Darlings, Valentine’s Day is a week away, so whether you’re celebrating with or without a sweetheart, don’t forget to treat yourselves to something sweet! These picks are perfect for date night or girls night ~ and as far as who deserves your company ~ well that’s entirely up to you. So grab some bubbly and be irresistible!  xx

Parker Crepe Dress

Happy 2.1.12, lovelies! I am one smitten kitten for February 2012 and do you know why? Bonus day. What will you do with an extra 24 hours this month? It only comes around every 4 years, so make it count!

Sparkle.

Channel sparkle & sunshine and live in the limelight.

Sizzle.

Prrrr…… You’re a vixen and you know it ~ so show it, you little minx!

Fizz.

Do you have bubbly chilling in your fridge? If not, procure some prosecco or champagne tout de suite! You never know when you’ll have an impromptu visit or party ~ or simply need something to sip while nibbling the delish cupcakes or macarons you couldn’t resist.

Flirt.

When God made you, he was showing off. I may be Le Flirty McFlirterson, but I don’t say that to just anyone, ma chérie…

Now go bat those eyelashes, give someone a wink and a smile, and treat yourself to something sparkly & sweet!

Bonne February!

Kyra Sedgwick sizzles in a red Pucci cutaway gown.

Jessica Chastain in custom Calvin Klein Collection azure silk crepe bustier dress, with $2.5 million in Harry Winston sparklers.

 Sofia Vergara is gorgeous in raspberry pink Marchesa.

 Julie Bowen is pretty in hot pink ~ Temperley dress, Martin Katz jewels, Christian Louboutin heels, and a Judith Leiber clutch.

 Octavia Spencer in an opal grey Tadashi Shoji gown with a draped front. Love the pretty piled-high bun!

 Julianna Margulies lets her hair down in a beautiful embroidered dove grey Calvin Klein gown and Marcy Miller earrings.

Michelle Williams in Valentino dress, Roger Vivier Cage sandals, Lanvin bag, and Fred Leighton jewels. Love her and love Valentino.

 Zoe Saldana is lovely as always in a delicate Givenchy Haute Couture dress, Guiseppe Zanotti shoes, Tiffany jewels and a Givenchy clutch.

 Rose Byrne in Elie Saab ~ love that she went against the grain and sported a sassy, sparkly jumpsuit with her new supercute bangs. J’adorbs!

Shaun Robinson in fetching & feminine fuchsia ~ one of my fave frocks of the evening!

Bonne nuit, mes chéris!

Accessories really can make (or break) an outfit!  Especially when the outfit is a formal floor-sweeping gown fit for a rawther fancy white tie affair, à la the Academy of Music’s 155th Anniversary Concert and Ball (invitation courtesy of my lovely sis!).

My frock was strapless so I opted for statement earrings sans necklace, and plenty of blingy bangles and a couple cocktail rings. Here was my selection of choices for sparkle & shine successories for the evening, lovelies…

So after some fizzy sips of this bubbly it became clear,

That I would choose these glittery chandeliers for my ears…

Then after the concert with Yannick & his Orchestra, Yo-Yo Ma, and Diana Krall ~ guests got their dance on when the chandelier was transformed to a disco ball.

A magical & musical evening was had by all!

 I could have danced, danced, danced… all night!

Ciao, Amalfi Coast!

Buona sera, mio amore…

Trends and highlights of the awards in a nutshell: champagne beige, peacock blue, lavender and blush gowns. Fishtail hemlines, feminine & chic chignons, dazzling & sparkly chandeliers on A-list ears. Ricky’s screentime downsized to match his new waistline. Awkward speech by Meryl Streep, while Madonna’s faux British accent put us to sleep. Duet by presenters William H. Macy and Felicity was a charm. George’s speech and his walking on stage with Brad’s cane was a kick, but Brangie’s movies weren’t picked. The forced smile was soon erased from Angie’s gorgeous but smug face.

My Fave Five

Nicole Richie ~ love Nicole and her high Bardot ponytail and glam-casual shimmery silver Julien Macdonald gown and House of Harlow clutch.

Kate Beckinsale ~ always gorgeous, in a blush beaded Roberto Cavalli dress, with Lorraine Schwartz sparklers.

Jessica Alba ~ glowing in a lavender Gucci gown, Bulgari baubles, and Roger Vivier clutch.

Heidi Klum ~ rocks her beige Calvin Klein gown with tangles of turquoise from Lorraine Schwartz.

Charlize Theron ~ exudes effortless elegance and sparkles in Dior Couture and Cartier jewels & headband.

Loved these looks as well! Reese, Paula, Elle, Sophia, Stacy = class acts.

My absolute least favorites…

Lea Michele ~ a “miss” in Marchesa.

Sarah Michelle Gellar ~ Oh, Buffy. Why?

Honorable Mention ~ David Bowie in Haider Ackerman. Nobody told us he was going to be at the Golden Globes!

After poring over the pretty pages of the latest issues, let me tell you, lovelies ~ you are in for a sweet treat this spring!

The shimmery fashion forecast for Spring 2012 is calling for cotton candy clouds, candy-colored sprinkles and watercolor showers, with plenty of pretty pastels on the horizon ~ parfait pink, lovely lilac, luscious lemon,  icy blue, and minty green…

These refreshing hues are bound to cure your winter blues.

Louis Vuitton

Chanel

Essie

Jill Stuart

Lancome

High visibility color is also sparkling on the skyline this spring!

Kate Spade

J. Crew

For the official Fashion Color Report, check out Pantone’s pretty picks for Spring 2012  ~ these blooms of color have been popping up all over…

(Color of the Year, Tangerine Tango, is terrific ~ but I prefer shades of its citrus sister, sunshine yellow.)

Forecasts show a high pressure system of navy blue moving in, promising to pack a preppy punch…

Jenni Kayne

Especially when mixed with pink or green!

Tory Burch Slip-On Espadrille

Kate Spade Tasha Bow Flats

Livia Knit Top

Ahoy! Nautical stripes and accents are always a popular spring weather pattern.

Spring Street Anchor Rope Necklace

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti cuteness

Tory Burch Karissa Espadrilles

And what would a spring forecast be without flowers in bloom?

Feminine florals from Ralph Lauren

Hothouse flowers at Betsey Johnson

Spring skies are also calling for breezy wide-leg pants and jeans…

Tory Burch

Jenni Kayne

And dreamy drop-waist frocks…

Missoni

PPQ

Theyskens’ Theory

Peter Som

Wrapping up the forecast ~ statement earrings are back in the atmosphere and ready to amp up your sparkle & shine, pretties!

Anna Beck “Fan” Fringe

Kate Spade Puttin’ on the Ritz

Kendra Scott Fiona in Turquoise

Kara Ross

I hope this zazzy forecast leaves you feeling as over-the-moon as I do for the shimmery spring skies ahead, darlings!

Need to find your sparkle and shine for spring? Look no further. From style, shopping, and gift-buying guidance ~ to closet editing, boutique & event styling, and personal wardrobe consultation ~ The Medestrian was born for these challenges. Message The Medestrian today and let’s get your sparkle on!

“Who run the world? Girls!”  ~Beyonce

With all of the pretty presents and shimmer and shine of the season, it’s no winter wonder the line between gifts for vous and gifts for moi can blur a girl’s vision like snowflakes in a storm.

After all, ’tis the season of giving! So here’s a list of some of my fave festive gift picks ~ I’ll leave it up to you, darlings, to decide if you’ve been nice enough to treat yourselves to any of these treats along the way…

1. Kate Spade Faux Fur Victoria pullover.
2. FACE Stockholm “Toast of the Town” glitter gold polish, J. Crew.
3. Kitty Flats by Charlotte Olympia.
4. Sparkler Gia Wristlet, Kate Spade.
5. Hello Sunshine pom-pom ski hat, Kate Spade.
6. Reva ballet flats in “Carnation”, Tory Burch.
7. Highlights of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker led by André Previn.
8. Leopard faux fur coat, Calvin Klein.
9. Breakfast at Tiffany’s DVD.
10. Holly GoNightly sleep mask, Fred Flare.
11. “Charm” glitter peep-toes, Kate Spade.
12. Ikat coffee mug, C. Wonder.
13. Fancy feet luggage tags, BoutiqueMix.
14. “Cicely” velvet pumps in Bordeaux, Tory Burch.
15. Sigh… Sawyer.  LOST: The Complete Collection.
    
16. Baked by Melissa mini cupcakes.
17. Leopard glittens, J. Crew.
18. To Catch a Thief, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly.
19. Inslee By Design 2012 calendar, Zoe Boutique.
20. Downtown Chic, from design duo Bob & Cortney Novogratz.
21. Christopher Kane melon shift dress.
22. Tortoise logo key fob, Tory Burch.
23. Eloise at Christmastime ~ absolutely love love love Eloise!
24. Cupcake prosecco. Clink!

Whether you choose to give or receive, or a little of both, Eloise would agree: these picks are all rawther fabulous! Besides, the real fun is in sharing your fa la la la and good cheer with the ones you love.

The Medestrian’s adorably glam Sis modeling garland with Mom at Christmas.

May your days be sparkly & bright!