Here’s To Remembering!! & An Uber Chic Memorial Day Look

This Monday marks Memorial Day, the unofficial start to summer -  a day for picnics, BBQ’s and all around beach fun – weather permiting. Where I live, in Santa Monica, its scheduled to be in the mid sixties so we’re thinking a BBQ might be a better option. It will still be loads of fun (and more fun to dress for), and easier to stay warm!

I’ve curated the ideal look -the perfect ratio of casual and chic. It’s all built around my new must-have item- Zara’s embroidered flowing bomber jacket. Not only is it versatile, it clearly works for an uber chic, free and easy look, but it also can take an evening look and give it an edgy vibe.

I want to take a moment to remind everyone not to forget the real meaning of memorial day – a day set aside to honor those who died in military service. Please consider making a donation to Operation Homefront and Military.com.

What ever you decide to do this Monday, make it terrific and create exceptional memories!!

Clockwise from top left: Flowing Bomber Jacket $99.00 zara.com, Moto Mini In Linen $118.00 jcrew.com, Drapery Lux Tank $58.99 spendid.com, Bernelle T-Strap Sandal $70.00 aldoshoes.com, Oscar de la Renta Circular Earring $175.00 oscardelarenta.com, MICHAEL Michael Kors Large Selma Top-Zip Satchel $358.00 michaelkors.com.

Coachella 2013 Festival Fashion

Coachella is here and kicking off the music festival circuit (as it were), and if your anything like me you might need a few more goodies to pack in your weekender. There’s a lot of details to ruminate over – attendees have to pick their tops, bottoms, sunglasses, dresses, and even makeup to beat the sticky heat and scorching sun (don’t forget your sunscreen). With all the stunning looking celebs, models and who’s who of fashion you’ll want to look amazing!!

I’ve curated the perfect music festival ensemble to jump-start Coachella’s music/fashion extravaganza. And best of all, these fabulous separates not only make a awesome look, they’ll mix and match with a few goodies from your closet for a weekend of dynamite fashion.

It’s a great excuse to justify picking up something you’ve been coveting – for me it’s the Isabel Marant Jenny boots in sand. Or, the Vita Feda gold Titan stone bracelet. Maybe both, or why not all! A girl’s gotta do what a girls gotta do!!

Clockwise from top left: Kain Classic Modal & Silk-Blend Top $85.00  www.netaporter.com, Aztec Embroidered Shorts $69.90 www.zara.com, Vita Feda Gold Titan Stone Bracelet Chelsea Brentwood 310 471 4770, RCVA Map Reader Hat $44.00 www.swell.com, Aviator Large Metal Gold Sunglasses $145.00 www.rayban.com, Isabel Marant Jenny Boots $565.00 www.lagarconne.com

Trend Report – Suiting Goes Short

Shorts aren’t just for lazy days at the beach, leisurely vacations and summer days of heat and fun anymore – in fact they’re not just for summer either. Shorts, when married with its matching blazer lends some panache and playful sportiness to a classic that can tend toward the drab. Today’s short suits can be worn anywhere from the office to weekend fun and evenings out.

Half of me is drawn to the flirty and fun side of short suits like Willow’s woven metallic-flecked jacket and tweed shorts  – love the peplum detailing on the blazer. Zara’s floral print suit is not only cheerful and playful but its vibrant print looks amazing as separates when paired with white.

My other half leans towards the simplicity of Acne’s ultra chic monotone sand linen blazer and shorts, and Rachel Zoe’s stylish white cotton double-breasted blazer and shorts. Simple but never boring! Which do you Prefer?

Ist photo from right to left: Akris, Bottega Veneta, Jason Wu, Wes Gordon, Erin Fetherson.

Clockwise from top left: Willow Woven Metallic-Flecked Jacket $1305.00 www.netaporter.com, Willow Fench Riviera Tweed Shorts $520.00 www.netaporter.com, Acne Bonnie Linen Shorts $254.00 www.mytheresa.com, Floral Shorts $35.90 www.zara.com, Rachel Zoe Suzi Shorts $239.00 on sale for $144.00 www.mytheresa.com, Rachel Zoe Irene Blazer $464.00 on sale for $232.00 www.mytheresa.com, Pique Floral Blazer $99.90 www.zara.com, Acne Cindy Linen Blazer $635.00 www.mytheresa.com.

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

Obsessed With The Edge Of Chunky Necklaces

When I saw Gwyneth Paltrow in Who What Wear wearing the fabulous Pomellato 67 necklace in silver and marcasite (that she has been sporting on a regular basis) I became obsessed with chunky necklaces.

With a price tag of $4640 not everyone can afford the Pomellato 67. But not to fret, I’ve curated a selection of affordable chunky necklaces that will give everything from a basic t-shirt to a party-ready frock a shot of chic toughness!

From vintage – the to-die-for Givenchy’s twist mirror necklace – to the edgy two-tone metal look – Giles & Brother’s multi- row chain link necklace – to the quintessential, but hardly demure, feel of J Crew’s classic link necklace, I’ve got you covered!!

Clockwise from top left: Gold Plated Maxi Chain Necklace $25.90 www.zara.com, Vintage Givenchy Twist Mirror Necklace $599.00 www.farfetch.com, Giles & Brother Multi- Row Two-Tone Chain Link Necklace $250.00 www.saksfifththavenue.com,  Classic Link Necklace $165.00 www.jcrew.com, Chunky Link Necklace $98.00 on sale for $69.00 www.juicycouture.com, Wolf Mountain Chain Necklace $24.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com.

Coveting Isabel Marant

These days I am obsessed with all things shiny, and have not been able to stop thinking about Isabel Marant’s lurex metallic jacket (available at Elyse Walker one of my favorite stores in Pacific Palisades, CA.).

The bumpy lurex leather reminds me of one of my favorite exotic skins, eel skin, and its look lends itself to easily be dressed up, or, with the right accessories, a downtown urban feel. While now is the time to wear it with black pants, soon it will be a serious pop to white jeans!!

Till then try wearing it with these for an edgy feel:

Isabel Marant Ginkle Bumpy Lurex Metallic Jacket $1095.00 www.forwardelysewalker.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

Parker Seguin Tanks & Their Perfect Partners

When I saw the Parker sequin cross back tank I knew it was something I had to share with you. After a little more browsing I came upon a few more sequin tanks that I fell for and they all seemed to have one thing in common – all were designed by Parker!

They’re all beautiful and uber chic, and will bring shine and sparkle to any holiday party or romantic dinner date. My favorite style has to be Parker’s aforementioned sequin cross back tank (328.00 designed exclusively for Intermix), the cross over back falls open to reveal a smidgen of the lower back ( simple & sexy) and falls slightly longer in the back. When paired with Jitrois’ flared leather pants you’ll go from Wow! to off the charts AMAZING.

If you’re in need of an outfit to impress the boss at the next holiday party (yours… or your guys), this is the one!

Clockwise from top left: Parker Criss-Cross Sequin Tank $286.00 www.saksfithave.com, Jacquard Capri Pants $79.90 www.zara.com, J Brand Metallic Charcoal Legging $218.00 www.designbystephene.com, Jitrois Flared Leather Pants $2135.00 on sale for $1494.00 www.stylebop.com, Parker Sequin Cross Back Tank $328.00 www.intermix.com, Parker Double Strap Top $308.00 on sale for $215.60 www.shopbop.com.

Trend Report – Faux Fur

 

What’s even better than the real thing? Not much,  faux fur maybe one of the few exceptions! It keeps animal lovers and activists happy, and doesn’t wreak havoc on your budget. Fur (and by extension  faux fur) is a major trend this fall/ winter showing up on everything, even dresses – love L’Agences faux lambskin dress ($522.00 on sale for$365.00).

 

Another favorite is Juicy Couture’s lapis faux fur cape ($495.00). It works extra hard this holiday season pulling double duty – looking rocker chic with a pair of skinnies and ankle boots, or the perfect way to stay warm and cozy when wearing your smashing (yet skimpy) new evening dress.

 

And, for $33 Oliver Bonas’s faux fur snug scarf  makes the perfect gift. So perfect you might give yourself one!

 

 

Clockwise from top left: Barneys Co-Op Faux Fur Vest $255.00 www.barneys.com, Juicy Couture Lapis Faux Fur Cape $495.00 www.stylebop.com, Faux Fur Snug Scarf $33.00 www.oliverbonas.com, Fur-Lined Parka $129.00 www.zara.com, L’Agence Faux Lambskin Dress $522.00 on sale for$365.00 www.mytheresa.com, DKNY Animal-Print faux Fur Jacket $295.00 on sale for $206.50 www.netaporter.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.