Peachy Pastels

Wearing: Jason Wu for Target blush dot blouse (luxury version), Timing faux fur jacket (similar), gifted J Brand floral jeans, Jason Wu for Target floral flap handbag, and Topshop Jamaica pumps (peep-toe version)


It's official. I've found myself obsessed with pastels and florals lately, especially after attending a few spring/summer 2013 trend and color seminars, where they figured prominently in a few of the trend forecasts.

Fortunately, my glitter heels go with just about any pastel ensemble I pull together, and given their neutral color, I'm predicting they'll get a lot of wear as I transition from winter to spring. The touch of glitter is just enough sparkle to make the heels appropriate for both casual days and dressed up nights. Despite my affinity for vertiginous platform heels, the 3" heel sans platform suddenly feels so fresh and appropriate for the refined and ladylike 1950s-inspired looks that presently inspire me.

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Tropical Spring

Marni at H&M sunglasses, H&M cardigan, Lipsy dress c/o Bank, Xhilaration neon handbag (dream version), and Gee WaWa Flora sandals

As a fan of the British high street, I'm no stranger to labels such as Lipsy. This London-based brand's printed dresses and youthful take on trends have long caught my eye, and this tropical print body con dress is no exception. Its curve-enhancing contours and mesmerizing Rorschach-esque print make it one of my most colorful pieces.

Although spring has arrived, it's on the chilly side, so for now, tights and a sweater are necessary for comfort, but come warmer temperatures, all this dress needs to be ready for going out is a pair of sky high heels and a few stacked bracelets.

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Fringe in the Forest

Vintage T-shirt, Isadora fringe jacket c/o Sugarlips, Staring at Stars velvet bell bottoms (previously seen here), and vintage Coach bag (similar)


Some pieces in my closet lend themselves well to twirling in the breeze. Such is the case with this floral kimono top, especially because of its fringe trim.  Fringe and florals in one piece? That, combined with the muted blue and gray hues make it a new favorite. This magical forest-like location is also a new favorite due to its mix of shady trees, filtered sunlight, and picnic-friendly relaxation spots.  With the extra daylight that we now have, I expect to be enjoying much more of this place.

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Auto Mode

Primark car print blouse (similar) and skirt, Forever 21 studded biker jacket (denim version), wedges (similar), and rings


It's probably a good thing that Primark does not offer online shopping. If they did, I imagine that my productivity would dramatically decline due to exorbitant amounts of time spent browsing their site. When I go to London, their Oxford High Street store is one of my first stops.

Retro car prints generously applied to delicate, ladylike chiffon separates on a pastel background? An unlikely pairing that looks better than it sounds, if you ask me. Both the print and the pleated skirt appeal to my newfound appreciation for the 1950s, which was sparked thanks to Miuccia Prada, who can make me love banana prints one season and snake prints the next. Say what you will about her offbeat prints, I think her silhouettes are the true trendsetters. Full skirts, modest hemlines, and nipped in waists have been a long time coming.

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Love Birds

H&M bird print cardigan, Marni at H&M sequin collar, wrap dress c/o Love (similar in chiffon), vintage handbag, and Jessica Simpson Dany heels (similar)


The universally flattering effects of the wrap dress have long been known to me, however, this particular style of dress is still somehow underrepresented in my wardrobe.  The waist-defining silhouette, soft color palette, and V-neckline on this version by Love make for easy accessorizing, and lately I've been pairing my Marni at H&M sequin collar with just about everything. There's still time to enter my sweepstakes in case you'd like to win one for yourself.

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Madewell and DailyBuzz Style L.A. Blogger Party

Blog network DailyBuzz Style hosted a party at Madewell's Century City store on Thursday night, and I was lucky enough to be able to stop by amidst the bustle of L.A. Fashion Week for a treasure hunt, some shopping, a styling contest, and to spend time with my favorite L.A. bloggers.



Having browsed the website and shopped the Madewell store in NYC, I was excited to visit the spacious Century City store for the first time.



As cute and temping as the cupcakes were, I stayed strong, and did not cave in to the desires of my sweet tooth.



The blue floral ankle jeans were my top pick in the store. I'm pretty much obsessed with floral prints, and I wish I'd bought these, as I can imagine wearing them so many different ways. Maybe I'd style them with a red sweater and black wedges for a casual daytime look, a chambray top and kitten heels for brunch, or with a floral T-shirt, oversized blazer, and pumps for nighttime.



When I saw Rachael wearing them, I had to take her picture. I love the rugged vibe her clog boots and slouchy sweater add to the look.



Among some of the creative visuals that Madewell uses were these vintage cameras that caught my attention. They gave the store a charming, personal feel.



I was also tempted by this floral dress and field jacket. I'd probably wear them together with the casual ankle boots pictured below.





There I am below taking part in the treasure hunt, where we were supposed to find and photograph things such as: polka dots, cute glasses, sparkles, tangerine tango, or something neon.



Pictured with Sheryl and her adorable mother, who was celebrating her birthday that night.



Pictured with Jenny, Kiara, and Emily.  I'm wearing a Jason Wu for Target blouse and handbag with a Mossimo bowler hat.



Events like this that bring together brands, networks, bloggers, shopping, and social media are always a hit in my book. As a member of DailyBuzz Style, I'm grateful for their support of the blogging community, and I look forward to more of their events in the future. And now I'm off to stalk the Madewell website for another look at those floral jeans I wish I'd bought.

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Animal Accents

Vintage tropical print blouse (luxury version), Lux jacket, vintage pleated skirt (similar), bangles c/o LYLIF, Olivia + Joy "Miss Match" handbag, and Qupid wedge pumps (similar)


At one point, I would not have considered wearing a skirt of this length because of my lack of height. Clearly, my feelings have changed. Funny how that happens, but that's why I love fashion; it's constantly changing. Partly due to my aversion to hemming the skirt and my newfound admiration for prim and ladylike looks, it suddenly feels like the right time for the skirt to make its debut.

You can see more photos and details of this outfit over on the LYLIF blog, where I was honored to write their very first guest post. Click on over to read about spring 2012 accessories and see which jewelry trend is on my radar.

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Spring Things

Wearing: American Apparel floral blouse, Forever 21 sweater, Cheap Monday jeans, Hombre wedges c/o Very Volatile, and Charlotte Russe handbag


The floral blouse is an old purchase that somehow seems more appealing these days given my love of watercolor florals, pastels, and Equipment-esque oversized blouses.  When I rediscover an old favorite, it's always enjoyable to reinvent it and style it a new way.

If you know how much I love footwear (especially platform wedges), then you might be able to relate to my excitement while browsing the shoe vendors at MAGIC and FN Platform last month, where I discovered southern California-based brand Very Volatile. Their spring offerings cover all the major trends I'm looking forward to: color blocking, sturdy platforms, printed wedges, and Western styles. The soft blend of perfectly spring-like colors on these striped wedges has me setting aside a small pile of colored denim and pastel pieces for infinite future outfits.

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Fall 2012 Concept Fashion Week at Ace Gallery

On Saturday, I was able to watch some runway shows and view the designer installations at Ace Gallery in Los Angeles. The blogging community was out in full force, and I enjoyed mingling with fellow bloggers Selena (who was street styled scouted quite a few times with good reason) and the always chic Hallie.



Wearing: Forever 21 crochet top (similar), Allen B. by Allen Schwartz floral high-low skirt (similar), Mossimo fringe handbag, and Topshop Wisteria wedges (close version).

With Selena (on the left) and Hallie (on the right)

The spacious Ace Gallery lends itself nicely to small and edgy fashion installations, where I was able to get closer to the garments and chat with designers in a casual environment. Unfortunately, I arrived later than expected, but just in time to hear thunderous applause from the Gypsy Junkies show, which featured bohemian looks consisting of crushed velvet, saturated florals, and faux fur. It's the type of clothing that I'd happily spend the day lounging in. My top looks from the show (care of Selena) are pictured below.







Sharp lines and strong tailoring characterized the Belle N. Matisse collection pictured below. The standout pieces for me were these pointed trousers and the sheer structured blouse. I found the modern architectural details and geometric lines of designer Alexandra Norman to be refreshingly futuristic.





The Curly V installation had a playful and fun graphic feel to it. A closer look reveals a tooth print on the left two models. I can appreciate the humor, as the tongue-in-cheek print brings new meaning to the word "houndstooth."



Elaine Allen (pictured in the two photos below) delivered a youthful and retro collection with her printed trousers and cropped tops. I can imagine these plaid pants from her fall collection being styled in either a schoolgirl or a punk kind of way.





At the Laili Lau show, my favorite pieces were the crochet tops (in the two photos below), which I can easily see doubling as swim cover-ups on warm fall days.  I appreciated the collection's casual trousers, drapey tailoring, and easy silhouettes.





At NAMI, the lace dresses, cut outs, Victorian-esque necklines, and curved seams appealed to me.  This black lace dress (with pockets) would be right at home in my closet with some strappy heels or platform ankle boots.



Thai Nguyen's collection was breathtaking in its details, which took inspiration from the lights, heat, and mystery of Saigon. His fall line featured dramatic and glamorous couture gowns with sequins, animal prints, sleek hair, and ultra feminine shapes. My top pick was the asymmetrical black and silver slit "Iris" gown; side slits are definitely having a moment.











ZuBauen designer Amanda Chan poses next to her favorite trapeze dress from her fall collection below. I think the minimalist lines, shiny texture, and jewel tones of the dresses would work well for a cocktail party when styled with some sparkly earrings, a faux fur stole, dramatic eyeliner, a ballerina bun, and patent pumps.





Despite the potentially exhausting and busy schedule of events that comes with LAFW, I'm eagerly anticipating more shows and events. I've learned that when covering such events, the best strategy is to take a personal point of view, and focus on quality over quantity.

Be sure to have a look at Selena's blog for more coverage and commentary on her favorite looks. Here's a hint...it involves velvet.

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