NICE ASP: SNAKE-INSPIRED DESIGNS

Beyond the snakeskin trend...  I'm wild about these unique designs that incorporate slithery serpents ​in a whole new way!

1| Chinese Zodiac snake cards and birth announcements from Paper Culture. 2| ​Emitations silver snake bracelet. 3| Snake hoop earrings from Dorothy Perkins. 4| Contemporary vignette featuring snake-printed canvas from Surface View. 5| Melinda Maria turquoise snake ring from Max & Chloe. 6| Rika's dark and decadent snake-print skirt at Matches Fashion. 7| Judith Jack Snake Charmer bangle bracelet from Zappos. 8| Lanvin serpent-print silk dress at the Outnet. 9| Free People'svintage mesh snake belt. 10| Emilio Pucci snake wrap bracelet from My Theresa.

More of my snake-inspired faves:

DENIM REDUX: REFASHION YOUR JEANS

Tired of your old jeans?  These DIY projects transform your old denim in a flash!  The colorful dyed-denim by State of Unique really caught my eye (I'll just swap out the spring colors for a fall palette!)

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​Need some jeans to get started?  Check out some of these at Style Therapy.  I'd love to see the Versace jeans made into cut-off shorts!  

Love your jeans that have holes in all the wrong places?  Denim Therapy works wonders on holes, hems and broken zippers... they can even convert your favorite pair into maternity jeans!

Need more inspiration?  Not a fan of DIY?  Shop the style:

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What to Wear: Date Night

It's still a smoldering 100 degrees here in Texas.  Here's an ensemble that lets you look hot, but stay cool.  I've thrown a little stole in for good measure (hot outside, but cold inside)...  Pair this silk dress with a jacket and wear it well into early fall!

1| MAC pigment: Nordstrom
2| Go Silk Racerback dress: Calypso St. Barth
3| Kotur "Breen" clutch: Shirise
4| Golden Goose stole: The Corner
5| Alexis Bittar rose gold shield earrings: Moda Operandi
6| Gucci Suede peep-toe Mary Janes: Net-A-Porter
7| Aerin Lipstick in Sunday Morning: Saks Fifth Avenue

Shop similar items:

Original collection via Polyvore

Splurge vs Steal: Striped Knit Skirt

splurge: chinti and parker
steal: forever21

 This great striped knit Chinti and Parker skirt from Net-A-Porter isn't necessarily going to break the bank, but the similar skirt from Forever 21 is truly a steal!

Shop other striped knit skirts:

Color Studies: Prabal Gurung Fall 2012

Prabal Gurung Fall 2012 via Vogue

Cosmetics to complete the look:

Wear It Now and Later: White Jeans (Yes, Really!)

Rules be damned!  You CAN (and I will) wear white jeans after Labor Day.  I've mentioned before how much I love my white denim and I'm not quite ready to give them up.  Not so sure?   White or ivory corduroy jeans are a great option for those who aren't sure they can pull it off!

look 1: rick owens cardigan, citizens of humanity thompson jeans, forever21 twisted pattern cuff, jessica simpson gia tote, madewell barnwood booties
look 2: rebecca taylor python-print tunic, MIH jeans, krystal sasso crystal nugget necklace, aldo guan clutch handbag, nine west sweetbriar peep toe booties
look3: alexander wang cardigan, dorothy perkins carousel-print blouse, eddie borgo pyramid stud earrings, mango sunny 7 jeans, michael michael kors hamilton tote, shully spiked ballerina flat

More from this look:

Labor Day Shopping Event at Tory Burch

printed robinson tote| marisa mohair coat| daniela riding boot| marianne pump| anthea dress
tory reversible belt| needlepoint bag

Shop for all your essentials this Labor Day weekend at Tory Burch!  Simply enter the code "WEEKEND" at checkout and save up to 30% (some restrictions apply).  Picked out a few of my favorites (above).

Shop more Tory Burch:

Color Studies: Christopher Kane Fall 2012

Bold black, red and blue with unexpected shots of lavender in Christopher Kane's Fall 2012 runway collection.

runway images via style.com

Shop the look:

Circling Back Around: Backpacks Are Back!

It took me a bit of time to warm up to backpacks.  Unfortunately they are a reminder of my least fashionable decade (the 90's), but I've been a little nostalgic for that back-to-school excitement.  I've grown particularly fond of the bright cobalt blue Pierre Hardy backpack, the washed leather Nylo style and, of course the to-die-for alligator model from The Row.  Here are those and other stylish options I've come across:

neutral| studded| tribal| luxe| bright| distressed| animal| pastel| sleek

Keep in mind that, just like handbags, you should choose a style proportionate to your body size and shape.  And please, no grown woman should turn up at work sporting a Hello Kitty backpack (or any other cartoon theme)... keep it age appropritate!

Shop more backpacks:

Fall for Pink this Season

Love the unexpected use of pink in Jil Sander's Fall 2012 collection!
Carry over some of your summer bright and pastel pinks into early fall, pairing them with basic shades such as stone, camel and taupe.

photos via vogue

 Shop pink clothing, shoes and handbags at Style Therapy.  More pink below:

Color Studies: Colorblocking Still Strong for Fall!

Color blocking is still going strong for Fall 2012.  I love this combination from BCBG Max Azria's runway collection.  A great bold color palette to play around with!

runway image via vogue

Featured Item: Golden Christian Dior Bustier

 Because I love everything about it!

This gorgeous Christian Dior bustier is exquisitely fashioned from golden yellow floral silk jacquard fabric with a smocked tulle overlay.  U.S. size 6 (as labeled) but seems to run smaller.  (Straps are removable).  See listing for more information and fit detail.

Well Collared

It's no secret that style-watchers are focusing in on collars.  It's a trend that's relatively easy to pull off. There are tons of options out there: the removable collar, the collar necklace and (please, don't laugh) the dickey.  For those of you who do not know, the dickey is basically a collar that is attached to a "bib" and gives the illusion you are wearing a shirt.  Dickies can change the look of a sweater or shell without any bulk or pesky bunching and twisting.  They are especially handy to a Texan (like myself) who appreciates the layered look, but rarely sees the opportunity, what with the heat soaring well through fall!

Here are a few Style Therapy favorites:

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necklaces 1| 2| 3| 4| 5
dickies 1| 2| 3| 4

Ollegoria on Etsy features some beautiful handmade collars for sale.  Or, if you prefer a little DIY collar project, here are a few I have stumbled upon:

• Refinery29 shows you how to make 4 different collars
• Fashion a pretty eyelet collar with P.S.-I made this...
• Create a chain collar necklace at Hello Whimsy
• Get a pattern from The Maker's Journal and whip one up from scratch!

Color Studies: Scarlett Johansson

I pinned this photo from Scarlett's Moet Chandon ad months ago and I keep going back to it.  I love the colors, and would recreate it if I knew how!

Stylishly Superstitious: The Evil Eye

Stylish or superstitious?  Maybe a little of both?  Historically, these talismans were worn to ward off the evil eye curse...basically turning or bending a malicious gaze back to its bestower.  I wear my Jennifer Miller evil eye bracelet every day (#6) and even though I don't consider myself all that superstitious, a little added protection never hurt anyone!  Accessory and jewelry designers are putting their own spin on the evil eye, here are some of Style Therapy's favorites:

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Try some Evil Eye DIY

• Honestly WTF makes a sliding knot bracelet
• Create an evil eye t-shirt with No Subject Los Angeles
• See Elle UK for a how-to on Alexa Chung's evil eye manicure

Shop more Evil Eye jewelry and accessories:

Style Therapy Free Shipping Extended thru 8/31!

Style Therapy's free-shipping sale has been extended through August 31st!  Stock up on designer fashion clothing, accessories and shoes now!

Try The Trend: Fit & Flare

Spring's fit-and-flare trend is still going strong this fall!  Nipped waists and fuller skirts really show off the waistline.  Keep it slim and simple on top to balance out your figure!

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Shop more of the fit-and-flare trend:

Plus one fabulous dress for sale now at Style Therapy:

Finding Fashion on eBay

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Finding great fashion on eBay can be overwhelming.  As the owner of a Style Therapy luxury fashion consignment store, I do a lot of research on the site and occasionally run across some great sellers.  I feel obliged to pass along some of these names to you!  There are plenty more where these came from, just be sure to check their feedback, as these ratings are still the best way to avoid trouble!

Favorite eBay fashion picks (in no particular order):

• The HAUTE Spot
• Celebrity Owned
• LaLa*Style
• FASHIONPHILE
• Malvina's Luxuries
• Rodeo Drive Deals
• Stylebug
• The Fashion Bin
• The Best Names in Fashion

Of course, you're always welcome to visit me, too!  Happy shopping!

Featured Item: Valentino T-Shirt Couture

 

Valentino's version of glam-rock!  Dripping with sequins and crystal-embellished tulle, this top takes the tee shirt to another level!  Pair with black pants, leather pants, skinny jeans or shorts.

Rock on!

Free Shipping on fashion items!

Shop now for free U.S. shipping on select fashion items at Style Therapy on eBay!  Over 200 items to choose from, including Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin and more.  Offer good through August 15th.

Skater Glam

The L.B.D.- Alexander McQueen style.  This skater-inspired dress features slashed, open shoulders that lend a little bit of attitude and offset the flirty twirl skirt.  Black on nude lace is simply gorgeous and hard-to-find!  Cocktail party perfection with towering platforms or (for an edgier spin) peep-toe booties.  Don't miss out on this rare find!

Featured Item: Halston Heritage Purple Halter Dress

Whether you're headed to a beach-side cocktail party or a black tie soiree, this Halston Heritage gown is your go-to dress!  Rich purple flatters nearly anyone and the seventies-inspired design is beyond sexy.  Fabulously versatile, pair this dress with metallic gold flat or strappy high-heeled sandals.  An armful of bangles and dangling chandelier earrings complete the look.

I know I've talked about this one before, but I can't help myself... I love it!

My Favorite London Spots

Just a few of my favorite London haunts for those of you traveling across the pond for the 2012 Olympic games.  Enjoy!

1. The Corinthia Hotel: A little off the beaten path, but WAY worth it!  This stunning gem is moments away from Trafalgar Square and the Thames Embankment.  Whitehall Place, London SW1A 2BD
2. Ziani's Restaurant: This Chelsea spot is popular with the locals and is hands-down, my favorite Italian restaurant anywhere. I suggest the Gnocchi al Ragu di Lepre. 45 Radnor Walk, London SW3 4BP
3. The Mayflower Pub:  Because you have to go to a pub, eat fish and chips and have a pint! 117 Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 4NF
4. The Red Fort:  A must for fans of Indian food. 77 Dean Street, Soho, London W1D 3SH
5. Victoria and Albert Museum:  The V&A is the world's leading museum of decorative arts and design. Fashion-minded visitors might be interested in checking out "Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950" in the newly renovated Fashion Galleries. Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
6. The Churchill War Rooms & Museum: Tour the underground command center and living quarters for British High Command during World War II and a biographical exhibit of Winston Churchill's life.
7. Claridge's: An English tradition. Sip tea (or champagne) while nibbling finger sandwiches, sweet pastries and scones. Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1A 2JQ

Anglomania: Lizzie Allen

In honor of the London games, I'm dedicating this week to British style!

London-based wallpaper designer Lizzie Allen finds inspiration in everyday life.  Whimsical scenes depict the changing of the Palace Guard, the iconic British telephone box, city gents and even a jazz band in Central Park!  These hand screen printed papers would look terrific as a feature wall (I'd love them for a powder room!)

Lizzie Allen wallpapers | Pillow and tumbler from Habitat

Style Therapy: Featured Fashion Items

 Just a few featured items now at Style Therapy!

1) Printed jeans from Roberto Cavalli

2) Vince lace-up sweater

3) Gucci "Iman" platform sandals in lavender

4) Colorful printed Versace jeans

5) Showstopping fuchsia Jovani gown

6) Jen's Pirate Booty lace tunic top

7) Metallic pony hair "Antler" booties from Camilla Skovgaard

Happy shopping!