Friday, August 29, 2008

The hunt for the birthday dress begins!


So my birthday is fast approaching and of course the most important thing on my mind is what to wear for that special day! Since I've been wearing my fave Pencey dress nonstop to go out, I figure that my bday is a good time to treat myself to a brand new frock. I was idly browsing online in my search for the perfect one when this Larsen Gray dress in lovely lipstick red practically screamed my name from Revolve Clothing's site. Though it doesn't come cheap, at least I can applaud the fact that the brand is well-known for making organic and fashionable clothing. The silhouette may be simple (a look I'm totally digging nowadays), but it'll be fun to dress up the sweetheart neckline with a standout statement necklace and choose the right accessories for the perfect bday outfit.

On Sale: Smythe les Vestes' chic coat


The most amazing deal has just come to my attention: this Smythe les Vestes tie neck coat. It is my humble opinion that this beautiful wool jersey jacket is the epitome of easy elegance. The 3/4-length sleeves keep it youthful, while the attached ivory-colored tie and funnel neck are undeniably sophisticated. From its original price of $660 to its currently sale price of $195, it's a steal. Take note of the impeccable tailoring, the contrasting colors. The model pictured looks so chic with her pulled back hair and the coat thrown over skinny dark jeans and plain black shoes. Such a perfect look for walking down the street in crisp fall weather, arm in arm with your man.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Vivienne Westwood's unstructured vest


Vivienne Westwood always seems to get it perfectly right with edgy, trendy separates, like this asymmetrical vest from her Anglomania collection. With its triangular hem and unstructured silhouette, the cropped vest features a faint stripe detail and a lovely, lustrous texture in gray. This beautifully made piece meshes just as easily with its matching skirt as with a pair of colorful matchstick jeans. In fact, a great simple ensemble would pair the vest with some low-slung trousers or even buttoned up over a silk shirtdress--an outfit that would totally ooze informal elegance.

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

JT as William Rast

Justin Timberlake's maturing fashion line, William Rast, intrigues me. Mostly because the short movies they've created to promote the clothes feature the stunning supermodel Erin Wasson and JT himself as outlaws on the run. Justin and his co-creator, Trace Ayala, will show the line at New York Fashion week next month, so I'm sure there will be more of their signature high quality denim and rugged outerwear on display.

Ash's true blue jeans


Ashley Tisdale of High School Musical fame sported a shorter haircut and brand new hair color while on a coffee run--per usual!--in L.A. this week. I love the new look, and her style is really starting to grow on me as well. For example, take those bright blue jeans, summery black blouse, and dangling beaded earrings thrown together. Ash manages to look boho chic, but also adds a touch of sophistication with that
enviable Chanel purse slung across her shoulder. And while you can't quite tell from the pic, her yellow shoes are actually fringed sandals that tie in the back! I have to say, I'm totally digging her outfit. Though I do own Rich & Skinny jeans in red, kelly green, and midnight blue, having another pair in that brighter blue hue couldn't hurt! Thankfully, Revolve Clothing still has a sleek pair or two in a lovely motley blue. Perhaps it's time to add another color to my collection...

(Photo credit to Celebrity-Gossip.net)

Snapping up Szohr's simple style


Though I'm a huge devotee of clothes with ruffles, embellishments, and lace, I'll always respect simplicity, especially when a celeb like Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr can pull the look off so well. While attending a recent movie screening of "The House Bunny," gorgeous Jessica pulled on a simple white tee and fitted blue jeans...and I think she looks amazing! Of course she topped off her outfit with a few fierce accessories, like pointy black pumps, a black clutch, bracelets, and her outstanding gush of long dark hair. I'm itching to get down to the basics and try out Jess's ensemble. The foundation of her laidback 'fit is definitely that semi-sheer white tee--fitted but comfortable. For a high quality plain tee, I'd rely on James Perse. The brand's vintage V-neck tee in supersoft cotton is a great buy and will give me a headstart on Jessica's uncomplicated style.

(Photo credit to Getty Images)

Monday, August 25, 2008

In search of an elusive Chanel belt...


Last week, I met a stylist who--naturally--was wearing the most amazing outfit. I simply could not tear my eyes away, so I went over and asked her to give me the deets on her sheer black blouse tucked into a robin egg blue skirt with funky pleats, the lime green-and-black scarf wound around her neck, and her shiny black gladiator sandals. The color combination was unique, even off-putting, yet somehow perfect. But she really tied the outfit together with her most outstanding accessory--a huge black belt by Chanel, complete with interlocking C's at the center. After she mentioned it was bought on sale at Neiman Marcus, I went straight to the store, only to discover the belt was sold out. Since then, I've been combing the Internet in search of the belt. The closest thing I can to find to it is this black patent leather belt with a quilted buckle on eBay. While it's not the same thing, I can still see this belt serving as a great centerpiece to any outfit. I'm going to continue tracking down that exact Chanel belt, but until then, my memory of the stylist's outfit is going to inspire the way I dress for the rest of the summer...

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Ruffled to perfection


I absolutely covet this lovely silk top from Chris Benz. In muted shades of plum and silvery gray, the blouse features many wonderful details, the most outstanding one being the asymmetrical layers of ruffles at the neckline. But look closely and you'll notice how the sleeves are contrasting colors, you'll see the delicate seaming at the hem, the single ruffle around the cuffs. And though you can't tell from this picture, there are ten working buttons on each cuff. The blouse is a little bit of everything I hope to project in my outfits--whimsical, sophisticated, youthful. Plus, the ruffles and trendy plum hue make it a great choice for the upcoming fall.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Clubbing gear in summery L.A.


Since I recently mentioned that donning those polyester dresses for clubbing is extremely cliche right now, you may ask, 'What other options do we have?' The answer: plenty! Since it's currently summertime in Los Angeles, I'm favoring an informal look of streamlined simplicity embellished with a few winning details. Take this elegant Alexander Wang tiered halter in faint pink chiffon. While the top bares a little skin, the slightly frayed tiers and thin black straps are both romantic and minimalist. Then, to keep the clubbing outfit from seeming too girly, I'd try tucking the top into a pair of denim shorts in a lovely blue hue. Nothing too frayed or distressed, but something like Anlo's Bianca hot shorts, which are super sexy (in both length and tight fit) and classic (the clean lines and true blue color). Pair with shoes of your choice (I nearly always reach for my comfortable flats), toss on earrings and bangles, and you're ready to go clubbing in style and comfort.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Another fantastic fall blazer


As I'm clearly a sucker for any kind of beautiful blazer, this LaRok jacket is just next in a line of many blazers I hope to acquire this fall. This one has obvious Gossip Girl connotations (side note: the show's second season starts on September 1!), such as a metal shield brooch pinned to the lapel and stylish contrasting white trim. But the scrunched up sleeves, cropped cut, and front pockets give it a decidedly modern feel, reminding me of Serena van der Woodsen's hastily-thrown-together-yet-still-preppy looks for school. Everyone knows Blair is my fashion fave on the show, but I know I could definitely take a tip or two from Serena. After all, the show's costume designer modeled her looks after Kate Moss' style! Come fall, I'd love to wear this blazer with jeans, an untucked white shirt, and messy hair, just to give off that careless, yet oh-so-fashionable vibe we all want to achieve!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

My fab find from the Barney's warehouse sale


Crippling buyer's remorse could easily set in at any moment, but I'm resisting the urge to feel guilty over what I feel is a truly fabulous find. My friend and I drove to Santa Monica yesterday to explore the racks on the very last day of the Barney's Warehouse sale. As the final hour approached, I found myself clutching desperately at a gorgeous L'Wren Scott matador jacket, originally priced at $4000 and about 85% off. After a great deal of vacillating on my part and relentless urging from both my friend and the cashiers, I decided to throw caution to the winds and make the pricey purchase, no small feat when you're living off a writer's salary. But the coat is a truly gorgeous creation. Straight off the Fall 2007 L'Wren Scott ready-to-wear runway, the coat, in thick, high quality fabric, is shorter in the front with a long pleated tailcoat in back--a very majestic matador style that evokes visions of mystery and dark romance. A mandarin collar and intricate buttons are some of the few details that enhance a sharply elegant cut. It fits like a dream, as if it were tailored specifically for my body, and projects that goth-y high fashion look which is perfect for fall. I've never felt quite so wonderful about spending so much money before...

By the way, the picture will never, ever do the coat justice. This beauty must be seen, felt, and touched in person for full appreciation.

Another creation from Elizabeth and James


I tried on this jacket in Neiman Marcus a few months ago, when it was still full price and I had no hope of buying it whatsoever. But now that it's on sale by about 50%, my interest is sparked yet again! Of course only the Olsen twins could conjure up this urban chic sateen jacket with six buttons, an extended front hem, and a lovely wrinkled texture. The back is cinched in with three buckled tabs and the shoulders are defined with slight ruching detail. Tip: order true to size or even a size up as this jacket--I know from first-hand experience--fits snugly.

Not a fan of this fad!

There aren't very many trends I don't hold some appreciation for. But after going out for several weeks in a row in Los Angeles, there is one popular fad I can't stand anymore--those short, rainbow-hued polyester dresses with a wide band hem hugging your thighs, much like this spaghetti strap dress from Forever 21. It seems like every twenty-something girl is wearing those colorful, mini frocks nowadays, accompanied by high heel shoes and a clutch or wristlet. That dress has become standard clubbing attire, and I'm so sick of it! That's not to say I don't think these dresses are trendy or fashionable in their own way; I just wish we could all be little more imaginative and spice it up with some variety. There are other options out there that are still sexy, stylish, and appropriate for clubbing, like a skintight LBD or back-baring striped halter.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

A hippie-ish peacock hairclip


I usually wear my straight hair down--nothing special, nothing fancy. But that hairstyle totally bores me and I always find myself wishing I could dress it up a little bit, make the daily routine a tad more interesting. That's why I'm attracted to this whimsical peacock hairclip by Ra Creations. With a single eye-catching peacock feather in radiant emerald green and blue, an African-beaded thread, and a gold-plated charm, the pretty hair accessory easily clips onto a strand and cascades down your hair. The hairclip gives off such a great hippie vibe too--it'd mesh well with a pair of ragged denim shorts and a tie-dye T-shirt at some music festival a la Woodstock! For a more modern day take, I'd pair the peacock feather with a girly summer dress and fringed boots, in keeping with the earthy '70s theme.

A little black tunic from Mike & Chris


Everywhere I turn, there's always a fresh new take on the LBD vying for my attention. Like this sleeveless tunic by Mike & Chris in cupro twill--whatever that is, it looks soft, satiny, and ultra comfortable. Though the silhouette is fairly simple and loose, the delicately folded pleats and buttons down the front give it a stylish upgrade. Then there's the hem, of course, which instead of being boring and predictable is rather sexy and exposes a hint of leg. Something about the tunic's collar and buttons are slightly military-style, but the feminine hemline and fabric even it out. I envision the tunic with a skinny cinched belt to define your waistline and the perfect gladiator sandals--preferably in a bright, unexpected hue--for a breezy summer look.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Inspired by Mamma Mia!

After watching Mamma Mia! last night, I fell in love with the flowing, light summery clothes that the characters--particularly Sophie played by Amanda Seyfried--wore in the movie. While her wedding dress was gorgeous, it was Sophie's peasant blouses, faded shorts, swimsuits tucked into long skirts, and sneakers that caught my attention. Her style was all about comfort; she was ready at any moment to jump into the water or run freely around the island singing ABBA songs. I loved the carefree boho vibe her casually pulled together outfits exuded. It's the perfect style to emulate during the baking heat of summer. Now if only I could escape to some beautiful island in Greece too!