Take me to Rio

This girl, Joanna, was captured by our street savvy photographer at The Sartorialist during a trip to Brazil's capital city. In Rio de Janeiro, the fashion is almost hotter than the weather and so are the average pedestrians. This picture took my breath away. Certainly it takes a special kind of woman to pull off a red dress on any given day, but I found it was more of the simplicity in this outfit that fascinated me. It appears as though Joanna has compiled an incomparable look, but admiring more closely, you can see just how easily accessorized this ensemble is. An emerald ring, the brown sandals paired with a brown satchel, classic wayfarers, and most of all, the glamorous head scarf. If you're taking a holiday to somewhere warm or you would just like to keep this in mind once the weather turns brighter, I have created my own version of Joanna from Rio.

By mollybryn featuring Rue Du Mail dresses

Pretty in Pink

Photos by misswallflower and we<3it

Live The Life You Love

photos found on misswallflower

Beauty Mark

One of the best things, or maybe one of the only things, about living in a middle-of-nowhere town in the Northwest hills of Connecticut, is the boutiques. In efforts to save on gas and mileage, I have restrained from too many mall trips this winter and have ventured instead, to the small, high-end boutiques on the Litchfield green or New Milford's Bank St. They are few and far between, but are true gems in a town with not much else going on.

One of my favorite spots is the mix-up collections at Hayseed. Selling everything from high-end to local designers, with decorations from Paris to a farm stand in Bethlehem, the place aches with an irresistible weirdness. My mom and I have a hard time just strolling by Hayseed because their window always has something we're craving. On a recent walk through the Litchfield Green before an early dinner at the local Village Restaurant, we decided it was time to splurge a little. Long ago, our heart skipped a few beats after seeing an A-line party dress designed by Byron Lars for his, Beauty Mark. My mom found one with a similar fashion and structure, on sale and just her size. She looks absolutely stunning and we both vowed devotion to Byron Lars, a man who has finally created a dress that flatters our figure and truly understands the female shape.

Byron Lars SS 2010

French Grace

Ok, so I couldn't resist. I attempted to ensemble something a little French just for fun. Using mostly Dior, Lanvin, or Chloe, typical pieces in Marion Cotillard's wardrobe, I figured something beautiful had to evolve. It's also quite expensive, so I'll resort back to daydreaming in envy.

Fair Marion, Emblem of Grace

1. Dress- Christian Dior $2, 015
2. Cardigan- Lliann Loeb $404
3. Silk Briefs and Bra Set- 3.1 Phillip Lim $75 each
4.  Wood & Canvas Wedges- Chloe $650
5. Leather Tote- Lanvin $1, 012
6. Script Watch- Juicy Couture $175
7. Tortoiseshell Sunglasses- Chloe $111
8. Color Fever Gloss in Blackberry- Lancome $28
9. High Definition Mascara in Brown- Lancome $25
10.  Mattifying Rice Papers- L'Occitane $8.40
11. Rosemary Organic Body Moisturizer- Bamford $64
12. Hand Sanitizer- Burt's Bees $6

Style Inspired :: Marion Cotillard

The French in my life extends only to my obsession with the film Amelie, a local creperie in Boston called Paris, a spritz of Coco Chanel perfume, and an occasional baguette smothered in fresh brie. As much as I wish I could speak the beautiful language, or that I could eat with the best of them and still manage to look like them, I realize that my infatuation with French culture must remain in everlasting envy. Although it has recently come to my attention that when I think of all things French, one woman comes to mind. She has the flawless, iconic style of the old-grace that was once Hollywood. She wears fresh, natural beauty both on her face and in her body that all feminine identities must admire. Marion Cotillard is the living, breathing reason I will never fake French-ness; that kind of elegance is incomparable.

Spring Trend Alert: Blazers, Nauticals, and Crisp Cottons

For the upcoming season, it seems nerd chic is back from winter's hibernation. Sure, with typical preps like Ralph Lauren, we see anchors, flags, and nauticals galore! But now, it seems, other designers have caught on to the sporty look and adopted additional simple pieces like blazers and cotton button-downs in order to acclimate for the utmost comfort during Spring's unpredictable weather. This shoot embellishes the sexy-smart look in a secret garden, with secretary glasses, oxford flats, and strung out stars.

BEN SHERMAN JACKET; BETSEY JOHNSON CORSET; ACNE SKIRT. JENNIFER OUELLETTE HAT; GILES & BROTHER BY PHILIP CRANGI EARRINGS; BEN-AMUN BRACELET; ADA HANDBAGS SUEDE BELT; THE GENERIC MAN SHOES.

CHEAP MONDAY TRENCH; PETIT BATEAU TOP; LEVI'S SKIRT. ON RIGHT: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM COAT AND SHORTS; C&C CALIFORNIA T-SHIRT. JENNY BIRD EARRINGS; FENDI EYEWEAR GLASSES; G.H. BASS & CO. SADDLE SHOES.

AUL SMITH BLAZER, SHORTS AND BOW TIE; REPLAY COTTON AND LINEN BLOUSE. GUESS EARRINGS; LITTLE ROOMS RING; ADA HANDBAGS BELT; THE GENERIC MAN SHOES.

NAUTICA WOMEN’S SPORTSWEAR DRESS. OLIVER PEOPLES GLASSES; PAUL SMITH BELT. OPPOSITE: BB DAKOTA PANTSUIT; G-STAR BLOUSE.

SPIEWAK POPLIN TRENCH; AGAVE COTTON AND ELASTERELL JEANS.TOTES UMBRELLA; CHURCH’S LEATHER BROGUES.

G-STAR COTTON GAGE BODYSUIT. CAROLINA AMATO LEATHER GLOVES; FALKE HOSIERY; BRIAN ATWOOD LEATHER PUMPS.

Photos by Amanda Pratt

Behind the Scenes Video

Yo Baby, You Shadyy!

According to the Farmer's Almanac, we are gaining about 1-3 minutes of sunlight per day over the next month. I'm sure you've begun to notice it has started to stay lighter longer. As much as I hate post-Christmas winter, I love this aspect of the new year. The slowly stretching days give the anticipation for spring and that hopeful feeling that you no longer have to be in your pajamas by 6 p.m. just because it's dark out.  With more sunlight, comes the necessity for more sun coverage. Of course, sun protection should be a year-round habit, but I like to take this a step further and use the season's brighter days as an excuse to start browsing for new shades. Most designers start springing (hehe) new styles on us around this time of year in hopes that we prepare a little early for spring break or summer vacation, and I fall for it every time.

Here's my top five:

Oliver Peoples: Sheldrake, Iconic Styles

Oliver Peoples: Iliana, Resort/Spring 2010

Ray-Ban: New Release Clubmaster

Chloe: Tilia

Lanvin: Pilot Framed Aviators

How are your shades looking?