Balmain Dance

Get your sexy on

The new issue of the H&M magazine is out and features Erin Wasson as the cover girl. They styled her in denim and white tees - one of my favorite combos. I have maybe... 12 pairs of jeans and several different styles of white shirts, and this is often my outfit for work, weekend, and really anything. I find it comfortable, easy, and always timeless.

Several other bloggers post photos of themselves in trendy, unique outfits. I said before that I'd like to post photos of my outfits too, but that I don't really have the means of doing so. I'd feel silly walking around while someone took photos of me trying to look spontaneous and nonchalant as if I didn't know the camera was there. Not so much my thang.

Another reason why I haven't is because my daily outfits aren't very different and aren't necessarily special. For instance, today I am wearing a pair of True Religion, straight-leg, Billy jeans. I've paired them with a basic white short sleeved, crewneck tee. On top (since the weather has been quite frigid lately), I have a camel/khaki colored double-breasted trench coat. My shoes are a nude colored heel with bows on the pointy toe (my first heels in college). Basic pearl earrings are my only accessory. See? Quite a snorefest, no? May not be picture-worthy, but definitely will always be around. Like I've said before, I think what makes any look is good hair, skin, makeup, and fit of garments. If you don't have these, it doesn't matter what you're wearing.

So amongst all the gladiator shoes, harem pants, crazy faux fur jackets and vests, I find comfort in the classic, basic things. Don't get me wrong, I do love some trends (cloggy) and love to incorporate them into my wardrobe, but I notice I gravitate towards the basics that fit well, like jeans and white tees. You take these things and you add your own signature to them. A lipstick shade, necklace, scarf, whatever. Some people feel best all done up, but that's never been the case for little Mad Dogg here. While my basic separates and outfits aren't particular noteworthy, they will always be timeless. Catch me in 20 years and I will most likely be wearing a similar outfit to today's, except with an extra wrinkle or two and maybe a Mulberry bag and some tupperware (old people like tupperware).

One Shoulder

Ahh. The I-just-rolled-outta-bed-and-threw-this-thing-on-but-I-know-it-still-looks-accidentally-fashionable look. Top it off with a quilted Chanel and some bedhead, and you're all ready to go. Style that doesn't appear to take much thought is always the best.

Ruffles

The standout detail (for me) in Valentino's Fall line, along with the pops of vibrant Valentino red. I wonder which of these designs he sketched with his pugs at his feet?

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).