{ Spring has sprung }

{Dress, Fashion Nova; Clutch, Anya Hindmarch; Sunnies, Stella McCartney; Heels, Zara; Jewelry: Martha Calvo & Vita Fede cuffs}

It seems Spring fever is on the rise and pretty much everyone I know {including me} is itching for a vacation.  Unfortunately for us, {that diligent work force}, Spring-break is a distant notion that no longer exists after graduation. The good news is, just because you don't get the luxury of having an actual Spring-break, doesn't mean you can't dress like you're on one.  I came across this royal blue dress at a small boutique and immediately dreamt of cocktails on the beach and tan lines.  With its long, chiffon, flowy look, this dress took me back to the Summer of 2006 I spent in Mykonos, Greece.  It's the ultimate travel dress since it can be transformed from day to night, with heels to jeweled sandals- a perfect twofer.

Currently Craving: [ Spring Edition ]

Alexander Wang Waistcoat // River Island jogging trousers // T By Alexander Wang leather bralette  // Zara buckle sandals // 3.1 Phillip Lim clutch // CÉLINE sunglasses

What are some of your favorite Spring trends you're looking forward to buying?

A Touch of {NEON}

{Tank, Millau, LF Boutique; Jeans, Serfontaine; Bag, Celine; Heels, Valentino; Sunnies, Stella McCartney; Jewelry: Michael Kors watch; Hermes bracelet, Martha Calvo cuffs; Vita Fede cuff, Handchain, NK84 {my own creation!}

Today I am wearing two of my favorite items in my closet; a tank I got from LF, and my Valentino Rockstud heels. If you haven't noticed by now, both Gabrielle and I have many of the same items in our closet, but we maintain our individual sense of style by showcasing those similar items differently through our own aesthetic. One of the many things we have in common is that we both love feminine glamour mixed with a tough edge.  LF is a great little boutique with a unique collection of hidden treasures that encompasses both styles.  It's a bit on the expensive side, but each season they have a fabulous sale where the entire store is 50-60% off! This tank was so diverse and unlike anything I had in my closet that it was love at first sight. It's easy enough to throw on when I want to show a little skin, yet comfortable, non-restrictive and still classy...perfect for a night out on the town or dinner with that special someone.

{ Wine Wednesday } ONEHOPE Wines

It's been a while since we've posted a Wine Wednesday feature, and although we increased the "Vogue" aspect of the blog and snoozed on the "Vino, " we're happy to break the silence to introduce this weeks Wine Wednesday feature; talk about wine with a cause: ONEHOPE Wines.  ONEHOPE is a social enterprise company that has integrated philanthropy through their products and services to make a global impact.  What started as a personal mission to help a friend fight cancer evolved into a thriving business priding themselves on the simple principle of "giving back." With top wine connoisseur, Rob Mondavi, Jr., as a partner, ONEHOPE's wines will be sure to not only make a tasty impact, but also a charitable one.  With every bottle sold,  portions of the proceeds are then donated to partnering causes such as, fighting the battle against cancer, AIDS, Autism, supporting Children's Hospitals and many more {see below}.  So why not support your chronic wine fix by also helping the world one cork at a time? As they said "The more we do together, the more change the world sees. That’s our mission and our dream, and we’re going to keep working until we make it a reality."  Be sure to check out ONEHOPE wines, as well as their other awesome products: ONEHOPE Coffee & Tea, Hope at Home, and ONEHOPE Weddings. 

• End Childhood Hunger
• Fight Against Autism
• Fight Against Breast Cancer
• Fight Against AIDS
• Supporting Our Planet
• Supporting Women's Empowerment
• Supporting Our Troops
• Supporting Our Veterans
• Supporting Children's Hospitals
• Supporting Children with Disabilities
• ONEHOPE Many Causes
• Provide Clean Water

{ Lines we adore } Sarine Marie

{ Sarine Marie Fall/Winter 12-13 Collection preview, LA Fashion Week}

I recently paired up with LA based designer Sarine Beberian, the face behind the  contemporary women's label, Sarine Marie and had the privilege of being selected to showcase her beautiful work.  Supporting emerging designers is something we love to do here on VV, especially when the collections speak volumes on their own merit through each detailed ensemble. It's no easy task to mix romance with edge and still keep the fabrics light enough to celebrate a women's silhouette. Laser cut leather, silk chiffon, lace and wool gabardine, these are just some of the luxury fabrics she uses to showcase her lady-like designs. Recently Sarine Marie was one of 12 emerging designers at the MAGIC show in Las Vegas.  The LA Fashion Council highlighted 11 pieces in a private runway show previewing her upcoming collections, not to mention the countless write-ups on her line by Apparel News, Women's Wear Daily, Lucky Magazine, MSN Living and more.  Check out more of her beautiful collection here.

{A closer shot of the two pieces I selected: Black leather high-waisted shorts & A stunning burgundy silk chiffon dress}

Black, White & RED all over

Top, Bella Luxx; Skort, Zara; Sandals, Zara; Bag, Celine; Necklace, Alexis Bittar

The sun came out yesterday and I was ready to play! I obsessed over this Zara skort the moment I spotted it in the store and knew it had to be mine. It's so versatile and definitely something I could get a lot of use out of it this year. I am really into the chic simplicity of black and white right now {as is everyone else} and these sandals were a great way to incorporate a little bit of me into such a simple outfit. Can't wait to wear them out more! 

My {Super} Secret Weapon

Johnson & Johnson's Baby Oil

Yes, baby oil. When I was a little girl I used to watch my mom remove her beautifully applied makeup with baby oil every night. Several years ago I decided to try it but hated the oily feeling. Last night, I decided to give it another go since I was telling my mom that no matter how hard I scrub and rub {ouch!} my eye make up never fully comes off.  So I gave it another whirl and I can honestly say this is going to be added to my nightly routine. Not only did my makeup come off in a pinch without roughly wiping the delicate eye area, but my eyes felt moisturized and hydrated. Genius!  My mom is in her 60's but has such youthful, glowing skin. She told me it's partly because she uses baby oil every night to remove her makeup. All you need to do is apply a generous amount to your fingers, gently rub the eye area and take a tissue to remove the residue and voila!  Proceed to then wash your face normally to get rid of the oily feeling. I hope you guys will give this a chance.  Let us know your thoughts! 

Feeling Feisty

{Shirt, Forever 21; Skirt, Helmut Lang; Booties, Shoedazzle; Balenciaga Handbag; Sunnies, Stella McCartney; Jewelry: Martha Calvo cuffs, Hermes Clic Clac bracelets, YSL Arty Ring; Lipstick: Tom Ford in Casablanca}

First of all...this Helmut Lang skirt is EVERYTHING. I first purchased it in a light moss green and the price tag was a little steep but once I realized I was wearing it during the day and at night I knew I had to have it in black.  The slit on one side is just enough to show off some great shoes and the material is soft enough to want to sleep in! Here, I paired it with a fun graphic tee reminiscent of Givenchy or Christopher Kane. For many of you, the leopard shoes may be a little much with the tiger tank, but for me it was just right!

 

#hairtalk by Jen Atkin

{ Nicole Richie rocking a jeweled headband }

We asked our friend and uber-talented hair stylist to the stars, Jen Atkin {a few of her superstar clients are Gwen Stefani, Jessica Alba & Sophia Vergara}, what trends she is loving for Spring right now and here's what she said:

I've been loving hair accessories recently. I love anything from Jennifer Behr, House of Harlow or Untamed Petals. Their pieces are classic and can dress up any look, casual or formal. If any of my clients are attending a formal event, when using an accessory for hair, I think having hair up is key to keeping the look formal. A modern chignon or a bun are great ways to to wear a formal look with a hairpiece. If your look is more casual, I think having the hair down is a great way to wear a hair accessory; you can always go sleek and straight, or something textured and wavy.

What are some of your favorite hair trends for Spring? Don't forget to check out Jen's blog Coiffed Queens or make an appointment to see her at the Andy LeCompte Salon in West Hollywood! t. 310-273-4100

 { Seeing stars at Rodarte }

Oui Oui

{Zara Coat; Diani Paris Graphic Tee; F21 Faux Leather Skirt; Valentino Pumps; F21 Collar, similar here;  Dior Sunnies; J.Crew Baubles 1 and 2; J.Crew Chili Flake lipstick}

It's hard for me to pass up anything Parisian. Take yesterday, for example, I found an Eiffel Tower tea pot {!!!}, and not only is it adorably displayed in my kitchen, I cannot wait to use it.  So imagine my delight when I stumbled upon this Eiffel Tower graphic tee at a local boutique a few weeks back. I know, smile from ear to ear. Graphic tees paired with closet staples like jeans, leather skirts, or even black slacks can be a casual, yet glam-ed up, edgy look...with heels, of course.