Somewear: Kentucky Derby

A couple of my readers have requested a Kentucky Derby outfit.  Some ladies will be attending while others attending a derby themed party.  Nothing screams “I’m sittin’ pretty” more than a white dress.  Pair it with bright spring colors and you’re off to the races!

• Milly, Aris Belted Shift Dress, $376
• Kokin New York, Wicker Luncheon Hat, $425
• Oscar De La Renta, Floral Pump, $695
• Kate Spade New York, "On the Ave" Ruby-Color Multi Color Bib Necklace, $298
• Alexis Bittar, Red Purple Block Ring, $95
• Yves Saint Laurent, Pure Lip Gloss, $30

Shakespeare’s Birthday Party

My former SMU gal pals have started a theatre company in LA called Little Candle Productions.  They are hosting a fundraiser tonight for their upcoming show, The Winter’s Tale.  What better way to raise money than by celebrating the birth of the playwright himself, Mr. Willie Shakes!  In case you were wondering, he would have been 448 today.  Now, if I know some of these gals like I do, there is a chance that they might just come in full Elizabethan garb (Allison).  However, if I were able to attend, I think I might go with just a slight nod to the era by sporting a dramatic ruffled collar and some show stopping jewels.  If you’re in LA, I’d highly suggest joining in the festivities tonight which will include Shakespeare themed libations and a trivia contest!  More info here!   

• Lafayette 148 New York, Tie Waist Dress, $398
• Bounkit, Green Onyx & Pink Cat's Eye Earrings, $365
• Jimmy Choo, Baxen Peep-Toe Wedge Pump, $625
• Beyond Rings, Round Cat's Eye Ring, $60
• Kate Spade, Clutch, $328
• Philosophy, Vanilla Birthday Cake Lip Shine, $10

Somewear: College Reunion Dinner in LA

Flying to LA LA Land today and when I arrive I’ll be greeted at LAX by my old college roomie!  We’re going to dinner tonight with a few other college besties and I can’t wait to reunite! 

• ASOS, T-Shirt Dress with Cat, Sale- $104.74
• Jeffrey Campbell, Nite Hi Bootie Sandal, $199.95
• House of Harlow, Triangle Hoops, $40
• Rebecca Minkoff, Mini Mac Clutch, $195
• Kendra Scott, Tigers Eye Ring, $70
• LORAC, Breakthrough Performance Lipstick, $22
• Bobbi Brown, Ultra Nude Eye Palette, $45

What to Wear When: You Don’t Want to Indulge at the Thanksgiving Office Party

It’s one thing to consume a million calories on Turkey Day, but not on all the other days leading up to it.  So, how can you resist the goodies at Monday’s office party feast?  Some would just say will power, but I suggest formfitting clothing.  It always keeps me in line.  A silk top tucked into a tight pencil skirt should keep you away from those extra helpings and second cookies, and help you keep that belly in all day long! 

• ASOS, Pencil Skirt, SALE- $50.32
• Parker, Silk Tie-Neck Blouse, $198
• Tahari, Sincere Bootie, $89.95
• Kate Spade, Stud Earrings, $38
• Rachel Zoe, Jane Satchel, $450
• Kenneth Jay Lane, Wavy Dome Ring, $55

Somewear: Casino Party

Tonight I’m going to a casino party to help raise money for the Children’s Cancer Fund.  I need to bring my poker face, but I obvi need an outfit to match it.  My goal is to intimidate my competition with a little sparkle and flash.  If you’re in the area and want to grab a last minute ticket, check out the info here.  They will be selling at the door!  Come find me.  I'll be the one at the Texas Hold'em table with all the chips!

• Alice + Olivia, Draped Slouchy Tee, $275
• Theory, REAWEL Pant, $345
• Alexis Bittar, Concave Teardrop Earrings, $245
• Vince Camuto, Dolly Wedge, $129
• LeRegale, Clutch, $20
• Dior, J’Adore, $60-$98
• Andara, Bold Statement Ring, $100
• Buxom, Big & Healthy Lip Balms, $15

Happy Hour!

Somewear: Happy Hour!
This look is effortlessly chic.  It’s fancy meets laidback.  It’s cool without trying to be.  And I think it’s a fab choice for any solid Happy Hour gathering.  Cheers.

• J.Crew, Glimmer long-sleeve tee, $88
• Tibi, Tuxedo Pants with Removable Suspenders, $348
• Steve Madden, Madee Loafers, $99
• Noir Jewelry, Stud Pyramid Ring, $125
• TopShop, Glitter Belt Strap Bracelets, $20
• Jessica Simpson, Metro Messenger Bag, $79.99
• Sultra, The Bombshell Curling Iron, $130

Somewear: Private Preview of the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition

Somewear: Private Preview of the Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition
I’m super excited for tonight’s cocktail party at the Dallas Museum of Art.  This is the first exhibition devoted to Gaultier, the haute couture designer who has long been known as the “enfant terrible” of French fashion. I’m proud to say that Dallas is the first of only two U.S. cities on the international tour. Tonight I’ll get to see highlights from Gaultier’s couture and RTW collections dating back to the early 1970s and ending in 2010.

• Milly, Fiona Warp Print Cocktail Dress, $455
• Brian Atwood, Maniac 140 Patent Leather Platform Pumps, $580
• J.Crew, Invitation Clutch, $118
• Erickson Beamon, Je T'aime Earrings, $430
• Fallon, Veruca Crystal Bar Ring, $75
• Jean Paul Gaultier, CLASSIQUE Eau de Parfum, $78-$100

Fashion Cents: Black Tie on a Budget

I’m going to a black tie event tonight.  Most people think black tie means fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, but that is not necessarily the case.  There are ways to get around it, you just need to be clever. 

When wearing cheaper material- I always say go with foolproof black.  Sometimes cheaper fabric can look even cheaper when color is involved.  Black always hides- remember that. 

Costume jewelry is in style, so wear that instead of sporting fake looking fine jewelry.  Also note- there is no such thing as “expensive” sequins (though you can be charged out the wazoo for it.)  Just blind people with glitz and glamour and they won’t know the difference.  I promise! 

• ASOS, One Shoulder Dress with Exaggerated Bow, $80.86
• Kate Spade, Long Drop Earrings, $78
• Blu Bijoux, Crystal Bow Ring, $12
• Magid, Sequin Clutch, $32
• Caparros, Viziano Pump, $75
• The Balm, Stainiac Lip, $17

Halloween Wear: Rachel Zoe

Stumped on what to be for Halloween?  Rachel Zoe is a good last minute choice.  Pull from your closet and think oversized and accessorized! 

• Rachel Rachel Roy, Faux Fur Long Vest, $169
• Rachel Zoe, Long Sleeve Plunge Tie Collar Blouse, $295
• Kenneth Jay Lane, Ridged Golden Ring, $40
• Kelsi Dagger, Huette Bootie, $148.95
• San Diego Hat Company, Floppy Hat, $36
• ASOS, Metal Top Keyhole Round Sunglasses, $21.56

BubblyQ

Tonight I will be attending YTAC’s annual fundraising party called “Bubbly Q”.  It will be held will be held at Fearing’s at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas and is chef-chaired by Dean Fearing, one of Dallas’ most celebrated chefs.  Guests will sample dishes from 12 of the best chefs in the area and enjoy champagne, cocktails, music, a raffle, and even a silent auction.  All proceeds from the event will benefit YTAC’s 2011 beneficiaries, Children's Medical Center's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and Medical City Children's Hospital's Camp H.O.P.E.  If you live in Texas and want to get involved in a YTAC chapter near you, check out their website for more information.

• ASOS, Wrap Dress with Tie Waist, $61.11
• Dannijo, Bellatrix Necklace, $420
• Marc by Marc Jacobs, Claude Inverted Facet Studs, $48
• Frangos, Three Layer Ring, $85
• Jean-Michel Cazabat, Nappa Vintage Heels, $150
• HOBO, Dove Bag, $168
• Prada, Prada Candy Eau de Parfum, $80-$108

Orchestra Seats to RENT Off-Broadway

I’m so pumped to see one of my oldest and dearest friends perform tonight in the cast of RENT!  I’m a strong believer in dressing up for the theatre, even if it is to see a grungy rock musical set in the early 90’s.  I’m doing a slight nod to the era, but with more studs and stilettos and less real grunge.
 

• Mini Market, Eliv Dress, $260.55
• Pour La Victoire, Hadley Bootie, $284 
• Madewell, Chain Fringe Necklace, $32
• Rebecca Minkoff, Kiss + Tell, $250
• Francesca’s, All You Need is Love Ring, $14
• Essie, Carry On Nail Polish, $8

Maroon 5 Concert on the Lawn

I’m pumped for tonight’s Maroon 5 concert.  I’ve got my rocker chic look and the moves like Jagger.  Let’s do this.  

• French Connection, Mick Jagger Tee, $24.99
• Velvet, Caryna Jacket, $150
• J Brand, 12” Cord, $180
• Madewell, The Biker Boot, $248
• Beyond Rings, Silvertone Tiger Safari Ring, $60
• Rebecca Minkoff, Affair Small Quilt & Stud, $395

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

It is the first day of fashion week!  I can’t wait to see what is in store for us for Spring 2012!  To me, fall’s fashion week is the first time to really sport the trends of the season. Crisp blouses, clean cut color-blocking, dots, tassles, and snakeskins- you need to just work it all in!  And, if you can’t make the shows- check the live feeds out here! Today’s streams: Nicholas K, BCBG, Richard Chai, and Tadashi Shoji

• See by Chloé, Silk crepe de chine blouse, $350
• Zara, Two Tone Sandals, $129
• ASOS, 7/8th Skinny Twill Pants, $45.74
• Ruby Kats, Motley Cocktail Ring, $150
• Kate Spade, Pearl Drop Earrings, $68
• Canon, PowerShot S95 10.0-Megapixel Digital Camera, $369