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.

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

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.

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)

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

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.

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;

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:

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.

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 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.

After previously lending her design skills to Coach, Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, & Calvin Klein Elizabeth Phillips ventured out on her own to create her own handbag line ELSPETH in 2005. This luxury handbag line is perfect for downtown gals looking for the perfect bag to take them from day to night. My favorites from ELSPETH are pictured below:

When my co-worker came in to show me her new bronzer* she had just picked up from MAC, I was immediately struck by the adorable packaging! It was packed in a zebra print box, and to top it all off the compact was adorned with leopard print! Never one to miss out on cute packaging or awesome shades like my favorites Violet Fire nail polish or Vibrant Grape eyeshadow. Hurry on over to your local M.A.C. counter to get the goods before they are gone! :)


*Style Warrior Bronzing Powder in Solar Riche $21 at M.A.C.

It wasn't long ago that I raved about Rebecca Turbow's Spring 2009 lookbook. Today I am revisiting that collection for the simple fact that I just adore the pale yellow and heather gray color combination and the simple, yet beautiful shapes.


View the entire collection here.

The Rebecca Minkoff Online Sample Sale kicks off tonight at 9pm EST on the Rebecca Minkoff website. The sale will end on Sunday June 21st at 9pm EST. Happy Shopping!

My little sister is 21 today! We are having a big party this weekend and I wouldn't miss it for the world so I'm flying in to help her celebrate! I'll be away for a few days, but will come back to NYC with lots of inspiration for PBL. xo, Melanie

Brooklyn Flea kicked off this past weekend. If you haven't had a chance to check it out, be sure to put it on your list of to-dos. Brooklyn Flea is meant for awesome weekend finds! See more details here. Check out the vendor list here.

New Surf Photography from Matt Schwartz of She Hit Pause Studios will be on display tonight at the Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel! The exhibit will also coincide with the launch of Joe Freeman's
Old Soul Surfboards.


Monday, 15 June 2009 6-8PM
Chocolate Bar at Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue
3rd Floor Atrium

Enjoy beverages & beach bites

Enter to win one of She Hit Pause's new surf prints Surf lesson's from Old Soul Surfboards
A box of sweets from Chocolate Bar
A gift certificate to Chocolate Bar Long Beach Island
And more.

RSVP to rose@workhousepr.net

Some of Matt Schwartz's other surf photography is pictured below:

Boy + Girl Print $65

Girl Surfing Print $65

After Sunrise Print $65

Waves Print $65

Surfside Motel Print $65

I adore Alexis Bittar's bold lucite jewelry. His designs are the perfect way to add drama to your favorite summer ensemble:



{top} ALEXIS BITTAR Large Oval Swarovski Crystal Mosaic Hinge Bracelet $415; ALEXIS BITTAR Sophia Cocktail Ring $149; all @ Creative Contrast.

{bottom} ALEXIS BITTAR Large Moon Dust Abalone Hinge Bracelet $385; ALEXIS BITTAR Raindrop Earrings in Taupe $82; ALEXIS BITTAR Gold Coral Branch Ring $145; ALEXIS BITTAR Large Smoky Quartz Baguette Ring in Gold $219; ALEXIS BITTAR Dew Drop Earrings in Gold $85; all @ Creative Contrast.

BONUS: Creative Contrast is offering readers 5% off any item through the end of June, simply use to coupon code: ALEXIS5 at check out!

I am loving this series of photo prints by Paris based artist, Labokoff, for L’Affiche Moderne. They make me want to get out of this city just to enjoy nature!!


Fleur violette by Labokoff



Barrière by Labokoff


Lessay by Labokoff


View more work from Labokoff on her blog or flickr page.
Purchase her other works at her etsy shop or Velocity.

There are so many options when it comes to summer beauty it can be overwhelming even for us! We have narrowed down your options a bit keeping mind different skin tones, budgets, etc. for everything from sunscreen, bronzers, self-tanner, hair products to eye-shadow!

Protect the skin you're in with the best sunscreen whether you are relaxing seaside, surfing, or strolling in your neighborhood!



{top} Philosophy Shelter Sunscreen For Face and Body SPF 30 , $25 @ Sephora;
Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Sunblock, Body Mist SPF 70 $9.99 @ Drugstores; Clarins Sunscreen Spray Oil-Free Lotion Progressive Tanning SPF 15 , $30 @ Sephora; Sunblock, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist SPF 45 - 5 oz $9.99 @ Drugstores; Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 $17.50 @ Nordstrom;

{bottom} Neutrogena Healthy Defense Sunblock Stick, Oil-Free SPF 30 - .47 oz $5.99 @ Drugstores; Clinique 'After Sun' Rescue Balm with Aloe $20 @ Nordstrom; Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 36 PA++ $20 @ Sephora; Clinique 'Sun' Advanced Protection SPF 45 $17.50 @ Nordstrom; Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++, $34 @ Sephora; Clinique Sun SPF 25 Body Spray $20 @ Clinique; Philosophy Hope In A Jar SPF 20 , $18 - $45 @ Sephora; Clinique 'Sun' Face Cream SPF 30 $17.50 @ Nordstrom;

*Sunscreen Budget Buys*: Anything by Neutrogena as their sunscreens offer great protection without being greasy or smelly.

Sunless Tanning Essentials:


{1} Cargo Eye Bronzer $22 @ Sephora; Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel , $32 @ Sephora; Neutrogena Sheer Bodytint, Instant Temporary Tan, Light/Medium - 4 oz $9.99 @ Drugstores; Bliss Hot Salt Scrub, $36 @ Sephora; Tarte Glam Gams Leg Bronzing Stick $30 @ Sephora;

{2} L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion, Deep Natural Tan - 5 fl oz $8.49 @ Drugstores; Smashbox O-BRONZE , $26 @ Sephora; Bliss Blood Orange+White Pepper Body Butter , $35 @ Sephora; Tarte Sunburst Beaded Bronzing Lotion , $28 @ Sephora; Coppertone Endless Summer Sunless Tanning Gradual Tan Moisturizing Lotion $7.82 @ Drugstores; Neutrogena MicroMist Tanning, Sunless Spray Deep - 5.3 oz $10.49 @ Drugstores;

{3}DuWop Sundrops Bronzing Serum $28 @ Sephora; Too Faced Tanning Bed In A Tube - Face , $21.50 @ Sephora; Neutrogena Build-a-Tan $9.99; Banana Boat Sunless Summer Color Tinted Lotion, Light to Medium $6.57 @ Drugstores; Michael Kors Leg Shine in Bronze$32 @ Neiman Marcus; Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer, Fair Skin Tones - 7.5 fl oz $7.99 @ Drugstores;


*Budget Buy Recommendations from above*: Neutrogena Self-Tanner in Build-A-Tan or Micro Mist (I use both and love them equally) & Jergens Natural Glow if you prefer subtle color.


Bronzers:



{top} Dior Dior Bronze Lumières D'or Face And Lip Palette , $45 @ Sephora; Benefit Cosmetics Boxed Powders Collection in Hoola $28 @ Sephora; Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder , $27.50 @ Sephora; Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc , $38 @ Sephora; Urban Decay Baked Bronzer, $24 @ Sephora; Sephora Brand Bronzer $16; CARGO The Big Bronzer, $32 @ Sephora; Sugar Cosmetics Tropic Tan Loose Powder Bronzer, $12.50 @ Sephora;

{bottom} Too Faced Pure Bronze , $28.50 @ Sephora; Smashbox Fusion Soft Lights, $30 @ Sephora; Laura Mercier Golden Bronze Pressed Powder, $32 @ Sephora; LORAC TANtalizer Baked Matte Satin Bronzer SPF 15, $30 @ Sephora; Lancome POUDRE ELEPHANT TEINT Bronzer Powder - Sun of India, $36.50 @ Sephora;


**Budget Bronzers** Physicians Formula Baked Bronzer Wet/Dry Application, Baked Bronze $11.95 @ Drugstores (If you are looking for something comparable to anything above that you just don't have the $20/$30 to spend, I recommend starting with Physicians...these are definitely not ones to turn your nose up at!) ; Revlon ColorStay Bronzer $13.99 (I like all of Revlon's bronzer options); Prestige Bronzer Terra $8.69 (I bought this giant compact at Duane Reade about a month ago and was a complete STEAL! I find it to be comparable to Cargo's giant compact);

Summer Hair & Beauty Bag Essentials:



{top} Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beachcomber Leave-In Conditioner , $23 @ Sephora; Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control , $23 @ Sephora; Frederic Fekkai Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves , $23 @ Sephora; Michael Kors Island Michael Kors Hawaii , $62 @ Sephora;

{bottom} Sephora Brand Calypso Soul Eyeshadow Palette, $32; Urban Decay Get Baked Eye Kit ($53 Value), $28; Dior Backstage Eye Show in Queen of Green $31 @ Nordstrom; Sephora Brand Colorful Eye Shadow Palette, in Chromosone X 10 $24 @ Sephora;

**Summer Hair Budget Buys**
Moisturize your hair before/after you go out in the sun or sea:
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Deep Recovery Hair Mask $6.99 @ Drugstores; John Frieda Frizz-Ease Care Daily Nourishment Leave-In Conditioning Spray $5.99 @ Drugstores;

Natural Highlights W/Out The Damage:
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Shampoo - 9.3 fl oz $7.99 @ Drugstores; John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Conditioner - 9.3 fl oz $7.99 @ Drugstores;

Best smelling Shampoo/Conditioner:
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo - 12 fl oz $3.99 @ Drugstores;
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner - 12 fl oz $3.99 @ Drugstores;

Softest Skin: Johnson's Baby Baby Oil Gel, Aloe Vera & Vitamin E - 6.5 oz $4.29

Eyeshadow: The L'Oreal HIP line has great shades for summer...
L'Oreal HIP Shocking Shadow Pigments, Striving 228 $12 @ Drugstores; L'Oreal HIP Bright Duos Shadow, Showy 224 $7.99 @ Drugstores; L'Oreal HIP Bright Duos Shadow, Flashy 318 $7.99; L'Oreal HIP Shocking Shadow Pigments, Exciting 102 $12 @ Drugstores; L'Oreal HIP Bright Duos Shadow, Flare 404 $7.99 @ Drugstores;

Candystore Collective has a new website, complete with a charming animation designed by one of our favorite artists, Alyson Fox. The online shop also has six exclusive limited-edition prints of Alyson's work available for purchase. Check them out below...


alyson fox scene_1 $45 @ Candystore Collective.



alyson fox scene_16 $45 @ Candystore Collective.



alyson fox scene_12 $45 @ Candystore Collective.



alyson fox scene_9 $45 @ Candystore Collective.



alyson fox scene_8 $45 @ Candystore Collective.



alyson fox scene_7 $45 @ Candystore Collective.

I love Babycakes Bakery, so I was thrilled to see they now have a gorgeous cookbook out in stores now. I am always up for a challenge and would love to try my hand at one of their recipes. I know some of the ingredients are hard to come by & can be expensive, but if you're like me and practically live at Whole Foods you shouldn't have to much trouble finding what you need.

Purchase the book here, and for tips check out Babycakes FAQ section on their website.

P.S. I craving a cupcake now...

Tim & I have been engaged for a week, and I am already feeling overwhelmed. There are so many decisions to make. There is a sea of things that I love, but I am trying to ease myself into the whole wedding planning process. I am casually browsing wedding blogs and magazines and finding things I love, like, & dislike. That makes things a little more fun. Here are a few wedding images I absolutely adore from around the web, click through for more images of real weddings:


{1}Cake; Fiance note; Rings + conversation hearts; Bride & Groom with Horse;

{2)Bride & Groom jumping; Bride on hill; Bride's hair; Car; Wedding Sparklers;

{3} Bride & Groom in Blooms; Bride's Ring; Flower Girl;

{4}Tent party; Bouquet; Celebration sign ; Bride with Parasol; Bride's Veil;

{Via Our Labor of Love, Style Me Pretty, & Once Wed}

I simply adore the photos taken by Kate Murphy in Brooklyn for this couple's engagement session. The bride-to-be looks stunning! I love what she is wearing, and how her gorgeous vintage engagement ring matches the color of her jacket.  

 

View all of the beautiful photos on Kate Murphy's website. Any photographer gets bonus points in my book for shooting at least part of a session with film--Check out the film shots from this session here.

Dita Von Teese, and a number of other celebrities are making a stand to raise awareness and help fight AIDS with H&M and Designers Against AIDS (DAA) by designing tees, dresses, vests, and body suits all in the name of a good cause! The celebrity designers include: Dita Von Teese, Katy Perry, Róisín Murphy, Estelle, Cyndi Lauper, N.E.R.D, Robyn, Yoko Ono, Yelle, Moby, Katharine Hamnett, Dangerous Muse, and Tokio Hotel. 25% of the sales will be donated to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects. I immediately fell for the Dita Von Teese tee that is available at H&M for $16.50. Doesn't she look amazing in it? I just love her!