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Thursday, June 30, 2011

What's your "go-to" piece?

Besides a pair of earrings, one of my favorite go-to pieces in my wardrobe is my pair of Scarlet and Crimson Wedges from Anthropologie. I got them about a year ago and the vibrant red always adds such a lovely pop of color. Plus, the round toe, thin ankle strap and generous wedge always make my legs look super long. What's your favorite go-to piece?

P.S. To all my lovely followers and fellow bloggers: I'm thinking that once we reach 25 followers, there will be a small giveaway sponsored by yours truly. Please spread the word about and follow An Air of Surprise so we can get the ball rolling!


(Image via Betsy Design!)

Moustache jewelry

Buy them here, here and here.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Wedding Wednesday: What to wear?

My aunt has been dating a guy for about two years, and, frankly, I can't wait for them to get married. Not only because he's a great guy and she's a great lady, but also because I love getting dressed up for things...especially fancy weddings.


Apparently, though, I'm one of the few people who likes picking out outfits for weddings, mainly because the dress codes that are given on invitations aren't very clear. So, I've outlined the four most common dress codes for the entire gamut of summer weddings:

Formal weddings are typically held in some sort of a ballroom setting. Women should wear floor-length gowns in a fabric such as silk chiffon or silk crepe. The gown should have an elegant neckline and silhouette.  To add some flare, throw on a jeweled necklace or dazzling earrings. ABS by Allen Schwartz Belted Strapless Tulle Gown, $528

For a semi-formal evening wedding, chic, knee-length cocktail dresses are perfect. I wouldn't go for an LBD at a summer wedding, but rather a pastel or jewel-toned dress. Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon One-Shoulder Floral Dress, $251.30

daytime semi-formal wedding is typically at a church or country club and suggests that women should don a lightweight, typically cotton, knee-length dress in a bright or pastel color.  Tahari ASL "Hanna" V-Back Sheath Dress, $158

For an informal wedding, a simple, flowy sundress or maxi dress is fine. Obviously, separates are also an option, but try to avoid jeans. Splendid Racerback Zip Dress, $108

Do you have any weddings to attend this summer? What are you gonna wear?

(Top photo via Martha Stewart Weddings)

Yellow Diamond Ring

A Wedding Wednesday post is coming up in a little bit, but until then I wanted to tell you about my experience at Bulgari the other day. A while ago, I up and decided that I wanted a yellow diamond ring as my engagement ring. I'm not entirely sure where the idea came from, but my sister thinks I'm insane to have already decided on what ring I want. I don't want an ΓΌber-expensive ring at all, I'd much prefer one from a small neighborhood jewelry store. But alas, I have a while before I have to really think about it.


Anyways, almost every time I go to the mall, I walk past BVLGARI, and I can never help but notice a gorgeous yellow diamond ring glistening in the window. On this particular day, I guess I stared a little bit too long because it didn't take my mom much to convince me to go in and ask to try on the ring. Before I knew it, the 8-carat stunner was resting comfortably on my ring finger. Like a goofus, I didn't take pictures (doh!) and I couldn't find any online, but it was so gorgeous. Have you ever thought about what ring you might like? 


(Photo via Miss Kitty-Cat)

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Open Back Floral Dress

I think a woman's back is such a striking and delicate quality. Which is why I think this dress by the mother-daughter design team LanaStepul is so charming. The full A-line skirt and boat neck just add to the femininity and romanticism of the open back. 

Have you ever purchased a dress from Etsy? What's your favorite feature on a dress?

P.S. These shoes with this dress.

P.P.S. Another Etsy find.


(Photo via LanaStepul)

Pretty Gaga

How pretty does Lady Gaga look on the cover of the July/August 2011 issue of Spex Magazine? I love the how her pleasant, senescent countenance is hardened just slightly by the studded leather vest she's wearing. The entire look seems to represent her musical aesthetic, acknowledging the symbolisms and deeper meanings behind every kooky outfit and outlandish performance.

(Image via Fanpop)

Monday, June 27, 2011

Worst Style Mistakes. Ever.

Mom Jeans. Lame LBD. Matchy-matchy outfits. These are just some of the absolute worst fashion mistakes in my book.  It always drives me crazy when I see people committing said offenses because they seem so easy to correct!
Mom jean offenders, go for a dark wash jean in a boot or trouser cut; lame LBD ladies, a chic, classic and versatile dress that's figure flattering always beats a shapeless frock; and matchy-matchy outfit wearers, when in doubt do a neutral and some color. What do you think are the worst style mistakes?


(Photo via Chris Abraham)

Horizontal Stripes

Yesterday, while cruising through J.Crew with my mom, I couldn't help but notice how many striped tees, tanks and dresses I saw! They were so convincing, I couldn't help snatching up this tee for myself (on sale!). Do you have any striped shirts? They make me feel so chic and clean!

P.S. I can't wait to wear them with my gorgeous Anthropologie wedges!


(Via J.Crew)

Happy Monday!

So, I'm up pretty early this Monday morning so I can leave a quick post before I go babysit my neighbor's three hilarious boys. Then, later on this afternoon, my aunt Traci is flying in from New York along with her new baby girl, Savannah, who I can't wait to finally meet! I don't particularly like babies, but they always seem to like me. Which is good, I suppose, because there's nothing worse than a grumpy baby that thinks you're no-good. Do you like babies? Do they usually like you? 


(Photo via Beth)

Friday, June 24, 2011

Have a Healthy Weekend

I'm feeling a bit ill this Friday afternoon, so I'm gonna have some delicious vegetable soup and hot jasmine tea. I'm hoping for a soothing rain storm to help me feel better. Maybe these cloud and umbrella earrings can provide some motivation.


(Photos via The 10 cent designer and Balloon Journey)

What's Your Body Shape?

A few years ago, Trinny and Susannah wrote The Body Shape Bible and compiled a list of 12 body shapes that virtually every woman can be categorized under. Have you ever taken the quiz to see what your shape is? I'm a cross between a 'skittle' and a 'cornet'.


(Photo via Ryan Clark)

Neon Pink Silk Print


Thursday, June 23, 2011

Color Block Make-up

Apparently the trend that defined the Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 Collection isn't solely reserved for clothes. Nicola from Pixiwoo recently did a Katy Perry-inspired version of the color block make-up trend. Check it out! It's amazing. Would you ever try this look? 

An Air Of Surprise 5 Summer Must-haves

Below I have compiled a list of five things I think we should all have this summery season. Enjoy!


A warm shimmery lipstick for a fresh summer glow, $5


A silk-chiffon dress in a bright color for breezy summer nights, $425







What's on your summer 'must-have' list?


(Bag photo via Shopstyle)

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wedding Wednesday

In honor of wedding season, I'm going to start a new series called Wedding Wednesday during which I'll feature wedding tips, trends, advice and the like from the 2011 season every Wednesday of the week.

I'll start off the series by covering some of the most recent additions to Anthropologie's new wedding line, BHLDN.
The Blushing Crinoline Sheath is so delicate and romantic. And don't you just love the tiny little boot affixed to the strap loop of the Dauphine Heels? What do you think of the newest from BHLDN? Do you have a favorite piece?

(Photos via BHLDN)

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

First Day of Summer

  Nifty heart sunglasses. Delicious sweet lemonade. Vintage roller skates.
What sort of things are looking forward to this summer?

(Photos via La FruU, HBuzacott and SkateLuv)

Not Your Grandmother's Lace

Ivy Long's lace creations are absolutely gorgeous.  The self-taught lace maker creates each piece from scratch using vibrantly hued silk threads and vintage beads in addition to lovely semi-precious stones. Aren't they stunning? I love the intricate detailing, each piece like no other.

You can check out her portfolio here, and buy her jewelry here.


(Photos Via EderaJewelry)

Watermelon on a Stick

What a refreshing idea for summer! The fruit looks so ripe and fresh. It reminds me of VoluptΓ© Sheer Candy in Succulent Pomegranate.

(Photo via A Lady's Findings)

Monday, June 20, 2011

Bow Collar

Doesn't he look handsome? I've never seen dog collars with bows on them, but now that I have, I think i might get this one for my pooch Pepper! Do you think your dog would wear one? 

 (Photo by ModCloth)

Girls With Curves

 
Fantastic new style tumblr Girl With Curves
Love.

(Photos via Girl With Curves)

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Linen Tote

Adriana Bezerra, a San Francisco-based designer, hand-makes and sells pretty handbags and pouches. You can find this tote, along with other prettily patterned bags at her etsy store, DrikaB.

Bows & Bands




While stalking browsing the Anthropologie online catalogue
I came across these gorgeous pairs of pumps from the June 11' shoe collection.


They're so positively summery and give off a lovely retro feel. Either pair would be a lovely addition to any woman's summer wardrobe.


These nautical-inspired pumps run pretty steep at $378! 


So lovely!

(Top Photo via Suitcase Vignettes)