Flufffff

I love most Chanel, but looks like these?

Not so much. They may be quite comfortable to cuddle with, but you get a Newfoundland for that, not an outfit.

This one, however (and most of the looks shown towards the end),

is much better.

Does everyone rave about this line just because it's Chanel? Would it have been different if it were a less known designer? AND because of the name attached to it... will there be a resurgence of the Ugg Fluff Momma? I really liked those back in the day despite everyone saying they were yetti boots.

From the Chanel Fall show

I guess we'll have to wait until fall to find out!

Christian Siriano for Payless

I wasn't interested in Christian Siriano's previous shoes for Payless, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about these, but they're at least very different and interesting! Although I think these may be a little too avant garde for the typical Payless customer. They remind me of dinosaurs and archaeology. I'm not sure why... get 'em here, if you likey.

American Retro

I'm sad I get to work a few minutes past 9, and miss out on my favorite pieces of American Retro on Gilt! Some of my favorites above, of course unavailable in my size. Actually, the argyle is not a favorite really, but I do like the socks/chunky shoe combo.

Swing

Taking note from Giambattista Valli's most current show, I'll be on the lookout for swingy trapeze dresses for fall. This silhouette is the perfect option for the gal who ate one too many tubs of Haagan Dazs (ahem).

I don't see how anyone could not love a dog.

An Oldie

One of my favorites from 2006. This is what the models of the Erin Fetherston show saw prior to sashaying down the runway.

My favorite denim silhouette

It's been back around for a few years now, but I can't help but love the 70s flare.

Photo from fabsugar.com

I don't comment much on award show fashion, but I must say that I loved Queen Latifah's gown and whole look at the Oscars last night. SO pretty, sparkly, and ideal for her body. The beading that just wrapped around her torso to show of her shape was genius! I don't think she (or her stylist) could have done better.

I love Saturday

And I love the rain. Born in Southern California and having lived here my entire life, you'd think I'd never appreciate a day cooler than 75 degrees. But I actually enjoy it moreso than the sun (except the days I play hooky - sunshine is best for these days).

I'm running out of ways to say I love something

Christian Dior. Ruffles, big frizzy curled hair, pale colors, boots, equestrian, mad hatter, girly girly girly girly oh how I love. Reminds me of something out of a Tim Burton film or something else dark, crazy, and romantic.

I've never blogged about Zara as a store before, but I think it's the perfect shop for high-fashion, runway-inspired pieces. Every time I go, I hit the fitting room with at least six items (a lot for me!). It's where I found my boots that I love so much and several little blazers that fit perfectly. I enjoy H&M as well, but I find that Zara quality and fit seems to be better, especially in the Zara Woman line. The TRF line tends to fit well too, but that's probably because I never went through puberty.

Zara shoes and jackets are probably my favorites, but I really enjoy everything. I found a pair of brown leather Chloe-esque shorts (pictured) a while ago, but they were too long and too big in general for me to pull off. I'm so glad they made an application for the iPhone, but I wish they'd also allow shopping online! What is it with these Euro brands that like to make things available only in stores?

A few of my favorites above.

Tiered Silk-Gazar Dress

Ohhhh. Need. Alber Elbaz, marry me.

Yes

I heart Balmain! I think I actually love this Fall 2010 collection much more than seasons past known for the strong shoulders. Velvet, gold, rich colors, brocade, and suiting. Reminds me of royalty -- extravagant and fabulous. Yes!

Cheap Love

Droooool..... fancy photography sure helps make inexpensive F21 pieces lustworthy.

SO want the pale blue polka dot dress and lacy tops.

I'm looking to add some interest to my big loose shirt look (I often reserve this look for fat days, but the following cannot be applied to such), and switching up the brassiere seems to be a great substitute to the usual undertank. Next time I'm at a Bloomingdales, VS, Anthro, or basically anywhere that sells underroos, I plan on picking up some lacy bandeau bras in a variety of colors. Since I wasn't blessed with big knockers, I can wear one of these under a semi-sheer top or loose tank without appearing too provocative or tarty.

I think several styles will do, but it has to be pretty. No nude (although I do love nude bras, I wear them maybe 99% of the time), thick-strapped, maternity bras. Think delicate, dainty, pretty. They're quite impractical, really, but this is not about that.

Remember to keep everything else covered up. It's all about taste!

I want this bed

So much so that I posted it up on my cork board at work (don't be jealous of the free McFlurry coupon or Dylan McKay photo).

4th St. Long Beach

This past weekend I made a trip on down to the LBC to visit my sister and my dear pug, Piggie. The beloved had friends in for the weekend, so I left him and his men alone. Although Long Beach has a somewhat ghetto reputation, their 4th St. strip of vintage stores is great. I only took two photos, even though there were maybe 10 things or more I wanted. I purchased a cropped red little sweater jacket. I don't have a photo of that now, but I'll take one later.

One of my favorite stores on the strip was The Vintage Collective. Aside from clothing and jewelry, it also carries vintage furniture, house decor, and ahem, vintage Playboys. I found this gorgeous vintage phone I wanted (and a vintage phone has been on my "want" list!), but I really have nowhere to put it right now, and no immediate reason to buy it. Whenever I move and get my own place with more room, this store will be perfect.

The green velvet dress was gorgeous and in immaculate condition. It had a swingy a-line skirt you can't see from the photo, but it would've been perfect for someone, just not me. I have no reason to own a dress like this. The blue sequined dress actually FIT (most vintage items don't fit me), but I would've had to still take it to the tailor and get it shortened. Plus, I was unsure of the sequined motif on the front. It wasn't super cheap either, otherwise I would've purchased it. There was another black velvet dress I loved, with a white lacy collar and cuffs, but that was also a bit on the pricier side and definitely needed tailoring. My problem with vintage is while I love it, it normally needs to be taken in. So it's not usually worth it unless I get the item for a very good price. $60 for dresses that need about $30 in tailoring is just a little too much.

Anyway, I really want to plan another trip - aside from my sister and my dog- to 4th St. I think they've opened more stores on the vintage strip, so there's so much more to go through. Stores like The Way We Wore are heavily filtered and have beautiful collections, but they're also super pricey. I love finding vintage pieces for like $5. It's the thrill of finding something unique for a very cheap price that's the most exciting!

So Pretty - Blonde

Legs of a model, no doubt.

Another alternative

Another great alternative to the clog. I've been on the hunt for a good wood platform sandal, and these Jeffrey Campbell Splendid pair fit the bill! They're still very similar to the Chanel and Charlie clogs with the stacked wood platform and studding. For those looking for a less trendy, more timeless style, these are perfect. They remind me of a revamped Kork Ease Bette with a heel. Available at Nordstrom and Lori's Shoes now!

Skincare

I never paid attention to skin or ever spent much money on it until I moved here a few years ago. I'm surrounded by people always trying to lose weight, get in shape, and improve and protect their skin. The only thing I used prior to I don't know, two months ago, was Oil of Olay on my face in the mornings. I'd wash my face with some Neutrogena at night and throw on whatever lotion I used on my body on my face and hit the hay. If I had a zit, I'd zap it with some Clean & Clear spot treatment.

Apparently though, this is not enough. I know of girls who spend $700 on lotions and potions that claim to work miracles. But really, $900 worth?! Why not just stay hydrated, avoid the sun, and get enough sleep? I'm not even willing to spend $150 on any sort of facial treatment!

So since I'm surrounded by these skin-obsessed girls, I decided to "splurge" on some facial care and makeup. First, I bought the Chanel Double Perfection compact. I owned a compact around the age of 17, and I would still have it today, but I dropped it and it cracked. I don't wear powder or any skin-makeup on a daily basis, but I thought this would be good just in case I ever needed to. I still haven't used it (I'm sure I will soon!).

I also bought the Kiehl's Panthenol Protein Moisturizing Face Cream and use it at night. $26 (whoopee). I apply it before going to bed and I wake up with very soft skin. Doesn't cause breakouts, but I don't tend to break out anyway. I highly recommend it for anyone with dry skin who wants a very moisturizing moisturizer. I'm low maintenance when it comes to beauty, but I'm glad I purchased this.

Saint James Meridien Nautical Tee

For Valentine's Day, I got my beloved some laceless Converse Chuck Taylors. You know, those ones that have been around for a while now. He wanted the Converse Chuck Taylor hi-tops in black or red but I'm highly against such an ugly shoe, so I felt the laceless ones I gifted were a great alternative. Anyway, he loves the shoes, and hes' not wearing clown-style Chuck Taylor hi-tops so I'm happy.

Unfortunately, I also got him a pair of corduroy pants to replace these HORRID baggy, torn up, cargo pants he has and they were too small. Sadness! I returned them and wanted to get him something else to spruce up his wardrobe. To give you an idea of his style, he wears lots of graphic tshirts, ill-fitting (ahem, baggy and loose) jeans and pants, big paddle-like flip flops, etc. You get the idea. Basically, the biggest thing is the fit of his items. But he's a straight guy-guy, so what does he know?

Anyway, I'm very happy to have found this J. Crew Saint James Meridien Nautical Tee. Like I said a few posts down, the sailor-inspired tee is everywhere for women, and while I love it (I'm wearing one of my mine right now), I think it would be even more perfect for him. It's casual but still stylish. Great quality I'm sure, and I think I'm leaning towards the white version. I'm not trying to change him (heart him), just maybe make a few alterations to his current wardrobe.

Clogs and tweedy 2.55s. Yesss. Anyone who doesn't have the Chanel app for the iphone, get it!

Susiecakes

Yums. From left - top - strawberry, chocolate mint, peanut butter. Bottom - pecan brownie (seasonal), vanilla, red velvet

I know the cupcake trend has been around for at least five years, and several have said that the donut or the whoopie pie (both delicious) is the "new" cupcake. Well, as stated before, I don't care for trends. I love the taste and diminutive size of the cupcake and that's all that matters.

NOW, I also know that Sprinkles is the much hyped go-to cupcake cupcakery in Los Angeles, but my opinion deviates from the general consensus. Susiecakes is my all-time favorite. MUCH better than Sprinkles with lighter, fluffier cake, and a yummy soft buttercream frosting for $3. About $.25 or $.50 (not sure) cheaper than a massive Sprinkles cupcake. Aside from cupcakes, Susiecakes also makes the trendy whoopie pie, puddings, cookies, brownies, etc. Their claim to fame is their "All American, Homestyle Bakery". They aren't pretentious and they don't have lines out their doors, but that doesn't mean they aren't delicious. I normally venture over to the Brentwood location, but I know they have locations in Calabasas, Manhattan Beach, and others. I love the vanilla (as boring as it may seem) and mint chocolate flavors, but I've also heard their Red Velvet (a flavor I feel is highly overrated) and peanut butter are also scrumptious. Highly recommended!

It's fatty because hey, it's a bakery. But it's worth it to be a little chunky for some of that yummy buttercream frosting!

In Topshop from The Sart, October 2009

Some future posts (this is mostly for me):

Striped sailor/Parisienne tops everywhere! I have two, but it does lessen my love when I see them on every other gal.

On the hunt for the perfect pair of khaki/camel trousers. Possibly cuffed, full length - both? Just got a pair of olive shorts. Love the army color palette.

In addition to the stripes, the ruffled sleeve top is also everywhere! I love it, but not when I see it sold in every store I walk into.

Looking for the perfect cape with armholes. Camel colored, preferably, but open to other colors. The right size! The vintage styles all are ginormous.

YSL Trib Too

Can't wait to whip mine out!

I really want some...

Swedish Hasbeens! If I can't have clogs, these will be the perfect substitute for my summer and spring wardrobes. Next paycheck? Oh I'm so broke...