MexiCali

Ulla Johnson Wrap, Scoop NYC T-Shirt, Sarah Pacini Belt and (silver) Bracelets and Necklace, Hudson Jeans, similar here, Sandro Booties, on sale here, Balenciaga backpack, similar for less here, Calypso St. Barth Hat, Lisa Hoffman black beaded bracelet, Celine sunglasses.

I love wraps. They serve a multitude of functions, and when they are as beautiful as this one, they beg to be worn in a dramatic and eye catching way. I was actually wearing these red Hudson jeans and a black tee last winter when I was visiting my parents in the desert, when I came upon this Ulla Johnson wrap at the Elizabeth and Prince boutique on El Paseo. I couldn’t believe how it uplifted my outfit and truly transformed it to something special. After many oohs and ahhs of other patrons, I decided to get it. I felt that it had a Latin quality to it and this hat completed my vision. My tried and true Balenciaga backpack, which can be worn three ways , adds the right amount of “muy bien” to this Mexicali ensemble. 

Fancy Pants

Worth New York Tunic and Belt, True Royal Pants (Savannah Santa Monica), Sandro Heels, Calypso St. Barth Hoop Earrings, Balenciaga Handbag (similar for less here), Celine Sunglasses, Vintage Bracelet (Savannah Santa Monica). 

  Whenever I receive an invitation that calls for dressy or festive attire, I immediately go to my cocktail dress collection and choose one that says “party.” However, I am out to break that habit and venture into wearing fancy pants, dressy pantsuits or even a tuxedo with a fabulous blouse or top underneath. 

   This outfit is a mash up of different designers, working in perfect harmony. These lace pants by True Royal had me at hello. I loved everything about them right down to the scalloped bottom. The same goes for this chic knit tunic by Worth New York. The slit is too high to be worn alone, but topped over fancy pants or even denim, the versatility of this piece is endless. I added this chain belt for a little edgy definition at the waist and love the way it drops over the abdomen. Adding these suede and lace pumps by Sandro, completes the look. With an outfit as busy as this one, jewelry should be kept to minimum, but still make a statement. These large but thin hoop earrings by Calypso St. Barth are my new go to and my beloved vintage YSL cuff is simultaneously a simple and bold statement piece.

  Let’s talk about the benefits of a small but expandable purse that can take you from day to night with a removable shoulder strap. This is a must have for every woman. I love this one by Balenciaga, but there are many lower priced versions for you to consider and I have provided a couple of them here in this post.

  So, Miss Fancy Pants, next time your invitation calls for “festive attire,” think outside the cocktail dress box and create an outfit from pieces you already have in your closet!

Covering Up

Calypso St. Barth Caftan and Slip, Sandro Sandals, on sale here, Christian Dior Tote (also seen here), Oliver Peoples Glasses, Nancy Newberg Earrings, Robin Terman Necklace and Ring, Nest Bracelets.

  I know what you’re thinking…who wears a cover up as a dress? And why would you do that? When a cover up is as beautiful as this one, by Calypso St. Barth, it begs to be seen on the street just as much as around the pool. Since the material is so sheer, I simply donned a nude slip, (although I went back and forth on whether white looked better), and these adorable and more importantly, comfortable sandals and out the door I went. I admit that I did not head out the door in this to do my grocery shopping, but I did wear it to lunch as well as dinner, and I wasn’t at a resort at the time!

  This adds to the philosophy of getting more bang for your buck when it comes to the occupants of your closet. Accessories like fun necklaces, a cute bag and great shoes, allow for the transition from poolside caftan to city-chic dress; this makes it as easy to wear as it to look at. Try it…you will like it! 

The Suitability Of Pants

Sandro Pant Suit (Jacket, Pants), Worth New York Blouse, Christian Dior Heels, similar here, Nancy Gonzalez Handbag, similar here, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets. 

I am not usually a fan of pant suits, I have really never found many that I feel are feminine and flattering….until I happened to find this one by Sandro. The high rise and slim fit of the pant is feminine and surprisingly comfortable. The fabric is pliable and the satin stripe at the waistband and along the sides elongates the leg and adds just the right amount of pizzazz.  The jacket is boxy, but balances the sexiness of the pants in just the right way. I decided to pop some hot pink into the navy to really jazz it up and make it interesting. This Worth New York top from last Spring accomplishes the task perfectly, as do these pink shoes, handbag and lipstick.

 I have worn this outfit to dinners and daytime meetings. Each time I wear it, I feel dressed appropriately but still "me." The whole idea is to dress up the suit so that it reflects your style and personality, and this one suits me to a tee. 

Leafing Through CAbi

CAbi Leaf Print Dress, J Crew Belt, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Calypso Bracelets, Mulberry Clutch. 

A fan of CAbi for 7 years, I have never been as enthusiastic about a season’s collection as I am about Spring 2015. The CAbi design team has hit this one out of the park. Each season, friends new and old, gather in my home to see and shop the collection. It never ceases to amaze me how the clothes appeal to everyone; the low price point is an added appeal.

Case in point, is this “Leaf Print”dress for only $118.00

I chose to wear it short and sweet, adding this platinum belt by J Crew and these oldie but goodie sandals by Gianvito Rossi.

Several of my friends loved the leaf print but were skeptical about the short length. If you find the dress too short for you, just add skinny white jeans as I did, and it becomes an adorable tunic.

CAbi Leaf Print Dress, Worth New York Belt, J Brand Jeans, Robert Clergerie Sandals, similar here, Fendi Bag, similar for less here.

Julie Starr Dresner Ear Jacket,  Robin Terman Necklace, all available at BOCA. Zina Ring, Cartier Watch.

No matter how you choose to wear it, this dress is a winner.

A Sheer Winner

Ramy Brook Top, Sandro Skirt, Lanvin Belt, Christian Dior Heels, also seen here, Badgley Mischka Handbag, Calypso Earrings, Ray Ban Sunglasses, "Cinnamon Sweet" OPI Nail Polish.

Tonight marks the start of awards season here in Los Angeles, beginning with The Golden Globes. The city is abuzz with glitz and glamour and everyone has film and television on their minds. Soon the Oscar nominations will be announced, followed by the race to see all the movies in time for the biggest award show in Hollywood. All the department stores are stocked with award season gowns, and the stylists have rolled out racks and racks of spectacular clothes to be worn to the “before,” “during” and “after” parties. Jeff and I will be attending a few parties and I have begun to tear through my closet to put together some winners of my own!

This sheer skirt by Sandro is a perfect example of a one of a kind piece that is so French, it just screams “oo la la!” I found this multi-tasking top by Ramy Brook that can be tied in various ways. I chose to wear it tied over one shoulder to enhance the glamour of the outfit. I was immediately attracted to its dark eggplant hue. I love matching navy (or in this case deep egglplant) with black. Many women I know always ask “can I wear black and navy together? ” Yes you can; in fact, you must. It is trés elegante et chic! This silk and dressy black belt by Lanvin, defines the waistline and pulls the ensemble together. My tried and true sparkly heels by Dior, have seen me through many a dressy affair, and this little silk evening bag with the rhinestone snap closure by Badgley Mishka, that I have owned forever, completes the look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match items that already exist in your closet. If you are creative and imaginative, you too will come up with a sheer winner!

FabuLesley Turns One, Party at Calypso!

RSVP HERE for Fabulesley at Calypso!

About 18 months ago, my dear friend, Orna, and I met for our weekly coffee clatch. I was lamenting over what I would do to fill my days once my youngest, Serena, then 16, goes off to College. Yes I would continue with my community service work and my music, but I was craving something else that would be creatively satisfying. Orna, who had just certified as a life coach, suggested that I write a blog. As she put it, “you are a source of information for all of us; from diagnosing ailments and referring to physicians, to who gives the best and cheapest blow dry in Beverly Hills, to what to eat when you want to lose weight, to what moisturizer and makeup work the best. People want to know these things, and you can supplement the posts with your love of fashion, food, culture, health and beauty.”

At the time, I didn’t really know what writing a blog entailed, so I began to do my research. I combed through many fashion, food, and lifestyle blogs. There were multitudes of these blogs, mostly written by 20-30 year olds. Rarely did I come across any blogs that were written by 45 plus year old women who weren’t already famous, that actually appealed to me.  

That is when it dawned on me that maybe my market wasn’t saturated; maybe there was room for a 45 plus year old fashion, food, culture, beauty and health obsessed Jewish woman in the “Blogosphere.” 

To that end, FabuLesley was born. What Orna and my other close friends find remarkable, is the vocabulary that this blog has spawned.  There have been "Fabuluncheons"  in honor of people’s birthdays,  as well as accolades for “Fabulicious” food. People write to me adding “Fabu” as a prefix to theirs as well as their spouse’s names! It is truly hilarious and fun.

I have no idea what will come of this blog, but right now I am having a great time creating each week’s posts. There is nothing I like more than to write about things that bring so much joy, significance and inspiration to my life.

I am both shocked and delighted to have gained so many followers on the web, and I continue to be overwhelmed by your support and encouragement.

To that end, I am celebrating in a Fabu-way. The wonderful store, Calypso St Barth has generously offered to host a party for me as way of marking this milestone. Everything in the store will be at least 20% off. Calypso has a well curated collection of beautiful cashmere sweaters, jackets and vests, dresses, skirts and jeans, as well as fabulous shoes, boots and bags. Their jewelry collection is off the hook.

Please join me on Monday, December 15 from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM at the Westfield Mall in Century City. It will be a fabulous evening of food, fashion and fun!

I am tying this event to the SOVA food pantry, which provides food for homeless people in the Los Angeles area. Please bring at least one non-perishable food item to be donated to this wonderful and important organization.

 

RSVP HERE for Fabulesley at Calypso!

Sweater, Tank, Necklace, and AG Jeans all available at Calypso.

Hat, Sweater, Vest, Jeans, Boots, Purse, Necklace and Earrings all available at Calypso.