Today’s Obsessions

I was strolling through Nordstrom today, with no particular purpose at all. Sometimes just being around such beautiful things can be a total mood lifter. Before heading to the shoe section,  I went to go check out some of the newest fragrances. The sales associate suggested I check out Flowerbomb by Victor & Rolf. It’s the first perfume released by the Amsterdam-based fashion line. It’s not the usual scent I would go for. I normally stick with what I know: Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel. To me, their scents are feminine, fresh, and not too musky or overbearing.  Although, this fragrance is floral (hence FLOWERbomb) it’s not in a typical walking-into-a-patch-of-roses kind of way. It’s light enough that it seems very day/night interchangeable. I can imagine wearing it anywhere from a lunch date, to a family function, to a wild night out on the town. It’s versatility will definitely make it a good investment.

After a while, I perused upstairs to potentially look for a new bright cardigan, but ended up finding something incredible. I stumbled upon a soft knit oversized or “boyfriend” blazer. Being tall, I often feel too structured (or manly) in polyester, wool or other thick blazers. This one, by Ella Moss, provides the polished professional look of a blazer, but is as comfortable as a stretchy sweater. In light grey and black, this innovative little number will completely transform any outfit into a more sophisticated look. Honestly, it really makes me wonder “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Spring Fever

Even though, here in the mid-Atlantic, there is still a solid foot of snow on the ground, and a few more winter storms on the way, I can’t help getting antsy for what the next season is going to have in store…literally. After months & months wrapped up in bulky sweaters and itchy scarves, I am beyond ready to start hitting the boutiques and picking up some trendy spring staples (or at least lusting over them.) I’ve put together a little compilation of the spring items at the top of my wish list.

• TAKE IT UP A NOTCH — short shorts, mini skirts, and micro dresses are already spreading through stores like wildfire. These can be tricky. Although I am well endowed in the length department for legs, it’s going to take a few hours of sunbathing and a few DOZEN hours on the elliptical to get ready to bare it all. When sporting this look, its important to have a certain level of equilibrium. When showing that much leg, one must stay pretty conservative on top. Pairing shorts with a flouncy top or blouse is the best way to keep it sexy without looking like you stepped off the set of Pretty Woman.
• BOLD & BLOOMING — hmm, floral prints in spring time, who woulda thought? Well, although it’s a trend as old as time, this year the prints are more vibrant and not as muted as they’ve been in the past.  This season is all about mixing the girly and pretty with the bold and edgy. For instance, wearing a floral mini (like the one shown above) with long layed necklaces, chunky platforms, smokey eyes, and maybe even a blazer is the perfect way to transform this often “blah” look.
• HOW STRIPING! — Before you write off this trend, believe me.. I’ve had my misgivings. Stripes can be very dangerous in fashion. Often times horizontal can make us look wide. In turn, vertical stripes can be so obviously a trick to try and look slimmer. But, regardless they are lining shelves everywhere. The key is to keep it simple. Basic colors like black and white or red and white are a good rule of thumb. Anything else can be too busy and sometimes tacky. Also, pairing the pieces with staples are crucial as well…like a loose striped tee and skinny jeans, or a striped cardigan over a LBD is a winning look.
• HIT THE TRENCH — Once we can stuff away the goose down puffer jackets and wool peacoats for good, its time to trade those in for something lighter and much more flattering. Trench coats have been a spring favorite forever, but its time to shake up the trend. Now, it’s all about mid-length neutrals with a touch of flair, such as elaborate buttons, ruffles, or unique collars. By belting the trench or adding a light-weight scarf, it can make an outerwear look an outfit of its own!

(Shorts: Miss Me Couture, $68. Skirt: Pleasure Doing Business, $88. Floral Mini: BB Dakota, $90. Trench: Forever 21, $37.80. Striped Dress: Top Shop, £ 35)

Get Polished

As much as I adored the dark and alluring OPI españa collection last season, I am beyond excited to start breaking out my bright pinks, pastels, and neon colors for the warm months ahead. OPI, an obvious leading brand in the nail polish world, never ceases to produce an incredible array of colors year after year. This Spring/Summer season they’re releasing the Hong Kong collection.  The 12 new colors feature bold heavy pigmented colors with always-clever asian themed names, such as “Dim Sum Plum.”

Although I’m sure I will be wearing at least a few of the shades in the Hong Kong collection, my main new obsession is the Sephora by OPI Modern Flowers collection. The 6-shade collection showcase bright metallics in “spring-y” shades. The colors (shown above) offer a new twist on the typical pastel hues. My personal favorite – “Leaf Him At The Alter” (the green one). At only $9 a pop, these can be found at Sephoha stores nationwide and here!

Oscar Picks

I LOVE awards season. The gowns, the glitz, the glamour…there’s something very magical about disregarding all of the love triangles, affairs, and sleazy drama and actually focusing on the sheer talent in Hollywood. (Even if it’s only for a night). With the Oscars just around the corner, I wanted to share my picks on who/what  I think will take home the little gold statue.

Best Picture: I’m gonna go with Avatar. I loved The Blind Side, but I know how the Academy thrives on a James Cameron film.

Best  Leading Actor: I’m torn between George Clooney (Up In The Air) and Jeff Bridges (Crazy Heart). Both great actors!

Best Leading Actress: I want it to be Sandra Bullock! She was great in The Blind Side.

Best Supporting Actor: Stanley Tucci (The Lovely Bones). He was terrifying and so believable.

Best Supporting Actress: Maggie Gyllenhaal (Crazy Heart)

Best Animated Film: Up. Hands down.

Best Director: James Cameron (Avatar). It’s kind of obvious, if you ask me.

I know there’s a lot more categories, but I just wanted to cover the most crucial categories, because I’ve seen most of the films. For a full list of the categories and nominations, click here!