Sister Sister
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Sandro Dress, Maje Jacket and Shoes, Robin Terman Choker.
Be Mine
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Roberto Cavalli Dress, St. John Bracelet, Gianvito Rossi Pumps (available at Savannah Santa Monica), Mulberry Clutch, Celine Sunglasses, Robin Terman necklace (diamond bar) and earrings, Heart necklace; family heirloom
For me, a great dress comes with a great story; and so it goes for this one by Roberto Cavalli. I first came upon this dress when I discovered it in a forest green color at The Scoop Brentwood store back in December. A woman was returning it, and rather than just stand there in silence, I told her that it was really pretty. She told me that she was buying it to wear to a wedding but thought that the place and time of year (San Francisco in December), seemed a tad too cold and wintry for this lightweight little dress, so she was returning it. Unable to resist the urge, I asked her if, since she was returning it, I try it on. She told me to go ahead since she was definitely not taking it. When I emerged from the dressing room, it was love at first sight. Comfy and pretty were what it had going for it, and I was definitely purchasing this dress, especially since it was marked down by 40%. What I didn’t realize is that the more I raved about it, the more the woman who was returning it softened towards the dress. Inevitably, she changed her mind. I was quietly crushed, and with a smile, I reluctantly changed back into my clothes and handed it over to the original buyer. The sales people assured me that they would order me one immediately and not to worry. I drove off feeling like all was well in the world of shopping; only moments later, I received a call from Scoop telling me that the dress was sold out in my size. I scolded myself for having opened my mouth in the first place. Had I simply stood there, lips sealed at the time of the dress’s return, it would be in my car on its way to MY closet.
Lucky for me, this story has a happy ending. While sifting through racks and racks of 75% off dresses at Saks, I came upon the same dress in red…more my color, and in my size. I took this as a sign from above (Jeff probably has a perplexed expression or is rolling his eyes as he reads this), and bought it. The feeling of vindication championed my emotions and I knew just when I would be wearing this dress. This would be my Valentines Day dress, because like my Valentine, Jeff, this dress was also “meant to be!”
Black Balmain
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Balmain Dress, Jimmy Choo Boots, Saks Fifth Ave Leather Coat, Tom Ford Clutch, Missoni Necklace, Celine Sunglasses.
I am always cold. I get chilled even here in Los Angeles, which is a bit odd since I grew up in one of the coldest places in North America, Winnipeg. That is why, when I saw this long sleeved black dress on sale at Saks, I immediately grabbed it and headed directly for the dressing room. While inside the room, I said a little prayer in hopes that it would fit…and it did. Not only was this dress warm and cozy, but it was by Balmain, (a very high end and chic French design house), and its price was reduced by 75%! Yay…..win, win and win!
One thing that we can get away with here in Los Angeles, is wearing a dress or skirt bare legged with a boot. This is something that I would never dream of doing on the east coast or Canada, but there is something chic and relaxed, and very LA about doing it.
My tried and true black leather coat, with the fur trim is my favorite thing to wear over a dress. It adds just the right amount of warmth for Los Angeles during the winter or colder climates during the spring or fall.
Obsessed With the 70’s
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Top, Wrap, and Skirt all by Worth New York, Vintage Boots, Vintage Celine Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses.
If there is a decade that I am drawn to, it is the 70’s. I was a teenager during the 70’s and so the music, fashion and culture are both familiar and comforting to me. Shag rugs, arc lamps and relaxed furnishings are how my mother decorated our home, and it seems it left its stamp on me in a very big way; my living room has a shag rug and arc lamp.
I definitely owned several pieces of plaid clothing, whether it was dresses, pants or skirts. Pairing these with warm knits and high boots were all the rage back then and, so it seems, today as well.
This outfit, by Worth New York, drew me in at first glance because it felt so retro to me. I love the weight of the skirt, which is perfect for a warm California winter, or a spring/fall East Coast day. But the pièce de résistance is the crisscross wrap. This is the most unique yet useful item of clothing that I purchased this year; Worth New York, you have done it again. My vintage brown suede boots and vintage Celine bag are the perfect compliment to the 70’s feel of the outfit. Moral of the story, don’t toss things simply because they are old….a new outfit can always use an old friend.
City Slicker
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Worth New York Coat, Aqua Turtleneck, Rag and Bone Jeans, Jimmy Choo Over-the-Knee Boots, similar on sale here, Stephanie Kantis Necklaces, Gucci Belt, Valentino Handbag, Celine Shades.
This shiny coat by Worth New York was designed as the centerpiece for this outfit. I knew that I wanted to wear jeans and my over the knee boots. I added a little bling in the form of the necklaces, Gucci belt and Valentino purse, to enhance the effect of the coat. I always front tuck a long sweater or shirt to show off the buckle of the belt I am wearing. It is a bit tricky because it has to look effortless and may take a bit of practice to get just the right amount of tuck without causing the fabric to pull in the back.
The Los Angeles weather has taken a wintry turn and I, for one, am kicking up my fashion heels. It is a rare winter here in Southern California that we actually get to wear cold weather clothes, especially outerwear. On the day that we shot this outfit, the temperatures dipped and the winds turned blustery. I shoot several outfits on one shoot, so I was grateful to end the day with this outfit that kept me warm from head to toe.
Culotte-A- Happening Now
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Top, Belt and Culottes by Worth New York, Rupert Sanderson Wedge, on sale here, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, John Hardy Bracelet and Hoops, also seen here.
If you wait long enough for the re-run of a TV show, you don’t have to worry about missing an episode. And so it goes for fashion as well. There are usually trends that return, maybe 4 decades later, and when they do, they do so with a vengeance. So it appears with culottes. When I was a teen in the seventies, I owned a couple of pairs of culottes, as did my mother. They were all the rage, but they came and went rather quickly. If you are thinking of diving into a pair, (and you probably should because they are huge for Fall), here are a few tips that you should follow.
The wide, expansive leg of the pant tends to shorten the leg, so you really should wear a wedge, a mid height heeled boot, or a heel (even a kitten heel helps). Alternatively, there are those culottes that are not as voluminous, enabling you to pair with a more casual shoe, but never a sneaker unless you are hip and cool and in your 20’s. Remember, that a culotte will always feature your shoe, front and center. I am in love with these mirrored wedge sandals, also seen here.
I have seen culottes with a feminine print that really resemble more of a skirt. In this case, you could possibly get away with a flat, unless of course, you are very tall, and can wear a flat with any style…I am extremely jealous and so are my toes!
These cotton culottes, by Worth New York, is ultra comfortable and chic, especially in navy blue. The off the shoulder top, also by Worth, and which is also off the hook in popularity right now, is not always easy to wear, especially if you are big busted. Try a comfortable strapless bra, that stays put and you should be fine. I love my unpadded one by Wacoal. It is lacy but very comfortable, and I never have to yank it up as I do most of my padded ones. If you want to go for a padded one, I recommend the L’aventure by Marie Jo. (Stay tuned for an entire post about lingerie…it is time, girls!).
Marsala Moment
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Sandro Dress, Valentino Heels, similar for less here, Lanvin Bag, similar for less here, Celine Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets, Ippolita Ring.
When Pantone, announced its spring 2015 colors, I sat up took note. When the color, Marsala, was one of the top choices, I was puzzled. I typically associate this color with autumn; the changing leaves and the chill in the air seem to signal a need for warmth and comfort, and that is where the color of wine comes into play. However, as the red family is one of my favorites, I nudged myself to embrace this wine color for spring. I had to look no further than to this beautiful dress by one of my favorite French labels, “Sandro.”
What makes Sandro a stand out design house for me, aside from their mid price, is their feminine, chic and stylized dresses, shoes, jackets and pants. I first discovered them in Bloomingdales where they have a “leased” boutique. This means that Bloomingdales sells the line, but the design house, in this case Sandro, controls the inventory, price, staff and selection. Sandro will be opening its own boutique on Beverly Drive, in Beverly Hills this summer.
Owned and operated by the Jewish Moroccan born Parisian, Evelyne Chetrite, the company was founded by both Evelyne and her husband, Didier, in 1984. She currently designs with her son Ilan.
Back to the dress; as you can see from the photos, the color is rich, warm and classic. The fabric is very comfortable, no tugging required. These unbelievably gorgeous Valentino shoes, go so perfectly with this dress that nothing more needs to be said… and thankfully they were found on sale at Neiman Marcus at the end of the winter season. I could not believe no one had snapped them up!
Marsala is apparently trending this spring, and although I have not seen much of it on the racks, I am satisfied with this purchase which will take me through the summer and into the fall.
Going Places
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CAbi Dress, Barbara Bui Belt, also seen here, Bottega Veneta Shoes, Caroline De Marchi Handbag, also seen here, Chanel Shades, Sarah Pacini Necklace, John Hardy Bracelet, Spinellikilcollin Ring, available at Savannah Santa Monica, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick.
