this weeks inspiration: paris or bust

Here I go again. Mid April and I am itching to take my annual trip to Paris. And although 2013 has already started on the wrong foot or note or page, I am determined to squeeze my trip to Paris, one way or another.

fashion cut and paste

I stumbled upon these fashion photos here and I have to say, although I have an open mind to most anything suggested fashionably, I do have a problem understanding what the inspiration behind these cut and paste ensembles are?

boutique hotel pick – le meurice – paris, france

There is a certain charm  to Paris which most  woman understand and appreciate and  although we learn of this at a young age, some take almost a lifetime to figure out.  Those who understand, once Paris is mentioned in conversation,  immediately come alive while exchanging  thoughts of the allure of the city.

For those woman who have not yet had the opportunity to truly understand Paris as it should be, convince your travel partner to stay at Le Meurice hotel, even if for a night and I can guarantee, the ambiance will surely set the stage for an experience you will never forget.

{Recommended classic reads to understanding Paris – click on photo}

fashion: the color of black

With age comes a certain appreciation for the color black (in fashion that is)  and so with that fact, I cannot state enough how much I adore these gowns and black dresses:

gentlemen’s corner – fashion nostalgia

I had worked in the San Francisco financial district throughout the nineties and was accustomed to seeing men in suits, then I escaped the madness of downtown and settled into a more laid back suburban workplace for a handful of  years. When I returned to the financial district five years ago, I was shocked to find most work places had adopted the business casual attire or blue jeans.  I have no problem with that… except

I actually miss the suits and the care men took in looking sharp for their workplace. That’s all I want to say and perhaps/maybe ask, what do you think about men in suits vs casual business attire in a workplace?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

interior decor: five things i want this summer

I know I’ve said this before, but after moving back to the city (being San Francisco) from suburbia, I decided to dwell in a small studio until I figure out what neighborhood I want to truly call home.  Actually this particular decision has inspired me to no end to finish my novel.

So, while I contemplate flats or apartments, the Richmond district or Nob Hill,  view of the ocean or the rolling hills of San Francisco, I dream of making the following changes to my studio apartment:

Adding a distressed artists bureau

Investing in new bedding

Adding more Parisian reminders

Crown molding to spruce up the room

Shifting to bold colors to escape the gray foggy days ahead

choosing colors in fashion

Even though we don’t have a “true” Summer in San Francisco, I still feel the need to add color to my wardrobe during our bleakest (foggy) Summer days just to cheer myself up.

The  way I choose the hues to create my own ensemble  is, by searching the web for colorful designer gowns and putting together my own wardrobe from them. Here are my inspirations for this foggy Summer season in San Francisco:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

fashion: inspiring necklines

While choosing a gown, dress or even a simple top, one important part I take into consideration is the neckline. If the neckline isn’t right for my body type, I forgo the entire piece no matter how beautiful.

Believe it or not choosing the wrong neckline will only become the focal point of a fashion disaster, unless of course you are Lady Gaga or Madonna or Rihanna or {fill in the music artist}. You get my point.

With that said, I have included some inspiring necklines. Which is your favorite?

fashionable chantilly lace and tulle

What is it about lace and tulle?  Every time I come across a dress or a gown with some lace and/or tulle, I grab it off the rack and try it on. Don’t ask me why. I knew I should have been a wedding gown designer.

Anyway, check out some of my favorites:

little black cocktail dress

I have to admit, although I love color, I cannot get enough of black when it comes to fashion.  I should have worked for Chanel . With that said, I am in a desperate search for a cocktail dress for a party I am hosting.

Although, I have been asked to wear a long gown, I cannot help admire some of the little black cocktail dresses which I have found here.

Which one do you like?  Guess which one I liked?  I will reveal my choice tomorrow

Ralph Lauren Black label cashmere dress 800USD

Donna Karan draped stretch jersey dress 1695USD

Dolce Gabbana boucle wool blend dress 1295USD

Dolce Gabbana stretch satin bustier dress 580USD

Alexander McQueen cowl neck silk crepe dress 1985USD

Ralph Lauren black label cutout stretch silk blend jersey 855USD