Avery Bleu: March 2011

Must.Be.Strong

via

I gave up cheese and chocolate for Lent - crazy I know, especially since I'm not even Catholic. As I suspected, going sans chocolate hasn't been that hard, unless face to face with a delicious-looking treat containing the self-enforced forbidden ingredient. Much more tempting and prevalent daily, is cheese. It's in so many things I like to eat. While it's easy to get dishes without, it's just not the same knowing how much more enjoyable things taste with the addition of cheese. Oh well, 40 days really isn't very long in the scheme of things and I almost decided to nix dairy completely. I shouldn't complain and I'm pretty sure I'll live. Actually, my body is probably thanking me. *Sigh*

City of Brights

I'm loving the colorful accents captured outside the shows and on the streets during Paris Fashion Week by Phil Oh for Vogue. Models, actresses, fashion folk and show-goers alike were seen in some marvelous ensembles. I could look at 'street style' photos from around the world for hours. It's always fun for a little inspiration. Check out all of the photos here.

Beauty Abounds

Betrothed or not, everything on BHLDN is to.die.for. The shoes are just the tip of the pretty BHLDN iceberg.

Copy Cat

I spotted this Mark & James by Badgley Mischka dress and thought it was just the cutest thing. So fun and flirty, perfect for a party. As much as I would love to snag this cutie, the $375 price tag deters me, as I don't need another dress. However, I quickly realized this ensemble would be easy enough to re-create with two separate pieces. Bonus: more mixing and matching options with other clothes you already own.

INC $59.50, J.Crew $78.00, Samantha Dru $121.00, Karen Kane $55.30

ASOS $89.65, Forever 21 $19.80, Forever 21 $14.80, Bailey 44 $59.00

I Kind of Love This Photo

I also kind of love Chuck Bass.

Hope you have a glorious weekend - rain or shine.

Rain will most likely be present for me, as I'll be in Seattle to celebrate this gal's soon-to-arrive baby boy and this chica's birthday and to see lots of friends.

image via People

Dear Marge,

images via weheartit.com

Green is Good

Forget greed and envy - green is fabulous! In honor of St. Patrick's Day I've plucked some greenery from around the web.

1. Giorgio Armani eyeshadow 2. Kara Ross earrings 3. Top Shop sandals 4. Holga camera

1. Urban Outfitters bracelet 2. Zara trousers 3. Hunter boots 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs tote

5. Michael Kors watch 6. J.Crew swimsuit 7. Urban Outfitters headphones 8. J.Crew bracelet

1. James Jeans shorts 2. Sam Edelman heels 3. J.Crew blouse 4. Anthropologie headband

5. Anthropologie clutch 6. Kate Spade ring 7. Alternative Apparel sweatshirt 8. Rich & Skinny leggings

1. Nars nailpolish 2. Something Bleu heels 3. Zara umbrella 4. Gap sweater

5. Prada bangle 6. Gap dress 7. Amanda Pearl necklace 8. Tory Burch flats

1. Charlotte Russe scarf 2. Carrera sunglasses 3. Urban Decay eyeliner

4. Nanette Lepore top 5. iPhone skin 6. American Apparel thermal

Double Duty

Love this idea! A hoodie that turns into a pillow. Hello, space saver when packing! As if I need another reason to go to Lululemon...

Scuba Hoodie*Travel Pillow

Covet Some More

As promised, another look at the loveliness that is The Coveteur...

More of Roopal Patel's closet

More of Sylvana Ward Durrett's Closet

More of Katherine Power's closet

More of Hillary Kerr's closet

Eye Candy Friday

Hello hotness! I know he's married and all, but Channing Tatum is in the February issue of GQ and frankly, he's pretty damn nice to look at. Pictures here and article here.

PS. Does anyone else love She's the Man as much as Lyndsy and I?

Hey Hot {Pink} Lips

Diane von Furstenberg

Fendi

Jill Sander

Fuchsia lips were featured at many of the Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear shows and I'm a fan. It's fun to play with color and bright pink is complimentary on pretty much everyone. Give it whirl for a fresh look as we transition into the warmer months. Nars has an array of colorful options. I think vibrant lipstick looks best if the rest of your makeup is kept to a minimum with neutral eye shadow and simple bush - your pretty pink pout can be your accessory.

1: Elle, People, InStyle

2: People, InStyle, People

3: InStyle, People, InStyle

4: People, InStyle InStyle

5: InStyle, InStyle, InStyle

6: Elle, Elle, People

Zara Lookbook

Zara's March lookbook is online and I'm loving the solid saturated colors and neutrals. Zara always has has such great basics and all of these items could be worn a bunch of different ways with pieces already in your wardrobe. The red skirt is adorable!

images via

Pick A Shoe, Any Shoe

Not only do I want new workout kicks, but I need them - for real. My trainer even said so and she's the boss. I'm a Nike devotee, but I can't decide which pair I want. I strongly dislike plain white (momish) or super dark (boyish) shoes. Every new pair I get has to have a pop of color. Perhaps because I wear them approximately five days a week (often over) a year and I don't want to get bored. I've even designed my own (bright orange, neon green, white and grey) using NikeiD. That's probably the route I should take, but since I'm kind of impatient, I may have to settle for a readily available pair. These are the ones I've been eying. Obviously the fit and comfort are most important, but right now we're talking aesthetics. What do you think?

Row 1: LIVESTRONG Hyper II Women's Training Shoe, Nike LunarEclipse+ Women's Running Shoe, Nike Free HyperTR Women's Training Shoe, Nike Lunar Sweet Victory+ Women's Training Shoe

Row 2: Nike Air Max Team Women's Training Shoe, Nike Free Run+ Women's Running Shoe, Nike Free TR Fit Women's Training Shoe, Nike Free TR Fit Women's Training Shoe

Row 3: Nike LunarFly+2 Women's Running Shoe, Nike Lunar Sweet Victory+ Women's Training Shoe, Nike LunarSwift+ Women's Running Shoe, LIVESTRONG Lunarfly+ 2 Women's Running Shoe

I want to wear these or these when cheering on the Cougs. Love the old school look!