ralph lauren: the ricky bag

hello my dearies!
sorry i haven't updated in such a long time. i have been so busy and so stressed out (yes, even in the summer). it seems that my family is intent on keeping me on my toes...i never know what the next day will bring. but there is something that i'll always know: i love handbags and obsessing over them. right now i am salivating over the ralph lauren ricky bag. it is so timeless and classic (as mr. lauren and his label are) and looks great on young and old alike. there are many versions of the ricky bag and they all come with hefty price tags. i didn't want to shock you with too many figures in the thousands so i handpicked only four selections of the ricky bag for you to goggle at.

enjoy,
<3 me

As soon as i saw The Ricky Alligator Bag i almost stopped breathing. it is so gorgeous, dripping with luxury and style. it is inspired from a vintage cooper saddle carrier and made from pure 100% american alligator skin paired with italian hardware. this bag costs a pretty penny, and for good reason: it is breathtaking! the Ricky Ruched Crocodile Bag is a very cute version of the ricky bag as it is more feminine and has a soft look to it because of the ruching. this is crafted from authentic african crocodile skin and has silver and rodhium brass plated hardware! the Ricky Calf Bag Gold Detail is a plainer version of the extravagant ricky bags and is guaranteed to go with everything you own. just like the other bags it is roomy and chic. it is made from french baranil calfskin and has gold hardware. and last but not least (but littlest) is The Mini Ricky Bag--perfect for a day at the horseraces ;). I love the funky striped silk dupioni body and patent leather detail. this bag is as cute as button :)

ten beauty items

my favorite item out of all of these is definitely the too faced liquif-eye shadow collection. you know why? because it comes with liquid eyeliner AND eyeshadow AND the eyeshadow can turn into liquid eyeliner. umhm, no joke. this pallette would definitely come in handy if you wear makeup everyday and love to accentuate your eyes, as most girls usually do. frederic fekkai's summer hair beachwaves can also come in handy for you gals who want that wavy haired beach babe look. frederic fekkai  is a girl's best friend. carol's daughter hair smoothie is a great treatment for damaged hair (which is the definition of all hair after a summer of swimming, partying and basking in the sun). when you need a fresh glow after a busy night you can dab on some tarte natural swir cheek stain which is made from all natural ingredients and works on all skintones! tubular! :D

<3 me

girl's night out

we girls dress up to look good, to feel good and (of course) to be healthy competition for our girlfriends. girls often travel in packs and it's important to stand out. on your next girl's night out, wherever you are, whoever you're with--remember to not only have fun but look amazing. who knows how long you'll live? who knows how long you'll be friends with the girls you are friends with now? as each day passes life is never the same. celebrate the originality of each day by looking great each day! it's as simple as that. ;)

no matter what your personality is i think you'll appreciate the options i have for you in this entry; at least i hope so.
<3 me

the girl that is known as the bombshell
everyone expects you to look sexy...so live up to tha expectation! being sexy isn't showing your butt and your boobs, it's being aware of your body and knowing how to showcase it tastefully and attractively. not that girl's night out is about attracting random guys though....

expensive
1. manoush short dress $128 (yoox.com)
2. gucci dark gold leather 'kelly' pee toe pumps $492 (bluefly.com)
3. kipepeo majani earrings $87 (pinkmascara.com)
i love the dress because it is structured, is in a bright 'look at me' color, and is strapless to show off just the right amount of skin up top--but it is not plunge neck so that it shows all of your chest. the gucci shoes are simply to die for and they go very well with the kipepeo earrings. the whole outfit works very well together and is a tad dressy but definitely sexy.

cheap
1. floral burnout top $19.99 (charlotterusse.com)
2. citrine cuffed crop skinny jean $29.99 (charlotterusse.com)
3. canvas t-strap platforms $22.99 (charlotterusse.com)
4. fold over wristlet in wine $10.00 (charlotterusse.com)
the floral burnout top is absolutely adorable. i really love it, the design is great and the tank isn't just plain despite the familiar cut. the dark color and shimmery silver accents will look great against tanned/bronzed skin (and if you're truly the sexy girl you're bronzed up 24/7) and the back bow is a flirty touch. and not only are the cuffed jeans totally classy--they can go with ANYTHING--they'll look great with the tank and can even be worn in the fall and winter with high boots. the wristlet adds a punch of color and the canvas heels are not too dressy but still keep you on a pedestal.

the girl that's the life of the party
you're wild, you're crazy, you're fun. let your clothes speak for you when you're too out of it to speak for yourself.


expensive
1. diesel over the knee socks $32.45 (asos.com)
2. asos button shoulder t-shirt dress $47.59 (asos.com)
3. asos skinny patent waist belt $12.98 (asos.com)
4. asos tie front stacked platform sandal $75.71 (asos.com)
5. balenciaga small studded leather purse $328.78 (asos.com)
i am in love with the balenciaga small studded leather purse (buy it for me please!)--it is a great addition to this edgy, yet fun and girly ensemble. the bright pink knee highs are obviously the focal point...and to make sure you look more trendy than silly keep the socks grounded with a cool grey tshirt dress, a belt to give it definition and some awesomely awesome shoe boot sandals. wear your hair in a bun, straight or in very loose waves.

cheap
1. summer by the sea dress $88 (fredflare.com)
2. red patent ankle strap peep toe ballet flats $15.99 (amiclubwear.com)
you don't need many pieces to achieve a standout look. this statement is perfectly proven with this ensemble that includes a cute bright blue sailor inspired frock with six red buttons, empire waist, and a cute pleated skirt. the dress ends mid-thigh and at it's longest it barely grazes the knee. pair it with equally cute bright red ankle strap peeptoe flats and a smile.

the friend that everyone likes but is rather average
you're the girl everyone likes, because you always look the same. hoodie and jeans combo, with an occasional tanktop and miniskirt, and sometimes you go the extra mile and instead of wearing sneakers you wear embelished flats. you are also the friend that knows how to be sweet when you need to be and hard when a friend needs some serious advice. this time focus on yourself and surprise your friends with a great look. being average isn't good enough for you!


expensive
1. paul&joe lapingri tunic top $725 (netaporter.com)
2. tracy reese space dyed linen shorts $235 (netaporter.com)
3. christian louboutin balacorta patent flats $535 (netaporter.com)
4. juicy couture summer of love necklace $230 (netaporter.com)
5. fendi doctor style tote $1680 (netaporter.com)
i love the paul&joe tunic top because of its bright coloring and the iridescent threadwork that is has. for a girl that is usually comfortable in a hoodie and jeans--when dressing up you still want to feel that comfort and you will feel comfortable in the airy lapingri tunic top and beautiful tracy reese shorts. the louboutins are a great contrast to your top and the juicy couture necklace gives more structure to the top. the fendi tote is a beautiful bag that keeps the outfit fresh. you will definitely surprise your friends when you meet them looking so chic.

cheap
1. strappy gladiator heel $22.99 (gojane.com)
2. diana top $32.50 (delias.com)
3. lucy belted short $19.50 (delias.com)
keep it current in an ever popular pair of gladiator heels (which can easily transition into fall with thick tights), a fluttery one shouldered floral print top and cute shorts to show off your gams. your friends will definitely flip when they see you in this.

the quiet reliable one
you're quiet, sweet and sometimes...we forget you're there....until we need you. get a little spice in your life by pepping up your wardrobe. even if it's only for tonight. maybe you can give your bombshell friend a little competition?

expensive
1. larsen gray bouquet ruffle dress $229 (shopbop.com)
2. jean-michel cazabat luxury rebel la palma tapered toe stud pump $495 (shopbop.com)
3. melissa joy manning large triangle hoops $262 (shopbop.com)
that ruffle dress isn't any old LBD, not only is it short, sweet, AND sexy--it's eco friendly! who woulda thunkit? this jean-michel shoe is more expensive than the dress for a reason: it's freaking awesome! the urban feel of the triangle hoops and the shoe combined add some edge to this sweet dress.

cheap
1. decor chiffon blouse $22.80 (forever21.com)
2. ruched front skirt $17.80 (forever21.com)
3. panache satin slingback $20.80 (forever21.com)
4. convertible flower hairpin $3.80 (forever21.com)
this outfit is very chic and ladylike. i have been drooling over the panache satin slingbacks for as long as i can remember. everything about this is perfect and works with your sweet as sugar personality.

the moody one that usually wears black
the title explains it all. you're moody, sometimes you're fun...but most of the time you're not. take this girl's night out to loosen up a little and add some color to your wardrobe.

expensive
1. acrobat squareneck dress in purple $69.99 (shopintuition.com)
2. nelson double zipper sheen jacket in gray $260 (shopintuition.com)
3. thin brown leather studded belt $45 (shopintuition.com)
4. thierry lasry analogy sunglasses $305 (shopintuition.com)
5. sasha sandal in pink $40 (shopintuition.com)
this amazing ensemble proves that you can look tough and cool without wearing any black whatsoever. i really love this look and the blush colored sandals are uber cute!

cheap
1. BDG 5 pocket sateen skinny pant $49 (urbanoutfitters.com)
2. striped v neck tee $14.99 (urbanoutfitters.com)
3. between the lines oxford $38 (urbanoutfitters.com)
4. ruched flap clutch wallet $14.99 (urbanoutfitters.com)
i love this outfit because of the different textures that i got to use throughout it. the jeans are skinny and they are brightly colored--which is all the rage now, but they are also sateen (satiny finish) and so they feel different than any other skinny pant. despite the casual feel of the pant you can also feel dressy because of the texture of the pant. the striped v neck tee is fun yet sexy and i love the lace up flats. they look really vintage. the ruched flap clutch wallet plays on the colors in the shirt and finishes up the outfit nicely.

i hope you enjoyed this post. it was a blast making it :)--oh, and hopefully my tips are helpful for any night out you have planned!

resort 2009

what is resort? a lot of people don't really know. some people say that it connects the fall seasons to the spring seasons and the spring seasons back to the fall seasons. some people say that the resort collection is utter crap and is incredibly unnecessary. i disagree. despite some designers not seizing the opportunity to show off their skill the designers that i will feature definitely stepped up to the plate and showed design at its best. designrs make mistakes, but they alwys take risks and passion can always be clearly seen in their work and this is what these designersdid. ....oh and if you must know, yes those images were put together by moi.

anyway, here are my favorites! :)

bill blass resort 2009

beautiful lines, amazing tailoring and fantastic use of color. some designers just made the resort collection look like something you could get at kmart--but bill blass resort 2009 (masterminded by peter som) is simply breathtaking. i particularly love the jeweled saturated yellow cocktail dress. i can't wait to see someone wear that to an event. i adore everything about this resort collection! everything!

badgley mischka resort 2009

OHMYGOSHHHHHHHHHHH. is this love? is it? because i'm swooning. this is an amazing resort collection. great swimwear, great casualwear, great eveningwear--sexy, sweet,sophisticated! <3<3<3

doo.ri resort 2009

i really hope to see more people wearing doo.ri and more fashion critics praising her work. i love the color and the shapes of the two dresses featured here. the one at the far right is pure beauty. it is a classic shape that will never go out of style. although it is not a simple style, it is timeless. i can see someone wearing this from the 50s onward. i especially love the svelte white trouser suit. it is way sexier than any old pantsuit that is usually sold for women and it is in a hot standout color for summer (white) and i love the ruffle on the shoulder. the second outfit is one i can easily seeing a very chic girl wearing on a breezy summer day.

luca luca resort 2009

the first dress looks like a normal sheath dress and then you take in the beautiful salmon color, the sheeny fabric, the beautiful band at the waist, the embellishment at the neckline and the 3/4 length sleeves with cutouts. is this dress original or what? i also enjoy the dresscoat which is simple yet elegant and the hite shorts and grey/silver cowl neck ruffle tank combo is smoking hot! lastly the blue dress is just so youthful and fresh with the details at the waist and the avant garde collar. i never really knew much about luca luca before but i am looking forward to seeing more of it.

yigal azrouel resort 2009

i did not know about yigal azrouel before i started working on this entry but now that i know about him i am fully in love with him. designers like him make me proud. resort is and should be considered a valid collection. yigal truly uses this statement to the full. he has amazing draping technique and i love that in his black/white outfits, despite the fact that there are only two colors there the outfit is so dynamic. honestly, i would wear any of these at the drop of a hat. especially that little green dress. yummy!

<3 me

these are a few of my favorite things: SUMMER EDITION!

happy anniversary to me and this site: fashionforwarddd!

i have had a lot of fun maintaining this site, looking at awesome fashion and reading your uplifting comments. here's to another year! because we are celebrating such a momentous occasion i had to give the the site a makeover--i hope you like the layout--and i wanted to start a new tradition as we celebrate this anniversary. i have decided that for every season i will have a "favorite things" entry in which i list some of my favorite items for summer. hopefully they become your fave items too and we can look tres tres chic together.

<3 me

p.s. i'm working on a new feature where i preserve old posts like celebrity style posts or double headers, etc. so that you can always access them even after the pictures are not being hosted by their homepage. making this "archive" is taking a really long time, but i know you guys will appreciate it--just be patient! :)

shoes


1. buckle gladiator sandal $19.50 (wetseal.com) i love the fabulous color of these sandals. if you're lazy one summer day and you find yoursel in a white shirt and jeans or just all black you can put these on and look great/feel great. you'll comfortable because you won't be teetering on heels and you'll chic because you'll have some bright sexy gladiators. these shoes have fantastic detail: zip, thick back ankle strap, metal buckles and nailhead designs down the front strap.
2. christian louboutin sometimes shoe boots $860 (netaporter.com) these are so classy and original. i am so in love with these that i'm at a loss for words. well...not really. but i'll just say this: perfect transition shoe. you can wear it now, and even into fall. and into winter! with tights.
3.pedro garcia ginger satin flats $495 (netaporter.com) embellishments might only be hot right now, but they were always hot on my list. and these are no exception ;)
4. leatherette strappy heel $20.99 (gojane.com) these are so cool! gladiators with a heel! you can easily wear this with a flirty cocktail dress or airy trouser pants.
5. buckle wedge $21.99 (gojane.com) these remind me very much of coach wedges...but they're much cheaper and still cute.
6. pearl chain link low wedge $13.99 (gojane.com) nice color, nice height, nice shoe.
7. buckle boat shoe $17.99 (gojane.com) this preppy shoe gets some edge with the bright blue color and giant studs at the side.
8. singerr $69.95 (stevemadden.com) you can still wear boots in summer! and these can easily transfer very well into fall/winter. and by then they'll have a reallllly nice worn in look.

shorts

1. striped shorts $19.99 (charlotterusse.com) these are super short shorts but i love the color and the concept. you can easily get a nautical look with this, and it would really pop with a simple bright red tee or ruffle front blouse.
2. high waisted twill shorts $22.99 (charlotterusse.com) compared to other high waisted shorts, these are not hard to wear. and look! it comes with a belt. :) i love these. i wish they were in my closet right now.
3. freestyle cropped skimmer shorts $40.00 (dillards.com) if you insist on wearing bermuda type shorts (not that i have anything against them), wear these because they are nicely tailored, have a dark wash that will flatter and slim many...and really, they just look nice.
4. karen zambos vintage couture white floral silk scalloped shorts jumper $250 (bluefly.com) i think this is my favorite. if i could only wear one thing this summer...by law...i would wear this. it is so beautiful made and so timeless and chic.

dresses



1. tart aegean jersey wrap v-neck geneva dress $129 (bluefly.com) i love the ballerina feel of these breezy wrap dress. this style looks nice on multiple styles and the color is really serene. it is expensive, but you can always use expensive pieces for inspiration and seek out a cheaper dress in a similar style.
2. cynthia steffe cynthia berry floral cotton halter dress $198 (bluefly.com) as you probaly know floral is really big right now. and why not? it's finally warm and that means us gals can (tastefully) show some skin. what better way to do it than in an ultrafeminine floral print. the cut and color of this dress is beautiful. i hope you like it as much as i do.
3. H81 Retro Floral dress $24.90 (forever21.com) i love the ethnic feel of this dress. it's obviously inspired by the amazing colors and feel of african print. the ruffle at the bodice add a nice touch. this is a fantastique summer dress.
4. tessa knit dress $19.80 (forever21.com) another great casual summer dress.
5. H81 plaid empire dress $22.90 (forever21.com) youthful and breezy.
6. asos pleated sleeve corsage dress $82.19 (asos.com) release your feminine wiles in this uber girly frock.
7. asos chain front jersey dress $43.26 (asos.com) i love this imitation versace dress. it is really classy and definitely sexy. donatella versace isn't the best looking woman in the world, but she definitey knows how to work what she has and spreads sex appeal around the globe through her stellar designs which are mirrored in this dress. it also comes in black.
8. bellanina white button fitted mini dress $140.60 (asos.com) is this dress sexy or what?!
9. TFNC silk pleat dip dye dress $118.97 (asos.com) this dress stands on exactly on the line of tacky and classy making it very edgy. it's dainty, bright, and really original. if you were to wear this you wouldn't need many accessories--just great glowing skin as a backdrop for the dress, simple heels and studs or dangly earrings that complements rather conflicts this dress.

shirts



1. torn by ronny kobo gabrielle feathers tank $70 (shopbop.com) this tank is very original. i love how the model has been styled in it, with the pencil skirt. that is a great way to wear it. you don't look too girly or tomboyish...you just look GOOD. and i'm sure this can be worn just as well with other pieces in your closet.
2. t-bags print squareneck short sleeve top $145 (shopbop.com) nice, breezy and bright.
3. bloom silk blend tunic $27.80 (forever21.com) this has a beautiful color (i really like grey...and the orange contrast is genius) and a nice, loose shape. i especially love the white buttons on the shoulder.
4. amber floral corset $16.80 (forever21.com) wow, this is REALLY cool. you'll be the ultimate trendsetter in this lovely corset top with a pencil skirt, a breezy peasant skirt or skinnies. shorts might make this look slutty and baggy jeans might not work. but i still encourage everyone to experience with their 'look'.
5. hello kitty exploded tee $24.50 (delias.com) so cute! you can't say no to this.
6. represent multi-city tee $26.50 (delias.com) so colorful and so urban. go and see if your city is on the shirt. mine is!

accessories


 
1. wide latch belt $9.80 (forever21.com) wide belts just aren't trendy. the are a necessity. they expertly nip in the waist and can dress up slouchy blouses in muted colors.
2. straw weave floppy hat $10.80 (forever21.com) i want it. you'll still have to wear your spf with this hat (because it's not good to take risks with your skin), but at least it won't have to work too hard with the protection and beachy cuteness of this hat.
3. lock and croc lady bag $46.00 (missselfridge.com) classic.
4. gather top shopper $70.00 (missselfridge.com) young and hip! i love brown/cognac hued bags like this. they really add a warm element to different looks.
5. double buckle X body bag $24.00 (missselfridge.com) a lot of young hollywood are wearing bags like these, especially people like mischa barton, zoe kravitz, nicole richie etc....you can easily find a vintage bag like this at a thrift store/consignment store. but if you don't like to search for too long here is the bag waiting right here for you!
6. juicy couture bow knee high socks in navy $18 (revolveclothing.com) so cute! so preppy! and although they are a risk, i can see any fashion forward girl looking great in them.
7. animal pattern scarf in pumpkin $58.00 (ardenb.com) looks great around your neck, over your shoulders, around your waist or tying down unruly hair. great color and a great print.

swimwear

1. beach sexy sliding halter top (top $15 bottom $14) (victoriassecret.com) i love the modern shape and the cute pola dot print that it is a slight throwback to earlier times when so much skin wasn't revealed at the beach and the women looked just as great. :)
2. carmen marc valvo retro one-piece swimsuit $117 (victoriassecret.com) i love it. bottom line!
3. loeffler randall ruffle bikini top with plain bottom $215 (shopbop.com) beautiful color, and sweet detail. a bit pricey though!
4. lux balneiro one piece $59.99 (urbanoutfitters.com) simple and sexy. it'll look great against your tan! make sure to tan evenly before wearing this to the beach so you don't get really weird tan lines when wearing this.
5. tube bubble dress $22.99 (charlotterusse.com) great dress and a great cover up!
6. H81 striped crossover dress $16.90 (forever21.com) love the color, the stripes, the bow, and it would look great over a swimsuit on a sunny day! :)

jewelry



1. lana stone ring $4.80 (forever21.com) i love the color of the stone and the vintage look of the metal setting.
2. haifa wood bangle set $7.80 (forever21.com) i am really loving the ethnic touch that designers and buyers for stores like forever 21 are promoting this season!
3. juicy couture stackable bangles in navy $82 (eluxury.com) nautical and nifty.
4. roberto cavalli scarab earrings $225 (eluxury.com) if you're willing to spend your money (and i mean A LOT OF MONEY) on some jewelry that you want to be original and that you want to dress you up in two seconds flat then get these. i like roberto cavalli's spunk and creativity. it really speaks through these earrings. i wish i could afford them...or that someone gave them to me.
5. polished lovebirds earrings $5.80 (forever21.com) to bring out the beach gypsy in you. :)
6. strawberry necklae $5.80 (forever21.com) fun and young!

makeup


1. new moisture surge extended thirst relief $46.50 (clinique.com) for much needed moisture throughout the day so that your skin doesn't get dehydrated--and if you sweat that doesn't matter because this cream has a matte finish so you won't look greasy. it's not exactly makeup but a great moisturizer can be as great as any makeup can be. and remember, SPF IS KEY. this (surprisingly) does not have spf but you can mix this with a moisturizer that does...or if this is too expensive then just use  cheaper moisturizer with spf.
2. benefit benetint lip balm $20 (sephora.com) great berry stain AND spf 15. :)
3. sephora brand waterproof mascara $10 (sephora.com) need i say more?

thank you so much for reading this post! i love you guys <3