A Day in the French Quarter

It's a pretty rare opportunity to walk through the streets of New Orleans without the blazing heat or a random down pour but this Saturday we were blessed with beautiful weather and spent our day in the French Quarters. No matter how short my visit, whenever I make a trip to New Orleans I squeeze in the time to eat and shop in the quarters where the options are endless to buy unique pieces and fill your belly.

(chilled Barq's root beer, sno - balls, Jackson square, Cafe Du Monde Beignets)

My absolute favorite place to shop is the vintage clothing store UAL. As soon as I step through the door I enter a shopping frenzy. In the small store designer duds literally hang from the ceiling and rows of racks encompass the floor. Not only do they carry women's clothing but men's too! Open 7 days a week you can find designer fashion from Betsey Johnson to Lanvin 70 - 90% off. They carry everything your heart desires, handbags, shoes accessories and apparel. I can't ever leave there empty handed but if you're at the store and can't make a decision to purchase on the spot don't worry you can simply call the store and if they still have the item UAL will ship it straight to your doorstep.

( UAL street sign, Michael Kors coat, Burberry bag, Cynthia Rowley LBD, Marc Jacobs quilted bag)

As many pieces as I fell in love with I mustered up the ability to restrain myself (with help of my much more frugal roommate) and left with only a few necessities (or so I'm calling them). A couple of bracelets, a cross body bag and gold necklace. The top bracelet by an unknown designer and the lavender one below by a Rachel Leigh both only $5. The necklace (designer unknown) is short and perfect for layering at $25. The biggest steal by a far is is a Romy Gold beige cross body bag with leather and pewter chain fringe. It was only $80 and retails at $575.

If only I had all the money in the world for all of they pretty things! Until then there will always be window shopping and small splurges :)

Carrot Top

I may not always love this songbird's pop crazed melodies but I can't ever get enough of her style. What I love about Rihanna is she's consistently risky when it comes to her wardrobe choices and her mane is no different. From cropped to shoulder swinging, she's done it all or so we thought. Currently her world of curls has caused quite a stir being compared to Side Show Bob from the Simpsons. I personally love the look and I am sure all the natural girls of the world will soon be rocking their own version of this fire flaming fro.

I also love her robin's egg tipped fingers. Haute! Haute! Haute! (For a close match try China Glaze "For Audrey").

Red Carpet Watch: 2011 Golden Globe

Top trends from the best dressed Golden Globe Attendees.

1. Blush Tones

2. Emerald

4. Classic Black

5. Red Hot 6. Chic & Understated

7. Champagne Sparkle

Thank You Fashion Bomb

Today I was featured as a Fashion Bombshell of the Day on The Fashion Bomb and I couldn't be more appreciative. The Fashion Bomb is a website that covers "all urban fashion all the time" and is a great site to see what celebrities are wearing, trends emerging from the catwalk, and much more. I love them so much for picking me and it was great to see some postiive feedback on my personal style! Definitely has got me thinking I should post outfit pictures on this site, maybe i'll start that soon. Until then THANKS FASHION BOMB!!! You guys made my day :)

Checkout the article Fashion Bombshell of the Day: Nia From Atlanta

Lavin Love :: H&M Autumn 2010

If H&M wasn't fashionable enough on it's own its ability to team up with major designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Commes De Garcons and Sonia Rykiel keeps them in demand. This autumn expect an even bigger fashion frenzy when Lanvin for H&M hits stores on November 23. The Parisian label is collaborating with the brand under artistic director Albar Elbaz and designer Lucas Ossendrijver and will feature both womenswear and menswear. Lanvin is easily on of the most influential designers of the 21st century so it will be such a treat to have it at such easy access. Albar described the collection as translating " the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less...what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public" (H&M.com). You can hear more of his thoughts of the collection on Lavin's website as well as view his work for previous collections and you can preview of Lavin for H&M fashion show at 8:00 November 2 on H&M.com.

If you can't wait for Lanvin 's debut H&M has more than enough to chose from in store right now. We've all seen the commericals of well dress models primping themselves to Erykah Badu singing Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters and those stylish pieces are are from H&M's Autumn 2010 collection. This fall you will find over sized cardigans, denim and leather variations, neutral tones, belts, soft chiffons, floral, utility styles and over the shoulder bags.

White Carpet: VMA's 2010

The MTV Video Movie Awards are always a star studded event but this year there a lack of shine. From Ke$ha's taking out the trash ensemble and Lady Gaga's rotting meat I was less than impressed with the fashions of this years white carpet. Even the always fabulous Kim Kardashian bored us in a beige ensemble, Rhianna who always rocks it out caused me concern when she dawned a long pink tutu, fire engine red hair and a sparkly head band (she must have been taking tips from Ke$ha backstage) and Katy Perry looked more like a member of the ice capades than a pop princess. Although there were no great fashion moments to take note of, a few of my favorite starlets did not a disappoint and salvaged this years carpet from being an utter disaster.

BIRDS OF A FEATHER:

What I love about these two looks is that both Ciara and Eva Pigford took a risk for the VMA' with funky feathers, sheer bodices and sky high platforms.

SIMPLY CHIC:

Simple is always chic especially in black or white. These ladies keep it classy with out being boring by incorporating trendy elements like lace and leather with lots of leg.

SILVER BELLES:

Audrina Patridge and Selena Gomez prove that silver is sexy and at little extra bling is never a bad thing!

DO wear white

Why keep white in your wardrobe? It's crisp, clean, contemporary and a great neutral to wear with your favorite fall colors. This years hottest designers cast white as a constant in their collections. Contrary to popular belief white is a season less shade that can be worn all year round. Pick pieces in leather, thick wools, furs and chunky knits in line with the season.

But even more intimidating than the color "no white pants after labor day" is an urban myth. HOLD ONTO TO YOUR WHITE JEANS. Denim is always a staple to every wardrobe so don't toss your bright whites just because there are leaves on the ground. To stay fall fresh pair your whites with chunky knits, fur and leather.Use white as base and layer up with deep colors and multiple textures. Don't be afraid to wear an all white look and use accessories for a pop of color and interest.

See how I plan to wear my favorites this season: