I Might Just Become a Bag Lady Afterall

Do you know those days that are kind of give you that crappy 'beige' feeling?  You know, like nothing is going exceptionally bad (or necessarily even going at all), but nothing is really going good either ... stagnant, blah, ... generally just a boring crappy beige like this ...

  

... combined with a little of Paula Deen's Snuggie-licious crappy beige sweater.

Really Paula Deen, this is what you choose to wear on national television with all of the money you make?!?! 

Today being a Thursday (as opposed to say and Monday or Tuesday), I should have been feeling fairly uplifted with the weekend on its way, food in the fridge, and the good fortune of not having to wake up and cope with male pattern baldness on a daily basis (sorry guys).  You'd think just that last little thought alone would be enough to carry me through more than a boring Thursday, but alas, I am me, and there is no stopping the unending mysteries that create my state-of-mind at any given moment.   For me, today was mostly mediocre, slightly boring beige ... that is until I received an unexpected, fairly large-sized package on my front porch taped all over with important-looking 'Stop' signs boldly warning me to check the contents before signing a receipt if the box seal was broken. Ah, the mystery, the intrigue, the ... danger?  Whatever it was, it was bye bye to my crappy beige day!  Imagine my surprise when I made my way through all of that threatening tape to find this!

Yes-siree-Bob, that is exactly what it looks like - a surprise gift through my Vogue Influencers Network from the Brahmin Spring 2012 collection!  Yay!  Let's open it further, shall we?

Brahmin Glossy Medium Arno Tote, in the flesh.

OMG!!  (Well, that's what it was like when I opened it anyway).  Glistening in the overhead light, was this amazing perfectly sized hybrid tote/purse from the Brahmin 'Glossy' Collection. 

Now I've never been a real 'bag lady' like some, but I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the previous Brahmin collections that I've seen through my Vogue Network (if you've missed them, or you just want to gaze longingly at them again, you can revisit them here, here, here, & here).  At this moment, I might just do a dance and become a bag lady afterall - especially since I want the matching wallet, wristlet, and key ring now.  I am sooo all about this bag that it's not even funny.  It has fragranced my entire den with the warm smell of new leather (I wish there was a virtual scratch-and-sniff to share here), and is meticulously crafted to combine exquisite detail with probably the most practicality I've ever had in a handbag.  Soooo, if you were ever teetering on the verge of a purchase after ogling over the new Brahmin collections as they popped up in print ads, department stores, or, of course, my blog; I can say personally at this point that you will not be disappointed in your investment.  Quite the contrary, you will want to trade it all in and become a bag lady with me.  You can start picking out yours right away at Brahmin.com!

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Over the River and Through the Woods; A Rugby Ralph Lauren Holiday

Even if you don't have to actually travel over any rivers, or through any woods to your Grandmother's house; we all have those family-oriented holiday gatherings where your sequin and tulle party dress doesn't fit the bill, yet you wouldn't be caught dead wearing a holiday sweater (or even worse, a holiday sweatshirt - ew).  So, what to wear that's still festive, family-appropriate, AND on trend?  Check out these cool pieces brought to us compliments of my friends at the Vogue Influencer Network from the Ralph Lauren Rugby holiday collection.

Long Pointelle Arm Warmers: The folks at Ralph Lauren are mad about pointelle, so they tailored open-worked knit arm warmers for super-chic results.

Wool-Angora Cardigan Coat: This heritage-inspired wool knit boasts a Fair Isle pattern at the oversize spread collar and hem. Although meant for the outdoors, you’ll find it has a special cozy-up-on-the-couch potential – all you need is a good book!

Penywern Cadet Jacket: Proudly giving a salute to chic military-inspired fashion with their Ralph Lauren rendition of the cadet jacket, featuring crest-embosses buttons, a banded collar and requisite epaulets in a tailored feminine silhouette.

Satin & Shearling Trapper Hat: Brave the cold in this super-chic satin and shearling trapper hat—a favorite style to keep you warm and winter-blues free.

So what do you think?  I think my favorite thing has to be that once you're done at 'Grandmother's house', each of these pieces will also work overtime to redefine that sequin and tulle number you have ready to hit the town, and keep you warm doing it.  Want to check out the entire Rugby Ralph Laurent Collection?  Click right on over to the site here, to keep those warm fuzzies going!

If you like what you see, let me know!  Click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  See it first, hear it first, know it first.

Get Gorgeous this Holiday with a Gift List from QVC

Well folks, it's Cyber Monday, and after making it through all of the plates of turkey and hoards of aggro black Friday shoppers you can now just sit back, relax, and hardly have to lift a finger to get everything you need to fulfill your holiday gift list this year.  Whether you need some help in the giving department for one of those 'hard to buy for' ladies on your list, or if you're feeling a little lost when it comes to the receiving department and have no idea what to include on your own wish list as requested from a special someone; Vogue Influencers has brought in some help from QVC's Lisa Robertson.  Lisa has put together a list of her top holiday gift picks that allow you to participate in all of the joy without all of the craziness - most coming in at less than $100.  So what are you waiting for?  Scroll on down and start your clicking, or head on over to QVC.com.  Happy shopping!

1. Mally 10-piece Deluxe Automatic Waterproof Liner Collection

Mally Beauty Evercolor Automatic Waterproof Eyeliners have a long-wearing formula that contains nourishing and conditioning ingredients. For a really cool trick, line the top lash line with the Onyx, then line that line with a colored pencil. It's a subtle peep of color.

2. bareMinerals Box of Gems 20-piece Color Collection

A 20-piece collection of stunning eye and lip shades. Experience the ultimate in luxury with 10 new eye colors and 10 high-shine lip glosses that will drizzle lips in pure color. Tip: For a jewel-toned look, pair Gem and Glow eye colors--and deepen and smoke out even more with the Twinkle shade.

3. Judith Ripka Sterling Hematite Doublet Ring

A rich, deep, cushion-cut synthetic blue quartz doublet rests above a section of hematite in this mesmerizing ring. A sterling silver twisted-rope border accents the gemstone, while four heart-shaped prongs sparkle with a Diamonique® simulated diamond in the center of each.

4. Melania Madison Avenue Bold Case Bracelet Watch

As glamorous and show-stopping as New York City itself. Clear, round crystals on the connecting links of this bracelet watch are sure to attract attention, while the bold face with its mother-of-pearl dial is a classic finishing touch.

5. Nadri Micro Pave' Criss Cross Hinged Bangle Bracelet

Eternally elegant. With four bands crafted into a crisscross design and encrusted with micro-pave-style round, clear crystals on the front, this highly polished silvertone bracelet is sure to create a lasting look.

6. Dennis Basso Button Front Ruffle Collar Coat with Rosette Detail

Everything's coming up rosettes. This gorgeous fully lined, button-front coat will warm up your outlook. Ruffle details, in-seam pockets, and a cloth rosette on the collar help this stunning outerwear piece rise to the top.

7. ISAACMIZRAHILIVE! 2 Ply Cashmere V-Neck Boyfriend Cardi

Wear this boyfriend cardigan over a simple tee paired with your favorite jeans, and accessorize it with anything from a scarf to an extra-long necklace.

8. Michael Dawkins Sterling Signature Pod Small Earrings 

Small in size, but big on stylish impact, these free-form pod earrings are ideal for every day wear and special occasions. The earrings have a seamless silhouette.

If you like what you see, let me know!  Just click the 'Join This Site' button at the top right of the homepage to keep up with Vogue fashion exclusives, new product launches, events, beauty reviews and more.  Know it first, see it first, hear it first.

David Yurman Fall 2011: Dream Big

Look like Arizona Muse when you wear David Yurman jewelry?  Maybe. Possibly. Probably not, but if you're going to dream, dream big, right?

Directly off the heels of my last post(which you can see here, if you missed it) on the Bulgari Serpenti Collection for Fall Winter 2011, which was a real looker if I do say so myself, is another fantastic little piece of eye candy (again) courtesy of the Vogue Influencer Network for the world weary dreamers and appreciators of beautiful things.  Ah yes, another tiny escape into the fabulous world of sparkles and shine.  Funny how appreciation for something exquisite can just take you away from it all better than a bottle of Calgon.  It might not transform you into the young and exceptionally 'now' supermodel in the ad above, but it will hopefully make you forget about your nagging to-do list or whatever else happens to be weighing you down about now. So go ahead, take a minute or two to relax, unwind, breathe deep, and scroll through the luxurious world of jewelry designer David Yurman's collection for Fall Winter 2011.  

Sterling silver pave diamond bracelet from the Cable Buckle Collection.

Sterling silver black hematite ring with pave diamond bezel from the DY Signature Oval Collection®.  Want.

Sterling silver pave diamond curb chain bracelet.

Blackened sterling silver pave diamond sculpted cable cuff.  I'll take two please.

Sterling silver amethyst and pave diamond ring.

Sterling silver smooth and Cable link chain necklace from the Oval Link Collection.

Sterling silver and 14-karat white gold pave diamond earrings from the Crossover Collection®. (Available in sm, med, lg,  & xl).  I would wear these EVERYWHERE.

Black onyx bracelet with sterling silver box chain.

Sterling silver curb chain necklace with pave diamond link.

Handmade oversized acetate oval sunglasses in tortoise with 18-karat gold vermeil accents and turquoise stones, from the Albion® Collection.  My newest eyewear crush.

Fantastic, isn't it!?  Now, don't you feel better that you've had that tiny little daydream away from the rest of the world?  Thought so.  Maybe now you can make that looming 'to-do' list a little happier by adding a visit to your local jeweler.  Au revoir!

The BULGARI 'Serpenti Collection': Temptation At Its Finest

This 1975 ad campaign illustrates the range
of Bulgari’s serpent- shaped designs.

After a long, unanticipated blog break (sadly, I wasn't dashing off to NY Fashion Week or slipping away incognito for an unwarranted sabbatical), I've decided the best way to get back into the swing of things is with a little eye candy.  Everybody likes that, right?  Even better when it involves a little symbolism, a lot of style, and a whole lot of slither!

Straddling the line between accessory and art, Bulgari is the distinguished Italian brand that is recognized by it's quotient for luxury, large exceptionally rare gems, meticulous attention to detail, blending of classical and contemporary, and unmistakeable creative sensibility.  Though some might automatically draw parallels with the biblical connotation of the serpent as a symbol of temptation (which could certainly work especially well for some of these pieces!), the serpent's use in the Bulgari collection is reflective of Bulgari's Greco-Roman heritage, where it is a symbol of wisdom, life, and eternity.  For the first time in decades, Bulgari has revived their iconic enameled serpent design for their Fall Winter 2011 'Serpenti' Accessories Collection.  Through the Vogue Influencers Network, the luxury brand gives us an exclusive first look at their newest collection, as well as opening up their fashion archives to reveal the heritage behind their iconic serpent collection.  

Though a multi-generational standard for celebrities and socialites alike; there's a little something for everyone here ... even if only sheer aesthetic enjoyment (one can dream, right?).  So go ahead and have a look; I promise the only thing that might bite a little is the price tag.

Bulgari revived the enamel serpent for their FW 2011 Accessories Collection. This small bag is made of luxurious karung skin, and the snake-head closure has a light gold and enamel finish with pear-shaped malachite eyes. (Bulgari.com)

This bracelet was one of the inspirations for Bulgari’s Fall Winter 2011 Collection. The flexible bracelet imitates a coiled snake with white and black enamel scales and pear-shaped diamond eyes. 

Originally owned by fashion legend Diana Vreeland, Bulgari replicated this belt so it could have a permanent place in their Historical Archive Collection. This belt is made of pink and white enamel with sapphire eyes. 

Available from the FW 2011 Collection, both these medium- and small-sized bags are made of karung skin and their snake-head closures are made of black and white enamel with malachite eyes. (Bulgari.com)

This original hand drawing shows the elaborate details Bulgari put into their accessories. Numerous separate elements were used to make realistic looking scales, heads, and tails.

Available from the FW 2011 Collection, this stylish bracelet is made of karung skin, and the snake-head closure has a light gold and enamel finish with malachite eyes.

Made of karung skin, the snake-head details have light gold and enamel finishes with malachite eyes. Also available in Shanghai red, black, and amber karung from the FW 2011 Collection. (Wallet, Bulgari.com; Belt, Bulgari.com)

This photo of Bulgari’s snake accessories ran in a 1971 issue of Vogue, connecting two iconic brands and introducing Bulgari to the world of high fashion.

If you're dying for a serpent of your own now, but suffering from a little sticker shock, here are some options to check that will lend that luxury look without breaking the bank.  Happy hunting!  

Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Bracelet, shopbop

        

Premium Snake Necklace, Topshop 

Premium Snake Earrings, Topshop