Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall

hat-Target, sunglasses-Illesteva, swimsuit top-Adidas by Stella McCartney

Hooray! As much as I loved sporting this Adidas by Stella McCartney swimsuit at total of two times this summer (my paleness keeps me inside) I'm much more excited for blazers, sweaters, and boots. Come on Fall! Bring IT!

Puppies And Paisley

 Can you guess who's bare back is behind me?

 In desperate need of a new paint job but I like to show the real me and the real me is usually ungroomed.

Look at my head! I got a new haircut! Thanks Hallie!

I really want to print this image of Rory on a black tee. I truly think he could be hotter than the Givenchy Rottweiler. 

Photo shoot time! I took these a few days ago, because I looked semi-decent (hair could be cleaner). The tee is Jil Sander from last season and it would probably qualify as the most colorful article of clothing I own. I attempted to "toughen" the rainbow bright paisley a bit with Vince leather shorts and a ferocious dog. Did I succeed? The white heels are Manolo Blahnik and have become my go to summer shoe and I fully intend to use them throughout the year as a "winter white" accessory.  My friend mentioned that the were very 90's and I took that as a compliment even though I snapped back "White heels are everything this summer!" (I didn't actually say it aloud, but I thought it would be a fitting comeback). I bought the shoes used for an amazing price at The Real Real and they came into my possession looking practically brand new! Go check out The Real Real, but I am warning you now once you go you won't stop.

Strike A Pose

 Jane from Sea of Shoes

Rumi from Fashion Toast

Thank Gawd for Leandra from Manrepeller

Le Fashion shows off her clothes without showing off herself

and me

 sunglasses-Illesteva Leonards, jacket-Forever21, pants-Suno

Fashion blogs were a foreign being to me until I accidentally stumbled upon Rumi Neely's Fashion Toast about five years ago. Before this discovery, I was solely relying on magazines for my fashion fixes and while I am still obsessed with print material, discovering blogs opened me up to a whole new world.  Five years ago fashion blogs were not what they are today. Rumi was on the cusp of stardom, but in all she was a normal girl who whole heartedly loved fashion, like myself, and had a great outlet to share her passion with the world. I read Rumi's blog and a few others for about two years before finally gathering the courage to start my own. The main thing that was holding me back was the dreaded outfit posts.  

Here's what's tricky, I am not a model. Not even close and I would look lame as fuck if I tried to be one. In fact I feel like the older I have gotten the worse I have gotten at taking pictures. I can't smize (although I have tried) and the bottom line is trying to look sexy in an interesting location is not me. In saying this I am not trying to put down the editorial style pics posted by girls like Rumi or Jane of  Sea of Shoes. I say if you got it, flaunt it and they definitely have the looks and talents to do so.  This is just not achievable for me, and even though I am reluctant, I still want to share my goods. Clothing goods not body part goods. Don't be dirty.  

So, what to do when you want to show off said goods without "modeling". The answer is simple and it took finding the  Manrepeller to figure it out. Just look normal! Be yourself! Or if your body totally fails to take a decent picture, just feature the outfit a la' Le Fashion . After all, its the clothes that should be the focus, not me. That being said please enjoy my outfit shot taken in my front yard by my non photographer husband and his iPhone.  

2013

Party time! blazer-Zara, crop top-American Apparel, skirt-Proenza Schouler, baby-Opie

A Dance Party

 mirrored bag-ASOS, dancing platforms-Steve Madden

shameless self-photo pose time! headband-diy, blazer-Forever 21, top-Marni, skirt-thrifted for like $2

 Jimmy, looking like a buff Parisian school boy, and clearly over it all.

I will be the first to admit that I may be the worst dancer in the world, but when I get the urge I just gotta let myself go and dance, dance, dance!!!! I was delighted to find out that everyone's favorite mincine? was having a dance party fundraiser, and the night was a blast with balloons, streamers, delicious vegan hors d'oeuvres, 80's music (the good stuff, not that Poison and Go-Go's shit) and plenty of dance floor to let me release my inner dancing beast.  The night was also an opportunity to wear my Marni bra top, that I got for a steal at every designer hungry, cash-strapped shopper's best friend, The Outnet. I do love this little number, but it is such a bitch to get on and off. I literally have to get in an upward divers pose, and then my husband, Jimmy, has to slide me in and out of it. Needless to say, if I don't have a buddy who I don't mind seeing me topless, the Marni is a no-go. But, hey it's worth the pain and effort for the sake of fashion, right?

Let's Make A Dickie!

dickie created from Forever21 shirt, tee-Banana Republic, pants-Suno, headband-DIY

My American Get Up

straw boater-Target, swimsuit-Pucci, shorts-Ann Taylor Loft, tote-Mary Katrantzou for Topshop, sunglasses- Illesteva Leonards

I ended up switching the Pucci bottoms with a leopard bottom, because you could see the top of my bum. To my fellow pool partiers, your welcome and Happy 4th of July!

Shopping The Big D. And I Do Mean Dallas!

Last weekend my husband, a couple of our friends, and I took a trip to Dallas to take advantage of some of the amazing sales going on. Here's a look at the goodies I picked up! 

Top Left Clockwise : Peplum top from Zara, Rachel Roy safety pin earrings, Alexander Wang sandals,  Vince leather shorts, Rayban sunglasses that were actually my husbands purchase, but I'm sure he will let me borrow them,  H&M white dress, modeled by the blogger Cindiddy, but I sure do wish it was me with that Celine bag, Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Riveria, Helmut Lang jeans, YSL Radiant Touch highlighter, Jil Sander paisley tee

A Few Thank You's

I'd like to thank Cahier d'Exercices, for marking these Dries Van Notens down 70%, Starbucks for making a 60's French pop CD that I just couldn't resist, and finally the nice old lady who left behind her beautiful jewels for me to buy at her estate sale. Oh and thank you Rachel for letting me borrow $5 to purchase said jewels.

Flower Power

Top: shirt- Mary Katrantzou for Topshop,necklace-Forever21, wax jeans-Zara, bag-ASOS, shoes-Levity

Bottom: shirt-Zara, necklace-vintage, jeans-Gap, bag-Alexander Wang, shoes-Miu Miu

Happy Mardi Gras! Let's Pardi!

T.Rex Arms!

Blazer-Zara, dress-vintage, ring-YSL, bracelets-random discount store, shoes-DIY Aldo's

Happy Fat Tuesday people! This past Friday, I went to the Highland Ball where fun was had by all. This is practically the only time  that I ever get to wear a formal, so I took full advantage, wearing a gold dress I got for $5.00 from an estate sale. The dress is really three pieces, a top, skirt, and some kind of cape thing that I tied around my waist to create the illusion of one complete dress. 

If you don't live in the South, Mardi Gras is basically two weeks of craziness in New Orleans.  I live in north LA, so our version of Mardi Gras is way tamer. Three parades and a few balls. Still, a very good time, and yes that is a cold Taco Bell taco that was thrown from a float at the Highland parade. And of course I ate it.

Snake Below the Garden

blazer- Zara, blouse -Gap, jeans- BDG, heels- Proenza Schouler

It sure has been a long time since an outfit post, hasn't it!  I'd like to do more of them but 1. The timing, scenery, lighting, mood, etc. is not always right. 2. I don't always have someone handy to take the picture. 3. I'm really awkward at posing. I mean really. Like Liz Lemon when she was posing for her "Deal Breakers" promo awkward.  I will try to get better I promise. 

I added this blazer to my collection of five, because you can never have to many.  I'm loving the floral prints this season, and it's fun to wear a literal interpretation of the upcoming Spring season. On my feet are a Christmas present I picked up for myself at the Barney's sale. Snakeprint, lace-up, peep-toe booties! I couldn't resist!!!!

$30 or Less! Now That's A Steal

Very David Bowie. I couldn't say no.

gojane.com

gojane.com

Borderline stripper shoes, but I love them! And they are quite comfortable.

gojane.com

Mirrored metallic!!!!!

asos

I was so excited to find these because they reminded me of these Alexander Wang beauties.

asos

Love the classic fold over shape in a bright color.

asos

Out of all my button-downs, these are the best fit. Go Old Navy!!! What a pleasant and thrifty surprise!

Old Navy

Chunky and Spiky on my bulletin board. Oh hey Bill!

Forever21

Just a few bargains I picked up to amp up the winter wardrobe. And, yes I was inspired by The Coveteur  when I took these photos at my house. I couldn't help myself!

A Wedding

wedding dress- Notte By Marchesa, heels- Christian Louboutin, reception dress-Theia, dancing shoes-Steve Madden, jeweled headband-Forever 21 necklace, cross stud earrings-Elizabeth and James

Well, it has been about an eternity since I have blogged, but I think that being busy with a wedding is a good excuse! Here are a few tidbits from the wedding, and I will probably share some more here and there.  I must say that when I was a little girl, I didn't dream about having a wedding, but having everyone I loved in one room was the most amazing experience of my life!