I see this hotel frequently near work without knowing its history (and even had a drink in it once), but was intrigued after taking this picture. I knew it had some sort of history, but didn't know just how much. Having been around since the 1920s and provided temporary shelter to many old Hollywood stars, I appreciate it much more than the days when I used to pass it on my way to lunch for a Chipotle burrito bowl.
I'm a sucker for a pretty white dress. I have three casual little white ones, which may not sound like much, but I've had to use some great restraint in purchasing more. If I had the pretty dollar, I would snap up... oh I don't know, fourteen maybe, of Dolce & Gabbana's ohsopretty lightweight, happy little white dresses and looks (love the black and leopard looks too, but I can't ignore my overwhelming white love) from their spring 2011 runways.
Details on the shirt I'm wearing today. I've gotten a lot of comments on it, including one from my boss saying I'm all dressed up. Dressing down for work has become the norm for me, so anything that has some sparkle or print, or anything semi-interesting instantly becomes "dressy".
As stated several times before, I LOVE Marchesa. Part of this love comes from the fantasy aspect of such beautiful grandiose gowns - I can hardly think of any other time I would get to wear one aside from going to the ball (such a common event in my life) or getting married.
P.S. I'm slowly going over all the shows thus far, but it's very time consuming! One of my favorites? Michael Kors. So wearable and refreshing for Spring. I'd wear all of it right now, including the bathing suits.
As cliche as it is, growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be a ballerina. Up until about six years old, it was my little girl fantasy. One year, I was one for Halloween and wanted to wear the same costume years after, but my mom insisted it was too small. Funny given how flexible I am not.
After leaving the Melrose Trading Post empty handed today, I stopped at this thrift store on Fairfax I've been meaning to visit. I found the perfect deep red/brownish long leather coat (below the knee) for most likely my Halloween costume. I figure I can either resell it or use it one day when Los Angeles temperatures decide to actually get cold. I only left with the coat, but also found this great tan suede coat for the same price. I'm tempted to go back and try it on, but it was too big on me in the store, and I'm sure tailoring a long suede coat would be pretty expensive, so I let it go. Someone else go get it! It's so classic, in great condition, and only $45.
One of my favorite models, Abbey Lee (Kershaw) has gone bleach blonde. A lot of people like it. Me, not so much. I think it washes her out and makes her look kind of creepy, like pale and dead. Skin should never be the same color as the hair. Monochromatic beauty just doesn't work for me.
Brian Atwood Suede Jamie Boots (I thought the heel looked so low on these, but they're still 3". My platforms are throwing me off normal heel heights)
Fendi Backless Dress (so pretty)
Preen
In my sad impecunious state I cannot even afford the items on The Outnet. I love the idea of a discounted Net-a-Porter, but I guess their target audiences are not 20-somethings with meager incomes.
IF I had the money, however, I would like these items above (and more).
It's all over the place. Lanvin for H&M. November 23. I can already see the lines outside the stores, the ridiculously marked up prices on eBay. It will be crazier than Jimmy Choo last year, than Karl Lagerfeld or Stella McCartney. While I of course love designer collaborations with mass market stores, I want to see them maintain the luxury aesthetic that made them such a great brand in the first place. I know it's H&M, but please no polyester or acrylic type materials. I'd pay a little more than usual H&M prices for something Alber Elbaz designed in more luxe fabrics.
"H&M approached us to collaborate, and see if we could translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a wider audience, not just a dress for less. I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public." - Alber Elbaz
Hopefully this means that it will be everything than entails luxury but at affordable prices. I know it can't all be super luxurious, but I'd hope for a balance between the two that shows off the classic beautiful Lanvin design but doesn't cheapen the reputation of the brand.
Excited for November 2 when the looks are released!
I spend a tremendous amount of time (and money) every time I step into Zara. I think they're the best fast fashion retailer and carry the best runway-inspired items. So I was super excited when I found out they were making their items available for purchase online! The bad news? It's not available to the United States. Boo! I guess at the very least, you can see what may be in stores and the prices. Above are several photos of things I want, but can't buy unless I physically go to a store. Sadness. The floral dress I actually got a couple weeks ago, but I think the picture does it NO justice, and the styling with the boots is horrible. It's much better in person. Anyway, if you live in Europe, I guess this is great news for you! Now will H&M follow in Zara's footsteps?
It's barely September, but as fast as the days go now, it'll be Halloween in no time. My inspiration for this year's costume comes from the Fall Dior RTW show. I loved this show from the beginning, and recently got the idea from a Dior Karlie Kloss ad in one of my September issues. LOVE the dark Johnny Depp-esque equestrian theme, and I may mix it with some vampire. I know, I know, vampires are so trendy. But I've always loved them, ever since my Buffy-watching days. Plus I think the two themes mesh well together. The idea in my head is to do one of the more dramatic looks (since it is Halloween, despite this being ready-to-wear) with the big leather coats, or a fur-trimmed sweater. I'd add one of the crazy mad hatter hats, a feminine frilly dress, ruffle otk socks, and crazy hair. I hope I can find all the items I need!
Just got my Mulberry for Target bag yesterday, and like I said, once you remove the charms, it's a great little bag! It looks better held than it does on its own, so it looks much better in person than it does in these photos. It's not TOO small (fits my wallet, big sunglasses case, some makeup, phone), and the materials are all manmade, but it's Mulberry for Target not Mulberry for Barneys. Overall, a great inexpensive purchase for someone wanting a little taste of Mulberry without shelling out the $1000+.
Alexander Wang Draped Wool Sweater Dress (one of my favorites)
Stella McCartney Cashmere and Wool V-neck Sweater
Stella McCartney V-neck Wool Oversized Sweater
Sweaters have always been one of my favorite pieces of clothing, but I am currently obsessing over them more than usual. Maybe it's because they're sprinkled all over my usual shopping sites for fall or because I've been in a minimalist mood lately. The sweaters that tickle my fancy aren't overly designed or trendy, I prefer knits that are basic and well-made. I like them fitted, loose and drapey, cardigan style, chunky, long and tunic-like -- I basically love them in all forms. They look a bit ordinary and boring in photos, but it really comes down to the styling. Add a belt, throw em over printed dresses and skirts, style your hair perfectly, pair them with busier items or with equally minimalistic pieces, whatever you do, sweaters are as versatile as they are practical. As much as I adore coats and jackets, purchasing them is almost a waste of money living in Southern California. Sweaters are the perfect lighter, cooler alternative for this city that lacks seasons. Some of my favorites pictured above. These are all pricier sweaters, but for a staple that never goes out of style, the extra money is more than worth it.
I tried opening this in Google Chrome, Safari, and Explorer, and while you can see most of the content, some of the fonts and photos don't show, or the photos are pixelated. I use Firefox to post and edit so that should be the best viewing machine for this blog.
Dolce & Gabbana s/s 11
As cliche as it is, growing up, I wanted nothing more than to be a ballerina. Up until about six years old, it was my little girl fantasy. One year, I was one for Halloween and wanted to wear the same costume years after, but my mom insisted it was too small. Funny given how flexible I am not.
Temperley London
Chloe Velvet Studded Jacket
Chloe dress
Brian Atwood Suede Jamie Boots (I thought the heel looked so low on these, but they're still 3". My platforms are throwing me off normal heel heights)
Fendi Backless Dress (so pretty)
Preen
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Alexander Wang Mohair Boatneck Sweater
Kimberly Ovitz Silk and Cashmere Cardigan
Etoile Isabel Marant Striped Wool-Blend Sweater
Catherine Malandrino Oversized Cashmere Sweater
Preen Mink Angora Satin Sweater
Alexander Wang Draped Wool Sweater Dress (one of my favorites)
Stella McCartney Cashmere and Wool V-neck Sweater
Stella McCartney V-neck Wool Oversized Sweater
