Autumnal

[shopbop.com]

Shopbop's e-mail this morning was titled "Wear Fall Color Now: Transition Pieces in Autumn's Signature Palette." Oh, I do love the rich tones of fall.

I immediately picked out this dress by Haute Hippie. It's kind of an odd shade of brown, but that's what makes the 'Take Me Now Ruffle Dress' ($475) so unique. The color is called brick, and I'd say that's a pretty accurate description.
Also, how gorgeous is this Lela Rose strapless dress? At $1,295, I won't be purchasing this dress, but I do really like the color and style. It'd make a lovely bridesmaid dress for a fall wedding.

Colorful wedding dresses

[REVOLVEclothing.com]

I got an e-mail from REVOLVEclothing.com featuring a pink lace wedding dress by British designer House of Holland for $1,200 (which happens to only be available in a US size 4). It's quite lovely and certainly unique with the sheer lower half and asymmetrical sleeve, but after picking out my wedding dress, I can't imagine wearing any color besides white or a variation thereof. On a side note: love the babysbreath bouquet and hairpiece!
More power to the brides who have worn or are wearing colored wedding dresses, but it seems like this is the one day in your life to wear white. Even Sarah Jessica Parker regrets her choice of a black wedding dress in 1997. She recently told Harper's Bazaar this in reference to renewing her vows, “White it up. I’d wear a beautiful, proper wedding dress, like I should have worn that day." Gwen Stefani found a way to incorporate color for her 2002 wedding. Her gorge Christian Dior dress's white-to-pink ombré was definitely one of a kind. A lot of brides choose colored sashes to accent white gowns. I still will be saving the colors for the honeymoon - except for maybe my shoes.

Mayan vibe

[saksfifthavenue.com/shopbop.com]

I've been seeing a lot of tribal prints lately, and they come in all price ranges. Of course my favorite piece happens to be the most expensive - Gryphon's colorful 'Mayan Mini Skirt' ($345) from Saks. Gryphon also make a pair of fabulous cotton-silk embroidered 'Mayan Shorts' ($275) from Shopbop.com.

[dvf.com]

Diane von Furstenberg's summer collection includes two chic tribal print dresses - the classic 'Julian Mini Wrap Dress' ($275) and the 'Moritz Dress' ($375) in the Byzantine Bands pattern.

[anthropologie.com]

My all-time favorite store Anthropologie also has some options. I normally head straight to the sale rack there to find the best deals, but the regular-priced 'Pueblo Dress' ($148) caught my eye the last time I was in the store. I love the beading on the waist. One tribal-esque sale dress is the 'Island Holiday Dress' ($79.95 from $148). I adore the beaded belt and rope halter straps. I think I'm going to have to add to this one to my honeymoon stash.
[forever21.com]

Forever 21's 'Ethnic Woven Skirt's' a bargain buy for $12.80. This rayon skirt would look great with a simple tucked-in white tee. I hope they have it at my local store! [hm.com]

This summery dress from H&M is a mere $4.95. They've been featuring a lot of items for $4.95 and $9.95 lately. They also just had a 20% off Memorial Weekend coupon that ended on Sunday. Keep it up with the coupons, please!

To La Mer or not to La Mer?

[saksfifthavenue.com]

I've been reading about Creme de La Mer for years. As a celeb favorite, I've always wanted to try it, but it's expensive. About a month ago, I asked for a sample at Saks. Before this kind of splurge, I need to know that I like it. The lady at the counter gave me a small sample, which I carefully patted onto my face every night for a few weeks until it ran out.

The formula is made with a nutrient-rich "Miracle Broth" that was developed by a scientist who was burned badly in a chemical explosion. Just a tiny bit of creme is needed because it's rich. It comes with a mini spatula-like thing that helps scoop it out.

I honestly think that it did make my skin feel smoother. Since I'm in my twenties, I wasn't worried about smoothing wrinkles per se. It was more about prevention because I definitely got a lot of sun when I was younger.

So, I figured since my wedding is coming up, why not splurge? My first jar of Creme de La Mer has officially arrived. Here's to hoping for skin miracles!

Tiffany & Co. Marrakesh collection

[all photos tiffany.com]

Paloma Picasso's Marrakesh collection for Tiffany & Co. is stunning. I'm a fan of Picasso's, and not just because her father, Pablo Picasso, is one of my favorite artists, but I've always liked her designs for Tiffany's. Her 'Marrakesh' collection is "inspired by the intriguing patterns of Morocco," according to tiffany.com. Morocco is already a must-see on my travel bucket list.

My favorite three pieces are the gold earrings, bracelet and necklace above. Gold is, of course, very expensive at the moment. The 18k bangle is intricate yet simple ($4,950). I've been wanting a go-with-everything gold necklace. This pendant on a 16" chain is a bit more affordable than the bangle at $825. The earrings are priced at $1,475. Ahh, but they would go well with just about everything!

Here are a few of my other favorites in the collection...Sterling silver ring ($425)

Turquoise and diamond 18k gold band ring ($1,800) - wouldn't that make a pretty wedding band?

18k gold tassel earrings with lapis lazuli, turquoise and round brilliant diamonds ($16,000 - yowza!)

Check out the rest of the Marrakesh collection here.

Lust: A luxe beach bag

[couture.zappos.com]

Every summer I use those beach totes that you get from Victoria's Secret for free with a swimsuit purchase. Sure, they help haul all of my stuff down to the beach for one season, but after that they're kaput. I would love a sturdy and slightly luxe beach bag this year.

I love the vibrant Marc by Marc Jacobs' 'Misty Pool Mabel Tote' ($188) from Zappos Couture. Plus, the Marc Jacobs logo on the straps reminds me of his graffiti collection for Louis Vuitton. This tote is made of beach-safe canvas and has a zip top which helps keep the sand out.
[couture.zappos.com]

Another great option is the lemon-printed Juicy Couture's 'Beach Tote' ($148), also from Zappos Couture. It also comes with an accessory bag - perfect for lip balm and a snack!

I just found out about Zappos Couture. I had no idea that Zappos.com had a more upscale sibling! They sell women's and men's clothing, shoes and accessories with brands including Alexander McQueen, Delman, Ports 1961, Prada, etc. They also offer free shipping, which is always appreciated in my book.
[piperlime.com]

I also like Kate Spade's 'Take a Dip Tote' ($195) from Piperlime.com. It's a bit steep for a canvas tote (hellooo, L.L. Bean), but it's a classic bag, and the hardware is 14-karat gold, afterall.
[piperlime.com]

Lily Pulitzer's 'Original Tote' ($88) from Piperlime is the ultimate Palm Beach-chic. It looks like something Pulitzer could have created in the '60s.

Methinks I need one of these for my honeymoon!

Summer leather?

[whowhatwear.com]

Who What Wear just had a post on Go Buy Now "All Weather Leather." I was skeptical since I generally stick to leather purses and shoes in the summer since anything else makes me sweat just thinking about it. I know that leather shorts are in too, but I just don't know if I would do it. However, I'm in search of a dress for my bachelorette party, and I like the one that they featured.[saksfifthavenue.com]

Elizabeth & James makes the 'Stiletto Sheath Dress' that's similar to the leather-and-mesh Veda version on WWW for $385. The E&J dress is on sale for $327 right now from $528 at Saks Fifth Ave. It's not real leather either (nylon/polyeurethane) - it just looks like it. I think it could stand to come down in price some more though. [saksfifthavenue.com]

I also love E&J's yellow 'Zip-Back James Blazer' ($395) over the fun 'Juliet Dress' ($465). The blazer is such a fun color. It's almost getting too hot outside to wear anything like that though. Perhaps by the time they're affordable, I will be able to wear them!

Bridal shoe heaven

[neimanmarcus.com]

Call me crazy, but I bought my shoes before my wedding dress. I'd always dreamt of having the perfect pair of shoes for my wedding. Though I bought mine months ago, I'm still allowed to look! I saw another beautiful pair today that are fabulous bridal shoes. Manolo Blahnik's gorgeous 4" 'Feather T-Strap Sandals' ($830) are a lovely off-white color. And those feathers, oh my.
Another stunning option are Blahnik's 'Satin Caged Sandals' ($785). Turquoise is such an in color right now, and they'd be the something blue. Remember when Carrie Bradshaw wears blue Manolos with her wedding dress in Sex and the City (the movie)? These could easily be worn again after the wedding, too.

Both are available at Neiman Marcus. Like many Italian-made shoes, these run a half size too small.

Chanel's Rouge Coco lipstick: Oui s'il vous plaît

[stylefrizz.com]
[chanel.com]

This weekend was my engagement party. I had a new dress from Anthropologie, and I needed a little somethin' somethin' in the makeup department to go with it. I went into Saks Fifth Avenue because I've been wanting to get Chanel's Rouge Coco hydrating lipstick for a while but just hadn't taken the time to find my shade yet. Johnny Depp's significant other Vanessa Paradis is the spokesmodel.
[stylelist.com]
[chanel.com]

The lady at the Chanel counter informed me that Sandra Bullock wore Rouge Coco to the Oscars. Lucky for me, I thought Sandra's makeup and hair were perfection. I tried on the lipstick in her shade Paris (#22) and was instantly smitten. It's a red with pink undertones. I also tried the lipliner in Carmin (#14), a slightly lighter shade that could be worn with other shades of lipsticks. When you're dealing with a bright and heavily pigmented color, lipliner always helps me put it on without smearing it all over my face.

Anyway, I bought the lipstick ($30) and lipliner ($28). My lips literally lasted the entire night of the party. They didn't feel parched either, which is what normally seems to happen with long-lasting lip colors. Check all of the colors out on Chanel's site. I also attempted her sleek, deeply side-parted, slightly curled on the ends 'do. It wasn't the exact same since I have bangs, but it was fun attempting it nonetheless.

And the award goes to...

[all photos from usmagazine.com unless noted]

As a movie lover, the Academy Awards show is my favorite awards show all year. I thought last night's show was quite entertaining, and I was pleased with the winners - from The Hurt Locker with Best Picture to Sandra Bullock and Jeff Bridges as Best Actress and Actor. The Tom Ford-clad hosts Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin did a pretty solid job too.

Now, for the fashion! There were a surprising number of risk takers last night, which you don't often see at the Oscars. Here are some of my faves (and not so faves)...

Best dressed

Sandra Bullock: Her shimmery, statuesque Marchesa sheath was gorge. The asymmetrical sleeve gave it a touch of edginess, and the red lips added a pop of color.
Maggie Gyllenhaal: The Best Supporting Actress nominee for her role in Crazy Heart stood out on the red carpet in a beautiful blue floral Dries Van Noten strapless gown. Way to go for picking a bold print, Maggie!
Rachel McAdams: Her sweetheart neck strapless Elie Saab gown with a criss-crossed bodice was so lovely. The muted floral print and simple hair and makeup looked so different from what everyone else was wearing too.

Meryl Streep: The Julie and Julia actress wore a super-flattering white Chris March gown with metallic heels and an upswept do. This could be one of her best looks yet.

Honorable mentions to Demi Moore in an Atelier Versace flesh-toned, flowing gown and Kristen Stewart in a dramatic navy Monique Lhullier strapless gown.

Risk takers
Sarah Jessica Parker: I may be in the minority, but I loved Parker's Chanel haute couture pale yellow and silver gown. The unique neckline wrapped around the back. I also liked her gigantic bun. Zoe Saldana: A lot of people hated the Avatar actress's Givenchy haute couture dress, but I kind of loved it. The sparkly top half juxtaposes interestingly with the voluminous purple ombré bottom half.
Carey Mulligan: The An Education actress's dress looks like a pretty black dress at first glance. Upon close inspection, the Prada gown it has tiny kitchen utensils sewn in. It's so bold and fun.

Yikes... Charlize Theron: Her Dior haute couture mauve satin gown looked wrinkled and oddly reminded me of Madonna's cone bra circa 1990.
Diane Kruger: Normally I appreciate her fashion-forward choices, but her camellia flower black-and-cream Chanel haute couture gown was not a favorite of mine. There's way too much going on with this gown.
Mariah Carey: Carey wore a navy Valentino gown. She's perpetually on the worst-dressed list because she wears her clothing too small and shows too much (as demonstrated by her thigh-high slit). More is more, Mariah.

Now for the gentlemen

The men don't get too much discussion at awards shows since most just don tuxedos. There are a few, however, that really stood out.

[esquire.com]

Tom Ford: Oy, can that man wear a tuxedo or what? I love that the designer/director paired his suit with a white flower and pocket square.

[esquire.com]

Ryan Reynolds: He looked so tall and handsome in his Tom Ford tuxedo. I like the simple black bow-tie. These bow-ties have me rethinking asking my fiancé to wear a regular tie for our wedding!