Res Ipsa--Creamy Goodness

If there were any fashion icons who truly encapsulate the happy side of my "Res Ipsa" category these days, they seem to be the Middletons.  Kate and Pippa alike seem to have thrust themselves in the style limelight, and 9 times out of 10... I ended up wiping a puddle of drool from the front of my computer.

Kate Middleton in a beautiful creamy Alexander McQueen coat

Alexander McQueen cotton and wool-blend pique coat

At a price tag of a whopping $2,691 and change, I can't even dream of saving enough money to splurge on something like that coat.  Super sigh.  While I am not sure I could pull off the products of high end milliners quite like the Duchess does, I do have my own penchant for ladylike style.  Below is my take on true sophistication with a hint of glamour.  Gold accents, when done well, are always welcome in my book.

Kate Spade Day 90 Ensemble

The crisp white Ilana blazer brings tailored poise to the outfit.  The Tromp L'oeil Lace Lola dress is a perfectly balanced sheath--with its understated shape, dramatic black and white contrast, and lovely lace print.  The shiny gold Burnside Avenue Metallic Lauralee crossbody/shoulder bag adds pop to the subtle black and white combination.  The oversized clip earrings add over-the-top sparkle, but the shape allows the look to remain demure.  Use your imagination when it comes to adding necklaces, a belt, or a brooch.  My friend T would likely enjoy an unexpected gold belt like this one--embellished with gold armadillos.  I am not sure how easy it will be to find a coordinating gold-colored coffee mug.  ;)  Who knew that Kate Spade would suddenly seem more in my range of attainability?  Go figure.

Pure Lust--Mila Kunis is on a Roll

Mila Kunis has come out in some lovely frocks and ensembles... I definitely have wardrobe envy.  Or... maybe it's just jealousy over those legs... that body... and her ability to walk in sky-high pale pink platform pumps.  Or... all of the above. 

Mila Kunis in a showstopping Balmain skirt, black dolman sleeve top, and pale pink Charlotte Olympia suede pumps with metallic gold platform (yes, gold platform, and it still looked great)

J dvr'ed the MTV Movie Awards... and while it is an entertaining awards show... boy does it do a HUGE number on your self-esteem.  Yeah, when all the skinny minnies come out teetering in their gorgeous lofty heels and toned legs--I basically want to die.  However, it did not stop me from sharing a 60-calorie, sugar-free chocolate/vanilla pudding cup with J.  Wow.  SO sad.
The LA Times Fashion Blog, "Frugal Fashion," featured some sequin skirt options for those of us who may not be able to just run out and snab that hot, little Balmain number.

LaRok flirty sequin camo skirt, Tumbled sequin miniskirt, Victoria's Secret Sequin Mini, Express Sequin Mini

French Connection Paint Box Sequin Mini

 Dude.  BTW--this awards show just hits home how dominating the "Twilight" series is... and all the tweens' obsessions with its cast.  Harry Potter didn't get ONE!!  Poor Emma Watson and her hot white dress.  Just as another note--I hated Katie Cassidy's dress.  It looked terrible (and I love crochet and lace).  I guess I am still suffering with some beef I hold against her character Juliet in Gossip Girl... ;)

Kick Up the Heat--Summer Date Chic

While I'm the first gal to vote for a low key evening at the townhouse, dogs and J at her side, with a glass (or three) of Charles Shaw Shiraz (it's $3!!!!!!)... it is nice to get out once in awhile... have an ice cold summer seasonal brew at a nice outdoor venue... OR have a cozy little date night despite the sweltering temps of what we in DC have been experiencing lately.

Adrianna Papell White Lace Sheath, Eliza J Black Ruched Lace Sheath, Badgley Mischka Lissa Peeptoe Jeweled Pumps (grey satin or seafoam satin)

I know I have the same pump... just in different colors.  Look--sometimes, I just find a shoe that I would love to own in multiple colors... not that I've ever done that... or anything...

Res Ipsa--Summer is in the Air

FINALLY... there is summer in the air... and not the unpleasant, stifling, oppressive slap of summer heat that we experienced last week.  the enjoyable warm breeze of summer has finally arrived... and I think Gwen Stefani encapsulates the look perfectly below.  Her bright white sunglasses are so much fun... and the airy fabric of this maxi ensemble totally screams "welcome summer!!"  The only thing I would ditch are those booties... I think they weigh down the look, and also take away from the laid-back manner of this style.  If you wanted a sandal with heels... I would go with a cage or cutout look myself. 

A.L.C. Karla Silk Printed Tank, A.L.C. Luca Skirt, Ann Taylor Loft Briolette Dangle Earrings, Steve Madden Serenite Sandals