Denim chambray

(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.

Hello, old friend!

(Nanette Lepore blouse, A|X skirt, Jeffrey Campbell platforms, Silence & Noise moto vest)

Don't you just love when you dig through your closet and unearth a piece of clothing you completely forgot you had? That's what happened with this old Armani Exchange skirt of mine, which I bought way back in high school. I still remember wearing it to class all the time during senior year! Paired with a lace-trimmed blouse (which, incidentally, appeared on Blair Waldorf in a recent Gossip Girl episode!) and motorcycle vest, it was as good as new. I'm so excited to wear the skirt again... and a little shocked that I can still squeeze into it!

One of my favorite places to eat in L.A., Yuri Japanese Cafe, recently revamped their menu, leaving lots of space on their chalkboard to doodle and write messages. It was the perfect opportunity to plug my blog while sipping on their newest specialty drink, a hot citrus yuzu tea! For all you Angelenos passing through Melrose, definitely drop by and mention that Tiff from Style Sophisticate sent you!

Dark & dramatic

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

Lace it up

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

Paris Hilton's new look

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

(Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

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

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

Nanette Lepore's dark romance blouse

This ivory-colored Nanette Lepore blouse is an absolute jewel for fall. Let's start with the sweet bow tie at the neckline and the button placket trimmed in a luxurious strip of black lace. Then there's the sheer, pleated blouson sleeves, lovely lace cuffs, and cream-and-black contrast, which give the shirt such an air of dark romance. I'm thinking about wearing this underneath my new L'Wren Scott matador coat. Paired with suede black ankle boots and the right earrings (perhaps these Lauren Wolf earrings in a casting of stingray skin?), think of what a fashion statement that outfit would make!

Prepping for Spring

They're back.

All the preppy polo shirts, tailored dresses, colorful flats, and country club cardigans are emerging, replacing the browns, blacks, and grays of winter collections. Nothing puts me in a better mood than going out to shop for some pleasant spring outfits. These four pieces (including two in spring's signature color--yellow!) can be mixed and matched endlessly for some amazing ensembles. I love the idea of the Reyes tennis cardigan worn over J.Crew's tangier print blouse with its ruffled neckline. Pair it with cuffed shorts and gold flats for a preppy, spring look that is so unpretentious country club.

Nanette Lepore's Embroidered Cardigan

Marc by Marc Jacobs Button-down Sweater Tunic

J.Crew Tangiers-print Phoebe blouse

Réyes Summer-weight Wool cardigan