IN HER BOOTS

mon obsession du jour

2009-06-06T19:29:00.000-07:00

les chaînes de corps!

ever since i laid eyes on erin wasson's body chains from her collection, low luv, she used to style models for the collaboration with alex wang last year, i've been in luv. in fact i think that body chains are the personification of what i aspire to be: cool. unique. minimalist while ultra sexy. (i said aspire friends.)

this week i finally caved and turned to the saving grace of style for a gal who seems a million miles from l.a./n.y.c.- shopbop.com. The body chains they feature by Victorian Hippie are all the aforementioned but much more thrifty (ugh that word is so not cool, unique, nor sexy). i melted when mr. postman delivered it on friday and just keep thinking about all the ways i will wear it this summer. stay tuned for pics (cross my heart).

Beauty Beat

2009-05-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

An old roomate of mine once told me I was a "beauty product whore". Of all things to be accused, I guess I'll take it. But wait, now that I think about this... if whore is the case wouldn't the products pay me to use them? For the sake of being grammatically correct, I'd say I'm a beauty product junkie. But whatever, back to the point! So as a self-proclaimed expert, I've found not one but two new products that are too fabulous not to share:

Skintimate Moisturing Cream Shave
Honestly what first attracted me to this little wonder was its bargain price- only $3! At half what other shaving creams cost, this one still blows the others out of the water (or shower). Just put dollup in your hand, rub thin layer down your gams, shave and walla- the smoothest, silkiest legs you've ever witnessed. Now why wouldn't you want try it? Well maybe if you are trying to discourage snuggling on your side of the bed or a granola way to keep your knee socks up, but if you want to channel your inner Venus this summer like moi, try this stuff!

Trish McEvoy's Lash Curling Mascara
You may be thinking I'm now going to write about how this is the most amazing for curling your lashes. Well wrong. Not that it doesn't curl them just so, but what makes this mascara so blog-worthy is how it is removed. As a contact wearer with extremely sensitve eyes, I'm always searching for a formula that doesn't flake or run as the day goes on. My prayers were answered when an angel at Neiman's introduced me to this. Trish McEvoy has miraculously created a mascara that glides on with a hint a shine and stays put all day (and night). Then when it's time to wash it off (only water is required) it gently pulls off in tube-like remnants (so cool!) to leave you with clean, pure lashes. It's a mere make-up phenomenon.

So I can now say I've given up my junkie ways at least when it comes to shave creams and mascaras- I'm devoted to these for life!

Crop It Like It's Hot

2009-04-09T12:36:00.001-07:00

Oh yes, midriffs are sneaking their way back onto the scene. Just as rockin worn under a vest or over a tank as flying solo, these saucy little numbers will prove fun to layer with your summer rotation of high waisted and cutoff shorts, destroyed skinny denim, and body con skirts.

As if the dawn of bikini season wasn't already motivation enough, here's one more reason to skip the chocolate bunny and hop to it!

HAPPY EASTER!

(Alexander Wang, Barron Duquette, KAiN Label)

Spirit Fingers

2009-02-20T07:23:00.001-08:00

The coolest of cool? Half gloves. Enough said.

Liela Moss of The Duke Spirit

model May Anderson

Just Bead It, Bead It

2009-02-03T07:12:00.001-08:00

Rosary inspired necklaces infuse bohohemian style with rock 'n' roll attitude. Drape them over a tee or even wear with an evening dress as a nod to the nonchalant indie spirits of this world. Wouldn't you rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints? The sinners are much more fun...

Jade Jagger

Nicole Ritchie

look from shopbop.com

The Real McCoy's

2009-01-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

Forget spending $200+ on the boyfriend jean trend du jour and bag a pair of Levi's 501s. Priced at a mere $78, this old school label has every right to scoff at the designer duds that mimick just what 501s have been doing for decades. They've so expertly captured a broken in comfort and roomy cut that now my skinnies are begging to be put back in wardrobe rotation. I sized up for a slouchy, borrowed from the boy effect and wear with heels, vintage tee, structured jacket and giant watch for a look of haphazard polish. Otherwise, just add flats and a sweater for effortless weekend panache.

501® Boyfriend Cut Jeans

Glossy Pearl

2009-01-03T12:22:00.000-08:00

Check out my new fave fashion glossy from the land down under, Oyster. Taking a peek into their world of what's cool in fashion, music, and life is like finding buried treasure. Bonzer!

oystermag.com

Move Over for Marlova

2008-12-19T18:02:00.000-08:00

Say "sweater" and what comes to mind? If it's a bulky, boxy, pilly, itchy top of sorts then you haven't met Marlova. Soyun Shin's line of luxe sweaters are like butter. The cashmere is the absolute snuggliest thing against your skin and her draped designs conjure utter gratitude for avant garde warmth. When you've slipped into Marlova on a chilly sweater day the only thing brought to mind will be visions of sugar plum fairies dancing...in cashmere.

Too Hip to Be Square

2008-12-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

Rather than settle for another vanilla overcoat, add some heat to a winter ensemble with these novel jackets that play up geometric proportions and flirt with crafty design details.

Publicka zip front cape, oaknyc.com

Mara Hoffman cape jacket, shopbop.com

Geren Ford ruffle neck coat, shopbop.com

BB Dakota nika jacket, tobi.com

Prairie Underground moth coat, tobi.com

Acne huge zippered jacket, oaknyc.com

Twinkle bundled up jacket, shopbop.com

Elizabeth and James cape coat, shopbop.com

Penchant for Pencey

2008-11-25T07:02:00.001-08:00

Holden Caulfield may have famously said, "People never notice anything," but the collection Pencey, named for his boarding school in Catcher in the Rye, begs to differ. Designers Christina Minasian and Tora Lopez, former stylist/Kitson buyer and former L.A.M.B. designer, have tastemakers taking notice with their knack for tailoring whimsical punk.

Holiday '08

Spring '09

Rip It, Rip It Good

2008-11-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Take inspriration from Edward Scissorhands

and Alexander Wang

and snip some style into your jeans, tees, and tights.

And lucky for those of us surgically challenged, you can just buy that "oh I've had these for years and wore them to paint my garage" kind of history straight from the source.

Go on, chop chop!

(from top: image from spread in my scrapbook, pages from Barney's Co-op fall catalog, Oak midskinny black trashed jeans, Current/Elliott skinny slouch in loved destroy)

Drop Trou

2008-10-21T16:50:00.001-07:00

The other day I saw one of the coolest outfits in months and it surprised me that what made it so hip were her dropped crotch pants. These pants made a reappearance on runways and in stores calling back regaling memories of "Hammer Time" but I quickly passed them over as an unflattering frivolity. Now I'm reconsidering. The outfit of inpsiration was an extremely baggy pair of white and blue striped seersucker dropped crotch pants, a deconstructed gray jacket over a plain white tank, very high tan booties, bedroom hair and an oversized men's watch. It was a perfect polished mess!

(Rick Owens drop crotch denim stretch pants, Mary Meyer grey sahara pant- Oak NYC)
I loved what the disheveled jacket did for her outfit but beware of falling victim to too much fabric. This Robert Rodriguez ensemble (showcased in the Cooper Design Space) is a good example of how to pair the two together.
Pants of this sort will disguise most of your feminine figure and bring whole new meaning to leaving the boys with enough room for imagination. Wear them with a fitted shirt and a high heel for a dose of bedraggled sensuality. If the guys do dig it and try to pass a smooth move, you need only say "You can't touch this".

In Her Running Shoes

2008-10-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

Ok I'm taking off the fashionista hat/boots and putting on my athlete hat/running shoes.
After living most weekend mornings the past few months in my favorite running tights and many trips back to the source for more goodies, I simply must share this new line of workout gear of which I'm such a big fan. Splits 59 is a new athletic store in Brentwood, CA focused on women's athletic apparel. This isn't like the corporate cookie cutter garb every other girl is sporting around the gym. Splits sets the bar higher in the way they've brillantly blended superior performance with a fashion edge. The Sheri foldover run tight pictured at left is my obsession (I've been told they are adding hip zippers to the style for fall) and they stock an expansive collection of other bodies which include sexy sport bras, breezy running shorts, chic tennis skirts, edgy racerback tops, hip oversized backless tees (great for yogis), and futuristic wind breakers (very Y-3) all in the most gorgeous color palette and delectable fabrics.
I'm telling ya, this company is going places! And you'll have further proof beyond my testimony, when you see them appear in the upcoming issue of Vogue (yes that's right the Vogue). Splits59 offers online shopping and direct shipping to those sisters that don't live in the country's west coast fashion capital. Go ahead and bookmark http://www.splits59.com/ now.
As write this entry I hear echoes of my dad hurrying me along as an adolescent getting ready to leave the house. "Come on!", he'd say. "It's not a fashion show." But really, isn't it always?!? Sporting Splits59 gear will make that next run down the sidewalk feel more like a jaunt down the catwalk. So come on ladies, strike a pose, vogue.

Back to the Gypsy

2008-10-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

If my alter ego wasn't so set on fronting a rock 'n' roll band, she'd otherwise be a free spirit floating about St. Germaine with some painter of a boyfriend. So lightning struck me maybe once, maybe twice when I saw the styling of this poetic shoot in October's Elle UK.

This winter my gypsy ying and rocker yang outfit will consist of a pretty floral dress under a tough little leather jacket, a combination that marries the winter floral trend with the little leather jacket fetish that exudes the ever cool "I'm with the band/model off duty" kinda vibe.

You can also accomplish this look wearing a denim jacket with a short flowy print dress and beat up boots much like the model in this Pepe Jeans ad.

There are lots of dresses out there as floral prints will be en vogue through spring '09. These are two of my current favorites (on shopbop of course!)

(Daughters of the Revolution Happy Long Dress; Haute Hippie Beaded Dress)

But don't think you have to don a dress for your gypsy to dance.

(Free People Velveteen Lead Vest; Muxo by Camilla Alves Totisse Cross Body Bag)

These inspired pieces will let you face your freedom without fear.

Nice Stems

2008-09-28T09:57:00.000-07:00

Get a leg up with new leggings

It's the details of these slinky Olivia Leggings by Nightcap that make them so covetable - ruched bottoms, ribbed pattern, and foldover band. Wear them with a funky tee and flats or boots for daytime downtown, then swap a sexy top and killer heels for a night out.

Do a pirouette or two when you're channeling a prima ballerina in these sublty sexy Suh-Tahn mesh leggings.

Mic Jagger would be jealous if he spotted you in these bad ass glossy snap leggings from La Rok. Tip: Break a sweat rockin out in these babies and you may be on a mission for baby powder to get them back on.

LnA's zipper leggings are a mega hit with celebrities and will be with you too when you see the darling gold zippers and sensational smoothing effect.

Not your grandmother's lace. Add some texture to an otherwise conservative outfit with Kova & T's Lace Leggings.

You'll be swimming in compliments if you add Members Only Liquid Fold Over Leggings to your ensemble. I like them best with an relaxed tee and fetish footwear.

Gonna see my picture on the cover

2008-09-15T15:27:00.000-07:00

...well not the cover of Rolling Stone, even better...

This Elle UK cover of Sienna Miller for the July issue is absolutely gorgeous. I want to copy everything! Her nail polish has been bloody hell to find as the mag gives no credit to the one that was used for the shoot. But you don't have to get your knickers in a bunch because I've sussed out a couple of options.

Lippmann Collection's Hit Me With Your Best Shot is a glistening gunmetal color and was created by Pat Benatar. Groovy! This little bottle of rock'n'roll doesn't come cheap though- more than £8.
For us recessionistas, Essie has a wicked shade too. Over The Top is a dramatic metallic midnight grey and only around £4.

As for those tats, I think I'll stop being a copycat nutter there (mum would kick the bucket!).

Cheerio darling

Favorite Off-Runway Looks Fashion Week S09

2008-09-14T10:06:00.000-07:00

Diane Kruger is always best dressed in my book. She plays perfection in her front row ensemble of a plaid tie-neck blouse, radiant makeup and those killer over the knee boots.

This simple mix of black on black, subdued hair, and statement heels has a certain je ne sais quois.

Love the cozy cafe sweater, sloucy bag, and pop of purple from the shoes.

Oversized boyfriend denim + white tank + leather jacket = cool concert attire for Prps/MGMT afterparty. Her belt, necklace, and shoes really take it up a notch.

Gladiator sandals, liquid leggings, and a scarf- is this model fresh off the plane from LA? Maybe that's why I love it so

Can't get enough of that rolled boyfriend jean! Great contrast to the structured jacket and bag.

In Check

2008-09-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Plaid is the trend du jour and will be even stronger this fall. Although it does conjure up memories of more than a decade wearing a catholic school girl uniform, I'm sill lovin today's take on plaid because it's easy, affordable, and very versatile.

(Kate Moss, Sienna Miller)

Wear an oversized button down as grungy outerwear or opt for a polished look with a slimfit top, skinny jeans and platforms.

(Lauren Conrad)

Aside from the obvious lumber jack shirts, you can rock some plaid with cute little jumpers, strapless dresses, slim skirts, scarves, structured jackets and even tights (for the super daring).

(Audrina Partridge, Vanessa Hudgens)

(Gap scarf)

The likes of Dolce & Gabbana, See by Chloe, and Elizabeth and James have delicious interpretations but I'd suggest you visit H&M, the Gap (eeek I said it), or Top Shop for pieces easy on your pocket.

(Dolce & Gabbana ad fall 08)

(Top Shop dress)

You really can't beat just stealing your one of your boyfriend's shirts, but if sans bf like me, hit up a vintage store- I found a great little boys shirt for $12!

Mmmmmm...smells like Teen Spirit.

Shag now or shag later?

2008-08-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

Get your fringe on this a/w in fun party dresses, vests, tees, frayed denim, accesories, and even footwear. Then add a little hippy hippy shake.

LaRok Harmony Fringe Dress

Kettle Black Ankle Fringe Boot

L.A.M.B. Yoyo

Muxo Paulistas Little Sister Fringe Bag

Whitehorse Couture Cherokee Fringe Tank

Jeffrey Campbell Top Fringe Sandal

Jorge Morales Fringe Bracelet

Music to My Eyes

2008-08-19T09:58:00.000-07:00

So as I was listening my fave Sunday morning radio show, Beatles for Breakfast, a verse from "Lovely Rita" instantly took my mind to a page of this month's Lucky magazine....

"In a cap she looked much older
And the bag across her shoulder
Made her look a little like a military man".....

but whoever rocks this saddlebag has got to look much hotter than Paul's meter maid sweetheart.

And while we are on the topic of song lyrics, I think Elton's best line from "Bennie and The Jets" is just as fitting for this fall's fashion as it was back in 1973....
"Oh Bennie she's really keen

She's got electric boots a mohair suit

You know I read it in a magazine"....

Once again proving the oldies are goodies ; )

(Hunter's Possibilities Bag, dixiegunworks.com

Elizabeth and James Plume Feather Vest, intermixonline.com
Sergio Rossi Basic Tall Flat Boot, shopbop.com
Dolce Vita Zip Bold Belted Bootie, shopbop.com
LaRok Shagadelic Vest, singer22.com)

Miss New Bootie

2008-08-10T13:56:00.000-07:00

"Sandalized booties" make a subtle statement and in a light nude color they can be worn now straight into fall. Rachel Bilson glams up her laid-back Cali girl errand outfit in Martin Margiela booties. Olivia Palmero's event ensemble is a perfect "10" successfully contrasting feminine details against menswear and brown against black.

(The Ferguson and The Zidane both by Tashkent by Cheyenne)

You Better Believe It

2008-07-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

Okay now I know it's official when the fashion industry coins the term "Recessionista". She's the fashion savvy turned budget conscious gal out to score high style at a low price. And yes, I count myself as one. Even though times are tough (and shopbop teases me everyday with emails about new shoe arrivals), I'm up to the challenge. Sometimes breaking that item out from the back of the closet and finding a fresh new way wear it can be just as fun as donning a newly purchased piece. Like last week- I wore an old Gap shirtdress from ages ago with gladiators and must have gotten three compliments that day! My roommate, another recessionista, has recently reivented some of her clothes by taking up hemlines-shortening old sundresses to a breezy mini length and cutting tired jeans into hip of-the-moment cutoffs. Personally I think our generation is due for bit of a wake up call. Someone in LA once said to me this city is full of $40,000 millionaires and really there's no better way to describe 20 somethings in this day and age. How did we justify having Tom Ford shades, a Louis Vuitton handbag, and driving this year's BMW on a $50,000 salary? So let's be thankful for what we do have, embrace these times as a opportunity to put things back in check, and get creative. Bring on the hand-me-downs!

Hat Trick

2008-07-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Fedoras in the summertime up the cool factor
(and I mean other than just the temperature)

My Boyfriend's Back...

2008-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

....okay he's not really...but looking like you're wearing his jeans is.
The denim pendulum has certainly swung the other way. Though skinnies will continue their reign for a few more seasons and high waisted 70s bells were a step in the other direction this past spring and summer, the baggy boyfriend is now en vogue after making appearances on fall runways and celebrity trendsetters. This is one ex I welcome back with open arms...

From Gossip Girl to Glamour Girl

2008-07-23T16:16:00.000-07:00

Leighton Meester's red carpet looks of lately are fab!
XOXO

Inspired by SATC

2008-07-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Not particularly the most stand out ensemble from the movie, but my favorite nonetheless. I love all the dimensions created with layers of differing textures. These pieces are also accessible and wearable (unlike that bird on her head). Get the look with a patterned silk vintage dress under a striped sweater (Vince, Alice + Olivia, and Juicy Couture offer a similar versions) and long grandpa cardigan (check out styles by Autumn Cashmere, MK2K, and Vince). Add over the knee socks, patent booties (like the Gucci Newton), cutoff gloves (Ines Gloves), and a healthy dose of attitude for two thumbs up

Everybody Wang Chung Tonight

2008-07-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

Check out this dress from Alexander Wang.

He knows urban cool like nobody else. And this dress is a cut above, worthy of a walk down the red carpet or just a festive evening among friends. In any case, if you wear this dress guarantee that "everybody have fun tonight"

Gotta have enough lettuce to support my shoe fetish...

2008-07-17T17:16:00.000-07:00

I'm lusting after both of these for fall. This sandal is right on par with the gladiator trend and can be worn now through the fall with downtown rock 'n' roll style or glammed up with a hot dress and the right jewelry. And the boots...just so beautiful and sophisticated. I imagine myself wearing these through the streets of Paris on a chilled autumn day (but I guess the streets of LA will do just as well). J'adore!

(sandal by L.A.M.B., bootie by Givenchy)

Paperbag Princess

2008-07-11T12:48:00.001-07:00

Play up your girlish figure with a tight tee or tank tucked into paperbag waist skirts or shorts.

Blue Jean Baby

2008-07-10T10:07:00.000-07:00

Absolutely l-o-v-e these "Skinny Pleats" jeans by The Unknown Factory that are featured in Lucky Magazine this month. Intermix here I come...

Bag Lady

2008-07-09T10:31:00.000-07:00

After years of toting around oversized handbags, mix it up by wearing a smaller purse with a long strap to cross over the body. My pick would be this covertible Diana Clutch by Lauren Merkin. It's sure to be liberating and a stand out too!

Get Your Hair Did

2008-07-06T09:14:00.001-07:00

I'm lovin these fresh new ways to wear braids right now.
Wear one in the part with the rest down ala LC and Sienna,

in a messy bun like Diane Kruger and Hillary Duff,

or with a headband as Erin Wasson does.

Set for Summer in Somerset

2008-07-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Take a cue from these ultra hip Glastonbury girls. It's all about denim cutoffs, cool shades, a kitchy scarf, and boots (of course!).

A few of my favorites

2008-07-04T09:46:00.000-07:00