Givenchy-To Me

Wish List > Meet the Shark Lock Fold Over Wedge Boot. I have never seen a more beautifully designed, classy, wearable, over-the-knee black boot in my life. It is stylish, transitional, sexy and you can actually wear these with tiny skirts and not look like a whore. What? You were all thinking it. Best part is.. if you think it is beautiful just standing there up above.. look at it worn below.

For $1,695 these babies can be yours here. May take me a while to get them but I have a feeling these will never go out of style.

(image courtesy of Fashion Toast)

California Dreamin'

Campaign Obsession > Terry Richardson. Candice Swanepoel. Chateau Marmont. This is all you need to know about Juicy Couture's Holiday campaign just released. I am not a fan of JC myself, but they couldn't have tapped a better duo to make the brand look good. Dancing the night away to "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" with champagne in hand and felines donning massive jewels, California Dreamin' is the perfect theme to their campaign. Unfortunately, Candice steals the show to the point that I hardly noticed the clothes. Let's hope the prints do more for the brand!

Enjoy!

Light Side of the Moon

Lookbook Lovin' > Nasty gal gets sporty in their November look book shot by Devyn Galindo. Set against a background of white sand and blue skies, Naomi Preizler models new and vintage pieces in eclectic hues and textiles. Of course my favorite piece from the collection is the top she is wearing above and it is nowhere to be found on the website for purchase. BUT they do you an amazing dip dye faux fur jacket in ombre brown which is just as fabulous. 

View entire lookbook here.

View the fabulous jacket here.

Anthropologie x Made In Kind

Retail Retell > This is something new for me that I find to be fantastic so I would like to share with you. A few years ago I wasn't much of an Anthropologie shopper. I judged it from the outside as a country terrain hippy store that took Penny Lane and stripped her down to House on the Prairie. Never judge a store until you walk in its shoes. Or dresses. Or house decor department.

Anywho. I did of course venture in and fall in love with the ethereal and feminine aesthetic of everything they have. I am even more pleased to have just discovered their monthly Made In Kind collections. Each month Anthropologie taps indie designers to create pieces for an exclusive collection. November's collection just arrived in stores and the designers are NYC brand JF & SON, Nadinoo designer Nadia Izruna, Brooklyn based Alexandra Grecco, and the husband-wife duo behind Place Nationale.  All of these diverse designers stick loosely to Anthro's feminine and nature inspired aesthetic while adding their own twist to create a beautiful, eclectic and romantic collection.

Au Revoir

Me > The time has come for me to leave Los Angeles and move home to sweet sweet San Diego..

I won't reminisce about the past 5..almost 6 years here, as I have 2 months left and I plan on enjoying everything that I love about it, and expecting to realize all the things that I will miss. But I will tell you all that I am scared to leave my life, my friends and my city that I have used, abused and loved for these past few years, as it has done me. I am leaving to get my show on the road, take my life on a new adventure, and to make things happen. I will be returning to school to be a writer, maybe a teacher, a business owner.. and everything in between.

LA was for me, an education in its own. I consider my battle wounds, bruises, broken hearts, amazing jobs, loss of jobs, amazing friends, and loss of friends.. all courses in my degree, in which I believe surviving here has earned me. For as many new things that will begin, just as many old routines will end.. And to this I say: enjoy these last few months with me.. As my friends, my weekend warriors. Let's celebrate the all nighters we will always remember and no one else would understand. Let's celebrate finding the few and true friendships in the land of dreams and fairytales. Let's celebrate the adventures, our memories, the X-I-V's..

I know I will only be a few hours away for the relationships that can endure the trials of distance. But I will miss something.. and I suppose that I cannot seem to pinpoint what it is because I am not meant to. I think LA can only love those who love it.. and leaving it will be something only we can understand. 

So.. to the next adventure.. and until then..

xo

Homecoming For McQueen

Designer Profile > In the late 80's and early 90's, Lee Alexander McQueen called Savile Row home. McQueen spent years here as an apprentice, learning the impeccable tailoring we see throughout all of his work, and now the fashion house returns.

"Lee really wanted a shop on Savile Row," says creative director Sarah Burton, " It was really important to him." "It feels special to be back [Savile Row] - almost like a homecoming in a way."

The fashion house left no detail uncovered nor did they withhold any item, as the store holds the largest offering of McQueen menswear in the world. Available in open display cabinets, all of their ready-to-wear along with their  accessories are there for clients to feel and explore before purchasing. If that wasn't enough; within the year the store will open an in-house tailoring service that will train apprentices in the same way Alexander was when he first started on the famous street. 

The detail in which you can sense McQueen in this boutique is magnificent and beautiful. The carved wall detail in stone white against cabinets with handles carved liked horns, feet like claws and cases held up by medieval chains decorated with all the romanticism and dark beauty that we have come to know and love, as McQueen.

I Watch You Move and I Can't Think Straight

Cover Lovin' > Mirander Kerr stars in this Cover story for the Australian publication, RUSH. Now I have never been a reader of RUSH myself but I have recently been drawn more and more towards the fashion world of down under. Whether it be Christine Centenera's impecable style or the color infused collections, the Aussie's know how to pull together sexy cool and this feature is a testament to that.

Take away two things from this article. 1: I would totally wear the outfit from the cover if someone would give it to me. And 2: This body just had a baby.

Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

Collaborative candy > In June of this year, H&M announced that it would be releasing a collaboration with Maison Martin Margiela in November 2012. It is almost November.

"It's a pleasure to present these re-editions of Maison Martin Margiela to a new audience, to those who were too young to buy the original pieces and those who didn't have access to Maison Martin Margiela before the days of internet shopping,"

The Collection will be released November 15th and I must say this is one of the top collaborations I believe to be done thus far with H&M. These pieces are phenomenal. Keeping their signature looks and even offering iconic styles remade and available at a more affordable price. The only thing that depresses me is the ability to get to them before they sell out. I may have to take a day off for this one..

View more of the collection here.

YSL Springs but Falls Short

Runway Review > The fashion world has been anxiously awaiting the debut of two fashion houses' new lead designers. With Dior's new lead designer, Raf Simons, premiering his first collection this week as well as their past designer, Hedi Slimane coming out of retirement to premiere his first collection with Yves Saint Laurent; both houses were under the spot light more than usual. Unfortunately, one of them turned out to be the obvious disappointment.

Reminiscent of too many 90's movies rolled into one, Slimane left me feeling confused and feeling out of touch with the season of the moment. His pieces were not cohesive and although some stood out, I was too distracted by the randomness of his presentation to truly fall in love with his collection as a whole. I felt as if the movies Hocus Pocus and The 3 Musketeers must have been playing in his workshop and somehow collided, creating a Spring 2013 Ready to Wear line, that is not so ready to be merchandised to any taste.

Positives: amazing structured blazers with piping and sequence, accessorized with large silk and chiffon bows at the neck.

View the entire collection here.

Olivia Palermo In Velvet

Cover Lovin' > Shot by Luc Coiffait, Palermo does what she does best in Velvet's 2012 September issue. She makes fashion look good. Olivia has an incredible and keen fashion sense that allows her to be feminine and decadent at all times. Always perfectly put together, sexy, classy and incredibly stylish, she is a fashion star with one of those natural abilities to hit the mark every time.  

Palermo prepares us for Fall in the most fantastic way donning Dior, Gucci Preen, Mulberry, Lanvin and more, set against a whimsical background. Seen here modeling looks very similar to her own style: dark and colorful, mix-match prints, layered and feminine, she looks right at home in looks we wish we had in ours.

Barney's x Disney

Campaign Obsession > Barney's and Disney. And no, I don't mean the purple dinosaur. What I am talking about is all of your favorite Disney characters, Minnie, Goofy, Snow White and more, transformed into high fashion runway models to don staple pieces from F/W 2012 Collections carried at the famous retailer.

Titled Electric Holiday, Barney's is know for it's ellaborate creative campaigns and this year's is no different. Creative Director, Dennis Freedman, hit a few roadblocks along the way while meeting with Disney animators. For example, Minnie Mouse's 2'ft frame needed to be transformed into a 5'11 runway model to be able to wear her designer duds from Lanvin. Yes, Minnie Mouse will be in Lanvin, Snow White in Nina Ricci, Mickey Mouse in Balenciaga, Goofy in Balmain, Daisy Duck in Dolce & Gabbana, Princess Tiana in Proenza Schouler, and lastly (and possibly the most fantastic thing ever) Cruella will be dressed in Rick Owens. (Insert cackle of excitement here).

This will not just be a Holiday campaign. There will be a "moving art short" featuring a film and 3-D light show, along with Barney's revered window displays. There will also be a ton of merchandise, including Mickey Mouse ears designed by L'Wren Scott and Rag & Bone, as well as  Vinylmation characters from DVF and Paul Smith. Barney's will also donate 25% of the proceeds from Electric Holiday purchases to a still unnamed charity.

Let Disney and fashion fill your heart this season, and feel good doing it.

 

CR. My Style Icon

 

Style Icon > Model turned Stylist turned Fashion Writer turned Fashion Consultant turned Editor. Carine Roitfeld is a Style Icon that everyone who appreciates fashion can relate to and look upon for inspiration. Stepping down in 2011 as the Editor-in-Chief of French Vogue for the past decade, Carine has been preparing something that will mark a great and much anticipated return to the world of Fashion. (As if she had ever really left.) To be released next month, September 2012, will be: CR. Fashion Book,  Roitfeld's biannual magazine.Aptly titled, Roitfeld's initials will grace every cover and her impeccable parisian eye for sexy and daring style will be sure to grace every page, making CR a quick and favorited Fashion Publication that will be sure to last and dominate those of it's kind.

Pre-order your copy here.

Here's a preview of the making of CR. Fashion Book, EEK! Enjoy.

LDR In My H&M

Campaign Obsession > I woke up this morning to find some Lana Del Rey in my H&M Fall/Winter Collection. Named as the face of the upcoming 2012 collection as well as set to appear in the winter campaigns, Lana seems to be everywhere. As you know Lana also appeared in the August Vogue Italia and I just happened to bump into her yesterday morning in West Hollywood while hunting for some vintage finds at the always entertaining Fairfax Trading Post.

I haven't decided my stance on LDR as of yet but my mind is made up as far as H&M is concerned. She looks fabulous. Their collection has a Bridget Bardot 50's housewife feel with the floral motif petal pushers and pink angora blend sweaters, the oversize cross stitch and tweed jackets. With Lana's porcelain skin, talon fingernails and striking red hair done to perfection, the collection brings old ideas to a beautiful light and Lana shines.

Weird Science

Fashion Obsession > Nasty Gal's creator, Sophia Amoruso, really should have thought about her devoted 'gals' before she came up with this idea. You can kiss my paycheck goodbye, I will literally be the woman who lived in her shoes. Because on August 27th, Nasty Gal releases their first collection for Fall 2012.

When I first heard Amoruso was doing a collection I thought the pieces would end up being a more expensive version of the items they sell now. But I am thoroughly impressed and ecstatic over the detailed and standout pieces Nasty Gal has created. Yes, you will see the bralettes and the fringe hot shorts, but you will also see 80's inspired cocktail dresses with sharp shapes and boning. Plunging necklines and bold colors. Fantastic feathers and curve revealing fits. Everything and more you could ask for, and things you have only dreamed of. The collection is only uplifted by Terry Richardson shooting the collection, styled by Sophia herself with nothing but a backdrop and a few vintage computers. Oh, and how could I forget, the girls are wearing shoes from the Nasty Gal x Jeffrey Campbell Collab.

There is absolutely nothing missing in this collection except its placement in my closet.

View and shop the entire collection here, availble August 27.

It's Actually Hurting My Heart That I Don't Own this

Wish List > Not much to say about this beautiful piece, for Love & Lemons has brought me to my knees. Available at the forever amazing Nasty Gal, this is one of those pieces that makes my heart hurt. I know if I let this piece go I will never forgive myself, and when I see some little twit who doesnt appreciate it, flaunting it at Coachella '13 I'll kick myself. Yes this little bandeau might be $108, and the skirt $188, but these pieces can be worn together and apart and on the right girl, will stop anyone in their tracks. Including me. Jaw drop. Wallet empty.

Unbreak my heart and get in my closet.

Terry Richardson for Pour La Victoire

Campaign Obsession > He is no stranger to shooting gorgeous women in heels but they are indeed strangers to the ad game. Pour La Victoire, the amazing shoe line that has brought beautiful stilettos to women everywhere, made a very smart decision tapping Terry Richardson for their very first ad campaign.

Shot in a private UES club, Richardson photographs the beautiful Jessica Hart donning PLV's resort and holiday lines. As always, he is able to achieve the ultimate sultry and feminine shots with his model, making the brands campaign virginity non existent in the very best way.

The Search Ends at Sandro

Wish List > I have been craving a pair of kick ass sneakers for quite a while. And although chucks are a perfectly classic sneaker. I've been searching for something different. Something with a little more 'kick'.

Meet the Albatorock. These magical little shoes hail from the Parisian designer Sandro, in the Fall/Winter 2012 Collection. Also available in a black patent, these beige suede leather beauties are the ones I have my eyes on. Decorated with little silver studs across the top giving it the perfect street chic style, while staying true and sporty with its wide set laces, Sandro has checked every detail off my list of sneaker attributes. And for $300 a shoe they better.

Yes, these can be yours for $600 right Here. And remember the black are totally cuter. No. Not really. But stay away from my beige. 

Kate Moss for Rag & Bone

Campaign Obsession > There are few words you need to announce to get my attention when it comes to fashion. Now, to the level of that attention is questionable.  

When I read that one of my ultimate design duos had asked Moss to be the face of their Fall '12 Campaign I knew immediately that they would not disappoint. My respect and complete adoration of this rocking timeless supermodel is never ending and still , with just the mention of her name, she grasps people's attention as they crave to see what she has done now. Ill have me some Glamorous Kate anytime, but put her in leather and denim and you have her at her utmost. Shot in the foggy streets of London, this campaign is all things Kate and classic UK Rock.

Long live the Queen.

Adidas Originals x Opening Ceremony

(Images courtesy of Opening Ceremony)

Collaborative Candy > The 2012 London Olympics do not begin until July 27th, but you can get into action with the FW 2012 Collection from Adidas and Opening Ceremony. Created in anticipation of the upcoming Olympics as well as the opening of their first London store, the collection is an ode to all things Olympic and 90's youth. 

Modeled perfectly by Xiao Wen and Camille Rowe, the collection is kept young and colorful, using playful prints-- a kaleidoscope mini-floral, a splatter-paint motif and my personal favorite, the iconic bandana print of OC. The collection is for the most part unisex and keeps the ode to the Olympics true by using fabrics such as dry-swim-spandex, neoprene, and reflective finishes.

View the entire collection and shop here but leave the bandana print for moi. 

Ariel vs. Jaws

Wish List > Black Milk has been everywhere recently and are quickly becoming a favorite amongst the trendy fashion forward SoCal woman. Their long awaited Jeffrey Campbell collaboration is about to hit stores but their popularity seems to stem from their amazingly designed one-piece swimsuits.  

This is their Shark vs. Mermaid suit and it is awesome. I mean... how can I not. It's Ariel for god's sake. Leave it to the Australians to design such a kick ass suit.


They are sold out as of now, but are already making more and once available you can get them here for roughly $90. 

Matthew Williamson Resort 2013

(Images Courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue )

LookBook Love > Matthew Williamson is a constant favorite of mine, as you can always count on him for colorful, well-tailored and mixable pieces. In his Resort 2013 Collection, Williamson was inspired by the work of artist Mat Collishaw and German furniture designer Judith Seng. Using natural colors and geometric shapes, he keeps the color palette simple and elegant, while changes textures for wear. His evening pieces feature Swaroski crystals, fringing and feminine flowing fabric. His street wear, tailored pants paired with strong button ups and jackets. 

See the rest of the collection here

Miserable Mystery

Fashion Obsession > Obsession would be a gross understatement. My girlfriend showed me these beauties almost a year ago and when I demanded to know who - what - and how much, there was no answer. I have exhausted every search and all I can come up with are other desperate bloggers as myself, with the name "Dave Navarro Cross High Heel", with comments from people just as desperate asking the same, who - what - and how much?

The closest I've come is through a co-worker who found them online, in a photo from Harper's Bazaar Spain June 2011 edition, with no clue to who makes them. Is this a trick? A mean mean trick to wave this beautiful footwear creation in front of us to watch us salivate and then give no clue or glimmer of hope as to how to obtain them? Will I be forced to commission someone to make them for me? Or will I need to befriend a welder and take on the task myself?

If there was ever a mystery to be solved, take a look into the soles of these beauties, and tell me you don't feel the need to find these as well. Impossible.

Good Fucking Design Advice

Words > I discovered this website GFDA through one of my favorite blogs Love-Aesthetics and it is amazing. First reason, they use the word "fuck" more than anything or anyone I have ever witnessed in my life and I LOVE it. Secondly and most importantly, they really do empower you. I couldn't help clicking through all of the simple yet strong statements on the opening page. I sat there clicking through and slowly finding myself powered up and saying "fuck yes" in my own head. I even went as far as taking their pledge and sending in my pic to their pledge board.

Life is fucking hard. Dreams are hard to reach. Surviving life while trying to achieve your dreams is even fucking harder. If you have ever felt this way and need a reminder about how fucking amazing you are, visit this site. It will only take a few words to get you there..

Dedicated to the Outfit

Wish List > A large part of the reason I know I will always be immersed in fashion is the constant nostalgia I have while shopping, browsing or simply reminiscing on styles I have come across over the years. I thought about this last night as I recalled what is to be a perfect example of this. There was a T.A. I had in college. She walked into my writing lab wearing a dark grey Mickey Mouse crew neck sweater, fit like the one above. She wore a perfectly crisp yet feminine white and grey pinstriped woven button-up underneath with the lapels sitting exact on the neckline as if they were one article. It was perfect. Classic. A staple outfit. This was 5 years ago and  I have never forgotten that outfit and still have yet to perfect it myself.

A few days ago, I came across the sweater above on one of my favorite blogs, Karla's Closet and it has reignited my need to find that perfect crew neck sweater. I have searched online, vintage stores and even gone to Disneyland itself, all to no avail. Short of sending out a 'missing sweater's report', I have exhausted all options and would LOVE any suggestions.

Call me crazy, but these are the things you do for the love of fashion.

God Damn You CHANEL

Wish List > A wise man once said, "Material possessions in life are simply distractions from true bliss." I would like to meet this man because I would slap him in the face with Chanel's 2012 Canvas Espadrilles and he would immediately apologize, standing corrected. And then I would make him fork over the $395 to buy me the size 8 that just assaulted his face. Shame on you sir. Shame. On. You.

P.S. The Chanel Boutique on Roberston here in Los Angeles has less than 10 pairs left. But you didn't hear that from me. And no, I didn't just get off the phone with them.

Chanel

Daria Werbowy

Cover Lovin' > This look is one I have been planning to pull off since I first saw it popping up in street style photos 5 months ago when the thought of Spring was close enough to begin curating styles for the coming season. The look: bandeau or bralette top paired with a high waisted pencil skirt. Usually colorful and always mixed prints, Daria is the perfect example donned in Prada Spring 2012 on this cover of Vogue Japan for July. Fashionably late or not of the stylists, this Canadian model has been one of my favorites for years and she kills it once again owning this cover. Although it seems a little late to be pushing this look, it is never the less an inspiration and match lit under my ass to finalize this outfit in my own closet.

The Iconic: Fendi Baguette

(Originally posted on SMASHBOX Yello!) 

Style Icon > I don't know about you but when I think Fashion, Carrie Bradshaw comes to mind. When I think Carrie Bradshaw, the Fendi Baguette comes to mind. I firmly believe I have survived my 20's thus far because of extensive viewing of Sex and The City, and anyone who has watched knows her character is directly synonymous to the Fendi Baguette. The episode where she plays Twister with Jon Bon Jovi, wearing a Fendi Baquette the color of grass with flowers on it. Or where she gets mugged after her pedicure and they take her beautiful fuschia baguette. Or when shes on her first date with Aiden, searching for a cigarette in that absolutely gorgeous white and pastel pink baguette. Ugh, swoon. Anywho, Fendi knows what the ladies desire as they are celebrating 15 years of the bag with a dedicated book aptly titled, Baquette, and reissuing six of the designers favorite styles. Singapore and New York release parties down, who wants to invite me to the Los Angeles party? Me and Carrie go waaay back.

Georgia May Jagger

Cover Lovin' > I love Love LOVE Georgia May Jagger and have since I first saw her grace the Hudson jean ads back in 2009 topless, gap fabulous, and totally underage rock royalty. Since then I have stayed a loyal fan as she just gets better and better throughout endless covers and editorials, snagging campaigns such as Chanel and her latest, Material Girl for Madonna. Add this to the list as she graces Numero Tokyo for their July/August issue dressed in Bottega Veneta.

(image courtesy of Fashion Gone Rogue)

Suzanne Rogers

Closet Crush > I just discovered Suzanne Rogers through one of my absolute favorites, The Coveteur. (Seriously. They are amazing. They take you into the most amazing and unique closets and give you an insiders look). Anywho, I have read wonderful things about Suzanne Rogers as well as some pretty terrible things. The only truth I know for sure is that she has the most insanely beautiful (and well stocked) closet I have ever seen. Chanel + Mcqueen with a sprinkle of Marie Antoinette equals the heaven you see here. 

Enjoy..

See many more photos here

Getting Engaged is the New Black

Relationships > I have had 4 friends become engaged in the last week. Everything happens quicker these days, including receiving the news. My Facebook feed looked more like an ad for Robbin's Brothers than a social network. My reaction goes a little like this, "Aww!", "Innnnteresting...", "Will it last?", "How long till my turn?". I think that's a pretty normal reaction for a girl in her late 20's to have when everyone and their cat seems to be taking the plunge. But I have to say although I get a small twinge of wedding bliss jealousy, I know that I am no where near ready for it and dare I say, even wanting it.

The divorce rate in California for the year 2011 was 75%. The majority of those are between 40-60 years of age. Our parents. So the people around us and the people we look up to cannot seem to make the promise of "till death do us part" and follow through with it. No matter how strong and self driven we may think we are, aren't all major decisions in life slightly influenced or supported by the examples we have in our lives? When standing on the corner of hopeless romantic and despairing of love, which way do you go? And furthermore, without an affirming example how do you know what is right? Can our generation become one of taking risks, exploring love and marriage based off not what we learned from our parents and those around us but instead taking love back into our own hands. With everything around us moving so fast and easy, love is the one thing we should reclaim. It is the one thing we should focus all of our energy into, to nurture it and make sure that is once again meaningful and not some temporary fleeting promise. Maybe we can do just that..

To my friends and anyone else falling in love and taking that step toward marriage, 

Congratulations and tons of LOVE to you