So Graphic

click for photo credits

photographer: Terukazu Sugino stylist: Yoshiya Takeshi hair: Chika Kimura @ Tsuji Management makeup/nails: Shiho Kozaki 

model: April P @ Team Inc. photography assistant: Tomoyuki Hino

Photographers / Fiona & Eduardo  Art Direction / Eduardo Valderrama Styling / Fiona Valderrama 
Creative Assist / Siobhan Nolan HMUA / James Milligan  Models / lka Taigushanova  Kris-Ann Watson Assistant / Ulices Arroyo

 photographer: Owen Bruce stylist: George Antonopoulos model: Coco Rocha

photographer: Josefine Bäckström hair & mu:  Amanda Holmsten model:  Emly L @Mikas

Christmas Wish List: Eyeglasses

We are just days away from one of my favorite Holidays: the lights are glistening, the people are merry, the Santas are jolly, and the music is cheerful... You get the picture, I really, really, really like Christmas!

Of course, this season is also about gift giving (ok, and getting)! So, what is on my wish list this year?

Eyeglasses!

A little backstory:
Over Thanksgiving, I fell into a deep food coma and rolled over my fave pair of glasses. Yep, completely demolished.

The pair that is no longer. (Not Warby Parker)

Being the fashion loving girl that I am (and because I refuse to wear contacts), I need a great looking pair of glasses to wear with everything from jeans and a tee to a cute party dress. I know what you are thinking, Where can you possibly find such a stylish pair? Well, Warby Parker of course!

I quite literally want every frame from their new Winter Collection, but I won't spoil the surprise, and only show you my top 3!

Hello adorably nerdy Durand in Saddle Russet (I really hope Santa puts these under the tree).

Found my inner hipster in the Chamberlain pair in Whisky Tortoise (best.name.ever.)

And a hint of chic color a la Edgeworth in Sage.

Even better, each pair is only $95 (including prescription)!

If you aren't in need of a new pair yourself, but looking for that perfect gift for a fellow glasses-wearing fashionista then a Warby Parker digital gift card might be just the thing! Their physical gift cards come with this adorable Make-A-Snowman Kit! (P.S. I still need a new pair ;] )

Don't forget to check out the rest of the Winter Collection Here! 


P.S. I did not receive any gift/product/payment for this post... I just really like fashionable glasses! 

A Double Dose of Jamie Krell

A few weekends ago, I met a real-life fashionista... Now, I know we tend to label anyone and everyone who loves fashion a "fashionista," but when you meet Jamie Krell you realize just how wrong that is.

Jamie Krell is a style and beauty expert who has graced your television screens on shows like EXTRA, E! News, the TODAY Show, The View, Access Hollywood, and really the list could go on for at least five more lines. She also happens to be absolutely gorgeous and incredibly sweet--a fabulous little package (you'll see...).

So, where did I meet Ms. Krell? On the second floor of Neiman Marcas at Scottsdale Fashion Square in the CUSP department where she happened to be giving a lovely presentation entitled "Jamie Krell's Favorite Things." Along with with the CUSP department's manager Aimee, Jamie styled Agency Arizona models a la the spring's hottest trends and, well, Jamie's favorite things.

My favorite piece of advice from the afternoon was, "A leather jacket makes you look instantly cool." And then she spouted off all of the possibilities and I was a believer.  Check out how she paired this feminine lavender and lace look with an uber cool leather jacket.

I also picked up some excellent tips on how to do casual without looking sloppy. It is a fine line that I have struggled with forever. I've never once left my house in pajama's or yoga pants, because I never know who I may run in to. I am armed with the knowledge that it is all about fabric and fit, and can finally be comfortable! Thank you Jamie for setting me free!

Now that we have cool and casual down, Jamie mixes it all up with this glam-but-casual look--layering a jeweled and beaded Alice + Olivia bustier over a white button-up and paired with destroyed denim.

Guess what? You get a double dose of Jamie Krell in this post! Just a few days later, Jamie presented the Macy's Spring Trend Report at Scottsdale Fashion Square to 200+ fashion-loving attendees. There were also yummy treats and beverages on hand.

Though I am obsessed with her personal outfit choices, Jamie showed the crowd how to put together this season's trends in the chicest possible ways. I am especially loving that all of her bottoms choices have some sort of great detail. And of course no one can mix and match print, pattern, and color like Jamie. I am pretty sure I need just about every one of these fabulous outfits.

Check out Jamie's Website and blog HERE! Follow her on Twitter @JamieBKrell

My New Accessory Obsession

There are few things I would list as obsessions (or at the least things I am enamored with) in my life: coffee, glitter polish, statement earrings, and Oscar de la Renta (just check my Instagram ). And few things tend to make this short but fabulous list (because if they weren't fabulous why would they be on my list?)... that is, until I discovered shopbando.com. 

The sparkles, the bows, the sheer feminine splendor of hair, shoe (yes shoe), and other accessories keeps me scrolling repeatedly through each page. These are the kind of accessories that you collect (like my aforementioned earrings). They are also the kind that make your style unique... Surely not every girl is walking around with this insane sparkly glitter bobbi in (on???) her locks.

So, do me a favor and check out all of the pretty bobbles via my new fave obsession!

Fashion Art Accessories

I have talked about this lovely lady's amazing artwork several times before, but I am so excited about the fact that her fashion art can now be mine {and yours of course} in a variety of mediums and I must share.

As I was searching the internet for hours on end for the perfect iPhone 5 cover it hit me, "Tanina!!!" the beau looked at me with a bit of concern, but after I explained he totally understood. 

Tanina Jackson turns her fashion art into the most stylish of accessories (she does notebooks, totes, and makeup bags too), and now I am the owner of my very own Babe&Butter piece a la my iPhone (actually this is my 2nd, I have a makeup bag). 

The best part about ordering my case? I got to choose which ever artwork I wanted. I chose "Caked Up" because I love the juxtaposition of a 'fashionista' digging into a cake, with her hands no less. It is a great reminder not to take fashion too seriously. 

If you would like to order your own Babe&Butter iPhone case, artwork, or accessories visit her website or facebook! You won't be disappointed. 

Gasp Inducing Fashion

Sometimes fashion inspires me so much so that I almost can't contain my excitement, and rather than share it with people who stare at me like a crazy person I thought I should just share my excitement with all of you... fashion lovers who feel the same way!

First let's talk about Amy Adam's Oscar de la Renta gown at the Oscars. We all know just how obsessed I am with Mr. de la Renta and this amazing gown proves just why. Amy Adams also happens to be a classic beauty--her choice to do minimal hair and makeup allowed that beauty to shine.

I scoured the interwebs for a picture of her sitting in it, because, well, it took up the entire seat and part of the aisle which is every girl's dream isn't it?

latimes.com

Then there were crowns... CROWNS... at Dolce & Gabbana. Not to mention the double über amazing mosaic creations.

 Emporio Armani's crazy colors literally made my heart skip a beat. I must own a cotton candy feather dress ASAP.

Fashion Image

I have not blogged in over a month... What is that about?

Well, who really cares. Let's talk about my ever growing obsession with Vogue Japan's 'Fashion Stories.' I am not quite sure when I discovered these four-image treasures, but all that really matters is that they are amazing-- a fashion image lover's dream come true.

Here are a few to admire but be sure to check them all out at http://www.vogue.co.jp/fashion/fashionstories/

Where do you find your favorite fashion images?

Back & Inspired

Hello again! If you read my last post then you know that I took a bit of a sabbatical (3 months) to re-evaluate and re-prioritize. And to be honest sometimes even the things you love the most sometimes become things you don't like so much. For instance, every great song ever (that is until you hear it months or even years later).

With that said, I wasn't sure how to start again. I missed blogging and interacting with others (you, my lovely readers, friends, &bloggers) about the thing I love most--fashion--but I was still at a loss and wholly uninspired. Until I realized that what always inspires me is the same thing that I love about blogging... YOU!

The ever lovely Joanne at Fabulously Average inspires me with her ability to take an outfit to the next level. She is daring in her choices and it always pays off... She is also a fabulous coffee date.

Angela of Forward Fashion Diary  inspires me with her penchant for color, patterns, print, and amazing/outrageous accessories! Plus she knows how to give you a great pep talk when you are struggling to step out of your fashion comfort zone.

Nadia of Nadia Thinks inspires me with her amazing taste in shoes (the girl has a shoe collection any fashionista would kill for!). She also has a knack for color blocking. One day we will travel the world together shopping at all of our favorite places! 

Molly is a beautiful and stylish lady who I had the pleasure of meeting during my time at college in Tulsa, OK. She inspires me with her ability to mix and match classic pieces, making them fresh and fun.

I hope these ladies inspire you as much as they do me! And be sure to let me know what or who inspires you in the comments! 

P.S. I'm so happy to be back and can't wait to see what the year holds for us!

Pre-Paris Fashion Week Roundup

I had originally decided that I was not going to attempt to blog about any of the fashion weeks, because it is nearly impossible to keep up with how quickly they happen (Fashion Month will be over by the end of next week). Then I decided who cares if I talk about a collection that happened 3 days ago or even 2 weeks ago. So today I'm going to show you a few looks I love and of course provide my best commentary.

This Luisa Beccaria is what I want to wake up to breakfast in bed in... I won't even have to brush my hair to impress thanks to the amazing head wrap.

So simple, yet so delicious--Emily Weiss in 10 Crosby Derek Lam.

I tweeted about Twenty8Twelve being a new favorite of mine, and since then I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.  Perhaps it is the fact that the looks are grown-up but still ultra cool. I find it hard to secure the balance of young & fresh (without going too young) and sophisticated woman (without going too old), but I think they found it for me.

More than anything, I loved the beauty looks at Prada. Now if I can just muster the courage to wear a red lip!

Wearable Marc makes me so happy *sigh*

What are some of your favorite fashion week(s) looks and collections?

All photos: style.com

EK Style: An International Interview

One of my favorite things in life is the chance to get to meet new people and connect on something we both love. Such is the case with Esther Kwanga, founder and owner of EK Style. I had the pleasure of getting to know her lovely sisters Becky and Sharon in college where we lived in the same dorm. When I saw that they had started modeling for their sister's company (thank you Facebook) I had to get the scoop! They were so sweet as to connect me with Esther via email; so here you go a fabulous and truly inspirational and international interview all the way from Nairobi, Kenya:

Esther Kwanga

FR-  Tell me a little bit about why you decided to start EK Style

Ever since I moved back to Kenya I have been aggravated by the fashion scene here. I can't tell you how many times I shake my head in utter disappointment when I walk the streets of Nairobi. I believe this aggravation has partly contributed to the drive I have developed for this industry. I have also shopped for my friends in the past as a hobby. I love it because I know how to find nice clothes at a great bargain. I get annoyed when I see people spending lots of money on ugly clothing. I truly want to help such people. My sister, Debbie Hockley, told me that I should become a stylist as I complained to her about the fashion scene in Kenya (she lives in Oxford, England). In addition, my sister Sharon Kwanga really challenged me to step out and put my thoughts into action. Becky Kwanga, my other sister and my mother also supported the idea. And so, EK STYLE begun.     

FR-  What is EK Style? 

EK STYLE is a styling service and is in the process of starting it's own clothing line.

FR- Have you always been interested in the fashion industry? 

Ever since I was in high school, Ive always liked fashion. I never liked looking like everyone else. I always liked to dress like my own person. During my teen years I remember adding a little bit of my own style to certain clothes. For example, I re-vamped a jacket by adding lots of buttons to it. The Jacket still exists and we still wear it. In fact, it is one of the jackets being modeled by Rebecca Kwanga on the EK STYLE page. 

FR- What inspires your designs?

a) God, some of my ideas have unfolded as I spend time with God. I know for sure they did not come from my own head. I know this because a) My mind was no where near thinking about fashion b) my own mind was shocked/awed by the design and c) my mind did not understand how the design would function. However, after I asked God to show me how the design/s would function, He showed me and my mind understood the concept behind the design/s).  International fashion shows and my in built creativity 

FR- Do you sew all of your designs?

I do not sew my designs. I have employed workers who do that.

The Sisters! Beautiful aren't they?

FR- Who does EK Style serve? 

Although the EK STLYE profile currently focuses on serving young women, EK STYLE is gradually expanding to serve both men and women of all ages.

FR- Your sisters model for many of your photos... how is it being able to work with family?

I love working with my sisters. They make the photo sessions FUN! They have been very supportive to me and I appreciate them from the bottom of my heart. I also appreciate the advice they give me now and again. It is very helpful to my business.

FR- What are your future goals for EK Style?

The future goals for EK STYLE are:
a) To have an entire collection for each season, every year
b) To own an EK STYLE store
c) To ship EK STYLE clothing internationally
d) To style Kenyan public figures
e) To be in international fashion runaways
f) Sponsor unfortunate children in Kenya in the area of education. EK STYLE donates a certain percentage of its profit towards educating children who cannot afford to go to school.

FR- Where can people purchase your products?

At the moment, people can order any of my products by sending a message on the EK STYLE page on Facebook. 

FR- Where online can people find you? (Facebook, Twitter, email, website ? etc.)

At the moment, Facebook and Twitter and at ekstyle-ekstyle@hotmail.com

Blogger Questions

1. Favorite Designer?
I can't pick just one. I have a few: Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith and Chanel. There are many more but I'll keep it short.

2. Favorite clothing stores/brands?
Stores: Primark (in the UK), Dorothy Perkins (UK), Name Brand Clothing (U.S). Every time I went to NBC, I always got something that no one else was wearing and how I love looking different. Forever21 (U.S.), H&M (UK) etc.
Brands: Ralph Lauren

3. Do you use Pinterest?

I've signed up but I am not yet active. 

4. How would you define your personal style?

Retro, Preppy and classic