Designer Showcase

"I still have my feet on the ground, I just wear better shoes."

-Oprah Winfrey

Elizabeth and James is a clothing brand created by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen inspired by their one of a kind vintage pieces they've collected throughout the years. The line was launched in fall on '07 and has received top-notch reviews from me ever since. Even though their clothes are just as beautiful, I've decided to feature their shoe line exclusively.

I sit and marvel in the beauty of the craftsmanship. I don't know how one couldn't. To put shoes aside as something materialistic is being narrow minded. Someone's creative mind dreamed these up and made something to make one feel unique and turn an ordinary outfit into something special. High heels are like stunning architecture. But I think instead of walking around looking up at towering buildings we need to look down at everyone's perfectly designed footwear. To me there is something simple and beautiful about it all. Just think about the kind and thoughtful idea of them. They are there to protect you. They are there to guard you from the harsh outer layers of the earth, to elevate you to the cleaner air, to a broader eye sight, a closer reach to the heavens. But most importantly they are there to make you stand out in an impossibly drab world. 

So next time you leave the house in a pair of 

uninspiring shoes and not with your best footwear on, 

remember you're actually keeping yourself from the best parts of life!

Cheers!

with all my love,

Lily

Jetway to Runway

"I travel light. I think the most important thing is to 

be in a good mood and enjoy life, wherever you are."

-Diane von Furstenberg

Not too long ago I had a conversation with a friend while I was shopping. I was going about in my usual fashion, strolling through the racks of clothes, dragging my hands across the different fabrics as if I were letting them do the searching for me. I said aloud, "I need an outfit for the plane ride home". This was immediately followed by "Please don't tell me you dress up for a plane ride. Who does that?". I was dumbfounded. I was under the impression everyone knew to put on your best casual look and fresh face for your airline adventure. Now with a journey ahead of me in less than 2 weeks and with the knowledge that there are still people out there with a 'devil-may-care' attitude towards their flying fashion, I am here to change that. I am here to say "no more pajamas on flights, ya'll!"

Our first scenario is if you were flying somewhere tropical. 

A lightweight cotton sweater dress will be perfect for those intense 

air conditioned flights and will be comfortable for the new climate. 

Pair with embellished flats and a large colored bag. The bigger the 

bag the better! You'll be able to fit all your fashion magazines and 

your typical purse goods.

The next scenario is for our snow bunny.

My most important and only advice is to layer layer layer!

Start with a simple tee and pair it with an interesting

cardigan. This way you won't be stuck with a bulky 

sweater if it gets too hot on the plane and you won't have

to awkwardly take off a sweatshirt. Once again pair

with a large bag and don't forget to bring a warm hat!

Too many times I've seen people come from somewhere 

warm just to arrive freezing cold at their destination.

Lastly, we have the big city outfit. Some of the best words of 

advice I've ever heard were from Isaac Mizrahi. He said when

you're traveling to a big city, pack in all black and grey. You'll look 

like a natural and everything you packed will match! The same should

go for when you arrive. You should always look like you belong

wherever you go.

Darling, you look like first class while you roam the streets,

now you'll look like you belong in first class in the air!

with all my love,

Lily

Look for less!

“I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.”
-Oscar Wilde

Would you believe that there's more than a 

$5000 difference between these two outfits?

Bargain (Left)
-Dress $20 Forever21.com
-Trench $69 ArdenB.com
-Nine West Heels $99 PiperLime.com
- Flapover Slouch Bag $54 DorothyPerkins.com
-Onyx/Crystal Ring $39 Newport-News.com
-OPI Nail Lacquer "Tasmanian Devil Made Me Do It" $8.49 OPI.com

Grand total = $289.49

Designer (Right)
-Ella Moss Dress $97 PiperLime.com
-Trench Coat $395 Burberry.com
-Jimmy Choo Heels $995 SaksFifthAvenue.com
-Miu Miu Deerskin Tote $1650 Net-A-Porter.com
-Onyx Ring $2360 Kabiri.co.uk
-Chanel Nail Color "Fire" $23 NeimanMarcus.com

Grand total = $5520

Lesson of the day,

it pays off to be a bargain shopper!

Cheers!

with all my love,

Lily

Alice in Wonderland

Daisy: What kind of a garden do you come from?

Alice: Oh, I don't come from any garden. 

Daisy: Do you suppose she's a wildflower? 

-Alice in Wonderland

"Lewis Carroll dressed her as an innocent in satin and ribbons. Disney 
made her flaxen-haired and saucer eyed. In the pages of Vogue the land 
of merry unbirthdays and late-running rabbits shimmers to life 
again --- as the world's most influential designers dress the original 
little girl- lost in their own visions."

This fashion spread was in the 2003 December Vogue 
taken by the wonderful Annie Leibovitz and features the 
stunning Natalia Vodianova. Alice in Wonderland has 
always been one of my favorite books and probably has 
more movie interpretations than any other. Lewis Carroll's 
creation has inspired Tim Burton to open his mind and 
create his genius take on the classic which will release on 
March 5th. With this on its way I predict Wonderland 

inspired trends to follow!

In celebration of the movie, throw a fabulous tea party!
Drink your finest Earl Grey and think of me.
Cheers!

with all my love,
Lily

Vampire "Spring Break" Weekend...

"Elegant clothes, you want to be seen with her,
Under your tweeds you sweat like a teenager"
-Vampire Weekend "Ottoman"


Today I realized that spring break is right around the corner and I've recently been inspired by Vampire Weekend's new album, Contra. Vampire Weekend is known for their Cape Cod attire which has been instilled in my mind as perfect sunny weather fashion. Take note, everyone, and listen to their album while you lay-out by the seaside!

-Ray-Ban "wayfarers" are a must to pull off this style. 
They've always been a staple of every prep wardrobe as 

made popular by The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach.
 
-A straw fedora looks fabulous with any casual outfit 
and will pair perfectly with your striped bikini while you 
lay poolside.
 
-Pack at least one statement necklace. Chances are you'll 
be wearing basic clothes so you'll always have a punch of style 
with one of these.
 
-A long and bright colored cardigan or a school boy blazer 
will be a chic cover up while strolling across the beach. 

-I know we all love our Havaianas and Rainbows, but consider 
an interesting leather sandal to replace your

 go-to flip-flop.

-Acqua di Parma perfume has a clean scent that will never seem 
like too much while you're on vacation.
 
-A bright canary yellow dress may seem like too much to 
some, but you'll realize that your new tan will look 
beautiful against this color. Trust me on this one!
 
-Find a nice pair of espadrille heels. This pair by 
Gwen Stefani's fashion brand L.A.M.B will be a match 
made in heaven with everything you pack.
 
-Last but not least, remember your bikini is an outfit! Pack 
one simple one for when you're laying out so you 

don't get a funky tan line, but always pack a few chic ones for 
when you just feel like running around with a mango 
daquiri in your hand (and a cute boy in the palm of your other!)
 

Cheers!

with all my love,

Lily

Best dressed

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous"

-Coco Chanel

 

Rachel Bilson is shown here in a lovely nude colored Chanel dress. I can't get enough of her. She always puts the perfect amount of effort into her day and night looks and I personally have never seen her do wrong. Of all the actresses in "young Hollywood", I think she deserves the title of best dressed.

Here I've created an easy day-look inspired by this fabulous Chanel creation.

 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Cheers!

with all my love,

Lily

London calling,

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life;

 for there is in London all that life can afford”  

-Samuel Johnson

Just 16 days until I leave for a week stay in London. I am beyond excited because, as most people feel, London is my favorite city I've yet to see in the world. It has been hard for me to not already start packing and just sit on my overstuffed suitcase patiently waiting to leave for the airport. I'm going with one of my favorite people in the world, Becca Robertson, who I know will be nothing less than a jetsetting superstar. We'll be staying just a skip away from Hyde Park, which makes my heart absolutely melt. I shrill like a 8 year old girl just thinking about it. The only drawback will be that the average temp. is supposed to be a chilling 50 degrees and my southern belle wardrobe just ain't ready for it. I've stocked up on distressed dark denim, studded plaids, and unexpected sequin touches to give the illusion of warmth. I'm hoping that my favorite fur jacket will do the duty of keeping me stylishly warm the entire time, because London deserves more respect than a North Face puffer. Give me your suggestions and tips on what to do in the city, and I'll repay you with tons of snapshots! 

Cheers!

with all my love,

Lily

First, but not the last.

"It's that wonderful old-fashioned idea that others come first 

and you come second. This was the whole ethic by which I 

was brought up. Others matter more than you do, so 'don't

 fuss, dear; get on with it." -Audrey Hepburn

I will go forth and put myself second and put the world first by putting my words and ideals into the universe. My name is Lily. I have found myself to live a life of leisure. I consider myself an explorer. An explorer of lands, thoughts, people, and ultimately the unknown. My open mind has been a blessing, but has also has dropped me into a rabbit-hole that I cannot seem to get out of. I guess once you find yourself with all the options and no restrictions -- that's when you find yourself bound and tied. But of all my passions, clothes and fashion have always made their priority in my life and let the bindings free. My open mind has created a never ending tale, as put to proof by my closet that can never stay organized. I honestly believe how you think about people is how you think about clothes. I do not discriminate people - therefore I do not discriminate the multitudes of styles that come my way. I have given you the insight into my mind; what makes me tick, and what makes my eye gravitate to what it does.

I hope you'll enjoy everything I bring to the table and I will always appreciate what you will bring as well. (Just make sure you always bring a bottle of Veuve Clicquot with you)... let's see what we'll come up with along the way. 

Cheers!

with all my love,

Lily