boyfriend jeans
Friday, April 27
It's a silhouette I really didn't embrace the first time around, despite its inherent ease and comfort, but the fact is the boyfriend jean is back. We saw them on loads of fashionable figures during the collections, and every designer from Current/Elliot to Gucci is serving up their own version. What initially put me off of these baggy jeans was their tendency to make you appear larger than you actually are. Not flattering. Not good. But this pair from J. Crew resolves that issue, with its loose-but-not-too loose fit. The wash is also perfect, sort of faded but not overly distressed, and I love that you can dress them up with heels and a feminine blouse. The jeans are not in stores yet, but available for pre-order (you can call 800-261-7422). I'm sold.
sweet and sexy
Friday, April 27
Here's the thing about lace: it feminizes your look. This candy-colored creation looks as sweet as a Laduree macaron--and boasts the confectionary flavor of Louis Vuitton's Broderie Anglaise-filled Spring 2012 collection. And while it's demure, it's also very statement-y. I'd team it with tough accessories to make it less frothy. Wear it with...
1. Miu Miu cashmere and silk sweater, $505, netaporter.com
2. Irene Neuwirth citrine and gold earrings, $1060, ylang23.com
3. Tylie Malibu studded clutch, $202, endless.com
4. Bottega Veneta ankle strap sandal, $760, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Warehouse lace skirt, $107, warehouse.co.uk
hurts so good
Thursday, April 26
My first thought when I spotted this Zara clutch was, Oh no! Not because I didn't like it. But because I will HAVE to add it to my growing collection of clutches. It will be the statement maker that will conjure up remarks, both complimentary and quizzical (mostly from my husband, I am sure). It will come across as tough and (Alexander McQueen) punkish, and it will do wonders tempering the too-feminine dresses in my closet. It will be polarizing: I know who among my friends will appreciate it and those who won't. But, oh well for the naysayers.
summer loving
Thursday, April 26
This Mediterranean-blue tassel-trimmed blouse is the embodiment of summer. I can just see myself wearing it on a scorching hot day, the billowy blouse sticking to my body (and ideally, my bathing suit), because of the humidity. And while it would go over swimmingly on an Italian Riveria vacation (with denim cut-offs), it would work overtime during my groundhog days at home in LA, running errands, working at a shoot, hanging out with the kiddos... you name it. I'd wear it on any old day with...
1. River Island blue print blouse, $40, riverisland.com
2. Super Sunglasses, $163, shopbop.com
3. Coach James Nares tote bag, $798, coach.com
4. Gucci patent sandal, $495, bergdorfgoodman.com
5. Mother cropped low-rise jeans, $180, netaporter.com
metallic jeans
Wednesday, April 25
I've been coveting metallic jeans for a while now--a pair that's not too shiny, one that I could get away with wearing while running around during the day. I found such a pair at H&M yesterday and they cost a mere $29. (Sorry I can't link to a pic. H&M does not have one available online.) What's cool about this particular pair is that they don't have too much sheen, and they are ridiculously comfortable (i.e., very pliable). I can wear them casually--as demonstrated above with a striped tee--or throw on a tailored blazer and some heels and be good for a nice dinner out. I searched high and low for other options and I found a few from Topshop (which excels in very flattering jeans), J. Brand and KARL (as in Karl Lagerfeld).
Photo: Luxuryshoppers
gladiator sandals
Wednesday, April 25
Eagerly anticipating warmer temps (despite the early May gray in LA), I've already busted out my artillery of summer sandals, which range the gamut from sparkly (my current fave), to minimalist, to the good old gladiator. Though it's a small detail, the tassel on this gladiator sandal does so much: it feminizes the shoe and at the same time adds a fresh, new twist. And the neutral leather means you can milk major mileage out of them. Wear these sandals (all the time) with...
1. L'Agence Grecian dress, $550, barneys.com
2. Madewell Super Panama sunglasses, $198, madewell.com
3. Alexander Wang Diego bucket bag, $825, shopbop.com
4. Old Navy tassel braided sandals, $24, oldnavy.com
the calm before the storm
Tuesday, April 24
This is a picture of my bedroom, and this coming Friday, there will be a gargantuan heap of clothes piled on my bed. That's because, typically, before I go out at night, I lay outfit options on my bed and try them all on. I am hoping there will be more viable possibilities than discarded ones on Friday, as one of my best friends and I are hosting a dinner party for Lucky's editor-in-chief. It will be an intimate gathering, but chock full of fancy people. So, the pressure's on, and I'm really wanting to hit it out of the ballpark this time. In my dream world, I'd have all three of the dresses below (by Issa, Missoni and Lanvin) as possibilities on my bed. Of course, in reality, I may only have one (if that!), along with an assortment of the usual Zara, H&M and vintage numbers. You know the fashion huntress I am! Anyway, I will be sure to show you a pic of what I settled on next week, post-festivities. Wish me luck!
vested interest
Tuesday, April 24
When you ride up in the elevator at the Conde Nast building in New York, it's always entertaining to look around and check out what everyone's wearing. (Invariably, I can guess who works where, based on the outfit.) The experience is almost like a lesson in shopping, providing insight into what I should be buying. During my last visit, I scoped out an impeccably dressed brunette, wearing a tuxedo vest much like this one, over a flowy abstract print cream colored silk dress. I've been searching high and low for a similar vest ever since, and I've now found it. Wear it with...
1. A Fine Line draped sleeveless t-shirt, $75, barneys.com
2. Mango vest, $89, mango.com
3. Tom Binns crystal necklace, $410, netaporter.com
4. Diane Von Furstenberg metallic clutch, $425, shopbop.com
5. Jean-Michel Cazabat sandals, $295, amazon.com
6. Topshop linen trousers, $64, topshop.com
the western shirt
Monday, April 23
Thanks to Isabel Marant's fall collection, we'll soon be seeing more Western-inspired blouses on urban cowgirls everywhere. Zara just came out with its studded version (that looks spot-on Isabel Marant), while J. Crew offers a classic, pared-down denim one. I am sure vintage stores have a bevy of options to consider, but another idea is buying the real McCoy, like this one, for $40, from Frontier Western Wear.
bead it
Monday, April 23
I am embarrassed to admit it, but I own more clutches than underwear. How this came to be, I haven't a clue. Perhaps it has something to do with a clutch's ability to punctuate an outfit. Or that each little guy possesses so much individual character. Whatever the reason is, I have yet another to add to the collection. This graphic beaded pouch imparts a bohemian gypsy vibe and will look incredibly stunning whether paired with an elegant print dress or anything casually minimalist. I'd play up the boho angle and wear it to a festive summer cocktail party with...
1. Carven asymmetric jacquard dress, $1265, netaporter.com
2. Bauble Bar cabochon earrings, $20, baublebar.com
3. Anthropologie beaded pouch, $58, anthropologie.com
4. Zara sandal, $49, zara.com