A cardigan love affair

(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!

Moschino & tulips

(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.