Fun Victoria's Secret dresses

[victoriassecret.com]

Victoria's Secret can be hit or miss with clothing. Of late they actually have a lot of cute dresses (and rompers). The 'Playdress' ($58) with the bubble skirt is nice because it looks like it's two pieces, but it's actually one - how easy is that? I'm big on dresses that can be worn out or to work too, and this one could definitely be worn with a sweater over it.

I just bought the 'Tiered Sweetheart Ruffle Dress' ($58). I love the fit-and-flare shape of the dress. It comes in five colors/patterns: black multi, melon floral, purple multi, beach blue and black. The purple multi is actually my favorite print, but it's on backorder.
This 'Short Jumpsuit' is playful ($58), and again, it can be casual or dressy. It comes in three different prints including leopard. All three prints are actually quite cute. This could even be worn now with tights and a leather jacket for these lingering chilly temps.

This 'Silk Caftan Dress' ($78) is so breezy and fresh. I'd probably wear it with a tank underneath. It would also be a great swimsuit cover-up. Don't forget to look up coupon codes too because there are some good ones out there. Now if the weather would just get warmer to wear these things!

Springy Lela Rose for Payless

[payless.com]

Designer Lela Rose has a collection at Payless Shoesource right now. I'm loving a few of the budget-friendly items.

The 'Paloma Clutch' is my favorite item in the collection ($29.99). It goes well with this spring's nautical trend (perhaps paired with a striped tee), and I adore the fact that it has a removable strap. It's also pretty roomy too at 8" x 13."

It's difficult to find a good navy shoe. I love the fifites look of the 'Ashland Mary Jane Wedge' ($34.99). These 4" wedges will look great to wear to work with dresses and cardis. They're also available in jade polka dot.

The 'Neilson Bow Flats' in a grey optic print are so cute ($29.99). Grey is a great neutral that feels more spring-like than black. However, they do come in basic black.

The 'Rushkin Large Satchel' ($39.99) comes in the bright hues fushcia and jade. Brown faux leather straps and accents give it a bit of punch. Now I'm just waiting for BOGO to start so I can stock up!

Lust: Valentino Laceland Tote

[bergdorfgoodman.com]

Never in a million years would I pay this much ($3,495) for a handbag, but it's still gorgeous. Valentino's 'Laceland Tote' from Bergdorf's is so lovely - the perfect spring bag. It has a ruched handle and three layers of beige leather lace. The detail on the bag is amazing. Oh well, maybe someone will make a similar one for way less moola...

Ankle wrap sandals

[piperlime.com]

Maybe it's my recent taste of warm weather that has me daydreaming about sandals. Whatever it is, I'm wanting a pair of ankle wrap sandals. I've seen these at several stores from the pricey to the reasonably priced. Here are a few of my faves...

The above teal Cynthia Vincent 'Coco' sandals from Piperlime ($250) are so fabulous. The basket weave and two buckle adjustable straps makes them both breathable and comfy. They also come in an equally cute metallic multi color. [urbanoutfitters.com]

Deena & Ozzy's 'Ankle Wrap Sandal' from Urban Outfittiers is incredibly affordable at $38. It also comes in five colors: valencia (a bright coral color), grey, purple, ivory and black. Another Deena & Ozzy pair that I love from Urban is the 'Laser-cut Sandals.' They're also $38, and come in black, grey and ivory. I've tried these on, and they look great. They just felt a little flimsy.
[cusp.com]

These KORS by Michael Kors camel suede 'Angela Sandals' ($295) from Cusp are so chic. They're probably best left for those with longer legs (which is definitely not me!) since the wrap comes up higher.
[toryburch.com]

The 'Blinda Slouchy Anklet Thong' by Tory Burch ($250) could be one of my favorite pairs. It would carry you through summer and could easily be paired with casual or dressy ensembles. The sand color is lovely too.

Countdown on for Target collabos

[nitrolicious.com]

I do love a bargain, especially when it's a designer item at an amazing price. That said, I can hardly wait for Target's upcoming collaborations with French designer Jean Paul Gaultier and British company Liberty of London.

Gaultier's line also looks incredible. I've seen the above right black-and-white dress in a lot of magazines, and it's definitely on my must list. A jacket would also be a great buy. Gaultier's line is out on March 7. Now, I just hope his collection fits better than Rodarte's did.

[styelist.com]

Liberty of London is known for their floral prints, and this line is going to include a lot of housewares like teapots and dishes in addition to clothing. There's even going to be a bicycle! Right now at Target.com, you can download the fabrics to your desktop background. My personal favorite is the floral Sixty pattern. Their collection is out on March 14.

Blouson tops

[anthropologie.com]

I'm guilty of buying too many dresses and not enough tops. When searching for some shirts, I found the 'Damara Blouse' at Anthropologie by Leifsdottir. This blouson top features a zebra on the front and back.

I've always loved mustard, black and white together. There are buttons up the split sleeves and a small criss-cross in the front. The blouse can be dressed up with a pencil skirt for work, or dressed down with denim or shorts in the spring and summer.

This top isn't inexpensive by any means at $119,95. However, it was originally $228, which makes it nearly half off. Now that's a bargain, right? That's my justification anyway. This top is also available in a lovely, spring-worthy flower print 'Prized Bloom Blouson.'

Mad props to SJP

[celebrity-gossip.net]

With New York Fashion Week in full swing, not only is it fun to see what designers are sending down the runways, it's equally exciting to see what your favorite style icons show up wearing to the events. As the newly appointed creative director for Halston Heritage, Sarah Jessica Parker wore a fabulous ensemble to the Halston Fall 2010 show on Monday.
That gray and pink tribal coat is just to-die! Her Halston gold lamé top was paired with cropped leather leggings and black studded Prada sandals. My favorite part about the outfit is the unexpected accessories like the pink necklace and stacked bracelets.

Love for "Valentine's Day"

I saw Valentine's Day last night. Though I didn't see it on February 14, it was still very enjoyable. Of course this movie didn't get the best reviews, but I thought the critics may have been a little harsh on the film that clearly just wants to have fun. Sometimes it's just nice to leave the movie theater with a smile on your face!

VD focuses on a variety of singles, couples and relationships on Valentine's Day. In the end, everyone is somehow connected. I happen to love this type of movie as Love Actually is one of my absolute faves.
The best part of the movie was Ashton Kutcher's role as a Reed, a hopeless romantic florist owner. He proposes to his girlfriend, played by Jessica Alba, in the morning. By mid-morning, she's dumped him despite initially saying yes.

Meanwhile, Reed's best friend, played by Jennifer Garner, is going to make a huge mistake by dropping in on her married doctor boyfriend (Patrick Dempsey) while he's "out of town." She doesn't know that he's married, but Reed does because he ordered flowers for both his wife and girlfriend at his shop. I think you can guess what happens with these two scorned best friends.

Other noteworthy couples are: Topher Grace (he's adorable - why isn't he in more movies?)/Anne Hathaway and Hector Elizondo/Shirley MacClaine. The film also stars Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Julia Roberts, Jessica Biel, Jamie Foxx, Kathy Bates and many more. It was fun always wondering what celeb was going to pop up next.

A little something tie-dyed

[neimanmarcus.com]

[fabsugar.com]

Tie-dyed print goes in and it goes out (unless of course you're a deadhead). For this upcoming spring season, it's very in as seen above in Proenza Schouler's vibrant tie-dyed silk cardigan and tank. Kristen Stewart recently sported the skirt and top. I've seen a lot of affordable tie-dyed items that I have added to my wish list.

[cusp.com]

I've lived in Hue leggings since fall. They're comfortable, inexpensive and durable. I nearly jumped for joy when I saw their blue and green tie-dye leggings on Cusp.com for $18. They're so fun and would look great with an oversized tee.
[piperlime.com]

I found a few affordable handbags featuring the trend. I love Big Buddha's 'Woodstock Tye Dye' hobo on Piperlime for $90. It comes in natural and orange.
[payless.com]

Christian Siriano's line for Payless includes the 'Coast Large Shopper' in a oceanic tie-dye looking print for $40. His 'Coast Printed Satin Pumps' in the orange or blue print are also gorgeous ($35). Note: his shoes run very small, so order up a half size.

Or, if you're feeling crafty, you could tie-dye your own cardigan or shirt. I'm going to try to do more DIY projects, so this is on my rainy day to-do list.

Lust: J.Crew Grommet Parlour Hobo

[jcrew.com]

As I'm sure you already know, leather bags are pricey. I've been "needing" one for a while but have been putting it off due to this fact. I think it's getting to be the time for me to fork over the money for a new one, and J.Crew's 'Grommet Parlour Hobo' fits the bill ($298).

I love the splattering of gold grommets. It turns an otherwise sweet bag into a rebel. My other favorite feature is the removable, adjustable strap that extends to a whopping 22." No one likes a too-short shoulder strap! I also appreciate the fact that when my shoulder has had all it can take (I tend to fill my bags too full), I can just use the handles.

The bag is available in four lovely colors: soft dove (my personal fave), black, rosy peach and pale buff.

M.A.C.'s Spring Colour Forecast

I visited my neighborhood M.A.C. store yesterday in search of some deep purple lipstick. Luckily, their new "largest campaign ever" called Spring Colour Forecast is out featuring a gorge purple lipglass.
[maccosmetics.com]

The tinted lipglass called Purple Rage, $14 (in the Colour Forecast 3 collection) can be applied in layers for a lighter to darker effect. Also, add it over lipstick for more drama. M.A.C. describes Forecast 3 as, "wicked, noble, naughty, it's PLUM."

I also bought a lipstick called Rose Maiden ($14) from the Forecast 2 collection, which is mostly tawny corals. It's a very pretty frosty berry.

Don't forget about M.A.C.'s recycle program, "Back to M.A.C." Bring in six empty containers and get a free lipglass, lipstick or eyeshadow of your choice. You can also mail the containers back if you don't have a local store. Genius!

Sam Edelman shoe craving

[all photos samedelman.com]

I love Sam Edelman's shoes. They're always on trend and (fairly) affordable. The spring/summer collection is out, and it's left me needing a new pair of kicks.

There are two things I'm mad about: wedges and stripes. The 'Katrice' wedges also combine two spring trends of stripes and safari (zebra print counts as safari I'd say).
A tuxedo, peep-toed snakeskin oxford? Yes, please! These 'Evie' oxfords are adorable. I can see wearing them now with some opaque black tights and in the spring as an unexpected addition to feminine dresses.

Ooooo, these shoes are so pretty. These 'Quinly' heels are neutral enough that you could wear them with a lot for instant glam. They're also available in black.

Check out the rest of the collection here. I usually find his shoes at Nordstrom. A few other personal faves...

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen

[dailymail.co.uk]

I am saddened by the suicide of British designer Alexander McQueen. He was a true fashion genius. In a world where many play it safe with fashion, I always appreciated McQueen's edgy, unique designs that to me were works of art.

Pictured above with Sarah Jessica Parker at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in matching tartan plaid. This is by far my favorite look. I remember seeing McQueen's designs at the exhibit, "AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion," and I was just in complete awe.

[fashion-stylist.net]

There aren't many pop singers that compare to Lady Gaga in terms of fashion. Gaga wore a lot of McQueen's designs; some even say she was his muse. She wore his famous/infamous shoes from the Spring 2010 collection in her "Bad Romance" video.

SJP wore McQueen's green strapless dress with a fabulous Phillip Treacy hat to the premiere of Sex and the City. I can't think of a more appropriate place to wear such an incredible outfit.
[nydailynews.com]

Cate Blanchett wore this amazing sculpted, sparkly dress from the designer's Spring 2009 collection to the premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.[redcarpetfashionawards.com]

More recently, I loved the elegant McQueen gown that SAG Award winner Sandra Bullock wore to the awards show. The cut and splash of color were simply stunning.

[fabsugar.com]

The always fashionable Mary-Kate Olsen wore McQueen's navy double-breasted pea coat (which she belted) on the Today Show recently.

The fashion world will miss McQueen; that's for sure.

Would you wear white hose?

[style.com]

Chanel featured tons of shimmery white hose in their Spring 2010 couture collection. I think they look great worn with white and metallic shoes.

[people.com]

Kate Bosworth tried out white hose at a Chanel dinner with a spring-like frock. Usually when it comes to tights, anything goes with me. However, I'm trying to decide how I feel about these white hose. Black hose made a big comeback this season, but I don't know if I'm ready for white.

They make me think of the late eighties - worn with chunky pumps, power suits and gigantic, matching earrings. I don't necessarily dislike them. I would've had a bigger problem had Bosworth paired them with all-white shoes rather than two-toned Christian Louboutins.