I Dream of Jordi

Lux-u-ry: A material object, service, etc., conducive to sumptuous living, usually a delicacy, elegance, or refinement of living rather than a necessity.
Sure, you may not need it, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t deserve it. For you, luxury may entail that little black dress you saw displayed in the BCBG storefront. For me, well, it includes said little black dress, in addition to lavish stationary. Yes, I’ve admitted it; one of the things in life that makes my heart skip a beat is possibly the smallest luxury of all...fancy notepaper.

As a writer, I feel lost without a pen and paper close by, so of course I want something that is not only useful, but elegant, as well. In kind, my jaw nearly hit the ground when I innocently made my way down the Target stationary aisle and laid my eyes upon the cartoon chic notebook collection of Jordi Labanda.

Now, mind you, while I get giddy over childlike illustrations, I try to harness my giggles and opt for a more sophisticated stationary that is still infused with style. But Jordi Labanda’s Heyday Collection was too much for me to resist. The magazine inspired covers depicting chic ladies in amazing locales from Paris to New York dressed to the nines simply called out to me from their perch upon the steel shelves.

The high-cheekboned illustrated femme fatales reminding me of Paris Vogue Editor-in-Chief Carine Roitfeld sitting front and center at Stella McCartney’s Ready-to-Wear at Paris Fashion Week. Audrey Hepburn wielding her cigarette holder as she stepped into the role of Holly Golightly in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The Manolo-loving Carrie Bradshaw in her all-white power suit as she strutted along the sidewalks of New York City on her way to her interview with Vogue.

And so, like any self-respecting shopper, fashionista, and luxury-seeker, I did what I had to do. I snatched up as many of the diary designs as my skinny arms could possibly carry, and headed straight to the checkout line with my spoils. Here I sit, surrounded by my swag, and all I can do is smile. And dream of the Jordi Labanda purchases still to come, of course.


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to The Daily Planner for the pictures.

The Key Club

When I was in grade school I collected keychains that were kept locked up in an old wooden box, not to be used by anyone; they were simply there to be admired from afar. I suppose with age my tastes became more refined, for now the under-ten dollar keychains that used to make me so happy have been replaced by Tiffany Keys.

Keys hold an element of suspense. They possess a hint of mystery. They activate alluring thoughts; and bring to mind hushed whispers and secrets that enshroud the rich and beautiful crowd. They represent privilege, prestige, and intrigue. They open doors to exclusivity and scandal. Tiffany Keys are no exception to this.


Breathtaking pendants that make an appearance in gold, silver, platinum, or diamond, and adorned with Celtic designs that are undeniably magical; these are the ideal way to hand your loved one the key to your (high-priced) heart.

The Quatrefoil Key Pendant has already won mine; which Tiffany Key has captured your heart?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Selfridges for the pictures.

America the Glamorous

Glamour is my new favorite magazine. Why, you ask? This photo shoot. Everything about the "American Icons" editorial is downright fabulous – from the females of the past they chose to feature, all the way to the female celebrities of today whom they used to depict these historical greats. This is one of those amazing finds that you don’t see everyday, but can’t seem to get enough of. What a fantastically fashion-inspired way to end the weekend!

Camilla Belle as Mary Tyler Moore. Mary Tyler Moore was like the Carrie Bradshaw of the 70s, sans the closet full of Manolo Blahniks, apartment in New York City, and constant search for the perfect guy. She was a career woman with great friends, and an even greater wardrobe full of retro wrapdresses and flared pants. Which is why Camilla Belle is the ideal person to portray her. Camilla has a wardrobe that most of us would love to call our own, plus she is the face of Vera Wang's Princess fragrance. Basically, she has it all. Including a pink coat (pictured at right) that reminds me so much of Legally Blonde. Did you know that there's an actual bronze statue of Mary Tyler Moore in Minneapolis?

Emma Roberts as Audrey Hepburn. I honestly feel that Audrey's role in Breakfast at Tiffany's clinched her inclusion on this list, and for good reason - it was one of the most elegant, chic, posh films of the 1900's. Plus, Audrey was undeniably beautiful in a very simple, sophisticated way - much like Emma Roberts. This is possibly one of my favorite pictures on earth because: a) A bouquet of pink balloons are present; b) That black dress is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen; c) The backdrop reminds me of the secret garden.

Alexis Bledel as Rosie the Riveter. Up until this morning, I had no idea who Rosie the Riveter was, even though I have seen - and adored - her picture since I was a toddler in saddle shoes. I do, however, know who Alexis Bledel is. In fact, I fancy myself to be Alexis Bledel, or, rather, her character on Gilmore Girls, minus the admission to Yale, rebellious boyfriends, trust fund, and assortment of school uniforms. This picture somewhat reminds me of one of those retro glamour girl pin-ups, just a tad more rough and tumble. Did you know who Rosie the Riveter was?

Emma Stone as Carrie Bradshaw. I do not know who Emma Stone is, but she may just be my new favorite person, thanks to her depiction of everyone's favorite Manolo-wearing, Cosmo-sipping Carrie Bradshaw. Carrie Bradshaw is the girl that we all aspire to be, with her nameplate necklaces, fabulous headwear, handful of debonair boyfriends who slip in and out of her life on a weekly basis, and life in New York City. She is the fashionista of our dreams. I so want to be her.


Two people I think were missing from this list include That Girl (who on the planet didn't want to be That Girl when they were growing up?), and Marilyn Monroe. If you could revise this list, who would you add and/or remove from it?


Fashionably yours!


Thanks to Glamour for the pictures.

If Loving Scarves Is Wrong, I Don't Want to Be Right

The past twenty years have been dominated by me attempting to avoid having to wear a scarf, no matter how low the temperatures dropped. Suddenly, I'm clamoring to wrap the chic accessory around my neck even in the warmest of weather. Why? They're my new obsession.




Scarves add a little extra oomph to basically everything in your wardrobe. Wear a bright colored scarf (like Gossip Girl's little Jenny Humphrey - aka Taylor Momsen - here) with a tough motorcycle jacket, and you instantly add a little girly glam to your outfit.

Toss one on with knee-high boots and skinnies (like Hills fashionista Lauren Conrad), and you're ready for a night out on the town.






Or just do what I and a handful of your favorite celebrities do whenever they leave the house - toss one on over a plain t-shirt to instantly add a little contrasting texture and volume to your look of the day.

It's no wonder the always chic Audrey Hepburn had them on hand whenever she needed a little clothing pick-me-up. They are the perfect way to accessorize, and keep your wardrobe looking fresh.

And, contrary to popular belief - and the Los Angles Times article You need a PhD to tie a scarf (something I believed to be true until a few weeks ago) - when you're armed with a Love Quotes neck accessory (like half of Hollywood), the last thing you need is a PhD - just two free hands and a little imagination will do! If only they weren't so expensive, I'd have a closet full of them - one in each color available to accommodate every mood, item of clothing, or whim. Hey, for the instant splash of color and style they provide, they're well worth it!





















Fashionably yours!

Thanks to Pink Scarf* on Flickr, People, The Beehive Cottage, and BoutiquetoYou for the pictures.