Mblem by Mandy Moore

okay, normally, celebrity-turned designers really piss me off because it's not like they have to have any real talent or fashion sense-they just need to have money to start a line, which, of course they have a ton of. So normally, I turn my nose in a snooty fashion to these types. However, I have been silenced in my bitterness because Mandy Moore's line of tee shirts, 'Mblem' is not only reasonably priced, but it's actually cute . My favorite:



I love the color of it (it's available in pink and white as well), and it's casual, but not sloppy, which is my worst nightmare. It can be yours at either mblem.com, or at shoplastyle.com, for $53.00

Summer Lovin'

Maybe I'm biased because I work there, but Anthropologie has some ADORABLE clothes for summer right now! Yesterday was my first day back since Christmas break, and I have fallen in love with everything! And hey, with my 40% discount, I might be able to actually afford some of it. Two of my favorites right now:


This dress is a wee bit short for me, and I would probably end up wearing it with jeans, but, if I were feeling brave, I would wear it alone with flats, or some mid-height espedrilles. My rule is if you're showing a lot of skin up top/bottom, the shoes shouldn't be crazy tall. This dress is Le Shack by Tracy Feith, fittingly called "backyard luau dress"...and costs $328.00



I love this because a) it's by Anna Sui b) it reminds me of my favorite vintage hankerchief, and c) the color is so damn summery! I haven't tried it on myself, but everyone who has tried it on looked amazing in it. And it seems to flatter those of us who are somewhat lacking in the chest department, accentuating what we do have. This Anna Sui dress, named "bea silk dress" is $228.00

These dresses can either be found at Anthropologie stores, catalogue, or website.

Blast from the past!!

okay..so these three items are a few seasons old. However, I still love them and they are still a source of inspiration..so there!


Blumarine, Fall/Winter RTW 2003

This has to be the most flattering pink! I'm exceptionally pale, and this would even make ME look amazing!


Marc Jacobs, Fall/Winter RTW 2003

Wow, I went through the whole mod, opaque tights, blunt bangs phase. Siiigh. This dress looks like it belongs in a 60s spy movie, which is why everyone should love it.


Chloe, Fall/Winter RTW 2004

Maybe it's the color, or perhaps the way the chiffon just seems to float around Gemma Ward, but this dress is divine. I like the black contrasting straps, too. It makes the dress kind of tough, but still so feminine.

May is Meredith Music Month♥

Well, not really, but it should be! Here are some songs that are all-time faves, and some ones I love at the moment.
Download these songs right now or you will lead a very boring life:

"It's Oh So Quiet", Bjork
"A Favor House Atlantic", Coheed & Cambria
"Over My Head (Cable Car)", The Fray
"Golden Years", David Bowie
"Hey Boy", The Blow
"Waiting", Green Day
"LDN", Lily Allen
"Tender", Blur
"Tragedy", Brandi Carlile
"Airbag", Radiohead
"Hey Sandy", polaris
"Exit Music (For A Film)", Radiohead
"The Greatest", Cat Power
"Someday Never Comes", CCR
"Where Is My MInd?", The Pixies
"Fever", Peggy Lee
"Someone Else's Life", Joshua Radin
"New Song (From Me To You)", Dressy Bessy
"Take Me Somewhere Nice", Mogwai
"Submarine #3", Starlight Mints
"Across The Universe", Fiona Apple
"Dreams", The Cranberries
"The Maker Makes", Rufus Wainwright
"False Start", The Dining Rooms
"Song To The Siren", This Mortal Coil
"E-Pro", Beck
"I Love Paris", Frank Sinatra
"Indie Rock & Roll", The Killers
"Drawbridge", All Girl Summer Fun Band
"Little Star', Stina Nordenstam

Enjoy, loves!

Oh Kate Spade, why must you be so costly?

I HAVE WANTED THESE SHOES SINCE THE SECOND I LAYED EYES ON THEM!
however, seeing as they cost $398.95, that doesn't seem too likely in the near future.



These shoes have been out since 2005 I think, and new colors are constantly being added. Right now, in addition to the metallic silver, you can get these in chocolate suede (delish) or moss suede, a lovely summer green. I found these at zappos.com, under "Kate Spade Party-Skimmer/Ballerina Dress Flats."

Baubles!

Every now and then, I get a sudden urge to snatch up anything and everything I see that has sparkle, shine, etcetera, etcetera. Basically, I become a jewelry fanatic, even though I already have waaay to much collecting dust in many a jewelry box in my room. I thought I'd share with you all some great stuff I found...not too sparkly, perhaps a bit flashy, but come on: As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow quotes, "Youth comes but once in a lifetime."



This Betsey Johnson necklace caught my eye instantly. I don't know if it was the multiple chains or the cluster of charms, but it seems like it could go with so many different types of outfits; it could be dressed up or down.
BETSEY JOHNSON DOUBLE STRAND CHARM NECKLACE, $85.00, at NORDSTROM.COM



This bracelet, also by Betsey Johnson, while a bit crazy, is FABULOUS. Every charm is so eclectic, and I love the big, chunky bead and faux-pearl combination. Once again, I think this could be dressed up or down, depending on the outfit.
BETSEY JOHNSON MIXED MEDIA CHARM BRACELET, $85.00, at NORDSTROM.COM



As you might know by now, I'm pretty obsessed with Juicy Couture..not so much the track suits, but everything else I just love, love, love. These earrings, while flashy for some, seem to me to very elegant, but not stuffy at all. Perfect for the girl who wants to be fun and chic.
JUICY COUTURE SMALL HEART DROP EARRINGS, $55.00 at NORDSTROM.COM

the perfect summer sandal

I'm going on a cruise in July with the boyfriend, and I need to look utterly fab. I've been hunting for the perfect pair of flat sandals for years now, and I've finally stumbled across these 2 pairs....and in the words of Veruca Salt, "I WANT IT NOW!"



How cute are these! Especially with the seahorse detail on the strap. I found these at www.shopgco.com, for $109, which is a steal, especially for Coach shoes.They have a TON of other designer shoes, most of which have been marked down.



These are great, too! They're also in teal, and they're the "4590 Amelie" by Fornarina, and I found them for $69.95 at zappos.com

But which ones to get???? HELP!

job of the month: FASHION ILLUSTRATOR

'Nuff said.



If there's anyone else out there as obsessed with fashion illustration as me, you need to check out these books (I have them both, and trust me, they are entertaining and chic, and make FAB coffee table books)

SAMPLE:100 FASHION DESIGNERS, by "010 Curators is not only aesthetically fantastic, it's so incredibly interesting.It goes through a lsit of the 100 most influenicial designers of the 20th century. I got mine at Urban Outfitters, but I also saw it at Anthropologie. Or, as always, Amazon.com if all else fails.



FASHION ILLUSTRATION NEXT, by Larid Borrelli, is amaaazing. Every time I look through it, I get so inspired and want to draw clothes all day long. I also got this at Urban (they have great books there), but once again, Amazon.com is always an option.

Balenciaga Fall 2006 RTW

Although the shoes kind of scare me.....



yeah..the rest of the collection is so unexpected and clever..I especially love the proportions if this one..granted, it doesn't hurt to be a 5'9", 100 lb. supermodel, but I think if you have guts and aren't afraid of color, that a mere mortal could wear it as well.



I love the nautical detailing of this dress, and then mixing it with opaque tights and an english riding hat makes it fresh.



And with every collection, there is always that brief, shining moment...

And then this.

Overall, though, I like the feel of the clothes, and if I had tons of money at my disposal, I would definitely being buying some of this. To see the full collection, go to Elle.com

the BEST suits for summer!

I love the pattern on this one..it's so graphic and bold..sure to stand out. And the necklaces are a whimsical (if not impractical) touch. Bu thonestly, this suit is meant to show off, not swim in.

MOVIMENTO, SPRING 2006


This bikini reminds me of I Dream of Jeanie, for some reason. Maybe its the colors, but this suit is fabulous.

Nordstom.com, "Becca 'Hollywood' Bikini'


This next one gets in on the nautical trend that is so big this season. And with metallic teal and white stripes, it's a definite winner.

Nordstrom.com, Juicy Couture Beach Metallic Bikini


Not everyone likes a bikini..but no one wants to look matronly in a one piece, either. This si the chicest one I've seen, and, who doesn't love the slimming effect??

Nordstrom.com, Anne Cole Swimwear 'Suddenly Slim' Halter Maillot