Maxi-mize the summer!

I'm back, I'm 30 and I'm ready to rock this year! It's been explained that this year will be like fireworks ("Firework" by Katy Perry blaring in the background 24/7). So, I thought I would start sharing some of my favorite things this summer. Part 1: the MAXI dress! I love how comfortable and flowy the maxi is and this year has brought so many styles. Enjoy!

Andrew Gn gown - I'm obsessed with coral!

Leaves of Grass silk maxi - reminds me of the SA Mexican market (but better!)

Unknown - looks like a fabulous vintage find Mom found for me

Bodyamr - This is for Iris and her obsession with cobalt blue

Ebay find - I love the color and would work with gold!

And the most outrageous (but fun!) maxi/kaftan I found is this one from Asos! I would love it without the sleeves - they are a little much!

Cross Your Heart

I’ve never really considered a cross body bag until this season. In the past, I’ve only used this type of bag for traveling or events like the State Fair and concerts. So, I’m really excited to see that they are appearing on Spring 2011 trend reports. A bright bag could add a pop or color or a chain strap could add texture to any outfit. Here are some of my favorites – Enjoy!

Melie Bianco

Kate Spade Gold Coast Lily

Cole Haan

Rebecca Minkoff

Tory Burch Saffiano Classic

Pillow Talk

I love looking for fun, bright throw pillows to decorate with during the spring and summer. My latest finds are from Peking Handicraft (http://www.pkhc.com/) and they are fantastic. Peking Handicraft has so many offerings of colorful pillows, bedding and linens. Too bad I'm not in San Fran or else I would visit their sample sale on April 30th. Enjoy!

Green with Envy

Green with Envy by hannie13_99 featuring floral shoes

Floral strapless dress
$185 - modcloth.com

Long sleeve tunic
$68 - 25park.com

Miu Miu pleated skirt
$640 - net-a-porter.com

Butter peep toe pumps
$286 - endless.com

Yves Saint Laurent floral shoes
520 GBP - matchesfashion.com

Balenciaga handbag
$1,945 - barneys.com

FRANCES FLAKES bow handbag
$335 - yoox.com

Andara green ring
$110 - maxandchloe.com

Cocktail ring
$115 - maxandchloe.com

Kate spade earring
$55 - nordstrom.com

Kate Spade enamel bracelet
$78 - nordstrom.com

Green chandelier earring
$35 - fantasyjewelrybox.com

Golden Goose polka dot scarve
$120 - thecorner.com

All Time Love: Coral!

Platforms by Topshop
Necklaces by Kenneth Jay Lane

Oscar Favorite Picks

The 83rd Academy Awards are in full swing and the dresses were absolutely stunning. There were so many beautiful gold/silver shimmering works of art. But, as always, I enjoyed seeing the simple yet bold colors. My all time favorite has to be Anne Hathaway's red vintage Valentino. Enjoy!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein

Michelle Williams in Chanel

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

Anne Hathaway in vintage Valentino

Roberto Capucci Exhibit at Philadelphia Museum of Art

If you are in the Philadelphia area anytime between March and June, you must go visit the Roberto Capucci exhibit: Art into Fashion. The PMA does an amazing job of displaying beautiful fashion works of art. Last year, we viewed Fashion Through The Decades and it was breathtaking!

Roberto Capucci, an italian designer, was known for his exquisite designs full of geometric shapes and sculptures. Most of pieces were inspired by floral shapes and fluted structures. Volume was his friend and he expressed his creativity by using bright colors and delicate fabrics. I admire his work and wish I could see his exhibit in person.

Luxury does not necessarily mean money. One can, perhaps, say that luxury is an art, like painting or sculpture, with its own scheme. To be inspired by art does not mean to imitate it, nor to establish a recognizable connection with it, but almost to fall in love with it. - Roberto Capucci

Tickets to exhibit: http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/411.html