Pardi Gras Mambo

Wow! What another Carnival Season down for the books! 'Tis the time to break out all the purple, gold and green paraphernalia. People dancing in the streets to the blaring brass bands. The abundance of costumes, glitter and feathers to question one's self whether it's Halloween or not, again. An indescribable hodge- podge of sights, sounds and visuals you will not get anywhere else in the world. Only to make it unforgettable, guaranteed to keep you coming back every year. And as it goes without saying, the bigger, the better.

Laissez les bon temps rouler!

After Christmas it's tradition to keep the tree out and adorn it with the festive purple + gold + green.

Support your local vendors. Shirt: Defend New Orleans via defendneworleans.com

One of the BEST customer service providers. Ever.

Balcony view of the debauchery.

In a place where our passion runs deep for all things that celebrate our heritage and culture, New Orleanians do it with pride. Some refer to us as "slow". Some may even call us "alcoholics". Most tend to call us "crazy". We  refer to it as "individuality".

(Wedge platform booties + Chain cross body bag + sunnies: Aldo, cardigan: F21, leather shorts: Topshop, rose gold timepiece: Dolce & Gabbana, v- neck tee: Defend New Orleans)

Non- traditional king cake shape but it sure is tasty. Rated as #1 in the city. Hi Do is legit.

Nothing like a spicy Bloody Mary for breakfast, lunch and dinner on those crisp Carnival days.

Yes. This is what it looks like.

fancy & festive

Sustenance. Sad they were out of the cotton candy flavor but the red velvet is always a classic.

Cupcakes & Co. is a a gourmet cupcake mobile truck that offer delightful treats on the go. Make sure to follow them on Twitter for their location.

"Go insane..go insane..throw some glitter, make it rain.."

Incognito.

It's been real, Pawdi Gras '11, catch you next year.

Now on to the Irish festivities this upcoming weekend!

Like what you see here and still can't get enough? Make sure you check out the other leading ladies of NOLA's blogosphere to experience Fat Tuesday through their eyes. Links provided below:

         Slow Southern Style- http://www.slowsouthernstyle.com/

Stylish3-The Blonde http://www.stylish3.com/Prototyle

PrototyleMama- http://prototypemama.wordpress.com/

Style Cakes- http://stylecakes.wordpress.com/

NO(LA) More Chains- http://nolamorechains.blogspot.com/

Miss Malaprop- http://www.missmalaprop.com/

UNMADE- http://beautyunmade.com/

Odelma Vintage- http://odelmavintage.blogspot.com/

Hypercrush. Neons & High Voltage Aglow.

It's really no surprise that after a long, drab Winter season all we long for is  the warmth of the sun and of course, the sizzling skin-baring Spring/ Summer season's hottest fashions. Well, yours and my wish came true. Preferably for myself, I tend to gravitate toward the bolder hues. Hypercrush is exactly how I'd describe my love for this rainbow bright affair.

Oh for months now how I've been eyeing the SS 2011 collections from afar! From Gucci to DVF to Jill Sander to Dolce & Gabbana, they all have yet to disappoint. Neons & color-block trend = kool aid smile. No, the '80s are not coming back. Just a modified, fresh take on season's electric trend. Get your sunnies ready ladies, the boldness might just be tad bit blinding...

LUST:

(Diane Von Furstenberg)

(Jill Sander)

(Gucci)

(Spotted: Paris Fashion Week)

(VS Angels new fragrance launch)

CHIC for LESS:

(Topshop $55)

(Bubble gum pop. Left: Diesel $330, Right: asos $63)

Just some pieces I have in my closet that I have yet to wear.

I'll be doing an outfit post on this trend soon...

(F21: $25 the zippers on the shoulders give it that little something extra)

(Bebe: $59 tunic top or dress, it's a keeper)

(Bebe: $49, cowl neck front + elastic criss-cross lattice back)





Oscar Worthy. Her Red Carpet Moment.

(All images courtesy Getty Images)

1. Cate Blanchett- Givenchy Couture, Mila Kunis- Elie Saab ( My top 2 fave looks)

2. Michelle Williams- Chanel Couture, Gwyneth Paltrow- Calvin Klein Collection

3. Jennifer Hudson- Versace, Jennfier Lawrence- Calvin Klein Collection

4. Halle Berry & Hailee Steinfield both in Marchesa

5. Natalie Portman- Rodarte (Best New Mommy Glow ever!)

6. Mandy Moore- Monique Lhullier, Hilary Swank- Gucci

It's Awards Season ladies and gents! Oh how I look forward to this time of year. And the Oscars have always been my favorite. All that glitz and glam galore is just simply infectious. What a huge accomplishment for those nominated and those that get an opportunity to dress the stars. Designers..Stylists..Jewelers...The highs and lows that lead up to that red carpet arrival. We all know that it's ALWAYS about the fashion. So here are my top picks for the ladies that managed to take my breath away. I DIE!

Who were your top pick(s) for Best-Dressed?

Grid-Locked.

(Pardon the quality of the pics. I'm working on getting my dream camera. It's taking a bit longer than I expected since it's pretty much equivalent to 4 pairs of Louboutins.)

(Dress: asos, trio metal rings: Express, tribal three-tone bracelet: boutique)

(Shoes: boutique)

( 'Cause it's Ladies Night!)

( My beautiful friend, Trang, in a French Connection dress & Christian Louboutin pumps."Who are you??" inside joke. Balloons are a MUST for fun. )

Okay. Okay...I know it's been forever since I've updated this blog, but I promise this year I will keep up with the posts as consistently as I can. Life has been hectic and that's still not an excuse. Kudos to those that post weekly. True dedication. & commitment.

Spring has finally arrived in the Big Easy and it's time to start anew. With that being said, what better way to kickoff the season with a fun night out with one of your fave gal pals?? Any excuse to get fancy.

Inspired from the season's boldest colors, I went B-A-N-A-N-A-S as soon as I laid my eyes on this hot little number. Cutouts + hot hue? Yes please! Perfect statement. Personally to me, it was the contrast of utilitarian & industrialized-influenced chicness that just did me in. Coincidentally, my friend had the same idea. She opted for a hot pink one shoulder dress. Great minds think alike. Good eats + libations + stimulating convos & plenty of giggles make the best of times with wonderful company.

I do look forward to sharing with you all my thoughts and things in between that occur in my little world.

Nothing Comes Close to the Golden Coast.

 

         

( I love how humidity does not exist up here)

(Santa Monica Pier)

(Cotton candy + Coffee Bean with my nephew)

So, I've been in California for only a couple of days and already have hit the streets running. It always feels like home everytime I visit.There's nothing like this crisp air to not make you want to just spend the whole day outside like there's not a care in the world. Such a wonderful way to begin another great week!

More to come...

Do Wear All White.

(Waking up early on vacay and actually enjoying the sunrise is such an awesome feeling. Hanging out on the balcony of our condo. The beach just a couple minutes stroll away + the peacefulness of this secluded location = perfection.)

(NOLA pride on the Emerald Coast. I LOVE this plastic tumbler! My iced soy Starbuck's VIA)

(Target silk tank, BT fringe bib necklace, F21 turqoise bracelet, vintage silver knuckle ring,

Black Orchid white skinnies, Pac Sun frameless aviator sunnies, Baker's blush pink wedges)

(Super comfy wedges. Obssesed with this OPI shade. It's called, Color of the Zen-tury.)

(Feeling easy, breezy. Pardon the shades being on but it is seriously bright and I was going au naturale. No makeup just my lip protectant. And yes, I am sitting on a white towel. No need to get my bootay dirty. I am wearing all white after all.)

So, it's been quite a busy summer on my end. Unfortunately, not all play but alot of work. Blahhh. It makes it just that much harder to keep up with everything, especially blogging. Here's a little post to you all from the Emerald Coast aka Destin this Labor Day weekend  as I enjoy my morning java.

Yes, I'm wearing all white. I'm a firm believer in wearing it all year round and when needed be, why not from head to toe? Make it work! There's something about that crisp, cool color that makes me feel all calm and serene on the inside. Best attention grabber hands down.

Happy Labor Day everyone!!!