AMERICAN GIRL IS GOING TO...

PARIS!!!!! December 1st marks the departure for 12 days in the city of love & lights. Below is a peek into my "dream" suitcase. Its just for inspiration and will obviously have to pull like items from my very real, not-as-fabulous closet. 

Am I missing anything?

Marc Jacobs Silk-velvet bow top
$1,300 - net-a-porter.com
Velvet tops »

A.L.C. Asymmetric cashmere cardigan
$535 - net-a-porter.com
Vneck cardigan »

Alexander Wang Asymmetric draped jersey top
$675 - net-a-porter.com
Alexander Wang tops »

LANVIN Manteau
3.190 EUR - colette.fr
Lanvin coats »

Tsumori Chisato / Slub Cashmere Fringe Jacket
$982 - lagarconne.com
Stripe jacket »

Giambattista Valli Cashmere and wool-blend skirt
$1,295 - net-a-porter.com
Giambattista Valli skirts »

Isabel Marant Tobias stretch suede pants
$1,605 - net-a-porter.com
Suede pants »

Stella McCartney Lace floral embroidered skirt
915 GBP - brownsfashion.com
Lace skirt »

Maison Martin Margiela Sculptural leather ankle boots
$865 - net-a-porter.com
Round toe boots »

Christian Louboutin Misfit 150 suede and leather sandals
$1,425 - net-a-porter.com
High heel shoes »

Large cream suitcase with stud detail
520 GBP - mysugarland.co.uk
Cream bag »

Camel Leopard Haircalf Leather
$2,650 - mulberry.com
Leopard print handbag »

Vintage Chanel Black Quilted Small Round Clip Earrings With...
$578 - asos.com
Clip earrings jewelry »

Chanel 5156 Cherry Red Honey Stripe > Chanel Sunglasses > 5156 11413B...
176 GBP - sunglasses-shop.co.uk
Striped sunglasses »

Sonia by Sonia Rykiel Mohair-blend beret
$130 - net-a-porter.com
Sonia by Sonia Rykiel hats »

L. Erickson 'Coco' Bow Headband
$28 - nordstrom.com
L. Erickson hair accessories »

Dior Miss Dior Cherie Eau de Toilette 3.4 oz Eau de Toilette Spray
$82 - sephora.com

Splurge vs Steal - Suede Wedge Booties

Lets play a game! Guess which ones are mine (or in the mail?) See answer below...

Sam Edelman 'Effie' Wedge Oxford
Regularly $130 on sale for $99 - Piperlime

Belle Sigerson Morrison Lace-up wedge ankle boots
$350 - net-a-porter.com

SAM EDELMAN OF COURSE!! 

Sam makes stylishly chic and cozy shoes, all for a girl who loves designer, but needs an attainable price point. Im a huge fan. Check out more of the Fall 2010 collection here. 

A Love Story: CAMEL

I usually try to take the weekends off from writing, but I was just so inspired by the beautiful camel and caramel spotted window shopping today. Fashion is taking me back to when I was a little girl - my mother had the most to-die-for 1970's closet. Likely a reflection of film at the times.

Do you remember Love Story? A 1970's film featuring Ali McGraw and Ryan O'Neil - her iconic camel coat inspired many a designers and looks this season. Camel seems to be THE sophisticated and classic color of FW10. 

Here are some of my favorite separates that Im lusting after. Enjoy! 

Diane von furstenberg dresses CAMEL
366 GBP - matchesfashion.com
Diane von furstenberg dress »

Stella McCartney Chunky wool cardigan dress
$1,095 - net-a-porter.com
Wool cardigan »

Maje Ampoule leather top
$485 - net-a-porter.com
Short sleeve tops »

Stella McCartney Pleated wool mini skirt
455 GBP - brownsfashion.com
High waisted skirt »

Sandro Poetique crepe slouch pants
$295 - net-a-porter.com
Ankle pants »

VPL Cut Off Boot
$545 - barneys.com
Ankle boots »

Mulberry Edna mini shoulder bag
$950 - net-a-porter.com
Mulberry handbags »

Dogeared Camel Leather And Gold Plated Believe Mantra Bracelet
$84 - asos.com
Leather bracelets »

Anda & Masha by Selima Stevie Hat in Camel with Ribbon Trim
$297 - singer22.com
Camel hat »

Rain or Shine: your MUST have Accessory

Brelli. The worlds first biodegradable umbrella made of corn plastic and bamboo! 

I got this as a gift from my sweetie months ago and have been meaning to rave about it, and now Im seeing it everywhere from blogs, to Vogue, to Time Magazine. I use mine to shelter my dog, fashionably of course, at the beach! Also to cover us both in the Seattle torrential downpours in the fall/winter/spring.

Add this to your holiday gift list, or as a great gift idea for someone you know concerned with fashion and the environment. 

She has that "JeNeSeQua": Rachel McAdams

I was elated to see Rachel McAdams on the cover of the Instyle Magazine November Issue. The spread is even more fabulous - from her Valetino show-stopping gown to her 60's inspired Mui Mui SS11 dress and shoes and the dramatic cat eye seen on Kate Moss and Carey Mulligan. The look screams Modern Starlet with a dash of Old Hollywood glam. My girl crush began when I saw Rachel on the big screen in The Notebook (still my favorite movie of all time) but she has evolved in my heart as a woman with style, grace, and good taste in men! (Ryan Gosling? Josh Lucas?) Tres chic Rachel and Instyle! 

*photos courtesy of www.rachelmcadams.org*

Make a statement: gild+noir

Im loving this look - mixed with traditional white stones and gold. Ladylike glam turns a bit street edgy. Black is so tres chic in a gem stone and a nice departure from the classic. Madewell has this look mastered, but you can also pick up vintage look-alikes at your local flea! (I flea or raid my grandma's costume jewelry stash)

Diamond Rings by Ring Black
Bracelets by J.Crew

Lusting After...

J Crew Camden leather brogues $250

And finally purchased some brogues. Ive been obsessing with this shoe style for over a year after a visit to London - and seeing all the high street chic 'birds'  - stepping out in this menswear trend. The perfect fit and color was found at J Crew. However all designers have this style, also referred to as an oxford, in their FW10 collections from Sam Edelman, Steve Madden and Marc Jacobs. A style and price for everyone!

Im prepster chic!