leprosy

Leopard. 

Who wore it best?

Animals can so easily kill your look, with leopard as one of the most difficult prints to stylize.  Immediately an Italian princess comes to mind when I consider purchasing an animal printed item.  So many girls overdo the trend, fully embracing the look and practically embodying the essence of the animal they are wearing.  The trick is to wear it in small amounts.  Use the print as your "pop" of color, versus using a solid to break up the pattern.  Kate Moss looks sophisticated and mature, while Snooki looks as though she purchased her outfit from the Mandy's clearance rack.  

Moss: hands down, winning.      

the warm weather to do list

1.   Spend an afternoon at grounds for sculpture

2.   Purchase a sundial wristwatch

3.   Learn rudimentary Italian for emergency purposes

4.   Read a Daniel Quinn novel

4.   Pick flowers before they no longer can be picked

5.   Drink tea out of recycled glass jars

6.   Make yourself feel uncomfortable for all the right reasons

7.   Rock tiny bottoms at the beach this summer

8.   Wear ballet slippers around as real shoes

9.   Make waffle brownies 

10. Try to run 3 miles without stopping (try being the key word)

black is the new green

Inspired by New York City bodega shopping bags, Cast of Vices launched a collection of soft leather bags for those willing to indulge in a backwards take on the Go Green revolution.  Made in Los Angeles, these bags are only available at Collete with prices ranging from $300-$350.        

sasha pivovarova for free people

The April 2011 catalog of Free People features 26-year-old Russian model Sasha Pivovarova.  Previosuly featured on the cover of Vogue 2007, signed with Prada for six consecutive years, and having walked for Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, and others, Pivovarova's stunning presence graces the pages of the bohemian-inspired spring collection.  Although much more affordable than haute couture, Free People still skims the surface of pricy.  In order to get Pivovarova's look for less, try these tips:

-Take your old necklaces and wrap colorful string/rope around the chains.

-Purchase similar lace booties from Forever 21 here.

-Make your own friendship bracelets and pile them on your ankles to compliment your sandals.

-Paint indian stripes on your arms if you're lacking in the accessory department.

spring outdoors

Stylish girls must be capable of throwing the party of the season.  With spring peeking its way through the nippy weather, a celebration is required.  There is no better way to embrace the greenery than with an outdoor party.  

Use these pictures as inspiration for decorations.  Tie yarn or hemp around candles to create a natural-looking holder and hang them from the trees in your yard or the woods.  Wrap white christmas lights throughout tree limbs.  Incorporate as many throw pillows as you possibly can.  Use a pale color such as white as your base color for tablecloths and furniture.  Serve tea and miniature hors d'oeuvres.  Have a battery-operated stereo play classical music instead of the top 40 one hit wonders.  

This is sophistication at is finest, so dress the part.  Have all guests arrive in spring dresses, or maybe even require them to wear fancy, oversized hats.  Go overboard, embrace the season, and make it an evening for everyone to remember.