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

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

(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!

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

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

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!

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

(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

(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

(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

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!

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

(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!