Soldiering on

(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.

Tartan & coffee

(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.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

(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

(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!

Ash's true blue jeans

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

(Photo credit to Celebrity-Gossip.net)

In search of an elusive Chanel belt...

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

LC's Elizabeth and James LBD

Everyone's favorite reality star, Lauren Conrad of The Hills, showed up to the Intermix exclusive VH1 Rock Honors VIP party a few days ago in a great going-out dress by Elizabeth and James. The tank dress is enhanced by intricate ribbon and cutout detail, while the raw, frayed neckline and hem add an edgy twist. This LBD's silhouette may appear simple, but I love the vintage-inspired sheer netting and ribbons, which give off such a playful, feminine vibe. While Lauren accessorized with black heels, a Chanel clutch (similar to this Chanel-inspired purse), and a long chain necklace, I'm envisioning the dress with a pair of totally crazy shoes, like these fuschia Christian Louboutin wedges. I'd even add a blazer like this metalized Pencey one with a built-in vest to emphasize that funky, rock-and-roll feel!

(Photo credit to Getty Images)

A Chanel-inspired purse

Last weekend in New York, I spent some time shopping in all the cool Soho boutiques and found a true gem: Sissy. The store specializes in gorgeous leather handbags of all kinds, including clutches, slouchy hobos, cute totes and messenger bags. I was definitely tempted by this Chanel-style purse by glamRock. The long golden chain and quilted texture are reminiscent of Chanel's signature handbags, but at $69, you won't have to pay high-end designer prices. I also realized how convenient these kinds of purses are; when walking around crowded New York City, you really need a purse you can just sling across your shoulder, not a big handbag you have to worry about lugging around from subway to sidewalk.

The shiny patent leather finish and purple satin lining add a touch of glam, taking the purse from daytime sightseeing to nighttime partying.