Thursday, July 5, 2012

DIY: Over Embellished

I'm so inspired for Fall that I barely wanna lay by the pool anymore. I had a leather jacket and a bag full of vintage buttons. My goal is to sew them all so close together that they overlap. It's a slow process and I still have some work ahead of me.....but all good things come ....(I forgot the rest). Get inspire by needlework like Balmain or rhinestones by Maison Martin Margiela.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Sneaky Little Trends




It's obvious that its in, and I love it.  Sneakers has snuck their way into the lives of the dressy.  Pair them with fun dresses made of satin and tulles, straight legged jeans and leather jackets, or fun jumpers with clear visors for that oh so popular Sporty look for S/S 12.

High tops, low tops, glitter (Jimmy Choo), sequins, studs (YSL), tie dyed (ALDO) and metallic (ASOS), Im saving for one of each.

Style tip for short curvy figures:  high tops worn with shorts and skirts will only make you look (drumroll please).......shorter and curvier.  Try a low top.

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Eddie Borgo's drives me wild.

After seeing him discuss his inspiration for Spring at Neiman Marcus, I have gone mad for this guy. So young, so talented, and so grounded. I love EVERY single piece he creates. Haven't heard of him? Check out his site or see what pieces he has on Net-a-porter.

Horse hair=genius

Monday, May 7, 2012

Style for Hire

Yours truly is now a Style for Hire Stylist.  Check out the site to find out how to book me for your personal stylist experience.

www.styleforhire.com
follow me @ SFH_CAAlison


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Fringing upon Spring

My inspiration today! Fringe is all over, and I made sure to add some touches of it in Simon Fashion Now!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Need From Nairobi

At such an affordable price, I will have to scoop up this Vivienne Westwood bag or clutch! Below is the description from the website


Handmade in Kenya, this bag is made from recycled materials by marginalized communities of women, with the support of the International Trade Centre's Ethical Fashion Program of the United Nations. The Ethical Fashion Program supports the work of over 7000 women who live in conditions of extreme poverty but who have a strong desire to improve their lives. Through the programme's extensive network, some of the poorest people in the world now have access to a job and income that subsequently benefits the entire community. All women involved in Vivienne Westwood's Ethical Fashion Africa collection are empowered by the pride they take in their work and new skills learnt. With a press stud fastening, the Lightning Shopper opens to a beautiful lining and one internal press stud pocket. The handles of this piece measure at 51cm. Please note that the colour of the stitching and material used may vary. This is due to the recycled nature of these items, complementing their intrinsic value.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Spring Inspiration......

Top, Banana Republic.  Bottom, Bloomingdale's

Friday, March 23, 2012

Packing Heat

My least favorite part of traveling is unpacking.  In fact, sometimes my suitcase stays packed when I get home until I use everything in it. I very much enjoy the packing process, but I know its not easy for everyone.  You pack too much, you pack too little or just plain never bring the right things.  I have it down to a science at this point.  I travel for work mostly, so I always feel it necessary to look stylish as my outfit is my business card.  But, packing for style and practicality can be the hardest part.

 How does she do it?

She DOES her weather research
She DOES find out what the plans for your trip are (no sense in needing a ball gown and not having one)
She DOES pack bottoms and outer wear that she can repeat
She DOES strategically plan her outfits so as not to pack unnecessary items (such as belts or shoes)
She DOES pack one extra outfit
She DOES take pictures so she can remember those outfits
She DOES take a picture of accessories for inventory purposes
She DOES pack a travel steamer and a small styling kit (double stick tape, safety pins, needle and thread, lint remover)
She DOES NOT bring an excess of shoes (they are the heaviest, next to jeans that weight 3 pounds)
She DOES NOT pack a bottle of wine (She learned the hard way)
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No trip planned?  Too bad I don't know a travel agent or I would plug them right about here.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Flea-ing the Scene

I like to Flea (I coined it).  I usually go to my favorite little place across the way from it (Lola's on fairfax) to participate in bottomless libations paired with fruit to gain energy.  I stop off at the ATM and pull out exactly my limit, as not to over spend which is easy to do at the flea market.  The stroll across the street is just long enough to gain excitement, just short enough to not lose interest on the way there, as I AM a Gemini.

I walk in and usually gasp every 5 steps at things I wish I needed {deer antlers, chandelier crystals, and assorted animal skins}  However, it's jewelry that I always need, and its just the place to find unique one of a kind new and vintage pieces.  Like the gem below, the real starfish dipped in gold that I bought for $20.










A few helpful tips when flea-ing:

* Take a full walk around the entire market first then come back to the booths you like best.
* Put things on hold if you can, most vendors will let you.
* DO NOT purchase the first thing you fall in love with, some vendors might have the same thing (or similar) for cheap.
*  Haggle a bit, chances are they will always come down $5 or $10.


Thursday, March 8, 2012

Herb Ritts: L.A. Style

Oh yeah!  So many fashion/photography exhibits coming this Spring?Summer, and this might be my favorite!


April 3–August 26, 2012
Herb Ritts (American, 1952–2002) was a Los Angeles-based photographer who established an international reputation for his distinctive photographs of fashion models, nudes, and celebrities. From the late 1970s until his untimely death from AIDS in 2002, Ritts's ability to create photographs that successfully bridged the gap between art and commerce was not only a testament to the power of his imagination and technical skill but also marked the synergy between art, popular culture, and business that followed in the wake of the Pop Art movement of the 1960s and 1970s. This exhibition features a selection of Ritts's vintage prints, magazine covers, Polaroids, and commercial video projects. 

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Gone Mad

What a perfect introduction to Spring!  Sipping Scotch, while sitting for a caricature artist is just my kinda party.  Not to mention, the most adorable models lounging around in the new Spring Banana Republic Mad Men Collection: and what a brilliant, sweet, and versatile collection it was.  Doily laces, bright pink silks and statement necklaces makes me want to be a Mad Men woman for Spring!  Comfort Glamour I call it, and almost every body type can wear these pieces. 






Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Tighten Up

The transition into Spring......it might take a while, and it is still a bit chilly even in Southern California.  So many of you ladies are ready for shorts and mini skirts....well wear away sweet ladies.  Smack on a pair of fun tights with that mini and a blazer.  


Some of my fav places to seek these transition treasures: Wolford and American Apparel.  Keep the sheer tight within arms reach come early Spring though.  That sneaky stripe down the center back of your leg is so sexy and will help with the warmth on Spring nights.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

The One

Take it from me, there isn't an espadrille as veritable and flattering on everyone like this one. I have been around {shopping that it}, and believe you me....this is THE wedge to own. I know, it's a staggering $495, but take it from me, you'll wear it every S/S till the end of your life.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Monday, February 6, 2012

Sports Page: Neoprene

I doubt the scientists that invented this stretchy blend in the 30's ever suspected their "baby" would end up on the runways of Versace, Derek Lam and Preen.  It's so easy to understand why so many designers used it this Resort season: its incredibly forgiving and easy to cut and sew.  And, if your shameless when it comes to caring for your frocks, fear not the dry cleaner bill.  Instead, throw it in the wash and let it air dry {your neighbors will admire your style while they are clipped to the laundry line}.  True to wetsuit fashion, the details on these garments have to be sporty with the plastic zippers and colored panels.  Beware southern dwellers, this fabric does NOT breathe {its how the surfers stay warm in the Winter waters after all}.
Check out some of my favorite, less expensive Neoprene pieces found at Asos, Topshop, and Cynthia Rowley for Roxy.  Not a fan of the tight fit?  Move on to a different sport. Like, parachuting.


Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Fashionable Reading

I haven't blogged in two weeks.  Partly because I have been working, and partly because for the first time in 5 years, i took a little vacation.  A trip to the opposite coast to dip in the warm water.  My intention is not to rub in the ocean floating, but to recommend a book that was recently recommended to me in my book club.  While sunbathing (i am rather bronzed), I enjoyed a fabulous find that I couldn't put down. Wont give away too much, but Parisian fashion and aristocracy in the mid 19th century is my new favorite cluster of search words.  A must read for the Fashion industry.

Strapless By Deborah Davis

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Color Creative (Rodarte Inspired)

The Mulleavy sisters have inspired me to no end.  Their Q and A session last night at LACMA about their inspiration and creative process led me to check out the collection in its entirety.   The color palette of rich golds and blues, creamy yellows and pastels might have just created MY color palette for Spring.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

The (used to be) Secretive Stylist

I am like the Navy Seal of Stylists.....I'm covert and secretive and I keep all great things to myself.  I find a website or store with my favorite affordable finds, each offering a special something that I adore, and I keep it all to myself.  When someone inquires, "OMG, where did you get that oh so glamorous, very expensive looking belt?"  I then reply in a coy manner, "Oh, you mean this belt (pointing at the one I'm wearing), I couldn't tell ya."

Well, Im gonna tella ya.  

When looking for plain black leather pumps, ones you wear three times a week, I go to Off Broadway.  They have the platform that my tootsies love, and they are real leather which I never compromise with.  I can walk in at any given time and spend no more than $60 on them.  I'm on my 4th pair of the same black pump, and I don't see myself changing the way i wear those puppies out!

Faux fur:  I dont wear it.  But i will wear any animal that looks good with my skin tone.  That being said, I never pay full price for them, and I certainly would never purchase one at a department store.  Where to get them?  Resale and vintage shops in small towns.  I find the mark up in big cities is insane, but smaller suburbs all have resale shop, and it never fails, they always have furs.  I never pay over $65 for ANY fur piece.

Big, chunky jewelry is my best friend.  I recently found a jewelry designer at the flea market who designs for Anthropolgie.  Well, I don't know if that is true or not, but her jewels are so eye catching and magical.    I like the old estate jewels and brooches that are blinding you on a sunny summer day. I have more than a handful of complimentary worth gems.  Now, these pieces you find at the flea market are not always the cheapest, but they are the coolest. I also adore sale jewelry at Chico's.  Their eclectic style leans more towards Bohemian, whats not to love about that?

I'm feeling woosy, am I sharing too much......?

www.asos.com.  This site gets me giddy and I have it bookmarked on my computer.  While I do not order clothes online, I will order the crud out of shoes, accessories, and panty hose.  This store has the most unique accessories and at the most exciting price point.  Panty hose in all textures, trendy jewelry, Platform wedges, and hats are all things i like to buy here.  Because some trends are so short lived, I don't like to spend a fortune on my favorite ones!

Listen, I know this information may be nothing new to you fashion savvy's, but its helpful to some.  I do save up for those special designer things that I "have" to have.  "Mom, give me three reasons I should buy _______".  She usually gives me three valid, convincing reasons.  It's easier to save for those novelty must haves when you know what NOT to splurge on.





Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Spring Synopsis {A LIst of Trends}



DEEP SEA creatures and textures add dimension to fabrics. Shells, iridescent details, and coral textures  are a rich luxurious way to dress.  The world is your oyster {as said daily by me}.

PEPLUMS wiggled their way back on the trend list.  {I suggest wiggling when Pepluming (the action of wearing Peplums)} Peplum belts, peplum jackets, peplum dresses, peplum skirts.  See blog about how to wear - http://thestyleden.blogspot.com/2011/10/peplum-problems.html

BIRDS fly onto fabrics while feathers texturize textiles.  Not to be confused with insects, birds remain a feminine detail in Spring.  Experiment with Swans, Hummingbirds, wing prints and even bird brooches.

PEEK A BOO cut outs on tops and dresses expose flesh in a funky not overtly sexy way.  Back and side  cut outs can be a more functional way to experiment with this trend for those not as daring.  Baring midriff is never out of style for the warmer months is it?

DROP WAISTS much like those in the roaring 20's were shown with wide belts made of fabric and leather.  Great for boyish type figures, this waist line hits you right at your widest part of your hips.

PLEATS in delicate fabrics such as chiffons and sheer silks are so difficult to do.   Never underestimate a pleat and its ability to disguise lumps if done properly.

PASTELS such as milky creams and pinks with sherbert color pallets look good enough to eat.....but they're not.  This trend makes me the hungriest.