Happy Halloween! . . .

Happy Hallow’s Eve!

I hope you all have a wonderful Halloween – despite the potential rainy weather. As for costumes -I’ve already seen some classy ones – Elvis, Snow White and Michael Jackson.  But I have to say that my girl KMD and I have a pretty solid theme/idea. (The idea was all hers)

For the time being – here’s a little hint:

. . . . I’ll be sure to post a picture of our get-up from the night of trick or treating.

Stay safe!

-jo

The Sartorialist in Milano . . .

If Autumn could be captured in one picture, this picture from the Sartorialist does it.

Warm colors, plaid, cardigan, scarf, brown quilted Chanel bag and framed glasses =  fashion in Autumn.

Ready for Fall

Just lovely.

-jo

Snuggies and Snuggles . . .

Winter is on the way – so we better start keeping warm – but what about our little furry friends?  I saw this “Snuggly Alien Hat” on etsy.com modeled on this cute little puppy – and my heart melted.

Snuggly Alien Hat for Small Dogs

I want one for my dog Bianca . . .but she likes my Snuggie more than anything.  So she will be all snuggled up in warmth this winter.

-jo

PostSecret secrets . . .

I was perusing through my favorite blogs and I came across PostSecret.  Here are a few secrets that made me laugh, smile and appreciate the little things.

A little pick me up on a blah day . . . .

For more PostSecrets . . . go here.

Hope you had a happy day,

-jo

Olsenboye . . .

The Olsen twins turn to a new design venture with their new affordable line for JCPenney: Olsenboye. This is the 4th  collection they have created  in total.

Olsen Twins sold Olsenboye out of an ice cream truck on Oct. 27th.

The line includes jeans, tops, shoes and bags all within the price range of $20-$50.  Their new collection will debut on JCPenney’s web site and in select stores (most in NYC) on November 6th.  It will officially be sold in stores come Spring of 2010.

More on the new line HERE.

Thanks to justjared.com – here is what Ashley Olsen had to say in a press release about Olsenboye:

“We feel this collaboration compliments and strengthens our business portfolio, delivering trend-based fashion at affordable prices,” Ashley

In the meantime – catch the teaser video that features the new looks from Olsenboye. It’s so cute!

I’ll have to check out the new line come November 6th – online that is . . .

-jo

Ruffian for Anthropologie . . .

Anthropologie has exercised its design creativity with Ruffian’s Brian Wolk and Claude Morais.  Their new collection called Mise en Scene for the store features both clothes and housewares.  For their collection, classic films and movie stars were the true inspiration for Mise en Scene.  They include: Marlene Dietrich in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Stage Fright,” Gena Rowlands in John Cassavetes’ “Opening Night,” and Bette Davis in Joseph Mankiewicz’s “All About Eve.” (WWD)

According to blog, Nitrolicious -

“The fall designs feature sophisticated fabrics such as cashmere, silk and bouclé and incorporate bespoke details such as custom metal buttons, European-inspired textiles, hand construction and architectural silhouettes, as well as Ruffian’s signature ruffles and novelty print linings.

Here are a few of my favorites from the new line. Albeit the collection is a tad over the price range for Anthropologie, but the clothes truly capture the look of an Anthro. girl:

Quilted Velvet Jacket

Jacquard Gala Dress

Flocked Chiffon Blouse

New Standard Overcoat

Plush and Flutter Skirt

Vine Tights

I absolutely love this new collection!! What do you think?

-jo

Ivanka Trump: Playing to Win

Ivanka Trump recently tied the knot with Jared Kushner, and the photos of her star-studded wedding have flocked onto the internet.   She looked gorgeous and her dress was amazing – I loved the lace!!  Here are some photos from her ceremony:

She wore jewelry from her namesake collection: A $45,000 custom-designed hair accessory, $130,000 diamond drop earrings and a $90,000 Art Deco-inspired bracelet.

Her dress was inspired by Grace Kelly and designed by Vera Wang

I have to admit, I was not a fan of Ivanka – however as I began to read reviews of her latest book, The Trump Card: Playing to Win in Work and Life, I discovered that she is more than Donald Trump’s daughter.  She  is a smart business woman and an inspiration.

Sure, Ivanka had the name and reputation of TRUMP to help her with her career – however she used her smarts, confidence and eagerness to build her own name rather than her father’s.  With her budding business, Ivanka has become an influential icon with both business and style. Her resume includes co-host of Celebrity Apprentice, Vice-President of her father’s real estate company and now, jewerly designer.  Her own jewelry line – Ivanka Trump Jewelry Collection, is “inspired by the timeless glamour of yesterday, yet influenced by the modern sensibility of today.” And as for the future of the brand – she plans on global expansion – launching her collection internationally. 

You have to admit – this woman knows business – so why wouldn’t you take her advice?

In her book – she gives valuable advice to young women who are seeking to land their first jobs, how to navigate their way through the business world and how to make a lasting impact. She shows how to:

• Use uncertainty to your advantage: thrive in any environment.

• Step up and get noticed at work: focus and efficiency will open doors.

• Create a strong and consistent identity: your name and reputation are your best assets.

• Know what you want: get the most out of any negotiation.

- excerpt from book synopsis. More HERE.

I’m going to have to invest in her book, I mean who wouldn’t want the advice of a successful heiress – who went over and beyond what was expected  – and who did more with what her name gave her.

Jimmy Choo at H&M . . .

November 14th is fast approaching – the day when Jimmy Choo’s line for H&M will be officially launched.

- cue the excitement.

HOWEVER, there is a catch. The new line will only appear at select stores. So like the avid shopper that I am- I called my local H&M and asked if they were one of the “select” stores that will be selling the Jimmy Choo line.

And the answer? NO. Only the NEW YORK STORE.  Well NYC is only a train ride away – and a visit around Nov. 14th is in order.

Now what pieces of the Jimmy Choo collection am I going to have to have?

Thanks to fabsugar and The Cut, I got a sneak peek at the new line. Prints, furs, shine and suede are the dominate aspects in the new line.

Here’s a look at the line thanks to The Cut:

So the zebra print flats, leather leggings, a black dress and a sassy black bag are my must-haves. Bad news for my credit card . . . .

What do you think of this new line??

-jo

Jo’s Weekly Favorites . . .

Here’s a week’s roundup of my favorite things:

Favorite Fall Staple: JCrew’s Wool Skirt

Favorite New Soundtrack: Fearless by Taylor Swift (thanks to K!)

Favorite New Song: Timbaland’s “Morning After Dark.“

Favorite New Book: Splendor (The Luxe Series #4) by Anna Godbersen

Favorite Accessory for my Halloween Costume: MY ROMPER!

The Future of Women’s Fashion . . .

I saw these ladies last night at the 92Y: “The Future of Women’s Fashion.”  And I can honestly tell you, I was star-struck.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen looking chic and sassy (At the CDFA New Members Reception prior to 92Y)

As my childhood idols – last night was a dream come true, finally seeing Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in person.

The panel was very informative – and it comes as a reassurance that Fashion hasn’t completely been affected by the recession – but we can look forward to a more “exciting” turn in fashion – according to Ashley Olsen.

When the panel ( designer Isaac Mizrahi and Washington Post writer Robin Givham, Ashley Olsen) was asked how they dress in the morning – for Ashley – it is about what is most comfortable.  And judging by her outfit last night – she did just that – well save for the platform red, suede shoes. Which by the way- were sassy beyond description.

I seriously love the Olsen girls – their devotion to fashion and making quality staples, like that one perfect white t-shirt (albeit pricey) for women of all ages is so inspiring. They went head-on with this fashion venture – and the fashion world has been well-responsive to their efforts.

When Ashley was asked what advice she would give celebrities who want to become designers, she said they should do it: “If they really want it…”

For me, this applies to every woman who wants to achieve her dream. So go out, and do it.

- jo