…Liz of Liz Secret Rendevous! This nifty little product in your purse will put your mind at ease in regards to future fashion faux pas, darling – mark my words!
My loves, perhaps if our gal pals were as reliable as the coffee maker standing front and center upon our kitchen countertop, hovering by our sides twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, we would scarcely encounter embarrassing moments that leave us with cheeks the color of strawberries, and desperately seeking the nearest exit for a quick getaway. But alas, given the fact that we are frequently found by our lonesome, we must rely upon petite products to conceal the items that, as fabulous femme fatales, are pure necessities, yet retain the power of embarrassing us should they make an appearance while chit chatting with a cute boy. Products like…the Tampurse. 
♥For three (3) entries, Twitter about this giveaway, and leave a comment on this post stating that you have “liked” and left the required comment on Tampurse’s Facebook Wall between now and Friday, August 13, 2010 at Midnight PST.
♥Reduce, Reuse, Recycle…because even glamorous girls are conscious about helping the environment; they simply know how to do it in a fashionable way – like with the assistance of Ora Bags. Crafted out of vintage, recycled leather; each piece is a stylish reminder of the part you are playing in the recycling movement. I’ll take the Cory Small Satchel #192 Natural Gold, s’il vous plait!
♥Storybook Style Darlings, by now you’ve probably surmised this yourself given my incessant chitchat about fairytales and the like; but just in case you’re not too swift on the uptake (though, in all honesty, we both know that you are), I see no harm in telling it to you straight…I am a bookworm! I could spend hours prancing up and down the aisles of Barnes & Noble poking my nose into anything and everything that catches my eye; days have been spent getting lost within the towering stacks of classics harbored within the musty old walls of libraries; and, when my nose isn’t buried within the crisp pages of a book, I quite like to tell a story with my ensemble. And that is precisely what Library: Archives of Fashion allows one to do!
Like the title indicates, Paperwink is stocked with charming notebooks, many of which are perfectly sized so that they can slip effortlessly into your handbag at a moment’s notice; but Paperwink’s true piece de resistance lies within the pretty pastel hues, and captivating vintage signs and labels that you can have personalized to your liking. Presently I find myself smitten with the Frames collection, which includes a trio of tablets in the color collection of your choice – Gelato, Sherbert, or Snow Cone. Which Paperwink pretty has caught your eye, dolls? 
Please don’t take this the wrong way, dolls; it is not as if I have some sort of resentment towards denim – quite the opposite in fact. I am one of denim’s biggest advocates; falling in love with it in a multitude of formations – from rompers to minis, and everything in-between. Nevertheless, there are times in a girl’s life when denim just doesn’t cut it for a given occasion. Moments when we long for a subtle splash of sophistication that is cool and comfortable, yet embodies a pinch of posh which gives us a gussied-up glow in the most unfussy of fashions; and there is just one way to achieve this, kitty cats…via tailored shorts!
But I digress; darlings, it seems as if the term covetable is a code word of sorts for being completely out of one’s league – budget-wise, that is. And the svelte Sara, unfortunately, is. At $195.00 a pair, the saucy flap side pockets and signature Kate Spade corozo buttons are not characteristics that will soon be entering my budget-conscious closet. Sara’s less expensive look-alikes, however, are already on their way!
Regardless of whether you’ve actually met them or not, Debra and Olivia are a twosome who will forever be your BFF’s. As the authors of the revolutionary book Flirtexting: How to Text Your Way to His Heart, a pretty in pink dating guide that is incredibly indispensable if I do say so myself; Debra and Olivia are full of boy advice that they have no problem proffering at the drop of a hat. But their knowledge does not end with boys, and boys alone.
What is your number one style secret and why?
What is your number one style secret and why?
…Nina of Femme Rationale! Whether cooking up a storm, or simply playing the role of hostess at your next cocktail party, you will look darling in dots, my love!
Here’s to hoping that I’m not the only one who received a few styling tips from the likes of Beaver Cleaver’s beloved mother June during adolescence. Before the term fashionista had even been thought up, Mrs. Cleaver was displaying characteristics of a fabulous fashion maven via her never-ending supply of kitchen aprons; all of which made the transition from unfussy cooking uniform to stunning hostess attire with complete ease. It is this effortlessness alone which just goes to show that real fashionistas wear aprons; and now one (1) of you has the chance to make one your very own.
♥Rescue 9-1-1 Darlings The Beatles said it best with the lyrics “Help! I need somebody…”, but at this particular moment it is not “somebody” who will cure my ailments; rather it is something. Help Remedies, to be more specific. 
Together, Tamara and Shea spend their off-time seeking out vintage trinkets at flea markets and estate sales, than work their crafty magic to transform them into new pieces with glamorous old souls. And as if the beauty of these creations isn’t enough to pique your interest, the adorable titles for each knickknack most certainly will. Currently my heart belongs to Lookin’ for a Beau, Meet Me on Park Ave., Flirt, Only Slightly Revealing, She Gossips, But Quietly, and Cookies for Breakfast. Which Old soul, New Heart offering will morph you into the Queen of Hearts?
Darlings I know that your senses have already been romanced by the reticule, don’t even try to deny it. The vintage aesthetic which takes your ensemble du jour back to an era full of floor-length evening gowns sporting empire waists worn during the daylight hours; of pretty parasols held high above the well-coiffed heads of the wealthy; and lace gloves protecting one’s dainty fingers from the harsh cruelties of the outside world. Yet even with such history proffered, the reticule presents a very avant-garde styling to your person that is cutting-edge and antiquated all at once. A fact quite easily visible with a mere glance in the direction of Miu Miu’s Studded Mini Drawstring Bag. 
At $716.00 the Studded Mini Drawstring Bag is the true epitome of bliss; but it is Free People’s Studded Side Sling Bag, and its $48.00 asking price, which is far more fabulous for the budget fashionista. 
Given the fact that one of the last things I would find enjoyable to discuss with someone is politics, I find it rather strange that Washington, DC has always hovered about the top of my list for a desired travel destination. I blame my interest of the nation’s capital upon my adoration of cherry blossoms. I really find that no other flower holds the same sort of femininity as the cheerful and demure cherry blossom; and seeing as how so many events within Washington, DC pay tribute to the pretty pink petals, I can’t imagine a more fabulous place to visit – or sip coffee – than the dapper and dashing DC!
Tucked sedately between stuffy ad agencies, office buildings, and architecture firms, Baked & Wired is a hipster breath of fresh air with charming pink-trimmed picturesque windows that overlook a bustling street and pink painted bike which serves as outdoor décor for the location – situated just a stone’s throw away from the Georgetown canals. While the equivalent of a trendy coffee shop decked out in creations by local artists, and sporting humorous inscriptions upon the walls such as “Tip well or we will play Freebird on loop”; iced soy lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos, although addictive in their own way, are not the main attraction. That title is bestowed upon the cupcakes of which are some of the best you will ever savor. Three of my favorite cutecake flavors proffered to customers? Carrot Cake, Pumpkin, and Strawberry…order one of each, and eat them on site – the atmosphere only adds to the yumminess! 1052 Thomas Jefferson Street NW, Washington, DC 20007.
♥Mid City Caffe Mid City Caffe is one of those hidden gems that you don’t seek out to find, but magically stumble upon on accident, and literally feel as if you’ve been transported into a fairytale – in this case, one in which you’re surrounded by the aromas of spice cake, cappuccinos, and cream cheese frosting.
♥Girl Talk Kitty cats, I’m well aware of the fact that one is supposed to write about their secret loves within the pages of a diary; but I am taking the opposite approach. It is not what is inside my diary which I am most concerned about at the moment, but what is printed on the outside. And that mes chéris are the Erdem Girls. For quite some time now I have been in complete and utter awe of the whimsically romantic line drawings put forth by designer Erdem, and now I have the chance to take the Erdem Girls home courtesy of Smythson’s Erdem Girl Diaries. Each illustration is engraved and printed upon pristine goatskin leather which opens up to reveal printed silk lining; while two pages full of fashion illustrations by the designer himself add a fabulous bonus to the receiver. I already plan on sticking the Panama Diary within the folds of my handbag and toting it along with me everywhere I go; the Soho Diary, on the other hand, will be reserved for the makeshift office residing in my bedroom. The only thing to contemplate now? How on earth to scrounge up enough money to afford these lovelies. Santa, can you hear me? 
♥Legging Love I’ve tried to keep the urges at bay for quite some time now, but I’ve finally become one of them. The girls with the confidence to don leggings as their sole piece of legwear; who embrace stretchy fibers as their pants-style of choice and wear them with complete and total disregard to the shocked looks upon the faces of strangers. And why shouldn’t I? I remember in the fourth grade that I virtually lived in leggings. Denim was not a part of my fashion vocabulary at that time – I was enticed only by elastic, and in a constant state of euphoria whenever accoutered in such a look. Thus, I see it only fair to relive those glory days once more, and incorporate the design into my everyday way of living. Only Hearts’ Poor Boy Rib Leggings would look heavenly tucked into a pair of faux leather over the knee boots and topped with a newly acquired red v-neck sweater and motorcycle jacket. A night of enchantment is guaranteed with M by Missoni’s sparkling Metallic Leggings, played up with an understated flowy tank that hits at the hip. And Splendid’s Modal Leggings would work all sorts of magic coupled with an asymmetrical top from Blue Life. Tell me darlings…how do you wear your leggings? Do you allow yourself to don short tops when outfitted in them, or do you prefer topping them with a tunic? 
Have you seen them darlings? Those t-shirts that are part vintage, part humorous, and all around ideal for the days when you simply can’t bring yourself to put on something truly sophisticated and feel the urge to slip on something with a sense of humor? A fragment of fashion capable of slapping a smile upon your face in mere moments? I quite like them myself – especially when they’re showcased by cute boys with cowlicks or bits of bedhead still showing in their hair. There’s just something so endearing and lovable about a boy with the confidence to don something as hilarious as Bingo Fashion. But it’s not just cute boys who look adorable in such styles; girls can pull them off, as well.
Darlings I have just come to an extremely important realization…I have nothing to wear. Please forget what you’ve read about my amassment of clothes, and footwear. The truth of the matter is that each and every one of those pieces caters to one season and one season only. The sweaters are only good for when the weather turns chilly; while the t-shirts are of absolutely no use unless it’s burning up. Unfortunately, I am currently straddling a middle ground. Lest I’m interested in embracing sweaty chic, a sweater is completely out of the question; and there’s absolutely nothing seductive about shivering like a newborn fawn, so a tee stands no chance of so much as being considered. I suppose what I truly need is a covering that will keep me warm without making me feel as if I’m suffocating – something stylish and flirty with the ability to adapt to its surroundings in the same fashion as a chameleon. Oui, the accoutrement that I am desperate for at the moment is a shoulder warmer; but not any shoulder warmer will do.
Free People’s Vintage Crochet Shoulder Warmer, aside from having the texture and appearance of a well-loved knit crafted by the hands of a caring grandmother, is an accessory that no girl should have to be without – whether she lives in the sweltering Sahara of Southern California, or the chilly Connecticut climate. 
Coach “Poppy Mini Turnlock Coin Purse” I really see no better way to celebrate the loveliness of handbags than by investing in a petite coin purse that is the spitting image of one a la Coach’s Poppy Mini Turnlock Coin Purse. While only five-inches in length, the spearmint shade packs enough punch to add a splash of pizzazz to your assemblage of accessories; but even better than the minty pigmentation is the very vintage, almost Stam-inspired chain-link strap and corresponding turn-lock closure which add a hint of Mad Men magnetism to the very modest design. Stash it in your handbag for easy access to loose change, or don it as a wristlet during your momentary mad dashes into the druggist for an emergency bottle of conditioner. Either way you’ll find yourself inseparable from its patent leather lure.
Rumor “Mini Coin Case” Attribute it to my own small stature if you’d like, but I’ve always found myself incapable of resisting teeny tiny novelties which prove that yes, good things do come in small packages; case in point Rumor’s Mini Coin Case. Available in a multitude of shimmering colors, from gold to lilac and silver to pink, the Mini Coin Case is the bearer of gold-tone hardware which contributes a very understated type of elegance to the design; a type of polished charm that, in my mind, only makes the diminutive parcel even more covetable. Figure in the fact that each slight receptacle costs a mere $17.50 apiece, and I see no harm in indulging in each color available – to match my mood of the day, to be sure. Just remember, like those miniature 3 Musketeers bars we devour each Halloween, the Mini Coin Case is, above all else, fun size!
Fontanelli “Red Mouth Coin Holder” Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2009 Collection frightened me as it made its way down the runway. It was not the clothes that left me in a slight state of terror, mind you, but rather the white faces and ballooned red lips of the models wearing them; a juxtaposition between high fashion and the wacky worlds crafted by Tim Burton. Once the initial shock wore off, of course, it was replaced with intrigue; an intrigue that was long forgotten until I laid eyes upon Fontanelli’s Red Mouth Coin Holder. Kittens, what better way to pay tribute to Alexander McQueen’s genius than by permitting the Red Mouth Coin Holder to stowaway in your handbag? The red patent leather seemingly shimmers and shines in the same fashion that the over-painted red lacquer lips glinted on the runway; while the complete outline of the versatile vestibule ostensibly smirks up at you in the most mischievous of ways. This is one kitschy coin purse that receives my wholehearted kiss of approval.
American Apparel “Shiny Coin Purse” It’s obvious that magpies and I would quickly slip into a very close friendship based solely on the fact that we both adore shiny things, and collect them as if they’re going out of style. While I typically prefer the type of shiny things that you can slip around your fingers, however, I am more than willing to try a different type of sparkle on for size in the form of American Apparel’s Shiny Coin Purse. Hand it over to me in the Boa Gold, Boa Black, or Lame Gold. Between the available colors, foldable construction, dual zippers, and unbeatable price, I find the complete package capable of giving me the most splendrous shivers up and down my spine. And if it’s accommodations are large enough to allow a credit card or two and a set of keys to cohabitate with our change; well now, is it really our place to complain?
Lulu Guinness “Double Kiss Mini Frame Purse” Cute boys may find it downright embarrassing to maneuver city sidewalks with red lips imprinted on their cheeks; but I’ve always found the picture so enchanting and endearing – like a rumpled Casanova that has just walked off the set of an Old Hollywood film, screaming girls tearing at his clothes as they scramble in their handbags for a stray pen and paper for him to scrawl his autograph on. Oui, its true mes chéris, that is the precise scene that played out in my mind when I spotted Lulu Guinness’ Double Kiss Mini Frame Purse. The black satin and silver kiss-lock closure provides the sophistication which girls always strive to expel; while the dual embroidered red lipstick kisses serve as a flirty, coquettish type of playfulness – a devilish wink, of sorts. I suppose I can’t be sure as of yet; but I have a hunch that I won’t be able to keep quiet about this oh-so kissable coin keeper!
Joie “Glimmer Faux Fur Vest” Spotted…a garment that will instantly transform you into Almost Famous’ bewitching band-aid Penny Lane the moment you shrug your shoulders into its furry folds. I’ll admit it, I’ve been head over heels for Penny Lane from my first introduction to her over five years ago, and her style has never evaded my mind. For years I have been on the hunt for a faux fur vest that is shaggy while still retaining a smart, silky silhouette – much like the one Penny Lane herself wore while touring the country with an out-of-control rock band. At last, I have found the drapery of my dreams in the construction of the Glimmer Faux Fur Vest. Slightly longer than typical vests of its kind, the Glimmer Faux Fur is a lustrous way to liven up any en masse, due in large part to its milky moon complexion. Toss it on over an earth-toned flowy frock for a bohemian deity presence, or pair it with skinny jeans and riding boots for a more modish look – the choice is yours. Joie to the world, kittens!
Forever 21 “Belted Faux Fur Vest” Owning Forever 21’s Belted Faux Fur Vest was written in the stars for me; it was part of my destiny. One day I allowed it to slip through my grasp, the next another opportunity to own the fantastic fuzzy presented itself to me, and I literally pounced at the favorable circumstances. Thus, I know it was meant to be. At less than thirty dollars, the Belted Faux Fur Vest is an affordable way to get your faux fur fix, without forfeiting fabulosity. The chartreuse shading is a clever mix of green and yellow tincture which creates a pale brown/blonde blush, making it a simple morsel to mingle with just about anything lurking in your closet. But the true slice of splendor lies in the removable satin self-tie elastic belt which adds a double dose of volume and savoir faire to the topper. To cinch the waist or leave it freely flapping in the wind, that is the question. 
Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent “Faux Fur Collar Vest” It wasn’t Olivia Palermo’s sharp-tongue or lustrous locks; her wide array of cocktail rings or her Hermes Birkin that made me fall under her stylish spell. It was, in fact, a black fur shrug perched atop her shoulders that lured me in. A shrug quite similar to a covering crafted by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent, in the form of the Faux Fur Collar Vest. While not a jacket, nor a complete vest, the Faux Fur Collar is a swanky sampling full of the type of posh prestige one can imagine spotting at a champagne-charged cocktail party. Encrusted with ebony faux fur that whiskers out in a very feather-light fashion, the Faux Fur Collar Vest seems a peerless topper for all matter of evening wear – from elbow-length gloves to big as a house diamonds. If you’re truly courageous, toss it on with a pair of painted-on liquid leggings and sky-high ankle booties for a look that will turn-heads.
BB Dakota “Potter Faux Fur Vest” Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear… but even he can’t hold a candle to a glamorous gal decked out in BB Dakota’s Potter Faux Fur Vest. Potter is an exemplary way to have your cake and eat it too. The dark, coffee-toned dye proffers a très rugged complexion; while the silk-influenced lining coupled with the heavily-fluffed nape provides a subtle urbane aesthetic that makes the piece dually refined and wearable. The fact that it harbors a very aged, vintage effect? Well lovelies, that only adds to its debutante charm and manipulative intrigue.
Damselle “Faux Lynx Fur Vest” I am a dizzying individual – one day I adore black the next I’m all about white, and after that I may follow in Picasso’s footsteps and succumb to a blue phase. The truth is darlings, when it comes to color I often find myself slightly scattered; hence the reason why I turn to bits and pieces that harbor a handful of hues, as opposed to a single solitary one. In this case, I have my sights set on Damselle’s Faux Lynx Fur Vest. Gone are my concerns about choosing a color I will be able to tolerate for years to come, as the Faux Lynx Fur Vest is home to a few neutral tones that will virtually work with anything you have on – splashes of beige dance with leopard spots; flurries of fawn frolic with silver; it’s a motley crew of stains that burst forth in the most brilliant of ways. I hope this isn’t too forward, but…I think I love you!
♥Glove Love The Southern California sun is indicative that the last thing I really need to invest in is a pair of gloves; but I’m not one to listen to reason, and I quite like to be prepared, thus I’m following my heart, or rather, my present craving, and splurging on a little doodad to keep my dainty digits warm. BDG’s Jersey Ruched Long Glove literally makes my heart skip a beat. Sure, some may think that gloves that reach the elbow are completely impractical for everyday use; but I say if you’re going to accessorize your fingers, why not go all out with a pair that will leave a lasting impression and make you feel like a modern-day Holly Golightly? On the other hand, I don’t think any girl in their right mind could resist the contempo cut-outs displayed loud and proud on the very vintage Bow Driver Leather Glove, which seemingly have the ability to bring the femme fatale daredevil lurking deep inside your soul to the surface. And of course there’s always something to be said for a pair that provides function in addition to fashion, like the cognac-colored Thomas Pink Stitched Brown Leather Gloves which pack the power to make you feel like an equestrian regardless of whether or not you’ve so much as stepped foot into a barnyard before. Then again, you all know me for my adoration of cocktail rings, and gloves aren’t necessarily accommodating to such blingin’ baubles, so the Thick Knit Fingerless Gloves from Bop Basics may just prove to be the most suitable selection for my, at present time, nonexistent mitt collection. Oui, I suppose there’s no point in denying it kittens, my mind is simply awhirl with glove love!
♥Bibbed! I’ve always been miffed by the sight of anyone over the age of four wearing a bib. It seems like such a déclassé way to be seen in public. But now kittens, I have become one of the individuals embracing the very same style and choice of accessories that once irked me to unspeakable proportions. No, I’m not saying that you’ll see me traipsing around town with a Red Lobster bib tied about my throat, for that is not the type of neck accoutrement that tickles my fancy. You will, however spot me sashaying down the street with glittering rhinestones fastened around my neck because, mes chéris, I have officially been bibbed. I shall steal the spotlight at grandiose cocktail parties by donning the Jen Bib Necklace, a baubly beauty by Lee Angel Jewelry. I intend to be the preemptive lady in red while adorned with Free People’s Red Crystal Bib Necklace, a virtual throwback to the trinkets fixed upon the collar of regal royals. With Gemma Redux’s trendily tangled chains and stone pendants adorning the Melinda Necklace I plan on channeling the allure, beauty, and feminine mystique of the striking Cleopatra VII. And for casual days when I simply need to dress up a plain white tee, I shall peruse Forever 21’s colorful Jeweled Net Necklace. Tell me darlings…have you been bitten by the bib bug? 
