Biker Babe

Fashion Obsession > I would like to introduce to you my new best friend, the item at the top of my wishlist, and now the most treasured piece in my closet. The most gorgeous bad-ass women's jacket I have ever seen. Don't let the quilting and embellishments fool you, this ultra stitched, ultra detailed, lambskin leather jacket is a heavy duty must have piece not intended for the faint of heart.  You may have heard of the menswear brand Scotch & Soda; prints, knits, manly indigo boutiques filled with mahogany, brass and deep tiled floors, where the sales staff rocks handlebar mustaches and wear leather shoulder straps. Intrigued?

 

Scotch & Soda was re-launched for Spring/Summer in 2002 and their women's Collection Maison Scotch entered the market with the Spring/ Summer 2010 collection and it already accounts for a large part of the company’s continuous growth. Now found on ShopBop, Revolve, and of course their 7,000 other points of sale, it's not hard to see why.

 

Shop Maison Scotch here.

La Cara

Fashion Crush > When you think of model Cara Delevingne, your first thoughts are probably of her insanely goofy Instagram selfies or how lucky she is to be Karl's latest muse. That's all fluff when it comes down to the booming career of this 21 year old British model, who in the last year has walked over 30 runways including her second appearance in Victoria Secret's coveted televised Fashion Show. With her famous eyebrows, Cara is spunky and gorgeous yes, but becoming the face of a brand synonymous with sexy was a choice unexpected. As one of La Perla's three new brand ambassadors, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott shoot Delevingne alongside supermodels Liu Wen and Malgosia Bela for their 2014 Spring Summer Collection. Between her smoldering photos and sit down interview, you almost forget she has any side but sexy.  

 

Check out the behind the scenes video:

 



 

Not Your Normal Skivvies

(Photos courtesy of ForLoveandLemons.com)

Look Book Lovin' >  X-Rated. Almost Offensive. Showoff. These are just a few of the pieces from For Love and Lemons debut Skivvies line and I have never been so amped about a collection, let alone a debut collection, of lingerie to be released. Largely due to their ability to create so much hype through social media, usage in campaigns and general wear by connected stylists, For Love and Lemons duo, Gillian Mahin and Laura Hall have successfully created a line of undergarments that every woman making her own rules in fashion has been waiting for.

Throw away your unflattering bandeau tops and forget about unwanted side boob. For every dress, top and outfit that you have never had the right bra for, The Skivvies collection has you covered.

Well, sort of.

Check out the incredibly hot look book here.
Shop the collection here. Also available on Revolve and Nasty Gal.

Meet and Greet

 

 

Wish List > I would like to introduce you to the new object of my eye, the Furla Avocado Pebbled Leather Anemone Shopper Tote. Pretty isn't she? Known for the quality of their leather and design that maintains the family's 80 year tradition of beauty and simplicity, Furla released this well crafted top handle as an outstanding example of why their bags are so hard to pass by. (They are also sold out everywhere, hence my utter disappointment.)

I actually had my fingers on this bad boy just a few hours ago and foolishly decided to sleep on it. Now someone much smarter than I is going to rest peacefully tonight knowing she has this beaut sitting in her closet.

I'm green with envy.

If it is released again, you can find the best price here, lowered from $428. And if green isn't your thing, it comes in cherry red and white.

Lesson Learned.

Wish List > So I opted to sleep in instead of waking up at 5am for the November 14th release of Isabel Marant pour H&M collaboration. Seeing that the collection was sold out online before the stores even opened and only one location in San Diego carried the line, I never stood a chance. And now instead of staring at these fringe boots or abstract print skinnies, quilted leather pants or Penny Lane shag sweaters hanging beautifully in my closet, I am looking at photos of fall leaves on my Instagram. Le sigh.

But all is not lost. After berating myself for missing the release, I gifted myself. I could no longer take all the photos of every front-row invite blogger wearing their handpicked pieces from the collection. So I bought something better. The Multicolor Momo Bouclé Wool Blend Jacket from Etoile Isabel Marant. And seeing that this piece is now sold out as well, it makes my heart feel a little better. 

Lysted here.

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)

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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. 

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.