Killing it in Cannes

Before we get to today's post the winner of our giveaway is Kelly Sparrer. Kelly, send your mailing address to cardicouture@gmail.com and we'll get Sadie's Love Your Lower Body book in the mail to you! We hope you enjoy it! 

In case you didn't know, the Cannes Film Festival has been going on. While there have been plenty of Red Carpets that are rundown worthy, I thought I would share with you some photos of Blake Lively who has been killing it on the Red Carpet in Cannes. 

Frist she made an appearance on a French talk show in this Giambattista Valli jacquard dress. Hello legs! 

Later that night she attended the premiere of “Mr Turner” in this light blue Chanel gown. Va Va Va Voom!

And finally, the Pièce de résistance, this incredible Gucci Première gown. Wow! Just Wow! This dress is amazing! Someone should have scooped this up for the Oscars.

Could they be a better looking couple? I think not!

images via

I think I have a girl crush...the legs, the boobs, the face, the hair, the arm candy....girlfriend's got it going on!

Let's Talk Luxury

Before I began writing this blog, I read a fascinating book called Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster. I highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in fashion.

Here is a quick book synopsis: 

"Once luxury was available only to the rarefied and aristocratic world of old money and royalty. It offered a history of tradition, superior quality, and a pampered buying experience. Today, however, luxury is simply a product packaged and sold by multibillion-dollar global corporations focused on growth, visibility, brand awareness, advertising, and, above all, profits. Award-winning journalist Dana Thomas digs deep into the dark side of the luxury industry to uncover all the secrets that Prada, Gucci, and Burberry don’t want us to know. Deluxe is an uncompromising look behind the glossy façade that will enthrall anyone interested in fashion, finance, or culture." 

The book, for me, was a wonderful education on the history of the world's most premiere luxury brands: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, etc. I also learned random tidbits such as the fact that Emilio Pucci went to Reed College here in Portland where his first designs were for the ski team. 

At the time I read this book, I didn't own anything "luxurious". I have since acquired a Louis Vuitton handbag, wallet and duffle. Unfortunately the quality of these items hasn't impressed me. I've had to exchange one bag, have had the second repaired, have a faulty zipper I've yet to deal with and the wallet has started to fall apart in a few places. It is clear that the quality of Louis Vuitton leather goods is no where near what they were decades ago, but the prices have continued to rise.

So where does that leave me? Honestly, I don't know that I will ever buy another item from Louis Vuitton. I know that I can get higher quality products for less money. As for other luxury brands, I think I will stick to buying on consignment only.

Has anyone else had a similar experience with Louis Vuitton or other luxury brands? 

Va Va Va Voom

Jessica Alba in a one-of-a-kind Gucci! Amazing!

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Red Carpet Red Hot

Eva Mendes in Gucci

Gucci Gives

The Gucci Boston bag has undergone a bit of a makeover. If you purchase this bag (inspired by the Snowman in Africa book), not only will you be carrying Gucci's newest bag, but you will also be donating part of the proceeds Unicef.


$695 at gucci.com

Emily's Wish List

Fellow blogger Emily is one of my loyal followers (and oh how I appreciate it), so she was one of the first people I reached out to for this series.

Here is her Wish List. Kudos to Emily for thinking beyond her closet!

1. To be a great Hunter/Jumper English rider by taking lessons consistently at Collinswood

2. A beautiful big house overlooking the ocean. This one is on Magnolia in Seattle overlooking the Puget Sound.

3. A Gucci Bit Handbag (for example: Bridle Velvet Boston Bag 163290 - 85th Anniversary Collection Limited Edition)

4. To learn how to cook better. My husband does all the cooking especially since I've burnt a few pots. I'm hoping all his creativity and success with cooking rubs off on me soon!

5. More International Travel. My husband and I are planning to go to Prague next fall, but I'd also like to go to Great Britain, Italy, Wales, Ireland, Spain, and the Mediterranean! We're also curious about parts of South America like Tierra del Fuego, (http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/tierradelfuego.htm) and the Mendoza wine region of Argentina.

6. To become a better writer, I haven't utilized my writing skills since college, so that's why I started a blog! Even if I only have 15 minutes to type it's enjoyable!

Check out Emily's blog to learn more about her Favorite Things!

Perfect Polka Dot

Evan Rachel Wood looks stunning in this Gucci Polka-dot halter dress and Jimmy Choo sandals.