LeTrain Bleu explores the iPhone CameraBag app

LeTrain Bleu just posted the results of their iPhone photoshoot and the photos are fantastic. The photos were edited using the app CameraBag. Using the Magazine, Pola, and the "Helga" (ie Fake Holga) filters the photos were transformed directly in their phone. This is happy news for iphone users. It is great to see cell-phone photos come out so wonderfully! Of course nothing will replace the often unpredictable results of a real Holga. Part of the fun is the mystery and eager anticipation of what the final results will be. I took my Holga to the beach this weekend and I am eager to see the film negatives! While I'm pretty sure I have at least one frame where my fiance's elbow will be blocking one of my shots, perfection is never the aim when you are shooting film. My favorite shots from the LeTrain Bleu iphone shoot are pictured below: View all of the photos at LeTrain Bleu.

State Pride Charms

Show your state pride with a lovely gold charm of your home state or your first initial made by Elsa Bags! I want to pair my home state with the letter "M"! The charms are $12 each and come with a 16" chain @ Elsa Bags.

Steals & Deals: Summer Totes

A great way to add color or pattern to your summer ensemble is by throwing on a fun printed bag. It isn't practical to spend a lot of money on a bold bag in these tight economic times, so I have found some colorful bags that will be perfect for summer and your everyday needs but won't break the bank! {l to r} Black Combo Printed Satin Scarf Hobo $19.50; Black & White Zig-Zag Printed Crossbody Hobo $12.50; Purple/Blue Printed Satin Scarf Hobo $19.50; all @ Old Navy.

Fun Summer Treat

Ice cream sandwiches and Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches are two things I will never turn down. I loved this spin on a classic PB & J sandwich and thought it would be a fun treat for a summer get together or a kid's birthday! They certainly look delicious! PB & J Pops Peanut Butter-Swirl Ice Cream 1 pound graham crackers 16 ounces strawberry jam 1 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped (optional) Transfer ice cream and parchment lining from larger pan to a flat surface. Cut ice cream into 12 squares, 2 1/2 inches each. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; freeze at least 3 hours. Repeat with smaller pan, making 9 squares. Break graham crackers in half to make 2 1/2-inch squares. Spread one side of each with about 1 1/2 teaspoons jam; freeze until firm, about 45 minutes (this keeps finished pops neat). Sandwich ice-cream squares between graham crackers, jam facing ice cream. Insert a wooden pop stick into each. Place peanuts in a bowl (if using); dip each side of the pop in the nuts. Pat gently with your hand to adhere. Pops can be frozen at this point, wrapped in plastic wrap or layered between waxed paper in an airtight container, for up to 2 weeks. {via Martha Stewart}

Congratulations Roger Federer...Fifteen Grand Slams! Wow!

Roger Federer & Andy Roddick gave us another epic Wimbeldon final today in which Roger Federer won his 15th Grand Slam final in a 5-7, 7-6 (6), 7-6 (5), 3-6, 16-14 victory with tennis greats Pete Sampras, Bjorn Borg and Rod Laver in attendance as he made history. It was a match I thought would never end! Roger served up a remarkable 50 aces in the match, and yet it was he who did not break Roddick's serve until the final game of the fifth set. Andy Roddick really proved himself to be a great player yesterday, and it really is a shame we haven't seen him win at Wimbeldon yet. I would love to see a re-match with these two going head-to-head at the US Open! Immediately after the match Roger was sporting a Nike Tennis jacket with a "15" embroidered on the back, and this Nike "Love 15" commerical aired immediately after the final broadcast. Sure, it was all a little presumptuous, but Roger Federer is unbelievably great and you really can't blame them as no one really expected Andy Roddick to put up such a fight. I certainly didn't, but you'll find me cheering for Roddick at the U.S. Open!

Chance of Showers

The rain has pretty much been a constant in NYC, and I for one will never risk getting my beloved shoes wet if I can help it so I keep a pair of Wellies in my office and at home just in case along with a million and one umbrellas so I am never caught out in the rain. I thought I would share some of my favorite wellie brands & styles so you too can keep your feet dry! Hunter: {top} Hunter Original in Fuschia; Hunter RHS Original in Thistle & Forget Me Not; Hunter Original White; {bottom} Hunter Original of WaterAid 2009; Hunter + Fortnum & Mason Wellingtons; Hunter Original in Iris; Hunter Original Metallics in Silver Kamik: {l to r}Tulipe; Ellie; Hearts;Heidi;Maui; all by Kamik {Buy online at Zappos.com} Best Buys: {l to r} Shiny Jungle Giraffe W/ Floral Print Detail Rainboots $26.25; Wild Leopard Shiny Rain Boot $26.25; Shiny Ombre Ladies Tall Rain Boot $26.25; Shiny Dot Trim Rainboots $26.25; Paisley Dream Floral Printed Rainboot $26.25; My Umbrella Shiny Rain Boot with Gusset $26.25; all @ Laila Rowe (P.S. Target has some of the same styles available online)

Movie Night At The Met

In conjunction with the exhibition, The Model as Muse: Embodying Fashion , The Metropolitan Museum of Art will be hosting screenings of three fashionable films, "Funny Face", "Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo", & Isaac Mizrahi's "Unzipped". Funny Face is the first on the schedule and will play on July 10th. Get the details below: Film: Funny Face When & Where: Friday, July 10, 2009, 5:30 PM Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium $10.00 {Purchase Tickets here} Details: Pre-screening discussion with Harold Koda, Kohle Yohannan, and Carmen Dell'Orefice Directed by Stanley Donen, with Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire, 1957, 103 min Description: Fashion photographer Dick Avery, in search for an intellectual backdrop for an air-headed model, expropriates a Greenwich Village bookstore. When the photo session is over the store is left in a shambles, much to salesgirl Jo Stockton's dismay. Avery stays behind to help her clean up. Later, he examines the photos taken there and sees Jo in the background of one shot. He is intrigued by her unique appearance, as is Maggie Prescott, the editor of a leading fashion magazine. They offer Jo a modeling contract, which she reluctantly accepts only because it includes a trip to Paris. Eventually, her snobbish attitude toward the job softens, and Jo begins to enjoy the work and the company of her handsome photographer. Watch this Funny Face clip: Film: Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo? When & Where: Friday, July 17, 2009, 5:30 PM Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium $10.00 Details: Pre-screening discussion with Harold Koda, Kohle Yohannan, and Dorothy McGowan Directed by William Klein, 1966, 102min Description: In this excoriating satire of the fashion industry, Polly Maggoo is a 20-year-old Brooklyn-born fashion model in Paris, on the runway at the big shows where magazine editor Ms. Maxwell is the reigning opinion maker. The ridiculous passes for sublime. Polly becomes the subject of an episode of a vapid TV news documentary series called "Qui êtes-vous?" and is pursued by the filmmaker and by the prince of Borodine, a small country in the Soviet bloc. We watch as the documentary is shot, we await Polly's arrival in the principality, we observe a lunch in the suburbs, and we learn of her childhood. Is there more to Polly than her pretty face? Is anything below the surface? Watch the Polly Maggoo clip below: Film: Unzipped When & Where: Wednesday, July 22, 2009, 5:30 PM Grace Rainey Rogers Auditorium $10.00 Details: Pre-screening discussion with Harold Koda and Isaac Mizrahi Directed by Douglas Keeve, 1995, 73 min Description: Using a variety of cinematographic techniques, the world of high- profile fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi is portrayed as being driven by excitement and creativity, despite the concomitant chaos and cacophony. Mizrahi's frenzied genius and rollercoaster emotions paint a humorous and personal portrait of a brilliant designer. Famous "SuperModels", actors, and actresses populate Issac's rarified world, but Douglas Keeve's cameras capture the stress and turbulence beneath the placid coolness of glamour. Watch a clip of Unzipped below:

Anna Sui for Target

{images via the CW} The first pics of Anna Sui's Gossip Girl inspired collection for Target are up and I'm getting excited. With looks designed with Blair, Serena, Lil' J, and even Vanessa in mind this is one capsule collection for Target that is destined to be a hit. Check out the looks below: Blair Waldorf inspired: Serena van der Woodsen inspired: Lil J inspired: Vanessa inspired: I must say I am loving the "Blair" looks. The looks will hit Target stores and Target.com on September 13! {via The Cut}

Jeffrey Campbell

Today I'm really digging the summer sandal collection from Jeffrey Campbell from the tough studded platforms to the fuschia thong sandals! Some of my favorite styles are pictured below: {top} Jeffrey Campbell TIER $69.95; Jeffrey Campbell MARLY $114.95; all @ Sole Struck {middle} Jeffrey Campbell BURBS $129.95; Jeffrey Campbell ATHENA $79.95; Jeffrey Campbell JOHNNY EX $69.95; all @ Sole Struck {bottom} Jeffrey Campbell ROLLER $114.95; Jeffrey Campbell MAGMA FLR $49.95; all @ Sole Struck

Wilco (the album)

Wilco's seventh studio album was released yesterday and I am loving it! Take a listen to "You & I" featuring the lovely Feist: You And I - Wilco Download the album at itunes or get a copy at amazon. Set your DVR to record the Wilco documentary, "Ashes of American Flags" as it will air on the Sundance channel on July 3rd at Midnight and then again on July 4th at 6pm. For more info click here. The Ashes of American Flags dvd is also available at Amazon for $14.99 or put it on your Netflix Queue.

Nina Shoes Design Your Own Collection

I am obsessed with the Design Your Own Collection from Nina Shoes! These couldn't be more perfect for your next event whether it is a cocktail party, wedding, or just for fun. I loved playing around with the color combinations (as you can tell). The options are endless! Start by choosing between three styles of pumps and which heel height you would prefer: the Paladin (heel heights: 2.5" or 3.5"), the Culver (heel heights: 2.5", 3.25", or 4"), or the Electra (heel heights: 3.25" or 4"). Once you have that settled play around with the color combinations...some samples are pictured below... Syles pictured include DYO Culver 4" heel $199.95, DYO Electra 4" heel $199.95 @ Nina Shoes and that is just the beginning...see more here.

Steal of the Day: Bebe Tank Dress

While browsing the shops at Time Warner Center I fell in love with Bebe's adorable color-blocked tank dresses. I am torn between the dress with the studded belt, and the summer seersucker! I love them both! Luckily, both are currently on sale for $79: Studded Racerback Tank Dress $79; Seersucker Tank Dress $79; at Bebe.com

Fabric Floral Headpieces

I have been immersing myself in wedding related reading like every newly engaged girl should, and during the course of my "research" I discovered a fabulous d.i.y. guide to creating gorgeous fabric flower hair pins, in where else, but Martha Stewart Weddings. {Read more about this D.I.Y. Project at Martha Stewart Weddings} I grew up constantly browsing the fabric section with my mom, and it wasn't until I saw this guide that I have had the urge to re-vist the fabric shop. I can't wait to try my hand at this d.i.y. project! Of course, not all of us have the time or energy to give it a go, so if you count yourself in that category don't fear, I have just the thing for you. Enter Handle & Spout. PBL has covered countless companies and designers that create gorgeous headbands and hair pins that cover your every possible style need ranging from every-day casual to belle of the ball. Handle & Spout sets itself apart from our other features with their quirky charm. With metallic nesting dolls and mustache designs on their earring packaging, and chain necklaces in addition to gorgeous floral hair pins and headbands what is there not to love?! Handle & Spout headbands $30. {top} Light Pink Hair Pin Single $18; Copper Leather Link Headband $45; Silver Sparkle Leather Link Necklace $75; all @ Handle & Spout. {middle} White Hair Pin Single $18; Silver Nesting Dolls $60; all @ Handle & Spout. {bottom}Light Pink Hair Pin Set $35; Coral Hair Pin Set $35; Seafoam Hair Pin Set $35; all @ Handle & Spout.

Anna Wintour & Vogue Take On The Silver Screen with The September Issue

The September 2007 issue of Vogue magazine weighed nearly five pounds, and was the single largest issue of a magazine ever published. With unprecedented access, The September Issue, directed and produced by R.J. Cutler, tells the story of legendary Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and her larger-than-life team of editors creating the issue and ruling the world of fashion. This is one fashion documentary that is sure to go down in history! The September Issue will hit theaters on August 28th, 2009. Watch the trailer below: I can't wait! Learn more about the film here.

Blackbird Fly's Candy Makeover

Me pictured with my BBF back in February 2009. I purchased my BBF from B&H. I have the Blackbird Fly twin-lens reflex camera in blue and I absolutely love it. The results I've received from the camera have been absolutely wonderful! I have no complaints, but now I see that the camera is available in a whole range of candy colors. Color me green with envy. If anyone wants to trade a well-loved Blue BBF for one in bright PINK let me know. :) The photos are of course the only things that really matter, so I can tell you have no intention on spending another $100+ for a mere color change. For those of you who are new to the camera, however, you have a lot of fantastic color options and are practically guaranteed to have fun snapping away with this TLR regardless of what color you choose! If you want to play around with a film camera but don't have the money to spend on developing medium format film I highly recommend trying the BBF. The film is easy to load (if you need tips just email me or search on youtube or vimeo for film loading tutorials!), and you can simply take your completed roll to your choice one hour photo lab to have developed! BlackBird Twin-Lens Reflex (TLR) 35mm Film Camera $120 @ B & H , Adorama, Freestyle, & Amazon; and also $133 at Unica Home (more color selection available at Unica for a slight price increase)

Current/Elliott Giveaway Courtesy of Chickdowntown.com

Chickdowntown.com and the Platinum Blonde Life blog have teamed up to offer you lucky readers a chance to win a pair of Current/Elliott Roll-Up Shorts. The shorts retail for $185 and couldn't be more perfect for summer! To enter simply leave a friendly comment on this blog post with your name and e-mail address or email me at platinumblondelife5 [at] gmail [dot] com with your information before Sunday July 12th 11:59pm EST. Please, only one comment or email per person. The contest winner will be chosen at random and notified on Monday July 13th, 2009. This contest is open to all U.S. residents. Check out the other offerings from Current/Elliott here. And while you are on the site be sure to stop by their selection of Gypsy merchandise. I am in love with Gypsy's Zoe Organic Maxi Dress which is pictured below. I would love to pack that in my bag when I set off for my honeymoon! :) Gypsy Maxi Dress $148 @ Chickdowntown.com For more updates, discounts and offers from Chicktowndown.com sign up for their email updates, Follow Chick Downtown on Twitter or Become a fan of Chick Downtown on Facebook. Good Luck & Happy Browsing!! xo, Melanie

Coconut Records "Any Fun" Video Featuring Chloe Sevigny

Here is a great tune and video from Coconut Records (featuring the lovely Chloe Sevigny) to help you kick start your fun filled weekend! Any Fun - Coconut Records - Music Video Listen to more from Coconut Records here.

Summer Staples

There are a few things in my closet that I simply cannot go without in the summer. No matter what the combination, I have to simple white tank, denim shorts, a cute bikini, killer sandals, a hat to shade my scalp & face, and of course a great bag and jewelry. Here are some of my summer picks from around the web: {top}Corsage Tank $19.50 @ Gap; LENA BERNARD Multi Color Seahell Ring $110; Spillane Straw Fedora $28 @ Urban Outfitters; {bottom}Current/Elliott Roll-Up Short $185 @ Chick Downtown; Tuscan Rooftops Satchel $168 @ Anthropologie; LOEFFLER RANDALL Flynn Snake Rose Gold Ruffle Sandal $431 @ Chick Downtown; Diane von Furstenberg Bikini with knot detail $240 @ Net-A-Porter;

BCBG 2010 Resort Collection Preview

The BCBG Max Azria 2010 Resort collection is stunning! I wish only I could get advance samples for my closet. I need better connections! Everything from the draping, textures, colors, and killer platforms amount to perfection! My favorite looks from the collection are pictured below: View the entire lookbook here.

Vintage Treasures at Chick Downtown

Chick Downtown has a new section on their web boutique featuring fabulously curated vintage clothing and accessories for sale. My favorite pieces are pictured below: {top} Floral Amethyst Bracelet $1,850; Plum Silk Diane von Furstenberg Dress $380; Olive Sunglasses $36; Brown Sunglasses $36; all @ Chick Downtown. {bottom} Pink Floral Dress $80; Art Deco Pendant $1,850; Owl Pendant $32; all @ Chick Downtown.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson, King of Pop

I could barely believe the news this afternoon when TMZ.com first reported the news of Michael Jackson's death. At the age 50, the pop music legend, died of cardiac arrest. I can't tell you how many times I've watched the Thriller video, or sang along to Billie Jean, but I can tell you that despite his troubles and legal woes the world has lost a great musical talent today. My heart goes out to his children, family, and friends. R.I.P.

Budget Buys At Bakers

While my fiance and I save every last penny for our wedding, I am constantly looking for stylish deals. I know many of you can relate what with the economy still in shambles and all. There are some fantastic shoes at affordable prices from Bakers that are hard to refuse: {top} Striker $69.99; Carina $79.95; Lilly $39.99; @ Bakers {middle} Isis $89.95; Dorian $39.99; Kelli $99.95; @ Bakers {bottom}Pretty $25.95; Bracelet $34.99; Jessie $39.95; @ Bakers

80%20 Pop Up Shop

80%20 Invites You To Eat, Drink, And Love Shoes At Their First Pop Up Shop @ Inven.Tory Tuesday, June 23 From 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Drinks And Food Provided By La Esquina Come By And Get Spring/Summer 09' Deals! The Pop Up Shop Will Be Open From June 20 - 28th Inven.Tory is located in NoLIta at 237 Lafayette Street between Prince and Spring. Some of my favorite 80%20 styles are pictured below: {l to r} 80%20 The Millie Bird Gladiator in Luggage $80; 80%20 The Molly Open Toe Hidden Wedge in Natural $102; 80%20 The Layla Gladiator Wedge in Luggage $96; 80%20 The Melody Hidden Wedge Bootie in Luggage $61.75; all @ Karmaloop.