H&M's Garden Collection

My girlfriend Amanda and I have been waiting for this day for a while now. H&M's Garden Collection fully launchd in stores yesterday. I'll admit this week I've been creepily going to a few H&M stores around town waiting for these pieces to be put out. And finally yay!! But not only is the line fantastic, colorful and totally a nod to 60/70's fashion (and we all know how much I LOVE that!) but the whole entire line is made from organic, recycable and sustainable materials! Recycled PET-bottles, fishing nets and organic linen grown without hazerdous chemicals are just a few of materials that make up this eco-friendly collection. (You can read more about their materials here) Plus with the afforadable price tags it's hard not be a fashionista and green. :) Here are a few of the amazing pieces - including the one above. Flutter sleeves and water color print. Say no more I am hooked!

I was in love with this hippe shirt the second I put it on. The floral pattern isn't overbearing at all and it's super comfy.

These are mine and Amanda's coveted choices. How gorgeous are they? Who knew that Recycled PET bottles could look so chic? I'm already obsessing where I can wear my fabulous white dress. Oh and now that I am getting a closer look at Amanda's bright colorful choice... I think I may have to go track it down ASAP! Super cute! :) Tell me what you think about the collection? Have you bought any pieces yet? You better hurry up before they're all sold out. Oh and for all my readers from my hometown (Raleigh) - They just opened up a brand new H&M in Crabtree. :) xoxo

images via H&M

Sunny Days

Make me want to go have a picnic in the park! Perhaps the beach will do... Happy Wednesday! :)

image via Fashion Gone Rogue

Still Dreaming...

of Buddakan's Charm cocktail and Edamame Dumplings.... Delish!

image via Buddakan NYC & Philly Mag

My Very Own Don Draper

Right now I am on a plane and headed to the Big Apple! I love everything about NYC and in honor of my trip I wanted to share some news. On Wednesday Mattel announced their plans to launch a line of Barbie dolls based on the series "Mad Men". Along with those sharp suits and high heels, accessories like pearls and hats will be available with the dolls. However no martini glasses or cigarettes, which are everyday accessories for the men and women on the show. At only $74.95 you too can own your very own limited edition Don Draper or Roger Sterling (or as several of my girlfriends like to call him - The Silver Fox). The dolls will be launched in July of this year. However after looking at this photo I think Joan Holloway looks pretty spot on - You can't miss that sultry/seductive look she's giving. And Betty's dress? I'll take one in my size please! By the way, if you haven't watched Mad Men yet, you still have time to catch up before Season 4 starts in July. And I highly suggest you do.

image via the consumerist

Red Carpet Fashion: Academy Awards 2010

Finally - it's like the Super Bowl of Red Carpet Fashion - The Academy Awards! I love that this is the night where going all out is completely acceptable and sometimes that super girly gown actually fits in with the evening. Trends this year? Metallics were definitely a huge player along with structured gowns. Also I loved the "Old Hollywood Glamour" that several ladies were showing. And a few ladies who I loved were a bit controversial on everyone else's best dressed lists... But I think they look fantastic! Oh and did anyone else love Steve and Alec's hosting job. I was in stitches the whole evening. :) So let's get to my favorite red carpet picks...

Sandra Bullock's whole look right here is very vintage, very old Hollywood Glamour and a step out for the funny woman. Although she never takes herself too seriously, last night she was just glowing. Her gold embroidered Marchesa gown fit her like a glove. She looked absolutely beautiful and gave what I think was one of the best acceptance speeches I have heard in a while. Plus I loved that the jewelry she wore was her own. Sweet and simple. Congratulations Sandy on your little gold statue and a fantastic fashion choice!

I'll admit it - I am a huge Cameron Diaz fan. Her California girl style is so laid back and chic at the same time. But I really do love her glittery Oscar de la Renta gown here. I mean why not wear Oscar to the Oscars?? I love that the bodice is tight and the skirt is perfect - not overly full/way too princessy. Rocking her trademark red lips and lightened locks she keeps everything else simple and added Cartier jewels to her look. Love Love Love! :)

Steering away from the metallic I'm diving right into one of Spring's biggest trends - prints. I am all about bright colors and Rachel McAdams hit it out of the park. Her Elie Saab Haute couture gown looks like Spring came early! I love the bodice detail - absolutely gorgeous. And even though I'm all about the drama I love that the gown is so bright that she keeps everything else simple. But check out these 145 carat Lorraine Schwartz cluster earrings:

Ah-maazzing!

Come on - Did you really think I would pick my best dressed list and not put Diane Kruger on it?? Seriously... Look... At... This. It's gorgeous! Head to toe Chanel. And not only that - but ruffled Chanel. While this was one of the controversial dresses I was referring to in the beginning, I don't care. I love it. Something that only this beautiful fashionista could pull off. And that Chanel broach she added to her Hollywood Glam updo - the icing on the cake. Diane you can do wrong in my book!

OK... I know you might be thinking I am crazy for picking this but I am in love with this dress. Zoe Saldana might just be the most gorgeous lady in Hollywood right now. She had two blockbuster movies to celebrate and this over the top Givenchy Haute Couture gown was extremely well suited for her. Playing up the latest trend, purple, the glittery bodice and ruffled bottom are an unusual combination - which I am obsessed with. It looks absolutely stunning on her. Super Couture. Super Amazing. Her Lorraine Schwartz Amethyst ring pops and adds an extra dose of purple. Simple hair and flawless makeup complete this look. Dying!!

  

My honorable mentions: Demi Moore and Maggie Gyllenhall. Demi left her usual blacks and navys behind and went for nude in her Atelier Versace ruffled gown. I have a feeling this might have been a push by amazing stylist Rachel Zoe. And Maggie (ever the fashion forward lady) donned a Dries Van Noten printed dress and gorgeous pink lips.

What are your thoughts on this year's red carpet? Did I forget someone who you loved? Do tell! xoxo

images via Celebrity Gossip, Fabsugar, People

Viva Las Vegas!

After a crazy couple of weeks I feel like life may be back on track! After the madness of the Olympics was over, I worked an amazing Sample Sale for James Perse in Newport Beach, CA. While standing for 10 hour days is never easy, being surrounded by amazing clothes and clients desperate for laid back California chic style made the whole experience fantastic. :) So after 5 days of that my hubby and I woke up on Wednesday and he said "Hey want to go to Vegas?" I mean how do you say no to that?

So we packed a small suitcase (I brought my Leopard coat - nothing screams Vegas like leopard) and drove straight to Sin City. The weather was perfect and we got our hotel for 28 bucks a night! On the strip! Craziness!!! We really love Vegas even though we don't completley crazy while we are there. We more enjoy the people watching, walking around the amazing casinos and standing around while we watch other people gamble thousands and thousands of dollars. (Seriously - how do they do that? I swear I sweat just watching them...) My husband knows me all too well and always plans for dinner at the Eiffel Tower and a show. If you haven't been to the Eiffel Tower restaurant at Paris - O.M.G. are you missing out. It's literally probably one of my favorite restaurants ever. The food is absolutely delicious and 100% French. While I usually sip champagne the bartender convinced me to try their signature cocktail - The Eiffel Affair - and it was pretty sinful :)

Although the chef took their famous escargot off the menu to perfect it even more (I seriously thought I was going to cry) that meant we got to go the extra mile on the dessert. White chocolate and bananas. I was dying. Then it was off to the Lion King! We actually got 2nd row tickets for 1/2 price! It was the most amazing show and I actually got a little fashion inspired from it... I'll have to tell you about that soon. :)

All in all it was the perfect little getaway. Just what Billy and I needed. :) What are your plans for the weekend? Do you love Vegas? What's the best trip you ever took on a whim?

vegas image via The Travel Peach

Vegas Bound!

On our way! :)