Back Story

Zara heart cutout T-shirt, Marni at H&M patent jacket (luxury version), leggings c/o Fashion Mic, Aldo handbag, and Sam Edelman boots


Leggings and a T-shirt. These are the basics that this look boils down to. If you've been reading for a while and you're familiar with my style, then you know I prefer my basics with a twist, hence the printed leggings and slashed tee. The fact that I have a whole drawer dedicated to leggings is a testament to my devotion to them. They're the first thing I reach for when I'm cycling, lounging, or compiling a comfortable look. They also make a relaxed counterpoint to my new structured Marni at H&M jacket. The best part? I scored the jacket on sale for less than the price of two movie tickets. Finding it was quite an unexpected delight.

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Dipped in Bleach

DIY bleach dip H&M shirt (similar), Aldo handbag, skinny jeans and H&M neon heels (similar)

The high comfort level of these two denim pieces almost balances out the impracticality of these elusive H&M neon heels that I finally hunted down at the Caesars Palace flagship (which is supposedly one of the largest H&M stores in the world).  I certainly appreciate my platforms now, but I find this electric color irresistible, especially when worn with light colors. 

Although I wear denim all year long, lighter washes always feel so right for spring and summer. The top (which is from the Men's department) started out as a dark denim piece, and after a few dips in Clorox, its uneven faded/bleached effect satisfies the light wash that I was after and that always evokes the feeling of a languid spring evening.

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Tie-Dye and Wings

Above: Cotton On tank dress worn under Zara tie-dye maxi dress with Topshop Unique wing heels (gold strappy version)

H&M Men's T-shirt, Topshop jeans, Aldo Maune wedges, arrow rings from Target, rhinestone ring from Topshop, hinged ring from H&M, and Aldo Ollom handbag

Two reasons why I love the Fashion Show Mall in Vegas: Topshop and Zara. But not just any Topshop and Zara, the only Topshop in the Western United States, and one of the most well-stocked Zara stores in the country. And a reason (or three) why it's a luxury shopper's paradise? This mall has not one but three high end department stores: Nordstrom, Saks, and Neiman Marcus. This is a place I'd much rather spend my money in than the casinos.

While I styled the tie-dye piece as a dress in the first set of photos, its diaphanous fabric also makes it an effortless kimono-type jacket with jeans and a tee. Later this season it'll likely serve as a beach/swim cover-up. The wrinkle-resistant fabric makes it a perfect beach-to-bar vacation (or even staycation) piece. One piece three ways? Cost per wear plunges rapidly when something can do triple duty.

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The DvF Effect

Equipment blouse, DvF Loves Current/Elliott jeans, Mossismo heels, and Aldo handbag

I walked into The Venetian in Vegas last week thinking that I'd spend some time relaxing along the canals, rejuvenating at the oxygen bar, and enjoying the views. While I did all of that, I did not anticipate the presence of a well-stocked Diane von Furstenberg boutique that drew me right in with its spot-on visuals and vibrant silk prints. I knew exactly what I was looking for - those Current/Elliott jeans that I already have in green. The blue floral print has been on my wish list for a few months, but they always eluded me in stores. While this print actually comes in both a slouchy boyfriend fit and a skinny fit, I finally opted for the skinny version. 

What I appreciate most is that this skinny style can be worn high-waisted or slouched down a bit. Although they evoke the feeling of wallpaper or perhaps my grandma's fine china, I love them that much more. They'll work well for future print mixing ensembles, but for now, they accompany my brightest silk blouse and a handful of new rings.

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Topshop Tribute

Truth be told, I was never a big fan of Las Vegas. That was how I felt until Topshop opened a store at the Fashion Show Mall in March. Suddenly, I had a strong desire to visit Vegas.

Having been a dedicated shopper of Topshop for the past five years, I've been waiting patiently for them to open a store near me.  While I wouldn't exactly call a five hour drive (from southern California to Vegas) nearby, I did more than just shopping and made the most of my time in Vegas (more on that later). The staff told me that the Los Angeles Topshop location at The Grove will be opening in February, so if you're a fan, mark your calendars.  Although the Vegas Topshop store pales in comparison to the Oxford High street flagship and the NYC store, I happily left with much more than I was expecting to buy.

So what trends did I spot? Here's a quick Topshop trend report: their spring/summer 2012 stories include cropped neon denim, a religious theme called "Worship" (with lots of tie dye, ear cuffs, body chains, and cross jewelry), pastels and 1950s shapes, vibrant mirror and floral prints, bandeau tops, fluorescent suede heels, slouchy high-low tank tops, sequined hot pants and mini dresses for the Vegas party circuit, and oddly enough for the triple digit Vegas temperatures, chunky knits in soft hues.

glitter wedges

upper left pair in blue, lower right in similar color

So what did I buy? You'll have to check out my Instagram and Pinterest accounts for sneak peeks of my purchases before they're shown on the blog.

During my trip, I also enjoyed the Beatle Show tribute (extra fun when the audience dances), the Mob Museum (listened to actual wiretapped conversations and viewed quite a few violent crime scene photos), the canals, shopping, and oxygen bar at The Venetian (perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating), 1950s-themed store windows at Prada, and the Auto Collections at Imperial Palace (where you can purchase a vintage car if you feel like spending big or if you win at the casino).  I attribute my new obsession with colorful 1950s-era Chevy Bel Air sedans to this museum, as well as to the Prada windows.

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Wardrobe Challenge - The Granny Redo

I am honored to be participating in Tori of My Thrifty Chic's "Granny Redo" wardrobe challenge. As part of this campaign, myself and several other bloggers (Tori, Megan, Christine, Katie, and Kari) were asked to take a piece from our grandma's closet and style it in a modern way. 

Here's a peek at how all of us have styled our Granny Redo pieces.

Top row, left to right: Katie, Christine, and Kari

Bottom row, left to right: myself, Tori, and Megan

 

vintage sweater, 7 for All Mankind jeans, Bakers handbag, and Mossimo wedges

Although my grandparents are no longer alive, I'm certain that I inherited my love of fashion from my father's mother. Her neatly organized closets (can you believe that she actually had six?!) were full of clothing that spanned more than five decades. To say that she enjoyed shopping and fashion would be an understatement.

While this sweater didn't come from my grandma's closet, it would have been right at home amongst her collection of '80s batwing tops and cozy knits. Found at my local thrift store for under $3, the fringe trim and crystal embellishments make this one of my best thrift store finds to date. If you've been reading my blog for a while, then you know how much I adore fringe and how seamlessly this piece blends into my closet.

Regarding the way I've styled the sweater, I think that the key for me to wear vintage in a non-costumey way is to have a strong mix of vintage with modern pieces.  The sweater's relaxed shape and fringe trim make it a fun and effortless piece to pair with on-trend cropped skinny denim, statement rings, and animal print wedges.

For a closer look at each of our Granny Redo posts, have a look at the blogs of these lovely ladies:

Tori of My Thrifty Chic
Megan of The Frugalista Diaries
Christine of De La Chic
Katie from Hems For Her
Kari from Style at a Steal

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Fringe Wings

H&M Fashion Against Aids fringe dress, Forever 21 necklace, and Sam Edelman boots


The drama factor of the fringed sleeves on this dress immediately had me wishing that the weekend would arrive faster so that I could wear it out for a night of dancing. In the meantime, the body-hugging fit works well with practical and walkable boots for weekdays, especially for dirt trails where rattlesnake warning signs incite a tiny bit of anxiety.

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