Thursday, December 30, 2010

"Don't go chasing waterfalls."






People's Liberation top over C & C California top. People's Liberation jacket.
Gap jeans. American Eagle scarf. Calvin Klein heels
. Own handmade headband.

As the weather keeps getting colder and colder, it's become essential to layer.  I absolutely love C & C California tops.  They are great quality and last awhile.  While I love wearing them alone during warmer temperatures, they are also my staple when it comes to layering.  

And I don't have any closeup shots, but I'm wearing another one of my handmade headbands.  My Etsy shop will open in January!

Hope everyone had a great holiday!  My favorite presents were probably a Juicy Couture necklace, Tarina Tarantino bracelets, and the Marc zipper earrings I had been obsessed with for forever!  Any great gifts you received?



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Sunday, December 26, 2010

"Shopping for labels, shopping for love."

For the first time ever, I have a magazine to recommend--a specific issue, in fact--something that never happens.  If for some reason or another, you don't own a copy of Lucky Magazine's 10th anniversary special issue (their December 2010 magazine), go out and get one ASAP.  There has never been a magazine [issue] that has touched me like this one.  Every fashion gem necessary to the knowledge of a fashionista will be found in that issue.

But for now, I share with you some of my favorites (from "100 edicts that [Lucky] editors live by"):





The Runway Shows
2. The etiquette to getting in and out of a fashion show is akin to that of a soccer match--you can challenge shoulder to shoulder but no elbows or throwing a punch.

Hair
11. Braids are sexy, cute, and the only acceptable form of a pigtail.

Makeup & Beauty
21. No beauty product can do for you what eight hours of sleep can.

Underwear
26.  Thong underwear is not a necessity under most clothing.

New Clothes
37. Buy clothes that you'll wear on a Tuesday afternoon, not a Saturday night--few people lead Saturday night lives.

Black Tights
39. Black opaque tights make everyone's legs look good.

Packing
42. Roll, never fold.

Closets
50. Avoid being featured on Hoarders by living the "One in, one out" mantra: if you buy something new, take something else out and sell it on eBay or donate it.

Salespeople and Shopping
56. If something is expensive, leave it behind for 24 hours.  If you're still obsesses with it the next day, buy it.

Color
62. You can put almost any prints together as long as they have something in common (color, shape, style).

Shoes and Bags and Little Leather Things
72. If shoes are only marginally comfortable when you try them on in the store you can be sure they'll be excruciating on the street.

75. If you invest in a Chanel bag, you will carry it for the rest of your life.

76. By the age of 30, every woman should own three pairs of comfortable flats, three pairs of walkable heels, and two pairs of total sexpot stilettos.

77. Know how to use your local shoe repair--they can also clean your bags, punch holes in your belts, and dye stuff.

81. Resole your favorite shoes as often as it takes.  You will miss them when they die.




Seriously, go buy your issue!  Besides their 100 edicts, the issue is full of lots of useful reviews and tips.   Because it's their 10th anniversary special issue, a good portion of the magazine is looking back and examining what works and doesn't.  It goes above and beyond the current trends of the moment; 
I might even venture out and call this issue a classic one.

:o)



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Thursday, December 23, 2010

All I want...is a pair of zipper wedges.

Whenever I think of a mash-up between heels and zippers, I automatically think of Alexander McQueen. Look at this pair and try to tell me they aren't amazing!



Unfortunately for me, Alexander McQueen is a bit far from my range of affordability.  Thankfully, there are many people who have ounces of the genius McQueen had and can design grand shoes. 

I was Christmas shopping at Nordstrom Rack last week when I came across this pair of amazing wedges:


[Obsession of the Week: Michael Kors Parker Suede Wedge Pump]



Parker Suede Wedge Pump, $150; the only place I could only find these online was on the main Michael Kors website.  However, I want to say that they were about $70 when I saw them at the Rack--definitely less than $100!  I love the wedge style and the zipper detailing won me over. 

What is your current shoe obsession?  :o)




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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

"Just like the world is ours."









C & C California top. William Rast vest. rvca shorts.
Hot Sox tights. Marc Jacobs earrings. Calvin Klein heels
.

Despite how casual this vest is, I love the challenge of trying to dress it up, such as here.  Also judging by that previous post, I believe I also have the tendency to wear these Marc Jacobs owl earrings with the vest; that's likely due to the similar color scheme of the vest and earrings. 

William Rast is also currently doing a collaboration with Target at the moment.  You can buy a vest similar to mine for cheaper here.  Minus the studs and flag design on the back, they're nearly identical.



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Saturday, December 18, 2010

All I want...is a rockin' necklace.

Obsession of the Week: Samantha House



[From left:]
Luster necklace, $75; simple, chic, and highly versatile. This necklace can easily be worn on a casual day or a fancy day.

NightinGail necklace, $75; what else to say besides that it's absolutely amazing? Definitely a statement necklace that brings both glam and edginess.  I would rock this necklace at any party.  It says, "Look at me, I am glamorous."


Ahoy necklace, $75; definitely a silver necklace like no other. Classy, glam, edgy--this necklace can bring to your necklace whatever you want.  It's more edgy than the Luster necklace, but more subtle than the NightinGail.


I was browsing online per usual and came across Samantha House.  Wow, her jewelry line is amazing!  All her jewelry on Shopbop (though limited at the moment) is currently on sale so make sure to check them out before they sell out. 
Any of you who have seen/read my older posts know my obsession with rocks and stones, and if you didn't know yet, this post is especially for you!  In general, I love rocks and stones because my inner nerd has to find some indulgence.  But as far as fashion goes, I have yet to see any rocks, stones, or rhinestones that doesn't add a statement to whatever they are on.





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:o)

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

"Just the way you are."




C & C California top. Gap coat. Patterson J. Kincaid skirt. Banana Republic purse.
B.P. scarf. Betsey Johnson leggings. Groove boots. 
Marc Jacobs ring.

When Ella (Katie Cassidy) wore white lace leggings in an episode of Melrose Place, I thought, "How brilliant is that!" and instantly put it on my to-shop-for list.  When I spotted these Betsey Johnson leggings at Nordstrom, I knew it was meant to be.  Leggings have become quite a staple, and I think lace ones bring more versatility.  Though lace has more dressy connotations, I think you can wear them with any outfit, whether dressed up or casual; they are just there for the added chic.

I'm not sure if I mentioned this before, but I've been working on a headband line which will soon be released on Etsy.  And as my blog readers, you are the first to get a sneak preview!  Meet my Juicy [Couture] doggy, my current headband model, who is showing off one of my favorite headbands.




Let me know what you think!


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:o)

Saturday, December 11, 2010

All I want...is a pair of well-rounded amazing shoes!

I first discovered Melissa shoes probably more than a decade ago as a kid when I saw their funky see-through plastic sneakers at Meier & Frank (back when Meier & Frank was still around!); but it wasn't until earlier last year when I bought my first pair of Melissa shoes (the Night Flocked II flats--seen here and here--in white from Gilt). Soon after, I purchased a pair of Campana Zig Zag flats in silver and Triple Ankle Strap Flats in red.

I absolutely love the pairs of Melissa shoes I have now and am constantly on the hunt for more pairs!  Melissa Shoes also collaborate with other designers, continuing their trend for uniquely designed shoes.  Vivienne Westwood helped design numerous shoes, and newer designers are featuring John Paul Gaultier and Alexandre Herchocovitch.


Melissa shoes are not only amazingly designed and chic, they are also incredibly comfortable.  And as if those reasons alone weren't enough to make Melissa shoes so great, they are also very eco-conscious.  Melissa shoes are made from eco-friendly recyclable materials.  Furthermore, a portion of their sales goes toward the World Vision Organization

Melissa shoes are fashionable, unique, low maintenance, comfortable, and eco-friendly--what more could you want in a pair of shoes?

I just discovered endless styles I haven't seen before and fell short of a panic attack because I wanted them all!  Below are my top favorites...


Obsession of the Week: Melissa shoes



1. Alexandre Herechocovitch x Melissa Troupe Wedge in both black and beige please! $140; I've never really caught onto the whole menswear trend, but I absolutely love these shoes!  If I could afford to, I would definitely buy both! 

2. Vivienne Westwood x Melissa Zen Girl flats, $78; I feel like it would go great with my Tarina Tarantino Crystal Pave Heart necklace if I got it in gray (I currently have a pink colored one).


3. Ultragirl Chausette flats, $90; I love, love, love the lace design! 

4. Vivienne Westwood x Melissa Lady Dragon Heart Pump, $180; if you're interested in joining the bandwagon!  There are numerous celebrities who have this style of Melissa shoes--from Jennifer Stone (Disney's "Wizards of Waverly Place") to Leona Lewis and Katy Perry to even Pamela Anderson!  The style is super whimsical and fun and comes in a variety of color combinations for your pleasing.

5. J. Maskrey x Melissa Ultragirl flats, $385; the ultimate lust--I will probably never be able to afford these.  But look at how gorgeous they are!  Not to mention the amazing glamor added with the Swarovski crystals. 




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Monday, December 6, 2010

"A storm cloud break, pullin' out the sun."




Marc Jacobs sweater. Forever 21 tank top. Easy Money jeans.
Coach tote. Guess watch. Juicy Couture boots.




This was one of those really rare days when I left the house nearly sans accessories (I never go anywhere without a watch and also sleep with my earrings in so I don't normally take them out)--I didn't have any necklaces, rings, or bracelets on.  However, taking my outfit into consideration, I don't feel like a lot of accessories were really necessary.  Because my Marc Jacobs sweater is fairly busy, it draws most of the attention anyway.  I would've had to find a really simple necklace that would have neither distracted nor clashed with the sweater.  The key thing to remember is that while accessories are great, you only want them to complement the other items in your outfit, not be overwhelming.


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Saturday, December 4, 2010

All I want...is vanilla bliss.

As the weather gets colder and my skin gets drier (and all that hand washing doesn't help either!), I want solutions.

I like Eucerin moisturizing creams (about $7 for 13.5 oz. in most drug stores), but I don't like the smell of it or the greasy feel afterwards.  I usually use it right before bed to avoid leaving greasy hand prints on everything.

I also like lotions from Bath & Body Works (I recommend snagging the Vanilla Bean Noel while it's available during the holiday season).  However, while the smell--depending which fragrance of lotion you are using (the Vanilla Bean Noel is great!)--will last almost all day, my hands return to dry and flaky-looking in less than an hour after usage.

Thankfully, I found a great solution that combines the moisturizing of Eucerin and the long lasting fragrance of Bath & Body Works lotions--Bliss!

Bliss is renown for their spas all over their country, and their products are amazing!  While those on a budget may feel that they are a bit pricey, I promise you that Bliss is worth it! 

As a huge fan of vanilla fragrance, I recommend anything vanilla + bergamot by them.  Below are my 2 favorite go-to products.  You can also visit their website for other deals (such as bundles and sets).


Obsession of the Week: vanilla bliss



Bliss vanilla + bergamot body butter, $28 for 6.7 oz. or $35 for 8.5 oz.: leaves my skin instantly soft and smelling like vanilla all day long.


Bliss vanilla + bergamot body buff, $36 for 12 oz.: leaves skin extra soft after a shower and has you smelling like vanilla even hours after.



What are your go-to skin products during the winter?



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Friday, December 3, 2010

"Where everything was exactly how it seemed."





C & C California top. Banana Republic Vest.  Habitual jeans. Coach tote.
Juicy Couture necklace. House of Harlow ring. BCBG heels.




These Habitual skinny jeans were not only really cute, they were such a great deal; I absolutely had to get them.  However, they were also light pink.  Granted, I love light pink!  But light pink pants?  I had to debate the logistics of buying the jeans, but finally decided I could make it work.  And voila!  Here is proof that they did not become just another cute bargain that became dormant in my closet.  

The easiest way to make colored pants work is to not think of them specifically as "colored pants."  Rather, think of them as something more along the lines as the "standout clothing item."  Treat them how you might treat any other colored or patterned item of clothing--when you have an item you want to stand out, neutralize everything out. 
My go to "neutral" color is black.

Thus, aside from my pink pants, my whole outfit is black. 
If you have too many standout items, your whole outfit can risk looking busy.



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:o)