beyond basic
Friday, October 19
It's sufficiently practical for everyday running around--plus it has a wonderful sense of whimsy and edge (that red!). Seriously, you'd have to pry this thing off of me it's so good. Especially with something unexpectedly sleek like...
1. J. Crew color-block sweater, $98, jcrew.com
2. Ginette NY diamond earrings, $470, shopbop.com
3. C Wonder suede clutch, $128, cwonder.com
4. Asos sandals, $73, asos.com
5. Sass & Bide metallic neoprene skirt, $345, netaporter.com
golden nugget
Thursday, October 18
When I was growing up my mother had a small gold mesh evening bag. Whenever she'd take it out of her closet, I knew she had some big-night-out plans. That it was incredibly teeny--it could probably hold a lipstick and car keys--was irrelevant. The bag was so elegant and shimmery it was like a piece of jewelry. Perhaps this explains my attraction to this gleaming, gem-studded clutch. It's not quite as small as my mother's, which is a good and practical thing for us iPhone-generation types, but it is certainly as festive and glamorous.
joe freshness
Thursday, October 18
Dear Joe Fresh:
Please make your website shoppable and open stores across the country. Your stuff is too cute (and well-priced!) not to be had by all. When I was in New York for Fashion Week, I went a little bonkers at the Fifth Avenue flagship, hoarding a bounty of $29 statement sweaters and a $69 quilted boxy down jacket (pictured below). Now, seeing Joe Fresh sweaters on other show goers only deepens my obsession (see above, taken during London Fashion Week). I've rounded up my current favorite pieces, now--but not for long!--in stock.
Photo: Tommy Ton
(faux) leather jeans
Thursday, October 18
If you've been on the hunt for a pair of leather jeans (a.k.a. one of this season's must-gets), look no further. Granted, these are not made with real leather, but they definitely look like the real deal, and they're amazingly body-shrinking, super-sexy flattering--and they're under $100. Wear them with...
1. Lela Rose sequin blouse, $995, netaporter.com
2. Timo Weiland jacket with removable fur band, $850, farfetch.com
3. Old Navy sequin clutch, $18, oldnavy.com
4. Alice + Olivia black suede pumps, $295, shopbop.com
5. Blank faux leather jeans, $88, madewell.com
the bangles
Wednesday, October 17
There was a time when I really didn't think jewelry could transform an outfit. Eventually, I realized the error of my ways, courtesy of a jillion photo shoots where jewelry--even the most subtle bauble--managed to pull a look together. Case in point: imagine the outfit above without the bracelet. It would still look great, but you have to admit the arm-candy ups the ante. A bold and glamorous-looking bangle can instantly convey style and substance, and it doesn't need to be expensive either. Some game-changers I'm loving includes this modern statement cuff from C. Wonder, this delicate yet inventive bracelet from Kelly Wearstler, a geometric stunner (similar to above) from Campbell and something slightly blingy from Marni (on sale!).
Photo: Style.com
head turners
Wednesday, October 17
Although it still feels like summer in LA (it's going to be 94 degress today), I am looking at my calendar and realizing that cocktail party season is upon us. Of course, I will rely on some repeat performances (i.e., dresses that I've worn before), but snazz them up with a dazzling pair of earrings like these. Voila!
1. Alice + Olivia metallic lace dress, $495, netaporter.com
2. Anthropologie earrings, $108, anthropologie.com
3. Topshop beaded clutch, $76, topshop.com
4. Gucci ankle strap evening sandals, $1195, nordstrom.com
metal mania
Tuesday, October 16
Meet your newest wardrobe staple: the metallic pump. Fashion's heaviest hitters, including Christian Dior, (pictured above) Chloe, Balmain, and Lanvin, all featured iterations of the shiny shoe in their Spring 2013 collections, prompted perhaps by the steely hue's neutral-like versatility and glamorous statement-making power. Check out these dazzlers from Vince Camuto, Edmundo Castillo, Alice + Olivia and, J. Crew. For a more subtle take on the trend, try these Diane Von Furstenberg sandals (on crazy sale!).
Photo: Glamour
glinty knit
Tuesday, October 16
I bought this sweater at Mango in London and loved it so much I wore it out of the store. The embellished neckline and fitted silhouette make it an outfit-transforming staple. Love its coziness factor too. Glam it up with...
1. Mango sweater, $79, mango.com
2. Topshop lipstick in Sartorial, $16, topshop.com
3. J. Crew calf hair clutch, $448, jcrew.com
4. Proenza Schouler metallic pumps, $595, shopbop.com**
5. Topshop quilted faux leather skirt, $84, topshop.com
**Shopbop is having a secret 20% off friends & family sale today through midnight Wednesday. You can use the code WEAREFAMILY at checkout to get the discount on virtually all products (although not the Proenza shoes above unfortunately - a few brands are excluded). Most of the Shopbop products I have featured lately are eligible!
floral and feminine
Monday, October 15
I fell for this trumpet skirt at Asos' fall collection press preview last summer, and I am so excited to see it has finally become available online. It is dramatically feminine and flattering, very statement-y, and the metallic Asian-inspired jacquard fabric is so (Proenza Schouler right now) spot on. I'd wear it with...
1. McQ Alexander McQueen sweater, $465, netaporter.com
2. Bauble Bar earrings, $52, baublebar.com
3. Topshop sequin clutch, $56, topshop.com
4. Aquazurra heels, $495, shopbop.com
5. Asos jacquard skirt, $61, asos.com