West48 – A love affair with fashion … Fashion | Beauty | Luxury

The news today rocked the fashion world –  and I don’t know any one who was prepared – beloved British designer, Alexander McQueen was found dead at his home this morning in London, mere days before London Fashion Week. Even though this isn’t a news site, more of a review/feature site, I did want to highlight this incredible loss, and showcase some of my favorite McQueen pieces.

West48's Top 5 favorite Alexander McQueen Pieces

1. McQ by Alexander McQueen Jersey Empire Dress – From the moment I laid eyes on this dress, it was love. The gorgeous blue, the amazing draping, the way the belt wraps around in a tough, fashion forward way and ends in a sweet bow.

2. Short-Sleeved Satin Dress – The ultimate chic little black dress. The deep-v opening is gorgeous, and the rich black satin make it look like it was worth every penny you spent on it. While simple in design, this dress is a showstopper. Definitely one of McQueen’s best.

3. Black&Yellow Bubble Dress – The Valley girl in me loves this dress for two reasons: it’s a great transition piece. A sexy pair of heels make this totally evening appropriate, but some flats make it great for daytime shopping with the girls. The second reason, the shape and light material make it so very wearable in the 100degree Phoenix weather.

4. Union Jack Clutch – This clutch was the piece that made me fall in love with McQueen. Being Canadian and growing up with heavy British influences all around me, I have a soft spot for Anglo looking fashion. The size makes this perfect to wear with all of my little black dresses, and the signature McQueen skull on the closure toughens it up. For me, this bag sums up everything the McQueen house is about — Anglo-Tough-Glam.

5. Two Petal Sandals – Another great by McQueen. Two-tone, metallic, a very reasonable 3.5 inch heel — what isn’t to love about these shoes? I especially love the way the the swoop comes over the foot to attach to the buckle — gorgeous!

I don’t know about you, but even living in the Phoenix desert, I’ve got cabin fever. February is in full effect, and we’re getting tons of rain… way more than we’re used to! It’s got me thinking about heading out to La Jolla and sitting out on a sailboat with my nearest and dearest. But since we’re still a few months away from that, I can dream and shop for my “on a sailboat” outfit.

Nautical Looks

1. Forever 21 Striped Cardigan – $22.80 – I love this sweater over a little dress, because let’s face it –  the winds off the ocean can be a little chilly… even in July!
2. Gap sailor pants – $19.99 {sale} –  You can’t talk nautical fashions without bringing in the classic sailor pant. Just beware –  these are cute, but this style can be hard to wear if you’re heavy in the tummy. They’ll accentuate your worst area if the fit isn’t spot on!
3. Martin & Osa Nautical Chain Bracelet –  $34.50 – I love what Martin&Osa did with this piece. It’s not obviously nautical, but the metal rope-style detailing is so chic! It would be a great way to add a touch of nautical to a pretty, easy summer dress.
4. Forever 21 Striped Tank – $7.90 – Another obvious element to a nautical themed outfit –  the striped racer back tank is synonymous with a nautical look.
5. AE Sailor Knot Bracelet –  $ 15.50 – I love the way the rope on this bracelet looks like it comes from right off a sailboat! It’s gorgeous, and the cut little rhinestones add a hint of glamour.
6. Saks Mille Rope Embellished Mini Dress – $340 –  When I saw this dress, I fell in love. The deep navy is so perfect and the rope detailing on the neckline and as a drawstring is so sweet, but so sophisticated at the same time. Definitely worth the splurge.
7. Endless.com Eric Michael’s platform slingback – $87.95 –  The sweet bow would be the perfect way to offset a trendy little white summer dress. The cork wedge is casual, and the slingback makes for such a gorgeous shape.

The girls and I had been working like crazy. The holidays were gone, and our to-do lists were back in full effect. We decided that a day spent living like celebrities was in order. Pampering, lunch, shopping and a night out was the plan. And the first stop was pampering. Enter: 20 Lounge Nail Bar & Boutique in Scottsdale.

We all met there at 11am, and were greeted by the lovely staff. Manis and Pedis were on deck, and, after picking our polishes, we were brought over to the gorgeous bar. We relaxed in big, cushy white chairs and within minutes, we were joking with the staff like we were old friends.

I felt right at ease in the contemporary style establishment. The shoes as décor, and the gorgeous typography on the walls with inspirational quotes, put me right into the zone I wanted to be in. The lovely girls at 20 Lounge offered us drinks – anything from water to red wine – which won our hearts. And 20 Lounge isn’t your typical nail bar. With dozens of unique treatments for your hands and toes, the best thing on the menu is the monthly membership. $30 a month gets you one service (there’s a special menu of services to chose from) and 20% off any other service. If you can’t make it that month, no problem, your services will roll over. Pretty kick ass!

What really sold us was spending some time talking to co-owner, Vangie Wilson. “20 Lounge is all about supporting women, empowering women and giving them a place to relax and feel beautiful,” she said, with a smile.

You hit it right on the head, 20 Lounge. Can’t wait to come back.

20 Lounge Scottsdale

20 Lounge Scottsdale

*And special for West48 readers! The gals at 20 Lounge were so awesome to give us three 20% off coupons for your first visit! If you live in the Phoenix area, leave a comment and we’ll randomly select three winners.

While Spring is certainly the season of sleeveless shirts and shorter hemlines, there are other ways to go bare. My favorite way is by stocking up on gorgeous nude and blush toned treasures that will make my tan look darker and my legs look longer. There’s something whimsical and classic about wearing a nude shade, and I love that the color is so in for Spring 2010.

Not only is this color easy to wear, it’s easy to dress up. With Pantone naming turquoise the official shade of 2010, it’s easy to imagine how gorgeous a bright color will be against a nude dress. If a nude dress isn’t your style, embrace this trend in shoe form. My personal favorite is the Trinitie shoe by Steve Madden. The under $100 price tag makes this shoe really affordable, and the patent leather style with the round toe are remarkable, making your legs look miles long.

Barely There...

1. Steve Madden Trinitie shoe in Blush, $80
2. Rick Owens Asymmetrical Nude Dress, $349
3. Fossil Blush Face Watch, $95
4. ASOS Nude Feather Clutch, $43.49
5. Betsey Johnson Nude Pumps, $174.95
6. ASOS Grecian Dress, $110.48

As much as I love winter, even *I* grow tired of it eventually…usually right around this time! All of the holidays are over, the parties are over, and everyone sort of looks around at each other and asks “What now?” Personally, I like to focus on all of the shopping that can be done with those left over gift cards. Shopping during January definitely lifts up that grey and somewhat depressing mood almost all of us succumb to when the fabulousness of Christmas and New Year’s is gone.

Here are my Top 5 picks for January 2010:

Beat the Winter Blues: Ness' January Picks!

1. Forever 21 “Twelve by Twelve” Belted Tunic, $18 ; This is an amazing top…definitely one of my best purchases of the new year. It is extremely flattering and the pockets on the side make it that much cuter!

2. Forever 21 Rosette Top, $13.50 ; Another gorgeous item purchased at F21. I am in love with the color of this top. I like to wear it with boyfriend jeans, closed toe pumps, and a cute charcoal shrug. The perfect date night outfit!

3. M.A.C. Powder Blush in Springsheen , $18.50 ; This sheertone shimmer blush is an oldie but a goodie. I have been wearing it for almost 2 years. It’s perfect for practically every skin tone, long lasting, and the perfect compliment to everyone’s make-up collection.

4. OPI Nail color in “Do You Lilac It?”, $8.50 {sold at ulta} ; I saw this color featured in the latest ULTA ad and fell in love. I’ve grown tired of all my dark red and berry colors for winter and this gorgeous lilac color is the perfect transition shade into Spring! It’s also a perfect shade if you want to forgo the traditional pink or red nail for Valentine’s Day.

5. Anthropologie Bouquet of Stripes Tee, $68 ; I am a big fan of the nautical trend happening right now and this darling tee is definitely on my wish list. It comes in four colors, but the red is by far the best!

The best part of being a girl is being able to wear pretty, sparkly things. And that’s what West48 is all about. Oohing and Aahing over the pretty things in life. Since I’m planning a trip to Vegas next month to celebrate one of my dear friend’s 29th birthday, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect accessories to compliment the dresses I’m wearing. The jeweled clutch on the long chain and the sequin covered rose bag (#1&2) are perfect for Vegas. The small size and sparkle keep it evening, but the long chain makes it so that these are easy cross body bags so yours hands are free to grab that next glass of champagne without the risk of losing your vitals (ID, credit card, gloss).
When it comes to earrings, I really like pretty little studs (#3&4). The bow-tie earrings from ModCloth and the cheap trio of earrings from F21 are perfect. A great way to add a touch of sparkle if you’re going for a nice, bold necklace.
I had to include these to-kill-for Loubs. With a simple black dress, they’d be a total show stopper. And while the price tag is definitely a mortgage payment, they’re too amazing not to include in this pretty little things post. And no pretty things post is complete without the expected beauty-fanatic staple, Orgasm by NARS. This will give you the perfect blush, everytime. It’s one of the few no fails, works on everyone, perfect color. Worth the investment.

Pretty Sparkly Accessories

1. Forever 21 Jewel Bag, $19
2. Suzie Clutch in Hem, $39.95
3. Bowtie Earrings from ModCloth, $11.99
4. Forever 21 set, $3.80
5. Jeweled Louboutins, $1895.00
6. Nars Blush in Orgasm, $25