Short, Sweet and To The Point

Enza Costa dress, Tom Ford shades, Chanel cuff, Fendi bag on sale here Marni shoes , John Hardy hoops, Spinelli Kilcollin ring

Who doesn’t love a dress that can be rolled up and packed into a bag for either a quick summer weekend getaway or a longer trip. And at $165.00, this was a no brainer for me, since I live in t-shirt dresses all summer long. Whether long or short, a cotton dress will take you far, travel with ease and roll out of your suitcase virtually crease free. This one, by Enza Costa, certainly did. I will admit that it is a little on the short side, but when worn with either flats or low chunky heels, it is perfect for either day or night. The little gathering on the side is a terrific waist defining feature. I really love the ease and functionality of this dress. I wore it in Budapest with silver espadrille flats, and here in LA with these extremely comfy slingbacks, that are now on sale! My white see through PVC shopper has been my go to bag all summer and I plan on taking it right through to the end of September.

Keeping it au naturel for this look
Clé de de Peau concealer hands down my favorite since it stays put and has SPF 25. I wear it on my lids and undereye area.
Clé de Peau tinted moisturizer I am obsessed with this product. It gives just the right amount of coverage and has SPF 50!
Tom Ford Emotion Proof eyeliner Mr. Ford kept his promise when he called this emotion proof. This eyeliner stays put whether you are crying, laughing or caught in a rainstorm. It comes off easily with eye makeup remover. I won’t wear anything else!
Chantelcaille mascara I adore this mascara for both its lengthening and long lasting-wear features. As a bonus, it smells like roses!
I kept my lips nude: Tom Ford lip: Lip Sculptor Crayon in Divulge, Spanish Rose and Universal Appeal Lip colors.
I have been growing out my brows with NeuBrow and filling them in with Hourglass Brow pencil.

A Skort Story

Peter Cohn Blouse, Worth New York Skort, Bally Sandals and Handbag, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses, Chanel Bracelet, Stephanie Kantis Earrings.

  I know what you're thinking....this is an awfully short skort. Yes, it is, but I really love the asymmetrical overlay and the big silver buckle. I tried to tone it down with my now go-to top by Peter Cohen. I own it in navy as well, and will be ordering it in every color because it is just that perfect. It can be tied loosely in a front knot as shown HERE or simply tucked in for a neat look as I have done with this this pairing.  

  And how fabulous are these sandals by Bally? Believe it or not, they are comfortable and wearable. There is a hidden front platform that provides extra cushioning for the balls of your feet. 

  Since everything is on sale right now, this is the perfect time to purchase great designer pieces at slashed prices!

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!”

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!  

Lady in Red

Here is the story of one fabulous red dress that was packed in a suitcase to be worn at two different events.

The first event takes the dress to a party where there will be food, fun and dancing. This dress, by Helmut Lang, fits the aforementioned specifications to a tee. First and foremost, it does NOT cost a fortune; and when you subtract the 20% discount at Bloomingdales' Friends and Family Event (going on this week, Nov. 12-16), it is even more fabulous! The fabric is very easy to pack as it is both lightweight and crease free.

I styled it with these comfortable and sparkly heels by Jimmy Choo and this gold clutch by Mulberry, also seen here.

One accessory look that I love, is matching cuff bracelets. The look is very chic and elegant; I found these while shopping at my local Calypso St.Barth store in Century City. This store has many sales throughout the year, and the quality of their merchanside, whether soft sweaters, great jewelry, or cool boots, is unbeatable.

Helmut Lang Dress, Christian Tse Earrings, Mulberry Clutch, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets, similar here, Jimmy Choo Heels, Essie Topless and Barefoot Nail Polish. 

Left: Essie Topless and Barefoot Nail Polish, Chloe Ring Right: Essie Luxedo Nail Polish

In Part II of the story, the dress needs to be worn to a fund raiser. I love wearing red and navy together, so I paired the dress with a conservative yet lively pump by Jimmy Choo, and this beautiful coat by the French label Maje, (also available at Bloomies’during Friends and Family). This dress is incredibly comfortable since the fabric is lightweight, soft and non- constricting.

This is one dress that can be worn two ways, is travel friendly, stylish and comfortable. Who could ask for anything more?

Maje Coat, Jimmy Choo Heels, Lanvin Purse, Oliver Peoples Sunglasses. 

Tickled Pink

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Labor Day typically marks the end of “summer vacation” and the beginning of the new school year. Although many schools have now adopted the middle of August as the start of their school calendar, I am of the “old school” mind set, and assign Labor Day as the demarcation line between summer and fall.  Thus, as tradition dictates, this famous weekend is spent enjoying last trips to the beach, lazy strolls and barbecues. However, mother nature follows her own set of rules, and often the temperatures continue to be on the warmer side, making fall fashion choices difficult. In light of this, and because this weekend is the unofficial end of summer, I chose to wear this pink themed outfit this weekend when Jeff and I went for dinner in West Hollywood. When I first got into the car, Jeff looked at my pants and said, “Nice outfit, but don’t you think we can afford to get you pants without holes in them?” “Very funny,” I answered, “distressed denim is still trending...'" I replied, and he looked at me knowing not to argue with that!

West Hollywood, or WeHo, as it is commonly referred to, is hip and trendy but not over the top. We love to stroll the streets of this neighborhood, where we once lived when we first arrived in Los Angeles from New York.  Its streets are lined with eclectic and diverse shops, galleries and restaurants, and packed with young people. One feels alive and well in this vibrant part of the city.

 I specifically chose this outfit because I felt that it perfectly suited the area: hip and trendy but not over the top. I added these cool summer sandals with their arty Lucite heel from last summer’s Stuart Weitzman collection, and my new Dior bag and sunglasses, treasured reminders of our trip to France earlier this summer, which now seems like a lifetime ago!

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Rebecca Taylor Blouse, Current/Elliott Jeans, Stuart Weitzman Sandals, Christian Dior Tote, Ray-Ban Sunglasses, Nancy Newberg Earrings, Sarah Pachini Bracelet (right), Robin Terman Bracelet (left). 

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One Dress, Two Ways

So you purchased a beautiful dress this season to wear to a wedding, engagement party, graduation or some other special event. You dropped a chunk of change on this item, and now that you have worn it, you think it should wait until the next big event before you wear it again… WRONG! If anyone is a huge believer in wearing the clothes that are in your closet, and getting the most out of your purchase, it is yours truly!

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I bought this beautiful dress by Elizabeth and James, way back in early spring, when my friend, Venetta Aguilar, showed it to me during a visit to one of my favorite haunts, “Yellow Dog,” the store she manages. I did not have a specific event in mind, but I knew that the instant I zipped it up, I would find somewhere to wear it….and wear it I did-- out to dinner, to a wedding, a party, even just to run around during the day when I dressed it down. In the evening, I added a leather jacket, which really altered the vibe, and kept me warm on those cool Los Angeles summer nights. Versatility is the key to good style, and reinvention is both smart and practical.  I challenge you to think about the pretty dresses in your closet, and be inspired to wear them in ways you wouldn’t necessarily have imagined when  they were first purchased. Try to think outside the box, and get more bang from your buck; you will be glad that you did.

Take One...

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Elizabeth and James Dress, on sale here, J Crew Belt, Prada Sandals, Christian Dior Sunglasses. 

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Take Two...

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Elizabeth and James Dress, on sale here, Sarah Pacini Belt, Necklace and Bracelets, Calleen Cordero Sandals, IRO Leather Jacket, Chanel Sunglasses. 

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Dressy Sweatpants

Vince Sweatpants, Jason Wu Blouse and Leather Jacket, Banana Republic Heels.

At first glance these two words, paradoxically joined are counterintuitive. Why would one dress up a sweatpant, you might ask? Well when you do it in a drapey material and add a touch of faux leather down the side, the result is undeniably fabulous.  Here is Vince’s version, to which I added a Jason Wu beautiful blouse and leather jacket. The outfit is modern, chic and oh so comfortable. One feels dressed up yet casually stylish. I must now take a moment and introduce you to one of the most comfortable and affordable shoes out there. When my friend, Sigal,  sported these the other day, I asked her who made them. Expecting her to say Manolo, Jimmy, or Sergio, I was shocked when she told me they were by Banana Republic. She slipped one off to let me give it a test drive. Not only are they chic and inexpensive, but they are incredibly comfortable, as if there is a pillow inside to cushion the balls of your feet! “And if you get then today you might still be able to save 30% off the original ridiculously low price of $128.00!” Needless to say, I fled to the mall, parked myself in the Banana Republic shoe department, and proceeded to try on 4 different pairs of adorable shoes. Because it was Wednesday, I received an extra 10% off at the register, marking them down to 40% off or $75.00 a pair. For a shoe fanatic like me, this day should have been declared a national holiday. “Victory,” I said to myself, score one for the home team. 

Chain Reaction

Robin Terman Body Chain, Velvet Dress, Tom Ford Clutch, Zadig and Voltaire Sandals. 

I have never experienced so many compliments during one wearing of one piece of jewelry than I did with Robin Terman’s body chain. No matter where I went, people inquired about it. “Where did you get that?” “Is it vintage, from the 1970’s?”  “Who is the designer?” The answer to these questions are as follows: I got it at BOCA, no it is not vintage, and the designer is my good friend, Robin Terman. The wonderful thing about this piece is that it can be worn just as beautifully with a LBD (little black dress) as it can with jeans and a white T. It is a very cool piece and I am really loving it!

Black on White, White on Black

Celine Skirt, Worth New York Blouse and Clutch, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Oliver Peoples Glasses, Robin Terman Necklace, Earrings and Bracelets. 

Black On White/White On Black

There is nothing sharper, crisper or cleaner than the color black, and its counterpart, white. I pair these two colors often and almost always travel with them. Easy to wear, they are the classic fashion duo. For some reason, even though it has become acceptable and even on trend to wear white in winter, I hardly ever wear it on the bottom during the months of November–March. This is somewhat silly, I know, but old habits die hard. Come the spring and summer, I don white on bottom as much as possible, and pray not to eat sloppily—although I never leave the house without my Tide stick!

In these two looks I have paired 2 trendy mid length skirts with opposite colored tops and I think the result is chic and lady like.

 In the first outfit, I have paired this fabulous Black Celine skirt that my friend Carrie found for me at Savannah. I love the retro (1970’s) look of this A-line skirt. My mother, whose fashion sense is impeccable, used to wear these skirts all the time when I was growing up and so I was attracted to this beauty immediately.

This is an all year round skirt and a great investment piece. Since we are officially in summer, I decided to pair it with this crisp white sleeveless blouse by Worth and my comfy black strappy sandals by Gianvanito Rossi (also seen HERE). I love this sleek white clutch by Worth, with its side compartments, as it keeps my essentials in tow and is the perfect lightweight alternative to my larger handbags.

Worth New York Top, Manolo Blahnik Heels, Balenciaga Clutch, Nicholas Skirt.