eden

to be continued...

art is everywhere. it is intoxicating. it is magic. see the world through rose-colored glasses.

art: Kathryn Blackmore * fashion: Zimmermann mini dress ($345)

love. wear. return.

What if that dress you saw in Vogue, the one with the stratospheric price tag, was suddenly affordable?

My wallet is not as sophisticated as my taste, but now it doesn’t have to be. Rent the Runway makes high fashion affordable. They lend you the perfect dress for a fraction of the retail price. It’s Netflix for haute couture!
It couldn’t be simpler: find something you love, put it in your basket, reserve a date and then it’s on your doorstep - in two different sizes, just to be safe. After your date, reunion, or wedding is over, send it back in the pre-paid package and you’re done. It’s that easy. Can we say "fabulous"!

Hervé Léger bandage dress: retail price $975 - RTR price $100

Rebecca Taylor silk-chiffon ruched dress: retail price $395 - RTR price $50

paint the town

 

1. Takashi Murakami, 2. Trina Turk Bangles, 3. macarons, 4. Mar Y Sol Tote

make your mark

In 1925, as a tribute to the legendary love story between an Indian emperor and his queen, Shalimar by Guerlain is simply magical. Sanskrit for “temple of love”, Shalimar is named for the lush gardens of the Taj Mahal, where their love was born. Regarded as the first oriental perfume, it is shamelessly romantic, bursting with notes of bergamot, opopanax, amber and sensual powder. It continues to lure young ladies today just as it has conquered every generation before.

hello, pretty little things

There are some things in life I can't get enough of…diamonds, soap, compliments, Louis Vuitton, and gorgeous, giant, "look at me" blooms. The obsession continues, and bean & the sprout is to blame. Headbands, necklaces, pins, and lovely cuffs made from ties, oh my! Each piece is hand-stitched using vintage materials and is one-of-a-kind. Transform a black dress or a simple tee into something completely yours and "oh so glamorous".

bean & the sprout is also available at aimee - the best dress shop ever (515.243.0045)

doll of the month

my pick for edie: Alexandre Herchcovitch "patriots" dress ($275)

eye of the tiger

Talk about nine lives, cat eye sunglasses are back! They are the newest shape du jour, and designers are bringing a fun spin to this classic 50's style. I am currently obsessed with this pair by Karen Walker ($170). They are retro with a modern edge. Purrrrfect for slinking around town.

INSPIRE: Prada

ACQUIRE: scene style necklace ($13.99)

rainbow bright

red: peeptoe flats ($440), orange: skirted top ($265), yellow: crossbody bag ($38), green: minidress ($350), blue: "never waist a rose" belt ($35), purple: shoelace bow headband ($28)

“"The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!" Coco Chanel

lazy days

Why? Because sometimes you want to toss on a tee and be done. Marc by Marc Jacobs "wandering sun" ($68). Hello Sunshine!

flight of fancy

What would springtime be without a flutter of ruffles? This season designers outdid themselves, adorning everything in romantic waves. From dresses and skirts to blouses and coats, it seems everything is getting the feminine treatment. Combine something overtly girly with something more tailored, it’s much more stylish. Just remember a little goes a long way, so head-to-toe is a big no no.

Silk Shirt ($88) Ruffled Handbag ($295) Ann Taylor

Leather and organza flats, Kelsi Dagger ($85)

pop rocks

sticks and stones may break my bones, but rocks like these excite me!

Elva Fields

rain check

A stylish woman is never caught off guard. Next time the weatherman betrays you, be ready with this "jacket in a packet" ($19.50). It's lightweight and folds up to fit into a small built-in pouch. Easy to keep on hand, easy on the wallet and available in a range of cool colors.

pink ladies

INSPIRE: Pretty in Pink

DESIRE: Erdem embroidered silk-organza dress ($3,790)

ACQUIRE: Strangers on a Train Dress ($68)

tea time

Ever dream of discussing fashion over breakfast with Karl Lagerfeld or Donatella? Now you can. German novelty company Donkey Products has created "Pret-a-Portea", a teabag collection featuring famous faces.
You’re in hot water mister!

earth angel

I am completely obsessed with these headpieces by Ban.do. They are big and bold, and have a cool flapper-meets-hippy vibe. Sparkly sequins, bright tulle, peacock feathers and huge silk flowers are not for the demure. All of the pieces in the couture collection are handmade using vintage materials and are either one of a kind or limited edition. If shelling out $300 makes your head spin, check out heart by ban.do, every piece is $50 bucks or less. Isn’t it fabulous?!!

she can cast a spell

intoxicating colors

hitchcock would be proud

lucky charms

Hermes "Lucky" Key Ring ($140)

French women have it down. They toss it, knot it, twist it, and voila! 
A silk scarf – it’s a works every time, classic adornment. The crème de la crème is Hermes, of course. Famous devotees include Queen Elizabeth II, Jackie O, and Grace Kelly (who used one as a sling for her broken arm). The Hermes Handbook “playtime with your scarf”, illustrates a million different ways to wear one. Go on, try it! It's the quickest way to add a little pazzazz to your look.

hat head

Wearing a hat takes some guts - everyone will notice. Put your best face forward in this Raffia Fedora from Tory Burch ($75). Wear it with your favorite vacation looks and ensure you stay cool in the sun.


Cheap and certainly chic, makes you think…I want that!

i do

high necklines, tulle skirts, girlish bows, feathered boleros, pretty pleats and eye-catching rosettes. I am a sucker. Note to my nervous little sis, you look good in all of them.

lovely lady

My grandmother Gretchen is a very glamorous woman. Many people say so. Sitting on her white couch in her cranberry room, our afternoon chat turned from fashion to life… and why wouldn’t it? Age brings wisdom, and with that I share grandmother’s secret to success.

Fashion
• A little rouge and a little lip make a pretty face.
• Don’t fade away, wear color!
• Estee Lauder cleansing cream and the occasional facial. Nothing more, nothing less.
• Wear something fabulous every day. This could be a great coat, or a gorgeous leather bag.
• Dress your age. Dress your size.
• Bigger is always better when it comes to jewelry.
• Work with what you have and own it. Confidence always looks good.
• Being happy makes you lovely.
• Buy quality and know it will come back again. Timeless style is your goal.
• Heels give you power.

Life
• You can’t win every battle.
• Don’t waste your life worrying about the little things. You can handle what comes to you.
• Adore your husband and take care of him.
• Surround yourself with things you love. Special tokens can connect you to loved ones and places in time.
• Total acceptance is the hardest challenge in one’s life. What you can change, change – what you can’t simply accept.
• Find something you love to do and do it every day. This will bring you happiness.
• Look out the window and see the beauty around you. The little buds on the trees, the blue in the sky, and the sweet little birds.

sole searching

Make your legs look miles long in a nude shoe. It’s a versatile hit - works with all your brights and springtime patterns. I am loving this peep-toe sandal by Calvin Klein ($109). The understated color is made fabulous with perforated detail, and the little gold studs are right on trend. Ahhhh...There's nothing quite like the feeling of slipping into your first pair of open-toed shoes of the season!

purple haze

Purple Reigns! Shimmery violet eyes look great on everyone. Yes, you too!

My top pick: Yves Saint Laurent 5 Colour Harmony in “Lilac Sky” ($56). This luxe palette contains various shades of luminous lavender and matte eggplant – colors coordinate to create your perfect look.







Cheap Chic: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow in "Legendary Lilac" ($10)