ann kent

Cute Aesthetic

I really like this.

Freunde von Freunden - Sarah Illenberger from Freunde von Freunden on Vimeo.

Cute Dress No. 10: Liberty of London at Target

Ok, check.  Acquired Girls Liberty Dress.  Many of us have been waiting diligently for the Liberty of London premiere at Target and now it is here!  This line is a fast seller and I was not able to visit Target until yesterday, almost a week after the debut.  Unfortunately, by the time I arrived, there was not much left in the women's line other than the polyester pieces.  The line is very pretty; however, the fabric of the women's apparel is not wonderful (lots of polyester which in my mind is a bit of a contradiction in terms ... Liberty of London in polyester)?

Nonetheless, the Girls Liberty line is absolutely perfect.  The items are all cotton with pretty light linings and the good news is that for the slimmer adult set, one can fit into a Girls L or XL !!! Without further ado, here is my new purchase to be worn with leggings this summer (can't wait)!  So ... if you are a fan of the look, hurry on over to Target.  Your local Target may have inventory but, alas, this version is already "out of stock" online!  Good luck!

 
   

Inspiration From Coach.

 

Today, I found myself perusing the Coach website looking for my new "it" bag for Spring/Summer.  I found the Kristin Bag which not only might be the perfect summer pool bag but also totally inspires me to try a new painting.  I can't wait.  Thanks Coach.  Stay tuned.

I Made A Mistake

I recently viewed The Time Traveler's Wife and loved the movie for its majestic library scenes; the absolutely wonderful interior design of the family's home (this is reason enough to watch this film!); the actors; and of course, the classic and casual (yet lovely) fashion.  And therein, lies the problem.  Je suis desolee; J'ai fait une erreur. 

In one of the earlier scenes in the movie, Rachel McAdams has her first date with the Time Traveler and she is wearing the most beautiful diaphanous, mint blouse.  And when I see it, as I sit in the theatre, I gasp, for then I realize that the chemisier is a lost opportunity. 

Last April, I discovered the same lovely blouse at TJ Maxx.  The blouse was a mere $25.00 and when I brought it home, I noticed the Tahari tag - it was priced at nearly $300!   No doubt, I had then in my hands quite possibly one of the most amazing finds of the year or well, my life.  Nevertheless, my judgment lapsed - I ultimately returned the treasure fearing that it was too much, perhaps, for me.  Well, no doubt, I erred.  C'est la vie!

Beautiful Style: Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

Alberta Ferretti is a well regarded Italian fashion designer.  I discovered these advertisements for her Philosophy line in Teen Vogue this month which prompted a website visit.  I love her Fall line:  the colors; the rounded, plain shoulders; and the clean silhouettes.  Her line is available at Neiman Marcus. Simply lovely.

  

  

Factory Girl: Art, Fashion, & Destruction

I recently watched the film, Factory Girl, starring Sienna Miller.  The movie is an artful, fictionalized depiction of the story of Edie Sedgewick, an heiress who became the muse of Andy Warhol in the 60s.  Andy's studio was named "The Factory" and as you can imagine, all kinds of hi-jinks were rumored to have played out there.  

Factory Girl was an entertaining experience on many levels.  Sienna Miller was amazing.  Watch the clip below to see her as gamine Edie and note in particular the nuances of her expression.  I had no idea that she is such a talented actress.  I loved her character's 60s-style fashion especially the A-line dresses and boots.   I was skeptical about seeing someone portray Andy Warhol as he was a bit eccentric and could not imagine that any actor could make me believe that I was watching Warhol.  Yet, Guy Pearce met the challenge.  He was perfect.

Although there are numerous aspects of the film to enjoy, you will find that the story does not present Andy Warhol in a favorable light.   However, there are those that say that as Factory Girl is part fiction that Warhol's role with respect to Edie was not as depicted in the film.  In any event, the idea of Andy's role in Edie's downward spiral does inevitably give one pause.  Nonetheless, if you are intrigued by 60s era pop culture, this is definitely a film to see.

Here are some shots from the film and a clip.  Enjoy.

 
 

Cute Dress No. 7 - Gap's Pleated Poplin Dress

                                  

Buy this dress now; you will love it.  I do.  Wear it with a JCrew cotton cardigan and flats - wonderful for a trip to the museum, for work, for dinner out.  Just perfect and on sale here for $49.99. 

Cute Little Dress No. 6

I recently found the perfect empire waist dress for summer (or with a jacket/sweater, for spring)!  The top is a sleeveless slubbed cotton tank and the bottom is a poplin skirt with a shirred waist - very flattering in every sense.  Of course, the Slub Cotton Cottage Dress is from JCrew; however, the cost is very reasonable, a mere $69.50 (not bad for JCrew!).  I prefer the dress in Slate or Black and for those of you who prefer brighter colors, it is also available in Garden Green and Tea Rose.  The dress runs a bit on the large side, so keep that in mind when ordering.  Throw this dress on with some signature JCrew leather Capri sandals, an off white canvas bag and you are off for the day looking fresh and stylish.  Happy Spring!

Bobbi Brown Slopes Lipstick

  

I am rather distraught today as my Bobbi Brown Slopes Lipstick is nearly finished and I am unable to locate my spare!  I checked my local Bloomingdales yesterday to no avail - they were out!  This is not the first time that I have been unable to find Slopes locally.   And so, today I learned that Amazon.com sells Bobbi Brown lipstick.  I ordered two.  I guess Slopes must be very popular because my local Bloomies is frequently out of stock.  However, now I have a new source!  Are there any other Slopes afficionados out there?

Cute New BBDakota Dress

I know.  I should call this blog "cute dress overload" because that is what I seem to be obsessed with but, seriously, for those of you who prefer dresses ... how difficult is it to find a good dress?  I find it to be really hard especially when you are over 40 (and, therefore, can't be too cutesy) and when you are overcommitted in many areas of your life and unfortunately, just do not have time to spend strolling the mall or driving to your favorite stores even though you REALLY, REALLY LOVE shopping! 

Well, for those of you who appreciate a good dress, I found one on my foray to Macys yesterday for stockings!  I really should not have purchased it because of ... well, you know ... the economy, but ... one can always rationalize the purchase of a good dress!  And so without further ado ...  here it is (a bargain at 20% off of $88.): 

         

I say throw this on with black boots, maybe some fishnet like black stockings, cute jewelry and off you go! 

PS  In the event you are not familiar with BBDakota, here are a few other cute items by that name that I would not mind owning as well as a little  history regarding the label:      

"B.B. Dakota was founded in 1986, in Laguna Beach, California by Gloria Brandes, a Canadian fashion designer from Montreal. Brandes brought her unique French sensibility to the clothes that she created which set B.B. Dakota apart from the mainstream of Orange County surf and skate lines. The brand has been an insider’s secret for many years with many devoted fans lining up outside the original store in Laguna Beach, for a chance to buy the clothes. In 2005 the secret was out as many fashion editors began to publicize this small exclusive brand in editorials in national magazines. Today B.B. Dakota is focusing on smaller independent boutiques to keep the brand from becoming over-exposed."   MyItThingsMagazine