Fall Fever :: Boot Obsessed

I love Fall. EVERYTHING about it.  I just got to New York for Coterie which means that I start wearing Fall clothing whether the weather permits or not. {Ok so there was a random drop in temp last week for Dallas so I started a little early.} I love fur vests, jackets, layering, scarves, but most of all, I have a love affair with boots.  So far this Fall I have bought 1 pair.  They have not arrived yet but OMG I can't wait....

7 For All Mankind :: Bettina Boot 

Aren't they beyond amazing?  Get ready because I will be wearing them with everything. The first outfit will be red jeans and a fur vest but the options are literally endless. Fingers crossed they've arrived once I get home...

xoxo,

Molly

Shopping Obsession :: Esther

I fell in love tonight. Now before you go accusing me of falling in love too fast... I don't usually but I couldn't help myself this time. I am head over heels in love with an Australian online boutique... {scared you mom and dad didn't I?}.  I was just going to pre-order this dress:

It doesn't come until September but I think it would be the PERFECT Fall dress for Dallas since it's 100 degrees until Thanksgiving. The website is called Esther and it came about after this adorable girl opened a boutique, won an award, and couldn't keep up with demand because she was stalking her store with the most beautiful clothes at great prices... rough life.  So, I added this lady to my cart and then found:

So I had to add this top to my cart too... I mean... It literally gives me the butterflies!! I am so happy I found this top I may not eat the rest of the week in anticipation of it.

I also found a few other things... I mean it's $200 (AUD) and you get free world wide shipping. Why wouldn't I do that? It's like $50 for shipping otherwise... {Ok it was only $15 but come on.}

Whoops and this one...

Ok so I haven't hit the pay now button but I am going to. I just want to make sure I'm not missing anything...

I also did a little stalking and everyone who works at this company is annoyingly ridiculously beautiful which makes me want to be them which makes me want to buy it. Ugh, what an annoying cycle.

xoxo,

Molly

Travel :: My Trip in Pictures

Hello lovely people!

I have had a very busy and successful trip to Atlanta so far! {minus way to many escalators... everywhere.  Have I mentioned that's one of my biggest fears?} I have barely ventured outside either {my hotel is connected to AmericasMart where I've been working.}

Sneak peak of one of my favorite Fall dresses.  Don't be surprised if I am way to dressed up but wearing it every day none the less.  I mean, when has being way to dressed up for an occasion ever stopped me before?

Leather, leather, leather.  Love Fall clothes.

Random but AmericasMart random flower arrangements in the hallways make me really happy.  I love a good bouquet of flowers.

My favorite shoes with my favorite print maxi for Fall.

Arm party.  Vanessa Mooney bracelets and ring paired with a Michael Kors watch.  Don't forget the ikat finger party.

As everyone else prepares for Summer, us in the fashion industry are finishing up with Fall and moving on to Holiday.

Happy weekend everyone who gets one!

xoxo,

Molly

NYFW :: Day 1

Fashion week is like a big dose of therapy for me, it brings me back to life and makes me happy and excited all over again.  I never lose my thrill of fashion, but Fashion Week reminds me what I love about it, and about life and getting dress up again!  I can't explain it and few can understand it {those of us that do give our life to it}.  So here is Day 1, I compiled all pictures from Style.com.  So far they don't have many runway shows but they do have look books for Fall.  Here are a couple of my high fashion favorites so far.

First up is 10 Crosby Derek Lam.  I am blown away by the pictures, while no the 70's vibe is nothing new I love the fresh put together, tailored, slightly preppy way he did it.  These are all looks I will copy, especially the silk dress peaking out of the leather skirt... amazing. 

Next is Jenni Kayne.  Again, leather is clearly here to stay.  I also love the neon dress and obvi love a good fall floral print!

Just a sneak peak.... more to come!

xoxo,

Molly

Recently Obsessing Over :: Jo No Fui Pre-Fall 2012

I recently stumbled upon Alessia Giacobino's incredible line Jo No Fui on Women's Wear Daily.  I couldn't take my eyes off of her gorgeous Pre-Fall 2012 collection and immediately mentally added her to my favorite up-and-coming designer list.  I started researching her further and realized that she had been around since 2001.  She hails from Italy and studied architecture at Florence University.  She began her once interior design company shortly after that.  One of her clients happened to be the owner of a large luxury chain of stores in Italy and asked her to do a capsule collection for the store.  The rest is of course history as they couldn't keep up with requests.  She later debuted her collections at Milan Fashion Week and is slowly making her way to us in the US.  I searched and one of the only places I found that had a good showing of her product was Yoox.  Here are some of my favorite peices from Pre-Fall 2012... prepare for the jaw drop...

 All photos courtesy of www.diyfashion.com

My favorite is the jacket with the flared sleeves and the chevron fur... I mean thats insane!!! I would live in that jacket if I owned it.  Keep your eyes on Jo No Fui everyone... I think Alessia is about to take over the US too...

xoxo,

Molly

September Issues :: Part II

Hola fashion senoritas! I told you I was going to take over with posts this week to make up for last week! That might mean 2 a days... yikes... yep 2 a days.

So here we are {2 weeks later? oops...} to the September Issues Second Edition.  This will be lengthy so lets just get started.... you know what we are doing here.

Marie Claire

One of Marie Claire's {thank you Nina Garcia} first big trends is sequins and paillettes galore!! From the cutest cardigans {Malene Birger at the Wardrobe}, dresses {Prada}, and cute clutches {Fendi}.  The trick to the trend is knowing what to pair it with.  If you do a great sequined tank for day, pair it with a great pair of simple trousers and a soft cardigan. 

Southwestern influences are all over the pages of Marie Claire {and the runways!}.  Isabel Marant had strong influences as well as Derek Lam.  An easy way to get away with this and not looking like a costume is to add jewelry with arrows on it.  Also, an easy tan bag such as the basic Mulberry style are perfect and incredibly classic. 

One of the BIGGEST trends for fall is COLOR!!  Usually for fall you see the usual tans, blacks, winter whites, etc, this season is the exception!  Pops of berry colors, cobalt's, emerald, and violet. This is not just an accessory trend, this is pants, tops, jackets, anything you can get your hands on that is a bright pop of color with instantly bring you into fall.

InStyle

The first main thing that InStyle shoots out to is bright colored pants.  Yep folks, bright colored pants! I jumped on this trend about 8 months ago, grabbing any kind I could find.  People said I was nuts... but I will now be wearing my cobalt and violet colored pants paired with heels and a blazer PROUDLY {not that I wouldn't have before...}. A great inexpensive pair is from Asos.com for $80.  You can also get some from Magaschoni and 3.1 Phillip Lim if you want a pricier version.

Another big trend they talk about is the 50's - 60's ladylike "buttoned up" trend shown by Bottega Veneta on the runway.  This goes along with the tie blouse that you can literally get ANYWHERE this fall.  Loft by Ann Taylor as a great version for $50. Tweed blazers/jackets also work well with this trend.  It's so classic and easy anyone of any age can really get behind this. 

They go on to talk about how to do color for fall.  Denim in bright colors is still really relevant so don't store the ones you already bought for Spring/Summer. Faux fur is another trend, well fur is a trend but for most of us that translate to faux.  There are so many options that look/feel real and are really affordable!  Chunky knits are another trend that has been almost everywhere!  For a more fashion forward look pair it with a floral wispy maxi skirt, or if you're more tailored pair it with a great pair of khaki's.

I like InStyle because they put together really good outfits that you can copy/edit to your own liking.  I of course die over Vogue every month but for anyone who has trouble translating the runway to real life this is the magazine you should be picking up every month.  They also show you affordable alternatives, not just the high end designers so they rest of us can afford them. 

Ok... {if you got this far!} I am off to watch the season premiere of The Rachel Zoe Project!!! Oh and then do my fantasy football draft {yep you heard right....} with a group of my girl friends... this should get interesting...

xoxo,
Molly

College Football!!! What to Wear...

Sorry for the GIANT delay in posts.  It's been a busy week! I will make up for the lack of posts this week though! {Also, voting for MVBlogger ends this Friday so VOTE VOTE VOTE!}

I love College Football.  You may think that doesn't go with my whole persona but pretty much any girl who went to Kansas State feels the same {hey... we will be back on top someday}.  Even if we don't all know exactly what is going on or all the players names we enjoy our football in the Midwest.  From what I've seen so far the south does too.  My brother recently told me that after moving to DC he realized how much he under-credited me for my girl football knowledge. I don't think he knew it but that was one of the biggest compliments he has EVER given me, even if it probably stemmed from an annoying girl asking him a lot of dumb questions during a game.  I will take it!

So ramble ramble ramble... the point of this post is that we are no longer in college {I know... choke back those tears}.  Which means that you should no longer be wearing your sorority shirt to the tailgate or the bar to watch the game.  There are SO many better alternatives out there.  If you live in the DFW area you should know about Gameday Cloth in Plano.  It was created on this thought exactly.  It's stocked with vintage inspired soft, creative shirts, tanks, dresses, etc from schools all over the country {and pro teams, mostly Texas}. 

Here are some of my favorites from the website {you can order online!!}.

Obviously these are all my favorites! I already own the bottom one and own the short sleeve version of the black one.  I plan on owning the tank version as well though! They are amazingly soft, I wear them to bed quite often in the off season.

Want to be even more discreet?  Wear one of these solid color dresses by Tru Colors.  All available at Gameday Cloth and all on sale at the moment!

Here are a few of my favorites from other teams... although I don't support the teams if you do you should try one of these!! {There are a ton more teams in store and online if you don't see yours represented!}

Go see my friends Jana {who owns this amazing store} or Nicole at Gameday Cloth! Remember you can order online or by calling these lovely ladies and letting them help you if you don't live in the DFW area!

xoxo,

Molly

Finally! Welcome to Dallas H&M.

Well hello H&M.  We are happy to finally have you here in the lovely city of Dallas. It's been way to long but we are glad you're here.  While I haven't come to say a proper hello to you I promise I am going to soon... possibly tomorrow? I have taken a sneak peak at the website and have picked out a few must haves for my Fall wardrobe.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am blazer obsessed. It's possible I own about 25 of them.  I don't however own a solid navy one. Not to mention the fact that I want my hair to look like the above picture.

Plus I completely am in love with elbow patches so this little lady is PERFECT!!!! She is $39.95 which makes her even more amaaaazing.

I love this little guy for being SO incredibly lady like.  I want to wear her with a tie blouse and great tailored pants.   Only $49.95.

I mean... I think by now I don't have to say anything about this one.... perfectly preppy. $59.95.

AMAZING!! I need to see her in person so I can touch it.  It's obvi faux fur... the big kicker here will be what it feels like.  This would be perfect for my annual dress up as Rachel Zoe for Halloween! {yes... only girls know who I am... but it doesn't make it any less fun for me}

I can't get enough of rings either.  A simple cocktail ring is the best.

Stripes are always a good thing to get behind, especially in a jersey top with a little sheen that is only $12.95.  Perfect for under every one of those blazers up there!

I want a sweater like this to pair with a flowy maxi skirt and flats. The perfect fall look at such a wonderful price.

See you tomorrow H&M.... I have a feeling we will have a beautiful friendship strike up. I hope you are as good to me as I plan on being to you.

xoxo,

Molly



The September Issues :: Part 1

It's my favorite fashion time of year {tied with the Fall runway shows...} it's that time again when the SEPTEMBER ISSUES come out!! For those of you who don't know, this means magazines are HUGE, Vogue usually being around 800 pages for this month, it's the big Fall fashion issues {as Southern Boy learned this even means GQ! It's Christmas for Magazines}.  It's the time of year when I use a book mark for my magazines and have to set my books aside so I can read every glossy page in all of them.  Oh and I should tell you... I am obsessive about magazines.  You may have noticed in the About Me that I hoard them and stack them in book cases. {This only includes the fashion mags... Vogue, Bazaar, InStyle, Elle, Lucky, W, and Marie Claire}.  I don't plan on ever throwing them away and if anyone ever helps me move they usually get annoyed they have to lug these magazines around... whatever I don't care... they are NOT to be thrown away.  I am NOT, I repeat, NOT a hoarder in any sense of the word... Magazines are the only weird thing I can't throw away.

Anywho! Lets get back to the task at hand.  Friends, I am going to chronicle out for you the highlights of each September Issue.  What each mag thinks are the Must Have items, Must Follow Trends, and things to leave behind.  I am going to do this is a series of 3 posts. Two issues a post of the following magazines...

First up!! Here we go... get your shopping lists out ladies... it's going to be GREAT Fall season!

Bazaar

Tortoise Shell accessories such as heels, necklaces, and clutches made an appearance in Nicholas Kirkwood, Dries Van Noten, and Louboutin's collections for fall.  Lanvin got in on the action with a "camera" style bag, and Michael Kors showed Tortoise jewelry.  This is a great add on to a basic outfit to give it a little extra textured look.

Lisa Armstrong of the Daily Telegraph in the U.K. contributed by saying some of the 10 things you MUST buy this season are a statement coat {bright yellow, crisp green, magenta, cobalt}, printed day dresses {take a cue from Marni or Rodarte}, menswear influenced pieces {tailored blazers, well cut trousers, perfectly tailor button down, JCrew always does these well}, and an updated LBD {sequins, or the fuller form, cut out shoulder version Fendi showed}.  She goes on to say that her shopping list "must have" for any woman includes "at least one midi skirt, a number of blouses, skinny knits-that's the '70's covered-one pencil skirt, two or three patterned pieces, flat boots, a pair of block-heeled pumps, and an overcoat or a cocoon-shaped topper in a strong statement color."

One trend that is in every magazine under the sun right now is polka-dots! Yep... polka-dots.  They show up in dresses {Lanvin}, blouses {Stella McCartney}, bags {Chanel}, and everything else you can think of! An easy way to jump on this trend is by adding a scarf to your outfit.  If you want to go a little bolder go with one of the sheer tops so many labels will be showing, or an all over dress.

Elle

No more bandage dresses ala Housewife of Where ever or Kardashian sister.  Dressing is finally universally about the woman and not dressing for the man {HALLELUJAH!}.  It's the new New Look which originated around 1947, postwar.  Dior {basically unknown at the time} came out with corseted tops paired with decadently full skirts topped with padded hips.  Despite protests over skirts made with nearly 27 yards of fabric at a time when war rationing was not yet a distant memory, it was soon an adopted style of the rich and fashionable Europeans.  In the U.S. it was quickly the favorite of fashion editors and was duplicated for the masses {less fabrication used of course...}.  The point being this trend is taking over for Fall.  Boxy cape's, flouncy skirts, longer lengths, and almost nothing being overtly "sexy" {there's that gag word again...}.  This is the main theme of the whole issue {read the article page 228 Some Like it Haute by Nick Axelrod.}.

So let's break this down into the Elle inspired shopping list.  Well of course you need a polka dot blouse... STAT. Or the Marc Jacobs clutch or headband also featured in the {OF COURSE} section about spots. The most popular item {EVERYWHERE} being the Stella McCartney lazer cut out dress below. If you can rock/own that dress you will rock/own the whole season.  Hopefully when the brand new Stella McCartney store opens in Highland Park Village I can get my hands on it {and by get my hands on it I mean try it on.... stare at myself for 30 minutes... not eat for a day... dream about it.... and then forget about it}. Oh by the way... only a dress of this sort can be against the "man-repeller" theme of the season. Another repeat offender is tortoise, same as above, any accessory you can find it in.

Next is lace... seen in shoes {Dior}, dresses {Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton, Lanvin, etc etc}, and even in jewelry with a lace form.  The easier way to do this trend is a lace top paired over a cami, maybe even in a bright color.  Or a lace skirt paired with black tights and a simple silk top and blazer for work.  They also boast lot's of really graphic prints {hounds tooth, floral, animal, graphic colors} and baroque for a renaissance feel such as a metal necklace by Proenza Schouler or a woven silver clutch such as the one by Bottega Veneta. They show animal in tops {such as Equipments}, dresses {Calvin Klein and Club Monaco both make affordable ones}, and faux fur jackets {Banana Republic and Michael by Michael Kors}.

Pick up an issue of Elle to find lot's of options for shopping, for every price range.  For example, the best heels have sparkle {example, the Miu Miu's shown earlier}, are a Loafer heel {where have you seen those before?}, also kitten heels, and color blocking.

I could go on and on and on with both of these issues, but I will stop there. Stay tuned for the rest of the fall issues.  Also, stay tuned for a few "How to Wear it" posts.  I will find the best {affordable} pieces for each major trend of the season, for any age {your welcome Mom!!}.

Have a wonderful rest of your Thursday my wonderful fashion followers!!

xoxo,
Molly

P.S. Don't forget to vote for me on Most Valuable Blogger! Link on the top right side of page!

Bag Obsession...

I am completely obsessing over my dream Chanel bag lately after trying it on my arm {bad idea... I can't sleep or eat without thinking about how much better all of that would be with it...}. I have tried to find something comparable.  Instead... I found this gorgeous beauty.

Lanvin :: Happy Shoulder Bag :: Quilted Logo :: $1800

I couldn't even decide which hypothetical color I wanted.  So why not all three! This pretty little lady is by Lanvin and is actually called the Happy Shoulder Bag... I mean stop! You can't just name a bag the Happy Shoulder Bag and not want people to be happier then anything with it! It's so perfect with the cute little bow and the bamboo turn lock. The issue is this doesn't really help the Chanel bag lust... although it knocks a couple grand off it's still not in the right ball park... {sigh}.

Lanvin :: Happy Shoulder Bag :: Embossed Leather :: $1975

Lanvin :: Happy Shoulder Bag :: Embossed Snake Leather :: $2275

Looks like I will need to do find a completely different bag to cover my lust for now....

xoxo,

Molly

Fall Inspiration ... Rachel Zoe Collection

Ever since the Fall 2011 RTW Runway's I have been lusting over Rachel Zoe's collection.  The first time I looked at it I expected it to be fine... maybe a little too dramatic and probably not very wearable. Ohhhhh was I wrong!! I feel in love and have been clicking through the pictures waiting to copy every outfit she made.  I'm in love with it! Here are some of my favorites... even if you won't ever own one of the pieces it's easy to get fall inspiration from the genius herself...

The wide leg trousers, tie blouses, 70's smoking blazers, winter white, and even the shoes and bags are right on trend. It's easy to see Zoe in all of these looks as well.  She admitted for her first collection she stayed right in her comfort zone... which for me was fine because I'm in LOVE.  She recently debuted her second collection for Resort 2012 which has way more color, beautiful caftans, and even simple print sundresses.  My favorites from that below...

I am obsessively obsessed with the teal gown.  I wish I had a place to wear it.  I love the gorgeous chiffon gowns, the fun prints, and especially the great transition places!  I am officially a fan Rachel Zoe {well I already was... I am Rachel Zoe for Halloween every year... hey don't judge, boys might not know who I am but it's easy and fun for me.} but I am a Rachel Zoe Collection fan!

xoxo,

Molly

Fall Must Have.... Statement Necklaces

Sorry for the delay in posts lately... I've been a busy lady and this weekend was Southern Boy's birthday! {Happy Birthday to yooouuu one last time!} I am back and promise to stop neglecting you fabulous people!  As is maybe obvious, I love jewelry, however I'm not a big earring person... not sure why.  But I LOVE LOVE lovelovelovelove big statement necklaces!  They are my favorite way to jazz {yep, I said jazz} up ANY outfit.  Here are some of my favorites I am drooling over....



Top Left: Robert Rodriguez Multi Strand Coin Necklace $285
Top Right: Theodora & Callum Cleopatra Necklace $365

Bottom Left: Oscar de la Renta Smoky Glass Necklace $545

Bottom Right: Nest Clustered Howlite Necklace $350

 Above are all from Neiman Marcus Direct.  Gold is the best, easiest way to incorporate a big necklace like this into your wardrobe.  I have lots of strands of gold chains I wear together, sometimes I add my favorite vintage owl necklace into the gold chain mix to add a little extra!



Top Left: Kate Spade Spotlight Bib $248 $124 Top Middle: Kate Spade Gold Rush Collar $248
Top Right: Kate Spade Cut to the Chase Bib $148.
Bottom Left: Hazel Symth Labrodorite Long Deco Diamond and Stone $320 Bottom Middle & Right:  Deco Bubbles on Chain $330

These are my drool worthy necklaces for Fall. Perfect with tailored wide leg trousers, silk top, and blazer.  Or a perfectly cut striped shift dress.

Hope everyone had as wonderful weekend a weekend as I did!

xoxo,

Molly