USA Love

USA Love by indybabe featuring canvas handbags

Parisian Style Illustrations

I love classic style and Parisian women always seem to know how to do it perfectly.  I recently found these illustrations by Izak Zenou at http://www.izakzenou.com/ and think that the pictures give some great ideas for classic outfits to wear. Don't you love them? 

Spring 2012 Runway Trends

As we start to hit the dead cold of winter, we start dreaming about spring, the warm days of summer with less bulky clothes and flashes of skin.  Luckily, after scouring the internet and watching tons of fashion shows, I have put together my guide to Spring 2012 runway fashion trends to shake you out of your winter rut.  So, get out a pen and paper and take notes because here is everything you need to know about the Spring 2012 runway trends and what to look for in stores.

Spring 2012 Trends

Spring 2012 was all about femininity and glamour with inspiration coming from the soft flowing water of the ocean and seas.  This oceanic theme inspired underwater scenes displayed everywhere from the underwater world runway backdrop at Chanel and Mary Katrantzou's psychedelic sea beds, to clothing & accessories like Sarah Burton's McQueen mermaids, Versace's starfish prints, Giorgio Armani's water-inspired women and Givenchy's shark tooth accessories.  Clothes and accessories were laden with shells, coral, pastel deep sea colors, mermaid-ish matte satin fabrics and underwater prints.  It was enchanting and incredibly feminine!

Oceanic Theme Spring 2012 Trend (From Left): Coral-esque Dress by Alexander McQueen; Opal-essent Look with Shell Purse at Chanel;  Matte Mermaid Satin Fabric at Givenchy; Underwater Print at Versace;  Abstract Water Print at Peter Pilotto.

Colors (Pastels, 70's & Orange):  While you could still find neon colors on the runway this Spring, it was pastels that were the new big color trend.  Pastel colors mostly consisted of cotton candy pink, peach, mellow yellow, mint green, and robins egg blue.  Pastels separates were mostly worn by "color blocking" them (see "Pastels" below").  The other trend was 70's appliance colors such as split pea green, mustard yellow, and raspberry pink.  These strong colors were toned down when paired with this season's new neutrals such as: milk chocolate brown, silly putty beige, green (BIG trend), and white.  Also, tangerine orange was the "It" color of the season seen on tops, shorts, dresses, pants... you name it, it was on it.

Pastel Color Blocking Spring 2012 (from left): Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Badgley Mischka, Mulberry, & 3.1 Philip Lim.

70's Appliance & Neutrals (from left): Damir Doma Spring '12;  Thakoon Addition Pre-fall '12;  Balenciaga Spring '12; Jenni Kayne Pre-fall '12.   Picture via DC-2-NY Confessions Blog.

Tangerine Orange Spring 2012 (from Left): Badgley Mischka, BCBG Max Azria, Derek Lam, Nanette Lepore, Jill Stuart, Christian Siriano.

 

Prints:  There was a wide variatey of prints this season.  Obviously, the bit trend was oceanic prints (see "Theme" above), but big "in your face" floral, bird, landscapes, and 1920's graphic lines prints which were all trending this season.  Landscapes incorporated everything from space to the deep sea.  The bird print was evident at shows such as Carolina Herrera where these cute little birds were everywhere but also went more abstract at Marc by Marc Jacobs.  And, graphic prints were 1920's art-deco reminiscent with bold line patterns and T-bird flames on sweaters, dresses, shoes and accessories.  However, if you are looking for classic spring staples you cannot go wrong with nautical (stripes, anchors, and navy blues) or fruit & veggie prints as seen at Dolce & Gabbana or Moschino Cheap & Chic.

New Prints (From Left) - Bird prints: Carolina Herrera (literal), Marc by Marc Jacobs (abstract); Graphic: Carolina Herrera, Milly;  Landscapes: Akris, Mary Katrantzou.

Classic Spring Prints -  Nautical: Michael Kors, Bill Blass, Yves Saint Laurent (Cruise '12);   Fruits & Veggies: Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Dolce & Gabbana.

Midriff Exposure (body part): The midriff was the "It" body part to display this season.  Crop tops, cut-outs, and bra-tops were on almost every runway.  To wear this trend, make sure that the upper abs are displayed with a cropped top and high-rise bottoms (the early 2000's Brittney Spears look of showing your full foopa--the little pooch of your stomach below the navel--is still tacky).

High Midriff Exposure Spring 2012 (from left): Versace, Preen, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Jo No Fui.

What To Get/Look For This Spring

Dresses:  There were three big trends for dresses in Spring 2012: Structured (via peplums and ruffles), asymmetrical tops and hemlines, and 1920's style dropped-waist dresses.  When you do get one of these dresses, make sure the length is either maxi or mini (medi styles are for skirts).  For color, make sure your dress is bright cyan blue, pure white, red lace, or tangerine orange for Spring 2012.

Dress Trends Spring 2012 (from left) - Peplums: Vera Wang, Jason Wu, Chanel;  Asymmetrical: Jenny Packham, Diane Von Furstenberg, Luca Luca;  Drop-Waist: Chloe, Gucci.

Skirts: Just like dresses, skirts that were structured were also trending this season.  Whether the structure is a in the form of a gathered/ruffled pencil skirt, has a peplum, accordion pleats, or is made of tulle (great with a pastel blazer, fyi), structure is what will get you from March to September this season.  Asymmetrical hems and medi-skirts were also still in style and can also give you a fresh look this season.

Skirt Trends Spring '12 (from left): Structured pencil skirt (Burberry Prorsum);  Pleated Medi-skirt (Prada);  Peplum structured scarf skirt (Dolce & Gabbana);  Tulle skirt (Chanel);  Structured pencil skirt (Preen)

Shorts:  Summer leather is a big trend this season and the easiest way to pull it off is with leather shorts as seen at Mulberry.  Add these leather shorts or a pair of tailored shorts to a suit and you will have the other big trend for shorts this season.  The short suit was seen everywhere from Chanel, to Versace, and Prabal Gurung...to name a few. Oh, and the Bermuda length short is coming back in style.  Expect to see this length more in the coming year.

Shorts Trends Spring '12 (from left) - Leather Short: Chanel, Mulberry;  Short Suit: Versace, Prabal Gurung, Emilio Pucci (Bermuda length short); Jo No Fui.

Jackets:  If you are looking for jackets, think tuxedo, motorcycle, or lux embroidery.  For trench coats, unique is the best word to describe them.  From leather to cropped to tribal prints, bright colors and all kinds of unique details, the trench this season is anything but blah. Check out Burberry Prorsum's Spring '12 collection here.

Pants:  High waist, baggy but tapered, is the new design for denim pants/jeans.  Skinny's are also still cool, of course. And for pants other than jeans, the same high-waist, baggy but tapered look in prints or with a single stripe down the side of the leg, along with wide legs and skinny cropped styles in solid colors were also used.

Pant Trends (from Left) - Denim: Balenciaga, Theyskens Theory;  Wide-leg: Michael Kors, The Row;  Cropped: Giorgio Armani.

My Spring Shopping List:  Here is my "shopping list" for Spring/Summer 2012 separates:
Dresses: one feminine solid pastel dress (to match with pastel or white blazer and shell accessories), a white dress (with matching red lips and red pumps), and maybe a bird print dress. 
Skirts: structured--probably one with tulle ruffles (with a pastel top, white blazer and metallic shoes)
Shorts: in the perfect summer leather.. any color.
Pants: skinny jeans--white and dark indigo (for the nautical look), and a pair of pastel pants.
Tops: one with a peplum (to pair with skirts, shorts,etc.), one with stripes, a cropped top, and a whole bunch of pastel basics. I'm not much of a floral person or else I'd be getting a floral top with the biggest flower print I could find.
Jackets: a pastel and/or a white blazer, and a leather motorcycle jacket..any color.
 

 
So, there you have it--the latest designs and looks for Spring/Summer 2012.  Whether you buy, make it DIY style, or find at your local vintage or thrift store, these are the looks you want to be looking for.  Have fun!

Tropical Chic

This post is for one of my best friends who loves the Copacabana song by Barry Manilow.  This tropical chic editorial in Vanity Fair, March 2011 should have her cha-cha-ing in no time!  (Just hopefully not with a fruit basket on top of her head! hahaha) 

"She would meringue & do the cha-cha, with feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there..."

"And while she tried to be a star Tony always tended bar...."

"Across the crowded floor, they worked from 8 till 4..."

"But they were young & they had each other, who could ask for more?.."

"His name was Rico, he wore a diamond..."

"He was escorted to his chair, and he saw Lola dancing there..."

"And when she finished, he called her over..."

"But Rico went a bit to far, and Tony sailed across the bar..."

"At the Copa, Copacabana..."

"Where music and passion were always the fashion..."

"At the Copa....she lost her love....."

"At the Copa.... Copacabana!"  ;-)

Via Dust Jacket Attic at http://dustjacketattic.blogspot.com/

Holiday Peppermint Icing Recipe

I found this recipe for peppermint icing and it seemed so festive and perfect for the holidays.  I cannot wait to use it!  I found it at The Party Dress, where Jill from Modern Cupcake shared this recipe in the holiday issue of The Party Dress' magazine.  Isn't it fun?!  Use it on cupcakes, sugar cookies, or drizzle it on your favorite chocolate dessert.  Yum!

Banana Republic Holidays

Banana Republic has the cutest adds out for the Holidays.  It really gets me thinking about what I'm going to wear over the next month to office parties, family gatherings, and new years.  To assist you in your holiday wear, I thought I would post this for you to see. 

 

Pictures 3 & 7 from Look; Pictures 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 from Buro.

Indy Weekender: Big Ten Football Championship

This weekend Michigan State University is playing Wisconsin in the first Big Ten Football Championship game.  And, what better place to host this monumental game than at the Amateur Sports Capitol of the World, Indianapolis!  Even though the Game at Lucas Oil Stadium and tailgating at the Indianapolis Convention Center will be the main events, the rest of the time you might want to tour the city, grab a bite to eat and drink, or find some other way to relax.  This blog post will help you do just that.  With all the places the locals know about and like to go, and recommendations on what to get, as well as places you should see in Indy, this post will have you covered. Ps. Click on the links above for directions to each place and information on Indianapolis' history.

Places To See

1.)  Sun King Brewery (Friday 4-7pm).

Sun King Pic's (left to right): Sun King Brewing Machines & Kegs, Sun King Beer Sample Table, Beer Samples, Inside the Hot-Spot, Outside of Sun King Brewery.

Info:  Sun King Brewery is a fun place to sample Indy beer.  Loaded with Indy's professionals, this hangout hot-spot gives 5-6 free beer samples, and sells growlers & fills them up cheep.  However, it does not serve food or drinks (only samples) so just count on hanging out, and drinking great Indy beer for an hour or two.  Parking is free in the parking lot out front and it's free to get in with your ID. For more information and pictures, check out my post on Sun King Brewery here.

       Address: 135 N. College, Indianapolis, IN 46202
       Phone: 317.602.3702 
       Website: http://sunkingbrewing.com/


2.)  The Canal/Creation Cafe.

Canal Pic's:  Indianapolis Skyline, Creation Cafe Beer Float, Creation Cafe on the Canal, Quesadilla's at the Creation Cafe on the Canal.

Info:  The canal is a beautiful place to go and walk around. Near museums and with great views of the Indianapolis Skyline, this is a great place to work off all the pork tenderloin.  There are a couple of cafes on the canal.  My favorite is the Creation Cafe at the very North end.  Its appetizers are so tasty and the drinks are fun (like the Raspberry Celis, vanilla gelato beer float pictured above). For more information, view my blog post on the Canal Here.

Canal website:  http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-canal-walk 

Creation Cafe's website:  http://www.creationcafeandeuphoria.com/
     Address:  337 West 11th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202
     Phone: 317.955.2389 


3.)  Soldiers & Sailors Monument/Monument Circle.

"The Circle" Pic's:  Au Bon Pain (to the left of South Bend Chocolate Company), The Soldiers and Sailors Monument & Chase Tower, Indiana's Capitol Building From the Circle.

Info:  Built between 1887 and 1902, this limestone monument has come to symbolize the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana.  The view from the top and the architecture of the buildings perfectly circling the monument is my favorite part of visiting the monument.  To get 360 degree views of the city, walk up the stairs on the south side of the monument and in through the narrow door.  There is no fee to get in, but donations are "suggested."  Open Wed - Sun 9am-5pm.
      Address:  1 Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
      Website:  http://visitindy.com/indianapolis-soldiers-sailors-monument-monument-circle


More On The Circle:
4.)  After you visit to Soldiers and Sailors monument, you will see South Bend Chocolate Company's Chocolate Cafe on the Southwest side of the Circle, who makes wonderful seasonal chocolates, coffee, and hot chocolate.  Click here for South Bend Chocolate's website.

5.)  The Columbia Club on the Northeast side is an exclusive club where celebrities stay when in Indy. Established in 1889 use to be Indianapolis' old Republican Club started to help Pres. Benjamin Harrison's political campaign.  No longer the "Republican Club" you can stay in one of its 99 guest rooms and grab a swanky meal while staying there.  Click here for Columbia Club's website. 


Places To Watch The Game (Eat, Drink & Be Merry)

1.)  Kilroy's Bar N' Grill.

Kilroy's Bar N' Grill (left to right): Kilroy's Front Entrance (from Kilroysindy.com), Panorama inside Kilroy's with Tons of TV's and Long-Island Chalkboard, Cheesy Tater-tot Appetizer...yum!

Info:  Kilroy's is a great place to watch sports with great food and is within walking distance (about 5-6 blocks) from the stadium.  Whether you go Friday night or Saturday for the game (if you don't have tickets) you will not miss a minute of the action with large flat screen TV's loaded in every direction (See "Panorama" picture above).  Kilroy's is known for its Stuffed Breadsticks (hot, delicious, cheese and pepperoni rolls) and its Long Island mini-pitchers with dozen's listed on a huge chalkboard on the wall.  Indianapolis is also known for their pork tenderloin, so the breaded tenderloin sandwich is a great pick, also.  Although, I don't think you could go wrong with any of the food there. For more information, go to Kilroy's website at Kilroysindy.com.

     Address:  201 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46225
     Phone: 317.638.9464


2.)  The Slippery Noodle.

Slippery Noodle Pic's: Slippery Noodle Building(hookemreport.com), Pork Tenderloin (http://wouldibuyitagain.com/2011/07/review-slippery-noodle-inn/), One of the Many Rooms Inside, Slippery Noodle's Proximity to Lucas Oil Stadium (paulbielatowicz.com).

Info:  Located almost across from Lucas Oil Stadium, this bar has history and not just from its ties with football!  Established in 1850, the Slippery Noodle is Indiana's oldest bar.  I haven't eatten there, so I can't really recommend anything, but since your in Indianapolis, known for the pork tenderloin, you might as well order that.

     Address: 372 South Meridian Street  Indianapolis, IN 46225
     Phone: 317.631.6974
     Website:  www.slipperynoodle.com 

3.)  Scotty's Brewhouse (Downtown Indianapolis Location).

Scotty's Brewhouse Pic's (left to right):  Buffalo Chicken Wrap with Waffle Fries (wouldibuyitagain.com); Front Patio (seegullmedia.com); Scotty's Illustrated Menu (aht.seriouseats.com).

Info:  Scotty's has a lot of TV's--there are even TV's in the bathrooms! Crazy, huh?!  For food, the Wings are good & my favorite menu item is the Buffalo Chicken Wrap.   For more information go to Scotty's website at http://www.scottysbrewhouse.com/locations/indianapolis-downtown/.

     Address:  1 Virginia Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 (1 block North of Conseco Fieldhouse)
     Phone:  317.571.0808


Breakfast & Coffee

1.)  Hoaglin To Go Cafe & Marketplace.

Info:  This is a fun place to have breakfast.  The food is beautiful & usually in large potions, and the atmosphere is modern.  I usually get the Deep Dish Quiche and the men in my family get the Omelet with the potatoes (which are piled high!).

      Address:  448 Massachusetts Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204
      Phone: 317.423.0300
      Website:  http://www.hoaglintogo.com/


2.)  Cafe Patachou (Downtown at Capitol and Washington Location).

Cafe Patachou Omelete, from http://hungrymidwesterner.com/?tag=indianapolis

Info:  This is another great place for breakfast.  I haven't eaten here, but all my local friends are raving about it.  They tell me that not only is he food good, but the coffee is super smooth. There are a couple of locations, but the one downtown is right next to the capitol building.  For a better review and more pictures Click Here.

     Address: 225 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
     Phone: 317.632.0765
     Website:  http://www.cafepatachou.com/


Hope this helps & hope you have a wonderful time in Indianapolis!  GO GREEN!!!