You're the Talent. You Do As I Say.

United Colors of Benetton dress, H&M blazer, Banana Republic cuff and bag, gifted shoes (label unknown), M by MJ sunnies, gifted pendant

In college, I was taught that one should always wear a suit to an interview, a rule that I do not think should be followed in every situation.  It's super important to make a great first impression, but it's equally important to infuse your personality into your attire. I feel polished in this outfit, and I feel like myself, which will undoubtedly take some of the edge off of being in the hot seat.       


Another hot day here has me wanting nothing but the feel of silky fabrics on my skin, and this ensemble is comprised of just that. Luckily I'll be indoors for today's meeting.  Although I arrived well in advance of yesterday's interview, the only table I could find at the Coffee Bean was directly in the sun and right near a trash can. A little tip for you readers: searing heat and the scent of garbage are veeeery distracting while fielding questions about your past work experience! Fortunately, I still think it went very well and hopefully I'll have a second interview to dress for very soon. (: 

photos by Chris 

Surprising Find: Traveler Jacquard Bag by Billabong

Normally, I would neeeever think of Billabong as a source of great handbags, but I came across THIS bag while browsing Lulu's.  At $52, it's a total steal and would make the most perfect laptop / carryall bag.  Well done, Billabong. 

Xaris the Yaris

H&M top, Forever 21 vest, reworked Vigoss cut-offs, Nine West boots, vintage hat, vintage Charles Jourdan sunnies, gifted pendant

A variation on my standard uniform of cut-offs, sheer flow-y top, vest, and hat.  

Today was filled with joyrides in a friend's new car, sun-soaked lounging pool-side, and Venice festival action. Another beautiful Sunday Funday.  

Photo Credit: Chris, feat. Ragamuffin (our sweet little doggie)

Wrapped Up

Things in the wedding planning department have really picked up as of late.  I finally downloaded the amazing Brides Wedding Genius iPhone app (I'll elaborate on my  obsession with this little godsend in another post) and the floodgates of inspiration blew wide open.  For three days straight, I've been poring over photos of dresses and accessories, and one thing has become increasingly clear:  I pretty much need to build my wedding look around a crystal head wrap.  

Anyone who knows me will vouch for my addiction to head wraps. They're just so....free spirited and fun, and that's exactly how I feel when I put one on.  I want my attire to reflect the way I am going to feel on my wedding day so it's only logical that I adorn my head with this accoutrement.  Below are some options I'm loving right now:

(1)Jennifer Behr, $172, (2)Jennifer Behr, $250, (3)Jennifer Behr, $225, (4) Ban.Do, $165, (5) Ban.Do, $130, (6) Ban.Do, $50

Photo Credit: Lock & Mane, Ban.Do

Tiers of Joy

Thrifted dress, Sam Edelman boots, Forever21 vest, H&M scarf, Chris' belt

I found the above dress on a thrifting expedition a while back.  It reminds me of a dress from Valentino's F/W 2010-2011 collection: 

At night, the weather cools down just enough that I might break out something furry to wear atop my own scalloped/tiered frock.  For now,  I'm happy adorning it with a scarf and vest for a warm, sunny afternoon out. 

Photo credit: valentino.com

Hyperventillating for Marchesa's S/S 11 Collection

I am admittedly waaaay behind in reviewing the S/S 11 collections from NY Fashion Week (y'know, there's that whole job search thingy that's sucking up allllll of my time...NBD). This morning, I couldn't stand it any longer and decided to devote my morning to perusing Style.com for their coverage of the shows thus far.


When I got to Marchesa's collection, my heart almost stopped. Georgina Chapman and Karen Craig do. not. mess. around.  The name Marchesa always evokes images of breathtaking, delicate, immaculately constructed beauty. If you ever want to be the center of attention at an event, with every single eyeball fixated on you when you enter a room, put on Marchesa. Done. 

Not surprisingly, I have found ample inspiration for my wedding among what I can only describe as looks of pure poetry.  In other words, I need to either have four ceremonies, or four costume changes, so I can wear each and every one of these gorgeous pieces: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are a few more looks that are not so much wedding gown inspirations as they are everysinglenightout inspirations. 

Lace? Check. Jumpsuit? Check. Cropped jacket? Check. Amazeballs body-chain/web/breastplate? Checkkkkkkkk.

Now take a minute to catch your breath.  I'm still trying to catch mine. 

Photo credits: Style.com

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower

Alice + Olivia Faux Leather Legging, $198

Equipment Silk Button Down, $228

American Apparel Lace Bodysuit, $38

ASOS Mid-Length Body-con Dress, $40.44

Pamela Love Double Cage Ring, $414

Fall is my second favorite season after Summer, so it's a good thing I moved to L.A. because I can pretty much wear my favorite clothes year round.  


Maybe it's the Chicagoan in me, but Fall brings out my tough side... you know, probably because the past four years I was always bracing myself for the inevitable bitter cold winter ahead.  That, and I just love that Urban Warrior, rock 'n roll sensibility that comes with putting on a pair of black skinnies, black ankle boots, and a leather jacket. 

In keeping with the theme of my preferred fall uniform, the items on my shopping list so far are basics with a feminine edge - black leather pants, silky military button down, lace bodysuit, mid-calf body-con dress in a dark neutral.  The one piece of jewelry I want to wear more than anything else this season is Pamela Love's Double Cage Ring.  With its $400 price tag, the ring will not likely make it on my finger (I have a wedding to plan this year, after all!), but I can't wait to find an alternative to satisfy my craving. 

Gotta Get You Into My Life: Leopard Print Edition

Leopard print, a perennial fall favorite, is back in full force this year.  Currently, my preferred iteration of this print comes in handbag form.  There's a style for every occasion,  and below are just a few of the ones I can't get out of my mind.

1. Dolce and Gabanna, $2150
2. Prada, $1495

3. Santi, $345

4. Judith Leiber, $2495

5. Hype, $295

6. TopShop, $80

How will you incorporate leopard into your fall wardrobe?

The WeHo Dilemma

I'm going to a birthday party at a bar in WeHo tonight.  I haven't been to that neighborhood yet, so I'm looking forward to some new scenery.  Part of the anticipation and excitement of a fun evening is choosing the night's costume.  Normally, my process is super last-minute, with clothes flying all over the room, but today I took a different approach.  

There are a few fall pieces I have been dying to pull out of storage, so I built a look around each of them. 

Option #1: Sequin Jacket  I am a total sucker for sequins and all things drape-y, so you can imagine how much I love this jacket.  It's not exactly fall weather in L.A., so I've paired it with a bandeau and silky shorts to keep things breezy.  The peekaboo nature of this look is very appealing because it's not something I normally do. 

Aqua silky shorts, Aqua sequin jacket, Express bandeau, black patent heels - label unknown

Option #2: Olive Green Velvet Mini  There were tons of Military (Burberry Porsum, anyone?) and Velvet (I'm talking to you, Alexander Wang) looks sent down the F/W'10 runways, and this skirt combines both trends in the most feminine way.  Once again, I had to incorporate something flow-y/drape-y, and this t=shirt is pretty much my  go-to these days.  To finish things off, I had to pull out my nude heels because they haven't gotten much love lately, and they are the BEST leg-lengthener a 5'3'' girl could ask for (well, aside from some YSL Tributes, but those will have to wait).  

Forever 21 top, H&M skirt, Express bandeau, Aldo heels, Hype bag, Banana Republic cuff

Option #3: Leather Skirt This skirt and silk kimono robe were both purchased at a random thrift store in Wicker Park last summer.  They work so well separately, but together they make me fell like a total d 70's-era disco-rocker.  I had the skirt reworked a few months after purchase because it was a little too long.  Now it's the perfect length for day or night.  I can't wait to try it out with a crisp white button down for that minimalist look I'm loving more and more. 

 

Thrifted silk kimono robe & leather skirt, Mossimo skinny belt, black patent heels - label unknown, giant silver-coated lucite knuckle ring - label unknown

UPDATE: In the midst of writing this post, I submitted all three options to Meghan and Zvez, my dear friends and favorite style advisers.  They both voted for look #1, which was also my secret favorite.  Can't wait to don this little number and head out for an evening of birthday revelry. 

 

Till next time....Ciao, bellas!