Real Housewives of New York Re-Cap 07/16/2012

I've been watching the Real Housewives series since the original Real Housewives of Orange County aired in 2006.  I have to say that my favorite installations are the DC and New York housewives.  For the most part, the women of DC and New York are classy, and their interactions are realistic, understandable, and sans fist fight something rarely seen on reality television today.

So, let's recap episode 7!  

With so many members of the aristocracy on this season, taking the cast to London, was the perfect move for Heather to do in episode 6.  The London trip continued into episode 7, where Carole expresses her annoyance with LuAnn's tendency to "one up" everyone else and LuAnn's lack of originality.  I got a kick out of Carole and LuAnn's interactions.  Carole's choice to "one up" LuAnn with everything that she said in hopes of getting LuAnn back were funny to watch.  But the funniest thing on the show was the party that was hosted by Sonja's new special events company for Aviva and Reid's fifth anniversary party.  I was definitely underwhelmed by the party itself.  It made me wonder if Sonja even plans her own parties that we've seen earlier in the season.  Her parties are glamorous, with great food, good wine, and well considered guest lists.  However, Aviva's party was the complete opposite.  This party went off with quite a few hitches.  There was not a signature dish, as promised in the previous episode, and I couldn't put my finger on it, but everyone seemed slightly over dressed for what was ultimately delivered.  The most notable hitch was the entertainment.  The pop singer would have been appropriate for a Sweet 16, but an anniversary party for forty-somethings?  Not so much.  If you haven't seen this week's episode, please  check it out.  It's hilarious, and brings with it the weekly dose of manageable drama.  

- PB 

Beauty Samples Galore!

So, I'm probably late to the party, but better late than never, right?  I received a subscription to Birchbox for my birthday, and I've been slightly obsessed with it ever since.  Birchbox is a company that sends its subscribers product samples on a monthly basis in a cute little box like this.  Since redeeming my subscription I've gotten a number of perfume samples, tea, bronzer, and lip gloss! So, if you haven't already started using Birchbox, I suggest that you do!  It's a great way to learn about up and coming brands and new products.

New York Fashion Week (Thus Far!)

So, I told myself that I was going to try to wait until the week was over to do a blog post, but clearly that's not what's happening here.  There are so many wonderful clothes coming out on the runway for Fall 2012, that I just have to share some of my favorites!

If there's any commonality among the clothing from this season, I would have to say that many of the looks seem to be inspired by the professional woman's look that pervaded office buildings nationwide from the late 1970s to present day.  The looks are classic and the fabrics are luxe adding a bit of soul to formerly lifeless and monotone looks.  All Images Courtesy of vogue.com

With this 1920s inspired maroon ruched dress from Tory Burch, I can almost hear the music playing from Gatsby's backyard.  The form fitting ensemble is accentuated with elbow length leather gloves and spectator t-strap pumps.

 

 

This fall coat from Victoria Beckham's collection in taupe is gorgeous.  The combination of patent leather detailing and military detailing in the shoulders and button work makes this coat a winner in my book.

This look from Thakoon's RTW collection is fully of color and texture.  It's a little bit 1960s mod with the incorporation of hot pink and orange color blocking in the skirt, but the exaggerated bagged waist line makes gives this ensemble an otherworldly look.   

Here Tory Burch pairs a burgundy textured leather trench coat with 70s inspired plaid slacks.  Together with loafer  pumps and a floral chain link bag for a pop of color, the look is perfect for a Sunday stroll in the park. 

Soo, if you can't tell by now, I LOVE coats.  This gray wrap coat from Carolina Herrera is accentuated with a distinct belt and dresses up any outfit. 

This Week in Fashion

Images Courtesy of Essence.com

Halle Berry was seen cruising the streets of Los Angeles in a loose fitting sheath style dress with a natural colored rope belt and snake print gladiator sandals.  She accessorized with a large gray leather tote.

Zoe Kravitz is seen here in an ensemble reminiscent of summers in The Great Gatsby.  She wears a straw hat, brown round frame glasses, a sleeveless blue plaid romper, nubuck colored cross body bag and distressed oxfords with bobby socks to complete the look.  Daisy Buchannan would be proud.

Beyonce and Jay-Z arrive in Du Galle airport in Paris.  Beyonce sports a leopard print romper with an oversized pattern.

Selita Ebanks is seen here wearing a fuchsia cocktail dress with leopard print booties.

This weeks fashion indicates that animal print and rompers are still in!

Spring Prints

 

Image courtesy of the ybf.com 

Journey Smollett is seen here in an airy butterfly print dress.  She's paired it with pewter leather clutch and soft gold peep toe pumps.  This is a perfect day into night for the warmer spring months.  

Springtime in the City

Picture courtesy of Essence.com 

Selita Ebanks is seen  here strolling the streets of New York.  She sports a chic bob haircut, tan trench coat, leopard print clutch and snake skin stiletto pumps.  By incorporating pieces and accessories from the same color family, she has successfully combined two animal prints.  

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: A Big Heart

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

A giving and kind heart is the best accessory that a man can have.  Isn't this picture just adorable?