Things That Are Girly Like Candy & A Bow

I'm feeling a bit girly today, and looking through some of my accessories I found some fun inspiring pieces. One is a bow and the other looks like candy with a bow. Love it.

My friends always threaten to eat this one- if only they could. I love the color and style- it is very pretty and very girly in a playful sort of way. It looks like giant gum drops or something- I'm not sure but it looks delicious, ha.

The pink bow just adds extra charm I think. Quite lovely and it is something I do enjoy wearing.

And speaking of bows, here is a pair of adorable bow earings. The little beads that hang from the bow really add that special touch. I found these at a little Japanese shop (they had a red version available as well) and couldn't resist them. They are on a black small loop so the bow hangs just below the ear. Quite the cute little accessory.

Hmm, looking at it the little beeds look like some sort of candy treat as well. A bit more subtle but still delicious in style.

Playing Game Pieces As Fashion Accessories

Such a cool little find that speaks for itself as a fashion statement; a mahjong (or mah jong if you prefer) bracelet. Game pieces are fun and add a unique and playful flair to fashion- in little bits of course, too much of anything is overwhelming.

My fiance found this bracelet some time ago (he has a great eye) and I love mixing it in with my style. Its rather large and its bold colors and contrast truly stand out.

People constantly ask me if I play mahjong- and I don't, don't even know where to begin on the game, but I do love the pieces.

Here's another game piece turned jewelry accessory- the Jack of Hearts.

This one is more subtle and still has an elegant feel to it. I find it fun to blend it with my more delicate gold pieces and let the character in the center make its subtle appearance.

Jack, King, even Queen I suppose if you wanted to, but I think it looks most like the Jack to me. Its really quite fun. After having found these I tend to keep an open eye for more.

Let me know what you find as well- I love to see creative new twists on fashion, and often times subtle out of place appearances are key, as in this case it is all a game.

I Never Thought I Would Do This Fashion Nightmare

Oooooh, yes- so much for never. It all happened accidentally, and it would almost have to.

Its one of those 80's looks of the past that is so laughable- my fiance insisted I try on these ridiculous jeans so that we may laugh at them together. We couldn't believe they had so many acid washed jeans on display- it was such a joke we had to partake. And the joke's on me apparently.

I totally like them- I mean I actually like these jeans. I NEVER thought I would say or admit these words, but these are a cute pair of jeans- darn them. It wasn't until I had them on that I came to this realization. And by no means am I going to look for more or encourage them to return- but this particular pair.. darn their cuteness.

Even the buttons at the bottom are kind of cute to me now. And I am not a jean person to begin with, but these fit me like a dream. I couldn't pass them up.

Ugh, okay but on an actually current and happy to

indulge upon fashion note- another killer top from Richard Chai has been added to my wardrobe (with the jeans no less).

It has extra long sleeves and is slightly open in the front from the top and bottom- with a low neckline and a high center line. I like how it flows out but still feels comfortable and fitted. It allows for movement- both functional and for show, and it moves lovely.

The little buttons on the shoulder are a nice touch, too. Again with the detail, I am quite pleased.

Alright- I've admitted to taking pleasure in my fashion crime, and even brought something nice to make up for it. Think what you want but I love it. Maybe the top helped me pull it off- I don't know but I'm doing it.

A Lovely Welcome In A Basket

What a lovely way to welcome someone, and this one came unexpectedly. It is time for us to renew our lease for our apartment (a simple chore if anything else) when afterwards we are given this lovely basket. If only every errand came with such a gift- I am impressed and happy to be where I am, a very good touch on their part.

They also make fresh baked cookies downstairs by the concierge- I love these guys. So friendly, too. The basket came with some yummy lemon iced biscotti, a freshly baked cookies scented candle, some ritter chocolates (a favorite of mine, yum) and a bottle of savignon blanc with a cute little bottle charm of grapes. Well done, and how lovely!

It makes me think though- when was the last time I did this.. too long ago. There's something to be said about presenting a welcoming gift in a well thought package. Doesn't take much, but the details go far. The last time I presented someone with a basket was quite some time ago- its just so easy to present someone with a bottle of wine. I like the charm on the bottle, it really dresses it up and is quite simple to do. Its the details that stand out.

Wild Prints For Fashion Fun

I love a beautiful print- usually filled with color, bold, and fun. This skirt is something different but still quite fun and bold. Not the usual bright colors you see in a print, but the normally toned down shade of brown against the white with this wild pattern is remarkably bold and I love it.

With a print like this I want it to stand out on its own- too much of anything else, color, design or whatever have you would just get lost and compete.

One thing I would do is wear some funky or playful earings- maybe a bangle on my wrist as well; it can handle the skirt's design without fighting it.

This particular skirt I found at forever 21; I must say they produce some cute items from time to time (though their options are massive and overwhelming as well- at least for me).

I like this pattern and color scheme- it is something I wouldn't mind having more of. I think brown is a nice color and I haven't really seen it so bold as it is here. Who knew it had such a playful attitude- just needed a fun pattern to show it.

Oh, and of course the shoes... Normally I'd wear a simple shoe (black pump or even my brown ballet slipper heels pictured below). But instead I decided to wear my new Vincent Camuto shoes- these are some hot shoes. I did an entry a little while back on them, and here they are again, such beauties. Brown and white like the skirt (though shades lighter I think it still works just fine).

And here is the other shoe I would wear with this skirt (which matches in color exactly, and yet still a little playful in design). Its my BCBG ballet slipper heels- I bought them years ago but they still stay in style. One of those classic shapes and colors that will always be in. Its such a pretty shoe.

Cafe Cubano Just Around The Corner

This is great; I move from Miami and at apparently the same time so does this gentlemen around the corner. Even better, he opens up a little shop and calls it "Cafe Cubano" and you guessed it, serves the most wonderful cafe cubanos and all the traditional Cuban cuisine to go with it. Yum!

My fiance loves the coffees, but only once in a while for him. He instead has found delicious enjoyment in the Malta from Hatvey- oooh, this is a good one.

They have a couple different Malta's, I think this one is the best by far- it has the most flavor, strong and distinct which I like in a beverage. Just the smell alone is fantastic. This is a must try if you ever come across it- let me know when you do.

Okay, back to the cafe cubano- or in my case, cortadito con leche evaporado. There is nothing like a nice strong espresso brewed with sugar and then topped off with steamed evaporated milk- just a little of course, and talk about heavenly! Oh I love this drink, and finally I can begin having them again and just around the corner from where I live- how lovely is that?

He makes my favorite little pastry to have with a coffee, too- the guava and cheese pastels. It compliments it perfectly.

I would love to see walk up Cuban Cafes start spreading like the Wine Bars have been, maybe this will be the next thing. What a treat that would be. People need to love coffee again (actual coffee- don't get me started).

Alright, I am off for a cortadito and guava and cheese. Ciao.

Ooh- a little PS, Here's a little look of some of the other fun sodas they offer. I'm told the IronBeer tastes similar to a fruity Dr. Pepper, but I don't know- we'll see. We bought them to try later, I'll let you know how it goes.

A Vest Of Feminine Fashion Style

I am very old fashioned when it comes to most things (although with a modern twist) and when it comes to pants or men's clothing on women I tend to shy away. It just isn't for me for me. I am not against it and think other's can wear it well, fashion after all is about finding what you like and what represents you best. On this rare occasion I find myself liking this cute little navy blue BCBG vest. It is form fitting and the buttons are adorable.

I think most masculine turned feminine styles can be constricting or non feminine flattering if you know what I mean (hiding the feminine shape and pushing a masculine one). I am all for playful trends, but there should be a well meaning purpose behind them and for the wearer. This is a good balance for me, and most importantly I still feel like a pretty sophisticated lady (and in my own clothes- as though they were made with a female in mind).

The men's shirt dress for women can be fun with a cute belt to reveal the woman's shape, but sometimes it just looks like you rolled out of bed and picked up your boyfriend's clothes before leaving home. I have some mixed feelings there, and the wearer just seems to get lost over the fashion. Fashion should make notice of what you are and not the other way around.

Anyway, I think this combination is a cute and simple one. Make your own adjustments and add your own accessories. But even on its own it makes quite the statement.

Gorgeous Fashion And A Touch Of Michael Kors Shoes

It's a gorgeous day outside and I am feeling great. So much so I brought out my favorite skirt. It is a cute little number from BCBG that is layered with that frilly feel without being obnoxious- its cute and I love it.

Normally I would wear a simple black fitted top, but today I decided to dress it with a long strappless black top that just hugs over at one end. Makes it look more like a dress and it is quite comfortable as well. Its classic with a little bit of fun from the skirt and subtle shape of the top.

Seeing as it is day time, I am wearing some clunkier bootie heels in a pretty gray color from Michael Kors. In the evening I would lean more to a classic black stiletto, but for now it is an excuse to wear these. I love them, they are a new purchase and are simply gorgeous.

They are sophisticated booties in my opinion- fun but with an elegant line and beautiful color. They are clunkier than what I would normally wear with this outfit, but then again what isn't when compared to the spiked stilettos? As with all Michael Kors shoes, they are remarkably comfortable as well as stylish. And the price I find to not be outrageous which is a nice little bonus.

It is a fun shoe and one I wish to incorporate into my wardrobe more often.

Much love, xx

My cat, Aveline, seems to think so, too.

Beauty, All Class And All American

How lovely is she; I must say I am quite pleased to see a conservative woman take such a grand role in our society. I honestly had no intentions of getting into politics here (as messy as it can leave things), however I cannot avoid mentioning recognition especially after today. It is only appropriate that I do so.

Alaska's Gov. Sarah Palin is making history and it is something I would love to see go through all the way. She has a great voice of reason and determination like no other. And what a wonderful family, too- she is all class and everything I like to see. Bravo. Isn't she gorgeous, too? Well spoken and an intelligent lady, McCain's choice in a Vice President is quite wise.