Paint the Town Red

While bold colors such as cobalt blue, bright yellow, kelly green, and pumpkin orange are brightening up the shopping racks this season, red is still an important color for Spring. I spied many store window displays in Santa Barbara that made use of red on their mannequins. While I don't think of red as a typical Spring color, it blends seamlessly with the nautical looks of the season and always pairs well with crisp denim or neutrals. Red is thought to increase the heart rate and it is a hue that begs to be noticed in a crowd. So if you're feeling bold, paint the town red!

Feelin' Blue

So I'm fresh from a visit to the dentist, so before the novacaine wears off, I thought I'd post some more store window photos from Santa Barbara.

Today I was feeling a little blue, so to speak. This spring is all about playful prints and bright colors. This season, the mood is lighter and the textile prints are fun.

Spring Fling

I am so excited about some of my newest spring accessories! Two of my favorite handbag trends are the clear plastic/PVC handbags and the oversized printed nylon/plastic tote bags. While both of these trends run the risk of looking cheap, there are pricey versions by D&G, Chanel, LV, and so on. I figure that it doesn't make sense to pay so much for materials such as plastic, nylon, or PVC.

I bought this adorable floral wallet with blue accent trim at Urban Outfitters. The coin purse is detachable and the wallet comes in other colors such as red. I think it will look great in my new clear handbag.

Who would have ever thought that this retro bag would be available at Target? It looks like a great flea market find. I couldn't resist this clear floral print bag. It looks cheerful and will match just about anything in my spring wardrobe.

Here is the clear bag that I bought with a removable inner bag. It's basically two handbags in one!

Let the Sun Shine In!

Let the sun shine in! This season's hues are brighter and more cheerful than previous seasons. Neon is also making a comeback, so don't be afraid to shine in the best colors spring has to offer.

In my latest shopping excursion to State St. in Santa Barbara, sunny yellow appeared to be the new red. While most shades of yellow don't flatter me, I still love this color. It attracts attention and evokes a cheerful, vibrant energy. Here are some of my favorite store window displays from some of Santa Barbara's retailers:

Charisma

Global Feet Kids

Reference

Express

Gossip

Style on State St.

Who says Santa Barbara style is all about True Religion jeans, LV handbags, and bleached blonde hair? While it is true that southern Californians love their jeans, flip flops, and Juicy Couture, there are always the few that don't go with the flow. I searched State Street high and low this afternoon for a few people who exhibit their own fabulous personal style. Here are some of the stylish people who stood out:

Unique and casual styles with a vintage twist.

These printed hoodies are hot. Bathing Ape makes cute and eye-catching styles like this.

An argyle sweater with Bermuda shorts - so preppy and polished.

This bright vinyl handbag caught my eye with its cartoon print.

BTW, I will be posting some Santa Barbara store window photos very soon.

Friday Favorites

What's a shopaholic to do when she's trying to save money? She shops online, of course (and doesn't buy). I think it's always fun to browse the online shops - it's like window shopping, but better.

This leads me to present some of my favorite finds on this Friday night.

I love these paper-bag waist jeans from Arden B. These jeans have two more great features: a fabric tie belt and a flattering wide-leg silhouette.

These trousers are metallic in color - they would go great with a halter top or tunic for a night on the town.

I actually bought this necklace at Forever 21 a couple of weeks ago. I absolutely love the vintage feel of cameos, and this one is so ladylike.

I also bought this red cameo necklace when I went to Forever 21. This one is more youthful and fun. I'll pair it with a puffy-sleeved button-down blouse and wide-leg trousers for a day at work.

I love the Chalet watch from Nixon. Nixon watches are distinctly stylish. Part of the reason that I want one so badly is because they are hard to find.

Photos are courtesy of ardenb.com, forever21.com, and nixonnow.com.

Fad vs. Trend

As most fashion devotees know, trends in the fashion industry are quite often short-lived. Low-rise jeans? They are so over. Skinny jeans? They are on their way out! Fads, on the other hand, are a "flash in the pan." Before you know it, they are gone. Those rubber bracelets were one of the most recent fads that I can recall. Then everyone was making them, and then nobody was wearing them.

Being aware of what's happening on the streets is important because many fads as well as trends start here. Styles that begin on the streets are a phenomena known as the "bubble up" theory. Designers get their inspiration from so many places, and they often look to the streets because there are so many people out and about with original styles. Remember the "dookie" chains or fat shoelaces that B-boys used to wear back in the early 1980s? That's a good example of a street style that became popular for the masses.

While it's tempting to wear the latest runway styles, I want to honor those hipsters who rock their own original styles and don't adhere to the latest trends or fads. All it takes is for one person to emulate your style (or photograph you for their fashion blog), and you've made an important fashion statement.

So I'll be out with my camera, looking for you and your original style:)

Shine On

So here is the first installment of my "How To Wear" tips. Metallics are hugely popular this season, so here are some of my opinions on how they should be worn:

1. Don't overdo it by wearing head-to-toe sparkle. Pick a handbag, a pair of shoes, or a glittery top to add glitz to your outfit. Or if you are timid, pick a garment that has shiny trim or small metallic embellishments. For those who have bolder personalities, be more daring at night.

2. Metallics look best when worn with white, black, or dark denim. Adding bold colors can interfere with the attention-grabbing shine.

3. Consider your own hair, eye, and skin coloring before choosing to wear silver, bronze, or gold. For instance, if you have cool coloring (eg., pink undertones in your skin and blue eyes) then silver is more flattering for you than gold or bronze. If you have warm coloring (eg., yellow undertones in your skin and red hair) then gold or bronze will complement your coloring.

4. Choose high-quality fabrics when purchasing metallic garments. Cheap fabrics run the risk of looking cheap when they are shiny or have sequins and other embellishments.

Come Spring, Come Sunshine

Here is a quick wish list of Spring '07 trends that I believe will shine strong this season and into summer:

1. Footwear as art - footwear with sculpted, architectural details and interesting heel shapes
2. It's in the details - handbags with embellishments such as gemstones, studs, fringe, brooches, etc.
3. Graphic design - abstract, graphic prints reminiscent of the 1960s
4. Let it shine - sequins, sparkle, & glitz are everywhere. (I just painted my nails a pearly white with a sparkle topcoat.) This weekend I couldn't resist buying a silver sequined wallet for going out after dark! While silver and gold have been widely seen - be on the lookout for bronze hues this season.

Gotta Have It

Once again, I am in love with another Chloé bag. This time "her" name is Maggie. Maybe it's the rich, buttery leather or the 1940s frame-style shape, or the elegant feel that this bag evokes - I'm not quite sure, but I know that I gotta have it! I think it will look great with the babydoll tunics, trapeze jackets, breezy dresses, and cropped shorts of the season.

Shopping info: $2895 at Nieman Marcus.

My Coach Wish List

While I am not a huge fan of Coach, their Hamptons Weekend patchwork tote and wristlet are adorable. They also have an ankle-tie wedge sandal that is on my wish list. I love how these Coach accessories combine prints such as stripes, gingham, florals, and the Coach logo to create a colorful and perfect spring/summer print.

Picture This - San Luis Obispo

Lucky Lulu's on Higuera St.

Garden Street Essentials

California Blonde

Window display at Apropos

Pictured above are some of my photos from a shopping excursion in downtown San Luis Obispo. Due to its proximity to Cal Poly SLO, the downtown area caters to college students with its inexpensive boutiques, restaurants, and bars. My two favorite boutiques are Anthology and Coverings. See my post from yesterday for more detailed boutique and shopping information.

SLO Down!

San Luis Obispo is one of my favorite places to visit on a sunny Saturday afternoon. It is located about an hour and a half north of Santa Barbara on the central coast. The downtown area has quite a few cute boutiques, restaurants, and art galleries. Despite its relative isolation from other fashionable cities, SLO (as it's abbreviated) is surprisingly stylish.

Higeura is the main street in the downtown area, and Marsh St. is also worth checking out. My favorite stores include:

Finders Keepers - fabulous designer items can be found in this consignment shop. All the merchandise is in great condition and is organized by color.

Ambiance - 716 Higuera - labels include Joystick, J & Co., 10 Feet, and Sacred Blue.

Anthology - this boutique carries shabby chic furniture, housewares, and delicious French soap. I always buy something unique when I visit.

Avanti - 767 Higuera - they carry Hudson, Blue Cult, and a great selection of footwear.

Coverings - 770 Higuera - this is the best denim boutique in town. They sell all the popular lables such as Tag Jeans, Citizens of Humanity, True Religion, and Seven for all Mankind.

Crazy Jay's - inexpensive denim and cute going-out tops can be found here.

Decades - 785 Higuera - vintage clothing.

Fiore - 856 Higuera - more inexpensive tops and denim by labels such as Miss Me.

H & G Clothing - 956 Higuera

Lucky Lulu's - 691 Higuera - I buy something almost every time I go to Lucky Lulu's. They have denim from Salt Works, Paper Denim & Cloth, and inexpensive tops by Monteau.

Moondoggies Beach Club - 868 Monterey St.

Therapy - 733 Higuera - You'll find men's and women's clothing here. Labels include Paul Frank, Hudson, Free People, & Ben Sherman. They also have cute gifts, books, and accessories.

Tiamo - 741 Higuera - Rock & Republic jeans, Seven for all Mankind, and well-priced shirts are sold here.

Uptown Jean Co. - 699 Higuera - You'll find designer denim and much more here for men and women by labels such as Mavi, Modern Amusement, Rock & Republic, 575, and Kasil.

Other shops to visit in SLO are: Central Coast Surfboards, Vellum, Yello Kiss, ?, Garden Street Essentials, Contessa S., California Blonde, Apropos, Atmospheres, and Urban Outfitters.

And if you work up a hunger after all that shopping, local steak house McLintock's is a good bet for lunch or dinner. They have another location in nearby Pismo Beach with an incredible ocean view and great burgers.

It's Going to Pieces

If turbans, futurism, or trapeze dresses are not for you, then you may consider another Spring trend that is gathering speed. In contrast to most of the trendy styles that will be popular this Spring, patchwork lends a bohemian vibe to an outfit. If you're wary of the trend, I would suggest starting with a patchwork handbag. Vintage and thrift stores are a good place to start. Or recycle an old quilt into something new!

Patchwork has been seen on the runways of Chloé, Marc Jacobs, and Derek Lam. I photographed this great patchwork skirt a few months ago at American Eagle in Santa Barbara. Note the silver belt that is paired with the skirt. I think this look would be adorable with some ballet flats or some beat-up Converse.

Colored Denim

Here is an example of the up-and-coming trend of colored denim. I have seen brightly colored denim in hues such as red, cobalt blue, and kelly green in a couple of stores. The girl pictured above represents the first person I have seen pulling off this trend this season. I like how her outfit is not matched.

I remember when colors such as these were popular for denim back in the early 1990s. Here's a great 1990s flashback - remember Cross Colors?

L.A. Girls

Yes, it's time for the Rose Bowl Flea Market! Here are some items and people that caught my eye this morning. I would like to thank the ladies pictured below for being so stylish!

Patchwork is hot this season.


How cute are these vintage-inspired sweatshirts!


I love the way she mixes sock-booties with her shirtdress.

These gray suede boots are so chic with her summery dress.

I loved this playful pom pom hat and oversized bag.

Note the cute tassels hanging from these boots.

I thought these red sunglasses were quite mod.

Her outfit combines different shades of pink effortlessly. And the ballet flats make an elegant statement.