Shoe Trend 2013

Fashion warriors rejoice! The Gladiators are no longer a summer only staple! Part boot, part sandals, the gladiator boots are the new 'it shoes' for Spring 2013. From Versace and Alexander Wang Spring 2013 collections to the city sidewalks, these edgy boots are any girl's footwear of choice in the style colosseum! 

If knee high gladiators are not your thing (I admit there are some styles that are too dominitrix), an ankle length gladiator sandal will tide you over fabulously from Spring to Summer this year! Here are some of my favorite picks for chic gladiator boots that are sure to turn heads and bring the sass to any outfit.

SPLURGE - Giuseppe Zanotti - $2,950/ Jimmy Choo - $1,495/ Michael Kors - $805
STEAL - Pleasure USA - $60.11/ Funtasma- $43.78/Dolce Vita - $80

Shop the Spring's most talked about shoes right here!

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How To Build A Dollhouse

Like most little girls of 6 years, our daughter loves to play with dolls, but not the big dolls like barbies or Journey dolls - she loves to play with miniature size toys. Like Olivia family, miniature dolls and of course her little ponies! (All of you who have kids would know what I am talking about!!! LOL!)! For Christmas she wanted a doll house. And although my husband and I are not the typical DIYers (but hubby dear is good with tools - what a blessing to have a handy man around;-)), we both thought it'd be fun to build a wooden doll house for Mili.  After searching a lot of craft/home improvement blogs, we found some great suggestions (here, here and here) and decided to make our own doll house! We closely followed the amazing house improvement/DIY blog Young House Love for the dimensions and decorations, but we added an extra shelf to make the doll house taller for Mili's height. (Well, more square footage never hurt no homeowner, right!!)

So on Christmas, 'Santa' delivered the supplies (with a letter explaining Mili  how her dad can make a doll house out of wood pieces!) dad built it and Mom decorated it. The furniture came from ebay! I had so much fun finishing this project and my husband still suspects I wanted the doll house more than Mili!! 

The doll house is almost 3 feet tall with raised ceilings at the top floor! (We had a good realtor!)

For the building process, my husband drew the dimensions, got the wood pieces cut to desired length from home depot, and glued and nailed the pieces together! (For details, please follow directions at Young House Love)
The big plywood board was nailed in the back to finish the structure. Easy peasy!:-)

Then it was mom's turn to paint two coats of white water based latex indoor paint with a roller and a small brush for hard to reach corners. Then a trip to carft store to buy some decorative paper in different designs for the 'wall paper'. I got 14 (12x12 size) papers from AC Moore, cut them to size measuring each 'room' back wall and stuck the paper with modpodge. I also sealed the paper by putting a layer of modpodge on it.

Here is the finished doll house!

Then started the search for perfect furniture! I was lucky to find a great lot of mixed furniture in excellent condition on ebay for $50. I am so in love with house! Sigh!

I wish my dresser was as organized and ornate!

Baby says hi!

We had to have a ballerina somewhere in the house!;-)

The contemporary furniture is actually a set of erasers! (for 77 cents for one set - we got 2 sets for this room) although Olivia's dad looks giant with it! :-) But hey, he got an option to sit down in another 'sitting room' on the velvet upholstered chair (Fancy!)!!

The kitchen is still work in progress, we need to find a good size refrigerator - still making do with 'basement-bar-sized' one that came with the eraser set! LOL! 

The clawfoot tub and golden faucets! C'est magnifique!

Now the big question - WHERE IS THE FOOD? 

So now you know why have I been slow to post since the holidays!! I spend way too much time playing with my daughter and her doll house!

How do you like our attempt to build a doll house?

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Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2013 Collection Presented In Paris

...and I woke up at 6 to watch the show live! Below are my thoughts on the collection!

Images- (AP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE ENA)

You know it is an Elie Saab creation the moment you see it. With such a signature style and identity, there is always a risk of staleness. But the sheer artistry of Elie Saab saves his haute couture spring 2013 collection from being repetitive. This collection has some of the designer's famous "movie stars-on-red-carpet" style slim gowns with sheer shoulders and thighs, extensive beading and lace appliques on gorgeous silk tulle, crepe and chiffon fabrics.The sheer gold gowns with paillette sequin embroidery, black tulle gowns with beading and lace work, dove grey, delicate steel blue, blush and ivory dresses with silk insets, almost reminiscent of 'hena patterns' from east have a shadow from his past collections, but the modern touches like the sleek caplets attached to the column gowns make the collection fresh. Fuller skirts of the knee length dresses and pockets give them a contemporary feel without losing the old world glamour of Lebanese born designer. The  over the top bridal style gown complete with a veil and panniers was an odd piece among the sleek column gowns and knee length sheaths. The scarlet column gown with embroidered shoulders,and long dramatic cape at the shoulders must be one of those pieces,the movie star stylists eye for upcoming Oscars.

For more, see the Live (now recorded) video of the show at Paris Fashion Week website

Images- (AP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE ENA)

Images- (AP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE ENA)

Images- (AP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE ENA)

Photo : Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Photo : Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Images- (AP PHOTO/CHRISTOPHE ENA)

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Wishlist

Somebody gotta revive the fledgling economy, right? I am doing my part by shopping as and when I can ;-) and have an ever ready list of items I am coveting at a given time. I am strongly against hoarding, but seriously, these 5 items in my wishlist are so versatile and timeless that nobody can accuse me for a greedy hoarder! So here is to wishlists and shopping and a stronger economy!

The form flattering pencil skirt is one of my all time favorite piece of clothing. You can wear a pencil skirt for almost any occasion with right kind of blouse and accessories - from work to night around town, to family gatherings, this item is made for brainer dressing! I totally want this Quilted Silk Paisley Skirt by J.W. Anderson for Topshop selling for $80

 This JCPenny MNG by Mango collection faux fur vest for just $42!! Unfortunately my size is sold out, may be they will restock soon! Here are some alternatives -
Taupe Grey Vintage Faux Fur Marianne Vest by Rachel Zoe  for $267BB Dakota Adrien Faux Fur Vest in Black and grey for $66
Chelsea and Violet Ombre Faux Fur Vest at Dillards for $37

These Alexander Wang pair of chic pumps are worth the investment for $495,

and there are some great alternatives for better prices, like Mango Double Strap Pumps for $50 and 

J Renee Marli Pumps from Nordstrom for $109

Jacquard Pants are the must haves this year, the one above is from Antonio Marras  for $565, but there are some great less-expensive alternatives like-
Collection Café Capri in Jade Jacquard by JCrew for $139
Floral Jacquard Trousers from ASOS  for $68
Stain Glass FeatherJacquard Trousers from Topshop for just $40!

 This Jane Austin's Pride & Prejudice cover inspired clutch by Kate Spade New York is the work of art and it stole my heart the moment I saw it! I am sure this will also inspire some DIYers to create their own book cover inspired bags!

Whats on your wishlist this year? Happy shopping!

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Tibi Pre Fall 2013 Collection Preview

Tibi does it again- I mean, OMG! for NYC skyline prints on denim skirt and shift dresses! I had a chance to visit Tibi offices for the pre-fall 2013 collection preview and loved the bold, boxy, sportswear inspired pieces. I can visualize street style stars wearing some of these chic pieces during fashion week in February!!

For the preview and my musings about Tibi pre-fall 2013 collection, check out my article on examiner.com   

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the collection - for more photos check out this article.

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Prabal Gurung For Target Collection Preview

He dresses movie stars, celebrities, even Royalty! Now he can even dress mere mortals like us! Thanks to Prabal Gurung for Target collection, you can get your hands on the glamorous designs by Gurung. Seriously, most of the pieces in this line range anywhere between $24 - $40! Prabal's inherent international style, modern structural lines and the innate glamour is prevalent in Prabal Gurung for Target collection. Bursting with colors in chartreuse, fuchsia, deep turquoise and vibrant yellow, the collection has girly pieces that have a grown up style. According to the designer, love was the theme of this collection - I think I am already half in love with these pieces!!

All photos courtesy of Prabal Gurung For Target 

The coordinated-printed dresses, skirts, bag, shoes and jackets can stand alone or could be mixed and matched with each other. Prabal Gurung for Target collection will be available in store and online on February 10th. I foresee empty racks and sold out site probably on the launch day itself!

What is your reaction to Prabal Gurung for Target collection? do you plan to buy a piece (or camp out of Target store the night before launch for that matter?) 

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