Bluebird of Happiness

• A local photographer (and now friend) stumbled across my blog and contacted me. I was lucky to have him take this set (details to come...) as well as talks about future collaborations, which I am very excited about!!!
• I won the electric blue "mesmerize" Essie nail polish on La-Mimi's website which I shall wear for the blog soon, as I just received it by post yesterday... Thank you, Mimi!
• I'm dying for gift cards to American Apparel and Topshop.... and for an H&m to open up in Miami.... gosssssh!
• The Erge tee that I am wearing is courtesy of Emily, who sent me a bundle of beautiful (and seriously comfortable) tees. The girls of the 90210 television series wear the line all of the time, I can see why! Check out more designs here.
• Follow my puppy, Sweety, on Twitter? lol... it all started as an inside joke when I made her account.. My Twitter is here.
• My fruit of the moment: Red Gala Apples!

Thanks for all of your comments on my Beauty Essentials post. I APPRECIATE and am happy to read all of your comments and feedback. Many thanks to the Supermelon as well for featuring Fashion Chalet! =]

Tee: Erge Designs. Tank: La Made Hoops: Vintage. Jeans: Seven for all Mankind. Heels: Go Jane.

Beauty Essentials! + The Supemelon

Check out the Feature here.

• Powder foundation - I like loose and subtle. Something to help even my skin tone; yet airy and light. I usually opt for Cover Girl in Natural Beige or Chanel’s Creme Beige.

• Blush - Maybelline’s Toast of New York adds just the right touch of subtle color without going overboard. I use this shade almost everyday, for night I like to go for Chanel’s Glamour, which is a little richer in color.

• Lipgloss - Chanel’s Sirop is my favorite shade, reminds me of the kind of color I always imagined applying onto my Barbie as a little girl…

• Nails - New York Color and OPI, usually. But I’m not a snob when it comes to labels, I like any brand as long as the color fits my style du jour. Right now I have on a party poppin’ pink colour (that I mixed out of 3 different shades) on my toes from OPI and usually go back and forth between my OPI’s Boris & Natasha (deep purple) and Vodka & Caviar (elegant rich red). I can never go long without having my toes painted either; that’s key!!

• Eyeliner - The darker the better. I adore the slanted eye pencils by Styli-Style best.

• Bronzer - My two staples are Chanel’s Toundra and Revlon’s Skinlights Face Illuminator.

• Perfume - Daisy by Marc Jacobs, Original Juicy Couture and The One by Dolce & Gabbana are my rotating favorites… for now.

• Face Wash - Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser is perfect in the shower, when you really want to strip away any extra oil or dead skin. After I get out, I like to re-cleanse with Original Noxema Deep Cleansing Cream; and just before bed as well.

Details on Outfits here and here.

Win a Tolani Bright Blue Zig Zag Scarf!*

Chickdowntown.com are providing Fashion Chalet with a Tolani Bright Blue Zig Zag Scarf giveaway to one lucky winner (*US residents only; as Chickdowntown does not ship internationally*) Chickdowntown is a really awesome place for women's clothing: such as Tibi dresses, Genetic Denim, Elizabeth and James and are also the largest online retailer of Black Halo, etc. Check out the impressive list of clothing designers.

To be entered into the contest, just leave a comment and let us know your name and email address. Contest ends next week. April 1st/Midnight is the deadline. I will announce the winner sometime next week, after April 1st. Thank you for your entries and Good luck!! :]

*Unfortunately Chickdowntown ships within the U.S. only. International bloggers, I'll try to have another contest that includes you too- and I still want to hear your opinion!

Spring Florals and Neutrals are what I'm Craving ...

Dolce & Gabbana

D&G bedecked models, Lily Donaldson, Natasha Poly and Jessica Stam look smashing in neutral florals. While Topshop's
take on floral prints that pop have me going gaga!! Forever 21 is always my stop for the perfect (and wallet friendly) accessory
of the moment.

Ali Michael

Ali will always be a gorgeous vision in my eyes. I have no clue what Show / Collection her dress is from, but I NEED it
now. If possible?? Please?? Any ideas?

Charles Anastase

The quirky nerd chic thrown into the floaty Spring collection left me breathless. I love the simplicity of basics
mixed in with gaudy. Check out those heels!!

In continuation with the Spring/Summer Collection; at the top of my list are his pretty platforms, Little Bo Beep dresses
and oversize eyeglasses. I love the effective use in layering! I'm also in love with the pops of pink, spiky platform boots
and chunky knits from the Fall collection.




Image Credits: Style.com, forever21, the fashion spot and Topshop.

Headache the Size of Manhattan!

After reading your suggestions (thank you!!) the blog will stay.... exactly the same only with more outfit posts!!

• A really fun and delicious surprise to come for the blog. One clue? It has to do with my outfits!!
• A funny "secret" I just had to share with you guys, it came up over the weekend at a dinner party. Anyway, when I was a little girl, I used to play Super Nintendo Mario almost everyday and whenever I couldn't pass a level I would literally bite my controller and throw it down. LOL....
• Still getting over a semi-head cold. :[ Let me tell you, I've had a headache the size of Manhattan for the last 3 days.....
• I plan on sharing photos of my Aunt's lab/greyhound mix soon. They came over for the weekend and he is just the sweetest dog!! Sweety and him "kiss" and chase each other around lol..
• Follow me on Twitter if you like.
• Thank you Raya of OcularOasis for interviewing me here!! :]
  

Above I am in casual wear, as I have been with a cold and under the weather, comfortable is my favorite "go to" look on days like these....

Sweater: Vintage. Leggings: Macy's Juniors. Leg Warmers: eBay. Nail Lacquer: OPI Boris and Natasha.

Reader Requests!!!! ...and Pie.

SEND YOUR REQUESTS IN! :]

Let me know what you’d like to see more of, less of, or new in the blog. I’d love to hear your ideas!! I’m always open to your feedback!! After all, I blog because of and for all of you, so I want to know what you guys are thinking about…

I'll leave you with this.. slice of Pumpkin pie, decorated in vanilla ice cream and (both!) caramel and chocolate sauces…just a look at my "brunch" (breakfast/lunch) for today. I woke up craving loads of sugarrrr. And pumpkin is healthy right?? Besides, I paired it with an extra large bowl of Special K Red Berries cereal ... my new favorite!!

Have a pretty Saturday, lovelies! xx

RTW 2009: Anna Sui, Erin Fetherston, Ruffian, Alexander Wang, Emanuel Ungaro, Luella and Louis Vuitton !!!

Anna Sui

I had to re-collage Anna Sui. All I can say is that I am still left in awe over her mix of Seventies fashion with fairytale innuendos; all accomplished with a simple melding of cordial colors and flamboyant fabrics; she effortlessly achieved the goal of making it work seamlessly together. The perfect blend of: eclectic, rock and Native American costume.

Erin Fetherston

Erin Fetherston, always feathery, fresh and fabulous, managed to capture the American daydreaming girl at heart. OK, I already talked about her previously as well, but ever since I opened Photoshop last weekend; my “collaging” seems to have no end in sight. I enjoy spending hours, especially on rainy afternoons, pouring over the high quality stills on Style.com and then “collaging” them for fun.

Ruffian

Ruffian, again, very much so reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock and his stylistic films, one of his most famous, Vertigo, sprang to mind when I first saw the collection. I have only praise; boundless amounts of it, for the line!!

Alexander Wang

Wang, Alexander Wang. A Superhero to many in the Fashion realm. This time around he brought rock and roll present through his shiny leather, very tight biker shorts and bad girl combat buckled boots. (I'm dying that my brown ones are somewhat comparable!!!) He still kept it feminine amid his dressier pieces, opting for body con dresses with embellished geometric necklines and pretty platform heels.

Luella Bartley

Luella, spoke volumes in minimalism. The inspiration board must have had; images of shimmery golds, classic black, buttons and remnants of Gossip girl splattered all over it. In a way the collection is very much Blair Waldorf worthy, but with a bit of punk thrown in, á la Jenny Humphrey. I can’t get enough of the gold buttoned tweedy coats and 1950’s pom pom adorned shoes. I’d love to march into fall 2009 with one of Luella’s hats on my head. Fabulous at its best!

Emanuel Ungaro

Emanuel Ungaro for Spring 2009, captured my attention with its vibrant colors; I am devoted to the applications of goldenrod yellows, bright Ocean blues, Jungle greens and crisp Cruise whites. The flowy fabrics and funky body con dresses, also struck a chord with me. However cute the fedora/floppy hat is; I didn’t personally find it necessary to be worn with every single piece in the collection; but I guess he was making a point of stepping into Spring (and Summer) with this accessory on top.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton seemed to capture Nightmare before Christmas, Easter Bunnies and Gothic brides with a twinge of 1940’s feel; and all in one collection. The oversized necklaces and powder blue dresses were obviously an attempt at channeling Betty Rubble, of Flintstones fame, which captured my eye to be honest. The coiffed, yet somehow messy hair, really worked with the pieces, as well as drawing my attention.


When one is feeling under the weather, how does she spend her downtime? Why making collages of course... :]

Images all sourced from: Style.com.

Circulus

I'm glad you all enjoyed St. Patrick's (and my half Birthday!) last night. hahah.. I WORE GREEN. And the lovely Laura of Daisy Chain dreams sent over some Cranberry tights that I just love. Thanks to The Healthy Ghost for interviewing me for her blog here. Sweety decided she wanted some action in these shots, and as you can see, she pretty much found a way to pop into almost every single one of them. Check out the "high 5" at the end!!

Sweater: Vintage (Mom's). Denim Mini: Behnaz Sarafpour for Target. Mask: Costume. Tights: Laura. Heels: Richard Tyler.



I was also tagged by MUCHLOVE below are the Q's - I tag anyone who wants to play. :]

what is your current obsession? Brasilian music, looking for the perfect Summer sandals and making chocolate Coffeeee every single morning.
what are you wearing now? pajamas, and relaxing with some lemon tea
do you nap a lot? only when I'm sick... I can't nap
why is today special? St. Patrick's day, dinner party to go to later :]
what would you like to learn to do? Speak Italian!!
what's for dinner? Not sure, I'm going to a dinner party, I'm sure it'll be delicious though!!
what was the last thing you bought? Odwalla protein shake (lunch) fashion books and some rings.
what are you listening to right now? Samba Na Sola by Céu
what is your favorite weather? Spring; not too hot and not too cold but you can mix and match!
what is on your bedside table? A pile of Fashion mags, girly books (Gossip girl, Clique, etc.. silly me) and comic books, Archie.. oh and my framed Portrait of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's which is next to a tiny stuffed black poodle.. anddd... Vanilla scented candles :]
what's your style? Ecclectic, only because I wake up "a different girl" every morning. Sometimes I want to be comfortable and 'bum' around, another day I want to be out there and try something really different, then there is always the classic me, too. But there is always some kind of undertone of femininity to it all. :]
what is your most challenging goal right now? Finding a new job, and deciding on whether I want to move again or not next year??
say something to the person who tagged you: She is the sweetest girl with the most adorable style. I love her flats!!
if you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where do you want it to be? Paris, but of coursee!! My second pick would be Rome!
favourite vacation spot? Hawaii, haven't been but dream to (surf, sand, tan and pineapple drinks!!) ahh....
name the things you cannot live without. My DVD time at night I like to park myself in front of the TV on my beanbag chair to watch "TV shows on DVD" with a fruit salad right before bed!! :]
what would you like to have in your hands right now? Some Chanel jewelry :]
what would you like to get rid of? Humidity
what was the last book you read? It's been a while; mostly because I'm so tired before bed that I just glance at a few pages of a magazine before dozing off...
if you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? New York City!!
what language do you want to be able to speak? French, 100% fluently. I speak it about 40% fluently right now..
what do you want to be when you grow up? When I was little I wanted to be a ballerina; now I want to be either a Fashion Journalist or Stylist for a big wig magazine; like Elle or Vogue; and Nylon!!!!
who do you wish would tag you? Knight Cat, Rumi or Karen.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Not only is today a day where you should wear green, but it's also, officially, my half birthday. That's right, today I am exactly
a storied 26 and a half.. haha! Be safe! Have fun. Wear green!

Image from Flickr.

Hello Lover!

I was, unfortunately, unable to tackle "that surprise" over the weekend. But no worries, as I have many other surprises in store for the blog really soon. In the meantime, I hope you'll enjoy this impromptu photo shoot outdoors; look I'm smiling and everything... haha! By the way, I was so happy to see how well you received my post about one of my favorite fashion models, Siri Tollerød.

Handmade One of a Kind Jewelry made by Tara, for Leviticus. She specifically chose two necklace styles she thought I would enjoy wearing. She nailed my personality perfectly. The first one I chose to wear was appropriately titled 'Hello Lover!' You can check out more of her many gorgeous creations at Leviticus Jewelry. The intricate detail, attention to style.... I can't stop wearing them!!

Tee-Dress: Newport-News. Necklace: Leviticus Jewelry. Gloves: Target. Ring: Vintage. Tights: Random. Fringe Ankle Booties: Go Jane. Faux Fur Stole: Vintage.

Siri Tollerød is one of my Favorites ...

Siri Tollerød

Siri has struck my fancy ever since she grazed the cover of Lula magazine. I adore her doe eyed expression
and silk spun golden hair. Her crown emblazoned tee down below reminds me of mine from Barneys New
York. She's adorable all around. Check out the red hair above as well; simply glorious!

*right click and "view image" to see actual size.

Images: the fashion spot

My Favorite Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen Fashion Moment! - at Chanel Fall/Winter 08/09

I can't even decide on which is more exciting; their clothing, Chanel (front row!!) or getting hugged by THE Karl Lagerfeld??
Check out those Chanel giftbags. Ahhhh, the life of an Olsen!

Images: all from Olsen-Files and the Song: is from La Dolce Vita movie sundtrack!!

Little Miss Strawberry Shortcake

My cut offs were sent to me to try out by the lovely team at Amethyst Jeans. Thank you. I'm looking forward to trying out another hue soon. I adore the cut, feel and (of course) vibrant colors!!

Thank you, Lauren, over at Weardrobe, for sending over this wonderful olive cardigan by Twelve by Twelve (of Forever 21!) Such a soft, chic and fun piece!!

I have nothing but love for Go Jane and their shoe collection!

Ring bling we all love it, right? LOL.. Many thanks to Annie for the skeleton ring!! I love it!!

Daisy Chain Dreams sent me this lovely Audrey Hepburn necklace along with Cadbury eggs (two of which I ate in one sitting....
yummmmy!) and this sweet card. Thank you, darling.

Sweater: Mom's, Vintage. Sweater vest: Twelve by Twelve. Necklace: Forever 21. Shorts:Amethyst. Heels: Go Jane. Rings: Mix of faves.

I hope you're all having a fantastic Wednesday. Thanks for the "blogger Birthday wishes" they left me grinning ear-to-ear; Cheshire cat style!!!

xx Erika

Fashion Chalet turns 1 year old.. and 2 months!

Blogger Birthday! I can't even begin to fathom that I have been blogging for this long. I remember when I first "created" Fashion Chalet, in January 2008. Today Fashion Chalet is exactly 1 year and 2 months old, can you believe it?? Clapping, whistling, cheering and candle blowing to proceed... haha. My wish? To thank all of you personally, for it is because of you, my very generous and sweet readers, that I keep this up. You inspire me, to work harder and to push myself further. A kiss for all of you, and a cupcake too, that is if I could manage individually mailing them out, without crushing the lovely vanilla frosted and sprinkled tops...... xoxo!

Image Courtesy of Flickr.

"Let's just pretend..that we go all the way back .." - Illinois

• My favorite fruit of the moment is cantaloupe.

• This weekend I hope to achieve one of the secrets I keep talking about....

• I watched Devil Wears Prada again over the weekend and I'm one of those girls who would kill to have Andy Sachs's job!! I love Meryl Streep's character, Miranada, as well. In many ways she reminds me of my Grandmother who is always up on the latest trends and shopping hot spots. If she could re-do her career choices, I have no doubt in my mind I would have seen her as an Editrix for Vogue or its equal counterparts..... Emily Blunt is perfect in this as well (Emily) from her glorious red hair down to her wardrobe!

• I'm on such a Weeds high! I need to fuel my mind with at least one or two episodes per night. I just started Season 3. Last night was "Brick Dance" ..... watch Nancy Botwin go at it here.... hahah! There was something so empowering about seeing her break out of her 'shell' and do this, right?

• A new header... because Isabeli Fontana is sooo über crush worthy, no? Besides, I love her cocker spaniel hairdo in that picture and the chains on her shoes and the grey skinny jeans. Thanks to knight cat and the fashionspot for the image.
  

Military Blazer: eBay. Vintage belt: Gucci. Tights: Target. Suede Booties: Minnetonka.

And thanks to ModePass Flair magazine for featuring me in my Sequins!!