Fashion's Night Out

Note to Readers:
Happy Fashion's Night Out! Anna Wintour's brilliant brainchild is not just in NYC anymore. Check out the website here, to find out the official FNO events near you. There are major sales, parties, giveaways, etc. I hope you all get out to your local events, let's make it a night to remember!

xo

PS. Note to my Orange County readers... Madewell in South Coast Plaza is giving away a free tote bag. I always love a nice tote for a beach bag!

VMAs... Not a good night for fashion...

Note to Readers:

I was just looking through some photos from the VMAs, and it looks like everyone had a hard time getting their looks just right. Maybe when it is an MTV event people think anything goes, but it just ended up with a lot of confused looking ensembles! I try not to be overly negative on this blog, but I am pretty underwhelmed by these looks...

Note to Selena Gomez:
You usually have such a fresh and ladylike style. I am not sure about this lace-cut out dress, it looks like an Elvira remake. Let's go back to your flirty dresses and we'll just forget all about this misstep. You did better than your fellow Disney starlet...


Note to Miley:
I understand trying to dress more maturely in an effort to be taken seriously, but I think dressing like a Golden Girl is taking it a little bit too far. The thing is, there was a stylist involved and I am sure the stylist and his/her team pulled a bunch of options for you. I just don't know how this was the best choice?


Note to Katy Perry:
There are no words. This looks like a castaway from Gwen Stefani's Harajuku girls costumes a few years back.

TO END ON A POSITIVE NOTE:
I feel like this post is just ripping on everyone, which is not what I usually like to do! My problem is, I love fashion. LIVE for it, and I think that so many other people do as well. So when you think about how many people are helping each of these stars getting ready for an event, lets get some admirable looks on that black carpet! You know what I mean? Especially with all of the AMAZING clothes out there right now, lets see some of them in action and not just on Style.com!!


Note to Katie Holmes:
I love your dress! It is just the right balance between casual and dressed up. The color and pattern look great on you, and I think you look amazing. My one complaint is, the pose? Although if I had a ton of people taking my picture, I would probably have a few awkward poses here and there too.

Baby Ruby

Note to Readers:

I posted a little while ago about my dear friend Ani and her baby girl Ruby. It is with tears in my eyes and an aching heart that I write that Ruby passed away last week. Her little body fought as much as it could, but in the end she went back to live with our Father in Heaven. I have been truly inspired by the short life of Miss Ruby, and by the grace and courage that her parents have endured this trial.

There are a few different efforts going on to help out the family with the medical costs incurred. If you feel so inclined, please visit the links below. Anything helps!

to read their story:

www.aniandmatttaylor.blogspot.com

to view the bows for ruby website:

http://www.bowsforruby.org/

direct donations:

www.rubyjanetaylor.blogspot.com

donation auction in honor of ruby jane starts august 15 and runs through august 22:

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Note to Kate Middleton:

This lilac Alexander McQueen dress is perfection. I love the pleats, the color and the belted waist highlights your slim figure. Who is helping you select you clothing? Seriously, I am dying to know. You always look appropriate, fashionable and elegant. Those are not easy feats to pull off, but you are doing it well! (Sorry this pic isn't the greatest of your husband, but it really highlights the dress)

Note to Readers:

Seemingly like the rest of the world, I have been watching Kate and her fashions. The North American trip has been like a one-woman fashion show and I have been loving it! Kate always looks fashionable but she does it in such a sophisticated and classy way. I hope some of our Hollywood royalty is taking note. You don't have to show skin to make a statement.

Ruby Jane

Note to Readers:
This post is a little bit out of the ordinary, but it is important nonetheless! My sweet friend Ani has a baby girl, Ruby, who is only a few months old but was diagnosed with liver failure. She is currently awaiting a liver transplant and receiving excellent (but pricey) care from the experts at UCLA. This whole situation just breaks my heart.

Stella & Dot stylist Julie Krueger contacted my friend Jena of Just Cook Already fame, to have a Jewelry Sale Fundraiser. All the details are on the image above (you may have to enlarge it). The sale is already up and running, and lasts until Friday June 10th. So, if you feel like accessorizing, being charitable, or love a good sale, please visit stelladot.com/juliek

Also, if you would like to just donate money to little Ruby's medical care, you can visit her fundraising blog here.

Need a little more nudging? Let me tell you a little bit about Ani. When my husband had his appendix out in April, and I was in the midst of my all-day "morning sickness", Ani asked if she could help us in anyway. WHILE she was dealing with little Ruby's medical problems and keeping up with her beyond adorable 2 year old Kate. That's just the kind of selfless friend she is. Love her.

Princess Bride

Note to the Bride:

You look beautiful. The wait is over, now we all know you wore an Alexander McQueen dress designed by the house's creative director Sarah Burton. You also wore a Cartier tiara lent to you from the Queen herself, and diamond earrings that your parents gave you. I like that your accessories had significant sentimental value. You definitely look like the princess you now are.

There have been some complaints that your dress was too safe, and that it was too much like Grace Kelly's when she married the Prince of Monaco. Don't let the critics phase you. Your wedding photos will be referenced for decades, not to mention all of the people watching today. This was not the time to debut an avant garde, cutting-edge style, that will look dated in two hours. (I doubt Princess Diana thought her puffy sleeves were of-the-moment, but they definitely look eighties now)

Your dress compliments your slim figure, your makeup is simple and pretty, and your smile is a perfect accessory. This style will remain classic. If you are going to pay homage to a wedding dress, Grace Kelly's is the one to do it to.

Note to Readers:

What did you think of Kate's wedding day look? Keep in mind there are still luncheons, dinners, and parties tonight, where she will have a chance to change into something that is more current. (if she chooses to, of course) I originally thought the look was a little boring, but when I remembered the pressure on her, I think she was smart to wear something timeless to the actual wedding. I think this new Princess is a smart cookie.

Also, did you wake up to watch the wedding live? As much as I love a wedding (and I LOVE weddings), I waited until my normal wake up time to watch it. That's what DVR's are for, right?

Get Ready!

crewcuts photo

Note to Readers:

Ben and I just found out we are having a baby GIRL!!! It has been a serious exercise in self-restraint to wait 16 weeks to find out what we were having, until I started buying baby clothes!! Maybe I bought a couple of baby girl items, just in case. (They were too cute to pass up, and what if they weren't there when I went back?)

I have been really sick the past few months, hence the lack of blogging. (I could kill the person who named it "morning" sickness. If only it were just in the morning!!!)

Anyway, this mama-to-be is a TOTAL newcomer into the world of kids clothes, and I need help! What stores, sites, etsy shops, etc. do I NEED to know about? Please keep in mind, I am on a budget. Although if something is to die for, and a little pricey, please do share. That's what Grandma's are for right?!

Let me know! Love you all. (She is due in late Sept, in case you were wondering)

PS. I arranged for an AWESOME giveaway, as soon as we hit 150 followers.