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.

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.

VOTE FOR ME!

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.

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

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.

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.