J Crew Collabs With CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Capsule Collection On Sale Now

It’s becoming a tradition, for three years now J Crew has been collaborating on capsule collections with the winners and runners-up of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

This year they teamed up with winner Greg Chait of the Elder Statesman along with runners-up Jennifer Meyer and Tabitha Simmons. The Elder Statesman, a LA based designer, lent his love of crazy cool color combinations, stripes and prints to J crew’s basic sweater silhouettes to come up with 5 delicious cashmere sweaters and a must have palm tree beach blanket.

The inspiration behind Jennifer Meyer’s, another LA based designer, first costume jewelry collection was the architecture of New York City – particularly the Chrysler Building. The result is 6 elegant geometrically shaped designs which were infused with J Crew’s passion for color.

Tabitha Simmons, world renowned British shoe designer and internationally sought after stylist, took a few of her signature silhouettes – summer sandals and sky-high Mary Janes, and gave them a dose of what she calls “British quip”. The whimsical floral Liberty of London prints she used created 6 pair of fun and flirty yet practical shoes.

I suggest, that if you want to get your hands on any one of the capsule collection’s 18 unique and perfect-for-summer items, you hurry on over to J Crew or visit their on-line store soon. They landed in stores yesterday and are sure to be gobbled up quickly!

Clockwise from top left: The Elder Statesman Cashmere Ultra-Stripe Tee $348.00, The Elder Statesman Blurred Cashmere Sweater $398.00, Tabitha Simmons Dusty Miller High-Heel Sandals $358.00, Jennifer Meyer Edith Jeweled Cuff $178.00, Jennifer Meyer Ruby Dangle Earrings $138.00, Tabitha Simmons Daisy Willow Sandals $328.00

Fun And Flirty LWD!!

Spring is a time for new beginnings (consider it your own personal do-over), and I can think of no better way to start the season off than with the ideal LWD. And, I’ve got the ultimate dress - Elizabeth and James’ sheer panel flare ‘Selena’ dress.

This fun and flirty dress covers all the basic spring 2013 trends – cut-out, sheer and flared skirt, yet I’m betting, is classic enough to be in vogue for seasons to come. Not that you need any more selling points, but the ‘Selena’ dress is completely ambidextrous.  For evening try pairing it with a slinky, sexy black high-heeled sandal – Zara’s ankle strap are perfect (and affordable), along with Proenza Schouler’s ‘Lunch Box’ geometric print clutch.

Or, for day time check out M Missoni’s woven-rafia shoulder bag  – love the turquoise and avocado green plastic hoop chain link strap. Pair with a ballet flat (Chloe’s is perfect) or a classic thong sandal - J Crew’s Tybee patent slide sandals in nude – for a chic and relaxed look.

LWD – Elizabeth And James Selena Sheer Panel Dress $365.00 www.intermix.com.

Evening – High Heel Vamp Shoe $49.00 www.zara.com & Proenza Schouler Lunch Bag Extra Small $760.00 www.barneys.com.

Day – M Missoni Woven-Rafia Shoulder Bag $395.00 www.shopbop.com & Tybee Patent Slide Sandals $118.00 www.jcrew.com

Get The look For Less – Miranda Kerr’s Sartorial Shine

Playing I spy, fashion icon and super model, Miranda Kerr, eyes the paparazzi that have not let up  following (stalking?) and capturing her fashion statements in 2012. And with the famed Victoria Secret’s sartorial sense they’re not about to in 2013.

Caught here in Silver Lake last week, her fashion sensibilities shined strong in Prada leopard print smoking slippers; Rag & Bone Fedora floppy brim hat; Frame Denim light rinse skinny jeans and Boy. by Band of Outsiders yellow cashmere/wool blend crew neck with leather elbow patches. Every piece on its own is marvelous, but together they are to-die-for!!

Since many of these items are sold out, I’ve curated a similar look for much less!! You too can amaze and wow your friends with your fashion bravado!

Clockwise from top left: J Crew Tippi Sweater $79.50 on sale for $39.99 www.jcrew.com, A&F Super Skinny Jeans in Light Wash $88.00 www.abercrombie.com, Leopard Slipper $89.90 on sale for $59.90 www.zara.com, Wide Brimmed Triby Hat $46.00 on sale for $27.00 www.wherehouse.com

My 6 Favorite (At The Moment) Things Under $100

With Holiday decorations popping up everywhere, from store windows to outside home lighting, I started to curate a Christmas gift collection, but being that it’s still not yet December I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. Instead, I put together a list of 6 of my favorite things -  all under $100. Perfect as gifts for none other than…… you!!

I can see all you lovely ladies shimmying into your town’s latest and greatest nightlife spot in Pixie Market’s All That Jazz dress ($95.00), and Zara’s embroidered applique top is an impeccable elegant alternative ($89.90).

Kain’s one pocket tee ($84.00), J Crew’s cropped twill pant ($89.50) and Sam Edelman’s cheetah Alvin flats individually are all first-rate additions to your wardrobe, yet the sum of them equals an awe-inspiring ensemble to wear day or night, casual or easily dressed up!

Clockwise from top left: Embroidered Applique Top $89.90 www.zara.com, Minnie Cropped Stretch Twill Pant $89.50 www.jcrew.com, Whipped Stitch Rabbit Fur Trim Infinity Scarf $48.00 www.nordstroms.com, All That Jazz Dress $95.00 www.pixiemarket.com, Kain 1 Pocket Tee $84.00 www.shopbop.com, Sam Edelman Alvin Flats $99.00 www.piperlime.com.

Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

When it comes time to slip into something comfortable after a long days work, don’t reach for your tired college tees and sweats. Instead, try putting in as much effort into your nighttime wardrobe as you do your daytime ensembles. I promise it will make it easier to drift away to a blissful night’s sleep with sweet, happy dreams.

I’ve curated a selection of PJ sets to do just that, and with the trend in wearing pajama inspired clothing during the day, you won’t be judged if you wear them out of the house!!

A fashion tip from one of my more stylish clients – she buys identical sets at Christmas for all the women in the family and coordinating matching sets for the guys. It makes for great holiday photos!!

Clockwise from top left: J Crew Vintage Pajama Set $85.00 www.jcrew.com, Gap’s Red Plaid Pajama Set $34.95 www.gap.com, Munki Munki Flannel Pajamas $68.00 www.nordstrom.com, Victoria Secret’s Afterhours Satin Pajama $69.50 www.victoriasecrets.com, Equipment Avery Brushed-Silk PJ’s $552.00 www.netaporter.com, Red Glamour Rose Classic Sateen PJ $138.00 wwwbeadhead.com.

 

 

 

Trend Report – Round & Cat-Eye Sunglasses

With a little over a month till Labor Day, summer has gone whizzing by way too fast. But if you haven’t scored your ideal pair of sunnies, there is plenty of sun (and time) left.

If you’re looking for the latest trend, round sunglasses is the way to go. Coming in every color and variation you can imagine, and covering a wide price range, it will be a cinch to own a pair that screams “YOU”! My favorite, the Proenza Schouler round aviator’s, are urban chic and casual cool – available at Barney’s for $325.00. Another great pair, at the opposite price point, are the Celebrity Round Sunglasses from Sunglass Wherehouse ($14.41) – fun and glamorous.

Not keen on round, cat eye’s are still trending strong, DKNY’s ring in at $79.95 making them the perfect pair for the more price conscious. More of a classic kind of gal? Ray Ban’s classic Wayfarer will never go out of style and at $150.00 neither will their price.

Clockwise from top left: Proenza Schouler Round Aviator $325.00 www.barneys.com, Illesteva Leonard Sunglasses $165.00 www.netaporter.com, Celebrity Round Sunglasses $14.41 www.sunglasswherehouse.com, The Original Wayfarer $150.00 www.ray-ban.com, Girls Selima Sunglasses $49.50 www.jcrew.com, DKNY Sunglasses $79.95 www.sunglasshut.com.

Summer Totes For The Beach And So Much More!!

These totes are the perfect accessory for an afternoon stroll through the farmers market, a quick jaunt to the supermarket or a lazy afternoon at the beach. Spacious and fashionable every super chic girl will have this smart accessory on their arm this summer.

From Kate Spade’s Dive In tote to Stella 9′s zigzag beach tote you will be set in style and with plenty of room to tote everything you need for the beach (Vogue, H2O and sunscreen) and beyond!!

Clockwise from top left: Dive In Harmony Beach Tote $198.00 on sale for $103.00 www.katespade.com, Farmer’s market Tote $45.00 www.jcrew.com, Tibi Heart Tote $30.00 www.tibi.com, Stella 9 ZIg Zag Beach Tote $88.00 www.shopbop.com,Foot Candy Straw Tote $145.00 on sale for $87.00 www.footcandy.com, May Y Sol Wellfeet Straw Tote $98.00 on sale for $49.00 www.lordandtaylor.com

Take A Fashion Risk — Styling Tips That Help!!

I know taking risks with your wardrobe and fashion choices can be daunting. Hopefully these spring tips can make the experience fun and enjoyable, and much less challenging!!

Mix Prints. It’s not as difficult as you might think. If you’re a beginner try mixing stripes and floral prints at first. Keep the silhouettes simple and clean (a button down shirt and pencil skirt are great examples), and keep the colors tame. This J Crew blouse and skirt blend perfectly with out being overwhelming.

When wearing a color from head to toe (a great idea) try wearing different shades of the hue. It will infuse a dose of personality into your look. Another great trend is lace, Kristin Stewart looks amazing in Stella McCartney’s mini, the simple silhouette keeps the look elegant and the conservative neckline balances the high hemline.

Yellow is the hottest color of the summer, and one every girl should dare to wear. The keys to keeping your notice-me shade from going over-the-top are a classic cut and understated styling (think minimal accessories and natural hair).Emily Blunt looks fantastic in a  yellow Elie Saab A-line frock and color-coordinated Sergio Rossi sandals.

Give your jeans and button down an upgrade with a sparkling cardigan and a pop of color with magenta pumps. Adding a cross body bag keeps this look grounded. Olivia Palermo wears a French Connection cardigan, Christian Dior purse and Giambattista Valli pumps.

Stripes, black & white and  bright red are all big trends this summer. Busy Phillips shows how easy it is to wear all three. Adding a pop of red keeps this dress from looking drab. Make sure to add a pop of red (with shoes, a belt or a handbag) to a black and white look this spring.

Re think lingerie-inspired pieces for daytime. With so many chic, pretty ways to wear bustiers, cropped tops, and short-shorts this spring, it’s easy to do. If you’re not bold enough to wear these silhouettes alone try using them as layering pieces under an amazing jacket (a la Prada Spring/Summer 2012) or a sporty cardigan.

Good luck and remember to have fun!! Let me know how it works out!

Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts For Him

If you are anything like me you’re dreading Valentines day and the thought of spending it alone, save for the box of chocolates your boss gifts you. Or, you’re one of the lucky ones — part of a blissfully in lovecouple  — but short on time, and you’ve waited to the last-minute to buy your sweetheart his gift. For us in the first group, I say, “Be your own Valentine. Treat yourself to what ever you have been coveting – celebrate the wonderous, remarkable you!”

For the latter, I’ve curated a guide to gifts he’ll adore and remember for some time to come. They encompass a variety of price points and were chosen to celebrate the longtime love, the hot new romance, the we-are still just-friends man in your life and for the girl who needs her man to make the move or else…

For the I’m not sure girl, I’m lovin the Shipley and Halmos Graph Check Plaid Tie — perfect for you to entice your man into spicing up his wardrobe — or the J Crew Suede MacAlister Boot — he can wear and remember (you) them for years . Whether spicing up your bedroom life or enticing your man into a new level of relationship, The New Edition Naughty Weekender Kit from Lover’s Choice will heat things up. The kit includes chocolate warming massage oil, sizzling body candy, sensual body balm, satin eye mask, four mood setting tealights and a spinner game. With sexy scenarios and suggestions just a spin away, this kit will ensure any couple has a weekend full of sensual pleasures. Want to domesticate your love, try making him dinner wearing this sexy lace apron babydoll by Victoria’s Secret – you’ll be sure to wet his appetite.

If romance is what you have in mind this Valentine’s Day, The 100 Best Love Poems Of All Time with words of love, seduction, heartbreak, adoration, and passion by the worlds most prolific poets of love –Sappho, Shakespeare, Keats, Frost, Poe, and Whitman is guaranteed to add enchantment to your evening. Especially when you read him your favorite poem as a prelude to a sensuous candlelit dinner for two. Or maybe pampering is your idea of romance, treat him to a massage at Exhale, the spa at the Fairmount Hotel, voted the top spot for a massage in Los Angeles in 2011′s Citysearch. If I were you, I would hone in on that action – as an ode to how wonderful we women truly are.

Clockwise from top left: Suede MacAlister Boots $135.00 www.jcrew.com,Lace Apron Babydoll. $58.00 www.victoriassecret.com, Shipley & Halmos Graph Check Plaid Tie $ 98.00 www.barneys.com, Exhale Spa At The Fairmount Hotel In Santa Monica $130.00 www.exhalespa.com,Naughty Weekender Kit – New Edition $ 23.50 www.mrlove.co, The 100 Best All Time Love Poems Of All Time $9.98 wwwbarnesandnoble.com.

From My Closet To Yours – Style Tips By Kristin

The Denim Shirt 

I’ve been obsessed with my denim shirt these past few days so it’s been working over time and doing double duty. Mine is from American Apparel, but alas it’s not in stock so I gathered up these other amazing options from J Crew, Lucky Brand, Wrangler and Joe’s Jeans (available at Chelsea’s store in Los Angeles).

We’ve all worn our denim shirts casually either with shorts, jeans or cordaroy pants but there is a new way to update your denim shirt. If you want to lend a little edge to your denim shirt and bring it into the realm of chicness, pair it with a pencil skirt – short or below the knee, they both look smashing. For a unique twist wear one side pulled out (ala Taylor Tomasi-Hill below) - my new fav way to wear it, or tuck it in and pair it with a great belt. For more edge I wore mine with my Stuart Weisman over the knee leather boots and my Cynthia Desser droozy necklace and cuff.

Happy Shopping!!

Clockwise from top left: Keeper Chambray Shirt $78.00 www.jcrew.com, Wrangler Dark Denim Shirt $136.35 www.asos.com, Joe’s Jeans Sexy Military Shirt $118.00 Chelsea Brentwood 310 471 4770, Lucky Brand Palomino Splatter Denim Shirt $99.00 on sale for $34.99 www.6pm.com,