Basics and Brights

Wearing: Xhilaration necklace, American Apparel T-shirt (similar), cardigan c/o Color Me Cotton, Mossimo jeans, Forever 21 handbag, and H&M Conscious Collection booties

The week before last in San Francisco, I finally got my hands on the floral booties from the H&M Conscious Collection that I eagerly sought in early October. With all the buzz surrounding the Versace collection, I'd just about given up hope of ever finding them, so you can imagine my animated reaction upon spotting them on a lonely back wall display on the second floor of the Powell St. store.  (Yes, I'm the type of shopper that occasionally gasps and then breaks into a mini run when I see something I really like or want.)

Although I don't have much orange in my wardrobe, this pumpkin-hued cardigan's bold color and medium-weight texture seemed fitting for this warm post-Thanksgiving day. Occasionally, it's the standout items (bright cardigan, printed boots, colorful bag) that can make the basics (simple tee and skinny jeans) seem more special.

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Black Friday

Wearing: H&M T-shirt and handbag, Forever 21 cardigan (similar), Solemio skirt, New Look tights (similar), and Sam Edelman Louie boots

I grew up climbing the trees, playing on the swings, and reading books in this park.  It's fascinating to return as an adult for the holidays and see how the neighborhood has evolved.  I have fond childhood memories and stories for quite a few of the houses in this neighborhood, and this Thanksgiving gave me the chance to create new ones along with my photographer and my nephew, who entertained me by providing the background music via his cell phone while these photos were taken.

Knowing that I would not be able resist overindulging in my mom's sweet potatoes on Black Friday, I dressed in loose and comfortable clothing to accommodate my appetite.  Given the generous waistband on the high-low hemline skirt that I wore, my outfit was both a wise and practical choice. This tee gets a lot of wear on days when I'm lounging at home or working out. I love that it doubles as a basic layering piece for activities that require a slightly more put-together appearance, such as family dinners or shopping.

Speaking of shopping, my curiosity about Black Friday "midnight madness" got the best of me.  I caved in and made a brief trip to the mall which was predictably unsuccessful, given my impatience for shopping crowds, disheveled racks, and long lines. A $5 kimono or dress just isn't worth it to me if it means standing in line to pay for over 30 minutes. Not falling for the hype next year, although the exercise I got while navigating the mall was appreciated, and the large amount of pajama-clad shoppers was fun to count.

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Something Sparkly

Wearing: H&M sunglasses, vintage sequin top, SO skinny jeans, Susie boots c/o Bakers, and vintage handbag

Maybe it's the abundance of sequin pieces that I've spotted in stores lately, or perhaps it's my early anticipation and daydreams of a sparkly New Year's Eve that have inspired me to pick up a few shiny tops and jackets lately.  This vintage top that I found in San Francisco, with its blue Missoni-esque zig zag pattern and oversized fit, makes the perfect pair to some skinny jeans, or for a night out, some black velvet leggings.  Sequins for daytime are unexpected and fine by me. With my recent affinity for textural detail and shine, I find this top to be just the thing I need to add some glamour to a simple pair of jeans and ankle boots.  The best part is that there is no party or event necessary, and no need to wait for New Year's.

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A Few Days By the Bay

Last week I spent a few days in San Francisco, my favorite city in California.  Fortunately, it didn't rain during my time there, and I was able to explore the city by foot and hike some hills.  Among my most memorable moments were: sampling my first pistachio macaron from Bristol Farms, closely eyeing the Versace for H&M window displays on Powell St., browsing the vintage designer merchandise at Cris and Town School Clothes Closet, admiring the early holiday decorations and watching the ice skaters in Union Square, inspecting the holiday-perfect red and leopard pieces in the Giambattista Valli collection at Macy's (more photos on my other fashion blog), and appreciating the lack of crowds in the stores around Union Square.

Each time I visit a big city like San Francisco, I return with a renewed sense of appreciation for my car, suburban space, and having the luxury of being able to drive places and easily find parking. (I also return with a desire to wear my highest heels since I'm able to get around in my car.) What I love most about the trip to San Francisco though is the drive from southern California. Being able to experience the change of scenery from suburban landscape to calming ocean views to rural cow pastures on the 101 to bustling city is an amazing thing to witness in a span of six hours or so. Each time I return, I already miss the place.

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DailyBuzz Style 9x9 - The Polka Dot Print Mix

Wearing: Forever 21 jacket, River Island top, H&M polka dot shorts (similar), Forever 21 floral garter tights and belt, Pedal Away bike ring c/o Lylif, & Steve Madden Grettta heels

Thanks to Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs, I've developed a fondness for polka dot prints this fall, so when DailyBuzz Style asked me to participate in their November 9x9 polka dot print feature, I was delighted and ready to take on the challenge. (The 9x9 involves 9 bloggers shopping for, styling, and photographing their looks in a 9-hour time frame.)

Fresh from a short trip to San Francisco, I went straight to my reliable source for affordable apparel - good old H&M. Fortuitously on this particular Saturday morning, there were no Versace crowds at this location, nor was there a shortage of polka dot pieces to choose from.  These pleated shorts with their tiny dots instantly caught my eye on the racks, and since blue is my favorite color, I knew they'd fit seamlessly into my wardrobe.

As a fan of mixed prints and bright hues, I went for a playful mix by pairing the shorts with an elephant print top in a vibrant color palette.  Sometimes a mood-enhancing bright red jacket, colorful mixed prints, and trompe l'oeil tights are the perfect antidote to an increasingly cloudy and cool fall day.

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Versace Visuals

The Versace for H&M window displays that I spotted this week did not go unappreciated by my doting eyes.  Although I won't be shopping the collection tomorrow morning, I did have my eye on the studded jacket, the printed leggings, and the sparkly gold dress that would be perfect for holiday parties.  (Metallics are on my style radar for winter.)

Based upon my exhausting but productive shopping experience last year with the Lanvin for H&M collection, I learned that getting in line before 3am at the Los Angeles stores results in better chances to buy the pieces you covet.  This time around, I'll be spending the weekend enjoying some restful sleep, working on a blog project for next week, and getting a pre-Black Friday start on finding some holiday gifts for family members. Good luck to those of you who do shop the collection, and I'd love to know how your shopping experience was and what you bought.

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The Faux Fur Confession

Confession: although I've probably had this jacket for two years, I'm just now getting around to wearing it. (That's actually a record for me, and very unusual.) Suddenly, the jacket's shaggy texture and 3/4-length sleeves seem both appropriate and appealing, and the cropped length works with many of my day dresses.  The best part about the jacket and something that I didn't fully appreciate until now is the chance to pair some bracelets with the wrist-baring sleeves.  In colder weather, my pragmatic nature will win out, and I envision replacing those bracelets with some fingerless gloves.

Wearing: Mossimo faux fur jacket (similar), Forever 21 lace dress, Report Enid fringe boots, assorted jewelry, and vintage I. Magnin handbag

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A Day In Downtown L.A.

My Sunday afternoon was spent at the Thread Show in downtown L.A., where I browsed apparel and accessories from independent designers, sampled the refreshments, and envied the girls who were getting mini massages and manicures. Shopping, music, entertainment, clothing swaps, contests, and food is the perfect way to spend a Sunday, if you ask me.

The 11th floor of the Cooper Design Space, which housed the event, offered incredible views of the downtown skyline which made me actually miss coming to the area for events and shopping excursions.






Wearing: H&M cardigan, Rodarte for Target bow belt, Forever 21 lace dress, and Sam Edelman Louie boots.

Hippie Girl handbags

Sequin flares by Leah Milana

Rings by Lok'd Jewelry

Belt buckles by Rock My World

Sweaters by Santiago Knits

Printed tops by Sarah Liller

Cuffs by Bela Koi

It was my first time attending the Thread Show, and it went beyond my expectations with its top notch selection of jewelry and apparel designers, many of whom are local (and very friendly). I enjoyed chatting with Teresa and Emily from The Style Map (pictured directly above) and Eliza, a talented illustrator from Run With Fashion.

After admiring the concert ticket belt buckles by Rock My World, the sequin flares and fringed vests by Leah Milana, cozy sweaters by Santiago Knits, and a black velvet dress with an open back from Excess Baggage, I wandered down the block for a long overdue visit to Santee Alley for more shopping.  To my surprise, two fruit vendors vehemently protested while I snapped a photo of their food, and then a third fruit vendor kindly welcomed my enthusiasm to take photos. The watermelon and mango looked so refreshing. When all was said and done several hours later, I was the proud owner of a lace fringe top and a handful of sparkly bracelets that will likely be displayed on Instagram, my all-time favorite app. (You can follow me @thekeytochic.)

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