Want it, need it, have to have it!

Anna Corinna Knotty Nellie Satchel (available in brown) @ Shopbop

Okay, I was out window shopping this weekend (I am on a self imposed shopping hiatus) and I came across THE best handbag. I have been on a quest for a chic black handbag, which is not an easy feat since it's Spring/Summer and earthtones are in vogue, but I found one. I started to drool immediately as I touched the soft supple leather but quickly stopped because I didn't want to ruin the darn thing. I knew it was "The One" (okay the second "The One," sorry boyfriend) when I put it on my shoulder and looked in the mirror. It was large enough for all of my notebooks (I am a listmaker), makeup bag and everything else that I seem to keep transferring from one bag to another. It was unusual with its knots on the sides and it was a slouchy bag, which I was also looking for. It was so.....ME. But alas, at $460 it had to stay put but I WILL BE BACK for you, my love!

Custo Barcelona

Want even bolder prints? Enter Custo Barcelona. Now in 30 countries and 5 continents, Custo Barcelona is the brainchild of designer Custo Dalmau and his brother David. Originally known more for their tee shirts, Custo Barcelona has developed into a clothing line known for bright colors and eyecatching bold patterns. Custo Dalmau envisions the Custo customer as "someone for who individuality is important and who has a young spirit." So do you qualify?

Check out the Custo Barcelona clothing line here

Bold and the Beautiful

Bold colorful print dresses are taking center stage and is one of the season's must haves. From floral to mod, prints denote confidence and are sure to get you noticed. Not sure if bold patterns are right for you? Try a smaller print dress or a bold pattern top to break you in. Or you can choose a large print in a muted color like this ivory dress from Windsor:

Floral print strapless dress $64.50

LaRok Spring Fling smock dress $258 @ Nordstrom

Anna Sui Barboleta dress $418 @ Anthropologie

Mod 3 color dress $22.50 @ Wet Seal

Diane von Furstenberg Ladybug dress $345 @ Neiman Marcus

April, May Bell dress $290 @ Madison Los Angeles

Button front printed dress $53.63 and Frill printed sleeve dress (my fave!) $60.06 both from asos

Beyonce showing how it's done

Gap: Woo Hoo or Boooo?!?

I've heard from one of my Style Spies that the Design Edition at Gap is definitely not worth the $68-88 price tag. The all white shirts created by three up and coming designers have created darling silhouettes but are hardly everyday woman friendly and the material is too thin too wear alone. (My style spy is probably a size 6-8 and she said that the fit wasn't great.) Has anyone seen the line in person and if so what did you think?

Waist Not Want Not

Jessica Simpson and Mischa Barton wearing high waisted pants

70's inspired high waisted jeans are making a major comeback, as evident by designers, Sass & Bide (who started the trend of low rise jeans), Grey Ant, even Zac Posen is getting in on the trend. Celebs such as Mischa Barton and Jessica Simpson have embraced the trend, what do you think? Are you willing to "up" your waistband?

asos Kate high waist flare jean $75.08










Free People sailor trouser $198
























Urban Outfitters luxe high waist skinny jean $68
























asos high waisted shorts $53.63

Yea or Nay?

I think that this bag from Chinese Laundry is very unique but I don't know how practical it would be for everyday use. (I can just envision all of my personals falling out of here in the most inopportune time.) I like it though, although I wish it came in black and it's only $50! So what say you, yea or nay?



Chinese Laundry hobo bag $50 at ooh boutique

White Hot

You don't have to be getting married to wear a white dress. You can pair the "little white dress" with wedges and espadrilles in neutral tones or opt for a colored sandal for another great look.

Jessica Biel

Thandie Newton

J. Crew shift embossed beach dress $125; Oscar de la Renta A-line cotton dress $1,690


Linen silk trim eyelet dress from Bebe $119; B. Darlin cap sleeve dress from Dillard's $49


Arden B shirred front dress $128; Ralph Lauren Black Label linen dress $898


Michael Kors floral lace minidress $1,895; Windsor white dress $54.50

Closing the Gap

Gap has struggled financially these past couple of years, I guess a person can have too many pairs of khakis. Well now they have introduced a Limited Edition line of designer white shirts to try and compete with guest designers like their counterparts at H&M and Target. Using up and coming designers Thakoon, Doo.Ri and Rodarte, Gap is hoping to capitalize on the success of the collection of shirtdresses, trapeze tops and button downs. Priced at $68 to $88, the shirts are a fresh take on the classic white shirt.

Belted shirtdress by Doo.Ri $88

Petal shirt dress by Thakoon $88 (My fave!)

Bow blouse by Rodarte $78

To view the complete collection click here

Best Dress"ed"

I have decided this week is going to be all about the dress. I have read that this Spring/Summer is the season for dresses but I have always loved the look and feel of summer dresses. You can really play up your accessories and change the look with heels, flats, large bangles, dangle earrings, clutches or slouchy bags. You can throw on a jacket, cardigan or wrap for cooler nights and stay cool on those hotter 'n hell days.
These dresses are all about bold color and great for Summer!



Anthropologie Savannah dress $228; Red braided halter dress Wet Seal $22.50



Armani Exchange jacquared dress $150; Carilyn Vail off shoulder dress $155 at Nordstrom


J. Crew Holly silk faille dress $295 (Great for a wedding!); Wet Seal babydoll halter dress $19.50



Shopbop Susana Monaco shift dress $119; Express paisley babydoll dress $59.50

Gwen Stefani in Harper's Bazaar

Gwen Stefani graces the May cover of Harper's Bazaar Summer Fashion issue. Gwen talks about regaining her figure post pregnancy, how she struggled with her weight even before giving birth and her new album The Sweet Escape. Of course she ups the style quotient opting for a My Fair Lady inspired photo shoot.

Christian Dior Fall 2007 Gown

I for one am a fan of Gwen Stefani, I love her sense of style and her willingness to take it to the next level. Gotta get it!

Let's Converse!

Whenever you get dressed do you ever ask yourself, "What is going to be my conversation piece today?" You know, that conversation starter, that one unique something that says unapologetically "This is me." It doesn't matter how much it costs, it doesn't have to be the newest or the It thing, it's just something that you feel good in. You may have found that perfect lil dress in a thrift store, the perfect pair of shoes while getting over a breakup or a wide brimmed floppy hat that belonged to your grandmother. Don't be afraid to be a standout, go ahead and start the conversation!

Laurie Solet Christy clutch $162 (so unique!)

Darimeya poppy print puff sleeve tunic $84.50 @ Asos


Brian Atwood patent platform sandal $890 @ Neiman Marcus


Simon Alcantara necklace $1,155 @ Bergdorf Goodman


Frill detail 3/4 sleeve dress $162 @ Yes Style


Bombshell wristlet $59.99 (on sale!) @ Bamboo Closet


Emerald jade dice earrings $29.99 (on sale!) @ Wrapables