ROY G BIV

We've had one of the rainiest summers in history around here, so I thought I'd just try to make my own rainbow to brighten things up. A great way to brighten any ensemble is with a colorful bag, especially with a wardrobe like mine that is full of blacks and greys. Below are some of my favorites. Who would need a pot of gold at the end if you had this rainbow in your closet?

Flights of fancy

Feathers are a wonderfully luxurious and organic accent - when used sparingly. I don't think anyone actually wants to look like a bird when wearing clothing and accessories featuring some of Mother Nature's finest plumage.



The color and pattern combinations within one feather can be breathtaking. This headband features a beautiful cluster of rich purple and green that is definitely dramatic.



Definitely not for the shy, the Shu Uemura feather eyelashes are best suited for those with loads of confidence, and/or drag queens.

The Lesley sandal by L.A.M.B. carefully balances out the ornate feathered heel with a simple strap across the toes and a complementary light grey/lilac color. This is the kind of shoe that can completely transform an outfit.

This artistic interpretation of a feather pattern in the form of a pendant is just as beautiful as the real thing.

Cheap without the cheap

Admittedly, many of the clothes I choose to post are not budget friendly. However, I do always try to stick to things that I absolutely love and think are truly special for this site, which unfortunately tend to cost a fortune. When it comes to my actual purchases however, I am much more frugal, constantly stalking sales and looking for internet coupons. It's definitely not impossible to find quality high fashion at low prices, it just takes a bit more patience sometimes. Sure, there are a lot of trendy budget stores out there, but it takes some digging to find what's decently made, or at looks like it.




Forever 21 is synonymous with throw-away chic. The turnover of their inventory is mind-boggling with new pieces coming out daily. Statistically speaking, you figure there has to be a gem in there every once in awhile and pictured above are two of my favorites, both representative of two of their offshoot lines. The abstract shift from Love 21 Contemporary ( a kinder, gentler Forever 21) has a sophisticated print which can be accessorized millions of ways. The sweater tunic pictured below it has features an interesting layering of tulle that looks hand-sewed.

The Urban Outfitters website shows this tunic doubling as a hoodie. However, I really like how it is styled here - layered artfully without being overly bunchy. Definitely a casual cool piece.

Budget pieces often look better in neutral colors, but I found these pop tart trench coats on deep discount at Overstock.com. These normally are not a bargain, but finding a sale like this on designer wear feels like winning the lottery.

Quality shoes are probably the most difficult item to find at low prices, but casual sandals are probably the easiest category to find them in. The $8 Piper&Blue Gardena sandals are very reminiscent of the Chanel jelly thongs from last year. I also found a decent pair of wedges on Payless.com by Dexter with an intricate cut out design and stacked heel.

Beautiful Blues

Blue seems to be the color of the moment, on everything from apparel to accessories to housewares. Brighter blues are great for the warm weather, whereas darker blues make for a great alternative neutral. Admittedly, my handbag collection is quite boring color-wise, with mostly blacks and browns. I tend to choose my bags carefully, and when I find a style I like, I want them to go with as many things in my wardrobe as possible. Though, branching out to blue might be a great way to get out of the black and brown zone. Below are some great blue bags that I would be more than happy to own.

Petal power

Ruffles have been all over the past few seasons on everything from dresses to shoes to bags. I love feminine details, as long as they aren't out of control. As an alternative to ruffles, individual petals are just as pretty, and in some cases a little more interesting by giving a piece some shimmery movement.

The subtle colors and graduated petal size on this Pink Tartan tank make this piece outstanding in elegance.

Shoulders full of petals lend a little showgirl flair to this Forever 21 tee, that can go either casual or dressy.

Cascading petals down the interior of this pink Jcrew jacket definitely set it apart from your standard blazer.

The petals of the Azure bathing suit are actually printed on, which is probably a good idea to prevent any water log. Though they did a pretty darn good job of making them look 3-D.

Diet-less slimming

Though diet and exercise are the most solid routes to a slimmer physique, who wouldn't want to cheat once in awhile if that were possible. I found a few dresses that do exactly that. Put one on and look like you lost 10 lbs!


Alexander McQueen's column dress is the ultimate in creating an hourglass figure. The print on this dress pretty much commands your eye to focus on the slim white outline running down the middle. So much better than those beach tshirts with the printed beach bodies on them (you know what I'm talking about if you've ever been to a Florida souvenir shop).

So elegant and simple, this Oscar de la Renta number also trims saddlebags. This dress would also be great for balancing out figures that are heavy on top.

Herve Leger bandage dresses are like sexy girdles meant to be worn on the outside. This black and white version features extra black outline detailing to further draw your eye toward the center, making it appear less wide.

Not Recession Friendly

I know, we all should be saving money right now. Though sometimes its fun just to look at clothes that you would never buy because they are ungodly expensive. It's kind of like touring a mansion, but it's so far out of reach that it doesn't even bother you that you can't have it. I thought the following pieces from Doo.Ri and Proenza Schouler were just too gorgeous not to post. And the intricate detailing of each one is probably not something that you will be seeing knock-offs of anytime soon.



Doo.Ri's designs are so beautifully detailed that they look like they could be patented. I couldn't stop staring at this dress and blouse.

I always love pleating, and the pleats on this Proenza Schouler dress almost looks like part of an optical illusion.

I wonder if these shoes are as comfortable as wedges. For as much as they cost though, I'd hope they'd catapult me to my destination.

And finally, two bank account busting bags... But oh so pretty!