Friday, December 19, 2008

Out & About: RiRi in ruffles

Who: Rihanna

What: Heading to the Louis Vuitton store around CHamps Elysees with bf Chris Brown

Where: Paris, France

Wearing: Sunglasses, a black cardigan with major ruffles, skintight pants, and black boots

When: December 18, 2008


No matter what, Rihanna manages to look fierce 24/7. She tends to choose really strong, outstanding pieces--like this top completely smothered in ruffles--and wears them with total confidence and a devil-may-care attitude, which is one of the things I love about her fashion sense! This head-to-toe black ensemble is just another of her ballsy signature looks.

(Photo Credit: JustJared.Com)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A long-sleeved minidress


On this model, this Savee Couture floral minidress looks a little sexier than I envision it on myself--what with her tan, blonde hair, and cleavage! But when I saw it, I was instantly attracted to the Japanese-style cherry blossoms print and how the colors--beige, pink, green and black--looked so striking together. I think this could be a fun piece to play around with, especially since I rarely wear floral patterns. I also have a thing for minidresses with long sleeves, which I think adds a nice balance of modesty to an otherwise skin-baring outfit. 

You can find a collection of amazing Savee Couture dresses at ShopLAOnline.com. While you're there, be sure to check out these other fab designers: *Sky Dresses, *Ella Moss, *Frankie B Denim, and *LaROK Leggings & Tops.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Fluid modern cuffs


I recently blogged about how I'm looking for the right pair of bracelets or cuffs to wear as my signature accessory. While on the hunt for the perfect pair, I came across these modern looking Elizabeth and James bold silver cuffs. I'm such a fan of the line's clothing, so it's easy to translate that love onto the jewelry that Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen are selling under the line. I mean, take a look at this beauty! The cuff is big and bold, possessing a kind of fluid, organic quality about it, with the cut outs and curved shape. My only gripe is its price, which is a whopping $525 for mere sterling silver! We're not even talking 18k gold here. Apparently, the cuff is sold out on Revolve's website too... and here I thought we were in a recession! For now, I'll just have to admire from afar and scrounge eBay for this lovely creation.

Monday, December 15, 2008

On Sale: Ed Hardy's shin boots


I'm going to take this opportunity to express how much I love my Ed Hardy shin boots, which I've blogged about in the past. I wore them for the first time to the office the other day (thank God for workplaces that allow us to dress pretty much however we want!) and got an avalanche of really nice compliments. Of course, there was a smattering of glitter on the floor when I got up to leave, and some other people in the building (who must adhere to stricter dress codes) gave me strange looks in the elevator, but I was so excited to show off my awesome shoe purchase! It has recently come to my attention that the boots, in this brown version on the left, are on sale, about $30 less than when I bought them at the Wild Pair store. So if you're itching for a new pair of stylin' kicks, hurry and snatch them up before they're all sold out!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Sampling Myne


Last week, my friend told me about an awesome Daftbird and Myne sample sale in the Los Angeles Apparel Building downtown. I'm so glad that I stopped by because I picked up some awesome pieces that will bulk up my winter wardrobe and will be easy to incorporate into my spring outfits as well! I bought this navy silk shirtdress from Myne's Fall 2008 collection, which I thought would go well with these strappy Guess boots and a pair of patterned tights. The soft cowl neck draping, small gold buttons, and side pockets are the kind of thoughtful details I appreciate in clothes... so I'm glad it's all Myne!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Dressing for Vegas


Since I'm planning on a trip to Vegas sometime early next year, I've been on the lookout for some Sin City-appropriate clothes. I was staggered when I walked into Divine boutique and spotted this Ema Savahl corset dress hanging on the rack. This lovely beige version on the left is nice, but my top pick is the version in black with taupe-colored detailing and crystals, which I couldn't find a picture of anywhere on the web. The contrast of the two colors--dark and light--make the dress that much more outstanding. Although Ema Savahl's creations are often worn by celebs like Paris Hilton, who favor the flashy, showy designs, I think this dress is the perfect blend of sexy and unique. Its shape gives the wearer a lovely babydoll figure, and the heavy Swarovski appliques and swirling pattern make you stand out in a crowd. It's a dress I'd definitely wear to party hardy in Vegas or even on my next birthday... it's never too early to start planning, right!?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

An early Christmas present


Hurray! After coveting it for several weeks, I am now the proud owner of this 3.1 Phillip Lim belted equestrian vest! It was given to me as an early Christmas present and I'm simply over the moon about it. This classic piece that will never go out of style is made of the most thick, high-quality wool blend. The vest cinches in your waist and is flattering on nearly every figure. So far, I've experimented wearing it with cigarette jeans and a tight skirt, and the outfits have always turned out super chic. I have a feeling I'll be rocking this vest for a very, very long time!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Out & About: Feathery fun


Who: Jessica Szohr

What: Attending the Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style launch

Where: Los Angeles, California

Wearing: An Elizabeth & James tunic with feather detail and tight black leggings

When: October 2, 2008


I just recently blogged about Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr and how much I love her cheeky, slightly irreverent style, and she's already popped back up on my fashion radar yet again! I somehow missed her rocking this outfit at an event in early October, but I'm glad to see that she's a fan of Elizabeth & James as much as I am!

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Monday, December 8, 2008

A twist on the classics


Club Monaco is simply spot on with this outfit on the left. First of all, it gives off some of that Gossip Girl and Blair Waldorf-inspired vibe, without seeming too uptight. A striped red turtleneck and high-neck white button down shirt are perfect for any girl attending the Constance Billiard School for Girls, while layered gold necklaces, a ruffled chiffon skirt, and patent leather belt offer a funky twist to the usual preppy basics. Leather gloves in matching red top off this perfectly accessorized outfit. I need to get myself to the nearest Club Monaco ASAP!

Friday, December 5, 2008

Carelessly chic



Some people may disagree with me, but I'm totally in love with Jessica Szohr's carefree style. Take this outfit she wore to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach grand opening just a few weeks ago--a sheer loose blouse tucked into low-rise, skinny dark jeans, a peek-a-boo black bra, a stack of bracelets shoved onto one wrist, and a feminine fedora hat. The Gossip Girl star embodies that whole aura of indifferent dressing: casual yet trendy, a tad sexy without looking trashy. And of course Jessica's fun attitude just completes the whole look! It's funny because even though I adore Leighton Meester's style, I also really like her costar's way of dressing, which is totally the opposite of Leighton's in real life and on Gossip Girl! It just goes to show that there's room for many different style aesthetics and you never have to limit yourself to one.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Abstract blue


Online dress shopping can be so dangerous--it's just one beautiful dress after another. Yaya Aflalo's Yale dress immediately jumped out of the page with its lively blue watercolor print. The abstract swirls of blue and white completely cover the silk frock, which also has this subtle floral jacquard pattern you can only observe from up close. The wide scoop neck, elbow-length sleeves, and belted waist are all conservative enough for work, but those brilliant blue swirls practically beg for attention. This is the type of dress where you don't need any accessorizing--it's a thrown-on-and-go piece that can take you just about anywhere.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Phillip Lim's Cadet jacket


The other day, I was browsing through the sale racks at BCBG and found a beautiful gray jacket with ruffles down the front and fell in love almost instantly. It was painful to walk away because even though it was on sale, it was still a tad too much. In an attempt to make myself feel better, the next day I browsed my favorite online stores to look for a jacket that I'd like even better. That's when I found the 3.1 Phillip Lim Cadet jacket, which clocks in at an impressive $595. First of all, it's in my fave color red. I love the military-style buttons, asymmetrical gray ribbon panels down the front, and 3/4 quarter length leg-o-mutton sleeves. It's super chic and I'm completely crazy about it! For the past two weeks, I've been pondering whether or not it's worth the hefty price tag. I'll be monitoring it closely and crossing my fingers that it'll go on sale soon!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A functional day dress


I was browsing through the racks at Cusp at the Century City mall last weekend, when I stumbled upon this black zip up jersey dress from Twenty8Twelve, Sienna Miller's clothing line with her sister. On the hanger it looked a little simple, but after trying it on, I completely fell in love! The zippers running up the sides can be adjusted however you wish and add a punky twist to the dress. And it's so easy to create different kinds of looks-- wear it with stockings and lace-up boots, with skinny jeans, or layered underneath a blazer. Gotta love a piece that's so functional and goes with pretty much anything!

Edit: I just spotted it last night on the latest episode of Gossip Girl, "It's a Wonderful Lie." Jenny Humphrey (aka Taylor Momsen) wears it at home when Vanessa is over visiting!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Signature Accessory: Gold Bracelets


Little known fashion fact about me: From the time I was four up until I was 17 or 18 years old, I used to wear a thin gold bracelet around each wrist. They weren't fancy--just 24k solid bracelets, not very thick--but I wore them every second of the day (even when I was taking a shower or swimming) and literally grew into them. The last few years I wore them, I could not take them off even if I wanted to because my wrists had grown too big for the narrow bracelets. We finally had a jeweler cut the bracelets right off my arms and my mom has them stored away somewhere. But I recently started thinking about how much I loved wearing them because of the story behind it (everyone would ask why I wore these bracelets, and I'd explain how they were a gift from my grandmother) and they were my signature accessory. Now, years later, I'd love to have another pair of signature bracelets--or even cuffs--to wear. I've been perusing Tiffany & Co. for some good options. The crazy Jean Schlumberger twist bracelets are gorgeous but pricey. I like the idea of these modern Etoile bangles with a few diamonds. This classic bracelet is probably closest to the original ones from my childhood. The Elsa Peretti Wave three-row bracelet (pictured) offers a more elaborate twist, while these Frank Gehry Flux cuffs really make a bold statement. I'm completely torn between all these choices, but somehow, I'm sure price will factor into this big time! If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them!

Monday, December 1, 2008

Out & About: Pretty in plaid


Who: Rihanna

What: Rehearsing onstage for the American Music Awards

Where: Los Angeles, California

Wearing: A fitted plaid shirt, skinny dark jeans, thin brown leather belt, hoop earrings, and dark sunglasses

When: November 20, 2008


Even while simply rehearsing for the big show, Rihanna makes a fashion statement. In my opinion, she completely owns this outfit. It's a simple combo of dark jeans and a casual button-down shirt, but she makes it work with fitted pieces and strong accessories.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

Flowers in your hair


I've always loved the thought of wearing flowers in your hair. During my sister's wedding, our stylists wound fresh flowers in our hair and the pretty floral additions lent our outfits a very fresh, youthful vibe. No wonder ban.do, founded by two Los Angeles native stylists with a great eye for color, is at the top of my go-to list when seeking gorgeous hair accessories. One of my faves is this eye-popping fuchsia silk flower attached to vintage silk netting. It's so versatile that you can tie it in a myriad of ways for different looks. I like the way it's styled on the model. The enormous flower--so pretty, so whimsical!--rests on the side of her head, as if she'd just plucked a fresh flower and pinned it to her hair. Beautiful!

Friday, November 28, 2008

On Sale: Beckerman's Madeline dress


As a few of my friends know, I'm pretty passionate about certain pieces of clothing, and this is one of them. This dress isn't just any old dress, it's a freakin' work of art! The Beckerman Madeline dress is a one-shoulder gauze creation in graphic gray-and-black tie-dye, with a drawstring at the necklace and a hanging panel down the front. It's artsy, pretty, glam, and unique, all rolled up into the same package! I can totally see this paired with some rockin' fall boots or stiletto shoes. I absolutely love the cool, innovative design, plus the gorgeous print. Originally $374, it's now on sale at $261.80. Plus, if you spend $250 at Shopbop.com, they'll give you $50 off with the code THANKS2U. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal for such an awesome dress!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Discount Spotlight: Barron Duquette's scarlet red dress


Finding a great on-the-go party dress isn't as easy as it looks. There are so many factors that go into finding the perfect one, like fit, color, level of appropriateness depending on the event, price, and the list goes on. And most importantly, whether or not it's in tune with your personal style aesthetic. That's why I was instantly stunned by this Barron Duquette Chloe dress in red, my favorite color! I have a friend who is very adamant that all her party dresses be outstanding, full of frills, embroidery or beading. While I'm all for crazy embellishment, I sometimes think the most beautiful outfit is simple and sleek like this Barron Duquette choice. The lovely lipstick red color and fitted shape (you can't quite tell from the picture, but there's delicate tiered seam detail at the bodice) both stand out on their own. All you need to complete your ensemble are a pair of gorgeous heels, glowing skin, and party-worthy hair for a look that's sure to impress.

Right now, Shopbop.com is having a special promotion so if you spend over $500, you'll get $100 off your purchase. Just enter code THANKS2U at checkout!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Saja...again


I discovered Saja about a year ago, and to this day continue to rave about the brand to anyone who will listen. For example,just  take this lovely blue dress from their Winter 2008 collection. Although I have a great deal of freedom when it comes to workplace attire, I do have friends who--horror!--cannot wear whatever they'd like to work. This is a piece that I think could even be incorporated into their wardrobes. The simple silhouette with a scoop neck and elbow-length sleeves is given a twist with soft draping in the front. It's such an easy, comfortable-looking dress that's also ideal for accessorizing with a pair of tights and a blazer (for work) or fun jewelry and some sleek ankle boots (for a fun night out). 

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Dahlia's military coat


Although in sunny Los Angeles it's burning hot in mid-November (I spotted people in tanks, shorts, and flip flops this afternoon), in other parts of the world, it's officially wintertime. And there's no better time to search for the best cold weather coat you can find. While I'm still making do with last year's black-and-white Alice + Olivia find, this lovely Dahlia black military coat has caught my eye and strikes me as something Gossip Girl's Blair would wear with red tights and her signature flats. The coat is super feminine with flared sleeves and a full skirt, and clocks in at a fabulously affordable $119 (plus 20 cents to be exact, since we're converting from the British pound). The huge military buttons are such a great addition, and I can see this coat going anywhere from shopping in downtown to a great cover-up for your going-out dress at night!

Friday, November 14, 2008

School rules


Ever since I walked into the Revolve Clothing boutique in West Hollywood and spotted a gorgeous Disaya spider bangle, I've been fascinated by the brand. Then I found this amazing gold cuff carved to look like a pencil shaving tipped with red. The curved shape and gold-and-red color scheme are great, but most of all, I love the original and quirky concept! The bracelets come in yellow and dark blue as well, and you can wear them stacked on your wrist for a layered effect. At $151 each, they'd make great stocking stuffers for any girl who wants a totally innovative, avant garde accessory to add to her jewelry collection!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Vampiress for a day

Photobucket

Since I'm one of many women who are obsessed with the Twilight series, I decided to be a vampiress for Halloween, even though the vampires in the books don't really resemble the stereotype at all. The occasion was the ideal opportunity to live out all my vampire fashion fantasies: the Urban Outfitters lattice boots, a velvet black coat with voluminous sleeves and hook-and-eye closures down the front, a short red dress with asymmetrical hem, matching red gloves, and a big sparkly black necklace for good measure. Once I covered my face with white costume paint and added a dab of blood to the corner of my mouth, I felt like I embodied the vampire vibe quite well. The only thing missing? A pair of sharp teeth. Even though I had two pairs, neither of them fit me well and I ended up not using either!

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween and lived out their fashion fantasies that day as well!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Fall wedding attire

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My sister (left, in Arden B dress and vintage shawl) and I attending a gorgeous wedding. I'm wearing a Robert Rodriguez sheath dress that has these raw-edged ruffles and sparkling gemstones down the front, really amazing details that take it from a boring LBD to a totally unique dress. I loved how youthful it was paired with clear strappy sandals and a Stuart Weitzman Swarovski-studded clutch (both snatched up from my sister's wardrobe!).

Friday, October 31, 2008

Ed Hardy's shin boots


As soon as I set foot for the first time into the Wild Pair store (owned by Bakers Shoes), I saw the display of Ed Hardy shoes up front and made a beeline for these shin boots. I was torn between the black "Love Kills" style or the silver/white "Geisha" one, but eventually went with the latter (after contemplating the purchase of both... I mean, they did have a 15% off discount if you bought any two Ed Hardy items!). The lace-up boots are super comfortable--just like my Converse sneakers, except decorated with crazy glitter and funky art. The circumference is also perfect for my calves: they're not too loose, always a problem whenever I buy a new pair.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Venturing out in the lattice boots


Because of my own personal vendetta against typical club attire, I make it a mini mission to try and explore other options when going out on the town. I'm still in the process of figuring out an outfit that is comfortable yet fashionable, and sexy without looking skanky or showing too much skin. But for one of my recent nights out, I decided to try my lovely Urban Outfitters lattice boots! They're such a crazy pair of statement shoes that I kept the rest simple--a black silk tank with scattered silver rhinestones, and my fave Citizens of Humanity denim shorts. I know the lattice boots look absolutely outrageous, but the truth is they only take 1-2 minutes to lace up. Another plus? The 2-inch heel means it's totally comfy and perfect for dancing all night in!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fall's peep toe boots


I've noticed that girls in Los Angeles strut around in some of the coolest shoes, and me and my comfy flats just can't compete with the crazy strappy, lace-up, towering 5-inch heels that some fashionable Angelenos wear. So I indulged in a pair of Guess peep toe boots called the Naemazza, which go with pretty much everything from skinny jeans to little dresses. In black suede with a stacked heel and dramatic laces, it's the perfect boot for wearing with all the romantic fall trends. Not to mention, the few times I've worn the shoes out, they've been surprisingly comfortable... though I'll always keep a pair of flats stashed in my car trunk for painful emergencies.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Dark & dramatic

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Since I was scheduled to attend Lauren Conrad's Spring 2009 fashion show at L.A. Fashion Week two nights ago, I decided this was a great opportunity to wear my fabulous L'Wren Scott matador coat for the first time! Paired with a lacy Nanette Lepore blouse, J Brand skinnies, and some fierce Guess peep-toe boots, I was all set to go! I definitely spied some gorgeous outfits in the crowd. My fave fashionista wore a dark gray T-shirt tucked into a snug black leather miniskirt--a simple, sleek, and chic L.A. outfit.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Lace it up





I fell in love with this Nanette Lepore lace top almost instantaneously. It's such a statement piece for fall with its gorgeous black lace detail, the sash around the neckline, and black-and-white color theme. Most special of all are the black lace cuffs and the accompanying glossy buttons, which evoke a lovely Victorian-era aura. I paired the top with J Brand jeans and wedge shoes with crazy tassel ties that are a couple years old from Banana Republic.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

The best fall bootie


The hottest little shoe for fall I've seen yet is this Norland Scalloped high heel bootie by L.A.M.B. Gorgeous black suede is embellished with bold red stitching and layers of petals down the front. That towering 4.5" covered heel is tall--especially for me, a self-professed comfy flats girl--but for a shoe this beautiful, I'd happily suffer any pain. Too bad the price tag, at $425, is hard to swallow. I've been on the lookout for a good copycat and the online Topshop boutique offers the Sicily Frill boot, which is a watered down version with less frills, zero topstitching, and is priced at a far more affordable $135. Unfortunately, other discerning customers must have snatched it up already because it's completely sold out on the website. If you know of any similar shoes, please let me know!

Monday, October 13, 2008

Paris Hilton's new look


I was pleasantly surprised by what Paris Hilton wore to a screening party of her new MTV show, "My New BFF", especially since I had my eye on that dress earlier! Usually I disagree with Paris' fashion choices but for the past year, she has showed up to events in sophisticated dresses by some well-loved designers, such as Alice + Olivia, and this pretty navy Nanette Lepore Magic Wand dress is one of my favorites yet. The dress features heavy black beading, delicate flutter sleeves, and a flirty cutout neckline. With her long tan legs, black pumps, and signature red carpet pout, Paris still manages to make this feminine dress look a little sexy. I love this new girly-yet-coy look she's pulling off so well, and for the first time, I wouldn't mind borrowing some clothes from her closet.

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Friday, October 10, 2008

Out & About: Royal touch


Who: Rachel Bilson

What: Launching her new Edie Rose collection for DKNY Jeans at Macy's

Where: New York City

Wearing: Slim black pants and a black blazer with white piping from her own line, a royal purple scarf, and gorgeous studded black boots

When: October 4, 2008


I've always loved her look, and R-Bils doesn't disappoint here. The boots are definitely the focal point of her outfit, but I also love the sleek simplicity of her blazer and the colorful, patterned scarf as a bright accent.

(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Summer of pink



Since it's officially fall now, I'm trying to take full advantage of the warm weather while I can by wearing my summer clothes like this American Apparel miniskirt, neon pink top, and worn-in espadrille flats. I absolutely love shopping in L.A. along Robertson or Melrose, out in the sunlight, stopping by all the little boutiques and perhaps stepping into the nearest cafe for a coffee. In fact, I discovered an amazing little Japanese cafe called Yuri that is my new favorite restaurant. They have an almond cookie tea that tastes--almost--as good as the sweet itself!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

People StyleWatch fashion show



I attended a fun People StyleWatch fashion show at the Beverly Center a couple weekends ago, and snapped a few pics of my fave outfits. The first one was super work-worthy--a snug gray dress with black tights and heels--while the second runway ensemble channeled Cameron Diaz in dark jeans, a comfortable cardigan, and a Tory Burch tote ideal for girls on the go. I also liked the stylish red coat on the last model, which will definitely stand out in the sea of black, gray, and brown coats that most people like to wear during fall or winter.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

The perfect nude pump


My dear friend Tammi has a very cool personal style—even though she's always humble about it—and for a little while now, I’ve coveted her pointy toe, nude, glossy pumps. The shoes are perfect for work dressed up with a pencil skirt and ruffled blouse, but I also envision them dressed down for movie night with the girls (think flared dark jeans and a breezy top). This beautiful Claudia Ciuti pump is that perfect shade of beige which helps elongate your legs, and a 4" heel doesn't hurt either. Conservative pumps may be dropping off the radar now that chunky platform heels and strappy sandals are so in, but I've always thought that they add a touch of sleek & sexy which is still totally appropriate for the office!

Monday, October 6, 2008

Out & About: Scarf style


Who: Zac Efron

What: Walking the red carpet at the 6th Annual Teen Vogue Young Hollywood party

Where: Los Angeles

Wearing: Slim dark jeans, a perfectly fitted white tee, black jacket, and an oatmeal-colored scarf draped artfully around his neck as a finishing touch.

When: September 18, 2008


I had to sit up and take note of High School Musical’s Zac Efron when I saw his ensemble at the party. You can tell he put some thought into his outfit—unlike many guys I know!—and I absolutely love the look. It’s sleek, youthful, and up-to-date. Go, Zac! I’m looking forward to seeing more of his outfits during the upcoming HSM3 publicity blitz.

(Photo Credit to Getty Images)

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Wedding weekend




Instead of the pretty Nanette Lepore dress, I chose to wear this slightly more daring Mason by Michelle Mason silk frock (taking inspiration from the Hawaii wedding) to a family friend's wedding at the Ritz-Carlton. It's such an amazing dress. First of all, the print is fabulous--a lovely violet and burgundy floral pattern that could easily be faulted as grandmotherly or too old, except that it's used in a mini dress with a bare neckline. Two pockets stick out of the sides and give the silhouette an interesting twist, although with that thin silk fabric and short hemline, I don't think they really serve any practical purpose whatsoever! I decided to go with this look instead of the Nanette Lepore because it seemed younger, flirty, and fun--the vibe I was going for when putting together my outfit for the wedding!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Found: Jessica's LaROK frock


Leave it to Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr to wear one of the dresses I'd been absolutely dying to try on in the store! While shopping for appropriate wedding attire over the weekend, I kept spotting this lovely LaROK dress on the racks. With a square neckline and poufy, heavy short skirt, I knew right away this was not a dress that just any girl could pull off. It's so whimsical and girly, yet the dark colors--somber charcoal gray and black--restrain the cutesy factor from overwhelming it all. Jessica pulls the dress off well, rounding out the look with black Mary Jane shoes, tousled hair, and minimal accessories. I'm eager to get back to Bloomingdale's and rush into the nearest dressing room!

(Photo Credit to Getty Images)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Welcome back to the '90s


My attempt at '90s fashion for a coworker's themed birthday dinner turned out to be an interesting one--I was told that my look veered toward somewhat the late '80s and early '90s. With a L.A.M.B. printed T-shirt tucked into a lime green Diane von Furstenburg cotton skirt, I had the colorful mismatched clothes down pat. Then I added black Converse and knee-high black socks, plus a chunky necklace from Subversive for Target jewelry for good measure! While I was slightly more put-together than I should have been, getting all dressed up for a theme party was a load of fun and the experience made me think about theme parties I could host in the future.

Splurge of the Month: Nanette Lepore's Sin Sling Dress


I've had my eye on this Nanette Lepore Sin Sling dress ever since I first saw it on the rack, and I finally caved and bought it in anticipation of a family friend's wedding. While I ended up wearing a different dress to the wedding, I'm sure I'll come up with an excuse to wear this gorgeous creation somewhere else. With a sweetheart neckline and empire waist, the party frock exudes pretty femininity, but the splashy flowery print keeps it from seeming boring. In vibrant hues of red, purple, and magenta, and contrasting black trim, the dress is perfect for occasions ranging from fall weddings (paired with the right strappy shoes) to formal work functions (under a fitted blazer and sleek black pumps). I love the bold statement just one beautiful, fitted dress can make, and Nanette Lepore always delivers in that department!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Hawaii wedding inspiration


Japanese fashion model Jessica Michibata, who maintains her own blog full of personal pics of her glam life, recently attended a friend's wedding in Hawaii as a bridesmaid (that's her, fourth from left). This photograph is my favorite because of the colorful fashion it showcases. The bridesmaid dresses are really unique--a kind of seafoam-colored pattern with a dash of lavender. Maxi dresses come into play as well. The girl on the far left is wearing one with a really bold pattern, and the other girl (who happens to be Jessica's younger sister, also a beautiful model...ugh, genes!) wears a multicolored, orange dress that I absolutely love! Then we have two guests in different shades of yellow. I personally prefer the brighter yellow hue with the embellished neckline. And as for all these gorgeously attired wedding guests posing against a Hawaii sunset...well, it just couldn't get more fashionably perfect than that!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Layering for fall


Even though it's still pretty sunny and warm in Los Angeles, the early mornings have started to look gray and overcast, hinting at the impending fall weather. As much as I dislike the rain and cold, fall is the perfect time to experiment with layering. Like the outfit on the left, for example: a pair of dark skinny jeans tucked into slouchy socks and red kitten heels. It's a little out there--inspired from my time in Japan, where it's common for girls to strut around in get-ups like that!--but I think the combination is really cute. And it's just plain old fun to play around with layers like that! You can achieve a similar look with these slouchy leg warmers from HeartsDeesire Vintage Emporium. Just pull 'em on over your tightest jeans and add cute, colorful heels of your choice!