Tuesday, July 19, 2011

More Vintage Love To Share

I've been put on babysitting duty this week so I have been slacking on my blogging duties. I did happen to find time today while me and the rowdy child took a trip to the public library since cloudy skies threatened our pool day. Despite the screaming children stomping around the bookshelves (because apparently it's more fulfilling for children to run than to walk) and piles of mother goose tales crowding my table in the children's section, I was able to successfully (subjective of course) list 16 items.

Check them out here

















Check back tomorrow to see if I was able to list the other items including a few accessories (maybe). Just cross your fingers that lunch time goes smoothly and that the pool has a disaster with its filtration system and forces us to leave early. No really...cross your fingers!!! (*crosses fingers*)
~smooches~
ELAN <3

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Can You Handle It?

The printed pants trend became really popular during S/S 2011. Such a bold statement item is hard to wear and most girls aren't quite up for the challenge. Wearing pants with bright colors and elaborate prints is something everyone should try at least once. Pair them with neutral toned tanks and wedges for a vintage style, or a solid colored blouse with beaded sandals for a more bohemian look. Don't be afraid to accessorize with contrasting statement necklaces or assorted bangles. Add additional pops of color with colored belts or bags. Go for it girls! You won't regret it once you start getting compliments on this fabulous look.


Chris Benz S/S 2011 Floral Cigarette Pants

Gwen Stefani in her L.A.M.B S/S 2011 Collection

Diane von Furstenberg S/S 2011

John Galliano S/S 2011 Printed Pajama Pants

Camilla and Marc R-T-W S/S 2011

My new love for the printed pants trend inspired me to pull together this fabulous outfit without outshining my sister on her birthday.

My Outfit

Printed Pants: Vintage
Gray Racer Back Tank: Urban Outfitters
Tan Belt: Vintage
Gold Necklace: Vintage
Forest Green Bag: Vintage
Tan Wedges: Steve Madden

Shhhh...don't tell my sister I cropped her out

Btw, Since I'm broke I offered my sister my wonderful styling abilities as her birthday present. She's not quite hip to the vintage game yet so I settled for some fly duds she had in the back of her closet.

Her Outfit
Tropical Tank: H&M
White High Waist Ruffle Shorts: H&M
Tan Belt: Vintage
Tan Heels: South Moon Under


The Birthday Girl and I

The Girls (Marecya, Mom, Me)

AND...guess WHAT???


This firey trend is carrying over to the A/W 2011 season. Instead of pairing these designs with warm weather pieces, try chunky knits, button up shirts and soft solid colored sweaters. Throw on sexy combat boots, or booties to complete the look. Here are two fabulous designers who have made their mark as artists in this bold movement


Rachel Comey A/W 2011

Steven Alan A/W 2011
 
~smooches~
ELAN <3

Sunday, July 10, 2011

A Love Letter to Color

Spring/Summer 2011 trends focus on minimalism and sparse color pallets. This post is a love letter to color and the artful mix of plum, mustard, electric blue, and turquoise.

Rachel Roy S/S 2011
This fabulously put together outfit from Rachel Roy's S/S 2011 Collection was the inspiration for my church outfit this Sunday. Here's my Look-a-Like...

Outfit
Skirt: Vintage
Tank: H&M
Purple Belt: Vintage
Gold Necklace: Vintage
Ring: Vintage
Wedges: Dollhouse





How did I do???
Try it out on your own and let me know how it works out for you.

~smooches~
ELAN <3

Monday, June 27, 2011

I Thee Vintage

My current obsession is VINTAGE WEDDINGS!!!

Just like most hopelessly romantic women, one of my hobbies has been to plan my future wedding. To prevent judgment from my friends and encourage my boyfriend to continue to think I'm sane, I have been forced to keep these thoughts in my head of course. BUT, I refuse to be kept down any longer. I'm breaking free.

When it comes to weddings, I am IN LOVE with all things VINTAGE - of course. I love lace, and headpieces, and gloves and all the other works.
MODERN TWIST

Rosa Clara 2011 Bridal Collection
These dresses are a little dramatic but they are such fun and bold styles

Hanna Touma Wedding Dresses Spring/Summer 2010-2011


EVEN ROYALTY LOVES LACE

Grace Kelly's Helen Rose wedding dress when she wed Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956
Kate Middleton's Sara Burton designed Alexander McQueen wedding dress when she wed Prince William of Wales


VINTAGE HEADPIECES




 
 VINTAGE GLOVES


~smooches~
ELAN <3

Jamaican Me Vintage Fab


This weekend was the infamous #DCCARNIVAL!

Celebrating Caribbean culture in the nation’s capital is an annual event that went slightly awry this year. We went on an adventure to the city to explore. The usual peculiar activities including people covered in mud, elaborate costumes, and gigantic snakes draped over people’s necks were placed on the back burner while rumors of shootings and violence raced the streets.

Mud Dancers

Elaborate Caribbean Costumes

Despite these dramatic events, I was inspired by the bright colored fashion and discovered other amazing designs showcased in Caribbean Fashion Week 2011 which took place in Kingston, Jamaica, June 8-13.

CARNIVAL INSPIRED LOOKS

Meiling
Catalin Botezatu

























 RUNWAY LOOKS WITH VINTAGE INSPIRATION

Gavin Douglas of London


OTHER FABULOUS RUNWAY LOOKS


Denis Davead
Marisol Henriquez


Zesty Shades of Tangerine are a HUGE fashion trend for Spring/Summer 2011. The bright colored Caribbean trends may be responsible for this great look to brighten up any warm weather outfit.


Heather Jones of Trinidad

~smooches~
ELAN <3

Monday, June 20, 2011

Wrapped Around My Head


Headbands are the classic FUN accessory suitable for 2 year olds & 22 year olds alike. Whether they have huge satin flowers attached or are covered with patterned scarves they serve as the perfect addition to a simple t shirt & jeans or a chic cover up for a bad hair day. Over the seasons, prominent designers have introduced variations of this timeless piece. For S/S 2011, fabulous TURBANS conveniently complete the season's 70's and rustic bohemian inspired trends. Add a printed turban headband to accessorize a pair of high waist shorts & a v-neck top with flared sleeves. Also, the intricately styled knotted turban completes the maxi skirt trend.

Everything has a VINTAGE INSPIRATION!!!

Lana Turner in the Postman Always Rings Twice - 1940s



My gorgeous friend Ashley has an AMAZING collection of vibrantly colored turbans. Check them out...

Urbane Natural Turban



Since I’m addicted to Ebay I had to find a fabulous vintage inspired style
Frolic Vintage Turban Headbands
 
$12.99
AND, if you’re really ballin’…here you go…

Miuccia Prada Spring 2007 Silk Turbans
 
Just like classic headbands, it’s hard to find just one that fits every style so get creative. Especially if you have extra time on your hands because the economy hates you like it seems to hate me, MAKE YOUR OWN! Find a great scarf and experiment with different style knots to fit your personal style.