Double Collar

Forever 21 sheer blouse and sweater (similar), H&M pearl collar, Uniqlo jeans (similar), Mixx Shuz pumps (luxury version), and Jason Wu for Target cat tote bag (similar)


Given my current preoccupation with pastels, I think there are few better color pairings for spring than mint green and soft pink.  (On second thought, lavender and pink are just as appealing to me.) While I'm still hunting for the perfect pair of mint green skinnies, this sweater from Forever 21 will have to satisfy my mint cravings for now. It actually has a sheer chiffon back (not pictured), which is a refreshingly fun and unexpected detail, especially for warmer weather.  

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Odylyne Spring Preview

Although I can't exactly recall the first time I heard about Los Angeles-based line Odylyne, the relaxed silhouettes and flowy maxi dresses are seared into my memory. On Thursday night, along with fellow bloggers Heather, Sasha, Neekoh, Kristen, and Jessi Jae, I previewed the Odylyne spring line and met designer Stephanie Lampkin at stylehaüs, a spacious members only boutique in West Hollywood. After seeing the pieces up close, I'm convinced that the collection has everything you'd want in a spring line: immaculate quality, romantic details, relaxed bohemian silhouettes, soft colors, and interesting textures.

After admiring the store's selection of Camilla Skovgaard booties, Smythe separates, Genetic denim, vintage Lanvin, and colorful Vena Cava dresses, it was time to focus on the true stars of the evening: a crochet tiered maxi skirt, a floral spaghetti strap maxi gown, a crochet-trimmed kimono jacket, and a ruffled V-neck maxi dress from the Odylyne spring 2012 collection.













My favorite piece?  This ultra feminine crochet-trimmed dress pictured above. It's slightly shimmery neckline detail and tiered high-low hemline just beg to be paired with some strappy sandals and taken to a deserted beach or grassy field for some carefree twirling in the breeze.

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From the Flock

Forever 21 hat, Old Navy bird print blouse, Cheap Monday jeans, Upla satchel borrowed from tags, and Dolce Vita Jamison boots


I was instantly drawn to the quirky bird print of this blouse. It has a relaxed Tucker-esque silhouette with the perfect amount of bright colors to transition from winter to spring.  Fortunately, it's warm enough to wear sans jacket right now thanks to California's mild winter, but come spring, I'll style it with colored cutoff shorts and strappy sandals or perhaps tucked into an A-line skirt with platform wedges or pumps. I consider it a nod to the emerging tropical trend that's shaping up to be strong for spring/summer 2013.

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DailyBuzz Style 9x9: Runway to Real Way

When asked by DailyBuzz Style to style a runway to real way look for the February 9x9 inspired by this month's runway shows, I immediately turned my attention to hundreds of NYFW fall 2012 photos on style.com in search of inspiration.  While I generally gravitate towards wearing colors, the chic black biker jacket and side-slit maxi skirt in Christian Siriano's show instantly appealed to me.  According to Meenal Mistry of style.com, this was his "most subdued and streamlined collection to date." The sleek and pared down looks awakened my inner minimalist and reminded me just how appealing an all-black ensemble can be.

I styled my Forever 21 high-low dress (seen in an earlier personal style post) and studded biker jacket together for a casual interpretation of my favorite look from the show.  The studs and quilted handbag add textural interest, while the leopard platform pumps elevate the look from the basic black runway version.











Wearing: Revlon lipstick in Blackberry, Forever 21 studded biker jacket and high-low dress, Mossimo Paisley leopard print pumps, and Daisy Fuentes quilted handbag




Get the look:
1. Sparkle & Fade high low dress
2. Romeo & Juliet Couture biker jacket
3. Revlon lipstick
4. Susan B. quilted handbag
5. Mossimo Paisley pumps

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Las Vegas Photo Diary

As a first time attendee and blogger at WWDMAGIC, I didn't know what to expect as far as how many vendors would allow me to take photos.  Having worked at a trade show as an exhibitor in the past, I knew that photography was prohibited and widely discouraged.  Fast forward to 2012, and with the predominance of smart phones, tablets, and apps such as Instagram, times are changing rapidly.

Fortunately, I was able to document a lot of my experiences.  My strategy was to inquire before taking photos if I was in a booth, and the reaction was generally positive. I did learn that the indie vendors and designers at Project and POOLTRADESHOW were much more likely to allow photography than the larger vendors at WWDMAGIC. Naturally, bloggers are far outnumbered by buyers, but the daily blogger panels hosted by Teen Vogue, WWD, and FNPlatform made me feel right at home.  Here are a few notable images from my short trip to Las Vegas, and for more photos, have a look at Part 1 and Part 2 of the store windows on my other fashion blog, as well as my 2012/2013 fashion trend preview.

Hwy 15

neon color inspiration via Blq Mkt

Caesars Palace

cupcakes that I managed to resist

Teen Vogue "Art of the Start" blogger panel

Fashion Snoops booth with S/S 2013 trend prediction

 the spring 2012 line by Many Belles Down

Luxor Hotel

my favorite graphic piece from Motel's spring line

Souldier handbags

lounge at the Luxor

YA Los Angeles printed dresses

shopping cart display at Project

trade show mural in progress

New York, New York

California desert

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WWDMAGIC Overview & 2013 Trend Preview

**Warning - the photos and content on this blog are protected by international copyright laws, and may not be republished, rewritten, or reproduced in any manner without written permission from the author.

I finally experienced a slice of fashion heaven also known as WWDMAGIC. Although I went prepared, it was every bit as overwhelming and stimulating to the senses as I imagined. Picture thousands of vendors, even more attendees, endless street style inspiration, high energy music, row upon row of booths filled with fashionable objects and buyers, and a bewilderingly large floor plan with multiple trade shows showcasing everything from activewear and indie jewelry to edgy footwear and feminine frocks.

My tips for being productive were: having a schedule, studying the floor plan ahead of time, staying hydrated, bringing multiple cameras, having plenty of business cards and a notebook, wearing comfortable shoes, and remembering to take it all in and have fun.

My objectives were to visit vendors, discover new brands, attend blogger panels, take copious notes during the seminars, meet new people, identify key trends for upcoming seasons, and photograph as much as I could.  Although it's easy to succumb to all of the things that Vegas has to offer (endless buffets, gambling, shows, shopping, nightlife, etc.), I remained focused on gathering as much information as possible.  OK, so I had a moment of weakness, and did some shopping; the florals at Zara were practically calling my name.  Expect to see store window photos very soon on my other fashion blog.

Now onto the good stuff.  Key trends for women include: color blocking, digital and photographic prints, whimsical bird prints, lace and crochet, lots of sheer and mesh fabrications, cutouts, watercolor and saturated florals, neons, and perforated/cutout details on women's footwear.  Sporty looks, 1950s silhouettes, Native American print inspiration, and 1920s influences will also be significant going into 2013. Additional women's footwear trends are: iridescent treatments and metallic finishes, cowboy ankle boots in bright colors and prints, fringe, sculptural ankle boots, and color blocked platforms in bright hues.  If I had to choose two trends that predominated, they'd be neons and color blocking - both in apparel and footwear.

I'll be posting spring/summer 2013 trend and color reports soon, but for now, here's an overview of some of the memorable things I spotted.



Pictured above, clockwise from top left: B by Aperire footwear, the WWDMAGIC blogger lounge, Z&L by Zudor handbags from Spain, a few of the sights & hotels I saw in Vegas, Pantone's color of the year - tangerine tango, and some standout dresses I spotted at Project.



Pictured above, clockwise from top left: color block handbags by Chicago accessories line Souldier, Imoshion floral and fringe handbags, a Johanna Christine dress, graphic printed pieces by Motel, and three casual fall looks by Free People.

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The Polished Peplum

Frenchi T-shirt, Missoni for Target cardigan, Forever 21 peplum skirt, and Bamboo Mary Janes

Since peplums are popping up everywhere this spring, I'm patting myself on the back for holding onto this particular skirt that I bought several years ago. I live by the motto that everything comes back into style at some point, and I sometimes hold onto things for that reason.

In order to further indulge in the peplum trend for spring, I'm entertaining the thought of adding a new peplum top or dress to my wardrobe.  I think they are a fun way to incorporate retro femininity and add a more polished vibe to my spring wardrobe.

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Bohemian Touches

H&M tank, Dahlia crochet tunic c/o Velvet, Forever 21 kimono, Cheap Monday jeans, Aldo Maune wedges, & Mossimo fringe handbag


No matter how much I experiment with being more preppy, classic, or minimalist with my personal style, I alway return to bohemian touches. I find textures such as crochet and fringe irresistibly appealing.  It's that relaxed, carefree, and embellished-but-not-too-embellished vibe that works well for California's transitional winter days that feel much more like spring.

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