J.Crew Spring Preview

Oh, why hello J.Crew Spring Preview Collection...I see you've arrived. How nice of you to join us.

There's nothing quite like a Crew lookbook to remind me of how much I love this store...and how much disposable income it's going to take for me to purchase the items in it. With all the punchy yellows and Easter-egg blues, this collection is the sartorial remedy for the winter cold.


I must admit that "cold" is defined a bit differently in Arkansas than in the rest of the contiguous United States. The temps are expected to hit a blustery 62 degrees today. Downright frigid, in my opinion.

Meteorology aside, I'm beyond ready to purchase some new spring attire.

How about you? Ready to add a few warm-weather pieces to your closet?

*All images via J.Crew

Be blessed, lovelies-

ABA Fall Fashion Week: {Sophie Theallet}

Hey girls! Lindy, my fab style intern is joining us again today, giving you some info about one of her fav collections from the Fall 2011 RTW runways! Take it away, Lindy!

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Have you ever been late to work and realized that you barely put yourself together? Well if that happens this fall, you’ll be following one of the coolest trends that Sophie Theallet presented in her 2011 Fall RTW collection.

via Vogue

From tops to dresses to blazers, one can tell with just a glance that silk is the most prominent fabric to parade itself throughout Theallets line. This glossy trend was worn in boyish styles with the sharp edge of trouser pants, long ponchos and tailored cardigans. But these outfits weren’t put together as if the wearer had spent hours getting ready for a date night, with loose ties and un-tucked shirts it was as if these models threw on their ensembles while running out the door to work. While appearing unkempt was a definite theme in the collection, the clean lines and colors of the garments were anything but.

Cool grays and fresh blues were juxtaposed against Parisian sunset reds and oranges in a collection that was undoubtedly inspired by French style. The slender models strolled down the catwalk wearing black berets and bold eyeliner, which helped the extravagant colors stand out.

Once you take a look at Sophie Theallet’s line, not only will you want to pack up your suitcase and head to France, you’ll want to buy all these clothes to wear while you’re there! 

Be (fashionably) blessed, lovelies-

Lindy & ...

ABA Fall Fashion Week: {Jason Wu}

Hey lovelies! Hope you all had a delightful three day weekend! The time has come for the annual A Blonde Ambition Fall Fashion Week....excited much? Cuz I sure am!

Myself and my fabulous style intern Lindy Maddox are coming at'cha all week long with the designers that caught our eyes and tickled our fancies for Fall 2011 RTW. You ready to get started? Good.

Here we go...

The Designer: Jason Wu

Highnotes:

You may or may not have heard of Jason Wu. If you haven’t, well, you will soon. If you have, that’s because Wu’s rise to fashion stardom has been a rather quick one, thanks in part to one Mrs. Michelle Obama. And when the first lady likes your stuff, you must be doing something right.

One look at Wu’s Fall 2011 RTW collection and you know this guy is legit. His style is polished, ladylike and classic, making it perfect for career women everywhere. Wu also places a huge emphasis on structure with his pieces, i.e. lots of trousers, coats and pleated dress shirts.

Wu also made lace, a trend we’re already seeing emerge in NYC for fall, an important part of his collection this season. Many of his jackets were marked with a lace stripe down their sleeves. The storm flaps of the coats were covered in dainty lace. He embroidred teeny bits of it onto shirts and skirts so skillfully, it looked not like lace, but like a complex print.

For evening, he amped up the drama with colors like ruby, gold and royal blue silks and feathers.

Swoon…

Textiles/Embellishments to Note:

Lots of tweed. Lots of feathers. Lots of silk (especially with his evening looks). And lace…lots and lots of lace.

Take-Aways:

Lace is going to be BIG this fall. And pretty much anything else that looks Baroque-esque. If you’re like me and aren’t sure what Baroque is (yes, I had to look it up)….click here.

Make It Yours:

It’s doubtful many of us can sport a feather pouf dress to the office, however, there are ways to channel your inner Wu this fall. For starters, look for dress slacks with heavy tailoring. Trousers that fit you to a tee are a great wardrobe staple and the perfect foundation for creating a Wu-worthy look. Also, look for silk blouses featuring prints, preferably in black or white. Also, you don’t have to shy away from lace during the day. Try looking for a cardigan or sweater with lace detail.

Copy Cats:

Of course we'd all love to be adorned from head to toe in Wu goodness, but alas, not all of our budgets allow. Here are a few items that reminded me of looks seen on Wu's runway for a fraction of a Jason Wu original:

ASOS Petite Exclusive Applique Floral Embellished Waist Dress and Manoush Angora Cropped Gilet with Feather Plume

Circle Lace Pencil Skirt and Pencil Skirt in Contrast Lace

Vera Moda Western Tie Neck Top and Poodle Print Tunic

Be (fashionably) blessed, lovelies-

Zoe-M-G

via Pinterest

Remember when QVC was kitschy and silly and no woman in her right mind under the age of 60 would admit to buying anything there? Like, when all they sold were Marie Osmond’s porcelain dolls and tacky cubic zirconia jewelry?

Well, dare we say, QVC has gone and gotten themselves quite the makeover.

Gone are the days of Thighmasters and ceramic knick-knacks, a new era of merchandise is reigning supreme on the television/online mega-store.

And its queen? Why none other than our favorite fashionable minx, Ms. Rachel Zoe herself.

I die.

RZ has added Accessories Designer to her already bursting-at-the-seams cache of titles for a line of handbags, jewelry and clothing for QVC.  To say I’m a fan, well, that’d be a redonkulous understatement.

These Goldtone Beaded Doorknocker Earrings make me weak in the knees, y’all.

…and so do these Chic Cabochon Drop Earrings in Onyx.

This Geometric Link Bead Necklace is the epitome of versatile. It would look amazing with a tunic and jeans or a dress for a fancy night out with le boy.

I’m a sucker for cute, unpractical purses. This Sequin Ombre Bag, I’ve decided, needs to be in my closet ASAP. Like, before our honeymoon. It would look real nice on my shoulder prancing around Charleston, paired with a mini-dress and sky high heels, don’t y’all think? : )

Check out more of her goodness online at QVC…I pinky swear you won’t be disappointed.

Oh and she does her own clothes now. Meet Rachel Zoe, Fall 2011 RTW.

Sickly amazing.

Until tomorrow…

Be blessed, lovelies-

{Cat}walk the Plank

This week, my style intern and fabulous protege Lindy is going to take the reigns for this trend-tastic TWW. She's good, so y'all need to be on the lookout for this rising star in the blogosphere S.T.A.T.

Without any further hoo-haw, here is lovely Lindy!

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As everyone knows, fashions are constantly changing. I’ve always tried to keep up with trends but I’ve come to realize, sometimes what’s trendy is NOT always cute. I went from wearing heinous platform tennis shoes in elementary school, to baggy cargo pants and fake glasses in middle school. Then came spaghetti straps and ripped jeans in high school, and now I’m at flowy tops and skinny jeans in college. Not everyone gets it right, and it definitely takes a lot of practice, but once you find your signature style you have to OWN IT.

Reading Seventeen Magazine and watching the O. C. used to be my way of keeping up with trends, but I’ve never followed them as much as I do now. The toolbar on my Mac is packed with fashion blog after fashion blog, and after they were all voraciously read more than once, I came to the conclusion that SPRING STYLES HAVE FINALLY SPRUNG. One of my personal favorites for spring 2011 was the catwalk adorned with Whitney Eve’s new line.


Whitney Eve

I’ve always loved Whitney Port. Her simplistic girly style is something that I constantly try to emulate (ever since I first watched her on The Hills) and I was more than excited to see her line for Spring 2011. Let me tell you, it was love at first sight. The Whitney Eve collection is composed of chic pastels and feminine silhouettes that combine the eccentricity of New York City, with the go-with-flow attitude of Los Angeles.

The line is composed of striped patterns, animal prints (which are still on the prowl this season) and bright color combinations. Port’s inspiration came from the need to make wearable clothes for girls of every shape and size, while still keeping them comfortable and trendy. What girl doesn’t want to look girly and comfy? I’ll tell you, not a single one I know.

The way the Whitney Eve collection pairs belled out, just-above-the-knee skirts with billowy tops is ideal for a girl of any age, any career, on any day this spring, and it made me want to immediately see the other pieces of the collection. The chic design of the Whitney Eve line is a MUST HAVE for spring and I’m pretty sure I can hear your closet begging for some of these signature pieces right now, don’t you?


Diane Von Furstenberg

Ohhh Diane Von Furstenberg. There are many obvious reasons why she is so well known. Her fashion can transcend the turns of time, and that’s no less true for her spring 2011 line. The chic patterns that appeared on the skinny models of the catwalk made me wish two things- Number one: that I could wear glamorous clothes like these and look as stunning as they do, and number two: that I owned almost every single thing they had on.

The collection paired parallel patterns together with a carelessness that I would die to imitate. Diane Von Furstenberg’s line was made up of coupling of bold and subtle patterns that were inspired by an Isadora Duncan retrospective that Diane, and her pattern in crime Yvan Mispelaere, caught a glimpse of when they were together in Paris. The collection featured striking patterns, DVF’s signature cinched waistline, and perfectly tailored shorts. The arrangement of browns and greens together made Diane’s line look deliciously perfect for spring, and I’m not just saying that because those are the colors of the Starbucks logo, but because they were the colors of many short and cardigan combos. And who doesn’t love that? I know, for one, that every girl in the Maddox family loves a short and cardigan arrangement and once you see this line for spring 2011, I’m almost positive you will, too!

Continued

Countdown to Fall - {Tracy Reese}

It’s Friday, ladies! Can I get an amen?!

I have had a blast gabbing about the latest trends with you girls over the past few days. Despite the 110 degree heat index outside, this post series really did get me even more excited for fall. We may just have to make this a seasonal tradition here at A Blonde Ambition!

To wrap up this countdown week, I thought we’d look at the glorious outfits from Tracy Reese’s 2010 Fall RTW collection. As simple as it sounds, the first words that came to mind when I first saw it were “pretty” and “romantic”. Kind of Jane Austin meets Steel Magnolias, if you will.

Of her style philosophy, Reese says, “My number one inspiration is my customer. I think about how she can look great while trends are changing so quickly.” In an ever evolving industry like fashion, this is a refreshingly honest design approach, I think.

(left) Reese takes a bow following her Fall 2010 RTW show at Bryant Park, NYC;  (right) Up close and personal look at the outfit detailing

For the upcoming season, Reese focused on layering; lots and lots of it.

From skinny pants, arm warmers, chunky cardigans and uber-cozy scarves to trench coats and black-tie affair worthy dresses, the entire collection just oozed class and femininity.

Reese emphasized texture through the use of jacquard, crystal embroidery and, (like Zac Posen), faux fur trim. Many of the dresses in the collection featured loads of ruching and draping – a Tracy Reese signature.

The dominate color palette was light and soft, something we’re not so accustomed to seeing in most fall collections. In fact, it kind of reminded me of a watercolor painting. Tracy Reese: the next Monet? I think so!

The hair and make-up in this show was by far my favorite of any we've seen this week. Reese's models sported smoldering, smoky eyes and pale lips, which leads me to believe that heavy eyes/light pouts will be de rigeur this fall. The hair was soft yet slightly mussed in curly tendrils and tousled to perfection.

Definition of the Day: Bias Cut

Ok, I'll be honest...until recently, I had no idea what "bias cut" meant, in terms of garment style. I mean, I've heard the words thrown around a lot on Project Runway, but that was about the extent of it. Little did I know, but I actually own lots of bias cut dresses.

A bias cut garment is cut "on the bias," which basically means diagonally. Clothing that is made out of striped material so that the stripes come together in a "V", (like all of those cute nautical dresses we loved so much this summer), are cut on the bias. Bias cut dresses tend to cling to a woman's curves more than straight cut clothing, which gives bias cut dresses a reputation of being a little more *ahem* sexier.

Today's Take-Aways

-Just like we've seen with pretty much every other collection this week, layering is key. Better even still, try layering different types of fabrics, (a lace blouse over tweed trousers or a leather jacket over a wool sweater), for a multi-dimensional look.

-'Tis the season for GINORMOUS scarves...so bundle up and look chic while doing so.

-For an unexpected color palette, try wearing pastels this fall, a 'la Tracy Reese. Who says you can't lighten up during the cooler months?

-Make a sweet little party dress (like the pink frock in the second photo set) look a little edgier by pairing it with clunky boots or clogs and black tights. The juxtaposition of innocence and edge will be infinitely more dramatic (and warmer!) than going bare-legged.

Well Blonde Ambitioners, I’m out. Once again, thanks so much for tuning in this week. I’ll see you guys bright and early here on Monday morning!

P.S.- The Shabby Apple dress giveaway is now closed. Thanks to all who entered! The lucky winner was sweet Amy from Live. Laugh. Love...and Libbi!! . I'm sending you an email as we speak to get your shipping info, girlie!

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: style.com, Elle

Countdown to Fall - {Zac Posen}

TGIT, Blonde Ambitioners! (thank goodness it's Thursday!)

I don't know if it's the growing anticipation of autumn because of this post series or if it's because I've been super busy at work, but this week has positively flown by. Hard to believe Friday is almost here, but this girl isn't complaining. I've never met a weekend I didn't like : )

Oh gracious be, I am SO excited to look at today's featured designer, Mr. Zac Posen. One of the most well-received collections to hit the fall runway, this has to be some of his finest work yet.

Zacky-poo and I, we go way back ; ) You see, I've been a fan of his work for as long as I can remember and I'm being dead serious when I say, I've never seen anything of his I didn't adore. He just has a way of dressing the female form like no other.

Let's take a peak at what we can expect from Z.P. this fall:

(left) Posen takes a moment for a quick pic with two of his models; (right) Posen's look board backstage

The word of the night at Posen's after-party for his fall 2010 RTW show was "fashiontainment". As he explained to the media, "It's what has happened to fashion- what prêt-a-porter has become."

Fashion as a form of entertainment? I can get behind that.

The Big Apple-born Posen described his latest opus as "1940s Futurism, very architectural." And one can definitely see this architectural inspiration with the clean stitching and long, lean lines of the garments in this collection.

Gone were the floor-trailing gowns of seasons past; this show was all about structure, versatility and, most importantly, wearability. The dresses were all short, sharp and brilliantly fitted, flaring out from the hips Holly Go-lightly style. Silk brocade and stretch satin were cut and sewn into body hugging shapes, often with a flair or fabric at the shoulder or hemline.

The collection varied in color from soothing nudes and taupes to searing hot reds and fushias.

From raspberry-colored velvet to Chevron striped faux fox furs (say that five times fast), Posen's brilliant use of textiles made this collection one for the books.

The hair and make-up was ultra soft and pretty; no crazy rats' nests or chartreuse eyeshadow. Flaxen-haired models sported smoldering eyes and gloss-free lips.

I should also note that all of the shoes were designed by Manolo Blahnik...and really, does it get any better than a pair of MBs?

Definition of the Day: Body-Con

Short for "body conscious" and inspired by French designer Hervé Lèger's bandage dresses, the term refers to skin-tight garments designed to sculpt the body. It should also be noted that this style movement might be single-handedly responsible for crash dieting : )

Today's Take-Aways

-Wanna feel a little more luxurious this fall? Try a jacket or dress in velvet for a rich, warm look. Better than a cup of hot chocolate and calorie-free : )

-Remember, you don't have to stick to only dark colors during the cooler months; branch out of your comfort zone this fall with bright reds, orange's and pinks- you'll look oh-so-Posen-esque.

-Go for an embellished shoe to add depth and visual interest to an outfit. Brands like Steve Madden and Chinese Laundry have tons of detail-oriented options for a fraction of the cost of Manolos.

-Though a fur dress or trench coat might be a leeeettle over the top for some of us, it doesn't mean we can't experiment with it in small doses. Try a faux fur clutch or fur trimmed scarf to channel your inner Posen girl.

Thoughts, y'all?

Be blessed, lovelies-

Photo credits: Elle.com, NY Mag