un-Simply, Iris.

There are only a select few women out there that have not only conquered the fashion industry in their life time but also carried their legacy on year by year; decade by decade.

You could throw many names at me that you think fit the bill. Coco Chanel. Grace Kelly. Anna Wintour. Jackie O. Katharine Hepburn.

But there is also one who doesn't get quite the recognition she deserves.

Iris Apfel.

Iris is legendary. You have to be to have the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City premier an exhibition about you. {And well titled at that, Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel}.

Starting as a interior designer, Iris hit it big with clients that included 9 Presidents for the White House. Interior elite. Which got her noticed for her maximalist fashion sense. Huge sunnies {you thought Rachel Zoe started that?}, layers of costumne jewelry, multicultural, over-the-top, couture-infused, outfits. Iris is the Queen of excess. Just when you think you have enough going on, throw on another layer of accessories a la Iris style.

A make-up collection with MAC. A professor for a fashion program at UT. Home Shopping Network line. Designer and fashion icon.

And did I mention that she is 91 years old?

Iris is a reminder to everyone to follow the beat of your own drum. To wear as you please. And she defines what the "extra" means in extraordinary.



Black Tie Affair

There's something about the tuxedo trend that grabs my attention and pulls a bit at my style heart strings enough to take notice. Sure, I'm always game for a great blazer but there's something more to this look that I haven't quite put my finger on yet. What this usually means is that something about it will eventually inspire me. May the tie? The tuxedo pant? The masculinity of the entire look? I can't wait to see what it is. Regardless, I am completely obsessing over this look right now.


Lanvin. Ralph Lauren.
 
Haider Ackermann. LFW13.


. embellish .

It's almost December and that means the holidays are just around the corner. The Christmas baking is about to explode in my kitchen. The Christmas shopping needs to be taken care of and finalized.

Oh ya, and I have some major holiday attire on the brain as well.

Always such a fun, festive time to dress up. This year I am seeing and loving shoulder embellishment more than ever. The perfect amount of sparkle for a gal who doesn't like to go too over board. But any hint of it will do. Edging on blazers. Bibbing on necklines. Just that perfect amount of a-ha!





Polished.

Ohhh you guys. You guys are some crafty ones. Let me tell you first, that I am uber jealous of any one that can keep a mani going on for more than 3 days. These mitts have about a maximum standing of 2 days before things start getting a little messy. By day 3 the polish is usually off. And secondly, you are all so creative! And I love it.

Check out these beauty nails I've spotted that made my style radar jump off the rails.

. Marant .

Isabel Marant designs shoes that make hearts go pitter patter, feet smile, dreams come true, and wallets want to cry. So many items on my "Gimme" list. Fall/Winter inparticular because, well... no one does a great dickie boot like Ms.Marant.






Az.tec

It's been a fantastic last couple of weeks. Not only have Starbucks Christmas cups returned {I am easily pleased, okay?}, not only did I spot some M.A.D. jewels on Gossip Girl {Another major M.A.D. moment!}, and not only did Mel share a sneak peek of her Spring13 collection {see here}, but my shipment of aztec inspired cardigans arrived just in time for this winter weather that recently blew in. 

Perfectly cozy. Perfectly put together.

Spring 2013

Yep, it's November and I am dreaming about the beach.  Not exactly for vacation purposes but pretty much all due to my latest collection. Samples arrived into our Boston studio this week and I couldn't be more excited! However, I am in Salzburg so its not like I got to see them up close and personal. Yet.  My showroom has been sending me images and I am just dying to get my hot little hands on them. Seeing all my sketches come to life and translated so beautifully is one of the best parts of my year.

I wanted to share with you a collection of my inspirations for this season (Spring). A mix of nature, the beach, glamour and tribal. I know, random, don't ask me how my brain works. Hopefully these images will give you a sense of what's going on in my head. And if they don't, guess you'll have to wait and see the collection ;)











All images via Pintrest
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And here is a little sneak peek at a few necklaces:

Tribal Pave Tusk

Pave Arrow Head, Turquoise, Spear and Sharks Tooth

Sandy.

Our friends, family, and readers living on the east coast are in our thoughts! Stay safe everyone xo
 
 {Not the times square we are used to seeing...}

Art.ful

One of my biggest challenges in home decor is selecting art pieces for the walls. I am so picky and always second guess myself! I feel that the art displayed is such an integral part of the entire room's look. It is almost defining. Add in the fact that I can't even commit to one fabric for a custom made sofa and... well, you can see my dilemma!