The Madewell shop in Soho is a must-stop for me, but for my friends who don't have a Madewell available for lunchtime browsing please click on over to Shopbop and check out the latest selection of Madewell merchandise. The fantasticly distressed denim, suede boots, leather messenger bags, and printed scarves are must-haves for our weekend wear:


{top} Madewell Rivoli Jacket $118; Madewell Soft Suede Boots $248; Madewell Chain Fringe Cowl Tee $68; Madewell Mini Messenger Bag $128; all @ Shopbop.

{bottom} Madewell Slim Slouch Jeans $95; Madewell Leather Bomber Jacket $495; Madewell Brownstone Bag $325; Madewell Rail Straight Leg Jean $88; all @ Shopbop.

The A.P.C. fall collection is perfect for girl's who has in the past been known for sneaking separates from their boyfriend's closet. A.P.C. couldn't make the menswear as womenswear trend anymore desirable. I anticipate the girliest of girls craving at least a few of A.P.C.'s slim, boxy cut pieces. Check out my favorite looks below:


View the entire collection here.

Lately, I've been all about accessorizing, so imagine my delight when I spotted these wonderful jewels amongst J.Crew's Fall arrivals! I am just dying for the garland bracelet and necklace as it would look wonderful with my current wardrobe, and I can think of nothing better to go with the colors of fall than the stones found in their "Majesty" and "Duchess" pieces:


{top} Jeweled garland bracelet $95; Jeweled garland necklace $150; Majesty stone bracelet $78; Siren necklace $58; all @ J. Crew.

Today I'm craving neon, and being that pink is my favorite color, I am leaning towards hot pink. Before I get too carried away, I am going to start with my nails...Essie's Neon Collection might cure me, but if not, I have a few tricks up my neon sleeves:


{l to r, top to bottom} CC Skye Leather Screw Bracelet @ CC Skye; Diana F+ Mr. Pink Camera @ Lomography; Tory Burch Patent logo wallet $195 @ Net-A-Porter; Essie Flirty Fuschia $8 @ Essie; VPL Box Kite 1-Z Suit $136.50 @ LaGarconne; Jimmy Choo Morse ballet flats $415 @ Net-A-Porter; Louis Vuitton Leomonogram Bracelet Fuchsia $265 @ Louis Vuitton;

I hope all of my younger PBL readers are saving up their hard earned cash they earned this summer lifeguarding, waiting tables, babysitting, etc. because Coach's new Poppy collection is geared towards the younger set, or any girl who has glitter pumping through her veins. With bright hues, bold prints, sequins, metallic, and patent leather Coach is drawing us in all in the spirt of accessorizing! It is great to see a brand known for their polished prep to cater to a more youthful audience. The energy in the collection is contagious! Here are some of my favorite pieces from the collection:


{Top} Pop C Overnight Satchel $368; Poppy Zip-Around Wallet $168; Patent Spotlight $298; Pop C Large Spotlight $368; All @ Coach.

{Middle} Multi Type Signature Print Bangle $128; Pixy Rainboot $108; Poppy Heart Picture Frame Charm $30; Shimmer Ballet Flat $148; Evie Tote $198; Bonney Hightop $108; Spotlight Bag $298; Shine Ballet Flat $138; All @ Coach.

{Bottom} Skyla Flat $158; Pop C Zip-Around Wallet $158; Graffiti Groovy $198; Mistie Hightop $138; All @ Coach.

Stella McCartney's Resort 2010 offers the perfect mix of nautical inspired sportswear, with beautifully draped dresses, and sexy tailored pieces. I am completely smitten with her slouchy drawstring jackets!!


View the entire collection here

{images via Style.com}

I really admire the eclectic style of Dallas based blogger, Jane Aldridge. Jane is only seventeen years old but given she has such a fashionable Mum (Judy Aldridge of Atlantis Home) it is really no surprise she has a fantastic sense of style, not to mention a sick shoe collection. Here are just a few shots of Jane from her blog, Sea of Shoes:


{images via Sea of Shoes}

Jane & her mum Judy are even featured in this month's Vogue:

{source: Vogue}

Of course, this post wouldn't be complete if I didn't mention Jane's collaboration with one of my favorite shops, Urban Outfitters!

Check out the J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes capsule collection for Urban Outfitters below:


{l to r} J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes Gladiator Heel in brown $98; J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes Gladiator Heel in black $98; J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes Laced Boot in brown $158; J. Aldridge by Sea of Shoes Laced Boot in black $158; J. Aldridge By Sea of Shoes Lace-Up Skimmer in black $58; all @ Urban Outfitters.

Elena Coleman, an architect turned jewelry designer, started her jewelry line TomTom last fall. Personally, I've never been more thankful for someone else's career change because I am loving my new necklace from the TomTom Merchants & Marine collection! The pieces are made using mixed metal chains, ribbons, vintage buttons, and charms and are made right here in Manhattan. Check out my favorites from TomTom below:



{top} Down with Love $155; Swallowed by the Sea $195; The Love Machine $195; One of those days $165; all @ TomTom.
{bottom} Navigation Right $215; Metal Crest $95; Three Sheets To The Wind $205; Anchor Earrings $55; all @ TomTom.

Summer decided to show up in New York just as all of us fashion people are planning to make room for our Fall wardrobes. Now we are worrying about keeping cool. I plan on rewarding myself and my friends with a delicious treat after this ridiculously hot & humid week! Could there be anything better than a cookie ice cream sandwich? I think not!


Mini Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwiches


Ingredients

Makes 12

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in center. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add sour cream, egg, and vanilla; beat until smooth. With mixer on low, gradually add flour mixture; mix in 1 cup chocolate chips.



2. Using 1 rounded tablespoon per cookie, drop mounds of dough, about 1 1/2 inches apart, onto two baking sheets. (You'll have 25 to 30 cookies.) Bake until golden, 10 to 12 minutes; transfer to a rack to cool completely.
   
   
3. Scatter remaining chocolate chips on a plate. Place about 2 tablespoons ice cream between 2 cookies, bottoms facing in; press gently. Roll the sides of each sandwich in chips. (If ice cream is melting, place sandwiches in freezer until firm enough to roll in chips.) Transfer sandwiches onto baking sheets. Freeze until firm, at least 2 hours; then wrap individually in plastic. Freeze up to 2 weeks.

This weekend, I broke in my Gap Born To Fit "Always Skinny" jeans. They are pretty sweet and comfortable too! I love them! You can pick up a pair at your local Gap or Gap.com TODAY! Meanwhile, I am busy contacting my five Gap giveaway winners! Exciting stuff!

Always Skinny (Saturated Dark Wash) $69.50 @ Gap.

Eva of Tinctory, creates gorgeous smocked necklaces and jewelry using re-purposed vintage silk. Her work is inspired by the intricate needlework seen on historic textiles. I am coveting these three pieces pictured below:



{l to r} Peach necklace $96; Sage necklace $96; Jane necklace $96; all @ Tinctory.

More samples of her work can be seen on flickr or in her shop.

The fringe trend of the current season seems destined to carry on into the fall. From Navajo inspired vests, sandals, boots, and bags, to delicate bib necklaces, and flapper dresses, we just can't shake our love for fringe!



{top} Alexandra Neel Aphrodite Fringe Wedge $352.50 @ Shopbop; Feather Clutch by Melie Bianco $68 @ Need Supply; Max Fringe Necklace-Grey by Norwegian Wood $68 @ Need Supply; Tuscan Rooftops Satchel $168 @ Anthropologie;

{middle} Mink Pink Fringe Benefits Vest $225 @ Shopbop; Dante Moccasin Fringe Sandal in Melon $88 @ Free People; Leyendecker Fringe Tank $69.90 @ Saks; Christian Louboutin Deva 120 suede fringed boots $1,095 @ Net-A-Porter; Sheri Bodell
Petal Fringe Top $370; VITA Black Classico with Fringe $99 @ Chick Downtown;

{bottom} tuleste market Cheyenne Fringe Bag by CharlieMyLove $325 @ Shopbop; Nanette Lepore Venus Mini Skirt $225 @ Saks; Haute Hippie Fringed Tank $117.90 @ Saks; Wendy Nichol cross elk fringed satchel bag $695 @ Bird; flounce tbd Fringe Trim Tank $44.90 @ Nordstrom; HAVANNA-Suede Fringe Sandal $55 @ TopShop; Chie Mihara T-Strap Pumps $355 @ Saks; Ecote Suede Fringe Hobo $29.99 @ Urban Outfitters;

More on the fringe:



{top} Fringed Mini-Wedges $128 @ Anthropologie; Suede Fringe Chain Handle Bag $80 @ TopShop; Foley + Corinna Ombre Fringe Dress $347.90 @ Shopbop; Charlie My Love Cheyenne Suede Fringe Handbag $288 in grey @ Intermix; UO Silk Fringe Necklace $38 @ Urban Outfitters; Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Fringe Hem Tank Dress $297 @ Shopbop;

{middle} LaROK Off Shoulder Fringe T-Shirt $228 @ Shopbop; Canvas Fringe Lace Up $38 @ Urban Outfitters; K Jacques, St Tropez suede fringe sandal $189 @ Bird; Rachel Comey Radcliffe Wedges $345 @ Anthropologie; Enshallah fringed leather clutch $125 @ Bird; Juicy Couture Fringe Baby Doll Handbag $245 @ Shopbop;

{bottom} Jimmy Choo Diane Kid Fringe Hobo $1495 @ Saks; Minnetonka Calf Hi moccasin boots $100 @ Net-A-Porter; Tory Burch Tory Flapper Convertible Bag $395 @ Saks; LaROK Fringed and Fancy Free Suede Vest $180.60 @ Shopbop; Dolce Vita Irus Flat Sandals $160 @ Saks.

Tim Burton's take on the Lewis Carroll classic is one of the most highly anticipated films of next year. The film will be a sequel of sorts and will hit theaters March 2010! The movie will star Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helen Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, and 19-year-old Mia Wasikowska as Alice. The stills and images from the upcoming film are out of this world.



The OFFICIAL Alice in Wonderland trailer is below:

My second favorite thing to do after playing dress up is playing with make up, so I ordered a bunch of M.A.C. pigment samples from The Body Needs and have been painting and shading like mad ever since! I've swatched them for you. So far, I would say Mutiny, Melon, Copper Sparkle, Sunnydaze, and Violet are my favorite shades!



Order your samples at The Body Needs here or purchase a full container directly at M.A.C.

I hope my upcoming wedding will be as fun filled as this one...



Just a little something to put a smile on your face today! I'll be back tomorrow with more posts!

A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely Justine of Brand About Town to potentially become a Gap Brand Enthusiast. I met with Justine over coffee and then went shopping with her in the Gap on 5th Ave where I chose an adorable dress, scarf, and ruffled tank top to take home all just for meeting with her. Soon thereafter, a package arrived for me in the mail with a giant tote, perfume, lip gloss, and a "Born To Blog" tee all from the Gap:



I had been chosen by the Gap to host a "Born To Fit" jeans party with some of my girlfriends!!! I was beyond thrilled! Given that is in the middle of wedding season, I opted to get started right away and host the party out east at my fiance's parents house (my NYC apartment is less than ideal for hosting 10-20 people!) on Sunday July 19th. It was the first Gap Born To Fit party of many that other bloggers will be hosting around the country, and the best part is that my guests and I would get to try on and take home the jeans well BEFORE they are available in stores!!

The jeans and other goodies were sent overnight to me via Fed Ex. When they arrived, it felt a bit like Christmas in July! I had sizes 0-12 in three of Gap's "Born To Fit" styles: "Always Skinny", "Real Straight", and "Sexy Boot". These jeans are set to hit Gap stores nationwide on July 27th. They are 110% the nicest Gap jeans I've seen. It is clear the Gap has completely re-engineered the jeans from the wash, fit, and overall feel of the jeans. The fabric is ridiculously soft and is the closest they have ever come to REALLY competing with premium denim and I mean it. These are the images of the three new "Born To Fit" styles available at the Gap July 27th:


(Note: the "Always Skinny" style I had on hand at the party did not have holes, and was a dark/black wash, but I can't wait to try on this version of the style!)

The weather cooperated so I took the party outdoors, which left the inside of the house empty for lots of trying on and jeans swapping! My jeans table complete with "Born To Fit" re-usable totes for my guests to carry their jeans home:







In addition to the awesome jeans, totes, and signage, the Gap was nice enough to provide printed packages of M&Ms (The M&Ms were also printed), "Born To Pop" popcorn, a "Born To Snack" popcorn bowl, and a "Born To Smile" digital camera for the party. I took it upon myself to burn CDs as favors for my guests, and made sure my ipod was pumping the playlist from the speakers for the duration of the party:



My fiance made homemade guacamole for the guests which we served with hint of lime Tostitos. We also served the New York classic Black & White cookies with fresh berries and fresh apples, pears, peaches, along with cheese & crackers. White wine, water, soda, vodka & cranberry, and beer was also available for my guests! :)





The official playlist at my Gap "Born To Fit" Party:




I took photos with my trusty Nikon for the duration of the party, but made sure my guests could take pictures of each other with the "Born to Smile" digital camera the Gap provided:



Inside I put "Fitting Room" signs on the doors of the bathrooms and bedrooms:



Beth checking out the jeans table:


The girls modeling their jeans:


Kelly wearing her "Always Skinny" jeans:




Beth & Patty modeling their jeans choices:

Beth is wearing the "Always Skinny", Patty is wearing the "Sexy Boot"

Kim wearing her "Real Straight" style:


Born To Smile, more shots from the party:








For even more photos of my Born To Fit party please check out my flickr set.

Everyone really loved the jeans, and the party was a lot of fun. The most popular jean was the "Always Skinny" style (I have ONE size left). It was my personal favorite as well, but I truly love them all.

Because I do have left over jeans, and I would never have gotten the opportunity to host such an awesome party if it weren't for my dear readers, I am going to be giving away FIVE pairs of Gap "Born To Fit" Jeans.

Simply leave a comment on this post with your name & email address or shoot me an email platinumblondelife5 [at] gmail [dot] com with with the subject line "GAP GIVEAWAY" before 11:59pm EST Sunday July 26, 2009 to enter. I will notify the FIVE lucky winners on July 27th (the day the jeans arrive in GAP stores). (Please note: the giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.) Good Luck!!!

UPDATE: Thanks to all those who entered! Congrats to our winners Princess Paula, Jennifer, Sui, KayRN, and Saving In Style--you gals will look fab in your new jeans!!

Corsage or floral statement necklaces are the perfect way to accessorize your pretty summer ensembles. These finds range from delicate and feminine, to bright, quirky & fun!


{top} Bonheur Necklace $58 @ Anthropologie; Victorian Hippie Flower & Pearl Necklace $170 @ Shopbop; Garnish Necklace $178 @ Anthropologie; Ranuncula Necklace $42 @ Anthropologie;

{bottom} Gardenia Bib Necklace $198 @ Anthropologie; Fireworks Necklace $38 @ Anthropologie; Globe Rose Necklace $88 @ Anthropologie; Windflower Necklace $38 @ Anthropologie; Whorled Alba Necklace $198 @ Anthropologie;

What girl doesn't have a wish list? Okay, so maybe mine is longer than most, but these are ten things that my closet would really really, and I mean REALLY love to have. Your closet might like them too, so check 'em out:



{top} 1) Ecote Colorblock Applique Tank $58 @ Urban Outfitters; 2)Jacqueline Dress $98 @ Anthropologie; 3) Nanette Lepore Vanity Dress $268 @ Shopbop; 4) Loeffler Randall Yvette Zip Cuffed Pumps $575 @ Shopbop; 5) Deena & Ozzy Chain Lady Bag $49.99 @ Urban Outfitters;

{bottom} 6) Joe's Rya Ex-Lover Crop $174 @ Anthropologie; 7) Shoshanna One Shoulder Draped Dress $375 @ Shopbop; 8) Scalloped Clouds Skirt $98 @ Anthropologie; 9) Swept Away Top $48 @ Anthropologie; 10) Walk-A-Ways Dress $128 @ Anthropologie;

LITTER SF has awesome jewelry-- for your shoes! Accessories for your accessories=brilliant! The Litter look book definitely left me with a bad case of shoe lust, but given that I own some pretty killer pumps already all I am missing is the chains. Enter Litter SF:


{top} Street Walk $98; Walk it out $89; @ Litter SF.
{bottom} Walk Away $135; Crypt Walk $80; Catwalk $98; @ Litter SF.

Max Fedora by Eugenia Kim $325 @ Intermix.


Eek!, a range of hats and hairpieces by Eugenia Kim, debuts in Urban outlets nationwide next month. I have a bit of a problem with resisting hats, accessories, and headbands so I can't wait to take it all in! This is just the latest collaboration that Urban has announced. There are so many fabulous ones I can barely keep up. For info on other collaborations check out this article on Style.com.

I am currently craving pieces from Meredith Kahn's latest collection for her jewelry line "Made Her Think". She creates beautiful, luxe, and interesting jewelry that is perfect for the girl who likes to pair her lace with leather at least some of the time.

{l to r} Victorian Foxtail $325; Crystal Dropped a Foxtail $374; Ruff Bangle $150; Wrap Your Stones Necklace $343; Lovers Linx Bracelet $132; Lovers Linked Apart $462; all at Made Her Think.

{a sneak peek at Sublet's Fall/Winter 2009 Lookbook}

Sublet Clothing is a New York based sustainable clothing line that utilizes organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk, and surplus fabrics in their designs. All clothing is manufactured in the United States in factories that adhere to fair labor standards. Their designs are beautiful, feminine, and meant for you to love for more than a single season.

Sublet Spring/Summer 2009 Lookbook:



View the entire lookbook here & find out where to purchase.

Green Depot houses an impressive array of environmentally friendly and sustainable products all to facilitate greener living. The space on Bowery is impressive, and there are always amazing finds like these here:


{top} John Beck Chalkboard Pendant $175-$295; Kor One Water Bottle $29.95; GoodKind Woody Classic Pen $3.50; @ Green Depot.

{bottom} Green Depot Color Edit $4.95-$44.95; Natural Solutions Cleaning Kit $34.95; Green Depot All-Purpose Cleaner $5.95; @ Green Depot.

Visit the Green Depot...
222 Bowery
New York, NY 10012-4216
(212) 226-0444

Today I bought these adorable Lela Rose for Payless canvas skimmers in blue & cream. They were normally $28, but I got them on sale for $19.99!


[even sophie looks thrilled about my new shoes! :)]

It appears that this color is sold out online, so click here to find a store near you. If you don't have a Payless near you, they do have the black & cream (with red accents) available online that is if you typically wear a size 6 (the shoes run about a 1/2 size too big.)

Lela Rose for Payless Fillmore Slip-On in Cream & Blue (normally $28} $19.99 at Payless.

Kick Pleat has become one of my go-to shops for their fabulous selection of chic & easy to wear dresses. I especially love their selection of Wish dresses, because not only are they incrediably stylish, they fit right into my budget!!


{top} Cross-Back Dress by Wish $148; Shirt Dress by Brochu Walker $346; Belted Circle Dress by Clu $320; all @ Kick Pleat.

{bottom} Quantum Zipper Dress by Wish $153; Asymmetrical Cut T-Shirt Dress by Clu $232; Confetti Print Dress by Wish $140; all @ Kick Pleat.