Latest and greatest designer collaboration!

I, like a lot of modern day fashionistas, am obsessed with designer/common store collaborations. The latest, which started today, is the Issa London x Banana Republic collection. Now, let me give a little background on Issa, being one of my personal favorite labels.

Issa London was founded in 2004 by Daniella Helayel. Popular with celebrities and royalty (everyone remembers the iconic sapphire blue dress worn by a certain Duchess), Issa has become a pretty well known name in the fashion world. I love the feminine features of the dresses, with their beautiful silk drapery and array of lush colors. I have found them to be very comfortable too, yet sexy enough for a night out.

When I found out there was to be a collaboration with Banana Republic, I was tickled pink! Issa dresses do not come cheap, so they have recreated some of their most popular looks to fit into a more normal every day budget. 

Most notably in the collection, is the recreation of the famous "Duchess" wrap dress.

It does appear to be shorter than the original, but that problem can be easily solved with BR offering "tall" sizes. 

My other favorite pieces are the kimono wrap dresses. They are perfect for using a day dress with sandals, then morphing them into going out wear, pairing with heels and a clutch.

   

      

I adore the coral colors of the first one! So cute for spring and summer, while the olive colored one is perfect for transitioning to fall. 

Lastly, I wanted to mention the printed wrap dress (as seen on Naomi Watts!). Very fresh, very flattering!

Happy shopping!

Thursday Shoe Therapy

A good alternative to the ballet flat is the smoking slipper, which is currently all over designer collections and department stores alike. I bought a pair of black studded suede slippers from Topshop, but I would really love to get my hands on these from Charlotte Olympia: 

I love Charlotte Olympia's flats! They are so cute and unique. First came the "kitty" flats, now, there are these zodiac flats! I just wish they offered each shoe in different colors! Enjoy!

Hump Day Fashion Wants

As I sit here sipping my Pimm's no.1 drink, I got to thinking about what I would write a new blog post about. I'm going to try to write at least twice a week from now on. Maybe a feature every Wednesday and Sunday, perhaps? Anyhow, I want to show you all my current fashion lusts for spring.

Naturally, I want to start of with some pieces from one of my favorites, Zara. I've really taken to the bright colors they have to offer this spring season. After winter's dark colors, it's nice to see happy brights.

Here are a couple items from UK retailer, Great Plains. Florals are always a huge thing for spring and summer. They are so unbelievably cheery and playful. 

I will post more tomorrow!!! Stay tuned!

Stylish fitness

For today's post, I got to thinking of fitness programs, as I recently joined a local gym. Is it just me, or does it seem like it is easier to work out when one has cool gear for said workouts?! Let me highlight some of my favorite brands for workout apparel.

When it comes to shoes, I tend to gravitate towards Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. I absolutely love the release of bright colors in trainers, as of recent. For a while now, my work shoes even included a pop of bright coral pink. That was until they decided to make everyone wear all black. I miss the last way of expressing individuality in my work uniform!

I love yoga clothes for working out. They seem more airy and breathe better, which is better for me with how much I sweat! 

I have just heard about a UK fitness apparel brand called Sweaty Betty. They were just running an online promotion code (USACR), which gives US customers 15% off PLUS free shipping! Quite a good deal if I do say so myself! I went a little crazy, but can't pass up the limited time coupon code. My haul included these:

"Kriya" leggings in gray (bought black too!)

"Karma" yoga pants in black

"Mantra" tank in coral (also purchased gray and black)

Lastly, I couldn't resist the cute hot pink microfiber workout towel!

Even after a few years of owning it, I still love my pink yoga mat from Lululemon Athletica. It's so cushy, and has ample space for any position your yoga program throws at you!

Lululemon offers a lot of variety in workout gear as well, but is a bit on the pricier side.

I'd like to finish off this post with how much I've been enjoying my gym, 24 Hour Fitness. It's quite inexpensive compared to most gyms - offering machines, fitness classes (Zumba, yoga, pilates, etc.), a pool, and of course personal training. Very good experience so far, and hope to see the start of a new me in a few months!

Happy workouts everyone! Til' next time!

Lenten promises

Quick post on giving up for Lent. 

Being Catholic, it's that time of year when everyone decides what they are going to give up for 40 days to become a better person, and show dedication to God. 

When I was little, my parents always asked what we were going to give up for that year. It would usually end up being chocolate or candy (did I mention it was their idea? haha). 

As I grow older, I realized I need to utilize this time as a way to improve my lifestyle. Without further adieu, here are my Lenten promises:

1. No online shopping. This is going to be the biggest challenge. I have found I buy most of my clothes/accessories/shoes online. Big commitment. 

2. No alcohol besides vodka-sodas. I love beer. I love girlie drinks. All the calorie-rich drinks. Vodka-sodas are only 40 calories a piece.

3. Cut back on fried food/sweets. I'm a foodie. I love anything that tastes good. I'm going to try to consume food that is better for me.

Of course, Lent is also a time to improve the lives of people around you. I would like to do some volunteer work possibly. It always makes me feel so good helping out those in need.

Happy fasting!

Happy New Year!

So with two months passing since my last post, there are a few things to catch up on.

With winter in full throttle in most of the country, boots and cold weather clothes are still flying off the shelves. Here are a few items that have caught my eye.

Living in Houston, there aren't many opportunities for boot weather. As much as I love the warm weather, I miss boot season. I found this pair from Stuart Weitzman. It is a knee-high black suede boot with a zipper up the side.

For those uncomfortable with heels, I found these ballet flats of black suede with bows from Pretty Ballerinas. They are so chic and would go very well with my black velvet bow clutch!

My best friend's wedding

With my friend's upcoming wedding, I wanted to post on what accessories I was going to go with. Since I'm a bridesmaid, I wasn't able to choose my own dress. Luckily, Liz has excellent taste and chose this dress by Bill Levkoff (mine will be a deeper gem purple color) -

Very cute and flattering for everyone. As I have mentioned before, I absolutely love gem tones for autumn, and Liz was spot on choosing a purple one for her wedding! 

Most important are shoes. I found that I do not need any alterations to my dress, as long as I wear high enough heels. No problem! I've had these Christian Louboutins for two years now, and tend to be my go to's for formal events. 

As for a clutch, I chose this one from a semi - obscure British designer, Wilbur & Gussie. It's so unique, and will look glitzy and fab with my ensemble! Love it!

As for jewelry, I have chosen to not wear a necklace (seems like it would be too much with the single shoulder strap). That being said, I've decided to wear my Links of London Bubble Effervescence earrings (the purple stone will complement my dress perfectly!) and my Tiffany & Co. aquamarine bracelet. As you can see below, I have made a distinct choice to wear silver jewelry to contrast the gold accessories. A bit unconventional for a fancy outing, but who said I played by normal rules?

I'm still quite indecisive of how I want to wear my hair. I was thinking of a happy medium of half up half down. I was also thinking of doing a gray toned smokey eye for makeup with a light pink blush. 

Well, I have a packing list to put together and outfits to plan! Very excited for my upcoming trip!

Congrats Liz and Chris!!!!!!