and I s'wear

Pretty in Pink

2011-10-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

Guided by my love of vintage fashion, this is what I conjured up to wear to an anniversary dinner date with the hubby. The dress was pretty enough on it's own but I just couldn't help it. To give it a little extra, I wore my fur scarf, attached a pin and voila! That certainly did it - then I felt ready for my close-up (so to speak)! It was definitely a special occasion and I was having fun reflecting the festivity on the clothes I chose for the night...and there surely was cause for celebration!

Vintage pleated dress, Thrifted faux fur scarf, J Crew pin/clip on scarf, Banana Republic bag, Marc Fisher platform heels

Summer Lovin'

2011-07-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Who has not been on a search for THE perfect swimsuit? It's almost like a search for confidence to conquer that insecurity that comes creeping up on you every summer. It takes effort, time and money to find that one (or two) magic piece that covers every negative and enhances every positive. Imagine all that time spent in fitting rooms, pulling and tugging and squeezing into something that's more often than not, disappointing in the end. How about the money spent on a piece of material that can fit into a ziplock bag? Oh, the price you pay for an ego-booster! That said, I am happy - no, ecstatic to say I found mine! I love, love, love this swimsuit! Even better, the price was so reasonable, I got three! This white one you see here, another in blue and one in black. For something this hard to find, it just makes sense...and I, if nothing else, am a sensible lady.

Target.com Swimsuit, Old Navy Scarf, Vintage Sunnies.

Military Maneuver

2011-02-24T17:01:00.000-08:00

I found this dress on clearance and had intially planned to wear it alone with a pair of ballet flats. But since I couldn't wait for warmer weather to wear it, I decided to just layer it over a turtleneck, add some ribbed leggings and fish out my really old lace-up boots from the back of the closet. This was one of those days where it magically worked out in a matter of minutes. What was to be a solution to keeping warm, turned out to be an inspired move! A friend of mine even insisted I blog about it...thanks, E!

Love Culture dress, Target turtleneck, GAP lace-ups, Oliver Peoples sunnies

Smarty Pants

2011-02-07T21:57:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to wear is a classic tie-neck blouse. I love how conservative it looks yet with the right outfit, funky just as well. It evokes a vintage vibe with a bit of a foreign flair. Just for fun, I couldn't help topping it off with tortoise shell glasses. I feel like a prim and proper french librarian from the 70's. I admit, a little role-playing gets me going.

Club Monaco blouse, Velvet short-sleeve blazer from Macy's, Vintage gauchos, Banana Republic boots, Glasses from Claire's.

Snuggly & Chunky

2011-01-11T19:16:00.000-08:00

I love this outfit because not only was I warm and cozy but it totally looked it as well. The sweater is a throw-on cardigan without any buttons so I cinched the waist with a belt to hold it together. The shirt dress is a spring staple but easily transitioned into winter by adding thick knits and leggings. The scarf is actually something I've used as a shrug in the past. This outfit is so comfy it reminds me of lounging around at home bundled up in my soft, fleecy robe...hot chocolate anyone?

GAP Shirtdress, Urban Outfitters Sweater, H&M Scarf/Shrug, Matisse Suede Boots, Vintage Belt, Textured Leggings, Fendi Sunnies

Scarf/shrug and sweater detail

Vegas Fever

2010-11-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

This is my homage to the Vegas of yesteryears. Yes, the Saturday Night Fever era. I wanted to update that retro disco suit into a modern version and yet keep the basics that made it such a classic look. So everything is basically more fitted and subdued than the original. Except for the cuffs on the tuxedo shirt, there are no big, wide lapels and flared trousers, nor jacket. Add some nude platforms and a skinny, neutral belt and I'm no longer a character...now if I can only stop the dance moves...

Banana Republic Tuxedo Shirt, Nordstrom Jacket, Club Monaco Pants, Next Peeptoe Platforms, GAP belt, Oliver Peoples Sunnies

Jeaneology

2010-11-15T17:16:00.000-08:00

Nothing too fancy here. Actually very basic. Just a classic denim shirt and a pair of jeans, can it be any simpler than that? I opted for a light/dark combo then threw in a belt and heels to city-fy the look. Endless possibilities with this and something anyone can pull off...What's your version?

Banana Republic Shirt, GAP Jeans, Linea Paolo Shoes, Rayban Sunnies, Belt-I don't remember :)

Downtown Girls

2010-10-22T22:42:00.000-07:00

This is downtown LA on a Saturday afternoon. Practically like a ghost town, perfect for taking pictures. I've never been to the Walt Disney Hall this close before and it's just as amazing as viewing it from afar. Although I am a lover of old things, I can appreciate beauty in any period. I am loving her sleek, modern curves, her shiny, glistening facade against that clear blue sky. Sort of like a confident, smart woman who is basking in her glory...and I am basking in hers.

Dress from SM, Linea Paolo shoes, Cole Haan bag, Oliver Peoples sunnies, Vintage necklace (gifted by a friend), Zodiac watch

S'Wonderful

2010-10-16T21:47:00.001-07:00

The Biltmore Grand Lobby

We celebrated our anniversary with a weekend in downtown LA. So we decided to stay at The Biltmore because of it's historic and old hollywood feel. Walking around admiring the building, I couldn't help thinking about all the memories that were made here. Yes, the ornate ceiling was truly beautiful but it was the little things that caught my eye and made me wonder. Like the knobs on our closet, how many people have turned it? How did their clothes look? Were they hanging on satin hangers? That upholstered brocade chair with an indentation? To me, it was fascinating sitting in it knowing I was sharing a moment with countless others. Running my fingers through the dark wood walls, I thought, how many conversations have they heard? Were they privy to JFK's secret strategies and Oscar gossip? Have they witnessed clandestine encounters and love affairs that last a lifetime?...Oh, if only the walls could talk...

The Rendezvous Court of The Biltmore Hotel...perfect name, I think.

I love the art deco indoor pool!

A vintage find

I'm so happy, I'm kickin' up my heels!

The dress originally came with a velvet sash but decided to change it up a bit to avoid looking too costumey. Tried a few options but the vintage leather belt just felt right.

Banana Republic dress, Vintage belt, Bebe shoes, Cosmetics bag used as clutch from Nordstrom

A Short Story

2010-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Fell in love with this necklace at Forever 21 and decided to build an outfit around it. Focused on basic colors, a simple white top and a pair of steely-gray shorts kept the focus on the cool pendant. But I couldn't resist adding on vibrant satin sandals that reminded me of origami. Where to look?...Precious pendant or pretty purple?

Top - H&M

Shorts - Forever 21

Shoes - Manila

Sunnies - Fendi

Classic Sunday

2010-09-22T23:31:00.001-07:00

It was a family museum day so off to Exposition Park we went! I was in a breezy, relaxed mood and I this is what I pulled out of the closet that day. It felt right to have an impromptu photo shoot and I love how the pictures reflect the light, playful time we were all having. They actually make me think of the word frolic...come to think of it, that's exactly what we did!

Banana Republic button down

Vintage skirt

Nicole wedges

Cole Haan bag

Ray Ban sunnies

On a Mission

2010-09-16T17:17:00.000-07:00

My own take on the military inspired look...start with a pair of cargos, a basic white tee, throw on a vest in a nautical blue...and voila! Opted for a pair of heeled sandals so as not to go overboard (excuse the pun) with the whole theme thing. Simple! I bet you can find something in your closet to do your own version with. Go ahead and attack!

Cargos and Tee - Target

Sweater Vest - Forever 21

Sandals - Circa Joan and David

Sunnies - Fendi

Play Wear

2010-09-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day and decided to head to the neighborhood park with the kids for some rollerblading, reading and a picnic. Wearing some basics but in a candy colored mood...can you tell?

Tank and Button down - Old Navy

Piped corduroys - Gap

Belt - thrifted

Sneaks - Converse

Sunnies - Raybans

One Times Four

2010-09-02T23:30:00.001-07:00

Summer Lovin'
Target straw hat, Marc Jacobs wedges, thrifted necklace, Basmati rice sack (with a scarf) used as tote

*Cotton On dress on all pics

Everyday Eclectic
Cotton On cardi, Linea Paolo shoes, vintage locket, Oliver Peoples sunnies

Cold Front

Kira Plastinina turtleneck, Lucky belt, Blowfish foldover boots, H&M knit cap, Fendi sunnies

With a Little Edge

Zara vest, Parisian by SM sandals, Gap clutch, Modish chain necklace, Oliver Peoples sunnies

Decided to use one dress to wear four different ways, through different seasons, througout the year...talk about stretching the budget! Which one is your favorite?

Red, White and Blue

2010-08-10T09:36:00.000-07:00

My version of the tried-and-true red, white and blue combo. I love the details on this top, the tie-neck, the billowy sleeves...paired with flirty denim shorts and red wedge sandals, it feels classic and a little retro all at once.

Top - Club Monaco

Shorts - Cotton On

Sandals - Seychelles

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

On the Boardwalk

2010-07-27T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here I am at Santa Monica Pacific Park...and because I'm always cold, had to have the jacket, a scarf and my son's hat. It's always best to dress in layers anyway. The kids had a blast and I skipped the ferris wheel...I would've been shivering AND panicking from the sheer drop down. Imagine getting stuck at the very top...nightmare! All in all, had a grand time strolling around and enjoying living California.

Black Top - Mossimo (Target)

Jacket - H&M

Jeans - Old Navy

Shoes - Toms

Belt - Thrifted

Sunglasses - Rayban

Scarf & Hat - picked up from a souvenir shop in Paris

Photos by Inaki

Hammer Time!

2010-07-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

My daughter's first reaction..."What are you wearing?!"as she put her hands on my hips to smooth out the pockets. "But it's fun!" I said as I twirled around...a second later, she was giggling too! Then I looked her in the eye and said, "U can't touch this!" she blinked once and laughed some more!..Yup, she gets it.

Harem Pants - Cotton On

Tank Top - Old Navy

Shoes - Nordstrom (Linea Paolo)

Sunglasses - Fendi

Photos by Inaki

Running Around In Sweats

2010-07-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love wearing loose, comfy sweats all day? Take a plain tank and sweats, then add a vest, a necklace and bright sandals...it just takes it up a notch! Still comfy and relaxed but a little more dressed up. This is what I wore running errands all day. Lose the other stuff and you're ready for a workout...or being a couch potato---just like I did (but not the workout part).

Sweats and Vest- Cotton On

Tank - Mens Hanes

Wood Necklace - Thrifted

Braided Sandals - No brand, bought from an open-air bazaar

Sunglasses - Fendi

Theater Threads

2010-06-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Off to the theater to see "South Pacific", one of my favorite musicals. I wanted to go "period" to go with the story so I wore this dress. I've had this one for so long I don't even remember where I picked it up from. To this day, this remains to be my absolute favorite vintage dress. I always feel great when I have this on! Can you tell?...I'm just giddy with excitement!

Bag (straps are tucked in), used as a clutch - Volcom

Shoes (Peeptoe, Mary Jane Platforms) - Next

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

BTW, "South Pacific" on stage is a must-see. The cast was truly amazing and the score was wonderfully lush. There really is nothing like a dame!

Pairing Prints

2010-06-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

One tip for pairing prints, combine ones that have similar qualities. Here, I went with the linear theme on both top and pants. As an accessory, I wore pearls to break up and soften the hard edges on the clothes.

Red and White checkered top from Nordstrom, Navy and White striped trousers from Old Navy

Color based: The lavender floral print brings out the purple from the red and blue plaid combination in the jacket.

You can also go with the same color palette for cohesiveness. The plaid jacket and floral top may be totally different, but with similar tones, the outfit makes sense (to me at least!).

Vintage mini corduroy western top, plaid jacket from Nordstrom

Go ahead and make your own pairings then! If you feel good in your choices then it totally works!

Giddy Over Gauchos

2010-03-08T22:12:00.000-08:00

Found these gauchos hanging in my closet in between some neglected clothes. I had forgotten I had a pair but now that I found them, it's been my favorite piece of clothing to wear. I love how they're so comfy and yet a little offbeat at the same time. While I wore my tan suede boots with them here, with dainty flats or killer heels, the look would totally change...time to experiment!

Project!

2010-03-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the Dr. himself, I decided to try and make a Tee for my daughter to wear for Dr. Seuss Day. I cut out the shapes from felt and hand stitched them using thread in a contrasting color. I used stick-on felt letters but I'm sure I need to sew those in before I wash the shirt. Well it held up for the day...the letters can wait another day. All in all, I spent $2.99 for the shirt, 29 cents for each felt piece (I used two colors) and $1.99 for the letters. Add to that about an hour and a half of labor...but it was one of love. My daughter saw some splatter-painted jeans that she loved but I wasn't willing to spend $$$ for something she would outgrow in a few months. So I suggested a little DIY project that we could do together. Off we went to the art supply store and she excitedly picked out the paint color she wanted. Back at home, we cut off a pair of Levi's that she did outgrow. Then she used some old brushes to splatter paint and since she was all about the peace sign, added her own twist to it as well. She proudly wore the shorts to school the next day and I was dubbed the cool mom :)

Fleamarket Finds

2010-03-08T16:27:00.000-08:00

Trying on a vintage Wrangler denim shirt...score!

I love this purse! Like a schoolbag a little girl would bring in an old French movie.

Gorgeous coat! Saturated with an eye-popping color and contrasting accents.

It's a treasure hunt!

This was a trip to the Rose Bowl Flea Market one Sunday in January. I came prepared with my recycled shopping bags and a rolling cart as well. While the purpose of the trip was furniture shopping, I couldn't help getting some stuff for myself...I was in the zone! Between the humongous and heavy coffee table, several wall accents and my finds, our truck was filled to the brim! Truly, nothing beats the thrill of the hunt!

Raiding Closets

2009-10-27T18:34:00.000-07:00

This time, I raided hubby's drawer for his Hanes V-neck undershirts that I love so much. I swear I buy them more for myself than him. With a leather vest, chain knot necklace I got from a friend (thanks, Erika!), and a photoshopped pic, I feel I'm channeling my inner rock star...(so not?..so what?!)

I wanted to go preppy one day and was inspired by this vintage tie I found on one of my hunts. I couldn't find the right button down shirt from my closet and decided to raid my son's closet for his. Classic polo player on a horse...can you get any preppier than that? Coupled with dark rinsed trouser cut jeans and red patent loafers...Nantucket, here I come (in my dreams!).

School of Style

2009-09-28T21:20:00.001-07:00

School of Style Workshop - Day 1

Had a day filled with fashion, style and much more! This class held by celebrity stylist Luke Storey at Smashbox Studios in Hollywood was awesome and informative (bordering on overload), but truly valuable info you can't get anywhere else! You will be amused (Luke has such a fun and utterly cool personality), amazed (at all the information you're going to learn) and excited (about getting into the business of wardrobe styling). Luke will not only share his insights, but also his collection of gorgeous books with looks that he's created over the years of styling celebrities. If you've been thinking about getting into the business, look no further! The time you'll save and knowledge you'll gain from this class will set you ahead of the pack!

Thanks Luke for an amazing time! It was an eye-opener!

http://www.theschoolofstyle.com/

Cool and Comfy

2009-09-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

I am loving these t-shirt dresses from Old Navy! Just add a belt, a scarf and voila! I love them so much I went back the next day to grab another one in a cool eggplant color... and I had to get them while they were on sale at $10 a piece! Unbelievable!

Dress - Old Navy

Infinity Scarf - Target

Belt - Thrifted

Sunglasses - H&M

Must See!

2009-09-28T17:22:00.000-07:00

I just came back from watching "September Issue" and I couldn't wait to blog about it! It is that good! There I sat in the middle of the nearly empty theater (given that it's the middle of the day, and a Monday at that), purposely alone since I wanted to concentrate on the content of the movie. I was completely engrossed and savoring every scene that was playing. The gorgeous clothes, shoes, accessories! I was giddy with excitement and intrigued by Anna Wintour and the power she wields. On the other hand, I am totally in awe of Grace Coddington (Vogue's Creative Director). I truly, honestly believe that she is a genius and I'm glad to hear that Wintour acknowledges that. Vogue is not Vogue without these two interesting, yet somehow opposite personalities.

Another movie I thoroughly enjoyed was "Coco before Chanel". As a big fan of Audrey Tautou, I think she was perfectly cast for this movie. Although I was expecting more drama, the film is as classic as pearls and tweed-just as Chanel herself was. And to see it at Arclight Hollywood was a plus in itself! Thanks for seeing the late-night show with me, Rea! :)

The Grove

2009-09-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

Walking at The Grove about to take some visiting friends out to dinner. It was past 9 and we were starving but chose to wait for a table at Cheesecake Factory. Seriously, if not for the vanilla bean cheesecake (with extra hot fudge on the side), I wouldn't bother. Overall, it was a wonderful night with good food and great company...although I am missing my friend already :(

Top - Club Monaco
Skirt - Thrifted
Shoes - Linea Paolo (Nordstrom Rack)
Necklace - I'm wearing 2 that I just picked up from the clearance rack somewhere.

Barcelona

2009-08-19T00:19:00.000-07:00

Here I am at Parc Guell in Barcelona. It was a budget (as always) family trip with the hubby and two kids. We went to Paris, Barcelona and NY in 10 days with no luggage but just carry-ons for each of us. It was indeed a test of my ability to conjure up outfits from a few pieces of clothing, not just for me but for everyone else in the family. My solution, accessorize! I just couldn't leave behind my daughter's red beret which was passed on to her by her grandma. On a 7 year old, it's adorable, on an adult like me, touristy (especially in Paris). It felt like we were on "Amazing Race Family Edition", but such fun! After this trip, I feel like we can take the kids anywhere!

Top - Target
Vest - Zara (on sale!)
Pants - It's a mini houndstooth print that I got from the petite section at Kohl's
Scarf - 1 Euro from a street vendor
and my ever trusty gray Converse