Sister Sister

Sandro Dress, Maje Jacket and Shoes, Robin Terman Choker.

I am sure that you have heard the expression, “It’s in the genes,” often enough to roll your eyes. However, perhaps there is some truth to it. This beautiful lace dress by Sandro designer, Evelyne Chetrite, seemed destined to be paired with this bomber jacket of the exact same colors by Evelyne’s sister, the designer behind the label of Maje. I loved both items, which were directly across the aisle from one another at Boomingdales Century City. No one had paired the two pieces, since one is dressy and one is casual; however, as you know, I like to change things up and thought a silk bomber jacket over a lace dress could be fabulous. The fact that the colors were an exact match, seems as though the sisters designed the items together, or was it simply in the genes?

View fullsize

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. 

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!

Going Greek

Obakki Dress, Stuart Weitzman sandals, John Hardy: necklace, earrings, bracelet, Zadig and Voltaire Clutch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Cartier Watch.

  I bought this dress in the early summer, at Yellow Dog, and had to be talked into trying it on because it had absolutely no hanger appeal whatsoever! Since it really doesn’t take all that much effort to twist my arm, my friend, Venetta, who manages the boutique, easily convinced me to slip it on. Lo and behold, the dress changed entirely, once it was on the body, in this case, mine. It reminded me of a chic Greek toga, if such a thing ever existed, and I thought these gladiator-like sandals, by Stuart Weitzman, completed the look in the right way.

The moral of this fable, is “never judge a dress by its look on a hanger,” and “going Greek never felt so good!” 

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 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!