An Evening with Diane

First off, I'd like to the announce the winner for the Bridal Bazaar event, taking place at the 78th Street Studios this weekend. *drumroll, please* As chosen by Random.org, the winner is comment #5, Crystal from Eat Drink Cleveland. Crystal, please email me at cleshopaholic@gmail.com so I may send you instructions on receiving your ticket!! 

This past Thursday, I had the privilege of attending a talk at the Cleveland Clinic, featuring the one and only, the legendary Diane Von Furstenberg. Most famous for the iconic wrap dress, DVF has been designing women's clothing since 1970.

When I first received the invite to the event, I expected DVF to mainly talk about her career, and how she made her way through the world of fashion.

Boy was I wrong.  What I came away with was a new appreciation for this incredible woman, who is so much more than just a fashion designer. A champion of the arts, DVF is also an advocate for women's empowerment. She is also incredibly warm, and charming, and so so funny!!

Some of my favorite quotes from the nights:

Do not be afraid of your own strength. Fear is not an option.

I wanted to be the woman I became. I wanted to empower myself. And now I want to empower other women. You can be the woman you want to be. 

The most important relationship in life is the one you have with yourself.

I think part of her appeal for me is her focus on independence. It reminds me of advice that my mother always gave me growing up: always be able to stand on your own two feet. I left the event feeling incredibly inspired- While I may not be about to conquer the world of fashion, I'm ready to take on my personal and professional challenges, hopefully with poise, grace, and of course, STYLE!!

Spring ballet

Have you watched Black Swan yet? N and I saw it a couple of weeks ago, and I can't stop thinking about it. I'm not going to give anything away, but I will say that if you're looking for closure at the end of the movie, you're not going to get it. I LLLUUURRRVVEEED the costumes and all the tulle, and while I'd love to incorporate some of that into my spring wardrobe, I'm fairly certain that tulle at work would result in many weird looks. So, I will have to limit my Black Swan inspirations to something more corporate-appropriate like ballet flats. Right now, I have my eye on these:

Born Precious in antique burnished leather, $95 at zappos

I haven't ordered these yet, but I've got my fingers crossed that they're as comfortable as they are adorable!!!



Channeling Blair Waldorf

So lately I've been especially enamored by headbands. I think I'm trying to channel my inner Blair Waldorf, but without the crazy. I saw some beautiful pieces at Bazaar Bizzare this past weekend, and while I didn't buy any (yet), I think I'm more than mildly obsessed.

Here are two of my favorite headband vendors that I visited with this weekend:

Crankypants

Mandizzle

Both these fabulous ladies have etsy stores (that I've linked to above the pictures of the respective works), and BONUS! They're both Cleveland-based, so you'd be supporting local art and artists with your purchase! These would make great gifts for a woman who has a taste for the dramatic (or a gossip-girl fan!)

Inspired by.... Jessica Alba

As summer draws to a close (in North East Ohio, anyway), I want to make the most of my summer wardrobe for the next few weeks. This look by Jessica Alba is one that you could easily carry into the fall too, by pairing it with a cute cardigan for those cooler nights.

My version includes:

paper bag skirt, $60, banana republic

 

georgette ruffle tank $60, banana republic

unlisted by Kenneth Cole, $69, piperlime 

(incidentally these are also a Rachel Zoe pick. Ba-nanas)

I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of the summer, including making the most of your summer wardrobe!!