A FASHIONISTAS AFTERNOON TEA

So with this month booked with vacations as the start of my summer, I figured I would share one of the places I've always wanted to go. Pret-a-Portea is on the top of my list, not to mention it's in London which makes it even better. Pret -a- Portea is the perfect combination of my two favorite things high end fashion and food! They're known for their afternoon tea which "is inspired by the themes and colours of the fashion world. The menu is transformed every six months to follow the changing seasons in fashion. For instance, inspired by the Autumn/Winter 2009 fashion collections one season's afternoon tea at The Berkeley in London included designs by Christian Dior, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Mulberry." Not to mention it's a huge hangout for celebs or royalty so you never know who you'll bump into. Anyone for a Christian Dior almond macaroon with layered texture and white chocolate and blueberry ganache?

Where's your favorite place to stop for your sweet tooth?!

xoxo,
Jackie

Tweet

THE START OF A SUMMER ADVENTURE

[What I wore to stay comfortable on the plane, not be too warm when I arrived in FL, and still rock my 80's throw-back style]

So with a three week adventure ahead of me, and quite literally NO time in between, I had to be mindful of what I packed.  I know that many girls have issues packing an appropriate amount for the allotted vacation time, so here I am to rescue the weary arms of bell boys, cabbies and chivalrous men everywhere.  Here is a fail proof packing list for a one week vacation:

1. Seven pair of panties (extras are always recommended, use a deal like this one to stock up) and two bras: one regular, and one strapless for summer dresses

2. At least 2 bathing suits for beach vacations (allows for alternating during drying time)

3. At least 2 pair of pajamas (I brought 4 pair, you know I'm a sucker for cute lounge wear and its thin)

4. One nice dress-up outfit, I personally brought a body con dress, so I could layer for a nice dinner or wear just that and a bib necklace to go out dancing, here's one I recommend, I love the scoop back

5. A jean skirt or pair of jean shorts with two alternating tops

6. Three summer dresses, so easy to throw on

7. Two romper/scarf duos, would it be me if I didn't recommend that ;)

8. Shoes: pair of heels to match your dress/clubbing outfit, a pair of gladiators and flip flops for the beach

9. Accessories: a chunky necklace and matching cocktail ring for club night and a sweet, simple set for the day, you may want to bring a bold hair band to keep your hair out of your face on the beach (salty/windy hair is uncontrollable), something stylish like this or this

10. Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, hair brush, hair tie, bobby pins, moisturizer/lotion, sunblock/suntan lotion, perfume, deodorant, girlie products just in case

And girlfriend you're set!

[Wanna give a shout out to quite possibly my biggest fans, from Kendall Miami, my heart goes out to the Lleras, but especially my Abuelo <3]

When you need it, make time for vacation-

Even if its a lemonade and your backyard,

Elisa

Tweet

NINA RICCI: EFFORTLESSLY CHIC

Nina Riccis Resort 2011 collection was inspired by Jackie Onassis and 1960's Greece. The collection was a combination of looking effortlessly chic and making a major impact, with delicate bras, retro ruffled bikinis, and my favorite lace fitted t-shirt dress. Make sure to check in later to find out how to get the look!!

xoxo,
Jackie

Tweet

OUR COVERS BLOWN

I know some photographers would cringe at these photos, but I must admit I've always had a thing for over exposure.  I stayed up super late packing and skyping, so today I wanted to be comfortable and of course CUTE!  My all time answer for this is a romper and scarf and a handful of jewelry.  It's so easy!  I did yeild a bit on comfort when I decided to sex up the outfit with these awesome wedges.  I'm IN LOVE!  I got them off half at Charlotte Russe, with the buy one get one half off deal :)  They're actually quite comfortable.

Not sure if you noticed but I recently cut my hair....and got BANGS!!!  Must admit, their driving me a bit nuts, so I tried something new by swiping them to the side.  I'll be sure to post pictures of all the different ways I wear them, you'll have to give me some feedback.  So, if that wasn't enough jibber jabber, I wanted to let you all know I'm going on a three week adventure starting this Sunday! It starts  in the fun ocean town of Key West Florida, then on the shores of Ocean City Maryland and then on the beaches of Bethany Beach Delaware!  I'm hoping to post awesome travel pictures, all the good meals I eat and of course my style and fashion finds in each city!  It'll be like you're traveling too!  So until then, have an awesome weekend readers!

And wish me good luck on my flights,

Elisa ;)

Tweet

BON VOYAGE!

So after this week of nonstop finals I cant wait any longer for my vacation! And in 5 weeks, this girl will be on her cruise to the Bahamas!! My boyfriend and I finally had a chance to take a vacation together and he decided a cruise would be the best way to spend it (obviously I'm not complaining!). And since I tend to procrastinate for everything in life, I figured this time I should at least start shopping for it a little early, plus its my favorite part! So it's lead me on the hunt for some cute nautical pieces (I love having themes when I dress up): jewelry and accessories, wedges, the perfect bathing suit, and a stylish straw tote. Below are some of my findings:

[Counter Clockwise]
1. Betsey Johnson Anchor Earrings
2. Betsey Johnson Large Anchor Necklace (you can always count on Betsey Johnson to have the best jewelry!)
3. Silk Cover Up
4. Push Up Monokini
5. Michael Kors Tote
6.Coach Caroline Sandal
7.Coach Kimi Sandal

xoxo,
Jackie

Tweet

MY DREAMY ESCAPE

So after a long week of working and an even longer week of finals ahead of me, I decided to jetset over to Paris for the afternoon, if only in my dreams...

Like an honorary European, I started my afternoon with a beautifully aged glass of wine, as I pondered what adventures the evening may bring.

A quick stop along 31 Rue Cambon yielded the best pouty, red lips any has to offer.

Thanks to a quick refresh I was all set to wander; finding the sweetest little bridge and creek.

After listening to the water bubble past me, I couldn't help but venture down the beautiful stone steps and take a quick dip.

 And before I knew it, my little get away was over....

 [Great thanks to my lovely neighbor, and honorary big sis, Gayle Bishop of Undateable Pittsburgh]

Fashionista Barista will be making a bit of a transition; instead of daily posts we will be going down to three posts a week [monday, wednesday, friday].  This will allow us to bring you the best of the best! Thanks for reading and we hope you enjoy! Love you readers :) 
 

Easy ways to escape,

Elisa

Tweet

GET THE LOOK "SEAOFSHOES" STYLE

Like we talked about yesterday, I am SO inspired by Jane of Sea of Shoes.  I swear that girl can pull anything off!  She is so original and so couture.  Her use of layers and textures, her mash of different colors and styles....it blows my mind.  I hope to have as much style as she does.  She's so quirky and so fun, I'd love to be her friend :)  Anyway, she recently posted this picture:

It's so glamorous!  She exudes sex appeal without showing a peep of skin.  So I decided to recreate this look, on a very modest budget.  I focused on her metallic color scheme, chunky jewelry and light layering.  My take on her sequined gown is the layering of a sequined tank dress, and a sheer black cover up on top.  Then I added the gold jewelry and belt, that very much resembles hers.  My last touch was the tiger ring; Jane loves animal jewelry, brooches and necklaces especially, so to add that extra bit of Sea of Shoes flare, I threw it in.

Echo Sheer Cover Up $48.00

Flowers by Zoe Sequin Dress SALE $81.00

Style Continuum Belt $9.99

Anisa Studded Bracelet $7.80

Amber Mixed Bracelet Set $5.80

Feirce Tiger Ring $6.80

Recreate what you can't invent,

Elisa

Tweet

CENTENIAL

We've hit 100 posts!! It feels like we just started yesterday. I truly love blogging, it brings me so much happiness; it's a stress reliever. I'll even admit that I'm proud, proud to be a part of such a creative, intelligent and beautiful community. So here I'll share with you some of our favorite bloggers that inspired us to start our own:

Cupcakes and Cashmere

Sea of Shoes

Glamourai

Cherry Blossom Girl

Here's to hoping 100 more,

Elisa & Jackie

Tweet

RESORT 2011

So I have a tie between two of the resort collections, first of all there was Burberry Prorsum which had some amazing key peices in their collection. There was plenty of belts (in python),utility pockets, eqaulets, and animal prints. The legs were defined by thigh high boots, and you cant forget the iconic trench which added the perfect touch of edgy glamour!

Burberry Prorsum

The other collection that I loved was Jason Wu's, there was a Parisian flavor to the collection from the straw boaters to the tweedy skirtsuits and full menswear pants. There was also a couple of shorts suits that have turned into a big Resort trend.

Jason Wu

xoxo,
Jackie

Tweet

ROCKSTAR CASUAL

[the puppys home!]

A friend of mine calls me "Rockstar", I think its endearing :)  And it totally boosts my mood!  So I channeled that feeling when wearing this outfit.  I combined some of my newest purchases...striped top, aviators and chunky studded platforms!  I really love the juxtaposition of the light grey and camel/tan.  The striped "shirt" is really a mini dress; I've been nearly living in it since I got it last weekend.  You can't really tell in these pictures, but it has the cutest shoulder detail; it's my favorite part! With the scarf and the shades, I almost felt like an incognito celebrity...hence the title :)

Channel your inner alter ego,

Elisa

Tweet

GET CARRIED AWAY

I was over at the BCBG blog and came across these videos on how to get the Sex and the City 2 look. There's one for each one of the girl's, my two favorite styles though would have to be Samanthas and Carries, of course! Here's a look at the video's inside the BCBG store, make sure to check out the statement jewelry that's used they have some amazing pieces!

Style Republic Magazine & BCBGMAXAZRIA: Styling Inspired by Sex & the City 2 (Carrie) from Style Republic Magazine on Vimeo.

Style Republic Magazine & BCBGMAXAZRIA: Styling Inspired by Sex & the City 2 (Samantha) from Style Republic Magazine on Vimeo.

Style Republic Magazine & BCBGMAXAZRIA: Styling Inspired by Sex & the City 2 (Miranda) from Style Republic Magazine on Vimeo.

Style Republic Magazine & BCBGMAXAZRIA: Styling Inspired by Sex & the City 2 (Charlotte) from Style Republic Magazine on Vimeo.

Tweet

STRAIGHT OUT OF A SPARKS NOVEL

I love this dress I bought for $10 at XXI a couple weekends ago.  It was such a steal!  I've had to conciously not wear it.  I've worn it alone, with my jean jacket (that I've also been wearing to death) and today I tried it with this great cardigan and belt!  The cardi is also XXI from last year.  I love how romantic this look is, almost vintage too.  I couldn't resist these stairs either! Perfect for an old romance novel, if I could say so myself :)  It oddly reminded me of the Notebook...all her adorable cinch waist dresses, southern bell charm and this staircase reminded me of that scandalous love seen...so great!  Anyway! I hope you enjoy the rest of your day...I've been doing some shopping so stop back to see me in my new finds :)

Oh Romance-

What a doubled edged sword you are,

Elisa

Tweet

CHRISTIAN DIOR RESORT 2011

Dior made its resort 2011 debut Saturday with a sixties chic cruise collection inspired by the French New Wave. Here's some highlights from the collection which featured mini dresses in candy colors adorned with bows, trenches, and 3 piece suits. And the show ended with a few glamorous ball gowns showered in embroidery.

xoxo,
Jackie

Tweet

RAW INSPIRATION

Through a friend of a friend I came across Danielle Yagodich's facebook page.  From there, I scanned her pictures and was pleasantly surprised.  I love Danielle's rawness, but at times it borders on fantasy too; or at least thats how it speaks to me.  I've gone through a couple of times and tried to narrow down some of her work to show you, but this is as short as I could get it.  Enjoy her art, as I did.  Hopefully we'll see her back here soon:

 and of course we have to have some fashion involved...so here are some shots of her really eclectic  style:

[all photos by Danielle Yagodich]

Search for the new, let yourself be inspired,

Elisa

Tweet