A Blake Lively Love Affair...

A Blake Lively Love Affair... by Rebecca Rubin on Polyvore.com

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Ooh la la Carla!

Italian heiress, controversial supermodel, muse to numerous American rock legends, First Lady of France, global women's rights activist, acclaimed singer and songwriter, and soon to be mom, it's safe to say Carla Bruni has worn her fair share of (very cute!) hats over the years. I first became enamored with Carla after hearing her hit song, Quelqu'un m'a dit in the soundtrack of the movie, 500 Days of Summer, and have been a huge fan or her music--and wardrobe--ever since! Affectionately known as a modern day French Jackie-O, she possesses a certain 'je ne sais quoi' when it comes to personal style. Check out a few of my favorite looks (and why the work so well!) below.


By adding a funky patterned shawl to a simple evening gown and an interesting neckline or splash of Fuchsia to an otherwise basic coat, Carla puts a fresh spin on classic pieces.


This oh so polished ensemble exemplifies what I like to call "classy sexy". While her form fitting suit flatters every curve, the longer hemline, ballet flats and conservative tote ensure she looks polished and work appropriate.


By balancing out a loose flowing blouse with more tailored jeans, well chosen classic accessories and an elegant upswept bun, Carla appears casual with out looking messy.

From coats to cocktail attire, chic tailored suits to flowing blouses and jeans, Carla Bruni exudes style by blending classic feminine pieces with unexpected twists. Can't wait to see what the First Lady fashionista wears next!

Style Icon: Alice Cullen of the Twilight Saga

Photos: Google

Last week, as I waited with bated breath for the release of the Breaking Dawn trailer (which was awesome!), I decided today's style icon post would feature Twilight's resident clairvoyant fashionista, Alice Cullen. Played by the stunning Ashley Greene, Alice's oh-so-girly ensembles, eye for details, and flair for the dramatic, easily make her the foxiest gal in Forks! With a flick of her pixi crop, she seamlessly mixes full length gloves and head scarves with bold colors, unusual necklines, and plenty of feminine touches (like ribbon headbands, delicate pendent necklaces and over-sized shades). It's safe to say I would die to raid her accessories closet (as long as she turned me into a vampire afterward, of course!). Absolutely can't wait to drool over her outfits in Breaking Dawn this November!

Character Inspiration: The Altruistic and Ultra Chic Bonnie of The Vampire Diaries

Photo: The CW

Ever since the season finale of the greatest show on earth (The CW's The Vampire Diaries, obviously) I've been seriously missing my weekly dose of teen vamp drama! Following in the tradition of previous character/style inspiration posts on leading ladies, Caroline and Katherine, I will now showcase the ultra-chic witch-in-the-making, Bonnie Bennett (played by Katerina Graham).

After discovering that she is part of a long line of powerful female witches early in season 1, much of Bonnie's plot line revolves around growing in confidence as she learns to harness her intuition and magical powers in the fight against evil vampires. In addition to possessing an enviable mane of long curly locks, Bonnie's character has a powerful lesson to teach young women today: That when we believe in ourselves, trust our intuition, and channel our passion toward the greater good, we can make amazing things happen. So whether your personal blend of magic involves fighting off the demons of the night (as your ever so perfectly tousled hair blows in the breeze), or getting involved in a cause you feel strongly about, don't be afraid to cast your spell on the world and make magic happen!

OMG cannot wait until next season!

It's a love story, baby just say yes!

Photos: We Heart It

One thing America's favorite country sweetheart has for sure (aside from killer vocal chords and a perpetually-in-shambles love life) is a rockin sense of personal style! Her blond banana curls, infectious smile, and trendy yet tasteful ensembles give her a look that is sweet, fresh, and oh so classy!
I love you Tay Tay (Jake's a moron)!

Current Character Inspiration: The Very Stylish and Kick Ass Caroline Forbes of The Vampire Diaries

Photos: The CW

Head cheerleader turned bloodthirsty vampire, Caroline Forbes (played by Candice Accola), is by far my favorite character on The Vampire Diaries (aka the best show on television). When we are first introduced to Caroline, she is a boy crazy, gossip hungry, perfectionist, on a constant hunt for the approval of others. This makes her easy prey for a manipulative yet attractive vampire villain, Daemon, as she believes she is worthless without a cute boyfriend. As the show progresses, however, and Caroline is accidentally turned into a Vampire, she is forced for the first time to turn inward and undergo some painful introspection and self-exploration. As she experiences hardship she’s never previously faced, her strength is put to the test. Slowly she becomes more assertive and powerful, transforming from a weak victim into a vital force in the show’s ongoing struggle against evil vampires.

I think there is a little bit of Caroline Forbes in all of us. As women, society teaches us early on that we need to be perfect and popular in order to feel good about ourselves. Most of us, however, eventually hit a point (perhaps less dramatic than becoming a vampire) where we come face to face with the fact that this confining, empty, and dis-empowering stereotype of what a woman should be doesn’t quite fit. And that’s when the (often uncomfortable) introspection begins. As trite as it might sound, the process of discovering who you are and getting in touch with your individuality and inner strength is one of the hardest, scariest, and most important things you will ever do.

I believe my inner journey began during my junior year of college when, feeling unhappy and stifled by my “sorority girl” image, I decided study in South Africa for a semester. At the time, traveling by myself half way around the world felt like a very big deal, and decidedly outside my comfort zone. But I did it anyway, feeling I owed it to myself to test just how strong, independent, and (hopefully) happy I could be. Though I had no idea at the time, going turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made, starting a ripple effect of self-discovery and growth that continues today.

So while I began this post with every intention of discussing Caroline’s many adorable hairstyles and penchant for floral accessories (which are lovely to say the least ;)), I guess it has morphed into something else altogether. Much like Caroline’s character, my own personal journey, and probably many of yours. I just want to say, whether you feel like you are in a strong confident place right now, or are just starting to come face to face with tough stuff, I urge you to stay strong and not compromise. I've been there and believe with all of my heart that you are worth every bit of effort you put into to finding yourself, whatever that means to you. So take chances, stay positive and as the great Winston Churchill famously stated, "never, never, never, never give up"!

Xoxo

Rebecca

PS. If you haven’t already, watch Vampire Diaries! You won’t regret it :)

Girl Crushin on Brigitte Bardot!

Images: Google

Committed animal rights activist, notorious heartbreaker, and international sex symbol, Brigitte Bardot first rose to fame with the reaease of the controversial 1956 New Wave film, And God Created Woman. In addition to her trademark smokey cat eye and lustrous blonde mane, the Parisian ballerina tuned sex-pot was known for continuing to push the boundaries of female sexuality on screen. I for one absolutely love the innocent sex appeal and joie de vivre she radiates in the looks above (and homegirl sure can rock a headband!).

Style Muse: Jean Seberg In “A Bout de Souffle"

I’m absolutely taken with personal style of Jean Seberg in Jean Luc Godards's timeless French classic, “A Bout de Souffle” (translated “Breathless”). Her innocent striped tees, boyish crop, and smoldering eyes give new meaning to the phrase, “je ne sais quoi”. It's enough to make me want to quit my job, jet off to Paris, and spend my days glamorously puffing a cigarette, eating croissant, and casting smoldering looks at handsome Frenchmen! Well, almost...

Style Envy: Catherine on The Vampire Diaries

I have been a bit obsessed with The Vampire Diaries lately. I know, I know. It's a teeny bopper version of True Blood that continues to feed Hollywood's teen-vamp obsession, but what can I say, I'm hooked! I am particularly intrigued by the wardrobe of the stunning centuries-old vampire villain, Catherine (played by Nina Dobrev). Though her character is certifiably psychopathic, her clothes are to die for (no pun intended). Whether she's dressed as an adorable southern belle living in the 1800s or an edgy 21st century bad girl, she always looks amazing. Check out some of her best looks above.