Olympic Style

Yes, I know it is fashion week.  And yes, I know I haven't done one runway entry thus far.  There are two reasons for this:  1. I like to wait until all the shows are done and pick my favorites, and 2. THE OLYMPICS ARE ON!  I am a bonafide Olympic addict. I can't miss a single event. Since last friday, my apartment has become messier and messier, my friends ignored, and my diet has consisted of anything I can make/order without leaving my television for more than the time it takes for one commercial break.  Luckily, the Olympics are only every four years.  Team USA has some major style thanks to Ralph Lauren, Burton, and Nike.  I especially enjoyed the moose knit hats for the opening ceremony and the classic cardigans.  The snowboarding uniforms were also a highlight.  I loved the preppy plaid and patched jackets, not to mention the board pants are treated with denim.  Awesome.

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

I had the great pleasure of visiting the Field Museum's latest featured exhibit: The Nature of Diamonds.  It was truly unbelievable.  With diamonds dating back to the Renaissance and earlier up to the extravagant pieces of our time, it was a girl's heaven.  I spent my day bouncing around from glass case to glass case salivating over the endless number of carats... and then... I entered the vault.  This is where they kept the big showstoppers.  Beautiful broaches and necklaces with thousands of diamonds adorning them and this unbelievable 128.54 carat yellow diamond by Tiffany.  I'm still awe-struck.

From top:

Princess Mathilde Corsage Ornament

 In 1855, this six-inch rose was crafted of 2,637 Brazilian diamonds for Princess Mathilde, niece of Napoleon I. Cartier later acquired the piece and sold it to Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt III, queen of New York society in the early 1900s.

"Milky Way" Necklace

This voluminous necklace, designed by Dieter Huebner, sponsored by Brinkhaus Jewelers, is adorned with 2,000 luminous diamonds.The “Milky Way” necklace was designed in 2000 as a celebration and ode to the millennium.

"Bird on a Rock" Tiffany Diamond

The 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, one of the world’s largest and finest fancy yellow diamonds, is showcased in this well-known setting designed by legendary jeweler Jean Schlumberger. The “Bird on a Rock” setting is designed with white and yellow diamonds, ruby, gold, and platinum. 

Photos and Background: via fieldmuseum.com 

Lee Alexander McQueen 1969-2010

Today is a very sad day for the fashion industry.  We've lost a true visionary, an artistic pioneer, Alexander McQueen.  He was one of my favorite designers and I'm a bit heartbroken.  Rest in peace.

Shoegasm: Camilla Skovgaard

It has been far too long since I've done a post devoted entirely to shoes.  Camilla Skovgaard has earned it.  Such a covetable group for Spring 2010! Don't you just love the saw blade sole detail? Lust away!

Photos: via style.com

Lovin' Leather

There is something about wearing leather... It is so versatile.  It can be hard, soft, tough, or quirky but no matter what it requires confidence.  I've been wearing quite a lot of leather lately and from the second I put it on I feel fantastic.  I feel self assured, confident, and find myself walking with a bit of a strut.  What is it about leather that transforms us? We may never know exactly. What I do know is it has me under it's spell... I'm totally hooked.

Photos: via stockholmstreetstyle, vanessajackman, and hanneli

"It's a nice day for a white wedding..."

 

It seems each year I'm attending more and more weddings.  This year is certainly no exception.  I was the first of my friends to get married, so now it seems like all my friends (and my favorite cousin) are getting married at once!  It doesn't bother me one bit....I love weddings.  I look forward to seeing the dresses, all the flowers, the linens, and of course the dancing! And this is the time of year when everything kicks off.  You have bachelorette parties and bridal shower brunches.
I got married young but it is hard to believe I'll be married 5 years this year.  Seems like yesterday I was shopping for my wedding dress.  This spread made me a little nostalgic for the excitement, not the frustration, of planning a wedding... plus is there anything sexier than white?

Photos: Anja Rubik by Camilla Akrans and styled by Sissy Vian for Vogue Nippon

SAG Awards

 

On Saturday, I was forced to come down from my Golden Globes fashion high. I snuggled up to watch the SAG awards with such high expectations and was generally disappointed.  Now... there were a few highlights (See above for my favorites) but it made me wonder what happened. How, in one week, could there be such a downfall? The ladies of television really shined while the ladies of the big screen faded into the background. (With a few exceptions of course) Oh well... luckily they'll have time to redeem themselves.
Diane Kruger in Jason Wu
Kate Hudson in Emilio Pucci
Lea Michele in Catherine Malandrino
Marion Cotillard in Elie Saab Haute Couture
Carey Mulligan in Lanvin
Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen
Kyra Sedgwick in Vera Wang

Photos: via style.com