the different hues/shades of humanity. You will be surprised on how inspired and free you feel.

To create is to journey. No longer belong to one place - be a citizen of the world.  As an interior designer and fashion consultant, I find visiting other places fascinating and very inspiring! Not to mention, taking time out to rejuvenate helps you to be a better friend, parent, husband, wife, mother etc...

Using My Memories Suite software - I created this sample - the options are endless.

Are you one of those people with many treasured memories piled up in a box where no one is enjoying them? Bring out the creativity in you by making an album that you can proudly display on a cocktail table or on bookshelves.

In a world that is marred with unpleasant experiences, we need to capture upbuilding memories shared with loved ones to uplift us in times of need. Personally, I love creating memories of highlights of trips that i never want to forget.  When I am having a low moment, I just look at my photo albums and they cheer me up.

There is an online application that I recently discovered that can be used to create albums. It is called My Memories Suite and it's very simple to use with some fun lay-outs and embellishments.  What I really like about this program is that it saves me time and money, because I don't have to go out to the store searching for stickers and other scrapbook embellishments, which can be costly.  The program has many options for creating a homemade looking scrapbook at the touch of a button!  Scrapbook lovers - you will definitely enjoy this program. MyMemories.com Digital Scrapbooking helps you capture precious moments and create layouts that transform those moments into sweet memories. Why not captivate your loved ones by using this software by making scrapbooks to enjoy for years to come?

GOOD NEWS! My Memories Suite wants to  reward every new customer with a special $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - (A $20 value!)  Please go to this link to get your discount http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software using promo code:STMMMS85607 at check out.

TIP: Please make sure to copy and paste the promotional code, so as to avoid typos.