Total Eclipse of the Heart

Went to see latest installment of the "Twilight" series, "Eclipse" today. This is my favorite book of the series and now my favorite movie as well. Love the back story inclusion in this one. Will not give anything away to anyone who has not read or seen yet! My outfit (although not remotely as gorgeous as the Cullen's clothes in the movie) is a recently thrifted Bebe sweater with fur collar, skinny jeans and Nine West polka dot flats paired with some vampire worthy rings. I love the black and white rose pattern on the sweater paired with the soft fur collar.

Young Victorian Obsession

I love movies and am constantly inspired by their fashion. Recently I have seen two movies, "Young Victoria" and "The Wolfman" starring Emily Blunt. I have liked her since her turn as the first assistant in "The Devil Wears Prada". However in her most recent movies she wore both early and late Victorian attire as well as as very minimalist makeup. I especially loved the clothes she wore in "The Wolfman" with ruffles sleeves and dark blue tones. I found a wonderful vintage I. Magnin jacket with ruffled collar and sleeves. The tag on the collar says the piece is a "Party Collectible" from Miss Magnin collection which I thought was such a cool idea- a whole line of separates working together as party clothes. The silhouette and color reminded me of the Victorian tone of Emily's costumes. The cornflower blue color in this jacket is in constant rotation in my closet. I wore the jacket with a black shell, gladiator sandals and dark skinny jeans with my hair pulled back in a loose ponytail with drop sapphire earrings for a modern Victorian look. Jacket is shown here with a lovely Ralph Lauren silk dress with my favorite rose pattern. Love the ruffle detail all over the sleeve and collar! What movies inspire you? Do you obsess on certain colors in your wardrobe?

Shoulder Bags

Yesterday after I posted my DIY handbag, I found a great handbag post at Who What Wear (link below) on ladylike shoulder bags. I've included several of my favorite shoulder bags (all thrifted) including a recent black and brown Bally bag find, a white Dooney and Bourke and a navy Anne Klein with gold chain handle that I can't stop using! I love this look especially with my daily uniform of small jacket, long tee and khakis.
Accessory Report:Small Satchels

DIY Dolce & Gabbana Style

Saw this great Dolce & Gabbana charm bracelet purse in July issue of "Elle". Then the next day I found this cute Maxx New York bag at a garage sale for $3. Got me thinking I could use some of my own jewelry to recreate the look. So I sewed on a vintage souvenir bracelet from Paris and pinned on a flower brooch to cover the bracelet clasp. Voila! I have a cute new bag for $3 and repurposed jewels!

I Heart Wayfarers

My sunglasses have taken center stage this week so I decided to show my whole collection. My sunglasses theory is simple and the same as Rachel Bilson, actress, fashionista and new Sunglasses Hut blogger: Nothing works better than Ray Ban Wayfarers. The classic shape works with every face shape but especially a square shape like mine. I even have a Marc Jacobs Wayfarer style pair. I display my shades in an antique tray and keep them out on my counter for easy access. Sunglasses are a great fashion statement but also a very healthy choice for your eyes!

Best Boyfriend Shirt Ever

Have you ever been looking at something and couldn't believe your eyes? Shopping last Sunday and going through shirts at a thrift store I have not been to in a while, I spotted (no pun intended) a nice navy polka dot fabric and pulled the shirt for closer inspection. The label read "Dries Van Noten" and I blinked my eyes twice to make sure I wasn't reading it wrong. Based on shape and size I'm sure this is a men's shirt but who cares? DRIES VAN NOTEN! It fit and I love it. Paired with skinny jeans, blue leopard belt, Steve Madden patent leather brogues and my ever faithful Ray Bans, my boyfriend shirt fits right in.

I'm in Love and I Don't Care Who Knows

My husband and me were having a philosophical conversation this weekend about why we end up loving certain clothes and others just don't work. Why is it that certain clothes just "fit" on every level- on your body, in your comfort zone and in your life style and some never make it out of your closet? We shop at thrift stores all the time and we have learned how to spot those items that work for us. But of course it is an ongoing process with style, ever changing and evolving. Here are a few things I love right now and that I rely on when I need an extra boost. I think it comes down to how the clothes or accessories makes you feel. These favorites make me smile with confidence: I never leave home without my favorite black Ray Ban sunglasses, the Kenneth Jay Lane bangles work with everything, my go to navy Michael Kors military jacket and my quilted metallic Calvin Klein ballet flats. What works for you?

The Most Beautiful Rose Garden in the World

The most beautiful and romantic rose garden is the International Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. Absolutely gorgeous views and flowers in bloom. Includes secret Shakespeare garden with rose quote which I wholeheartedly agree with.

Fragrance Wardrobe

The wardrobe basics of clothes, shoes and accessories are vital for every fashionista but I also believe in a basic fragrance wardrobe. I used to switch fragrances from winter and summer. Now I switch based on my style for the day or night. My fragrance wardrobe has taken awhile to accumulate but includes my all time favorite Chanel Gardenia and a recent favorite "G" by Gwen Stefani. My collection is shown with my two small Limoge pieces I found at a Paris flea market.

Summer Staples

Even though it continues to pour down rain outside, I am planning for sunny days ahead. Found this amazing Panama hat at the thrift store which I plan to wear all summer. Also am so tired of toting around a huge handbag so I found this cute Coach wristlet to use thrifting, at the farmer's market or concerts. Here's to summer!

Connecting the Dots

My love of polka dots knows no end...to that end I have on a Jonovich-Hawk for Target dress over denim leggings with a pair of Nine West flats and vintage velvet vest. Both the shoes and dress have great ivory color dots on faded black silk fabric that reminds me of the 1930s.

Pretty Special Occasion

I've been keeping an eye out for a special occasion dress and I found a gorgeous one. Sheer top and sleeves with sewn on pearls. Plus gorgeous black satin bows on each sleeve-love it! My special occasion isn't for a while so I hope to find the perfect shoes and accessories to go with before the big day. Best of all the dress was $7.99 and I just had to cut out the HUGE 80's shoulder pads. Love the way the pearls look like starry polka dots for my big night.

A Rose by any other name

Yeah! We finally have a sunny day and I can post pictures of my amazing roses. The light pink bud is my newest called "April in Paris" and is just as lovely. The skirts are full of roses as well. Cannot wait to wear them now that it has stopped raining. Maybe with my new black gladiator heels!

Ruby Slippers

I was able to go thrifting today and found an amazing find: a pair of polka dot ruby colored silk Olivia Rose Tal kitten heels for $4.99. The large red bows were just the cherry on top of the ice cream sundae of these adorable shoes. Finding the shoes made me think back about 5 years ago when I made my most ultimate find- a Louis Vuitton pouchette at a yard sale for $1.00. I love wearing all my finds but sometimes the treasure hunt to find them is too much fun!

Rosebuds Galore

I was lucky enough to travel to Peninsula Rose Garden in Portland, Oregon. This garden is a lovely gem in the middle of an urban area. I am wearing vintage jacket and blouse with J Brand Jeans with a pair of Steve Madden Luxe wedges.

Out of Africa

All this talk of leopard print has got me thinking of my favorite movie of all time: "Out of Africa". I recently watched the movie again and paid close attention to the costumes. The khaki dress with leopard scarf and dark leather belt seems appropriate even for the Baroness Blixen! To make it more modern I would add the khaki wedge heels.