Category Archives: Fashion Inspiration

Favorite Looks from Spring 2011 Fashion Week, for Less

Posted on February 21, 2011 | Leave a comment

In September I featured my favorite looks from the Spring 2011 Fashion Shows, and now that Spring 2011 is almost upon us, it is time to revisit those inspiring looks.

I have taken my stand out favorites from September and searched the Internet to find affordable and wearable version inspired by the real thing.
Marc Jacobs – Spring 2011 was like the most glamorous, 70’s inspired, color infused show. 

This look is completely wearable, and probably could be assembled with items you already own, but if not…

Carolina Herrera – Spring 2011 was a favorite of mine, and while I don’t have the need for an evening gown currently, one can’t help but be inspired by the painterly details of this beautiful dress.
Carolina Herrera – Spring 2011
This look is admittedly DIY but if done right it’s a major wow.  And again, I think the larger aesthetic point here is painterly details in a black and white color palette.

Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2011 was for the ladies who lunch set.  The important rules to follow here are texture: tweed and silks and colors within the same color family.
Oscar de la Renta – Spring 2011

With such a ladylike and refined shape and staples, you can really go bold with the color and have fun playing with spring’s best and boldest hues.


Ralph Lauren – Spring 2011, this show was Rancher Fabulous if there is such a thing.  It is certainly difficult to imagine wearing beaded cocktail dresses on the farm, but somehow Ralph Lauren, as the master of Americana pulls it off.
Ralph Lauren – Spring 2011
To attempt the same look, on a budget start here:


Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2011, know for red-carpet worthy evening gowns, it was fun to see Monique Lhuillier play with different shapes and pieces, and I really liked the belted, sophisticated look of the high waisted trousers and refined bustier top.
Monique Lhuillier – Spring 2011

To build this look on a budget, you can assemble pieces that are completely wearable in a variety of ways. 

 What trends are you most excited for?

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, fashion week, Her Closet, Shopping

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SAG Awards Red Carpet for Less

Posted on February 3, 2011 | Leave a comment

I mentioned that I thought the SAG Awards, in terms of grandness of attire, is sort of like High School Homecoming.  That is said with no disrespect to the Homecoming Queen – it’s just that the Homecoming Queen is not a bride on her wedding day, and so the SAG Awards is not the Oscars.

Anyway, because it’s like the little sister there is a sense of attainability.  Let’s explore, shall we?


I raved about Sarah Hyland’s youthful twist on orange (cute pun!) and the strapless gown from Nicole Miller does the trick for $355

Loved Natalie’s chic mom-to-be white gown.  This look is easily recreated with the Vanilla Strapless Gown from Laundry by Shelli Segal and the addition of some sparkly pins and brooches.

Lea Michelle and Tina Fey’s straight from the runway Oscar de la Renta were a little difficult to recreate on a budget but I think we’re pretty close with a gold infused Sue Wong gown ($488) and the Nika gown (for a budget busting $788).

My favorite, in the category of “I would rock this anytime” was Julie Bowen’s pantsuit jumper.  She admitted it was risky, but she neglected to mention it would be a cinch to recreate.  Halter jumpsuit from TopShop ($90) and sparkly pins and you’re red carpet, or disco ready.

Shop Happy!

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Red Carpet

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Dreaming of a California Closet

Posted on January 28, 2011 | Leave a comment

I am on Twitter (@CRL26) and I follow Rachel Zoe (@rzrachelzoe) and the other day another fan, of hers, asked what she should wear for an upcoming trip to California.

This was her response: “the weather is gorgeous right now so maxi dresses, pretty blouses, flared jeans, wedges, jacket 4 night. think Cali cool XoRZ”

I have just survived DC’s first “Thundersnow”, and all I can really do is dream of being in California, and having these outfit sets in my California closet!

Have a fabulous, fashionable, foodie weekend!

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Rock like an Egyptian

Posted on January 26, 2011 | Leave a comment

When I was doing my pre-Golden Globes fashion predictions I started to notice a trend from the Pre-Fall 2011 Runways; they were luxe, they were golden, they were Egyptian.

My rule for trend-spotting is three times, by three designers it’s a trend.  The evidence, please:

Images from Style.com
This look is easy to achieve without looking costume-party ready by shopping shapes and colors for the clothing, and jewels and more specific accents for jewelry, shoes and accessories.  Besides, this is as good of an excuse as any to wear a turban…

Find your inner Cleopatra!

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Go Green

Posted on January 17, 2011 | Leave a comment

On the flight home from India I watched “The Joneses” a film starring Demi Moore and David Duchovny.  If you have never heard of it, do not feel badly, it did terrible in theaters.  Anyway, in the movie Demi Moore wears a hunter green silk dress, and pretty much since that time I have moved hunter green to the top of the list of colors I need to incorporate in my wardrobe.
Demi and I have similar skin and hair coloring and so this seemed like a good model that it would work.

It seems that I am  not the only one who saw “The Joneses”…

Obviously when Angelina wears anything beyond black or white that is a style victory, but I don’t love this dress or her hair.  The hair bothers me because frankly that’s what my hair looks like when I do a 15 minute blowdry and I feel like the Golden Globes deserve better than that.  Regarding the dress, I like the color and the shoulders were very on trend, but somehow, I feel like the waist cinching reads very 80’s and not 80’s inspired.
Angelina Jolie in Versace via People.com
Mila Kunis looks sweet.  I like the hair, she’s glamorous. But, I don’t loooove it.  The dress has interesting texture, and the rumor is that it was put together 4 days prior to the show – so that is impressive, as well.  It’s just not my favorite green gown of the night.
Mila Kunis in Vera Wang via Instyle.com

And this is the winner!  This is the green gown that would make me a green-eyed monster.  I think Catherine Zeta Jones looks marvelous, and glamorous and old Hollywood.  The color is so deep and made richer by the unique texture of the gown.  I like how she styled her hair and makeup and kept it simple and pretty.  Also, the more I stare at the picture it reminds me of Scarlett O’Hara in the drapes, minus the finials and fringe, of course.  I love that she wore a true movie-star gown for her husband’s return to health and the stage.  Maybe the green will signify good luck!

Catherine Zeta Jones in Monique Lhuillier via Instyle.com

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Red Carpet

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The Golden Globes, a kickoff to Awards Season

Posted on January 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

This Sunday is the Golden Globes – and the first “real” award show of the season.  For me the viewing begins hours before the first award is given with the pre-show.  Nothing beats a glamorous red carpet, and because the Golden Globes are more fun* than the Academy Awards the celebrities tend to have a bit more fun.

I will definitely do a recap of the awards next week,  but in the interim I reviewed the designers Pre-Fall collections for 2011 to get a hint of what we might see on the red carpet.  Here are my picks for the actresses in the Best Actress in a Drama category, all images from Style.com.

Halle Berry in J. Mendel – this dress is easy, its graceful, and it will still highlight the best of Halle Berry – plus I think she radiates in metallic tones.

Nicole Kidman in Carolina Herrera – Nicole Kidman often goes for the lady look, and few do “lady” better than Carolina Herrera.  I really don’t expect this to be Nicole’s year so this might be too much dress for her, but otherwise I think she would look lovely in it.

Jennifer Lawrence in Naeem Khan – I had to Google Jennifer Lawrence as I have never heard of her… In any case a lot of what I saw was a bit more bohemian and very textured.  I love the color and the texture of this gown and that it is very formal, without being a ball gown a la Penelope Cruz.


Natalie Portman in Reem Acra – Natalie is a mom to be, but has never been shy about her fashion choices.   In her most recent public appearance she has been all Mary Quant, short dresses and high collars, so with that in mind I loved the detail on this collar and the ease of the dress.  I don’t know what she will wear, but I know it won’t be tulle, and hopefully not black.
Michelle Williams in Derek Lam – Michelle is a fashion darling, she always looks timeless and chic, and I love her platinum pixie haircut.  She tends to favor more vintage styles and I liked the retro vibe of this gown and the bold color. 

See you on the Red Carpet!

*They sit with friends and drink all night long…

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Loving the Rockies

Posted on January 10, 2011 | Leave a comment

In any mountain town, or Disney gift shop, you’ll be likely to find barrels of “gem stones”.  My sister and I collected them, I think with the intention of using them for something really fabulous.

Now I wish I had them.  For early spring, I am really loving the look of rough cut, jagged stones on Jewelry.  
I have seen a few examples in boutiques around town, and for a celebrity comparison Cameron Diaz in 2007 really comes to mind. 

via FabSugar.com

As Ms. Diaz illustrates the bold, oversized and natural stones add a playful sensibility to even the most dramatic gown.  They have a unique and interesting sparkle that seems more unique and less fussy.  Besides, with a good tan these pieces are a stunner.  

Warm weather, where are you?

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Posted in Accessories, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Jewelry

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Paris in the Springtime

Posted on December 29, 2010 | Leave a comment

This Spring I want to go here:

Paris in the Springtime
Wear clothes like this, from Talbots – I kid you not!

Talbots Spring 2011
Talbots Spring 2011
And walk on cobblestones in shoes like these: 
Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Front Sandal at Piperlime

It’s going to be a fabulous 2011!

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Inspiration, travel

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The Princess Shops Off the Rack

Posted on December 17, 2010 | Leave a comment

There is probably no more famous engaged couple than Prince William and Kate Middleton.  The soon to be marrieds will have a royal wedding on April 29, 2011.  She’s beautiful, he’s a prince it’s a perfect match… 

I am sure as there wedding date nears we’ll talk more about weddings and Cinderella, and the pomp and circumstance, but there is one thing to note about Kate, she really doesn’t seem to be a Cinderella.  Kate seems to have a really well put together, modern, sophisticated and yet approachable style.  

How approachable could the future Princess be?  Her engagement photo dress was from last season and from Reiss.  Last season… and from a store with online shopping?  That’s definitely more exciting than a “Kate and Will Forever” T-shirt.
Copyright 2010 Mario Testino / Reuters
Reiss will be re-releasing the dress that Kate wore, but in the meantime, let us see what else we like!
First, no one does coats better than the Brits.  Seriously, no one!  I love the sophistication, and the demure aesthetic of this Bally Coat.  It’s one part lady + one part sophisticated spy.
Bally Coat by Rei

This coat might be a little too Cruella DeVil for some, but I love it.  I love the fur detail, (hangs head in shame) and the slim and structured fit.  Minus the fur, it is quite similar to a coat Mark got for me at Zara last year, which is still fabulous.
Zetta Coat by Reiss
Maybe a dress for the honeymoon?  This dress is sort of the outlier from my favorites, but worth including because it is perfect for resort wear and travel, or everyday is you live in warmer climates.  It is also the Pantone color of the year, honeysuckle…  Delightful!
Aphrodite Draped Dress

Happy Shopping Kate!

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Posted in Budget, Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Shopping

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Run, Carly, Run

Posted on December 13, 2010 | 1 comment


Almost two weeks ago I signed up for the lottery for the annual Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run.  I have previously signed up for this event, and was not previously selected.  The longest race I have ever run is 3.2 miles.  I am challenging myself to run more than 3 times that long.

When I signed up the first time I, and didn’t get in, I told Mark that when I ran the ten miles I would treat myself to a pair of these…

Brian Atwood Maniac Pump

For now the goal is just to train and run the race.  I’ll worry about what my reward is when I cross the finish line.  But, in the interim between now and then I’ll keep you posted on the training, the ups and downs and what, besides shoes, is motivating me.  If you have any tips I’d love to hear from you!

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Posted in Fashion Inspiration, Her Closet, Her Inspiration, Personal, Shoes

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