Drop everything.

And tell me…

How does one do this to their hair? This swoopy, swirly thing?  I need to know!

photos from Ruche’s Latest Lookbook

Deep blue feels like the color equivalent of one of those friends you’ve just met but feel like you’ve known all of your life.  It is “in” at the moment.  “The new black” as they say. Yet wasn’t it there all along? Paired with white in a bold stripe or standing in the background helping a fellow color really stand out.  Well now is this cool hue’s time to shine.

Here are a few ways I love to see it done:

Rustic and quietly striking with tan/gold and white…

Navy blue could not be a better mate for oranges, salmons, fuschias and corals. I really hope to have at least one room someday displaying this perfect match.

to see more about-and purchase-the items featured above, click here

oh the Style of the rich and famous

People are crazy for Pippa these days and because it’s one perty bandwagon i’m gonna jump right on

Let’s face it.  She knows exactly what she’s doing and she does it well.

She, my friends, is a smart lesson to follow (although she has one very important thing i happen to lack… a smokin’ hot body… and gams that tempt me to think she’s been climbing English firs).

So we take what we can

People Mag put a nice little presentation together already. Let’s point out some highlights.  Lights off.  Projector rolling…

Pippa is a pro at monochromatic.  Beware of copying though.  Unless your mono-color of choice is a dark one–or you have tone in both figure and skin like hers–the head-to-toe neutrals might wash out, fatten, and other ghastly things.  Practice with caution.  I have to say that the outfit on the right is probably my favorite of hers period.

Great outfit overall but have to call out that bag.  Want it.

I’m not in love with all color-blocked garm but this ones got me.  Must have something to do with the navy blue- my fave color of late.

Speaking of my favorite color…  Pippa and I would definitely be friends because we obviously agree on the fantastic combo of deep blue with popping shades of pink.  And that blazer just up and turned daytime casual into sassy nightwear.

And underneath it all, the shoes are all wise.  Classy, pretty, basic and very versatile.  We know this because looking through catalogues of Pippas style shows quite a few repeats faithful constants in shoes and bags.  Again- the girl knows what she likes and is obviously confident in it.  I admire that. And lets face it- to us humble commonfolk, its nice to know those with the wide and seductive sartorial world at their fingertips still have just that small part of their closet they always return to.

How gorgeous is this Ruche Southern-inspired Lookbook?

Can’t you just feel the sweat and romance?

Reminds me of these guys

so I told you there would be more on Downton Abbey.

I thought about “touring” the house or discussing the sometimes counter-culture relationships between the downstairs (servants) and upstairs (servees) or putting up large pictures of Thomas and O’brien allowing us to throw runny slop at their pixel-ized faces.

No, instead I’ll opt for my M.O. – obsessing over wardrobes and the girls I wish I looked like who wear them.  All of the daughters have their own lovely style but I’m unoriginal and typical and set my highest adorations on Lady Mary Crawley played by Michelle Dockery (add me to your hate list Lady Edith).  I drool over those dresses.

My absolute favorite of them all…I nearly choked and had to pause the show and snap a picture. Could someone please make this for me?

At first I did not know if I liked Lady Mary Crawley and to be sure there is much in her to sway one in a less esteeming direction.  Yet whether its by sympathy or simply admiration of a strong will, it’s easy to find yourself rooting for her as the series goes on. Do you think so?

I find her to be one of those women that just exudes gracefulness and that’s an effect that can’t just be made up and acted out.  So naturally- i’ve already stalked Michelle Dockery (the actress who plays Mary) and found her- at least in photo- to be just as charming. And gorgeous! And with a fantastic style of her own.

Have that funny feeling when watching the show that you’ve “seen that person somewhere before”?  See if you can  spot the stars of Downton Abbey

photo cred

The recent trends of heeled platforms and clogs have evened out into the latest fad for your pads: the flatform (flat platform).

As a short-legged gal I can appreciate the slimming, confidence-boosting rise they’re sure to give.  And the idea of keeping those arches down nice and low pleases the comfort seeker in me.  However I can’t decide if they’ll really give me that “All the world’s a stage (and it’s underneath my feet)” feeling or if I’ll feel like I stepped in a lumberyard with hot glue on my hooves.

What do you think?  Have you tried them yet?  How do they feel?

A few styles I enjoy (i’m a total bore i know):

Just in time for Derby, the Royal Wedding was a runway of hats and fascinators fit for a future queen (and the racetrack.) Some of the highlights:

Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice

Zara Phillips

The Queen herself, in a design by her personal assistant Angela Kelly

Princess Mathilde of Belgium

Princess Letizia of Spain

David and Victoria Beckham (my pick for best-dressed!)

Lady Frederick Windsor

Tara Parker-Tomkinson (in blue)

Miriam Gonzalez

Frances Osborne

Many of the hats seen at the wedding were designed by London-based milliner Philip Treacy.

(All photos from People.com)

If it looks anything like this, we’ll be doing ok.

Introducing J.Crew Fall 2011 collection.  What do you think?

Well lookie here what I just uncovered!! (And now is when i find out if  the use of “lookie here” turns away blog readers in addition to making real writers and more refined cultural surveyors hiccup their pre-lunch snack).

Whilst admiring this amazing deal I stumbled across a shining prize-all this time in plain site of  the dimmest of wayfarers.  How have i missed this for so long? My gift-giving has suffered indeed.  Fossil Finds Who knew?  Definitely not just for watches.

Allow me to introduce you to my dream Croquet Set.

And i’ll tell ya- I am also quite the fan of  their easy-breezy effortless Spring/Summer stylin’ (big surprise i know).

Might possibly almost make the prospect of a hot humid summer slightly maybe more enjoyable.  Maybe…

Front porch sweet tea here I come!

This is my idea of the perfect romper.  And I already plan to have a scarf wrapped around my head daily.

And that most important deciding factor… Yes, there are lots of great items for sale (with names like Fiona, Cordelia, and Dinah too)!