Fashion Week Fall 2014 RTW: Turtlenecks, Green and Patterns Oh My!

Inspiration for Spring and Summer from Fashion Week Fall 2014

Photos from wwd.com and polyvore.com 

Quarterly Co.

I may be the only person within a mile radius who still watches Project Runway, but that hasn't stopped me from remaining totally obsessed with Nina Garcia. A fashion guru who nails it everyday, she stuns in sleek and streamlined sophisticated clothing. Not to mention that since she has taken over as Creative Director for Marie Claire, I have seen a marked difference in the level of glamor and engagement.

A few weeks ago, I discovered, via her instagram post, obviously, that she has partnered with subscription box company, Quarterly Co. Quarterly, Co. partners with a list of "curators" who are rockstars in their respective field. These thirty curators hand pick items for a box that will arrive to customers once every 3 months. The boxes have a more premium price tag ($50 - $100) than most other box services, which is probably why they chose the quarterly distribution model. The most innovative part of the company is the vast number of categories covered by the box offerings. In addition to a box of fashion, beauty and lifestyle goodies curated by Mrs. Garcia, customers can sign up to receive food and cultural items curated by Andrew Zimmerman, music and lifestyle items selected by Pharrell Williams focused on "curiosity," and several boxes centered on men's lifestyle and fitness curated by NFL stars. 

I signed up right in time to receive the March Nina Garcia box. When it finally arrived, I experienced a level of glee usually reserved for catty Bachelor episodes and nights out with the girls. Some of the items will get more use than others, but definitely a fun experience overall!

Feast your eyes on the contend of my box:

Nina's Letter!

Clockwise L to R: philosophy time in a bottle, Sara Beltran Shark Tooth necklace and C Wonder bangle, O.P.I. Greenade by #NG nail polish, Revive's Moisturizing Renewal Serum, Tom Ford Jasmine Rouge perfume, Laura Mercier Bonne Mine compact

Clockwise L to R: Lafco soap, Donkey Co. tea bags, Graphic Image Pocket Notes notebook, X-pen ballpoint pen, Charming Charlie wallet, Muy Cool T-shirt by Spenglish (designed with Nina)

Fashion Week Fall 2014 RTW: Wack is Back

So, I usually start my FW recaps with looks that I find applicable to my everyday vibe, or in some cases, clothes that are really, really pretty. However, I want to begin this report with an overview of some of the most outrageous and eccentric looks from the shows. Happy reading!

I'm pretty sure if you totaled up everything for sale at McDonalds in a given time period, it would not equal the price of this one outfit. No matter, I want to wear this shirt dress, visor and quilted red and yellow bag and stroll right up to the front of the line. You have to get Micky D's for free while wearing this look, right?!

At first, it looks like the model is wearing a baby bjorn (or similar baby holder). But then you just see the face of the model and no baby, so I get confused.




I really want to put on this suit and challenge someone to an Elmo-off. Anyone know if Elmo has any signature moves?






This is like the cozy version of a straight jacket. You are wearing all white, there is no hint of skin, and you can get totally tangled up in your ensemble.




Is this not the most carefree outfit you have ever seen? I want to wear this on a nice spring day when the plants are in bloom. I'm assuming that happy-go-lucky birds will land on my shoulder.

Straight jacket part II. I don't know how this works.








So, this is the reject outfit for Katniss in Catching Fire?







Okay, so I know that Gravity has gotten some buzz, but I don't need to be prepared to blast off at any moment.






Photos via wwd.com and polyvore.com

Bachelor Nation Revolts

Someone forgot to tell Juan Pablo that in English, "killing it," or "kelling it," as Kelly, the dog lover, would say, requires that he charm the ladies, not literally kill all ability to feel sexually or emotionally aroused. I feel bad for the dude, who clearly just did not know what he was getting himself into. It took some serious work to undo the hottness that comes with his physical form, athletic abilities and tender parenting. But somehow, he succeeded. I am deeply interested in the reaction from current and past bachelor contestants (and also Jason Biggs?!) who openly display their distaste for Juan Pabs.

Below, I have collected some of the most inflammatory comments that were thrown around the social media sphere this past week. Andi and JP's battle definitely seemed like the Tipping Point and I can only imagine that tonight will be a royal bloodbath. YAY!

New Year's Resolution: Food

Alright, so it's already February...and mid-February at that. Is it impressive that I'm still talking about New Year's Resolution at this point? Or sad because normal people don't create new ones in February? I can't decide. Anyways, to balance out my SERIOUS love of Chinese food, rice and cheese, I need to devote significant time to creating (or microwaving) delicious meals that won't make me feel like I should star in that show "My 600 lb Life."

Firstly, I just need everyone to experience how truly delicious Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers are. Seriously. They taste amazingly fresh and are only 300-350 calories.

 


Photos via healthychoice.com

^And YES, it actually really looks like this. See my photo below!

Now that I got that out of the way, I want to discuss some ingenious recipes that I am going to steal. Cosmo created this wonderful list, which counted the creative ways that we can use cauliflower. I am not sure if there is a general consensus on this yet, but for me the consensus is cauliflower=yum.






Photos via Cosmopolitan.com

New Year's Resolution: Fitness

I have to be honest here: I am a total lameo when it comes to working out. I go to the elliptical, turn the channel to Castle or NCIS and work out for the 60 minutes show duration. However, a short blurb on strength training in featured in Glamour's January issue sparked my interest. Apparently, 30 minutes of strength training can increase the effects of your other health efforts. I know very little about this, but I am planning on getting to know my way around the fitness center outside of the cardio machines.

And just to give myself an extra push - I used an xmas gift card to purchase this new short style from Lululemon. Spandex AND lightweight shorts in one - plus a fun, flowery print! The world is my oyster in these babies!



Via Lululemon

New Year's Resolution: Fashion

Any of my friends will tell you I tend to think things through - ALOT, some may say, overanalyze...

This mindset translates into a lot of time spent investigating and mulling over options before finally making a purchase. This works well about 50% of the time. The other half of the time, all of the thinking goes out the window and I purchase items based on a whim because I get fed up with all the cerebral nonesense. This year, I really would like to get back to my core philosophy of spending money wisely and purchasing quality items that reinforce my style.

One trend that I am digging right now - the matching shirt and skirt. And I am determined to hold onto my bills and purchase this outfit by the end of the month!



Via Shopbop.com

Another goal of mine: a printed sweatshirt. Mary Katrantzou makes absolutely beautiful clothing, featuring colorful, vibrant scene prints

Via Shopbop.com


Many, alright, almost ALL of her items are out of my normal price range, but there's something about this sweatshirt below that's really calling to me. Let's see if I can save up some $$$, and purchase it while it's still winter outside. Oh, and this Folk version on the right is pretty great, too.




Via matchesfashion.com