The Freaks Come Out at Night

In some respect, I think I am still recovering from the whirlwind that was Halloween weekend.  That's my lame excuse for posting these photos so late.  My first L.A. Halloween was a success, though. I can officially check the box on attending the W. Hollywood Carnival, an experience that will not soon be forgotten.  

This year I decided to switch up my costume for each night out.  I'm a big fan of using the contents of my closet to create Halloween looks, which isn't hard to do, considering the amount of black clothing and sparkly jewels I own. 

Friday: VAMPire 

Had to share a close-up of my fangs.  It takes a lot to keep from wearing them outside of Halloween dress-up!

Saturday Night: Rachel & Brad

I loved both of my costumes this year, but RZ + Brad take the cake because, for the first time ever, Chris agreed to do a couples costume.  Doesn't he make a great Brad to my Rachel?

I hope everyone enjoyed their Halloween this year!

 

The Sunnies Side of Life + A Halloween Treat

It has been far too long since I've a) done any legitimate shopping and b) added to my collection of sunnies. I have been OBsessing over round, half-tint sunglasses ever since my fashion faves started rockin' the Chanel version a few years back.  

Rachel Zoe, another of my fashion inspirations, repeatedly sports a different - and equally great - version of the round sunnies (vintage, of course).  

Last week, I finally found the PERFECT pair of round sunnies for the PERFECT price on Etsy.  Even Raggy has taken a liking to them.  They really bring out her inner Iris Apfel! I think  she's ready for Halloween, don't you? 

Raggy models shades from Starstruckladies' Etsy shop, misc. jewels

What are you dressing as this Halloween? I can't wait to share photos of my costume with all of you.  Whatever your costume, I hope you have a fun and fabulous weekend of Halloween celebrations! 

Photos by me and unknown sources via Google Images 

Going To Great Lengths

JS Boutique dress, H&M faux fur stole, Aldo heels, misc jewels

Last night we attended a cocktail party that was hosted by two new friends. The pieces I chose to wear to last night's gathering embody everything I  love for an evening look: fur, length, and a touch of the bohemian.  

This faux fur stole was one of the best accessory purchases I made last year. It has the ability to infuse excitement into any look, and it offers just the right amount of warmth for an L.A. fall evening. 

My ensemble selections also turned out to be quite practical since the party was held on a rooftop terrace (something I had completely forgotten when getting dressed), and the weather got quite chilly toward the end; thank goodness for my stole! 

photos: Chris

DIY Madness - Head Case, Part 2

As promised, dear readers, I present you with the outcome of yesterday's DIY turband* project.

 

Once the cutting and sewing was over, I knew this piece needed some sparkle. I have been trying to re-purpose a pair of clip-on earrings that have been lying dormant in my jewelry box for years, and this was the perfect opportunity. Once I sewed one of those little suckers on the front of the turband, the project felt complete.  

For its public debut, I styled my DIY gem as part of a bohemian look.  I can think of so many outfits that will benefit from the addition of this turband, though, and I can't wait to play around some more! 

Self-designed turband, gifted faux fur & suede vest, thrifted J Brand jeans,  Truly Madly Deeply tee, vintage clutch, Nine West boots, misc. jewels

I had such a blast making my new headdress and seeing it come to life when paired with an ensemble.  I encourage all of you to dust off those old pieces in your closet that never see the light of day and find out what else you can make with them!



*Editorial note: A turband is a turban-headband hybrid. Chris asked me last night if I had intended to write "turband" instead of "turban."  Just wanted to clarify in case anyone else out there was wondering the same thing.  

Photo credit: Chris

DIY Madness - Head Case, Part 1

I have been on a crazy DIY kick lately. I attribute this to the endless slew of rain that L.A. was hit with this week. My latest project took me in the direction of turbands, which have been on my mind a lot as of late.  IMO, the thought process behind this project was just as great as the outcome - only because it was SO random.  Isn't that the beauty of inspiration, though?  One thought or image can lead you in a direction you never could have anticipated.  More on that later, though.  For now, let's take a look at a few of the images behind my turban-like head wrap craving: 

First, Kelly of The Glamourai shared photos of herself wearing an amazing "scarf-turned-turban":

Then, as if reading my  mind, B. Jones Style announced a giveaway of this Eugenia Kim velvet headband (of course I entered immediately!): 

Finally, today's Topshop homepage featured a jeweled knit turband.  I am a sucker for jeweled anything, so consider me sold on this piece.
 

All signs pointed to the need for me to incorporate this style of headdress into my repertoire.  Fast forward to my thought process this morning while perusing Lola Benito's blog.  I came across this photo, which totally got me thinking about a similar shirt I own that hasn't seen much love lately.  You see, I absolutely adore the stripes on this  shirt of mine, but it has a really annoying thick band at the bottom (kind of resembling a mini skirt attached to a shirt). I do not find this style flattering in the least, and today I decided that the band had to go, so that my shirt and I could live happily ever after. 


What transpired next was a great lesson in sustainability. After cutting off the bottom band, I realized that the excess fabric was too good to toss, and it was the PERFECT width for a turban/headband; hooray!  I set off on a morning-long journey to create the perfect DIY turband, complete with jewels and all.   


I love the finished product, but I'm going to save the details for another time. It's getting late, and this post is getting looooong.  Stay tuned for photos of my new striped, jeweled turband...I promise it will not disappoint! 

photo credits: Glamourai, B. Jones Style, Topshop