Hawaii wedding inspiration

Japanese fashion model Jessica Michibata, who maintains her own blog full of personal pics of her glam life, recently attended a friend's wedding in Hawaii as a bridesmaid (that's her, fourth from left). This photograph is my favorite because of the colorful fashion it showcases. The bridesmaid dresses are really unique--a kind of seafoam-colored pattern with a dash of lavender. Maxi dresses come into play as well. The girl on the far left is wearing one with a really bold pattern, and the other girl (who happens to be Jessica's younger sister, also a beautiful model...ugh, genes!) wears a multicolored, orange dress that I absolutely love! Then we have two guests in different shades of yellow. I personally prefer the brighter yellow hue with the embellished neckline. And as for all these gorgeously attired wedding guests posing against a Hawaii sunset...well, it just couldn't get more fashionably perfect than that!

Layering for fall

Even though it's still pretty sunny and warm in Los Angeles, the early mornings have started to look gray and overcast, hinting at the impending fall weather. As much as I dislike the rain and cold, fall is the perfect time to experiment with layering. Like the outfit on the left, for example: a pair of dark skinny jeans tucked into slouchy socks and red kitten heels. It's a little out there--inspired from my time in Japan, where it's common for girls to strut around in get-ups like that!--but I think the combination is really cute. And it's just plain old fun to play around with layers like that! You can achieve a similar look with these slouchy leg warmers from HeartsDeesire Vintage Emporium. Just pull 'em on over your tightest jeans and add cute, colorful heels of your choice!

Street Spotting: Starbucks lady

So a few weekends ago I was exploring Robertson Boulevard and ducked into Starbucks to try their new Vivanno smoothie..mmm. As I was sipping my chocolate banana creation, I spotted an L.A. fashionista in a sheer gray racerback dress which she had accessorized beautifully. She wore a braided belt around her waist, black strappy sandals, a Balenciaga-like bag in a cream-colored print with a scarf tied around its handle, and sleek sunglasses pushing the hair out of her face. She looked so model chic that I snapped a few pics of her as she ordered her coffee. I'm really into her shoes, so I did some poking around on the 'net and found these similar L.A.M.B. T-strap sandals which easily add an edge to any outfit. I also liked how she kept the outfit itself simple, choosing instead to embellish heavily on the accessories. I'll definitely have to take a tip or two from this lady the next time I take a stroll down Robertson Boulevard.

Out & About: Hippie chic

Who: Nicole Richie

What: Taking a stroll with her baby daughter, Harlow Winter Kate

Where: New York City

Wearing: A loose-fitting ombre tank top tucked into cut-off denim shorts, a skinny belt, and aviator sunnies

When: September 8, 2008


Such a breezy outfit for a sunny day! Nicole makes that whole hippie thing look so chic and freakin' effortless! Note the braids in her tousled, wavy hair and the ragged hems of her faded shorts.

(Photo Credit: TheSuperficial.Com)

Out & About: Black and white

Who: Gossip Girl favorite, Leighton Meester, and Tommy Hilfiger

What: Speaking onstage during the Conde Nast Media Group's Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks

Where: Radio City Music Hall in New York City

Wearing: Supertight black jeans, a V-neck white tee, a cropped tuxedo jacket, and fierce peep-toe sandals

When: September 5, 2008


Leighton usually goes for pretty party frocks when she makes appearances, but I love how she chose to mix it up with this blazer-and-pants combo. The shoes are a great choice, plus slicked back hair makes the outfit stand out more and focuses attention on the stark black-and-white color scheme. She rocks this minimalist look, which is so un-Blair Waldorf that I'm loving it for a change!

(Photo Credit: GettyImages.Com)

LC's Holiday 2008 collection

I had the chance to attend Lauren Conrad's fashion show as she helped kick off the first ever Style Week at the Irvine Spectrum Center in her hometown of Orange County. She showed off her Holiday 2008 collection--a parade of pretty dresses and separates. I think her clothes have definitely evolved since her earlier collections, but the design aesthetic is still very simple and straightforward. However, I have hope that with more experience, LC will rise to the challenge and garner more respect in the fashion world. Who knows? She is still only in design school, after all...

While the clothes mostly consisted of solid colors like black, gray, cream, purple, and burgundy, this blocky, multicolored print kept popping up on the runway. The more I saw it, the more it grew on me. They used the print in a few high-waisted skirts and cute party frocks.

This model strutted down the runway in skintight black leggings, a black tube top, and an ivory-colored wrap.

She was outfitted in a black tube top, high-waisted tulip skirt with a bow in front, black stockings, and heels--super chic and feminine.

Lauren came out to take her bow when the show was over. Here she is holding a bouquet of flowers from her dad.

The models taking their last walk down the runway. Every single one of them was super tall and leggy! Loved that sunny yellow dress on the model in front.

Lauren at a press conference afterward, looking even more beautiful in person. During the few minutes we spoke, she was a total sweetheart and such a California girl with the tan, the blonde hair and blue eyes. She was wearing one of her own designs with sky-high black Yves Saint Laurent shoes and a sparkly headband!

On Sale: Sheila Elaine's obi belt

This lambskin belt by Sheila Elaine totally reminds me of those obi belts that are an important part of traditional Japanese costumes. It's such a versatile accessory: you can wrap it high around your waist or low on your hips, you can leave the ends hanging or tie it in a neat bow. However you wear it, the belt is perfect for wearing over a loose tunic or dress, or even over one of those long cardigans that are so popular for fall!

Alexander Wang's modern one-shoulder dress

Emma Roberts just keeps popping up on my fashion radar! She was photographed in late July wearing one of my favorite pieces by Alexander Wang--an exquisite nude and black one-shoulder dress. The wool-gauze creation features a contrasting band of black to define the waistline and peek-a-boo detailing at the bodice and hem. It's one of the most special creations I've ever seen--the snug fit that molds to your figure, the strikingly beautiful color contrast, the fabric's unique shirring and its decidedly modern feel. This would be my top pick for a bday dress, but the $796 price tag is just a tad hard to swallow!

(Photo Credit to Fabulous-Emma.Com)

A rockin' T-shirt

One of the coolest bday gifts I received this year was this awesome "Flamenco Dancer" yellow T-shirt. Christian Audigier of Ed Hardy fame had his daughter Crystal design this collection of 100% organic cotton pieces under the brand Crystal Rock. Only 1,000 of each style will be produced and numbered, making each item unique. There's so many things to appreciate about the T-shirt--its bright color, the bold graphic splashed across the front, and the slightly longer silhouette. I wore it for the first time today paired with a black American Apparel miniskirt and got plenty of admiring stares! The shirt is definitely outstanding and you'll never have to worry about wearing the same thing as somebody else! Since the shirts can easily run over $150, your best bet is to comb eBay and find a sweet deal.

Out & About: Red hot

Who: Hayden Panettiere

What: At a taping of MTV's TRL show

Where: MTV studios in New York City

Wearing: A snug black turtleneck dress, a cropped jacket, and fierce red lipstick to match her red heels

When: September 2, 2008


If you can get beyond Hayden's flawless skin and gorgeous features, you'll start to appreciate her outfit as well. She's petite, but obviously knows how to work that to her advantage, showing off her legs in a body-con dress and keeping everything else simple.

(Photo Credit to OceanUp.Com)

Silkfruits bracelet

This vintage-looking silk cuff from SilkFruits comes in a array of lovely colors, from grass green to magenta. But I love the true violet hue of this shade, which goes with so many things. The studded gold flowers, silk ties, and beads make this such a special piece, and seriously, statement jewelry has never been so in! You could wear it with your prettiest party dress or add a whimsical--and colorful--flair to a simple tee-and-jeans combo.

Out & About: Street cred

Who: Emma Roberts

What: Leaving a studio

Where: London, England

Wearing: Superskinny black pants, chunky 'n strappy sandals, white tank top, and gray denim jacket with a wide collar

When: August 1, 2008


Emma's simple basics--white tank and blank pants--are given a whole new edge with those fierce chunky sandals and wide-collared jacket. She's showing off a pared down minimalism that is casual enough for the streets and fashion-forward enough for a budding celeb!

(Photo credit to Fabulous-Emma.Com)