Mrs.Robinson aka Nina Fleurina falls in LOVE!

After your 30's birthdays can tend to be well more about reflection and less about Celebration especially when every year seems to come faster and faster and there is so much to accomplish...oh the pressure, one can put on themselves in can tend to be enormous...but my wonderful husband has a way to take all that away. For the first time in 14years of marriage we scheduled a "family" photoshoot and it was more like date "day". Spending time just having a romantic gorgeous "So Cal" day was more like a fairy tale on the morning of my birthday and it just got better from there. After we checked-in to the W Hollywood Hotel, had a celebrity siting, cupcakes at Frosted Cupcakery in Hollywood, dinner at Dillion's Irish Pub next to the Historic Pantages Theatre, Shopping at Unique LA banana splits at Farrells Ice Cream Parlour and the rest was history! Me and the Mister had a blast, probably gained 10lbs and headed home back to the world of Nina Fleurina getting ready for the holidays!

It was wonderful...stay tuned for Nina Fleurina photo's by {New Life Productions} Laurie Graham

Pretty Pleaaats!!!

{Blog Fashion Writer}

{Palazzo}

{Boho Girl}

{Com-Pleatly Diva}

{Glamour Pleat}

{Classic Pleat}

{Pleat Chic}

{Pleated Pillar of Dresses}

I have a new obsession with pleats, Actually I would look at pleated dresses as a sort of freak of nature..."um who created the design and why did pleats exist beyond a school girl's uniform." Well I'm in love with them and will be purchasing a few pieces for the store this Fall. Here's a few that's inspiring me. What you think?

Love Nina

Transitional Thrifting: I {Heart}

{killer boots}

{Goodwill dress}

Several of the pieces above are inspired by thrift shopping, something I've been doing for years. I love mixing thrift store items with new pieces to create a "signature" personal style. Above I bought a killer pair of boots for drum roll please...$5.99! I actually bought an entire outfit for $18.97. {not the one shown above} The weather has fluctuated twice this week, from the low 60's to the high 80's so I'm pulling out lightweight jackets and scarves left and right.  Next week, bomber jacket...I have one of those too. Idon't feel entirely prepared for the winter weather yet to come but in the mean time I can play tag with "Mr.ColdMan" coming soon!

LMK what you think. More to come!

Love Nina...

(The Sty'list) Fall Transitions: So Cal Style

I love Summer and Fall but mixing them together, especially in So California can be beyond tricky. It could leave you looking a little stylishly confused...uh yeah. Cold in the Morning and hot during the day...what to wear, what to wear.
So for the last year I've been wanting to feature a few of my stylish ensembles. I'm a very jeans and t-shirt kinda gal but to spruce things up I always go for the basics...a cardigan, pumps, scarves and accessories.

I love rings and bracelets...vintage, thrift, mixing and matching. So here's my first outfit feature (I seen the scarf idea on Pinterest)
Cut off Jeans: Hollister, Buffalo Exchange
Tank: Nina Fleurina
Shoes: H&M
Jewelry: BSJ (Bohemian Spirit Jewelry)
Cardigan: H&M
Hat: My husbands
Scarf: H&M
Hope you like my outfit...
Tell me what you think?
More from the The Sty'list coming soon.

Love Nina

Lounge Pretty

 Keep Calm and Lounge On! Is my Motto, my husband Mr.Fleurina (aka Honey) can vouch for the fact that I love to "lounge" get me a blanket, some champagne, a good book or magazine and my favorite loungewear outfit. Yes I said outfit. Looking cute is a must when it comes to lounging.  To me there is an art to lounging, I'm not talking about taking a power nap or going to bed a little earlier then usual. I'm talking about the moments woman dream of...especially moms, a little piece of quiet, and a whole lotta slow down. All I know is when lounging I have to be comfortable but CUTE! How many of you choose your loungwear like you chose your day and nightwear. I mean all you need is one emergency call and you could be out the door looking like a bozo...and pajama pants is an absolute no!no! lol!
Live a fabulous life, Love deeply, Smell pretty.
Love Nina

Bridemaids Shades of Grey

Sooo, to my suprise and for the firstime in my 30+ years I was asked by my BIL to be a bridesmaid in his wedding! Ha...a little scared and excited I was inspired to do a do's and don'ts for brides to understand these days it's about  re-wearable style when it comes to brides maid dresses. Most BM Dresses average $100-$185 and in todays economy that's a hefty investment for a one time wear. Searching the internet I found so many do's, def. some don'ts but I've chosen a pretty shade of grey for a Wintery color pallet. Here's a few tips when choosing the BM Dresses 1) Body Types: If you have an array of body types the best thing to do is choose a color or shade of color and just allow the girls to be comfortable searching for a dress that fits your style and their body types. 2) Color: Bubble gum pink should stay in a lollipop not on a satin bridesmaid dress..eww yuke. Pink is my favorite color but only in pretty shades of mauve or dusty rose not bubble gum, save it for the candy station. 3) Age: You may not think is not a factor but trust me a 30somthing bridesmaid does not want to wear the same cutesy floral print mini dress that the 19year old cousin is wearing. One style, one color, one length preferably right above the knee or long to the floor, strapless or one shoulder has been the trendiest way to bring it alllll together. For more inspiration check out a few of my favorite wedding blogs, Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, and the Brides Cafe. Most of all have a ball, create memories and love, love, love one another. Crossing my fingers for a cute BM Dress...pics to follow.
Your's Truly,
Love...Nina

Vintabulously Oscar!

This

post was inspired by my thrift store find of a beautiful white Oscar de la Renta dress in perfect condition, "Insane" I will be posting pictures of the dress for sale as I think it's the perfect dress for a Spring Vintage Wedding size medium. I'm so proud but I'm willing to share. I'm now on the hunt for fabulous Vintage Designer pieces that will be available exclusively on my new website...Coming Soon.

In the mean time here's a little history about the designer himself.

    

THE HERITAGE

1932

Oscar de la Renta is born on July 22nd in the Dominican Republic’s vibrant capital city, Santo Domingo. His childhood spent in this tropical island, filled with color, flowers, and sunshine, has and continues to inspire his bright palette and beautiful designs. 

"My great strength is knowing who I am and where I come from – my island.”finedTHE ARTIST

1950

At age 18, Oscar heads to Spain to study painting at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid. While living there, he becomes captivated by Spanish culture, from the music and art, to the bullfights and flamenco, to of course… the fashion. 

Oscar’s interest in the world of design grows and he begins sketching for Spain’s leading fashion houses. He soon lands a coveted apprenticeship with Spain’s most renowned couturier, Cristóbal Balenciaga. Working there, Oscar becomes immersed in his craft – observing the sample rooms, studying the clothes, learning the techniques. 

THE COUTURIER

1960

With the belief that you should start at the top then scale your way down, Oscar takes the next step in his career and travels to Paris. There he joins Antonio Castillo at the prominent house of Lanvin as a couture assistant. He continues with his sketching, while further absorbing the extravagant world of haute-couture – the lavish fabrics, over the top feathers, exquisite jewels, and ornate trims. The influences of these extraordinary years spent in Paris are still seen in Oscar’s beautifully embellished designs. 

"Working for incredible talents like Balenciaga and Antonio Castillo, I learned about the immense skill and creativity involved in couture work. Today, I apply some of that same detailing and artistry in my own designs.”

THE DESIGNER

1963

In the midst of the extravagant Paris scene, Oscar begins to realize that the future of fashion lay not in haute couture, but in ready-to-wear – so he sets off for America. Once in New York, however, at the advice of Diana Vreeland, then Editor-in-Chief of Vogue, he returns to couture designing Elizabeth Arden’s custom-made clothing line. Because Arden is predominantly known for beauty, not fashion, she promotes Oscar’s name on the label and he is able to gain further public recognition… paving the way for what will be his own groundbreaking venture just two years down the road. 

Truly Inspiring...

Love...Nina