What a Dame

(photo courtesy of http://fashionsmostwanted.blogspot.com/)

I must sheepishly admit that I never really understood the whole Elizabeth Taylor fascination.  Even though Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is one of my favorite movies I always pictured her stuck in this 1980's Dynasty moment.  But over the past day I have seen countless features and listened to all of the news features and am happy to say that I am on board!  And also to say, what a dame.  RIP.

The Look of ANY Day

(Photo courtesy of Who What Wear Daily blog)

I saw Lauren Conrad wearing this outfit probably a year ago and I still can't get it out of my head.  When I saw this photo on Who What Wear Daily while catching up on my blog reading it came right back to me.  There is something so effortless about this girl's style yet always polished.  She achieves lofty bohemia/California cool wihtout looking sloppy or slovenly.  Something I am always working towards.  I have always loved Lauren's style and this look is most definitely a top 5.   

Song of the day

SXSW has officially begun in Austin although I am eagerly awaiting the music portion by listening to bands online.  This is Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People.  If you are joining us here in lovely Austin, Texas for Southby here is a website with over a day of music filled with bands that will be playing.  http://bandcamp.com/sxsw  Enjoy! 

Rockin' Out

I am an avid reader of fashion magazines, blogs, and pretty much every fashion related book that everyone seems to be writing these days.  I am especially interested in the ones that give advice on what to wear to particular events.  While I find that many of the books have great advice there is one area that always makes me chuckle, the part where they tell you to wear heels to concerts.  To this suggestion I say PARTY FOUL.  Austin is the live music capital of the world and concerts and shows are what we do here.  One of the last shows I went to I looked around and saw almost every girl wearing heels and thought, I love me some heels but these girls are nuts.  Then by the end of the night, they were all carrying their heels around.  Good thing it was dark in there...I am constantly wracking my brain for great concert outfits that are not only super cute, but also practical and functional; this is especially true with SXSW coming up!  Here are a few suggestions for great foot wear that won't leave your dogs barking.  Although flat, all of these styles are sure to leave you looking hipster chic.

Frye Boots, Chuck Taylor All Stars by Converse, Toms (hip, cute, and philanthropic!) and Brouges

Le Tarjay

For the past 5 years I have been obsessed with Target's (or Tarjay as I like to call it!) designer lines.  I rush to the store early on the Sunday of their arrivals and almost break a sweat as I excitedly flip through the line.  I have been severely disappointed with the last several lines not only with the selection, but with the quality as well.  And I find that the cost is creeping up and up.  However, I am really excited that they are relaunching a collection of dresses from the past designers.  It is a collection of 34 dresses from Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Erin Fetherston, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith, Rodarte, Zac Posen, and Tucker.  Some of these pieces are pieces I passed on the first time only because I decided to take something else home.  Pieces which I might add, have become staples in my wardrobe and are complimented with each and every wear.  I am especially excited about the Jovovich-Hawk polka dot dress and once again I will rush to my neighborhood Target to flip through the collection.  And I will try not to sweat on the clothes.  (The above photos are from racked.com and you can see the whole collection of 34 dresses here  http://racked.com/archives/2011/02/22/target-relaunches-34-dresses-from-previous-designer-collaborations.php#go-international-target-collective-12)

Shoes

The fact is, sometimes it's really hard to walk in a single woman's shoes. That's why we need really special ones now and then to make the walk a little more fun.

                                                                                   -Carrie Bradshaw

Honorable Mention

Reese and Michelle get the honorable mention awards!  Michelle needed to pull it off after the Valentino disaster at the Golden Globes.  And I adore Reese's entire look.  The hair, the jewels, the simple gown.  Bombshell. (all Oscar photos courtesy of the New York Daily News)

Oscar Gold

Picking a best dressed for this years Oscars was tough for me.  There were so many impeccably dressed ladies and it was fantastic.  I settled on Gwenyth Paltrow because I just love everything about this.  So sleek, so modern, and I also love the hair and make-up. 

Oscar Blue

There is no doubt that Marisa Tomei is a fantastic actress.  She has an Oscar and many other accolades to prove it.  This dress however, will not go down as one of her most shining moments.  It is clearly ill fitted, not a style for her body type and that hair!  Oy vey!  Next time Marisa, next time.