My Best Friend's Wedding

My Best Friend's Wedding by ashheartsfash featuring Alejandro Ingelmo shoes

Items in this set:
Tiered silk-gazar dress, $4,960
Patent Platform Pumps, $450
Celestina Marcel Soriano shell clutch, $875
18-karat gold goose feather necklace, $2,205
14-karat gold-plated cuff, $455

My best friend is getting married next month and since I'm the Maid of Honor, my dress for her big day was already picked out by the lovely bride. But with several weddings to attend this Spring, I have been thinking a lot about wedding fashion. There has always been controversy over whether wearing white to weddings is a Do or a Don't. I think it's a definite DO, provided it's done right. Skip the veil, the train, the pearls and a bouquet, and you probably won't steal the Bride's thunder.

I'd opt for a short dress, much like this adorable little tiered frock above, but be sure to keep your stems sexy with a bronzer stick (less messy and less obvious than most self tanners).

Go easy on the makeup; think FRESH for spring. My favorite go-to beauty weapon in my toolbox is The Multiple in South Beach by NARS, which works wonders with all skin complexions. Use it as eye shadow, blush, and lipstick (just add a clear lipgloss for finish). Go heavy on the lashes. My all time favorite mascara is Definicils by Lancome. It adds super duper length and depth, without the clumpy tarantula-like finish.

Keep the nail lacquer light. I'm loving Chanel's Particuliere, a beautiful gray toned polish that debuted in their Spring 2010 Runway Show.

Strut your stuff in a bold heel. There is no need to match your dress with your shoes... leave that for the bridesmaids. Patent still prevails, and gray is looking great for Spring.

Top off your look with a stand out clutch, something funky, and accessorize with over-sized chunky jewelry to keep things fun, not formal.

Last but not least, spritz yourself with a nice light scent, and don't forget to drown yourself in champagne at the open bar.

Kisses,

Bag Lady

My, what a big ... purse... you have.

The question remains: Is bigger always better?

Well, I know a big bag definitely comes in handy when it's 3am and you can't decide between the hot dog or the gyro on the street corner outside the bar...  sure, just take one for now and one for later! I've also never been mad at my large bag while smuggling in booze and lawn blankets to concerts and music festivals. I surely was thankful for my hefty bag when I had my own popcorn maker at the movies last weekend as well...

So, if you're going balls out and big this spring, be sure to choose your handbag wisely. Don't blend in with the masses... stand out in the crowd with something bold and fun.

Complete with an awesome Fox Fur Tail Charm attached, the Monogram Denim Sunrise Bag for the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2010 collection is like nothing we have seen from LV before. This bitchin' bag, already rocked by Victoria Beckham, is putting the fun back into a large functional bag. It's the freshest tote I've seen in awhile. It's exactly what dreams are made of: fur, sunshine and glitz.

Monogram Denim Sunrise Bag

Louis Vuitton is to Glamour what Alexander McQueen is to Funk. This dope multi tote by the late Alexander is super fresh and fun, and it's the color of the season: BLUE.

AMQ Bold Multi Tote

Thanks again Alexander for all your beautiful treasures left behind to remember you by. You will be missed.

"Bag lady you gone hurt your back

Dragging all them bags like that

I guess nobody ever told you

All you must hold on to

Is you, is you, is you"

Call me Old Fashioned.

I'm an old soul... Pro-Retro per se. I have an undying love for all things vintage, or vintage inspired, and I truly believe that like a fine wine, fashion can get better with age. Just think of all the amazing pieces you drool over in old photos of your Mother, Aunts, or Grandmothers. Think about how many times you may have asked them, "Oh my gosh, do you still have that"? Or just think about how many times you wished you still had "that one outfit" from "that one time".

No tears to be shed over the "lost ones" today my friends... The fashion world is delivering vintage, and boy, am I feeling inspired!

The It Factor of Fashion, Karl Lagerfield, sent his ladies strutting down the runway at NYFW in none other than amazing wooden clogs. That's right, you heard it here, Chanel CLOGS. I think my Mom bought me a pair of clogs from Payless that I rocked back in the early 90's, but that's not really the same era Karl's clogs are reminding me of. Nope, when I see these shoes I see bell-bottoms, peace signs, stoners and rainbows... I see amazing style and funk. I see FRESH.

(striped legs not included)

What to pair these funkdafied platforms with you might ask? Well, that's easy... lace, sheer, distressed denim and flowers- oh my!

True to their name, Beyond Vintage has several retro and feminine blouses to choose from that I'm totaly in love with...

Rock any of the lovely frocks with some laid-back distressed denim, and you'll be feeling groovy. Joe's Jeans and 7 For All Mankind know what it takes to combine sexy and comfort. Two of their best selling premium denim jeans have a vintage vibe I'm totally crushing on.

7 For All Mankind's Jared Boyfriend Jeans

Joe's Jeans Raw Wide Cuff Kicker Cropped Jeans

Don't forget your beloved jewels!!! House of Harlow 1960, by the famous fashionista Nicole Richie, is dishing up some pretty vintage pieces to make your heart go thud. I la la love the Keystation Necklace and the Peacock Bangle.

"Hello lamp-post,

What cha knowin'?

I've come to watch your flowers growin'.

Ain't cha got no rhymes for me?

Doot-in' doo-doo,

Feelin' groovy".

Sneaker Pimps

We can't always work, play and party in sky-high stilettos, so sometimes we must sport some sneakers. There are always the classic favorite sneakers to turn to; Keds, Chucks and Vans, but high-end designers are also trying their hand at the casual kicks as well.

These funky floral high tops by Lanvin would look super fierce with sexy jeggings and an over-sized boyfriend tee... Deeee lish!

These fabulous stud-detailed sneakers from See by Chloe are delivering the perfect weekend look. Paired with skinny jeans, a blazer, and a double dose of daring accessories, these shoes are keeping it hard-core, and I like LOVE it.

Stella got her groove back when she teamed up with Adidas to create Adidas by Stella McCartney. The casual cool line bears this stand out sneaker that is certainly keeping it street. Pair this shoe with a pair of Stella's leggings, or rock them with rolled up boyfriend jeans for a great daytime look.

Sweet Escape

Snow is a lot like sex... You never know how many inches you're going to get, or just how long it will last. What I do know is that I'm wishing for warmer weather today. The snow continues to fall and I continue to daydream. I would kill to be sitting on a beach, scratch that, on a tropical island... sipping boat drinks and letting my worries wash away.

All of this daydreaming has me looking at my Uggs and sweats in major disgust. I'm visioning smiles, sunshine, warmth and bliss... I'm visioning fedoras, sunnys, bikinis and sandals.

I'm still in love with the straw fedora Gucci released last Spring. There are a ton of similar (and cheaper) versions out there to swoon for, but why... when you can have straight perfection???

I'm still a big fan of the old school aviator shades. I am convinced they work wonders with almost every outfit and era; however... it just wouldn't be a tropical island without BIG BOLD SUNNYS. They are practically a "Do Not Disturb" sign for your face... the vacation essential... letting the world know you are officially out of commission. These round frame sunnys by Balenciaga are drool worthy... a 100% tropical getaway must have.

Get your tan on in an adorable bikini. DVF knows that the bandeau bikini top is the most flattering of all, and it's definitely keeping with the throwback trend. With tons of patterns to choose from, her Lorena Bikini is a surefire hit this summer.

Now it's time to free your tootsies and slip on a sexy sandal! These Hampton platforms by YSL are crazy beautiful... Their creamy shade will blend right in with the sand.

The only other requirements: a fantastic pedicure, and a drink in your hand...

BB, I love you Baby.

BB Dakota is my new favorite line. Super fresh, super affordable, and super legit fashion.

Does this blue coat look familiar?

Not so much? Well... how about now:

Yes, that is Kristen Stewart, also known as Bella Swan, rocking a BB Dakota jacket in the movie Twilight.

DearTwi-Hards: The adorable Twilight Coat is only $70!

Another hot pick from my beloved BB is the Potter Vest, also dubbed the "Rachel" vest. If you are a fellow fahsionista like me, then you are probably a fellow fan of Rachel Zoe, and you have probably seen her rock a fur vest on more than one occasion.

At the crazy low price of $64, I only have 2 words... "I Die".

I'm also drooling over BB's Peni Pants. They are the epitome of FRESH. At the ridiculous going rate of $70, you can afford to splurge on sexy sky high pumps to pair with them... and accessories to boot!

BB isn't letting us down in the latest Spring Collection. Still keeping it street, the Carsen Pants are DEAD sexy. They totally work for day or night... Wear 'em to work to get the boss's attention, or wear 'em to the club to get the bartender's attention. Either way, they are cheaper than your Starbucks run and bar tab combined... only $80!!!

BB, I aint mad atcha. xox

Necessities

You can't always get what you want, but there are fashion essentials you absolutely NEED (though my boyfriend may beg to differ). Here are a few of my current "But, I'll die without" items-

Riding Boots:

Like a moth to a flame, cream to coffee, or a lighter to a cigarette, these boots pair wonderfully with my skinny jeans.

Boyfriend Blazer:

Simple, sweet... keeping it street.

Jeggings:

La la loving the legging jeans by Denimocracy, J Brand and Joe's Jeans. Both totally comfortable and totally stylish, these hybrid pants are also totally flattering. Oh, if looks could kill... Murder she wrote.

American Apparel Plain White V-Neck Tee:

Worn with leggings, jeggings, jeans, cut-offs, or tucked in with a high-waisted skirt, this staple is forever legit.

Pirates Prevail

Sometimes known as Tink, and often times known for drifting off to Never Never Land, I have a thing for Fairy Tales... but I also have a thing for Pirates.

These Suede Pirate Boots from Vivienne Westwood remind me of one of my favorite scenes in Peter Pan...

[Wendy kisses Peter Pan and he starts to glow]  Captain Hook says, "Pan... you're pink".

These battleship grey pirate shorts from Daryl K can be paired with textured tights and boots while the days are still cold and gloom, but will totally accentuate your stems once spring finally brings the heat.

I do believe in fairies, I do, I do... But who needs fairy dust in these dresses by Jen's Pirate Booty? They have a very special magic of their own.

To add a little scurvy flair to your favorite bohemian gypsy dress, or to assure you stand out among all the other Wendy Girls, slip on a Pirate belt like this distressed beauty from Kettle Black.

"Come with me where you'll never, never have to worry about grown up things again". 

Pleading for Patent

What would the world be without PATENT LEATHER? A hollow, meaningless, sad and lonely place. A place I couldn't even fathom. A place without these pretty little things that make my day.

I could chase the lightning from the sky in these buzzing yellow pumps. Scratch that-- I could do anything in these Little Miss Sunshine's.

“A woman carries her clothes, but it’s a shoe which carries a woman” - Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Rolando 120 Patent Leather Pumps

Oh, Yves Saint Laurent... You're So Lovely. You make me smile. You make me salivate. You make me scream. You make perfection in patent. I thank you from the very bottom of my materialistic heart. Screw the dark chocolate this Valentines Day... I am craving this dark brown clutch.

YSL Exclusive Y Patent Clutch

R.I.P. Alexander McQueen... you will truly will be missed. Your legend lives on through your fabulous art... Fashion forward pieces to treasure and love. A personal favorite; your Heart Peep Toe Pumps.

Skip wearing your heart on your sleeve this Sunday... wear it on a more valuable possession; your beloved shoes.

Alexander McQueen Heart Peep-Toe Pumps

\

Alexander McQueen

March 16, 1969 – February 11, 2010

“The pink sheep of the family” - Alexander McQueen

Cuckoo for Choo!

Jimmy Choo never ceases to amaze me. From his outlandish and eccentric designs, to his more conservative everyday pieces, I am forever in awe.

This bag bleeds sexy and punk rock; the ultimate combo. I can practically feel it hanging from my shoulder... adding instant STREET CRED to my skinny jeans and chipped nail lacquer. Hell yeah.

Kickin it OLD SCHOOL

Still going strong since 1916, Keds canvas kicks are a true die hard classic. Their casual cool style can be dressed up or dressed down, and with a gazillion different styles and colors to choose from, this affordable shoe is still keeping it street.

I'm personally a fan of the Original Gangster, The Champion. Hey, if it aint broke, don't fix it.

If they're good enough for my Grandma, they're good enough for me.

Dear Cupid:

Roses are red, but pink is clearly perfection.

Browsing through the new arrivals on Net-A-Porter today, I stumbled across the ultimate date night dress.

Victoria Beckham Padded Stretch-Jersey Dress

Way to go Victoria...This dress is to fashion what a goal is to soccer! If this isn't a deal closer on Valentines Day, I simply don't know what is.

xox

Just call me Recessionista Fashionista

So, I'm a tad bit pissed I missed the bus on this, but better late than never...

Rodarte, a high end fashion label designed by self taught sisters (totally righteous-- I know), had an exclusive collection for GO International at Target from December through February. With their roll out of GO in 2007, Target has been giving high end boutiques and popular mall shops a run for their money providing affordable high-end fashion by emerging international designers for prices you simply can’t expect from a department store.

Not sure if Target is still carrying the Rodarte line in stores, but it's totally still rockin' the website.... and at these severely slashed sale prices, they're practically giving it away!

The Little Black Dress (LBD) :  “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.” - Vogue

Rodarte® for Target® Juniors Lace Halter Dress - Black

And tell me this bathing suit doesn't look like it just washed up ashore from circa 1950?? Lovin' the retro vibe... and the price tag!!!!!! This deserves an OMFG.

Rodarte® for Target® Juniors Floral Print Ruffles 2 pc.Bikini Swimsuit - Pink

I can't wait to see who's next on the GO International band wagon...

Can I get an Amen?

Purple People Eater

I am totally crushing on purple right now... I've been seeing it pop up everywhere, just in time for Spring, and I couldn't be happier if I was Barney himself.

This la-la-lovely lavender frock from my favorite online unique boutique, modcloth.com, already has me visioning fields of wildflowers underneath the 6 inches of snow outside.

These sexy suede Tribute sandals by Yves Saint Laurent might as well be called fatal... because they are KILLER. They'll totally break the bank, and possibly an ankle, but if you're wearing these babies, you can practically get away with murder.

Denimocracy is keeping it street with their purple acid wash denim leggings, dubbed jeggings (jean + legging). They are uber comfy, and super fresh. I'm loving their 80s vibe... Don't they totally represent "I do what I want, and don't live with regrets"? Yeah...

I'm suddenly craving a grape popsicle.