Green With Envy

I'll admit, my closet has been looking a bit colorless lately. Once I picked up this emerald green dress, the sea of black got a much-needed pop of color. Now I find myself wishing for more jewel toned pieces, like the faux rubies and sapphires in my bracelets.

French Connection dress, Juicy leggings,
Express bag, Marc Fisher heels,
jewelry from L.A fashion district (visit seen here)

So Long Bad Hair Day

Remember those days when your mother would lay you on the counter with a towel folded for neck comfort and wash your hair? Well, today there is a more refined approach to that basic wash and dry. Alli Webb is owner to Drybar, a new spin on the typical salon located in L.A. As their tag line suggests: No cuts. No color. Just blowouts. Only $35.

Whether you want beachy waves (order a Mai Tai) or stick straight (you'll want a Manhattan), their signature blowouts cover the hairstyle spectrum. It seems perfect for a night out or a nice pick me up between a normal salon visit. Like every great idea, it makes you say to yourself..."Why didn't I think of that?"

Book Smarts

It was my initial plan to read more in 2010, but a little roadblock has come between me and my new year's resolution. I need suggestions for books! Walking into my neighborhood bookstore has gotten a bit overwhelming.

"Why, hello there thousands of books. How do you do?"
Let the awkward silence commence.

There's far too many to pick from, and I simply don't want to be disappointed once I do choose. So, please leave any suggestions of books you love. I will be so thankful...

(image via flickr)

Let's Fly Away

Ever is a clothing line new on my fashion radar, and it may very well be the same for you. Little treasures hidden in the pockets encourage the brand's philosophy of travel and dressing the part. From what I discovered, vintage film slides of random destinations and ear plugs are the little trinkets that come along with a piece. Classic silhouettes and pastels instantly caught my eye, and the collection makes me wish I could throw on that light blue romper and jet off.

*Line available @ Ever online shop & most recently Bloomingdales
*Beware, the price points are a bit higher than you might expect.

This Little Piggy

Yesterday was spent reminiscing on the previous night's festivities, which included my first AMF and a bunch of dancing that would later equal out all the lazy Sunday munching. Oh, silly justification.

After a good old fashioned pig out session at Mr. Cecil's Ribs, the rest of the day flew by watching the Goonies for the first time (shocking I know) and rooting for my favorite team (Jeff & Jordan) on The Amazing Race.

pork chopped salad & buffalo wings

food coma setting in...

Hats Off To You

In case you didn't know, hats are here to stay. I'm not talking about the awful "trucker hat" (sorry Ashton). One of the best parts about hat trends is the referencing from past years... centuries in most cases. Whether you're looking to pay homage to Charlie Chaplin with the bowler or foresee a straw fedora adding that extra touch to your spring ensemble, a bad hair day has and always will be just another excuse to accessorize.

(images via Little Plastic Horses & Urban Outfitters)

A Trip to Santee Alley

L.A Fashion District is a mix of good and bad, but the thrill of finding "fashion on the cheap" always has me coming back for more. Amidst all the items up for grabs on Santee Alley, here are some goodies that stood out to me. If only my bartering skills were a bit more refined!

Stay tuned to see what I picked in an upcoming outfit post.

A Game of Memory

With so many designers and lines to love, it's easy to get them confused from time to time. This is why I like to use simple memory associations. For example, I will always correlate Tracy Reese with a Bergdorf Goodman appearance. A time when, even with a nice glass (or two) of complimentary champagne, I was too shy to walk up to her and say how much I adored her designs.

So today when I saw her fall looks from the runway, that day back in 2005 immediately popped into my head. A simple memory to go along with her collection, and these chunky scarves that make me wish it was still cold out.

Lights, Camera Phone, Action

In lieu of the usual camera gear, today's style look comes from a combination of my boyfriend's photog skills and a handy iPhone. Just goes to show, an expensive SLR isn't always necessary to get the job done. From the vintage owl print to the perfect fitting bodice, this dress has quickly become one of my favorites. Add that to the list of reasons to share these snapshots.

French Connection printed owl dress
Lux tweed bolero

misc. layered necklaces, F21 owl ring
white stone ring from my mom's jewelry box
(borrowed a couple years ago)...oops

Mixing and Not Matching

A few of my favorite styling techniques were quite apparent in new looks during fashion week. By mixing femininity and boyish charm, these designers always have me wanting and waiting for more. I couldn't be happier that some of my favorite trends are here to stay... all the way into fall.

layers & peek-a-boo sparkle by:

Alice & Olivia

blazers over feminine dresses and skirts:
DVF

dainty prints & "must-have-now" sparkly tights by:
Rebecca Taylor
(images via style)

I Love You Berry Much

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I think a dessert recipe is in order. Whether you plan on spending the day gushing over your other half or pretending the Hallmark holiday doesn't even exist, everyone can agree a sugary treat is a benefit of the day. This Cream Cheese and Pecan Stuffed Berries recipe gives you the taste of strawberry cheesecake without the cooking time. Who doesn't like that?

Happy Valentine's Day blog buddies!

McQueen Through the Years

Spring 2001


Fall 2003


Spring 2005


Spring 2007


Fall 2009



Spring 2010

(images via here)

By leaving so soon, the greatest sadness is in not knowing what was yet to come...

Bicoastal Bendel

A quick stop in the L.A based Henri Bendel has me dreaming of my days in New York City. Even though the flagship store may be ten times the size and located on the legendary 5th Avenue, the Beverly Hills location still has its charm. Sparkly and colorful accessories caught my eye just the same.

Multi Stone Bangle @ $98
Stackable Ring @ $58, Debutante Ring @ $78
Glam Cluster Earring @ $138, Coin Purse @ $45
Gardenia and Vanilla Eau de Parfum @ $65
Bendel Girl Wellies @ $88
Pocket Journal @ $24

Desicions, Decisions

As mentioned in this post, I have a bit of a love affair with Sephora. With hundreds of beauty products, it's always tough to narrow down my picks to one lip-gloss or a basic mascara. Thankfully, for those of us with lackluster decision making skills, samplers are our best friends.

Give Me Some Lip: Valentine's Day Set @ $25
LashStash Macara Deluxe Sampler @ $39

Say "no more" to ridiculous debates in your head, say "au revoir" to pacing twenty minutes in front of one brand display (yeah, my indecisiveness is that bad).

...Don't get me started on the cereal aisle.

Rainy Day Blues

Polyvore is my new love.
Here's a saturday collage
perfect for this cloudy and drizzly day.

Click for detailed item list.