Dressing Up With Joy

February 26, 2012

Style-Delights Link featured on IFB Links a la Mode!

Another day, another blogpost (Neon Bags And How To Wear Them) featured in Links A La Mode on IFB - Independent Fashion Bloggers - a community that is one of the best resources for fashion bloggers! Check out Style-Delights and 19 other cool blogs featured below!

Springing Forward

Edited By Taylor Davies
I don't know about all of you, but I've been ready for spring since about, mmm, December. I love cold weather, I love snow, I love bundling up - but I saw so many amazing trends and looks during September's fashion week that I could hardly wait to wear. At least in New York, it seems like winter barely even arrived this year. Today for example, it's about 60 degrees in Manhattan! Everywhere people are in their shirtsleeves and sunglasses, it feels and awful lot like spring is already here.

From the looks of this week's Links a La Mode submissions, I'm not the only one with spring fashion fever. There were so many posts about trends and looks we'll all be embracing - or are already! From printed pants to neon bags, ladylike dresses and the upcoming Marni for H&M collection - and of course some inspiring DIY projects - everything's coming up floral! Check out this week's inspiring and fashionable posts, and as always, thank you for the wonderful submissions!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: FEBRUARY 2ND


SPONSOR:
Dresses at Shopbop: Milly, Kalmanovich, Joie dresses, James Perse, ISSA, Thakoon Addition, Minkoff, Tibi, Black Halo, Nation LTD, Ohne Titel, Chalayan & Velvet Dresses

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine
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February 25, 2012

5 Handbags That Will Suffice (Gasp!)

There are opinions.
There are point of views.
And there are certain truths! Like - A girl can never have too many shoes or hand bags! That said, I always try to optimize my shopping budget with a style sense that works in most situations (Occasional self-reward or indulgence aside). So, even though I firmly believe that you can justify your VISA bill for your 54th handbag, here is my list of 5 handbags that will compliment most outfits, suit most occasions and work with most settings.

1. Black Bag
A nice sized black tote/top handle carry-all that fits your keys to lipstick to ipod; will work everywhere from work place to PTA meeting!


2. Brown Bag
For Navys and Neutrals of your wardrobe, get a good brown leather satchel/tote.


3. Bright Clutch
For those spring/summer brunches or perking up the dreary cold days, a bright colored clutch will work with every wardrobe.

4. Straw bag
Heading to beach or to the mall or running an errand, a straw bag can carry you through entire summer. Just throw in your wallet in there!

5. Evening Sparkle
A silver or gold or a satin clutch can compliment most evening wear -  from ball gowns to dinner dress to date night outfits, add the sparkle with a shiny clutch!

Buy your "5 will suffice"  handbags here -
Do you change your handbag daily? What kind of handbag you use the most?
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February 24, 2012

Spring Shopping List - Colored Denim, Pink Blazer And More!

What do you do when you are asked to 'just rest'. I was asked to do just that yesterday by my chiropractor (and to think of happy thoughts!). After a nap and some reading, I did what would really gives me happy thoughts - I made a shopping list! And here are some of the items on top of my list -
  • Colored Denim - Usually ,I do not blindly follow the trends. I say work with what you got and be true to your style! But seems like colored jeans trend has 'versatile' written all over it. I love all the color choices - from fire engine red to mustard to mint green! I foresee the bright denim to be a wardrobe staple.
  • Pastel Pink Blazer - I am in love with this color. And these blazers can go from day to night, casual to formal without much effort. Femininity and streamlined look - all sewn together- one sleeve at a time!
  • Nautical Stripes - *Drool* If nautical stripes are not timeless, I don't know what else is! A pretty striped dress, floppy hat, rope handle bag and a hot sailor (just sayin') on the boat - a girl doesn't need much else for a memorable summer!!
  • Espadrilles - These are a summer must-have. I love the comfortable heels that you can wear whole day. Canvas, fabric or leather - take your pick!
  • Floral Clutch - A floral clutch is perfect for spring/summer - I imagine a white cotton sundress with espadrilles and a watercolor inspired clutch for a promising spring day! See this for some more ideas and floral inspiration!
  • Skinny Belt - I have a number of wide and medium width belts in my wardrobe, and I am looking to add some skinny belts in the belt-hook! The printed thin belts or bright colored skinny belts are on my shopping list to add interest to a simple outfit.
Here is the visual of my spring shopping list!
See here for more information on these pieces
Get my shopping wish list items here -
How does your shopping list look?
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February 23, 2012

Long Sleeve Gowns, Heating Pad And Horror Of 'No-Pose'

First some sympathy grabbing - I sprained my lower back! (ouch!) And trust me, I didn't do anything scandalous  to get the twisted muscles (Thanks my BFF for asking!), but I was unplugged whole day - recuperating with the heating pad and pain meds. The thing that sucked more than the injury was canceling the outfit post I had planned for today as I could not stand straight for it. (Vanity thy name is fashion blogger!)  Trust me when you see the shirt I planned to wear, you will understand! And while I wait to stand straight again, I see these gorgeous long sleeves gowns (Angelina Jolie's signature style, it seems!) Methinks this look flatter her more than her SAG 2012 Red Carpet look.
Angeline Jolie in J. Mendel silk draped gown, Salma Hayek in a black-lace Yves Saint Laurent Edition Soir dress


Jennifer Nettles in Alessandra Rich, Angelina Jolie in Ralph and Russo Gown, Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham Gown


I love the simplicity of these gowns and hope to see more of this style on the res carpet at the Oscars!
Which one is your favorite?

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February 22, 2012

Just Hanging Out On Huffington Post - No Biggie!


Feeling as giddy as a 5 year old on her first Disneyland visit:-) Thought I might share with you all the reason for it! I am one of the fashion bloggers featured on Huffington Post Stylist for their denim style. As I said, no big deal!;-) Take a look!

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Style-Delights Link featured on IFB Links a la Mode Roundup!

I am happy to report (again) that my blogpost Secrets Of A Stylish Woman made it to the weekly roundup of 20 fashion blogs on Independent Fashion Bloggers! Here is the IFB article featuring Style-Delights and other awesome blogs! Enjoy!

Inspired and Desired; NYFW and Beyond


This has been a crazy week in New York City - New York Fashion Week brought out the fashionable masses, from shows to parties to the streets and of course the internet. Through social media and our favorite fashion outlets like Style.com and New York Magazine, we can keep up with collections almost instantaneously.
This week's Links a la Mode round up wasn't done in the usual way - and we apologize for that! Our community site has been down for maintenance, and should be back up and running very soon. We're making improvements to make IFB better than ever! Please enjoy this week's submissions that came in via Twitter, using the hashtag #LALM. Thank you to all who participated - we appreciate your flexibility!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: FEBRUARY 2ND



SPONSOR:
New at Shopbop: Sundry, Washborn, BLK DNM, Amy Zerner, VPL, Maria Cornejo, Julie Haus, Vic Matie, Peter Som, Sundry, Whetherly, Flat Sandals & Kors Shoes

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine
Read more ...

February 21, 2012

Jackson Pollock, Color Inspiration And Cobalt Blue

One of the most addictive websites I found over the years does not have any 'social media' angle. It does not have buttons, does not require an account to use, does not even look the same every time I use it. It is a website based on legendary painter Jackson Pollock's art and abstract expressionism. It lets you create your own masterpiece using 'drip paint' method. I discovered it almost 5 years ago and got hooked to it!! In following years, I used it to teach my daughter colors and computer mouse movement, and created some beautiful art with her. I still love it and use it to feel refreshed, to feel creative, and to get inspiration on days when I have no idea what to blog about! Today's post is inspired by the cobalt blue color drip of jacksonpollock.org Go ahead, spill some paint - its no mess at all!!!
My 'creation' from jacksonpollock.org
see THIS for more information about the above pieces
Satisfy your cobalt craving here -




What color are you feeling today?
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February 20, 2012

Paisley Dress, Biker Jacket And Dreams Of Mom Runway!

Sometimes I get comments on my blog and Facebook Page photos that have the words Sexy Mama or Hot Mama (!) in them, but this group of moms really put the H in the HOT MAMA during New York Fashion Week when they walked the runway!! The show Strutmoms had 20 fashionable, real life mommies who know how to take care of their careers, kids and family and dress impeccably through it all! It was fun to watch and I really loved the outfits! I only wish I was invited..*insert sarcasm here if you want*, but I really do!! :-) May be next year..till then, my terrace is my personal catwalk. 
(Paisley dress and motto jacket are my choice of couture today!) 





Dress - Ann Taylor
Jacket - Forever21
Shoes - Target
Bag - Express

For more ideas to style a motto jacket, see this.

Get the paisley and leather look here -
How do you like the idea of real moms and everyday women (read-women who are not models) walking the runway in a Fashion Week?
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Style Inspiration - Betty Draper From Mad Men

In my opinion, Mad Men is probably the best show right now on TV! I love this series for the complex plot, the journey of evolution of advertising, the relationships among the characters, the narrative of changes in the American pop culture and society and THE FASHION!! Oh, the fashion and style of Mad Men and women! I have watched the show and rented the complete season DVDs and still can't get enough of the Mad Men style! I am so looking forward to March 25 when the Season 5 of Mad Men debuts! One of my favorite styles from Mad Men is of January Jones' cigarette loving, enigmatic, sometimes childish, 60's housewife character - Betty Draper!
Her style staples are full skirted dresses, sheaths, florals and botanical prints, fitted cropped pants and structured handbags! And occasional floor length gowns she gets to wear in the important (yet boring) parties!!




All Images via Mad Men Blog at AMC TV

 I simply love the elegant and feminine style of January Jones' Betty! Here is one of my Betty Draper inspired look - I will dream of this tonight!
More information on these pieces here
Get Betty Draper's staple dresses here - 
Do you love Betty Draper's style? What other character on Mad Men or any other TV series catches your fancy?  
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February 18, 2012

Weekend Inspiration - Watercolors & Floral Accessories

Life has been busy lately. (I can hear your snicker!! à la join the club lady!). But really, updating the blog, finishing household chores, spring cleaning the closet, and arranging playdates for the little one suddenly left me out of steam! {Sara Jessica Parker - I will tell you how we do it!} The rushed lifestyle occasionally needs a breather, as they say - stop and smell the flowers!! So today on a cheery afternoon, I decided to take a rejuvenating journey on my computer. Just browsed through pictures of flowers! Yes, I just looked at the lavender flower fields, watercolor paintings and pastel prints! And I have to say, the riot of colors and cheerful flowers lifted my spirits and inspired me for today's blog post!! 


And keeping up with the "share your happy thoughts" philosophy, I picked up some of my favorite mood-enhancing watercolor inspired pieces for you! These accessories will bring a smile on your face and inspire you to take a step back and just enjoy the beauty that surrounds us!


Clutch The Flower Power
Get the floral clutches here -


The Painted Shoe
Get the floral shoes here -



Tied Up In Florals


Get the floral scarves here - 



What is your weekend inspiration? Keep me posted!
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