New Catalog Time...And Easy Weekend Pieces, J. Crew April 2011

I often reach for anything J.Crew on the weekends and so love the clever positioning of their "weekend chic" wearables whether you are reading the paper with a cup of coffee, walking the dog, or playing with your little one(s) as Jenna is portrayed with her son Beckett (too cute)!  I was wondering if JC would ever take the lens to a closer place in her life and I thought it was smart and lovely with clothing choices. After all, how easy is it to make jersey pieces and moccasins look fabulous, but somehow J. Crew does!

I am liking the racer tote in natural speckle.  I do not need another tote, but this one adds a bit of preppy mixed with boho chic that would transition well into Summer.

On a sale note, am thrilled there is a 30% Off Sale Items with Free Ship on $150+.  I picked up a cashmere/wool blend Plaza coat in camel which I intend to pack away for next Winter, but I was really excited for this deal as it was at $129 before the Sale percentage off.

Happy shopping.  It is good to get another jolt of Spring and in this JC April catalog, a jolt of Summer through the "Beach Boutique.  There are lots of bathing suits previewed. Do you have any favorites from the April book?

Cheers and Have a Happy Week!

Sharing from Vogue.com...Beauty Trends From the Fall 2011 Collection

Sharing from Vogue.com

Breathtakingly beautiful imagery, as expected through Vogue, but wanted to share one of my favorite features that pops up annually Vogue's Beauty Trends and in this case from the Fall 2011 Collections entitled "Easy Does It".

Vogue.com says:

Refreshing—or perhaps, refreshed—is a word that comes to mind when describing the beauty at this fall’s collections. The familiar tropes were all there, but updated with a new vocabulary. Sure, there were chignons, braids, and ponytails, but many of the best had come softly, realistically undone, offering inspiration for a fashion pack increasingly influenced by real-world individuality and DIY street style. Think of it as twisting the classics: The red lip turned gothic, or orange, or shockingly pink in some cases; smoky eyes emerged in living color, while classic cat liner took graphic turns; highlights came in punky streaks of blue and pink. Simplicity was front and center, too, with a focus on enviably, utterly beautiful skin, a girlish flush, and the power of a well-groomed brow.


I was particularly attracted to this set of trends because right now I am focused more than ever on healthy skin, smoky eyes and pulled back "pony's".  When you hit your 40's, there comes a feeling of confidence, but still wanting to shine through your uniqueness without over-doing it and I thought these trends from the Fall Collections were spot on for me with reference to this.

I love these beautiful ponies featured in shows like Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton.  As Vogue.com features from "glossy to high maintenance".

Photo: Gianni Pucci/GoRunway.com

I am always on the fence as to how long I will grow my mane, but I think that if you style so beautifully, there is an elegance that can update any look.  Perfect example is this one from the Louis Vuitton, Paris show.  I love this sleeked pony with a beautiful headband (shown left).

Photo: Olivier Claisse/firstVIEW

I've also been a bit "skin manic" having applied skin creams and tonics since 12, my skin is clearly reaping the benefits now.  Recently, I've been been on a conversion of products using almost all Clarins on my face, hands, feet.  All I can say is that my face is downright "dewey" and bright especially when I use their Bright Plus Night Cream which is enriched with Sea Lily.  It is amazing and so light.  My skin glows when I use this product.  So I was very encouraged to see the focus in the Fall Collections to be around immaculate and natural skin.  I also use Christian Dior's Airbrush spray foundation which gives the most beautiful veil of coverage making the skin look natural and luminous.  I think that women of all ages can flaunt this skin.  It takes some work, but this is what we are born in so it is worth it!  The faces at the Proenza Schouler show in New York are gorgeous shown here through Vogue.com (right).

And to compliment the flawless face, you must have the right brows.  Vogue.com features the "Now Brow" and I must say, am glad there is a movement to the darkened, penciled and strong brow which in my opinion really makes a fresh, glowing face stand out from the crowd.  

Brows like those shown in the Alexander Wang, New York show are exactly that which are natural, but bold and really shape a face.  They look stunning with hair down and definitely up.  

So hope you check out some of Vogue.com's other featured trends from the 2011 Fall Collections.  I love them all!  Ok, maybe not the streaks of blue, red in the hair, but I'll give it to be Bold no less!

I Love Lollipops!

I Love Lollipops! by CrewCat featuring a cross body shoulder bag

It's been awhile since I've updated my Polyvore and since I'm continuing down my Spring fling, this set seemed most appropriate.  The The Talbot's daisy lace pencil skirt is my favorite in peach madeleine.  I love this color because it can go slightly coral or pinkish with accessories.  The daffodil yellow is also great and would be super cute paired with a chambray shirt as shown through Talbot's styling.

Cheers and Happy Sunday!

What's In My Bag? - March 2011

My March handbag is beginning to feel more like an Easter basket and walking into the Coach store a couple weeks ago pretty much sprung me into Spring!  The "Kristin" line in particular is so amazingly beautiful that I bought both bag and wallet.  Interestingly though, as "matchy" as I like to get, I opted pale pink and yellow (I just couldn't resist).  The colors are the perfect hues and in my case, the perfect pick-me-up.  

I am always bag to hand with some sort of magazine and of recent have been subscribing to both the UK and US versions of Elle and Marie Claire.  I have to say that I am loving "Brit" editorial by a major stretch and the high gloss photos help too!  

My new fav lipstick is Lancome's Color Design series in Matte.  This is the BEST matte lipstick I have ever bought (sorry MAC).  I have been a loyal follower of MAC's matte coverage, but Lancome's texture is far better in overall feel and wear.  They have some great new shades and so filling both my pink and coral urges ended up with "Posh Pink" and "Corset" which are the prettiest shades.  And, they make your teeth look super white both having slightly bluish undertones.  I always keep Dior's Lip Balm in Creme de Rose in my bags from season to season as this is the best with the nicest, rose scent.

My Kate Spade planner is a must.  And, my favorite staple of recent is my Moroccan Oil which I love for a midday hair shine and also doubles as a great intensive oil for hands and cuticles.

With Spring coming, I find that a pretty new handbag and lipstick binge are sweet rewards.  After all, a girl has to take care of herself!  I think we are all ready for some warmer days and frankly, I don't even care if the rains come as long as the breezes begin to blow.  I am all ready!  

Sharing from Vogue.com...That's a Wrap: A Look Back at the Fall 2011 Collections

Courtesy of Chanel Pre Fall Runway

Photographed by Evan Sung

Sharing from Vogue.com
I have really tried to keep up this year, that is taking sneak peeks here and there on my favorite designers and their upcoming Fall 2011 Collections.  I've raved before and will say again that vogue.com is my number one spot for getting fashion news, culture and absolutely love looking through their photographs of  the very best parties.

Vogue's André Leon Talley and Hamish Bowles backstage at Carolina Herrera, New YorkPhotographed by Elizabeth Lippman

Vogue.com says:

Photographed by Kevin Tachman
Alexander McQueen

We’ve gone from New York to London to Milan, and then onto Paris. And while these four weeks have been a whirlwind of appointments and shows, now that we’re finally at the end of the road, it seems like the perfect time to look back at some of our favorite images from the Fall 2011 collections. Our photographers captured everything from Vogue’s view—from the front of house to behind-the-scenes—so click through our slideshow for an inside look at the iconic moments and backstage mayhem that made up fashion month.
March 10, 2011 4:59 p.m.

Unless you are a part of the scene, I don't know how you could keep up with so many beautiful collections, so for a great wrap up with beautiful photographs, Vogue.com does it again.  A "Wrap" of the most beautiful designer's.  The McQueen to the right absolutely takes my breath away.  It is heavenly and stunning...need I say more.  When a piece like this can fill a mood or tell a story, well then you know you've set out to what you wanted to do.  There is obviously a world far more dream-like than WTW, may I tip to couture?  

A Shot of the Gucci Runway photographed by Elizabeth Lippman

Electrifying, so free and divine,  Ripples of bursting sunbursts.  The hits a great piece where late Indian summer creeps in right before the chill air of Fall.

Anyways, picked a couple favs but there are so many lovely photos and great celebrity hopping.  I hope this gets you even more excited for coming seasons

Exquisite, Beautiful Daisy Lace Jacket from Talbot's Spring 2011 Line...

Every now and then I find a piece that compels me to pay full price.  Talbots new Jackie fit daisy lace jacket was just that piece for me.  It is so unique and pretty and I do not recall the last time I bought a jacket like this.  I love to buy some pieces that can stand the test of time, but also have a little character.  This jacket is so ultra-feminine and Spring-like, and can be dressed up or down like the photo shows with jeans. I actually picked this up for an upcoming trip to Austin so that I could throw it on with jeans and still look dressed.  It is unbelievably comfortable made of cotton/lyocell and with 3/4 length sleeves.  It has no close, flap pockets with the prettiest little cream, marble-shaped buttons.  And if you are not familiar with the different cuts in their jackets, the "Jackie" is described as the following:

Reminiscent of the boyfriend blazer, the Talbots Jackie fit is playfully narrow and straight through the waist with generous room through the bust. Measurements, proportion and balance have been standardized with offerings in long, three-quarter and bracelet sleeves.


The cotton lining has just the slightest tone of creamy, beige which compliments the cream-colored lace daisies beautifully.

So, if you have been convinced to either consider or buy this little gem, I recommend you do so quickly.  Just as rarely as these items come in the door, they go out just as fast.  I have found on occasion that items disappear if there is an extraordinary request.

Happy Spring!