Minnie Mouse as Muse

Ever since Forever 21 launched its Twist line, inspiration has been taken to a whole new level. With muses like the circus and Alice in Wonderland, the line brings fun styles (bordering on costume) to the every day consumer. Now, Forever 21 Twist has teamed up with Disney to create its "Minnie Muse" line. Inspired by new, modernized sketches of the classic icon, the line is a holiday exclusive, due to come out in November,

Visual Masterpiece

The store Anthropologie has always had stunning visuals, as well as clothes. Here are some of my favorite pictures from their November 2010 catalog.

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I'm jealous of Shanghai.

Starting January 15, Shangai's Museum of Contemporary Art is about to play host to Culture Chanel. Curated by French art directer and critic Jean-Louis Froment, the exhibit will study the inspiration behind the label's most iconic designs. Culture Chanel will include 400 pieces - from clothing, to art, to film - and also highlight the designer's relationships with Igor Stravinsky and Pablo Picasso, as well as other members from the Parisian literati and art circle.

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State of Mind

Traveling the US, performance artist Robin Barcus Slonina was immensely inspired by her surroundings. So, she created State of Dress, a project in which she will create a dress for each state - each dress representing a main element in the nature of the state. Eight have already been made. Information about the making of the dresses and more pictures of the dresses can be seen on her blog, stateofdress.blogspot.com/.

Slonina created a willow tree dress to represent Wyoming.

"When thinking about what to create for the New York edition of the States of Dress project, I didn't hesitate a moment to imagine garbage," Slonina writes.

Short film documentaries to document the making of the dresses will be released one by one.

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Get lost in Myopic Books

I feel like I've stepped into a fairy tale when I go to Myopic. Or maybe Harry Potter. The tiny aisles between the never ending rows of books definitely resemble what I would imagine Flourish and Blott's would look like.

Situated on N Milwaukee St in Chicago, the bookstore contains what must be tens of thousands of used books, from fiction to travel to architecture. All of the books are used and varying styles. I went to get Anna Karenina, by Leo Tolstoy, and found a hardcover and softcover. I got the softcover, considering it's easier to carry and has such a strong old book smell that I could hardly resist.

It's a great place to go for a bit and get lost; however, I do suggest having some idea of what you want to get, because the selection can be a bit overwhelming, and the shelves are close together that, while charming, it is hard to comfortably browse through the books.

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The Age of Innocence...

Youthful silhouettes, soft details, and playful patterns grazed the runways in Paris this weekend. Here are some of my favorite looks:

left: Azzaro

middle: Cacharel

right: Tsumori Chisato

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Bonjour, Paris!

J'aime les couleurs à Dries Van Noten.

I wonder if I could get away with wearing a beautiful silk robe around the city?

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Love Carey Mulligan

"At 25 I shouldn’t be doing the easy stuff."

Carey Mulligan, Vogue Oct. 2010

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Garden Party

I loved these looks from D&G

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Whenever I think

I am getting over Urban Outfitters, they produce new clothes and accessories that I absolutely must have!

Please excuse the squares in the squares in the bottom right hand corners of the pictures!

Left: tba Silk Organza Evelyn Dress

Right: Waylaid Bare Ribs Necklace

Bottom: Urban Renewal Collars & Cuffs Secretary Blouse

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Petticoats and breezy dresses.

In London, Julien Macdonald created a soft, dreamy collection of billowing tops, menswear inspired jackets, and flowing dresses. I felt like I was in a dream while I was clicking through the pictures!

Meanwhile, Twenty8Twelve created a fun, youthful collection in which petticoats were involved.

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Was it just me...

Or did Oscar de la Renta's runway feel... incohesive? Florals and furs, dresses that looked like they were from the 50s and 80s... they just don't seem to go together. There were, however, undoubtedly beautiful pieces. I particularly liked the bright, 3D floral patterned dresses and coats.

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Rodarte Strikes Again!

Once again, I found myself glued to the computer, jaw dropped as I looked at pictures from the Rodarte Spring 2011 runway show. Apparently the Mulleavy sisters got inspiration from Northern California- their hometown. Being from NorCal myself, I felt a connection to the styles and fabrics they used, which felt very woodsy and natural . Although there were not as many thick knit layers as there have been in Rodarte's past collections (this is spring after all!) I feel like their development into straighter lines was refreshing. My favorite look has to be this beautiful blue dress (left), which reminds me of the ocean- Big Sur, in particular.

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Fall Fashion Week is Here...

And I'm noticing that sheer fabrics might be a trend for Spring! The see-through styles create a delicate, feminine look that is light and airy- perfect for Spring. I am particularly appreciative of the new "move" option on Style.com, which lets the viewer see how the clothes move on the model.

Thakoon Panichgul's take on the look emanates a nighttime, boudoir feel. The pale lavender color evokes the freshness associated with Spring, and the large folds create volume and interest.

Marc Jacobs (center) mixed longer dresses in bold colors to communicate a 70s vibe. The flowers in the hair and around the neck were fun and flirty, and reminded me of my mom's "flower child" days.

With cyclists as her inspiration, Betsey Johnson created an exciting collection full of color and whimsy. This particular dress (right), while not colorful, has an 80s tone by incorporating puffy sleeves and horizontal ruffles.

I hope everyone feels as inspired as I do!

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How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...

1) Japanese and Oragami inspiration. Bold colors and new silhouettes.
Christian Dior Couture Spring 2007

2) Underwear as outerwear is soft, feminine, and bold all at once.

Christian Dior Couture Fall 2009


3) Early 20th century, meet Southern Belle.

Christian Dior Couture Spring 2010