High and Low

Convertible boot, Victoria's Secret, $149

While flipping through the latest Victoria's Secret catalog, these boots by Colin Stuart caught my eye. I went in for a closer look and instantly thought, now why didn't I think of that? With such versatility, they might just be the ideal boots for transitioning from summer to fall or from winter to spring.

Blues News

Thank you to Nylon for including three photos of me in the latest online denim gallery. As a loyal Nylon reader and denim lover, I am truly honored and excited to be included in this feature.

Ashish, Ashish, Ashish

I'm not even on Twitter, but having stalked Topshop on Twitter, I found out that the Ashish wedges I've been lusting after would become available Wednesday, so I kept an eye out for them this evening. Given that Topshop headquarters is eight hours ahead of PST I theorized that the wedges would become available sometime around midnight, assuming the Brits start their workday at 8am. Fortunately, my obsessiveness paid off around 11pm this evening (about an hour ago), as they were up on the site, along with footwear by Preen. Although the $290 price tag for the wedges is not proportionate to the £140 that the UK site is charging, I splurged on the zebra print. (If you do the math, then £140 would equal approximately $230 with the current exchange rate of 1.64.) Not sure why Topshop gouges Americans with an exchange rate of over 2.0, but I had to have these shoes!

Thigh High

If last fall's must-have footwear item was the ankle boot, this season's equivalent is the thigh high (or over-the-knee) boot. Eager to try out this trend, I've purchased two inexpensive pairs already - a flat pair in black faux leather, and a pair with a platform and 4" heel in black faux suede. After many hours of browsing various online stores to find the perfect pair, I've discovered a few key things about thigh high boots that I'd like to share.

Price points don't always dictate quality or the illusion of quality. I spotted a pair in faux suede with a high heel at a price upwards of $150 at an unnamed chain store which populates many American malls, and later found a very similar pair in leather at a British high street store for only $50 more. I don't know about you, but I'd gladly pay the extra $50 for the upgrade in materials. If you're on a tight budget, no worries. With the endless array of cheap chic footwear stores that can be found online, a decent looking pair in faux suede can be bought for under $30, and it will look more expensive than it really was.

Make it classy, not trashy. I think the trick to making the over-the-knee boot trend appear less Pretty Woman and more "pretty woman" is to pay attention to the details. For example, avoid cheap-looking shiny PU, patent leather, super pointy toe shapes, faux fur embellishments, and high, thin stilettoes. Go for a modern look with a thick heel, a slight platform, and an almond or rounded toe shape.

Too timid? Fake it. If you're not ready for a thigh high boot, why not play around with a simulated look by donning some knee or thigh high socks with pumps, ankle boots, or knee high boots? Choose socks in a matching hue as your footwear, and it will give the same effect as a pair of over the knee boots.

Be inventive with your legwear. When the weather cools down, it's the perfect time to have some fun with layering. For example, wearing chunky socks over patterned tights, layering two pairs of contrasting tights, etc. Not only will it look interesting with your boots, it will keep you warm!

Find your best fit. When it comes to fit, it's a personal preference. I like my thigh high boots to be snug around the calves and ever so slightly loose above the knee for optimal comfort. There are styles ranging from super fitted (like a pair of socks) to slouchy, fold over styles that can be worn in different ways. If you're going to wear the boots over jeans, or if you have curvy legs like me, then roomier styles may suit you better. Also consider how easily the boots will be to put on and take off. When shopping or trying on various styles, ask yourself if you want a full zipper, half zipper, or a pull-on style.

New Look News

As an envious fan of the British high street and its affordable, trend-conscious offerings, you can imagine my delight upon finding out that New Look now delivers overseas, notably to the U.S., Australia, and several European countries including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. During two recent trips to Europe, I stocked up at New Look on chiffon blouses, flat boots, and fun accessories. Having also spent my fair share of time browsing the website recently and lamenting the fact that they didn't deliver to the U.S., I wasted no time at all in finding some of my favorite pieces. Even with the unfavorable GBP to USD exchange rate (currently 1.64), New Look's prices are low enough (in my opinion) to still make most items reasonably priced for Americans. With Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, and Topshop also delivering to the U.S., my fantasy online British high street is almost complete. I'm still waiting for River Island and Warehouse to begin shipping to the U.S. Additionally, the day that H&M opens an online store with shipping to the U.S. will be cause for celebration.

Below are some of my favorite pieces from New Look for making the transition into fall.

images via New Look

1. Sequin blazer, £40

2. Leather military jacket, £120

3. High leg boots, £40

4. Shoulder pad rose dress, £18

5. Multi zip skirt, £22

6. Satin bow bag, £8

Motorcycle Madness

Whether you opt to wear faux leather or the real thing, there's something undeniably cool about fall's biker-inspired pieces. A strapless dress takes on a whole new look when done in form-fitting faux leather. Skinny pants become more badass, and short shorts telegraph a tougher vibe. Put them on and you instantly feel strong, like you can harness the power of a superhero.

The crew over at Forever 21 seems to be channeling the motorcycle-meets-glam-girl trend pretty heavily this season, as they've got a wide selection of faux leather items fit for any Harley girl. When paired with a plaid shirt, sturdy boots, and rumpled hair, these items pay tribute to the grunge heydays of the '90s, when it was all about looking like you didn't make any effort to get dressed.

Pictured above:

1. Biker jacket, $34.80

2. Shorts, $22.80

3. Strapless dress, $24.80

4. Marlena tote, $29.80

5. Cinched pants, $22.80

6. Studded mini skirt, $17.80

7. Frenchie lace-up bootie, $26.80

So I pose this question to the team at Forever 21...what's next...a faux leather tee or tank top, some faux leather fringe earrings, or perhaps a faux leather bib necklace?

Trend On The Rise - Bold Boots

Having seen some of the fall '09 boot offerings by Payless in such magazines as Nylon, Elle, and Marie Claire, I was enthusiastic to discover this morning that some new styles have just become available on their website. Admittedly, I haven't shopped much at Payless since the days of my youth, with the exception of some of their designer collaborations. With a soft spot in my heart for boots, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of new alice + olivia, Abaeté, and Christian Siriano for Payless styles on the website. Knowing that my favorite style, the Robertson boot, would probably not be available in a store near me, I took the plunge and ordered it online. Perhaps it was the nonchalant way in which Peaches rocks them with faded skinnies and a denim jacket in the August issue of Nylon that first piqued my interest. The peep-toe platform silhouette is reminiscent of Alexander Wang's much-loved boots from last season, and the jeweled detail lends playful femininity to a strong, masculine shape. As for the comfort factor, I'll have to wait and see...

images from payless.com

The JC Effect

Lately it seems that my purchases run in cycles - one week I'll be obsessed with chunky rings, and when my hunger for jewelry is satiated, I switch to buying studded belts, then strapless floral dresses, and so on. So what's my latest item of choice? Shoes. My fondness for footwear knows no bounds. With cool weather on the horizon, I've been adding new boots and aggressive platform heels to my collection. To be more specific, I've been eyeing almost anything from Jeffrey Campbell, who is fast becoming one of my favorite footwear labels. With reasonable prices and on-trend design features such as buckles, cone shaped heels, mesh, ruffles, chains, and lace-up detailing, my biggest issue is deciding which pair I like the best. Here are a few of my favorite current styles.

Photo, $199.95, Solestruck

Asti, $69.99, Urban Outfitters

Michelle (sold out at this time)

Doo, $139.95, Solestruck

Miley, $74.99, David Z

I Still Got Chains On The Brain

In the spirit of adorning my various possessions with chains, I used two new toggle chain bracelets from Forever 21 to update my beloved old Alice + Olivia boots from Payless. As with my previous DIY boot chain mini-project, I took the easy road by using safety pins to attach the bracelets. Therefore, if I change my mind about adorning the boots with the chains, I can remove them easily and wear them as they were intended. I'm thinking that maybe my next DIY chain project will involve a pair of distressed jeans, a stretchy belt, or a diminutive handbag.

Plastic Island/Mcginn Sample Sale

In case the font on the flyer is difficult to read, the location is: 1385 E. 15th Street near S. Central Ave, Los Angeles, 90021.

Parking is free. Take an additional 5% off fall merchandise if you print the flyer. Happy shopping!

Any Day Now...

...these Ashish for Topshop animal print wedges will be available. I first spied them on Nitro:licious and was oddly fascinated. Then the zebra pair showed up in a Volcom feature in the August issue of Nylon, paired unexpectedly with some bleached jeans, a denim vest, and a red plaid shirt. While some people may find them to be utterly hideous, I'm enticed and currently coveting a pair. I just can't decide...

image via Inside-Out

Over The Top Knot

After spending an exorbitant amount of time browsing Asos this summer, I finally ordered these floral jeggings. Almost three (long) weeks later, they arrived on my doorstep. Having ordered from other websites based in the UK, I was expecting to receive my purchase in about two weeks or less, so I was quite disappointed in the shipping delay. Nevertheless, I still browse the site for new arrivals, as their selection and prices are fairly impressive.

This month I've been doing something atypical - experimenting with various new hairstyles. Last week it was a deep side part with teased, '80s-esque poufy bangs. Today's simple top knot hairstyle was inspired by recent photos of Chloë Sevigny, one of the very few celebrities who I always find chic and inspiring. It's ideal for days when I desire an easy style and feel like channeling my inner ballerina.

Wearing: sunglasses - Forever 21, layered necklace - Topshop, tank top, earrings, & blazer - H&M, jeggings - Asos, cuffs - assorted, heels - Breckelle's

On Minmote

I'm honored and excited to see that Silje P., my favorite Scandinavian fashion blogger, whose blog and personal style I have admired and followed since the beginning, has featured me on her site. Thank you Silje! Unfortunately, I can't read Norwegian, but here's the rough translation of the interview:

1. Why did you start to blog? Back in the days when I was active on MySpace, I used to occasionally blog about shopping and trends. One day I was looking online for street style inspiration and came upon a network of great blogs which I never knew existed. I decided to stop using MySpace as a blogging platform and create a blog so I could have my own website and use it as a creative outlet and share my passion for shopping and fashion with like-minded people.

2. Were are you from, what do you do? I'm from southern California and I work as a trendspotter and fashion journalist. My background is in fashion trend forecasting, which (as silly as this may sound) is my main passion in life. I love to explore new cities and take photos of store windows, and I'm always interested in what's going to be the next big thing.

3. What is the story behind the blog's name? If there is any. Admittedly, my blog's name (Fashion Trend Guide) isn't creative, but fortunately, it results in quite a few readers via Google search results. When I was choosing the name, I wanted something descriptive, and Fashion Trend Guide just seemed right.

4. Describe your style. I don't really have a signature style, but I love the novelty that trends bring to the retail scene, and I follow trends closely. In general, I get dressed according to the weather, my mood, and for my activities for the day. If I had to classify my style this season, I'd say it's got a cheap-chic, casual California vibe mixed with a strong dose of '80s glam.

5. Your favorite accessories? Right now I have an affinity for oversize rings, body chains, studded belts, printed sunglasses, and strappy platforms. Last season, I stocked up on layered necklaces and bow ties. This summer, I'm wearing a lot of hats and colorful sunglasses. During winter, I favor printed scarves, fingerless gloves, and knit hats.

6. What will you splurge on for fall? I'll probably splurge on a pair of over-the-knee boots and some moto jeans with knee patches once I find some that I like. I'm also searching for some great lace-up boots with a sturdy heel.

7. Your best fashion advice? Wear what makes you feel comfortable, and know what your best features are so you can accentuate them! It's amazing what the right colors, proportions, and silhouettes can do for one's figure.

8. If you you are short on cash, but long for something new, you... hit the local thrift stores, where nothing costs more than $9 and there's always a vintage version of a current trend. Then there's also Forever 21, my guilty pleasure for inexpensive dresses and on-trend jewelry.

9. Your best shopping advice for people visiting southern California. On the second Sunday of each month, there's the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Pasadena. I highly recommend it for vintage, secondhand, and even new items ranging from couches and lamps to bikes and boots. You might even spot a celebrity or rock star...

10. What inspires you to keep writing the blog? Do you earn money from it and what do you find the most challenging? I could never tire of writing about fashion! Since the fashion industry moves so quickly and trends are constantly changing, it's an endless source of inspiration for me. I've been so fortunate to be able to earn money from all of the opportuntities that have come my way as a result of my blog. I think the most challenging aspect is keeping up with all of the PR emails I receive and reading the thousands of other style and fashion blogs that are out there. Blogs have become a powerful force in the media and will continue to change the way people interact, share information, and draw inspiration.

11. In an autum wedding you would be wearing... a strapless floral dress with a sparkly 3/4-sleeve cardigan, shiny bangles, and comfortable platform heels that would allow me to dance.

12. Style is... something that you're either born with or not.

Fall-ing

Despite what the warm weather is telling me, summer is winding down. While I love the extra hours of daylight and the pleasant temperatures, I always look forward to the cooler nights of fall, when I can start transitioning into the new season by donning more layers and wearing my treasured boots and jackets. Below are some of my favorite cheap chic choices for fall that I've been eyeing this week.

images from wetseal.com, topshop.com, charlotterusse.com, 80spurple.com, fredflare.com

Nothing says sweet like a summery floral dress, but when paired with a tough moto jacket, a chunky skull ring, streamlined satchel, and sturdy boots, the dress takes on a whole new tough girl edge. To wear the dress now, while it's warm, I'd layer some gold bangles on one arm, add flat embellished sandals, and throw on a studded bag worn across the body with some retro oversize sunglasses.

3 Words

Rodarte for Target!

My Target dreams are finally coming true. The Mulleavy sisters' creations for the mass retailer's GO International initiative lands in stores December 20th. There goes Target, giving me more reasons to spend money on clothing, as if my closet isn't overstuffed already. I simply can't wait for this collection, quite possibly the most exciting yet, and I have such high expectations. I was secretly hoping Target would collaborate with them much earlier, and I'm so excited to see what they come up with...holiday appropriate spider web knits, horror film-inspired frocks, and decadent details, please!

Blacked Out

For enthusiasts of the Stolen Girlfriends Club bandage leggings of which Queen Michelle is a devoted fan, Bebe has a similar version with mesh insets and criss cross styling. I seldom shop at Bebe, however, I think they've upped their game in recent seasons. In fact, Bebe has quite a few offerings for fall which have caught my eye: feather skirts, chain-embellished vests, moto jeans, grommet heels, etc. (It seems the Bebe design team has clearly been inspired by Wang and Decarnin.)

After admiring the bandage-y leggings on Bebe's website and lamenting the fact that they didn't stock my size, I lucked out and managed to find a pair in my size at one of their stores. On an unrelated nore, while browsing, I observed a notable difference between the offerings at the L.A. area location and a downtown Portland location that I visited last week. It seemed that L.A.'s merchandise was much more glitzy and dressy, which isn't surprising when you start to compare the two cities.

Wearing: sunglasses - H&M, embellished top and motorcycle jacket - Forever 21, mesh inset leggings - Bebe, lace-up boots - Steve Madden, bracelets - assorted, dome ring - H&M

I also indulged myself in a new pair of killer boots from Steve Madden with stripper-esque details, a super high 5" heel, 1.5" platform, subtle ruffles, and D-rings. Considering that I usually steer clear of heels over 4", these are amazingly comfortable and a breeze to walk in. As a devoted boot wearer, I'm ready for cold weather so I can stow away my sandals and start wearing some of my new boots.

How To Wear Bleached/Distressed Denim

Denim. It's the cornerstone of my wardrobe and I just can't live without it. Luckily for denim lovers like myself, this wardrobe staple gets reinvented each season. Bleached, distressed denim is this season's answer to last summer's boyfriend jeans. Whether you decide to DIY or buy a pair that's already treated or tie-dyed, the look is a casual update with lots of attitude and a decidedly rock 'n roll edge. When it comes to executing the trend, here are a few tips I've found to be helpful, so why not share with my readers...

Do: Keep the fit skinny and the rise low if you're going for a modern version. For maximum attitude, pair the denim with a leather vest or jacket, and jewelry embellished with studs, spikes, or skulls. This summer, my favorite way to glam up any outfit for nighttime is with embellished heels. The more straps, studs, or ruffles, the better. Strappy platforms, studded high heeled sandals, or aggressive ankle boots will dress up bleached denim and make it dance floor appropriate (if your feet can handle it). To show off the footwear, bunch the jeans up a bit at the ankle or roll the hems.

Don't: Pair bleached denim with busy patterned tops such as florals, sublimated prints, or tribal prints, as they'll compete with the denim. Avoid overly feminine blouses and opt for simple, streamlined tops to maintain focus on the jeans. Vintage rocker tees and crisp blazers will add a modern, polished vibe to the look. For a rocker-inspired Balmainian take, add a band vest or military-style jacket, or a top with a strong-shouldered silhouette.