So Major.

Rachel Zoe has quickly become a fashion icon.  She participates in just about every facet of the fashion world.  She started as a celebrity stylist, currently has her own TV show, wrote a book on style, has a daily e-newletter:  The Zoe Report, and now has created her own fashion line.  She is a mastermind of this business.

I was so fortunate to see her present her Fall 2012 line at the Downtown Seattle Nordstrom last night.  What an amazing experience!  Her line is all about MENSWEAR!  Her fall line is made up of gorgeous tailored pieces that are fit for a woman's body but have the menswear appeal without becoming too androgynous.

Check it out below!

Above is an amazing gown that Zoe claims is her take on animal print.  She said she was tired of the basic print and wanted to transform it into something "Major:"  Stunning.

Simple sweater dress with leather jacket and tights.  All Purple!  Rachel says that she enjoys the idea of a look in all one color in different textures - it is interesting.  I totally agree with that!  She also said to try this look start small - start with simply matching tights to your top or dress for a really fun look.

**Please check out those thigh-high boots. MMMM YUMMY!  Rachel says these were her "slippers" while pregnant. :)

This is personally one of my favorite looks of her line.  I am obsessed with a good fitted suit.  The emerald green top with a bow-tie is flawless and the wool and fur coat adds just the right amount of glamour to an otherwise masculine inspired look.  LOVE.

The perfect topper.  Enough said.  (P.S.  It is hard to tell but this is the same monochromatic themed look:  Green Topper and Green Tights.)

Sequin evening look with a dramatic slit.

Another one of my favorites!  Rachel said this look was inspired by the 1960's Rock n Roll.  She asked herself if Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger were girls what would they wear??  This is what she came up with.  Leather bell bottom pants, a fitted white button up, and an incredible blazer with gold overlay.

The perfect suit.  Skinny pants and a fitted blazer.  These could be worn as separates or together.

And finally, Ms. Rachel Zoe herself.  It was so amazing watching her present this line.  I already have a shopping basket full of my DREAM items. 

(The piece she is wearing is a jumpsuit from her Fall 2012 line.)

*Rachel said if you ever see me stop designing jumpers or there are no sequins in my collection - you know I have left the building.

Wedding Weekend.

 Last Saturday one of my best friends got married.  It was a beautiful ceremony on the Puget Sound at a quaint little park.  The reception was on the water as well and was an absolutely stunning location.  They kept it small with only their closest friends and family.  Check it out below!

Ashley and I!  Ashley:  Forever 21 Floral Shift Dress.  Forever 21 Platforms.  Mckinzy:  Juicy Couture Sundress.  Nordstrom Bow Belt.  Steve Madden Wedge (similar). 

Congratulations Jake and Jordan!

Summer Staples.

In the middle of the summer I tend to wear the same few basic pieces day after day.  I can't help it - I have a few favorites!  I lean towards light-weight fabrics in breezy designs.  At night I always grab a soft knit sweater to cover up.  I am crazy about platform wedges - they are as comfortable as my running shoes!! .... almost.  To top it off I add a pop of color and never leave my apartment without my shades.

Below is an inspiration board I made on Polyvore that features a few of my favorite summer staples.

Inspiration editorial from Elle Spain.  Free People Eyelet Skirt.  J. Crew Cable Knit Sweater.  Lavender by Vera Wang Wedge.  Stella & Dot Earring.  Karen Walker Shades.  Steve by Steve Madden Neon Bag.

London Olympics 2012.

  This Olympics I have been bitten with the bug....bad. I have already written this summer of my love for the current Americana trend.  While this look may be cooling down, with the Olympics having just begun, it has secured a special spot in my heart.  Here are some of my favorite inspirational looks for this years (fashion) games.

 

Left:  Michael Kors Swimsuit S/S 2009  Right:  William Rast Fall 2009

Image from Free People's June LookBook.

Image from Jane's blog Sea of Shoes.

**Let's Go USA!

Sneak Peek: Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show

As a Nordstrom Intern, I had the opportunity to work at the Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show.  I was beyond excited.  I have been so busy this summer with the internship that I have yet to post any pictures of the show!!

 I have been working on the Fashion Show post as it will be a long one (the show was almost an hour long!) The show was featured in an industrial building down at the pier that was completely transformed into a boutique shop in one area and incredible runway in another.

The designers of the show were (in this order):  Alaia, Valentino, Gucci, Missoni, Marc Jacobs, Donna Karen, Erdem, Michael Kors, Jason Wu, Nina Ricci, Dries Van Noten, Akris, Stella McCartney, Dolce & Gabbana, Marni, Lanvin, and Oscar de la Renta.  

*Featured shoe designers were:  Balenciaga, Brian Atwood, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Marni, Miu Miu, Prada, and Valentino.

Here is a sneak peek at the show with more details and pictures to come soon!  Enjoy!

The glamorous dressing rooms.  

Backstage!  All of the looks were organized by designer and the order in which they appear on the runway.

Just posing with Nordstrom. 

Can you believe this Lanvin patent red trench??

Oscar de la Renta Finale. Mmmmmmmmmm.

Little bit more Lanvin during final walk.

Sneak peek of Marni during the final walk.

**These pictures were taken during the dress rehearsal so hair and make-up are unfinished. 

Theo's Chocolate Factory.

A couple days ago I had the opportunity to visit a REAL LIFE CHOCOLATE FACTORY! I was so excited and this chocolate company, Theo's, happens to be my favorite chocolate.  They have a million different unique flavors that are constantly changing.  While visiting the factory I was able to learn all about their sustainable practices and take an inside look at how cocoa beans are processed and turned into CHOCOLATE! :)

Theo's Chocolate was the first chocolate company ever to be certified organic and fair trade.  What an amazing accomplishment, and it started right here in Seattle!  I encourage everyone to get on their website and see what they are all about.

Theo's purchases their cocoa beans from Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. I was thrilled when I found out that they did not purchase their beans from the Ivory Coast like every other chocolate company in the world.  Watch this documentary and you will see why. 

Eco-friendly roasting machine above.

These machines crush the fermented cocoa beans into a paste and from paste into liquid.  The ingredients are added next.  Organic cane sugar and local organic milk.  This room is kept at an average heat of 95 degrees Farenheit!

I was also able to tour the kitchen, the best part!  This chocolatier was creating a ganache.  The process he is working on is called tempering.  It is a constant spreading and gathering of the chocolate.

This was my favorite chocolate confection!  Salted carmel smore covered in chocolate.

Nibs!!  These are roasted cocoa beans that have yet to be processed.  You can bake with them or sprinkle them on top of yogurt etc.  They are crunchy like a nut or seed and absolutely delicious!

What a wonderful experience it was to tour Theo's Chocolate!

Trouser Socks.

I am really into trouser socks and flats lately. I love a lacy detail in such a small spot like the ankle.

I was just at the the Nordstrom Fall Preview Fashion Show and the lacy trouser sock was all over the runway.

Check out my version below!

Shoes:  DV by Dolce Vita.  Socks:  Hot Sox.