A Pretty Mess

style and entertainment with a fashionable twist!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Style Icon: Effortless




Fashion goddess, Kate Moss, is the epitome of effortless taste, boho chic, and retro style. Whether she's walking the red carpet hand in hand with iconic designers [jealous] or walking the streets of London in with her free spirited grace no one does it better...need I say more????


"Le Pont Mirabeau"


I've always had such a great appreciation for grandeur architecture, and the new Prada Concept Store in "Paree" is no exception. The conceptualization of the story of a love lost, never to return, derives from a poem by Guillaume Apollinaire entitled ‘Le Pont Mirabeau’ according to thefashionspot.com. I love a good story behind a beautiful idea like this and it only makes me long more and more to save all my pennies for that trip across the Atlantic. :) What's just as amazing is the interior of such a magnificant exterior. It's almost like walking into a palace of elegance and impeccable style.

And I present to you le poeme of inspiration:

Beneath Pont Mirabeau there flows the Seine
and so our loves.
How much must I again
recall that joy will ever follow pain?
The night hours strike and have their say.
The days will leave, but here I stay.
Hand in hand and resting face to face
through bridging arms
we watch the waters race,
the waves so weary in their endless chase.
The night hours strike and have their say.
The days will leave, but here I stay.
Love goes on and like the water's flow
it goes away.
Life continues, slow
it seems, but hope is ever violent though.
The night hours strike and have their say.
The days will leave, but here I stay.
There pass the days and pass the weeks and then
that time is past
and love won't come again.
Beneath Pont Mirabeau there flows the Seine.



Thursday, July 23, 2009

Pieces of Me

A recent picture perfect moment with some pretty ladies out on the town. Watch out when we step out! ;)

That's me at the end in that fiery red...me-ow!


New Look!




Okay so...yeaaa.

In case you don't know, I'm a huge Solange fan. I love her music (I likes to call her SOULange), her quirky risk taking style and openmindedness with fashion. I find her very interesting and innovative, like RiRi, and even though I don't know her personally I get that "there's never a dull moment" vibe about her. But I'm not sure how I feel about this new hair- or no hair I should say. I see celebs are liberating themselves more and more with their style (which is great!) but I think this is a little too much, even for Solange. I understand Solange wants to be seperated from those preconceptions that she and Beyonce are one in the same but I'm not sure if this is the right way to go about it. I do respect the idea of au naturale though, so she gets a few points for that in my book. Maybe I just need to get used to the new do...what do you think?

For the Bizzies: 2 Looks in 1 Day

Just like all the bizzies I find myself bouncing between jobs, errands and a social life so much that I never get a chance to even breath, sheesh. There are plenty of days where I need to turn a day outfit into night and with little time to do it. H&M's site has a really cool section where you can style yourself by picking different items to create a complete look. So I thought what better way to conjour up 2 ensembles in 1 day by just switching one item. I mean sometimes that's all it takes!

I am obsessed with leather gloves right now and of course I love to add a little edge to a dainty outfit. And that's just what I did here with my H&M style yourself look! I chose skinny jeans, a tiered white chiffon blouse with black pumps, rockin' leather gloves and a pair of pretty black beaded earrings.

All I need is a simple updo, maybe a skinny headband ina fun color and I'm ready for a busy and fun day!



A lot of times I go out on short notice so instead of the stress of trying to find a whole new outfit in 2 minutes I would create a new look by swapping the leather gloves for a tuxedo jacket and go for a night out on the town! So simple for those spur of the moments! My Style: I would put a hot pink or plum tuxedo jacket with the look. A pop of color always gets a girl noticed.



Of course I had to also put together a fun look for a night out for those days when I seldomly have a little more time to prep. Perhaps right now only in a dream world...

...with this look I swapped the skinnies for a flirty multi layered skirt and tank.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Global Inspirations: Spain


image courtesy of thefashionspot.com

SPAIN...I've always been a fan of the eclectic Spanish style and I've always said that one day once I've retired I will live in Barcelona where all I would do is sip the best wine, enjoy the best scenery and revel in the beautiful Spanish culture. Not only does the idea of such peace and serenity attract me to this great future destination of mine but the style, history, and beautiful landscapes, architecture, and of course beautiful people are what draw me like a vulnerable moth to the bright exotic flame. I'm pretty sure that me being half hispanic has a little something to do with my desire for exotic inspirations in my style and I guess being a military brat has only naturally made me want to see the world and explore all of its wonders...and fashions. Maybe...maybe not? Either way the Spanish fashionistas aren't afraid to try new things and break the rules because when it comes to fashion...there are no rules. By the way, I'm one that doesn't really believe in rules anyway, wink.

BOHO CHIC




MY STYLE: It usually depends on my mood but mostly I would say Edgy Boho Chic. The Fur [faux of course] , the fringe, the layers, the leather, metallics and stones with gobal inspirations and earth tones are all so blissfully delicious.


What's your style?

MY 5 Fall MUST HAVES











So I was thinking today that Fall really is just around the corner! I can't believe how fast the seasons come and go! I realized that I need to start thinking about what I need [and not just want] for the upcoming season, which was pretty hard since I LOVE to shop and seem to want everything I see! I narrowed down my list to 5 items that I really need in my closet and MUST HAVE!


These are my top 5:


1. A Nice Tailored Suit: This is definitely a necessity, even if you're not into fashion. There's nothing like a nice crisp tailored suit paired with interesting printed tops and vibrant heels. Easy to switch up and make a new look with every interview and business meeting. When I see someone in a nice tailored suit I think to myself that they mean business!

2. Statement jewelry: Bold colors, chunky pieces and multiple strands can make any dull outfit come alive!


3. Peep Toe Booties: I've always been a fan of a little peep show, hee hee. These look chic with a pair of skinny jeans, dresses, even work appropriate with a pencil skirt! Definitely a versatile and edgy piece in my book!


4. Motorcycle Leather Jacket: I've been wanting a nice leather jacket-motorcycle inspired with not too many zippers or buckles, simple and sleek.


5. Hobo International "Lauren" Double Frame Clutch: I'm the type of girl that loves a big bag so I can carry my whole life in it but sometimes I just want something simple and chic that can still hold a lot of, well....stuff. This clutch is perfect. It has so many pockets and can hold so much of your life in it but yet it's still small and light. This bag is perfect for a regular day of errands or even a night out at the hottest spot downtown without the fuss of a big ole' bag! And if you're like me, a girl who loves to get down on the dancefloor, this bag is the perfect size so it won't get in your way.



What are your top Fall items that you are just dying to have?

Monday, July 20, 2009

One Word: BALMAIN



I am in such awe with this designer and I am so glad that people are taking notice as well. With celebs like Beyonce, who wore that exciting bright multi colored dress at the BET awards this year, and Rihanna, who wears a number of his military and tuxedo inspired jackets, who wouldn't take notice?

If you need a little background info then here we go. This fashion house was founded by a french couture designer named Pierre Balmain in 1945 and was noted as one of the major design giants during the World War II period. He dressed many famous starlets such as Ava Gardner, Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren, and many more. His house has been run by other noted designers since his death in 1982 like Oscar de la Renta, Laurent Mercier, and now is run by its newest designer Christophe Decarnin.

The evolution of Balmain's fashions have gone from elegant, french inspired evening wear to jackets and dresses with edgy shoulders, diamond studs and military inspirations. His collections remind me of a mix between rock and old hollywood elegance. Back in the day the red carpet was filled with more glitz and glamour, there were more diamonds and more theatrics. I feel Balmain is bringing that feeling back of the "good ole' days" when the red carpets were the show. I can't wait to see what else Decarnin will do. I love a good surprise!

Style Icon: Innovative

I believe Rihanna has longevity in the fashion world. Since we've already discussed Rihanna in an earlier post, what better way is there to bring her into this one?!


Rihanna is definitely a style icon worth mentioning. 21 years young, this West Indian beauty has already made a huge mark not only in Entertainment but in Fashion. I love RiRi's music but her style is what makes me take interest in her. She is always changing her look and doing the opposite of what everyone else is doing. INNOVATIVE is the word to describe Rihanna. It's very refreshing to have someone like her step on the scene and make a t-shirt and ripped jeans look so glam and turn a little black Godzilla inspired t-shirt dress into a fabric of sex.

This is one of my favorite of Rihanna's latest looks. I like a good suit on a woman but I LOVE when a woman makes a suit look good! It's just so empowering isn't it? I am really loving Rihanna's style more and more as she evolves and reinvents herself with her use of vibrant colors, bold prints, eiffel-tower-high-heels, and daring accessories. Whether it be a bold shape of lipstick, a new haircut, or a mix-match bikini, no one makes fashion, style, and taste more effortless right now than Rihanna!

New Look!


Apparently Rihanna doesn't like to look the same for too long [you think?] and of course she does it again by switching her hair to something a little more bold-a little more edgy. Always pushing the envelope with her look, this is her latest creation which reminds me of mix between Elvis and a peacock, but hey...it's HER! Only she can make it work..so work girl! I'm sure someone else will come out with a similar look coincidentally in 3..2...