A Rosy Fourth of July

I LOVE THE 4TH OF JULY!!!! It is my favorite holiday by a mile and in honor of summer, my blog site name and this glorious holiday I found the most amazing new climbing rose. Can you guess what it is called? FOURTH OF JULY- Check out the blooms and you will know why- they look like a firework exploded in red and white. HAVE A HAPPY FOURTH!

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.