Experiencing Withdrawal

I honestly can't remember the last time that I made a fashion-related purchase, and I am going through serious withdrawal. My mum has cut off my funds, so to speak, and it has been an incredibly damaging blow to my happiness. Fashion is an integral part of my life, and I feel that I am rapidly running out of clothes that tickle my fancy. I have outgrown the style of most of the things that I own, and I'm craving something new and pretty. Materialistic? Maybe just a little, but I can't help it. This is a fashion blog, after all.

Here are a few cures to my current ailment:


Knee Socks - They have always reminded me of the movie Clueless, which is not entirely a bad thing. I remember attempting to dress like Cher and friends with little skirts and white knee socks when I was younger, and the resurgence of this style brings me back. It's very nostalgic for me, so I suppose that is why I am digging it so much. The styling of the socks today is more cheeky-sophisticate than ditzy teen. I love the way they look with oxford heels and full skirts, and I really liking the way Peaches pairs them with her Hunter wellies. They are also great to pull up over tights on cooler days, and I really like layering two pairs in contrasting shades. I would love to have an array of colors and textures to play with.
Oxford Heels & Ballet Flats - I am in desperate need of new shoes. I really want something with a little quirk, because I feel that shoes are a perfect outlet for self expression. I don't know how much I want to spend here, but these Forever 21 oxford heels (pictured above, but I really like them in black too) are dirt cheap and cute to boot. I also really love these. Green and on sale? Yes, please! Let's not even get me started on flats. I once had an adorable, patent cream pair with little bows. I bought them about two years ago, and loved them dearly, but then my doggie Coco decided to have them for lunch one day. This has prompted me to be a bit wary of purchasing cute shoes. I won't go into too much detail here, but all I can say is that my shoe collection now is almost entirely made up of, um, flipflops. Yea... enough said. I really don't want to waste all of my shoe money yet, however, since I am trying to save up for the Miu Miu F/W08 heels that I blogged of a few posts back. They are basically love =)
Ruffled Skirts - There was a time when all I would wear were frilly, flouncy skirts. I owned a formidable collection which contained an array of colors, shapes, and sizes. The magnitude of my skirt assortment has since dwindled, thanks to the fact that I have given most of them away. I once let a girl borrow my favorite of the bunch -- a peach, ruffled, silk chiffon confection -- only to have her return it to me with the tiers half torn off, stained, and utterly destroyed. Very sad, I know. I think I might have cried a little. I now mostly live in denim, but I would really like to build my now-tiny collection (if you can even call it that) of skirts back up to its previous magnificence. It's warming up, and I am in need of something stylish and heat-friendly. I'm drooling over the satin tiers of one pictured above, which can be purchased here, and I really love this post from The Vintage Society. While the outfits are lovely, the 90's theme completely draws me in.

Speaking of the 90's, I have to admit that it will always be my favorite era. It is the time of my childhood, and I have so many fun memories from back then: the music, the clothes, the Spice Girls. I miss all of that, so I am ecstatic that the style of that decade is back with a vengeance. I am really tempted to throw a 90's themed party sometime this summer. Everyone will dress in Clueless style, I'll play No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom, and we will watch Spice World and Good Burger (does anyone remember that movie?). Ahh, I can just see it now....

So, who wants to come? Party time!



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Inspiration and Life

My mood as of late has been cast over with a dark shadow that I can't seem to shake away. It is a strange shift from my usual happy-go-lucky perspective, but I find myself relating to and being extremely inspired by all of the hauntingly ethereal photographs that I have been seeing. They are simple and beautiful, with a pinch of creepiness. I just really love the feeling that these give off.

This photograph is the definition of my current mood. Tragically romantic and slightly morose, with an old-world charm embracing it all. I would give anything to be there right now.

At first sight, this picture seems to be an illustration meant to accompany a children's fairytale. Yet there, in the window, peers a pair of creepy children. Things are indeed not always what they appear.

This makes me think of different periods of time. The first, on the left, appears to take place in modern times, and the second looks as if it could have been taken a decade ago in the same place. It really provokes me to wonder what was happening hundreds of years ago where I am standing now. It actually very strange to think about.

More creepy children. I love the sense of danger depicted here, and it is really just a beautiful photograph.

Tonight, on my way home from the bookstore a town over, I came across a band of three impossibly tiny kittens. They were living in a bush that was situated between the street and railroad tracks, and they were playing, pouncing upon each other, and looking way to cute. So, of course, I had to stop and see them. They couldn't have been more than a few weeks old and they were scarily frail and skinny. I went to the grocery store down the street and picked up two cans of fancy feast and a bottle of milk for them. They gobbled it all down like it was going out of style. My babies...

I don't even like cats, but I wanted to take them home so very badly. I really didn't know what to do, since they're basically wild and they were very frightened of me. We had to leave them, but I'm planning on going back tomorrow to make sure they are okay and I will probably call an animal shelter to come help. I don't know if a cat randomly gave birth, or if some heartless fool dumped them, but I already love and want them all. There was a black, white, and calico, and I named them Robber, Minky, and Bandit, respectively. Yes, I know, named them. Oy! I already have two little pups, but I fear that I am rapidly morphing into a crazy cat lady. Or animal lady. Or whatever.

So that is my life story for the day. I think it's time for sleep. I miss the kitties...



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Object of Lust: Hervé Léger

The Hervé Léger bandage dress is favorite of Hollywood starlets, being as ubiquitous on the red carpet as a Mystic tan and highlights -- and it really isn't too hard to see why. The structured bandaging of this dress hugs curves and shapes them into perfect proportion, all the while flattering just about any body type. It will boost the assets of a petite girl, and yet shape and hold in any wobbly bits for curvier ladies. It is the sneakiest shapewear I have ever laid eyes on, and I find it to be rather magnificent.

This one is my absolute favorite. It is basic in hue, while the shimmering sequin finish achieves the perfect balance between classy and sassy. It is flashy without being overtly so, and it simply makes my heart go gasp.

The shade of this dress is completely beautiful. I love the black color blocking, placed flatteringly below the bust, and the curved-out hemline. It is painfully perfect for a cocktail party. Pair with heels and go.

If you want the benefits of the bandaging, but dread appearing too loudly sexy, this simple piece will fulfill your needs. Little black dresses are always classic, and this shape lends that little extra oomph. You could wear this frock nearly anywhere.

The cost for such a dress can't possibly be too low, and, alas, the prices range from $700 to over $2,000. I am majorly lusting here. If you are lucky enough to be able to afford one of these lovelies, you can find them all here, and you can consider me highly jealous. What I wouldn't do to get my little hands on this miracle garment. Ah, well, perhaps one day. Perhaps....



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Digging: Leather Pants

Lately, I have been inexplicably drawn to a certain tight, shiny, rockstar-esque garment. Yes, you guess it: leather pants. I really have no idea where this recent spout of obsession came from, but I can't control the fantasies that have been occupying my mind. I can just imagine myself up on stage, rocking out, and becoming devastatingly sweaty all whilst in a skinny, jet black pair of these neat little trousers. There is just something about them that fascinates me. While they are highly inconvenient -- all that shimmying just to get them past your knees? yikes! -- there is something so daring and rebellious about them, which is immensely intriguing to a goody two-shoes such as myself.

Imagine my joy when I opened this month's Nylon magazine to see a bit on my beloved pants -- which, consequentially, only made me long for a pair that much more. They really wouldn't be of much use until fall arrives -- and I would definitely need to lose a little to fit into a pair the way that I would like -- so I think I will sit on it for a while. Maybe I could try some black American Apparel Nylon Tricot Leggings -- which are an easy cheat for leather pants -- to see how the look suits me. I am going to have to express my rebellious side somehow, though I hope it will be with my legs swathed in leather rather than, oh say a tattoo. Although I must say I have been considering trying one of those out as well....

Just kidding!

Or... am I?



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

The Days Ahead

So, I just finished Rumors -- the sequel to The Luxe, by Anna Godbersen -- last night. All I can say is that I cried. Like a baby. It was everything I expected and so much more. I was actually surprised by the ending, which is a very rare occurrence for me indeed. I can't wait for the next book! Eee! I have gone through five novels in the past month, and I'm slightly melancholy because none of my favorite books will be released until August. This streak will be ended by the next installment in the Twilight series, Breaking Dawn, by my beloved Stephenie Meyer It will be a big reward for such a long wait.

I suppose I won't have much time to read this summer, anyway. I seem to have a rather busy season ahead of me: Portland, Oregon during the first week of July for my cousin's wedding; my birthday (July 13th) is the week after that; the Western States Youth Gathering in Anaheim, CA from the end of July into August; and then hopefully New York in August as well. I am also considering an additional trip to L.A. somewhere in between it all. Phew! I am in fact looking forward to such an abounding summer since I usually don't have much to do. I think this will really be my season. The summer of me. That has quite a nice ring to it, no?

So what are your summer plans? It seems a lot of people have so much going on, even more than I do! It's sure to be fun, I can't wait =)



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Sweats, Dresses, and the Blurred Line

So, first off, I just have to say that this is the funniest thing I have ever seen. Hehe =)

Natalie Dee

I can bet most of us fashion-lovers have experienced a situation similar to this. In a world where most consider pajama pants "casual" and jeans "dressy", it can be difficult to express your style without feeling overdressed. We live in a comfort-conscious era, and it really bothers me sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I love getting comfy as much as anyone, but I honestly think that there is a time and place for that. Leave the fuzzy slippers at home, please. Oh, and unless you are jogging or off to the gym, the sweatpants too. Thanks. The things I see some people wearing leave me cold, bare, and wondering "Where has the world's creativity gone?". It seems the line has been severely blurred.

While I love classic-casual attire (and I practically live in jeans), I am so tired of these Holli-Crombie kids running around, thinking that they are just the most fashionable thing that has ever happened. Though I will admit that I once fell into this category -- with my first job even being at Hollister Co. -- I must say that I am way over that scene. My best guy friends both currently work at Hollister (which I suppose is okay for boys), but I long for something greater. Being the wallflower that I am, I find myself afraid to dress up a bit around most of my friends. God forbid I stand out, right? Most of the time it feels like I am completely surrounded by this casual world and it's sweatpants-wearing inhabitants. I think I may even be starting to drown a little. I can't wait for the day when I live in a big city, far from my little fashion-deprived suburbia.

I suppose I shouldn't be so afraid to express myself, since my philosophy is 'who cares?', but I still do feel slightly held back the majority of the time. Maybe I should just rebel. Maybe I will throw on a cocktail dress and heels for my next grocery store run. Or I could always take the dogs to the park whilst wearing a runway inspired, avant-garde ensemble. I'll be sure to get more than a few onlookers for that one! All I know is that I shouldn't be fearful of fashion. I need to learn to stand out a bit in this drab world. I do, after all, love the spotlight!

So does anyone else feel my pain? I would really love to hear different takes on this topic.



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Inspiration

I am constantly talking about inspiration here at The Decadent Life, and I must say that I am inspired by almost everything. If I have one goal in life, it is to help people seek out the things that inspire them the most. Here is what inspires me:

Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette

Let them eat cake! (I know, I know, sorry. I just had to say it!) Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette is, without a doubt, the list-topper for inspiration. I have seen this movie far too many times to count, and I am way past obsessed with the pastry-deliciousness of the pastel colors, the ruffly frills, and the ultra-luxury of 18th century Versailles. This film is the definition of decadence. Those costumes! Those cakes! That hair! For lack of a better description, Marie Antoinette is nothing less than an eyegasm. It is an aesthetic treat all around, with confectionery style to spare. My 18th birthday party last year did revolve around a bit of a Marie theme, with pastel pink, turquoise, and yellow frosted cupcakes and a night topped off with a screening of the film. I love everything about Sofia Coppola's interpretation of this historical figure, and I can't help but to be positively inspired when it comes to Marie.

Gwen Stefani, circa. Love. Angel. Music. Baby

Gwen completely embodies the whimsical spirit that I live for. I have always admired her style and spunk (even way back in her Tragic Kingdom days), because she has always dressed in a way that was all her own. She is always reinventing herself, and yet after all of these years -- and styles -- that she has been through, she is still that same Gwen. She is fearless with what she wears, and that is incredibly inspiring to me. I love that she put this high fashion spin on Alice in Wonderland, because, as we know, I am obsessed. She has gotten some major slack for more than a few of her ensemble's -- and she can be extremely costumey-- but she wears it all in such an 'I don't care' kind of way. That is why I love her. I really believe that if you love something, it shouldn't matter. I also loved her in the Rich Girl video, for which, very sadly, I couldn't find any pictures that would do her justice. So instead I, um, decided to just go ahead and post the video =) Hope you don't mind!


I remember dancing around my living room like crazy when this video was first on TRL. It inspired me then and it's still inspiring me now. I just can't help but to move around and long to be a gyrating pirate swinging on an anchor... yes, I am definitely a dork. In all, Gwen embraces what she loves, and you've got to love that. She is a bit tomboy, a bit princess, and a million bits fashionista. In my eyes, Gwen has always been -- and will always be -- one of the greatest fashion icons.

I would have to say, some of my biggest and ever-changing inspiration comes from my fellow fashion bloggers. I visit maybe 20-30 blogs per day, and I am always finding new and exciting ones to read. I am constantly amazed by what people have to say, and it is inspiring to see that there is this enormous fashion-blog community that shares my dream. There is Gala, who is like your own personal life coach, fashion adviser, and inspirational cheerleader wrapped into one, cupcake-loving gal. There is Susie Bubble of Style Bubble, who has a style that I couldn't begin to emulate. It is completely unique to her, and I love that. Noel from Miss Couturable is a sophisticated teen who possesses great style and strong opinions, and who shares my love for pretty things. There's Connie from Pretty Legit, who's one of the best dressed -- and witty-- girls I've seen. Both she and the always interesting Casey from TeenFashionista are interning at Teen Vogue this summer -- be jealous. I could really go on and on here, but I will spare you. Just take a look at my blogroll and you will understand how inspiring these girls are.

So, what inspires you?


confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Resort Roundup: Part 2

Resort collections continued:

Valentino

Valentino was all-around elegant. I still can't get over all of the gowns, especially the two featured here. I love the light, airy sleeves of the peach gown, and floaty ruffles of the pale, seafoam-green one make my heart skip beats. They are all absolutely stunning, if I do say so myself.

Versace

Versace had a mix of slightly militant looks and ultra-glam pieces. Those traffic-stopping, punchy hues are incredibly sexy. The almost-neon orange of the skirt and jacket ensemble is surprisingly wearable in such casual shapes. Goddess gowns are pretty much a staple at Versace, and that's why we love it.

Zac Posen

Zac Posen was perhaps my favorite of all. The collection is extremely wearable in every way, and it has some pretty gorgeous dresses. I love all of these here equally, because they all go with different occasions.The first is casual enough for class, yet polished enough for brunch. The second is perfect for nights on the town with its eye-catching sparkle and leg-baring hemline. The third is elegant and formal without being stuffy, and Empire dresses are flattering for everyone. I love anything that works on multiple occasions, and the fourth can be dressed up or down to fit your needs. I would be more than happy if this was all that my wardrobe consisted of. *dreams wistfully*

From Left: Rachel Roy, Tory Burch, Fendi, Douglas Hannant

These were kind of the miscellaneous ones that caught my eye. I really adore the casual appeal of Tory Burch, and that Fendi frock is to die for.

That about does it! You can view all of the collections here.

Now excuse me while I daydream of frolicking about in these marvelous outfits.



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

Resort Roundup: Part 1

In keeping with the resort theme of my last post, here is what I loved the most out of all of the collections:

Chanel

Chanel had its usual classy elegance. I really enjoyed these three looks, especially the dress in the middle. It is simple, but the flower appliqués add that extra touch. Chanel is always a favorite, and I wouldn't expect anything less.

Christian Dior

Ahh, good old Christian Dior. We can always count on him to put on a show, and that is exactly what he did with this collection. Perhaps the most visually stimulating of the shows, it was filled with vivid colors and presented a very youthful, fun vibe. There was an abundance of ethnic prints and breezy fabrics that I couldn't help but to drool over a bit. It doesn't hurt that the models hair and make-up looked impeccably glamorous.

Oscar de la Renta

Oh, Oscar, I am in heaven. There were far too many favorites to post, so I had to whittle my list down to these lovelies. I adore how the blue gown resembles foaming ocean waves, and the black lace cocktail dress in nothing short of amazing. With its tropical feel and classic elegance, this collection was well-rounded and cohesive . Bravo!

Stella McCartney

Stella McCartney was very natural and effortless, with gorgeously simple frocks and perfectly proportioned layered looks. I usually don't care for neutral tones, but Stella puts them together in such a way that makes my heart melt. A flower in the hair is all you need to complete this easy look.

More favorites to come in Part 2!



confections&kisses,
Stephanie

The Best Resort

I must say that I am seriously considering marriage to the Michael Kors Resort 2009 collection. It is painfully effortless with just the right amount of classy-casual. Tie-dye and lapis prints collide with retro cuts and classic shapes to give birth to something completely new and gorgeous. Here are my favorites of the bunch:
Can't you just imagine donning those fabulous swimsuits at an ultra-sophisticated pool party? I picture myself wearing one of the maxi-dresses or tie-dyed caftans to an evening beach-house soirée-- and sipping a fruity drink to match. I am especially drooling over the one-shouldered, belted turquoise dress. Its shape is polished and refined, while the print lends a carefree allure. In all, Michael Kors Resort 2009 is glamorously breezy and all-around preppy. Click here for the complete collection.



confections&kisses,
Stephanie