thoughts on style

National Wear Red Day is tomorrow, February 5th, and in honor of this great cause to build awareness and support the fight against heart disease (see more information here at the American Heart Association website), I've posted another tear sheet from my pile-o-castaway-magazines I found in the hallway of my building (explained in previous post) with this SMASHING red dress. The styling here is all about asymetry - the bow on one shoulder, the one visible earring and the hair swept to the side. But personally, all of the other elements are totally eclipsed by the color--when a woman wears a red dress, all of the details and accessories should take a backseat and let the color do the talking, because on its own, it has more than enough glamour.

Found this tear sheet in a pile of old magazines I found in the hallway when someone moved out of my building. There's never been a time when "one man's trash is another man's treasure" has been more true for me...except the time when I found a really cool table on the street and put it in my apartment (this is New York people..before I started worrying about the threat of swine flu and bed bugs). So I do apologize for not being able to list the source here. There is something so excessively extragant about this super long statement necklace on the first page. It's just so fantastically, ridiculously huge. Which is what I love about it. But to me, the real mood of the editorial comes through in the second photo - with the bondage-esque jewelry extending over the model's shoulders, along with her waif-like body next to such a strong face, it really feels very glamorously dark, like the rebellious daughter walking around her Park Avenue apartment in a $2 million dollar necklace and floor-length black cashmere cardigan.

This image, taken from the pages of either Harper's Bazaar or Vogue (if anyone knows, please post your comment!) displays a color combination I would never think to arrange in the same outfit, but looks fabulous together. The mixed textures of the silk pant next to the softer feel of the coat provide the look with an attractive contrast. I approve.

I love this image from W Magazine. The gold, the black, and the spill of glitter over the model's face give it that unexpected whimsy. Heart <3

(photo from Vogue magazine)

I am so ready for spring. Can you blame me? This New York weather is getting old - I want to wear some color already! Love Coco in this old Vogue editorial in green, off white, and that red hair. Ooh and I sooo want those round glasses!

This image from Town & Country magazine is perfect in its ladylike romance. Soft ivory, lace, and satin booties with bows. The warm lighting and rich colors in the decor of the room complement to the mood.

Saw this image in the Nov 09 issue of Harper's Bazaar, and could not get over this fabulous dress, the blurry quality of the image, and the smoke and mirrors it all suggests.

This photo from Numero issue No. 107 caught my eye at first glance because of the stark contrast of the model's hair, makeup, and demure veil against a bright white background. Upon closer inspection, I fell in love with this image even more. The styling makes the look with the perfect amount of edge - the jewelry on her ear and the multiple rings bring together the flame-orange hair with sophisticated black.

I fell in love with the styling in this editorial from the December 09 issue of Harper's Bazaar. With the mix of ladylike prim and proper, and sensuous sheer fabrics tied up in bows and baubles, the mood is classy without being stodgy. Glamour meets romance. Gorgeous.

The December issue of Vogue Paris was filled with beautiful images of Laetitia Casta. Here are a few of my favorites.The only styling on this look is the dress, and it is clearly enough: she is a dream in scarlet velvet, red dotted tulle, and magenta flowers.

The lighting here is simply stunning.

I am a sucker for the romance of this sheer, floor length gown.

The focus on the spiky shoes and Laetitia's long legs adds to the vampy drama of the scene.

*photos are from Vogue Paris