Reel to Real: Diane Keaton in “Annie Hall”

imageIs there anything more quintessentially New York chic than Diane Keaton’s wardrobe in Woody Allen’s classic ode to love, “Annie Hall?” Trailblazing and iconic, Annie Hall’s style was boyfriend before there was boyfriend: mannish trousers, waistcoats, tailored blouses, bowler hats, wingtip oxfords, and oversize blazers created a look that was part English country gentleman, part West Village bohemian. Even more fashion-forward? The look was pretty much Diane Keaton’s own creation. According to movie lore, the film’s costumer, Nancy McArdle, was at best dubious about how Keaton’s look would appeal to moviegoers but at Woody Allen’s vehement insistence, Diane’s quirky, personal fashion sense was allowed to remain and become Annie’s own. McArdle worked closely with another fashion icon, Ralph Lauren, to design the costumes, including Annie’s signature polka-dot tie. Thus, fashion inspiration for the ages was born. Annie Hall’s continued influence on fashion is seen in many places today, from the trendsetting looks sported by Agyness Deyn, Kate Moss, and Mary-Kate Olsen, to collections by designers such as Marc Jacobs and Boy by Band of Outsiders. Click the slideshow for a look at how you can channel the best of Annie’s looks in today’s fashion terms.

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Enter To Win $250 In Adea Italian Lingerie!

imageIf you’re still wearing those old college t-shirts to bed or your fancy undergarments and lingerie have seen better days (dingy, stretched out, you get the picture), then it’s time to upgrade to something absolutely new and luxurious. What better way to do so than with the help of Adea? Their collection of multi-purpose tops, undergarments, and lingerie is all made of Meryl micro fiber, an Italian jersey. Wonder about what’s so special about this micro fiber? You can wear it all year round because it retains your body heat in the cold months yet also lets sweat escape during the warmer months. Items retain their shape, won’t stretch out, and are wrinkle resistant so you can scrunch them up in your gym or overnight bag without worry. Sound too good to be true? Well, it gets better. Stylehive and Adea have partnered to giveaway a $250 e-certificate to spend at their online store! Read on to see how you can win.

Mother’s Day Florals That Last Longer Than A Week!

imageIf your mom is anything like mine, you know that she loves flowers. A bouquet of roses can say that you love her on Mother’s Day, but wouldn’t you rather give her something that won’t end up in the trash after a week? You also know she doesn’t have the time to keep her own garden. So what are you to do? Luckily for us, floral gifts for your mom can be found almost anywhere and can last longer than a bouquet of freshly cut flowers. Take a look at the gardenia bonsai plant. It comes with small buds ready to bloom into fragrant and gorgeous flowers and it’s easy to take care of. For something along the more whimsical side, the windflower necklace made of chiffon and ribbon is a great accessory for any mom’s wardrobe. Take a look at my slideshow for more floral gift ideas for your mom!

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Florence City Guide: Shop, Play, Taste

imageIn Paris, you learn wit, in London you learn to crush your social rivals, and in Florence you learn poise. -Virgil Thomson
What to buy: Fall in love with jewelry from Pointe Vecchio, a bridge famous for its architecture and hanging shops. There are a variety of different styles and a reasonable range of prices. Bellini is a charming jewelry shop named after my favorite cocktail (a bellini consists of Italian Prosecco wine and peach juice). Here you will find statement pieces made out of silver and gold. Dainty Florentine Fleur-de-Lis earrings are an ideal gift. A little luxury goes a long way.

Florence is the leather capital of Italy. Great deals on leather goods can be found everywhere. Walk around a couple shops and browse through prices before making a purchase.

Click over to HauteMimi for more on what to see, where to eat, and what to buy when in Florence!

Jazz Up Your Look With Help From Stylehive’s Stylescopes!

imageHave you ever spent way too much time planning out the day’s ensemble the night before, only to put it on the next morning and realize it looks significantly more “blah” on you than it did in your head? No matter how many layers, mixing-and-matching, and pops of color you might have tried to incorporate, something just seems to be missing. Don’t fret, dear stylistas; as usual, Stylehive’s Stylescopes are here to fix your fashion woes and provide you with stellar style advice that is sure to help you get through the week! A boringly bare outfit usually just needs a little glamming or glitzing up by means of jewelry — a pendant necklace to keep a naked collar company, a dangly pair of earrings to keep the attention on your pretty face, some bangles to add a dash of flash to your wrists — the possibilities are practically endless! The heavens forbid, however, that you go overboard with the bling, so make sure you choose your ornaments wisely… and that’s where the stars come in! Aries girls can call on some old Hollywood glamor with an updated pearl necklace for some added classy flair to a seemingly everyday outfit, and Capricorns will show they mean business with a pair of gold coin earrings, just for example! Take a look at the slideshow to see what type of jewelry can help you adorn yourself appropriately for the week ahead!

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Take A Trip To Morocco Without Leaving The Room!

imageDo you go to a bookstore and always wander to the travel section? Or when people ask you where you got an article of clothing, your answer is always from a different country? But like most people, the heart is willing, but the wallet isn’t very giving. If you can only afford to go to Paris, Texas this summer, then it’s only right for us to bring the world to you. Today’s stop on the world tour is Morocco! Known for their tile print motifs and bright colors, Moroccan influences can be easily found in home decor pieces. Think of getting some gauzy linen curtains, lanterns in every corner, and bright pops of orange and red. The large Agadir Pouf from Anthropologie can be used as an ottoman or floor seating for extra guests. Another favorite pick is a bold medallion rug, appropriate for your entryway or dining room. Check out my slideshow for more Moroccan-style picks for your home!

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Khaki Suits Keep It Cool In The Spring And Summer

imageA khaki suit is like a refreshing beverage on a warm day. It’s crisp. It’s light and it suits (no pun intended) the season. As the cooler seasons come to a close, put your black suit on the back burner and go for some lighter fare. A suit within the color palette of khaki can look just as good and sleek as a black suit. Another bonus for the khaki garb is that a lot of them are sold as separates and there’s more versatility with the pieces– but personally, I like to keep them all together. I have a separate black and khaki blazer that I use as my fail-safe separate. With the Ralph Lauren Rugby Newbury Chino suit, you can look like the perfect dandy and with a classic Brooks Brothers two-button poplin suit you can be the refined gentleman you were meant to be. A khaki or tan suit has this “happy-go-lucky” vibe that shines with the sun. With the right shirt, tie and pocket square, a lighter suit is a must for the spring and summer seasons. Check out the slideshow for some of these cool suits that are a lighter shade of brown.

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Check Out The Wildfox By Whitehorse Couture Tote, Exclusively At Karmaloop!

imageWildfox Couture has just released their Vampire Love tote bag, web-exclusive to their own site and Karmaloop.com. The perfect tote, it is easy to wear on the shoulder and features graphic prints on both sides – customized with the Wildfox logo on one side and printed smiley face with vampire teeth on the other. Super cute and affordable, this Karmaloop exclusive is playful, sweet and has a vintage-like charm. Upgrade your wardrobe with this Vampire Love tote and you will entice looks your way. “Boys will come and go,” the girls say, “but Vampires are forever.” Check out the rest of the Wildfox collection here.

Gap’s Latest CFDA Collab: Alexander Wang!

imageGot Alexander Wang taste on a Gap budget? Soon, you’ll actually be able to do something about it- something that doesn’t involve eBay and shady Forever21 knockoffs. Following in the footsteps of previous Gap collabs like Pierre Hardy, threeASFOUR, and Phillip Lim, Wang will debut his Gap collection in stores on June 16. So what can we expect the guru of grunge to do with a traditional white shirt? Absolutely nothing, according to Gap’s Executive Vice President of Design, Patrick Robinson. The collection instead will focus on khaki, and as of now the standout piece will be a khaki motorcycle jacket that will retail for under $100. I’m not sure what’s more distant, the last time I wore khaki or the last time I set foot in the store (even though it’s on every corner), but who knows, maybe I’ll be falling into Gap for some cheapy collab action. Will you? [Teen Vogue via Fashionologie]

Mother’s Day Gifts For The Mom With A Green Thumb!

imageEver since I can remember, my mom has always had a green thumb (a trait that has unfortunately not been passed down considering I can’t even keep a cactus alive). Whenever the weather is nice out, you can find her in the garden, picking weeds out of the flower beds, pruning the rose bushes and tending to the herb garden. This year for Mother’s Day I’m going to get her something she can use in her beautiful little sanctuary, the garden. A new set of tools is perfect for any outdoor gardener; it’s especially useful when it can be attached to a folding chair! Burt’s Bees makes a great outdoor essential gift set that will let mom know you care about her out there in the wild. It comes with bug repellent, bite relief cream, a hand wash and a sun hat. Is Mom more of an inside gardener? Get her 12 months worth of seeds to grow herbs inside on the windowsill or a mini heirloom tomato growing kit. Need more ideas for Mother’s Day? Check out the slideshow for some great gifts for the gardening mom!

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