Fabulous Friday - Gucci Fall 2011

I love the opulent looks of Gucci's Fall 2011 Collection.  

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A mix of masculine and feminine.

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Vibrant jeweled-tone colors.

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Structured jackets, flowing skirts, and fur accents.

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A dark bold lip and chic hats.

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Gimme my REFUND!

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Today is Tax Day! 

Gah! It felt like such an ordeal to do my taxes (probably since I was such a procrastinator) but alas they are F I N I S H E D ! 

Thank you turbo tax!  

I'm happy to say that I have  a REFUND (Fed & State) coming my way! 

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Here is my list of what I'd like to get with my tax refund:

Yves Saint Laurent sandals YSL Tribute 105 Patent

Le Creuset Red Cookware

a personal trainer to get me wedding ready

And what I actually did with my tax refund:

I added to my Roth IRA :)

Did anyone do anything fun with their refund? 

Have a great week! 

Fabulous Friday - Belted Fashion

Who What Wear

Belts aren't just for ill fitting pants, they're a fashionista's friend! Belts can create a waistline, add some visual interest, and can transform an entire outfit...

Casual:

Casual

Winter Coats:

coats

Party Chic:

Jessica Alba

 Swimwear:

Burberry Swim Suit

Office Wear:

Catherine Malandrino

Award Show Formal:

SAG Awards 2011

Oscar Ball Gown (oooh! so pretty):

SJP @ 81st Oscars

Chanel celebrates 10 years of Coco Mademoiselle

Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle

If you are like me and have the impulse to run whenever you see department store "spritzers" eyeing you with their large perfume bottle in hand, take a look at their bottle before you decide to run.  If they have Coco Mademoiselle, give them a moment and give it a smell!  I, personally, love this fragrance.  I love that it has layers of sophistication to it; to me it's fresh and feminine without being over the top, floral or fruity.

I was super excited when I found out that Keira Knightley had collaborated with one of my favorite fashion houses, Chanel, to be the face of their Coco Mademoiselle 10th Anniversary campaign.  I loved the styling of the video campaign: she is dressed in the pale pink-ish color of the fragrance and looks so feminine but still manages to channel a slight edginess. 

behind the scene pics

all other pics via socialite-beauty.com

Fabulous Friday - Accessories

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I think people will agree with me when I say that a little black dress is a wardrobe essential. A great black dress is a "go to" piece because it's flattering with any skin tone and on any silhouette.  When you're wearing a black dress it becomes the perfect backdrop and palate for most accessories.  

I love that depending on how you accessorize it, one dress can be worn so many different ways: it can be dressed up or down, and worn either day or night.  Here are my picks of fabulous accessories that can transform a little black dress from daytime casual to nighttime glam! 

Day:

Watch: Michael Kors Watch with Crystals in Clear$250 - revolveclothing.com

Sunglasses: Dior Women's Cut Out Twisted Elegance Sunglasses, Black$375 - johnlewis.com

Bag: Beneta Fringe Tote, Large$2,650 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Hoop Earring: Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings/2?"$400 - saksfifthavenue.com

Sandals: Joe's Jeans Princess - Black Suede$230 - heels.com

Night:

Earring: Crystal Encrusted Gold Moonstone & Champagne Drop Earring$375 - alexisbittar.com

Wedges w/ Ribbon: Patent Wedge$1,280 - kirnazabete.com

Clutch: Patent Snakeskin Envelope Clutch$895 - intermixonline.com

Bracelet: Bracelet Flora Gold Small Gem Encrusted Vine Hinge Bracelet$450 - alexisbittar.com

Rings: Stackable Gem Rings (CIQZSQ)$238 - robindira.com

Tea Time!

My family is very important to me, and that's why I felt it was so important that I incorporate them in my Thirty Before 30, and what better way to do it than a tea party honoring some of the wonderful women in my family.  My vision for this event includes high tea service at either the Moana Surfrider Hotel or the Kahala Resort, chic invitations, favors, flowers, and of course lots of smiles and laughter.

individual images via Pintrest 

As I begin the official planning I find myself pulling inspiration from the opulence and colors of Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette: pastels, punches of sharp pink, and dashes of bling.  The actual tea party is still a couple months off which leaves me plenty of time take care of the details to dream about those sassy Louboutins! 

Balloons Make it Better

I came across these Luis Monteiro photos while working on my "Thirty Before 30" post and loved each of them! -There is something so special about balloons that make me happy and bring a smile to my face.   Here are more photos from the same shoot:

Arithmetic for Fashionable Foodies

pretty shoes + desserts = happiness.

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chocolate - napkin = delicious mess

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cupcakes x cupcakes = edible fashion

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dessert spread / a bunch of friends = perfect party

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Golden Globe Fashion

Tonight was the 2011 Golden Globe Awards and although I was busy doing things around the house I couldn't miss... the pre-show on E! Here are just a few of my favorite GG dresses!

{Olivia Wilde in Marchesa and here}

{Eva Longoria in Zac Posen}

{Anne Hathaway in Giorgio Armani Prive}

{Sophia Vergara in Vera Wang}

{Mila Kunis in Vera Wang}

Azure, for sure!

Today I received an invitation to dine with a couple of great girlfriends at Azure in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  I have never been, but I have heard some wonderful things about it! It is a beautifully chic restaurant!

Now I just have to figure out what to wear! 

{Matthew Williamson via farfetch.com}

{3.1 Phillip Lim via barneys.com}

{Issa via net-a-porter.com}

Rain Rain Stay Away.

After a day and a half of severe weather forecasts and a flash flood warning... 

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it looks like the rain is still off shore.  

*whew*

Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the rain, but I just hope it stays away (for a bit tomorrow) for my walk from car to office (and back) and my dinner with the girls tomorrow night.  

PS. How cute are the tights and the boots!