Canadian Tuxedo

Burberry Denim Jacket, Peter Cohen Top and R13 Jeans (available at Savannah Santa Monica), Belle by Sigerson Morrison Booties (similar here), Celine Bag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Cartier Watch, China Wall Belt. 

A jean jacket paired with jeans is called a “Canadian Tuxedo.” I learned this when I moved to the U.S. from my native Canada. Up until that point, I never knew that the term existed. I figured that it originated because the fashion world viewed pairing denim with denim, a faux pas; and since Canada was not famous for its fashion contributions, the term was accompanied by a negative connotation.  Once I did some research, I discovered that the term was coined in 1951, when Bing Crosby was denied entrance to a Canadian hotel simply because he was dressed all in denim, something that was deemed too casual for a formal setting in a very conservative country.

I am in love with these jeans by R13. I had never heard of this brand until I discovered it at Savannah. I will admit that the jeans are a tad pricey, but they are so comfortable and flattering, that I was willing to splurge. The silk top that ties is both a shout out to the retro look of yesteryear, but with a more contemporary feel, and this look is very trendy right now. This denim jacket by Burberry, which I have owned for years, always seems to add the right amount of wow to an outfit. The moto booties keep everything looking edgy. I have put together less expensive options for you below.

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Featured Items...

Boyfriend Jeans

Moto Booties

Denim Jacket

Tie Front Blouse

Be Mine

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!”

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!

Jailhouse Frock

Tibi Skirt and Top, Stuart Weitzman Sandals, Cushnie et Ochs Clutch, Earrings and Choker by Robin Terman available at Boca, Spinelli Kilcollin Ring, available at Savannah, Celine Sunglasses.

  When I first saw this skirt in December at Bloomingdales, I admired it, but was not in the mood to shop for anymore formal attire. In other words, as difficult as this may be to believe, I was burned out! Fast forward to February, when I was visiting one of my favorite fashion blogs, Atlantic Pacific. Thirty something blogger, Blair Eadie, was sporting that same skirt with a hot pink J Crew cashmere pullover and orange red jacket. On her, it looked fabulous…on me I suspected not.

  This past April I found the skirt on sale (seriously reduced from $650 to $230), and decided to give it a try. I paired it with its matching silk sleeveless cropped top (also on Friends and Family sale), and the outfit came to life. This is a perfect outfit to wear to a summer or early fall wedding.  

Jungle Fever

Roberto Cavalli Dress, similar for less here, Manolo Blahnik Pumps, similar here, Bottega Veneta Clutch, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, also seen here. Monique Pean Ring, Lucifer Vir Honestus Bracelet.

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!

Baby It's (Not That) Cold Outside

Vest from Savannah Santa Monica, Carven Sweater from Scoop NYC, Current/Elliot Pants, Stuart Weitzman Shoes, also seen here, Balenciaga Handbag, Chanel Shades.

I realize that living in Los Angeles, where the lowest daytime temperatures average around 65 degrees and at night, might dip into the 50’s, leaves me with very little to complain about. Growing up in Winnipeg, Canada, I know about cold, and I assure you that my friends back home will not be donning an outfit like this until the end of April, or beginning of May! Vests have become my mainstay for keeping my body warm and remaining loyal to the trends. I got this vest over 5 years ago, and remains one of my favorites. I cannot tell a lie, it is suede and fox, and very warm. I paired it with my new favorite winter white jeans by Current Elliott that in all honesty are perfect for Southern California winters, but too light for winter out east or up north; yet they will be perfect for the spring. I love the French designer, Carven, and was immediately attracted to this print, which works well with black and white.

To my Canadian and East Coast friends and family, I say 2 things: come visit me in California, and hang in there, Spring is on its way!

Short and Sweet

Jonathan Simkhai Skirt, Scoop NYC Sweater, Ashneil Handbag, Vince Heels, Calypso Bracelets, also seen here, Ippolita Ring, Ray Ban Sunglasses, Savannah Belt, Robin Terman Hoop Earrings.

When I look at this outfit, I can’t help but smile. To me it is a very happy outfit for a number of reasons. The pattern and cut of the skirt is beautiful and bouncy. It hits me at just the right point of my leg; admittedly, perhaps it is a little on the short side, but as you know I have already broken my own rule, several times now!

The busy pattern of the skirt demands simplicity on top, so I paired it with this soft cashmere sweater by Scoop NYC. It is a tad thin and therefore see through, so I decided to go for it and opted for a black bra.

I cannot say enough good things about these Vince heels, starting with the fact that they were purchased on sale at Bloomies this December. They are chic and comfortable, high enough to flatter the leg, but low enough to wear all day long. This design is a classic of theirs and it will be featured in their spring and summer collection.

My black handbag, by the company, Ashneil, is one of my favorites. It is both dressy and casual, classic and modern. You may recall that I have featured the Ashneil company in previous posts. They do not “knock off;” instead, they do their take on a classic. Ashneil’s bags and belts, of which I own several, are incredibly well made and well priced. Family owned and run out of North Carolina, they travel to several cities throughout the year and sell their merchandise through trunk shows. My mother and I discovered them a number of years ago, when they held a trunk show in Palm Desert. We have been loyal fans ever since, as has my sister in law and now a few of my friends. You can visit their website for more information.

I love it when an outfit is as easy to create as it is to wear. Sometimes you have to break your own rules, and enjoy the sweetness of doing so!

Girl Gone Wild

Nancy Gonzales Bag, Dior Pumps, Samantha Sung Dress, Christian Tse Bracelet, Oliver Peoples Glasses.

Spring has sprung and that means that color is here with a vengeance. I was on my way out of Savannah (the store in Santa Monica, not the city in Georgia), and literally, with my hand on the door, like a magnet, this dress drew my eyes toward it. From afar, I couldn’t name the designer, as it didn’t resemble a Dries, Lanvin or Balenciaga, or the other usual array of fabulous designers that Savannah carries. However, my friend, Susan Stone, who owns Savannah, does, as I am happy to report to you, carry a whole host of lesser known, up and coming designers who are much lower priced but equally as fabulous as Jason Wu or Alber Elbaz! This dress did not need to get down on its knees and beg me to try it on. No, I went ready, willing and able. I was looking for something bright and happy to wear to my Passover Seder, and this would fit the bill—no pun intended. Animal print in hot pink and blue, sounds a little wild on paper, but this dress is tame in all the right places. Everyone needs a “go-to” dress, and this one is mine.

Armed with a gift card during the recent friends and family week at Saks Fifth Ave., (which happens every year in both October and April), significantly reduced the price of this adorable fucshia bag by Nancy Gonzales, which is my first by the designer. A pair of Dior pumps in the same color complete the outfit. My friend and photographer, Robert Raphael chose the perfect spot to photograph the outfit, utilizing the bold colors of the Los Angeles Design Center’s Blue, Red and Green Whales. I love the results, and I hope you do as well.