Little Erika

1. Pre-Gossip girl and Blair Waldorf, yet already having a fondness for headbands. The beach was always our Summer family thing. I think I was around 8 here.


2. With my Mom and Mickey Mouse at Walt Disney World, sometime in the mid-1980's. I was about 3 here. My ever stylish Mom wore heels even to Disney World back then. Can you believe it?? And I think she may still have those same sunglasses too.


3. Ahhh balloons at an award ceremony in 5th grade. I remember being so nervous about walking on stage that day. Talk about shy!


4. At Miami Metro Zoo. It was my 7th Birthday Party there. Even way back when I loved my floral print dresses (and ponies!)


5. Here he is! My 8 years younger brother. This was taken when he was 2 and when I was 10. You all know him as the photographer behind many of my outdoor blog photos. Ahhh, I miss that Bambi t-shirt.


6. I'm about 5 or 6 years old in this one. I was quite the rambunctious little girl. Quite the handful. Can't you tell?? HA HA. Here I am with "Mr. Whale" in the pool wearing one of my favorite bathing suits.

I hope you all enjoyed this little trip down "memory lane" that I am more than happy to share with all of you, my lovely readers! ♥

• StardustandSequins featured me again here. Thank you Cameron!! :]

Closet Confidential with Stiletto Effect 1/29/09

The lovely Su of Stilleto Effect asked me to be one of her "Behind Closed Doors" features. I was more than happy to say yes. You can check out the full feature in her blog here.

Again, thanks for your never ending support, positively sweet feedback and wonderfully warm comments. It means more to me than you will ever know!! ♥

Outfit information here.

Skull Heart

After receiving many inquiries on the detailed skulls making up the heart on my tee from yesterday's post, I decided to take a picture. Here it is. CLICK for a more in depth, close up look of the teeny, tiny cute (yet "hardcore" haha) skulls.

Label on Tee: Ideal, thank you "S" for sending it my way. =]

The World is a Vampire ......

Right before Christmas, "S" (of ModernGuilt) and I decided to have a clothing swap. The second I pulled this black t-shirt out of the box, I saw the brilliant red heart on it. I knew at that very moment that I loved it. At closer inspection, I realized that the "heart" was indeed made up of teeny, tiny skulls; and that's when I decided to refer to it as my Billy Corgan / Smashing Pumpkins t-shirt. So, Billy, this one's for you!! =] The button beanie, made by Knight Cat, inspired by Ali Michael, really helped set me in a punk-ified mood. Cat, I love this hat!!



The video is pretty much *silent. I suggest letting the blog song ("Everything Will be Alright" by The Killers - play while you watch.)


T-shirt: Ideal. Skirt: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target. Tights: Inc Marine. Rings: forever 21 and vintage. Button Beanie: Knight Cat. Heels: Go Jane.

The Monday Seven

1. I love hearing ghost stories, yet, afterward I find myself not wanting to be alone and a need to sleep with the lights on!
   
2. Heels are my addiction. Shoes in general. Help!?
   
3. Late at night is when I get the munchies. I'll usually end up snacking on just about everything.
   
4. My favorite day of the week is Thursday.
   
5. I used to collect Barbie dolls as a little girl. I even played with them until I was almost 13, before giving them all away to my younger cousins.
   
6. Cereal is the best food ever, especially with evaporated milk.
   
7. My iPod is a collection of memories. Each song has a different meaning.
   

Photos: flickr, google

Morning Glory in Gray

I am not a morning person.. but.. I so love an early morning when I can have toasted (plain) English muffins with strawberry jam and butter which I then proceed to "dunk" into my Mocha café. I love waking up early to go to Disney world, pulling on sweats for class, warm chocolate croissants, watching MTV with breakfast, staying in bed with a really good song on my iPod, today's was "Viva la Vida" by Coldplay haha! Here's to those wonderful gray early mornings.

Raglan: American Apparel. Necklace: forever 21. Shorts: diy cut offs from Blue Cult.Tights: Urban Outfitters. Boots: Minnetonka.

Happy Friday! ♥


Sweety, my monochromatic little puppy, stops to say hello. =]

Behati Prinsloo x Polyvore

After the immensely positive feedback [thank you] that I received on my last model story and Polyvore outfit on Natasha Poly and always being inspired by La Couturier's novellas, I have made another. In honor of my newest header, the model, Behati Prinsloo, will be the focus of this Polyvore and Story installment for today.

Behati Prinsloo was starting to fall into a peaceful sleep as she thought of the next day's events that would be taking place. Coco Rocha has scored tickets to a great outdoor rock concert and had invited her to come along. Some of the performers would be world famous rock and rollers who had signed up to sing, and others were new; hoping to gain some exposure. As Behati listened to Olivia Ruiz on her iPod to fall asleep, as she always did, she started to decide on what she would wear. Something rock and roll, she mused, yet something sweet as well. She finally settled on her favorite, almost worn to shreds Woody Star gaze tee from Topshop. It was black and the short sleeves were almost bat-like in design, not to mention super soft. Her well worn in hot pant denim cut offs would help set the perfect concert mood she thought. Topshop was her favorite stop. In case the concert took longer than expected and set into the night, she'd pair the clothing with her fingerless gloves from Hot Topic and her soft and ever so comfortable Marley moccasin booties. Coco has given her a Givenchy reminiscent layered chain necklace for her Birthday last year that would perfectly add a juxtapose light of luxe to her overall look, she pondered. And why not throw in her favorite cheap rings; Alice in Wonderland from Hot Topic and a super bright blue one from Forever 21 to complete the accessorized look? Just before finally giving in to her tired body and falling asleep, Behati decided to top it all off with her peacock feather fedora from Forever 21, something she'd borrowed from a past photo shoot and ended up keeping. Tomorrow would be a great day with Coco, she thought, and finally let herself fall into a deep and wondrous sleep. After all she'd need her beauty rest for the noteworthy day.

Hear Behati talk here.



Source: the fashion spot, [hot topic], [forever 21], [topshop]

A Year in Fashion

A quick glimpse into the book I got for Christmas [ a year in fashion ] I received a lot of feedback and questions regarding that, so, without further ado, here it is. I hope you like this mini peek into "a year" in fashion...... melt some chocolate kisses over that popcorn, that's how I do it. ;]

La Bohemme

This rectangular plaza caught my brother's eye, and so we stopped here for another photo opt. I scored this (faux) fur scarf shawl thing a few weekends back and was finally able to work it into a look for the blog. We couldn't leave without spying on the baseball game that was going on a few yards over.

Sweater and Scarf: Vintage. Jeans: Superfine. Wedges: Bakers. Nail polish: OPI, vodka & caviar.

Currently Coveting ...

Crystal masks, bleach blond hair and rock concert tees, big bow headbands, Jessica Stam, Rachel Bilson, Natasha Poly, leopard print, Phantom of the Opera inspired fashion masks, lavender, polo shirts, denim cut offs, blue eyes, long hair, Miu Miu, silk skirts, Smashing Pumpkins, Blackberry, Gladiator sandals, windy nights, starry skies, Where the Wild Things Are, Roald Dahl, New York City at night, homemade Pizza, Guster, dragging your feet, dancing in your underwear, Polar Express, smudging my dark black eyeliner, Christmas, bell bottom jeans, Jane Birkin, the 70's, a trip to France, cold salad, Tomato soup, Mocha cafe, running barefoot, the ringing of a Church bell, Behati Prinsloo, staying up late reading a really good book, having an iPod chock full of your favorite songs to listen to on the train, Blair Waldorf's headbands, iTunes gift cards, going on the Sailboat, frozen grapes, candlelit dinners, watermelon juice running down your chin at the beach, snorkeling, miniskirts, the little black dress, platforms, sexy bedhead hair, Salmon pink, when Mary Kate Olsen wears pink nail polish with all black, Starbucks runs.

Sources: love more, knightcat, fashionflash, the fashion spot, bleachblack, rachel-b.

Red Right Plaid!

I have always loved this song by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. The song kind of inspired me to go red today, plaid and all. For better details on my bracelet, shoes, clutch and belt you can see them here and here.



And above, I am in video format again, listening to said song while flipping through LULA magazine. I treasure that particular issue (featuring Siri Tollerød) as if it were truly gold.

Plaid top/clutch/belt: Vintage. T-Shirt: Delia's. Charm bracelet: Urban Outfitters. Headband: Target. Jeans: True Religion. Heels: Guess.

Faking the Books!

song is by Lali Puna.

Here I am in this quirky little video I made a few monthssss ago.
Remember the outfit here? Get out some popcorn and press play.
I hope you like it. :]

xx

I call this The Carrie Bradshaw!

Call it playing dress up or call it reality. What difference does it really make? If you're happy with the outcome, that is what counts most, right? And that is what I pull from Sarah Jessica Parker and her alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw. Yes! every. single. time. that I watch Sex and the City; Carrie inspires me like nothing else. Each episode is like unwrapping a Christmas present, only leaving me with the urge to dig through my closet and come up with something new and different and always, very Carrie.

Voila!

Vest: vintage. Leggings: American Apparel. Necklace: forever21. Oxford ankle boots: Newport News. Gloves: Bloomingdales.

And some just layed around in bed

And I did, this morning. The sun wasn't showing her pretty face. So I read some more of my coffee table book that came in, by mail yesterday. A Year in Fashion. (photo, courtesy of Amarillo-blog.) There's nothing cozier than cuddling up on a dark morning, in bed, reading all about FashionFashionFashion!



Here I am in pajamas, but somehow still respectable, I think. haha. As you can see I'm donning my favorite hue; purple. I think Sweety wanted to bite the charm off of my bracelet. She loves to bite things, as she is still teething.

The video above is of Sweety playing with her tennis bone toy this morning. (This was for Nita Karoliina.) the song is by the decemberists xx

Natasha Poly x Polyvore

Jacket, Jeans, bag and Heels Topshop | Ring, Necklace and T-Shirt Forever 21

Natasha Poly was excited to finally have a day off. It had been a very long time since she remembered ever having an actual day off from work. She loved to model, she adored her job, but she also wanted a chance to breathe. She started her day by yawning her very largest yawn and pulling her oversize teddy bear closer to her chest. She closed her eyes again and let the warmth of the sun, trying to peek through the slatted French windows, graze her lovely face. As she lay in bed deciding how to spend her jovial day, she finally came up with a plan: she desperately wanted to get a full body massage at her favorite Spa, followed by a pedicure and manicure. She figured she’d have lunch at her favorite little Bistro, downtown. Natasha loved the croissants that came with the green salad there and the mocha café with mint chocolate candies they offered for dessert. Afterward, she’d shop for what she most hoped to find; the perfect crystal studded platform heels and a luxurious oversize (faux) fur coat. She needed just the perfect pieces. She would be attending a soirée over the weekend thrown by Karl Lagerfeld himself. She knew that both pieces would just have to elegantly complement her little black silk dress by Chanel. Before heading back home, she decided the perfect end to her perfect day would be to stop by the Old Cinema to catch a couple of Greta Garbo films. xx



La Couturier and I challenged ourselves to create a Polyvore and Story combination about a runway model on her "day off" from work. What would she wear? What would she do?

Thanks to La Couturier for coming up with the "theme" of choice. Read her story on Lily Donaldson's day off here.

Source: WhoWhatWeardaily, the fashionspot

What's your Secret Single Behavior?

• I also enjoy saltine crackers with jelly, except I prefer strawberry. I'll have to try it the Carrie way though, with Vogue!
• I always drink a bottle of Voss or Fiji water before bed while reading Nylon magazine.
• Giving myself pedicures and manicures right after a shower.
• I love to have lunch, watching TV uninterrupted, when nobody else is home.
• I give myself facial masks and then sip lemon iced tea while watching Gilmore girls reruns, letting it work on my face.
• I hide fruit in the fridge in a secret spot just for me.
• Making Mocha Cafe with marshmallow creamer every morning to drink before work.
  
• Watching "girly" TV on DVD just before bed while eating a freshly made fruit salad.

What's your Secret Single Behavior?

Photos: JustJared, google images

Owl Eyes

I owe it to my brother for helping me to find this quaint little spot for these particular photos. The best part was when the colorful and cute patchwork cat decided to drop in. We called her "Calypsa" and she even responded to us after a while... Here, I decided to add in my eggplant purple Foley + Corinna bag (thank you, ShopTherapy) I love how soft she feels. I have nicknamed her "Alice" after Alice in Wonderland. Well, it's finally Friday, here's to a long weekend full of adventures, let it all soak in!



Check out this great new site. myLOOK. Sign up and mention "FashionChalet" for immediate approval.



Sweater: Target, maternity. Mask: Costume. Skinny Jeans: Superfine. Victorian Ankle Boots: Payless. Shoulder bag: Foley + Corinna.

Stardust and Sequins interviews me!

This blog contacted me a couple of months ago asking to swap links, and now recently, to be interviewed for it. I never have been asked such fun and inventive questions before. I hope you'll enjoy reading my responses as much as reading her questions. She's definitely a blog worth following, what with her pretty pictures and cool concepts.

You can read/see more here.

A Year in Review

I thought it fit today to blog about some of my current favorites for 2009 as well as some favorites that haunted me through 2008 and still today. I am anxiously anticipating the arrival of my body con double-U neck minidress from American Apparel, in black with long sleeves. The perfect classic; alone or layered. Cat has convinced me to hit the mall today for some studded rings (as has MK Olsen) and Melissa talked me into making a stop at the bookstore for the perfect Fashion book. I'm craving multichain necklaces as well. I cannot wait to incorporate all of these trends and new ideas into my blog this year. I do have some secrets up my sleeve, all neatly written out in shopping list format, of course. I hope to score some of them today. If not, there's always tomorrow.

XO

UPDATE: I ended up getting:

• a slew of rings
• a new scarf
• a bracelet
• and some very Carrie Bradshaw shoes!! xx
• I had to order the book online, along with another ring and necklace. :]
  

Rocks + Daggers

Spent a casual afternoon (that was quite cool) in my Charly Madison thermal- adore the red dragon detail on the side. A long, long time ago an old friend, from California sent it to me. The houndstooth scarf belongs to my Mom. I don't know where she got it. And the skinny jeans are by Hudson. The olive green, part sweater, part military-style blazer, is also very mid-Century Romantic looking to me; from Nordstrom, yearssss ago. I wear it constantly whenever the weather starts to cool down. The bags are non-descript. One is Barneys CoOp, the other is a Birkin lookalike I shamelessly snagged online two years ago. Topped off with my most prized possession, for this moment anyway; are the funky, lace up ankle bootie heels that I scored at this little hole in the wall shoe shop in downtown Miami. $45 but totally worth it. Supposedly, they are Balenciaga knockoffs. Yippe! I did a little dance when I first saw them. My Mom teased me about it, too. HAHA.

Things I'm Craving at this particular moment:

• Odwalla original protein drinks
• Peaches - they are so sweet this time of year
  
• A pair of flat lace up boots
• doc martens
• a long weekend in New York City
• Portobello mushroom burger
  

I appreciate every comment, every visit. I do smile and find myself getting giddy over every word you all leave for me in my blog. I will try me best to still comment all of you, when windows of time and opportunity are open. But, I do promise to continue blogging and updating on a regular basis. Have a wonderful, wonderful and magnificent Monday!

XO

The Time Has Come...

Where I must apologize in advance. The fact is that I have now picked up a fuller work schedule (I added on 7 more hours a week writing for an online fashion magazine- details to come soon!) and of course, taking proper care of our new puppy; she loves to play, which doesn't leave me with enough time to be able to individually comment everybody back, every single time.

Especially since I want to use that extra time to work on the blog (updating it, making graphics for it, writing, and of course, putting together outfits for my little photo shoots) But that certainly doesn't mean that I won't be reading each and every single comment you choose to send my way. Because you can definitely count on my reading them!

I will try to reply back to questions and certain stand out comments. Of course, I will also continue to check all of your blogs for updates as well. I LOVE YOU, your support is breathtakingly amazing! I will continue to update the blog as usual and in the same routine of about everyday or every other day- hopefully you will stick with me- even with this slight little, teeny, tiny change. If only there were 36 hours in a day!

And to the lovely darlings who asked- an outfit post is set for later tonight! XO

Photo Source: Behati Prinsloo from thefashionspot ( 'graphic' by me )

Some random factoids about moi!

I was tagged by the sweet Jillian.

I am a planner/organizer and easily get stressed out when things, don't go "according to plan" - I love to drink coffee all morning long, in my glasses, sometimes I don't even put my contacts in or have lunch until after 3pm - My favorite thing is to stay in bed reading, after my alarm wakes me up - Before bed, is the perfect time to watch DVD's and eat fruit - I adore blogging (working on my own and following others') - I love fashion so much, I even dream about it - The best time of my life was when I spent an entire week in Disney World at the Grand Floridian Resort - I am obsessed with looking at shoes online - I adore making graphics almost as much as writing, or maybe more? - I secretly wish to be a model - I hope to meet a true Fashion Icon someday, like say.. Coco Rocha! or Erin Wasson. - My favorite lunch is salad - I'm addicted to Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen candid photos - my weakness is chocolate - I LOVE YOU, every single one of you that read this blog!!!!!

Have a fantastic, Sunday- my darling dears! Consider yourselves tagged! XO

photo: google images ( i made the 'graphic' )

Sequins and Champagne! NYE '08

I spent the last day of 2008 watching the Dark Knight, drinking champagne and enjoying a lovely meal of Lobster tails, grilled veggies and 3 desserts. Cherry strudel. Carrot cake. And Key lime pie! Not to mention strutting around in my freshly arrived sequined leggings from Express and my favorite Givenchy look alike birdcage heels. I was almost too sleepy to stay up. After the movie and dinner, we went to see the Fireworks display. Always an awesome experience. I hope you rang in the new year right. Once again, a hundred percent of thanks goes out to my little brother who took these snazzy photographs. I love you! ♥

Here's to a fabulous new year of making friends, creating memories and encompassing fashion firsts! I hope you'll join me for this ride! I love every single one of you- my readers, supporters and confidants. I would kiss you all, if I could.




Wool Capelet Jacket: Vintage (Mom's). Vest: Silk vintage (Mom's). Tie Blouse: David Bitton, Buffalo. Sequin Leggings: Express. Earrings: A Christmas gift from my guy. Heels: GoJane.