Sequins And Chiffon

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend as much as I am. It feels like summer in southern California (I promise I'm not trying to make anyone jealous), and I just finished an exhilarating 12-mile bike ride. Since I'm currently enamored with American Apparel, I'm about to hunt down a figure skater dress and some leggings or poly blend tees, but before I do that I wanted to post photos of last night's outfit. I finally caved a few weeks ago and bought the sequin leggings from Express that I'd been drooling over, since they were 50% off. Instead of the ususal oversized tee or tunic that I'd typically pair with leggings, I took a different route and dug out my old Temperley for Target chiffon Victorian blouse to lend the outfit a romantic, feminine edge.

Wearing: blouse - Temperley for Target, studded belt - Zara, rings - F21, leggings - Express, clutch - F21, boots - Cathy Jean

Trend On The Rise - Peplum Dresses

The free dictionary defines a peplum as "a short overskirt or ruffle attached at the waistline of a jacket, blouse, or dress." Admittedly, I'm wary of any such design detail on a garment that adds volume in the waist area. During my time spent shopping in Europe this past October, I observed an abundance of skirts and dresses with this sort of peplum styling. For the most part, the trend hasn't drifted across the pond (yet) in a big way, as I haven't seen much of it in my recent shopping excursions. I am somewhat intrigued by peplums, however, and I'm inspired to try a DIY version with a black American Apparel pencil skirt layered underneath another skirt or dress, as I'm not quite ready to buy into the trend. Luckily, I did manage to find a few affordable examples, mostly from European high street retailers.

Pictured above: 1. Pink and black peplum dress, Miss Selfridge, £35, 2. Rose strapless dress, Charlotte Russe, $32.99, 3. Black peplum dress, Oasis, £35, 4. Sequined peplum dress, Lipsy London, £35, 5. Purple peplum dress, Oasis, £70.

Images from charlotterusse.com, oasis-stores.com, lipsy.co.uk, missselfridge.com.

Hotel Motel

When Forever 21 sent me a small package yesterday, I became the proud new owner of a fringed vest. Inspired by the "Outlaw Country" editorial in the February issue of Elle, I couldn't wait to wear it with layered necklaces and bleached denim for a fun take on the Western trend. Even better, I finally got to shoot in front of an abandoned motel, complete with boarded-up windows, chipped paint, and a ramshackle, crumbling exterior that practically begs to be the backdrop for some fashion photos.

Wearing: tee - American Apparel, leather vest and fringe necklace - F21, multi-strand necklace - H&M, turquoise bracelets - vintage, jeans - Weekday in Stockholm, boots - H&M, bag - F21.

10 Miles

On my frequent bike rides I pass through the most beautiful, serene landscapes. I'm surrounded by quiet farmland, rolling hills, chirping birds, and the occasional cow or horse calmly grazing on hay or grass. As I'm cycling, the cool breeze blows in my face, invigorating me and awakening me to the beauty of my surroundings. Although it's occurred to me that the bucolic scenery would make a perfect backdrop for some fashion photos, I didn't bring my camera along until today. I typically wear functional, not fashionable attire while riding, but with a backpack containing my camera in tow, I posed for a few photos.

Since summer, I've become a fan of wearing leggings with oversized tops in a nod to the late '80s and early '90s. It's not only comfortable and easy to throw on, but it's bicycle-friendly - no pants getting stuck in the chain. Today I biked about 10 miles in my new Aztec leggings and Forever 21 sweater (which I ripped myself for a Rodarte effect). And if you're wondering, I wore my Nikes for the ride and stashed the boots in the backpack. I haven't mastered riding in heels...yet.

Wearing: sunglasses - F21, white long-sleeved tee - J. Crew, customized/torn mesh sweater - F21, belt - Jonathan Saunders for Target, vest - vintage Levi's jacket customized by me, Afrika leggings - American Apparel, platform boots - Cathy Jean

Glamour's Tough Chic

This morning I was excited and surprised to see that I'd been chosen as a Best Dressed Reader on glamour.com. Many thanks to Tracey for giving me this honor!

Perfect Outfit For A...

For you office slaves, weekends may be reserved for more relaxed, less professional looks like the one above. As a former 8 to 5 slave myself, I often found office dress codes to be stifling and restricting. But after a while I played by the rules and tried to have fun with the dress code by wearing preppy sweater vests, blazers, wide-leg trousers, and many a button-down shirt. When the weekends and evenings rolled around, I could finally indulge in my trendy, comfortable, and casual pieces. The outfit I've put together is one such look that would be perfect for a Saturday consisting of browsing fresh produce at the farmers' market, perusing fashion magazines at the bookstore, and strolling the downtown streets of my beach town.

Pictured above: 1. Thick open weave hat, Wet Seal, $11.50, 2. Speed racer sunglasses, Fred Flare, $11, 3. Bunny tank, Forever 21, $13.80, 4. Denim jacket, Old Navy, $29.50, 5. High waist glossy leggings, Forever 21, $22.80, 6. Time on my hands ring, Modcloth, $17.99, 7. Heeled gladiator sandals, Asos, $56.96.

Images from forever21.com, asos.com, wetseal.com, modcloth.com, fredflare.com & oldnavy.com.

Trend On The Rise - Wild Wild West

In the fifth grade, I reluctantly played a small part in a Western play that my class was producing. Even at the tender age of ten, I clearly recall caring more about my costume than remembering my lines. So it's no surprise that I chose fashion over acting as an adult. With Native American and Western-inspired details playing an important role in spring '09 trends, now I can dress like a cowgirl and indulge in my tumbleweed kicking, horseback riding, whisky-drinking-in-a-saloon daydreams. All that's missing are the chaps. Thanks to the folks over at Forever21, I can get a taste of the wild wild west without leaving home.

Pictured above: 1. side swept feather tee, $13.80, 2. beaded Glory necklace, $6.80, 3. leather fringe mini handbag, $26.80, 4. lacquered medallions cuff, $7.80, 5. Dolly fringe vest, $24.80, 6. distressed denim skirt, $15.80, 7. Olsen slouched boots, $34.80.

Images from forever21.com

Navigating The Cheap Chic Landscape

As a veteran shopper of fast fashion chains such as Forever 21 and H&M, I've learned over the years how to pick pieces that look more chic than cheap. My aversion to polyester certainly doesn't hurt, either. (I have sensitive skin and tend to favor natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton.) I thought I'd share some of my suggestions on how to make your inexpensive purchases look more like the high-end versions.


Feel the fabric. In my experience, cotton, chiffon, lace, and silk blends can look more expensive than they are at cheap chic stores. My general rule is to avoid many synthetics and also any garment with more than 3% spandex, as it will appear stretchy and cheap. More specifically, pieces made from rayon, nylon, and viscose can appear flimsy and tacky, especially when done in skimpy silhouettes.

Consider the cut. I'm no expert fashion designer, but I'm no stranger to a sewing machine or pattern, either. No matter how much you like a piece, inspect it for cut, fit, and proportion. If it puckers in the bust area, gaps out at the waist, pinches your thighs, or just plain old fits horribly then avoid it unless you plan to tailor it or have it tailored. Unfortunately, sometimes you get what you pay for at cheap chic retailers.

Know when to go. Stores like H&M receive new shipments every day, so it's wise to shop often for optimal selection. Additionally, I like to shop when stores are least crowded - on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning or evening. Friday nights between 6pm and 9pm and weekend afternoons before 3pm seem to be the most crowded, as shoppers are often looking for the perfect outfit to wear out that night or that weekend.

Know before you go. If the store you're visiting has an e-commerce website, then conduct some research and check out the merchandise online before you go. (Or just buy online if you prefer to avoid the potentially noisy and disheveled atmosphere of the store.) Sometimes I see something I like online, but want to inspect it in person for fit and quality. On the other hand, you can sometimes use the website to get a sneak peek at the merchandise before it hits the stores. Case in point - I'm always stalking Target's pressroom for new GO International images.

Study the store's strengths. If your buying patterns exhibit a pattern such as always buying handbags from Target, dresses from H&M, footwear from Zara, and earrings from Forever 21, then for you, those may be each store's strengths, according to your tastes. Learn what each store excels in in terms of design, selection, price, and quality, then you'll know where to look for certain pieces that you desire. For me, it's usually Cheap Monday denim at Urban Outfitters, ankle boots at Wet Seal, and tights at Target.

Look at longevity. Now more than ever, I'm asking myself how long I'll be wearing each item before I buy it. These days, quality classics can be found at fast fashion stores. Pieces like wool blend peacoats, cotton cardigans, boot cut jeans, and classic button down shirts can be found at great prices, and will outlast trendier items such as that one-shoulder dress or paint-splatter top that may be lurking in your closet.

© 2009 Fashion Trend Guide

What To Expect Next Season - Spring 2009 Fashion Trends

Barracuda Film & TV, a Swedish production company, was kind enough to email me this informative video which explores upcoming fashion trends for spring/summer 2009. It includes behind-the-scenes footage of an H&M photoshoot as well as interviews with Ann-Sofie Johansson (the head of design at H&M), Scott Schuman (the Sart), Camilla Morton (journalist for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue.com), Robert Rydberg (stylist), and Sophia Neophitou (editor in chief of 10 Magazine). Enjoy!

Cycle Chic

Ever since my visit to Copenhagen in October, I've seen bikes in a different light. While Americans tend to use bikes for exercise or for pleasure, the residents of Copenhagen use them as a necessity and as their main source of transportation. It's just too expensive for many of them to own cars. Imagine having to cycle as your main method to get around town. From age 7 until I got my license at age 16, this was my reality. The wind would blow through my hair, and my legs became powerful from the constant pedaling and lack of gears on my comfortable beach cruiser. Just think of all the benefits of riding a bike. You're able to enjoy nature while getting some exercise and saving the environment from pollution. I think we can all learn a lesson from Copenhagen's generously wide bike lanes, stylish cyclists, and progressive environmental policies. Many of the women I saw on bikes in the Danish capital looked incredibly chic with their scarves billowing behind them, their handbags stowed away in a basket, and their boots placed confidently on their pedals.

Apparently, I'm not alone in my admiration for Copenhagen's bike riders. There's a whole website (called Copenhagen Cycle Chic) devoted to them, complete with witty captions, captivating images, and interesting commentary. It makes me long for a vintage European bike, (like the one I ogled below at last month's Rose Bowl Flea Market) with those signature curved handlebars and wheel fenders. Until then, I've got my Trek 7.3, so I'm not complaining.

Victorian Inspiration

I'm currently fascinated by Victorian residential architecture. The intricate woodwork, charming porches, and custom details never cease to delight me. Not to mention that Victorian dwellings make ideal, picturesque backdrops for impromptu photoshoots. Fortunately, there's an abundance of them near me which provide inspiration amongst a sea of lackluster mid-century houses. Sometimes when it comes to houses, older is better! When it comes to hairstyles, however, that's not the case; I think newer is better. Today I said goodbye to my asymmetrical haircut from August and opted for fresh new layers and sideswept bangs.

Wearing: sunglasses, necklace, cardigan, and handbag - F21, T-shirt - American Apparel, leather inset jeans - Cheap Monday, boots - Cathy Jean, cut and color - my genius hairstylist (whose name I won't reveal - I can't give away all my secrets!)

Hello, Beautiful Stranger!

I was thrilled to see this feature of an outfit I wore recently on beautifulstranger.tv this afternoon. With the exception of my new camera being a Canon EOS Rebel XS (not a Nikon), they described me perfectly. I'm honored and excited to be included in their Style Snaps feature. For you street style addicts out there, the Beautiful Stranger website includes endless street style photos and videos for inspiration and a fun style blog as well. Go check it out!

Trend On The Rise - Hippie Chic

Today's warm, dry weather in southern California couldn't have come at a better time. I've been in the mood to wear warm weather-appropriate florals this week, and I also received the dELiA*s and Alloy spring catalogs today. If the catalogs are any indication of upcoming spring/summer '09 fashion trends to look forward to, then expect to see the following:

paisley print blouses
sheer fabrics
fringed accessories
feather & beaded jewelry
cowboy boots
faded, patched, & destroyed denim
plaid button-down tops
safari-inspired prints
jelly sandals
straw hats
saddle bags
braided belts
colored denim

From the looks of the catalogs, spring '09 trends are leaning towards a modern bohemian sensibility, with help from Western and Native American-inspired pieces. Expect to see updated versions of carryover trends from fall including fringed accessories, destroyed denim in light washes, and paisley prints in sheer fabrics.

I'm excited to wear most of the things listed above, as I already have them in my wardrobe, with the exception of jelly sandals. (I just can't bring myself to wear these slippery, cheap-looking creations.) Studded and fringed sandals, however, will likely be placed on my "must have" list, in addition to braided belts, vintage floral skirts, and graphic floral print tees. I hope you'll be inspired by the two looks I've put together from Alloy's spring collection.

The "updated bohemian" look is casual and simple, and perfectly appropriate for a busy student, a Saturday stroll at the farmers' market, or perhaps a walk in the park to soak up the sun.

Pictured above: 1. Stone cuff in turquoise, $12.50, 2. Flower burst tee, $24.50, 3. Crochet stretch belt, $16.50, 4. Indigo Saints shredded boyfriend jean, $42.50, 5. Moroccan sandal, $34.50.

I envision my "modern hippie" ensemble being worn by a carefree, confident girl at a music festival or an outdoor barbecue. She prefers understated apparel and balances it effortlessly with accessories that make a statement, like the feather and beaded necklace and fringed sandals.

Pictured above: 1. Belize necklace, $24.50, 2. Pintuck racerback tank, $24.50, 3. Giddy Up bag, $39.50, 4. Paris Blues Lola stretch jean short, $24.50, 5. Peacemaker sandal, $32.50.

Images from alloy.com

101 Ideas In The English Countryside

Admittedly, I stopped reading Marie Claire over ten years ago, when I got tired of their human interest stories and longed for more fashion editorials. My favorite part of the magazine, however, was their 101 Ideas feature, which usually focused on a color theme and was organized like a page out of a mail order catalog - lots of images and none of that high fashion hair and makeup.

Nowadays, I find the U.K. version of the magazine (like Elle and In Style) to be much more inspiring. I can't help it; things from Europe just seem so much cooler to me. As I was flipping through the January issue of the U.K. version of Marie Claire, I came upon this gorgeous editorial entitled "Cold Comfort Farm." It spoke to my inner desire to live in a quaint English cottage with a rose garden, shabby chic furniture, and ditzy print floral linens. In my imaginary cottage, I'd wear knitted scarves, plaid tunics, tweed trousers, thick tights, and drink Earl Grey all day. I'd let my laundry air dry in the garden, listen to the birds chirp happily, and take photographs of nature in my spare time. The air would contain the faint smell of flowers and fruit, and when it would rain I'd sit by my picture window admiring the lush greenery. Until that day becomes a reality, I can admire this editorial and continue my daydream...

Pages scanned from the Jan. 09 issue of Marie Claire U.K. Styled by Sasha Barrie. Photographs by Martin Rusch.

The Private Label 5 Countdown

Target's latest in-house line for its GO International program has got me counting down the days until its release on February 1st. This is the fifth collection for Target's Private Label, and in my opinion, has the best styling of any of their previous Private Label lookbooks. Upon first viewing it on Nitro:licious, I was pleased to see the collection styled with on-trend items such as studded belts, ripped tights and boyfriend jeans, layered necklaces, strappy sandals, and motorcycle boots. My favorite look of all is the blue zipper dress. I can't wait to counter its punk edge with a printed cardigan, a slouchy beret, opaque tights, and ankle boots. As for the other pieces, they'll be the perfect antidote to the winter blues with their vibrant colors and lively prints.

Images from target.com

InVESTed

Looking through my closet today, I realized just how many vests I have - too many. A few months ago I drew inspiration from the luxe bohemian fall '08 collections of Gucci and Anna Sui, and I went on a vest buying spree. Cropped vests, faux fur-trimmed vests, Mongolian faux fur vests, looped vests, embroidered vests - I have just about every style imaginable. I'll be the first to admit that I tend to overbuy certain trends when I'm enthusiastic about them, and this season vests appealed to my bohemian sensibilities. Today I decided to debut a vest from my Edinburgh shopping excursion at Miss Selfridge.

Wearing: turtleneck - Mervyn's, floral top - GO International at Target, feather & bead necklace - F21, vest - Miss Selfridge, jeans - Cheap Monday, boots - GoJane.com

Getting the Hang of AV Mode

I'm finally taking advantage of my new camera's more advanced functions, such as AV mode, where it's possible to change the f value in order to blur out the background for a photographic effect which always intrigues me. Today my statement accessories called for a toned-down, minimalist look - something that actually required some effort for me. You see, when it comes to getting dressed, I adore trends, layering, and mixing various prints and textures. Many times, I mix two or more trends in one outfit - it makes life more interesting for me. It's just more fun to mix it up.

Fringed boots and a punk-inspired bag with exposed yet functional zippers act as focal points in my otherwise understated outfit.

Wearing: AA T-shirt, H&M tuxedo blazer, jeweled necklace from Cost Plus World Market, Cheap Monday jeans, and F21 bag and boots.

Do's and Don'ts of Cleaning Your Closet

Since the beginning of the new year, I've been meaning to clean out my closets to purge all of the things that I don't use in order to create more space for the things I love. Staying organized happens to be something I take great pride in, and my closet cleaning ritual, which helps me keep my closet contents fresh and orderly, typically takes place at least twice per year. For those of you who are looking to improve your organizational skills, I'll share a few do's and dont's that I've learned to help keep my closets organized:

Do: consider season, color, and style. Grouping your items by season, color, and style can save tremendous amounts of time when you're getting dressed. I tend to keep off-season items in a separate closet, and then I organize all of my jeans, dresses, skirts, tops, and so on by style and then by color. If I'm getting ready in a hurry and I'm looking for my sleeveless green A-line blouse, then there's no guesswork because I know exactly where to look to find it quickly.

Don't: keep unused items longer than 6 months. If there's something that's been hanging in your closet for six months or longer and you haven't worn it, then it's probably time to part with it. (This is especially true if the tags are still attached.) Consider selling it or donating it in order to give someone else the chance to enjoy it. (One exception to this would be heirloom items handed down from family members, such as a treasured fur coat, valuable jewelry, or a designer handbag.)

Do: know when to hang. I learned a very important tip in a fashion image consulting class that I took years ago - always hang your wovens and fold your knits. Why? Well knits tend to stretch and warp when they're placed on a hanger, so your favorite sweater may end up with those unattractive marks in the shoulder area where it was distorted by the hanger. Folding your knits will help them to retain their shape and last much longer, while hanging your wovens will help keep wrinkles at bay.

Don't: keep things that don't fit. We all have things in our closet that we keep in case we gain or lose a few pounds. If something doesn't fit, then it probably won't flatter you or get much wear. Consider having it tailored or giving it away.

Do: make room for quality basics. You know those go-to basics that you wear season after season? They deserve lots of closet space in a high priority area. For me, it's long-sleeved cotton crewneck shirts from J. Crew that are ideal for layering. I've dedicated a whole drawer to them inside my closet, where they're easy to reach. My less-often worn pieces tend to get placed in the harder-to-reach areas of my closet.

Don't: fall victim to closet envy. If your friends have fabulous style, and you always find yourself borrowing things from them (or vice versa), why not cure your closet envy by hosting or joining a clothing swap? They're a fun and eco-friendly way to get rid of things you don't use in exchange for things you'll love.

When you're done, there shouldn't be superfluous items wasting space in your closet - only things you wear and love, and that's a great feeling. In case I've overlooked something and you have some closet cleaning or organizational tips you'd like to share, I'd love to hear them.

The Buzz Surrounding Blue Bee

Santa Barbara area shoppers, take note! It's that time of the year again, when one of my favorite local chain of boutiques, Blue Bee, hosts their huge end of season sale. Didn't get what you wanted for the holidays? Are you on a budget? Well, I've got great news. Everything in all their stores will be on sale. Giuseppe Zanotti footwear? Check. Marc Jacobs bags? Check. Rich & Skinny jeans? Check. You get the picture.

The shopping frenzy begins on Friday, January 9th, at 6am. (Last year there was a nice line on State Street, so I recommend getting there early for the best selection.) Happy shopping!

Shopping The Spring '09 Trends

With 2009 in full swing and the fall '09 shows right around the corner, it's time to start thinking about spring '09 trends. Some key trends to be on the lookout for include: butterfly prints, jumpers/rompers/playsuits (or whatever you want to call them), sheer fabrics, geometric prints, tie-dye, relaxed tailoring, vibrant florals, and fringe. To get in the mood for spring shopping, I've picked five of my favorite on-trend items from American chain stores that are infused with the fresh spirit of spring.

1. Fringed vest, Charlotte Russe, $24.99. The fringe trend is still strong, and will carry on through spring, so this Western-inspired vest can replace your furry vest over a floaty bohemian dress when the weather warms up.

2. Printed umbrella, Old Navy, $9.50. A umbrella is something that's necessary when the weather is drab and wet, so why not carry one with a fun, cheerful print?

3. Chiffon butterfly tunic, Wet Seal, $18.50. A delicate, arty butterfly print adds subtle glamour to a feminine tunic. Pair with a tweed skirt for the office or tuck it into wide-leg jeans on the weekend.

4. Front buckle wedge, Wet Seal, $24.50. Two-tone straps and brass hardware make these simple yet chic wedges look much pricier than they are. (Sometimes less is more.)

5. Floral jumper, Charlotte Russe, $24.99. Wear this retro print one-piece under a lightweight cardigan and add cowboy boots for a carefree afternoon at your favorite music festival.

Images from: wetseal.com, charlotterusse.com, & oldnavy.com.

Layered Legwear At Forever 21

Forever 21's window displays aren't what I'd describe as jaw dropping, but on occasion they do catch my eye and make me pause to appreciate them. For example, last night, after leaving one of their stores, I observed a unifying theme in their windows - layered and patterned legwear. Glittery knit leggings, socks layered over tights, tights layered under leggings, and various prints from floral and lace to argyle took center stage in this display. So perhaps some of you will be inspired and get creative with your legwear! Just because the weather is cold doesn't mean your legs can't take the spotlight.

The Invisible Belt

If you've ever worn jeans with a fitted top, then you've inevitably had this problem. You put your belt on and pull your top over the waistband of your jeans and ugh, there's an unsightly bulge from your thick belt and its buckle. So what's the solution? Well, that's where Invisibelt comes to the rescue. It's a completely flat, adjustable belt without all the bulk and bulge. So simple and sleek, yet so practical! You can choose between clear or noir (black), making it an appropriate choice for both men and women. Even better, you can wear it when you travel and you can be confident that you won't hold up the security line at the airport because the Invisibelt doesn't have any metal components. If only the woman in front of me at the airport security line in Copenhagen had one, it would have saved me some extra time!