vogue

Casee Covets #2 || Early Autumn Favorites

September 26, 2012 · 5 comments


01. Barr-Co. Fine Shea Butter Lotion, $24 at Anthropologie || 02. Erwin Blumenfeld Vogue cover tee, $60
03. Mumford & Sons – Babel (Deluxe Edition), $14.99 on iTunes || 04. free vintage bookplate downloads
05. cable knit scarf, $98 at Nordstrom || 06. Aerosole flats, $20.70 on 6pm

Barr-Co.’s shea butter was a Fashion’s Night Out find of my mother’s that I’ve been taking unabashed advantage of – and it’s just divine, worth every penny. (It doesn’t hurt that the packaging is lovely, too.)… Condé Nast has created three limited edition tee shirts to commemorate the 120th anniversary of Vogue using iconic vintage covers; the Erin Blumenfeld one would be in my closet if I could justify the price tag. You can see all three on the Condé Nast store… I’m completely unsurprised that I’ve had the new Mumford & Sons album, Babel, on endless repeat since its release yesterday, which has been reminding me just why they’re one of my favorite bands… The very adorable Besotted Blog has the loveliest printable bookplates available for free download, and I’m just itching to personalize my library with them… On my wishlist for the fall is a cable knit scarf much like this cashmere lovely from Nordstrom, but preferably a little more budget-friendly. Challenge accepted! And lastly, a buy that is are those cute fabric-covered ballet flats for $20. Totally smart for fall, and they’re Aerosoles, so they’re comfy too! Win, win.

What are you coveting in these early days of autumn?

5 Lessons in Style I Learned from Adele Adkins

February 15, 2012 · 40 comments

Today in Little Fashion Week, a bit of inspiration and a reminder that personal style comes from within…


Between her unanimous success at the recent Grammy Awards and her bravura appearance on the cover of next month’s Vogue, the internet (and the world) has been abuzz about Brit songstress Adele Adkins. It was four years ago when I first came to know Adele through her debut album, and over that time she’s remained a source of style inspiration for me. I count her among Drew Barrymore, Christina Hendricks, Sophie Dahl and Kate Winslet as an outward representation of fashion and beauty that I can deeply relate to while also motivating me to remember that confidence propels us into the most beautiful version of our selves. With that in mind, here are a few of the things Adele has inadvertently taught me in her adventures through music. (Did I mention she wears TOM FORD Spring/Summer ’12 in her Vogue editorial [see above]? Girl after my own heart!)

01. Style is what you make it into, not what it makes you into.

One thing Adele will never be swayed into is the belief that she must change in order to be accepted in the world of fashion and personal style. While easily on the rise to becoming a style icon to many, she never lets trends or industry…standards, for lack of a better word, dictate what she wears. She remains proud and confident, and her style reflects that.

02. Discover your own personal marque of glamour and flaunt it.

Adele has, of course, completely amazing hair and a gorgeous face; these are two of the elements of her personal beauty that I’ve always been inspired by, the way she wears gloriously detailed make-up and everything from a ‘60s bouffant to a riotous waterfall of waves. She knows the most electric parts of her look and she illuminates them completely.

03. Be an interpretation of all your inspirations.

After recently facing censure for her size Adele responded, “I represent the majority of women and I’m very proud of that.” She indicated that she has her own insecurities (as we all do) but what I love about Adele is that she knows how much of herself to put out into the world. She faces her insecurities when she needs to, however she needs to, but she keeps it in perspective and she represents confidence for everywoman who can relate to her, in any way.

04. Nothing is as powerful as a woman confident in her own skin.

Adele has always had a commanding look, and while she more recently rocks powerhouse hair she has never been afraid to wear a bun or ponytail, displaying her face in all its striking beauty. Simple as it is, that choice of hers has inspired me in times when I’ve felt like I should “hide” my full face behind even fuller hair. The fact that she takes on whatever look she wants and ignores the beauty confines often set by the media is encouraging on so many levels.

05. In fashion, beauty, dreams and life: be bold, honest and dynamic.

She knows her own self, the self she reflects to the world, and she embraces it. It may not always be easy, but she knows her own strength, her own ability. Words we all use to describe Adele and her music are soulful, empowering, determined. She lives veraciously, and with passion. It’s that which elevates her style and outward appearance into the vibrant model of confidence that’s the core of her inspiration to me.

Photo credit: Vogue | Adele for Vogue US March 2012, photographed by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott.

FNO in the USA

September 6, 2011 · 9 comments

Fashion’s Night Out is officially upon us this week! I’m so excited to have the opportunity to experience FNO in the place of its conception, New York City. There are scads of events happening around Manhattan and while I’m not quite sure which ones I’ll be found at yet, I know I’ll have a fantastic experience. For those of you who won’t be in this fabulous concrete jungle for the evening, I thought I’d spotlight some of the FNO-related happenings going on around the country. How will you do FNO?


Atlanta


The Steve Madden store on Peachtree Road will play host to We Own This Town From the Knee Down (how much do I love that title?), an FNO party complete with DJ, promotions and a free gift with any purchase over $100. I’m such a big Steve Madden fan so this would definitely be on the top of my to-do list. The festivities run from 6:00pm to 11:00pm.

Useful links: Steve Madden on Facebook, Steve Madden on Twitter, FNO Atlanta on Facebook


Boston


Stop into BCBGMAXAZRIA on Boylston Street for a glass of champagne while you shop, and get a free .25 oz bottle of the new fragrance with any regularly-priced purchase. You can also enter for a chance to win a $2,500 wardrobe and fragrance! Also running from 6:00pm to 11:00pm, it’s the perfect way to wind up an FNO excursion in Boston. Betsey Johnson on Newbury Street will also be offering champagne – and cupcakes! – and Charles David at The Shops at Prudential Center (Boylston Street) will be unveiling for one night only their FNO Collection featuring five vegan Charles by Charles David boot styles. There are also cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to be had at Elie Tahari (Huntington Ave) as they unveil their new online magazine, ETC.

Useful links: FNO Boston on Facebook, FNO Boston on Twitter, FNOBoston.com.


Chicago


Perhaps the biggest event in Chicago on FNO is the Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival. Michigan Avenue will be alight with stores hosting parties and fun activities. Georg Jensen will be hosting a cocktail party in celebration of the new Fusion Pave Collection; you can also enter for a chance to win the Fusion 18kt Gold Friendship Bracelet. Brad Goreski (previously of The Rachel Zoe Project) will be on the scene as co-host for 900′s Night Out, including a beauty bazaar, fashion show, VIP lounge, DJ, photobooths, giveaways and, of course, a few cocktails!

Useful links: The Magnificent Mile on Facebook, TheMagnificentMileShoppingFestival.com.


Dallas


The fabulous Forty Five Ten will be hosting A Stylish Night at Forty Five Ten. Cameron Silver and Christos Garkino, upcoming stars of a new Bravo series centered around their renowned shop Decades, will also be present at Forty Five Ten as they present their new pop-up shop. Sip cocktails and jam to a live DJ as Sara Beltran of Dezso also unveils her latest collection. The event will be happening from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Useful links: Forty Five Ten on Facebook, Dezso, Decades.


Malibu


The Malibu Country Mart will be hosting a swanky series of events with celebrity stylist Taylor Jacobson (also previously of the Rachel Zoe Project). Taylor will be on hand to host a fall fashion show with a special Q&A session afterward. The show, highlighting Taylor’s favorite trends for the season, will feature looks from fabulous Malibu Country Mart retailers – John Varvatos, Planet Blue and Madison, among others. Taylor will share her styling tips and chat with shoppers as the evening progresses. You can also catch a vintage photo booth at John Varvatos, an Isabella Fiore trunk show at Encore, a styling challenge at Madison, champagne at Oliver Peoples and 20% off at Juicy Couture with a sample of one of my favorite fragrances, Viva la Juicy. Events at the Malibu Country Mart run from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

Useful links: MalibuCountryMart.com, Malibu Country Mart on Facebook, Malibu Country Mart on Twitter.


Miami


Kristine Michael on Red Road will be hosting a party from 4:00pm to 10:00pm complete with music, an exclusive Olivier Theyskens trunk show and the launch of Olivier Theyskens’ first fall collection for Theory; plus, you can get a Vince “favorite tank” with any Vince purchase of $100 or more and a manicure set with any Joie purchase. Macy’s Aventura on Biscayne Boulevard will also be hosting a bunch of events including a Vince Camuto shopping party, FNO red carpet photo op, a fashion show and Sunglass Hut’s Sweet Treats and Beats.

Useful links: Kristine Michael Apparel on Facebook, Fashion’s Night Out Macy’s.


Los Angeles


Hurry in to Nordstrom at The Grove on Fashion’s Night Out for a chance to see Lauren Conrad as she launches her new collection, paper crown. Her designs capture the classic whimsy and up-to-date sophistication of her own style; she’s certainly on my list of inspirations for her attention to detail, dedication to quality and the importance she attributes to wardrobe staples. The new collection will be a menagerie of romantic designs and chic, menswear-inspired pieces, from maxis to tailored basics. The event will be happening from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.

Useful links: PaperCrown.com, Paper Crown on Facebook, Paper Crown on Twitter.


Portland


Macy’s on 5th Avenue will be holding a fashion challenge from 6:00pm to 8:00pm with the one and only Mondo Guerra from Project Runway’s eighth season! You can also pamper yourself from 6:00pm to 11:00pm with mini-makeovers, treatments and gift-with-purchase specials throughout the Macy’s cosmetics department. Nordstrom (Southwest Broadway) will also be celebrating from 6:00pm to 9:00pm with desserts, refreshments, contests, makeovers, perks, and the chance to shop the exclusive Fashion’s Night Out merchandise collection.

Useful links: Fashion’s Night Out Macy’s, Mondo Guerra on Facebook

If I skipped your city, just head over to FashionsNightOut.com and see what exciting things are in store for your fabulous FNO! Be sure to tweet me on Fashion’s Night Out, September 8th, and tell me what fashion-forward happenings you’ll be attending wherever you are. Have fun celebrating everything fashion!

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