lfw round up: my top 7 shows

I tried. I really did. But narrowing my favorite shows from London Fashion Week down to just five was impossible. So, I cheated just a little and picked my top seven along with two of my favorite looks from each collection. LFW had so many amazing collections to look through, my favorites are all over the map. One thing is for sure, LFW saw some super rad runway theatrics. From pouring rain at Burberry's show to the ghost like model's ominous dance at the McQ show, LFW was anything but boring. Sigh, if only I could be there. Anyone else care to share their faves? ♥,whit

1. McQ

(images via fashionista.com)

There are not enough words to describe how wonderful this collection was. Thank goodness for Sarah Burton.

2. Burberry Prorsum

(images via fashionista.com)

How very British. The collection was beautifully tailored and made me want to romp around the English Countryside or march the streets of London. Plus, you guys know how I feel about sweaters with animals on them!

3.Erdem

(images via fashionista.com) 

Florals! Color! Lace! Latex?! Yes please! Thank you Erdem for a completely feminine collection with just the right amount of edge. 

4. Mulberry

(images via fashionista.com) 

Normally, I'm not a fan of fur for fashion's sake, but Mulberry's Where the Wild Things Are inspired collection was so fun I couldn't help but love it. The colors and prints were fabulous! 

5. Giles

 (images via style.com)

 Such a beautiful, romantic collection. Plus, a little catwalk drama is always welcome. 

6. Mary Katrantzou 

 (images via fashionista.com) 

This collection is so so so fashion forward. I love it because I have never seen anything like it. For the love of fashion, will somebody please wear this first dress to the Oscars? Where is my beloved Cate Blanchett when I need her?!

7. Temperley London

(images via fashionista.com) 

I feel as though I should have looked through this collection with a monocle. It was so beautiful, rich and luxurious. I can't be certain, but I'm pretty sure they had the theme song for the Apprentice playing during the show. "Money money money...."

nyfw round up: my top 10 shows

New York Fashion Week just wrapped last Thursday. It took me exactly one week to make up for all the work I didn't do during that week; there were a lot of shows to look through and a lot of time spent fantasizing about being in the front row. To convince myself it was not time wasted, I have made a list of my top 10 shows from NYFW along with my two favorite looks from each show. I'm not sure if I can really express how hard it was for me to chose just 10 (originally I was just going to post my top 5) of my favorites as there were so many amazing collections for Fall 2012 Ready to Wear. Not too surprising, I found myself gravitating toward feminine and vintage inspired pieces. However, I was surprised to find myself falling for the modern, clean cut collections that I don't normally gravitate toward. Feel free to leave a comment with your favorite designer shows! As for me, it's back to work. Although....London Fashion Week did just wrap yesterday, and Milan Fashion Week has begun! I have some catching up to do! ♥, whit.

1. Marc Jacobs

(images via fashionista.com)

 What I would have given to be at this show. There were mixed reviews for Jacobs' Dr. Seuss/Pilgrim inspired looks. I personally LOVED it.

 2. Phillip Lim

(images via fashionista.com)
The clean cut lines are modern and impeccable. Love those tailored red pants!

3. Alice + Olivia 

(images via fashionista.com)
Alice + Olivia is always on my list of favorites. This is the first time I have seen floor length evening wear from designer Stacey Bendet, it was hard to choose a favorite! But this floor length green tiered gown killed me. So beautiful. 

4. Tory Burch

(images via fashionista.com)
Florals. Feminine. Functional. I could not possibly love this collection any more. Unless I owned it.

5. Jason Wu

(images via fashionista.com)
Another show I would have killed to be at. The collection was inspired by Imperial China and military looks. If I had to chose a phrase to describe it: "bad ass beautiful."

6. Oscar De La Renta

(images via fashionista.com)
Vintage inspiration done right. Beautiful and dramatic, I'd expect nothing less from a De La Renta show. Jackie would very much approve.

7. Wes Gordon

(images via fashionista.com)

Damn these clothes are cool. 

8. Calvin Klein

(images via fashionista.com)
Chic chic chic. When it comes to simple, gorgeous silhouettes Francisco Costa (creative director for Calvin Klein) can do no wrong. The pops of pink and orange were genius.

9. Marchesa

(images via fashionista.com)
So many beautiful dresses, I just couldn't help myself. It was nearly impossible to pick just two favorites, but I predict we'll be seeing these gowns again very soon. Oscar night is upon us after all.   

10. J.Crew

(images via fashionista.com)

I literally wanted want every single thing in this collection. I would wear every single piece. The show was impeccably styled, the colors were insane and I wouldn't mind owning a pair of those Manolo Blahnik for J. Crew heels. Mint green or or floral print, size 6 please. Thanks.

mini gift guide: top 5 valentine's day gifts for her

 1. Eskimo Kiss Print, $80; 2. Heart Pendant Watch Necklace, $25; 3.Terrarium Necklace, $27, 4. Red Rounded Wayfarer, $135; 5. Floral Doc Martin Boots, $130.

While every girl likes flowers (they do, they are lying to you if they tell you they don't), you could ditch the bouquet for these floral print Doc Martin boots. She won't have to toss them out in a week, plus they cost the same as a dozen long stem roses anyway. It's called value, people! Speaking of value, some guys tend to shy away from jewelry because in their minds, jewelry=expensive. Jewelry is classic and us ladies always appreciate it; the price tag really doesn't matter. The heart pendant and terrarium necklace above are both under $30! I also LOVE these red wayfarer sunglasses by Ray-Ban because let's face it, they're rad. Plus, another adorable print by Donna Wilson! Eskimos kissing!? Come on, it's like I'm handing this to you.
Valentine's day is growing nearer! Get moving! And while you're out shopping for your lovely lady, keep in mind, the classics are classic for a reason. Pick up some flowers (no need to spend $130, simple farmers market flowers are sweeter anyways) and a card on your way home. Trust me, we really do like that kind of stuff! (this is not computer sarcasm, promise) ♥xoxo, whit.

mini gift guide: top 5 valentine's day gifts for him

 1. You Are So Handsome Screen Print, $60; 2. Magno Wooden Radio, $150; 3. Green Rucksack #8, $220; 4. La Sardina Lomography Camera, $70; 5. We Are So Good Together Print, $60.

Valentine's Day may not be every guy's favorite holiday. Dare I say, most guys hate February 14th? While this may be true, they still deserve a little somethin' somethin'! Yes, guys are notoriously very hard to shop for on a holiday that is, let's be honest here, obviously manufactured for the ladies. Luckily, most men aren't interested in cheesy teddy bears and heart shaped boxes of chocolates. Personally, I think a framed screen print is always a simple yet thoughtful gift that goes a long way. This Donna Wilson, "You Are So Handsome" print is adorable. She is so creative! I also have yet to meet a guy that does not love a cool backpack, and this teal green rucksack from Archival Clothing is the perfect mix of cool yet functional. Plus I would totally "borrow" it and use it myself. And of course, when all else fails, gadgets. Dudes love gadgets. While I love this La Sardina camera because of the super cute pattern, I've also heard it takes really cool pictures.♥-Day is only a few days away, so I hope this helps! Good luck! xoxo,whit.

weekend snapshots: a day at the aquarium

Weekend snapshots just got real cute. Last weekend Miles took me to the Seattle Aquarium to visit the new baby sea otter! As you can see it is a tiny, two week old, adorable ball of fluff. So, needless to say, the place was packed! We had to wait in a line out the door and push our way through the crowds to get a look at the pup, but it was totally worth it. Plus, let's be honest, nothing was getting in the way of me seeing that little thing. The mom's name is Aniak, and the baby girl has to rest on her belly all day long until it is old enough to swim. The aquarium volunteers told us it wont be able to dive until it is about six weeks old because it is too fluffy and buoyant, it would just shoot right back up to the surface! Not surprising, that thing is so furry you can't tell which end is which! Once we broke free of the crowds surrounding the sea otters, we visited the equally adorable river otters and, one of my aquarium favorites, seahorses! After the crowded aquarium visit, a delicious burrito/beer combo was exactly what I needed. What a wonderful Seattle Saturday.