Currently Inspired by: Southern Belles & the Sweet Tea Society

Since I’ve relocated to the Midwest nearly seven (!) years ago, I’ve become enamored by all things Southern. That drawl, the vocabulary practically dripping with honey, and the wardrobes full of preppy pieces, florals and pastels. Even more so, I’ve grown to appreciate the overall goodness of Southern hospitality, kindness, conservative beliefs and morals.

In my opinion, the current TV show that comes closest to capturing the Southern life is Hart of Dixie. I mean, Lemon Breeland is The Southern Belle – the perfectly coiffed hair, impeccable manners, and a pension for tradition, perfection, florals and color.

A Marchesa Fairy Tale

Marchesa has always been a favorite designer of mine – her gowns are worthy of any princess and are the darlings of all red carpet appearances. March 1, Marchesa partnered with JcPenny to launch Pearl by Georgina Chapman, a line of affordable special occasion frocks, ranging in price from $75 to $250.

My personal fascination though, began with this 30-second ad. If, when I start my own fashion line, this is exactly what I pictured for a look book/promo video. It just has you dreaming of castles, ball gowns and whimsical moments. My inner romantic, starry-eyed young woman just wants to put on my fanciest gown just for a day of exploring and daydreaming.

Although most of the dresses are a bit too revealing for me (and some are obviously targeted towards prom goers), I do have my eye on this dress - the lace and feminine details are a perfect fit for my style. I can just see it dressed up with a cardigan, a black blazer or even a leather jacket! And, if only I had an event to wear this dress to – it’s classic Marchesa. You can shop the collection online here.

Always a fan of designer collaborations, I’m excited to see that part of its business makeover, JcPenny is pursuing awesome designers like Marchesa for us budget-loving, but couture-dreaming gals. A trip to my local JCP store is definitely on my weekend to-do list – if at the very least just to play dress up. What about you? Are you intrigued?

Tonight is a dream. Dress the part.

Yours truly,

Yelena

PS. You can see a behind-the-scenes video with the designer, Georgina Chapman here.

Details At Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2013 Collection

Reblogged from the CITIZENS of FASHION:

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Photo: Alessandro Viero / InDigital | GoRunway

Can we please take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the Fall 2013 Dolce & Gabbana collection? I just can't seem to get enough - all the details, it's literally wearable art. I am so getting flash backs to 200 year old cathedrals in Europe - it's a collection truly worthy of a Queen. I just can't get enough! -YB

{Modest} Style Muse: Ulyana Sergeenko

All photos via Pinterest.

Sometimes, I think it takes more confidence to wear modest clothing than something revealing, because then it means you care enough about yourself to go against the status-quo.

In a society so driven by jeans/t-shirt/yoga pants and short dresses, dressing modestly is hard. Not just because of the peer pressure, but also because it’s so difficult to find affordable and yet still cute modest clothes. Anyone else in the same boat?

Defining modesty can be difficult, and I’m working on a separate post about what it means to dress modestly. Until then, here’s one of my style muses – Ulyana Segeenko, a Russian fashion designer, whose style is the essence of her brand. From her hoop-like skirts and feminine head coverings, to the red lipstick, to me, she is the the perfect example of how to dress like a woman.

“When I appeared on the scene a few years ago, a lot of people laughed at me. I have a really recognizable and maybe a funny style. My long skirts—really, people laughed. But now a lot of people, they ask their stylists, ‘Make me absolutely like Ulyana.’ We have lots of people in clothes similar to my skirts. We have now a lot of Russian designers who are producing similar skirts and dresses. Not a long time ago, it was very funny and people were laughing. Now they are wearing it.” -Ulyana Sergeenko in an interview on Style.com

Now, if only I could have the guts to dress like this every day!

What do you think? Would you wear any of the pieces below?

-YB

PS. Check out my Pinterest board for more of Ulyanna’s lovely ensembles.

PPS. Remember the “How I learned to love myself…” contest I blogged about? Well, I just found out I am one of the winners!!!! Thank you to all of you who participated – take a minute to read not only the other winner’s stories, but the other submissions.