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. 

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!​

Lots-A-Dots

I am a sucker for polka dots…always have been and I expect that I always will be. I put this little ensemble together because it is bright, cheerful and easy to wear. All of the clothes are by none other than Worth New York. What can I say? Their clothes and designs speak for themselves; stylish, flattering and well made. I paired this adorable polka dot skirt, which I shortened into a mini, with this oh-so-easy to wear sleeveless knit top. My red suede flats seem to give it the perfect ease for a daytime run-around look, and my tried and true red handbag by Myriam Schaefer seemed to complete the look with a chic and edgy bend.

Top and Skirt Worth New York, Prada Flats, Sarah Pacini Bracelet, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Chanel Shades.

Adding heels, switching out the bag for a clutch, a swipe of red lipstick, and this cotton jacket (from their Spring 2014 collection), transitions the outfit from day to night. Wearer beware…adding heels to a mini skirt, shortens it considerably, so either commit or quit!

Top, Skirt, Jacket and Clutch Worth New York. Sergio Rossi Pumps (also seen here). Sarah Pacini Necklace, MAC Ruby Woo Lipliner and Lipstick. 

As you can see, I am committing to Worth…we are enjoying a major love affair!!

Venia: Fashion's Next Big Hit

A few months ago, a friend of mine introduced me to a young couple who are designers of the clothing line Venia, which I later learned is ancient Latin for the word Grace. She thought that I would find the clothing interesting, beautiful and altogether fabulous. The couple, themselves young and beautiful, were utterly charming, gracious and enthusiastic. The woman was wearing one of the dresses she created for the line, a gorgeous silk print flowy dress. My friend thought that if I liked the line, (which they showed me online), I might blog about it. I was genuinely intrigued by what I saw.

VENIA Dress. Sarah Pacini Belt, Necklace, Bracelet, and Ring. Calleen Cordero Sandals. Zadig and Voltaire Clutch. 

We set up a time for me to come by their studio and interview them. This would also serve as an opportunity to view the clothes for their fall 2015 line in person. My assistant, Lauren, and I, set off for hip and happening downtown Los Angeles.

 Their living quarters, which double as their design studio, are modern and sleek, with a comfortable edginess, much like their clothes. One of the things I loved, was their “Inspiration Board,” surrounded by twine and wood, and filled with fabrics and sketches.

The couple are 22 and 24 years old. They are intelligent and deep thinkers, having designed the line with a purposeful story and contemporary theme. Their youth, drive and ambition coupled with their intelligence and talent, are the perfect recipe for what I am calling “the next big thing to arrive on the fashion scene. “ After trying on the clothes, I was convinced of it. Like Jason Wu, and others who came before him, I am certain that these two designers will find their way to the top of the fashion industry’s A list.

VENIA Coat and Blouse. Theory Pants. Jimmy Choo Heels. Céline Handbag. Oliver Peoples Shades.

They met at FIDM, and describe each other as polar opposites. He describes himself as technical; he was planning to embark on a career in architecture. She describes herself as conceptual;  math phobic, yet drawn to things embodied by technology, such as auto design. On their first date, while watching the movie “How To Train Your Dragon,” in the comfort of her living room, they found themselves spontaneously and symbiotically sketching jackets inspired by the film’s time period. After examining each other’s drawings, they realized that they had much more in common than they originally thought, and decided to team up, (in more ways than one), and attempt to create a collection of women’s ready to wear.

All manufactured in the USA, the pieces are edgy and cozy. Venia uses luxurious Italian leather and the softest of cottons. Once you slip into their perfectly designed black T, you will not want to remove the soft fabric from your body.  These are clothes that would find themselves in high-end luxury boutiques or the designer floors of Bergdorf’s, Neimans, Saks and Barneys.

VENIA Jacket and T-Shirt. CAbi Faux Leather Leggings. Aquazzura Shoes. Gemma Redux Necklace. Zadig and Voltaire Clutch. Irit Design Earrings. 

I couldn’t wait to model their sample collection! Robert and I hit the streets of Melrose, in the heart of L.A.’s design neighborhood to find the perfect backdrop for these fabulous pieces.

VENIA Top and Skirt. Jimmy Choo Boots. Sarah Pacini Necklace and Bracelets. Céline Handbag. 

 To purchase special orders visit the VENIA website.