WHAT I REALLY REALLY WANT

Moving Party!

2011-03-11T13:21:00.000-06:00

Hello my lovelies! You're invited to a moving party...

This blog is DEAD!

Find me at my all new site:

http://www.fashflood.com

You can follow on RSS at the bottom of my main page or follow me on Bloglovin' HERE:

http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2339649/fash-flood/follow

See you real soon,
Rah

(Photo // Julia Ottavianina)

Mexico, Abandonment & New Beginnings

2011-01-05T16:20:00.002-06:00

Are you there readers? It's me, ~~Margaret~~ Sarah. You may have noticed that I abandoned this blog a few months back.

In Mexico, during my period of blog abandonment.
Sunglasses: F21, Swimsuit: Juicy Couture, Skirt: American Apparel

I had to do it. I hate the way blogger is set up, and have wanted to move over to a wordpress site for awhile now.

As of this week, it's a few minor alterations away from being completely done. I've seen it with my own two eyes, even though my lovely husband (who is building the site for me) told me not to look.

I mean, how could I not look? That's like putting a pair of Tom Ford Nikita sunglasses on my face and telling me to stay away from mirrors. So I hope you're just as excited as I am. The link will go up soon. Until then, all of my updates have been going down here, or on The Reader.com and Omahype.com.
If you haven't seen it, check out my Thrifting Guide on Omahype.

Yours,
Rah

But that’s life. One minute you’re on top of the world, the next minute some secretary’s running you over with a lawn mower.

2010-09-27T13:33:00.005-05:00

Guess who made it into the Top 10 female finalists in the AMC's Mad Men casting call contest? (Try saying that 5x fast, good lord!)

Me! Little old me. Thanks again to everyone that voted so faithfully. A lot of people have been asking me what happens now, so I will try to clarify how everything works from my understanding (via my interpretation of the contest rules)...

HI MOM!

Mad Men Math:

Voters picked 10 men and 10 women = 20 finalists
The shows Creator Matthew Wiener now picks ONE grand prize winner who gets the walk on role, and 2 second prize winners that win fairly substantial Banana Republic gift cards.
So breaking that down a little further, I have a 5% chance of winning. It looks like a female was chosen for the winner last year so hopefully they don't pick a guy just because of that. I am just happy to have made it this far! My ultimate goal for entering this contest was to try and meet the award winning Costume Designer for the show (also designed the amazing costumes for HBO's Deadwood) Janie Bryant, and to maybe get a little advice about entering the world of costume design. Or even just meeting her and seeing the costume department would be lovely!

TOP ROW, SECOND FROM RIGHT

One last thanks to Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios in Omaha for taking this photo.

Love you Bill & Minorwhite!

THE FRENCH DO IT BETTER

2010-09-22T17:16:00.001-05:00

This is the rumored cover for French Vogue's 90th Anniversary edition which features otherworldly dreamgirl Lara Stone. I mean, let's get real. Do you even remember an American Vogue cover that was this intriguing? And it's spot on with what we saw on the fall runways, cleavage, curves and more cleavage. My one wish is that the accompanying spread will be Eyes Wide Shut themed.

Carine Roitfeld this is TO DIE FOR, never stop doin' what you do best.

P.S. Dibs on this for Halloween. How bangin' would a hands-holding-the-girls-up corset be? Does this exist? I smell a DIY coming on...

Xo Rah

DRAPER V. JONES

2010-08-29T22:44:00.004-05:00

She absolutely SLAUGHTERED this dress. The hair, dress and shoes are harmonious. And as much as I adore her Mad Men looks, she's doing a great job here of separating herself from her character on Mad Men, Betty Draper. It's only been a few hours since the red carpet coverage but I'm pretty sure everyone else loathed this gown and is whining about her looking to thin, /shrug.

January Jones in Versace at the 2010 Emmy Awards

I don't have much else to say, I'm too exhausted from my two day photo shoot with Scott Drickey from Minorwhite Studios for Princess Lasertron's look book for her new dress line.

Photos on that to come as soon as I get my hands on 'em!

MY LOVE (almost) DON'T COST A THING

2010-08-19T17:01:00.001-05:00

"God, Carol I know...she is just SO pushy!"

So I'm kind of a high maintenance friend right now. Or maybe always. I don't know.

I've been begging everyone to vote everyday to help me get on Mad Men. Since a lot of people have asked, the contest doesn't end until September 17th, so you can vote everyday until then. I just need to get into the top 10 women, and then it's all up to the Man Men makers (say that 10 times fast).

How wonderful are all my friends and family? No really! All the reposting and linking (and threatening...and husband's facebook account hacking...Kitty I'm looking at you) you've been doing, I think I just might be in lurrrrve with you. My friend Megan aka Princess Lasertron is even going to give out one of her TOTALLY gorg dresses if I get on the show!

Have you ever wanted something more than anything in your whole life and it turns you into a freak a little bit? Have you ever had a feeling that achieving one tiny thing could make all the difference in the world for you? Well this is almost like that. I'm close to desperate and at the same time I'm really close to saying eh, whatevs and letting it go.

"Geez Louise, that Sarah can only dream to 'hive like this."

But I won't. You guys know me. We've got a plaque that says, "PERSISTENCE" on the wall of our bedroom for Christ's sake.

You can click here to vote, and ya'll gotta promise to come back 'round here real soon, y'hear?

"Hey Mad Men, you've got my number, call me?"

Xo Rah

Mad Men Contest Entry

2010-07-30T14:41:00.000-05:00

Today has been an exciting day, I finally had a photo accepted for AMC's Mad Men casting call contest!
Not only that, but since 8 am today I've received 580 votes with the help of all of my friends and family that have been so wonderful with pushing everyone they know to vote as well.
I appreciate you! You guys got me from page 135 this morning with no votes all the way to 580 votes and into the top 10 "most popular" pages of all the contestants.

Granted it will be A LOT harder from here on out to move up, since some of the very top people have close to 20,000 votes (and they're some of the weirdest photos!) but that's alright, I just want to try.

Above is the photo I cropped down to the permitted size and entered into the contest.

VOTE VOTE VOTE LIKE IT'S GOIN' OUT OF STYLE HERE

You can vote everyday, and as I learned this afternoon you can vote more than once if you have multiple browsers on your computer, and you can also vote on your phone. PHEW that's a lot of voting.

I love you guys and thanks again for all your (very fast) support.

Xo Rah

(Photo: Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios)

Miles Aldridge for the Win

2010-07-29T17:03:00.001-05:00

Motivation, Vogue Italia-style. Enjoy!

Of course this is my favorite.

I'm just going to pretend that they were inspired by The Mynabirds' cake fight in "Let the Record Go". It's obvious, right? Miles Aldridge is totally channeling Laura Burhenn.

Xo Rah

(Photos: All photos by Miles Aldridge for Vogue Italia)

PINK DRESS

2010-07-28T18:21:00.003-05:00

These are part two of my photo shoot with with Bill Sitzmann from this spring. Part one, "White Dress" is here.

The whole suitcase situation is loosely inspired by this promotional photo from one of my favorite movies, Crybaby. Traci Lords' character, Wanda is totally the best thing about that whole movie and I am completely inspired by every aspect of her look. The tiny bangs all curled up on her forehead while the rest of her hair remains long, fluffy and curled, the attitude, the bold red lips, the leather jacket over the dress...GAHHHH it just slays me!

This photo (above) is the one they used in Omaha Magazine for my style feature. All photos were (of course) taken by Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios.

I guess I should say a little something about what I was wearing. The most amazing dress in the world is vintage, sheer socks with blue polka dots are from Anthropologie (I bought 4 pairs, favorite socks in the world!), and the silver glittered open toe pumps are Christian Louboutin. They're also the shoes I wore to my wedding this past October.

Were you missing the fake snow from part one? Here we go...

The best (above) of all the snow pictures, I think.

Feel the burrrrrrrn!

Snow was all up in my eyes again so although it's not the most flattering photo, I wanted to show you close up of my jewelry. I think I was wearing like four necklaces. Jewelry was a combination of vintage and Forever 21.

What's that sitting by my arm? Do you see it? The little yellow bag...

IT'S CRACK! Or some other drug, I don't know. None of us were entirely sure, but I think it really sealed the deal to make these last shots my favorite. During the shoot, Colin Conces (also of Minorwhite) stepped on it by accident (after my hair stylist Darcy Covert found it on a mound of dirt and bravely picked it up) and got it all over his shoes. I think he ended up throwing the shoes away or at least had to scrub them down in fear that his dogs would somehow ingest the crack.

Seriously the most ridiculous thing to ever happen to me on a photo shoot. I guess that's what you get when you tell your photographer that you want to shoot in front of one of the most run down strips of (mostly) abandoned housing in Omaha. Omahans, do you recognize it? It's off Leavenworth Street.

Thanks so much again to the Minorwhite guys for shooting me, I'm really looking forward to our shoot next week, for which we ordered 350 freeze dried honeybees.

That's all I'll say, you'll just have to check back for more BUZZ on the bees.

Xo Rah

IN GOD WE TRUST

2010-07-21T12:08:00.002-05:00

Let me tell you about one of my favorite stores in the universe, In God We Trust NYC. When I was in New York this past spring I was running my husband and buddies Lindsey and Dustin all around looking for all of these stores that I shop at online.

I wanted to go to Oak.

I wanted to go to Opening Ceremony.

I wanted to go to Pixie Market.

I (of course) wanted to go to Topshop.

You get the point, I wanted to go to the real stores!

In God We Trust "Horse Bit Socks", $25

But as the story many times goes, the online store ends up being much more amazing than the real thing. During this manic day, we happened to walk by a store with a little flag that said "In God We Trust" on it. I peeked in, cute salesgirls...ok lookin' good so far. I start to scan the front window and see these little beauties on a mannequin, fittingly named, "Horse Bit Socks" (pictured above). Lindsey and I both bought them and disgustingly, I wore them for like two weeks straight. So many ladies asked where they could get them, and there you go (go for it and order me the red ones for my finder's fee!).

Back to my love affair for this store, sadly, everyone wanted to move on and I have so many regrets about things I didn't buy (they had the perfect high-waisted, military green, perfectly fitting shorts that for some reason, I hesitated on).

However, I checked out their small online store when I returned and they have a couple of jewelry items that I really liked when I was there, such as...

In God We Trust "Best Fuckin' Friends Necklace" in sterling silver, $200

and...

In God We Trust "Sweet Nothings Necklace", $40

The "Sweet Nothings Necklace" comes with 22 slightly vulgar optional sweet nothings, such as, "Crazy Sexy Cool" (my personal fav, Oooh on the TLC tip!), "Sweet Tits" (this one is calling my friend Laura's name), "Balls to the Wall", "Eat a Dick", "Let's Make Out" and some that frankly, I just can't name. You can see all the wonderful options here.

So next time you're in NYC or near it, take a cab to In God We Trust. I hope you'll love it like I do.

While we're at it, what are your favorite NYC boutiques?

Xo Rah

P.S. Siiiiiiike (is that still cool to say?)! Not really over, here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip, enjoy!

WHITE DRESS

2010-07-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

These are part one of a shoot I did for Omaha Magazine in Spring of this year. Photos were taken by my dear friend Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios in Omaha. The purpose of the shoot/story was to give a little bit of info about me and to showcase my personal style. They ended up using this photo in their layout, but I wanted to show everyone the rest of the pictures because I love how they turned out.

In this set of photos, I am wearing a vintage dress loaned to me for the shoot by my friend Anna, whom I've written about before. The sash I'm wearing is also hers, and it's made from an old cummerbund (isn't that great? I've started buying them when I see them so I can make more). Floral printed tights are from Urban Outfitters in Omaha. The Gloves are vintage from Second Chance Antiques in Omaha (RIP yellow gloves, sacrificed in the cake fight for the Mynabirds video). Shoes are from Von Maur in Omaha and are Betsey Johnson. My giant Amy Winehouse-inspired hive (we totally took it to another level, beat that Amy!) was done by Darcy Covert of ~~Omaha~~ Chicago (as of this week). Always the control freak, I did my own makeup and all other props are my own.

See that teacup? My original plan was to tie it in my hair and to balance it on my head, like I was trying to balance a book. But living in Nebraska you always have to have a backup plan. It was windy that day, and my hair already emitted enough personality on it's own (really though, it was just a wee bit smaller than Marge Simpson's! Darcy shoved an entire wig in there!) so we decided that I would just throw fake snow out of it.

One of the best things about working with Bill is that he doesn't always want everything to be pretty. He always has me making the most awful, wicked witch-like faces possible.

I love this one (above). Enlarge and check out my address.

Did I mention it was windy? Oh I did? Well, did I mention that fake snow BURNS LIKE HELL when it hits your eyes?

Real tears! I'm trying to hold my eyes open here after globs of fake snow just blew into my eye. My head kind of looks over sized here...very Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland-esque, no?

So much fun. Thanks to Omaha Magazine and Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios for featuring me.

Stay tuned for part two of this shoot later this week!

Xo Rah

LET THE RECORD GO

2010-07-12T14:51:00.000-05:00

The Mynabirds - Let The Record Go from Saddle Creek on Vimeo.

This spring I had a chance to participate in a music video with some of my loveliest friends for The Mynabirds, which is Laura Burhenn's new band (formerly of Georgie James). "What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood" is the title of the Mynabird's first record, available now on Saddle Creek. It was so much fun to participate, I mean really, isn't it every girl's dream to smash cake in the faces of their friends?

The whole process and styling of the video was amazing, we filmed for almost a whole day but everything was edited down to about two minutes to fit with the video's song, "Let the Record Go". This song is one of, if not my favorite song on this record. Laura's voice is so beautiful it's almost haunting.
Most of the clothing for this video was vintage and it was all our own. I showed up that morning with two giant bags and a suitcase full of clothing, shoes and accessories (gloves, furs and almost ALL of my jewelry) and the rest of the girls did the same. Hair was done by Jessica Brown of Halo Studios in Omaha. In the end a few gloves and things were sacrificed due to the nature of the video (HELLO, CAKE FIGHT) but it was so worth it.

Here are some additional photos taken by Anna, Laura and Jess between filming, enjoy!

Pre-Cake Fight

'Aint nobody here but us chickens, havin' a tea party

From the Left: Anna Rafferty, Jessica Ewald, Laura Burhenn, Susan Sanchez and Me

Isn't Susan's hat incredible? It was completely covered in feathers.

Stepford wives?

Can I live in this apartment please?

Post-Cake Fight

What? Do I have something on my face?!

XoXo Rah

MY BRAIN JUST EXPLODED

2010-07-08T16:02:00.002-05:00

Jeremy Scott + Adidas Spring/Summer 2011

Ironic and hilarious, plus everything I wanted in a sneaker when I was 8.
Head over ~~heels~~ teddy bear sneakers, guys.

(Photos: High Snobiety, See Additional Photos HERE)

Galliano, Boy George & Dr. Seuss

2010-07-06T14:40:00.001-05:00

Galliano for Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2010

This evil genius disguised as a mere designer has done it again with an unlikely show for fall 2010. Florals normally deemed only spring appropriate were pushed aside for explosive orchids, bright neons and purples that just work. Loads of '50s inspired leather accents (yellow gloves!) all topped off by updated Boy George-esque eye makeup makes everything fit for what is sure to be one of the most eye-catching collections in haute couture this fall.
Hair was done up into giant plumes taking it a step farther than the towering beehives at Prada F/2010, and actually dipping into Dr. Seuss territory. Faces and hair were partially masked with what appears to be deep magenta and purple cellophane, which is clearly referencing back to the whole floral theme.
Something about this collection is just so native. It's clearly not a collection to be ignored; The way the enlarged orchid prints peeps through the much darker gowns roughens this collection up a (needed) little bit. The orchids seem to melt into an almost dip-dyed look and work so well unexpectedly placed under the solids so greatly incorporated into this collection.

Sah-woon.

LIFE BLOOD

2010-07-05T21:51:00.001-05:00

Miu Miu F/W 2010 Campaign Promo.

I painted my spare room in this campaign's featured shade of orange out of sheer insanity/impatience for this collection to come out.

More to come on that.

X, Rah

What's New(ish)?

2010-07-02T12:58:00.002-05:00

This week I've had a friend message me asking where all my style related Facebook posts went, if I'd been too busy to write. Someone else asked me what "following" Fash Flood meant.

Don't be a Crybaby, allow me to clarify...

I started a Facebook group called Fash Flood to serve as an interactive extension of my blog. That makes it sounds much more complicated and high-tech than it is; Basically, I don't always feel it necessary to write about, say, a single pair of shoes that only a member of Kiss could love. I just want to post a link and discuss them with you. I also want to be able to filter some of my personal life out of this blog/Fash Flood on Facebook.

So I moved, kind of.

So, you'll still get the long version here, but for the shorter conversational-based version, join my Facebook group Fash Flood or follow me on Twitter.

I hope that explains things. Have a great Fourth of July weekend!

Xo Rah

(Lower photo by Bill Sitzmann of Minorwhite Studios for Omaha Magazine. Hair by Darcy Covert of Claude's Beautorium)

Filed under: Weddings

2010-07-02T10:39:00.001-05:00

Here's Zach and Lindsey's engagement photo shoot with Stan Jones Photography of Lincoln, Nebraska .

"Yes, we're from the Depression era and hanging out on a farm lookin' gorgeous, what?"

Don't have much to say other than holy shit I have some gorgeous friends.

Doesn't Lindsey look so classic in that last one? God I feel like Cher Horowitz talking about my deceased mother right now, "Wasn't my mom a total Betty?"

Lindsey you ARE a total Betty!

Among other reasons why I think these photos are so grand, I think that the clean simplicity of their clothing makes for total perfection. The hair is right, the suspenders are right, Lindsey's shoes are so right.

Love you guys!

(Photos: Stan Jones Photography)

Make-a-Grown-(Wo)Man-Cry

2010-06-30T14:57:00.009-05:00

Black or leopard, which do you prefer?

Senso "Wilma" Pony Hair Platform Booties/$159.95 available for pre-order at Solestruck

These are so affordable that I fear they'll be less than exquisitely made. I have awhile to decide if I want them, since there's nothing about these that says summer. Perhaps I'll just get them in black leather since pony hair doesn't really mix well with Nebraska snow and I don't really have many plain black leather shoes, if any at all.

Maybe I like them because I really wanted these from Elizabeth and James (below), but feared I wouldn't want to wear them when they arrived. Something about them seems like they would be unbearable to wear, but I don't know. Could be wrong.
And there's also a chance that I'm just channeling my desire for these from Giuseppe Zanotti (below), as I posted about on my facebook group this morning.

It's just one big funnel from what I can afford to what I really want. Le Sigh.

(Images via Solestruck.com, Zappos.com & Shopbop.com)

PRADA FLYYY EYEZ + READER REQUEST

2010-06-25T14:36:00.009-05:00

Did I ever announce the winner of the Prada Postcards sunglasses poll?
Doesn't the way I worded that make it sound like I was GIVING something away? Welp, until I've cleared just a few more hurdles to become the next Oprah and I can tell everyone of my readers to look under their computer chairs TO FIND A PAIR OF GLAHHHH-SEEEESSSSSS!!!!!! (picture me at my desk saying "glasses" Oprah-style over and over while I type)...I'll just announce the winner here and show you a few photos of my sweet new thangs.
Thanks to everyone who voted and made this major life decision easier.

CLEAR (Biarritz) was the winner!

Anyways, I really love my new sunglasses but if I was going to whine just a little tiny bit about anything it would be that the lenses aren't very dark at all, so buyer beware. It would probably be really easy to get the lenses changed out for darker ones but I can't stand the thought of watching some barely out of their teens Optometric tech operating on precious glasses and accidentally ruining them.

Right-o, getting to the major point of this post, one of my lovely readers Jill made a request (or was it a threat...?) that I post some lipstick recommendations since she is well aware that I spend most of my big bucks (big bucks = less than a teacher makes per year) on lipsticks. MAC "Ruby Woo" is my all time favorite lipstick, but that's nothing new so without further ado, here are a few of my recent favs. I only picked four because all that trying on and wiping off of lipsticks and liners kind of turns your lips into a little bit of a wasteland for a second. So I will post part two of my favorite lipsticks another day.

Top to Bottom:
Lipstick Queen- Saints Sheer Lipstick in "Coral" glossy finish (a great neutral lipstick with a little bit of shine)
MAC- "Snob" stain finish (my friend Courtney showed me this one and people either love it or hate it)
MAC- "Morange" amplified creme finish (this lipstick is NEON orange, the photo doesn't quite do it justice)
MAC- "Russian Red" matte finish (a favorite of Dita Von Teese)

Have a good weekend everyone!
Xo Rah

LOUIS VUITTON Fall 2010 Campaign

2010-06-24T14:46:00.007-05:00

Don't you just adore the direction fashion is heading in right now?
I feel truly inspired by the way the majority of my favorite designers (Galliano, Prada, Jacobs) are taking from the '40s through '60s for their Fall collections this year.
This ad campaign seriously makes me grin from ear to ear. It's just so right!
(click photos for better detail)

Ponytails are to-die-for.

Christy Turlington are you really wearing a full leather skirt? AMAZING!!!

The prints! The textures! Gahhhh!

(Photos: Fashion Gone Rogue taken by Steven Meisel featuring Christy Turlington, Natalia Vodianova & Karen Elson)

Michellitary!

2010-05-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

So I think everyone has gathered that I work for Goodwill. My office is connected to a retail store, and I've been digging through the coat section looking for a military jacket that isn't 9XL or camouflage pretty much everyday since I posted about this little gem of a collection and saw Gisele all officered-up (I'm allowed to make up words here) lookin like KL in Vogue. No such luck.
I think my problem is that I can't get past not owning most utterly perfect military-inspired jacket available to woman:

Marc Jacobs Military Jacket with Frill Detail, $2,351.02

I mean really guys, you can't beat it. YOU CAN'T. How is a girl supposed to find a coat even up to half of those standards? If I had the jacket, I would pair it with tiny little khaki shorts like Gisele's, nude or cream sheer knee socks and either a short boot with a super high heel or nude heels. Ta-da!

P.S. Why is this called Michellitary you ask? My lovely lady friend Michelle told me last night that I don't post enough, so this is post #2 for today, all for you sister!

Xo Rah

PRADA POSTCARDS: Clearly it's Time for a Vote

2010-05-28T09:57:00.003-05:00

"Prada has launched six pairs of sunglasses as part of the “POSTCARDS” series for the spring/summer 2010. The acidulated and acetated crystal glasses are the famous plexi-neon which is in vogue this season."

Blah Blah Blah all you need to know is that I'm getting these glasses. I saw the campaign, made some calls and figured out how I am going to get them.

The only question is do I want the green (Forte Dei Marmi), the pink (Santa Monica) or the clear (Biarritz)?

Original knee-weakening ad:

Am I incorrect in believing that these are the glasses that our buckwild buddy Beyoncé is wearing in the last photo here? THIS IS TRUE LOVE GUYS!

Color Choices:

I'm leaning towards the clear, but probably just because she's wearing them in the ad. Plus, I love how they look with that orange lipstick and it looks just like the MAC "Morange" lipstick I bought yesterday.

You can see the rest of the color choices here

VOTE VOTE VOTE for the color you like on the top right corner of my blog, you can't miss it. I can't wait to see what everyone picks!

Xo Rah

Why Don't You Love Me (Enough to Give Me Everything You Wore in this Video)?

2010-05-05T21:55:00.015-05:00

Have you seen this?

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

When did Beyoncé get so ~~fierce~~ BUCKWILD???!

I think the song is kind of boring and extremely repetitive, but the styling in this video is KILLER. B should definitely try to keep this look up.

Favorite things time:

'60s eye make-up featuring a guest appearance by liquid eye-liner tears

this swimsuit (really though, why don't you love her?)

ginormous chunky rings and robin egg blue nails

floral (maybe D&G?) lingerie

this wig, THOSE BANGS

giant broach on her hat with an honorable mention for the cat eye shades

and finally, the clear cat eye glasses, I would love to own those

Does anyone know who did the styling on this video? If I ever get $rich$ I'm going to hire them to buy all my bedroom clothes.

Xo Rah

Again Girls, What's My Weakness?

2010-05-03T15:42:00.013-05:00

MIU MIU! Yep, as some guessed, my major shoe news was that I got a slightly different (and less expensive) version of my bubblegum wonderheaven dream shoes.
They're navy and white satin and did I mention GLORIOUS?

Shout out to Miss Rachel Briggs for playing "Yo, Sarah I spied those at Nordstrom's on Michigan Avenue yesterday" with me. I owe you one (or five)!

Howard waiting for his turn to try them on. I keep telling him they don't come in puppy sizes but he's been scouring Shopstyle.com for them anyways.

Now I just need these and these and I'll never want anything again.

Or for a few days.

(See more about this look at my Lookbook.nu)

Xo Rah

A (Miu Miu) Haunting

2010-04-27T14:38:00.011-05:00

Willy Vaderperre recently filmed models Lindsay Wixson and Mariacarla Boscono playing beautiful, youthful (Miu Miu wearing) ghosts for an AnOther Magazine exclusive video. Filming took place at 34 Avenue Foch, Maisons-alfort, Paris, in a Louis XVI-styled mansion dating back to 1854. Miuccia Prada also presented her Miu Miu A/W 2010 show (pictured above) here, among others in the past. She spoke of the film and its location calling the mansion, "A rich source of domestic associations, conjuring images of childhood as the girls wander through its many rooms."

From AnOther.com:
Willy Vanderperre’s fashion film of the Miu Miu collection, exclusively commissioned for the AnOther website, has this idea of placelessness at its core: 34, Avenue Foch becomes simultaneously a real place and a fairy-tale playground for a young Alice in Wonderland character looking through the looking glass, finding herself in a world where logic and reason are skewed. "Lindsey’s character is young and playful, open to discovering new territories in her black silk and wool dresses and coats with silk and metal flowers and bows," says stylist Olivier Rizzo of the protagonist, "and Mariacarla is there to guide her into the pleasures of adulthood, in her violet mohair fur, warm and comforting."

Video provided by: AnOther Magazine

Click & Strip Advertising

2010-04-27T10:09:00.006-05:00

I was drawn to this photo because of the model's (Emily Didonato) hair. I stayed because of the idea behind it.
It's part of a series from Chanel and Eres; Starting out the model will be dressed in layers of Chanel, but as you click, it strips her down to only Eres undergarments. What an interesting way to bring two lines together! This concept could truly be applied to a variety of accessories, clothing, swimwear etc.

You can see more of this campaign mid-May at Eresparis.com.

On a side note, I'm really interested in acquiring some short clip on bangs similar to those pictured above. I really miss mine (having real bangs, that is) but it was so horrible growing them out that I want to stay without them for awhile. Has anyone tried these out?

Ozzy Bow & Harem Harlequin

2010-04-21T15:37:00.006-05:00

I've always had a soft spot in my heart for English shoe line, Irregular Choice. Sometimes I forget they are around, since they are not sold anywhere closer than 3ish hours away from Omaha and I don't randomly run across them online very often.

Today I was reminded of their amazing presence after receiving an email from Nasty Gal's online store (click my link or google, DO NOT try nastygal.com, it won't be what you're looking for!). I love this site, it's one of my favorite places to shop when I'm not shopping for vintage (they do have a vintage section, but it's picked over quickly when new items are added). Very affordable and they constantly are adding new pieces.

Anyways, back to my original point, check out these new shoes (buckwild as always) from Irregular Choice...

Top: Irregular Choice Harem Harlequin Platforms, $138.
Bottom: Irregular Choice Ozzy Bow Heel, $128.

I especially love the Ozzy Bow Heels, quite possibly because they are lined with orange velvet?

P.S. Stay tuned for some of the biggest footwear related news of my life thus far later this week!

(Photos: All from Nasty Gal.)

Hopelessly Feminine

2010-04-19T12:17:00.018-05:00

Here is a story about how I fell in love with a handmade hair-candy, lingerie, clothing, accessories + more company. Before I was married last year I heavily hinted to my bridesmaids and friends that I would not be wearing any sort of hideous penis-encrusted bridal veil to my bachelorette parties (I won't waste 20 minutes of my time and yours ranting about my reasoning) and told them not to worry about getting all of that stuff usually involved in pre-marriage parties.

So my lovely friend Jenny totally hooked it up with a bow from Australian Etsy store Hopelessly Devoted (pictured above, at my bachelorette party and below, from their online store).
Isn't it perfect for a bachelorette? I've worn mine several times since my party and will be able to wear it for a long time to come because it is so well made.

Or what about this fascinator with the tiny birdcage veil?

Wouldn't the one below with the rosettes be great for the actual wedding? I could see something like this on my friend Courtney with her long blond hair all wild and flowing underneath it.

Alright so I will continue my tale, the lady behind this company, Gaby, is one of the writers for this blog, that everyone should check and re-check often because they are CONSTANTLY posting the most beautiful inspiring collages that include their new items. She posted about a piece loosely inspired by BEETLEJUICE last week (HOLY CRAP! HOLY CRAP! HOLY CRAP!, COULD YOU BE MORE AMAZING?)

Another sect of this company is Hopeless, a handmade and often vintage-inspired lingerie store. I love all of these looks because the lingerie appears so feminine and delicate, and doesn't look like a dirty french maid costume with a corset sucking the life out of the model. A woman could wear all of these and be comfortable but still feel gorgeous.

So everyone head on over and order up some bows for you, me and all the soon to be brides in your life. They'll thank you for skipping the penis straws, veils and suck for a buck lollipop bouquets!

(Photos: All from Hopelessly Devoted's Etsy Store and the Hopeless Etsy Store, except for the first collage at the top)

YSL for $3.99?

2010-04-16T16:35:00.005-05:00

TA-DA!

Yes ladies and gentlemen, you can still find amazing vintage at thrift stores if you look. Today's find renewed my faith that not all great thrifting finds are picked over before you even start looking (pls ignore my heinous office carpet).

FLOORING FLORALS

2010-03-29T23:44:00.006-05:00

Silently screaming, "Let us in!" are spring, summer and the numerous floral patterns and shades that come along with the seasons.
Peter Philips’ newest collaboration with Chanel for the summer 2010 makeup collection, Les Pop-Up de Chanel is absolutely wonderful. All of the shades are sure to sell out as quickly as Jade and those that came before it, and it's evident that Nouvelle Vague will be the stand out shade. Promised to be available for a ridiculously short period of time for those willing to stalk the cosmetic counters in May 2010 (myself included).

(Top, left to right) Chanel Nail Colour in Nouvelle Vague, Riviera and Mistral, $23 each.
(Middle) Floral inspiration, photograph by Carolina Parrague.
(Bottom)The (similar in theory, but truly quite different) Look for Less, Forever 21 Sweet Lilac Nail Polish, $2.80 each.

Ceremonious Gemini?

2010-03-25T09:30:00.006-05:00

So I've been wanting these for awhile now, but had only seen them in red, purple and black.

I feel like the designer of this style might have drawn inspiration from the classic Doc Marten aesthetic; Styles like the classic "1460 8 Eye" Doc Marten boot or perhaps one of the newer styles such as the "Cashlin" (below) really make me think of this boot. If you compare the shape of the Doc Marten sole with the Opening Ceremony, they're the same, with the latter just a stretched version.

But isn't it so great that they added on the smallish wooden heel? I would be much more apt to buy the Opening Ceremony boot just because of it.

Do you see the similarities?

(Photo via: Fall 2010 Opening Ceremony)

Bubblegum Wonderheaven

2010-03-18T11:13:00.006-05:00

Are these even worthy of the human foot?

Miu Miu Platform Mary Janes, $1,495; call 212-641-2980.

In my (delusional) dreamworld these are already on loan to me, sitting in a Swarovski crystal-encrusted case in my bedroom waiting to be used in my photo shoot next week.
MAKE IT HAPPEN.

(Photo Credit: Miu Miu)

Bride of Cruella Frankenstein de Vil

2010-03-16T23:38:00.007-05:00

Can't get over it. Ordering white, grey and pale pink extensions RIGHT NOW.
Now I just need someone to make me one of those bows...

(Photo Credit: Style.com)

LOST SOLES

2010-03-15T23:27:00.014-05:00

I am sure everyone has fashion regrets; Whether it's buying something sort of gross or hesitating and missing out on something beautiful, there are several pairs of shoes that I feel like I truly missed out on-either for monetary reasons, shoes selling out too quickly, living in NEBRASKA, etc. Don't get me wrong, Omaha is the Midwest's fashion mecca as far as I'm concerned, (especially for vintage styling) but we don't even have an f-ing Nordstrom's.
Yes, we suffer (wahhhh!), our finest department store is Von Maur, who recently pulled most of their "higher-end" lines (Marc by Marc Jacobs, L.A.M.B. etc.) because they weren't selling so well (WHAT!!?!) so we're out of luck there too.
Point of my story, when I am stalking the latest Ann Demeulemeester's online and wondering what size to buy, others can just head to the Saks down the block and get a pair the day they came out.

Here is my tribute to the three pairs of shoes I've been stalking FOR-EV-ERRRR. I would buy any of them in a heartbeat if I could find them in my size/color selections.

EXHIBIT A: BCBG "Mendel"

The last time I was in Chicago an extremely annoying salesman followed me around the store trying to get me to try these beauties on. Maybe I would have, if he hadn't been driving me nuts, and I might be the proud owner of the "Mendel" today.
Le Sigh...

EXHIBIT B: Ann Demeulemeester Lace Up Sandals

I've been tempted to buy these Jeffrey Campbell knock offs...we'll see I guess.

EXHIBIT C: Ann Demeulemeester Triple Lace Up Boots in either Plum or Black, Otherwise known as THE HOLY GRAIL OF BOOTS

So tell me, is there any ONE to die for item you feel like you really missed out on?

(Photo Credit: Sea of Shoes & A Touch of French)

More Genius from Minorwhite Studios

2010-03-11T11:08:00.011-06:00

Our friends from Minorwhite Studios recently took some engagement pictures of our good friends Clark and Anna and I wanted to share not only because they are beautiful, but duh!- because of what Anna is wearing in them (See all these GORGEOUS photos here).

She's wearing an heirloom dress that she intends to wear for their upcoming June ceremony, and then will change into an breathtaking Oscar de la Renta gown that she's having altered by my dressmaker (gah!) Joi Mahon of Dress Form Designs, who is also in the midst of creating a dress line with my friend Megan (stay tuned for more on that!). So excited to see what Joi does with it, as she is really changing up the original shape of the dress to fit on Anna's tiny, tiny waist. Anna chose the perfect shoes (a short boot) to go with her dress, which I believe are vintage as well.

Bill Sitzmann, Chris Machian and Colin Conces of Minorwhite also took ours...if you are in the Omaha area and looking for photographers they are definitely the way to go, they are a very versatile and unique grouping of photographers who have shot everything from weddings to national musicians.

(Had to throw these in here, I am as vain as they come! These are some of the shots from our wedding and engagement sessions).

I am not a smoker, can you tell? Haha!

Photo Credit: Minorwhite Studios

ALEXANDER WANG One Shoulder Shirt Dress + More

2010-03-10T11:24:00.004-06:00

Success! I purchased this little beauty this morning after wanting if for a long time. I tried it on in a Chicago Nordstrom's sometime prior to my wedding last year, for a very different price than I paid today. What a great morning!

Here are some other Alexander Wang gems from the current season I've got my eye on...

Clockwise from top right: 1. Cat Sunglasses, $325 at Shopbop.com 2. Darla Pyramid Clutch, $490 at Shopbop.com 3. Silky Army Skirt with Front Tie, $385 at Shopbop.com 4. Brenda Mini Camera Bag, $425 at Shopbop.com

Photo Credit: Shopbop.com and Gilt.com

ICECUBE-CHIC AT CHANEL

2010-03-09T15:47:00.017-06:00

Uncle Karl are you for real? Oh no you did not just import part of an iceberg from Scandinavia to your show in Paris.

Mind that I just saw this collection and am still processing my thoughts, but I can say that I much preferred the latter half of the show. I loved the pale ivory boots dipped in black much more than all the fur boots at the beginning of the show. They're just so classic Chanel and I adore them paired with a black opaque tight.
I loved the mixture of textures, the over the top nature of the shape of quite a few pieces, and the sweater dresses that were mixed in among all of the fur-covered ensembles. Among the wild things, there was definitive beauty.

This collection was all about texture; faux fur, ruching, mixed tweeds and ice-inspired accessories truly made for an eclectic look. To quote Style.com who I feel worded it perfectly, "Lagerfeld steered this collection nearer to couture than ready-to-wear than ever."

What did you think of this collection? It's definitely not one I can see most people falling in the middle of the road on. I am excited to read what all the critics will have to say as I've only read anything except for Style's review up to this point.

Photo Credit: Style.com

McQueen Rumor Mill

2010-03-08T10:32:00.007-06:00

Q:
Is Gareth Pugh going to take over at McQueen?

A:
According to NY Mag, his reps say No.

He's one of the only designers that would be truly fitting in my mind, we will see how it all unfolds...

Can you think of anyone that would be a better fit?

Get Your Freak On Giles Deacon

2010-03-04T12:13:00.012-06:00

Oh Giles, I love you not only because you utilized a throwback to '60s style (my favorite!) in your Fall 2010 RTW collection with beehives, metallic brocades, giant collars, bustiers, gremlins and cloud/space themes...

But most of all because you included this bag:

Double P.S. I want the dino one too!

Photo Credit: Style.com

Cherry Cherry Boom Boom

2010-03-03T10:25:00.003-06:00

Devi Kroell Guggenheim Platforms

Hello Gorgeous! What's that you say?
Speak up I can't hear you...
Oh, you want me to buy you? Why I'm so flattered, be right there...

$1,050; at devikroell.com

Milan, Versus & Anna

2010-03-02T12:30:00.007-06:00

Hilarious! A much deserved Milanese response to the rescheduling of fashion week for Anna Wintour to attend, after she stated that she would only stay for 3 days. Three measly days! Gimme one of those shirts!

Ok, enough of that...one of my favorite collections from Milan's fashion week was Versus, which I think is a very wearable collection.
At Versus we saw the "cupcake" skirt, Christopher Kane's flirty version of a school girl styled skirt with heavy pleating done in satin. Makes me want to put one on to go dancing, no doubt these suckers would fly around as you danced.
I also really enjoyed Kane's choice of color palette ; peacock blue, plum, red, navy, dark green and black which made for an original pairing. I think the blue was what really made this collection so crisp. I would pair it with a ruby woo red lip (ok, ok...I would pair everything with a red lip if I could!).

The photos shown below are mostly from the Versus Fall 2010 RTW collection, minus the hair and the photo shown on the right of the center collage, which is Oscar de la Renta Fall 2010 RTW. Centered are some of my favorite hair inspiring photos. Give me an ombre behive and I'll be good to go, thanks!

Just a little eye candy for you on a dull Tuesday.

XoXo...

2010-02-25T11:21:00.001-06:00

Listen Serena, just gimme that cape and nobody gets hurt, ok?

Cotton (Eye) Candy Head

2010-02-17T12:58:00.002-06:00

I am so hair envious this week! Gahhhh so pretty, one of my blondie friends needs to do this!

Burnt Reds, Ivory & Black

2010-02-15T12:20:00.006-06:00

Whoever made the decision to replace Angelina Jolie with Elson deserves a raise.I love these new shots for Karen Elson's St. John campaign. There's something about the way Elson positions her body when posing in fitted mermaid-style gowns that's so unique. And her shock of red hair exhibits one of the biggest trends in hair right now.

Check out her skin in the bottom left photo compared to the blouse. Makes a girl want to bathe in 90 SPF everyday before leaving the house, no?

Photos: Greg Kadel for St. John

RIP Lee Alexander McQueen

2010-02-15T10:02:00.022-06:00

"The news that Alexander McQueen has killed himself is particularly devastating because it always felt to me like he’d be the last man standing. He was restless, but so pragmatic with it I assumed he had what it took to endure the extreme situations he placed himself in. He was also an arch romantic with a pessimistic streak. It produced some of the most beautiful, shocking images in the history of fashion, but it’s a state of mind that can lead to endless disappointments. The death of McQueen’s mother last week would have validated his pessimism. It would undoubtedly have taken away his most vital support. It’s awful to imagine him trying—and failing—to cope, and one can only hope that, if he was looking for peace, he found it. For everyone left behind, there will eventually be consolation, however scant right now, in a body of work whose power will never die."

—Tim Blanks

It's taken me a few days to process this. In short, I lost someone I did not know but greatly admired as an artist and as a human being. It's sometimes easy to place those we admire on a pedestal and when they pass under unideal circumstances to rip them apart in an attempt to speculate how and why they are gone. I made a choice to remember him as I did while he was alive; For his accomplishments and the beauty he created. I admired him and his work while he was alive, and that's all I will continue to do after his departure. I encourage everyone to watch the videos below to see portions of some of his most well known shows/performances.
Rest in Peace, Mr. McQueen.

Photos: All from Style.com

My Lookbook

2010-02-04T16:10:00.002-06:00

LOOKBOOK.nu: Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik

I DIE

2010-02-01T15:39:00.009-06:00

PRESENTING: Christian Dior pre-fall 2010, get your bomb shelter party looks ready ladies this shit is impressive. So SPOT ON.

John Galliano's daytime looks for Dior are killer. These are the only pictures I've been able to find so far, there's nothing on Style.com as far as I know (not willing to shell out the money for a WWD subscription).

Check out the hat in the first and third looks, and what looks like a dark green leather trench oh my goodness. WWII style all the way. And the military inspired pouches? And the fur detailing? So excited to see more of this collection and to see fall fashion swerve this way.

(photo: http://www.coutorture.com)

December 2009 Wrap-Up

2010-01-26T18:49:00.002-06:00

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Christmas through New Year's Eve of this year, starting with our Christmas Party...

Megan was so cute and pregnant at our party, I'll bet the first thing her baby learns is how to dance.

Lane and I; She was looking hot in her leggings and cut of jean shorts with the HIGHEST heels ever, per usual. I was in one of my favorite Marc by Marc Jacobs skirts from a few seasons back with an nude AA leotard.

Dancing!

Did I mention I got my grey Rebecca Turbow cape for Christmas? Gahhhhhh!

One of my best friends, Laura in an amazing Robin Hood insipred vintage hat. On my to-do list of things to steal.

Laura and I, it was her birthday and yes she was excited- I am wearing some of the Rodarte for Target collection, vintage earrings and Chanel 'Vamp' lipstick which is one of the best shades OF ALL TIME.

A better shot of my *cough* I mean Laura's amazing hat.

Darcy! Her style is amazing and so eclectic; I've been working on a post about her for about two months and still can't get it right.

My friend Sarah (right), who currently lives in Paris working for AA.

To die for fingerwaves- She taught me to do them in the bathroom but I haven't perfected it yet.

The Faint! We were lucky enough to have 3 shows back to back here in Omaha in late December.

More Rodarte for Target. Love this dress but overall not a long term piece, they used quite possibly the cheapest snaps available on all of the closures, which is unfortunate.

Dustin and Lane

Happy Goo Year at the Slowdown (Me, An and Julia); I wore a D&G bustier dress with an AA leotard underneath due to a massive bruise on my arm that wasn't so pretty. Wearing one of my favorite headpieces, made by Jennifer Loiselle. I already wrote about An's bow and how she killed it; We saw the extreme bow/headpiece trend continued on Chanel's runway this week. 'Nuff said.

Whole look, including my favorite Marc by Marc Jacobs boots from last year. I scoured the earth looking for them after spying them on the runway.

My husband Jon in the middle in the New Year's Hat with Kelsey, Josh and Clark.

Xo Rah

(Photos of the Faint taken by the lovely Julia, pictured above.)

Her Magazine

2010-01-26T11:23:00.004-06:00

Just a short post, photos from our wedding will be featured on the back cover of the February/March issue of Her Magazine, an Omaha publication.

You can click here to see the ad. I love it, it lets you zoom in on a collage of our photographer's favorite photos.
Here is a small preview of it below:

Thanks again to our woderful photographers with Minornite studios, which is the wedding, family and special events division of Minorwhite studios.

Xo Rah

Peachy-Pink Loveliness

2010-01-21T13:37:00.009-06:00

Didn't we just see an issue of V Magazine dedicated to women of any size?

If we allow every other aspect of fashion to constantly evolve, why can't we accept change in the bodies that represent beauty?

Needless to say, I am pretty disgusted with what some media outlets are saying about the Christian Siriano dress actress Christina Hendricks (of Mad Men fame) wore to the Golden Globes on Sunday. It's just plain icky to criticize such a beautiful woman (Hellooo curvy redhead, what is the issue?), for flaunting her figure instead of hiding in a dark-colored frock so she appears thinner. But I guess that's what critics are trained to do to gain attention and keep their jobs, so I won't say much more about it. But truly she looked gorgeous, big-in-your-face-boobs and all. Her she was my second favorite (only second to Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace) of the night just because of how she owned it completely.

I bought this Marc by Marc Jacobs dress today; I've loved it forever but had only seen it in black. It popped up on a Gilt Groupe Sale at 11:30 am, how could I avoid it? But really another reason for my purchase was that it reminded of Christina Hendrick's dress in a way, and I hope it looks just as lovely against my skin as it did hers.

SPOTLIGHT: Bijou Van Ness

2010-01-19T10:55:00.004-06:00

"Impeccably fusing the romantics of 20th century fashion in Europe with the distinct style that marked the beginning of Hollywood's infamous glamour, Bijou Van Ness embodies just that in each and every uniquely designed hat. Founder, Rehn Dudukgian, who currently resides in the heart of Hollywood, but has lived everywhere from Paris to Singapore, designs each hat by hand with pure silks, fine crystals, and vintage brooches: one of a kind materials, that have been imported from all over the world."
-Bijou Van Ness Online.

During the last week the online store for Bijou Van Ness hats opened for business, and did this change my life? Yes! My new focus is obtaining one, if not two of these hats this year. I've got my eye on either the Au Revoir Monsieur (Bottom Right), which retails for $275 USD or the Cocktail Hat in Polka Dot (Top Right), which retails for $275 USD as well. I think I NEED to wear one of these to Anna and Clark's upcoming summer wedding. Yes, I definitely think so. These look so well made, carefully designed and constructed by hand. I have no doubt that any of these would be something that you could keep forever in a beautiful hat box in your closet pulling them out year after year to wear to your favorite events.
I also see the Not-So-Secret Garden (Top Left) which retails for $150 USD on one of Princess Lasertron's brides with one of her bouquets in a similar color palette.

Check out who else is a fan...

Images: Bijou Van Ness

Paying Homage to Minnie Mouse

2010-01-07T10:38:00.009-06:00

Big, and I mean REALLY BIG bows are everywhere this season.
My lovely bridesmaids and friends got me this one off Etsy in red in lieu of a veil at my bachelorette party last year. Aretha made her inaugural hat part of American pop culture by placing one on her hat (Ok...it was really her Milliner who put it there, but still!). And finally, they've been all over the runways this season. I couldn't help but take notice when I read this feature on "Lolita Style" and put that together with Perez Hilton writing about this Topshop headpiece.

(To further drive my point, check out this dress Haley Williams of Paramore wore to the People's Choice Awards last night. Bows are taking over the world!)

Photos (from Left to Right): Marc by Marc Jacobs, Betsey Johnson, Luella and local style-inspiring lovely lady An Vu.

"Oh no you don't understand..."

2010-01-06T15:54:00.004-06:00

"This is an Alaia..."
"...An a-what-a?"
"It's like a totally important designer..."

Azzedine Alaia with Grace Jones, 1980s.
FUCKING FIERCE.

UK Friends are gonna pick me up something at Selfridges, right?

INSPIRATION: Weddings, Light and Snow

2010-01-04T23:02:00.007-06:00

My beautiful friend Anna is getting married to a wonderful man named Clark, this coming Summer. I love her in this photo, it seems it was perfect timing with how the light is draped across her face. Anna attended my wedding a few months back, and I am so excited to see what she does with her styling/ dress/ bridesmaids/ everything. I'm even excited for her wedding shower, which is tomorrow, and the reason why I am up thinking about her (and her bridal registry, I love these!).
She's having a small, evening shower and the invitation requests that guests dress up. Why didn't I think of that?

This photo is from my rehearsal dinner, aren't her little gloves perfect? So delicate! I hope she incorporates gloves or birdcage veils into her wedding somehow, as these are two of my favorite things that she often incorporates into her look.

I think she will appear like Audrey Hepburn in her wedding dress; tiny veil, even smaller waist, elegance and perfect angles to everything.

(Photo Credit: Top two photos taken by Anna Rafferty; Bottom photo credit unknown)

Bows, I adore thee

2010-01-04T22:31:00.005-06:00

Is it summer yet? I am so sure that I need this. And a gorgeous wide brimmed hat to go with it.

Marc by Marc Jacobs dress, Net-a-Porter.

Glitter-Mania

2009-12-23T09:30:00.006-06:00

With crazy nails quickly becoming all the rage around the globe,(Hellloooo Japan, where else?) I couldn't help but notice a Style.com post about this party nail polish, just in time for New Years Eve.

Deborah Lippmann's Happy Birthday polish is a must have for the holiday season. Style.com recommends wearing it over red nail polish. It can be found here at Beauty.com

I'm sold! Going to layer this on thick to have the best confetti-disco ball-celebratory nails ever!

Vogue Picks of the Decade

2009-12-18T13:13:00.005-06:00

Vogue.com asked it's readers this week to vote on the best dressed women of the decade. Ten looks from each year (2000-2009) were given and readers were asked to vote on their favorite picks.
It was difficult, but I voted and here are my selections:

2000

So the obvious choice might be J Lo in this (what seemed at the time) groundbreaking number from Versace. We saw a little bit of everything with this piece, but looking back it's a little too Miami-ish for my taste. Looks more swimsuit cover up than chic.
But how beautiful would it have been if it had (a) not been sheer, and (b) it had evoked the old Hollywood glamour that the silhouette of this dress seems to call for. I'm thinking something that Jean Harlow would have worn (in a more modest fashion, since it was the '30s) maybe in an opaque creme or nude shade with the same detailing on the front of the dress.

Instead, I picked Charlize Theron in a terracotta dress by Vera Wang for the year 2000. GORGEOUS.

2001

This year was a difficult one for me, mostly because I think all the picks are sort of lackluster.
Eh, I went with Demi Moore in Donna Karan; The gown looked fantastic with her skin tone, but overall it's not a favorite of mine. The use of multiple textures in this dress makes it somewhat unique, but I'm usually not a fan of the whole Greek goddess/toga look.

I liked Julia Roberts' gown as well, but I'd like it much better on anyone else. She's "sweaty", as my husband would say.

2002

Halle Berry was gorgeous, Tilda Swinton was daring, Reese Witherspoon went romantic and Audrey Tautou looked sweet. I'm torn between Reese and Audrey.

After much ado, I picked Audrey. Simply, I would want to wear her gown over Reese's. She reminds me of the original Audrey here.

2003

Again, not a favorite year of mine.

Salma Hayek looked gorgeous in Red, but there's nothing new about that.

I thought about picking Julianne Moore, because I die for a pale redhead in emerald green, but her look also doesn't do it for me.

I picked Sarah Jessica Parker, not only because she evokes confidence in this dress but because I really like how the top of this gown falls slightly away from her chest...it gives it a slight '50s feel.

2004

Finally I year I was truly torn about!

I chose Liya Kebede, as it came down to her and Karen Elson for me.

Karen in this silver, open-backed gown is truly beautiful, but I just prefer the odd pairing of periwinkle and fur on Liya.

2005

Hilary Swank! It comes down to (a) how gorgeous she looks, even though from the front she's almost completely covered (the back almost completely open), and (b) color. Navy blue is a rarity on the red carpet, so props for being bold.

2006

My easiest choice, Michelle Williams in Vera Wang. One of my favorite dresses of all time. I spent almost a month trying to figure out how to get this exact gown to wear to my wedding.

2007

Once again, not a favorite year of mine but I'll choose Reese Witherspoon in canary yellow by Nina Ricci.

2008

Mary Kate or Jennifer, Mary Kate or Jennifer, hmmm....

I'll go with Mary Kate Olsen, just because she completely owns the flat chested, grandma/curtains/harlot thing she's got going on. And I love the rounded collar.

Jennifer Connelly in Balenciaga, honorable mention.

(At Last!) 2009

Rihanna! She really went for it with a puffy-sleeved tuxedo.

Happy Holidays and New Year! Excited to see what the year will bring.

2009-12-15T15:59:00.006-06:00

Grey by RahRah Lorsung Tvrdik

Taking my inspiration from Rebecca Turbow's monochromatic philosophy, eye candy for this grey afternoon

It's getting dark earlier and earlier

2009-11-25T10:35:00.000-06:00

I'm missing Summer already, and it's only November. Sure, I prefer Fall fashion to anything I can wear in 90-degree weather, but really- getting dark at 5 pm? I'll pass.

I love this picture of me and my husband...both at backyard parties of years past. Ignore the worm chin look on the right.

Net-A-Porter, Bane of my (Funds) Existence

2009-11-25T09:59:00.000-06:00

When I think of many of my girl friends in Omaha, I think of Chloé. The styling similarities are pretty dead-on; I see it in the high waisted pants, the irregular colors and forms that reflect masculinity and even the placing of the belt in this look really define the overall look of many of these lovely ladies (I'm really thinking Laura with the belt).

That being said, torture continues to blow in seasonally, currently in the form of a $2055 USD Chloé blouse that sold out before I even had my eye on it.
The combination of a Chloé bow-detailed asymmetric silk blouse with the butterfly jacquard silk pants cannot be topped. The details! The details!

And I NEED the pants too, if solely for the reason that I work at Goodwill, and I see gorgeous vintage blouses everyday that would look perfect with them.
Check out the beautiful pattern and color of these pants up-close...and all this time I thought Miriah Carey killed off all chances for these little suckers to be seen as non-trashtastic in the 90's.

(Sigh.)

Images via Net-A-Porter.

Vivienne Westwood Rubbers

2009-11-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

Gah I love these!

I bought THE LAST PAIR (how lucky is that?) of the Vivienne Westwood Gold Lady Dragon Globe sligbacks off My-Wardrobe.com. I never believe when a website says "last pair" (because they all say it) but I checked today and they were sold out. My perfect holiday shoes because they are grey so I can wear them with everything. The only thing that would make them more perfect would be if the ball on the front was actually a tiny disco ball that bounced light everywhere when I was dancing, (ala Thakoon's Mirror Mosaic Strappy Sandals and Ankle boots).

Had to get these puppies too, I don't own any rainboots and I feel these are very understated. Loving the tiny little bow on the front. The website said they run small, so I hope I am not disappointed with giant clodhopper boots. I won't send them back because they're coming from Britain and shipping/fees are horrible already!

The purchase of both of these pairs more than made up for the disappointment I had earlier this week when Bloomingdales messed up my order. Sent me the wrong pair of Kate Spades, and then told me the ones I wanted were sold out and it was too late.
BOO, HISSSSSS!

(Both images via My-Wardrobe.com)

SafeClothes/ Rebecca Turbow

2009-11-13T12:40:00.000-06:00

For years I've been in love with all things Rebecca Turbow. This season is no different.

Check out this beaut of a cape (left), love it! Great detailing on the back, lovely color and collar, fair price at $190. Just might have to be an early birthday present to...myself.

photo: http://www.safeclothes.net

NEW

2009-11-06T11:10:00.000-06:00

This is the home for everything Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik (I just got married and grew a Tvrdik on my name).

Love, Rah