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Styled by Lady Liberty

4 Jul

Happy Fourth of July!  A wonderful day to be an American…and yet, a rather sad day to be an expat (especially when it falls on a Wednesday!).  But not to worry – we will listen to God Bless America as many times as we can stand it while eating as much American junk food as we can get our hands on.  For those of you celebrating in the land of red, white, and blue (not just RED) – I hope that you channeled your own inner Lady Liberty to dress the part of America’s independence celebration!  In case you need help – here are a few festive looks for the fourth:

For the Lady Liberty in All of Us

Andrew Gn Resort 2013

Carlos Miele Resort 2013

For the Hipsters Watching Fireworks on Brooklyn Rooftops

Isabel Marant

For the Lady Liberties Who Beach

Norma Kamali Resort 2013

Michael Kors Resort 2013

For a Picnic in the Park

Antonio Marras

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013

For a Fancy Fireworks Fête

Prabal Gurung Resort 2013

Rachel Zoe Resort 2013

Christian Dior Resort 2013

MY PERSONAL FAVORITE!! L’wren Scott Resort 2013

 

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If a Valentine Walked the Runway

15 Feb

I believe that if Hallmark cards up and decided to leave their “racks” for the runway that they would most likely look like this…

Meadham Kirchoff Spring 2012

Meadham Kirchoff Spring 2012

Thakoon Fall 2012

Meadham Kirchoff Spring 2012

I think it is very clear that Hallmark needs keep their cards in check…we can’t have these looks running around every day!

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com

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FALLing for Valentine’s

15 Feb

Perhaps it is a coincidence.  Perhaps it is just a true love for the color red.  Or…perhaps the fact that New York Fashion Week fell during Valentine’s Day this year inspired designers to include the color of love into their Fall 2012 collections.  Whatever the reason – I don’t care.  I love red, and even more – I love the nod to the day set aside for romance.  Let’s FALL in love…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012

Diane von Furstenburg Fall 2012

Christian Siriano Fall 2012

Rachel Zoe Fall 2012

Kevork Kiledjian Fall 2012

Wes Gordan Fall 2012

Moncler Grenoble Fall 2012

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com

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Confetti Dressing

31 Dec

Happy New Year from 3 confetti obsessed 8-year-olds circa 1988! *Check out my beautiful white tights! Hot, right?

I LOVE confetti!  Seriously – it is absolutely my favorite thing about New Year’s Eve (although I do love the midnight kiss with my husband!)  I have loved this holiday from a very young age simply because of the tremendous joy running through confetti gives me. My mother, Leigh Haverstock Moric, and Kristin Kopperud can certainly vouch for this.  You see…at just 8 years old, I convinced my mother to allow me to host a formal dinner party for 2 close friends.  What does a “formal dinner party” mean for an 8-year-old you ask?  Well – in my case, it meant asking my mom to make three coordinating evening gowns in different colors.  I chose red lamé with black velvet accents for myself, blue taffeta with sequins for Kristin, and pink satin with pearl details for Leigh.  (In my opinion – we all looked elegant and very grown up – in reality, we looked like 8-year-olds in play dresses!)  My idea of a formal dinner party also including eating our meal of choice (take-out chinese) on the china in the dining room and drinking sparkling grape juice out of the crystal.  If she didn’t realize it before, NYE 1988 undoubtedly confirmed to my mother that she was raising a super girly girl.  Truth be told – the movie Overboard with Goldie Hawn is most likely to blame for it.  I still have high hopes of going to a party like the one she dreams of in the movie.  I also have high hopes of having a revolving shoe closet someday like the one Kurt Russell builds for her on the yacht!

This year I decided that I would like to dress like confetti for NYE. Care to join me?  (My NYE outfit to come later.)  In the meantime, here are some super fun brights to inspire your “confetti dressing”.  And remember, confetti is NOT just one color – feel free to mix, match, and add other bright  accessories in the form of bags, shoes, and bangles.  I know I am going to!  Happy Confetti!!

Bill Blass Spring 2012

Antonia Marras Spring 2012

Elie Saab Spring 2012

Jenny Packham Spring 2012

Juan Carlos Obando Spring 2012

Norma Kamali Spring 2012

Roksanda Ilincic Spring 2012

Mathew Williamson Spring 2012

All images courtesy of www.style.com

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Ring in a Red-Hot New Year!

27 Dec

Is there any color that turns a head like red?  I think not!  So why not celebrate the coming of 2012 in razzle dazzle red?

Here are 7 outstanding looks that work for a variety of occasions.  Please tell me your favorite!

Meeting Friends for Drinks

Emanuel Ungaro Jumpsuit - Spring 2012 RTW

Spicy red Ferragamo Suit - Spring 2012 RTW

Cocktail Party

This Nina Ricci frock is certainly not complete without the darling little turban. After all - it is NYE and hats are encouraged and often expected! Spring 2012 RTW

This look from Alice & Olivia will bring a touch of sophistication to any New Year's Eve party. Pre-Fall 2012

Be prepared to WOW in this littler Ungaro number. Not only is it red...it is a print and it is sequined! A triple threat. Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2012 RTW

Black Tie

A classic red look by Ferragamo. Spring 2012 RTW

I do believe that this is one of the most striking red gowns I have seen. If you do in fact have a black tie ball to attend, then I feel confident that wearing this Zac Posen gown will guarantee you the title, "Belle of the Ball"! Zac Posen Pre-Fall 2012

Happy Red-Hot New Year!

All images courtesy of http://www.style.com

 

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Countdown to 2012

26 Dec

The Carpenter’s famous song “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” asks a very important question.  By now many of you have most likely booked a table at your favorite special occasion restaurant or you have made plans to go out-on-the-town with dear friends that you only get to see at this time of year.  So now I will ask you another very important question, “What Are You Wearing New Year’s Eve?”

In case you haven’t selected  the perfect ensemble just yet…(like me) here are some fun alternatives to the traditional LBD.

Today, I would like to play with color.  In fact, many of you might be able to create some of these unique looks with items already in your closet.  Wouldn’t it be nice to hold on to that Christmas money from your grandmother just a little longer?

BRIGHT IDEAS!

Pairing two shiny brights, like this look from Ferragamo Spring 2012, feels fun, fresh, and festive. All the look needs to make in NYE ready is a touch of sparkle...pick 2 of the following: necklace, cocktail ring, shoes, small clutch, or hair clip.

Blue, Green, and Yellow are not typically worn together all at once. But isn't it fun? Plus - just think how you will stand out in the sea of black that is NYE. I also highly recommend the beehive up-do and false lashes to add some Madmen sex appeal. DSquared Pre-Fall 2012

Take inspiration from Ferragamo's Spring 2012 runway. Delve into your closet and pick three pieces that are each a different shade of bright...a top, a bottom, and a belt. Have fun and be a show-stopper. Keep in mind that a neutral shoe might be in order!

How about trading in those nude fish-nets or black tights for a bright pair to match your outfit. This monochromatic look from Giorgio Armani Pre-Fall 2012 takes it up a notch, don't you think?

NOT SO BRIGHT

This look from DVF's Pre-Fall 2012 Collection proves that a basic pale blue (or insert your own color) frock can look fresh when paired with contrasting colored long gloves and belt. For NYE - a pair of shoes with a touch of glitter or sparkle is certainly in order. And - if your scene is on the edgy side, go ahead and sport the thigh highs!

Have an old bridesmaids dress or 20? Why not look through your "27 Dresses" collection and see if anything can be revived with a bright-colored belt. Just look how a skinny royal blue belt can add life to this simple asymmetrical chocolate number from Carolina Herrera's Pre-Fall 2012 collection.

This sophisticated look from Donna Karan's Pre-Fall 2012 collection can quite easily be recreated. Supplies needed: 1 slinky white or off-white silky top, a navy blue or other jewel-toned pencil skirt, and a long piece of black silk taffeta (purchased at your local fabric store) tied in an over-sized bow. And of course - ruby-red lips!

I challenge you to get creative and take risks with your New Year’s Eve ensemble.  It is the last night of 2011 after all… Live it up!

More NYE inspirations to come!

Images courtesy of http://www.style.com

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Shine like the North Star

24 Dec

Who says you have to save sparkles for New Year’s Eve?  Certainly not ABIB!

I should probably warn you that some of these looks are NOT Midnight Mass or Christmas Eve church program appropriate – but if you are going to the annual see-and-be-seen Christmas Eve party at the “Smith’s” or celebrating with a new love at a fancy restaurant, then these little numbers are the perfect inspirations.  (I use the word inspiration because these looks are from the Spring 2012 runways…not available to us quite yet!)

Red sparkle pants! Perfect for this HO-HO-HO-Holiday! Alternatively, you could winterize the look with a sweater up top. Antonio Berardi Spring 2012

Who doesn't want to look like a snowflake this time of year? I also love the sequined jacket with the second look in the background. Chanel RTW Spring 2012

Going on a Christmas Eve date? Look "sweet" in this gingerbread house inspired cocktail dress. Pucci Spring 2012

Yes - this is a touch dressy for the average Christmas Eve celebration. That said, I am certain that Zara has a skirt very similar to these fish scale sequins right now, and it would be darling if paired with a crisp, perfectly fitted white button up shirt. Maybe throw in a few colored bangles too. Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2012

Work with me on this one....I realize that there is A LOT going on here. But my inspiration take-away for a fun Christmas Eve look is pairing Kelly green and silver sparkles. This could be done with a simple green pencil skirt (I have seen them at multiple retail outlets) and a shimmery silver sweater. Black lacquered accessories would add a needed bit of edge. Manish Arora Spring 2012

Who doesn't love a shiny gold package at Christmas? While this one is quite "slinky" for the occasion - I love gold at a holiday party. Also, shiny little numbers like this can always be toned down with a fitted black blazer or a sweet winter white cardigan. A pretty ballet flat is another way to take it down a notch...although you know how difficult that is for me to suggest! Obviously, a heel is a lady-leg's best friend. Pucci Spring 2012

Snow bunny anyone? Again - these looks are far too formal for the majority of people on this night, but I wanted to use it as an example of winter white. White is such an angelic color. What better night to wear it? But I should warn you to wear it cautiously...you don't want to end up looking like you are supposed to be at the Annual Tacky Christmas Party. Giorgio Armani RTW Spring 2012

Merry Christmas, God Bless, and Happy Sparkles!

I would love to see what you do end up wearing to your Holiday Parties.  If you send me pics…I will post them!

Images courtesy of www.style.com

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Valentine’s Day in Beijing

21 Feb

Referred to as “Ai Ren Tian” – which literally translates to Lover’s Day, the Valentine’s Day celebration in China is a fast growing trend. In fact, they have already learned to jack up the price of roses by 100% or more at every flower market in town.   Heart shape chocolates line the shelves of most markets (not just the western ones) and restaurants advertise Valentine’s Day specials. Though unlike New York – you don’t have to make a reservation 2-months in advance! Unfortunately though, my personal favorite – the classic pink velvet heart shape box of chocolates by Russell Stover (found at any local Duane Reade in NYC) is a NO show in the Old Peking. Although on a positive note: Dove, Toblerone, and many fine European chocolates make a strong showing.

Valentine’s Day happened to fall on the day after we arrived home from our trip to the states. Needless to say – jet lag played a big roll in our decision to avoid the crowds and have a nice night at home.  I surprised Brett by dressing myself and our dining room chairs up as Cupid.  I think it is a pretty clever use of red feathered wings…

 

Valentine’s Day Table Decor

I also decided to get a little more creative with my centerpieces in order to avoid the crazy mark up on roses. I used bundles and bundles of baby’s breath (a filler that I don’t typically like) to create the look of a giant fluffy snowball.  It was really cute…and really cheap!  Not to mention the fact that Valentine’s Day was over a week ago, and the arrangements still look just as fresh as the day I created them.

 

Fluffy Baby’s Breath Arrangement

I also surprised Brett with one of his favorite meals: creamed spinach and a Wagu beef filet prepared rare.  He surprised me with 66 beautiful red roses!

 

A Treat from My Valentine!

I give our Valentine’s Day in Beijing 5 Blondes out of 5!  Of course if you happened to spend it with someone who you don’t particularly like…the score could be much lower.

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