Scroll through the notes to learn more about the contents of my bag right here


I hope you all have a fabulous Labor Day Weekend!!

Crush Worthy:



Heartbreaker:



Be Nice, Kindness is always Fashionable:


Just Hold on Tight & Ride It Out:


Luella Lover:



Photography Lover:




Check them all out right here, faves are always appreciated :)

Rory Beca's Fall 2008 collection is absolutely stunning! I love the artful prints, bold colors, in sophisticated ladylike shapes. The collection is uber-feminine with very flirty shapes. The burst of color & prints are balanced out by cute plaid dresses, wide-legged trousers, & silk blouses in a cool gray hue which prevents the collection from being over the top. I could see myself wearing nearly every look in the collection!


View the entire Autumn/Winter 2008 collection here

Purchase the Fall collection at: Shopbop; Active Endeavors; Revolve Clothing; Saks; Neiman Marcus; Singer 22; or any of these fine retailers

This morning I am finding inspiration in these black and white images from Dream & Awake, shot by photographer Daniele Ratti. They are from a set entitled, "Encore":



In all honesty, Dream & Awake is a constant source of inspiration for me. The clothing, images, and videos are always so beautiful and the well thought out concepts always resonate with me.

Check out these videos from Dream & Awake:
Train:



Drown (love this song by DDD):



View more inspiring images from Dream & Awake here & here

Vanessa Bruno never fails to deliver beautiful and effortlessly stylish clothing. I love that nothing in her collections never seem forced or overdone. Her designs are always so comfortable and wearable that the models could very feasibly step off the runway & into the streets of Paris only to later be photographed & featured on the The Sartorialist.
I love the grey, soft hues, and winter white in Vanessa Bruno's Fall collection. I for one am hoping that by wearing Vanessa Bruno this autumn I will feel a bit closer to Paris. :)


Vanessa Bruno Fall 2008 Collection:



The Vanessa Bruno Art Lookbook created by Mark Borthwick features gorgeous photographs of various French singers & actresses. I love the dreamlike quality of the images. Here are a few of my favorite pages:


Watch the looks from Vanessa Bruno on the runway:

a cozy cowl neck cowl neck dress and high heel oxfords:


mustard tights & a cross-body bag...



See more right here at Polyvore

I've made a few more Polyvore sets for your viewing pleasure. One set was inspired by my all time favorite Disney movie, "The Little Mermaid". After I saw the Storybook inspired collages over at Creature Comforts, I knew I had to make sure my favorite film was represented! :) Check them out!

Shine Brighter:


Romance Novelist:


Inspired by Jane Birkin:


Ariel Would Approve:

Charlotte Ronson's Fall 2008 Jane Birkin inspired collection is filled with craveworthy mini dresses & shoes (I must have the knit cuff suede boots!!). The collection is feminine, wearable, with many of the looks having an understated elegance about them. Of course, there were many relaxed & playful elements thrown in like the electric blue mini skirt, cozy outerwear, and slouchy knits all of which will please Charlotte Ronson's fan-base. I'm all on board with the plum, electric blue, and faded black color palette and the hoodsooth & silk floral prints make up some of my favorite looks in the collection! In short, I guess you can count me as a fan too!

Check out more looks from the Charlotte Ronson Fall 2008 Collection below:



Fall Shoes from Charlotte Ronson:


All images via Charlotte Ronson

Watch Charlotte describe her collection & her inspirations:


Video via NYLON TV

I use wall hooks like crazy in my apartment by hanging belts, scarves, long necklaces, hats, shopping bags, & dog leashes on them. They are really essential to my existance especially now that I'm on my closet organization kick! Luckily, my new project happens to coincide with the arrival of these fun wall hooks (designed by Joy) at Urban Outfitters. These would be a fun way to display my necklaces! :)


{clockwise} Painted Glass Hook Leaves $12; Painted Glass Hook Love $12;
Graphic Round Hook Series 2 Bird Nest $12; Painted Glass Hook Tribal $12; all @ Urban Outfitters

P.S. Congrats Joy

I've been keeping myself busy on Polyvore, check out my latest sets:

Be Your Best:


Last Days Of Summer:



Exchange Student:


Autumn Darling:



View all of my creations & share yours right here

With lavish details, luxurious fabrics, jeweled necklines, exuberant color, and expert tailoring Castle Starr's Fall 2008 collection is one of the show stopping variety. It is one that also gives a lesson on how to wear colored tights & purple lipstick while looking completely grown up. (Blair Waldorf would surely approve!) Check out some of my favorite looks from Castle Starr's F/W 2008 collection:


View the entire fall collection here.

I went to Coney Island on a whim this weekend. I had never been there before, so I decided it was now or never. :) I took it as an opportunity to take my Diana for another spin (I will be taking three rolls of 120 film this week so keep your fingers crossed!) Never one to like surprises I had my trusty Nikon on hand too. Here are just a few digital shots I took while documenting my adventures:



See more in my Coney Island set right here

PBL reader, Samantha, sent me a message regarding the hair accessories her and her friends have been making. They are all really quite lovely, and being that I am a bit obsessed with headbands, feathers, hairclips, and hats I found myself wanting all of the offerings from STELLA Accessories! Here are some of my favorite looks:


I foresee a new etsy shop in the works don't you?

If you are interesting in purchasing or ordering anything from the very talented girls email them here

See more looks from STELLA Accessories right here.

Thanks Samantha!

The Fall 2008 collection from Built by Wendy has so much to offer. I've always been a big fan of Built by Wendy because their pieces are perfect layering pieces, but this is the first collection from Wendy I've seen that can truly stand on its own in a grown up kind of way. Put lovely cocktail dresses and ladylike blouses next to her signature jumpers, mini dress, plaid tunics, and pretty florals and we have a stellar spread to choose from!



Purchase fall looks from Built By Wendy right here
View the Fall 2008 Built by Wendy Lookbook right here

Cynthia Rowley's Fall 2008 collection was presented against a backdrop of a whimsical 3 dimensial forest that literally popped up...opening up like a book. The clothes were beautiful in plums, midnight blue, metallics, and teal. I love the playful proportions, fun shapes, and the texture variation. My favorite looks are pictured below! (I have my eye on the cream colored coat!)


See the looks on the Runway:



View the entire Cynthia Rowley Fall 2008 collection here . While you're there check out the very interesting pre-show video on the site as it gives you a peek into the work & process that goes into creating and presenting a fashion show There is also a very interesting video interview with Cynthia Rowley right here.

I want Anna Sui's closet. Of course this probably goes without saying for most fashionistas. But, I don't think I've seen a cooler closet than Anna Sui's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" inspired wonderland.


{img via NY mag}

That entryway is to-die-for! Sadly I don't have the funds to purchase a studio apartment just to shelter my clothing, but I could use some help with the organization part. I've been slowly working on remedying my overflowing closet as I briefly mentioned here. My closet is small but very deep, thus making it a very effective black hole. I'm convinced organization will be my saving grace, so there are definitely a few notes I can take away from this feature. While I do put polaroids on all of my shoe boxes, color coding, or even so much as hanging outfits in groups, like Jessica of "What I Wore" does, is beyond ambitious for me. I would say I don't have time for such a huge project, but having a "system" for my closet would save me a tremendous amount of time in the mornings! In truth I don't need more space (although it would be nice) I need to utilize the space I have effectively!!! Forget the studio apartment, all I really need is a assistant, and, uh, well, a trust fund wouldn't hurt either!

• Target's 4 pop-up shops to open (during Fashionweek) in Soho, Union Square, the East Village & Midtown so I can snag some goodies from the capsule collections from Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Anya Hindmarch, & Sigerson Morrison
  
  
• Gossip Girl I should be ashamed, but I'm not. Sept 1st!!!
  

• John Derian for Target (available 9/7/08)

• the Topshop NYC grand opening in October (10th?) even though they are holding us over at the McCarren Park pool parties (last one of the summer August 24th 2pm)

• Vena Cava for Via Spiga, the capsule shoe collection which will debut during Fashion week will be sold online & at the Via Spiga flagship in the Spring
  

Color blocked heels is definitely a mini-trend that I have found myself being attracted too. There is something fun & enticing about a shoe that has a brightly colored heel in a shade different from the rest of the shoe! Here are some pumps embracing the two-toned look that have caught my eye:


top: Botkier Jeanne Pump in Dark Grey & Yellow Suede $395 @ Revolve Clothing; Sergio Rossi Two-tone sandals $650 @ Net-A-Porter; Penelope mary janes $235 @ Jcrew; Sergio Rossi pumps $654 @ Zappos;

middle: Brian Atwood Starlet suede pumps $580 @ Net-A-Porter; Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue Open-Toed heels $329 @ Zappos; Botkier Women's Jeanne Calf Pump $474.95; Moschino Mary jane Pumps $399 @ Zappos;

bottom: Chie Mihara Oda Heel $230 @ Ped Shoes; Report Signature Shoes Betti Tubular Band Sandal $58.50 (final sale) @ Shopbop; Elie Tahari Sloane Sandal $349 @ Zappos; Max Kibardin Ankle-Strap Pumps $695 @ Saks;

These shoes from the Miu Miu Fall 2008 collection are to DIE for! I'm obsessed! Better yet they are available to pre-order right now... (the only thing better than that would be if I could afford them!)


{clockwise} Miu Miu Suede Platform Pumps $685; Miu Miu Pointy-Toe Platform Pumps $650; Miu Miu Mary Jane Flats $490; Miu Miu Suede Mary Jane Sandals $685; all @ Saks

Caitlin Shearer's beautiful figurative drawings are moody, suggestive, feminine, and endearing. Her works draw you in with her girls' piercing stares, red knees, and poses that are charming in their awkwardness.


::top:: secrets. 6x8 print $9.99; little knickers 8x12 print $18.99; cygnet queen 6x8 print $9.99;
::bottom:: no magic 6x8 print $9.99; I'm in my bedroom; anne frankenstein 6x8 print $9.99;

View Caitlin's work on flickr
Purchase Caitlin's work here

Sharon and Estee Elkayam are the sister duo behind the vintage inspired line, "Secrets of Charm". I count on them for their girly frocks and tailored basics because they are not only lovely but also versatile and quite affordable. My favorite looks from their Fall 2008 collection include the Lila Dress in Biba Print Silk Crepe de Chine (top far left), the Sylvie Top and Charlie Skirt in Purple Silk Crepe de Chine (top second from left), and the Brooke Dress in Celia Print Silk Crepe de Chine & Bill Blazer in Black Wool Crepe with Leather Piping (top far right). See more charming looks below:



View the entire Fall collection here

The images in the Toast look book are truly beautiful The cozy styling in these photos is fantastic!

Shop Toast here

Irana Douer is a 24 year old artist living & working in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Her works never cease to amaze me. The linework, color usage, and emotive themes keep me coming back for more. Here are just a few works by Irana that I love:

View more from Irana here, flickr, & also check out her online magazine Ruby

Doucette Duvall's F/W 2008 collection has a sophisticated 1960s vibe that I adore. I have been dreaming about the orange dress since their fall show took place at the Ritz Carlton. As I look at the images I am more excited about the fall season. I am very tempted to pick up the yellow & orange dresses from the collection that are currently available at Couture Candy : here & here.



View the entire Doucette Duvall collection right here

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend! I am currently enjoying my time away from the city. Overall It has been a relaxing and inspiring time away from home. I will return to the city tonight because T has to work tomorrow, but Sophie and I will enjoy one last day of no responsibilities (nevermind the fact that is everyday for Miss Sophia!). I thought I would share a few photos I took this weekend...



See more of my photos here

The fall/winter Dorothy Lee collection is exactly want I want to be wearing come fall. The collection is chic and ladylike while the styling remains relaxed & hip. If I had to take on the impossible task of choosing a favorite look from the collection it would be one of the purple & green ikat check printed looks or the belted color block silk dress with the twisted and gathered bubble hem. Check out some of the fabulous looks from the collection:


View the entire Dorothy Lee A/W 2008 collection here

P.S. I want that hat! :)

The latest collection from Rachel Dooley of Gemma Redux pairs mixed chains with materials like agate, kambaba jade, & howlite for a dramatic effect perfect for the upcoming season:


top: Cleo necklace $398; Jac necklace $448; Jac necklace $372; all @ Gemma Redux
middle: Libby bracelet $218; Jac bracelet $289 Libby necklace $418; all @ Gemma Redux
bottom: Alex necklace $398; Sas necklace $424; Alex bracelet $298; all @ Gemma Redux

Tonight I watched Dara Torres win back to back silver medals and Michael Phelps clinch his 8th gold medal but during marathons, 1500m swims, and commercial breaks I keep myself busy creating sets on Polyvore! Check out my latest creations below & tell me what you think!

We'll Always Have Paris:


Mixtape Girl:


I'm Ready For My Close Up:


View the details up close & personal right here

Printed mini skirts (which will look fabulous over tights when the mercury falls) & bold accessories (purple & teal please!) are must haves as far as I'm concerned! Check out two of my most recent sets from, where else?, Polyvore!






I'm obsessed :)