Spirit of the Southwest

I have always loved Southwest style.  From fashion to decor to fine arts, the spirit of Southwest has been incorporated into mainstream life.  It is perhaps underestimated, but Southwest permeates hotels, runways, music industry style, and television.  The combination of Mexican, Native American, and Cowboy Ranch influences results in a uniquely American Style that is emulated all over the globe.

My first love of Southwest style came from the man who put it on the high couture map: Ralph Lauren.
Mom wore almost exclusively RL when I was young.  She rocked the Southwest trend in the early 90s.  See picture below:

See the Famous RL Beacon Print:

In 2011, Oprah got the invitation to tour Double RL Ranch in Telluride, CO.  It is an amazing 11,000 acre ranch where Ralph and Ricky Lauren vacation with their family.  Southwest style at its most impeccable and luxurious:

On the Runway, RL embraces the Romance of Southwest style with soft suedes, lace, and tribal-inspired jewelry.

Looking through my own closet, I found it pretty easy and fun to throw together a casual Southwest look: jeans, graphic tees, fringed purses, and a little turquoise and silver jewelry.

Miss Me Jeans, Michael Kors Couture Bag, Rosary Bead Tee by Lucky Brand Jeans, Ram Necklace by Iris Apfel, Bracelets by Brighton and Isabel Marant, Earrings by Isabel Marant Pour H &M

Necklaces by Brighton Collectibles, Bracelet by Brighton, Cuff by CMR, bag by Michael Kors, Tee by BP Nordstom, Jeans by Ted Baker, Carol Brodie Ring, Vintage Belt by Ralph Lauren, Vintage Denim Blouse by Ralph Lauren 

Makeup by MakeUpForever, Cameo Ring by Amedeo NYC, Alligator Bracelet by Brighton Collectibles

Heading to Santa Fe? Check out the amazing Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe!
http://www.fourseasons.com/santafe/

Interested in Southwest Art?
Check out R.C. Gorman: http://www.rcgormangallery.com/

Brighton Beauty

I am kind of addicted to Brighton right now.  It has been around since the 1960s, but I have personally never really looked at it until recently!  Brighton is the creation of high school sweethearts Jerry Kohl and Terri Kravitz!  The brand has evolved over time to be one of the most loved and recognizable in the United States! http://www.brighton.com/

I really love the Brighton jewelry lately to mix up my office look and to get some needed "updating".  The price point is not too high...but the quality is really quite impressive.  Best of all, Brighton will repair pieces under their 1-year warranty for free...and will also make repairs after that for a small fee.

Brighton carries jewelry, leather bags, and other fun accessories! It even carries the loved and not forgotten "My Flat in London" line of purses, jewelry and accessories!
http://www.myflatinlondon.com/

Recently, I opened the Brighton "Charm Her Day" catalog and saw my dear friend Olivia Tracey modeling therein! Olivia Tracey, actress and model, is a former Miss Ireland and a true Irish icon.  

Olivia Tracey IMDB

Here are some modelling pics of Olivia:

Olivia with Michael Fassbender

Olivia in Green!

Stunning Head Shot!

A not too demure Olivia ;)

She looked so lovely in the Brighton Catalog! Congrats Olivia!

Here is an article about Olivia in the Independent.ie:
http://www.independent.ie/lifestyle/olivia-treacy-from-miss-ireland-to-las-red-carpet-29968896.html