Roy(al)...looking atleast.

{Be sure to check this post out at StyleBy.Me!}

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One of the most beautiful and inspirational people in fashion would have to be Rachel Roy. As a longtime admirer of her work, I always pay attention to what she creates and how she expands her name.

Rachel Roy…b-e-a-utiful

Roy started out as stylist doing anything from small magazine spreads to music videos. That is what landed her an internship at Rocawear which eventually grew into being head of the design team for the junior and girls department. She then launched her own line and is still here today creating wearable and aesthetic garments women flock to.

A few looks from Roy’s 2011 Spring collection (notice the fabulous jewel toned satin accents on the shoes)

Lucky for us who can’t afford her original line, she has created Rachel Rachel Roy that is sold in Macy’s department store. (Just with a few zero’s knocked off)

(Rachel Rachel Roy models looks from collection’s launch)

Reason #1 to wear Rachel Roy: Look like the first lady

Michelle Obama in a custom-made pencil skirt (this is one of the many appearances the first lady has made in Roy’s designs)

what i need

i need a little more of this....(sleep)

a little less of this....(stress)

so i can have more of this....(smiles and nice jewelry)

photos: fashiontoast, sea of shoes, the glamourai

beetle juice (happy tuesday)

(5 inch and up)

Golden Globes: A New Year, A New Style

{The following is a guest post I did over at StyleBy.Me last Thursday! Be sure to check it out!}

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Ahh, award show season. Every fashionista’s dream. Yes, I do like to see who’s nominated and who takes home the gold but what I love is the gowns. This past Sunday was the kick-off with the Golden Globes. Overall, I don’t think it was one of the best the A-list crowd has shown us fashion wise but they do have that little thing called the Oscars coming up to redeem themselves.

There were three looks that really stood out to me that are definitely worth talking about. These three women really took a step out of their personal fashion-boxes (or their stylists did) and succeeded.

The beautiful Anne Hathaway is known for her lady-like glamour with tulle and sparkle. This Armani number sparkled but was definitely tulle-free. She took a break from all the draping, volume and appliqués and went for something sleek and sexy. Although I couldn’t find a picture, the back plunges down right above her derrière and shows a side of Annie we haven’t seen before. Her pale skin and brown hair are to die for up against this pale pink. Bravo Rachel Zoe.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive

If you have yet to see Angelina Jolie’s Salt, please do so. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “I do my own stunts.” I now have a new found respect for this woman after that movie and the wearing of this gown. Although Angie has stepped out in similar dresses before, never in this bright of a color. This emerald Versace number literally looks made for her as it hits and tucks in all the right places as her hair cascades in soft curls. Brad—you don’t look too bad yourself.

Angelina Jolie in Versace

It’s a mad, mad world especially when January Jones steps out in something like this! As one of my rather new fashion icons, I am hardly disappointed in anything the girl wears and I applaud her for taking that leap into her daring side. Jones is no stranger to red or Versace (wearing the brand to multiple award shows in the past) but the two together!? And with this cut combination!? Love, love, loveee.

P.S. The fringe at the bottom? You are a good woman, Donatella.

January Jones in Versace

she was in tiers

forever21 tiered woven top $29

(also available in mustard yellow!)

Lanvin Spring 2011

If you have yet to see the pictures from Lanvin's spring 2011 campaign here they are now...fab, fab, fab. There is something about models Kinga Rajzak and Iselin Steiro throwing each other across a velvet and animal print-clad room that just seems so chic. Maybe it has something to do with Alber Elbaz's floor-length gowns and fur stoles. Just maybe.

inspired: kelly

need some outfit inspiration or just something over the top fabulous to look at? visit the glamourai.

Bring It On: The Color Edition

Although the temperature this week has reached new lows, i find myself flipping through magazines, scrolling through blogs and browsing online stores for anything and everything Spring.

All of the forums I just spoke of take a stab at what they believe is to be the next big thing in the upcoming season. Some trends, I agree with and some should be left right where they are-- in the past. But one that finds itself reappearing in my fashion conscious is color. Bright color. And lots of it.

Frida Giannini of Gucci really played up the idea of taking multiple bright colors and just throwing them all into one look. Many designers took a similar direction but spun it in their own way.

Gucci

The look tamed is down with the amount of color exposed and with the help of little accents like the bronze in the belt and clutch.

YSL

Although this look in particular would mimic Aladdin off of the runway, the purple with the greens in the belt is such a stricking pair.

Louis Vuitton

Now, this may be a little much but it shows the repetition of the burnt orange and bright turquoise seen. This is a color combination that would rock on a swim suit or a fun going-out bag.

Tucker Combo blouse-- shopbop

This yellow blouse with sweet navy polka-dots show the trend in a more approachable way. The trim around the collar and wrists add a slight bit more color and the ensemble a little more interesting.

inspired: joanna hillman

Joanna Hillman of Harper's Bazaar {senior fashion market editor} posted a picture of her outfit everyday in the month of December. I always love to see how other people wear a particular trend and how they pull it all together. What I love about Joanna is her ability to play with color and accessories. She uses small elements in the outfit to give it that something extra.

Here are a few of my favorites...

leopard loafer love

{ urban outfitters }

Mmm....ridiculously jealous of my sisters new loafers.

The Man's Got Sole

{Today i guest blogged over at the fabulous StyleBy.Me. Be sure to check out!}

Working in a clothing store, I often give the advice to “wear a statement shoe”. In 2005, young British designer Nicholas Kirkwood brought a whole new meaning to the statement shoe. He arrived on the fashion scene with obscure looking heels with backward platforms but it somehow worked. Since then, magazine editors and celebs can’t get enough of them.

{Designs from Kirkwood’s 2011 Spring collection}

{Kirkwood with his creations}

Along with his own collection, Kirkwood is also collaborating with new-comer Prabal Gurung on a line of shoes. Let’s just say he won’t be going anywhere for a while.

{A sketch from the 2011 line of shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood for Prabal Gurung. This design was inspired by African tribal necklaces and is a combination of latex and leather.}

{The sketch comes to life on the runway at Gurung’s Spring ’11 show}

the white shirt

Here is a post from ShopMasons.com I shot and styled based on transforming a white shirt into something for multiple occasions. I love the idea of buying one classic and lush piece and loving it more and more with every wear. Enjoy!

Regardless of a woman’s style, there is one thing that is always in their closet; a white shirt. Although simple and classic, it can be transformed into something edgy and now. And that is what I did with this Mink Pink white blouse.

Jeans + Blouse: Revamped- The first look features the blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, a black leather heel, and a statement necklace. The idea of jeans and a white shirt is dressed up with it tucked in and the wide leg trouser look of the jeans. To top it all off, a mixed metal and rhinestone necklace instantly turns the outfit into something even more glamorous.

Furever Glamour- Ahh, fur. One of my favorite fashion past times. This is the perfect example of how to pull things from your wardrobe you already have. The blouse is paired with navy corduroy skinnies, a bronze heel, and then a fabulous fur jacket. The mix of textures in this look make for something elegant and exciting. Wear the blouse and skinnies to work and then add the fur on for night. Wear this to a party and everyone in cocktail dresses will be wondering why they didn’t think of that first.

Spin on the Classics- Normally, when pairing a white blouse tucked into a skirt and a cardigan over it, cool and fashionable is not what registers. But this look is just that. The pop of color in the skirt and the leopard print cardigan all work into one cohesive look. The brown clogs with tall grey socks bring the outfit into something effortless and downplays the formality of it all. Chic indeed.

{Masons is located in the Northwest Arkansas Mall and on Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville}

little lovelies

The holiday season is full of giving and receiving but sometimes you run into a few little lovelies you just have to get for yourself!

-Pale pink clip-on earrings {Forever 21}

-Silver crystal earrings {Cheap Thrills}

-'H' plate {Anthropologie}

blue hue

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New Years! I am back from Keystone, Colorado where I spent a week skiing, lounging and being merry! Like I've said before when going on trips away from my beloved bloggers...back to the good stuff.

While flipping through the January issue of Marie Claire, more than the Spring trends caught my eye. Armani's Spring 2011 makeup collection was featured and I fell in love. My favorite was the way they used blue shadow and liner under the eye--which takes true skill without looking morbid. Another reason for my endearment is the fact that Megan Fox is the new face for the "Eyes to Kill" mascara. This celebrity endorsement definitely works on me.

page from Jan. issue of Marie Claire

blue used on nails as well

the beautiful blue translates to the runway (probably the other way around!) in Armani's Spring ready-to-wear collection

Armani Spring 2011 makeup collection

P.S.

backside view from the condo (a run that goes right up to the hot tub!)