Vena Cava Collaborates with Bloomingdale's

A few weeks ago, edgy design firm Vena Cava announced their partnership with Bloomingdale's in-house brand Aqua. The collaborative line, which debuts online and in stores tomorrow, September 1, will feature VC's signature styles without the hefty price tag. Pieces will range from $98 for an embellished t-shirt to $198 for a statement ponte coat. My favorite piece from the collection? The gorgeous color-blocked silk chiffon dress ($158) pictured above. To preview the collection and watch a video of the line's photoshoot, click over to the Bloomingdale's website.

Readers what do you think of Vena Cava for Aqua? Will you all be shopping the line tomorrow?

(Image Credit: Bloomingdale's)

Lucky Magazine Predicts Fall Fashion

Last week everyone's favorite shopping magazine predicted the top looks for Fall 2010 based on current designer ads. According to Lucky, the four trends everyone will be wearing are Leopard Print, 50s-Inspired Dresses, Fur, and The Color Red. If you're searching for pieces to spice up your wardrobe, check out my picks for the hottest fall fashions.

Leopard Print

1.) Hunter Boots Cuff Welly Sock ($40)
2.) Ann Taylor Perfect Leopard Clutch ($138)
3.) Torn Leopard Miniskirt ($169.40)
4.) Tory Burch Wedge Pump ($295)

50s-Inspired Dresses

1.) Anthropologie Traced Twirls Dress ($158)
2.) Topshop Cross Bust Dress ($68)
3.) Laundry by Shelli Segal ($129.99)
4.)Tadashi Shoji Fan-Pleated Strapless Dress ($468)


(Faux) Fur

1.) Rachel Zoe for QVX Faux Fur Vest ($79.80)
2.) Topshop Faux Fur Stole ($50)
3.) Wink Leidy Faux Fur Coat ($288)
4. )Juicy Couture Faux Fur Vest ($228)


The Color Red

1.) Hermes Silk Twill Scarf ($375)
2.) Steve Madden Caryssa Pump ($129.95)
3.) Opi Red Nail Polish ($6.95)
4.) House of Harlow 1960 Leather Cuff ($63)

Readers, do you think Lucky's predictions are correct? What's your fall fashion forecast?

Cynthia Rowley Designs Band-Aids for a Cause

While Cynthia Rowley's line of designer diapers for Pampers left me baffled, I'm intrigued by her most recent collaboration with Johnson and Johnson that juxtaposes gore and glamor. The American designer best known for her vibrant collections of women's wear recently produced a set of designer Band-Aids to benefit Design Ignites Change, "an organization that engages high school and college students in design and architecture projects that address social issues in their own communities." Each tin of 20 bandages costs $10, with $1 benefiting the program. The product is available for purchase exclusively on Cynthia Rowley's website.

Readers, will you be covering your cuts with Cynthia's designs?

Click below for more images of the collaboration courtesy of cynthiarowley.com

What I Didn't Know I Needed

You know when you go to the store and come home with everything except what you went to the store for? Well, today was one of those days. I ventured to Borders in search of a book for class and left with the following:

The September issue of Elle: I haven't had time to flip through the entire magazine, but in a sea of September issues, Elle stood out. I'm not sure whether it was Julia Roberts' charismatic smile or the promise of "562 Pages of Must-Have Dresses, Jeans, Jackets, and Heels," that convinced me to buy the issue, but  I'm excited to have some non-assigned reading on hand.

A pack of princess-themed silly bandz: As isolated as my college campus is, it has not escaped the silly band fad. My mom, trend hunter that she is, told me about silly bandz ages ago, and I have a handful of dinosaur and animal-shaped bands, but when I was waiting in line to check out, the princess pack caught my eye. Colorful rubber crowns, castles and magic wands--what could be better?

A Moleskine sketchbook: This semester, I'm taking two art classes to fulfill my Studio Art minor. Both require a sketchbook, and when I saw the familiar Moleskine label, I knew one had to be mine. Used by artistic greats like Hemingway and Picasso, Moleskine products are the epitome of understated excellence. If you're not interested in plain white pages, the brand carries multiple sizes of lined notebooks, calendars and themed journals.

While there was no copy of The New Conquest of Spain to be seen, I consider my trip to Borders productive. What are your favorite impulse buys?

 P.S. Check out my most recent articles in Wake Forest's Old Gold and Black and HerCampus!

Shabby Chic

After today, I can't say enough good things about Target-Not only was the delivery of my Shabby Chic Vanity set speedy (arriving in less than 4 days), it was also super easy to put together. I did it all by myself! Now I can't wait to fill it with all my new beauty products!

Simon Doonan to Design for Target

 Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York is the latest celebrity stylist to design for Target. But Doonan's collection isn't your average ready-to-wear line. Instead, the Brit decided to take on Halloween. Doonan's line of chic costumes will range in price from $10 for pet looks to $30 for adult costumes. Isn't this spaghetti outfit from his collection cute? I'm not sure how I feel about some of the other looks, but this one definitely hits the mark.

Readers, do you already know what you want to be for Halloween? It's hard to believe, but October is just around the corner!

(Image Credit: Target)

Spotlight on Nashville: Couture Exhibit at the Frist Center

Before I left Nashville, my mom and I made it a priority to visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. I always have a good time exploring the museum, but this trip was especially exciting. The Frist is currently hosting a collection of couture clothing and fashion photographs from the Golden Age of Couture (1947-1957). In a word, the dresses were breathtaking. So many of the silhouettes are as wearable now as their were in the 50s, and the level of craftsmanship in each piece is almost unfathomable in today's world of mass production.

The dress pictured above was one of my favorites from the exhibit. Worn by Princess Margaret in 1951, this Jean Dessès cocktail gown is even more stunning in person than it is in photographs.

If you're around Nashville, you really should check out the exhibit. The pieces will remain on display until September 12. For information about tickets and more images from the show, click here to visit the Frist's website.

Little Big Town Launches New Album, "The Reason Why"

This summer I interned at Essential Broadcast Media, a Nashville-based publicity company whose clients include country music artists like Darius Rucker, Randy Houser, Colt Ford and the platinum-selling quartet, Little Big Town. One of my projects this summer was helping with Little Big Town's album release, and today is the day the CD finally comes out. I've been reading reviews online, and I'm so excited my hard work didn't go to waste! If you're a fan of country music (or even if you're not), I recommend listening to this album. The first single, "Little White Church" is already flying up the charts, and I've had track number 8, "All the Way Down" on repeat in my car all day. The complete album is available on Itunes, and the group is performing tomorrow morning on Good Morning America. Unfortunately, I think I'm going to miss it because tomorrow is my first day of classes! Thank goodness for DVR, right?

Back to School Beauty

After eight hours in the car and one whole day of unpacking, I'm finally back at school. My room is still somewhat of a disaster area, but I'm just happy to finally be here.Once the room gets a little more organized and my newly-ordered vanity comes in the mail (and I manage to assemble it), I'll post some pics.

One thing I made sure to do before I left Nashville was stock up on beauty essentials. My mom and sister both recently started working in the Therapy Systems corporate office so I got a discount on products from their store The Cosmetic Market! Naturally, I took advantage and picked up everything I needed for back to school. Check out my reviews of the products below:

Bliss Vanilla and Bergamot Body Butter: I kid you not when I say this is the best lotion in the entire world. Thick and creamy with a light sweet scent it makes your skin oh so soft. It's a must-have in my beauty routine.

Tweezerman Tweezers: Whether you're plucking your eyebrows or trying to take out a splinter, Tweezermans are way to go. They even offer free sharpening on all their products!


Moroccan Oil: My sister swears this stuff changed her life. While my day-to-day hasn't altered drastically since I started using the hair product, it has made my hair noticeably more smooth, even in the summertime humidity.

Bare Minerals: I don't know how this one snuck out of the picture! I love Bare Minerals products because they're easy on my sensitive skin, and they include sunscreen in the foundation.

Lancome Mascara and Free Gift: Lancome has been my go-to for mascara for some time. They just came out with a new version of my old stand-by "definicils", so naturally, I had to pick some up at the mall before I left for college. Fortunately, I shopped at Macy's when they were having a free gift promotion, so now I have all sorts of new freebies to play with--I'm already obsessed with my deep red Juicy Tube, and I'm so excited to try everything else!

Readers, what are your favorite products for back-to-school beauty?

North Carolina Bound

Sorry for the lack of posts lately! I've been running around Nashville in a frenzy trying to get ready for college. I promise I'll update later this weekend, but until I settle in to my new room, I want to direct you What Claudia Wore. This Babysitters Club-inspired blog is simultaneously nostalgic and hilarious.

Readers, were y'all BSC fans growing up? Who was your favorite? I was always a Mary Anne girl myself!

P.S. As I drive through the mountains, be sure to check out Gilt Groupe's Target Collaboration preview sale! They'll have pieces from the new Tucker, Mulberry and John Derian diffusion lines for Target. I'm so disappointed I'm missing it.

P.P.S. If you're a Nashville reader, head over to Spaces in Belle Meade for HerNashville's Fashion for a Fraction this Saturday, August 21st.

Katy K and Local Honey

Non-Tennessee readers--sorry for all the Nashville-related posts lately. I'm trying to cram as many blog-worthy activities into my last week at home as I can! I can barely believe I leave for my senior year of college on Friday! Eek! Ok, onto the shopping.

The 12th South distract of Nashville is known as an up-and-coming area of town, full of unique stores and tasty restaurants (see a review of a couple here). Tucked away, down a residential street is Local Honey, an edgy boutique that sells a mix of vintage and locally-designed clothes and accessories. I walked away empty-handed, but not before I tried on half the store. Fit was my issue more often than not, and when it comes to vintage, if it doesn't fit me perfectly, I tend to pass. If you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind piece, I recommend the boutique's in-house label, White Rabbit. 

A little further down 12th Avenue is the iconic Katy K, home to all things western and fabulous. Seriously, if anyone has plans of being a cowgirl for Halloween, head over there ASAP. There are enough boots and hats to keep Hank Williams Jr. outfitted for the next 15 years. Again, I walked away empty-handed. Saloon chic was never really my style, but if I ever need to invest in some authentic cowgirl boots, Katy K's will be the first place I look.

Beeline A-Lines

While exploring East Nashville's Tomato Art Festival this weekend, I stumbled upon what has now become a favorite Esty site. Beeline A-Lines is the product of Meg Giuffrida, a sewist from Nashville who creates one-of-a-kind skirts from vintage fabrics. I wasn't able to try any of her products on, but they sure look cute! A-line skirts are universally flattering, and I'm certain these are no exception. Retailing at $65 a piece, these skirts would make a unique addition to any wardrobe.

Readers who are your favorite Etsy sellers?

I Say Tomahto

Let's be honest. Tomato-themed art is all well and good, but the best part of this festival is the food. After all, it is an event celebrating a fruit. Armed with growling stomachs, my mom and I hit East Nashville full force this morning searching for the perfect tomato dish. This is our illustrated food diary.

 

Appetizer: Guacamole BLT from The Heirloom BLT Stand
This savory sandwich was an excellent way to commence our culinary adventure. I mentioned in an earlier post that I love bacon, so the traditional coupling of tomatoes, bacon and lettuce left me satisfied. The unique guacamole added a touch of flavor and was a healthy alternative to the expected mayonnaise spread. My one complaint? The sandwich was slightly messy, making it difficult to eat while exploring the festival.

Palate Cleanser: Cherry Ice Pop courtesy of Mad Donnas
An unexpected addition to our dining itinerary, this cherry ice pop was of the standard, grocery store variety. That's not to say it wasn't appreciated! Unfortunately I forgot to snap a pic :(

Entrée: Fried Green Tomatoes with Crab Meat Salad from Margot's Cafe and Bar
This is one of the best things I've ever eaten in my entire life. The tomatoes had a perfect crust and the crab meat was cool and refreshing. Everything was seasoned perfectly--just thinking about it is making my mouth water. My mom and I each ordered the dish, and we both had to restrain ourselves from licking the plates clean. Margot had a special menu this afternoon in honor of the tomato festival, but if the dish ever shows up on the menu again, I highly recommend it.

Dessert: Chocolate Ice Cream from Pied Piper Creamery
Located in a converted house on South 11th Street, Pied Piper is known for punny flavor names and excellent ice cream. My mom went out on a limb and ordered a small Chai Curious while I kept it simple and stuck with chocolate. At the end of a hot day, it was just what I needed. Rich and creamy, this ice cream hit the spot.

Even though we didn't eat there today, Mas Tacos deserves a mention. If I had unlimited space in my stomach, I certainly would have ordered a chicken taco. We also passed up The Jolly Rogue and I Dream of Weenie this year (See a previous review here), but they both had specialty tomato-themed menus that looked enticing. Unfortunately, there's just not enough time in the day!

We came, we saw, we conquered. Overall, a successful Tomato Fest :)

You say Tomato

During the summer of 2004, Meg and Bret MacFayden hosted a small art show honoring the tomato and planned a handful of neighborhood events to promote their business, The Art and Innovation Gallery. Six years later, The Tomato Art Festival is East Nashville's premier summertime event. With over 100 street vendors, a New Orleans-style parade, musical performances, a tomato 5k, and of course, the tomato art that started it all, The Tomato Art Fest has something for everyone.

 (Image Credit: Delgado Guitars)

Around 10 this morning my mom and I headed over the river and through the 'hood to East Nashville's five-points area, the crux of the festival. Having attended the event since 2006, we like to consider ourselves seasoned tomato veterans. This year, we slept in and missed the parade, so we made the Art and Innovation Gallery our first stop, in an effort to beat the crowd. This year's tomato art contest winner was a beautiful mandolin embellished to resemble everyone's favorite summertime fruit. The piece was handcrafted by Manuel Delgado of Delgado Guitars.

 Pictured above is all of our tomato fest loot. My mom's piece of folk art, a tomato magnet, bumper sticker and commemorative coffee can from Bongo Java.

After making a few tomato-themed purchases, we decided to peruse the hoards of booths crowding the streets. There were restaurateurs, insurance salesmen, book vendors and clothing designers. You name it, there was probably a vendor selling it. I pocketed a handful of business cards, but couldn't commit to purchasing anything today. At 90+ degrees, it was just too hot to carry anything. My mom, on the other hand, picked up a piece of wooden folk art.

We finished the day at Fanny's House of Music. This instrument store doubles as a haven for vintage lovers. I walked away empty-handed, but there were some fabulous pieces. Now that it's on my radar, I'll definitely be going back.

If you're in the Nashville area and missed out on this morning's activities, don't fret. There are still events going on! Click here for a complete schedule. And don't think we starved ourselves during this celebration of food. The culinary experiences of The Tomato Fest deserve a post of their own. Check back later tonight for all our dining adventures!

For more photos from the festival click below!

 Every year the festival hosts a bumper sticker contest. These are some of the winners from years past.

 My mom and I both entered the "Guess how many tomatoes are in a jar" contest at Wonders on Woodlawn.

 My mom bought her folk art dove from the man who owns this van!

 The star of the show!

 Being a musical theater nerd, I thought this was hilarious!

 How cute are these tomato tutus?

We stumbled upon this fabulous vintage Lilly dress in Fanny's House of Music. The silhouette wasn't my style, but I absolutely loved the pattern!

Anticipation

I don't know what people did before online shopping. More specifically, I don't know what people did before online sample sales. Designer clothes for cheap and I barely have to lift a finger? There must be a catch. All in all, they're pretty terrific, but it takes forever for purchases to come in the mail.

A few weeks ago, I ordered a super-cute Rachel Pally dress through one of Hautelook's blow-out sales. I got a great deal on it, but it's no where in sight! I recognize that I'm being a bit impatient, but cross your fingers that it comes before I leave for school next week. My order status suggests an estimated delivery around August 14, but the dress hasn't shipped yet.

Have any of y'all ordered through Hautelook? How long did your order take?

Back to School Dream Shopping

If budgetary concerns weren't an issue, back-to-school shopping would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where my wardrobe is more Target than Tibi.  Here's what I'd buy if I had a Bill Gates'-sized bank account:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag ($228)
2. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys Dinner Plate ($16)
3. Tory Burch Leather Elle Boot ($495)
4. Kate Spade Bow Ring ($75)
5. Susana Monaco Billow Sleeve Dress ($172)

Readers, what big ticket items are on your wish list for fall? 

Inspired by: Eat, Pray, Love

This past weekend, jewelry was one of the only things that wasn't considered tax free. Naturally, I gravitated toward bling every time I stepped foot in a store. It quickly became necessary to satisfy my jewelry craving before I blew my entire back-to-school budget on bangles from Kate Spade, so I popped into 10,000 Villages.

With over 70 retail locations across the US, 10,000 Villages strives to provide fair income to Third World artisans by marketing their products to shoppers in the US and Canada. It's always my go-to store for affordable, eye-catching jewelry. This trip I came home with two unique bracelets.

Both bangles were made in India and have a very Eat, Pray, Love feel to them. One is beautifully hand painted with an intricate design, and the other, a simple pewter bolt.  At $10 each, I challenge you to find a better deal. To shop online or find a store near you, click here to visit the company's website.

Catalog Living

Looking for a laugh? Head over to Catalog Living. My friend Hadley blogged about it a few days ago, and I've been hooked ever since. The satirical blog delves into the fictional lives of people who live in catalogs and their ridiculous home decor. Absolutely hilarious.

Fall Fashion Inspiration

 

(Nanette Lepore Fall Fashion Sketch) 

Earlier today, my sister introduced me to Pantone, a digital report showcasing this fall's hottest colors and trends from some of fashion's most well-known designers. Trust me when I say it's slightly addicting. I've literally spent hours pouring over the sketches, color pallets, designer must-haves and quotes displayed in a magazine-esque format. 

 

Before you blow those summer paychecks on back-to-school fashions, I recommend consulting this colorful style forecast. Need a brief summary? Focus your funds on pieces featuring icy grays, deep plums, warm coppers and rich turquoise blues. 

 

Readers, will y'all be sticking to the trends of Pantone's fall color report?

Click below for more designer quotes and sketches of this fall's trendiest looks:

 

David Rodriguez cites "Smoke Pearl" as his signature color for this fall's collection. I love the pattern on his sleek top.

Designer Amy Smilovic lists her many inspirations for Tibi's  fall line: 

"The romantic standard of masculine and feminine, hero and heroine, Napoleon and Josephine, Samson and Delilah; the works of Peter Beard led to the ethereal nature and feel of prints and palette, as supple hues merge and slide, appearing cracked and crumbled, fusing animal prints, natural textures and shadows of the wild"

Elie Tahari's copper tones and warm neutrals are complemented by his signature color(s):"Varying shades of Blue that invoke feelings of optimism." How poetic. 

I've always been a fan of Rebecca Taylor's whimsical ruffles and feminine color pallet, and this sketch for her fall collection is no exception.

Prior to discovering Pantone, I had never heard of Tadashi Shoji or his fashion line. Now I can't wait to see more. His must-have item, a "Blue Coral silk georgette and lace tiered mini dress" is to die for, no?

(Image Credits: Pantone)