She Shoots She Scores
/
Aqua Sweater, Oak and Fort Pants and Shoes, Calfun Handbag (also seen here), Jewelry Bar Earrings, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses.
Slip into This
/
Vince Top and Skirt, American Vintage Coat, Zara Heels, Bally Handbag, also seen here, Jewelry Bar Necklace, Chanel Glasses, Robin Terman Bracelets and Earrings.
No, I did not forget to put on my top and skirt; this look was very much intentional, as slip dresses and lounge wear seem to be all the rage. Personally, I do not like the look of the silk pajama pants and top, but this taupe top and bottom is both luxe and en pointe! Its neutral color offers many choices when it comes to adding a layer of outerwear. I chose this cream trench that I picked up at a little boutique in Paris. Ironically, it is by a company called American Vintage. I found the shoes on sale at Zara for a whopping $22.90! I am definitely exploring lesser priced clothing and shoe options for myself, and ultimately for you too!
Uncovering the Lace
/
Co Coat, Sandro Dress, Jimmy Choo Heels, Gucci Handbag, Christian Dior Tribal Earrings.
One fashion investment that I believe strongly in, is a good quality spring coat; if you happen to find on one sale, even better. In Los Angeles, a good spring coat will take you through chilly nights and cool winter days. In Canada and the Northeast, it will see you through the spring and well into the fall. I love this one for many reasons. Firstly, it is black so it will go with everything. There is no metal detail so you so you don’t have to worry about matching accessories to the hardware. This is a subject about which people have differing opinions, and so instead of delving into it right now, I will postpone the discussion to a future post. This coat is tapered at the waist, which is a feature that I, as someone of shorter stature, appreciates. This coat is well made and feels good. I know it is one of those “forever” items with which I will never part.
This lace dress is by Sandro, one of my favorite designers. The minute I put it on, I knew it would be a keeper. The lace detail is feminine, sexy and demure all at the same time. I wasn’t sure (and still am not), about the tie below the collar. I added the pearls to offset it and it seemed to soften the look immediately. The heels with their thin ankle strap do not cut off the leg. One of my fashion pet peeves is an ankle strap that cuts off the leg. Unless you are a leggy five foot ten, it can be quite unflattering. This one, by Jimmy Choo, is not, because it is both thin and loose. Lace is provocative, but the way this designer has used it, is both simple and interesting.
City Slicker
/
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.
Distressed About White
/
James Perse Tank, Koral Vest and Great China Wall Belt (available at Yellow Dog) Prada Pumps, Citizens of Humanity Jeans, similar for much less here, Givenchy Bag, Caliana Necklace, John Hardy Earrings, also seen here, Zina Ring, Gucci Watch.
Two things immediately come to mind as I sit down to write this post: The first is that today is September 20, one of the last days of summer, so technically, white is right. Second, as many of you have asked me whether or not the distressed look for denim remains steadfast and true, the answer is yes…the distressed look continues to show up on all the runways from all your favorite denim designers. I am squeezing life out of my white ones, by Citizens of Humanity, until the weather changes. Make no mistake, wearing these white distressed jeans is not something that I would currently be doing on the East Coast. For one thing, East Coasters tend to dress for fall no matter the temperature, while West Coast fashionistas, continue to wear white after Labor Day and beyond. I consider myself a bi coastal fashionista! As the temperatures drop, I will continue to wear my white jeans here in LA and add a chunky sweater and booties to the mix.
The moral of this story is don’t stress over white, and do-(di)stress your jeans.
Going Places
/
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.
I have been looking for an all purpose dress that could take me from a school meeting to a board meeting and then to an evening event without having to change in the middle of the day. What I didn’t expect, is that it would cost $118.00!
This “Brushstroke Dress,” by CAbi achieves all of the above, and does so beautifully. It also got the thumbs up from my husband, Jeff….a huge plus!
I ditched the thin fabric belt that came with the dress and added this wide black Barbara Bui belt for a little drama. Not one to ever shy away from color, or anything else for that matter, I have been wearing these coral red Bottega Veneta shoes for over 5 years, and never grow tired of them. I was thrilled to see how perfectly they went with the dress. My new favorite bag from Caroline De Marchi, completes the outfit perfectly. One should always consider lip color as accessory, as I did here, with NARS, Heatwave.
Thank you CAbi, this dress is definitely going places, and I am coming along for the ride!
POP Goes the Color
/![Mason Sweater similar for less here, Rag and Bone Jeans, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Caroline De Marchi Handbag, Spinelli-Kilcollin Ring, [all three also available at Savannah Santa Monica]. Cartier Watch, Vintage Neckl…](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/537e909ee4b002284901dc3a/1426358257324-SMOD4AQE9XJJFBGFBDRA/image-asset.jpeg)
Mason Sweater similar for less here, Rag and Bone Jeans, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Caroline De Marchi Handbag, Spinelli-Kilcollin Ring, [all three also available at Savannah Santa Monica]. Cartier Watch, Vintage Necklace, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick.
No matter what the weather is like in your part of the Northern Hemisphere right now, I promise you that Spring 2015 is right around the corner. Even though you are still looking at snow and “not feeling it,” it truly is the right time to think about adding a little color to your wardrobe so that it is ready to pull out when the temperatures rise. Here in Los Angeles, we are spoiled by the warmer temperatures. The disadvantage of that is that we do not have four definitive seasons. Sometimes I feel as if we get summer before we get spring, as the temperatures here are traditionally higher in March and April, than they are in May and June, so that sweaters and even booties do not get put away until the end of June.
The colors for spring this year, run the gamut from pale pastels to pops of color. Since I tend to look washed out in pastels, I always feel better in a little color. If you are not the type of person to wear bright colors, adding them as accessories is a great option. I like the look of a muted outfit with a pop of color, such as this one.
Don’t be afraid to wear a black dress with a colorful shoe, or to add a colorful handbag to a white pantsuit. Traditionally, spring is associated with a time of rebirth, and what better time to give your wardrobe a new life than right now.
Another way of adding color is with a bright lipstick. If you are not bold enough to wear full on color on your lips, there are many new sheer options that look great, as I have featured in the article HERE.
No matter how you choose to use it, a pop of color goes a long way!
Jungle Fever
/
Once in a while I will look at a dress on a hanger, size it up and down, and then return it to its original spot on the rack. Then the sales associate will tell me that I should try it on because I will be surprised at how it transforms itself on the body. Thus it was with this loud print, high neck dress by Roberto Cavalli. I was not feeling it, but just to placate her, I tried it on. Instantly, it went from wrong to right. The vibrant colors seemed to transform my mood from blah to bling. The black stripe down the back of the dress had that J Lo/Beyonce effect, that gave my booty a boost! Best of all I snagged it on sale at Scoop NYC. Thank you Mr. Cavalli, as usual you are full of surprises.
Green is making a strong comeback this season, and I am bringing all of my green and gold accessories from the back to the front of the closet. For instance, it’s amazing how you can keep a pair of shoes that you bought for a specific outfit, at the back of your closet thinking “I will keep these, although I probably won’t get much wear out of them,” and then suddenly they seem to go with everything. These camel and mint green pumps by Manolo Blahnik were purchased for a specific outfit; they have been sitting in my closet virtually unworn for 2 years. That is until now. I have so much green and camel in my wardrobe, and I have decided to mix and match colors that are within the same family. It is as if new life has been breathed into them. It’s funny how clothing, when you adore it as I do, can anthropomorphize so easily!
Skirting the Issue
/
MOKA Skirt, The Row Tank, Think Closet Belt, Mantu Jacket, Tom Ford Shoes, also seen here, Parker Ochs Clutch, Un Deux Trois Bracelet.
This gorgeous skirt was purchased at a hair salon. Yes, you read that correctly. Hair salons are now calling themselves spas, and these spas are now selling high fashion clothing and one of a kind accessories. These hybrid salons are the new trend as they allow for a one stop shop; they provide makeovers in every sense of the word.
When I spotted this cowhide skirt at the Edward Carriere Salon in my hometown of Winnipeg, the owner informed me that it was made by a London designer. My mother was so taken with it, that she bought it as a gift for my birthday. Thank you Mom and Dad…I love it!
An Outfit Worth Wearing
/
Worth New York has done it again. It has succeeded in meeting all of my expectations, and even surpassing them! I put this outfit together at the trunk show that I hosted with my friend, Sigal. Since the weather wasn’t particularly cooperative when it came to showing off cold weather clothes, I decided to wait until now to feature it on the blog. Although the temperatures continue to be warm here in Los Angeles, I have chosen to give Mother Nature the “cold shoulder,” and model this fabulous ensemble.
Last Spring, when Fall 2014 was featured, so was color. It showed up on virtually every designer's palette and was a welcome respite from the muted tones and ever popular black that has floated down many a runway in the past.
This magenta jacket caught my eye on the rack, and beckoned me to try it on. I usually gravitate towards the more rustic colors of autumn, because I think that they compliment my coloring. Yet when I slipped into this jacket, both Sigal and I exclaimed “wow” at the exact same time. She and I knew instantly that this would be a keeper and certainly blog worthy!
The beauty of assembling an outfit from the same line, is that the colors used in one item are bound to appear in another; this warm and comfy pullover top with the paint like splashes of blues and magenta goes perfectly with the jacket.
It is all about details when it comes to the design of these black ponte pants. The leather detailing which outline the sides of the pant as well as the pockets, give an oo là là to what could have been a blasé pant.
I know I am wearing a “hit,” when passers by offer their thumbs up and compliments on my outfit during our photo shoots. That is exactly what happened when Robert and I shot this in Melrose Place.
Once again, Worth has proven its worth!
WORTH New York Jacket, Pullover, Pants, and Handbag. Manolo Blahnik Pumps. Christian Dior Shades. Tous Earrings. John Hardy Ring.
Outfit Nirvana
/You know those times in your life when you just get it right? For me, it happened 3 times…1) when I met and married Jeff, 2) when Yale was born , and 3) when Serena was born.
Of course over the years, I have hit the mark with friends and career, but when it comes to fashion, I classify the moment of getting it right as “outfit nirvana.”
Thus it was when I assembled this ensemble. The skirt, by Elizabeth and James, seemed to call out my name immediately, and once I stepped into it and zipped it up, I knew we belonged together. Before I had the chance to wear it out in public, I wanted to model it on the blog. I realized it would require just the right top to create the perfect tone. As the master of high low dressing, I reached for my tried and true Jason Wu lace and chiffon blouse (circa spring 2013) and a Jason Wu black satin belt that was part of another dress of his, which I sold long ago at my favorite resale boutique, Great Labels; thankfully, I hung onto the belt. As soon as I looked in the mirror, I knew I got it right.
Robert and I shot these photos in this charming West Hollywood neighborhood, amid the elegant glamour of bygone days. When passers by asked me about and complimented me on the ensemble, it was a divine moment... true “outfit nirvana!”
