golden touch
Tuesday, March 13
This embellished white tank is spot-on for summer. Dress it up with a structured blazer or play it cool with a pair of crisp white jeans. P.S. It's also an Isabel Marant doppleganger. I'd wear it now with...
1. Miss Selfridge studded tank, $61, missselfridge.com
2. Uniqlo khaki merino cardigan*, $39, uniqlo.com
3. Pour La Victoire fringe clutch, $365, endless.com
4. Gianvito Rossi ankle strap pumps, $610, barneys.com
5. MiH cropped jeans, $175, netaporter.com
* Wear the cardigan unbuttoned with the sleeves pushed up. And buy one size up for a slouchy/casual look.
sister jane
Monday, March 12
I'm gathering intel on Sister Jane, a Spanish line, I've just discovered, and here's what I've learned so far: The tops are accented with leather embellished collars and the dresses are super short, but damn cute. Not a problem though: Just turn the lace dresses into blouses and call it a day. Loving every single piece.
sleek sandals
Monday, March 12
Modern, minimalistic and sophisticated--with a Calvin Klein-esque aura. Wear them with...
1. Topshop dress, $72, topshop.com
2. RAIN wood bead necklace, $158, endless.com
3. DKNY woven leather clutch, $295, netaporter.com
4. Nine West leather sandals, $79, ninewest.com
me, next fall
Friday, March 9
Of all the fall looks that came down the international runways over the last month, this one from Isabel Marant ranks way up there for me. The reason? It's an outfit that I could see myself wearing all the time, going from a school run to a meeting to a photo shoot--pretty much anywhere. The vintage-looking lace top is pretty and feminine and the oversized coat makes a very Fall 2012 statement. I am thinking about pre-ordering the whole schebang on Moda Operandi, which is staging a trunk show today through March 15. But I actually already own a bunch of vintage lace tops just like this one, which I've culled over the years from various flea markets (the best one being the Vintage Expo in Santa Monica, a thrice-yearly sale staged at the Santa Monica Civic Center, and the next one happens on May 5-6, woo hoo!). I have a feeling--given how much Isabel Marant pervades my style consciousness--that I will be on the prowl for more. So good.
(Photo: Style.com)
deco dress
Friday, March 9
I want to wear this drop-waist deco-inspired dress to a swanky dinner party and feel like a modern Daisy Buchanan. Wear it with...
1. Topshop drop-waist dress, $170, topshop.com
2. Sandro leather and knit biker jacket, $760, netaporter.com
3. MSGM quilted leather clutch, $716, asos.com
4. Marni white bead necklace, $680, barneys.com
5. Fendi sandals, $645, barneys.com
big apple adventure
Thursday, March 8
I am in the throes of plotting of a girls' trip. Destination: New York City. My beloved hometown. I am going with my twin sister, who will be shooting a fashion story there. Because she's back and forth between LA and New York so often, she keeps an apartment in Tribeca that's fabulously and conveniently situated near what I think is one of the world's best jogging paths (it runs along the banks of the Hudson River, from Battery Park all the way up the West Side Highway to the Washington Bridge)--and one of my all-time favorite restaurants, Locanda Verde. My trips to New York are often jam-packed with seeing family, old friends, Lucky co-workers and visits to my favorite stores, museums, and restaurants. Since this upcoming trip is a quick one (a little more than 48 hours!), I am whittling down my must-stops. Herewith, my working New York hit list:
DINNER:
Bar Pitti: I could seriously eat dinner at this downtown Italian restaurant every night, especially in the summer, when I can sit outside. The sausage rigitoni and organic chicken are sublime and the always-bustling scene is quintessentially New York-glamorous. (You can count on seeing someone famous there.) Also, make sure to try the Pitti (warm artichoke) Salad, which is not on the menu. You will die.
Super Linda: Since I don't get to New York that frequently these days, I prefer to go to the restaurants I know and love. But I push myself to try the new ones, and this recently-opened Mexican spot is supposed to be the bomb, and I love me my margaritas, so I am eager to try it. Also, there's a bar in the basement, where late-night, people dance on the tables. Could be kind of crazy and fun!
We'll also be going to a dinner party at a clothing designer friend's gorgeous apartment in Tribeca. I always find dinner parties are way more intimate than going out to a restaurant with a bunch of friends.
DRINKS:
Acme: My good (fun, in-the-know, jet-setting) friend Jimmy Hedges, who lives in the city, recommended this new downtown brasserie on Great Jones Street. The rustic fare is apparently insane and the bar scene is as hip as it gets. The drink everyone is raving about is called the Upstate Affair, which is made with vodka, green apples, celery juice, and dandelion. Yum.
Soho House: Here, I always run into someone (or five) I know from growing up or an old job. It's an intimate, loungey, members-only space (not as cool as the LA location, but still!), and when the weather's nice, the club's rooftop, with its amazing views, is a nice place to be.
SHOP:
Maje: It was always one of my go-to's in Paris. Thankfully, the Left Bank-chic line opened a boutique in the city, which means I can load up without struggling in French to ask for my size.
Sandro: Another amazing French line with a new Manhattan outpost. Everyone I know, including Alexa Chung, is obsessed with both these designers. I am bananas about this jacket.
Topshop: My mecca! You know how obsessed I am with Topshop, so I carve out at least two hours to scour the tri-level store and try things on. I also make a point of booking a private dressing room in advance through Topshop's Personal Shopping, so that I don't get stuck waiting on line if the store is crowded. The service is amazing. Ask for Lexi.
Kirna Zabete: Going to Kirna Zabete is like walking into the coolest girl's closet. It consistently stocks the season's most coveted and iconic pieces, from Proenza Schouler's floral silk chiffon dress to Alexander Wang's Colette heels.
MOMA Store: It's chock full of smart and innovative toys for my kids. And coming home with bounty for my boys mitigates the guilt of my being away!
PIT-STOP IN BETWEEN UES MUSEUMS:
To re-fuel during museum-hopping on the Upper East Side, Lauren Santo Domingo recommends Via Quadrono for lunch and "the best cappucino."
Let me know if you have any other suggestions. I am looking forward to my quick getaway.
romper room
Thursday, March 8
The simplest and coolest summer uniform. Full stop. Wear it with...
1. Old Navy linen romper, $29, oldnavy.com
2. Topshop sunglasses, $32, topshop.com
3. Asos cord and arrow charm necklace, $21, asos.com
4. Clare Vivier leather tote, $160, seevivier.com
5. Madewell sandals. $138, madewell.com
P.S. Since LA goes from baking during the day to (relatively) frigid at night, I'd layer this with a cozy cashmere cardigan, tailored blazer, or my new old favorite, a crisp jean jacket.
stripe out
Wednesday, March 7
Photo: Vogue
By now you must know how much I love stripes. For me, stripes are the equivalent to black: super versatile and enduringly stylish. I'm always trying to figure out new ways to wear them, since I have a stockpile in my closet. Lo and behold, some inspiration: stripes over an elegant snakeskin print blouse. Love. Must emulate. I will try this with the various silk blouses I have, from floral ones to solid styles. The possibilities are endless and all fresh and good.
fringe benefit
Wednesday, March 7
This woven tassel-trimmed top could just be the linchpin of my summer wardrobe. It has the ease and wearability of a t-shirt, but is something else entirely. It's light-as-air cool and the fringe peplum effects the perfect amount of edge. Wear it with...
1. DKNY fringe sweater, $345, netaporter.com
2. Helmut Lang blazer, $565, neimanmarcus.com
3. Accessorize flower applique clutch*, $58, accessorize-usa.com
4. Alexander Wang ankle strap heels, $595, alexanderwang.com
5. Topshop metallic jacquard trousers, $90, topshop.com
*I am really swooning over this flower applique clutch, because it's perfectly in tune with all the embellished accessories trotting down the Fall 2012 runways--and, yes, it's cheap and cheerful.
ridiculously good
Tuesday, March 6
This six-dollar (!) woven chain necklace might just be the biggest deal of the century. I came across it at Forever 21 moments ago and tweeted about it. Since I can't possibly post about everything great that I come across, I am going to start tweeting more of the "catches" I find and love. So, if you have an appetite for more, (I do!), then sign up to follow me on Twitter here.