Spotted: Long Skirts

I've been noticing an emerging trend with long skirts... mostly in black and some of them could be dresses but for arguments sake/post sake we are going to go with skirts. Retro-inspired patio dresses made a comeback last summer, but only in a very So.Cal bohemian way... this year the trend appears to be taking a chicer route!

A way to wear it - Keep it simple and let the skirt do the talking....


Alexander Wang skirt ($552), Forever21 Basic V-neck tee ($4.50), Fleece jacket ($44.80), and Scarf ($8.80), Repetto ballet flats ($210)

(Inspiration photos via Facehunter)

I'm Intrigued

You think you know a company like Gap, then they throw an intriguing curve ball your way... Case in point, these suede and wood platforms in 4 colors:



These would be lovely for the Spring paired with some cropped pants or a floaty dress! I think I might go for the tan pair... Available at Gap for $98

Spotted: Cuffed Trousers

On the top of my list of trends to try this year is... Cropped & cuffed trousers. I think the key here is to wear them slightly baggy, with a slim tee or shirt tucked in and a pair of chunky heels.

Two Options:


Splendid Scoop Neck Tee ($50), Anthropologie Cropped Trousers ($98), Gap Tab Belt ($34.50) Cynthia Vincent Luella Wedge ($400).


JCrew Lattice Cami ($88), Vanessa Bruno Linen Trouser ($375), Gap Notched Belt ($29.50), Miss Sixty Katy Heel ($148).

(Inspiration photo via Jak&Jil)

Current Muse: Binki of Little Joy

I have been listening to the wonderful band Little Joy on heavy rotation lately... Not only do I adore their music, I also feel that I've found a new style muse in Singer/Guitarist/Etc, Binki Shapiro (is that her real name? because if it is, that's amazing!)... I love her slightly undone casual look that only a musician might have...




(photos via here and here... Spotted on {frolic!})

Matte Is The New Black

Matte nail polish???...... I'm interested!


By Knock Out cosmetics ($22)

Beautiful Basics

I am itching for a little shopping trip to NYC... And UNIQLO is one of my favorite stores to hit when I visit. I so wish they had a location on the West Coast!

I love how their clothes manage to be trend right while remaining clean, straight forward and almost timeless... And they offer great quality at fantastic prices in a large variety of colors! If you're visiting the area, the Soho store is a must!

Learning To Walk

Despite my petite stature, I remain a flats-girl, tried and true. But that has not stopped me from becoming over-the-top obsessed with the current onslaught of strappy, chunky heels.... Problem is, I don't wear heels often because I am just not good at wearing them! Word is "practice makes perfect"...



Dolce Vita Jutsin ($89.99), Chie Mihara ($398), Kooples ($168), Chie Mihara ($398)

Do you wear heels? If so, what's your secret to being comfortable and not breaking your neck???

It Must Be Love

I am not a huge model fan/follower but this picture of Agnes Deyn and Albert Hammond, Jr., in Vogue's February issue, is just too ridiculously cute!


His look is perfect, in a Dylan-esque way! And look at those dogs... C'Mon!
(via Le Love)

Objects Of Desire

Gorgeous jewelry that I cannot afford via Karen Karch... I love the her use of Onyx and Tiger's Eye!




(Spotted on Pigeon.Toed)

Have A Good Weekend!

What better way to spend the weekend than with an around town walk with a lovely friend!

(photo via The Sartorialist)

Dear A.P.C.,

Dear A.P.C... How I love thee, let me count the ways...

1. Beret, Floral Dress, Brown Socks - OH MY!

2. Menswear Blazer and City Shorts - OH SO NICE!

3. Striped Tee and Red Mini Skirt - LET'S SAIL!

A.P.C.'s Spring '09 collection - Here!

I'll Take One

Jeremy Scott + Longchamp... Yes Please!


Available at Colette ($227)

(Inspiration photo via French Vogue)

More Chloe Please

Chloe's Spring 09 collection is just too perfect! The scalloped hems are AMAZING!




(Spotted via Unruly-Things and A Cup of Jo)

A Girl and Her Shoes

I just discovered the lovely style blog of Gala at Inside Am-lul's Closet. She puts together gorgeously chic looks!



Love the Moschino shoes (pictured in both above looks)!!


And again with the hight-waisted, light-washed flares - LOVE LOVE LOVE!

Just Because...

Just because I really don't think I can live another day without these earrings....


Mini Pyramid Earrings by Alex & Chloe ($120)

Spring's Ahoy!

The closer and closer it gets to Spring, the more I find myself wanting Nautical inspired pieces... And after the wonderful events of yesterday, I am even feeling a little Red, White and Blue might be in order (for the first time in a really long time!)...





Steven Alan Kensington Shirt ($148), Boden Sailor Sweater ($84.60), Forever21 Drawstring Dress ($22.90), Brooklyn Industries Bib Sweater Dress ($98), Acne Navy Cord at Oak ($399), Anthropologie Linen Trousers ($98)

Always A Princess

I saw these pictures of the beautiful Grace Kelly and just had to post them immediately!

(photos by Howell Conant via Hannah Couture)

Wanted: See by Chloe

I've been a huge fan of all things Chloe for years, but lately See by Chloe's feminine and slightly whimsical pieces have been consistently at the top of my wish list (aka computer window shopping list)!



Stripe Shift Dress ($445) and Jardin Floral Dress ($485) both available at Nordstrom, Bow Applique Top at Net-a-Porter ($305), Flap Jack Bag at Tobi ($675).

Toting Around

Where I came from and where I am now...

Where I am going and where I wish I was right this second...

I love Map Totes - They're just so expressive :) - What's your favorite city?

Natural Grocery Tote ($15)

Bits and Baubles

My adorable friend and amazing jewelry designer Christina Raye is having a ridiculously unbelievable sale on her site... Lots of semi-precious stones and intricate metal work for just $20 a piece (on select merchandise and just for 1 week!) Check out her website for more details.... In the meantime, here are some of my favorites:

Perfection

The new Look Book at La Garconne is just too perfect - This is how I would like to dress every day!





Hmmm... time to break out the light-washed flares!

Friday Morning Inspiration

You know I love an inspirational style photo... and this week I was feeling inspired by some looks that I could actually pull-off (versus pretending I might pull-off some day if the stars, my wardrobe and budget aligned.... AS IF!)....


A few things come to mind here: Neutrals, super skinny black jeans and THAT SCARF!


Love the white accessories paired with the dark navy & black outfit... I also love the vintage touches (boots and bag) and well as the fair-aisle mittens (which I might add is a great way of mixing a little fair-aisle into your wardrobe without a scary grandma sweater)!


An oldie but goodie... I am pretty sure I have posted this picture before, but it's one of my favorites... I pulled it out for inspiration this week after finally receiving my new oxfords in the mail (p.s. they are amazing!!!). I love the short sleeves on her jacket and her incredible layering capabilities!

(photos via Glamcanyon, Hel Looks and The Sartorialist)

From The Closet

I was totally inspired by Hi There's look into people's closets... I think it's true that a person's closet can say so much about them! Plus there is something about the jumble or colors and textures that I love! Sadly I think the only thing my closet would say right now is that I am sharing a way too small closet with my husband and a small portion of his record collection - ugh!



P.S. If you haven't already checked out the amazing blog Hi There, I suggest you do... It's one of my favorites!

(photos via The Selby and This is Glamourous)

New Arrivals

I know it's still the middle of winter, but the recent onslaught of new arrivals has gotten me excited for warmer weather! (If you couldn't tell already by my recent posts)... Plus, not to make you Mid-Westerners and East-Coasters upset but it's been in the mid-80's here in Southern California.... But if it's any consolation I love the winter and I am just not getting my fix here!

Anyways, back to the clothes!






APC Dotted Shift Dress ($210), CLU Tank Dress ($212), Topshop Hearts and Flowers Tunic ($44), Built by Wendy 99 Red Balloons Dress ($258), Forever21 Denim Jumpsuit ($22.90), Gryson Bag ($860), Cynthia Vincent Lark ($355), See By Chloe Metallic Sandal ($265)

Paris in the Spring

Does anyone else wish they were in Paris in the Spring or is it just me?


Wearing a stripe dress and sitting in front of a Jean Seberg poster - Just too perfect!

(photo via Garance Dore)

Anticipation

When I saw these beautiful pictures taken by Glynis Selina Arban there was only one thing on my mind.... Spring!

The Staples

It's a New Year and many people will make resolutions regarding their personal style... But this resolution got me thinking about wardrobe staples... You know, the items you have been wearing for years and could not imagine your style without them. They are your go-to favorites! Below is what I would consider my wardrobe staples to be...

1. Cashmere Pull-Over (JCrew, $145), 2. Dark Skinny Jeans (JBrand, $189)

3. Light Weight Scarf (Gap, $29.50), 4. Delicate/Understated Jewelry (Verameat, $78), 5. Cross Body Leather Bag (Coach, $168)

6. Pretty lingerie (Anthropologie, $80), 7. A Basic Tee (Urban Outfitters, $24)

8. Black Ballet Flats (Repetto, $220), 9. White Converse (Piperlime, $45)


So, I am curious to hear - what are you style staples???

Romper Room

Do you get the feeling like 2009 will be the year of the romper!?!?!

The look on the street...

Some options...


Forever21 ($27.80), Rapscallion by Samantha Pleet ($88), Urban Outfitters ($68), Vena Cava ($370)

(street style photo via style.com)

Speaking Of...

There has been a lot of talk lately in the blog world regarding French dressing (see here, here and here).... I have always been enamored with French style, so I quickly got sucked into the idea of dressing more like a French woman in 2009.

One of my favorite characteristics of French dressing is the French woman's ability to throw an outfit together that looks so effortlessly chic and natural. I started to think about how this was possible and after reading the blogs and Joanna's clever interview with Garance Dore I started to see that it is all about... neutrals! See, I am attracted to colors - red, yellow, purple... which leads to a closet full of amazing clothes but not a lot of options as far as mixing and matching it all. In my world, certain tops go with certain skirts and etc.... but I find that French women stick to a lot of black, grey, white, and navy.... And so it dawned on me, when everything matches everything else in your closet, it's much easier to throw-on an outfit effortlessly and go!

That being said, I have made it my goal to focus on neutrals in 2009... And needless to say, my wish list is quickly growing (starting with lots of GREY)....

UO Tux Tunic ($58), Cheap Monday Skinny Jeans ($65), Rachel Comey Boatneck ($322), Antipodium Tee ($145), APC Fleece Dress ($180), Repetto Perforated Flat ($235)

Spotted: Denim Mini

The denim mini is a style that I haven't really considered in a while, but if it's good enough for the French Vogue team, then it might be something I need to try....


The look recreated...

But knowing me, it would end up being something more like this (i.e. flats & vintage levi's mini)

James Perse Casual Tee ($44), Forever21 Blazer ($28), Who We See Cut-Out Bootie ($78), Delia's Denim Mini ($69.50), Jeffrey Campbell Suede Xster ($67), Forever21 Cable Trim Sweater ($27), What Goes Around Comes Around Denim Mini ($154)

(Emmanuelle Alt and Geraldine Saglio pictures via Jak&Jil)

A Time For Pants

After many solid years of wearing lots and lots of denim, I think it may be time for some pants...

The inspiration...


Some options....

Long and Full:

Cropped and Slim:

Banana Republic Wide Leg Sailor ($89), High Waisted Trouser at Tobi ($242), Cuffed ($98) and Striped ($128) both at Anthropologie.

(street style photos via Super Fantastic Picture Time and The Sartorialist

In Men's Clothing

How I wish I would look in a men's shirt...


The incredible Lou Doillon spotted on Heart in a Cage

Let's Fly Away

After seeing this little Resort round-up at Topshop, I am feeling the need for a little tropical vacation! Margaritas or Mai-Tais anyone?


Check out more of Topshop's new arrivals here

Thursday Morning Inspiration

I have been in a bit of a style funk so far this week, so I thought I would jump-start things with a little much needed inspiration!


Some girls are able to do this disheveled, I woke up looking this great, look so well... I love the mix of proportions here. The short skirt with over-sized sweater and jacket. And in fact, I've tried the short skirt with over-sized sweater combo and I just end up looking 5-pounds heavier!! Still a favorite of mine when pulled off correctly!


After the bow overload of '08, I was looking towards a more bow-free 2009... That being said, I love her large bow hair clip! She keeps it from looking too sweet by wearing dark and slightly more edgy layers.


Ok, let me start this by saying that I am totally against fur (as you have probably heard me say before), so I am pretending that this woman is wearing a tailored vintage wool coat instead! That being said, I love the ribbon tie around the waist and her cute boots! Also, she has perfectly side-swept hair, doesn't she?

(photos via Copenhagen Street Style, LookBook, Stylesightings)

Cute, Tiny and $10

By now you are probably well aware of my ever-growing tote bag collection, but I have yet to have a tiny tote bag like this one from Lotta Jansdotter. Looks like the perfect size to carry your lunch to work or tote your small knitting project on the bus. And, thanks to a massive sale on the site, it's only $10 (originally $28)!

Penny Loafer Boots?

I love this twist on the classic penny loafer!!!



Boots by Maud at Pixie Market ($255)

In Pursuit of Liberty

The liberty print Nikes got me thinking about one of my favorite designer brands - Cacharel! Started in the 1960's this French label embraced the lovely mini florals and built an empire on girly prints.


Originals from the 60's: On the cover of a 1966 Elle magazine, Liberty dress from the 1960's


A shot from the Fall/Winter Baby Jane collection (Note to Self: Purchase red tights)


Looks from this Spring's vintage collection (bringing it back to where it all started)

In February's Teen Vogue they shot an adorable patchwork Cacharel tote (page 68) that I LOVE! - Has anyone found this for sale anywhere? I have not been able to find it! Help!

(all images via Cacharel)

Black, White and Chanel All Over

I love these new print ads for Chanel... so simple and pretty and in a very understated way. Makes me want to wear only the chicest black and white outfits!



via Fashionologie

Liberty x Nike

Just when I thought my strange obsession with high-tops might fizzle out, Nike introduces Liberty print Blazer Hi-Tops for Spring! I'm such a sucker for a good liberty floral!




(more info here)

Feeling Cozy

I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday and New Years! I for one am feeling in the mood for a little post-holiday relaxation. With the cold weather outside, a nice cozy day inside the warm house with a good book, movies and mimosas is just what I need. And what better to do that in than a comfy and softly layered, ballet inspired look...



Organic cotton cardigan at Beklina ($140), American Apparel wrap dress, ($44) Hansel from Basel socks ($14), Splendid leggings ($59)