Happy birthday Vera Wang! You are truly iconic!

In honor of Vera Wang's birthday, let's take a look at her success through the years! 

About Vera: Vera was born in New York City in 1949. She quotes "My mother absolutely adored fashion,” Vera will later say. “Even in China, living this isolated feudal life, she was aware of Mme Grès and her incredible draperies! The taste level was extraordinary; I attribute it all to her.". Vera grew up on the Upper East Side. In 1967, while attending Sarah Lawrence she attended Sorbonne in Paris as a exchange student. In 1970, Vera worked at Yves Saint Laurent on Madison Avenue, she was discovered by a Vogue editor there. In 72' Vera was hired as a fashion assistant at Vogue, she showed up to the job in a white YSL shirt dress, platform heels, and long red nails. A fashion editor told her "We do a lot of work on our hands and knees here. Not in Saint Laurent white crepe de Chine.”, she ran home and changed. She quotes "When I was an editor at Vogue, I had a lot of bad luck,” Wang later remembers. “It’s not that I was reckless—I wasn’t—but I did a few sittings that were very unfortunate.” In 1990, Vera opened her own bridal boutique on Madison Avenue and by 1993 Sharon Stone was wearing her designs. In 2000, she had her own fragrance line and by 2001 she had her own book. In 2004 Vera launched her first ready-to-wear fall collection. By 2005, Reese Witherspoon and Keira Knightley wear wearing her gowns, both on Vogue covers. She accepted a CFDA award for Womenswear Designed of the Year. In 2008, she collaborated with Brown Shoe to develop a footwear collection and handbags and accessories under Vera Wang Lavender Label collection. In 2009, she launched her first store outside the U.S. In 2010, Chelsea Clinton wore a Vera Wang bridal dress to her wedding, and Vera launched a cosmetic line at Kohls. In 2011, Vera Wang collaborated with David's Bridal and launched a wedding line with dresses from $600 to $1400.

Happy birthday Vera! You are fabulous! 

Xoxo, -T

Lets talk about... Giorgio Armani 2014 menswear

Today, Armani debuted the 2014 menswear collection. I know I haven't really talked about menswear that much, but I actually think that I need to not just focus on womenswear, and talk about menswear as well, but for some variety, lets talk about Armani menswear '14 and Milan fashion week (love love love) . See, what I love about Armani, is that the clothes are wearable, and the male models are BEYOND attractive! The brand takes risks, but continues to be the epitome of class, and Armani is just one of those legendary brands. This year at Milan fashion week, I noticed there was a lot of peach (love love love) and a lot of blue. The colors were classy, and I couldn't help but think about how I needed to post about this show. The shirts and jackets were so classic, I think with menswear, fashion is either hit or miss. It is all about the quality, the tailoring, and how you make the outfit your personal style without looking obnoxious. As women, we have statement necklaces, heels, all types of colors and most importantly dresses! We can easily spruce up an outfit, but for menswear it's a lot harder for designers to come up with something original, and something that will set them apart from other designers. I think designers like Armani, and Tom Ford have paved the way for menswear. What happens on the runway, is actually wearable. Armani doesn't need crazy prints, his work is already a class act,his designs never fail

to disappoint. Here's the pics:

Credit to: Sofia Ambrosia on all pictures

I'm obsessed with the coral peach and baby pink. Beyond classy.

Chunky sweaters & tweed=everything for menswear. 

I honestly love this, and I think it would look better with a tucked in button down white shirt. The blue on blue on blue is a little much (but it's okay, it's Milan fashion week!) 

This look screams "Harvard law chic." I love.

I swear, every man needs a quality navy blue suit and fabulous Armani loafers. 

In not that big of a fan of the shoes or the  geometric t-shirts, but the models are beyond attractive. And that's always a plus. 

Remember how I said tiny dots would be big in my trend report? Well, look y'all! Tiny dots for 2014 will be a must. 

This look is very Hampton's chic. I love.

Again, tiny dots. I love the color blocking and stripes. 

It's Armani, and it's fashion week in Milan. Of course there will be a baby pink  peacoat. 

I kind of love how big the loafers have been in this show, and Armani in general. 

XOXO, -T

P.S y'all I am in the middle of moving, and I am so sorry I haven't been able fl post that much! 

 

SocialBliss Swapping party!!

What?: As a SocialBliss style ambassador, I have the opportunity to host swapping parties! A swapping party is a really fun event! Guests will be able to bring three clothes items that they would like to share with other guests, and take home some super chic items for themselves! It's a fun event to meet new people, and connect with other bloggers! 

Where? : Because I am no longer in Texas, the event will be in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

When? : The deets aren't set yet, but I am thinking mid- September or mid- October. I am actually doing a test run with some of my grandmothers friends from her country club to see what they think of the swap party. (and to introduce them to SocialBliss, my grandmother has some of the coolest friends, these ladies have really great style!)

Who to contact?: you can always contact me via e-mail, twitter, IFB, or google + if you need more information! This event would be absolutely fabulous if y'all could come! I would love to meet people in the fashion blogosphere! 

I definitely encourage you to join SocialBliss!! It is SO much fun! The community is so nice!! Unlike Pinterest, SocialBliss gives you the opportunity to sell items! It is like Etsy and Pinterest put together into a fabulous fashion social media gift! To join social bliss, go to http://www.socialbliss.com I promise it won't dissapoint! To follow me, my link is 

http://www.socialbliss.com/tal-brooks-5

XOXO! -T

Goodbye Texas, with love.

Dear Texas, 

I know I complain that it's always way too hot, humid, and boring here, but I think I might miss you. You have been my home state for a very long time, but it's time for me to leave, I'm headed to Florida, and I'll be a lot closer to better shopping, but I'm ready to leave. I need change, I need to grow, I promise I'll visit, and I'll still have my Texas pride. It's really sad moving from the town I have lived in for like, ever. To my friends:, I don't know who you will take on your shopping ventures and who will remind you that leggings are not pants on a daily basis, but I pinky promise  that I'm just a Skype, tweet and a text away. To the funniest grandfather ever, keep Bayview classy.  

XOXO, T

To New Beginnings

Oh my goodness y'all!! I am SO happy to announce my big news!!! First, let me talk about how this all happened! I was contacted via e-mail by a fashion company in the California area on Thursday, and I knew it huge!! Because 1.) This was the first time I was actually contacted by someone who noticed my blog, and wanted to give me an opportunity. and 2.) when you get an e-mail from CA, you just know something fabulous is in the works (totally my opinion). The e-mail was from a marketing director writing about how she read my blog, and liked it a lot, she then told me the company that she worked for was interested in hiring a style ambassador, and she told me that she thought I would be perfect for the program. The marketing director then told me that the program would not only give me access to 88K+ readers, but I would get added incentives. To be completely honest, I was apprehensive about the company's numbers , and why such a successful company wanted me. I'm a new blogger, and I didn't know how to react to all of this and how to even respond. I forwarded the e-mail to a family member, and he said the company wouldn't bother asking to schedule a phone interview if they weren't interested. I realized that this REALLY was happening, I was going to be apart of something big SO soon, and my little blog was moving up to the next level. And that's when I got really really excited, I started looking for super chic suits, and the perfect briefcase, until I realized that I was being absolutely ridiculous because this would pretty much all be done at home, except for hosting the occasional swapping party, and my dreams of Kate Spade briefcases were thrown out the window. The first thing I did before emailing the marketing director was google how off pacific time was from central so I would not schedule a beyond ridiculous time. I e-mailed the marketing director and the time was confirmed, and she emailed back saying how glad she was that she could talk to me about the program, and how I should familiarize myself with the website (which I thought was a good sign). After everything was set, I decided I should make a business plan for the blog, and I typed the blog's mission, goals, strengths and weaknesses, I also realized that my URL is super long, and that I should totally rename the blog, I changed my mind because I was just way too exhausted to change the name, and my mom said it was 'really long but totally catchy'. Anyways, after trying to get used to the website for about 2 hours I realized I really liked this website I knew that all those nights of staying up until 4:00 AM post preparing, writing, fact checking, Polyvore searching, trend searching and all the hard work that I put into my blog was worth it. I was going to be getting the recognition the blog and my twitter feed desperately needed, and that this was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up. I actually started this blog, just winging it, and hoping it would go smoothly, I thought I would just get maximum 30 readers and just continue if it went well, and if it did not, I would just write. I had no idea it would actually get recognized, and I am so beyond blessed. This blog has gone beyond my expectations and it has become apart of my life. When my dad said to me "I think this all comes naturally to you, you have picked this all up so fast, the fact that you have stayed up writing until 5 in the morning is incredible, in two weeks you have accomplished so much, I'm proud of you." It meant a lot when he said that, and I knew this was something that I would love to continue. I feel like this isn't work, and isn't tedious, it's fun! And to see this blog being recognized has been the cherry on top. This opportunity is such a blessing that I couldn't keep it from the people who read, follow, and comment on this blog. Thank y'all SO much, and like I have said before, this is only the beginning. As of 45 minutes ago, I am officially a Style Ambassador for Socialbliss and I am beyond excited. 

XOXO,-Talia

Trend of the day: Maxi Dresses

I am SO sorry this post is late. But it's here!! 

Why it's hot?: 

The maxi dress is honestly a really big trend for summer! It is versatile, comfortable and comes in SO many different colors and patterns!! I love the maxi dress because there are just so many ways to style it!  Here are some tips to style your maxi! 1.) Maxi's can go from a day to the beach, to a restaurant at night! My favorite way to bring a maxi from day to night is to wear a sequin blazer with a solid color maxi dress, it definitely dresses up the look, and looks absolutely fabulous! 2.) I know a lot of people are concerned that they can't wear maxi's because the are short, but that's not true! If the dress is to long, a tailor is your best friend in this situation, they can easily shorten the hem, and you can wear wedges to give you that extra height! 3.) You want the maxi dress to make you look fabulous, and you don't want your body to look boxy. A elastic waist or a belt accentuates your hips, and keeps you from looking boxy and you will definitely look extra chic! 4.) You want the bottom of the dress to lay right above your toes, you don't want it to drag, but you don't want it to end at your ankles. 5.) Don't pick a skirt that poofs out, you want it to be straight and flowy! 6.) Don't be afraid to try a lace maxi! I have definitely been loving them lately! 

Who's rockin' it? 

Alessandra Ambrosio wore a bright  color blocked maxi dress. She paired it with a black belt. 

I love the way Toni Garrn paired her pleated mint maxi with a leather jacket! 

Jessica Alba definitely styled her maxi dress right! I love the floral with the jean jacket and the scarf that she added! It totally looks boho chic! 

I absolutely love this red tribal print maxi dress on Olivia Munn! I also like that she added a statement necklace, and that it doesn't take away from the dress! It looks fabulous! 

This is what I was talking about when I said I liked the lace maxi-dress! Ashley Tisdale definitely styled it right. The dress could be tailored a little bit, and it's a little too long, but I love the orange clutch!! 

Here's how you can get the look: 

When I was looking for dresses, I couldn't help but LOVE this Tibi color blocked maxi! It definitely reminded me of Alessandra Ambrosio's look! 

Here is a more affordable (and still über  fabulous) option! It is SO similar to the first option, and a lot cheaper!!

This reminds me SO much of Toni's dress! It has the pleats, it's mint, and it's super fabulous! 

Looks just like Jessica Alba's! 

Now this ladies, is amazing. Their is actually a celebrity that has this EXACT maxi-dress! Here is the celeb:

And here is the dress that I found via Polyvore! EXACTLY THE SAME! 

I am a sucker for neon, and tribal prints! Looks similar to Olivia's!

This Nanette Lepore dress is fabulous!! 

I love this Asos lace maxi! Looks just like Ashley Tisdale's!

Neon and lace? What more could you ask for?!

Another fabulous lace maxi! 

If these looks aren't enough, here are some other options! 

Hope you loved this! :)

Xoxo! -T

P.S.: any other trends y'all want me to write about? Comment, tweet or e-mail me and I'm on it! 

Week In Review

It's official, the blog is two weeks old!! Let me just say, that I am beyond ecstatic to announce that something fabulous is in the works RIGHT NOW, and it's BIG! Anyway, this week I introuduced the Designer Of The Day segment in which I wrote about 3 of my favorite designers: Alice Temperley, Valentino, and Marchesa. I took a two day break, but I'm back! This week has been a roller coaster, in the two days that I was gone I was post planning, trying to figure out Google Analytics ( which was a failure), and packing for the move. I have been writing the requested trend, and trying to make it really amazing because this is what y'all said you wanted me to write about! I had a mini breakdown when the post did not save, and the fabulous post I took 5 hours to write, was gone. It was horrible to say the least, I cried a little and tweeted a lot. I was also going through a blogging plateau, I was pretty much at the point where I just had to take a little break, and do some major strategizing. This week, my closet also went through a detox, and is color coded, and absolutely fabulous! I posted my first outfit of the day (J. Crew, Gucci and Tom Ford sunnies which weren't shown but you will definitely, I see them sometime soon), I dished it out on McQueen's lace menswear, I wrote about Blake Lively's God-like wardrobe, and now as of Thursday at 6:00 I am being offered an amazing oppurunity!! (More on that later). To everybody who has read, followed, commented, and messaged me about the blog: I would just like to say that I am SO thankful for y'all!! Special shoutouts to the fabulous ladies I have met via IFB, y'all have been so welcoming and just so nice! I definitley look forward to what the future has to bring!! Bloggin really has been amazing (except for the lost post, that sucked). This week was when the reality and stresses of blogging sunk in, the honeymoon period was quickly over. I realized blogging consists of a lot of late night writing, stressful stat reviews, and of course, Tweeting. (If you haven't followed me, follow me @diaryofmycloset). I realized I have to step out of my comfort zone, and a lot of typing (duh!). It truly is amazing to know that people from all over the world have read my blog!!! Big thanks to everybody, this is only the beginning. 

XOXO, -T. 

Designer of the day: Marchesa

About the designer: Marchesa was founded in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the duo met in 1995 at Chelsea College of Art & Design. Georgina's skills in draping, and Keren's textile design created the perfect haute couture baby, and Marchesa was born. The duo launched there brand in 2004 in London and have been a sensation ever since. In 2004, Rennee Zellwegger wore a Marchesa evening gown to the premier of " Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" Vogue later describes it as “an obscure London label then barely six months old.”. In 2005, Cate Blanchett wears Marchesa to the red carpet premier of "The Aviator", and Georgina and Keren set up a show room in a hotel in Los Angeles right before the Oscars. By 2006, Georgina and Keren are finalists for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award. Chapman and Craig say that they owe their success to Isabella Blow, Vogue reports that “it was English tastemaker Isabella Blow who sealed the deal for [Marchesa] as far as dressmaking goes.” Craig is quoted as saying, “She’s such an icon for us. And after seeing one of our dresses, she was just like, ‘Girls, no one is doing this; you must do more.’ ” Adds Chapman, “To think, we almost did daywear!”. In  2007, Jennifer Lopez wore a pink Marchesa gown to the Oscars, and another Marchesa gown to the Met Gala. In 2009, the duo launches a wedding label (which is their third label. First Marchesa in '04, then Notte by Marchesa in '06). Marchesa is the type of label that you would invision Hollowood A-listers to wear at a red carpet event, the label is unique, and every dress is intricate. Celebs such as Blake Lively, Sandra Bullock, Anne Hathaway, and Halle Berry have previously worn Marchesa. In 2013 it was announced that Revlon and Marchesa will be partnering to establish a nail art line. (I am SO excited by the nail art line BTW!)

Why I chose Marchesa today: Marchesa is just a brilliant brand, I love everything about it. 

Price Range: $900 to $7000

Marchesa:

NOTTE by Marchesa: 

Marchesa Bridal:

XOXO! -T

P.S: Which designer do you want to see me write about? Tweet, comment, e-mail, or message me on IFB and let me know! :)