Lust: Prada Postcards sunglasses

I love cat-eye shades, and Prada's Postcards sunglasses from the S/S10 collection are definitely at the top of my list. [nitrolicious.com]

The $205 sunglasses are available in six fun colors named after cities: green (Milan), light pink (Los Angeles), clear with pink lenses (Manhattan), transparent with light grey lenses (Paris), transparent grey with orange lenses (London) and black (Lisbon). What a fabulous idea!

Though I adore the flashy Milan pair, I think I would either buy Paris or Lisbon since I'd get more wear out of them. I will be checking my local Sunglass Hut for these stat.

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!

Thigh-highs are back?

While perusing Madewell's new site, I was reminded that Alexa Chung has created a collection for them in the fall. Exciting! One of the photos featured thigh-highs. A product of the Clueless era, I definitely wore these along with knee-highs (plus plaid skirts, mary janes and feather pens...) in middle school. It's way too hot outside to imagine wearing these now, but they'll be cute for fall. [whowhatwear.com]

Coincidentally whowhatwear.com also featured a gray crochet pair from Nasty Gal today in their "June Shop the Closet." I love those platforms they paired them with.
[needsupply.com]

Also featured in this were an adorable pair of Mini for Many 'Striped Canvas Wedges.' The link sent readers to an awesome store near me - Richmond's Need Supply Co. Yay for shopping local!

Madewell's new site

J.Crew's sister store Madewell recently launched their Web site, madewell.com. They currently have 17 brick-and-mortar stores. I will have to check one out next time I'm in NYC! Their site features a lot of basics with some flare.

[all photos madewell.com]

Apparently the company has been making denim since 1937, so it's fitting that their new site features a denim bar with a wide selection of styles and washes. Denim prices are quite reasonable, too (around $95). I like the 'Rail Straight' jeans in white wash. They also come in two lengths!
I'm such a dress person that I was drawn to the 'Floaty Floral Dress' ($158) in poppy. They also have a nice selection of leather bags. The fringe on the 'Canyon Mini-Bag' ($98) is super-cool, and I love the parchment color.

Now, if Madewell will just have good online sales like J.Crew does, they'll be all set!

Toms Shoes wedges

[toms.com]

The philanthropic Toms Shoes have come out with a line of peep-toe wedges called the 'Calypso' just in time for summer. This is exciting news! They're $69, and for every pair sold, a pair is donated to a child in need. Toms calls them "heels with heart."
Available colors include black, light green, yellow, navy stripe, orange stripe and red stripe. They can be purchased now at toms.com, and they're available for pre-order at Nordstrom also with a ship date around the end of June.

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!

"Shoes for everyone!"

I know that most people don't go to the beach and see a movie, but I do - especially when it's the sequel to Sex and the City. I didn't think the second installment of the film was as good as the first, but it's still a must-see for any SATC fan.

The film begins with the too-long and slightly pointless wedding of Stanford and Anthony. Carrie sports a tux as the best man. Liza Minnelli also sings "Single Ladies" (kinda scary) while an all-male choir sings show tunes.

Most of the film takes place in Abu Dhabi after Samantha gets an all-expenses paid trip from a Middle Eastern producer for her and her besties. It was fun seeing them somewhere other than the Big Apple.

Leading up to the trip, each girl is having her own issues: Carrie feels like she and Big have lost their "sparkle;" Samantha is trying to fight off menopause; Charlotte is stressed out by motherhood; Miranda just quit her job due to a sexist boss. So, they all could use a lavish vacay. They fly over in a luxe plane and are staying at an even more luxe hotel with personal butlers.

Carrie randomly runs into Aidan (John Corbett) in the market. She agrees to go to dinner with him which leads to a lapse in judgment. I was all about some Team Aidan when it was a TV show, but c'mon Carrie. Her self-centeredness can be annoying at times.

Anyway, in typical Samantha style, she gets into trouble after she meets a gorgeous man (Brit actor Max Ryan) in the desert and flirts too much with him in public - it is the Middle East after all. Then they lose all of their privileges and have to get out of Dodge.

The fashion is unreal, but we'd expect nothing less from the talented Patricia Field. At one point they're riding camels in couture. Carrie wears A LOT of Halston Heritage in the film. My favorite is this one-shoulder dress she wore with a festive turban (above photo). While in the market on their way out of the country, Carrie buys $20 souvenir shoes for everyone hence the title.

Overall, I'd say that it's not as bad as all of the critics are saying it is. It's SATC, afterall, so I say lighten up!

Memorial Weekend beach picks

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer. I always go to the Outer Banks with my family. Here are some of my must-packs for the long weekend...[victoriassecret.com]

-Easy cover-ups: Unfussy swimsuit cover-ups are always nice at the beach. I like this 'Tie-dye Beach Dress' from Victoria's Secret. It comes in purple, pink and green for $39.99. [nordstrom.com]

-Havaianas: These are the only flip-flops I will wear. They're comfy, colorful and classic (how's that for alliteration!). Nordstrom has some solid colors on sale right now for $11.90. The 'Fun' pair pictured is $22. I also often find them at Ross or Marshall's.[anthropologie.com]

-Tote: An indestructible tote is a must. Anthropologie has two totes on sale for $9.99, 'Hardy Camellias Tote' and 'Go Green Tote.'

[forever21.com]

-Straw hat: Covering my face at the beach is crucial. This 'Side Bow Fedora' from Forever 21 is a steal at under $9 and it's very chic.

[jcrew.com]

-Shorts: I bought these slightly loud bright kiwi '3" Chino Shorts' ($40) from J.Crew when they were having their shorts sale. This is their shortest length.

[saksfifthavenue.com]

-Sunnies: Sunglasses are a beach must. Actually, they're an everyday must. Seriously, I am blind in the daytime without them. I'm obsessed with these Dolce & Gabbana 'Goldtone Frame Sunglasses' from Saks. I love the shape and the gold-tone brow. Plus, I don't think they're too unreasonably priced at $260.
[jcrew.com]

-Swimsuit: No, I don't own this swimsuit yet, but I will be buying it before my honeymoon. The 'Tulle Underwire Top and Retro Hipster' (top $60, bottoms $56) from J.Crew are inspired by French swimwear. Who knew you could have tulle on swimwear? It's available in buff pink, dusty baltic and black.
My beach read of choice is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. Now, if someone could just invent sand-proof nail polish I'd be all set!

Sequins + nautical?

[jcrew.com]

I was in J.Crew yesterday and fell in love with this 'Striped Sequin Boatneck Tee' ($78). I've come to the realization that I buy way too many dresses and not enough tops. The classic striped nautical tee is given a cool update with sheer sequins. It's available in neon rose and black. I love how it's shown with a brown skirt. J.Crew mixes colors, prints and textures so well!

They had some bargains on t-shirts and tanks in the sale section, too. My mom also found the cutest silver sparkly flats there yesterday for half off.

"Robin Hood"

My fiancé and I saw Ridley Scott's Robin Hood this past weekend. I newly discovered that he's a Robin Hood aficianado, so naturally this movie was a must-see. I wanted to see it as well because I'm a fan of Russell Crowe and Cate Blanchett. Unfortunately the film was a bit of a disappointment (OK, maybe I was slightly annoyed to begin with after they wouldn't accept my free movie pass!).

Crowe plays Robin Longstride. Most of the film takes place before he was given the nickname Robin Hood, which was actually quite interesting. He's fighting in the war with King Richard the Lionheart. After the king dies, he discovers the knights carrying the king's crown being ambushed in the woods. The traitorous Godfrey (also the villain in Sherlock Holmes, Mark Strong) and the French carried out the attack.

Robin assumes the identity of Robert Locksley of Nottingham to take the crown back to England. Once in Nottingham, Locksley's wife, Marion (Blanchett), becomes his new "wife" as his father insists that he pretend that he is Locksley, which was a little weird.

As we all know, he and Marion fall in love, but their relationship wasn't developed well enough for it to be believable. He tells her he loves her rather suddenly. The whole film is very dark too - yes, I know it was the Dark Ages but still!

I was surprised to learn that an unrecognizable Matthew Macfayden, a.k.a. Mr. Darcy in Pride & Prejudice, played the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Lust: Christian Louboutin Oxford Lace-ups

[all photos bergdorfgoodman.com]

Pre-fall items are starting to arrive in stores. Fall fashion is my favorite, and it's looking like oxfords are still in for the upcoming season. I've been enjoying wearing my oxford flats and heels for the past several months.

I got an e-mail from Bergdorf Goodman featuring the Christian Louboutin 'Oxford Lace-Up Booties.' They are gorge. Sheer mesh panels mean that they could be worn now without getting sweaty feet. They're also available in black and are $965. Oy!
There are some other Louboutin oxfords available. The colorful pair, 'Colorblock Cutout Oxford Booties' ($875), are quite wild.

SATC2 premiere

[people.com]

I'm so excited about Sex and the City 2 on Friday that I'm getting my tickets tonight! The premiere was held in NYC last night. I think the best dress is going to have to go to Carrie Bradshaw herself, Sarah Jessica Parker.
[instyle.com]

The neon yellow color of her Valentino Couture gown is fabulous. I love the asymmetrical hem and train. It's also a more fitted look than we're used to seeing her sport on the red carpet. She wore a black, lingerie-inspired Elie Saab frock to the afterparty that I'm not as big a fan of.

Second best dressed goes to Kristin Davis's hot pink Jean Dresses vintage gown. Maybe I just prefer the bright colors. Cynthia Nixon wore Carolina Herrera, and Kim Cattrall wore Naeem Khan. I have the SATC theme song in my head now.

Shoe bling

[toryburch.com]

There's nothing wrong with a little foot bling (as long as it's not in the form of a toe ring). Tory Burch's 'Percy 2 Sequin High Wedges' ($350) have my name written all over them. These ultra-glam 5" wedges have gold suede, a metallic strap and sequins. What more could you want? Actually I know, these need to go on sale then I'll be happy.
If you prefer a shorter heel, there's the 3" 'Declan 2 Wedge' with pewter suede. If that's still too high, Burch offers the classic 'Sequin Reva' flat, which comes in silver, gold and terracotta.

[stevemadden.com]

If these aren't blinged out enough for you, there's always Steve Madden's new 'Snookie' shoe in all it's jerseylisciousness. It comes in black glitter, glitter multi and glitter gold ($109.95).