Blazers Are Back

This season has been all about the boyfriend. And I'm not talking about that arm candy that takes you out to dinner every once in a while. I'm talking about boyfriend jeans, boyfriend sweaters, and boyfriend blazers. You know, that article of clothing that you usually (but wrongly) correlate with that scary interview for that one job you really, really want? Am I talking to much?....................

Okay, so the blazer can be pretty intimidating, I'll admit. Not everyone thinks they can pull it off, but guess what. You can. Anddd it will actually look fashionable and chic, rather than business-y and boring. It is such a versatile jacket, but a lot of people don't realize just what all you can do with it. So here are just a few ways you can learn to rock this look. Because let me just tell you now, you need one in your closet. Need.

Because it can be worn throughout all four seasons, the blazer can be paired with everything from jeans to skirts, to shorts and dresses. It can turn the most simple of outfits into the most chic. How casual and cute is the navy blazer with the denim shorts? So perfect for the spring and summer. Keep it simple like Lauren Conrad with some dark skinny jeans and black shoes (pumps or flats), or wear it over a white tank with distressed jeans in the spring. 

I absolutely love this blazer with rolled up sleeves & belt around the waist. It's a different take on the blazer & belted blazers can be worn with pencil skirts, and fitted jeans or pants. With a blazer, in general, I think you should always stick with fitted or skinny jeans or else the boyfriend look goes into overkill and you just end up looking frumpy. No good.

Mixing two unlikely pieces of clothing like a dress or skirt paired with a blazer is perfect if you want a new spin on a normally basic outfit. Sky-high shoulders are also showing up in tailored, embellished blazers. I love love love a strong shoulder because it adds a little edge to your outfit when you need it.

Finding the perfect blazer for you is important. The key is to find one that is well-fitted. There's nothing worse than looking like you've been swallowed by a jacket. A blazer doesn't have to be super tight to look good, it can be a little loose, but avoid patterns at all costs. Neutrals on neutrals work best for most people and black on black is always a classic. Change it up with bright colors every now and then.

And where do you buy this amazing blazer, you ask? I've found a couple great affordable options to start your search for the perfect blazer. I've said it once, and I'll say it again. ASOS.com has some really really really fabulous, affordable clothes, and they have amazing blazers. Free shipping there and back...from London! (Actually guilty of shopping there today...oops) I couldn't put them all up there were so many great options, so do yourself a favor and go check them out!

ASOS Cropped Boyfriend Blazer $68.96                                                                

ASOS Tailored Waist Blazer 

$55.17

Forever 21 Ponte Blazer $27.80

Stunning Stone

Raise your hand if you knew Emma Stone was a natural blond? Anyone? Anyone?...Didn't think so. Turns out, she wasn't booking any roles as a blonde until she dyed her hair red for Super Bad and from then on, she continued getting jobs and never thought about dying it back. But if there's one thing she proved at the Critic's Choice Awards and Golden Globes, it's that the girl can rock the hair color. While this particular look got many mixed reviews, I think Emma Stone totally pulled off this Calvin Klein peach dress. There's no denying that she has the bod for this slim ensemble, the open back shows the perfect amount of skin without getting too revealing, and the clutch and up do add the perfect touch. No need for embellishment or a ton of accessories, when you've got that glowing skin.

No mixed feelings about this one. Emma Stone seriously rocked this silver Balenciaga dress at the Critic's Choice Awards. Definitely a fave look of the night. She looked absolutely gorgeous and not to mention, took home the award for Best Comedy for Easy A (huh-larious). 

Definitely gotta keep an eye out for Emma Stone on the red carpets the rest of awards season! And on top of that, she's got four movies coming out in 2011. That's right...four. Girl's on a roll.

Make A Statement

Swag ain't somethin you can wear on your neck. At least according to Keri Hilson.

But I have to say, Keri Hilson did not realize that it is in fact very possible. Okay...bad joke, but seriously. The statement necklace trend has carried over for a few seasons since 2009, but I have just started getting into the trend. And let me tell you, I am really getting into it. I'm already such an accessories whore-der (...get it?) and my jewelry collection is far too big. I've worked at a jewelry boutique at home for over 3 years and when we get new shipments in...it's just flat out dangerous...

It's such a simple way to add to an outfit. I mean sure, put on one of your basic, solid color tops like any other night, but as soon as you add that statement necklace? Boom. Every girl is eyeing your outfit in jealousy wishing they could pull it off as well as you. Who doesn't want that dang, girlfriend knows what she's doing effect??

The key to pulling off this trend in the Spring is to pick necklaces with eye popping colors and combine with solid color tops like turquoise and yellow, or red and violet. If you're going with a detailed top, a necklace will only over do it. So if you're wearing a very detailed or embellished top, opt for chunky bracelets, rings, or earrings instead that will add just as much wow factor to a normally plain outfit.

Wu Gets Edgy

Telling you that I love Jason Wu's Ready-to-Wear Collection for Spring 2011 would be a complete under statement. After watching the show over and over (guilty) online, I can confidently say that I absolutely adore every single trouser, blazer, gown, cocktail dress and separate in the collection. Jason Wu is such an amazing designer and knows exactly what women want to wear to feel confident. Wu has said that he was inspired by truffle shavings while dining in Paris and that inspiration is especially evident in his skirts. The young, 28 year old designer has a very sophisticated vision and to prove that he's here to stay he cleaned up his designs, lost the bras, and created a great range of abstract, vibrant colors and pretty, light neutrals. Fashion insiders say this is his most edgy and dangerous  collection ever. Bravo, Mr. Wu. If it means anything to you (I'll just go ahead and pretend it does) I love love love love love love it. 

And now for the main event. Let the picture montage begin. Soak it in, people.. I promise I won't judge you for how long you stare :)

Louboutin Lust

Hello, my name is Mackenzie and I'm addicted to Christian Louboutin. 

Ha ha. Okay, if you haven't already noticed my extreme love for Christian Louboutin's, well then this is my formal admittance that I have quite the unhealthy obsession. Christian Louboutin is one of my all time, hands down, without a doubt, favorite shoe designers ever. As one of God's gifts to the world (in my opinion at least...which I'll admit could be liiiittle strong), Mr. Louboutin has mastered the stiletto. With the signature spot-em-a-mile-away red soles, these shoes are not made for walking. Unless of course, you opt for a flat, but let's be honest...if you're going to spend the money, go big or go home.

Here are just a few of my favorites right now (most from his Fall/Winter 2010 and Spring/Summer 2011 Collections). And when I say few, I realllllly mean it. I could do a blog post of at least six pages of Louboutin shoes but I won't bore you...

Behold, the Pigalili. These silver studded pumps have been talked about by many in the fashion industry, in particular Rachel Zoe, and are truly stunning shoes (if pulled off correctly, of course).

With a sky-high heel (6 inches to be exact), buckled detail, fishnet and suede platform, there is so much going on with these 'Mad Marta' open toe booties, but it all seems to just work.

These are already in the 'People's Choice' post below (which Selena rocked by the way) but I literally cannot put into words how much I love these, with metallic leather, mesh peep toes, and satin covered platforms, they are just plain gorgeous.

Louboutin's Spring/Summer 2011 version of the Pigalle is a beautiful and fun shoe. This insanely detailed snakeskin shoe will be perfect for the season. Plus, the pointed toe stiletto is slowly making it's way back.

I have no doubt that these 'Change of the Guard' Louboutins will be a trendsetter of the Spring season and I will worship the ground (...I kid, I kid) of anyone who can rock this fringe-detailed sandal. 

People's Choice

At this year's People's Choice Awards, celebrities helped kick off the 2011 season of award shows with a bang. Watching the Red Carpet coverage on E! and online, I couldn't help but make mental notes of some of my favorite looks of the night.

The always stunning Minka Kelly looks gorgeous in this Vivienne Westwood dress with a lacy overlay and belt. I love her suede heels and studded clutch. I couldn't have chosen better accessories to keep this dress as the focal point. This awards show has usually been a more casual event (as opposed to one like the Oscars), so Minka's outfit choice was perfect for the carpet.

Selena Gomez was another one of my favorites and gave us two separate looks throughout the night. For her performance, she wore a gorgeous gown by Irina Shabayeva. She looks amazing.. but is it weird that I kind of love the fact that she matches the carpet and backdrop? Hmm.. With cascading ruffles across her frame, Selena kept it glam without overdoing it. And hel-loooo Louboutins, I think I'm in love with you.

Then, for the blue carpet, she wore a very pale pink Paule Ka one-shoulder dress paired with Giuseppe Zanotti heels. She even did a hair & makeup change for the second look. The style of her hair balances out the ruffle details that spirals down into the waist, and although pretty simple, I think it looks great with her skin tone (unlike Taylor Swift's choice of color tisk tisk stylist..) and the single Vahan silver bracelet is the perfect finishing touch.

What do you think of these celeb looks? Love em, hate em? Think someone else should be considered for Best-Dressed? Let me know! :)

Go for the Gold

Rose gold, that is. Take notes ladies and gentlemen, because rose gold is officially the new metal for Spring 2011. And there is an endless number of ways you can try out the trend this spring. As an accessories junkie, this will not be a challenge for moi, and almost every accessory imaginable can be done in a rose gold tone. Yay

Try a pair of rose-gold rimmed sunglasses (these are Gucci) and for us college students collecting Michael Kors watches, if you don't have one already get the rose gold plated watch. And it's not just sunglasses and watches but we will begin to see bangles, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and all of the above in every retail store.

Then, my friends...there are the shoes. Michael by Michael Kors makes amazing rose gold strapped wedge sandals, and I know there are going to be many more where they came from. For the less vertically challenged, a flat sandal for warm weather or ballet flat in a rose gold tone will work. Tory Burch does her classic ballet flat in rose gold but the flats pictured below are by Kate Spade.

So get out there, fellow shopaholics, and stock up on rose gold in your favorite accessory before everything is swept off the shelves and you're left behind on a huge spring trend! That would be a tragedy, wouldn't it?

Simply Kate

There's just no competition. Kate Bosworth is the reigning Queen of Simplicity. When it comes to fashion, and specifically on the red carpet, I always love when celebrities take risks and chances. No, it may not always work and god forbid they end up on Friday night's episode of the Fashion Police (one of my faves...Joan Rivers can be a major betch, anddd pretty funny), but there's also a Best Dressed list and a very good chance they can end up there. Celebrities attend so many events & red carpets anyway, I think it's always worth taking a chance. But for some reason, I just love Kate Bosworth's style. Whether it's a red carpet event or an oops-caught-by-the-paparazzi moment, she pulls off simple better than anyone else can. 

Kate opted for a soft, feminine look in this gorgeous pastel pink sleeved dress from Calvin Klein with matching lipstick. Normally I'm not the biggest fan of pink on the red carpet (or gray in this case), but I think this is just the right hue. *Tip: pastel pink can be much more grown-up than girly when minimized. Pair a top or dress without all the lace and ruffles with very simple, classic accessories like Kate's clutch and sparkly pumps.

Bright red lips + shoes = perfection. I love love love the matching combo paired with none other than Calvin Klein (a Kate Bosworth fave) at the Calvin Klein 2010 Collection after party. Such a basic, off-the-shoulder dress and wedges, the only other way to complete this look perfectly would be adding some super tousled, bedhead waves........oh wait.



Kate's pale blue Alexander McQueen gown looks so amazing with her tanned skin and bleach blonde hair. I feel like a record player stuck on repeat but: simple & chic. I am officially on a mission to find out who makes the clutch that she is holding in all 3 of these pictures because I am prrrrretty sure I love it :)

Perfect example of one of many caught-by-the-paps moments. Who pulls off and looks that good in a striped tee and cuffed boyfriend jeans? I'll tell you who....Kate Bosworth.

The Costumes

Okay, I know I'm dragging this Black Swan thing out probably more than I should, but I found this video today and had to add it because I absolutely love it. It's a behind the scenes video on the Black Swan costumes. Designers Amy Westcott and Kate & Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte (who I mentioned in the Swan Lake post below) discuss their thought process, ideas, and inspirations while creating the costumes for the film. They had to make around 40 tutus for it, which I think is pretty amazing considering how difficult it is to actually construct a tutu...just imagine doing it 39 more times.

They are up for Best Costume Design in the Critic's Choice Movie Awards and I think it is a very well deserved nomination. Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous

Swan Lake

Last night, my sister and I went to see Black Swan and can I just say wow. If you haven't seen it...Go. Now. It's probably one of the best movies I've ever seen in my life. I mean don't get me wrong, it's very disturbing and scary and sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat-waiting-for-something-bad-to-happen but oh my god good.

So what does this have to do with fashion, you ask? Well...not only is Black Swan up for the most Critic's Choice Awards of any movie ever (12 to be exact) and 4 Golden Globe nominations (Best Motion Picture, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director) but it's also up for Best Costume Design..my favorite! Costume designer Amy Westcott along with Laura & Kate Mulleavy aka the designing sisters that make up Rodarte did all of the designs for the film. They designed 40 costumes for Natalie Portman and the rest of the cast which they described as being difficult and that building a tutu has become a "lost couture art". Although most of the costumes are very simple and mostly ballet dancer casual wear, you can really see the intricate detail, and the costumes for the actual ballet Swan Lake were gorgeous.

And so is Natalie Portman...not fair.

Those picture aren't very fashion-y but I couldn't really find exactly what I wanted, so you'll just have to see the movie to get a real feel :)

THEN I got Natalie Portman's cover issue of Vogue (January 2011). Normally I like when magazines take a celebrity out of their element for spreads but I looovvee the fact that Vogue didn't do that this time. Instead they almost kept her in character of Nina from Black Swan and it totally worked.

Could you get any more gorgeous than that? Probably not.

PS. Go see Black Swan

For January

Considering I am a self-proclaimed online window shopping addict (and not afraid to admit it), I decided I would make a once a month wish list. Every month I'll put a little collage together of 10 random things I wish I could have or might possibly purchase..the affordable items at least which is going to be very rare. So in honor of the new year here is my January wish list...

1. Rag & Bone leather riding boots. I love the color of the leather and they would look so good with extra dark jeans (my favorite) or even black.

2. Yves Saint Laurent glass ring. I lovelovelove the stone and I can't get enough gold jewelry right now.

3. Printed silk tank by Thakoon. Even though it's the middle of winter, I love the detail on the sides and the horizontal stripes-- haven't they been everywhere this season? Plus it's a great layering piece. I can already picture everything I could do with this top...

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs watch. With it's oversized face & black and gold combo, it's a win-win situation here, people.

5. Luichiny pumps. I have been wanting a pair of pumps in a bright & bold color forever and what's better than electric blue? I love the platform and not bad for $80!

6. Elizabeth and James Elephant Ring. Okay I know it's $325 but I NEED this ring...it needs to be on my need list not my wish list (maybe I need to make one of those instead...). Not only do I love it just because but I go to Alabama. It's our mascot. I'm a crazy fan. It only makes sense, right?

7. Marc by March Jacobs scarf. It just looks so warm & cozy & cute, and I already know everything I could pair it and layer it with including that #3 tank!

8. Manolo Blahnik flats. We already know leopard print is so in right now and these are perfect. I'll have to find a knock off version I suppose...

9. Chanel Chance perfume. It's ad has been in almost every fashion magazine I've gotten recently and I can't help but rub the sample on every time.

10. Alexander Wang knitted cardigan. Once again.. warm, cozy & cute. Can't go wrong with this one.

It's times like these I wish I had a credit card with no limit..........

Fondness for Fur

When it's this cold out, nothing sounds better than putting something warm and cozy on. And staying warm while staying cute? Well that's just a home run. I have a newfound obsession with fur coats, vests, bags, scarves and basically any other possible way fur can be incorporated into fashion. We already have the Ugg situation under control, gone a little overboard actually, but what other options are there? The answer is a million. But to narrow it down some, I put together a few cute coats, scarves, and bags to show off this winter trend!

I love the idea of long, loose curls draped over a huge fur coat and big sunglasses to go along with it (think Rachel Zoe-esque). I totally see her in the bottom left one and I love the vest on the top.

You can never go wrong with scarves, and a fur scarf is even better for this season. You didn't think I could go without including leopard print, did you? As for the PETA members of the world, it's faux fur and only $18 at www.yesstyle.com

Last but not least, and one of my favorite items in the world is bags. I'm obsessed with bags-- cross body, shoulder, tote, clutch...you name it, I probably own it. So why not add to the collection with a trend-setting fur one? As far as a cross body/shoulder bag, I especially love the bottom left Marc by Marc Jacobs.

So what do you guys think about the trend this season? Love it? Hate it? Not sure?

You'll never know until you try..