I found these Louboutins this weekend, and pictured them in a perfectly organized shoe closet.

Christian Louboutin Canon 140

Ruched metallic silk chiffon peep toe bootie with ruffled instep and back zip.

With the velvet stool, crystal chandelier and perfectly organized shoe closet all that is missing are those Louboutins!

I finished my closets, now just waiting for the cooler weather, I found so many cute sweaters I had forgotten about and now can’t wait to wear them.

Finally able to relax a bit after the holiday.   My weekend was crazy busy, mostly with fun stemming from my birthday.    Lovely dinners with family and friends, gifts I totally didn’t deserve, but I accepted gracefully non the less.  : )

Hope your holiday was special in some way!

Bella XoX

With sheer delight my closet revamping has already begun.  Bring on the layering, the boots, and beautiful scarves.  Labor day represents all kinds of new wardrobe options and this year I’m especially looking forward to the Military Look.  I simply love it!

I awoke this morning to my phone buzzing away, Michele my best friend who happens to be in New York this weekend, wishing me a Happy Birthday.  Miss her already and she has only been gone two days.   The gifts I received are so funny and sooo me.  So far, let’s see Jewelry, Spa Day, Sephora Gift Cards, and it’s only 5:00 AM!!

I am truly blessed by family and friends all of whom make my life better everyday.   I consider myself incredibly lucky, and as I say goodbye to another HOT Arizona summer, I also say  hello to fall, my favorite time of year.

What are your plans for this Labor Day weekend?  Mine will be spent will family and friends dropping by all day, and as I organize and revamp the closets in between, making room for the little extras I need to add to update my wardrobe, I can hardly wait to complete this task to make room for more!

Bella XoX

Most Coveted  Burberry Jacket this season and trying to get one is impossible!

Start saving up as well, around $3500

SHEARLING FUNNEL NECK AVIATOR JACKET

pics via Fashion Gone Rogue

Adore the femininity of Laurens line, the soft shades, the ruffles and lace.

Laurens new fall 2010 line is available at Kohls and the prices are so affordable, most are under $50.00.

Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.   Coco Chanel

Bella XoX

Fabulous pump for fall !!

Casadei Women’s 3509 Triple Platform Pump in Steel Raso on Amazon.com, $328.15

Hello Luvs,    somewhat of a dramatic weekend for me.  So many life decisions swirling in my head,  the lessons over my lifetime, have forced me to start making better decisions.

For the majority of my life I’ve been married, I’ve had a support system in place and always have  had the focus and determination needed to make such decisions.  Now making them on my own, is somewhat overwhelming.  Not having a partner in life, is my weakest point of moving forward.

I am learning day to day to be strong, to be independent and realizing that life without a man is possible.   So many times I look back at my choices I’ve made and have regret, but today, is the DAY, I move forward!

Opening my heart to new possibilities and letting go of my past, not forgetting, just letting go.  And for me, that’s a big step, one that took much to long to arrive at.

FOCUS on the future and to quit looking in the rear view mirror in my new motto.  And as I continue on this personal journey, I hope to give you the same desires to be your best, your most beautiful and continue to inspire with BEAUTY.  Afterall, without hope, without our dreams, what do we really have?

Lovely fashions and dreamy pictures always inspire me, and on your darkest days, know you are not alone in this world.

Bella

XoX

Note:  Hahaha, just notice the links name, quite ironic I think!!!!

pics via {TheSlightlyObessesiveBride}

This summer-y watermelon cocktail from Sunset Magazine sounds just delicious!  So simple, yet so festive…..here’s the how-to:

Whirl chunks of watermelon in a food processor until blended, then strain. Rub the rim of a martini glass with a cut lemon wedge, then dip rim in a shallow plate of sugar. Pour 3 tbsp. watermelon juice, 2 tbsp. brandy, 1 tbsp. lemon juice, and 2 tbsp. Cointreau into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake thoroughly, then strain into glass. Garnish with watermelon wedges.  YUM, right?!

This chop salad caught my eye for a couple of reasons: 1) it just looks so darn pretty!  I love the presentation!  2) the fresh ingredients used are sure to be tasty and 3) I love that it is a full meal, but only one dish (less to clean up, less to prepare!).

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Enjoying the last few weekends of summer, the lovely times spent with friends and family.  When I found this yummy summer cocktail, I wanted to share it with you.  Watermelon season is almost over, so we’re just in time.

Last Friday I spent the day at the Spa, oh how I wish it were today!  Holding back from making the call to repeat the day today!  : )

What are your plan this weekend?  I’d love to know!!!

Hoping your weekend is FABULOUS, remember the beautiful you everytime you look in the mirror.

Bella XoX

party pics via ThePartyDress



Adore the mixing and layering, so many great ideas  in these pictures.

It’s not obvious I am looking forward to fall is it?  Haha, living in Arizona tends to make you wish it was October, rather than August!

I can remember when I was pregnant with my second daughter, we lived in a house without air conditioning, I drove a volkswagon {no air}, and she was born in August !!!!  I also had a 15 month daughter I was running after constantly, and I don’t remember it being this fricken HOT!  How on earth did I do it?  Now, I’m so pampered, so accustom to my air conditioners, that taking the trash out in the heat is a huge feat.

I’m blaming it all on Menopause, I swear my body core temperature has risen 20 degrees.  So in actuality when its a 110 degrees outside, to ME it feels as though it’s 130 !!!

Bella XoX

pics via Cosmo UK

The key to working this look is to layer and temper the new volume by contrasting with razor-sharp tailored city shorts or super-skinny jeans.

Mixing these Edelman Booties up with a Shearling Jacket and Jeans.

Winsford Clog Boot

I fell in love with these Sam Edelman Booties with the  leather lace up &  faux shearling trim.  I heart shoes that snuggle up with my feet and keep me warm for those 70 degrees Arizona  mornings, in the winter.   Not  available until the first of September.

Bella XoX

Such stunning white on whites, these resort options inspire.

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My mood today is slightly melancholy, reminds me of this lovely poem I once read and refer back to ever so often, by James Hayley

Petals Of The White Rose

Dreaming by the morning moon
protected in a tight cocoon
so pale in the gloom
Petals of the white rose

Stretching at the sun light smiles
reflecting on its dew drop tiles
a glow that’s seen for miles
The waking of the white rose

Delicate as the summer breeze
pearly white of royal genes
a queen within the garden green
the blooming of the white rose

Soft as love you give it when
hearts should touch a frail friend
before the gift of life might end
The message of the white rose

As we cry these tender woes
and say goodbye to them we know
they’ll fly wherever spirits go
On petals of a soft white rose.

Bella XoX

photos via Town&Country

I fell in love with these two necklaces and ring while shopping this weekend!

Cobra Necklace

Add a prominent display of gleaming crystal to your décolleté. This rhodium-plated necklace with 4 snake chains features a large Silver Shade crystal pendant in the exclusive Newgrange cut. The bale is set with Silver Shade crystal pavé. Make a daring statement of seduction!  $ 320.00

Life Pendant

A truly exclusive masterpiece, this one-of-a-kind design showcases Swarovski’s expert craftsmanship. A breath-taking White ‘floating chaton’ sparkles inside the clear crystal pendant. Combine this exquisite rhodium-plated creation with the Nirvana ring for a more opulent look. An absolute must-have of the season!  $ 140.00 necklace  $ 75.00  earrings

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Nirvana Flash Blue Glitter Ring

This breath-taking clear crystal ring gives the iconic Nirvana ring a modern twist, bringing even more sparkle! The applied lacquer features a blue glittery substance that adds a radiant, shimmering effect to this spectacular Sterling silver-plated creation.    $ 190.00

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Jessica Simpson looks great in this outfit, right?  Well when I look at it I feel as though it’s missing something.  Where’s  the EDGE, what makes it STANDOUT?  For me, I always look at the magazines and think, hmmm how can I make it better !   This one was simple, my mind immediately went to Balmain Military Jacket, that I dream of at least once a month!  : )   Yeah, I think that’s it, an edgy jacket, a rocking pair of kick=ass boots, and VOILA  you’re THE GIRL !

Balmain’s Military Jacket

Ok, I know, who can afford the $11,500 price tag for the aforementioned Balmain Jacket.  But not to worry, just buy your favorite, one that suits your body type and embellish it yourself!    You can easily hand sew appliqués on to any style you wish.   Last year I added CHAINS to one shoulder,   of my favorite leather jacket  to emulate Balmains latest creation.  What a hit!

Whether you spend $10,000 or $25.00, Bling it out or keep it simple,  just have fun with this trend, pair with your favorite jeans and a white T Shirt, let the jacket and the boots, tell the world …. You are THE GIRL!!!!

A-Ten-Hut Military Jacket
$24.80  Forever21

Complete the look with these fabulous boots, oooh the ruffles, instant love when I saw these

Jeffrey Campbell ‘All-Ruffle’ Ankle Boot

$239.95 Nordstroms

Hope the weekend is treating you kind, may all your dreams come true! Bella XoX

Two books I’ve added to my library this summer, are written by the fabulous Nina Garcia.  Nina who now holds the top post at marie claire magazine,   is also a lauded author.

My favorite summer reads ……

Nina Garcias books are  not a read you put away and forget about after the last page.

“It’s an essential guide you keep and refer back to as you build and enhance your wardrobe. The alphabetically ordered contents make it easy to actually remember all the fashion essentials.   Even then Garcia expands on the must haves to kick your wardrobe up a notch. One will really enjoy the small tidbits on fashion history. Who knew the eternal Chanel 2.55 quilted bag was named so because of its debut on February 1955.”

“Readers will appreciate how Garcia is very specific about her picks down to the colors of the accessories. The illustrations by one of my favorite artists, Ruben Toledo are also fantastic. This book is great for those who are new to the fashion world and would like a crash course on the industry. It’s also great for us who need a refresher.” says, haute mimi.

Obsessing over Karen Millen designs I know, but I just can’t get enough!  These dreamy pieces will make you look like you’ve just stepped out of “The Mad Men Set”.

Or how about a little more edge !!!!!

Pearls are an easy go-to item to class up any outfit. In high school I went through a phase where I wore pearls every single day.  Jeans, skirts, t shirts, they go with everything!  So in preparation for fall wardrobe planning, I updated some looks with accessories.

I bought these today, my plan … my favorite jeans, black t shirt, and of course I won’t wear them like this.  I’ll slant to the side so bows are not sooo symmetrical, and add this falls most wanted look  a military style blazer!

Mary’s Layered Faux Pearl & Ribbon Necklace:
From: Emitations.com

This ring will complete the look!  Love it !!!

Bex’s CZ & Pearl Cluster Ring
From: Emitations.com

I added some links to share with you, so you can do your own shopping.  Love this place Emitations, great costume jewelry for FUN and FABULOUS looks!

Bella XoX

“Proportion is key”

says Karen Millen, the fabulous designer from the UK.

All of these looks would be a stunning addition to your wardrobe.  Shop Karen Millen or use as a guide for your next shopping excursion.

Personal Note:  Don’t you love fall?  I do, the boots, jackets, layering, layering… love it!  I feel much more comfortable these days in more clothes than less !!!  Haha,  as we age it’s hard to keep up and feel good about wearing trends.   I will never succumb to wearing age appropriate clothing, NEVER!   But at least I’m sane enough to know when I’ve crossed the line.  : )

Remember everyday when you look in the mirror, that you are beautiful.  Because believing is three quarters of the battle!

Bella XoX