Shoes that Steal the Show!

How fabulous are these new shoes by Theodora and Callum? I am completely obsessed with ikat prints and am always looking for a new way to incorporate it into my wardrobe. The best part is, these are made in the Stuart Weitzman factory. So, you know you're getting fantastic quality - something that is of the utmost importance to me in my shoes.

Creating an amazing ensemble would be a piece of cake with these shows stoppers! All you need is a neutral colored tunic dress and tons of bohemian inspired bracelets. Or, for a more vibrant look, pair top in a color that coordinates with these fabulous kicks (you've certainly got plenty of colors to choose from on these shoes) and pair with white shorts. I would also love these with a white swimmy (swimsuit) and big sunnies by the pool this summer. And, yes, you can be the girl who rocks wedges at the pool! More to come on that!

XO, RC

Shoes that Steal the Show! by dresscodediaries featuring wedge sandals

Fashion on film - Bill Cunningham New York Trailer

I have read so much about this film and have been looking forward to it for some time.  Then, the other night my hubby and I went to the theatre to see Jane Eyre (another good one that's out right now) and this trailer played! I am so captivated by Bill Cunningham's story and by how he sees fashion.  Not as something out of reach, or only for celebrities, but as something that we all take part in every single day. You decide who you are going to be every morning when you make selections from your closet....and you take that through the day with you.  That thought, along with the passion I feel for clothes and for style, is what made me create this blog.  It's not about following a trend or looking like everyone else.  It's about challenging yourself to try new things and find what makes you feel beautiful and special.  I hope that you are getting a little of that inspiration each and every day.....Thank you for reading and cheers to Bill Cunningham!

Working it to the Maxi! - Working Girl Chic Tuesday

Happy Tuesday Working Girls!
   I've been so inspired by all of the maxi skirts that have been all over the fashion news (and in our little blog) that I have been on the hunt for the perfect version.  I found the one below by Elizabeth and James and was so taken that I had to purchase it immediately! Now that I've introduced this new gem to my closet I've created a million potential casual outfits (IE: simple tank, flip flops or wedges).  Easy right?   Well, now I'm going to take on a more challenging ensemble, making my new maxi professional chic!  And here's the best part, I think I've got it and I'm going to share it with you! 

I'm going to pair this beautiful, flowing skirt with a printed silk blouse and a structured blazer.  Because the skirt is quite voluminous, you want the blazer to be tailored and hit right at the hip.  I will get a little height (and add some funky flare) with some peep toe booties.  For the final touch, I will throw on a super fabulous necklace and a ginormous cuff bracelet. 

What do you think?  Could you rock this maxi look at your officina?  I certainly will be...tomorrow!

XO, RC            

Work it to the Maxi! - Working Girl Chic Tuesday by dresscodediaries featuring a blue necklace

Diane von Furstenberg sleeveless top, $304

Theory twill blazer, $385

Elizabeth and James maxi skirt, $427

CO OP Barneys New York leather ankle booty, $360

Isharya blue necklace, $188

TopShop metal jewelry, $28

A glamorous spot - Kate Moss Dior Addict Lipstick TV commercial.

Here were are again....at another Monday!  I think it's always a good idea to begin each week glamorously.  This beautiful commercial by Kate Moss will certainly do the trick for all of us!  I don't know if the lipstick is  any good, but if it brings me the life that Kate is living in this spot I will take it!  I am obsessed with the fabulously messy dressing room and her winged Amy Winehouse-esque eyeliner.  Let this commercial fill your head with glamour and get you through another Monday. 

XO, RC

Orange and Turquoise - A fabulously brilliant combination!

Happy Fashionable Friday Readers!
  Look at this beautiful Vogue Mexico cover of the "curvy" Crystal Renn.  I am so taken with this color combination of orange and turquoise.  It immediately makes me dream of being oceanside with a very fruity cocktail in hand. The good news is, we have a beach vacation in the works.  The bad news is, it's not for a few months.  However, we can make this tropical feeling a part of our every day lives with this brilliant color combination!

My take on the look is this hot little Missoni dress with some beautiful turquoise jewelry and clutch.  This is perfect for a dinner date or a night out on the town.  I always have a little white blazer handy in the warm months (in case a restaurant goes overboard on the AC).  And I think these cutout booties are a perfect way to "toughen up" the ensemble a little. If you wanted to elongate your legs and have less emphasis on the shoe you could do a nude pump instead.  With that, you're ready to salsa at a beachside club, or bring a slice of the tropics to a hot restaurant in your own hometown.  Ole!!!

XO, RC

A fabulously brilliant color combo - Orange and Turquoise by dresscodediaries featuring platform sandals

Missoni knit dress, $575
Twill blazer, $385
Stuart Weitzman platform sandal, $365
KOTUR suede handbag, $560
Gold necklace, $68
Forever21 metal bracelet, $6.80

The last great movie star - In honor of Elizabeth Taylor

I heard the sad news about the legendary Elizabeth Taylor yesterday morning while I getting dressed for work.  I felt such heartache and sadness at her death, especially due to the fact that I grew up watching this beautiful icon.  My mother has long been obsessed with classic movies and one that I was introduced to very early in life was the classic, National Velvet.  The film that set Taylor on the path of becoming a moviestar (and would make me beg for a horse every day for the rest of my life)  Other favorite films of mine were Father of the Bride and Cleopatra (I know, it was considered a bit of a flop...but you just can't get past her fabulous wardrobe, makeup and sex appeal).  Though I am a fan of her films, many will remember her for the personal drama that always surrounded her life - including her eight marriages and steamy liaisons with Richard Burton.   After her retirement from films, Elizabeth became one of the earliest and most vocal HIV/AIDS activists.

  I think the passing of such a glamorous star calls for some rememberance of her most fabulous times.  I found these images on Vogue.com and thought they so well embodied what she will be remembered for....perhaps being the last great moviestar.

XO, RC

Fabulously Anna - As a cover girl!

What a beautifully perfect image the chic Anna Wintour.  The lovely editrix posed for the April cover of WSJ magazine shot by Mario Testino.  Of course she's in Prada and of course she's in her signature oversized sunglasses and, of course, I had to share!

I'm super excited to read the accompanying WSJ magazine article but, in the meantime, here is a great AP article on Anna's influence in the fashion industry and beyond.   Enjoy, Fashion Friends!

WSJ. Profile:   The Power of Anna Wintour

XO, RC

Rockstar Suiting - Working Girl Chic Tuesdays!

Who would have guessed that today's "Working Girl Chic" post would actually be inspired by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen?  While you may usually think of these ladies sloughing around New York City in oversized sweaters, multiple chunky knit scarves and oversized sunglasses, it turns out they actually know a thing of two about perfectly tailored suiting.  The twin designers were nominated for a CFDA Fashion Fund award for their line, The Row.  They showed up in these rockstar-chic suits with fabulous accessories and extra-smoky eyes.   I am obsessed with this look!

The girls inspired me to come up with a fabulously rockstar suiting look.  I love the look of a super slim fitting suit (the sharper the shoulders the better!) with a matching underpinning and a few hardcore accessories.  Many of us can rock this look at work, while others would switch the accessories for after work cocktails.  Be sure to also take a few beauty tips from the Olsen twins.   Their sleek hair, smoky eyes and neutral lips complete this superstar look.  You're ready for a seriously hot day in the boardroom or a rocking night on the stage. Either way, you'll be the center of attention!

XO, RC

Suit up like a Rockstar - Working Girl Chic Tuesday by dresscodediaries featuring a chain ring

Casadei stiletto high heels, $720

BCBG Max Azria beaded clutch, $198

All Saints chain ring, $50

BKE studded belt, $25

Style Inspiration - Zanna Roberts

Happy Monday Readers!
  Today's style inspiration is the ever-chic Senior Fashion Editor for Marie Claire magazine, Zanna Roberts Rassi.  Her looks, though consistently on-trend, are always effortless and easy.  I also love that she is constantly pushing the fashion envelope while still rocking very wearable looks.  There is something in each of these images that all of you can try. 

Does everyone remember this Sartorialist image that inspired the long skirt post?  Still love!

Already have my wide leg jeans, just need a lightweight camel coat!

Love the layered bracelets and the sleeveless trench.

A cool weather way to wear white jeans. Rocker chic!

Though I'm hoping the cold weather is gone, I'm still crazy about this coat.

So fresh and classic.

Prepster cool with a rocker edge.

Everyone needs pants like these.  For those days you just can't put on a tailored pair of slacks.

I have found such inspiration from these favorite looks, and I hope you will too! 

XO, RC

I need a hat!!

Happy Fashionable Friday Readers!

 



Rachel Zoe - My "Hat-spiration"



 

  After much consideration (and inspiration by the fabulous Ms. Zoe) I have decided that I need a new hat.  I'm a huge hat fan and for the last few seasons I've been sporting the straw fedora.  While I'm still a fan of that look, this spring I'm feeling a big, floppy, wide-brimmed hat. How fabulous will that be with a teensy bikini and printed caftan this summer by the pool.  But, the good news is we don't have to wait until then! Get your ginormous headwear now and sport it through spring!  I'm going to pair mine with wide leg pants, a boho chic tunic, sky-high wedges and (of course) huge sunnies.  Just remember, this type of hat is definitely best with tousled flowing hair, so let it fly free!  Keeping with the bohemian vibe carry a crossbody bag and add some tribally-inspired earrings. Love, love, love it!!  See you and your hat at Sunday brunch this weekend!

 

XO, RC

 

 

I need a hat!! by dresscodediaries featuring an embroidered tunic

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen embroidered tunic
$280 - net-a-porter.com

Seven for all mankind jeans
$155 - piperlime.gap.com

Pedro Garcia wedge heel sandal
$450 - ssense.com

See by Chloe cross body shoulder bag
$295 - lagarconne.com

Orner chain earring
$72 - youheshe.com

House of Harlow 1960 round sunglass
$125 - shopthetrendboutique.com

San Diego Hat Company hat
$38 - instyleswimwear.com

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Happy St. Patty's Day Readers!!

  For me, St. Patrick's Day brings up frightening school day memories of being pinched until purple.  Every year - without fail - I would forget it was St. Patrick's Day and not wear a shred of green.  That would lead to an entire day of trying to convince everyone in my elementary school that I was wearing green underwear. 

Now that I'm a grownup, I thought I would put away those memories and create my perfect version of a St. Patty's day ensemble. While my day will not be spent drinking green beer (I would much prefer some bubbly....the blush varietal, not green) I am always on board for any arbitrary reason to celebrate during the work week. So, I will don my most fabulous green dress and add some festive accessories (including a green stone necklace and a leopard tote bag).  I think nude shoes will work best with this ensemble to keep the focus on my emerald frock and elongate the gams.   Now that my outfit is planned, I'm ready to party Lassies!   (imagine that in my terrible Scottish accent....OK, maybe it's better if you don't!) 

XO, RC

  

Happy St. Patty's Day! by dresscodediaries featuring chain jewelry

Halston Heritage silk crepe dress
$325 - net-a-porter.com

Long sleeve top
$60 - madewell.com

Booties shoes
$550 - loefflerrandall.com

See by Chloe floral tote
$175 - intermixonline.com

Chain jewelry
$60 - maxandchloe.com

Hauntingly Beautiful - Daphne Guinness's Tribue to Alexander McQueen

Call her an heiress, a muse or a haunting beauty, Daphne Guinness is someone that I just can't get enough of.  Her daring and edgy style is a constant source of inspiration for countless designers and fashion obsessed (me included!)   The images below are from the London Sunday Times article in which she pays tribute to her late friend Alexander McQueen.  Although the content of the interview is under major debate, there can certainly be no debate about the stunning images. 

How amazing are those?  They make me want to push my look farther and try something fabulous and new.  The best part, is that a video was also made of the shoot.  Even more to dream about.  Hope you enjoy!

"Orange you glad it's Tuesday!" - Working Girl Chic

Welcome to another installment of "Working Girl Chic Tuesdays!"  Since I'm in a very colorful mood this week, I thought it would be fun to punch up our work ensemble with some bright hues.  One of my favorite colors to accessorize with is orange.  Winter or summer, orange will brighten and refine any humdrum outfit.  Because it is quintessentially Hermes, orange also acts to "class up" your look.  I love the look of an orange belt and bag with a neutral pant or skirt.  However, seeing as how we are creeping up on spring, I thought - Let's take it to another level!  I chose to pair my classic white button down and orange accessories with a cobalt blue pencil skirt.  Toughen up this classy ensemble with an oversized watch and chain bracelet. What do you think? I think, I'm glad it's Working Girl Chic Tuesday!

XO, RC

"Orange you glad it's Tueday!" - Working Girl Chic by dresscodediaries featuring chain jewelry

Long sleeve top, $190
Diane von Furstenberg 50s style pencil skirt, $210
Christian Louboutin slip on shoes, $695
MICHAEL Michael Kors logo handbag, $328
Michael Kors bezel jewelry, $225
Chain jewelry, $40
Genuine leather belt, $79

Obsessed with Citron

Happy Monday Readers!
  I thought we could all use a bright shot of beautiful color on this Manic Monday.  And what better color to feature than my hue of the moment, Citron!  It's eye catching and universally flattering (for those of us who have not seen the sun in a while you may need the slightest touch of bronzer).  You can jump into this color with both feet by selecting a classically tailored sheath dress like the one below.  You can make your neon ensemble ultra chic (and somewhat temper the vibrancy) by adding black accessories.  For the more timid, you can always just add a citron accessory to a black ensemble.  Either way, you'll turn heads in this shocking hue! 

XO, RC 

 
Obsessed with Citron by dresscodediaries featuring velvet sunglasses

Michael Kors short sleeve dress, $404
Casadei high heel sandal, $720
Valentino studded handbag, $1,795
White House Black Market chain jewelry, $108
Tom Ford velvet sunglass, $420

Cut it out! - Hot night out on the town

Happy Fashionable Friday Friends!
  As we are all gearing up for another weekend of fun, I thought it would be the perfect time to talk about a new trend I am obsessed with.  The cutout dress!  I saw this picture of Nicole Richie at an Oscar viewing party and was so inspired! 

While I'm a little hesitant to attempt the midriff cutout (still hard at work in Bar Method classes, so fingers crossed, we'll be there soon), I found some other options that would give the same effect with a little more coverage.  I think it best to stay in all black or all white and add some edgy but minimal accessories.  You could always throw on a little black fitted blazer if you are just testing the waters.  But, by the end of the night I think you'll find you're loving the maximum exposure!  Happy Weekend!

XO, RC

Cut it out! by dresscodediaries featuring a cutout dress

Glamour is not gone - J'adore Lee Radziwill

I ran across these beautiful pictures on Garrance Dore today and was reminded of my long time obsession with the lovely Lee Radziwill.  While my obsession began as an extension of my childhood love of all things Jackie O, it has certainly grown as I learned more of her and observed her flawless fashion choices.

Earlier this week she was seated front row at the Giambatista Valli show looking as polished and elegant as ever (just days after her 78th birthday...can you believe?)  After a couple of Lady Gaga posts, I thought today I would take the opportunity to "class it up" and take a look at a few of my favorite Lee pics from years past.

Flawless with one of her beloved pups.

With close friend, the late Truman Capote at the legendary Black and White Ball.

Completely in love with her tousled updo and tassel earrings

On an elephant ride in India with First Lady and sister Jacqueline Kennedy

At an event with Calvin Klein

Chic friends, Radziwill withVogue's Andre Leon Talley.

  So, for today anyway, I plan to pin my hair back into a chic chignon and don my most ladylike ensemble....in the glamorous Ms. Radziwill's honor.

XO, RC