Milk.Bread.Fashion.: September 2011

9.30.2011

Free Shoes!

I was happily surprised today when the FedEx man knocked at my door and dropped off a box that held a pair of Philip Simon shoes. Philip Simon was one of the companies at the FABB conference and they very generously gave all the attendees a FREE pair of shoes. After writing down my shoe size, I asked which pairs we had to choose from. The woman working the booth told me that we didn't choose but that they would send us a pair that they picked out. I don't know if everyone got the same pair or not but I LOVE mine! They are right up my alley and will look great with jeans and dresses alike. I even think I'm going to wear them with one of my outfits for the next Lucky Magazine Contest entry. (That's right! I made it to round 4!) Look for them with the blush colored dress from H&M.

Thanks Philip Simon!

9.28.2011

Here's the 20% Off Code for the DVF Harper Connect Bag

Go to www.dvf.com to order your bag. At checkout, use the code HARPER20 to receive the 20% off.

This code becomes good at midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow night ONLY. Don't miss out!

P.S.
Thank you to Ms. von Furstenberg for giving the FABB attendees and their readers such a treat.

9.26.2011

Remember that DVF Harper Bag I Told You About??

(Harper Connect Leather Day Bag available at www.dvf.com)

I have great news. DVF is offering a 20% discount on the Harper Connect Leather Bag only to the bloggers and their readers who attended the FABB conference! This is especially cool because the bag is brand new and only out in limited availability right now. Since I just got an iPad for my birthday (I swear I think I wanted one so I had an excuse to get this bag!), this is a real treat. The only question is... black or the yummy caramel color, luggage?

I CAN'T DECIDE!!!

The code will follow in the next couple of days. Start saving now...

9.19.2011

That 70's Show

We can't seem to get enough of major 70's influences in fashion right now. I've been a fan for some time at least partly because some of the silhouettes are flattering and hide a multitude of sins. Wide legged pants help balance fuller hips. High waists help hold tummies in. Full blouses hide stomachs, flabby upper arms, and oversized bosoms. And platform heels accomplish a little more comfort by balancing the heel with the platform while still adding leg slimming and butt lifting height. Wow. No wonder this trend is here to stay. The way to update this season from last is to add a floppy hat, a big pendant necklace, or a tie neck silk top.

That 70's Show by milkbreadfashion featuring costume jewelry

Mulberry vintage blouse
$620 - mulberry.com

Diane von Furstenberg wide leg pants
$345 - shopbop.com

Leopard print platform pumps
$130 - bakersshoes.com

R J Graziano costume jewelry
$105 - stylebop.com

Bangle bracelet
$28 - topshop.com

Wide brim floppy hat
$21 - amazon.com

9.18.2011

My Fall Resolution

I've got to stop wearing heels so much. It's just really hard to run after my kids in them, grocery shop, take out the trash, even drive the car! I mean, some of my heels are 6 inches with the platform! I can't even feel the freakin' brake pedal when I've got on shoes like that. But I love them and can't seem to help gravitating to them when I'm in a shoe store.

SO! My fall resolution is to wear more flats. I finally realized that I need to avoid the round-toed ballet style. I always think they're cute but they are just not my style. Last season, I got a pair of Elizabeth and James black pointy-toe flats and wore them a lot. So that is what I'm sticking with. I headed out to The Shoe Hive (my favorite!) and kept myself in check. I ended up with two pair of NON-heels and I love them. Especially the blush Sam Edelman's. The "bow" is fastened with a matching blush snake skin and I just love that little detail. The other pair is Daniblack and a leopard print but on white pony hair (as opposed to tan). I've worn one pair of them for three days running now. Except for last night when I went out and wore these. :)

my beautiful platform heels by Miu Miu!

P.S. Don't forget to VOTE for me to be Lucky Magazine's next Lifestyle Contributor!

9.17.2011

Lucky Magazine Contest

(photos by Fillmore Martin photography)

One of the many things that has been making my blogging life difficult lately is the Lucky Magazine Contest I'm involved in. I'm competing to be the next Lucky Lifestyle Contributor and we're in round 3. We have challenges to complete and then we have to get votes. It is time consuming but really fun and I've very much enjoyed the planning and writing. Here's my current entry. It's REALLY important I get votes this time so follow this link and VOTE for me! And check out the pictures my sister-in-law, Amanda did for me for the entry!

click on the Lucky Magazine Contest link above to vote for me!

One MAJOR note-

If you have not registered before, the site will take you to a registration page after you click "vote." After you register, you MUST back click and hit "vote" again or your vote will not count. You know your vote has counted when the site no longer shows you the vote button but, instead, shows you only the total vote count. If you have registered before, you will be prompted to login after you click vote. You will still have to back click and hit vote again, just like in the above instructions. I very much appreciate your help but I want to make sure that your good deed counts. :)

9.13.2011

I GOT THE BIKE!!!

It was a rough morning. I hurt my neck (in my sleep???) and could barely turn my head when I got up. My hopes of getting to Target for the launch of the Missoni for Target collection by 8 am seemed impossible. I went online at 6:30 am and most of the home goods were already sold out. So, with some help from my husband, I got going and got the kids ready for school. As I headed to Target, I had less than 2 miles to go before I ran out of gas. Hmmmm.... what should I do? Straight to the store is what I decided! When I pulled in at 8:35, the parking lot was pretty full. Inside, lots of ladies swarming the women's collection so I headed straight for the bike department. Of course, I had to make a quick stop at the kid's clothing to pick up sweaters, mittens, hats, and tights for Pearl. Then, I was on my way.

As I headed down the aisle, I could see it. Not the turqoise chevron from the main ad, but the black and white chevron bike (which I think I may even like more). I headed down the main aisle to look for help and got some quickly. They seemed really excited and happy to help me. Turns out, it was the one and only bike they received at that store!

I scored lots of good stuff but the bike is the coolest. Since I never have luck at this kind of "event," I feel especially over-the-moon!

If you haven't headed to your local store yet, you better go now. Seriously. Or call me. I may have extras!

9.11.2011

NYFashion Week- DVF and more

(Diane von Furstenberg ss2012, photo from vogue.com)

Just finished watching the live stream of the Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2012 show. I was particularly excited to see it after having just seen her on Wednesday at the fashion bloggers' conference. The amazing thing about DVF is how she manages to be able to dress every age group. There were things perfect for 20 somethings and 70 somethings and everyone in between. I especially loved an all white silk pleated skirt with full white silk button down tucked in on top. Easy and sophisticated. All white looks to be a huge trend for spring as do the colors yellow and red. Monique Lhuillier,Tracy Reese, Derek Lam, and DVF (to name a few)have all shown major trends with this. DVF also did a almost neon green that was very cool as well as lavender and purple. She did red accents in prints and shoes with all these colors and I especially loved it with the pale lavenders and bright green.

Speaking of color, I'm dying for a blue and white paint splattered print from Monique Lhuillier that was shown in a gorgeous ball gown. Now I just need the party to wear it to. Of course, I can always "settle" for the black and white paint splattered print in the cocktail length full-skirted strapless. Very cool.

(Monique Lhuillier ss 2012, photo from empressofdress.blogspot.com)

What looks to be other major continuing trends- sequins, black and white, bright colors, silk print pajama pants, 1940's silhouettes, 1970's silhouettes, florals, mixing prints, leather, and, well, pretty much everything just like this past season.

New trend on the horizon- matchy, matchy. Head-to-toe print in all the same print looks fresh and easier to pull off than figuring out how to match everything under the sun.

BTW- Oscar de la Renta and Valentino in the front row! Also, Rachel Zoe and hubby, Rodger B. Also saw Brandon Holley (editor-in-chief at Lucky Mag), Joe Zee, Susan Sarandon, and probably tons of girls I'm too old to know about. :)

I'll keep you posted!

9.09.2011

Timberland Does Good Things

-Me in the Timberland room at the Lucky FABB conference. The boots, hat, and scarf I'm wearing will all go to a woman in need.

One of the many amazing perks of attending the Lucky FABB conference was swag. You can not believe how much wonderful stuff was given to us to try, test, and otherwise enjoy. All of the vendors are very, very generous. But my favorite idea of all was the Timberland room.

First, let me mention that Timberland isn't just about the old school workboots anymore. They have some beautiful shoes and boots and clothing that are very cool, my favorite being a pair of blush color sueded clogs with a peep toe. They are shearling-lined and high heeled and...yummy. I'm looking forward to trying them on when they hit the stores. But, besides that, Timberland gave us a choice of three different boots to receive in our size if we did something for them. All we had to do was choose one of the three boot options, style it with a scarf and hat, and have our picture taken. They then GAVE the look we styled to a woman in need at Peace House in Park City, Utah. So, to summarize, they not only gave ME a free pair of boots, but they did the same (plus scarf and hat) to someone else as well.

It's always fun to receive but, without a doubt, giving is even better. Thanks, Timberland, for all you're doing. I can't wait to wear my boots!

9.08.2011

Here's the Harper Bag- and Rodger!

What a Day

The conference was everything I hoped it would be. Diane von Furstenberg was glamorous and sophisticated and warm... all of this I write as I eat nachos which I cannot imagine has ever graced DVF's lips. But she was really informative and showed us a new bag coming out called The Harper Connect. It is medium sized and a rich caramel leather with a brass buckle on the front. But the best part is that, when you flip it over, there is a zipper that opens to your iPad. You never have to take the device out of your purse! Very chic. I loved it and I want one.

I know you are dying to know about Rodger Berman, Rachel Zoe's husband, as well. He was really cool. Again, super informative, down to earth, and very handsome. The hair was cute, too.

But, on to the main attraction...What were the fashion bloggers wearing? I was impressed, for sure. What I'm loving about fashion right now is that what is truly "in" is what you make look good. There was a lot of color, of course, and nude heels was major, some stripes, some leopard print, a little lace (less than I expected, actually) and quite a few pairs of leather shorts. There was also a strong showing of 40's style and all the girls had their own unique take on it.

But here are a few recreations of my favorites. I thought these were stylish, accessible, and practical for a range of ages and body types. To me, it's all about reality when I'm getting dressed and I feel like these were great examples of that.

Look by The Brooklyn Blonde (check out her blog- www.brooklynblonde.com)

-the highlight was these pants...

Along with a white tee tucked in, the rest looked something (not exactly) like this...

FABB by milkbreadfashion featuring suede high heels

Vince motorcycle jacket
$925 - saksfifthavenue.com

Elie Saab suede high heels
$382 - boutique1.com

Kenneth Jay Lane link necklace
£271 - kabiri.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins black waist belt
£5 - dorothyperkins.com

A Kiss of Glam Lipstick in Red
$22 - modcloth.com

Aaacck!... gotta go. I'll do more looks later.

9.06.2011

Tomorrow's Gonna Be a Good Day!

I'm heading off to NYC tomorrow for the second Fashion and Beauty Bloggers Conference sponsored by Lucky Magazine. I'm so excited! You may remember how much I enjoyed the last conference in February and this one holds just as much promise. Diane von Furstenberg, the Kardashian Sisters, Rodger Berman! (Rachel Zoe's husband), to name just a few. I'll keep you posted on all the news, fashion, and fun that goes on. I can't wait!

My outfit... (you were wondering, weren't you?)

This is a semi-recreation of the real thing. My jeans are actually a little less distressed but have a graffiti-like design on one thigh. They are from Sass and Bide and I got them about 8 years ago so I know no one else will have them on! The silver jacket is really drapey in the front and from Zara's new Fall collection. My shoes are Stuart Weitzman so not quite as high as these- or as expensive. And, the best part, is the necklace. It is a gold and pearl necklace from 1890 that my husband got me for mother's day. It is beautiful and very sentimental so I'm glad to be wearing it while I'm travelling away from my family. Anyhoo, I like it and it looks better in person than it does in this recreation. :)

Conference-wear by milkbreadfashion featuring beaded bangles

Cotton tank
$20 - witchery.com.au

Zara sequin vest
€100 - zara.com

Victoria beckham jeans
£164 - theoutnet.com

Yves Saint Laurent round toe high heels
$795 - barneys.com

Grayce baguette jewelry
$475 - maxandchloe.com

Kendra Scott stone earrings
$60 - stefanibags.com

Mango beaded bangle
£35 - mango.com

9.05.2011

Lovely Lady

dress by Miu Miu and available at net-a-porter.com

As usual, there are so many different trends to choose from this Fall. The best one for you all depends on your existing style. The best way to update, but not look trendy, is to choose bits and pieces from the new trends and incorporate them into your look. And, if you tend towards a really glamorous look, a retro look, or even a rockabilly look, you are going to love the 1940's trend this season. Skip the fishnets, the mary janes, and even the red lipstick to keep this look modern. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces.

dress by Tucker and available at shopbop.com

shoes by Miu Miu and available at net-a-porter.com

9.04.2011

Transition

Until today, I thought Hurricane Irene had pretty much ended summer. But today we were back to 90 degrees so I guess we have a week or two left. In the meantime, it's time to start transitioning our wardrobes. One of my favorite ways to do this is with white. White after Labor Day is no longer a no-no. But you do need to make the white look like fall instead of like summer. For example, I usually avoid nautical stripes with white jeans once September arrives. Instead, I use darker colors and neutral or dark shoes. I also love white jackets with blue jeans. But be aware of the fabrics of your clothing this time of year. Linen really is a summer fabric and isn't going to work past September, especially in white. The same thing with eyelet- it is just really summery.

Here are a couple of examples I put together to show you what I mean.