Taking Note From The Best.

Feels great to be back! After a long (and seemingly unheard of) blogging hiatus, I am seriously back in full force. That's right, from now on- Monday, Wednesday, Friday- PremiumBlend will be a force to be reckoned with. I'm pulling out all the stops for the coming year and providing you, my faithful readers and fellow fashionistas, with great posts that I hope will inspire you to look and feel fabulous in the new year. On that note, let's hop to it: Fashionista, one of my all time favorite fashion blogs, recently posted on the 30 Best Dressed People (that's right- women and men) of 2010. If you're looking to ring in the new year with a new look, an updated wardrobe or some all around inspiration, I think know you will love this. Just a quick google search on 2010's fashionistas and fashionistos will help you uncover the reason why these people are the best dressed and, even better, how they manage to look so great almost every day of the year. I hope you'll find this helpful because I know I will definitely take some of their trendsetting style tips and tricks into 2011.


In no particular order, here are Fashionista's Top 30 Best Dressed of 2010:
1. Anna Dello Russo, Fashion Director of Vogue Nippon
2. Alexa Chung, Model and TV Personality
3. Anne Hathaway, Actress
4. Ashley Olsen, Actress and Fashion Designer
5. Brad Goreski, Stylist
6. Caroline Sieber, Stylist
7. Charolette Dellar, Shoe Designer
8. Chloë Sevigny, Actress and "It" Girl
9. Daphne Guinness, Heiress to Guinness
10. Diane Kruger, Actress
11. Elle Fanning, Actress
12. Emma Watson, Actress
13. Frida Gustavsson, Model
14. Hanneli Mustaprta, Street Style Photographer
15. Jason Schwartzman, Actor and Musician
16. Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Daughter of French Vogue Editor (Carine Roitfeld)
17. Kanye West, Rapper
18. Kate Bosworth, Actress
19. Leighton Meester, Actress
20. Lou Doillon, Model and Actress
21. Margherita Missoni, Heriess to Missoni
22. Mark Ronson, Music Producer and Guitarist
23. Michelle Obama, First Lady
24. Nicki Minaj, Rapper
25. Olivia Palermo, Reality TV Star
26. Rachel Bilson, Actress
27. Shala Monroque, Editor-at-Large of Pop
28. Sienna Miller, Actress
29. Sofia Coppola, Film Director and Producer
30. Carey Mulligan, Actress

Shades That Stun.

'Tis the season of giving, right? Today's post will be giving you even more gift ideas... for yourself, or that special friend in need of a great gift. As a follow up from Monday's post, I scoured the web for sunglasses and boy, do I have news for you. I found some great stuff, in a variety of styles - oversized sunglasses to channel your inner Rachel Zoe, or maybe you're feeling chic and in the mood for some retro-inspired or cat's eye frames. Still not hitting the marks? A classic aviator style- in metal or what have you- is always in style. Whichever you prefer, I'm almost positive that I've found something that you'll like. Plus, I searched both high and low end price spectrums, so there's no reason no turning back now. Hope you'll enjoy these gorgeous finds just as much as I do. My favorites? DVF's Oversized Sunglasses and Ray-Ban's Polarized Aviators.

Miss Me? Did Ya?

Oh, hello there. Incase you were wondering (you were, admit it) I'm not dead- I've just been a really shitty bad blogger this past week. I'm not going to bore you with the details of how extremely busy and hectic it was... let's just put it past us and move on. With that being said, Hanukkah is done and Christmas is on its merry little way! Whether you're shopping for a special fashionista or for yourself, I've recently found myself browsing the web for the same types of items- accessories! Bags, to scarves, to a new pair of shades, I've been scouring the web for it all. In the spirit of the giving season, I'm going to share my "it list" with you in hopes of (a) helping you to add to your personal wish list and/or (b) helping you find a present for that hard-to-buy-for but oh-so-trendy friend. 


First on my list, a new bag. I'm not talking huge, though. I'm lusting for a chic cross body bag that can easily transition from daytime to evening. Something that sits at the hip, but can still hold my necessities (phone, camera, cards/money, gloss, gum, etc.) is exactly what I'm in the market for. Since I plan on using this baby for a myriad of occasions, one designer keeps popping up on my search- Rebecca Minkoff. While her bags aren't the cheapest, just look at them and you'll understand my deepest, darkest desires for the "Mac Clutch." The ostrich-embossed one is a dream. (*Warning: You're going to want one too...)


A new scarf is next on my it list. I'd really like something versatile that can be worn with my favorite basics, while keeping my look fresh and updated. Believe it or not, Target has boat loads of really beautiful ones. All for around $12.99, the scarves out on the shelves not at Target are real stunners. I have to admit- I was there today and had to pick one up. It's very chic, with an ivory base and blue, brown and grey paisley overlay. Needless to say, it was less than $15 and I can't wait to wear it with a great pair of brown boots and a cozy tee. There were also some beautiful pashmina scarves on the shelves too. Maybe I'll go back...


Last but not least, I'm in the market for a new pair of stunner shades. Since I haven't quite done my research, and have yet to find the perfect pair, stay tuned for Wednesday's post. Hint!

The Best Places to Shop Online

Merry Monday, friends and fellow trend setters! I'm especially excited about today's post because I love to shop. Online, offline- you name it, I shop it. Therefore, when I saw Fashionista's latest post on "The Best Places to Shop Online", I knew I had to share it with the world and the rest of the blogosphere. Fashionista compiled a list of the best places to shop online- considering factors like breadth and quality of the products sold, customer service, and the overall look and feel of the online retail site. What's more is that Fashionista included some of my favorite sites like Shopbop, ASOS, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Net-a-Porter on their list. I hope you will enjoy this list as much as I did. Plus, I hope it finds you well this holiday gift-giving season!

1. Net-a-Porter: "The ultimate spot for straight-from-the-runway pieces. Plus, it's really well-designed and easy to navigate." (Category - Luxury)

2. Fenton/Fallon: "[Fashionista] loves Dana Lorenz's work, and this simple site allows us to see it all in one place." (Category - Niche Jewelry)

3. ASOS: "Impressive selection of in-house and contemporary labels. Gentle prices." (Category - Mass)

4. ShopStyle: "If [Fashionista] is looking for something particular-but-random, like a short, mint-green dress, this is where we search. Their partner sites include all the big department stores, and our favorite indie boutiques, too." (Category - Search Engine)

5. La Garconne: "Kind of like your favorite neighborhood boutique, La Garconne carries all the 'cool' brands- from APC to Proenza Schouler to Vanessa Bruno. The downside? They tend to have limited stock." (Category - Luxury & Indie)

6. Shop It To Me: "[Fashionista] loves Shop It To Me because it culls your favorite sites for sales and then sends updates on what's discounted in your size from your favorite brands. It makes impulse purchasing easier." (Category - Sales Feed)

7. J.Crew & Madewell: "There's so much to see on these sites, it's kind of nice to just search the wedding section, then the denim section, then Alexa's holiday picks, then Jenna's holiday picks... Of course, we always end up buying something." (Category - Masstige)

8. Creatures of Comfort: "Owner Jade Lai features a good deal of her current stock on the site, but it's the ongoing sale section that's habit-forming." (Category - Niche)

9. Opening Ceremony: "Beyond their covetable private label, Opening Ceremony stocks plenty of cool designers- from Band of Outsiders to Jeremy Scoot-in their web store." (Category - Niche & Luxury)

10. Fred Flare: "If you like buying kitschy jewelry and stationary, this is the Internet destination for you." (Category - Mass)

11. Yoox: "From Givenchy couture to Margiela boots, this is the place to get high, high-end discount designer goods online." (Category - Discount Luxury)

12. Shopbop: "One of the best selections of contemporary goods out there, from T by Alexander Wang to Rag & Bone." (Category - Contemporary)

13. FarFetch: "Unique pieces from niche boutiques across Europe and the U.S." (Category - Luxury & Niche)

14. The Outnet: "A great place to find discount items by hot London designers like Erdem and Christopher Kane." (Category - Discount)

15. Need Supply: "One of the best places to find smaller contemporary labels and lots of denim brands in one place online." (Category - Niche Contemporary, Denim Focus)

16. Erie Basin: "Beautiful vintage and niche label jewelry." (Category - Vintage & New Jewelry)

17. Edon Manor: "If you only want to shop the best of the best, then this is your sport. We're talking Alaia, people. Perfect Alaia." (Category - Niche Luxury)

18. Revolve: "First place to shop online for denim." (Category - Contemporary, Denim Focus)

19. SSense: "From DVF to Acne to Margiela, this Canadian website has pretty much every brand you'd ever like to shop." (Category - Niche, Contemporary & Luxury)

20. Urban Outfitters & Anthropologie: "They've got everything the stores have and more." (Category - Masstige)

Dress To Impress, For Less

Ladies (and gents!!) mark your calendar: December 19 marks the date that William Rast is available at Target. Yet another note-worthy designer collaboration, this one is going to be huge. With offerings from jeans to leather jackets mixed with feminine items like blouses, William Rast for Target is sure to please every fashionista in some way or another. Incase you aren't aware, William Rast is the brainchild of Justin Timberlake, in collaboration with designer Trace Ayala. The duo has become especially famous for their form-fitting denim; seen on the likes of celebrities for quite some time now. Since his line can get pricey from time to time, now is your chance to "dress to impress, for less." 

More information is as follows from Fashionista:

"While Target is the grand-daddy of designer collaborations, the insane hype surrounding Lanvin for H&M (it keeps on going as folks are asking for over $1,500 for tees on eBay) threatens to overshadow Target's latest GO International designer collaboration. But it shouldn't. Because William Rast for Target is not only more affordable than Lanvin for H&M, but the pieces are also really wearable. William Rast's whole country vibe really makes sense now what with Canandian tuxedos being "in" and all. Stand outs include a high-waisted embellished skirt for $39.99, light wash chambray button-downs for $34.99 and faux-leather shorts for $39.99. Another nice thing about this collection? Lots of nice basics- like denim and plaid button-downs- for dudes, too."

Click here to preview the collection via Fashionista.

Bling!

With the holidays rapidly approaching, I thought it would be wise to start blogging about items that you could...

a. potentially give as gifts

b. put on your wish list

c. drool over, as per usual.

Since all of you trend setting ladies have lots of celebrating planned for the future months, add some bling to your wardrobe with a great statement ring. Stand out in the crowd and adorn your hand with something fabulous. Make a statement with some ring bling! 'Tis the season for a reason to spend your hard earned cash on yourself or someone bling-worthy. I've compiled 12 rings that I think are perfect gifts as much as they are perfect little somethings to make your outfit that much more put together. Oh, and all of them are under $100. Even better! So this upcoming holiday season, eat, drink and be merry. But before you head out the door, make like Beyoncé and put a ring on it. 

All of the rings featured on today's post can be found at Piperlime, who offers free shipping (no minimum) for the holidays!

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Snow Bunting Ring - $98.00

House of Harlow 1960 - Tigers Eye Coctail Ring - $50.00

Kenneth Cole New York - Pearl Multi Row - $28.00

Hive and Honey - Pink Ring - $22.00

Lucky Brand - Feather Ring - $25.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Wise Owl Ring - $98.00

Kenneth Cole New York - 3 Stone Ring - $35.00

Hive and Honey - Antique Button Ring - $25.00

Kate Spade - Cluster Ring - $95.00

Lucky Brand - Koi Fish Ring - $35.00

Marc by Marc Jacobs - Annabella Ring - $58.00

Lucky Brand - Snake Ring - $45.00

Copy Cat: The Birkin

Ok, I'm back from holiday recess. After eating too much and foregoing my usual routines (i.e. blogging), I am officially back on the web in full force. Today's edition is a very special "copy cat". Ever heard of the Hermes Birkin bag? It's THE BAG of all bags- a holy thing of beauty sent from the heavens above. Or France. Both are similar in my book. Anyway, a Birkin bag costs upwards of $20,000. That's right. For just one. And, there's a waiting list. (And you thought the economy was in trouble, right?)

For 99% of the population that can't afford a Birkin, Marc Jacobs is giving trendsetters everywhere a light at the end of the tunnel this holiday season. A piece of his Marc by Marc Jacobs line, the 'Ozzie Square Lucy' Faux Leather Tote is a beautiful alternative for $398.00. What a stunner!! I saw it in person this past weekend and I'm in love. I'm betting that it's going to sell quickly so if you need this bag as much as I do, act now. After all, it is "Cyber Monday". 

Available at Nordstrom.com: MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Ozzie Square Lucy' Faux Leather Tote (in 3 colors) -

*I LOVE the red!!!