Make an Entrance

Pal + Smith

Meredith Heron

Michelle Workman  via

Greg Natale

How inspiring are these amazing entryway designs? They're all so gorgeous it's hard to choose a favorite. I could go into the details of composing such a desirable foyer  -  a table/storage, some sort of seating, art, lighting, an entry rug and bold wallpaper if you dare - but instead I'm going to start this long holiday weekend with a trip to the mall and an early martini. I hope this weekend you all manage to make a fabulous entrance, no matter where you are. ;)

 Check out more amazing foyers on my Pinterest. 

Trend Alert! Brilliant Brocades

Left to Right: Proenza Schouler, Marchesa, Dolce and Gabbana, Balmain, Rag & Bone

The Fall runways were filled with brilliant brocade embellished clothing, which are a perfect way to add a touch of luxury and sheen to your wardrobe. Brocades fall into two camps this season, opulent Baroque-inspired such as those at Dolce and Gabbana and Balmain and eastern influenced like the oriental brocades seen at Proenza Schouler's Fall 2012 runway show. Whether you are looking for a show-stopping brocade cocktail dress or a brocade pencil skirt to add some sass to your work wardrobe, there are plenty of options in stores. On my wish list? MW Matthew Williamson's leopard brocade jacket and Elizabeth and James' Yumi brocade peplum blouse. 

(1)MW Matthew Williamson Leopard Brocade Jacket (2) Markus Lupfer Jersey and Brocade Dress (3) Stella McCartney brocade pants (4) Asos Metallic Brocade Clutch (5) Elizabeth and James Yumi Brocade Top (6) J.Crew Collection No.2 pencil skirt in floral brocade (7) Stella McCartney Brocade ballet flats (8) Tracy Reese Embellished Brocade Sheath Dress (9) RED Valentino brocade shorts (10) Image via Elle

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Gallery Girl Glam

Are any of you as obsessed with Bravo's new reality show Gallery Girls, as I am? It is my newest guilty pleasure and I just can't stop talking about it. Out of the 7 New York ladies, I have 2 favorites. 

First, there is Chantal Chadwick. She's the type of hipster-elitist us non slouchers most love to hate. She meets the most dreaded stereotypes of the ungrateful, ego-inflated Brooklyn b*tch, and I can't get enough of her. I imagine Chantal would wear head to toe Imitation of Christ to a Bat Mitzfah just to be subversive. Dark red lipstick (often on her teeth), pale skin, "Suri Cruise grown up".  Second is Angela Pham, a fearless and flamboyant fashionista.  I have to give props to a gal that can rock a "slutty Puritan" outfit just as confidently as she can prance around in a lace catsuit and tulle jacket. Any maneater that considers Yahoo and Hotmail email addresses "unacceptable," is my type of gal. Every week watching Angela is like watching a ridiculous art school fashion train wreck that magazines like Surface are fighting to feature.                              

Dark, brooding, hungry. A birthday away from botox and a rent payment behind reality...If only I was a "Gallery Girl". And if I were, you'd see me wearing something absolutely, fabulously, ridiculous. Like this:

      

HAT: Burberry Fedora MAKEUP: Nars nail polish Storm Bird, Yves Saint Laurent Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick in Forbidden Burgu JACKET: Etro Leather-Trimmed Lamb Jacket CLUTCH: 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute leather-trimmed PVC clutch PANTS: Topshop Cross Knee Leggings BOOTS: Valentino Studded leather and mesh ankle boots

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Just for the Heel of It

Footwear designers are making it easier than ever for you to be unforgettable. Statement heels are here in abundance, and create a lasting impression no matter where you go. From Chanel's rock crystal heels to ruffled Nicholas Kirkwood's, to Christian Louboutins that feature puffs of candy colored fur there are endless options when it comes to statement heels. I like to think of them as a glam shoe mullet, "Business in front, Party in the back," hey now;) 

1. Chanel rock crystal heels 2. Rebecca Minkoff Metallic Leather Pumps 3. B Brian Atwood Francois Crystal-detail Suede Pump 4. Christian Louboutin Crazy Fur Suede Pump 5. Nicholas Kirkwood for Erdem geometric-heeled pumps 6. SW1 Mother of Pearl Ankle-Wrap Pump 7. Ruthie Davis Cut-Out Heel Pointed-Toe Pump 8. Nicholas Kirkwood Frill Pump (also available in a bootie!)9. Miu Miu Swarovski crystal-embellished suede pumps 10. Sergio Rossi Byzance Studded Heel Pump 11. Giuseppe Zanotti Metal-heel suede pump 12. DSQUARED2

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Look I Love: Blazers & Graphic Tees

The blazer and graphic tee as been a staple in my arsenal of go-to styles for years now and I have no plans of giving it up any time soon. The juxtaposition of a structured blazer with a rocker inspired tee creates an "effortless cool" look which men find sexy and women find stylish, perfect.

Clockwise from top left: Taylor Tomasi Hill, Liz Cherkasova , Elin Kling, Caroline Issa

There are endless possibilities when putting together an outfit based on your blazer and graphic t-shirt of choice, which we can see from street-style shots of fashion darlings. I love the way Taylor Tomasi Hill layers her outfit with a plaid shirt and turns the volume up with neon red lips. A colorful blazer, like the one on Liz of Late Afternoon, instantly dresses up jeans or black pants and can help add a feminine touch to a concert tee (especially when sky high heels finish off the ensemble). If your style is  more daring take tip from Elin Kling and Caroline Issa, and throw on printed pants with a monochromatic blazer and tee combo to show some real fashion prowess.  

Modern Maneater: Rag & Bone Tuxedo blazer, Zoe Karssen Dead Romance t-shirt Artsy Executive: Alice+Olivia Elise blazer, Emma Cook printed T-shirt Refined Rocker: Topshop Structured blazer, Chaser Van Halen World Tour tee

No matter what kind of aura you are hoping to exude, I guarantee there is the perfect blazer and t-shirt combination for you on the market. Want to see how I've styled the look? Visit A Bit of Sass on Facebook for a sneak peak. 

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Lingerie Love- Neon Nights vs Femme Fancy

It's only Tuesday and I'm already for this week to be over. But, as they say "sometimes you have to put on your big girl panties and deal with it." If I'm going to have to get grown up britches they may as well be pretty... 

Deborah Marquit neon lace bras and neon lace panties available via Net-a-Porter and Barneys

Deborah Marquit turns up the volume with her handmade Italian lace bras, briefs and thongs in vibrant neon hues. Choose a set or mix and match to form a daring duo from colors: fluoro-pink, lime-green, electric-violet, neon yellow and Fluorescent-orange. Her couture prices are too steep for me, but that aside, these are some of the sassiest and sexiest underpinnings out there.

Mimi Holliday by Damaris lingerie available via Net-a-Porter and Journelle

Talk about fancy pants...The Mimi Holliday by Damaris collection combines classic feminine details with flirtatious forms. Mimi Holliday's elegant leopard and lace styles are my favorite but her molded push-up bras are on my radar as well. Luckily there are some great deals for Mimi Holliday on The OUTNET, so we can all enjoy. 

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Orange Crush

I don't think I ever officially thanked Pantone for naming Tangerine Tango the 2012 color of the year. Thank you Pantone! I'm thrilled that the invigorating red-orange hue has made itself from the fashions of this past Spring/Summer onto the Fall runways and into stores.  

1. Collette by Collette Dinnigan printed pussybow blouse  2. BaubleBar Seventies Tile ring 3. Juicy Couture Crepe Belted dress 4. L.A.M.B Harley II suede pumps  5. J.Crew Etta Cap Toe patent pump  6. Diane von Furstenberg Campbell scarf 7. Coach Willis leather hobo in poppy  8. Tory Burch Madeline sweater  9. BaubleBar Orange Glitz Cuff 

From Coach's structured handbag to Band of Outsiders' wool jacket, we can take a sigh of relief that Tangerine Tango is here to stay another season. My current closet obsession is a fire orange Parker silk peplum bustier blouse (seen on me above and *on sale here*), which I will be happily wearing into fall with a leather pencil skirt. 

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Fashion Finds Under $150

1. Lulu Frost for J.Crew earrings $78 2. Madewell Gingham Silk Boy Shirt $110  3. Plush Fleece Lined Thigh Highs $26   4. Topshop Fluro Boucle Biker Jacket $140 5. Dorothy Parkins Black Studded Loafers $44 6. Topshop Pleated Dip Hem Skirt $56 7.Topshop Crystal Maze Tee $90 8. StyleStalker Laudree Pants $121

I've always been a quality over quantity person, but there are some great fashion offerings for reasonable prices that I just can't resist! In my attempt to be better about budgeting,  here are my most recent loves that retail for under $150. Bare with me, eventually I'll get them under $100 ;)

1. J.Crew never disappoints when it comes to statement jewelry. These resin and marcasite art-deco inspired earrings from Lulu Frost for J.Crew are unique enough to dress up any outfit

2. This silk plaid shirt is lightweight enough to go from summer to fall and dressy enough to wear to work while still looking "cool"

3. Thigh highs, the private school girl in me just can't resist, and fleece lining will keep you warm 

4. Topshop's boucle moto jacket gives a classic tweed jacket just enough edge to be a must for me  

5. Studded loafers for only $44? Yes please! Talk about nailing two trends with one shoe. 

6. I cant resist a pleated maxi skirt and this pleated dip hem version in a rich taupe would be perfect to pair with knee high boots for Fall

7. Philip Lim's maze embroidery tee  is a lust, but Topshop's version is a must. I would call this sophisticated club wear, which is just my style:)

8. Red hot pants always add a little spice to a look and StyleStalker's track inspired pair is no exception

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I'm Shopping For - A Black Jumpsuit

Left to Right: Asos Jumpsuit $65**on sale, Asos Pleat Bust Jumpsuit $85, Halston Heritage Halter Jumpsuit$545, Enza Costa Challis Jumpsuit $198, Asos Peplum Jumpsuit $94

As much as I've tried to be a girl that gets dolled for date nights in a dress, I'm just not; I'm a pants girl. So I'm shopping for my equivalent of a "little black dress," a sexy black jumpsuit. The one pieces are easy to throw on and instantly look stylish and it offers endless opportunities for accessorizing. From one shoulder to long sleeve like this By Malene Birger stunner, there is something for everyone. Now, how I'd style it...

Jumpsuit: Asos Downtown: Moto Vest- Topshop, Skull Earrings- Tom Binns, Studded Clutch- Zara, Booties- Sigerson Morrison Uptown: Straw Fedora- Eugenia Kim, Necklace- Kenneth Jay Lane, Fold over Clutch- Clare Vivier , Pumps- Charlotte Olympia

Shop Black Jumpsuits:

Join the Club

It's time for new sunglasses! After trying on my co-worker's Ray-Ban Oversized Clubmasters sunglasses every day for the past 2 weeks, I have decided to make the purchase. The Clubmaster's mix of plastic and wire frames give a to-cool-for-school look that I can't resist.  Now I just have to decide if I go for the dramatic black and gold or a subdued, sophisticated tortoise shell. Decisions, decisions...

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Room to Runway: Kelly Wearstler Edition

In todays world it's near impossible to find a modern design diva or fashion fanatic that doesn't totally worship Kelly Wearstler, and I'm no exception to this rule.  With her ready-to-wear line turning 1, I decided to take a look at some of her edgy fall designs next to a few of my favorite interior images. 

Kelly Wearstler's living room stuns with graphic patterns and cool, layered shades of blue. Wearstler's fall 2012 ready-to-wear offerings have the same great color layering and this season she introduces denim to her line.  She gives us six colors of acid washed jeans to choose from - check out my favorite, the Mason jeans in jade. Love her black and white coffee table? The Cube Batik Print pencil skirt  is a perfect translation. 

I adore this seductive master bedroom, recently featured in Elle Decor.  Extravagant layers  and textures elevate the traditional neutral toned room to a glam 1970s abode. Wearstler's Winston Fox Fur Jacket (right) has a similar vibe of unassuming opulence. 

Kelly Wearstler is known for Hollywood Regency designs shows her over the top layering of colors and fabrics in her home office. Quirky gold chairs add an unexpected element to what could be over the top girly purple and pink hues. Raspberry tuxedo trousers (similar here) combined with an eighties inspired muscle tank give a similar effect. 

When Kelly Wearstler designed the Viceroy Santa Monica she fused classic sophistication and contemporary chic.In her Fall 2012 ready-to-wear collection modern shapes and color blocking echo the British Regency style Wearstler used when designing the Viceroy Santa Monica in all kelly green, white and black.

*Images via Style.com, Elle Decor and Hue by Kelly Wearstler

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Abstract Nature

Is it just me, or is there a striking similarity between (parts of) Giambattista Valli's  Fall 2012 Couture collection and Reiss' A/W collection? Both design houses are having a green moment this Fall and they're incorporate the striking olive to emerald shades into watercolor like prints - "abstract nature" as Reiss calls it. 

The Giambattista Valli Fall 2012 Couture collection was filled with Monet like prints, with the show inspiration laying in flower gardens and lily ponds. Layers of different exquisite fabrics in the same print and appliques make this collection wistful and truly couture. 

Reiss takes abstract nature prints and combines them with sheer fabrics in modern shapes. They've styled their looks into outfits ranging from glam evening looks to work wear to street chic, making them accessible and wearable for the style minded gal with a real world budget. Speaking of Reiss, have any of you worn the brand before?  Any input on their sizing etc? I have yet to try them, but I do have my eye on this gold pencil skirt and this ribbed jumper dress. 

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CARRY IT - Catty Clutches

A little bit of leopard is all a gal needs to take a walk on the wild side. Whether it be over-sized or box shaped, suede or ponyhair, a leopard-print clutch is what I'll be carrying come date night.  

1, Charlotte Olympia Pandora Classic Persplex Clutch 2. Christian Louboutin Alina Leopard-Print Calf Hair Clutch; 3. Clare Vivier Leopard Foldover Clutch ;. 4. Diane von Furstenberg Lytton Spotted Haircalf Clutch 5. Jerome Dreyfuss Popoche Large Leopard-Print Pony Hair Clutch 6. Jil Sander Ponyhair Envelope Clutch; 7. Alexander McQueen Skull ocelot-print calf hair box clutch

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Wardrobe Staple - The Army Jacket

1. Natalie Off Duty /  2. Columbine Smille / 3. Atlantic-Pacific / 4. In the City with Crystalin

It's official, army jackets have made their way on to the most fashionable bloggers on the net and into my heart. Paired with skinny jeans or boyfriend shorts, lightweight army jackets are the perfect layering item to take you into the fall. For more daring fashionistas, military inspired jackets makes for an interesting juxtaposition to skirts and dresses. Blair from Atlantic-Pacific does this particularly well, often belting her army jacket to create a new look of it's own. Any way you choose to style it though, the army jacket trend is a makes for a casual cool current look. 

1. Current/Elliott Infantry Jacket $268; 2. Asos Popper Parka $108; 3. Gap Canvas Military Jacket $83; 4. MINKPINK Enlisted Coat $141; 5. Rubbish Army Jacket $59; 6. James Perse Flak army-inspired jacket $350

If you're a "cool kid" you will have no problem scoring a real deal army jacket at your local thrift store, but for germ freaks like me, there are more than a fair share of new options in stores. Now, pick your favorite shade of green and your desired fabric weight and hit the racks!  

SHOP MORE ARMY JACKETS:

Until Monday...

Vogue Italia, March 2009

I had a great post planned for today, I really did. But the weekend crept up on me and I'm off to visit friends in Los Angeles, with only this pretty picture to leave you with. Until Monday...

Image credits:  Vogue Italia, March 2009; Photography - Miles Aldridge; Model - Julia Stegner

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Bone Collector

McQ Alexander McQueen's abstract x-ray print dress and t-shirt bring a whole new meaning to x-ray vision. The body con cut of the cap sleeve mini dress leaves just enough to the imagination that the print makes it just as cool as it is coy. Lucky for us more modest dressers McQ Alexander McQueen offers an (almost) equally as cool x-ray print t-shirt and x-ray scarf. 

Cabinet Oseo jewelry is both gothic and glamorous. Sculptor Celina Saubidet and jeweler Marina Molinelli Wells bring wearable conceptual art inspired by human anatomy to life in each  of the handcrafted jewelry pieces. The unique collection from Argentina transforms bones into jewels making true statement pieces. 

IMAGES: Cabinet Oseo Sternum Necklace $590 / McQ Alexander McQueen Cap Sleeve Dress $355 (also available in white) / McQ Alexander McQueen Printed fine-jersey T-shirt $155 / Cabinet Oseo Falange Rings (in gold) $76 - $86 

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