one, two, three, four... uno, dos, tres, quatro!

Everyone has been talking about the F/W 2011/2012 Campaign for Lanvin. It is really cute and really awkward at the same time. So awkward that you almost forget to notice how breathtaking the clothes are. The viral video features a cameo by Alber Elbaz, the quirky, Moroccan-born creative director for Lanvin. 

On a more serious note, excluding Pitbull, here's a look at Lanvin's F/W 2011/2012 runway show. I love the production!

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUES

This years September Issues are everything. Here are some of my favorites... What are yours?

I {heart} Bey.

Not only is the cover amazing, the spread is too. 

These photographs were shot by Alex Lubomirski and styled by Franck Benhamou. 

The epitome of SEXY. Seriously, if you look up sexy in the dictionary, it will have a picture of this woman...

Kristen Stewart doesn't even look like herself here... She looks absolutely gorgeous on this 60s-inspired cover. 

These stunning photographs were done by extraordinary duo Mert Alas and Marcus Piggot. 

And Kate Moss is in a fantastical Alexander McQueen dress from Fall 2011. 

FEATURED: Upcoming Events in the DC Area

There's a lot going on over the next few weeks. Here's a list of some of the events I will be attending. 

See you there!

• DC Fashion and Beauty Blogger Mixer at Violet Boutique, hosted by DC FABB, Wednesday August 24th from 7:00 PM -9:00 PM. I'm thrilled that I will be able to meet other like-minded fashionistas in the area... not to mention, it's always nice having an excuse to shop : ) Register here!

• ARTAYA Trunk Show... This will be my first time viewing pieces from this designer's collection (Dana Ayanna Greaves, read about her here), but I've heard great things!

• Fashion Night Out in Georgetown! I didn't make it last year, so I'm looking forward to this year. 

• And don't forget about DC Fashion Week!

give room for the universe to work for you, let go...

on a personal note... 

The title of this post is a quote from one of my favorite inspirational voices, Mastin Kipp. After reading this earlier today, I couldn't help but laugh to myself... or maybe at myself? This letting go thing is actually very difficult. You can read those words so effortlessly, then repeat them to yourself over and over again with the intention of leaving a permanent mark. But it takes such courage, such persistence in thought, and such a powerful will to put it into practice. 

It has been a rough couple of weeks for me... from almost quitting my job (sounds like a pretty stupid thing to do in this job market but you would completely understand if you wore my shoes for a day) to almost cutting off a long time friend to being upset with my S.O. to stumbling over an interview for a potentially great job. After all of this happening within the past week, I was feeling hopeless. I felt as if I had completely lost control over my life... and maybe I have?

Though, I think this is exactly what I needed. I had reached my tipping point and now I'm ready to just LET GO. Letting go of this need to have everything go my way. Letting go of these expectations I have for myself based on where others are (or seem to be). Accepting that struggle, heartache, confusion, and upset are a part of life, just as joy, accomplishment, prosperity, and peace of mind. We need to boldly deal with both facets of life in order to be balanced and healthy and not to mention, appreciative. 

I am allowing the universe to work for me... you should to : )

with love,

alessandra 

xoxo

a picture I took in Phoenix of a pretty batch of flowers... it's always nice to stop and take in nature's beauty... appreciating the "little" things in life will help us to let go of the "big things"

A more comfortable toner... Lancome's Tonique Comfort

We all know that our morning and evening routines should consist of washing, toning, and moisturizing our faces. Sometimes there's more to it depending on the needs of your skin. Toning is especially important for cleansing purposes and for shrinking pores to prevent dirt and bacteria from penetrating the skin. I have very sensitive skin and I noticed that the toners I used, while they were great products, were a little too harsh for me. I have since switched to Lancome's Tonique Comfort. It has a smoothing formula made with honey and almond extract for those of us who can't use the overly stringent toners out there. AND... it moisturizes while toning. Try it out for only $25 and tell me what you think!

The most anticipated collab of the year!

Artsy graphic tees, dainty dresses, and an assortment of tweed and faux leather. 

Karl Lagerfeld has once again joined in on the fashion world's spree of co-branding ventures. On Wednesday, August 3, 2011, he revealed his complete line for Macy’s. For him, collabs are nothing new, as he has previously worked with H&M, Hogan, and a host of other designers and fashion houses. This 45-piece collection is fundamentally Karl Lagerfeld and you will be able to see variations of his personal style within each item. Some of the tees even have an image of Lagerfeld on them. I’m sure these will have no problem selling.

There’s classic white and black, a mix of floral prints and sheer blouses along with random yet wanted pops of color. This line aims to please the feminine, the minimalist, and the rocker at an affordable price. The collection will range from about $49-$150.

In a recent release, Karl Lagerfeld stated, “To me Macy’s is the perfect department store in the US where everybody can find what they’re looking for without ruining their budget.” (via fashionista.com)  Mark your calendars for August 31^st because that’s when you’ll be able to get your favorite items online. If you’re not one for online shopping, the line will soon be available in 235 Macy’s Department stores!

Happy Shopping!

xoxo,

Alessandra 

   

My Southwestern Fashion Finds

It wouldn't be a vacation without a little bit of shopping, right? To my surprise, during my recent trip to Arizona, my fashion find was not in downtown Phoenix or at the Biltmore Fashion Park. It was hiding in a small mom and pop shop in the quaint town of Sedona (uptown). In the midst of all of the shops selling tons and tons of Native-American inspired jewelry and dreamcatchers (and you'll see PLENTY of those store types) was a store called Joe Wilcox Western Wear specializing in Southwestern apparel. This is where I picked up these boots:

I can't wait to wear them!!! 

Besides the boots, I picked up some friendship bracelets and this really unique cuff, all of which were imported from Africa. These I got from a small but beautiful shop in old town Scottsdale. 

Please visit their site, they have some gorgeous (and authentic) African and traditional Southwestern pieces of art, jewelry, pottery, home decor, etc.! 

www.africabydesignimports.com!