A Bvlgari Day

Jacket: Zara // Blouse, Skirt, Scarf, Sunglasses: H&M // Boots: Dolce Vita // Bag: Old Navy // Jewelries: Banana Republic, Mango

This past weekend, I went to see Bvlgari at the De Young Museum. I am glad I finally made it on the last day of the exhibit. I wore my graphic print jacket as I thought I'd dress appropriately artsy for my museum visit. And of course, my boots for loads of walking and browsing.

Bvlgari to me is more than just glamour. It's about heritage and also modernity. Although I love their traditional collections (for example their gold, emerald and diamond necklace), I find utmost delight in their use of multi colored precious stones. To me, it's innovative, bold and daring. At the exhibit, I came to learn that they were the first ones who introduced the new way of combining multiple colors of precious stones such as ruby, sapphires, emerald, cabochon, amethyst and lapis. The traditional way of the time was to mix single color precious stone with diamond. Today, multi colored jewels are still being sought out and remain as stylish as ever.

Here are some of my favorites:

1970s were a quite the time of innovation for them. This was when they broke away from the traditional precious stones and diamonds. They incorporated oriental influences into sautoirs which perfectly complimented long tunics and maxi dresses of the 70s. Sautoirs were also their way of venturing out from formal evening jewelry to more casual jewelry. As a tribute to their Italian heritage, they also designed the Monete collection where they incorporate ancient Roman coins into their jewelries.

Noone can talk about Bvlgari without its glamorous past. The late Elizabeth Taylor was a famous loyal customer to Bvlgari. As a part of an effort to win her heart, Richard Burton gave her several Bvlgari pieces. And, of course, the great Italian stars: Sophia Loren, Gina Lollobrigida and Monica Vitti.

Today, I am quite sure you're well aware that Bvlgari remains iconic.  Here are some of my favorites of Bvlgari in today's time. Clockwise: Jessica Biel, Carla Bruni (who is currently the face of Bvlgari), Jessica Biel, Kiera Knightley, Julianne Moore and  Jessica Chastain.

If you haven't yet gone to a Bvlgari exhibit, I'd highly recommend it. The jewels are breathtaking. It's one thing for me to talk about it here, or to look at the pictures. But, nothing replaces the experience of seeing them in person, or let alone learning about Bvlgari's history and all the wonderful stories from women - either famous or infamous - who own or collect Bvlgari. Like what the Italians say "La Dolce Vita". Or shall we say "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend"?

Thigh High

-------- HOW TO WEAR THE THIGH HIGH --------

-------- FIND ME MY THIGH HIGH  --------

[shaft height included below]

1. Christian Louboutin Monicarina // 2. Prada // 3.Alice and Olivia Cora // 4. Rachel Zoe Nico // 5. Stuart Weitzman Highland  // 6. Phillip Lim  // 7. Paul Andrew // 8. Stuart Weitzman 50/50 // 9. Jeffrey Campbell Kitsap // 10. Michael Antonio Studio Hyder // 11. Sam Edelman Kayla // 12. Aldo // 13. Report Signature Gwyn

I have been obsessed with thigh high boots for quite sometimes. It's such a classic timeless piece. They are always on the runway and I also know that I have all the pieces that "they" say I should wear with my thigh high boots. However, being a 5'10" means I really need tall boots so that they cover all the way up to my knee...."Wear it like you mean it!" Yet, so far, I found a trick and managed to wear my riding boots with OTK socks....My knee is 21" in height so that's the minimum shaft that will do it for me. So, I have been poring over sites and painstakingly looking at the shaft heights - critical information if I want real thigh high boots! Here are some that I found. Now, time to decide which ones to get. I hope you find this short list helpful, especially if you're tall like me. Let me know if you see any other tall thigh high boots :)

V for Valentine

Dress: Banana Republic // Bag and Sunnies: H&M // Double Drop Necklace: Gazel.com // Earrings and Bracelet: Forever 21 // Knot Ring: Banana Republic

In the spirit of Valentine, I am wearing pink to our dinner date. We are going Italian. We have a late dinner reservation so that's why I can blog about it before we leave for the restaurant :) Looking back at my Valentine's wish list, I got my gourmet chocolates although they are not exactly pink and champagne truffle. I got my dozen red roses instead of pink which are prominently displayed right next to me now. I guess there's a reason it's called wish list -- you don't get exactly every single item on it:-) However, I am happy and feel so terribly loved on this day ;-) I think I might still order bubbly pink moscato at the restaurant though. Happy Valentine's Day!

Dreaming Clutches

1. Kate Spade // 2. Karen Walker // 3. Kate Spade // 4. Phillip Lim // 5. Olympia Le Tan (worn by Men Repeller's Lauren Medina as a street style) // 6. Chanel (Cruise 2014 Collection) // 7. Karen Walker

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter2014 shows have come to a close. While we're gearing up for London, the clutches from the runway are what caught my attention. Novelty and 'messaging' seem to be the 'it' thing now.  Messaging started with your outfit (we've all seen some kinds of 'text' on t-shirts or sweaters...) and now they've moved on to clutches! True what they say -- 'say it with a clutch!' Did this novelty trend start with Chanel perfume bag which we saw first back last May for the Cruise'13/'14 collection? Even Leandra Medine was sporting her Paris Olympia Le Tan clutch outside the nyfw show -- the same one she wore last February. Maybe, it's not that new after all? But, I think I'll like to write something on my bags now!

Maxi

Blouse (old): H&M // Skirt: Vintage // Bag (old): Steve Madden // Boots (old): Bandolino // Quartz Ring and Onyx Stone Double Drop Necklace: Gazel // Chain Bracelet: Forever 21 // Knot Ring: Banana Republic // Hat: Target

Wearing my vintage maxi skirt with a ring and necklace from Gazel, where I currently help out with their marketing and merchandising. Gazel has beautiful and unique handcrafted jewelries made from natural stones. They let me borrow this ring and they let me have this double drop necklace. I absolutely love their pieces - impactful while understated. They are so easy to style. This time, I was feeling bohemian so I wore them with my floppy hat and fringe handbag. We went out for a quick getaway. It was quite a lovely day -- despite the absence of the sun. And of course the rain started when we left....  how timely. Happy hump day.

Black and White

Coat: H&M // Colorblock Sweater: Target // Legging Jean (old) and Belt: Gap // Beanie (old), Bag (old) and Sneakers: H&M // Jewelries: H&M and Forever 21

It's been raining non stop for the few days here. So, it's been quite wet everywhere. I am wearing my beanie to keep warm and hopefully stay dry. Sometimes, I wish I could just use hats and beanies as a permanent alternative to an umbrella. That way, I get to keep my hands free and be dry. (I hope someone can invent a hands-free umbrella (and no, not a poncho and not a hoodie) that can provide full protection from the rain :D Wouldn't that make our lives easier?!) And I absolutely love this coat. Love the slubby nubby texture (note: just make sure you are extra gentle with it because it snags easily). This coat is so 80s -- think Don Johnson in Miami Vice. I never thought I would like something from the 80s. I love vintage but I am normally drawn to things from early to mid 20th century. I guess with Leonardo DiCaprio's The Wolf of Wall Street, everyone's in the mood of the 80s now.... Hope you have a great Monday!

Shades of Pink

1. Journelle Eberjey Giselle PJ Set // 2. Journelle Hannah Teddy // 3. Dyptique Roses Mini Pink Candle // 4. YSL Rogue Volupte Silky Sensual LipShade // 5. Pink Marc de Champagne Truffles // 6. Macaroons: your local macaroon shop // 7. Bubbly Moscato: your local beverage store (my fave here) //  8. Pink Roses: your local florist :)

Valentine's is around the corner. I am in the mood of pink now -- what a timely color with the upcoming Spring. I rounded up a wish list for the V day. How can I resist the idea of lounging around in smooth luxurious PJ and teddy bear? Any grown-up women need these :D It's also the time to self pamper. I could use some rose-scented candle and rose lipstick. And it will not be complete without this delicacies - macaroons and truffles. Yes, I know and my truffles need to be pink champagne truffles. Finally, bubbly pink moscato (my favorite) and some pink roses. Aren't I in pink heaven now? What's in your Valentine's wish list?

Dreaming Haute Couture

We are only 2 days away from New York Fashion Week. While I can't wait for Spring, I am already excited to see what the Fall 2014 collection will bring. Meanwhile, I am still dreaming haute couture here. I wanted to share with you what I think are the best of haute couture. Sure there are fabulous fabulous fabulous minimalist haute couture pieces out there. However, I picked the ones that I think give off that w-o-w factor, which is absolutely necessary especially if I get to drop humungous amount of $ for haute couture. I group them by major trends that I see in the runway. I am curious if any of these trends will eventually show up in my and your Spring 2014 (or 2015?) closet :)

--------------- DRAPE IT LIKE IT'S HAUTE ---------------

I am absolutely enamored by the haute couture draping. Yes, we know that the 'leg' dress which was made popular by Angelina Jolie a while ago is here to stay. As shown below, the drape is now also to be found in other spots where they've also got quite a powerful effect. I love how flattering drapes are. It's amazing what they can do to a dress.

 Valentino

Zuhair Murad

 

Alexandre Vauthier

 Vionnet

Giambatistta Valli

Schiaparelli

 

 Vionnet

Atelier Versace

 Dior

--------------- SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON ME ---------------

I see quite a bit of bright reflective, shiny metalic fabric in the runway... and they come in different hues ... and I must say I really really love 'em.  They have that 'glow in the dark' effect. They have such 'dreamy' and 'ethereal' feel. To me, they make the dress come to life. Who's not 'enlightened' by this?

 Bouchra Jahrar

 Vionnet

 Dior

 Atelier Versace

Vionnet

 Elie Saab

 

Chanel

 Schiaparelli

------ SHEER ME UP ------

Sheer is here to stay! I get how the transparent look is perfect for Spring especially when the temperature is just warming up. Not sure how I feel about this. I feel like it's been here quite a while... isn't it time to make way for another groundbreaking trend. However, I am all about showing some skin but not too much skin. Sheer totally creates that sexy mysterious aura. Point is -- should look like a lady without looking like a tramp...

 

Dior

 Armani Prive

 Valentino

 Chanel

 Zuhair Murad

 Valentino

--------------- BEAD LOVER ---------------

Yes, after all, what's haute couture without handmade intricate beadings. I am a big fan of beaded dresses of the Art Deco era. I swooned over these dresses because they revive that glamorous era. I assume we are still recovering from the Great Gatsby effect... which is fine for me... bring on the party baby!

 Armani Prive

Valentino

 Atelier Versace

 Armani Prive

Chanel

 Zuhair Murad

------ HI-LO EFFECT ------

Another trend that I find has a little overstayed the runway...although I admit I had to take another close look before I made up my mind. It seems the hi-lo effect is getting a makeover this Spring. It has transformed into asymmetrical hemlines in a variety of shapes and forms which makes it more interesting. It immediately makes me think of that 'skort' -- which seems to be the 'it' trend now. At any rate, I am all about playing with proportion. Excited to incorporate this new-ish trend in my closet :)

 Dior

Ulyana Sergeenko

 Giambattista Valli

 Atelier Versace

 Viktor & Rolf

Dior 

Images are sourced from Style.com

This is it! I know I know this post is longer than the ones I normally do. I was going to write a short spill about the haute couture but I realized there are so many beautiful pieces. It also takes several visual pictures to illustrate a trend...I hope you find some helpful nuggets of information here. If you'd like to see more of my picks of haute couture, check out my Pinterest board  :)