Spring Fashion Preview

I am always excited to find out what the next season has in store for fashion. I researched everything from haute couture, fashion shows, to street styles and new items popping into your favorite stores.

10 Spring 2011 Trends

1- Wide Leg/High Waisted Trousers- they seem to keep swooning back into fashion so keep these in your closets ladies! Here are a few styles from Gap. I love the ones with the pleated seam in the front.

2. A Zest For Orange—Rich mango, persimmon, ripe pumpkin—however you slice it, bold orange was one of spring's sweetest color trends.

3. Futuristic Militaristic - I think you would be safe to stick with the plain military look.

The understated military jacket, always a staple, love the shoes!

4. A Full Skirt Moment - I love the playful look of these flowy skirts

5. The All-Day Pajama Party- I don't support this one at all. Sorry Paris Fashion week...

6. The Old-School Halter Neck

Above, from left: Spring 2011 runway looks from Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan, Vena Cava, Calvin Klein Collection. Photos courtesy of the designers

7. Another Study In Neutrals- warm and soothing shades of sand, camel, and ivory all nicely framed with dark swipes of black

8. Long and Longer - flowy long dresses and skirts have a relaxed look, I like the long skirts with slits.

9-The Prettiest Chartreuse Ever—No shade seems to garner as much controversy as chartreuse. No, it's not for everyone, but thanks to Miuccia Prada back in the day, we're occasionally introduced to this somber green shade in surprisingly chic ways. .

Above, from left: Spring 2011 runway looks from Rodarte, Jason Wu, Proenza, VPL. Photos courtesy of the designers.

10 -Dolman Sleeves, Please—Blouses have been gravitating to fuller, boxier, cropped cuts for some time now, so it was no surprise to see so many designers playing around with even fuller silhouettes and classic dolman sleeves.

Above, from left: Spring 2011 runway looks from Karen Walker, Yigal Azrouël, Vena Cava, Rag & Bone. Photos courtesy of the designers.

Some of my favorites from some new arrivals at GAP...

Love, Love, Love this blouse, as soon as it goes on sale, it's MINE!

More Gorgeous Styles from the streets of Paris

An effortless look, polished off with those gorgeous neutral flats

I like the play on contrast here, the soft feminine chiffon paired with the dark accessories

The structured vintage bag in the color of the season takes this outfit to another level

I love the play on monochromatic tones in this photo

Love the splash of color these pumps add to the elegant neutrals

A great mix of prints and texture

 

Manifesto for the New Year

This is my list of Top Ten recommendations for the New Year;

#1- Be spontaneous - life is too short, seize every moment
#2- Spend time with your kids - they grow up so quickly, cherish the time you have with them
#3- Be good to your body - make activity, healthy eating and rest a way of life
#4- Take time out for yourself - whether it be a quiet bath with a good book or a pedi with a friend
#5- Surround yourself with things and people you love - pretty self-explanatory
#6- Learn something new - take up a new sport or activity you have never tried before, you might be surprised by how much you like it and wonder how you ever lived without out
#7- Get outside once a day - there is nothing like the view from the top of a mountain or the feeling you get after a brisk walk in the crisp morning air
#8- Set some goals - define your aspirations and make them a reality
#9- Travel - it's so important to get away and discover new places (and shop)
#10-Drink more water - think of a dry plant after it gets water, everything comes alive

The True Spirit of Christmas

Sure, it will be great to see my kids faces light up with excitement as they tear open presents at Christmas this year but nothing is quite like giving to those who are really in need. I was finding it really hard to get into the spirit of Christmas this year. I watched people swarming about, frantically hitting the malls to buy mounds of presents for children who already have everything they need. Christmas felt forced to me and like it had very little meaning.

I came to work one day to find a message requesting staff contribute to a local family in need. There was a brief explanation about the family and the reasons why they were less fortunate. Suddenly everything came into perspective. My heart was bleeding when I read about the single father who was sick and struggling to make ends meet for his two teenage children. I took great pleasure in carefully selecting an order of clothing from Old Navy for the thirteen year old girl. It felt so good to be able to do something for her, knowing what hardships she faced every day. I wanted something just for her, to put a smile on her face this Christmas. The gifts are being delivered tonight and I wish I could see their faces as they open the hamper we put together for them. This is really what Christmas is all about. Realizing and appreciating what you have and finding it in your heart to always think of others. My Christmas now has a meaning I had never quite discovered before.

Merry Christmas to you all. May health, love and happiness be yours.

Parisian Style Files

I fell upon these beautiful Paris apartments during one of my day dreaming sessions. The Parisians have this ability to make everything look incredible in the most simple, understated way. These are a true feast for the eyes and I could only dream to create a house one day with much of the same Parisian flair...or I could just win the lottery and buy one of these!

Hello? Imagine looking out at this view as you sip your morning coffee.

I love these tall windows which seem to be in every room.

http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/cabernet.php

I am in love with gold mirrors right now, there are gorgeous gold mirrors in so many of these apartments. The frames are adorned with the most exquisite detail. The light cream/white palate throughout the room juxtaposes so nicely with the warm wood floor and blue chairs.

Check out the detail in the iron railing on the veranda. C'est si beau!

http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/clairette.php

http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/fronsac.php

I think this is my favorite contemporary take on Parisian Home Decor. The architectural detail alone is stunning. I love the color palate of varying shades of mauve and that chandelier is TO DIE FOR!!!

More glamour. Check out the detail in those floors.

http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/macon.php

I am drawn to the sharp contrasts of gold, black and white in these rooms.

http://www.parisperfect.com/apartments-for-rent-in-paris/vouvray.php

Confessions of a Shopaholic

My husband thinks I am a shopaholic. I am stuck in the first stage of addiction: denial. Is it so unusual that my blood rushes through my body when I step into a mall? That I love the sound of hangers sliding on a rod? That there are countless items in my closet with price tags still dangling? Doesn't every woman feel this way? I attempted to argue with him that he has it really good, that there are many woman who are far worst. After all, I don't buy $1400 handbags or own multiple pairs of boots (anything under four is not really a multiple is it?) Either way, I feel the need to prove to him I can survive without shopping. I am challenging myself to go as many days as possible without purchasing a single piece of clothing or footwear. On top of this every time I find something I would normally purchase, I am going to put the money I would have spent in a savings account. We'll see how it goes! I will keep you updated on how I am doing and challenge you all to ask yourselves if you can make a similar change in your own lives.

Goal Setting

There is no manual for life. Who you are, where you go, and how soon you get there is up to you. Goal setting is a tool that helps you get what you want out of life. It's that simple.

Alright, I am already back but I just couldn't wait to share this site with you. Lululemon Athletica has created a goal setting web-site designed to help you set personal, health and career goals Lululemon Goal Setting Link. I found it at a critical point in my life, when I was feeling unfulfilled by my career. I, like many others had a list of things I always wanted to do or achieve but had never materialized in any way....This site was true enlightenment for me. I was able to define the things which mattered most to me and set tangible goals, both short and long term. It's hard to describe the excitement I felt, somehow defining these goals made them suddenly POSSIBLE. The Christmas in Paris, owning my own bed and breakfast, my tenth anniversary in Italy all suddenly became a part of my future. The proof that it actually works, I am in the process of attaining one of my goals already to become a yoga teacher. It is so rewarding knowing I am on the path to achieving a goal that is so important to me. I truly believe defining my goal played an integral part in making it all happen. I hope you all take some time, especially at the dawn of a New Year, it is the perfect time to set your goals! Have fun and share back your experiences.

First Post!!!

Well here it goes....my very first post. I am officially a blogger. Isn't it the thing to do in this day and age? Recycle, wear sunscreen, get an iphone and blog. Check, check, check and check. I have chosen to write about my never ending battle to find balance in my life. I will never fancy myself an expert but know this to be a VERY common struggle for many and after several years of juggling my own life, I hope to create a place for sharing and knowledge and well, other fun things. I have two young children, a wonderful husband, a house, a dog, a shopping addiction, a career and many personal interests. I will endeavor to share my insights with you and welcome any comments you may have. Here goes nothing! Stay tuned for my next blog....