I have been so excitedabout my upcoming trip to my former home—Manhattan!  Ohh, I’m am so eager to hop on the plane next Tuesday, pop into my fancy hotel in midtown, and revel in my familiar territory.  I’ll be there for my job, but will make time to visit my ladies at InStyle (I miss you all SO DEARLY!), nosh on nuevo Mexican cuisine at Rosa Mexicano (you can read why that’s one of my fav restaurants here), grab drinks at Dos Caminos in SoHo, visit Baked by Melissa’s cupcake stand, and celebrate my mom’s birthday with her while I’m in town.  You can tell that I love the NYC cuisine.  I’ll try to fit in some bridal gown browsing at Kleinfeld’s if possible (they’re all booked up for appointments, but I’m gonna try a walk-in and see how that goes).  If that doesn’t pan out, it’s not like Saks (my FAV SHOPPING SPOT EVER) doesn’t have a hugebridal selection too.  Here are the essentials that I’ll have to pack so I’m ready to mingle with my Manhattan ladies…black is a must, great luxurious handbags are necessary, and accessories are where we get our “pop of color.”  A lot of women wear Prada perfume too…this is my fav scent of theirs.

• Silk-organza ruffled blouse, Oscar de la Renta $690
• Bow-detail silk top, Armand Basi $80
• Fabric & Pearl Necklace, TopShop, $60
• Graphic Jersey Scarf, Diesel $35
• d’Orge Amy Scarf, Moio Sucre $64
• Cotton-blend high-waisted shorts, Alice by Temperly $195
• High-waisted leather shorts, McQ $320
• Black Jewel Skinny Jean, Black Orchid $130
• L’Eau Ambrée Eau de Parfum Deluxe Edition, Prada $74
• Brown Leather Bag, Gucci $639

Manhattan Date Night Essentials:

• Layered Dress, Elle Shop $230
• Kaftan Dress, Cisco $105
• Silver and black filigree multi bangle set, TopShop $32
• Ruched suede peep toe ankle boot, Christian Louboutin $1,395
• Gray Slingbacks, Brian Atwood $284
• Le Vernis Nail Colour Spring 2010, Chanel $24
• Blush Pink Caviar Leather Tote, Chanel $3,200

I love the affect small details can have on fashion.  I like ruffles, ribbons, and pearls….however, I adore buttons!  Their presence adds a unique and playful element to the unexpected and adds something extra to catch the eye.  I would easily pair one of the blouses below with faded jeans or linen pants to maintain a feminine casual style and those shorts are perfect for a nautical feel.  What other small fashion details do you love?

• RSVP Ruffle Buttoned Blouse $53
• TopShop Three Button Fold Blouse $32
• Delia’s Bow & Buttons Burnout Dolman $19.50
• Arden B Ombre Linen Button Front Romper $20
• Tahari by ASL Textured Crepe Dress W/ Gold Buttons $132
• Authentic Chanel Button Floral Hair Pin $60
• Juicy Couture Denim Legging W/ Button Detail $88
• TopShop Gold Button Mini skirt $30
• Jane Norman Anchor Button Shorts $14
• Christian Louboutin Corto 85 leather pumps $695
• Dorothy Perkins Black Button Detail Flats $20
• Go Jane Button Trim Ankle Boot $20

Last night’s red carpet premier of Sex and the City 2 was spectacular!  The cast didn’t disappoint their loyal fans and chose to don beautiful frocks and step out in envious stilettos.  Jewel tones, diamond and crystal accents, drop earrings, and carefree curled coifs were the piece de resistance.  I adore SJP’s asymmetrical Valentino Couture gown, but I think I would have chosen a different shoe color.  Kristin Davis looked stunning and ever-classic as usual—though I feel the bright pink vintage gown from Decades was a welcomed unexpected color choice for her (bright jeweled tones always look great on brunettes). Cynthia Nixon’s simple black Carolina Herrera gown was effortless and chicly feminine due to it sweetheart neckline.  And while I don’t really like Kim Cattrall’s golden Naeem Khan gown, I think she epitomized old-Hollywood style.

compliments of Dave Allocca/startraksphoto

Here’s my favorite part when covering red carpet moments…what would you have worn to the Sex and the City 2 premier at Radio City Music Hall in New York City?  Which ensemble is your fav?

–OR–

Are you really that surprised that I’m writing about this today? Especially after yesterday’s posting… 

For those of you who are not southerners, I must explain the cultural fashion importance of the infamous Kentucky Derby, annually held on the first Sunday in May.  This is THE event where a girl can put on her BEST chic summer frock and really the only excuse to wear a silly hat (and have others chic girls compliment its design).

As a genuine southern belle, I had to share with you some choice ensembles to ensure you wear while placing your bet.  Don’t forget to toast your Mint Julep to the winner!

I am a self-proclaimed movie buff—a critic that loves symbolism, suspense, action scenes, documentaries, and a good chick flick during my hormonal days.  I also love to watch movies that inspire me, either through deeper thought on a certain topic or as simplistic as a really cute dress design that I’d like to find.  Some of my favorite movies that stand out in my mind for best fashions range from all decades and I usually befriend these chic-styled characters too!  

“Gone With The Wind” (1939) – I love the beautiful gowns, petticoats, wide-brimmed hats, and silk sashes that this gorgeous brunette heroin wore throughout this movie.  In fact I  loved them so much, that from the time I first saw this movie as a little southern girl in Tennessee, I wished that my name was Scarlett! This is one of my favorite movies of all time especially as it’s so easy to get lost in the plot.

images compliments of IMDB.com

“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961) – The little black dress Audrey Hepburn wore, when she ate a Danish while gazing at a Tiffany’s window, was created by her favorite designer, Givenchy.  This piece instantly became the piece de resistance in every woman’s wardrobe.  Many more fashion influence were derived from this classic 1961 comedy.  As ticket sales soared, so did sales of triple-strand pearl necklaces, sleeveless dresses, and oversized sunglasses.  I can say that I own all three of these items and still feel these are the ever-classic items to purchase.

images compliments of IMDB.com

“Grease” (1978) – How cute are the full skirts, fitted short-sleeved sweaters, and the ponytails accented with scarves all the preppy girls wore throughout the scenes.  It’s also funny to see how the cheerleading uniforms have changed so much from the 50’s to now! And who wouldn’t love to go on a date to the drive-in movies with that adorable Danny (John Travolta) in his tight white shirt and black leather jacket—YUM!

images compliments of IMDB.com

“The Notebook” (2004) – If you are able to get past this well-written romantic story line, you will appreciate the chic styles that Claire wears during her memorable scenes. Who doesn’t adore the care-free summer shirts, white gloves, modest swimsuits (with swimming cap), and form-fitting dresses? This character dresses “like a lady” and envisions the perfect wardrobe that I wish my closet more reflected.

images compliments of IMDB.com

Here a few honorable mentions that I had to include only because I like them.  Most movie critics would laugh at the below nominees, but this is my list! 

 ”Clueless” (1995) – Cher’s style was too cute in this movie!  Every girlfriend of mine pined over her virtual closet.  I thought Cher was the most fashionable high school girl out there and I loved her cute white Jeep! Of course, I was very impressionable at the age when this movie came out so I think my opinion is somewhat skewed.  I will admit to owning multiple feather pins and wearing knee-high trouser socks with my skirts—you cannot judge me.

images compliments of IMDB.com

“The Devil Wears Prada” (2006) – This movie is quite recent and has current fashions as the wardrobe.  Despite that, I think the designer pieces that Anne wears throughout the storyline are gorgeous! I want that Chanel ensemble she wears so badly. Each time I watch this movie, I am also reminded of my amazing career at InStyle Magazine—though my experiences were quite the opposite of our leading lady’s!  

images compliments of IMDB.com

What movies inspire your sense of style?