A Case of the Miu Miu Mondays

Today is Halloween, but it gets worse: today is also Monday.

Admittedly, I am not a big fan of Monday, but it's not my least favorite day of the week; that's Tuesday or Wednesday (because they are dead center in the middle of the week making me feel like there's no escape). But Mondays tend to fly by for me as there is so much to catch up on and I generally feel pretty rested.

So I thought I would make today Miu Miu Monday by posting some shoes from their latest collection via Saks ...

And I got to thinking, what is it about glitter, costume, and "playing dress up" that makes it an attractive escape? What are we really running from when we don a different outfit or empty our wallets for a shoe? And I had a sudden tinge of fear at the thought that maybe we are running from ourselves. Im not saying that fashion is all about being timid and covering up ... I know for me it's a definite passion ... but I can't help but wonder if maybe sometimes there's distraction in the glitter of a shoe; maybe I have convinced myself that in order to put distance between myself and those things that scare me I have to buy nice shoes so that they will be able to bear the burden of such a long run. I dont mean to be such a downer today, I am just in a pensive mood - a mood ripe for writing. So whether you see these shoes as a break from the Monday routine or you see this post as a glimpse into something deeper about its author, I hope today is a good ( not so scary) one.

true sTORY

I had dinner with my sister at the Nordstrom Cafe on Monday night. The Nordstrom Cafe is one of my favorite places to eat: fancy, great selections, and you get to eat right next to the clothes. While perusing the accessories floor I noticed these beauties. They are unmistakably Tory, Tory Burch that is. I love the gold, lucite, and tortoise look. These pieces are so smooth, polished, chunky and give just a hint of vintage. You can find these pieces at Nordstrom (whether you shop online, eat there, or shop in person).

I actually have a special affinity for Tory because the editor of toryburch.com, Honor Brodie, actually went to my Alma Mater. True story. Hopefully I will continue to honor that editorial legacy.

Danza Del Sol

Went to Danza del Sol in Temecula yesterday. I highly recommend this beautiful winery and going in the fall because the weather was perfect. I realized I definitely see my glass as being half full.

To a full and fulfilling week : )

Christina McCluskey

I thought I would start working on Christmas shopping (which means browsing Etsy with lots of people in mind besides myself). I dont remember how, but a while back I found Christina McCluskey's designs on Etsy. I usually buy myself one gift for my birthday, which is in December (OK, who am I kidding, I buy myself gifts for being born year-round), and the fact that I am still thinking about Christina's jewelry makes me realize that I think this is the splurge for me. There's just nothing like her pieces. I think I mentioned a while ago that I am getting really into wire-wrapped jewelry, it's sort of replacing bling for me as it is so detailed, intricate, and outstanding. These pieces are just such a worthy investment, so special, no one else would have a necklace or earrings like this. Be sure to check out more of Christina's work in the current Jewelry Affaire and come December, you will see lots more of her pieces in Belle Armoire Jewelry. So if you want to own something truly fabulous or gift something incredibly special, check out Christina's Etsy site.

Happy Friday & Happy Shopping!

Glitter & Glamour

Last night I was lucky enough to attend Directives West First LA fashion show at the patio at CMC. Fashion is one of very few motivators for me to drive to Los Angeles, but I was glad I did, as this show was amazing! Thank you Directives West for having me.

Trendspotting: lace, flowy layers, tribal prints, and bright colors. I love color, so I am especially happy that that trend is here to stay for now.

One of the highlights of my evening was meeting the lovely Kristen of Glitter 'N Glue. If you are not reading her blog, you should be! So go, read now! Kristen is super sweet and looked so fabulous and chic.

Another highlight for me was busting out this dress I have wanted to wear for a long time, but was saving it for the right occasion. It's by Haute Hippie (my fave!) and is oh so delicate. I scored this dress from Saks Off 5th Avenue. I think it was only like $70, and if you know the price point of a regular HH dress, you know this is a major steal. I layered it up with vintage jewelry + Juicy Couture bracelet and cocktail ring (you have to wear a cocktail ring to a fashion show) and my beloved earrings from Christine Wallace. I don't normally like pictures of myself, but I thought this dress deserved to be shown off.

Have a glass of champagne and peruse the pics from the show. Then check out Kristen's blog and get some inspiration to craft up your own runway ready look. Cheers!