Bombshell.

Yesterday's post highlighting Rue Mag's issue 3 really got me in the mood for some girlie, frilly things.
It reminds me of the "The Bombshell Manual of Style," which is obviously complete fluff {but that's necessary sometimes, n'est-ce pas?}, which talks about the importance of polka dots, bubble baths and sipping champagne.  All things that I enjoy. 

So put on some Nina Simone and take a look at this cluster of items that will get you in the mood.

1. Bubbles | 2. H&M blouse | 3. Anthro candy dish | 4. Kate Spade champagne saucer | 5. Pink Champagne Truffles | 6. Book | 7. Lancôme Vernis Triple Tenue | 8. Kate Spade polka dot slingbacks | 9. Anthro Heart shaped Nesting Box

Frou Frou from Rue

Rue Magazine's issue three came out today and it features some especially romantic, feminine images in the "Frou Frou Fairytale" feature.  Just in time for Valentine's Day prepping.  {le sigh}

If you fancy the last photo, try this Champagne Cake recipe.  It will definitely be my next baking attempt...perhaps with a buttercream frosting.

Tip: Try pink champagne (either way, make sure it's a sweeter bubbly) or use white boxed cake mix if you don't want to attempt starting from scratch.  Enjoy, my darlings!

Photography: Sarah Yates  ~  Images: Rue Magazine

Destination chic-style coming to Target

Who/What:  Calyspo St. Barth ...another high-end designer line that will offer affordable luxury
When:          May 1st
Where:         Target stores and online
Why:            prices will range from $1.99 to $79.99

I don't know about you, but I am all worked up over this boho chic line. Tunics with shorts and stacked bangle bracelets.  Eeep!

image: Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic; Courtesy of Calypso

Hey Sweet Thing

These tiny handmade adornments made by ABATABA are so sweet they will give you a toothache - and bonus ... the prices are easy to swallow.  Treat yourself to one of these unique pieces or pick one up for the little girl in your life.

Bubblegum necklace

Cupcake earrings

Strawberry macaroon earrings

Patisserie tray necklace

Strawberries and Cream ring


Find these and many more here

Lauren Hutton for J. Crew

Lauren Hutton offers some sound fashion advice (click here for the full list.)  Even though J. Crew tends to be overpriced for the quality, this campaign makes me want to dive right in...

  

 

Images: J. Crew

Scaasi: American Couturier

 

 

See these gems for yourself at Boston's MFA now through June 19th, 2011.

From MFA.org:

"Scaasi's work...is a thrilling look into a universe of wealth, charm, and celebrity."

This exhibition celebrates the designer Arnold Scaasi and the MFA’s recent acquisition of his archive and more than 100 of his designs. Arnold Scaasi, who began his business in New York in the mid-1950s was one of the few New York designers to concentrate on custom-made clothing rather than ready-to-wear. He has designed for the 20th century’s most celebrated artists and most fashionable socialites, including Broadway, TV, and movie stars, such as Arlene Francis, Mitzi Gaynor, Barbra Streisand, Diahann Carroll, Mary Tyler Moore, and Elizabeth Taylor; Palm Beach and New York socialites including Mary Sanford, Ivana Trump, Joetta Norban, Gayfryd Steinberg, and Edna Morris; and First Ladies Mamie Eisenhower and Barbara and Laura Bush. His work has always been synonymous with luxurious materials, exuberant color, and refined silhouettes.

I heart Avedon

Model Jean Shrimpton

Richard Avedon. Photographer. Icon. Creator of strikingly beautiful images. As I mentioned in my previous post, the master photographer's work is currently on exhibition at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts until January 17th, and it is a decadent viewing treat.  Feast your eyes on these....

 

Dorian Leigh - Revlon's original "Fire and Ice" model

  

 

 

 

From MFA.org:  Richard Avedon was one of the greatest image-makers of the twentieth century. He revolutionized fashion photography with his imaginative, spirited portrayals of the "good life” showing beautiful women wearing extraordinary clothes in irresistible settings, as well as memorable portrayals that are both elegant and reserved. The upbeat spirit and innovative design of his compositions caught the eye of editors and art directors at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue—the primary magazines for which he worked—while his vision of the modern American woman, one of wit, individuality, and fast-lane glamour, captivated the public. His enormous success defined the role of the high-profile fashion photographer that we know today, and many of his images have become icons of photographic history.
Avedon’s career as a fashion photographer is displayed decade by decade in this exceptional traveling exhibition from the International Center of Photography in New York, the first comprehensive survey of Avedon’s fashion photography since 1978.

We Love Colors

We Love Colors (and so do I!) has over 50 solid colors to choose from, not including patterned options, of opaque tights...for $8, they allow you to inexpensively change the look of an outfit. 

$$ saving tip: use Daily Dandy promo for 25% off (code is welovecandy)

Spotlight on Rachel Zoe

As the star on Bravo TV's, The Rachel Zoe Project, and the head of a clothing and accessories line sold on QVC, Rachel Zoe is maintaining her position as one of America's top fashion stylists.

Her signature look is a nod to the 70's rock era...black eyeliner, tousled "bed hair" parted down the middle and a gaunt frame to showcase her frocks...usually a shaggy faux fur vest and LOTS of jewelry.  And despite her "mah-jorly" irritating dialect, she can put together a look like few others can.

Style.com highlights some of her favorite beauty products here in: "What's inside Rachel Zoe's makeup bag?"

Want more?  Head over to RachelZoe.com to sign up for The Zoe Report, a daily E-newsletter that features Rachel's favorite new products and trends.

{holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

From the {this is glamorous} blog, this side-swept chignon is easy to create and perfect for upcoming holiday parties.  Red lips finish off the look.

Click here for quick instructions {holiday hair how-to: the side chignon}

photos: {this is glamorous} blog

Barbie: The Blonde Collection

Clutch: $60, Makeup Pouch: $40, Necklace: $50, Earrings: $50, Wrapping Paper: $15, Journal: $15, Note Cards: $35, Note Cards: $18.  All items available for purchase here.

The Barbie Blonde Collection has arrived -- and just in time for the holidays.  Channel your inner Barbie with golden clutch purses, one-of-a-kind dolls, hair accessories and more.  Carrie Bradshaw-like necklaces and earrings may not be every day pieces (at least for some of us), but add a flirty wink to a wardrobe.  I also like the 80's look of the stationary and wrapping paper.  Perfect for any girlie girl... young and old alike. 

RHOC: Gretchen Rossi "How To" Hair & Makeup

As one of the "housewives" on Bravo TV's Real Housewives of Orange County, Gretchen Rossi is cashing in on the lucrative franchise.  Last spring, she put her name on a beauty line which is available here on her website.  In the video clip below, Gretchen promotes her namesake cosmetics and does a quick tutorial on how to achieve her trademark "swoop" bangs.  Fast forward to 5:15 to get the scoop!
 
Click here for video




{When Gretchen Christine Beauté first debuted, the creative branding efforts were pretty much nonexistent.  The line was not "new" by any means -- it can be purchased without the "Gretchen" label for considerably less here and here.  In the beginning, Gretchen's line had the exact same names as these private label cosmetics.  The Gretchen brand eventually wised up and changed the names, but the colors and the descriptions are still the same.  Notice the amazing similarities in Grechen's lipstick, "Re Bound" pictured on top which goes for $12.50 and Lady Burd's "Bridal Party" on the bottom which can be purchased for $4.45...}

image: Lady Burd Cosmetics

Steals & Deals: 24 Hour Sales

The Today Show highlighted various 24 hr sales going on today...find cashmere sweaters that are regularly priced at $119 for $24 as well as gorgeous gold (or silver) cuff bracelets, dangly earrings, hair products and more...


http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39952878/ns/today-money

Images:  XOXO, Talbots, Robyn Rhodes, Living Proof

First Look: Temple St. Clair for Target

Starting this weekend, Target will add another high-end designer brand to its roster.  The Temple St. Clair for Target jewelry line will make its debut online starting this Sunday, August 29th.  The best news is that everything is under $50.

Turquoise earrings: $30
Heart Pendant:  $35

Check out the original collection at Temple St. Clair.

Images courtesy of shefinds.com

Patent Leather Pumps, Oh My!

Once a Nordstrom exclusive, these gorgeous patent leather pumps made by BCBG, regularly retail for $79.98.  They can now be found on SmartBargains for $29 so order pronto!  Chai Tan Patent, a sleek nude color, and Red Patent are favorites.   

 

Approx. heel height: 3 3/4"      Leather upper/synthetic lining and sole

Tote This

Nothing like being chic and kind to the earth.  These adorable eco friendly totes are perfect for groceries, the beach, school or work and come in various patterns.  Find one that suits your style on BlueQ.com for only $11.99.

Made of 95% recycled woven polypropylene    Size:  15.75"w x 15.35"h x 5.9"d      
Available at Blue Q