Happy Halloween!

A friend of mine pretending to be a corpse. 

This weekend my friends threw a small get together at their place for pizza, drinks and horror movies, in light of Halloween.  We decided at the last minute to hit up some haunted houses that were just five minutes away and, although they were not scary in the least, we definitely had a blast!  Take a look at a few pictures that I was able to snag along the way!  What did you guys do for Halloween?

Outside of the "asylum" which was one of the haunted houses.

A broken down hearse. 

An empty coffin about to be filled.

I wonder if this is a used coffin?

Inspiration Journal

The other day, while searching for something, I came across something that I had lost a long time ago: my inspiration journal.  The journal, which I had to maintain while studying Fashion Design at Houston Community College, is basically my thought process as far as my creativity and they way I put things together.  Although, this was not exactly what I was looking for that day, it was definitely what I needed to find.  It has truly re-inspired me and is what I needed currently in my life.  Here are two spreads from it.  Let me know what you guys think.

 

Chanel RTW Spring/Summer 2012

Karl Lagerfeld, the creative mastermind of Chanel, has done it yet again, in Chanel's latest spring/summer 2012 ready-to-wear collection.  Inspired by the ocean, as were the collections from Versace and Givenchy, the models walked down the runway in Paris at the Grand Palais with huge sea shells and seahorses all around them. The swimsuits, which we all know that I'm a fan of, were both sexy and classic and the outfits were to die for!   You can find a video via Chanel's website which, in my opinion, is beautiful that shows up close details of the collection.  

Elizabeth Taylor Auction

Christie's Auction House has announced that beginning December 13, it will be auctioning off some of Elizabeth Taylor's most famous jewelry and personal goods.  I came across a small preview, via People,   of some of the items that will be auctioned off, but its not enough to calm me down - I'm just so excited!  Known for her acting abilities and her glamourous lifestyle, Taylor went through eight husbands and worked on several social causes such as HIV/AIDS and various Jewish Causes.

Taylor wearing the Mike Todd Tiara given to her by her third husband Mike Todd.

La Peregrina, commissioned by Taylor to Cartier, was made famous by the pear-shaped pearl that was purchased at auction.  Rumor has it that it was once part of Spain's crown jewels.

Some of many LV luggage sets.  Taylor used to attach lilac tags that read, "Mine," when she traveled.

The Reine Marguerite necklace was worn to the 1993 Academy Awards where she won the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. 

This 33.19 carat diamond ring, named the Krupp Diamond, was given to Taylor by Burton, her fifth and sixth husband (she married him twice).

New House on the Block: 1513 Fairview

I am totally in LOVE with this New House on the Block!  1513 Fairview has so much curb appeal that I fell in love with it when it was still under construction while driving by it almost everyday during lunch.  Located just east of Montrose, in Houston, Texas, this 4,374 sq. ft. contemporary gem has hardwood floors made of Brazilian teak, Cumaru, through out and has a total of three bedrooms.  If that were not enough, my house this multi-family home also features a sunken living area, beautiful kitchen, elevator, and an amazing rooftop patio that overlooks downtown Houston.  I think this place is a steal, at just under $2 million!

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012 RTW

I am loving Alexander McQueen's ready-to-wear spring 2012 collection by Sarah Burton!  Inspired by the iconography of oceanography, Burton started the show off in feminine outfits that included umpire skirts with ruffles, in bright colors, to give the illusion that they were "jellyfish".  All of the outfits were paired with lace hoods and platform shoes, that are to die for, but my favorite was the black laced sheer number, down below!  I would wear that work, its amazing!  Check out Burton's profile on Voguepedia and let me know what you think!

Vivi Nevo's Retreat

A view of the ocean with the gorgeous infinity pool in view.  

I am definitely in love with this house that I found via the Harper's Bazaar website!  This house, owned by financier Vivi Nevo, is an art filled Malibu retreat and, by the looks of it, makes you feel like you are in another country!  The house is a very modern haven with neutral colors, clean lines and an amazing infinity pool that looks inviting.  I should be expecting an invitation in the mail pretty soon, fingers crossed!

Charles and Ray Eames' House

Charles and Ray Eames' house currently sits empty as the contents of their living room is moved to an exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, according the Los Angeles Times, titled Living in a Modern Way: California Design 1930-1965.  The exhibit, opening October 1st, has a complete replica of the living room, with over 1,800 items catalogued, making it one of the key components of the show.  Conservators went as far as to place all items made of organic materials, over 1,500 items, into a freezer for five days to ensure that there weren't any insects on them that could damage them.

The Eames' House, Case Study House #8, was one of over a dozen homes built in The Case Study House Program from the mid-1940s to the early 1960s.  The famous house, which is visited every year from people around the world, along with the other houses in the Program were to be built using materials and and techniques derived from the experiences of World War II.  This a truly iconic house!

Designer Coffee Stained Shirts?!!

Alexander Wang

I would like a Venti Hazelnut Mocha and a coffee stained t-shirt.  That's right, you read correctly!  To commemorate Starbucks' 40 years, the famous coffee chain has decided to pair up with designers to design t-shirts that retail for $85.  The designers, which where Alexander Wang, Billy Reid, and Sophie Theallet, were to take their own interpretation of the coffee houses and the translate them to fashion.  Wang opted for a haphazard, if not eccentric, "coffee stained" design while both Reid and Theallet took a cleaner approach.  The t-shirts, which support the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, are available for pre-order at Nordstrom and at Starbucks. 

Billy Reid

Sophie Theallet

Burberry Prorsum - London Fashion Week

Photo from www.stylebistro.com

I definitely love Burberry, even more so since its current Creative Director, Christopher Bailey, came aboard!  Burberry Prorsum showed Monday afternoon at London Fashion Week and it was a star studded event with celebrities and the socialites lining the front row.  Onlookers included, but not limited to, Kanye West, the Duchess of Cambridge's sister, Pippa Middleton, and Sienna Miller.  Guest were shown the spring/summer 2012 collection that consisted of bold colors and prints along with some beaded and braided items.  Let me know what you guys think!

Photo from www.stylebistro.com 

Photo from www.stylebistro.com

London Fashion Week!!!

London Fashion Week is here as designers and fashion lovers from all over the world flock to the trendy city to see breath the taking shows.  The runway shows, which kicked off in full gear Friday, September 16 and runs through Wednesday, September 21st, included shows from Christian Blanken, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, and Jonathan Saunders and so many more, some of which have not yet shown.  

On other news via People - Style Watch, Beyoncé and Tina Knowles, who is a customer of mine I might add, also showed in London for their autumn/winter 2011 collection for the House of Deréon.  Although they weren't listed on the London Fashion Week website, the show was held at Selfridges department store in a decorated car park.  Watch the video below, where the design duo explains their collection and how they get their influence.

Vera Wang Bridal

My uncle just got married Saturday and that is part of the reason for not posting Friday and this weekend.  The wedding went off without a hitch and the bride looked stunning in her strapless mermaid inspired dress with stunning embroidered details.  My uncle on the other hand, opted for the Texas staple with a classic suit paired with a cowboy hat and boots.  So, in light of the festivities, I compiled a couple of the dresses that I adore from Vera Wang, who gained her own label after designing her wedding dress after not finding what she was looking for.  Known for her luxurious fabrics, impeccable detail and classic, modern designs, Vera Wang quickly gained notoriety and is definitely a major player in the fashion industry.  Let me know what you guys think!