Black on Black

Black is truly one of the more versatile colors in the wardrobe palette. The wonderful thing about black is that depending on how you style (or understyle) a look, you can make a statement or opt for an understated look. When I think of black on black ensembles, the words bold, sleek, sophisticated, strong, edgy, sexy, elegant and glamourous come to mind. What words come to mind when you think of black?

Mod Squad: Miu Miu FW2010

Miu Miu's FW2010 ad campaign, photographed by dynamic duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott (who also shot the stunning Cavalli 40th anniversary campaign with Gisele Bündchen posted here), was something that took my breath away. The collection channels a 60s minimalist mod vibe with plenty of tailored solids and a mixture of fun floral appliqués, lace and plaid. Black, purple and mustard yellow dominated the color palette of this collection. Love the sleek styling of this campaign with the youthful platinum ponytails and pastel makeup...pure perfection. See more of the Miu Miu collection as well as the video and ad campaign at http://www.miumiu.com/campaign/. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

California Chic

Since her debut prime time role as Summer Roberts on The O.C., California born Rachel Bilson has emerged as a stylish celebrity enviable for her casual chic looks which have earned her regular features on Who What Wear and various media sources. I think what most girls are drawn to is her understated and accessible aesthetic to styling. Whether it's boho, vintage, or casual, it's effortless and not overdone.  Fun Facts: Aside from having a penchant for thrift stores and flea markets, she's a fan of everyday drugstore cosmetics. She's only 5'2" (1.524 m).  Image Sources: Zimbio, Rachel-Bilson.org, Rachel-B.Org

I'd like to extend a BIG THANKS to Angela from http://www.benchesandchandeliers.com for sponsoring the fantastic A'GACI giveaway recently in which I happened to be the lucky winner! Yay :) I'm a fan of her awesome style posts which you can check at http://www.benchesandchandeliers.com. Thanks again Angela!

THANK YOU also to fellow blogger Rheanne from http://rheanne-thegirlinnottingham.blogspot.com for the feature on her amazing blog where you can find inspiring fashion and style posts. Check out Rheanne's blog HERE. I'm honored Rheanne. :)

90s Supermodels Redux

Before Daria, Karlie, Freja, Abbey Lee or Bambi, there were the Supermodels of the 90s...Cindy, Christy, Linda, Naomi, Claudia and Kate. I admit, I have a mild obsession with these models. They are arguably the models that were in most demand and had the most staying power; dominating an entire decade or more, with most still booking steady modeling work to this day. Their notoriety made them household names and even appeared in George Michael's "Freedom" music video. Included in this post are some of my favorite photographs past and present. With so many to choose from that I may have to post a part deux!

Etsy Picks [ Jewelry ]

I typically scour the thrift and vintage stores for hidden jewelry treasures, but it can be a hit and miss. The great thing about Etsy is that it's a one-stop shop for the most amazing handmade and vintage jewelry. Top Set left to right: Pewter Bamboo Necklace, $70 | Raven Claw Ring, $55 | Deer Antler Necklace, $45 | Stick Branches Cuff, $48 | Art Deco Silver Ring, $32 | Silver Twig Ring, $28 | Staircase Necklace, $18.50 | Vintage Yellow Topaz Ring, $28 | Vintage Rhinestone Clip Earrings, $17 | Bottom Set left to right: Bronze Chainmaille Necklace, $32 | White Mother of Pearl Silver Ring, $45 | Tooth & Nail Leopard Print Bracelet, $42 | Raven Skull Necklace, $25 | Silver Woven Cuff with Studs, $20 | Zipper Necklace, $69 | Vertebrae Necklace, $32 | Feather Ring, $20

Headgear

Headgear...not in terms of helmets or orthodontics, but fashionable headpieces, headbands and headdresses! Many of us have seen the Playboy inspired bunny ears that appeared in the Louis Vuitton Fall 2009 Collection and ad campaign. Since then, I've observed an increasing variety of decorative elements to accessorize one's head. They range from casual scarf headwraps to whimsical minnie mouse inspired to downright theatrical. Streetstyle Photo Credits: StockholmStreetStyle, StreetHearts. Where to buy: Jennifer Behr (shown in 2nd set, top row), Jasmin Sparrow (feathered headdress)

I wanted to say THANK YOU to Sarah from Sarah's Fashion Diary for The Versatile Blogger Award. :) I'm thrilled to receive this award and greatly appreciate the recognition. Check out Sarah's blog if you aren't already a follower. She's incredibly passionate about fashion and her blog is always a treat to visit. :) There are literally toooo many wonderful blogs to narrow down to just a few, so I'd like to extend this Versatile Blogger Award to all the amazing bloggers out there that are inspired by the creative and artistic spirit of fashion. This inspiration is truly what keeps us blogging! :)

Walk-Ins

One of my favorite scenes from the 1st Sex and the City movie was when Mr. Big unveils the gorgeous custom walk-in closet (aka walk-in wardrobe). I recall there was a sudden hush of momentary silence from all the ladies in the audience, including myself, who were in complete awe. These amazing walk-ins undoubtedly rival Carrie Bradshaw's closet. Image Source: DecorPad

Shoe Gallery

Something about shoes kicks our excitement into overdrive. While I can be wishy washy when purchasing apparel, I'm quite decisive about buying shoes especially when something catches my eye. Can I get this in a size 7.5/8 please?! I'm notorious for falling head over heels in love with a pair of shoes, wearing it once and hoarding them like precious keepsakes. We adorn our feet with these pieces of artwork and as painful as it may be at times to walk in, we love our shoes. Fun fact: As you get older, your feet tend to get longer and wider; even up to 1 whole shoe size!  Image Sources: StockholmStreetstyle, WeHeartIt

Window Shopping

With fall right around the corner, thought I'd do some (online) window shopping... Top set: White Wool Cashmere Cape - Isabella Oliver, $389 | Floral Quilted Bag - ASOS, $37.07 | Balmain Leather Biker Jacket - Browns, $9,190 | Elizabeth and James Silk-Georgette Skirt - Net-a-Porter, $265 | Lace Shorts - TopShop, $60 | Tempest Platform Shoe - ASOS, $70.77 | Nicholas King Bangle - Matches, $110.16 | Burberry Amber Faceted Ring - theOutnet.com, $138.25 | Bottom Set: Alexander Wang Cropped Pullover - La Garconne, $375 | DKNY Quilted Leather Bag - Net-a-Porter, $345 | Tory Burch Green Canvas Leather Booties - Intermix, $395 | Optical Phenomenon Jacket - Modcloth, $74.99 | Opt for Art Striped Vest - Modcloth, $37.99 | Polka Dot Shirt - ModeKungen, $74.14.

ASOS Promotion: Free shipping both ways on all U.S. Orders through 8-31-2010.

Labels and Logos

Designer Labels...while I'm not a label junkie, I do appreciate a supple lambskin Chanel bag or the elegant arch of an amazing pair of Louboutins. Whether you love or loathe labels, their influence is out there. I doubt any of these concepts are formally endorsed by the fashion houses, but can't help but find these images so whimsical. Image Source: WeHeartIt

Kate the Great

I've been admiring Kate Lanphear, Style Director of US Elle, for some time now and as do many others. I'm fascinated with her platinum short do, her David Bowie meets rocker/biker chick, tom boyish sense style and have such respect for her incredible career spanning from Vogue Australia, then to Harper's Bazaar and currently at US Elle. Her trademark look is typically minimal makeup, androgynous separates but totally rocks the bold, urban, feminine ensembles and adorned in amazing metallic accessories. After reading this NYMag interview, I like her even more. Photo Credits: StockholmStreetstyle, Zimbio, JakandJil, Citizen Couture

Natural Beauty

I love glamourous editorials (coifed hair, impeccable makeup, lashes galore) just like the next girl, but I find these images so striking. Love it when the makeup and hair is styled naturally, allowing for the model's inherent beauty to become the focus...even if there's a bit of obvious photoshop magic involved.

So Lovely in Lace

Although I currently don't own too many lace pieces in my wardrobe, these looks have truly given me some great inspiration for fall. The look of lace is undoubtedly feminine, elegant and sultry to say the least.