Farewell

To 2013 and a peek of chic...

As I alluded to here, I have decided to step away from fashion blogging and concentrate on getting ready for our little girl. If you would like to follow my personal blog about all things baby (which will no doubt include fashionable baby wear!), please send me an email at apeekofchic [at] gmail [dot] com. Thank you to all my loyal readers over the past few years! I've truly enjoyed having my space here on the internet...and who knows, maybe one day I will be back. Cheers!

Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts

Ladies - Philosophy Gift Set / Nadri Initial Necklace

Gents - Whiskey Rocks / Jack Black Gift Set

Little Ones - Barbie Fashion Vending Machine / Home Planetarium 

Holiday Gift Guide: Men

Engraved Razor Set / Money Clip / Duffel Bag / Beanie / Microbrewery Kit / Cologne

2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid

Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2014 - orchid! Purple is one of my least favorite colors, especially the lighter shades. That being said, here are some options to work into your wardrobe for the coming year.

Lace Shift Dress / Kate Spade Handbag / Deborah Lippman Between the Sheets / Kate Spade Pumps

Kate Spade Earrings / Tasha Scarf / Wildfox Sunglasses

L'Wren Scott for Banana Republic

L'Wren Scott, best known as a costume designer, has teamed up with Banana Republic for a holiday collection. I'm loving all the styles below, and specifically have my eye on this blouse, shrug and scarf.

Holiday Gift Guide: Children

Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Books To Bed PJ and Book Set

Melissa & Doug Oversized Horse

Zubels Animal Hats

Acorn Gator Slipper / Acorn Kitty Slipper

Burberry Hat and Gloves

Fashion+Holidays+NYC

Three of my favorite things! Last week Bergdorf Goodman unveiled their holiday windows, with quite an amazing show. Next up - NYC's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, which will take place December 7. We hope to make it up next year to see it live!!

Holiday Gift Guide: Moi

In preparation for Black Friday shopping, here's some things on my list...

Banana Republic Leopard Neckwarmer / Kate Spade Wallet / Kate Spade USB 

Eiffel Tower Scissors / Club Monaco Gloves / Alice+Olivia Mug / YSL Lipstick

More holiday gift guides to come!

InStyle Essentials: TrioFit Technology

As a woman with a large chest, finding button down shirts that fit is challenging. While I was finally able to find a chambray shirt (as mentioned here), dress shirts for work have been off limits. When I heard about InStyle Essentials, I was intrigued, to say the least. These shirts are sized by bra size (32A-40H), so no matter how large your chest is, you won't have to worry about the gap between the buttons. After receiving mine this week, I am pleased to say, it fits perfectly!! Currently there are 3 styles available in white. I am anxiously awaiting more colors/patterns, as this will now be a staple in my closet!

Note: The shirt was gifted to me, but the views herein are my own.

Guest Post: Spring 2014 Trends

Now that Spring 2014 fashion week is over, it’s the time to dissect the trends that appeared on the runways in New York, Paris, Milan, and London. Each city saw a new and different interpretation of the trends of the seasons. That being said, not every trend on the runway is going to make it to the stores come next spring. Cheryl Denise was kind enough to allow me to cover some of the key trends I saw on the runways for her website. These are the trends I think have legs, and you’ll be seeing pop up in stores in 2014.

Gym Rats

This trend first caught my eye when the iconic Tom Ford put a decidedly casual (well, for him) laser cut leather tank top on his runway. Next, Gucci showed billowy metallic materials and a slouchy fit intended to drape across the body creating a luxe and casual look. The idea of luxury sportswear again appeared at Emilio Pucci, however with a decidedly 90’s turn via bejeweled tracksuits and leather crop tops. In Paris Anthony Vaccarello wanted to reflect the idea of swimwear in the city. The end product was triangle shaped hemlines and cutouts past the hip as a daring and sexy option for the real life gym rats.

Arts & Crafts

This season also saw designers embrace the growing world of DIY and crafting. The most literal interpretation appeared at Chanel where Karl Lagerfeld staged an art school themed runway show and dressed his models as (very, very wealthy) art students. Celine’s Phoebe Philo created bold tribal prints with large brushstroke patterns on many of the pieces she showed, turning each piece into a canvas. The pieced together and scrambled look of scrapbooks also appeared on the runways of Christopher Kane and Christian Dior.

School Girls

Alexander Wang kicked off New York Fashion Week with a collection that looked to the refined look of schoolgirl staples like oxfords, argyle sweaters, and pinafores. Next, in Milan, Prada sent out an army of schoolgirls in shift dresses and top coats that recalled the staples of a 50’s co-ed, but with thoroughly modern embellishments. Viktor & Rolf created a surrealist schoolgirl look in Paris with asymmetrical blazers, voluminous pleated skirts, and sweaters which were pierced with spikes.

Top Heavy

While strong shoulders have been in style for a few seasons now, this season it was all about the rounded shoulder, in an attempt to soften the normally harsh look. After appearing in New York and Milan (most notably at the No. 21 show), the silhouette hit its stride in Paris. The tastemakers at Balmain, Balenciaga, and Giambattista Valli all showed that this is going to be the look for jackets next spring.

 

About the Author: Spencer Blohm is a freelance entertainment, fashion, culture, and lifestyle journalist for www.satellitestartinternet.com. In addition to doing extensive research online he also likes to conduct “field research” which is essentially shopping, but under a different name. He lives, works, and shops in Chicago.

Sugar Paper + Target

Stationary extraordinaire Sugar Paper LA has teamed up with Target for 2014 calendars/planners. I am obsessed with all their (seriously affordable) options!! Nearly all of it is sold out online, but check your local Target to see if they still have some in stock. Click here to view a list of stores that received stock.

Made-to-Order Blahniks

Neiman Marcus has an exclusive Manolo Blahnik Boutique, where you can make your own BB pumps. Choose your heel height (5 options) and your color (20 options) and viola! Order by 11/5 (tomorrow!) to receive in time for Christmas!

Wishlist Wednesday

If only I didn't have a growing bump...this would be the perfect holiday skirt!!!

Ann Taylor Bronze Animal Jacquard Skirt

Halloween Inspiration

This past weekend we had our annual pumpkin carving party. My favorite element was the dry ice punch I made for the kids (and I!). It really set the mood with the crackling sounds and smoky fog; definitely a mainstay from now on. Here are a few photos that inspired me...

Anjolee

I've been in the market for a pair of diamond stud earrings for awhile now, so when Anjolee contacted me about a collaboration, it was a no brainer! Their process is easy - you choose the metal and stones (including color, clarity and cut) and they set them. They even offer free overnight shipping and insurance. Hopefully these beauties will be mine one day...perhaps a push present, hint hint!

I also have my eye on a tennis bracelet, which is significantly more affordable. The process is the same, where you are able to choose the total carat weight, as well as the color, clarity and cut. You also choose the style: classic, swirl or boxed link. For this piece, I like the classic look that I can wear forever (and hopefully pass down if I have a daughter one day).

Are gem stones more your style? Anjolee has an extensive collection of these as well. Or you can mix and match these with diamonds. They also offer bracelets, necklaces and pendants.  The options are truly endless!

This was a sponsored post, but the thoughts herein are my own.

Wishlist Wednesday

C. Wonder Calf Hair Pump - love the inside gold heel detail on this pump
Rebecca Minkoff Signet Ring
Toms
Kate Spade Perforated Leather Gloves
 O'Neill Blakely Sweatshirt

Hervé Léger Barbie

In none other than Hervé Léger's iconic bandage dress, Barbie is strutting her stuff in designer threads. Constructed out of authentic Hervé Léger bandages and yarns, and manufactured at the same factory that produces the full designer collection, the doll even comes with a second black dress and accessories. Get this limited edition doll while you can, only 25,000 were made!

And Baby Makes 3

If you follow me on instagram, you saw my announcement over the weekend:

We are beyond excited and are counting the days til we meet he or she next March!! I've always had a pet peeve of fashion bloggers turned mommy bloggers, so rest assured that will not be happening here. I do have another blog, where I will document my pregnancy, maneuvering through the world of maternity fashion and all things baby. If you'd like to follow along, please send me an email and I will add you, as it is private.

That being said, a peek of chic will begin to slow down, and in all honesty, may discontinue altogether. I'm taking everything day by day, and appreciate your support during this transition.

Weekend Bucket List

Tomorrow we're heading up to NYC bright and early, for a long weekend with friends. It will be a nice getaway, especially to get our minds off the government shutdown, which is affecting both hubby and I. As most of you know, NYC is my favorite city, so I've got a jam packed itinerary for the weekend...here are a few things we'll be doing. Follow my adventures on Instagram here.

While my typical weekends in the city consist of shopping and checking out restos/bars, this trip I've added some more touristy stuff. We got so used to walking up towers in Italy to view the city from above, that I wanted to hit Top of the Rock.

View from Top of the Rock

We're also planning to grab lunch at Chelsea Market and eat up on the High Line. While we're up there, we will be celebrating the 30th birthday of our friend, so I figured there is no better way than to get drinks at Boom Boom Room. It is by far the chicest bar I've been to in my life! Floor to ceiling views of the Hudson river on one side, and city on the other. Absolutely breathtaking!!! The people watching is insane - I swear I haven't seen that much Chanel, except in their store.

Boom Boom Room

My bucket list has always included walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, so weather permitting, we'll be taking the ferry over to Brooklyn, taking in the gorgeous skyline from the park, and walking back to Manhattan via the bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Since I'm such a foodie, here's the rundown of where we'll be eating while we're in the city. Some will be new for me, and some are faves that I can't imagine not visiting while there! I wish there were more time to fit in meals, because there are so many places I would love to go. Is it too soon to plan my next trip?!

Meatball Shop - checkout those ice cream sammys for dessert

Balthazar - amazing brunch and awesome atmosphere
Dominique Ansel Bakery - cronuts - gotta see what all the hype is about!

Gran Electrica - right under the Brooklyn Bridge

Stanton Social - great for both brunch and dinner, hint: go upstairs for drinks

Sarabeth's - Serena and Blair used to go here all the time

Wishlist Wednesday

There are so many bracelets on the market today inspired by nails, and in all price ranges. Nico is my favorite, I love the overlap!

Nico New York / Vita Fede / Giles & Brother

Many of these also come in versions with crystals, here and here. Love this rose gold option too!

Mad for Plaid

I'm seriously crushing on plaid this season...

J. Crew / Free People / Gap / Rails / Rubbish

The Europeans seem to be getting in on the trend as well! Checkout this window display in Paris featuring plaid at Gucci, and this article about Fashion Week Paris.

Life According to Instagram

(clockwise from top left)

 

1. A very cold morning in DC called for my new jacket from Italy and Burberry scarf

2. Ricotta + heirloom tomatoes from 2 Amy's

3. Shopping in Georgetown [view from Cusp]

4. This season our suite at FedEx Field has our company jersey in it

5. The best Fall nights include backyard smores over the firepit 

6. The most amazing milky way milkshake from Good Stuff Eatery

Zoo Bans Leopard Print Clothing

With the amount of leopard in my wardrobe, I find this article amusing. It's understandable that the animals could get confused, I just can't get over the fact that animal prints are such a staple in fashion now, that such a rule has to be implemented.

Vera Wang + NFL

Vera Wang is really spreading her wings! Not only is she a legendary wedding gown designer (that I was lucky enough to wear!), she is now designing for the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles are flaunting her designs this Fall, and wow - how hot are they?! Even the black sparkly shoes are by her. No word yet if she will work with other teams...but I personally would love to see her work on the Redskinettes!

Wishlist Wednesday

I'm obsessed with this sweatshirt - and already have it on order! Checkout the tshirt version here in black or white. Not gonna lie...I'm tempted to buy the tee as well!

Louis Vuitton+Insects

Check out these amazing LV window displays from last spring in Tokyo.

Also, rumors fly that Marc Jacobs may be leaving LV. Read the full story here.

Fall Color Palette

I am loving burgundy and blush for Fall! The colors compliment each other so well; it's the perfect combo for transition into winter.

Pucci Blazer (on sale!)

Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner 

T by Alexander Wang Leather-Paneled Ponte Pants

Sophie Hulme Tote

Pucci Scarf

Kenneth Cole Line-Up Pump

Kate Spade Earrings

Tory Burch Beauty

Tory Burch Beauty

Tory Burch recently launched a beauty line, and I am obsessed with the design!! Her signature orange works perfectly with the beautiful gold design. I can't wait to smell the scent of the perfume and checkout the colors!

Trend: Big Floral Print

I've been seeing big florals on several bloggers...and as fabulous as they look, I can't stop thinking how much it looks like my grandmother!!

Left: Julia from Gal Meets Glam in J. Crew Collection Antiqued Floral Dress

Right: Rachel from Pink Peonies in Michael Kors Full Floral Skirt

What do you think of this trend? Do you have any big floral print in your wardrobe? I think the only way I could incorporate this would be in small amounts...perhaps in a scarf.

Wishlist Wednesday

Kate Spade Planner

Elyse Walker

I fell in love with espadrille flats this summer, and was ecstatic to see that Elyse Walker has a line that can carry into Fall. With pony hair upper with leather sole, these will be sure to keep your feet warmer than the previous versions from summer. I think we can all guess which pair I've got my eye on!

Prada Marfa Closing?

Say it ain't so! The art installation in Texas may be forced to close, based on reports from the Department of Transportation calling it "illegal outdoor advertising." Read the full story here.