As spring deliveries roll in the excitement builds as we open up boxes full of fresh spring styles! My pick for this week is a dress that stands out from the many new and amazing spring pieces. It’s the Beaded Neck dress by Milly. We actually have it at the boutique in “natural” which is a beautiful soft ivory color and great for spring especially since neutrals are so trendy. It has a really form flattering silhouette that keeps you thin at the waist, but the best part of the dress of course is the metal embellishments around the neckline that also carry over to a “V” in the back. I just love this dress because even though the embellishments are youthful and edgy, the fit is ageless and timeless.

We’ve talked about Alexa Chung in the past however this is a look at how she wears Chanel. We love the way she mixes the iconic fashion house’s pieces with her own quirky British flare. Whether it’s a graphic tee under a schoolboy blazer or a combination of necklaces and a broach on a tweed dress, we love her mix!

When you’re planning your next trip over seas keep Barcelona in mind, you will defiantly want to check into one of the several new or refurbished and distinctively cool hotels that have opened there recently including W Barcelona.  The latest hotel launch, capturing a ton of design attention is the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona <http://www.mandarinoriental.com/barcelona/> . Mandarin Oriental Barcelona’s official opening was celebrated in November 2009 with a lavish gala attended by the city’s elite and its hype has lived up to everyone’s expectations.
The hotel’s cool factor is a combination of three elements: The convenience of the central location, the good bones of the refurbished former bank building, and most significant, Spanish-born Milano-based architect, Patricia Urquiola, whose responsible for the interior decor of the 98-room hotel, including most of the furnishings. Continue Reading…

Taylor Jacobson from Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project.”joins Everyday Minerals as a stylist, consultant and (lucky for us) blogger!
Check out her blog at http://www.everydayminerals.com/fan-club/love/511-love-taylor
It seems to us that the people at Everyday Minerals have given Tay Tay a makeup makeover…so far we’re not impressed, but happy to have Tay back in our lives.

Still a staple for spring is the perfect black blazer for layering. It is a key transitional item and can be worn from day to night. Favorite pick is the Elizabeth and James Blazer Elizabeth IV. Here is three ways to style this easy staple for a spring look.

A million Britney puns come to mind when looking at her 2010 Grammy ensemble: Oops, She Did it Again! Or: That Outfit is Toxic, and my personal favorite: 1-2-3, Cover up, Britney! She was unable to recreate the “sheer” magic with Dolce and Gabanna that was achieved in 2001 with her racy-lacy Grammy get-up. Instead of exciting and daring, this fishnet and corset disaster is ill fitting and unflattering.  Maybe next year, Brit.

I am a sun-lover. I despise being cold. I have no idea why I live in the Midwest. When the days begin to grow shorter, darker, and colder, my anxiety reaches a fever pitch. Winter is here. For six long months, I will languish in agony without my beloved sunshine and warm weather. It makes me cranky, lazy, and strangely, hungry? I decided to look into my maladies, to find if they held any merit:
Seasonal Affective Disorder is defined as a “form of depression that occurs in relation to the seasons, most commonly beginning in winter.” SAD, as it’s commonly referred to, (how appropriate) is characterized by the following symptoms: Continue Reading…

Ok so red lips isn’t new by any means however its one of the biggest colors for spring and an easy way to sport it is on your lips.  Anyone and I do mean anyone can pull this look. Three things to remember: Keep your eye make up minimal, your face flawless and shine free, and choose a red that works with your skin tone.

As seen on the runways of Fendi, Prada, and Michael Kors Lucite is a clear trend for fall. Pun intended. The bigger the better and pair the pieces with your preppy and most sophisticated ensembles to achieve the right look.

High messy buns are popping up all over for spring from haute couture on the runways to everyday street chic gals.  We love this look because it comes across as effortless yet still stylish.  In order to master this look, make sure you keep your makeup and clothing put together and polished in order to avoid appearing sloppy.

I’m always on the lookout for a great mid-priced bottle of wine. I wouldn’t consider myself any sort of a connoisseur, however, I have consumed my fair share of wine. At a recent get together with some girlfriends at the Classic Cup here on the Plaza, an owner of the restaurant stopped by our table and suggested the Frei Brothers Pinot Noir. Continue Reading…

Lauren Conrad signs Sweet Little Lies

Time: Monday, February 8, 2010 6:00 p.m. (NEW START TIME)
Location: Unity Temple on The Plaza, Sanctuary, 707 W 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112
Phone: 913-384-3126 to order Admission Packages or for more information.

For more details……….. Continue Reading…

We are going crazy for this 60’s inspired collection.  It has the perfect combination of psychedelic prints, lady-like jackets, and simple shifts.  We love how she was able to incorporate the many influential style elements from this iconic time period.  Pair her spring pieces with items you already have to give your wardrobe that new-vintage feel.

Want to rank among the Tinsley Mortimers, Valesca Guerrand Hermes, Lauren Santo Domingo, and Julia Restoin Roitfelds of the world. Aside from fame, fortune, and a little social climbing you’ll need a new name! Use the first letter of your first and last name. For example, I am now Plum Pulitzer!
Continue Reading for the chart from at guestofaguest.com to find your socalite name. Continue Reading…

My favorite item this week is on point with the biggest footwear trend for Spring–the oxford! It’s the Joie “Louie Louie” oxford and it is one of the best flats I’ve seen for this season. I love the fact that you can wear a flat for comfort and still look polished. The cognac color of the “Louie Louie” is perfect for Spring and looks great with easy day dresses or rolled denim.

Models at Karl Lagerfeld’s Chanel spring 2010 runway displayed temporary tattoos. The layered chains in the form of garters and bracelets were an edgy addition to the girly frills and silhouettes.

Standard Style Magazine shot on location at Kansas City Museum’s Corinthian Hall. We feel so fortunate for the opportunity and full access to this historic KC landmark. Above is a sneak peek of the Spring/Summer Magazine and below is a list of events hosted by Corinthian Hall for February.

MONTH OF FEBRUARY

2.07.10
Faces of Corinthian Hall
Some of the greatest buildings in the world are adorned with the mythological likenesses of Zeus, Poseidon and Aphrodite. Kansas City Museum’s Corinthian Hall can be added to that list with its beautiful decorated exterior adorned with these same mythological figures. At Kansas City Museum’s First Sunday Family Fun Day, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, adults and children can learn about Greek mythology. Continue Reading…

Neither the prestige of Alexander McQueen’s runway or the pay check of Fashion Week could  persuade three Vogue cover girls to step in to these heels. Abbey Lee Kershaw, Natasha Poly and Sasha Pivovarova refused to wear the ten-inch-tall Armadillo stilettos of Alexander McQueen and were subsequently cut from the show.
Reportedly Kershaw as been a victim of McQueen’s fashion in the past, fainting after walking the runway in a corset that was too tight.

Nail polish is an essential addition to any outfit.  It can tie a look together and tells a lot about a girl’s personal style.  We love the new Essie Spring Collection, as it is the perfect way to add a burst of color to your wardrobe, which is sure to put a little “spring” in your step! The Essie Spring Collection consists of six new, fabulous colors: lilacism, neo whimsical, pop art pink, red nouveau, tart deco, and van d’go.

Celebrities gave us a glimpse into one of spring’s biggest trends this year at the SAG awards.  Stars like Katherine Heigel, Jane Krakowski, and Claire Danes dared to be bold on the carpet in red.  This punch of color is perfect for transitioning from winter to spring.  Pair a red dress with black tights now, then go bare-legged when the temperatures rise with strappy heels.  If a bright dress is too much for you, embrace this trend with a red handbag, jacket, or silky top.