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!

Splurge vs. bargain gladiator flats

[saksfifthavenue.com]

I'm a heels kind of girl, so finding a pair of flat sandals that I like and don't think make me look too short is a challenge. I am loving Diane von Furstenberg's 'Kula Sandals' from Saks. The go-with-everything chocolate and gold colors make them a good investment. Still, at $245 they're a bit much.
[urbanoutfitters.com]

Deena & Ozzy's 'Patent Leather Cage Sandals' from Urban Outfitters ($28) have the same shape as the DvF sandals for a fraction of the price. Obviously they're not real leather (polyurethane, synthetic sole), but they'll still be fun to wear for spring and summer. I can't decide if I like the bright pink/orange or grey/ivory pair better - and at this price, I don't really have to decide.

"Letters to Juliet"

I saw Letters to Juliet last night after seeing the trailer for what seemed like ages. I was excited to see it, and the film was just as I expected.

Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is on a pre-honeymoon in beautiful Verona, Italy with her fiance, Victor (Gael Garcia Bernal). Victor is opening up a restaurant in NYC, so he is spending his time there with food and wine vendors. While attempting to explore the city alone, Sohpie visits Juliet's (as in Capulet) balcony. Women come from all over the world to leave letters about their love problems. She meets "Juliet's secretaries," who collect the letters daily and reply to the women.

While helping the secretaries collect the letters, Sophie finds one hidden in the wall written by Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) 50 years before. She writes about not going to be with her true love, Lorenzo Bartolini, because of her parents' disapproval. Claire, who is now a widow, comes to Verona with her handsome grandson, Charlie (Aussie actor Christopher Egan), in hopes to find her long-lost love. Charlie is more the practical than romantic type, so he is doubtful.

Sophie embarks on the journey to find Lorenzo with Claire and Charlie. There are lots of Lorenzos, but they can't seem to find the right one. Meanwhile, Claire and Charlie fall for each other.

The trailer does show most of the film's highlights, but the movie is very sweet, and it has an always-appreciated happy ending. The best part about the movie is the amazing Redgrave and her real-life and movie "Lorenzo" Franco Nero. I also loved seeing Verona and Tuscany. They're definitely must-sees on my next trip to Italia.

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!

The quest for neutral shoes

[tobi.com]

I love neutral shoes, but it's hard to find a good and affordable pair. I found the best bargain at Marshall's last year on a pair of Delman neutral wedges for $39. I've worn them so much that they've gone from a peachy tan color to dingy black. Needless to say, I'm on the hunt for a new pair of neutral, wear-with-everything heels because in the summer neutral is the new black.

[piperlime.com]

I've found a few pairs of somewhat reasonably priced heels like Seychelles' 'Card Shark' ($90) from Piperlime.com. The heel isn't too skinny that it couldn't be worn to work, but the metallic pieces make them dressy enough to be worn at night. I also like the back zipper.Lara Striped Platform Sandal in sand ($168)

Vicky Cage Platform Bootie ($168)

Shawna Suede Cutout Wedge ($158)

Tobi.com is carrying this brand ROSEGOLD that I was unfamiliar with. They have a lot of fabulous neutral pairs. The top pair is the beige 'Marni Lattice Pump' ($158). My problem is which pair to choose!

New Orleans!

I went to visit a friend in New Orleans this past weekend. It was my first time there, and I wasn't sure what to expect because of the mixed things I'd heard in the five years since Hurricane Katrina. It was a wonderful trip though. New Orleans is a great city, rich in history, culture and delicious food.

Though NOLA isn't best known for its shopping, we went to some really cute boutiques on Magazine Street. My favorite shop was Fairy. I found two dresses that I will probably wear to wedding events. Their prices are reasonable, and the customer service is great. We then had a fantastic lunch at St. James Cheese Company.
We also walked around the Garden District. The homes in this area are gorgeous - they have these huge windows and gas lamps. The house used in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is there (above), which happens to be right next to Sandra Bullock's house. The famous Lafayette Cemetery is also in the neighborhood, where many movies like Interview With a Vampire have been filmed.
Obviously The French Quarter is a must-see at night. We walked by the Lalaurie Mansion, which is supposedly one of the most haunted places in the country. Nicholas Cage bought it before he knew its history then couldn't sell it.
There's an art market at Jackson Square on Sundays. It's also near the St. Louis Cathedral and Cafe du Monde. The cafe has delicious coffee made with chicory and beignets (French for powdered doughnut/funnel cake-like things). A can of their coffee is a nice souvenir. There's also a great restaurant for brunch around there called Stanley, a nod to A Streetcar Named Desire, of course.

One of my favorite places that we ate there was John Besh's restaurant August. The French cuisine is superb, and they use local ingredients. We also happened to be seated in between Mos Def and Jonathan Vilma, a Saints player. Then in walked Tim Robbins, who is filming The Green Lantern there.

I'd definitely like to go back to N'awlins again!

Traveler's skirt

[anthropologie.com]

Anthropologie has the best selection of skirts. I absolutely adore this 'Air Mail Skirt' ($98) by Edme & Esyllte. My mom and I saw it when we were in the store the other day, and we both want it. There are brightly colored stamps on it - perfect for the travel lover. I love the chic black waistband too.

F21 summer bargains

[all photos forever21.com]


Even though I live near Forever 21 and For Love 21 stores, I always forget to shop there. I stumbled upon F21's site today, and they have a "Daily 21 Kickoff to Summer" promotion going on with 21 items at 20% off. Some of the items weren't so cute, but there are a few fab finds.
I've written about these 'Floral Flounce Shorts' before. I love to wear shorts, and these are nice because they can be dressy or casual. Florals are so hot right now, too. They're $14.24 from $17.80.

Again with the floral theme, these 'Dainty Floral Espadrilles' look comfy and cute. They kind of remind me of TOMS shoes. They're on sale for $11.84 from $14.80.

This 'Paisley Floral Skirt' would look great with a denim jacket or chambray shirt. It's also $11.84 from $14.80.
I like the pastels on the 'Sleeveless Plaid Woven Dress.' It almost reminds me of a retro apron with the front pockets. It's $18.32 from $22.90.

My only problemo with these items is that they're final sale. With F21 you never know whether the sizing will be right or not. I guess at these prices, I shouldn't complain too much. Act quickly because these deals end today, but don't worry because there will be more tomorrow!

Lust: Joie's 'I Will Survive' Booties

[chickdowntown.com]

I'm obsessed with Joie's 'I Will Survive' booties. They're fun and would toughen up any look including floral dresses. They're a splurge at $325 from chickdowntown.com. These are a good buy because they're a four-season shoe since they will pair nicely with tights in the fall and winter.

Chickdowntown.com is under new ownership, so there are lots of great deals to be found with 75% off sale items. Some bargain designer finds include dresses Marc by Marc Jacobs, Alice + Olivia, Milly and Jill Stuart.

Met Costume Institute Gala

[all photos dailymail.co.uk]

Arguably the most fashionable event of the year took place last night - the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala. This year's theme is "American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity."

As expected, there were guests who played it safe, risk-takers who succeeded and risk-takers who failed miserably. Also, it seems that Jude Law and Sienna Miller are taking a risk and giving their relationship another go, too. Anyway, here are my best and worst dressed picks of the night:

-Anne Hathaway's Valentino strapless sweetheart neck ball gown is so feminine. It's very princessy, and the gold color is fabulous.

-In true diva fashion, Jennifer Lopez wore a stunning sparkly Zuhair Murad gown. It's such a better choice after that Armani Prive dress she wore to the Oscars.

-Emma Watson's white Burberry dress was hip and fresh while remaining elegant and age-appropriate. Well done, Hermoine! -Naomi Watts' wore a magenta, one-shouldered Lanvin gown. The shoulder poof is dramatic yet not over-the-top.

-Also wearing a dress in the red color family was Kerry Washington in Thakoon for GAP. The draping was so lovely. Good job on the simple hair and accessories.
-The worst dressed of the night was Katy Perry. Perry's CuteCircuit dress was unflattering and tacky. I will give her props on her sparkly Louboutins though. Honorable mention goes to Tina Fey and her ill-fitting YSL pantsuit. I'm not a fan of the pantsuit and a firm believer that it should remain in the 1970s vault.

GAP's American Woman tees

[all photos gap.com]

Tonight is the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala Benefit attended by the most fashionable people in the world. I can't wait to see what everyone wore tomorrow! I always love to check out the exhibits at The Met Museum in NYC afterward, too. My all-time favorite exhibit is still AngloMania: Tradition and Transgression in British Fashion from 2006. I still have the poster in my room.

Anyway, GAP's Creative Director Patrick Robinson, who is also co-chairing the gala tonight, has created a limited-edition collection of "American Woman" t-shirts for GAP. The shirts range in price from $34.50 to $44.50. My favorites are 'The screen siren' (top photo, $44.50) and 'The flapper' ($34.50). I'm always in search of a good wear-with-everything black or white top, and these two fit the bill.

[The Haute Hippie]

[The gibson girl][The suffragist]

[The heiress]

[The patriot]

Check out the entire collection here.