And the Season 8 Winner Is...

So tonight is the night! It's time to announce the Project Runway winner. First, i'll recap the runway looks and pick out my favorite. Gretchen started the show. She had a wide variety with great patterns. A lot of the pieces were breezy and ready-to-wear. I was a little disappointed that nothing popped out at me though. It seemed a little boring. Andy was next and I loved his collection. He had a very Oriental-vibe with luxe fabrics. The green dress from his mini collection preview was still my favorite. Like Gretchen though, his was a little boring. Mondo put on the show! Patterns galore and I loved this particular bubble, plaid dress. Also, his skirts were gorgeous; I would wear them all. Nina did mention that his collection looked "teenager" and I guess I would have to agree. So who is it going to be...?

Gretchen is the Season 8 Winner. Congrats, Gretchen!

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Etsy Pick: bunnyhornet

This is a first for my blog. I came across these dainty little hair pins and fell in love. How sweet are they? I love how most of them have a vintage-feel. I especially love all of the flowery-pins in various pastels. The best part about the seller, bunnyhornet, is that you can customize any of the pins you want. Love the dahlia, but not fond of the color? Just shoot her an email and ask for something else. It's that simple! I also like that these are all simple enough for everyday wear, and cheap enough to own all variations! It's these pretty little things in life that make me smile!

Peachy-keen trio

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Luscious Red duo

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Make it work!

So it's finally here, the week of Project Runway finale! I have been watching religiously all season and have my favorites. Luckily, two of them made it all the way to the final three. Mondo Guerra and Andy South (love them) and Gretchen Jones.  Sadly, Michael Costello didn't make it. He has at the top most of the season, but it's 3-look runway show didn't do it for the judges. They were disappointed in his lack of variation. Michael's idea of a collection was all the items being the same color. (Hey, he tried, right?) I'm going to predict the winner as Mondo because he has been a consistent favorite all season. The judges all love him and his use of color keeps the show interesting. Andy's preview looked very interesting though, especially with all his fabrics from Laos. Who do you think will win?

One of Mondo's looks from the mini collection. Love the skirt!

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Andy's mini collection; I love the green dress!

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Gretchen's hippy-inspired collection. Not a fan but I haven't seen everything yet.

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Fantastic looks by Michael. Stunning!

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Sofft is right!

I few weeks ago I wrote a post about Cole Haan's incredibly comfy flats. Comfy and totally chic! Now the comfort of a flat in a heel! Sofft started out making shoes strictly for comfort, not style. Within the last few years, they have really come a long way! While browsing their site I realized there are quite a few I would love to have in my closet. And most are in the $100-150 range, not bad! My days of wearing flats with dresses are OVER! Thanks, Sofft! You are a life (ankle) saver!

Reva, a pewter, caged heel

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Redondo, berry patent with a stacked wooden heel

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Oriole, a classic mary jane with added lace

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Flashing Lights

Lately i've been having a love affair with sequins. They used to be a going-out evening look, but in the last few years have transcended into day wear. I first saw a glamorous sequin skirt in Urban Outfitters and thought it looked out of place with a hoodie and flats, but stumbling upon that same page a week ago, I had a totally different attitude. I loved the look! Now, i'm all about sequins. Daytime, nighttime, anytime! This jacket from Charlotte Russe can be thrown over a tank with some skinny jeans or worn over a cotton dress. I also love this sequin sheath from Adrianna Papell with a simple blazer. Who says shimmer and shine are only for after hours? Why not be a glamazon at any hour?!

Charlotte Russe Sequin Jacket

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Adrianna Pappell Ombre Sequin Dress

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Eric Daman for Charlotte Russe

I stumbled across this polka dot dress last night, and my first thought was "Who is Eric Daman?" Low and behold, he is the costume designer on a little show called Gossip Girl. Gossip Girl is a show that takes place in Manhattan's Upper East Side and is a ritzier version of The OC (same producer). It has captured my attention (and heart!) for three seasons and counting. Not only do I love the storyline, the fashion of this show is truly so something to behold! Whether it's Serena and her eclectic, slightly-boho style or Blair's preppy wardrobe, i'm hooked on all of it! And Eric Daman is the one to thank! His small set of dresses for Charlotte Russe are beautifully well-made and have an understated glamour. They look more Blair Waldorff than Serena van Der Woodsen, so I would love to see more. And a majority of them are in my favorite color, black! Perfect for a night out on the town, all you need is a pair of stilettos! XOXO, Gossip Girl.

Eric Daman Dot Print Dress

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Eric Daman Perfect LBD

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Not Just for the Gals

So I decided to add a post in every so often for the fellas. There is nothing wrong with men being interested in fashion. It's always good to take pride in your appearance and I thought adding some of my favorite men's picks would be helpful in creating a staple wardrobe. My first pick is a great cardigan (no, they aren't just for women). In order for them to stay masculine, stay in a neutral palette. They're perfect for casual look instead of a bulky pullover sweatshirt for these brisk fall months. Next, for a dressier look, try a fitted blazer in a cotton/polyester blend. Again, a neutral look is best. Another favorite is a comfy pair of tennies. I love bowling-style sneakers or a pair of slip-ons. Steve Madden makes a variety! With these helpful picks, you'll be dressing like a modern-Romeo!

Fossil Military-Style Cardigan

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Banana Republic Three-Button Blazer

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Steve Madden Slip-On Sneaker

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Etsy Pick: Jumbelaya

This week's favorite seller isn't really an artisan, but an art appreciator. As you all know, I consider clothing and accessories works of art. Jumbelaya's shop is filled with exquisite, vintage dresses that ooze with sophistication and class. I'm obsessed with 40s and 50s fashion, especially party dresses. All of the ones featured on this shop could make any gal the belle of the ball!

1950's Red Chiffon Prom Dress

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1950's Pink Chiffon Party Dress, Grace Kelly not included!

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Zoe-tally Awesome!

If some of you don’t know, Rachel Zoe is a ferocious celebrity stylist. She has been in the business for 15+ years, and has a fabulous sense of style! Not only does she have her own television show, The Rachel Zoe Project but she has a book out and even a clothing line created for QVC! That is why I’m writing about her. All of the pieces in her line are completely wearable, chic, and totally Rachel Zoe! I love all of the fur pieces in her collection (faux of course!) and that she was able to incorporate jewelry into the line. Considering we are getting into the winter season, these items are completely appropriate for the season. Plus, they’re affordable!

Rachel Zoe belted military jacket and faux shearling vest

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Make Me A Sailor

There is nothing I love more than a nautical stripe! My love, cough cough, obsession really grew when I started working for Hollister Co. and we could only really wear navy, white or gray. Many would think it was a boring palette but I loved it. While there, I accumulated many striped shirts. Tees, sweaters, tanks..the works! These new pieces were joining an already established collection. Not a problem though; this is a classic look and will always be in style, even if i'm not on the high seas. Anchors away!

Ann Taylor LOFT Blazer

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Gap Sequin Tee

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Modcloth Sweater Dress

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Etsy Pick: Elephantine

Etsy.com is one of my most-visited sites. I came across it an old issue of Teen Vogue a while ago, and have been addicted ever since. It's a lot like Ebay; there is a lot of different sellers that all have shops. A lot of the things they sell are homemade items, but there is also new things and fantastic vintage finds! I have bought everything from jewelry, to a personalized dog tag for Lucy, to vintage Ball jars. I decided to dedicate every Tuesday's blog to an Etsy seller or a specific item I find on Etsy! It'll be a nice constant to have in my blog, plus I can get the word about these talented artisans!

Elephantine is one of my favorite jewelry shops because of how dainty the pieces are! Rachel Blackley does a great job coming up with simple treasures. I already have a few of the necklaces in my collection! Any of these would make the perfect gift, especially these You and Me necklaces!

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Botanical Bliss

It may just be the 'biologist' in me, but I love nature prints. Flora, fauna, nature anything  and you've got me--hook, line and sinker! My favorites include old encyclopedia and textbook prints. I love how they are worn, and their colors are slightly faded. Lately, lots of designers have fallen under the same spell. Stella McCartney's Spring 2011 line showcased clean lines accented with floral patterns. Also, John Derian's line for Target includes home decorations including trays, storage boxes and frames. I love all of these beautiful inspirations in nature's lovely realm.

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Seeing Red

Up until now, every woman's go-to fashion piece has been the LBD. This staple has been so popular because it has the ability to transform every woman! It can be dressed up or down by using the right accessories, which makes it a favorite of mine. But lately, my feelings have been flip-flopped. I'm starting to think there's a new LBD in my life..and it's red! Red dresses are enough to make a heart stop! Red gives off power--it's feminine, flirty and maybe even a little sexy. Most of all, it's flattering to every skin tone. Here are a few that I have been pondering on for a while. The first is from Love21 by Forever 21(check out the back construction!) and the second is from Anthropologie. Both are fabulously priced--just enough to not leave you in cardiac arrest! Enjoy the new LRD :)

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Vroom! Vroom!

Leather anyone? No, I do not have a bike nor do I have enough money to afford genuine leather, but that doesn't keep me from drooling over it. Biker-chic looks haven't always been my favorite. But lately, designers have been coming out with items that are a little more me. From feminine cuts to studs/gems, these looks are more lady than biker babe. This motorcycle-style jacket from Dallin Chase has the perfect fit, and the neutral hue of these Simply Vera by Vera Wang boots are for those who are looking for a look that is a little less 'tough.' All I need now is a Harley to accessorize these BA looks! Vrooooooom!

http://www.shopbop.com/

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Cheap and Chic

So I fell in love with Forever 21 while in high school. We never had one in our state, but whenever I got to the Mall of America (only a few times), I went wild! They not only have tons of trendy clothes, but a lot of classic silhouettes. Their relatively new (within a year) Love 21 line offers a more modern, contemporary feeling. A lot of what I see seems like it could fit right in with Anthropologie, but with a much, much cheaper price tag! Rosettes, sequins, zippers, lace...the list goes on and on! Although--it's only offered in some Forever 21 stores. But, that doesn't really matter to me since I order it all online anyway. Here are a few of my current faves.

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