Style Sophisticate

So, how do I use a flat iron?

2011-12-18T02:36:00.000-08:00

Before.

After.

Yoshi's magic tools.

With Yoshi Hagiwara himself.

When I walked into Yoshi Hair Studio the morning after Thanksgiving, I was not looking too hot (in truth, I looked quite terrible). I'd just eaten up a storm the night before (turkey, cake, beer, the usual T-Day suspects) and I was tired from the holiday festivities. I did what I usually do when I'm in that kind of mood: I threw on my trusty denim button-down, pinned my bangs away from my face and ran out the door.

Thankfully, hair guru Yoshi Hagiwara rescued my look. A veteran stylist with an intimidating amount of experience in the biz (over 25 years), Yoshi now offers one-on-one individual styling classes, which include a restorative conditioning treatment and styling session, at his Beverly Hills studio. During my 60 minutes of Yoshi's undivided attention, I peppered him with questions about my hair troubles ("Um, I'm not sure how to use a flat iron?" and "Volume, please?"). He spent time styling my hair various ways, then explained each step to make sure I could replicate the look at home. Best of all, he introduced me to his specially developed product, Magic Water, an amino ion mist from Japan that works wonders to give your hair instant luster (and when I say instant, I mean it - I saw it work with my own eyes).

After class, I sauntered out of Yoshi's studio with shiny, freshly blown out tresses, a bottle of Magic Water, and a teeny bit more hair confidence. Thank you, Yoshi!

My first pair of ecofriendly earrings

2011-12-17T11:13:00.000-08:00

(Cynthia Steffe cardigan, Madison Marcus top, Madewell skirt, vintage Moschino belt, Sam Edelman boots, Giles & Brother cuff, gold earrings courtesy of AmaraGold)

Photos by Morgan Olsen.

I've got a thing for earrings. Big, small, hoops, chandeliers, studs - it really doesn't matter, I love 'em all. So I was pleased as punch when AmaraGold, a company based near Boston that operates out of their ISO14001-certified facility, sent me a pair of hammered bead drop earrings (quite possibly my first pair of ecofriendly earrings ever). Amara crafts jewelry that's environmentally and socially responsible, using recycled metals and a patented formula to create beautiful, classic pieces. My 14K yellow gold bead drop earrings are no exception. These little gems have so much sparkle they give off a subtle shimmer in the light. They're also the perfect size and length: long enough to stand out against my dark hair, light enough so that my ears aren't weighed down, casual enough for everyday use, elegant enough for a night out. Best of all, whenever I wear these glistening golden beauties, I feel proud about wearing ethically sourced jewelry.

And that feeling is worth its weight in gold.

Some of my other Amara favorites:
14K gold spiral drop earrings, $425
14K gold silk hinged bangle, $315
14K gold leaf eternity ring, $325

L.A. Denim Lovers, Come Out To The Henry & Belle Launch Party!

2011-09-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

I'm so bummed that I won't be in town for this event, but I highly encourage all you Los Angeles-based fashionistas to attend the Henry & Belle launch party on Saturday, October 1st, at Blues Jean Bar. If you haven't heard of Henry & Belle (the brand counts Jessica Alba and Megan Fox among its loyal following), let me just tell you one dirty little secret about myself: I haven't taken off my Henry & Belle Ideal Super Skinny jeans for at least three weeks.

If you try on a pair of jeans at the party, let me know what you think! As an added bonus, the event supports a non-profit center for South Central Los Angeles at-risk youth called A Place Called Home. A $25 donation to the organization gives you 20% off a pair of Henry & Belle jeans.

Orange you glad?

2011-09-14T00:56:00.000-07:00

(J.Crew shirt, Zara skirt, BCBG shoes, Michele watch, Elizabeth Wahyu earrings)

Photos by Maricela Correa.

I barely resisted when I saw this little orange skirt with flared pleats on sale at Zara. $19.99? Yes, please. I know summer's over and I'm fully aware that this isn't a piece I'd wear everyday (mostly because it's very short). But giving into small desires and wants - Magnum ice cream bars, a third pair of gold hoops, a popsicle maker, late night movies on a weekday, a bright orange mini - is sort of what makes life worthwhile to me.

Blown away

2011-08-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

As previously mentioned, I'm not extremely beauty savvy, but I'm on a quest to change that! Take blow dryers for example. Up until recently, I thought all of them were one and the same. When Misikko offered me their HANA Air Premiere Hair Dryer, one of their best hair dryers, I shrugged, thinking it was just another fancy-looking tool that wouldn't make a difference in my daily hair routine (15-second shampoo, 20-second rinse, hasty blow dry into a semi-presentable state, dash to work, repeat next day).

Then one morning, in a hurry to get to the office, I plugged in the HANA dryer, flipped on a switch and after 10 minutes of the sleek black machine purring and whirring away, found my hair was almost completely dry. I have never - and I mean, never - dried my hair so quickly since growing it long in high school! And miraculously, my tresses looked shiny and smooth, bouncy and full of volume. Today marks my two-month anniversary using this elite salon blow dryer, and I've since thrown out my old one (no offense, Conair, but you didn't stand a chance).

Thank you, Misikko, not only for the dryer, but for forever changing the way I look at beauty tools!

A Dior & Lucky crash course

2011-08-24T19:38:00.000-07:00

I have a confession: As much as I know about fashion, shopping and clothes, I know very little about beauty and makeup. My friends berate me when they discover that hairspray remains an enigma to me and that I'm clueless about how to apply eyeliner.

So when Lucky magazine and Dior asked me to host a Dior Pretty Party, I was thrilled, but also nervous. I mean, who was I, a girl who could barely tell eyeshadow from bronzer, to host a beauty party? Turns out I needn't have worried at all because that evening, I learned everything I ever needed to know from celebrated Dior makeup artist, Kevianno Guerrero.

As our party of 10 girls gathered at the Dior counter in Bloomingdale's Santa Monica, a psychic, Dora Blackman, read our cards - with impressive results!

Then, we were ushered into a private room by Juan, one of several lovely and accommodating Dior team members, for our master class with Kevianno. After digging into frosted cupcakes (a must for a girls' night out!), we sat down at our own individual makeup stations.

Class was in session! Kevianno patiently guided us through a step-by-step tutorial of how to get a youthful, glowing day to night makeup look. We learned how to prep our skin with soothing serums and creams, how to use Dior's new Airflash Spray Foundation (it's magic, I'm telling you!) and so much more. I was maniacally jotting down notes as if preparing for a final exam. As the hours passed, I saw my friends, all pretty girls, transform into gorgeous BOMBSHELLS in the best, most natural way possible.

"Radiant" is really the only word to describe my friend Wendy of Too Poor For Couture. Psst... her cool cross necklace is from F21!

Chic bloggers Rebecca and Melanie looked cute (but then, what else is new?!) as they chatted by the Dior counter.

I knew right away that I'd purchase the Dior Airflash Spray Foundation (color 200) after class was over!

Post-makeover, my good friend Mary was at supermodel status, especially with that million dollar smile!

Morgan's eyes were definitely enhanced by the Dior mascara; I could see her lashes from miles away.

Christine and Mary. Glowing.

Almost all the girls, plus Kevianno!

My lovely new friend from Dulce Candy, who reminds me of Jessica Alba and is extremely knowledgeable about all things beauty!

Last two photos provided by Dulce Candy.

While I'm by no means a beauty expert now, I know the next time I encounter an eyeliner pencil, I'll have some idea of what to do with it! So thank you to Lucky, Dior and all my friends and fellow bloggers for coming to my Pretty Party for a truly fun, fabulous Friday night.

Lady in red

2011-06-23T01:09:00.000-07:00

(vintage dress, Armani Exchange belt, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Blair's Bow headband from Etsy)

You know how some girls are just born vintage-shopping wizards? They're either vastly patient, able to sift for hours through piles of musty, smelly clothes until they unearth an exquisite find, or very lucky. I'm neither when it comes to vintage treasure hunting.

So I was shocked when an idle Sunday at the Fairfax Flea Market rewarded me with this $15 dress. At first, I was hesitant: the zipper was rusty, the material scratchy and flimsy. But as soon as I heard the price, I knew I was taking it home. I mean, it's a red dress with a cascade of ruffled tiers down the front and a skirt that shines in the sun. There was no way I could say "no."

And I'm so glad I didn't!

GIVEAWAY: Win $50 To Spend At Shop Moderne!

2011-06-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

(Wildfox Couture T-shirt, Gap belt, JET jeans, BCBG shoes, Topshop cape)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

I swear to you I'm not a royal pain, but when ShopModerne.com offered to loan me this Wildfox Couture oversize tee to style and photograph, I couldn't say no!

The top, in military green, is 50% cotton, 50% polyester and 100% fabulously, wonderfully, unbelievably soft. When I first slipped it on, I felt as if I were at home wearing pajamas. That's why, even though I'm not an everyday jeans girl and rarely feature denim on this blog, I decided to stick to a slightly more casual theme in a ripped pair of JET jeans and a loose, flowing cape.

Now I'm teaming up with Shopmoderne.com to give one reader $50 to spend on the site. Trust me, it won't be difficult! The site now carries Naven dresses, including this exquisite bombshell dress in pop pink, one of the most difficult colors for me to resist.

To enter to WIN $50 at Shopmoderne.com, please:

1) Follow my blog!
2) E-mail me your entry at tiffanylingtse[at]gmail[dot]com.
3) Score an extra entry if you follow Shop Moderne on Twitter or add them on Facebook. [Just indicate in your e-mail entry that you have done so.]

The winner will be chosen randomly and the deadline for the contest is 7/1/11. This contest is open to international readers. Best of luck to all the fashionistas out there and thank you for your continued support of my blog!

The hamburglar

2011-05-11T21:16:00.000-07:00

(Loaned New York Couture skirt & necklace, Kelsi Dagger shoes, F21 tights, Zara shirt)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

Thanks to my job, I often stumble upon amazing designers that I otherwise may not have discovered. Such was the case with Cassie Kogler of New York Couture. The lovely Cassie sent me several pieces for a photo shoot, and this hamburger skirt (with pockets!) was my favorite of them all. My first instinct was to try it on - immediately. The skirt, and its accompanying glittery burger necklace, attracted stares on the street and plenty of "Can I get ketchup with that?" calls, but I've never been happier wearing my food, instead of eating it!

Get lucky with 7 For All Mankind! (Psst... I'm hosting)

2011-04-22T21:05:00.000-07:00

If you're not into free cocktails, sick beats and complimentary gift bags, 7 For All Mankind's summer soiree probably won't interest you. But if sifting through racks of slouchy silk shorts and summery cropped pants on a Saturday afternoon appeals to you, stop by 7 For All Mankind's Robertson store next Saturday, April 30th. The premium denim brand, along with Lucky magazine, kindly invited me to help provide styling advice and host the soiree, where their freshly arrived summer collection will be available. Please come by, shop, sip a tasty libation - or three - and say hello!

When: Saturday, April 30th
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Where: 7 For All Mankind, 100 S. Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles

Sequins and sunlight

2011-04-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

(Priorities vest, Alice + Olivia sequin dress, J.Crew belt, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 glasses)

From that sharp bob cut she rocked in her "Umbrella" music video to the crimson corkscrew curls she sports today, Rihanna remains one of my all-time favorite celebrities who's constantly pushing the envelope, reinventing herself, taking risks. In the April 2011 issue of Vogue, she said,

"When I am putting looks together, I dare myself to make something work. I always look for the most interesting silhouette or something that’s a little off, but I have to figure it out. I have to make it me. I think that’s the thrill in fashion."

Rihanna has cobbled together looks that are inspiring and wildly creative, ones that make me think she's a kind of fashion genius. And then there are outfits that have left me confused or disappointed. But while another starlet strutting down the red carpet in a pretty LBD may look perfectly polished, Rihanna's never bored me with predictable style. So when I threw on this crazy ensemble - sequin mini dress, combat boots, a skinny fluorescent orange belt - I made sure to keep RiRi's words of wisdom in mind, daring myself to try and make it work!

Win VIP Tickets to Lucky Shops LA!

2011-03-29T00:28:00.000-07:00

The countdown to Lucky Shops LA begins! While all of you can score 10% off a ticket using the code SOPHISTICATE, one reader can win a pair of tickets to the exclusive, invite-only VIP night on Thursday, April 7th. You'll get first dibs on all the discounted clothes and accessories - very lucky indeed!

To enter to WIN, all you have to do is:

1) Follow my blog!
2) E-mail me your name at tiffanylingtse[at]gmail[dot]com.
3) Score an extra entry if you tweet: "I just entered to win VIP tickets to #LuckyShopsLA from @LuckyMag & @Twinksy! http://tinyurl.com/4qtxaw7"

The winner will be chosen completely at random and I will contact you to send you the VIP tickets, courtesy of Lucky magazine! Good luck to all, and see you there!

Rolling up to Retail Camp

2011-03-25T12:39:00.001-07:00

Come April 9th and 10th, I'll be rolling up to Retail Camp at Woodbury University in Burbank. I'm excited to attend for the first time on behalf of ShopModerne.com. The interactive two-day conference, packed with workshops about digital media, is a must for apparel and retail industry professionals, designers and bloggers - like myself! I'm eager to soak up all the info and squeeze in some networking.

After viewing the full list of panels, I'm looking forward to the Digital Trend Forecasting presentation with keynote speaker Lyndsey Wong, the Trend Director of Stylesight. The panel will discuss how technology has changed the process of fashion forecasting, an issue I find especially relevant to fashion bloggers. Bloggers are undoubtedly a part of the shift in forecasting - the first to post their opinions and photos of runway looks, first to spot street style trends, to discuss and covet the latest collections.

Business of Blogging 2011 is another seminar I'm jotting down on my calendar. With speakers like Erin Weinger, editor in chief of StyleSectionLA and Valerie Elizabeth of Society Stylist, the panel will prove eye-opening as we learn how these ladies have successfully branded their blogs as a fashion business. Finding Your Niche & Your Voice features speakers like Lauren Francis, who will discuss finding your individual voice when starting a blog from scratch, as well as Hilary Peterson, who will focus on creating meaningful blog content.

You can register for Retail Camp here - make sure to say hi!

My Moderne Guest Blog: From Day To Night

2011-03-18T18:00:00.001-07:00

1. Eight Sixty ruffle dress in Pinkberry from ShopModerne.com, $79
2. Thurley suede embroidered vest, $193.50
3. Carol Marie double Ethiopian cross necklace in Brass from ShopModerne.com, $284
4. Skinny by Jessica Elliot floating ring in Gold/Montana from ShopModerne.com, $57
5. Boutique 9 leather studded booties, $145.99
6. Aubin & Wills wool blazer, $202.50
7. Forzieri fringed pashmina shawl, $78
8. Christian Louboutin Lucifer bow shoes, $995
9. Falke merino tights, $65

I had the pleasure of writing this Day To Night guest blog post for the Love Moderne blog! I'm always on the go, always rushing from place to place, quite often (as many of my lovely friends will attest to) running a little late. So this spring, I'm searching for versatile weekday pieces that are both office and bar-appropriate, to take me straight from work to drinks with friends. I'm already sold on this flirty pink Eight Sixty ruffle dress from ShopModerne.com.

During the day, I'd keep warm in the dress by slipping on a sleek blazer with purple trim, a pashmina shawl and tights. Mixed jewel tones, like this fuchsia and purple combo, stand out, plus studded bow shoes give the slightly formal outfit a fun rock 'n' roll vibe. After clocking out of work, I'd switch out the blazer for a cropped vest and trade in the kitten heels for tough studded booties, perfect for tempering the femininity of the dress. And of course, I'd ditch the scarf and pile on some bling. I'm obsessed with Carol Marie's double cross necklace and Skinny by Jessica Elliot's ring, both available on ShopModerne.com. These edgy statement pieces complete an outfit and make wearing any other accessories unnecessary!

Lucky Angelenos: Lucky Shops LA April 8-9th!

2011-03-16T21:32:00.000-07:00

Confession: I sometimes feel like New York City gets everything, from the convenient public transportation system and Topshop to the best food and the most museums. But we lucky Angelenos now get something once available only to our shopaholic counterparts in the Big Apple. For the first time, Lucky Magazine is bringing its popular Lucky Shops to Hollywood, where you can shop the hottest designers for up to 70% off.

WHEN:
First Dibs Friday: Friday, April 8, 12PM-6PM
Saturday Shop-a-thon: Saturday, April 9, 10AM-5PM

WHERE:
Siren Studios
6063 W. Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, CA

HOW TO GET IN:
Buy your tickets here and use my special 10% off discount code: SOPHISTICATE

I'll have a contest coming up soon, so stay tuned for that! See you all there!

The fuchsia philosophy

2011-03-02T01:20:00.000-08:00

(Zara one-shoulder dress, F21 cardigan, H&M opaque tights, Sam Edelman boots from CUSP, Michele watch, Aritzia belt, Sarah Aghili giraffe necklace, London Manori leaf earrings)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

And so it continues with the long cardigan affair. This one, though, is in one of my current favorite colors - fuchsia pink. If you've followed my blog, even if only for a brief time, you've probably noticed that I adore color and I'm not afraid of wearing it! I love my blacks, browns, grays and neutrals, but if I see a top in tangerine orange or some other unapologetically bright shade, I pounce. I've realized over the years that many people, including the stylish and fashion forward, shy away from color. For some, it's a purely aesthetic choice. For others, it's an issue of feeling uncomfortable standing out.

I know everyone has their own interpretation of fashion; to me, fashion is exploring who you are, using clothes to help create an image of the person you aspire to be. Every single day, fashion allows me to dress like the kind of person I want to become, and I think this is why I wear color, because I want to be someone who isn't afraid to stick out a little and who embraces color in her life... especially fuchsia pink!

A cardigan love affair

2011-02-22T21:45:00.000-08:00

(Madewell shirt, Zara skirt, Vera Wang cardigan, J.Crew necklace, Madewell tights, Moschino belt, Prada studded boots, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse, Nadri hoops, Michele watch, vintage cuff)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

Starting at the age of 15, I've amassed a collection of cardigans in all fabrics and colors - bright red, yellow argyle, cashmere, chunky wool knit. So when I attended the Gilt sale in Los Angeles (thanks to my coworker Morgan's invite!) and spied this simple gray cardigan, I wasn't extremely impressed. Sure, it was Vera Wang. And sure, it was made of fine material, a lovely silky soft blend. Yet how could this piece compare with the beribboned, embellished cardigans in all colors of the rainbow that I already owned at home? But, surrounded by mountains of clothes and accessories, crazed with the excitement of the Gilt sale, I purchased it anyway.

Fast forward a few months later, this cardigan has become the most versatile piece in my closet. There's something elegant in its length, which hits right at the knee. Its thin fabric allows me to layer, while the charcoal gray shade matches every color. And the cardigan serves as my security blanket, particularly when I'm wearing a skirt a tad too short for comfort. It's safe to say that I'm now on the prowl for long cardigans in all colors and fabrics!

P.S. The Little Devil oven mitt guest stars in this post! The mitt, which inspires me to march into the kitchen and bake brownies just so I can use it, is the creation of my good friend, the owner of Collisionware. Check out her store and be thoroughly impressed by the cutest kitchenware and accessories ever!

Nerd alert

2011-02-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

(F21 glasses, vintage blouse, Priorities vest, J.Crew khakis, Kenneth Cole boots, J.Crew necklace, Melie Bianco clutch)

I was a nerd in school - braces, thick glasses, super short hair (courtesy of my mother, who insisted the long hair I coveted was too much trouble to maintain and that I should focus on my studies instead). But now that nerds are back in style, it's as easy as pie slipping back into that look. Of course, I've given it a bit of an update with Gossip Girl-inspired ruffles and pearls, a messy topknot and lace-up boots to balance out the prissiness. And I just don't think you can ever go wrong with a pair of glasses for extra oomph, even if they are non-prescription and cost exactly $2.80!

Doing the dougie

2011-02-15T22:54:00.000-08:00

My coworkers and I were recently schooled in the art of the dougie dance by the singers behind the catchy hit song, "Teach Me How To Dougie" (if you've been to a bar or club in the past six months, chances are the tune will sound very familiar). While this is completely unrelated to fashion (unless you count the Free People tunic, Dylan George jeans and Sam Edelman boots in which I attempted to dougie), I thought it'd be fun to post, so enjoy and feel free to laugh away!

Send me to WWDMAGIC!

2011-01-27T20:09:00.000-08:00

1. How did you start your blog? What was the creative inspiration behind putting yourself out to the world?
When I first started my blog, I only posted photos of clothes I'd seen on websites and coveted. But I realized that more than the clothes themselves, I loved creating and styling entire looks to express a certain mood, which is what I did every morning on myself! My blog quickly evolved into my personal style diary. I continue to use it to chronicle everything I remain inspired by, such as stylish people, exquisite clothes, mouthwatering food and beautiful photography.

2. From where you began to where you are now as an independent writer, what are three valuable things you’ve learned about your craft?

1. Find your own voice, a way of writing and a distinctive tone that works for you. 2. Networking is not only fun, it's important for growth. Connecting with other bloggers opens the door to opportunity and gives you inspiration to continue working on your site. 3. Update your blog regularly, but not too often so as not to overload your readers. Instead, make each post count with thoughtful words and well-chosen pictures.

3. What is your personal style?

I'd describe my personal style as sophisticated, yet whimsical. I love creating a chic, put-together outfit, but adding one element that's pure unexpected fun. On a night out, you might find me in a lacy top and feminine skirt paired with motorcycle boots, way-too-big-for-me earrings and a seriously messy 'do.

4. What brands are you head over heels in love with?
I adore 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, camilla & marc, Elizabeth and James, Tsumori Chisato, Pencey, Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Lanvin.

5. What are three of your favorite websites?
Twitter.com, which is where I first hear about so many current events in the world and happenings in my city; Lookbook.nu, which gives me style inspiration from real people around the world; and WhoWhatWear.com, which I think is a well-written, eloquent fashion site that is never unkind.

6. Who are three people you love to follow on twitter?
@DKNY (the anonymous girl behind this account possesses both a sharp sense of humor and a clear passion for her work), @JimShi809 (though he attends some of the most fabulous and exclusive industry events, he writes about them with a down to earth humility) and @Refinery29 (the site's tweets are always informative, especially about fashion events in my local community).

7. What do you hope to gain from attending WWDMAGIC?
I'm eager to flex my networking muscles and connect with a variety of people in the industry - buyers, retailers, manufacturers, other bloggers. I'd also love to check out the hundreds of new apparel or accessories brands, and learn about the latest emerging trends in fashion!

Yellow fever

2011-01-26T23:15:00.000-08:00

(Katy Rodriguez, Diane von Furstenberg jacket, Kenneth Cole boots, F21 ring, Fallon earrings, Michele watch)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

Last year, I was browsing the racks at a Refinery29 sample sale in Los Angeles, when I unearthed this whimsical number from designer Katy Rodriguez, whom I've long admired for her knack of giving party frocks an edge. The first thing that drew me to the dress was not the exaggerated bow (although that was a close second), but its rich mustard golden-yellow hue. I love the chic all-black and neutral ensembles that I find so many stylish people wearing lately; the look is so classic, effortless and sophisticated. But I feel like life could always use a little more color - a dash of fiery red here, a burst of sunshine yellow there - so I try to incorporate as much as possible in my wardrobe!

Moschino & tulips

2011-01-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

(Free People lace dress, Zara blazer, H&M hat, Moschino belt, Kelsi Dagger shoes, Elizabeth Wahyu ring, Banana Republic bracelet, Sarah Aghili giraffe necklace)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

I just had to jump on the Moschino belt bandwagon. After a bidding war on eBay, I scored this vintage Moschino belt and have had a hard time prying it off ever since. The blocky, gold letters against the sheen of black leather make this one accessory that can completely transform an outfit. So I kept the rest of my look simple and sleek with a black lace dress and tights.

The sculpture I'm posing in front of, "Hymn to Life: Tulips" in Beverly Hills, is by Yayoi Kusama and has special meaning to me. I lived in Japan for a year, and spent many weekends traveling throughout the country. The most memorable place I visited - aside from the exciting bustle of Tokyo and the wondrous serenity I found in Kyoto - was a small island in the Seto Inland Sea called Naoshima. The island, every art lover's dream, is littered with open-air sculptures, including a massive yellow pumpkin by Kusama. The fiberglass pumpkin is perched on the edge of a pier by the ocean, and the sight of it against blue skies is awe-inspiring. I visit Kusama's sculpture in Beverly Hills every so often, and whenever I see the whimsical dotted flowers and bright colors, I feel like I'm right back on that beautiful island.

Where land ends

2011-01-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

(Lands' End Canvas plaid pleated scarf, Lands' End Canvas raglan crewneck pullover, J.Crew pants, BCBG shoes, vintage Ferragamo gloves, F21 glasses, James Perse button down shirt, Nadri hoops, gifted Michele watch)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

As a Lucky Style Spotter, I recently got the chance to check out Lands' End Canvas, a collection catering to the slightly more urban and hip Lands' End customer. After perusing their sizable selection of classic, affordable clothes, I ordered two items that offered endless styling possibilities - an oh-so-soft pullover sweater in navy and a cheeky plaid scarf. Both proved to be high-quality pieces with an emphasis on stylish detail; I instantly noticed the pullover's perfectly boxy fit and cozy fabric, as well as the the scarf's quirky pleats.

The short-sleeve sweater called for some layering action, so I tossed it on over a button-down shirt. While I love the timeless plaid-and-khaki look, an edgy twist - in the form of leather gloves and platform heels - was exactly what this preppy outfit needed!

Swimspotting

2010-12-14T21:36:00.000-08:00

Every year when it starts getting cold, I start fantasizing about escaping to a tropical island (yes, I am aware I live in Los Angeles and that I'm spoiled with beautiful southern California weather!). So when Lucky magazine asked me, as one of their Lucky Style Spotters, to review online swimwear boutique Swimspot.com, I eagerly said yes. In my mind, I was already halfway to The Maldives.

I browsed through the site, sifting through a selection of designer swimwear from brands such as Ella Moss, St. John, Splendid and Tommy Hilfiger. Navigating through the collection was straightforward - the site's streamlined layout and extra large images were certainly a plus.

Next, I tried Swimspot's Fit Specialist program. The site offers a team of Fit Specialists who are devoted to providing personalized fit support based on each customer's taste, preferences and body type. They're reachable by one-on-one appointment via phone or e-mail. I corresponded with the lovely Nikki, who fired off e-mails to me asking specific - yet discreet - questions about my shape, age range, trouble spots and more, eventually sending me a list of carefully curated swimsuits tailored just for me. I was pleasantly surprised by her spot-on selections; each piece was something I would have chosen for myself, including this Splendid one-piece suit and Luxe by Lisa Vogel Couragette bikini top!

Next, I tried the Bikini Builder, a tool which allows customers to mix and match from a bunch of swim separates. I loved how easy it was to experiment with different combos and watch as they instantly appeared on the model. I only wish the site offered more separates to choose from!

I also made sure to check out Swimspot's 2011 collection, full of cute, colorful pieces like this Guess floral print monokini. I love the site's variety of styles; rather than just selling standard two-piece bikinis, they offer plenty of swimsuits with cool, unique cut-outs and shapes in eye-catching patterns.

All photos courtesy of Swimspot.com.

Now that this week's weather forecast has spelled rain for Los Angeles, I'm sure my mind will wander to faraway sun-soaked islands. At least now, thanks to Swimspot, I'll be appropriately dressed for my imaginary getaway!

Win A MINKPINK Tank Dress From Shop Moderne!

2010-11-16T22:09:00.000-08:00

(MINKPINK High Tied Tank from Shopmoderne.com, Robert Rodriguez jacket, Christy's Crown Hats fedora, gifted Tahitian Jelly Beans by Michele watch, Fallon earrings, Lyric Culture bracelets, Tory Burch boots)

Photos by Catharine Acurso (also pictured above!).

The lovely Janet at ShopModerne.com loaned me this MINKPINK High Tied Tank to style and photograph - and now we're teaming up to give one away!

This top is gorgeous, comfortable, super soft and almost sheer. The best part of all is its versatility - drawstrings on both sides allow you to adjust the length so I wore it as a dress, and the rainbow of colors makes it easy to mix and match with other pieces. When I first tried the dress on, I loved its beachy, casual surfer girl vibe. But for a more seasonally appropriate look, I paired it with a structured blue jacket and peep-toe booties for some city girl edge. I'm sure whoever wins this tank dress will put their own unique spin on it - and I can't wait to see!

To enter to WIN, please:

1) Follow my blog!
2) E-mail me your entry at tiffanylingtse[at]gmail[dot]com. Please include the tank top size you'd prefer if you're selected as the winner!
3) Score an extra entry if you follow Shop Moderne on Twitter or add them on Facebook. [Just indicate in your e-mail entry that you have done so.]

The winner will be chosen randomly and the deadline for the contest is 11/30/10. This contest is open to international readers. Good luck, everyone! Thank you so much for being the best and most patient readers in the world!

Visit me at CUSP this Wednesday, 9/15!

2010-09-13T23:32:00.000-07:00

If you live in Los Angeles and want to enjoy a fab evening at one of my favorite boutiques, CUSP, come out to the Westfield Century City mall location TOMORROW for a special night of shopping! Lucky magazine kindly asked me to help co-host a Lucky Style Spotter event on Wednesday, September 15th, where shoppers can try on clothes, get their pictures taken and enjoy great gifts with purchase. I'll be there from 6-8 PM to help shoppers pull together looks from CUSP's enviable selection of clothes (CUSP is owned by department store giant Neiman Marcus, but carries younger, hipper, more contemporary styles). If you come by, please make sure to stop and say hi!

Peek inside my Proactiv VMA bash!

2010-09-13T20:38:00.000-07:00

Watching an award show on your own is always fun, but take a few good friends, a delicious mud pie and plenty of swag, and you've just created the best excuse for a party... EVER. Thanks to possibly the most renowned acne-fighting skincare brand on earth, Proactiv, I got to host a fun MTV Video Music Awards shindig last Sunday. Two of Proactiv's celeb ambassadors, Katy Perry and Justin Bieber, were nominated (Justin as "Best New Artist" for "Baby" and Katy for "Best Pop Video" and "Best Female Video" for "California Gurls"), and Justin nabbed his award! We had a blast singing along to the performances (Drake and Mary J. Blige's "Fancy" definitely got some of us goin'), snacking on watermelon and ice cream, commenting on the more interesting fashion choices (er... Gaga's meat dress? Ke$ha's trash bag creation?) and drinking in the sight of the Nokia Theater's vast, beautiful stage. From a purely visual aspect, I loved Kanye's closing performance - his bright red suit against that stark white backdrop looked stunning!

After the VMAs were over, everyone visited my mini gifting lounge and took home a Proactiv Plus Deluxe System trial set as well as Justin Bieber's My World 2.0 and Katy Perry's Teenage Dream album. Thank you so much to Proactiv for hooking me up with this fab opportunity!

What are your MTV VMA plans?

2010-09-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Proactiv, the famous skincare line favored by so many celebs, I'm hosting a fab MTV Video Music Awards viewing party! The awards show airs live this Sunday, September 12th, at 9/8 CST and I can't wait to take in all the fashion, music and great performances! Two of Proactiv's spokespeople, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry, are nominated for awards (Justin for "Best New Artist" for "Baby" and Katy for "Best Pop Video" as well as "Best Female Video" for "California Gurls). So don't forget to cast your vote and tune into the show!

Havaianas Midnight Swim Club

2010-08-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

(Diane von Furstenberg sheer dress/coverup, Cocobelle gladiator sandals, Lyric Culture bracelets, Elliot Lucca purse, F21 hoop earrings, Tyrant Collection nameplate necklace)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

The best kind of party is the secret kind, the kind no one knows about... so when I got an exclusive invite to the Havaianas Midnight Swim Club party (their third and last for the summer) at a private Hancock Park residence, I jumped at the chance to mingle with all the beautiful people.

The party, needless to say, was a blast. Catharine (my talented blog photographer), Jamie (my friend & PR guru with her own fab blog) and I goofed around in the photo booth, noshed on Fat Burger cheeseburgers and Crumbs cupcakes and watched as scantily clad model types frolicked in the pool. And when we left, we took home a pair of personalized and bedazzled Havaianas flip flops. It was a good night. Thank you, Havaianas!

The 4th Annual Enzoani Fashion Event

2010-08-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Vincent Lim.

From the moment I stepped into the bright, polished lobby of the JW Marriot Hotel at L.A. Live for the 4th annual Enzoani Fashion Event, I knew I was in for a treat. And I was so right.

Anyone can scrape together a party, but the folks at Enzoani know how to throw a bash in style. To celebrate the unveiling of their 2011 Enzoani collections, including Blue by Enzoani, LOVE collection and Bridal collection, as well as the North American debut of their Holland bridal line Modeca, hundreds of retailers, media and celebrities gathered for a formal dinner and runway show. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the star-studded affair (actresses like Garcelle Beauvais, Charlotte Ross and Ming-Na Wen were in attendance) where I sipped on lemonade raspberry martinis and noshed on filet mignon and a tiramisu chocolate bomb that was...well, the bomb.

Photos courtesy of Enzoani.

And then there were the clothes. Dozens of exquisite, beautifully crafted, European-inspired dresses parading down the runway one after the other for a total of 78 looks. I didn't dare blink for fear of missing a moment of the show. It's no wonder that Enzoani is one of the most respected brands in bridal fashion. I adored their vibrant colors and attention to detail, from the ladylike pockets on a one-shoulder cocktail number to the intricate beaded sash on a flowing purple dress.

Clearly, the geniuses behind Enzoani have also mastered the art of fit; one of my pet peeves when trying on formal gowns is that my shape gets lost in all the fabric and embellishment. Not so with Enzoani. Each dress is flattering, carefully designed to accentuate its wearer's natural waist and mold to curves perfectly. The result? The kind of gloriously feminine, sophisticated evening attire that every woman needs in her wardrobe for that cocktail party or wedding just around the corner.

Little Black Dress Experiment Tours America

2010-08-21T01:19:00.000-07:00

(Gifted Ann Taylor little black dress, Emily Elizabeth whistle necklac e, gifted Tyrant Collection wrap bracelet, gifted Tahitian Jelly Beans by Michele gold plate black watch, Obscured Couture nerd glasses, Kimberly Baker Roxanne earrings, J. Crew studded belt, vintage yellow jacket, Tory Burch peep-toe boots, Gucci bag)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

I was so honored when the lovely Valerie Elizabeth, one of my fellow contestants in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest, contacted me about participating in her Society Stylist "Little Black Dress Experiment" Tours America project. 31 bloggers across the nation were asked to style the same, classic little black dress from Ann Taylor, and you can check out the inspiring results here, including my own entry as the 21st blogger:

I'm Tiffany Tse from StyleSophisticate.net at one of my favorite buildings in the world - the soaring Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. As an entertainment reporter, I rarely have to dress formally for work, so Ann Taylor's little black dress is definitely one of the few professional outfits in my closet! That's why I wanted to inject this classic LBD with a bit of my colorful and whimsical sense of style, starting by layering a sunshine yellow jacket over it. This fall, I'm all about chunky, standout accessories, like a beautiful black and gold watch from one of our sponsors, Michele, and a pair of geek chic classes. Whether I'm working on the red carpet or meeting friends for after work drinks, I know this outfit will keep me looking polished and sophisticated without losing my sense of youthful fun!

Blogger Bio:
Tiffany Tse is a San Diego native with two great passions - writing and fashion. After graduating with degrees in English and Literary Journalism, she taught English in Japan for one year, then returned to California to pursue a writing career. She currently resides in Los Angeles, where she works as a staff writer and fashion editor for two major tween/teen publications, Tiger Beat and BOP magazines. She also serves as the curator of her personal style blog, StyleSophisticate.net, which is well-known for Tiffany's jumping shots. Her blog was a finalist in the America's Most Stylish Blogger competition and was featured in the Los Angeles Times, FabSugar.com, Glendale News-Press and more. Tiffany spends her weekends chasing after food trucks and scouring her city for style inspiration. You'll most likely find her at the Venice Beach boardwalk at sunset, sporting vibrant purple oxfords and giant earrings with a dripping ice cream cone in hand.

To all my Style Sophisticate readers, get 20% off the Ann Taylor dress here!

Winter Kate

2010-08-09T21:44:00.000-07:00

(Winter Kate by Nicole Richie cardigan, Low Luv x Erin Wasson cross necklace, TNA tee, F21 shorts, Gap belt, Tyrant Collection wrap bracelet, Kimski rings, earrings from Japan, Aldo boots)

Photos by Max Bronner.

Lately, I've almost been embarrassed to go to work because chances are, I'm wearing this Winter Kate by Nicole Richie Jasmine cardigan. The breezy silk wrap with its feathery print embodies all I desire in a summer wardrobe - flimsy, unstructured pieces that keep you fashionably cool in the heat. I tend to toss it over every outfit, whether it's a tee-and-shorts combo or summery dress, for an instant style boost.

Also, check back here on Saturday for a brand new post as part of Society Stylist's "Little Black Dress Experiment" Tours America. I'll be representing my current hometown, Los Angeles, of course!

YOUTHskin/care: My at-home spa experience

2010-08-02T21:50:00.000-07:00

(Photo courtesy of YOUTHskin/care)

One of my biggest guilty pleasures is enjoying a bath at the end of a tough week, complete with flickering candles and a really good book. So when Mike Gyulai sent me samples from his new natural beauty brand YOUTHskin/care (created with his good friend Kendra Marie Studdert), I couldn't wait to try them out! At the moment, YOUTHskin/care carries three products with a straightforward message - no confusing chemical components but just simple, high quality, natural ingredients for youthful and beautiful skin:

1. The lavender epsom/dead sea salt body soak draws out your body's toxins and melts away all your aches and pains. Perfect for de-stressing.
2. I fell in love with the sugar/jojoba oil body scrub, a wonderfully exfoliating scrub with an intense Italian blood orange scent. After a quick rub, my skin seriously felt like butter and smelled deliciously refreshing and citrusy.
3. The organic bergamot body wash, which hydrates and soothes the skin, was pure bliss. I felt so pampered after the whole experience; it was as if I'd just bought myself a spa treatment!

To top it all off, I happen to love detail-oriented brands that pay attention to packaging. YOUTHskin/care's sleek, amber bottles and modern black-and-white labels completely mesh with my personal style aesthetic (and look very nice lined up on the side of my bathtub). Apparently, their sophisticated packaging is also designed to help preserve ingredients from sunlight oxidation and deterioration. Functional and stylish? You can't get more beautiful than that.

A penny for your thoughts

2010-08-02T20:59:00.000-07:00

Some of the most treasured items in my closet were eBay auction purchases (I had to put a stop to my eBay addiction last year), but my friend and fellow blogger Jamie recently introduced me to the whole new world of penny auction bidding. BidCactus.com, the largest penny auction website, allows bidders to purchase items of high value (we're talking gift cards, computers, televisions and other electronics) at a deep discount. It's also a competitive shopping experience, so if you've got a competitive streak (like I do), you'll definitely find penny auctions wildly entertaining. How does it work? You start off by buying credits, then place bids on items you want. Each time you bid on the item, one bid is deducted from your account and the price of the item increases - but only by 1 cent!

Sound fun? Head to BidCactus.com and try it out for yourself. After all, can you ever have too many Target gift cards?

To be a Tyrant

2010-07-07T22:46:00.000-07:00

(Farahbella dress from Pixie Market, F21 tights & flower ring & hoops, Zara belt, Wilfred blazer, GUESS? boots, personalized Tyrant nameplate necklace, Tyrant 5 chain fringe bracelet, Tyrant leather charm wrap bracelet, Kimski chain purse, ObscuredCouture rhinestone-studded glasses)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

As a fashion blogger, I've been very, very lucky to come across some amazing individuals. Two of them include Ty and Brandon, the creative geniuses behind Tyrant Collection . They were kind enough to craft one of their signature nameplate necklaces for me. I love the modern simplicity of the design - a sleek, sterling silver rectangle with my name etched in capitals on the front. Their butter-soft braided leather bracelet with its dangling charms (a skull, a crown, a wing and more), which I wear wrapped around my wrist four times, has also become my talisman recently. Each hand forged Tyrant piece feels personalized and incredibly special. The proof lies in the fact that every single time I wear their jewelry, no matter where I go, people fall in love with it.

Prtty Peaushun: A girl's secret weapon

2010-07-02T19:07:00.001-07:00

Every summer, I go on a mini health kick - working out at the gym, hiking on weekends, trying (often failing) to resist my favorite treats. Despite these efforts, I don't mind a little help every now and then! That's why I was so excited to receive a sample of Prtty Peaushun Skin Tight body lotion.

Created by makeup artist Bethany Karlyn, who has used the same formula on her celebrity clients for years, the lotion contains subtle light-reflecting particles to give skin a shimmery glow, even out skin tone and enhance muscle tone. The lotion is made of natural plant extracts and delicious-sounding ingredients like jojoba gel, pomelo wax, avocado oil and green tea extract. After smoothing it onto my calves, I instantly noticed a difference - the lotion seemed to infuse my skin with a radiant, totally flattering sheen. The proof? When I recently sashayed into a party sporting denim shorts and Prtty Peaushun-enhanced stems, my friend asked, "Have you been doing yoga or something?" Well, yes, but thanks to Prtty Peaushun, I've got a secret weapon in the bag.

Poetically

2010-06-21T22:37:00.000-07:00

(Avant poet sleeve blouse from Nasty Gal, borrowed Emily Elizabeth Itsy Bitsy spider necklace, Zara pants, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, L.A.M.B. clutch purse, J.Crew bracelet, Isharya earrings, vintage Ferragamo leather gloves - thanks Mom!, F21 glasses)

Photos by Catharine Acurso.

I should have posted this look a while ago, as I wore it on Mother's Day to brunch at Bottega Louie in downtown, but better late than never! What I love most about the outfit is the blouse, with its huge, exaggerated sleeves and cascade of dramatic ruffles down the front. This was also the perfect opportunity to wear my high-waist Zara trousers. Now that summer's here in Los Angeles, I'll have to retire both the blouse - it feels heavy after a few hours! - and most likely the pants, but I'm excited to bring my ripped shorts, light-as-air tanks and floppy hats out from storage.

Soldiering on

2010-05-17T14:24:00.000-07:00

(vintage Chanel bag, American Apparel mini skirt, See by Chloe plaid top, TNA tee, Alex & Chloe sword necklace, F21 earrings, Kenneth Cole boots, Zara jacket)

(Photos by Catharine Acurso)

I bought this green army jacket from Zara years ago, so I'm thrilled that military-inspired jackets are one of this season's must-have items. This jacket has always served as a versatile layering piece for me; I've thrown it on over floral frocks, skinny jeans and tees, even little cocktail numbers when I want to dress things down. But for a cool day in Los Angeles, there's no outfit more effortlessly comfortable than this jacket layered over soft cotton basics with a hint of red plaid.

FabTV Feature: Sequins!

2010-05-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

(Gryphon sequin tee, J Brand jeans, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Gap belt, Elliot Lucca purse, F21 elephant necklace, Fallon cuff, vintage snake ring, Kimski gator & watch ring)

I recently had the incredible honor of being a part of this FabTV segment, Fashion Flipbook: Sequins Street Style Look of the Day. As I'm a huge fan of FabSugar (and PopSugar, and every other Sugar), I was delighted when I was asked to style and model my own take on sequins alongside the other two fashionistas in the video! Please check it out!

Photos by: Catharine Acurso.

Check out my first ever video interviews!

2010-04-13T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! So this week hasn't been off to a great start. Not only did my computer (AKA my life!) crash because of an evil virus, I'm also dealing with a bout of laryngitis. This is the first time ever I've completely lost my voice, and it's not fun - especially not when you're trying to fix your computer! I had to buy an external hard drive to back up my files, and headed to Best Buy bearing this note:

I've only got the computer I'm using now for a few minutes, so I wanted to quickly post two recent video interviews - Style Sophisticate's first ever! The interviews were totally spontaneous and done on the spot, so please bear in mind when you watch!

First up is my exclusive interview with YouTube singer Danelle Sandoval. She's one of the fabulous interns where I work, and we were both at a photo shoot when I discovered that she's a talented singer with thousands of YouTube followers! When we had a little downtime, I decided to conduct an impromptu interview about Danelle's personal style as she always shows up to work in the cutest outfits.

Next is my exclusive interview with fellow Los Angeles-based fashion blogger and personal good friend of mine, Patty Ann from Alpha Beta Chic. We were enjoying tea lattes at Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills, and after raving over her outfit that day (I fell in love with her red jacket from H&M's Garden Collection), we did a mini interview right across the street at Kitson!

Hope you enjoy!

If I ever feel better

2010-03-24T23:47:00.000-07:00

(Banana Republic trench, Free People tutu skirt, DAVIS by Ruthie Davis shoes, TNA tee, J.Crew socks & necklace, vintage earrings)

When I first spotted this tiered mesh tutu at the Free People store, I gravitated towards the hot pink immediately. A pink tutu skirt is probably not high on anyone's practical shopping list... except for mine! Thank goodness my workplace allows me to wear pretty much anything I want.

The skirt is everything I look for in a standout piece - it's obnoxiously bright, frilly, feminine and just a little too much. To temper its girliness, I paired it with a white tee, trench coat and a layered necklace of faux pearls and rhinestones. And I couldn't resist topping it all off with my DAVIS by Ruthie Davis booties. They're my favorite shoes of the moment, oozing sleek minimalism with perforated patent leather, mirrored chrome heels, a modern shape and rounded toe.

If you have a minute, please vote for my outfit in the H&M Style Eye contest - and feel free to upload your own look as the deadline isn't until March 30th. The prize sounds pretty sweet: 3 winners are flown to NYC, given a $500 H&M shopping spree and featured in a Lucky magazine spread! I've also been busy attending Los Angeles Fashion Week events and meeting dozens of amazing Los Angeles-based bloggers, so stay tuned for updates on the shows and parties.

Photos by the enormously talented Catharine Acurso.

Tartan & coffee

2010-02-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

(TNA tee, Wilfred pants, F21 blanket/poncho, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Fallon earrings, Aldo motorcycle gloves, Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet cuff bracelet, Alex & Chloe sword necklace, vintage Chanel purse, CoverGirl Outlast Lipstain in Berry Smooch)

This bright tartan poncho/blanket is one of my favorite Christmas presents, from my dear coworker Sara who knew I had wanted it for weeks! Not only is it disgustingly comfortable (as in, I've worn it way too many times), but draped over a plain tee or shirt, the poncho's in-your-face color and pattern elevates any outfit. I posted a bunch of outfit photos this time around to do justice to my photographer, Catharine Acurso, who is young, amazing and talented beyond her years. Her work is just inspiring and I'm so lucky to be one of her subjects!

On another note, as a Lucky Alpha Shopper, I recently got to try CoverGirl's Outlast Lipstain in Berry Smooch - and now I'm hooked on it! I'm not a fan of sticky lipsticks, and usually just opt for a clear gloss, but this lipstain went on sheer and pretty. Aside from its flattering, dusky pink hue, I love the marker-like applicator which makes it easy to put on for clueless makeup beginners like myself.

And we'll all float on

2010-02-17T20:15:00.000-08:00

(Club Monaco sweater, Corpus skirt, Kenneth Cole boots, Club Monaco jacket, UO tights)
Photos by Vincent Lim.

Life never slows down! I've wanted to update for so long, and this is literally the first free evening I've had in ages. I've only had a few minutes here and there to look at everyone else's blogs and keep up with all the New York Fashion Week news - runway collections look amazing! - but I hope you are all doing well! I'm posting an outfit featuring one of my favorite mini skirts by Corpus. I love the exposed side zipper, the tulip hemline, the plaid pattern. I bought the Club Monaco sweater last year; the crest vaguely reminded me of Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf - speaking of which, I am thrilled the show is coming back in March. It'll make Mondays tolerable.

A couple months back, I was invited to the one year anniversary party at House of Love & Luck, an amazing boutique on La Cienega that sells vintage and reworked vintage jewelry culled from markets and estate sales all over the world. Their selection is truly extraordinary. My absolute favorite has got to be the snake collar necklace in the third photograph. Definitely check out House of Love & Luck if you're in Los Angeles and on the hunt for a unique piece of statement jewelry!

PH8 party

2010-01-31T21:19:00.000-08:00

(PH8 jacket/dress, F21 tights, Kenneth Cole boots)

Checking out all the new clothes at the PH8 store in Beverly Center made me want to run to the nearest gym and sign up for a membership. Almost.

I headed over to PH8 yesterday to attend their in-store party, where they were offering refreshments (mm...Godiva chocolate), free gifts with purchase and a tantalizing 25% off everything in the store. After hauling tons of stuff into the dressing room and spending way too long in there, I wanted to live in their sexy, flattering workout gear - stretchy, tight pants, little shorts at just the right length, sleek reversible jackets in colors like neon yellow and hot pink. What I love about the clothes is that every single piece is so versatile; I can easily see myself wearing the same jacket to the gym and out to dinner. Everything is functional yet trendy, sporty yet glam, ideal for the woman with an active lifestyle. I particularly fell in love with this zip front dress/jacket with side ruching detail (above in gray). Perfect incentive to work out!

Ninja in red tights

2010-01-28T19:06:00.000-08:00

(F21 tunic layered over PH8 long-sleeved mini dress, F21 tights, Jeffrey Campbell boots)

This Forever 21 tunic with military-inspired buttons is one of my favorite budget pieces. I am so in love with anything remotely military-inspired at the moment, so as soon as I spotted this short tunic with the gold buttons, I was sold!

This Saturday, I'll be live Tweeting (you can follow me here) and later blogging about a very fun event - the PH8 "New Year. New You. New Us" party. If you live near a PH8 store, be sure to check it out and take advantage of the 25% off promotion going on that day!

Photos taken by Vincent Lim.

According to you

2010-01-18T20:46:00.000-08:00

(PH8 sequin jumper, Jeffrey Campbell wedges, Nine West belt, vintage purse, F21 earrings, vintage cuff)

It was love at first sight when I first laid eyes on this black sequin jumpsuit at PH8. But after Christmas shopping for my family and friends (and er, myself) last month, I decided not to indulge. Last week, however, I spotted one deeply discounted jumpsuit in my size on the rack - the last in the store! - and quickly scooped it up. The jumpsuit, with the harem pants and allover dazzle, is a little bit outrageous and so much fun to wear! I lost count of the many curious looks I got when I headed out in this outfit. The best part? It was truly comfortable. I felt like I was wearing pajamas, albeit very sparkly ones!

Photos taken by my talented bro in law Vincent Lim.

Down to Urth

2010-01-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

(Free People dress, J.Crew socks, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Fallon bracelet, F21 necklaces, Alice + Olivia cuff, MM Couture by Miss Me blazer)

A night at the He-Man art show at Gallery 1988, then Urth Caffe in Beverly Hills. Urth is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles for a late night bite; I never tire of their desserts, particularly the pistachio tart and deep dish blueberry pie, and tea lattes.

I've been wearing this comfortable floral dress all week, even to a recent work event where I got to mingle with the cast of Glee. I'm a tad obsessed with the show so I simply had to post pictures of the talented Lea Michele (wearing Isaac Mizrahi) who plays Rachel Berry and the brilliant Jane Lynch who plays Sue Sylvester. The entire cast was so humble, kind and unbelievably down to earth despite the huge success of their show. Is anyone else out there a Gleek? :) Unfortunately, I don't have a jumping shot in this outfit (didn't want to disrupt the art show!) but hopefully the beautiful Lea Michele will make up for it!

Most photos were taken by the very talented Henry Bow and Vincent Chan! Thank you!

Happy new year!

2010-01-04T20:49:00.000-08:00

(PH8 ballet neck top, coincidence & chance skirt, Kitson hoops, F21 tights, Kenneth Cole boots, blazer from Japan, vintage pins, Marc by Marc Jacobs purse)

To all my dear readers and fellow bloggers, I wish you a happy new year and hope 2010 will be good to all of us. I apologize for being so absent from the blogosphere lately. In between the craze of the holidays and a very full plate at work, I've also been dealing with personal issues. It was a rocky 2009 with many ups and downs, but certainly one of the best parts of the year was watching my blog grow bit by bit, participating in America's Most Stylish Blogger and discovering so many fashion bloggers who are beautiful, talented and brimming with style. That means you! :)

On a less serious note, I recently visited one of my favorite places, Extraordinary Desserts, in my hometown San Diego. They have this lovely gate-like structure in front, a pretty, organic framework that I've always liked, and serve up the most amazing sweet creations. I wore one of my current obsessions - a stretchy, incredibly comfortable ballet neck top by PH8. I love the low scoop back and cream-and-black stripes! It was a little Christmas present I bought for myself while shopping for my sister's gifts... was anyone else guilty of that?

Style Sophisticate's Reader Giveaway: Win A Scrunchy Cashmere Scarf!

2009-12-09T00:39:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to the FOUR wonderful bloggers who scored the PH8 jacket! Please check out the winners' blogs at Breakfast at Saks, Thumbelina Fashionista, Alpha Beta Chic, and Glitteryeyesxx. Thank you so much to all my readers who entered! If only I had a jacket to give to each one of you!

Today I have an amazing giveaway courtesy of Nepali by TDM Designs. If you haven't heard of the brand, sold at Shopbop.com, Saks, Bloomingdale's and more, you will! Designers Michelle Baldwin and Michelle Taylor-Spearman work with over 125 female artisans in Nepal to create beautiful, luxurious scarves. The line offers Nepalese women an opportunity to earn an income and contribute financially to their society; profits also support Nepalese women and children with health care and education.

Now Nepali by TDM Design has kindly offered one of their bestselling scarves for one Style Sophisticate reader! Made of 100% cashmere and available in an assortment of colors, the Scrunchy Cashmere Scarf is one of my favorites on their site. I'm definitely partial to the golden poppy color (pictured above)!

To enter to WIN, all you need to do is...

1) Follow my blog & add my site to your blog roll (http://www.stylesophisticate.net).
2) Leave me a comment on this post & make sure there's a way for me to contact you if you're the winner!
3) Get an extra entry for posting about the contest on your blog!

The winner will be chosen randomly and the deadline for the contest is 12/27/09! This contest is only open to readers in the US and Canada (apologies to my sweet international bloggers)! Good luck, everyone!

Comic books

2009-12-07T20:31:00.000-08:00

I'm posting about this a little late but the Glendale News-Press and Burbank Leader newspapers were kind enough to interview me for my participation in America's Most Stylish Blogger. They sent a photographer, Scott Smeltzer, over to my place for a mini shoot and below are some behind the scenes shots. I don't have my hands on any of his pictures yet but he was so much fun to work with, as was Zain Shauk who interviewed me and wrote up the article. Thank you so much to both Zain and Scott for everything! Check out the Q & A here.

(PH8 funnel neck dress worn as jacket, BDG silk shirt, Pleasure Doing Business skirt, Forever 21 red tights, Kenneth Cole boots, J. Crew necklace)

Last Friday, my good friend Henry Bow (whom I call Bow Bow, much to his dismay) invited me to meet Mike Mignola, a renowned comic book artist and author. Henry's a wonderful photographer and took some quick shots of me while we browsed the cool comic book store The Secret Headquarters in Silver Lake. Thank you, Bow Bow!

(Banana Republic trench, Goodie Two Sleeves tee, American Apparel mini, Nine West boots)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is enjoying the holiday season! Since it's been rainy and cold in Los Angeles the past few days, I've been taking full advantage and wearing my thick coats, scarves and boots!

Clothespin by Gale Parker

2009-12-01T00:14:00.000-08:00

I'm a little late in posting this, but a couple weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Gale Parker's new store Clothespin on Melrose Avenue. Gale Parker is known for serving as a model and muse to greats like Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent (a portrait of a young Gale by Andy Warhol is displayed in the store), as well as being a former fashion editor at Vogue. Clothespin is her first boutique and offers one of a kind, printed dresses, blouses and skirts. Her stuff is amazing... all flowy, easy, carefree pieces made with vintage fabric and buttons. Possibly the greatest thing of all is that Gale and her team offer custom-made dresses (you can choose from hundreds of unique fabrics) and are even willing to design a new piece from a customer's old fabric or dress.

I was also so fortunate to meet Patricia Ziegler (pictured above), one of the founders of Banana Republic, at the party. I told her how I used to work at the store as a college student! Patricia was incredibly fascinating, compassionate and down to earth, and shared some of words of wisdom with me.

If you're in the Los Angeles area, please go visit Clothespin! It's worth the trip just to enjoy the inviting, whimsical ambiance of the store, decorated with tokens from Gale's past, shabby chic furniture, flowers and old-fashioned suitcases.

Reminder: One week left to enter the PH8 giveaway!

2009-11-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

There's one more week left to enter the PH8 giveaway! Thank you so much to those who've already entered. Remember: there are FOUR winners so more chances of winning!

Click here to enter!

Quick rundown of the rules:
1) Make sure to follow my blog!
2) Leave me a comment telling me your first name and making sure there's a way for me to contact you if you're one of the FOUR winners!
3) Brownie points for voting for me in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest! You can vote once a day!

Contest ends on 12/2/09 and is open to my readers in the US and Canada!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #5: Tie-dye leggings

2009-11-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

For our last challenge item, Bluefly.com sent each blogger charcoal tie-dye stretch leggings by Plan B. I don’t own anything like them in my closet, so the leggings were both a pleasant surprise and a bit of a challenge! With their tapered leg and contemporary fit, they turned out to be comfortable and fun to wear.

To allow the tie-dye leggings to take center stage, I made sure the other elements in my outfit were basic black. I layered a cropped leather jacket over a plain silk tee, then tucked it into a drapey wrap skirt. I picked out a few strong accessories to complete the look, including a pair of studded boots, a studded belt and a silver statement necklace. Against the solid black pieces, the unique pattern of the leggings is an unexpectedly chic twist!

I think the final look is young and experimental, giving off a N.Y. meets L.A. vibe. While the silver studs and tie-dye are fun, trendy details, the outfit is still sleek and polished. This is something I’d change into after work on Friday, an outfit for a spontaneous evening when you don’t have any plans except to have a fun time.

Please don’t forget to visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com to vote for this outfit on America’s Most Stylish Blogger! I can't believe this is already the last challenge. I owe Bluefly and StyleList a huge thank you for allowing me to a part of this competition, and I'm so grateful to my readers and supporters who continue to vote for me and leave so many sweet messages!

Congratulations & NEW PH8 Reader Giveaway (FOUR winners)!

2009-11-17T23:52:00.000-08:00

(Photo Credit: PH8)

First of all, congratulations to the beautiful Andy of Style Scrapbook for winning the Wildfox Couture tee contest! I'm such a fan of her blog and her amazing style, so it's an honor to announce her as the winner of my first giveaway! I wish I had enough tees to give to EVERYONE who entered--you all deserve it, without a doubt--but to make up for that, here's a brand new contest with FOUR winners!

I'm happy to announce Style Sophisticate's second reader giveaway with Bebe's new concept store PH8, which I blogged about earlier! To celebrate the launch of the store, PH8 and Style Sophisticate are giving away FOUR Taffeta Shawl Collar Jackets (pictured on model above) which retail for $89 each! I'm having a little love affair with PH8 at the moment; the idea of sporty-yet-sophisticated pieces is hugely appealing to me! Below are the contest rules:

To enter to WIN, all you need to do is...

1) Follow my blog!
2) Leave me a comment telling me your first name! Make sure there's a way for me to contact you if you're one of the winners!
3) Brownie points for voting for me in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest! :) You can vote once a day!

The winner will be chosen randomly and the deadline for the contest is 12/2/09! This contest is only open to my readers in the US and Canada (so sorry to all my lovely international bloggers, but next time, I promise)! Good luck, everyone! Remember, there are FOUR winners! Thank you so much again for visiting my site, leaving me comments and just making fashion so fun for me! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #4: The plaid shirt

2009-11-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Although plaid shirts are enjoying a wave of popularity right now, I rarely wear them, mainly because I’ve yet to find one that I absolutely love. That was before Bluefly.com shipped each of us this Priorities plaid shirt in my favorite color—red! This was no ordinary plaid shirt. In soft, almost flannel-like cotton, the shirt features girly ruffle details and a very distinct pattern. It was plaid love at first sight!

Immediately, the shirt evoked to me images of the English countryside (the truth is I’ve only ever visited London, but hey, that’s what imaginations are for!). I wanted to do a modern take on that look, so I buttoned up a brown tweed vest over the shirt and pulled on a pair of dark jeans, then added a belt and boots to tie it all together. The outfit is a classic, comfortable look, but still very fresh and contemporary. I can easily see myself wearing this indoors, curled up by the fireplace on a cold day, or out on a Saturday afternoon Christmas shopping with the girls. And maybe—just maybe!—one day I’ll really have a chance to wear it in the English countryside!

Please visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com where you can find out more and watch this week's guest judge weigh in on our outfits! And to my all old and new readers, thank you so much for supporting me in America’s Most Stylish Blogger and for all the kind comments! I will make sure to respond to each and every single one!

"It must be PH8!"

2009-11-13T23:33:00.000-08:00

(Photos courtesy of PH8)

On Saturday, November 14, I'm attending the grand opening of PH8 (pronounced 'fate') at one of their Los Angeles stores. They're hosting in-store events all over the country in cities including San Francisco, New York City, Dallas and more, so check out their website to see if there's one near you. PH8 is Bebe's newly launched retail concept replacing BEBESPORT stores throughout the US and Canada. After looking over their selection of clothes, I'm impressed. The collection is composed of effortlessly sexy, streamlined pieces that easily take you from the gym to a lunch date to a night out--modern sportswear designed for stylish women on the go. I can't wait to attend the grand opening tomorrow and will be sure to post pictures!

I also have an exciting PH8 giveaway coming up, so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime, please don't forget to enter the Wildfox Couture giveaway with Shop Moderne which ends THIS Sunday. Love you all and hope you have a wonderful weekend!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #3: The mini skirt

2009-11-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

(All photographs by the amazingly talented John Erick Pabalan)

No color really speaks to me more than a lovely shade of pink. There's something so fun and deliciously girly about it, so I was delighted to find that Bluefly.com had sent over a Necessary Objects mini pencil skirt in just that color!

I scoured my closet for pieces that would balance out the va-va-voom vibe of the fitted, slip-on skirt. To put a modern twist on a classic look, I first chose a feminine cream blouse with a few cascading ruffles, then a short-sleeve collarless jacket with large gold buttons. Accessories, like black pointelle tights, simple lace-up oxford heels and an embellished cuff, completed the outfit.

I wanted to portray a look that was polished enough for work at a hip, young office, yet still downtown chic for grabbing after hours drinks with a friend. As any urban professional will tell you, comfortable pieces that can make a seamless transition from day to night are treasured finds! This Necessary Objects mini skirt, made of a soft stretchy poly knit, is definitely one of them and should be a staple in any working girl’s wardrobe.

Please visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com to vote for this outfit on America’s Most Stylish Blogger! To all my wonderful readers and friends who have shown me so much support, I can't thank you enough and love every single one of you!

Reminder: One week left to enter the Wildfox Couture giveaway!

2009-11-08T00:17:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder that there's one more week to enter the Wildfox Couture giveaway with Shop Moderne! Thank you so much to those who've already entered!

Click here to enter!

Quick rundown of the rules!
1) Follow my blog!
2) Leave me a comment telling me your first name and your sign.
3) Brownie points for letting me know if you're anything like your sign!
4) Finally, I'd love your continued support in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest, so please keep voting for me! :) You can vote once a day!

Contest ends on 11/15/09 and is open to international readers as well!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #2: Studded ankle boots

2009-11-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

When I tore open the box from Bluefly.com and uncovered a gorgeous pair of suede studded ankle boots as our second challenge item, I was breathless with excitement! After all, it’s not every day you receive gorgeous Prada boots in the mail! The shoes’ ash gray color, rounded toe and serious sparkle factor were just screaming for a good party outfit, and I wasn’t about to deny them some fun.

I threw on a slinky, one shoulder mini dress in rich eggplant purple, one of my favorite fall colors, then added a gray faux fur vest to complement the boots. Several chunky pieces of jewelry—a huge gator ring, spike bracelet, rhinestone earrings and necklace—offered just the right amount of dazzle to my I-just-partied-with-the-band look. I love the idea of combining studs, fur and rhinestones—a fusion of edgy yet luxe details, very appropriate for fall 2009!

Each piece in the outfit is sophisticated and mature, yet still manages to retain a fun, youthful edge, perfect for that on-the-go girl in her twenties living it up in the big city! The studded boots take her from the office to the concert to the afterparty and then…to wherever else the night will take her!

If you like my take on the boots, please make sure to visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com to vote for this outfit on America’s Most Stylish Blogger! Remember: you can vote once a day and each time you do, you'll be entered to win a $1,000 shopping spree from Bluefly! A big thank you and hugs to all my readers for their kind words and support!

Style Sophisticate's First Reader Giveaway: Win a Wildfox Couture tee!

2009-10-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! To thank all my readers, both old and new, for their support of me in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest, I'm thrilled to announce my first reader giveaway courtesy of Shop Moderne! The site offers the best online price guarantee to ensure you're getting a great deal and carries brands ranging from Degaine to Yumi Kim. You can follow them via Twitter: @lovemoderne!

Shop Moderne and Style Sophisticate are giving away ONE Wildfox Couture's "Nobody's Perfect" astrology tee which retails for $64! The unisex, one-size-fits-all shirt is made of soft, 100% cotton jersey and features an astrological sign along with a word or cheeky phrase describing its darker side. I'm a Virgo and mine says "Perfectionist," which is most definitely me!

To enter to WIN, all you need to do is...

1) Follow my blog!
2) Leave me a comment telling me your first name and your sign. If you win, we'll send you the tee with your specified sign on it!
3) I'd love to find out more about my readers, so brownie points for letting me know if you're anything like your sign!
4) Finally, I'd love your continued support in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest, so please keep voting for me! :) You can vote once a day!

The winner will be chosen randomly and the deadline for the contest is 11/15/09! I'm also happy to add that this is open to my international readers as well! Good luck, everyone! Thank you so much again for visiting my site, leaving comments, voting for me in the contest and simply allowing me to be a part of our fab online fashion community!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone enjoys a fun and safe Halloween tomorrow! Halloween is definitely one of my favorite days of the year, especially since I'm lucky enough to work at an office where we all get into the spirit and dress up! We definitely receive some strange stares in the elevator, though!

I also wanted to give a BIG, heartfelt thank you to all my family, friends and fellow bloggers who voted for me this first week in the America's Most Stylish Blogger contest! Your support means so much to me, and I'm so grateful to have such amazing people in my life! I also have a cool blog contest coming up for all my wonderful readers, so make sure to check it out!

Happy Halloween!

America's Most Stylish Blogger Week #1: The boyfriend vest

2009-10-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Usually a boyfriend shirt or blazer or, in this case, vest translates into a laidback “I-just-grabbed-this-on-my-way-out-of-the-bf’s-apartment” vibe, but when I lifted the Priorities navy boyfriend vest out of the Bluefly.com box, I knew I wanted to dress it up. Los Angeles’s slightly cool fall weather called for a mustard yellow tweed skirt, ankle lace-up boots and just one extra delicious, over the top detail—a cascade of silk organza ivory ruffles.

The menswear-inspired Priorities vest is an incredibly versatile layering piece. Made of stretch gabardine, its lightweight enough for the warmer months, but perfect right now for pairing with fall-friendly fabrics. I added vintage pins on the lapel for a bit of sparkle, then tossed on a skinny belt for ladylike flair. The finishing touch? A pair of geek chic frames! An avid reader since the age of four, I used to wear thick glasses everywhere (very likely a result of reading under the covers way past my bedtime), but I’ve avoided them since the introduction of contact lenses. However, I wanted to embrace my inner bookworm with this look. Because hey, even four-eyed brainiacs can be geniuses in style, too!

Visit StyleList.com and Bluefly.com to vote for this bookworm as America’s Most Stylish Blogger!

And as a bonus for my dear blog readers, I had so much fun playing with this vest that I tossed it together with a few other outfits. I just couldn't help myself! Take a peek and tell me which one you liked best!

America's Most Stylish Blogger!

2009-10-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here is the exciting news I've been waiting to tell my dear readers, since it's largely because of YOU all that I get to be a part of this amazing opportunity! StyleList and Bluefly selected 8 finalists for their America's Most Stylish Blogger competition, and I'm beyond honored to be one of them! Every week for 5 weeks, each of us will receive a mystery item from Bluefly.com, which we will incorporate into a head-to-toe stylish outfit, then photograph and submit for voting! Beginning next Tuesday, October 27th, you can vote on the blogger who you think styled their piece best, and there's something in it for you too! Voting automatically enters you to win a $1,000 Bluefly shopping spree--and I'd be so thrilled if one of my readers won! The winner of America's Most Stylish Blogger also walks away with a $1,000 Bluefly spree, a weekly column on StyleList, and a blogger store on Bluefly!

Please mark your calendars for next Tuesday and wish me lots of luck!!

Lady leather

2009-10-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

(Camilla and Marc leather dress, Colin Stuart studded boots, vintage cuff and earrings, Bing Bang necklace, sister wearing A Common Thread dress)

Los Angeles Fashion Week has begun and I've been fortunate enough to attend several events and fashion shows! This Camilla and Marc dress is currently serving as my go-to outfit for the next two weeks. Snug and simple with a flattering silhouette, the dress exudes that badass Angelina Jolie vibe from every inch of its leather fabric and is versatile enough to pair with different accessories.

Last weekend, I broke in the dress at the 6th Annual Hollywood Style Awards at the Armand Hammer Museum. I brought along my older sister who is making her second appearance on this site, and we rubbed shoulders with a few celebs at the afterparty, including Pamela Anderson (very gracious, patiently took pictures with fans), Kim Kardashian (sweet, even more beautiful in real life), and Zachary Quinto (pleasant, very tall). There was some amazing fashion showcased among the crowd; one of my favorite outfits was celeb stylist Britt Bardo's black dress with strong shoulders, cinched in with a corset belt. She was there to receive the Star Stylist award, presented by Lauren Conrad (who looked cute and colorful in Mara Hoffman).

Finally, I have some really, really exciting news coming up and I can't wait to share it with you all!!!! I don't want to reveal anything just yet, but you'll find out very soon! Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!

Mirror, mirror on the wall

2009-10-04T22:55:00.000-07:00

(Rojas dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim military jacket, UO lattice boots, vintage Chanel bag, Iosselliani necklace, Alice + Olivia cuff)

Okay, so I'm still not over the military jacket trend. Not only did I wear my favorite 3.1 Phillip Lim jacket over the weekend, but I bought another by Whitley Kros at a stylist's sample sale (army green with large gold buttons)! Thankfully, it seems the trend is here for another season and as the weather cools down, I'll be wearing both often.

Thank you so much to all my lovely blogger friends who have presented me with some very sweet awards! I have not forgotten about them. I've gotten so swamped lately, but I'll get to them as soon as possible!

Business casual

2009-09-28T22:35:00.000-07:00

(Insight dress, Silence + Noise moto vest, vintage Chanel purse, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, Alex & Chloe necklace, Alice + Olivia leather cuff, Tiffany & Co. ring, Kimski gator ring, vintage ring)

One of my coworkers had the idea of starting a mini fashion club at work, and we've come up with designated days when we have to dress according to theme. For example, Mondays are Gossip Girl Mondays. I actually started doing this by myself last fall; in honor of the show's second season, I came to work as Blair Waldorf, decked out in ruffles, tights and a perky headband. Now I look forward to seeing my coworkers dress as Little J or Vanessa! Fridays have been dubbed Fab Fridays, when heels, and of course a fab outfit, are a must. So last Friday, I wore these Jeffrey Campbell platforms to the office and though not as comfortable as my usual workaday flats, they did make the day a bit more interesting.

Fashion clubs--perhaps they're what everyone needs in order to look forward to work in the mornings! That, and some good coffee!

Bing bang birthday

2009-09-20T23:16:00.000-07:00

(Zara shoes, Topshop dress, Bing Bang necklace, vintage cuff)

I was so busy sightseeing and eating my through Paris that I didn't have a chance to take pictures of my birthday dress over there! So here they are... as promised. Thanks so much everyone for your sweet bday wishes and comments!

Even though I was working on my trip, I did manage to slip in some shopping. The black lace dress with shoulder cut outs--purchased after several trips to the Topshop on Oxford Street (I had to go several times; the place is overwhelming!). The Wonder Woman-inspired cuff--found in a vintage store near my hotel in Paris, where I consulted with the shopkeeper about its price using a very handy French phrasebook. And one of the best birthday presents I got this year was the Bing Bang Joan of Arc necklace, a creation of mixed metals like sterling silver, yellow gold, rose gold and brushed brass on a brass chain. All in all, it was a truly wonderful way to spend my 25th birthday. I hope everyone gets to celebrate their birthday in Paris at least once!

J'adore Paris!

2009-09-10T21:37:00.000-07:00

I fell completely in love with Paris--the refinement, the patisseries and boulangeries, the stylish people and flowery language, lovely old buildings, and yes, even the rain, which I find nostalgic and romantic in Paris but simply a bother in Los Angeles! As the days passed on far too quickly, I made sure to jump my way across the city, from one iconic landmark to the next, each one more beautiful, more steeped in history and culture, than the last.

It wasn't hard at all to jump for joy!

Modern English

2009-09-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

After a lovely two weeks full of work, sightseeing and good eating, I'm back in Los Angeles! I'm still struggling to recover from jet lag but wanted to post some pics from London while I had a moment. I was lucky enough to stay at an amazing boutique hotel, the Soho Hotel. Their impeccable attention to detail and individually designed rooms with a modern English vibe won me over immediately. Jason Statham, the actor who starred in The Transporters and Crank, happened to be staying at the hotel too and after getting caught in an elevator with him for 10 minutes (long story!), we snapped a pic with him. Finally, I posted a few photographs from dinner at nearby Inamo, a trendy Japanese fusion restaurant famous for their amazing interactive ordering system!

I missed you all and can't wait to catch up on blog posts and let everyone know how the rest of my trip went!

25 in The City of Lights

2009-08-17T20:06:00.000-07:00

(Alex & Chloe Paris tee, DKNY sneaker heels, Free People necklace, H&M skirt, cuff from Thailand)

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has given me suggestions on where to shop in London and Paris for my upcoming trip! I especially want to thank Haute World for her amazing, comprehensive list of recommendations! I've visited the two beautiful cities in the past as a teenager but in those days, I certainly didn't possess the same appreciation for fashion, food, culture and history that I do now. I'm grateful that my work has given me this thrilling opportunity to revisit Europe... with a more mature perspective of the world!

In anticipation, I've been sporting my Alex & Chloe Paris tee, picking up useful French phrases, and struggling to decide what to pack! As you all know, I've been trying to find the perfect bday dress, but as it turns out--I'll be celebrating my 25th in The City of Lights. I plan on finding The Dress and wearing it that night at some pretty restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower. There's no better place to usher in my quarter life crisis! :)

Europe bound!

2009-07-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

(Rojas jumper, secondhand black tee, Boos and Besito bow necklace, Dolce Vita heels, BR necklace worn as bracelet, Kimski gator ring)

Thank you everyone for the early birthday wishes! I'll be sure to post pics of my bday outfit when the time comes in early September. It's been so hot lately that I busted out my little blue jumper to wear while exploring L.A. one scorching Sunday. Right now though, I need some info on the weather in two faraway cities...London and Paris!!! If any of my fellow bloggers live over there, please let me know what to pack and where to go shopping because I just received some amazing news. Later this month, I'll be visiting London and Paris for eight days for work reasons! Whenever I get a free moment, I know I'll be sneaking over to Topshop to buy clothes or ducking into a boulangerie to snack on pastries. I can hardly believe I'll be traveling to these two fabulous cities in just a few weeks. It's thrilling!

Packing tips! Shopping recommendations! Anything would be appreciated!!

Spotlight On: Savee Couture's gold yellow dress

2009-07-28T23:21:00.000-07:00

In the search for my 25th birthday dress, I came across Savee Couture's slinky gold yellow number. I blogged about their floral mini last year, but this dress stuck out to me because of its glorious amber-yellow hue. I'm a sucker for anything colorful, as you all know (just scroll down!), and I love the challenge of turning a sexy dress into something that's more my style. One of Ashley Olsen's quotes from July 2005 Harper's Bazaar always sticks with me: "If you look at pictures of the two of us walking down the street, you know we're not trying to look like sex symbols. My idea of the highest compliment is 'adorable.'" I totally agree with her!

I'd love to see this dress paired with a cluster of chunky Iosselliani goth-inspired necklaces, cage heels and a dramatic, perfectly tailored blazer. It's difficult to tell in the picture, but there is a gold wire snake twisted around the neckline which lends itself perfectly for that kind of look! How would you style this dress??

Check out more pieces by Savee Couture here!

Summer, so far

2009-07-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

(Rory Beca mini, Zara shoes & blazer, F21 tank, vintage cuff, random sunglasses)

Scoops of banana dulce de leche ice cream. Teeny shredded shorts. Iced Mexican coffee. Seagulls. Baby skunks. Homemade lemonade. Fuschia nail polish. Braided hair. Kumquat mojitos. Neon. Barely there tees. Alfresco dining. White walls. Reality television. Ferris wheels. Overripe mangos. Sweaty knees. Long shadows. Shoulder-baring tanks. Pink sunglasses.

Red, white, and blue

2009-07-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

(Ralph Lauren ruffled top, Levi's shorts, Bonnibel sandals, Alex & Chloe triangle earrings)

I wear red, white, and blue every fourth of July. It's my little patriotic tradition, because I love holidays and the excuse to get dressed up according to a special theme. It's the only July 4th tradition I cherish, as every year finds me in a different place on America's birthday. Last year, I was en route or already in New York City while the year before, I was celebrating from afar in rural Japan, and the year before that, in Los Angeles where we bought sparklers from a street vendor and lit them up at night. This year, I spent the holiday in San Diego, eating barbeque and fresh watermelon right by the beach. Who knows where I'll be next July 4th? I only hope it's someplace exciting, and warm, and maybe even far away... I'll be sure to pack my red, white, and blue before I leave.

Hope everyone had a wonderful (belated) fourth of July!

Nutella lattes and hungry chipmunks

2009-06-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

(blazer from Japan, T by Alexander Wang tank, AA bandeau, F21 skirt & shoes, Perlina bag)

I just spent the weekend in Boston where I had the best clam chowder in the world. I don't know how they cook it differently over there, but those New Englanders really know how to make chowda! Boston was a good change of pace--unhurried traffic, clear air, stately brick buildings, vibrant greenery at every turn. I fed pigeons and chipmunks at Boston Commons, sipped a Nutella latte at an outdoor cafe, and squeezed in some shopping at 344 at the Prudential Center and Pinky Otto on charming Newbury Street. I definitely noticed a preppy vibe oozing from the city's fashionistas, so I jumped at the chance to wear my blazer, tights, and new $6 oxford heels from Forever 21.

Yes, they were really $6!

Jungle gym

2009-06-15T22:55:00.000-07:00

(Monrow tee, Levi's ripped shorts, Silence + Noise vest, Jeffrey Campbell cutout shoes, vintage cuff, Alex & Chloe earrings and necklace, random sunglasses)

Something about this bike rack in the middle of the sidewalk brought out the third grader in me. I was glad I wore something comfortable so I could horse around--a tissue thin T-shirt splattered with neon green artwork, ragged shorts, cutout shoes with low heels and my new favorite sunglasses, the only thing I bought from Vancouver during my work trip. Lately, I've been picking outfits that allow ease and freedom of movement, choosing sandals over platforms and shorts over small skirts. I can't wait for the sun to come back to L.A.; I want to live in shorts this summer and let my skin soak up all the warmth and light while it can.

Speaking of which, I'm on the lookout for a pair of low rise distressed shorts (much like the ones in these photos which are high rise). If you know of a brand of shorts, preferably one easy on my wallet, please let me know and I'll be indebted to you!

White out

2009-06-07T20:57:00.000-07:00

(SteveJ & YoniP top, American Apparel neon bra, Siwy jeans, Dolce Vita shoes)

I've dubbed these jeans my Ashley Tisdale jeans. After doing some photo research for work, I noticed Ashley wearing this ripped white pair a few times... and the more pictures I saw, the more I wanted them (this photo research business is proving dangerous to my bank account). After a quick scan through some of my favorite websites, I found out the maker (Siwy) and bought them, thinking they'd be a great summer staple. They're comfy, stretchy, distressed to just the right degree, and white. I have not worn a pair of white jeans since elementary school so I'm excited to break these in all summer long!

Spotlight On: LaROK suspender shorts

2009-05-31T23:22:00.000-07:00

When summertime approaches (although you'd never know it with this weekend's dismal L.A. weather), I love channeling my inner tomboy. For me, a girl who actually adores dressing up, summer is all about stripping down to the essentials--shorts, sandals, clothes that are comfortable, free and easy. At the same time, I'm a sucker for girly details on all my clothes. That's why I'm completely in love with LaROK's Socialista suspender shorts, which feature a removable ruffled suspender--a clever, feminine twist that keeps the outfit from being too ho-hum. I envision throwing it over a plain white tee, slipping on some wedge sandals, and running out the door in time to soak up all the summer sunshine. Now if only the L.A. weather would start to cooperate...

Check out more pieces by LaROK right here!

There's something about pink shoes...

2009-05-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

(L'Wren Scott matador coat, T by Alexander Wang tank, J.Crew necklace, AA skirt, Zara shoes)

So as you can see, I have a current new obsession: my hot pink shoes. I can't get enough of them. At this rate, they'll fall apart in a few months! But I really think there's something about hot pink shoes that draws people in. While wearing them out and about today, I had inquiries from three young girls working outside a Ruehl store, a 60-year oldish man who stopped me to say "Those are the most beautiful shoes I've seen in a year," and a mother of twins who stopped pushing her baby stroller to ask me where I got them!

Again, I have to thank my lovely friend Marc from Mission to Murse for taking these beautiful pictures! He's a wonderful photographer with an innate talent for taking pictures and endless patience.

Blue tennis court

2009-05-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

(Vintage dress, Silence + Noise leggings, Zara shoes, Badgley Mischka earrings, vintage cuff)

I've been extremely MIA for the past several weeks... but I'm happy to report that I am back! In between work, super early morning workouts at boot camp (just as grueling as you might imagine, yet strangely fun at the same time!), and hosting a string of guests at my apartment, I haven't had time to update or visit everyone else's lovely blogs, so please excuse my brief absence! However, I recently managed to do a mini photoshoot with my friend Marc and here are some of the results of our collaboration!

By the way, I am in love with these hot pink shoes and hot pink in general lately. I've always had a soft spot for that outrageous color but now it's turned into a full-blown obsession!

Denim chambray

2009-05-01T00:14:00.000-07:00

(Nanette Lepore blazer, A|X bubble dress, UO tights, Jeffrey Campbell shoes)

So for those of you who don't know, I'm in Vancouver right now for a work trip! These shots weren't taken in Canada (I'm by myself so there's really no one to take blog pics for me, and it's a shame because the city is so scenic!), but I'm having a blast working and admiring the way Canadian girls dress. The weather couldn't be better--sunny, clear, with a cool breeze--and my hotel has a beautiful view of the marina. The only thing missing is a good chunk of time to shop; our days are so packed that I haven't found the time, except to stop in at Aritzia on Robson Street where I fell dangerously in love with a pair of $310 Ksubi jeans in a lovely, faded blue wash. I'm so into denim chambray right now, like the Nanette Lepore blazer I'm wearing here. It's been my best friend for several weeks and I can't seem to let go of it.

Malibu skies

2009-04-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

(Rojas jumper, Alex & Chloe tee, sandals from Thailand)

Everytime I start craving the hustle and noise of New York City, where I'd originally planned to move instead of Los Angeles, all I have to do is head down to Malibu. There, when I'm inhaling the salty sea breeze and absorbing the sunlight, perhaps idly watching the surfers paddle out or stepping into The Beachcomber for clam chowder, it's impossible not to fall in love with the scenic beauty of L.A. At Sunday's MaliBLUE Art & Film Festival, I thought it was an appropriate time to break in my ocean blue jumper and battered Thailand sandals (which I bought for US$3 on New Year's Eve on Phuket island!), perfect for strolling up and down Malibu Pier and swaying to reggae music. Because even though I'll always love the lights and energy of New York City, the beach and sunshine have my heart.

White hot

2009-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

(Zara blazer, AA bodysuit, Levi's destroyed shorts, Jeffrey Campbell boots)

After purchasing my very first white blazer, I now believe every girl should own one. In the midst of last weekend's blazing hot L.A. weather, I was on the hunt for the perfect white blazer, one that hinted of breezy afternoons on a yacht while sipping minty mojitos. I had a few specifications in mind as I set out:

1. A classic shape that would never go out of style

2. A brilliant white color

3. Narrow sleeves (a pet peeve of mine: blazers or jackets with loose, baggy sleeves)

4. Affordability

I was nearly led astray by SMYTHE's Equestrian Blazer in white jacquard (the sharp lapels and leather patches at the elbow were two particularly winning details), but the fourth specification kept me in check! Then there was a tempting Elizabeth & James white blazer, and also this dressier Plastic Island version. A blazer from Alice + Olivia (with covetable 3/4-length sleeves) got turned down because of its creamy eggshell hue. Finally, I trudged into Zara and spotted a blazer for under $100 in a shade of white as pure as fresh snow, and before even trying it on, I knew I'd found the one! Even better, the cuffs easily fold up to my elbows and are lined with blue stripes, and it is--in every way--the crisp, cool white blazer of my summer dreams.

Feeling the heat

2009-04-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

(altered vintage dress, Silence + Noise leggings, Jeffrey Campbell platforms)

L.A. was unbearably hot--even for me!--this weekend. I stepped outside and thought I would suffocate. While I was working at a movie premiere (outdoors, on Saturday afternoon, during the hottest time of day) I got a pretty fierce tan after spending three hours under the scorching sun. The only way to bear the heat was to go window shopping. My goal now is to buy a floppy, wide-brimmed hat in preparation for these coming summer months!

The unbearable lightness of clothes

2009-04-16T19:30:00.000-07:00

(SteveJ & YoniP silk top, Jeffrey Campbell heels, Silence + Noise leggings, Elizabeth Wahyu cuff)

It pains me that some of the most exquisite clothes cost so much money... not because I don't think they're worth the cost (though some are just insane...$500 for a T-shirt? Please!), but because I just can't afford them! Like so many women, I'm always pining away for that one piece way out of my price range, always calculating as I sift through the racks, touching soft silks and rich cashmere blends, drifting away regretfully after a quick peek at the tag, thinking, "Well, after the rent, the bills, and food, gas, and..."

But then, when I can get my hands on a good deal like this SteveJ & YoniP top, I treasure it. I zip it safely into a plastic bag, I hand wash it myself and allow it to air dry (on a satin hanger, no less). I cradle its soft, silky bulk in my hands and do a little jig because I'm just that happy that I now own this beautiful thing. Yes, you could say I'm a little fanatical and possessive of my clothes... but I'm not the only one, am I?

(By the way, meet my sister Jennifer! It's her debut on my blog!)

Easter pink

2009-04-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

(J.Crew shirt, J.Crew pink chinos, Dolce Vita shoes, vintage belt)

Lately, I've been slumming about in these baggy pale pink chinos from J.Crew, which are way too comfortable for my own good! I love having occasions to dress up; I'm always that girl at the party who's overdressed compared to everyone else. But there are those rare times, especially when I'm stressed or down on my luck, when style goes to the back burner because I just want to take it easy. So on Easter Sunday, I made a little effort to dress up the chinos with a ruffled shirt and my latest shoe acquisition, these Dolce Vita beauties in brown.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and a great weekend!

Wrapped with a bow

2009-04-07T20:08:00.000-07:00

(Boos & Besito bow necklace, H&M dress, Silence + Noise leggings, Jeffrey Campbell shoes, purse from Hong Kong)

FashionLuvr was kind enough to feature me on their site! Please check it out here. And to all the readers of my blog, thank you SO much for your sweet words. Every comment makes me feel so appreciated, and I love this wonderful fashion community we are all a part of!

I picked up this bow necklace recently from a sample sale in Los Angeles, and I love its quirky elegance. When my sister saw me wearing it the other day, she exclaimed, “Oh, you’re a gift!” She cracked up when she realized the bow wasn’t attached to my dress, but was actually a necklace! I’ve been wearing it nonstop lately (much to my sister's amusement), but it’s okay. After all, I don’t mind looking like a gift!

The summer vibe

2009-04-06T22:46:00.000-07:00

(Jeffrey campbell shoes, Zara pants, vintage dress worn as jacket, shirt from Japan)

Over the weekend, I finally unpacked my lightweight shirts, which had been stored in a suitcase at the back of my closet, eagerly awaiting their turn. I love my summer clothes--all airy, silky pieces--because of what they imply: the approaching heat, blazing sunshine, warm days at the beach. To me, summers are full of possibility, excitement, romance. It's still bright and warm when you leave the office, and you feel as if you have so much more time on your hands. You lose all the stiffness and formality of fall and winter, the thick wool sweaters, heavy boots and chunky knits. You slip on a sheer T-shirt and denim shorts, you let your hair dry in the sun. You dance down the street with an iced coffee in one hand, soaking up the sunshine in a flimsy summer dress.

I was feeling the summer vibe this weekend in L.A. So I tugged on a sheer yellow top, took a stroll down Beverly Boulevard, bought an ice cream, and daydreamed about what awaits me this fabulous summer...

I've been tagged!

2009-04-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

The lovely ladies at Thumbelina Fashionista and The Little Fashion Treasury have tagged me! I'm all too happy to oblige and pass it on.

Directions:

1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.
2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

What is your current obsession? Right now, I'm loving jackets with strong shoulders, like this cropped Brian Reyes gaucho jacket with ruffle cap sleeves.

Good coffee place? I never turn up my nose at Starbucks, but I love Cafe Luxxe in Santa Monica for the perfect, creamy cappuccino. Butter Tart in Glassell Park and Bad Ass Coffee in Glendale are cafes I visit for my daily coffee fix.

Do you nap a lot? Hardly ever, but I do enjoy collapsing into my bed at the end of the day.

What are your pet peeves? Rude children, L.A. traffic, unfriendly people, overly loud music in restaurants.

What was the last thing you bought? Dolce Vita heels, Bycorpus denim dress, Rojas jumper in blue.

What are you listening to right now? A few random selections from my iPod list: "Boom Boom Pow" by Black Eyed Peas, "Behind Enemy Lines" by Demi Lovato, "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga feat Colby O'Donis, and "Caves" by Jack's Mannequin.

What is your favourite weather? Blazing hot. I just love the feeling of the sun on my skin... but I don't tan much so I usually remain pale-skinned.

What’s on your bedside table? Tons of books and magazines, an alarm clock, and a cup of hot tea. Currently re-reading one of my favorites, "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Say something to the person/s who tagged you. To the lovely ladies at Thumbelina Fashionista and The Little Fashion Treasury: Thank you so much for reading my blog and tagging me. I always treasure your comments because they come from two women with impeccable taste. I look forward to reading your blogs everyday--Thumbelina for your sophisticated outfits and perspectives on fashion, and Little Fashion Treasury for your whimsical fashion sense and obvious love for beautiful clothing.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? This is a tough one. Probably a tropical island, somewhere near the ocean.

Favorite vacation spot? ANYWHERE. I love to travel, so vacationing anywhere from Phuket to Paris is fine with me.

Name the things you can’t live without. Good books, my laptop, coffee in the morning, my closet, beauty, love, friendship, and laughter.

What would you like to have in your hands right now? A pair of insanely bright, beautiful heels, like these fuchsia pink Givenchy cutout shoes. I've been hankering after a colorful pair that will be perfect for all my springtime dresses!

What is your favourite tea flavour? The cookie or hot citrus yuzu at Yuri. And at home, I love lots of the Yogi tea flavors, like Kava Stress Relief or Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut.

What would you like to get rid of? Nothing! I'm happy with everything I have.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Somewhere in Africa. I've always wanted to go there. And New York City to visit Topshop and go on a shopping spree!

What did you want to become as a child? A writer, and I now am!

What's your favorite brand of jeans? Lately, I've been loving Current/Elliot, Rich & Skinny, and Ksubi.

What style trend is the hardest one for you to adopt? I never wear maxi dresses. I think it's partly because I'm fond of shorter hemlines; I feel like I should wear them while I'm young and can get away with it!

Twitter or Facebook? Both for different reasons. I recently got a Twitter and find myself addicted!

What's the best present you've ever received? I have many favorites but one of my beloved presents is this pair of gold cross earrings from Kimberly Baker.

I'm tagging Modediktat, who has such a wonderful eye for fashion, and Mission to Murse, who is my good friend and always dressed to impress with the perfectly accessorized murse.