shopbop – Beautifully Invisible™

Me Wants It: Marchesa Gowns, Haute Hippie fur collars, RichRocks jewelry and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:31:08 +0000

The last few weeks I have skipped my usual “lust list” because my mind just wasn’t on shopping (I know, what was wrong with me?!). This week, however, my need for retail therapy is back in full force!

Let’s start with this great “Striped Lofty Dress” by Spendid. At this time of the year I love wearing dresses like this with tights and some great tall boots.

Striped Lofty Dress by Splendid, $296 via ShopBop

Meanwhile, wouldn’t this LRD by Haute Hippie be perfect for a holiday party? I love the asymmetric hem and the bright-red color.

Crepe Mini-Dress by Haute Hippie, $445 via net-a-porter

Then there is this beautiful, beautiful silk-chiffon evening gown by Marchesa. Blue is my favorite color, and this particular shade kills me every time. Simple, elegant, and striking all at the same time. *Love*

Notte by Marchesa gown, $990 via net-a-porter

On a more casual note, I am always on the lookout for a fun striped tank. The black leather paillette detail on this silk racerback tank by A.L.C. gives it a unique look that I love.

leather paillette racerback tankby A.L.C., $595 via net-a-porter

Now, on to the really fun stuff!

I will never own enough statement rings. The bigger the better. I’ve always loved Dominic Joneses designs, and this Beetle ring absolutely fits that requirement.

Stag beetle 22K gold-plated ring by Dominic Jones, $515 via net-a-porter

This next piece by Haute Hippie is something a little different. It’s a fur collar… with chain details. I don’t normally wear pieces like this, but there is something that intrigues me about it. The possibilities might just be endless…

Royal Spots fur collar with chain by Haute Hippie, $695 via ShopBop

On a more affordable note, RichRocks is one of my favorite new online shops. Everything is $100 or less, and there are some amazing pieces to be found. This multi-link oval necklace is already in my shopping cart.

Silver multi-linked oval chain necklace, $100 via RichRocks

Finally, we can’t have an edition of “Me Wants It” without including some footwear. I know we are knee-deep in boot season right now (HA!), but I check out these Alaïa chain-link leather sandals. Beautiful, right?

Alaïa chain-link leather sandals, $2,680 via net-a-porter

What about you – has anything caught your eye lately, or are you saving up for your Holiday Shopping?

Me Wants It: Dominic Jones, Soo Ihn Kim, Sam Edelman and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:39:40 +0000

Happy Monday, everyone!

First, an apology: I feel horrible about my recent lack-of interaction both here and on your own blogs via comments. I have been dealing with a nasty cold that just won’t go away, and unfortunately, it has drained all of the energy out of me. I had hoped to catch up on my blog-reading this weekend, but, truthfully, I slept most of it away, so I am hoping to do that over the next few days. I mentioned this in last week’s Friend Friday post, but I truly do believe that comments and the conversation they bring are the lifeblood of this blog, and so many others. I am sorry I have been so lacking lately.

Now, on to this week’s Lust List! I went through a phase where I was on a massive boot-kick. Now I seem to have moved onto a jewelry kick instead. I was visiting the blog 5 Inch and Up last night when I came across this post on a stunning collection of jewelry from the S/S 2011 collections. Among my favorites are the pieces by Dominic Jones. I can’t wait to see those in more detail, but in the meantime, I love these pieces from his Fall/Winter 2010 line:

Fall/Winter 2010, via Dominic Jones Jewellery

Dominic Jones Claw Ring,
via net-a-porter

There also seems to have been a recent resurgence of body chain jewelry. I love this “vest” by designer Soo Ihn Kim. It’s a bit more tame than some of the pieces I have seen, but still makes a statement.

Sasha Vest by Soo Ihn Kim, via shopbop

Moving away from jewelry, I absolutely adore the bead detail on this shift dress by Cynthia Vincent. Despite the bead work and rhinestones, it’s a simple design, and the rust color makes it wearable for the Fall months and even into winter.

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Beaded Shift Dress, via shopbop

Then, of course, I have to lust over a new pair of boots. Love the color and shape of these Sam Edelman over-the-knee boots. The buckle and strap detailing at the top give them an edge over some of the other boots that are hot right now.

Sam Edelman
Sutton Over the Knee Boots,
via shopbop

Finally, there is this tough-girl chic Burberry Prorsum belt. It’s wide. It’s leather. And it’s embellished with gold hooks. What’s not to love?!

Burberry Prorsum Leather hook-embellished belt,
via net-a-porter

What about you – have the S/S 2011 fashion shows inspired any of your recent purchases (or any new loves)?

Me Wants It: Oscar de La Renta, Marc Jacobs, Max Azria and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:48:43 +0000

Note: If you are a follower via Google reader, can you please let me know if you are receiving site updates OK? My feedburner stats suggest that I may have lost all those readers in the transfer, but the numbers seem off. It would be helpful to know if you are still getting updates. Thanks!

Happy Monday everyone! Now that the blog has moved to it’s new home, I am *attempting* to get back to my regularly scheduled posts, including the weekly lust list! Even though I haven’t shared the items I am coveting the past few weeks, I most certainly still admiring these (and other) pieces! On to the latest:

Clothing:

As always, I have a thing for fun details. From the front, this Max Azria dress looks like a classic LBD. It’s simple. Timeless. Then, when you see the sheer chiffon back, you realize it’s perfect! So unexpected and so sexy.

I love the color of this Alice+Olivia Dress – some people would call it blue (me!). Others would say it’s purple. The silhouette is flattering, and the back – the beautiful draping and that strap – make it fun and different.

Full disclosure: as a size 12/14, I have yet to find a pair of leather pants that I think look good on me. However, in my dream world, these BALMAIN leather skinny pants would be that pair. The cut is flattering, and the zipper detail make them stand out from the rest.

Continuing the “sexy back” theme, this Pencey backless top would be great for a night out.

Take a close look at this Marc by Marc Jacobs Sweater. The material looks fun, right? Could you tell that it’s made out of woven black and white sequins?! I would wear this everywhere. Work. Date night. Shopping.

I’m a huge fan of L.A.M.B. I love Gwen Stefani’s look, and I love the aesthetic of her designs. These black rounded toe suede wedges would be a great wardrobe addition for the fall.

These speak for themselves. Straight from Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 runway show…. look at that amazing snake. Genius. Absolute genius.

These edgy sandals, meanwhile, are from Jason Wu’s show.

Of course, I can’t compile a lust list without a pair of boots. These Kors Michael Kors Boots tackle the boot/sock trend in a great winter color.

Now, on to jewelry… I love the look of mixed metal. I also have a soft spot for Gemma Redux’s designs. This piece is different from the tangled chain necklaces she is generally known for.

Stunning earrings, worn by a stunning woman. The beautiful Freja Beha Erichsen wore these beauties at Oscar de la Renta’s Spring 2011 Show.

Finally (and much more affordable than the rest!), is this Alex and Ani Space ring. Gold-plated recycled metal with a unique stone and setting. Definitely a statement ring.

What about you – are you finally ready for the Fall, or still hanging on to the last signs of summer?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter and shopbop.

Me Wants It: Vena Cava, Erickson Beaman, Rachel Roy, Vivienne Westwood and more.

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:42:00 +0000

I am trying to get myself back on my regular posting schedule, so… without further ado, I bring you this week’s lust list:

This lace Filament dress by Vena Cava is both delicate and decidedly military-inspired at the same time. Love the asymmetrical hem (as always), and the contrast of the lace (especially the back!), army green silk skirt, and lamé detailing.

Meanwhile, this ruffled silk chiffon dress is from Vena Cava’s Aqua line for Bloomingdale’s. More affordable, and just as cute.

You can never own enough leopard print. Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label brings us this asymmetrical sequined silk skirt. It’s fun. It’s striking. Dress it down for work or up for a night on the town.

Also from Vivienne Westwood’s Red Label, I ADORE this glitter sweater dress. First, it’s a sweater dress. Always a winner. Second, it’s blue. And it glitters. I think I am in love. (also – those Louboutin’s the model is wearing haunt my dreams).

Is it odd that this embellished silk-tulle dress by Rachel Gilbert reminds me of Andy South’s braided ribbon creation from this season’s “unconventional materials” episode of Project Runway? Anyone else see a resemblence, or am I just crazy? Regardless, I love both!

Next up in this week’s lust list we have – oh wait. How did he get here?

Gerry, dear – you don’t belong in THIS lust list.

Sorry about that.

Moving on, Diane von Furstenberg has always been one of my faves. A lot of my closet is made up of staple pieces in shades of black and grey. This Jori Patchwork Dress would fit in nicely. Great shape and fun fabric choices.

Now, this isn’t your grandma’s crochet dress. Rachel Roy takes the art of crocheting to the next level with this stunning metallic gold piece. Love the touch of lace-up detail in the back. Perfect for a special night out.

I can’t decide if I would actually wear this, but something about it definitely draws me in. Kirrily Johnston’s Silent Trees long cardigan is unique looking. I don’t have anything like it in my closet – maybe that is why I am so drawn to it.

This shirt by Erin Wasson X RVCA speaks for itself. I Want it.

One of the easiest ways to update your look for Fall is purchasing a statement bag. This Piper shoulder bag by Diane von Furstenberg has some great detailing. Nubuck trim, stud accents, gunmetal hardware. Plus it’s a great size – 14″H x 15″L x 3″D.

Christina Hendrick’s is wearing a particular pair of Erickson Beamon earrings in her Capitol File Magazine photoshoot that I want to find, but until then, these twisted gunmetal and Swarovski crystal earrings are a nice alternative. Too, too cute!

What are you coveting this week?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, shopbop, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales.

Me Wants It: Brian Atwood, Temperley London, Diane von Furstenberg and more.

Beautifully Invisible — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:50:00 +0000

Well, the weather is finally starting to cool down a bit now. You’d think I would be thrilled because that means fall styles are around the corner, but now, all of a sudden, I find myself clinging to summer. A few more 90 degree days won’t hurt anyone!

Nevertheless, this week’s lust list is all about fall and includes a few pairs of amazonian heels, lace and military-inspired trends and a dragon!

Let’s begin with this Temperley London tunic. This is probably my favorite piece out of everything listed here. I love the cutout shoulder and the way the intricate beading detail is incorporated into the design. It’s such a fun piece, and if it didn’t cost $1,250 I would buy it in a second. Alas, that is (quite) a bit out of my price range.

I love the silhouette of this Diane von Furstenberg navy pinstripe dress and the zipper down the back adds the perfect touch of unexpected character. Professional yet flirty.

Lace is a big trend for the fall. This Ports 1961 sheath would be perfect for work. The lining is a great autumn color, and the gorgeous lace overlay adds a nice touch of delicacy.

I love everything about this Diane von Furstenerg Pilton felted lace coat. It’s the perfect shape for someone curvy and the lace panels give it a fun and unique look. I would rock this all winter.

On the flip-side of delicate lace, this grey biker jacket offers a unique take on this fall’s military trend. Instead of the expected leather, Isabel Marant’s design is made of a wool-blend. Perfect for layering!

Moving on to footwear…. I admit I have a thing for Brian Atwood pumps. I love the embellishments he adds to his designs. These Harrison pumps are not only chain embellished, they are also braided! And mauve! Love.

These Christian Louboutin Bibi 140 suede pumps have a 5.5 inch heel with a 1 inch platform. So what if I am 5’7 – I love tall heels! These can be dressed up or down for the fall.

The unique shape of these Elizabeth and James Mason metallic pumps is what draws me to them. I like the way the platform is designed, and the lizard-embossed pewter color isn’t too bad either.

Finally, I’ve always wanted a dragon cuff. I love the way John Hardy incorporated some 18K gold into this design for the eyes… it really makes the dragon come alive.

How do you feel about autumn’s impending approach? Excited? Or are you still hanging on to those last moments of summer?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter, shopbop and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Me Wants It: Asymmetric Hemlines by Cavalli &The Row, 50’s style by L’Wren Scott & Moschino & more!

Beautifully Invisible — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Have you seen (or read) The Lord of the Rings? If so, you may have guessed that the title of this series, “Me Wants It”, is a reference to the character Gollum. That poor, poor creature’s life was destroyed the moment he first laid eyes on THE ring. Yet, for as long as he lived, he could never get it out of his head.

“We wants it, we needs it. Must have the precious. They stole it from us”

Poor thing.

I am not quite as bad as Gollum. “Me Wants It” is about the things I am coveting each week. Most I can’t afford, and many I am out-sized of. Thankfully, my life goes on – quite happily – without them. However, I do like to look and find inspiration for my real purchases!

This weeks edition of “Me Wants It” focuses on asymmetric hemlines. I didn’t plan it this way. In fact, it was quite accidental. It all started with this Cavalli gown. I was first drawn to the printed silk, but that hem is what finally did it for me. Cascading silk layers. Animal print. Perfection.

This black crepe dress by The Row is already sold out on net-a-porter. I can see why. It’s simple. It’s elegant. And that asymmetric hemline makes it distinct.

Then there is this Rick Owens leather jacket. It’s in a great color for the fall. The ribbed jersey trim and asymmetric hem give it a unique look, while the slightly distressed leather just looks touchable.

I don’t really want to think about winter, because Cleveland winters are cold, grey, dreary and dull. I think this Markus Lupfer twill tartan coat would be a nice way to combat the winter blues. Although the color and pattern aren’t anything out of the ordinary, that hemline just makes it fun!

Now, here are a few symmetric hemlines that are equally covet-worthy:

Love the 50’s hourglass silhouette and dark blue color of this L’Wren Scott metallic jacquard dress. So sexy.

I am also a firm believer that you can never have too many pencil skirts in your closet. This Bouclé wool-blend pencil skirt by Moschino will work for day and evening wear.

Now, moving on to the things that I could fit into to…

First up are these Belle by Sigerson Morrison Cuffed Convertible Boots. I missed buying the Ash Olivia Suede Fold-over boots before they sold out last year. These remind me of them a bit.

Similarly, ever since I saw the ever-stylish Jessica of What I Wore wearing the Coach Karolina Heel in Natural in I have been kicking myself for not buying them before they sold out. Now I am hunting for the perfect pair of nude sandals or pumps to elongate my legs. These Brian Atwood’s are out of my price range, but I adore the touch of black. They would be perfect for the Fall.

And finally, for a bit of fun. At first glance this jade and pearl-embellished ring by Mawi looks pretty tame. But a closer look reveals a skull hiding amongst the pearls!

I don’t know why, but that skull just makes me smile. Maybe because it is so unexpected?

Where do you find inspiration for your “real” shopping? Magazines? Online? Elsewhere?

Me Wants It: Boots and bags and scarabs, oh my!

Beautifully Invisible — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:44:00 +0000

For some reason I am excited about Fall this year. Normally I want the summer to stick around as long as possible because that means that the snow will stay away as long s possible. This year I am looking forward to the changing of the seasons. I can’t wait for the weather to cool down just a bit and for the colors to start changing on the trees.

This week’s edition of “Me Wants It” is all about the Fall!

Suede boots are in this fall, and these knee high FENDI’s are screaming “buy me!” Love the rich brown color and the buckle/strap details.

These taupe Jimmy Choos are perfect for the times when we need something a little more classic. The color is an update on the grey boots that were so popular last season, and these can be dressed up or down for the Fall.

These FENDI cutout black leather ankle boots will add some fierceness to your wardrobe.

These Louboutin’s intrigue me, although I don’t know if I could actually rock the red calf hair. I LOVE the silver spiked stiletto, though.

This Miu Miu leather evening bag is ingenious. Not only is it great-looking, you can detach the jeweled strap and wear it as a statement necklace. Awesome.

Have you ever seen The Mummy? You know, the movie with Brendan Frasier, Rachel Weisz and the psycho mummy-guy? If you have, you’ll remember the scarabs. Millions of them – scarabs everywhere. They creeped me out. But I am fascinated by this Bottega Veneta scarab necklace. Too bad it’s sold out already (and it might be just a bit too pricey for me even if it wasn’t)!

Finally, we have my weekly “I wish it came in a Size 14” item of clothing. This Halston Heritage dress is just beautiful. Love the color. Love the draping. In my size it would probably look like a muumuu. Or I’d look 6 months pregnant. But it’s gorgeous and I’d wear it anyways.

What are you coveting right now?

All images courtesy of net-a-porter and shopbop.

Me Wants It: Rings, rings and other things…

Beautifully Invisible — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:01:00 +0000

In about 30 minutes I am leaving the house for a round of ACTUAL shopping. I’ll be heading to Legacy Village and Beachwood Place to hit up some of my favorite stores. In my dream world, each of the items below would be coming home with me this evening.

Let’s start with this beauty. Talk about a statement ring! This Kara by Kara Ross for Tory Burch ring is an absolute stunner. I can hear it now: “is that an eye?!” Why yes, yes it is.

Taupe is one of my favorite neutral shades. This See by Chloé’s tassel-trimmed leather tote is perfect for the Fall.

In my dream world, this draped aubergine silk crepe de Chine dress by Vionnet would come in a Size 14.

Same is true for this Vanessa Bruno petrol wool-blend jersey dress. So chic. So not in my size. Maybe one day.

When it comes to jewelry I tend to shy away from precious gems and look for unique stone instead. I love these Monica Vinader’s sterling-silver stacking rings with labradorite, smoky quartz and lemon quartz.

I’ve also been searching for the perfect knuckle ring. I think I’ve found it.

These House of Harlow 1960 suede wedge boots would be my go-to footwear for the fall. *Love*

Finally, LOOK AT HOW CUTE THIS IS! I NEED this See by Chloé’s twitter keychain. Tweet, tweet.

Now, off to do some real-world shopping.

All images courtesy of net-a-porter and shopbop.

Size 14 Is Not Fat Either… It’s Invisible

Beautifully Invisible — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:38:00 +0000

Blogging is a new thing for me. I am learning as I go, and have just started to tell a few of my closer friends that I am doing it.

As you can probably tell, I am trying to keep my blog fairly anonymous. That may change down the line somewhere, but the main reason for that is my identity. My parents are both European, and although I was born in Cleveland, Ohio, I have a very unique name as a result. Chances are, if you Google my name, you’ll find me. Heck, if you were to Google my first name with some key words, you’d find me. So anonymous it is!

The few friends that are aware I have a blog have asked what the name, Beautifully Invisible, means.

When I started this process selecting a name was actually one of the toughest things for me.

I wanted something that would reflect the content of the blog, but also reflect me, as a person. The name came to me one evening as I was exploring a few sample sale sites. It seemed like every time I clicked on a skirt, pair of jeans, or dress I was interested in, the sizes stopped at 10.

Me? I am a pretty consistent size 14 with the occasional 12 thrown in.

At my smallest, I was a 9/10 and that was back in my college days. And I thought I was big back then.

Today I am confident in myself and who I am. Could I stand to lose some weight? Yes. But I regularly work out and eat healthy, and it isn’t happening. I’ve grown to accept the 14 I am now. I know I am nice-looking, and being a size 14 doesn’t take away from that. In fact, I am a curvy size 14, and I think that just adds to my looks if anything. If I lose weight down the road, I won’t complain, but I am happy in the skin I am in. Usually.

I haven’t read this novel, but I love the title!

Back to the title of this blog. So there I was, trying to spend my money on some gorgeous new clothes with no luck because of my measurements.

The same thing has happened to me while checking out certain pieces on shopbop, net-a-porter, intermix and countless other sites.

The same thing happens when I walk into certain bricks and mortar stores (especially boutiques!).

I am out-sized of so much of the great, fashionable clothing I love.

To make matters worse, there are some great sites out there for plus-sized woman, but my measurements are generally too small for the items they sell. Seriously?

So here I am, your average American size 14 wannabe-fashionista, and I can’t wear half the things I love and lust over.

I love you Alexander McQueen Cashmere and Silk-Blend Sweater Dress

I am completely invisible. How does that happen? Is this only my imagination?

I started doing some research online and came across a great Los Angeles Times piece by Emili Vesilind that addresses this every issue: “Fashion’s Invisible Woman.”

Turns out it’s not my imagination after all.

This quote is from the LA Times piece:

“ When Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld, who spent most of his adult life battling a serious weight problem, created a capsule collection for H&M in 2004, the newly svelte designer was incensed that the retailer manufactured the collection in larger sizes. “What I designed was fashion for slender and slim people,” he said. And in an interview in the March issue of Harper’s Bazaar, he sniffed, “The body has to be impeccable . . . if it’s not, buy small sizes and less food.”

This, my friends, seems to be the philosophy that too many of the designers out there follow today.

Yes, there are designers out there who DO have lines for us “bigger” girls. But not enough.

Yes, there are non-high fashion brands I absolutely adore out there that sell size 14s.

Like H&M and Ann Taylor Loft for instance. But make sure you buy what you want ASAP because that size 14 will be out of stock very quickly.

I love shopping at Nordstrom, but I am usually sized out of items in their high-fashion Savvy Department.

There are some great boutiques in the Cleveland-area as well, like Banyan Tree, but again, I am often sized out of clothing because the designer simply doesn’t make the item in my size.

There are so many blogs out there that I admire, and blogger’s whose style I admire, but sometimes I am too afraid to even try to buy from a new source because of the sheer possibility I will be disappointed.

So I stick to what I know works. And I have mile-long lists of things I want to buy but can’t because I am invisible.

Guess I’ll have to stick to spending my hard-earned cash on accessories and shoes!

I love you Proenza Schouler PS1 medium leather satchel.

I love you Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Suede Sandals.

(All images either from google images or net-a-porter)

Me Wants It: Labradorite, Alice + Olivia, maxi dresses and more!

Beautifully Invisible — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 14:24:00 +0000

What do you do when you need a distraction of some sort, but you don’t feel like leaving your home and putting on a “happy face”? I love my friends dearly, but lately I have just needed some time to myself. I know that when you are grieving over a break-up you SHOULD “suck it up” so to speak and force yourself to be social, but sometimes I just don’t have the energy to act like everything is OK.

So what do you do instead?

I’ve been spending a lot of time online “window shopping” and expanding my shopping lists.

Let’s start with the items I am currently coveting from shopbop and net-a-porter. These would all be GREAT additions to my life:

This oversized Roberto Cavalli labradorite ring. As Gollum would say “me wants it….”

I love Alice + Olivia and this one-shoulder draped silk and jersey minidress is just gorgeous. Love the color!

And in the same vein, this Alice + Olivia faux wrap dress.

Then we have this fun Alice+ Olivia sequin minidress in Bronze.

And for a more casual look, I NEED to own this Alice + Olivia sequin stripe tee!

This printed silk-blend georgette dress by Diane von Furstenberg would be a perfect addition to both my professional and night-out wardrobes. *love*

You can never have enough maxi dresses, and this one by Patterson J. Kincaid is screaming “buy me”

In addition to maxi dresses, you can also never own enough jersey dresses. Like this one by Helmut Lang:

And how about this fabulous Only Hearts lace bomber jacket? Who needs cardigans when you can wear this instead!

This leopard print wrap dress by Haute Hippie has a halter neck – and would look great on a curvy woman like myself!

Gorjana’s designs never cease to impress me. This Graham studded wrap bracelet is the latest item I am coveting from her collection, and at only $50 it’s a MUST BUY item.

I love window shopping.

(all images from net-a-porter and shopbop)