2.29.2012

i wore this to work: speed racer

In an attempt to take this racing stripes trend straight from the speedway to a different kind of track – as in not a track at all but rather an office, and more specifically the one in which I work – I went the whole way and donned stripes from head to toe. I’d venture to say that even though I tried, not much about this ensemble gives the impression that I am sporty or in fact am into racing in any way.  But just in case the idea of me jumping into a stock car at any minute is at risk, I took it upon myself to stand in front of a stack of tires.  Because if mounds of tires don’t say speed racer, I clearly don’t know what does.  

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2.28.2012

weekend: academy awards 2012

This past weekend we had our fifth annual Oscar Party.  I think after five, it is officially a thing.  The first time we ever had the Oscar Party we went all out – we had a red carpet, photographers (aka my friend Justin), videographers (aka me) and that guy I live with interviewed guests as they walked the red carpet on their way into the house.  This year, because I have been travelling so much, we cooled our jets and had a smaller and more casual gathering at our house.

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2.24.2012

casual friday: nyfw street style

Where better to look for Casual Friday denim inspiration than the streets of Manhattan during Fashion Week?  From Olivia’s chic trouser jeans and fur vest, to Taylor’s neon denim with boots, below are some ladies that are unquestionably bringing style to the streets. Get ready to rock some denim.Casual-Friday---Denim

2.23.2012

runway to office: going tribal

Nothing like translating runway looks, which by their very nature are supposed to be provocative, to conservative ensembles that won't send your workplace into a tizzy.  Luckily for you (and me!) Burberry took the guesswork out of the tribal trend this season by sending looks down the runway that were (almost) office worthy on their own.  Lose a mid-chest peek-a-boo cutout here, toss a straw hat there, and we are well on our way to going tribal to the workplace.  That's not to say you aren't going to get a few looks and nods for donning lemon or lime whilst pushing your paper, but the point wasn't to blend in.  Rather, it is simply to avoid getting kicked out.

1.  jacket: DKNY, $995.00
3.  belt: Motif 56, $49.99
4.  sandals: Burberry Prorsum, $795.00

{image via style.com}

2.22.2012

double duty

When it comes to collecting pieces for a work wardrobe, I love to look for things that can do “double duty.”  Items that can be layered, re-worked or simply creatively worn so that they can be worn often…because I go to work often.  Hence my love for blazers and Equipment blouses, which are the base for almost any outfit layering project I take on. Another prime example of dressing outside the box can be found in this Rag & Bone maxi skirt, which you may remember from here and here.  Definitely an investment but worth every penny considering it doubles as a maxi dress, a midi skirt or a blouse (if treated just right).  The husband is confused by it ("You are going to wear that?  But that is a skirt..."), but I look at it as buying four pieces for the price of one.

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2.21.2012

london fashion week: matthew williamson fw12

New York Fashion Week is over and London Fashion Week is in full swing.  While there are have been several standouts amidst the London Fog (did you see the snow at Burberry? Divine), my work wardrobe is dying over none other than Matthew Williamson.  While I have always loved Williamson’s work, my lust list has usually included dozens of his cocktail dresses.  However, this time around, my focus was stolen by the separates.  Although Williamson has been criticized for not including enough outerwear for a fall/winter collection, I for one was appreciative of the focus on lovely blazers and lighter coats and capes.  With a special highlight for me being a gorgeous ice blue suit and a pair of baroque printed pants.

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2.20.2012

out of the office but back from austin

On this President’s Day Monday, I am blogging from the airport.  Our sojourn to Austin is officially over and in less than two hours we will be back in Los Angeles.  Our weekend was filled with friends, queso (not fundido), and plenty of laughter.  With a trip to Meat Lovers Paradise (aka The Salt Lick), a pass by The Wizard Academy (because yes that is a real place) and a conversation revolving entirely around our decision to invest in a button maker, can you imagine a better way to have spent the holiday weekend? Answer: I don’t think so.
And as I forewarned all those who spent time with me this weekend, don’t hang around me unless you are prepared to find pictures of yourself on the internet (and yes Blair, Facebook is the internet).  Especially pictures of you jumping like a loon in the middle of the street.  You can’t expect me to keep that to myself.
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2.17.2012

casual friday aka kooky friday

It’s finally Friday.  The day where dressing for the office is taken to a whole new level of personal expression.  The day where your boss gets a look at who you “really are,” whether she wants to or not.  The day where you might venture to wear certain garments that any other day of the week wouldn’t have received a second look.  Like mud-flap sandals reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw and her negligée, for instance. And this isn’t just any Friday, it is the Friday before a long weekend.  Which, as far as I am concerned, is even more of a reason to dress like you have somewhere else to be, because in t-minus 8 hours, you do.  Casual Friday has taken a turn for the kooky. 

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2.16.2012

conde nast style society: in the mix

In case you needed a break from the craziness that is fashion week, today you can find me over on the Conde Nast Style Society ("CNSS") blog discussing mixing prints, stacking jewelry and much more. In fact, I promise that there will be no discussion of military inspiration, peplums or pilgrim shoes.  Just how you like to dress yourself.  Easy Enough.  So give your style forecasting a little rest and come on over and say hello.  And if you do stop by, don't forget to share your tips for mixing prints in the Forum Fatale.

Conde Naste Style Society

2.15.2012

i’m back….

It’s true.  A little over 24 hours later (10 of which were consumed by air travel), and I am back in Los Angeles.  A little tired but no worse for the wear.  I am excited to go through images, chat about the Badgley Mischka show and update you on all of my shenanigans, but unfortunately that is going to have to wait.  This will have to hold you over for now because I am headed to work.


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blouse: Equipment
sweater: Rag & Bone
jacket: Zara
pants: Rag & Bone
clutch: Celine
sunnies: Chanel
bracelet: F21
ring: David Yurman

2.13.2012

i know how to make myself taller…

I spent the weekend watching fashion shows via Live Stream on Style.com, running errands, catching up on Downton Abbey and packing for my trip to New York.  It was an all around busy weekend, topped off with a stop at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market to help a friend look for wedding inspiration and see if I could track down any last minute finds for my whirlwind getaway.  As luck would have it, I did find a gorgeous necklace that would have gone perfectly with my planned ensemble for tomorrow but, alas, it wasn’t meant to be.  Apparently when I told the woman selling the necklace that I only had $50 in my pocket she thought I was just bargaining.  Unfortunately for her (and me), I was telling the truth.   And yes, Shannyn, I am still upset about it. 

And with that, I give you some really high-waisted pants that make my 5’1” frame look like 5’ a whole lot more.

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2.12.2012

fall 2012: prabal gurung

The story of Fashion Week thus far truly seems to have been Prabal Gurung.  After watching the show via Live Stream, it took but mere seconds for my twitter feed and Facebook timeline to explode with praise for the designer.  Well deserved praise.  The collection was luxe, gorgeous and, in many places, quite literally breathtaking.  Transitioning from all black, to some gorgeous blue, into gold and then out with an ivory, the show almost stopped by the time the last jaw-dropping lace dress took its turn.  While there were a few pieces that felt a little overworked for my taste, the overall collection contained so many looks bordering on sheer perfection, I hardly remember the imperfections.

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{all images via style.com}

2.11.2012

fall 2012: jason wu + rag & bone

The real beauty of the internet is your ability to be somewhere, without physically being there.  First Skype, then Face Time and now, most importantly, Style.com Live Stream.  So even though I had to miss the start of the shows this week, I was able to sit comfortably at my desk and watch the Jason Wu collection walk the runway in real time.  The military inspired show was gorgeous to watch, with tassels, brocades and epaulets galore.  Not to mention, there was some serious fur strutting down that runway. It is official, fur is going nowhere. Nowhere.  Finally, staying true to the military inspiration, the Jason Wu models marched in formation for the end of show.  All live on my computer.  

More good news? Alexander Wang is being live streamed today at 5:00 pm eastern.  So tune in.  It is almost as good as being there.

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2.10.2012

fall 2012: cynthia rowley

I must say I was a big fan of the Cynthia Rowley show, yesterday.  It is said that Rowley took her inspiration from mechanics and their work wear for this fall collection, but with the exception of a few coveralls and some gorgeous denim, all I noticed was perfectly wearable clothing.  And perhaps that was the point.

From the floral prints to the DANNIJO encrusted necks (which almost made me want to wear a turtleneck…almost), this is one of those collections you could easily build a fall wardrobe around.  Not to mention, if I don’t get my hands on some of those floral printed gloves, I might go crazy.  They were one of my favorite parts.  It is the little things.

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2.09.2012

if only i was at fashion week…

In case you have been sleeping under a rock, New York Fashion Week ("NYFW") officially starts today. Unfortunately, this season some work related conflicts have prevented me from attending.  But I didn't want that to keep me from weighing in on the fun.  So, in a totally healthy attempt at imagining what might have been, here is what I would be wearing today were I a mere 5 1/2 hour plane ride to the east from where I am presently sitting.
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2.06.2012

valentine's day lust list

Valentine's Day is headed your way, friends.  We are exactly one week away from the all pink, all the time day for lovers.  And if you don't have a sweetheart, or even someone you have convinced to be your sweetheart for a week, then I say go out and get yourself something nice from...yourself.  You certainly deserve it and there is no sense waiting around for someone else.  And even if you do have someone whose holiday appointed duty it is to shower you with presents this week, I still say do something nice for yourself, or at least make the below (hint, hint, nudge, nudge) suggestions to the giver of gifts.   Because I can't think of a better excuse to nab these gorgeous John Hardy earrings or the new Diptyque Rosa Mundi candle.  Absolutely necessary.
Valentine's Day

And for an extended look at the items on my lust list, pop on over to Currently Obsessed!

necklace: Fenton, $850.00
iPhone case: DANNIJO, $98.00
loafers: Asos, $68.04

i wore this to work: layering stripes

Happy Post-Super Bowl Monday my friends.  I am sorry to say there will be no Super Bowl Madonna references or football jokes here this morning.  Instead of eating my weight in potato chips (still sounds kind of amazing), I opted to spend my Super Bowl Sunday enjoying the lack of traffic and crowds while hiking Runyon Canyon, running errands and spending time with friends away from the television.  So, I leave the Super Bowl commercial references and silly quips to you and the comment section of this post.  Anything good worth sharing?

In other news, today is a bit of an experiment in layering jailbird stripes.  Just bear with me with on this one.

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2.03.2012

orange you glad it’s friday?

With all that talk about neon’s, today I chose to add a little color to my Friday.  A little neon color, to be specific.  You see, I practice what I preach.  And with this look we learn two very important things: (1) orange is the new black and (2) it is never too early for tails.  Oh, and before you ask, these lovely spectacles are in fact prescription. Because that is your prize at the end of law school: A fashion statement.

Happy Friday friends.

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2.02.2012

spring 2012 trends: neon's here to stay

Just when you thought it was time to take that neon garb you nabbed for summer/fall and drop it off at the consignment shop, Boom.  Transition that mess.  Because Spring is all about the human highlighter, my friend.  And if you don't believe me, trust the likes of Peter Som, Christian Siriano, Nicole Miller and Nanette Lepore.


neon

2.01.2012

shed some skin

Things you may not know about me (and are probably glad you don't): Although I am a loud dresser, in many ways I am also a conservative one.  And before you start harping on how those two ideas don't go together, let me explain sister.  You see, I think all women have different comfort levels with the sharing of skin.  In my case, whilst I am completely comfortable wearing every color under the universe at the same time and in conjunction with a pile of tulle on my head, I draw the line at exposing my arms and any significant part of my chest.  I know, it makes no sense. And this isn't just a work dress code thing (although I wish I could blame it on that). This is a crazy looney comfort thing. As in I get uncomfortable not being able to layer as much clothing on me as is humanly possible.  So hot, right?  And by hot I mean, sweltering.  So when everyone else is in sundresses looking chic, I am dressed like I am headed to a convent.  And with that, me and my ten piece suit are headed to the beach...  See you there?

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