What's on your schedule for the coming weekend? For L.A. readers, here are two events that are totally worth your time.


What's on your schedule for the coming weekend? For L.A. readers, here are two events that are totally worth your time.


A few random things today...first, I'd like to announce the winner of the BB Dakota contest. The lucky winner is Heather, and I'd like to thank all of you who entered. There were some creative comments, and I look forward to doing more giveaways in the future, so if you didn't win - maybe next time!
On the blog front, I'm toying with the idea of doing more random posts like this one where I write about new websites I discover, things that inspire me, and include some personal anecdotes. As far as this week:
* A reader alerted me to this website, which has an incredible selection of graphic tees. (I practically live in men's tees when I'm lounging or working out.)
* I browsed lust-worthy leggings and shoulder-baring dresses at Sanity Style from the likes of LnA and Plenty by Tracy Reese.

* After a few keyword searches on ebay, I came across Tin Roof Vintage, whose selection of on-trend vintage pieces had me mesmerized, not to mention the blond model's edgy hairstyle, which I'm thinking might inspire my next haircut...
* Ogled the new arrivals at Steve Madden, including Towwer, Markee, and Raceyy. (I also wondered how they come up with such spellings for their shoes.)
* I lost five pounds but discovered that my dog has gained five...someone needs more exercise.
* Recently developed an affinity for '90s-esque tops and dresses with cut outs in the midriff and shoulder area. Still hunting for the perfect one...
* Patiently waiting for Motel to restock the Razzy dress in tan/black animal print.
* Found a perfectly glittery jacket at a local thrift store to satisfy my desire for a Balmain/Topshop-inspired trophy jacket, and was determined to make it work for daytime.


Labels: My Style, Things I Want
My adoration for floral mini dresses this season continues with the colorful Missouri Mini Dress from British luxury brand Aftershock. I just can't seem to get enough florals, especially as we're in the midst of summer. Graphic florals, realistic florals, photographic florals...I love them all equally! The unique multi-colored halter styling on this dress is unlike anything I've seen. It shows a sliver of shoulder, and is perfectly appropriate for both summer days and cool nights on the town. For a typically overcast afternoon in southern California with cool temperatures (before the marine layer burns off), I've paired it with one of my favorite cardigans and some colorful accessories.




Labels: My Style
Bored with the same old scenery the weekend before the 4th, I decided to head out to Carpinteria, a small beach town just south of Santa Barbara. Little did I know what a great day I'd picked to explore the downtown area. After munching on sinfully scrumptious fruit-covered yogurt from Yo Yum Yum (my latest addiction), I strolled down Carpinteria Ave and came upon a charming flea market on Maple St. Upon inquiring, I found out that they hold the flea market on the last Saturday of each month.







Labels: In My Travels

images from dorothyperkins.com, allsaints.com, forever21.com, missselfridge.com
Admittedly, there are a few fashion trends that I avoid. For example, bubble hemlines have never appealed strongly to me. I do, however, appreciate a voluminous dress or skirt when done in a refreshing new way. The proliferation of hitched hemlines that I've seen lately has intrigued me and it has also helped to take the edge off of my recent fascination with prom/lantern/full volume skirts. With clever draping and stitching, I suppose this could be an easy DIY update for giving old pieces (perhaps prairie skirts circa 2005) a whole new look. While I haven't yet taken the plunge into the hitched hemline pool, my thoughts on how to wear the trend are to keep the proportions lean on top, choose hefty fabrics that will keep their shape and won't fall victim to gravity, and wear heels to combat the hip/thigh area volume and make legs look longer.
Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge offer printed versions of hitched skirts for those who are more gutsy when it comes to mixing prints and full silhouettes, while Forever 21's shimmer party dress gives a strong nod to the glitzy '80s. I also spotted these two very affordable versions at Papaya this weekend (but I encountered some glitches on their website, so I don't recommend ordering from them online).


Labels: Trend On The Rise
Feeling newly inspired by the DIY body harness/body chain trend that's quickly traveling through the fashion blogosphere, I got my hands on two of the Shirley drape necklaces from Forever 21, hopped aboard the DIY bandwagon, and embarked on a quick project.





Labels: My Style

images via Dorothy Perkins
My love for British high street retailers is no secret. They nail key fashion trends each season, have budget-friendly prices, and are months ahead of U.S. retailers on the trend cycle. So when I discovered this week that Dorothy Perkins now delivers to the U.S., I was thrilled, to say the least. I promptly browsed the affordably priced goods and picked out some of my favorites. For those who browse Topshop's site and follow the GBP/USD exchange rate as much as I do, you may notice that the floral bustier, crop top, and sequin jacket I've featured are similar to Topshop's current offerings, but are priced a bit lower at Dorothy Perkins. (At the time of this writing, the rate is still making me cringe at 1 USD to 1.64 GBP.)
Up until now, I was aware of only three other high street retailers that ship to the U.S. - Topshop, All Saints, and Miss Selfridge. Then there's Asos, whose site I could spend hours browsing. (Those models make almost everything look good!)
When I first went shopping in various parts of London, the selection of high street retailers was so new and vast to me that it was overwhelming, but after a few days, I became familiar with each store's strengths and characteristics. New Look was a strong choice for inexpensive and trendy footwear and dresses. River Island had higher quality boots, jackets, and denim to die for. Office carried oxfords, ankle boots, and colorful pumps that I could never find in the U.S. at similar price points. Oasis, Next, and Warehouse all fit the bill for low-key, sophisticated work and party pieces. Miss Selfridge stocked fun jewelry, trendy tops, and chunky faux fur vests. Dorothy Perkins had great dresses, chic trousers, and a Petites department which interested me. And Topshop...I must have spent hours in the shopper's paradise known as the Oxford St. store.
Now if only River Island and New Look would ship to the U.S., my fantasy online high street shopping destination list would be just about complete.
Labels: Shopping Guides
Cecilia from Barracuda Film & TV just sent me the links to these two brief videos that I had to share. The first video explores fashion trends for Autumn/Winter 2009, with interviews and footage. If you're a fan of glitzy glamour, strong shoulder silhouettes, and bold color, then you'll love what's in store next season. There will many influences from the '80s, with sharp silhouettes and squared shoulders, transmitting an edgy, colorful, and very personal style. The video features commentary from Claudia Croft of Sunday Times Style, Paula Reed of Grazia UK, and Ann-Sofie Johansson, Head of Design for H&M.
Labels: Fashion Tips and Tricks